A/N: Hi all, we're getting closer to the end on this one :)
I wanted to take some time to thank those you dropped a review or a PM to me. I tried to incorporate as many requests and ideas in as I could but unfortunately not all fit. P.S. special shout out to mione03, a reviewer after my own heart- my personal favourite Fleurmione sex scene is also Fleur on all fours with Hermione taking her from behind ;) I love fics where Hermione takes her bossiness into the bedroom and Fleur actually submits to someone. Such a hot dynamic to me- probably why I write them like that in most of my own fics. Another shout out to averiarose who sent me a bunch of great suggestions/requests/ideas and encouraged me to keep going- your message came just as my motivation was really fading.
If any of you are reading Fleurmione fics and thinking 'hmm I have a few ideas for that pairing' - here is your sign to delve into writing: DO IT. I read Fleurmione fics until I ran out and then started writing my own (HOPEFULLY I'm improving over time). I honestly search 'fleurmione' on here most days just in case there is a new fic, hah. Yeah, it sucks reviewing to check spelling and grammar is making sense, but there are betas out there if you're no good at proofreading and it's fun sharing little fics with strangers on the internet.
Hermione padded into the kitchen, following a curious smell.
She had just put Hugo down to bed again when she noticed an aroma coming from the living areas. It was a little early for Fleur to be making dinner, which confused the brunette. On top of that, it didn't exactly smell good.
Hermione bit her lip, already trying to concoct something diplomatic to say to Fleur to spare her feelings (and temper) about the terrible smelling food.
She halted as she walked in.
Fleur looked extremely frazzled, she had her phone on speaker on the countertop and was speaking in French rapidly. The countertop was littered with what looked like the contents of a school Potions kit plus some of the plants from outside. Fleur had a cauldron out and was stirring it intermittently.
She was still wearing her robe over her lingerie, but had tied her hair up into a loose bun, wiping strands of her hair away from her forehead distractedly.
"Erm, is everything okay?" Hermione asked, raising an eyebrow.
Fleur swore and looked up at Hermione. She rattled off something else in French before hanging up her phone.
"Was that Cassandra on the line?" Hermione asked, further confused. She knew she should have learned French, "I thought you were busy working on your project."
"I was," Fleur replied, "But then I remembered something slipped both our minds earlier."
"It did?" Hermione asked. She stepped into the kitchen area and peered into the cauldron. It was full of a green and sludgy looking paste. Hermione really hoped that Fleur wasn't about to insist she have some.
Fleur whipped around to face Hermione, looking at her with disbelief.
"The issue of not wanting to give Hugo a sibling?" Fleur reminded Hermione. Hermione's jaw dropped.
"Fuck!" Hermione yelped, "Er, sorry… I guess a lifetime of not thinking I could get women pregnant is really taking a while to forget. Heh, would it even work if I used… You know… A toy?"
"I don't know, but I don't want to find out," Fleur snapped, turning back to the cauldron, "Grandmere has helped me with this potion that should stop any potential pregnancy from taking."
Hermione was relieved that she wasn't the one that would have to eat the putrid looking paste, but didn't say that aloud to Fleur.
"So, kind of a Veela morning after pill, huh?" Hermione joked.
Fleur shot her a withering look.
"It isn't funny, Hermione," Fleur replied, "Hugo is still so young. I'm not ready to be pregnant again yet."
"You know, if I'd been able to track you down earlier after the first mistake, you might have been able to make this remedy then… Do you regret that?" Hermione asked, watching as Fleur dipped a spoon tentatively into the cauldron.
Fleur put it down for a moment, turning to Hermione.
"I don't regret having Hugo at all," Fleur answered honestly, "He is such a special little boy! Plus, the pregnancy is what brought us together."
She kissed Hermione quickly, before grabbing the spoon and swallowing the paste with a wince.
Hermione grimaced.
"That didn't look like it tasted very good," Hermione said.
Fleur shook her head, her face crinkling with disgust.
"It really did not," Fleur replied, "But I suppose it is a lesson for me not to be so careless with contraception. Something about you just makes every piece of reason leave my mind."
Hermione was stunned. Fleur didn't usually share such romantic notions with her.
"I do?" Hermione asked.
Fleur blushed slightly.
"Ah, I should get back to my project," Fleur replied awkwardly, attempting to sidle away. Hermione caught her around the waist.
"You know… It might not be the right time now, but I would really like to have more children with you in the future," Hermione said. Fleur smiled warmly.
"You would?" Fleur asked. She looked so vulnerable in Hermione's arms.
Hermione thought about how far her and Fleur had come. There was a time when they never would have brought themselves to discuss such things. Yet they had such a way to go. While they called each other 'love' and 'amour' as pet names frequently, neither had worked up the courage to say that they actually loved each other. Well, Hermione hoped Fleur loved her back.
Hermione wanted her Gryffindor bravery to prevail so she could just say the words to Fleur. The timing now would be perfect.
"I…"
Hermione felt like her stomach was trying to wrench its way out of her body. She felt like she was going to throw up. Why was saying three simple words so difficult?
"I…"
Fleur's face looked curious and – if Hermione wasn't imagining it—maybe a little hopeful.
"I… Ah… Wouldn't think you could get pregnant from the type of shagging we just did," Hermione blurted in a panic. As soon as the words left her mouth, she inwardly face-palmed.
Fleur's eyes narrowed and she looked decidedly unimpressed.
"Really funny," Fleur shot back at her, annoyed, "Keep it up and I won't let you do it any way with me again."
She pulled herself out of Hermione's arms and began to glide across the room.
"Fleur—Sorry, that was stupid—" Hermione attempted to remedy the situation.
Fleur whirled around, eyes flashing with silver.
"And since you're such a wise guy today, you can clean up the mess in the kitchen!" Fleur snapped.
Hermione groaned, turning to look at the sludgy mess in the cauldron and the wild littering of ingredients around the kitchen.
Later that evening, after a delicious meal over quite a frosty dinner table, Hermione changed Hugo while Fleur took a long shower.
"Why can't I just tell your Maman that I love her?" Hermione asked Hugo.
Hugo looked up at Hermione with his big brown eyes, babbling happily before kicking his little legs.
Hermione smiled at her little son.
"I always seem to say the wrong thing to her when I'm under pressure," Hermione told Hugo, changing him into his little onesie with printed lions on it.
Hugo gurgled, kicking some more.
"Yeah, it's easy to talk to you, isn't it sweetie?" Hermione smiled, settling him in, "But maybe when you're older you'll intimidate people that like you as much as your Maman does."
Hugo yawned, wriggling less.
"That's right, honey," Hermione cooed, "You get some sleep. You need your energy to grow up and be a big strong boy."
Hugo yawned again, his eyes slowly shutting.
"Goodnight my sweet baby boy," Hermione murmured, padding out of the room softly.
When she got back to the master bedroom, Fleur was back from her shower, standing by a mirror finishing her lengthy skin routine. She was nude, her long platinum-blonde hair damp and loose down her back.
Hermione's eyes trailed down Fleur's form; her slim waist, the dimples at the base of her back. They came to rest on Fleur's shapely backside.
"Don't get any ideas," Fleur warned, putting the lid of her moisturizer back on.
Hermione sighed. Fleur had a sixth sense when it came to people checking her out.
"Fleur, I'm sorry about before," Hermione started.
Fleur turned around, raising a hand to hush Hermione.
"I don't want to get into an argument before bed," Fleur replied, "I know you accidentally said something worse than what you intended… But it still annoyed me. I guess I was just hoping you were going to say something else."
"I'm sorry," Hermione said softly, not wanting to push the issue.
Fleur shrugged before climbing into bed and switching off the lamp.
Hermione went to the bathroom and brushed her teeth before hopping into the shower herself.
She could practically hear what her friends' advice would be: stop overthinking it. But it was easier said than done.
The shower water beat down on Hermione's tense shoulders, relaxing her somewhat. She just had to get it together the next time the moment was right.
By the time Hermione had finished up her shower and got back to the master bedroom to change into her pajamas, Fleur's eyes were shut and she was curled up on her side. Hermione's heart ached and she climbed into the bed behind Fleur, taking her in her arms and spooning her.
Hermione had felt a renewed focus at work, driven by her need to protect Fleur and Hugo. She had finally finished her proposal and circulated it around the office.
Ralph Buckle had already approached her and voiced his support for the full review of restrictions on humanoid magical creatures. But Hermione was still waiting to hear from her other colleagues. She'd need their support to push it forward.
Mrs Shrewsberry came in, sitting down at a desk near Hermione. Her beige perm was looking stiffer than ever and she had a distasteful look on her face.
"Hermione," Mrs Shrewsberry sighed, "I read your proposal… And I can't help but fear you are a little biased."
"Biased?" Hermione asked, frowning.
"Well, I heard your Fleur is a Veela," Mrs Shrewsberry responded in a hushed and scandalized tone. Hermione narrowed her eyes.
"Only part," Hermione replied tersely, "I hope you didn't find that out from the Magical Creatures registers. You know you aren't supposed to be looking at those for personal reasons."
When Hermione was done in this department, there would be no more arduous paperwork and registers of part-creatures. Still, she had a way to go before that would be reality.
"It doesn't matter how I found out," Mrs Shrewsberry sniffed, "I just think you are a little clouded in your judgment. Veela can be quite dangerous, you know. That is the whole reason those restrictions on hospitals and other public places exist."
"Those restrictions are outdated," Hermione replied, her temper flaring, "Most of the rules around part-creatures and humanoid creatures were written before the time of Newt Scamander. Back then they could barely tell a dragon apart from a humanoid creature like a Veela or a Werewolf!"
"Even Newt Scamander noted their high danger level," Mrs Shrewsberry retorted.
"Yes—in the right circumstances!" Hermione argued back, getting even angrier, "Nobody is saying a Veela should waltz into a hospital while transformed or a Werewolf should visit a playground while transformed! You are simply casting a wide net to further disenfranchise these people! Do I even need to point out how dangerous a wizard with a wand is in the right circumstances?"
Mrs Shrewsberry frowned, her wrinkled face contorting awfully.
As if on cue, the two office doors opened and Mr Lanolin and Harald Lemnos entered, each clutching a copy of Hermione's proposal. Hermione braced herself for more criticism.
"Hermione…" Mr Lanolin began.
"This is exactly the kind of approach we hired you to bring in!" Lemnos praised, beaming at her, "I knew bringing in some fresh blood would point us in the right direction."
"I couldn't agree more," Mr Lanolin agreed, "You raise incredibly good points. A lot of these regulations are totally outdated and have never been reviewed!"
Hermione let out a sigh of relief.
"I've already run it up the flagpole," Lemnos told her, "They haven't made an official decision yet… But I can share between our team that it looks like we will be doing a full overhaul of these policies to create a fairer framework for our Creature and Part-Creature public."
Hermione grinned, ecstatic. She couldn't wait to tell Fleur the news.
It was icing on the cake that Mrs Shrewsberry looked entirely put out by it.
Hermione had a spring in her step as she headed home that evening. It was the evening of their housewarming, so Hermione decided she would wait until everyone had left to tell Fleur about her victory at work.
She tossed Floo in one of the Ministry fireplaces, stepping out into the living area at the cottage.
Fleur swept over to her immediately, kissing her lightly on the lips.
"Salut, my lion," Fleur greeted, "I have laid out some clothes for you for tonight. I've just about finished making some food for our guests."
"Laid out some clothes for me!" Hermione exclaimed, surprised.
Fleur gave her a coy smile.
"Just something I think you would look very dashing in," Fleur assured, "Nothing too different to what you usually wear."
"Okay," Hermione replied.
Fleur was wearing an apron over jeans and a tee, whisking back into the kitchen to attend to her food.
"I dropped Hugo off with Mr and Mrs Weasley," Fleur called out to Hermione as the brunette headed to their room, "We pick him up first thing tomorrow morning."
Hermione stepped into their room, noting the clothes laid out on the bed for her. A form fitting tailored shirt, a pair of tight tailored suit pants, some heeled black leather boots. Hermione smiled, Fleur hadn't lied about picking something that was in her comfort zone.
She changed into the clothes, noting that Fleur must be very excited to show off their house given the effort she was going to.
Fleur herself entered the room, stripping her tee off before pulling her jeans off. Hermione's jaw slackened at the sight of her beautiful girlfriend standing in her lingerie. Her hands paused on her shirt, just about to button it up.
"How did I get so lucky…" Hermione muttered, not even realizing she was speaking out loud.
Fleur turned to her and flashed a smile, before stepping up to Hermione. She slipped her hands inside Hermione's shirt and around her back, her fingers playing at the tense muscles of Hermione's lower back.
"Thank you for doing this for me," Fleur said softly, leaning in and brushing her lips against Hermione's.
Hermione hummed contentedly, bringing her arms tightly around her girlfriend. As her hands ran down Fleur's fine form, Hermione felt her heart rate speed up. Her hands came to rest snugly on Fleur's ass as she deepened the kiss.
Feeling Fleur's soft tongue against her own, she lost control, pushing the blonde up against a nearby wall.
Fleur whimpered into the kiss, her nails softly raking down Hermione's back.
Hermione growled, wanting to take Fleur right then and there. She pressed harder against Fleur, her kiss getting more needful.
Fleur broke the kiss with a gasp, pushing Hermione softly off her.
Hermione panted, frustrated, her honey flecked brown eyes locking with Fleur's gaze. Fleur's pupils were wide and the deep blue of her iris was flecked with silver again.
"If we start now… We won't be able to stop. We would risk being caught in the middle of things as our guests arrive," Fleur explained.
Hermione bit her lip, wanting Fleur badly, but nodded. The last thing she wanted was to have Harry and Ron walk in on her taking Fleur on all fours.
Reluctantly, she sighed and buttoned up her shirt, trying to take her mind off sex. She'd never had this problem at Hogwarts. It was probably for the best… Sex was far too distracting. She never would have completed her OWLs.
Fleur slipped a svelte dress on before finding a pair of high heels and getting them on.
No sooner had she got her clothes on, when there was a knock at the door. Hermione went to answer it, leaving Fleur to fuss with her long mane of hair.
At the door was Harry, Ron and Luna. Hermione noticed that Luna and Harry were standing awfully close to one another. It appeared their one-night stand was turning into something more serious.
Ron produced a bottle of wine from behind his back, handing it to Hermione.
"It's a nice one, I promise," Ron said with a lop-sided grin, "These two just wanted to get you a six pack of butterbeer."
"I would have been happy with that," Hermione chuckled, ushering the group inside. She was pleasantly surprised by Ron's growing interest in food and beverages.
"This place is very nice," Luna commented dreamily, looking around the cottage.
"I can tell Fleur was in charge of re-decorating," Harry smiled, noting the number of artfully placed vases and throw-pillows.
"She was," Hermione said, grinning happily, "So how is the job hunt going?"
Ron shrugged.
"The Ministry Auror department are having another round of recruiting," Ron replied, "I reckon this time we'll get it!"
There was another knock at the door and Hermione went to answer it.
This time it was Ginny and Amelie. They still appeared quite loved-up, holding hands tightly. Hermione couldn't be happier for her friends.
Amelie looked a little concerned.
"Is Fleur… Is she okay with me now?" Amelie asked. Hermione nodded.
"Yeah, we're past that now," Hermione replied, ushering them both in. They'd barely got in the door when there was another knock.
This time it was Bill. Hermione frowned a little.
Bill was dressed impeccably, a tidy shirt tucked into some blue suit pants. His hair was tied up into a bun and he was wearing his fang earring again.
"Hermione," Bill greeted neutrally.
"Bill," Hermione replied, stepping aside to let him in.
A small crowd of people arrived at the door. Hermione recognized them as being some of Fleur's French friends, Sophie amongst them.
Sophie came forward and threw her arms around Hermione, kissing her on each cheek.
"Hermione! How are you?" Sophie greeted, "It has been far too long!"
"Hi Sophie! I'm well," Hermione responded politely, "It has been quite full on since little Hugo arrived, but things are going really well!"
"I'm so glad to hear," Sophie replied, flipping her silvery blonde hair over her shoulder, "You remember Antoinette?"
Hermione recognized the redheaded werewolf from the last time Fleur's French friends were in town. A couple of the other women in the group looked familiar.
Sophie lowered her voice, muttering in a low tone in Hermione's ear.
"By the way, I'm really sorry about him," Sophie said quietly, "Antoinette ran into him and invited him."
Hermione, confused, noticed a man in the group. He was exceedingly handsome, well muscled and had a chiseled jaw. He had a thick head of dark hair, stylishly swept, and tanned skin. He had a large perfectly white smile.
"I'm sorry… I don't quite understand…" Hermione replied as the group shuffled inside.
Sophie hung back beside Hermione.
"Paul," Sophie clarified, gesturing at the handsome man, "He's Fleur's ex."
"Oh," Hermione replied, her heart sinking. Someone that Fleur had chosen, not her Veela blood. He was exceedingly handsome, almost unearthly so. A real match for Fleur's beauty.
"Don't let it bother you," Sophie said, seeming to read Hermione's mind, "He is a bit of an ass. Besides, I've never seen Fleur light up with anyone else the way she does with you."
"Thanks," Hermione replied, smiling slightly, though her eyes still stayed on Paul.
"Let us have a glass of wine, darling," Sophie purred, clearly using a flash of Veela charm to smooth over Hermione's disgruntled mood. She led them into the kitchen area, complimenting the styling of the cottage at every step.
Hermione fetched them a goblet each, and Sophie produced a bottle of expensive French wine, filling the goblets.
"How long ago did they date?" Hermione asked, narrowing her eyes as she saw Paul embracing and greeting Fleur across the room.
"Years ago," Sophie said dismissively, "So, I see Ginny is here tonight."
"Down, tiger," Hermione chuckled, "She has a girlfriend now—that dark haired witch beside her."
"Hmmm… She's cute too," Sophie smirked, tapping her chin in interest.
"What are you up to?" Hermione asked, eying the crafty Veela with suspicion. She had a decidedly predatory look about her. Hermione was willing to bet that Amelie and Ginny would have their hands full with the alluring Veela.
"Merely interested in getting to know the happy couple," Sophie said silkily, raising her eyebrows.
As Sophie slipped away to go chat to the unsuspecting Amelie and Ginny, Hermione went to see Fleur. The well-muscled Paul was still talking to her.
"Hey, babe," Hermione greeted, snaking an arm around Fleur's slight waist. The part-Veela beamed at her.
"Salut, Hermione," Fleur greeted, pecking her on the cheek, "Paul, this is my partner, Hermione. Hermione, this is Paul."
"Hi," Hermione greeted stiffly.
"Salut, Hermione," Paul greeted with his thick French accent, he crossed his arms tightly across his chest, flexing his muscles.
"Bill!" Fleur exclaimed, as Bill came to join them, a wine in his hand. He shot a wary look at Hermione before smiling at Fleur.
"Hi, darling," Bill greeted Fleur with a smile.
"Bill, this is Paul," Fleur introduced the redhead to her handsome ex, "Paul, this is my best friend, Bill."
"Charmed," Paul drawled, his eyes flicking up and down Bill's outfit with judgment. Bill frowned.
"I'll be right back," Fleur said suddenly, waving across the room at Antoinette. She hurried off to greet her other friends, leaving Bill and Hermione with Paul. As soon as Fleur had left, Paul smiled derisively at Hermione.
"Quaint little place you have here," Paul smirked. Hermione inwardly groaned. Was every man in Fleur's life so possessive?!
"Well, Fleur loves it," Hermione replied evenly.
Paul's eyes then flicked to Bill.
"It is quite cute how she has settled for this hick life," Paul smirked, "To be honest, I thought she would move back to France with me and that we would end up in an estate even nicer than her parents' place."
"You've been to the Delacour Estate?" Hermione asked, narrowing her eyes. Paul smirked.
"Everyone of decent society in Marseilles has, Hermione," Paul said haughtily, "My family is very well known there."
"I've never heard of you," Hermione mumbled, rolling her eyes. Paul frowned.
"You know, if you hadn't gone and knocked her up, we probably would have been dating again by now," Paul said, flexing his muscles again.
"I don't know what on Earth she would have seen in you," Bill cut in, frowning, "Yes, Fleur likes pretty things, but not without substance."
Paul glared at Bill.
"I don't know why she would be associating with the likes of you," Paul sniffed, "Maybe her taste has deteriorated since I left her life."
"Or she finally saw sense," Hermione growled.
"I'd stay here and argue with you," Paul replied, "But I have better things to do," he raised his voice then, calling across the room, "Hey, Fleur! Let me help you carry that food outside. You look like you need some muscle power!"
He walked off, leaving both Bill and Hermione to grit their teeth with annoyance.
"What an absolute tit," Bill scowled.
"For once, I agree with you, Bill," Hermione replied, crossing her arms across her chest.
"What do you think about teaching that arse a lesson?" Bill asked, quirking an eyebrow.
Hermione turned to Bill, an uncharacteristically evil smile growing on her face. She extended her hand.
"Well… As long as you promise not to be a git," Hermione said. Bill shook Hermione's hand tightly.
"Deal."
Later that evening, Hermione sat on a bench under the apple tree with Bill, fuming as she watched Paul show off and fawn over Fleur.
"I don't know why she would have ever dated a jerk like that," Hermione grumbled.
"He probably did what everyone does with Fleur," Bill frowned, crossing his legs as he nursed his wine, "Act charming and lovely whenever she was around—hiding his shitty side from her."
"Is that what you thought I was doing?" Hermione asked, suddenly curious. She was sipping on a bottle of beer now. Bill shot her a sideways glance.
"Well, it is what everyone does with her," Bill conceded, "People fall over themselves to be with her, pretending to be people that they're not."
Hermione snorted.
"And what did you think I was pretending to be?" Hermione asked, quirking an eyebrow, "I was pretending to be a nerd? A frizzy haired loser?"
Bill shook his head.
"A prodigy and decorated war hero?" Bill said, "You're just another person who was too good to be true for Fleur."
"I've never tried to be anything I'm not," Hermione said flatly, her brown eyes turning back to glare at Paul's back. He was now ridiculously doing push ups in front of Fleur, clapping between them.
"Well, you've got nothing on him, that's for sure," Bill said, following her gaze.
"I know you're trying to protect her," Hermione said, sipping at her beer, "I am too."
Bill looked at her, nodding quietly. Between her terse conversation with him at his flat, and this conversation, it seemed like Bill was finally starting to believe her.
"So…" Bill cleared his throat, "Interested in messing with Prince Charming over there?"
"Sure," Hermione replied, "Got any ideas?"
"Please," Bill smirked, "With Fred and George in the family? I have ideas."
Hermione roamed around the housewarming, pleased to see everyone was having a good time. Harry had slung an arm around Luna. Ron had found one of Fleur's friends was quite into cooking, and was having a genuine conversation with a woman for once, instead of drooling.
Sophie was sitting between Ginny and Amelie on the sofa, a cocky smile across her face. Hermione withheld an eye-roll. She couldn't believe that Ginny was once again oblivious to the intentions of the pretty Veela. Amelie, on the other hand, seemed well-aware of Sophie's intentions judging by the broad smile on her face and the way she was looking at both Ginny and Sophie.
"Ginny, Ginny, Ginny," Hermione muttered to herself, "Perhaps the only one more clueless about women than I am."
She walked up to Fleur, who was talking with Antoinette and Paul.
"…So then I just rescued the orphans from the fire," Paul was finishing a tall tale, raising his eyebrows and flexing his muscles. Fleur was simply nodding politely, more interested in catching up with Antoinette than Paul. Yet Hermione was still annoyed by the Frenchman. How dare he come into her family's house and flirt with Fleur? He wasn't even invited!
Hermione drained the beer in her hand in one go.
Bill joined the group, letting out a low whistle.
"Wow, Hermione," Bill commented, "I don't think I've seen anyone neck back a beer that fast! Impressive! Don't you think, Fleur?"
Fleur, looking a little confused, simply nodded.
Paul narrowed his eyes, looking at Hermione.
"I mean, nobody could finish a beer faster than you, Hermione," Bill emphasized, shooting Paul a challenging look.
"I could," Paul said, immediately taking up the challenge. He tensed his muscles, making his biceps stand out.
Bill grinned broadly, producing a frosty uncapped bottle from behind his back.
"Prove it, mate," Bill said, offering the bottle.
"Fine," Paul insisted, snatching the bottle. He chugged it down as fast as he could before puffing out his chest proudly, "Did you see that, Fleur? I did it faster than Hermione."
Fleur looked slowly from Paul to Bill and Hermione as if she could sense something was afoot.
Paul suddenly paled, doubling over.
"Are you okay?" Antoinette asked, raising her eyebrows.
Paul suddenly retched, vomiting a number of fat slugs onto the lawn. Fleur scrunched her face up in disgust while Antoinette let out a horrified scream.
"Fleur—I—" Paul began, before vomiting up more slugs.
Hermione and Bill excused themselves, waiting until they got inside the cottage to descend into snickers.
"Ron's infamous incident at Hogwarts inspired me for that one," Bill smirked. Hermione chuckled, remembering it well. The two of them wandered into the kitchen, pouring themselves a celebratory wine.
"How good was it to see the smug look wiped off his face?" Hermione said with a grin. She'd never usually been one for pranking people, but her possessiveness of Fleur knew few bounds.
A throat clearing alerted Hermione and Bill to Fleur's presence. She was standing behind them, hands on her hips, tapping a heeled foot.
"Oh, er, hey, Fleur," Bill greeted weakly, trying not to look guilty.
"Ah, hope Paul is okay," Hermione said innocently.
"No thanks to you two," Fleur replied, cocking a brow, "How stupid do you think I am? Don't think I haven't noticed you two shooting daggers at him and muttering amongst yourselves."
"Fleur…" Hermione began, but was waved off by the blonde.
"You're lucky I also find him obnoxious," Fleur continued, "I dated him in the summer after I finished Beauxbatons and broke up with him when I realized how vapid and status oriented he is. Antoinette brought him along because she's always had a soft spot for him. Still… I don't appreciate you two ruining the housewarming."
"It isn't ruined at all, darling," Bill said with a grin, "If anything, now everyone will have an amusing story to talk about afterwards."
Fleur narrowed her eyes at them.
"I'm just glad you're finally getting along with Hermione," Fleur said eventually, before sweeping away.
Bill smiled at Hermione.
"I guess you aren't so bad," he said.
"You aren't so bad yourself," Hermione said with a half smile.
The rest of the night was relatively uneventful in comparison. Paul spent an hour outside hunched over a bucket before making his excuses to leave, a sympathetic Antoinette on his arm.
The housewarming was far more enjoyable for Hermione once Paul was gone. She gave out food to the guests, loving how Fleur's face lit up as people complimented the food.
She even found herself gossiping with Bill, noting how obvious Harry and Luna were whenever they snuck away to snog in private. She also pointed out to Bill how oblivious Ginny was, even as Sophie had one hand on Ginny's thigh and the other on Amelie's thigh.
"Is it just me or is Sophie attempting to seduce your sister and her girlfriend?" Fleur asked, coming to join Bill and Hermione.
"Most definitely," Bill replied.
"It is just hilarious how oblivious she is," Hermione snorted, "She probably won't realize what's going on until they all start snogging each other."
Fleur shook her head in disbelief.
Hermione snaked an arm around Fleur's waist, kissing her cheek.
"You know, it has been a great housewarming, Fleur," Hermione told her girlfriend.
"Despite you two hexing one of the guests," Fleur said, rolling her eyes.
"I thought you said you were glad we were getting along," Bill said with a smirk.
"Well, yes, I am," Fleur said with a sigh, "But you are both so protective of me sometimes."
"It's just because we care," Hermione said apologetically.
As reparation for their actions, Hermione and Bill cleaned up the slugs from the lawn outside. The small housewarming began to wrap up as they finished. Luna and Harry finally made their excuses to head back to Grimmauld Place, blushing profusely. Ron, to his utter surprise, was invited to go out for a drink with Fleur's friend to discuss cooking some more. Sophie, a smug smile firmly affixed to her face, left with Amelie holding one hand and Ginny holding the other. She flashed Hermione a knowing wink on her way out. Hermione shook her head. Truly incorrigible.
Finally, it was just Bill, Fleur and Hermione left. They cleared up the plates and Bill and Hermione did the dishes together.
Bill shrugged on his jacket as he headed to the door, embracing Fleur tightly.
"I should make more time to hang out with you and Hugo," Bill said, smiling apologetically, "Hermione too."
"You're a total bitch," Hermione said, "But you're okay, Bill."
"You're a know-it-all," Bill said with a smirk, "But you're okay too, Granger."
They shook hands, much to Fleur's delight.
Once Bill had left, Hermione and Fleur went out back to the lawn to look up at the stars. Hermione had a beer in her hand, thankfully hex-free.
"What a wonderful evening," Fleur sighed happily.
"I guess this would be a great time to tell you my news," Hermione said, turning to Fleur, "It isn't official yet… But it looks like the Ministry are going to approve my proposal to review all those awful restrictions on humanoid Magical Creatures. No more getting stopped from entering a hospital, no more arduous paperwork…"
"Hermione!" Fleur gasped, "That is amazing! Oh, I only wish that my project was ready to share with you, too… But hopefully it will be by your birthday next week."
"What is that mysterious little project?" Hermione asked, eying Fleur suspiciously.
Fleur stepped forward, cupping Hermione's face.
"Shhh, mon amour," Fleur said gently, "Let us focus on your achievement. It will be so amazing for my family. For our family."
"I did it for our family," Hermione answered, "I was so angry with how Cassandra was treated at St Mungo's. I hate the way you're treated and made to feel bad about your Veela blood. I want the world to be a better place for Hugo."
Fleur's eyes were stormy with emotion.
"I… I love you, Hermione," Fleur said cautiously.
She had never said it before, and it made a thousand butterflies erupt in Hermione's stomach.
"I love you too, Fleur," Hermione replied, before leaning forward and kissing her girlfriend.
Fleur hummed with delight, deepening the kiss. Hermione shut her eyes, savouring the feeling of Fleur's soft tongue in her mouth.
When the kiss broke, Hermione grinned, feeling so elated that she had finally got the words out.
"I love you," Hermione said, pecking Fleur's cheek, "I love you," she kissed Fleur's slender neck, "I love you," she dropped a kiss to a delicate collarbone.
Fleur's face lit up at each confession of love. She swept her long mane of silver-blonde hair over one shoulder, placing a finger to Hermione's lips to halt her.
"As much as I love hearing you say that," Fleur said softly, "Let me show you how much I love you."
Her delicate hands made their way to Hermione's pants, quickly undoing them. Hermione's eyebrows raised as she realized what was happening. She was silently grateful that they had no nearby neighbours to see into their back lawn.
Fleur smirked, pulling Hermione's pants and underwear down roughly. Hermione let out a gasp, already finding herself uncomfortable with arousal.
Fleur smoothly sank to her knees before Hermione. Her hands ran up Hermione's legs, resting on her thighs.
Hermione let out a small whimper, steeling herself with a sip from her beer.
"Someone is excited," Fleur commented, running an exploratory finger through Hermione's carefully trimmed pussy.
Hermione trembled. She could never quite believe that someone like her could get someone like Fleur on her knees. It was exquisite.
"I am so glad you are my mate," Fleur said, kissing Hermione's hip, "You are so amazing."
Hermione started to reply, but her words turned to mush as Fleur's tongue made its first long lick through her folds.
"M-Merlin," Hermione gasped.
Fleur was licking so painfully slowly.
Hermione reached her hand down, tangling it into Fleur's silky hair. She tugged it lightly, holding Fleur's face in place. Fleur let out a small moan, causing Hermione's hips to quiver.
Fleur's tongue found her clit and swirled it. Hermione let out a strangled cry, dropping her bottle of beer onto the grass.
She looked down at the beautiful blonde on her knees, her face between her thighs. How on Earth had Hermione got so lucky?
Fleur looked up, her deep blue eyes flecked with silver. As their eyes locked, Hermione felt a sudden boost in her pleasure. She let out a groan, tugging on Fleur's hair a little again.
Fleur sped up her pace, lapping at Hermione with quick rhythm. Hermione cried out Fleur's name, throwing her head back.
Fleur brought Hermione's waves of pleasure higher and higher. Hermione's hand fisted tighter in Fleur's hair.
"Gods, I love you Fleur," Hermione cried out.
Fleur brought her to a sweet climax. Hermione shuddered, her entire body trembling uncontrollably as she came undone at Fleur's ministrations. Fleur didn't stop, ensuring she rode out the entirety of her peak.
When Hermione finally, weakly, relaxed, Fleur finally drew her face back. Hermione felt herself getting aroused all over again at seeing her slickness over Fleur's face. The blonde delicately wiped her face, getting to her feet.
"Was that okay?" Fleur asked, running a hand through her hair to smooth it.
Hermione grinned like a fool.
"That was amazing!" Hermione uttered. She hitched up her pants with clumsy hands.
Fleur smirked proudly, turning and walking back inside the cottage. Her hips were swaying intoxicatingly, and Hermione found herself following her girlfriend as if she were in a trance. Her eyes were glued to Fleur's fine form as the blonde walked into the master bedroom and pulled her heels and dress off.
"Where do you think you're going?" Hermione asked, her voice hoarse.
"Bed," Fleur said innocently, looking over her shoulder with a smouldering gaze. She unsnapped her bra, letting it fall to the ground.
Hermione's knees felt weak as she stood before the Aphrodite in front of her.
Fleur bent over, slowly taking her panties off.
Hermione suddenly felt unbearably restrained by her clothes and practically tore them off. She walked up behind Fleur, circling her arms around her waist. Fleur leaned into her arms. Hermione's breasts were pressed against Fleur's back, her pelvis flush against Fleur's backside. She dipped her face into the nook of Fleur's neck and shoulder, dropping a kiss to the mate scar. Fleur trembled in her arms at the sensation.
"You drive me crazy," Hermione said, her voice rough with arousal.
Fleur let out a small moan as Hermione ran a hand up her body. It travelled over Fleur's hip, up her toned stomach, cupped a breast and then covered her smooth throat. Hermione could feel Fleur's pulse racing under her hand as it rested loosely on her throat.
"Hermione…" Fleur murmured.
Hermione moved her hand up even more slowly, a thumb on one of Fleur's cheeks, her figners on the other—holding Fleur's face in place.
"I want you so badly," Hermione said, her loosely held control beginning to fray. Something about Fleur brought out the animalistic side in her. She slipped two fingers past Fleur's plump lips and into her mouth. She smiled faintly as Fleur curiously swirled her tongue around them and gently sucked.
Getting too eager, Hermione withdrew her fingers from Fleur's mouth, releasing the blonde and stepping back. She walked across the room, picking up her wand and slowly casting the necessary contraceptive spell. Her chest was heaving as she panted. She wanted so badly to take Fleur. But if she knew Fleur, the blonde would be even more impatient than her.
"Hermione, get over here," Fleur whined, right on cue.
Hermione turned around, smirking.
"Now, now, Fleur," Hermione tutted, "Be nice."
Fleur threw herself to sit on the bed, pouting.
"Hermione!" Fleur growled, growing even more impatient.
Hermione smirked again.
"Beg me for it," Hermione demanded.
"Non," Fleur replied petulantly, "What are you going to do about it?"
Hermione tapped her chin.
"Hmm, well if you won't behave, I suppose I have little choice," Hermione said, grinning wickedly. She walked over to the bed and sat beside Fleur, pulling the blonde over her lap. Fleur let out a small noise of surprise as she found herself bent over the brunette's lap. Hermione spanked the blonde—not too hard—but just enough to bring out a pink colour on the blonde's cheeks.
Fleur, despite herself, let out a moan before blushing a deep scarlet.
"Are you going to behave now?" Hermione asked, resting her hand on the blonde's backside. Fleur wriggled a little in her lap.
"Oui," she replied breathlessly.
"Good," Hermione replied, a throb of desire between her legs, "Now get on your hands and knees."
The blonde obediently did as told, her eyes flashing with silver flecks.
Hermione reached into a bedside table, pulling out the charmed strap-on. She slid it neatly over her hips before clambering onto the bed. She eagerly positioned herself behind the mother of her child, grasping Fleur's hips firmly.
The blonde pressed back into her, her eagerness encouraging Hermione.
She reached down and guided the toy into Fleur, groaning as the charm worked and she felt Fleur's slick folds around the toy. She slid it deep inside Fleur, starting to thrust.
"Merde," Fleur groaned, "I love it when you take charge like this."
Hermione could only moan in response, pumping as hard as she could. It felt so good taking Fleur like this. Her hands slid back to rest on Fleur's backside, squeezing with appreciation. Fleur's back dipped as Hermione continued to pound her in earnest. Her brunette curls were falling over her face, which was quickly becoming flushed.
She felt beyond blessed to have Fleur as a partner, and loved nothing more than worshipping her body. This dynamic between them had quickly developed, of Hermione becoming increasingly dominant and Fleur taking on a more submissive role. It turned on each of them to no end.
Fleur's hands fisted in the sheets as her cries became more desperate. Hermione could tell she was close, she just had to get her to the end. The tightness of Fleur's walls on the toy was bringing her close, but she was determined to get Fleur there first. She thrusted fast, biting her lip and trying to think of things that would keep her going a little longer: Ron in a wig. Scabbers. Umbridge.
She planted a hand on the base of Fleur's back, watching with fascination as the blonde completely and utterly fell apart, crying her name.
At this, Hermione finally lost her own control, shuddering and finishing at the same time.
Both women gave way, falling to the mattress, Hermione on top of the blonde. She panted heavily, still inside Fleur.
"Merde," Fleur gasped.
Hermione withdrew from her, shedding the toy and tossing it from the bed. She pulled Fleur tightly into her arms.
"It is much nicer when we don't have to worry about Hugo interrupting," Hermione said with a gentle smile.
"I love you," Fleur said, nuzzling into her.
"I love you too," Hermione replied, tightening her grip on the blonde.
"Another round, mon amour?" Fleur suggested, raising an eyebrow.
The next morning, Hermione and Fleur were uncharacteristically late to pick up Hugo, arriving tousle-haired with clothes slightly askew.
Mr and Mrs Weasley exchanged knowing looks. Their children might argue otherwise, but once upon a time Arthur and Molly were newly in love. They recognized the signs of a young and loved up couple.
"Hello, Hugo," Fleur cooed, holding the little blonde in her arms, "Did you miss your Mum and Maman?"
Hugo gurgled and kicked his legs.
"He is a sweet baby," Molly smiled, "No trouble at all!"
"I'm glad to hear he wasn't too much of a handful," Hermione said gratefully, hugging Arthur and Molly.
"He's a very calm child," Arthur concurred, "Look… If ever you need some time alone with your girlfriend, you can always call on Molly and I. We know what it was like to be young and in love, believe it or not."
"And you know you're like a child to us, dear," Molly smiled motherly.
Hermione nodded, rubbing her eyes so they wouldn't see the tears brimming a little. She loved the Weasleys, but times like this made her really miss her own folks.
Fleur cast her a sympathetic look.
"Come, my lion," Fleur said gently, "Let us go to brunch with Hugo. Then Hugo and I have to head out on our own to plan some surprises for your birthday next week."
"Oooh, mysterious!" Hermione grinned.
She might not have her own parents in her life. But she loved her own family more than her heart could take.