Sorry its been a few days since the last update, but my muse kinda went off on a tangent and *shameless self plug warning* theres a new story. if you havent seen it check it out, its definitely a lot more light hearted than either of my stories right now. (yay for bad translation hijinx)

Hermione could feel her heart breaking, tears threatening to fall, because there really wasn't any sane reason for her to have expected anything but the answer she received. Honestly, she should have been relieved that the other woman hadn't followed through with any one of her threats and was still sitting there on the opposite end of her couch, even if it was an uncomfortably stilted silence.

She refused to fall apart, to bare her soul in front of this other woman, to expose the depth of her emotions in such a short time. She did however, fall back into a stunned silence, staring at the dancing embers before her, her cup of tea largely forgotten.

Fleur too, seemed all too intently focused on the fire in front of her, neither of them willing to break the silence, to show any more weakness to the other. They were both already exposed and vulnerable, silence their only friend in the unknown territory they were about to enter.

Hermione, for her part, should have known better than to expect much of her internal strength, her resolve failing shortly after in the presence of the other woman. That familiar feeling of warmth began to wash over her, and she had to wonder if Fleur had some control over it, the feelings gaining in strength, a fierceness to them that hadn't been there before. She shuddered slightly as her more animalistic desires began to take over. She hadn't noticed the absence of them in their earlier interactions, that her mind had been clear, but now, she couldn't help but wonder how she had managed to keep her distance thus far.

She felt herself moving closer to the blonde, an invisible rope pulling her, guiding her along without shame. Hermione straddled the Veela's lap, bringing herself closer to the other woman, her honey brown eyes had become a dark chocolate, glazed over with lust as she wrapped her arms around the other woman, tangling her nimble fingers in long blonde locks.

Fleur tilted her head back, their lips meeting in a surge of passion, hungrily seeking out the other as she too was overtaken by lust. The heated exchange from their first meeting that had never been brought to completion driving them now.

Touches, caresses, teeth and tongues, they explored each other's bodies fully, illuminated by the softly dying firelight. Their bodies met and melded into one, neither able to distinguish an end from the beginning.

When Hermione woke the next morning, she was alone, and cold. That much was evident by the goosebumps lining up and down her body. Her bare skin unable to provide any protection against the now chilly room. The fire had died at some point in the night and she looked around confused when she woke up. Her eyes scanned the room, looking for someone that they were unable to find. Memories of the passion she had experienced hours before dancing in her mind, teasing her.

She was unable to stop the feelings of betrayal flitting about in her chest. She thought she had experienced heartbreak the night before, but that had nothing on her emotions now. She was alone, naked, laying on her couch, left there after having confessed her feelings and given her all to the other woman.

Tears threatened to fall and her hands found their way into fists as she punched the couch cushions, willing them to take all of her abuse, all of her anger, imagining it to be Fleur, that bitch!

She sniffled as her nose began to run, droplets of water clouding her vision and she screamed. How could she?!

Hermione was beginning to go crazy if you asked anyone about her. She had spent more time at work than anyone else, poring over the files in front of her, the Aphrodite case consuming her. The other detectives didn't think she was making any progress, but they couldn't understand her notes. Hermione was well aware that she had managed to crack the case, had found out who and where Aphrodite was and how she managed to perform these robberies.

But that wasn't enough for her. She was determined to prove that there was more to the story. She was determined to know her life, to discover some dark secret, and maybe with it the reason for her disappearance. It had been two weeks since she'd last seen her, two weeks since she'd woken up alone on her couch after a night of passionate love making. She was determined she could find some evidence to prove that she was the Veela's mate.

There had to be some proof. Something she could find to prove she wasn't crazy, it wasn't all in her mind. She knew it wasn't, but that wasn't enough, it wasn't tangible. And Hermione relied on tangible proof. She thirsted for knowledge and had discovered so much, books had shaped her world and she was unwilling to believe that they would let her down now.

Hermione was rather rudely pulled from her work as a large calloused hand came into her view, blocking the page she was reading and grabbed her book, slamming it shut. She looked up, fury burning in her eyes to see the understanding green eyes of Harry looking back at her.

"Take a break, you've earned it 'Mione."

"I can't, I have to find her."

"You will, but for right now, you need a break. Grab your cloak, we're going out for drinks."

He stood there, looking at her expectantly, staring her down, daring her to open her book again, until finally, with an annoyed sigh she stood from her desk, her joints cracking from a lack of use.

"Alright, let's go," she said despondently, agreeing to go along with his scheme only because it would mean she could return to work sooner rather than later.

He stood firm, gesturing for her to go first, "Ladies first," he said slyly, knowing her tricks all too well. She glared at him and walked towards the door.

"Leaky Cauldron?" she asked, turning her head to look at him.

He nodded, "Yep, Ron and Ginny are already there."

They walked in silence, Hermione's thoughts wandering to the case but diverting themselves sharply when she thought she saw a flash of light blonde hair in the crowd ahead. Her eyes scanned the area, hoping to catch it again but there was no trace of Fleur and she told herself she was imagining things.

They entered the bar and made their way to the other two, already nursing butterbeers. Ginny smiled when she saw Hermione, perking up at the sight of the brunette, but that was nothing compared to Ron's reaction as he began waving wildly and hollering.

"You made it!" Ron had a slight flush to his face, he was obviously not on his first butterbeer when they arrived, if his excited behavior was any indication.

The group began talking animatedly, drinking and sharing stories from the field. Time flew by and so did the drinks, so much so that when a blonde figure approached Hermione prodded Harry repeatedly, "Guys, I think I'm seeing things."

Ron turned to follow Hermione's eyes, "Nah, unless I'm seeing them too, if you're seeing a blonde angel that is."

Fleur approached the group, focusing only on Hermione, "I have made a mistake."

Hermione's world began to spin with those five words, her love was standing in front of her once again and she couldn't be sure it wasn't a very vivid hallucination.