Hi everyone,
thank you all so much for your reviews. I really love hearing from you and especially all the positive feedback really keeps me writing this story.
There is quite a bit of French in this chapter (which will not happen anymore any time soon) and I'm not sure I got it all right, so if one of you finds any mistakes, please let me know and I'll correct them.
Now, enjoy,have a good day and let me know what you're thinking.
Chapter Ten
The two of them had spent two days at Shell Cottage, doing little except eat, sleep and enjoy themselves, before getting an early start to travel to Paris. Upon arrival, Fleur had apparated them straight to Quartier Singulier, the Parisian equivalent of Diagon Alley. Proudly, she led Hermione around.
'Over there, where the wizard in green is standing now, I got my first kiss,' Fleur chuckled.
'Oh really? And who was the lucky boy?' Hermione grinned. She was completely taken by the elegant style of the houses and signs. Everything was in silver or steel or other bright metals with intricate designs, dotted with colourful signs and window displays.
''oo says it was a boy?' Fleur asked innocently. Hermione turned her head in surprise. For reasons unknown to her, she had assumed that Fleur had only ever been with boys. Maybe, she thought to herself, it was because she had convinced herself how straight Fleur was to keep her distance.
'Your first kiss was a girl?' Hermione asked in disbelief. She had the strong suspicion Fleur might be leading her on. But then, she didn't know much of the French witches past. They arrived at the spot Fleur had pointed out. It was at a corner of two streets, just by a shop that sold expensive looking dress robes.
Fleur stopped and slung her arms around Hermione's waist.
'It was right here. I was fourteen and she was 16. I was incredibly nervous but Emmanuelle was very nice about it,' Fleur smiled.
As soon as she'd said it Hermione snorted with laughter, 'Emmanuelle?' Hermione couldn't stop laughing. Fleur face didn't help matters. She obviously couldn't decide whether to be miffed about Hermione laughing about her first kiss or just confused about what was so funny.
'You were introduced to the art of kissing by a girl named Emmanuelle?' Hermione asked again, slowly getting herself under control again.
'Yes, and why is that so funny?' Fleur said, apparently the irritated part in her had won.
'It's just…well, it isn't actually that funny,' Hermione began, still trying to get her face back under control, 'There is a muggle film, several actually. I believe it was very scandalous when it came out and even today people are still referencing it. Emmanuelle is the title character. How about we watch it some time and then you'll know,' Hermione suggested. She had calmed down sufficiently now. 'Please don't be angry with me. I didn't mean to laugh at you or Emmanuelle for that matter. It just brought up a mental image and…well, I'm sorry,' Hermione apologised.
Still confused, but at least not offended anymore, Fleur pulled Hermione close again and meant to kiss her but Hermione stopped her.
'No, not here. This is where you got your first kiss. I want you to remember that when you see this corner and not me,' Hermione explained and took Fleur's hand to move on.
'Tell me what else you did here,' Hermione requested.
'Only if you promise not to fall apart every time I mention someone's name,' Fleur pouted, but Hermione knew it was just for show.
'Through here,' Fleur said, pointing to one of the side streets, 'is the Théâtre de la Plume d'Or. Mother took me, and later Gabrielle, there to see all sorts of plays and concerts. Right next to it is a hotel and a restaurant.'
'Over there is a market area. During the week it's groceries only, but on weekends there is a flea market, too. The desk in my study at my parent's place is from there,' Fleur said and her eyes lit up. She enjoyed showing Hermione around, who in turn was soaking up all the new information like a sponge.
She led them into Liaisons Eternelles, the local wandshop and Hermione got herself a new wand. Pine, 11 1/4 inches, dragon heartstring, reasonably pliable. Hermione had tried a dozen wands or so before finding it, or rather being found by the wand. She couldn't believe how good it felt to finally have a proper wand again, one that belonged only to her. Fleur insisted that they ate lunch in Paris rather than Australia and took them to a tiny bistro with room for only two tables and four chairs. The owner was a squib called Hélène and she had never let anyone magically expand the place. She liked it like this. It gave her the opportunity to chat with her guests and create a cozy atmosphere without the hurried running around of waiters. Her husband was the chef and he created the most magnificent dishes, according to Fleur.
They were in luck and one of the tables was unoccupied. As they entered, Hélène broke into a warm smile. She was a short and stout woman with long grey hair and a very motherly demeanour.
'Fleur!' she said, 'Je ne t'ai pas vus depuis ton diplôme! J'espère que tout va bien? Et qui est vous? Je suppose vous êtes une amie de Fleur, n'est-ce pa?'
The woman hugged Fleur and shook Hermione's hand, waiting for her to answer. But while Hermione's grasp of French wasn't bad for someone who had been there only a few times as a kid, she had no way of following the rapid speed at which this woman talked.
'C'est 'ermione, ma petite amie. Elle est de l'Angleterre. Son français est pas mal, mais… parles-tu anglais?' Fleur answered for Hermione. She had heard her name and understood that Fleur had asked if the woman spoke English. But Hélène just shook her head.
'Je suis désolé. Il a été trop long depuis que j'ai appris l'anglais à l'école. Je ne suis pas doué pour les langues, tu sais.' Hélène apologised and then gestured towards the free table, 'Prenez place, s'il vous plaît.'
Hermione didn't need a translator to understand what she was supposed to do and went to sit on one of the empty chairs.
Fleur sat down across from her and reached over the little round table to take Hermione's hands.
'This is Hélène. She's been running this place for as long as I can remember. I 'aven't been 'ere in a very long time but it seems she still recognises me. The summer before the Triwizard Tournament I spend most of my days just across from 'ere by the little fountain on the square. I was the only one to ever get take out food from 'er,' Fleur explained.
Hélène appeared with two glasses and a pitcher of water, before tending to the couple at the other table.
Hermione was grateful for the water. The day had turned out to be much warmer than she had anticipated.
'Usually, there are three or four dishes to choose from, but René will 'appily modify any dish or even make you something completely different if 'e 'as the ingredients. Is there anything in particular you would like?' Fleur asked.
'Hm. Nothing I can think of right now. Did she tell you what is on the menu today?' Hermione inquired. She knew she was hungry but she didn't know what she wanted to eat.
'No, she 'asn't yet. 'ow about something simple but delicious that isn't too 'eavy but won't leave you 'ungry either?' Fleur mused.
Hermione nodded in agreement, 'Surprise me.'
With perfect timing, Hélène arrived back at their table, 'Alors, y at-il quelque chose en particulier que vous voulez?'
'Tu croix que René nous faisions de la sole meunière?' Fleur asked.
'Mais bien sûr! Deux fois?' Hélène asked and Fleur nodded.
'Peut-être un verre du vin?' the matron asked about drinks, but Fleur explained to her that they would be flooing to Australia right after lunch and she'd rather not risk it.
Sure enough, only a few minutes later, thanks to cooking with magic, Fleur and Hermione savoured their Sole Meunière.
'Do you like it?' Fleur asked hesitantly.
'I love it!' Hermione said with her mouth still half-full. That alone told Fleur that she spoke the truth. Hermione Granger would never forget her table manners for any other reason.
'It was the first thing our cook taught me to make,' Fleur said and proceeded to tell the story of how simple the dish was but how wrong it went when she tried for the first time without help.
Hermione was enchanted. She imagined a young Fleur, all frazzled, running around in the kitchen, burning the fish and mixing up salt with sugar.
'I'm happy to say that your cooking was always excellent when I had the pleasure,' Hermione complimented.
They had finished eating and Hélène appeared to take away their plates and ask about dessert. They decided to share a portion of lemon soufflé, which turned out to be absolutely scrumptious.
When they were ready to leave Fleur called for Hélène to ask for the bill.
'Non, Fleur, c'est cadeau,' Hélène told Fleur as she took out her purse.
'Mais,…' Fleur protested but was cut off.
'Tu es une amie. Comment puis-je demander de l'argent de toi?' Hélène explained. No friend of hers would pay in her bistro.
'J'ai voulu inviter 'ermione. Comment peut-elle regarder si je ne paie pas?' Fleur argued. She tried to use her promise to invite Hermione as a reason to pay for their food.
'Mais elle est invité! Je t'ai dit, c'est cadeaux!' Hélène shot back. Hermione got the impression that this discussion was about to get out of hand.
'Ce n'est pas le même, tu sais! Je suis une cliente à ton restaurant et je demande à payer!' Fleur said as she got up from her seat to use her height to her advantage. But the sturdy woman wasn't intimidated at all.
'Une cliente? J'ai pensé que tu es une amie, mais…,' Hélène was outraged by Fleur's suggestion.
'Bien, je suis une amie qui veux payer,' Fleur said exasperated and threw up her arms. Hermione knew that this wasn't a harmless tiff anymore. Fleur was seriously pissed off.
'Stop!' Hermione intervened as she, too, got up from her chair, 'My french isn't sufficient to understand why it is such a problem for you to accept an invitation, but if this is about pride, I suggest you curb it. Now.' Fleur deflated. She felt she understood Ron a lot better now. Being scolded by Hermione was a very unpleasant experience.
Then Hermione turned to Hélène and gave it her best shot.
'Je m'excuse pour mon amie. Le..erm…manger est trés délicieux. Merci pour le..la..hospitalité,' she stammered and stormed off before either of the women could say anything.
''ermione!' Fleur called before turning back to the matron. 'Hélène, je suis tellement desolé. J'étais idiote. Pardonnes-moi?' Fleur apologised earnestly.
'Bof, c'est bien. Reviens bientôt,' Hélène accepted Fleur's apology and then told her to go after her girlfriend, smacking her bum with a dish rag on her way out. All was well.
Fleur found Hermione sitting on the edge of the stone fountain Fleur had described earlier.
'Are you done being stupid?' she asked Fleur pointedly.
'I guess, I deserve that,' Fleur said and sat down too.
'I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be an idiot. It's just that I wanted you to like Paris and show you around, sweep you off your feet with delicious food and all the rest. It seems I went a bit overboard. I apologise,' Fleur said and hoped it was enough of an explanation.
Hermione immediately picked up on Fleur's fear.
'First of all, you can relax. I'm not gonna leave you because of a little too much ego,' Hermione said softly and Fleur visibly loosened up.
'And second, you don't have to impress me, invite me, convince me or win me over. You've already got me, Fleur. I'm yours. Everything I am; it's yours. I'm not going away any time soon. Can you trust me on that?' Hermione finished.
'Oh, 'ermione, I don't know why I'm so insecure about us. Maybe it's because I'm afraid that one day you'll find someone else to love and I'll end up 'eartbroken and alone for the rest of my life,' Fleur said and blinked away some tears.
Hermione took Fleur's face into her hands, much like she'd done on that fateful day by the sea, and wiped away a tear that had escaped.
She looked deep into Fleur's eyes and spoke very deliberately. She wanted this to really sink in. She wanted to plant this at the very bottom of Fleur's heart, where it could blossom and flourish and never get lost.
'I trust you completely. If you told me to close my eyes and walk off a cliff, I would do it without hesitation. You know why? Because time and time again you have proven that you will put my well-being before anything else, including yourself. I know I haven't had the opportunity to prove to you that I am just as trustworthy, but I hope it's enough for you to believe me. I have reassurance through age old magic and you have only my word to go on and it seems unfair. But none of this makes my words any less true: I love you, Fleur Delacour, and I won't stop until I die.' Hermione finished and wiped a few more tears from Fleur's cheek.
Fleur was overwhelmed. There were so many feelings inside her, she was sure she would burst any second now. Instead, she cried and a strangled sob escaped her. Hermione gathered Fleur in her arms and held her close.
Fleur couldn't quite process what Hermione had just said. There was no way Hermione knew how much her words meant to Fleur. The way Hermione had said these words without hesitation or emotional guard had not gone unnoticed by the French witch. She really trusted her on a level Fleur couldn't even imagine.
Fleur sat up straight and smiled through her tears. They had turned from tears of insecurity and fear to tears caused by Hermione's touching words and now they were tears of happiness.
'I love you too, 'ermione,' Fleur said before kissing her, pouring all her love into the kiss.
When they parted, Hermione chuckled.
'This must be a new record,' she said, 'We've been together for only two days and we're breezing through milestones of relationships as if there was no tomorrow. Going public in the Great Hall before even properly being together, sleeping with each other less than twenty-four hours later, saying these three little words. What's next?'
Fleur laughed and the mood had changed.
Lightheartedly, Fleur said, ''ow about this? Do you want to move in with me?'
'Are you serious now?' Hermione asked. She wasn't sure if Fleur was just reacting to her comment or actually meant it.
'Of course, I am!' Fleur said with emphasis, 'I don't know how we'll proceed with Shell Cottage in the long run, but wherever I'll live, I want you with me. And we also told Minerva that you'll be staying in my quarters.'
Hermione nodded happily before answering with a kiss.
'You know that we'll live in Hogwarts for most of the year?' Hermione asked as she got up, pulling Fleur with her.
'Yes, but I'd still want to have a private place to call our own. For the holidays and some week-ends.' Fleur explained.
'That would be lovely,' Hermione agreed.
'If you like we could go looking for a place when we go back. Where would you like to live?' Fleur asked.
'Honestly, the most important part is that you are there. But if I can choose, I'd probably like to live by the sea. Something like Shell Cottage. Small and cozy but roomy enough to have guests,' Hermione thought aloud.
'Maybe we should ask Bill if 'e would sell Shell Cottage,' Fleur suggested. ''e always loved the place but I could imagine that it is a bit tainted for 'im now.'
'Is it Bill's? I thought it was a Weasley house, belonging to the family,' Hermione asked in surprise.
'No, it is Bill's. 'e lived there before we even got together. I think originally it was part of an in'eritance but Molly and Arthur gave it to Bill when 'e wanted to move out. The deed is in 'is name,' Fleur explained.
'Oh, that would be so lovely. Do you really think he'd rent it to us?'
'No, 'ermione. I don't want to rent it from 'im. I want to buy it from 'im, so it is in our name.' Fleur corrected Hermione, whose eyes grew wide.
'Fleur, I…' Hermione began to voice her worries.
'There is no discussion. I 'ave no idea about your financial situation but you know the family I come from. I 'ave more than enough to buy us a little Cottage. Please, just accept it. Just this once,' Fleur pleaded.
Hermione blinked back a few tears and hugged Fleur tightly until she complained of oxygen deprivation. So Hermione kissed Fleur instead.
'Thank you,' Hermione whispered into Fleur's ear and snuggled into her. Satisfied with their decision, they sat and enjoyed the bustling on the square for a few minutes before Fleur put her arm around Hermione's waist and asked, 'Ready to travel to Australia?'
Hermione's mood dropped instantly, but she knew that she had to face her parents sooner rather than later. At least she had Fleur with her. That would make it easier.
Je ne t'ai pas vus depuis ton diplôme! J'espère que tout va bien? Et qui est vous? Je suppose vous êtes une amie de Fleur, n'est-ce pa?
I haven't seen you since your graduation! I hope everything is going well? And who are you? I suppose you're a friend of Fleur's, right?
C'est 'ermione, ma petite amie. Elle est de l'Angleterre. Son français est pas mal, mais… parles-tu anglais?
This is Hermione, my girlfriend. She's from England. Her French isn't bad, but...Do you speak English?
Je suis désolé. Il a été trop long depuis que j'ai appris l'anglais à l'école. Je ne suis pas doué pour les langues, tu sais.
I'm sorry. It's been too long since I've learned English in school. I was never good with languages, you know.
Prenez place, s'il vous plaît.
Please, take a seat.
Alors, y at-il quelque chose en particulier que vous voulez?
So is there anything in particular that you would like?
Tu croix que René nous faisions de la sole meunière?
Do you think that René would make us some Sole Meunière?
Mais bien sûr! Deux fois?
But of course, two?
Peut-être un verre du vin?
Maybe a glass of wine?
Non, Fleur, c'est cadeau.
No, Fleur, it's on the house.
'Mais,…'
But,...
'Tu es une amie. Comment puis-je demander de l'argent de toi?'
You are a friend. How could I charge you?
'J'ai voulu inviter 'ermione. Comment peut-elle regarder si je ne paie pas?'
I wanted to invite Hermione. What is she going to think if I'm not paying?
'Mais elle est invité! Je t'ai dit, c'est cadeaux!'
But she is invited! I told you, it's on the house!
'Ce n'est pas le même, tu sais! Je suis une cliente à ton restaurant et je demande à payer!'
That's not the same, you know. I'm a client at your restaurant and I demand to pay!
'Une cliente? J'ai pensé que tu es une amie, mais…,'
A client? I thought you were a friend, but...
'Bien, je suis une amie qui veux payer,'
Alright, I'm a friend that wants to pay.
'Je m'excuse pour mon amie. Le..erm…manger est trés délicieux. Merci pour le..la..hospitalité,'
I apologise for my friend. The food is very delicious. Thank your for the hospitality.
'Hélène, je suis tellement desolé. J'étais idiote. Pardonnes-moi?'
Helene, I'm really sorry. I'm an idiot. Forgive me?
'Bof, c'est bien. Reviens bientôt'