Hermione had gone home in a daze, not really paying attention to anyone.
"Hermione? Are you okay? You look like you've seen a ghost," Harry asked.
"I don't get that turn of phrase," Ron commented, "We've all seen ghosts, nothing crazy about that."
"The phrase originally comes from Muggles, Ronald," Hermione snapped, before sitting down at the dining table abruptly.
"Jeez, what's twisted your knickers?" Ron shot back, sitting down too.
"Fleur's pregnant," Hermione intoned, still in shock.
Harry dropped the bottle of water he was holding and Ron's jaw dropped.
"No way," Harry gasped.
"Blimey…" Ron uttered, "I guess they always go on about how super fertile Veela's are."
"Unfortunately, never in the education system," Hermione muttered darkly, drumming her fingers on the table.
"What are you going to do?" Harry asked, picking up his bottle of water and joining the others at the table.
"I don't know, Harry," Hermione said, resting her forehead on her hand, "What am I going to do? I'm just a student. I can't look after a baby!"
"You might not have to?" Harry asked, shrugging.
Hermione leant down, flinging open her leather satchel and slamming a number of large books down on the table.
"After the contraception faux pas, I researched Veela as thoroughly as I could," Hermione said, tidying the stack of books, "I ordered in books from across the country to get as much information as I could. I'm not going to be caught out not knowing something again."
"And what did you find?" Ron asked, curious.
"She'll keep it," Hermione replied, "Veela will never terminate a pregnancy, it's just not a thing culturally for them."
"Oh," Harry replied.
"But what if she doesn't want you to be involved at all?" Ron suggested, "I mean if she's as cold with you as you say,"
"I can't just not be in my own child's life!" Hermione protested.
"Merlin, what a mess," Ron said, running a hand through his red bowl of hair, "Glad it happened to you and not me."
"Ronald!" Hermione snapped at her friend.
Ron looked sheepish.
"I mean, it would be absolutely amazing to sleep with Fleur, but woah, what a situation you're in!" Ron attempted to explain.
"Ron, ever heard of the Muggle phrase 'if you find yourself in a hole, stop digging'?" Harry asked, nudging his friend.
Ron shrugged, changing the subject to one that was less of a minefield for himself. Hermione was relieved, as Ron distracted her from her predicament by talking rubbish about a former Slytherin in their Auror classes.
Later, as they were about to retire for the night, Harry pulled Hermione back to have a word to her one on one.
As Ron sloped off to use the bathroom, Harry's green eyes fixed on Hermione's deep brown eyes that were flecked with amber. His spiky hair was in disarray as usual, but his face was serious.
"Hermione," Harry said carefully, "I know most girls would never prepare themselves for finding themselves in this situation, so I'm gonna give you some bloke's advice. You gotta do the right thing by Fleur and your kid."
"What do you mean?" Hermione asked, putting her hands on her hips.
"Even if she doesn't want you there," Harry proceeded, "You've still gotta provide support. It's the right thing to do. Gods, I know I never wanted to find myself in a situation like it, but I always swore that if I did make a mistake, I would make sure I did the right thing."
"Harry," Hermione sighed, "You haven't seen how she acts with me. She hates me. I'm surprised she even came to let me know the result. Bill said she was too embarrassed to even tell him she'd slept with me."
Harry's expression softened.
"'Mione, you know her ice princess routine is just a front," Harry smiled, "Remember her with her kid sister at the Triwizard Tournament? Remember her during the war? Deep down, she's all right! Besides, I don't think she would have slept with you in the first place—drunk or not—if she didn't find you attractive on some level."
"You… You think?" Hermione asked, her eyebrows raising.
"I'm sure," Harry replied, "Now get some sleep—you look exhausted."
Hermione nodded, inwardly knowing she would have another restless night. She had been in full panic mode since receiving the news from Fleur.
The next morning, Hermione had two lectures early in the morning before having the rest of the day free. She relished the freedom, spending a good hour in the library reading thick tomes on policy before heading into town.
She'd arranged to meet Ginny at Diagon Alley for a bite to eat and a catch up.
Ginny sat in stunned silence as Hermione filled her in on the latest following the one-night stand drama. It felt good getting it all out in the open. Ginny was less likely than Ron to put her foot in her mouth while talking.
When she finally got to the end, Ginny seemed to mull it all over, sipping at her milkshake thoughtfully.
"How are you feeling about it now?" Ginny asked eventually.
"Bloody panicked, Gin," Hermione admitted, "I don't know what to do."
"Not about the pregnancy," Ginny clarified, putting her milkshake down meaningfully, "About the one-night stand. We didn't really get a chance to talk about it in after the initial joking."
"Oh… Well… Regret, obviously," Hermione answered, rubbing the back of her neck. She wasn't sure what else to say on the matter.
Ginny raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah… Well, that's a given considering the results," Ginny conceded, "But the one-night stand itself? Did you like it? What you can remember of it?"
Hermione blushed, caught off-guard by the question.
"I—Well, I don't think that really matters," Hermione said quickly, trying to avoid the question, "It's pretty clear Fleur didn't like it. Bill said she was too embarrassed to tell him it was me."
"Yeah, well, that could just be because Bill is like the rest of us Weasleys and would have teased her about it no matter who it was," Ginny snorted dismissively, "So… Did you like it?"
"I… It was just a drunk thing," Hermione replied, looking down at her hands on the table.
"Hermione, it's just me," Ginny said quietly, "We tell each other everything."
"I like men," Hermione said, squirming in her seat.
Ginny leaned across the table, cupping Hermione's cheek and turning her face to look at her.
"Hermione," Ginny said gently, "That doesn't mean you can't like women too. Sexuality isn't all black and white."
Hermione sighed, exhaling a couple of times and pushing the leftover food around on her plate.
"Well… I have thought about it since then… And, I can't say I don't like the memories of it," Hermione said awkwardly, her shoulders raising almost up to her ears. She felt incredibly uncomfortable.
Ginny nodded, seemingly satisfied with that answer.
"There's nothing wrong with that, Hermione," Ginny replied, "So, what are you going to do about this situation? Have you talked to Fleur about the pregnancy?"
"No, not since she told me the result of the test," Hermione admitted.
"You really need to talk to her," Ginny said, "I caught up with Bill earlier today. They aren't out on assignment or anything."
"Well, maybe I could swing past," Hermione frowned, "If she even wants to see me."
"Atta girl," Ginny smiled. She stood up, tossing a few coins down on the table, "I've got this—you've got more pressing financial commitments on the horizon."
Hermione groaned, heading out of the café with the redhead.
They walked down the street together in amiable silence. Hermione felt a little lighter after admitting to Ginny that she kind of liked thinking about her tryst with Fleur. It felt good to be able to share, even if she hadn't thought too deeply about it herself.
Ginny slowed down as they reached the marble steps leading to Gringotts.
"So… We're parting ways here?" Ginny asked, nodding at Hermione.
"Yeah," Hermione sighed.
Ginny pulled Hermione into a tight hug.
"It'll all be all right, 'Mione," Ginny replied, "And if it isn't, let me know and I can go beat Phlegm's ass."
"She's pregnant, Gin," Hermione snorted, rolling her eyes at the dramatics of her friend.
Ginny shrugged.
"You know what I mean," Ginny grinned lopsidedly. She patted Hermione on the shoulder and ambled off down the street.
Hermione inhaled sharply. She hurried up the steps, heading in to the opulent bank. Her sneakers squelched hideously on the marble floor as she walked to one of the front desks. Hermione winced at each ugly noise.
She was dressed simply today in an outfit typical of attending lectures. She was wearing tight black jeans, a black tee, and some black Converse sneakers. A leather jacket completed the look, her satchel hung over her shoulder.
"Hi, um, could I see Ms Fleur Delacour?" Hermione asked the goblin at the counter.
Predictably, the goblin looked excruciatingly annoyed, rolling his eyes before muttering to a colleague. Hermione could see how Fleur fit in around Gringotts. Her moodiness would virtually be a sunny disposition amongst the goblins.
The goblin finished muttering and turned back to Hermione.
"She will be up shortly," he informed her tersely, "Wait over there."
He waved her over to the side of the marble room with unusually long-fingered hands.
Hermione leant against the wall, letting her eyes flutter shut for a moment. She was exhausted, rundown with the stress of the past few days. She knew eventually she had to crash. Hermione hoped it was soon, she desperately needed some quality sleep.
"What do you want?" a heavy French accent caused Hermione's eyes to snap open again.
Fleur was standing in front of her, hands on her hips. She was dressed in a light blue blouse tucked in to a tight charcoal skirt. Her hair was in a loose braid that hung over one shoulder. She was frowning, her pretty face looking entirely unimpressed with Hermione's presence.
"I thought we needed to discuss some things," Hermione said cautiously.
As predicted, Fleur rolled her eyes.
"I told you the results the other day," Fleur replied coldly, "I've only just gone on my break and would rather not waste it in the middle of the Gringotts atrium."
"Well, let me take you out for a coffee then," Hermione offered.
Fleur bit her lip, considering the offer for a moment.
"Fine," she replied, turning and walking towards the exit, "But you're paying."
Hermione hurried after her, catching up to her as she began to descend down the steps outside. Fleur stopped as they ran into Bill, hurrying up the steps.
Seeing the two together, he grinned broadly.
"Well, hello," Bill smirked, looking at the two of them.
Fleur glared at him but leaned in and kissed both his cheeks.
"Salut, I am just heading out for a coffee," Fleur replied, "I will be back soon."
"A coffee with Hermione, huh?" Bill asked, a playful look on his face.
Fleur groaned and averted her eyes, causing Bill to chuckle.
"I'll see you soon, blondie," Bill teased, heading up the steps. As he passed Hermione, he leaned in close to her ear.
"Good luck taming the Veela," Bill muttered, still grinning widely.
Hermione rolled her eyes, following Fleur as she continued rapidly down the steps. Hermione fell into step with the blonde as they walked down Diagon Alley.
"What did Bill say to you?" Fleur asked, not even looking at Hermione.
"Nothing," Hermione lied, "Just to have a good coffee."
"Typical," Fleur snapped, obviously interpreting it as a jibe.
She stopped walking outside a small café, obviously making her selection for coffee. Hermione sighed, stepping forward and holding the door opened. Fleur nodded, the shadow of a smile on her lips, before entering.
Hermione was surprised. That was the closest she had come to getting a positive reaction from the blonde.
The café was French, a wide selection of pastries in a cabinet by the till.
"I'll have a coffee, black, and no pastries," Fleur said, turning quickly on Hermione and walking over to a small window table.
Hermione sighed. Fleur truly was the definition of high maintenance.
Hermione made the order, selecting for herself a nice cappuccino and a pan au chocolat pastry. Thanking the man at the till, she went and joined Fleur at the window seat.
Fleur was watching her intently. Her deep cerulean eyes were tumultuous, revealing a hint of emotion beneath the impassive exterior.
"So," Fleur prompted, tapping a perfectly manicured hand on the table.
"I wanted to let you know that I will fully support you and the baby," Hermione said, rushing all the words out at once. She felt a weight off her chest at finally getting the words out.
"Really?" Fleur replied. Her face and tone were neutral, not betraying a shred of reaction.
"Yes," Hermione replied, "I'm still a student, of course, but I will find a steady job when I graduate at the end of this school year. That and I have reward money for my part in the war. I've been careful to be frugal with it, so that should help."
"It isn't about money," Fleur replied, "I have my own job and a generous amount of family money to my name."
Hermione sighed, politely pausing the conversation as a waiter came and dropped off their coffees and her pastry. She thanked the waiter. Fleur sulkily looked out the window, ignoring him. When the waiter left, Fleur turned her attentions back to Hermione.
"I know," Hermione conceded, "I'm not just talking about financial support. I'll be there at every appointment, test, class, everything. Just let me know and I'll show up. Blimey, I can even be the contact point if you need."
"And you want to be involved in the child's life?" Fleur asked, raising her chin.
"Of course!" Hermione responded, she pulled open her satchel and started placing papers and scrolls of parchment on the table.
"What is that?" Fleur asked, eying the papers with thinly veiled curiosity.
"I've been researching healthy child development," Hermione replied, still putting papers on the table, "If we want our baby to have the best chance at life, we've got to start making some solid plans now."
Hermione was halted by a soft hand resting on top of hers. She looked up and Fleur was looking at her with a smile on her face.
Seeing Fleur smile properly, and genuinely, for the first time threw Hermione for a loop. Her stomach flipped and her breath caught in her throat.
"You are very prepared," Fleur said softly, her hand still on Hermione's.
"I—Erm—I like to be prepared," Hermione explained awkwardly, "I've been reading up on everything potentially relevant since my, er, error."
Fleur finally took her hand off Hermione's, reaching for her coffee. Hermione gasped and put her hand on top of Fleur's cup. Fleur frowned, looking up at Hermione.
"You need to limit your caffeine intake," Hermione explained apologetically, "I should have thought of that before ordering. It's not good for the baby."
Fleur's frown faded and she put her coffee back down, leaning back in her chair and folding her arms.
"What else?" Fleur asked, watching Hermione with interest.
"We need to get you on some vitamins and supplements," Hermione explained, "I've spent some time comparing Muggle methods with Magical methods and tracking statistics and results. I think if we did a combination of both, we would be getting the best possible option."
"Really?" Fleur asked, arching a perfectly groomed eyebrow. She crossed her legs.
"R-Really," Hermione replied, "I can show you my research if you want."
"Not necessary," Fleur replied. She reached over and plucked Hermione's pan au chocolat from her plate, taking a bite.
Hermione watched her, transfixed.
Fleur placed the remainder of the pastry back on Hermione's plate when she was done.
There was a flake of pastry on Fleur's plump bottom lip. Hermione leaned forward without thinking, cupping Fleur's chin. The proud blonde did nothing in response, allowing Hermione to touch her. Hermione ran her thumb over Fleur's bottom lip, clearing the pastry from it. Her lip felt velvety soft on the pad of her thumb.
Hermione looked up, her eyes locking with cerulean.
"You had… You had a bit of pastry there," Hermione explained absently.
"Merci," Fleur replied softly.
Hermione realised that she was still cupping Fleur's face with her hand and withdrew it suddenly, as if burned.
"Sorry," Hermione muttered.
There was a silence between them in which Fleur licked her bottom lip. Hermione couldn't draw her eyes away.
"I have an appointment," Fleur said finally, "Thursday at four thirty. I'm finishing work early and getting changed into something more comfortable first. Office wear is hardly ideal for a check up with a Healer."
"So I'll meet you at your place?" Hermione asked.
"Outside Gringotts," Fleur replied quickly, "Or at my Healer's offices if you prefer."
Hermione sipped at her cappuccino thoughtfully. She had made huge inroads with Fleur during this coffee. Fleur had smiled, Fleur had invited her to an appointment… But it appeared the blonde still wanted to keep a healthy distance between them. She didn't even want Hermione to know where she lived.
"Fleur," Hermione sighed. She was exasperated now. She was low on sleep and had shown Fleur no end of patience up until now. "We've already slept together. In light of that, what's letting me see your apartment?"
"Don't remind me," Fleur drawled, iciness descending over her features once more.
Hermione felt her temper flare.
She had bent over backwards for the blonde. Sought her out, paid for the pregnancy test and taken her out for a coffee. She was the one putting in all the effort for a mistake that, really, they had both made.
"From what I recall, you were a more than willing participant," Hermione retorted. Fleur frowned.
"A drunken mistake," Fleur replied, looking out the window.
"Yeah? Well that goes for me too, but you don't see me throwing that in your face," Hermione shot back. Fleur's eyes snapped back to look at her.
"Excusez-moi?" Fleur replied, scowling.
Hermione knew she should probably stop, but all the frustrations of the entire situation were suddenly bubbling forth.
"Yes, I'll grant that you're breathtakingly beautiful," Hermione said heatedly, "But your personality leaves much to be desired. From the very first moment I met you, you've given me an impression of arrogance, conceit, and selfish disdain of the feelings of others… Every moment since then has done nothing but build further on the solid foundation of dislike I already had for you. I'm set to do the right thing by you and this child, but let's make one thing clear—I'm not another one of your hopeless suitors."
Fleur stared at Hermione silently. The rage was practically radiating off her. Finally, she uncrossed her legs.
"Fine," Fleur said neutrally, the very picture of an ice princess, "I will see you Thursday, four thirty."
She stood up and walked out of the café, her heels clicking loudly as she stormed out.
Hermione watched her go, her own anger beginning to subside as she realised the weight of her words.
A/N: For any of you getting the reference- Hermione's outburst is inspired by the outburst in Pride and Prejudice when Elizabeth loses her temper with Darcy.
Yes, I know these chapters are close together- but I can't remember the last time I was on a writing roll like this so I'm makin' hay while the sun shines, y'all!