Hi everyone,
thank you so much for all the reviews. They really made my week. I'm still not quite over how nice you all are. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Since I'll be getting up way too early tomorrow to even think about publishing this chapter, I decided to give it to you now instead of Monday evening. Am I good to you, or what? ;)
This one is a bit of a set up sort of chapter. It might not be the most thrilling but I can promise you that next week will make up for it. I didn't rate this story M for the destruction of Hogwarts after all.
Anyway, I hope you enjoy your early release and, as always, let me know what you think in the reviews. Have a good week.
Chapter Eight
The next morning passed without Hermione noticing. Only when the sun was high in the sky and its rays landed directly in Hermione's face, she slowly stirred. She noticed, she was still in her dirty clothes and remembered basically falling asleep while she fell onto the bed. She also noticed that Fleur was right beside her, holding her tight. A big grin spread across her face. Hermione felt every muscle in her body, every joint and every bone. She was hungry and thirsty but what she was most was ridiculously happy. She wanted to wake up in Fleur's arms every morning and go to bed with her every night. There were a lot of other things she wanted to do with Fleur. There had been a thousand situations when it had been pure willpower to keep herself back. Her body had been yearning for the blond witch from the very beginning. Hermione grinned, realising that there was no reason to keep back anymore. After all the time she had spent subpressing her feelings, it was refreshing to just give in to them for once. Hermione had never felt more at ease with anyone and she wondered how she knew it, but never questioned the truth of it: This was forever.
As nice as it was to have dirty daydreams about her girlfriend, she was quite grubby herself.
She carefully sat up and rolled her shoulders to loosen them. She felt quite stiff but that was probably normal in such circumstances.
When she tried to get up to go get her bag for a change of clothes, Fleur's arm around her waist tightened and made leaving the bed impossible.
'Mmhwhereareyougoing?' muttered a sleepdrunk, but surprisingly strong, Fleur.
Hermione turned around to look at her. Battered, torn clothes, dust all over her, but still, incredibly beautiful.
'For someone so sleepy, you really have a good grip,' Hermione teased and tried to remove her arm.
Fleur slowly opened her eyes and yawned heartily before smiling at Hermione, 'I just got you, I'm not letting you go this easily.'
Hermione leaned forward and kissed Fleur's nose.
'Well, you're going to have to, because I'm taking my bag and then I'll go see if the showers work. I'm not spending another minute in these grimy clothes,' Hermione explained herself. 'After I'm done, I'll probably burn them in the fireplace,' she added and laughed.
Fleur sat up and looked down at herself.
'Yes, a change of clothes would be in order. Do you think you 'ave anything in your bag that would fit me?' she asked.
Hermione just nodded and pulled Fleur out of bed.
'And just so you know. Despite the temptation, it is best I have this shower alone. If you're anything like me, you needed reminding of that,' Hermione declared making Fleur's eyes go wide with realisation. But she was right. As enticing as a hot shower with Hermione sounded, she felt a lot grimier than anyone ever should.
An hour later, all bright and bushy tailed, Fleur and Hermione reported for duty in the Great Hall. Minerva McGonagall, looking put together and as stern as ever was ordering people about and giving out helpful tips on how to repair specific items.
'Ah, Miss Granger, Miss Delacour, it is most opportune to see you. Will you come with me to my office, please,' McGonagall said and led the way.
Hermione was puzzled when she took a right turn instead of a left turn, knowing that it was the wrong direction.
'Erm…Professor, I think…' Hermione began.
'Yes, I know Miss Granger, but it seems every time I try to take official Hogwarts business to my own quarters, it disappears and I find it in the headmaster's office,' Professor McGonagall explained and gave them one of her rare smiles.
'Congratulations, Professor,' Hermione said as they walked the last few steps towards the gargoyle.
'Peace,' McGonagall said and the steps transported the three of them up to the old headmaster's office.
Hermione was fascinated when she entered. She knew how the office had looked when Dumbledore was still headmaster, with all the little brass and silver knick knacks standing about. They were all gone now.
The office was decorated very tastefully with Quidditch related objects, awards for sports and academics. There were even more books than there had been before.
'I suspect the house elfs but I've decided to take the hint and go with it,' Professor McGonagall explained before anyone could ask.
Fleur shook her head, 'No. It's the school.'
Both turned to look at her with puzzled looks.
'Don't you know? When any magical school is without a 'eadmaster or 'eadmistress, it chooses the next one itself. It didn't 'ave to before, because Professor Snape 'ad assumed power, but you 'aven't. Nobody 'as. So the school chose the most worthy successor itself,' she explained and grinned, very pleased with herself. It wasn't every day that you could show up the brightest witch of her age and her mentor.
'Yes, well, be that as it may, I have several things to discuss with you. First, I was… please sit down… first, I was asked by Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley to convey their apologies. They have taken up Kingsley's offer to become Aurors and have left with him late last night. They didn't want to disturb your sleep to say good bye. I'm sure they will be in touch as soon as they can. I assume your presence here indicates you won't be joining the Auror force?' Minerva asked and the two young witches explained that they had declined the offer on account of not wanting to ever again chase after dark wizards. They both had done what was necessary to win, but it wasn't what they wanted in life.
Visibly satisfied with their answer, she continued her questioning.
'Miss Granger, since you haven't finished your seventh year, I want to let you know that you, and all others who wish do take their N.E.W.T.s, can simply join all those who have now finished their sixth year.'
Hermione was quiet for a moment. This was a big decision, after all.
'Yes, Professor. I would like to come back and finish my education,' Hermione answered, sure of what she wanted. She wanted a chance to experience her old school the way it was supposed to be. Safe, educational, fun. Fleur and Hermione hadn't had a chance to actually talk about what their plans were but judging by the look on Fleur's face it hadn't come as a surprise that Hermione would want to return to school. She was sure they would find a way to make it work and see each other more frequently than just the holiday breaks.
'I am very glad to hear that. There are various options for you now. I would like you to have your choice, Merlin knows you deserve it,' Minerva started another cryptic round of explanations.
'See, had you decided not to come back for your education, I would have offered you a position as a teacher here. However, not even you can be a student and a teacher at once,' Minerva said, highly amused by the puzzled face Hermione was wearing.
'You would have given me a job here? Without my N.E.W.T.s?' Hermione couldn't believe her ears. Fleur was less surprised but incredibly proud and it was written all over her face.
'I honestly don't think that there will be many new things for you to learn in your seventh year. I do think you'd be ready to become a teacher but I completely understand that you want to use next year to study and learn every day spells instead of defensive curses. Let me get to the point. As I am apparently now Headmistress of this school, I won't be able to teach all of my classes anymore. There are several other positions vacant, too. Could I persuade you to teach the first and the second years in any of these subjects?' Minerva asked. She knew it was like dangling sugar in front of a horse but she wanted it to be Hermione's choice to accept.
'You…er…I would…' Hermione stuttered. She was baffled by the offer. Not only did her old Professor think she was ready to teach, she also wanted her to pick a subject.
'I believe what 'ermione is trying to say is that she is very 'onoured and will accept your offer to teach the first two years,' Fleur offered helpfully and winked at her girlfriend.
'Thank you, Miss Delacour. Do you think you might be able to translate for me which subject Miss Granger would like to teach, too?' Headmistress McGonagall asked and gave Fleur an inquisitive look before both witches turned to look at Hermione.
'Haha. Very funny. I was just too stunned to get out a full sentence. I would very much like to teach some classes for you and I feel extremely honoured that you are letting me choose,' Hermione said, proving she had found her tongue again. 'Even though you're a tough act to follow with your animagus transition right in the first lesson, I would like to teach Transfiguration.'
Minerva smiled warmly at Hermione. Her former and future student had always had a special place in her heart, even though she would never admit to playing favourites, of course. She was happy to hear that she had succeeded in having the bright witch at her school for at least another year.
'Very well, Miss Granger. Transfiguration it is. Now, let's come to you, Miss Delacour,' Minerva turned her head to look at Fleur. Hermione could see the surprise on the French witch's face but couldn't say she didn't feel the same.
'I am short one potions teacher. Horace Slughorn has kindly declined to stay on and I am looking for a qualified replacement. The Mirsters Weasley, William and Ron, have told me that you have a personal preference for potions. Is that so?' McGonagall asked.
'Erm…oui, I mean, yes. I 'ave been told to 'ave a particular talent for potions and it was always my favourite subject while at school,' Fleur answered. She was a little bit flustered.
'Would you consider taking the position as potions master of Hogwarts, Miss Delacour?' Minerva asked to make the offer official.
'I don't think there is a lot to consider. It would be my pleasure to accept your offer, 'eadmistress,' Fleur replied with a bright smile at Hermione. The issue of seeing each other during Hermione's last year of school had been solved by itself.
'Perfect. I trust you will manage to mark, Miss Grangers efforts as if she were just one of the students. If you can't, come to me and we'll find someone to grade her work for you. I will owl you both the official paperwork as soon as I get to it. I am glad to have you two on board,' Minerva said, then turned to Fleur. 'You see, I have been plotting since her first year to keep Miss Granger in this school for as long as I possibly can. It seems, I might succeed after all.'
Fleur laughed. She wasn't surprised at all. Hermione would be an asset to whichever place of work she chose.
'Miss Granger, since I don't know when I will get around to all the paper work and letters, I would like to tell you now that you will be receiving a Head Girl badge with your list of school supplies,' Minerva kept on with the good news.
Hermione virtually beamed with happiness and pride. She would get to be Head Girl, a teacher and finish her education. It felt incredible, especially, after all those dark years of the past.
'This might be a bit too private to ask, but every decision I can get out of the way now is a decision I don't have to make later. Miss Granger, will you have use for the Head Girl quarters next year or is it more realistic to assume you will be spending your free time with Miss Delacour, anyway?' Minerva asked. It was obvious, she was uncomfortable asking such private questions, but she had a school to run.
Hermione gave Fleur a questioning look. They hadn't talked about living together but if she were honest, she couldn't imagine ever sleeping without Fleur again, especially when she would be in the same building. Fleur seemed to have a similar thought and answered for the both of them, 'If school rules allow it, I would like to share my teacher's quarters with 'ermione.'
Minerva nodded and thought for a moment.
'Alright, I think in this case, I will make the Gryffindor Head Girl quarters into the Gryffindor Quidditch Captain quarters,' Minerva said and her eyes were twinkling proudly.
Hermione's face lit up. She had a very good idea who the next team captain might be and was about to ask for confirmation when Minerva cut her off.
'I would prefer it, if you didn't tell Miss Weasley yet. I think I would like to surprise her,' the new Headmistress said and both of them nodded. They would keep it to themselves for the time being. Ginny would be over the moon when her letter arrived.
Hermione had one burning question before she wanted to leave the office.
'Professor, I have one suggestion to make,' Hermione said.
'It is my believe that it would be highly beneficial to introduce a range of muggle school subjects to the curriculum. We would probably have to find qualified muggle teachers and we would need to get permission to break the statute of secrecy for them, too. Anyway, I was thinking that to prevent anything like this from ever happening again, we need to make the magical community understand muggles better. If they are more familiar with their world, it is much less likely that they will see them as a threat or as something less,' Hermione finished her proposal and looked nervously at Fleur. The French witch smiled encouragingly back at her.
'Miss Granger, that is a very good idea. I will task you with organising a qualified selection of teachers and the drafting of a curriculum. We will go over it and decide then,' McGonagall agreed. She was very proud of her best student.
Fleur and Hermione were almost out of their seats when the new headmistress spoke again.
'Please, stay seated. There is one more matter I have to discuss. I realise that this might be overreaching, but I will risk it anyway,' she began, a very uncomfortable look on her face. Hermione and Fleur gave each other puzzled looks.
'This year, when we didn't know where the three of you had gone and what you were doing, the attacks on many muggle relatives of magical families increased dramatically. I knew from the Aurors that Harry's family had evacuated. Yet I had no information on your family. I wasn't sure if you would have the means or the opportunity to get your parents to safety, so I took it upon myself to seek them out,' McGonagall continued.
Fleur had no idea where this was going, but judging by how white Hermione was in the face, it wasn't anything good. She put her hand on Hermione's knee for comfort but with little effect.
'As you probably can imagine, I wasn't able to find them. At first I thought I had the wrong address but I checked again and I didn't. I spoke to a muggle friend of mine and he looked online, whatever that means. He informed me that your parents had sold the house to a Mr. and Mrs. Wilkins. I was never fortunate enough to meet the new owners. So I consulted my friend again and as it turns out Wendell and Monica Wilkins live in Perth, Australia. That, of course, explained why they were never home. You have left quite the puzzle but I think I've solved it. Do I assume right, that you changed your parent's name and memories, Hermione?' McGonagall finished her soliloquy.
Hermione nodded. Her earlier euphoria about the next school year had disappeared. She felt ashamed for what she had done. To erase their memory without their consent was not something she had done lightly. She was very much aware of the violation it had been. She fought back the tears that threatened to fall before looking back up at her former Professor.
'Hermione, I don't want you cleaning up. I don't want you to get started on school things right away. I want you to take Miss Delacour or anyone else, just don't go alone, and travel to Perth. Find your parents and reverse the spell. That is what you need to do now. I have enough helping hands here. Your talents would be wasted anyway, casting Wingardium Leviosa on rock after rock,' McGonagall spoke softly. Her only answer was silence.
''ermione?' Fleur asked softly. She was shocked to hear to what lengths the bright witch had gone to keep her parents safe. She was also shocked that she had never even mentioned it. She could see how worked up Hermione was and all she wanted in that moment was to hold her and tell her it would be alright.
'Is this true? Did you really do that?' Fleur asked quietly.
Hermione lifted her head to look at what she assumed must be a very disappointed Fleur and McGonagall. But what she saw was pride and a little shock and a lot of awe.
'It was a very brave thing to do, 'ermione. But 'eadmistress McGonagall is right. You need to go find them,' Fleur encouraged her. It was clear that Hermione was afraid to go. She didn't know what she could expect when she found them. What if they were happy without her? What if they hated her?
'But what about here? There are funerals to hold and…' Hermione protested meekly.
'Miss Granger, this may sound harsh but the dead can wait. They don't care if you cry at their graves now or in a few months. Your parents are still alive and they need you. And you need them.'
Hermione swallowed audibly and then found back to her old self, her Gryffindor self. There was no way she wouldn't even try to get her parents back. Even if they hated her, they at least could hate her being their old selves again.
'Will you come with me?' she asked Fleur.
'Anywhere,' Fleur smiled.
'Alright, that's enough mush, I have a school to run,' McGonagall interrupted their moment but winked at them.
'Thank you, Professor, I mean, Headmistress,' Hermione said as she got up.
'Miss Granger, how about you call me Minerva, unless you're in class?' Minerva offered and giggled at the face Hermione made.
'It would be my pleasure, Minerva,' Hermione smiled as she had gotten over the shock of calling her former mentor by her first name.
'Ah yes. I almost forgot to give you this,' McGonagall said, while reaching into one of her desk drawers. 'My friend gave me this print… It's your parents' address in Australia.'
Hermione took the paper and put it into her tattered, old bag.
All three of them went back down the stairs and they said their goodbyes. Headmistress McGonagall wished them all the best on their journey and headed back in the direction of the Great Hall.
The anti-apparition spell was already in place again, so Fleur and Hermione had to walk to the gates before going anywhere. Hermione didn't know how to feel. A part of her was ecstatic about everything that Minerva had offered her and Fleur. Yet, another part of her was extremely anxious about the thing with her parents. There were so many ways that this could go wrong. She didn't even want to think about it. She looked at Fleur walking by her side and happiness won over apprehension.
'Give me your 'and,' Fleur said as they stepped through the gates. There were wards around Shell Cottage. Nobody could just apparate in or out without having Fleur or Bill with them or a house elf, of course. Fleur made a mental note to adjust the wards to include Hermione.
Hermione felt the familiar feeling of being squeezed too tight and a moment later she stood in front of the house that she had left only a few days ago. It seemed a lifetime to her, so much had happened in those few hours in between. The sight of the little cottage made Hermione's heart soar.
'Bill and I decided that it is probably best if he moved back to the Burrow until he finds a place of his own. He didn't want to kick me out, forcing me to go back to France. I think he really wanted to be with his family now,' Fleur explained unasked.
'That's incredibly nice of him. I really don't know if I would be so relaxed about the situation,' Hermione praised Bill.
'I told you, 'e's a wonderful man. But let's not dwell on that now. Food?' Fleur asked.
'How about a walk along the beach?' Hermione suggested. They had just eaten their own weight in lasagna, and had even been too full to get the kitchen cleaned up by hand, something Hermione was usually adamant about. She had refused to get up and do even the littlest thing herself. She had simply taken Fleur's wand and sent the dishes to the sink to clean themselves.
'I'm not sure, I can move that far. But let's try,' Fleur agreed and got up, pulling Hermione with her, stealing a kiss in the process.
Together they strolled along the beach and talked about whatever came to mind. Mostly, Hermione told funny anecdotes of her time with Harry and Ron. Not everything had been horrible and Fleur entertained her with stories of grumpy Goblins from her time she had worked for Gringotts. They were the picture of harmony, holding hands, smiling, stealing kisses in between. All pressure had fallen off them and they were enjoying the lightweight atmosphere.
'You know, I was very surprised that my wand worked for you,' Fleur commented.
Hermione raised an eyebrow and asked, 'Why wouldn't it? It's not like I attempted advanced magic.'
'It 'as a Veela 'air core. Ollivander said, 'e won't work with Veela 'air because the wands are too temperamental and never listen to anyone but the owner,' Fleur explained.
'Hmm. It did resist a little bit in the beginning, but then it worked just fine. Not like my old wand, but well enough,' Hermione mused.
'We will 'ave to get you a new wand before we leave for Australia. The brightest witch of 'er age without a wand, that won't do,' Fleur said and thought about possibilities of buying a wand, since it would likely take a while for Ollivander's to reopen.
''ow about we make a little detour to Paris on our way to Australia and get you a wand there?' Fleur suggested.
'I'd like that very much,' Hermione smiled, hooked her arm into Fleur's and pulled her close while walking, 'Fleur, I never asked. Where exactly are you from?'
'Most of the time my family lives in a house near Nice. It's very beautiful there and I want to show it to you at one point, but not now. There are other things to do first. We have other houses too for summer holidays or winter holidays. And there is un appartement trés pittoresque in Paris, which Papa uses mostly for business trips. There are more, we are a big family, but the others belong to aunts and cousins and so on, not directly to my family,' Fleur answered, missing her home a little bit more as she thought of the beautiful lavender fields and the Mediterranean sea.
Hermione was impressed. She knew that Fleur didn't exactly come from nothing, but she hadn't been aware just how wealthy her family really was. To be honest, she found it a tad intimidating.
They stopped walking and stood in the sand, looking out at the horizon. Fleur snaked her arms around Hermione from behind and rested her head on the young woman's shoulder.
'A penny for your thoughts,' she asked.
'I was just thinking about you and your family. I mean, my parents aren't exactly poor but not rich either. You speak of several houses and a flat in Paris. Will they even accept someone like me as your girlsfriend?' Hermione asked shyly.
'Oh chérie, why would you even worry about that? There is no way that they won't like you! They will simply like you because I chose you. That is reason enough for them. And there is of course, the added bonus of you being the brightest witch of your age and 'aving just saved the world. Please don't worry about it. My family may 'ave more money than they can ever spend and they do enjoy their status, but that doesn't mean that they aren't regular people. My mother is a proud woman but she is also warm and caring. My father was the first born son of a very prestigious French family. When he announced 'is engagement to my mother they threatened to disown him. They wouldn't accept that 'e was marrying a 'alf-veela. My mother still tells the story of 'ow he took a good look at his parents and then turned around to leave the room with my mother. 'e never looked back. It was my father 'oo offered an employment contract to Pilou and 'is family. They are good people. You 'ave nothing to worry about,' Fleur wrapped herself closer around Hermione and reassured her. 'And in the unlikely even that they 'ave unrecognisably changed since I last saw them, rest assured that I am my father's daughter.'
Hermione turned around in Fleur's arms and kissed her. She was so touched by Fleur's commitment to her that she didn't know how else to process it. Hearing Fleur say that she would walk out on her family for her just confirmed what she had been feeling for the French witch for weeks. This wasn't just a regular relationship, this was so much deeper.
Hermione tangled her fingers in Fleur's hair and pressed her body against hers. Before there was Bill and the war and she wouldn't even let herself fantasise about the woman in front of her but now she could give free rein to all these thoughts, and act on them, if she so pleased. Their tongues were engaged in a playful exchange when Fleur quietly moaned. Hermione noticed that her mind wasn't just brilliant at retaining knowledge. Apparently, she had a very imaginative side to her as well. All the things she had banned from her thoughts and dreams were flooding her brain. She noted that interestingly enough, the more of these thoughts went through her mind, the more her body wanted to take over.
Fleur broke their kiss and looked at the desire in Hermione's eyes. She was sure her own reflected the sentiment.
''ow about we make our way back to the 'ouse?' she suggestively whispered into Hermione's ear. Hermione felt a warm feeling spread within her. She wanted Fleur. She wanted to make Fleur hers and offer herself in return. She took the French witch's hand and they made their way back to the Cottage.