The two witches sat in silence as the weight of the truth settled like a thick blanket around them. The tension was stifling. Hermione was waiting with bated breath for Fleur's response, but the Frenchwoman was struggling to think of what to say. What was there to say? Lots and nothing at the same time.

Part of Fleur wanted to be mad, but it was more her fight or flight instinct in response to the startling news. Despite having wings, she was more of a fighter when she was suddenly surprised or taken off guard, always quick to lash out with her sharp tongue.

Then her logical side kicked back in once she had time to think more. She actually felt overwhelmingly relieved to finally have the answer to her sudden time jump to the past. Everything made so much more sense now that the puzzle pieces were all on the table. She actually felt a little silly for not recognizing all the little signs and figuring it out sooner. There had been so many hints and clues along the way!

"So… that definitely explains why my Veela recognized you. You are actually 19..." Fleur chuckled awkwardly, when she first regained the use of her tongue, trying to lighten the mood.

"I'm so sorry, Fleur… I didn't mean for this to happen. I was just trying to send myself back. I didn't know you'd get sucked in, too!"

"I'll admit that it was a surprise to wake up as my 17-year old self, but at least now I know how it happened. I suppose all things considered, maybe this was the best possible outcome."

"You're not mad?"

"Shocked? Yes. Mad? Not at all. It was clearly a mistake and you didn't mean to bring me back. But now that I'm here with you, I wouldn't trade it for the world. It brought us together and gave us the opportunity to rewrite the future and save the world. Really, what is there to be mad about?"

"Well, you're stuck being 18 again."

"That… was a little white lie. I'm still physically 17 until May 17th."

"But you said…"

"Non. If you recall, I said I turned 18 a while ago… a while being three years."

"Sneaky. But seriously, you aren't upset?"

"About what? Aside from a few minor inconveniences, there hasn't really been a downside to the situation in my opinion. So I have to relive the Tournament and keep my real identity secret… Big deal. Considering what is at stake, I'd pay that price a thousand times over. Besides, I am part-Veela. I am no stranger to hiding who I really am and holding secret knowledge. And frankly, I am kicking ass in the Tournament this time around and I got a miniature dragon. So really, this was the biggest second chance in the history of second chances."

Hermione sighed, her usually bright brown gaze was still shrouded by uncertainty. "I feel so guilty for dragging you into this!"

Fleur reached over and rested her hand on Hermione's thigh. "Please don't carry the weight of guilt, ma belle. Not about this. And especially not for my sake. You've been carrying the weight of the future on your shoulders, you don't need to burden yourself further. And at least you didn't send me back alone to have to deal with petty teenage idiocy. Now we can share our horror stories of listening to them drone on about inconsequential drama."

Hermione chuckled awkwardly "Yeah… it's fascinating how simple things were back then. So much drama and immaturity! I can't tell you how many times I've wanted to scream at my roommates because it doesn't matter that their lipstick is salmon pink or bubble gum pink! Pink is pink!"

"Ah, but that is a very important distinction, Mademoiselle Granger." Fleur teased softly.

"Hush you... But really, everything seems so trivial compared to what is to come. But now that we know we're both from the future, we can work together and combine our efforts. If you want to, of course."

"Well, it is as I said before. Bonded or not, we will always be stronger together." Fleur smiled softly and held her arm out, offering Hermione a space to snuggle against her, which the smaller witch immediately took advantage of, wrapping her slender arms around the older witch.

Fleur held Hermione close, relishing the feeling of their bodies melding together. The embrace was originally intended to offer the younger witch comfort and reassurance, but she would be lying if she said she wasn't enjoying it, too. Her Veela was crooning, content to finally have her mate next to her like this. Despite everything, she felt completely at ease. She leaned back slightly, supporting their weight on her free arm, outstretched straight behind her. She closed her eyes and rested her cheek against the side of Hermione's head, humming softly.

They sat there in companionable silence for a moment before Hermione spoke again.

"I know it's a lot to ask… but do you think one day you could forgive me?"

Fleur sighed internally, it seemed that Hermione hadn't stopped feeling guilty yet. Rather than chastise her for not letting it go, she did her best to reassure her and reaffirm that her actions were the right move.

"Forgive you? For what? For doing what you had to in order to try to stop what was quickly becoming a global catastrophe? For risking it all to save your friends and loved ones? For giving us the chance to be together? 'Ermione, ma belle, I should be thanking you. I felt so lost in the future! I was trying to help but I didn't know what to do to fix things. You found a solution."

She felt Hermione sob quietly against her shoulder, but she could tell they were tears of relief as she let go of her fear and doubt about Fleur's reaction.

"My only sadness is that you thought you had to carry this burden alone for so long. You are so strong, ma belle. You are such a brave and amazing witch, both in this timeline and the one we left. You were willing to sacrifice yourself to try to change the course of history and therefore alter the future."

Hermione clutched at Fleur's sweater, nuzzling her face against the Veela's neck, seeking comfort in her warmth and her scent. That amazing blend of lavender, vanilla, and grass.

"I think you and I both know that our presence in this timeline is already causing changes. So many things are very different from what I remember from the first time around. And I don't know what effect these changes will have in the new future, but I believe that we can work through anything when the time comes. Together."

"Together…" Hermione nodded and looked up, her hot breath tickled Fleur's neck, making her shiver. The brunette leaned back to regard Fleur. "Are you cold?"

Fleur shook her head softly, enjoying the soft brown curls against her skin, drinking in Hermione's scent. She smelled like parchment, ink, peppermints, and honeysuckle. "Non, I could never be cold when I'm with you. Are you?"

"No, I'm alright. The blanket is warm and so are you. You are surprisingly comfortable."

"Why thank you. You may use me as a pillow any time you please. I warn you, if you do, Gabrielle will probably give you shit. So will Evangeline. But they mean well. They both like you and were sad that we stopped hanging out together. I think that Evangeline suspects you are my one."

"How? I didn't even know."

"Well first, as you know Evangeline is part-Veela so of course she knows our lore. Also, Veela tend to be hopeless romantics, hoping to find their mate and keeping an eye out for the signs. What you did for me after the First Task… For my Veela to see you and calm down enough for me to transform back… That doesn't just happen for no reason."

"I was wondering about that. Evangeline told me it was because you trust me."

"That is true, I do trust you without a shadow of a doubt. And now you know the significance of our situation. But again, unless we actually tell them, they'll probably just assume we are dating. I mean, if you want to date… I mean… we can just… I mean, I don't know if you like me like that… I guess we never really got around to talking about actual feelings, did we? Not really at least… I mean, you did try to kiss me, but…" Fleur stammered, her confidence disappeared and she was suddenly wondering about Hermione's feelings toward her. They had talked about the mate connection and what it meant for her, but she really wasn't sure of Hermione's feelings back. Had they changed since then the Yule Ball? She didn't want to assume.

"Fleur, you're so oblivious. Of course I like you! I've had a damn crush on you pretty much since the day I got back to this blasted timeline!

"Then why were you so mean towards me when we first arrived?" Fleur pouted.

"Because you were being a right cocky git!"

"I suppose you're right. I know that I was a bit arrogant and insufferable when I was actually 17. I was just trying to uphold that image because my classmates expected me to act a certain way, I couldn't suddenly change and be a different person. That would have raised some questions."

"Oh, I get it… everyone thinks that I'm a know-it-all bookworm. Which is true, so that part wasn't hard to fake. But hiding my power was so hard, I didn't want to reveal too much. By the way, you played your part well, I didn't suspect you."

"So you're saying I am good at being an arsehole? Thanks." Fleur's voice was dripping sarcasm.

Hermione laughed softly at the ridiculousness of how blatantly oblivious they had been around each other. "Also I was annoyed at you for distracting me from my mission. Do you know how hard it is to keep focused on coming up with plans to deal with Voldemort when you're floating around looking perfect and amazing? Well, I'll have you know that it was fucking bloody torture!"

Fleur laughed and tilted her head to kiss Hermione's temple. "I am truly sorry for causing you pain, even unintentionally. It's not been a cakewalk for me either. Denying my Veela instincts to be around you all the time… She was screaming at me nonstop for the past two months. Oh, she says 'hello,' by the way and she is very happy that we are finally talking again."

Hermione furrowed her brow but waved awkwardly and said hello back. "What's it like, being with your Veela?"

"She exists in my mind and spirit. She is a part of me but also is her own separate entity. Usually she is quiet, just watching the world through my eyes. Sometimes she gets rather opinionated and makes it well known. It used to be much worse when I was younger. I would get the worst headaches trying to keep everything straight between our thoughts. I spent a lot of time denying my Veela because I despised the way people treated me, which frustrated her and made it worse for us both. It wasn't until I was 19 that I fully accepted her and we finally synced up. Now we exist in a state of harmony with one another. When she is active… It's difficult to describe. It's like the tide, a push and pull of our thoughts moving together. Sometimes she's like a voice in my head, like if your conscience could speak and you could respond. Sometimes it's not words and just instincts or strong feelings. In very rare cases, like the First Task, she will take over control for our survival."

"That is absolutely fascinating…" Hermione grinned, tilting her head when she saw Fleur staring at her very intently. "What's wrong?"

"I just… All this time I kept imagining you as the amazing witch you were going to become in the future. And now I know you've been here all along. You hid it well. I'm embarrassed to say that I didn't really suspect anything."

"Thank you, good to know I have a career in pretending to be a 15 year old student." Hermione rolled her eyes. "The permanent student and the royal arsehole, who would have thought? We could make a traveling show."

Fleur returned the gesture "I know that a lot has happened since we saw each other at Tonks and Remus's wedding last year and I know that we've both changed since then. But if you'll let me, I'd like to get to know you again. The real you. I still can't believe you're here and I'm here and we're talking like this."

"Yeah, it's a bit bonkers, don't you think?"

"Absolutely bonkers." Fleur repeated and rubbed her hand along Hermione's arm.

"Hey, Fleur?"

"Oui, ma belle?"

"Now that you know I'm mentally 19 but only physically 15, am I still going to have to wait three years to ask me on a date?"

Fleur snorted softly "You would like to go on a date with me? Because I would like that very much."

"Well, I asked you to the Ball, I think it's only fair to say it's your turn to do the asking."

Fleur nuzzled her cheek against Hermione's head "Why, Mademoiselle 'Ermione Granger, would you do me the honor of going on a date with me?"

"Now you just sound like you're proposing or something."

"That was not an answer."

"Of course I'll go on a date with you, you stubborn Veela!"

"Oh, now you've done it… after everything we've talked about, calling me a stubborn Veela went over the line! My honor must be defended!" Fleur suddenly sat up suddenly and tackled Hermione to the blanket, tickling her.

The Gryffindor squealed and laughed, trying in vain to squirm away. Fleur was deceptively strong due to all of her training for the Second Task.

The blonde relented after a few seconds and the two women sat back up, breathing heavily through the waves of laughter.

"So, when you woke up in this timeline, what was the first thing you did?" Hermione leaned back though not fully laying down, propped up on her elbows.

Fleur mirrored the position next to her, grinning broadly "Grabbed my breasts."

Hermione raised her eyebrows and gave the blonde an unamused look "Really, Fleur? Of all the things in the world you did that?"

Fleur chuckled unapologetically "What? I had to check! I'm Veela. And I'm French! And they're very nice, for the record. In case you were wondering." She winked slyly at the Gryffindor. "Why what did you do?"

Hermione blushed a little at Fleur's comment about her breasts. "I checked my magical ability of course!"

Fleur paused for a second, realizing how ridiculous her reaction was compared to Hermione's. "Yeah, I'm not surprised by that."

Hermione playfully swatted Fleur's arm "Be nice. I'm nothing if not practical."

"Ah, ma belle, you are so much more than that." Fleur reclined all the way back, folding her hands behind her head like a pillow, staring up at the cloudy sky.

The two witches were quiet for a few minutes before Fleur spoke again.

"So, how did you do it? How did you come back?"

"A Time Turner that I found. Well, rather it was given to me by Dumbledore's phoenix familiar. At least, I thought it was a Time Turner. It certainly looked like one, but it has strange markings along the rings. I thought nothing of it at first but as you can see there was something special about it because this isn't like usual Time Turner travel."

"You've used a Time Turner before?" Fleur turned her neck to look curiously up at her mate. Time Turners were extremely rare and heavily regulated magical artifacts. How could Hermione have gotten her hands on one not once but twice? "What was it supposed to be like?"

"Uh, yes… in my third year, I used a Time Turner to attend extra classes." Hermione rubbed the back of her neck awkwardly. "Basically, you're in two places simultaneously. The 'old you' is on a set path doing what you originally were doing before you traveled back. The 'new you' which is actually your 'current you' can do whatever you want. But 'new you' has to avoid the 'old you.' It gets very tricky, especially if you run into yourself or someone who saw 'old you' somewhere else recently."

"What happens when time catches up?"

"Your 'old you' just ceases to exist at the point that you made the time jump, so it's best to do so somewhere secluded so no one sees you randomly disappear into thin air."

Fleur shook her head "This seems very complicated."

"It's rather fortunate that it turned out this way for us, actually. It would have been so complicated to try to avoid the 'old' version of ourselves for this long… But in this case it seems like whatever magic was in the Time Turner I used just deposited us in our 'old' versions of ourselves… which are actually our younger selves."

"It is fortunate indeed because I don't think the world can handle the amazingness of two Fleur Delacours at the same time."

"You cocky git."

Fleur just laughed and rolled onto her side to face Hermione, her head propped up on an elbow. Her free hand moved to the space between them, resting on the blanket for Hermione to take if she wanted. "You know, I'm not sure what I am more shocked about, that you would use a Time Turner to do something so trivial as attend class or that someone allowed it!"

"I'll admit I was a little naive back then." Hermione laughed and moved her hand to touch Fleur's, their fingertips barely brushing together. Like two shy butterflies dancing around one another, neither willing to go the full distance.

"That is not the word I would use to describe it. So, why did you bring us back to this year? I'm sure you had a more specific reason other than 'save the world.' Did you want to fix the Tournament or something?"

"I actually meant to go back four months to before the Battle of Hogwarts."

"So not only was the Time Turner with mysterious markings faulty and messed with our bodies and minds, but it also sent us to the entirely wrong time?"

"Maybe? I mean, I thought I knew what I was doing and I adjusted the knobs based on what seemed right and turned it four times…"

Fleur's Veela flared up at the thought of Hermione endangering herself so recklessly and spoke before she could stop herself "Okay… so I amend my previous statement… I am mad at you! I'm mad at you for being so reckless and careless with your life. Putting yourself in unknown danger! We got lucky but what if something really bad had happened instead?"

Hermione blushed with embarrassment and looked away, quickly retracting her hand. "In retrospect, it was rather foolish. But you know what it's like in the future. Just existing was dangerous and I was just so desperate. And yes, it definitely could have been worse."

"I'm so sorry, 'Ermione… that was my Veela, she doesn't like the idea of you being in danger. Neither do I but she tends to be more passionate with her responses…" Fleur apologized quickly when she saw the young witch's reaction to the outburst. She took a few deep breaths to calm the voice in her head "I know that what the situation was and I don't blame you one bit for looking for any solution… if it were me, I don't know if I would have had the ''Ermione Granger courage' to do that. But will you promise me no more time jumps?"

Hermione nodded, looking slightly confused at seeing both sides of Fleur flip-flop so quickly but she recovered with a soft smile, reaching over to put her hand on Fleur's arm. "And risk what we have now? Not a chance."

Fleur purred happily, her eyes slipped shut as she enjoyed the feel of Hermione tracing small, soothing swirls on her arm. "I like that you are affectionate by the way. Veela are creatures of love and we show our feelings through physical touches. It is not uncommon for us to hold hands with friends or embrace or cuddle or give sweet kisses on the cheeks. I hope you do not mind, but I would like to do all of that with you."

"I do not mind at all." Hermione grinned and leaned over to kiss Fleur's forehead, causing the blonde to hum contentedly. "Well, since we're putting everything out there, are there any other secrets I should know about the mysterious Fleur Delacour?"

Fleur turned bright red "Uh, yeah, there's one more little thing you should know about me. Well… I mean, it's not exactly little…" She waved her hand and dispelled her concealment charm.

"Oh… that's… not what I was expecting." Hermione's eyes widened when she saw the bulge in the front of Fleur's jeans.

The Veela nodded and waved her hand, returning the illusion "I'm sorry if that bothers you. I can't help it, it's an alpha Veela thing. Our bodies can change to be, um, compatible with our mate… for procreational needs. Again, you have made no choice and do not have to accept me as your mate if it does. I would understand if you didn't…" she faltered, the thought of Hermione being repulsed by her dug deep at her heart.

Hermione stopped Fleur from spiraling by placing the tip of her finger against Fleur's lips "Shh… It's fine. It's a part of you. And I accept that. It makes you unique, even more than you already are."

"You are truly amazing, ma belle."

"I know and so are you. I'm glad we found each other. It's as you said at the Ball. That if it was meant to be, we would find each other again when the time was right. It just took us a four year time jump to find one another. I don't know about you, but I think that's a pretty clear message."

Fleur chuckled "That I did and that it is." She rolled over onto her back and held her arm out, inviting Hermione to lay down next to her. Once the brunette was comfortable with her head resting on her chest, she wrapped her arms around the lithe frame, cradling her protectively.

"I have to admit, Fleur… when I asked you to come here, this is not at all how I imagined the day to turn out. But I wouldn't have it any other way."

"Me, too, ma belle. Me, too." Fleur agreed and closed her eyes, feeling content and safe, listening to her mate's steady breathing, lulling her to sleep.

Hermione slept soundly against Fleur but eventually the grumbling in her stomach roused her from her nap. Her eyes fluttered open slowly as she came to. She stiffened for a second, forgetting her surroundings, but relaxed when she felt Fleur's warm body stir beneath her. The Veela's scent wrapped around her like a blanket, soothing her and easing her mind. She felt safe. Safer than she had in years. It was sad but she couldn't remember the last time she felt this comfortable.

She lay there for a moment longer, reluctant to move. She smiled to herself as she felt herself rise and fall steadily with Fleur's breathing. This was definitely not at all how she had thought her day was going to go but she had zero complaints about the way things turned out. Then her stomach rumbled again. Well, maybe one complaint.

"Mmm… if your stomach continues like that I think the Centaurs will come looking for the source of the earthquake." Fleur's voice was soft, though deeper and a little scratchy from sleep.

"It's not that bad." Hermione rolled her eyes but grinned nonetheless. She twisted her neck to look at the sky "Looks like we've been out here a while."

"Oui, a couple of hours. We should get back. Besides, I need to make sure you get fed."

Hermione nodded and sat up, taking a moment to gaze down at the blonde Veela on the blanket, who was smiling like this was the best moment of her life. "What?"

"Nothing, you just make me so happy. I still can't believe it. You knowing about our bond. Knowing we're both from the future… it's just, I feel like a weight has been lifted off of my shoulders. I mean we still have quite a task ahead of us. But it doesn't feel quite as daunting with the thought of you by my side."

Hermione nodded as she rose to her feet. She stretched her arms high over her head, fingers interlocked, then bent backwards and then side to side. She released her stretch with a satisfied sigh. "Yeah, we were carrying around some heavy secrets."

Fleur got to her feet while Hermione was stretching and did some stretches of her own. She bent forward, touching her toes to stretch her back "Mm… maybe next time we nap out in the woods we bring a mattress. Or find a patch of grass."

"Probably a good idea. You do make a good mattress though."

"Good. And I said you were always welcome to use me as such, I do not mind, I quite enjoyed it, actually. Even for a nap, that was some of the best sleep I've gotten in a while."

Hermione nodded "Same. I don't sleep well anymore. I have nightmares. Not as bad now, but they're still horrible when they do happen. Sometimes when I'm walking through the halls I get flashbacks… seeing what Hogwarts looks like in the future, everything on fire and so many of the students here… what becomes of them…"

Fleur clenched her jaw, her heart aching at the pain her mate was in. She didn't know what had transpired at the Battle of Hogwarts. She had been in London on a different mission at the time. She wanted to support her mate but didn't know what would make Hermione feel better. She knew everyone dealt with trauma differently. "What do you need?"

Hermione shook her head quickly as if trying to reset her train of thought. She grabbed her left forearm and squeezed it hard, even though the scar was gone. "I think I just need to say it and for you to listen. I haven't been able to talk to anyone about this."

Fleur nodded, folding up the blanket and shrinking it down to pocket size. "Why don't you tell me as we walk back?"

Hermione agreed and started to tell her side of the story from the moment that she, Ron, and Harry escaped from Tonks and Remus's wedding.

"After the Battle of Hogwarts I went on the run again. I felt like a coward for not staying to help, but I knew it was lost. I knew the Death Eaters would come looking for me and I was no good to anyone if I was dead. I spent four months bouncing around, trying to figure out a plan. That's when I came back to Hogwarts. And I guess then is now."

Fleur shook her head softly as she processed everything that Hermione had just described to her. "I can't believe that was your life for so long. I promise you, whatever I can do to keep that future from coming to pass, I shall do it. I can't even think about what that Lestrange woman did to you." Her eyes glowed red and she clenched her fists, nostrils flared in anger.

"It's okay, Fleur… she's not here." Hermione instantly recognized the signs of Fleur and her Veela getting pissed off. "What happened has already happened and all we can do is try to keep it from happening again."

"You're right. I'm sorry. Just the thought of someone harming you…" Fleur hugged her quickly for reassurance and then released her.

"Well, that's what we're working towards. So no one else needs to experience such trauma. Like I said, I still have flare ups of my PTSD but being around you helps a lot."

"Then you shall have me. However you need. I find comfort in your presence as well, it soothes me, knowing you are close. Safe."

Hermione took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, "Wow, I didn't realize how badly I needed to get that off my chest. I just hope that I can fully move forward one day. Thank you for being such a good listener." She offered a half-smile.

"You will. You have deep scars, but even scars fade over time." Fleur nodded and continued walking quietly for a few minutes "So, it seems that you have a lot of information about these Horcruxes and I have information about the Death Eaters and what they were up to. The Order was tracking movements of known or suspected Death Eaters, so if you know of any in particular, I might be able to help there."

Hermione nodded "Right… and I can fill you in on what I've done so far and we can start planning tomorrow. Today I just want it to be us."

Fleur smiled broadly "If that is your wish, ma belle. May I hold your hand?"

Hermione laughed and held her hand out "I thought you'd never ask."

Fleur took hold and intertwined their fingers. They walked along, their arms swinging gently in time with their steps "Are you worried about what the others might say or think? Ron was not kind at the Ball."

"Let them talk." Hermione shrugged "I'm not going to waste a second of my newfound time with you worrying about small-minded prats. If you are comfortable with being open about it, then I am, too. I'm not going to hide anymore. I've spent too much time hiding and running. I'm not ashamed to be who I am."

"I am glad to hear that because I am very proud to be with you."

"What about you, are you nervous of any rumors?"

Fleur giggled "'Ermione, I am a Veela, rumors come with the territory. I have long since learned not to care what other people think of me. As long as I have you and my family and you are all safe, then I am content."

"What about whoever submitted the idea of using me as your hostage? The one you think might suspect us being mates and all?" Hermione looked up at the Champion.

Fleur sighed "Hmm, that is still worrisome to me. I suspect fake-Moody but I cannot confirm anything… it is just a hunch."

Hermione beamed "Oh, then you will love what I have to tell you then…"

Dumbledore was standing by the beach when Fleur and Hermione walked back, hand in hand. He regarded the two women with a slightly amused look, a small smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.

"Ah, good, you two are talking again. I must admit, it took a little longer than I expected, but I suppose all good things are worth waiting for." Dumbledore's eyes twinkled brightly. "And it seems you two have come to an understanding about your current situation?"

"Professor?" Hermione furrowed her brow. Was Dumbledore referring to the time jump or their mate status?

"Ah, Miss Granger. You think that I wouldn't recognize the magical signature of one of my own inventions? By the way, did you by chance save Fawkes' ashes so I can give him a proper send off?"

"Oh, yeah, I did, actually. I can give them to you later."

Dumbledore nodded sadly, "He was such a faithful companion to the end. Since you were able to obtain the Tempus Novus from him, that means that I am soon to be dead and the future is bleak indeed."

"What do you mean, sir?" Hermione raised a quizzical eyebrow.

"I left instruction with Fawkes to only relinquish the Tempus Novus when he thought there was no hope left and only to one who truly wished to bring light back to the dark."

Hermione stared noncommittally and Fleur did a combination of shrugging and nodding.

"You are both guarding your knowledge of the future, that is good. Very important for the times ahead of us."

Hermione opened her mouth to speak but Dumbledore raised his hand to cut her off quickly.

"Before you speak, Miss Granger, I do not wish to know specific details beyond the bare minimum. The more people who know of what is to come, the higher likelihood for things going sideways along the way. Too many variables. While I would like to reassure you both that you can trust me without a doubt, all aspects of my life are constantly under surveillance and scrutiny. My movements, routines, even my mind. Thank Merlin that I'm a master at Occlumency and Legilimency, but as my mind ages, it has become weaker and is not quite the impervious trap it once was. It is not worth the risk of the wrong people finding out.

"Therefore I think that it would be best for everyone if you two can continue to operate under the radar and without my interference. I'm sorry, but the future is firmly in your hands. I will support how I can but this is something you two must do alone."

"How, sir? We have so little time left after juggling classes, homework, the Tournament and upholding our appearances for others…"

"Ah, right you are! Thank you for reminding me. Were you not curious as to why I suddenly changed your schedule mid-year, Miss Granger?"

"Of course I was, but I just figured it was because you thought that I am smart enough to handle the load…" Hermione looked sheepishly at her feet.

"Well, you certainly are intelligent indeed, seemingly well beyond your years if I may be so bold to say," He chuckled at his little time travel joke "Did you not notice that your class schedule is a perfect match to Miss Delacour's?"

"I did notice that."

"Good… So for the remainder of the year, you are hereby excused from your History of Magic and Ancient Runes classes for a private tutoring period."

"What! Tutoring?" Both women shrieked, appalled that he would suggest they needed tutoring.

"You misunderstand. I believe if I recall correctly, that frees up your Tuesday and Thursday afternoons?"

They both nodded, wide grins quickly spreading their faces as they realized what he intended.

"Very good," he clapped his hands twice, "Now your schedules have now been changed to reflect your private study sessions. You should use the time to work together to formulate whatever plans or preparations that you need. I might also suggest delving into Occlumency and Legilimency yourselves. You have so much precious information in those minds of yours. We wouldn't want the wrong people to go poking around willy nilly now, would we?" Dumbledore's eyes twinkled again as he waved his hand "And here is an all access pass to the library, including the Restricted Section."

It took all of her self control not to snatch the parchment out of Dumbledore's slender fingers, but Hermione managed to take the note from him at a normal speed. "Thank you, Sir."

Dumbledore shook his head softly "Out of morbid curiosity, if I may ask, how many turns?"

"Four." Hermione responded quickly.

"Do you remember the quotes?"

"Of course, sir." She took a breath and recited Dumbledore's quotes when she spun the Tempus Novus all those months ago.

'Mysterious thing, Time. Powerful, and when meddled with, dangerous.'

'It is important to fight and fight again, and keep fighting, for only then can evil be kept at bay though never quite eradicated.'

'Dark times lie ahead of us and there will be a time when we must choose between what is easy and what is right.'

'Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.'

"Hmm… in my not so humble opinion, I sometimes amaze myself. I couldn't have planned that better if I tried."

"Sir?"

"When you first heard those words of wisdom back when you were back in school, they must have seemed rather out of context and random. But together, they leave a very powerful message, don't you think?"

"Sir, are you suggesting that you were leaving us a sort of prophecy?"

"A prophecy. A warning. An old man's senseless ramblings. You decide. I think you and I both know that one cannot deny how remarkably accurately they describe your situation." Dumbledore smiled again, that knowing twinkle in his eye. He didn't wait for them to respond before continuing his talk. "It seems that spending my afternoon tea time with Sybil really paid off. I should continue I think… She is good company. And I find myself rather fond of Oolong. I should give her another raise."

Hermione raised her eyebrows doubtfully, still reluctant to believe there was any truth to be found in the 'noble art of Divination.'

"I know you have your doubts, Miss Granger. Just because a prophecy does not take the form of a long winded riddle or live on the shelves of the Department of Mysteries does not make it any less meaningful. It seems that all four of those have come to pass or are very soon to pass. Am I correct?" His watery blues shifted between them, fixing them with a knowing look.

Both women sputtered, unsure of how to respond when he implied that he was aware of their bond.

"Rest assured, your secret is safe with me. Besides, since nothing has been confirmed to me, this is a mere rumor. And we all know how much trust we can put in rumors."

"Yes, that is true." Hermione nodded appreciatively.

"Pardon me, Sir, but 'ow ees eet zat you you seem to know so much about ze Veela customs?" Fleur finally spoke, looking suspiciously at the aged wizard, who was stroking his long white beard thoughtfully.

"Ah, Miss Delacour, you needn't hide your lack of accent around me."

Fleur sputtered again "How did you know about my accent?"

"I am the Headmaster here" Dumbledore replied simply "There is very little that goes on within my walls and on these grounds that I am not aware of. But getting back to your original question. Do you know a certain Adeline Delacour?"

"Oui, she is my grandmother."

"Ah, I suspected as much. The resemblance between you two is uncanny. I first met Adeline back in 1940, five years before my famous duel with my old friend Grindelwald. She is a remarkable woman, is she not?"

Fleur simply nodded.

"Well, she and I became friends over the years. We helped each other out on a number of occasions as our paths crossed throughout the years. Eventually she let me in on a few Veela secrets. Nothing of real consequence, of course."

Fleur's eyes went wide as she listened. Her grandmother had never mentioned knowing Dumbledore, let alone trusting him enough to tell him Veela secrets.

Dumbledore continued "But then I saw the way that your magical auras were interacting at the School Arrival Feast… Since then I have had my suspicions that you two will play a very meaningful role in each other's lives. Did you not wonder why you were Miss Delacour's treasure yesterday, Miss Granger?"

"I did… We hoped that it was because the four Champions were just paired with their Yule Ball dates and we were worried that someone suspected otherwise…"

"It was my doing to suggest you as Miss Delacour's treasure, not her sister as Maxime suggested. Of course, one could easily argue the reasoning was the one that you suggested, Miss Granger. It is also true that the Champions were each paired with their Ball date. It was an easy way to give you two a little nudge in the right direction while allaying suspicions from prying eyes." Dumbledore smiled warmly at the young pair. "It is such an encouraging thing to see, love standing against all the odds. You two certainly have had quite the journey to find one another."

Hermione smiled warmly and squeezed Fleur's hand.

"Alas, it seems that our time here is coming to an end. I know the fate of the world is a heavy burden, but you have been given a precious gift. Do not waste what time you have… so much depends on you."

"Thank you, Headmaster… we will not fail.

"I hope not. While I am not afraid of death, I would like to put it off as long as possible. I still have not finished my collection of Chocolate Frog trading cards. I cannot seem to get the gilded Morgana collector edition." Dumbledore's eyes shifted, drawing attention to a figure approaching the beach.

"Remember, help comes to us in a variety of forms. It is up to us to be willing to ask and to recognize those moments it is given. Do not let the opportunities pass you by. Trust one another and I think you will both find that you have much to learn from one another. Good day to you both." He turned on his heel and strode off, leaving Fleur and Hermione standing in shocked silence to mull over what had just happened.

Hermione was quiet as she was mulling over everything the Headmaster had said to them. Had Dumbledore somehow orchestrated this entire thing? That man was too sneaky for his own good.

"Well, that was certainly unexpected." Fleur chuckled as she watched the aged wizard move away. He had a surprisingly light gait for one so old.

The color drained from Hermione's face as a very unpleasant thought crossed her mind "Fleur… If I brought you back, do you think it is possible that we weren't the only ones to return to 1994?"

In case you were wondering what Fleurmione's class schedule looks like. I know it's simplified but this is what I've been using.

M, W = Potions 3 hrs AM, Charms 1 hr PM, DADA 1 hr PM

T, TH = Transfiguration 1 hr AM, Herbology 1 hr AM, Ancient Runes PM, History of Magic PM,

F = CharmsAM/DADA PM and Transfigurations AM/Herbology PM practicals, 3 hours each. Alternating weeks