A/N: Hey all! My laptop crashed and I can't afford to buy a new one so I've been stuck trying to get this one limping on again. But I'm back with an update... I didn't have much time to proofread so hopefully it isn't too rough!
As always, your reviews keep me going during these depressing times!
Hermione was jerked from sleep by an incessant tapping at her shoulder.
"Mnnn, not now mum," Hermione murmured sleepily.
"Hermione!" Fleur hissed, "I need you to get up and make me some food!"
Hermione pulled herself into a tight little ball in bed, groaning as she awoke properly.
"Fleur," Hermione groaned, "I have an exam and a job interview tomorrow!"
"Oh, very well," Fleur huffed sulkily, "And I was so sure I could think of a very creative way to reward you…"
Hermione sat up straight away, her eyebrows raising.
"Err, what were you thinking?" Hermione asked, glad Fleur couldn't see her blushing in the darkened room.
Fleur clapped her hands together, delighted.
"Nothing complex," Fleur said happily, "Just a fried fillet of fish drizzled in chocolate sauce."
"Eurgh! Gods, Fleur!" Hermione scrunched her nose up, "Your pregnancy cravings are the worst."
"Hermione," Fleur growled, "Do not speak that way to the mother of your child."
Hermione at least had the good sense to be scared of a hormonal Veela, getting up very promptly. She turned on the lamps and saw Fleur's eyes had the silvery flecks again.
"I'm on it!" Hermione yelped, heading out the door and down the stairs.
When she got to the kitchen, she was surprised to see that the light was already on and Ron was bustling around with an armful of food. He was in stripy pajamas and his hair was tousled.
"You craving a midnight snack too?" Ron asked, his mouth already full of what appeared to be chunk of ham.
"Fleur has pregnancy cravings again," Hermione yawned, rubbing her eyes with the heel of her hand.
"Oh! Well, what does she feel like?" Ron asked.
"Fried fish smothered in chocolate sauce," Hermione replied with distaste, wrinkling her nose, "Pregnancy cravings really can be bizarre."
"Hmm, okay, well I'll whip that up for you," Ron said, depositing all his food items on the countertops.
"Really? Why would you do that for me?" Hermione asked, leaning against the table.
"I'm cooking anyway," Ron replied, grabbing a drumstick from a pile of leftovers and taking a bite, "And you look bloody tired."
"Oh… Well… Thanks, Ronald," Hermione replied gratefully, leaning more heavily against the table, "I really am tired."
Ron chortled.
"Yeah, well, it's only gonna go downhill in the sleep department once the little tyke actually arrives, 'Mione," Ron grinned, setting to work cooking.
Hermione couldn't help the large grin that grew on her face.
"Yeah… But then I'll have a baby, Ron," Hermione replied almost dreamily, "A baby with Fleur."
"Lucky sod," Ron commented jealously, "You know you're the envy of pretty much every wizard and witch alive that fancies women, right?"
"Honestly? I get it now," Hermione sighed, "She's… She's really something, Ron."
Ron turned to look at Hermione and pulled a face.
"I've only been telling you that for years!" Ron exclaimed, "You gave me such a hard time for being into her during Fourth Year."
"Yes, well, that's when I didn't think there was anything much to her besides her arrogance and looks," Hermione said defensively, "Now I know there's real depth behind all that."
"Didn't know about that depth the first time you jumped into bed with her though, did you?" Ron muttered. Hermione grabbed a nearby sponge and threw it at his back.
"Hey, don't attack the chef!" Ron whined, "I've almost finished!"
"Oh, well, fine," Hermione said warily, "As long as you don't say anything else irritating."
Ron rolled his eyes but nonetheless plated the fried fish, placing it on the table beside Hermione.
"And now for the oh-so-strange pièce de résistance," Ron announced dramatically, producing a bottle of chocolate sauce and dousing the fish in it.
Hermione sighed gratefully.
"Thanks, Ron," Hermione said genuinely, "I really didn't feel up to cooking in the middle of the night."
"No prob, 'Mione," Ron shrugged, "Gotta keep you in good graces with your lady."
Hermione snorted.
"What makes you think she isn't trying to stay in my good graces?" Hermione said defensively.
"Right, right," Ron surrendered, putting his hands up, "I was only playing. You have to admit, though, she is a truly stunning bird. Hey, between us lads… Since she's your girlfriend now… Does that mean you two are…?"
"One, I'm not a lad," Hermione replied waspishly, "Two, I'm not going to share details of my intimate life with you," Hermione poked Ron in the chest with a pointed finger to emphasize her point, "And three, I won't have you talking about her like an object anymore, okay?"
"Sheesh, okay, 'Mione," Ron groaned, "You always take things so seriously."
"Of course I take Fleur and the baby seriously," Hermione retorted with a huff, "Anyway, thanks for cooking this up. I'll see you tomorrow at a more reasonable hour."
"Right," Ron grumbled, "Night, 'Mione."
Hermione rolled her eyes as she headed back to her room. Ron was a good friend but Merlin he could be the worst sometimes. At times she wondered why he preferred to hang out with her and Harry instead of some of the more knuckle-headed Gryffindor boys like Dean and Seamus.
All thoughts of Ron evaporated as Hermione re-entered her room, carefully locking the door behind her. She felt her spirits soar as she was greeted with the sight of the beautiful, naked pregnant Veela waiting in her bed.
"Magnifique!" Fleur exclaimed delightedly.
"M'lady," Hermione jokingly bowed and offered the plate of food to Fleur.
Fleur all but snatched it from her hands, beginning to devour it before Hermione had even clambered back in to her side of the bed.
Hermione watched in barely contained astonishment. The cravings and appetite of a pregnant Veela never ceased to surprise her.
"Mmmn, delicious!" Fleur hummed with pleasure, finishing off the last of the dish.
"Crazy," Hermione replied, taking the plate from Fleur and putting it on her bedside table.
"Hush, or I will not let you clean," Fleur said slowly.
"Clean?! That's hardly…" The words died on Hermione's lips as she realized Fleur was gesturing at her breasts, where drops of the chocolate sauce had fallen.
Suddenly it didn't matter that the chocolate sauce had been on a fish mere seconds ago.
Hermione realized she had been staring and raised her gaze up from Fleur's enticing chest to meet the part-Veela's eyes. They were wild, deep blue and flecked with silver again. Fleur smiled widely and nodded.
Hermione didn't need a second invitation, leaning in and immediately setting to licking the chocolate sauce off Fleur's breasts. Fleur sighed and threw her head back, making Hermione's stomach flip. Hermione ran a tongue slowly over Fleur's nipple. As her tongue licked the chocolate sauce clean off it, Fleur's nipple hardened beneath it. Fleur gasped.
Emboldened, Hermione reached down, pushing Fleur's thighs apart and drawing her hand up to their apex. Fleur was soaking.
Hermione continued her diligent work of cleaning the chocolate sauce from Fleur's breasts with savoured licks. But while her tongue worked at the blonde's chest, her careful fingers set to work further South. She swiped them slowly through Fleur's folds at first, merely appreciating how wet the Frenchwoman had become at her touch. It was a headrush thinking that she had caused such a strong physical reaction with the blonde.
Lazily, Hermione swirled her fingers, barely skittering past Fleur's clit. So slowly and casually it was as if it were inadvertent. But Hermione was anything but careless, relishing the moan that escaped Fleur's lips.
Hermione latched on to Fleur's other nipple, nipping at it hard before licking it better. Fleur hissed with pleasure and arched her back. Hermione felt her own heat stoked within. It was beyond a turn on to make the carefully held-together Veela come undone.
Hermione's fingers continued their slow rhythm before they circled Fleur's clit deliberately. Hermione couldn't help but smirk as Fleur's hips jerked suddenly at the movement. Hermione was always a quick study, and she was rapidly learning how to play Fleur's body like the sweet instrument it was. She circled again before halting her movements.
Fleur let out a growl and bucked her hips in frustration, all but humping Hermione's hand in desperation for the sweet caresses to continue.
Hermione, all done with the chocolate sauce, kissed her way up Fleur's chest and up the column of her neck.
"Fleur," Hermione murmured in the blonde's ear. Her voice was rough with desire.
"Oui?" Fleur gasped.
Hermione knew what she was about to do signaled a total shift in their dynamic. But the idea of it was turning her on too much. Besides, Cassandra had told her to be bold—not to fall victim to being the prey of a Veela.
"I want you to beg for it," Hermione teased. She wasn't usually such a sexual person, but ran her tongue gently over the lobe of Fleur's ear.
Fleur exhaled shakily, her body beginning to tremble.
"N-non…" Fleur muttered in a strained voice, "I do not b-beg…"
Hermione looked at her pretty features, flushed and frustrated. Her eyes were shut but her long dark eyelashes were fluttering. She was irritated, caught on the edge of pleasure and desire.
Hermione moved a finger slowly, brushing Fleur's clit ever so softly before moving away again. Fleur groaned and arched her back again.
Hermione couldn't take her eyes off her. It was a sight to see, a beautiful woman suspended in such sweet torture.
She drew her lips close to the shell of Fleur's ear again, teasingly.
"Beg me for it," Hermione repeated huskily.
Fleur let out a long, frustrated groan, thrashing her head back.
"Argh! Please Hermione!" Fleur growled.
Hermione, ever the dutiful partner, obliged. She moved her fingers to work gently but quickly at Fleur's clit.
Fleur let out a loud stream of French words that Hermione was sure were of a salty nature. One of her hands clasped the sheets, fisting them in her hand. Her other arm was pulled tightly around Hermione. Her hand was clinging on to Hermione for dear life, nails digging into the skin of Hermione's shoulder blade.
Hermione didn't care at all about it. Fleur could draw blood for all she cared. It was exquisite pleasuring the woman she was so smitten with.
"Unh, Hermione!" Fleur cried out.
Hermione swooned. She loved hearing Fleur utter her name so passionately. Fleur's entire body was tensing up. Hermione could tell she was getting close to the edge.
She kissed along Fleur's jawline before bringing her lips to Fleur's ear once again.
"Mon amour," Hermione purred. It was one of the few French phrases she knew: my love.
It seemed to push Fleur that last bit needed, as she came completely and entirely undone in Hermione's arms, calling out her name.
Her nails raked down Hermione's shoulder blade as her entire body juddered, riding out the sweet orgasm.
Hermione moved to cuddle Fleur's body as it finally went limp.
"Merde," Fleur panted, her eyes finally flickering open. Her chest was heaving.
"I've been told I'm a quick learner," Hermione said, with just a hint of smugness.
She let her hands wander a little. The throbbing need between her own legs was even more urgent after seeing Fleur finish saying her name.
"Well… That much seems to be true," Fleur uttered in disbelief, running a hand through her tousled hair.
"I have to spoil my girlfriend," Hermione smiled, nuzzling into Fleur's neck, "Even if she does wake me up for weird snacks."
"Mmn, you did spoil me," Fleur purred, "But perhaps dessert is in order?"
"Dessert?" Hermione frowned, "What do you feel like eating now?"
Her frown quickly faded as one of Fleur's slender hands reached forward and cupped between her legs.
"You," Fleur replied seductively.
Hermione shivered. Something about the way Fleur was looking at her hungrily was driving her crazy.
Hermione all but tore off her boxers and old tee. Her pulse was racing wildly.
Fleur grinned broadly, lying back.
Hermione felt her jaw slacken as Fleur motioned for her to clamber onto her face. She couldn't believe her luck.
Hermione carefully moved, planting a knee on either side of Fleur's head. Her arousal spiked impossibly higher as Fleur looked up at her, eyes dark with desire. Hermione lowered herself slowly, afraid of hurting the blonde.
But Fleur reached up, hooking her arms around Hermione's thighs and pulling her down to her mouth.
Hermione groaned as her center was pressed against Fleur's lips.
She had never sat on someone's face before. She didn't have time to consider the situation though, as Fleur's talented tongue soon set to work.
Hermione moaned, her eyes rolling back in her head.
"Jesus, Fleur," Hermione uttered. She grabbed hold of the headboard and held on for dear life.
Fleur's tongue slid expertly over sensitive spots, causing Hermione to tremble and moan. All reservations went out the window as she began to grind herself against Fleur's mouth in earnest.
Hermione was in a state of bliss, riding the blonde's face. Instinct had taken over. It was as if Fleur and her were made to pleasure each other.
Hermione glanced down. Fleur was a sight to behold between the Golden Girl's thighs. Her deep blue eyes were the wildest Hermione had seen yet, even more silvery than usual. The feeling that coursed through Hermione when their eyes locked was unlike anything Hermione had ever experienced before.
A rush like no other.
Hermione felt like she had been sparked alight.
Hermione let out a low moan, losing her mind as she came undone.
She was Fleur's mate.
Hermione came hard, her senses completely overloaded with bliss and pleasure.
"Merlin… Sorry," Hermione sighed, sliding off Fleur and shuffling down the bed.
She suddenly felt very self conscious for riding Fleur's face as enthusiastically as Harry on his Firebolt. She crossed her arms, covering some of her scars. Damned if she didn't feel amazing despite it all. It was as if each time she slept with Fleur it felt better than the last.
Fleur sat up, wiping her mouth daintily.
"Do not be sorry," Fleur replied, "It was fun, non? I certainly enjoyed myself."
"You did?" Hermione all but sighed with relief.
Fleur chuckled lightly, pulling Hermione's crossed arms down.
"Oui, now stop being so self-conscious with me," Fleur said gently, "I told you I love your scars. I told you I wanted you for dessert. Don't doubt me when I say I want something."
"Thank goodness," Hermione relaxed her shoulders, shuffling close to Fleur and wrapping her arms around the blonde.
Being self-conscious was almost a reflex for Hermione. But she was finding it easier and easier to get over it when it came to Fleur.
"Besides, I like it when you take charge," Fleur said seductively, kissing at the column of Hermione's neck.
Hermione sighed. If Fleur wasn't careful, the brunette would need another romp before going back to sleep.
"Mm, unsurprising given the Veela like bold lovers as their mates, right?" Hermione rattled off carelessly. Reciting facts that she had picked up was second nature to her. But she realized it was a mistake as Fleur stiffened a little and ceased her gentle kisses.
"Do we have to talk about that?" Fleur said in an almost sulky tone. She rolled over in bed, the twisted sheets tangling about her body. Hermione shuffled in behind her, spooning her.
"We can't avoid talking about your heritage all the time, Fleur," Hermione said softly, "It is a part of you."
Fleur made a small grumbling noise, turning off the lights.
Hermione didn't press the issue, instead letting herself cuddle Fleur and lean into her post-sex relaxation.
It didn't take long before both women were soon fast asleep.
Hermione awoke with a jolt.
Exam day.
Her final course was solidified into one grueling exam. She had been studying so intensely for this moment.
Thankfully, despite spending a considerable amount of the previous night slinking around the house for Fleur's food and then making love with the blonde, Hermione felt incredibly well rested.
'This situation really has its perks,' Hermione mused to herself.
"Oh, bien, you are awake," Fleur commented from across the room. She was almost ready for work, brushing her hair in the mirror, "I was just about to wake you if you did not get up soon."
"Yeah, well, someone kept me up last night," Hermione commented, stretching. She noticed a small amount of dried blood on the white sheets she had been sleeping on. She blushed as she remembered Fleur's desperate clawing at her shoulder blade.
Hermione got up, trying not to feel self conscious of her nudity in front of Fleur.
Fleur's eyes quickly roamed her body with appreciation before moving back to the mirror as she continued fixing her hair.
Hermione stepped beside her, twisting her shoulder to try and see how bad the scratches were. Nothing.
"The scratches you left on my shoulder entirely healed overnight," Hermione commented.
To her surprise, Fleur blushed a deep red.
"Er, sorry about that," Fleur muttered.
Hermione couldn't believe it. Fleur flustered.
"Well, I suppose this mates thing has its benefits," Hermione smiled, sweeping away across the room. She felt her mood further boost as she felt eyes on her.
Hermione got changed quickly. She kept it simple; pulling on cotton underwear followed by a white tee and black jeans. She pulled on some socks and her Converse before heading back to the mirror to fix her hair.
Fleur had finally finished getting ready and looked poised to head out the door. But she paused, biting her lip.
"Good luck for today," Fleur said.
"Thanks," Hermione replied with a smile.
The brunette was thrown off-guard as Fleur closed the gap between them and pulled her into a kiss. Hermione hummed with enjoyment as Fleur deepened the kiss. The blonde's hands were roaming her body, running up her side one minute, then down her back the next. Fleur's actions had a hunger about them again. A hunger that drew Hermione in.
Hermione's hands tangled into Fleur's silky soft hair. She was losing herself in the kiss, forgetting entirely about her impending exam and job interview for the moment. Fleur's hands slipped under the waistband of her jeans, under her underwear, cupping Hermione's ass.
Hermione was surprised, but liked it.
Fleur withdrew her wandering hands and broke the kiss, looking a little guilty.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to get so carried away," Fleur apologized, "I just… I'll be thinking about you today."
"Thanks," Hermione grinned, "That means a lot."
Hermione wasn't sure if it was the bond growing between her and Fleur, but she was feeling the most confident and energized she ever had in an exam.
Her hand practically flew over the parchment, confidently drafting essays and answers without hesitation.
Usually she felt quite frazzled in exams. Her curly hair would usually be frizzed and messy by the end of an exam and she would be pale and clammy. But today she felt calm and collected.
For the first time in her entire life, Hermione left an exam early.
Hermione caught a Floo from the university campus to the Ministry, ducking into a bathroom to change into interview appropriate attire. She went with the same outfit she had worn for Fleur's birthday dinner, but wore a charcoal blazer over the top.
Checking her curls were still tamed in the mirror, Hermione smiled and breezed out the door.
It felt like she had drunk some Felix Felicis.
As Hermione stepped into an elevator, a flurry of animated paper planes followed her in. Hermione recognized them as the memos that flew around the Ministry, delivering notes to staff. One of the paper planes seemed to take a liking to Hermione, flapping over and landing on her shoulder.
"Not now, little guy," Hermione murmured, brushing the paper plane off her shoulder.
It flapped, affronted, and landed on her shoulder again.
Suspicious, Hermione snatched it in her hand. She noticed her name on the edge of one of its wings.
"Ohhh," Hermione conceded, allowing the memo to flatten itself out to be read.
'Dear Hermione,
I hope your exam went well. I have been thinking of you all day.
Bill invited us both to enjoy dinner with him after work. Let me know if you are happy to join. I understand if you don't feel like giving him a chance just yet.
Good luck for your job interview! They would be crazy to turn you down.
Yours,
Fleur.
P.S. I haven't been able to stop thinking about last night. Perhaps we can have a repeat when we get home tonight?"
Hermione was glad there were only memos in the elevator with her as her face heated up with a blush at the last line. She pulled out a ballpoint pen from her pocket, scrawling her assent to both suggestions.
The brunette exhaled, grinning widely.
Had Harry or Ron slipped her some Felix Felicis? Things seemed to be going almost too well for Hermione.
The elevator let out and Hermione got out at a small office area. There was a reception with a pretty brunette behind the desk.
"Can I help you… Oh, my! You're Hermione Granger!" the receptionist gushed.
"Er, yes I am," Hermione said, rubbing the back of her neck, "I'm here to interview for the Policy role at the Department of Magical Creatures."
"The Golden Girl of the Golden Trio," the receptionist replied, ignoring the last part of Hermione's sentence. She batted her eyelashes and leaned forward in her seat, "Are you up to anything tonight?"
"Er," Hermione was thrown. Was she giving off vibes now? She swore before the entire baby debacle had started, she'd never attracted attention from women this much. "Sorry, but I'm going to dinner with my girlfriend and her best friend."
"Oh, a girlfriend!" the receptionist pouted, "Just my luck! Who is the lucky lady?"
"Um, Fleur Delacour," Hermione said, growing increasingly uncomfortable, "Anyway, I have an interview to attend."
"Oh, of course," the receptionist groaned, "No ordinary woman could compete with the likes of Fleur bloody Delacour!"
"Er, the interview?" Hermione prompted, drumming her hands on the desk.
The receptionist finally seemed to snap out of her distracted state, quickly scrawling a memo.
"Right, I'll let them know you've arrived," the receptionist said matter-of-factly, charming the memo to fly off.
Hermione straightened her shirt, inwardly steeling herself to ace the interview.
Hermione left the interview surprisingly late. The panel of interviewers had been fascinated by her, and not just for her wartime fame. They had enjoyed several hours of in depth discussion on the pros and cons of different policy strategies in the world of Magical Creatures.
Hermione wasn't just feeling positive about the outcome of the interview, she was feeling positive about the future of the Magical Creature department she would be joining.
When she entered the reception area again, she was surprised to find Fleur sitting in the waiting area, exchanging glares with the receptionist.
"Oh, Fleur! What are you doing here?" Hermione exclaimed, as the heavily pregnant Veela rose to greet her. Fleur kissed her softly on the lips before drawing away to shoot daggers at the receptionist again.
"You were taking so long so I decided to come and wait for you," Fleur replied, "The receptionist here was très unhelpful. She seemed more concerned with yearning after something that is not hers."
Fleur snaked an arm around Hermione's waist possessively and Hermione had to suppress a smile. It was quite cute seeing Fleur possessive over her.
Hermione wasn't going to prod the hormonal Veela about it though, opting to change the subject for the safety of the receptionist.
"Well, we are probably due at dinner with Bill, right?" Hermione prompted.
The change of subject had the desired effect, as Fleur's expression softened considerably.
"Oui!" Fleur nodded, pleased.
Hermione took her hand and led them out of the offices.
Fleur's mood seemed to lift further as they got out of the Ministry and walked through the streets. It lifted enough that Hermione felt brave enough to venture into talking about what had just happened.
"I don't think I've ever seen you jealous before," Hermione observed. Fleur snorted.
"Of course you have," Fleur replied darkly, "Remember when you went on that date with that girl with the French name?"
Hermione's stomach dropped for a second as she remembered her attempts at giving things a go with Amelie. It was strange, because back then she was not dating Fleur, but it almost felt like cheating.
"Er, right," Hermione said awkwardly, "I didn't quite appreciate that you were jealous of her."
"Merde, was I ever," Fleur muttered darkly, "I wasn't about to say that to you, though! I think I would have lost it if anything had ever happened with you and that girl."
Hermione swallowed nervously. She debated inwardly telling Fleur right now that she had actually slept with Amelie, but decided against it. Fleur was moody enough after the receptionist and it was a bad idea to piss off the Veela so early in their evening's plans. She could only imagine how horrid a dinner with Bill Weasley would be with Fleur in a mood on top of it.
"So, where are we going for dinner?" Hermione asked abruptly.
"Oh, right here!" Fleur looked up, her eyes lighting up as she recognized where they were.
It was a small but fashionable looking eatery, almost hidden amongst the cluster of busy bars, cafes and restaurants. Hermione followed Fleur inside, feeling a little self-conscious. She wasn't used to going to such trendy places. As soon as she entered, everyone seemed to stare at her straight away.
"It is just because you are a member of the Golden Trio," Fleur murmured under her breath, seeming to read Hermione's stiffened posture. Hermione nodded, grateful to Fleur for easing her nerves. Everyone in the eatery seemed so polished and fashionable. Hermione just felt out of place.
"Fleur, darling!" Bill called out, coming over to pull Fleur into a hug.
Bill had his hair tied up in a bun today, his fang earring back in appearance. He was wearing a silvery shirt that appeared to be enchanted. He had paired it with some ripped black jeans and expensive looking black leather boots.
"Bill, I missed you and our evening catch ups," Fleur smiled, kissing the redhead on each cheek.
"Hermione," Bill greeted coolly, as he turned to acknowledge the brunette.
Hermione tried not to roll here eyes. Bill could at least try to hide his disdain for her.
"Bill," Hermione greeted stiffly.
"Decided just to throw on any old rags, I see," Bill sniffed.
Fleur glared at him.
"Bill, play nice," Fleur chided, "I think she looks impeccable. She's actually just come from a job interview."
"I'm sure that went well," Bill replied, although his eyes seemed to disagree with his statement.
The three of them sat down at a table and Bill immediately waved down a waiter to order a wine. Fleur ordered a sparkling water. Hermione ordered a beer, earning a withering look from Bill.
Hermione could feel her temper flaring as the drinks materialized on the table. Bill could at least give her a chance. She was best friends with his brother and dating his best friend after all.
"I was waiting there for ages!" Fleur exclaimed, "They must have really liked her to talk to her for that long."
"Or it went that poorly," Bill muttered under his breath, sipping at his wine.
"Oh, it only went poorly for me," Fleur groaned, "The receptionist was entirely besotted with Hermione. I think if Hermione's interview had gone any longer she would have found a way to push me down some stairs."
"Yes, well, even Hermione has her suitors I suppose," Bill drawled, drumming his fingers on the table, "What was the name of that raggedy haired girl Ron kept talking about you screwing? Amy? Andrea? Sounded like a real catch, Hermione."
Bill's voice was dripping with sarcasm but Hermione wasn't even paying attention, her eyes fixed intently on Fleur.
A thunderous look had crossed her face before the wall of ice descended. Hermione felt her stomach twist uncomfortably.
"Hermione… You didn't tell me you slept with her," Fleur said, her voice in forced evenness.
Hermione felt herself break out into a sweat. She was vaguely aware of Bill's face lighting up as he watched the two women interact.
"I… We weren't together then," Hermione said weakly.
Fleur's eyes flashed dangerously.
"We were just talking about her and I just told you about how I would feel if anything happened!" Fleur said acidly, "You didn't say a thing! You were hiding it from me!"
"I—Not really—Maybe technically—" Hermione stammered, "I would've told you eventually! It just wasn't good timing."
Bill scoffed.
Fleur grabbed her sparkling water and threw it in Hermione's face.
"Save it, Hermione!" Fleur hissed, getting to her feet and storming out of the eatery.
Hermione, furious, rounded on Bill.
"What did you have to go and drag that up for?" Hermione fumed.
Bill smirked and leaned back in his chair, swirling his wine.
"She's too good for you," Bill shrugged simply.
"I look after her, I look after the baby, I goddamn love her!" Hermione exclaimed, "What isn't good enough about that? I would do anything for her and the baby! You need to drop the judgment with me because I'm going to be in Fleur's life for a long time."
"She didn't seem too happy just now," Bill said, sipping at his glass, "Maybe she doesn't like you anymore?"
"It's just the bloody pregnancy hormones!" Hermione snapped, "She'll calm down! Stop trying to make things worse."
"I'm just trying to look out for my best friend," Bill said leaning in and glaring at Hermione.
"Yeah? Well, it doesn't seem like it from where I'm sitting!" Hermione shot back. She grabbed a napkin, dabbing the water from her face and hair as best as she could. She tossed it back on the table with a galleon and left without looking at Bill again.
She was sick of him judging her. She was sick of him trying to get in Fleur's head.
Hermione just hoped she could calm Fleur down enough to see reason.