Hi everyone,
I hope you all had a good Christmas or whatever it is you might have celebrated. I hope you have an equally good New Year's. Yesterday, I have completely restructured this whole story. Summer holidays are nice but the actual plot starts with the school year. That means the summer chapters are mostly to establish stuff and prepare for later.
Sorry it's so choppy. I hope you like it anyway.
Chapter Twelve
When the morning came, Hermione woke up hearing her parents in the other room. They were discussing Fleur's most likely breakfast preferences while rummaging around and getting dressed. Hermione smiled involuntarily. Obviously, they wanted to make up for giving Fleur such a hard time yesterday.
'We're almost out of coffee!' Mr. Granger stated.
'And milk. We don't have enough milk for the coffee,' Mrs. Granger added.
'The French don't drink their coffee with milk. They have espresso,' Mr. Granger argued.
'Yes, but in the morning, they don't. Especially on days off. Do you think she likes pain au chocolat, or is it too much?' Mrs. Granger asked.
'I don't know, love. Isn't that a children's thing? What if we stick to croissants?' Mr. Granger mused.
'Then we'll need to put jam on the shopping list,' Mrs. Granger said.
'And butter,' Mr. Granger added.
'Oh God, don't ever put butter on a croissant in front of a Frenchman. They'll lynch you,' Mrs. Granger chuckled.
'Come on, let's get going before they wake up!' Mr. Granger hurried his wife.
That was all Hermione heard apart from the sound of the front door. She turned around and snuggled back into her girlfriend, enjoying the luxury of sleeping in.
By the time the Grangers got back, Hermione and Fleur had showered and dressed, and were ready for the day.
'Good morning, you two? Had a good night?' Mrs. Granger asked. Fleur's ears turned red when she remembered that Hermione's parents had heard their conversation last night. She was relieved that she hadn't put her foot in her mouth too much.
'Yes, Mum. Thank you,' Hermione answered for the both of them.
'OK, so what do you want to do today?' Mr. Granger inquired as he filled the coffee beans into the machine.
'Honestly, we didn't really have any plans other than coming here and finding you,' Hermione answered, looking at Fleur for confirmation.
'Well, how would you like to be shown round town, maybe get a bit of shopping done. What do you think, dear? Maybe a new bag, yours looks like its best times are over,' Mrs. Granger suggested.
'Actually, I was hoping to do some shopping soon. My wardrobe is currently very limited and I wouldn't mind not having to see these dreaded clothes anymore,' Hermione answered, 'And yes, a new bag is definitely in order.'
'But first let's have breakfast,' Mr. Granger said, turning to Fleur.
'Would you like some coffee, Fleur?' he asked pleasantly.
'Yes please. You wouldn't 'ave lots of warm milk to go with it, would you?' Fleur inquired.
'See, I told you!' Mrs. Granger said triumphantly, as she set out a big mug for Fleur's café au lait.
'We also got croissants, pain au chocolat and baguette because we didn't know what you liked,' Mr. Granger said merrily.
'Oh la vache, you really didn't 'ave to do that! Thank you!' Fleur said, clearly touched by the surprise.
They carried their various hot beverages to the kitchen table and sat down to eat. Fleur immediately went for the pain au chocolat. It had been ages since she last had one. It didn't go unnoticed and Mrs. Granger gave her husband another triumphant glance.
'So, Fleur, where are you from?' Mr. Granger diverted the attention.
'I grew up near Nice. My family 'as a big 'ouse there and a bit of business. It's a very beautiful place. There are lots of lavender fields and the ocean is only a few minutes' walk away. And the 'interland is magnificent. Rough, red, cliffy mountains and wild flowers. The sun is shining on most days,…' Fleur described her home.
'It sounds lovely. We've been to France a couple of times, when Hermione was younger. Maybe she has told you?' Mrs. Granger said while her husband put a croissant on his plate.
'Yes, she 'as. I'm actually very impressed 'ow much French she remembers, given that she never really 'ad an opportunity to practice it at 'ogwarts,' Fleur praised her girlfriend.
'I've had plenty of opportunities in my fourth year. But I chose to believe all of you were arrogant and I rather enjoyed being courted by Viktor,' Hermione teased.
'Hermione! How can you be so rash? Why would all French be arrogant? I really would have thought that you'd be smarter than that!' Mrs. Granger scolded her daughter.
Fleur laughed at the misunderstanding but chose to clarify the situation, 'Mrs. Granger,…'
'Elisabeth. Please, call me Elisabeth,' Mrs. Granger interrupted.
'Very well, Elisabeth. 'ermione didn't think all French people were arrogant. She limited her judgement to the girls representing my old school, Beauxbatons, at the Triwizard Tournament. And I can't really blame 'er. We be'aved incredibly snooty,' Fleur admitted.
'So you've met before? Not as recently as we thought,' Mr. Granger asked while he took some butter for his croissant. His wife shot him a warning look and he immediately realised his mistake, before hastily putting down his butter knife.
'Will you please eat your croissant the way you like it? You can put a 'ole block of butter on it if that is 'ow it tastes best to your English tastebuds. If you don't expect me to do the same, I can ignore the blasphemy,' Fleur smirked and ended the Grangers' amusing tries to outfrench Fleur.
'Yes, we've met before, but back then I couldn't stand her and we didn't really talk to each other. Harry knew her way better than I. She was the Triwizard champion of her school,' Hermione picked up their previous topic and saw that her parents remembered her telling them about the competition.
'Oui, I was the champion that came last,' Fleur said laughing, but when she remembered what had happened at the end of the tournament, her smile faltered.
'Hermione, told us about that boy. It was very tragic,' Mrs. Granger said calmly.
'It was indeed. Afterwards, I went 'ome to graduate but more to get over the events of the tournament,' Fleur admitted.
'And how did you end up in Britain, if I may ask?' Mrs. Granger tried to lift their spirits.
'During my time in 'ogwarts, I was confronted with my limited English verbal skills. So, I decided to improve them and took a job at Gringotts,' Fleur explained.
'Oh lovely, it must have been quite the change, going from the excitement of a tournament like that to an ordinary bank job,' Mr. Granger assumed.
'She was a curse breaker, Dad, hardly an ordinary job. Pretty dangerous, actually,' Hermione corrected her father who's eyes had grown bigger with surprise.
'A curse breaker? What does one do as a curse breaker?' he asked.
'Basically, you break into well protected old bank vaults that 'ave no owner anymore and lay forgotten at the bottomless pit that is Gringotts bank. But you never know what might ambush you. I learned a lot of 'ealing on the side,' Fleur explained.
'And I'm glad you did,' Hermione said, smiling warmly at Fleur and taking her hand.
Hermione and Fleur stayed with the Grangers a few more days, enjoying the Australian winter sun. They went shopping, extending Hermione's limited wardrobe, so she could finally get rid of her old war-torn clothes. The Grangers had decided that as much as they liked Perth, they still wanted to go home to their friends and to be closer to Hermione.
'We meant to ask you…What happened to our old house, Hermione?' Mr. Granger asked, trying not to make his daughter even more uncomfortable.
'It's still yours. It looks like you sold it to Monica and Wendel Wilkins but that's easily rectified. You can move back whenever you feel ready,' Hermione explained, happy to hear that her parents would come home to be closer to her.
And so they spent the rest of their stay making plans for the Grangers' move back to England.
The sun was barely over the horizon when Hermione woke up the next day. She decided to let Fleur sleep and carefully slid out of the bed and vanished in the bathroom. When she reemerged, Fleur was still slumbering peacefully.
She found her parents in the kitchen, whispering to an owl that sat on the counter. Hermione stopped in the doorway and watched the spectacle unfold.
It seemed that her parents had let the animal in through the window and were now trying to get the letter that was attached to its leg. But every time one of them would reach for the envelope, the bird would peck them. With what they thought were soothing voices, they tried to explain to the owl that it was ok for it to leave the letter with them. In order not to wake anyone, they whispered.
After a minute or two, Hermione took pity on her parents and cleared her throat to announce her presence.
'Oh good, Hermione, what are we doing wrong? The owl won't give us the letter,' Mr. Granger asked while sucking on his thumb, the latest victim of the bird's beak.
'I probably has specific instructions to hand over the letter personally,' Hermione explained. 'Have you seen which name is on the envelope?'
'It's for Fleur. It says "Fleur I. Delacour, personal". I thought that meant that we shouldn't open it, not that we would have. I didn't know it meant that the ruddy bird won't give us the letter,' Mrs. Granger said putting a plaster on her husband's finger.
'Will you go wake Fleur, please?' her father said.
Hermione, however, took a step towards the owl and looked straight at it, deciding wether to try or to get Fleur right away.
Suddenly, the bird hopped towards her on the counter and stuck out its leg.
'It's a trap! Don't do it.' Mr. Granger warned.
But Hermione was already detaching the envelope.
'Thank you. Will you wait for an answer or do you have instructions to come home?' Hermione asked the bird.
'Hoot!'
'Why did it give the letter to you?' Mrs. Granger asked.
The owl flew to the window sill and sat down there, closing it's eyes to sleep.
'Aha, apparently, you will stay,' Hermione answered her own question. 'I don't know why I was allowed to take the letter.'
'Because it's from my mother and probably instructed the bird specifically,' said Fleur, who had appeared in the kitchen unnoticed.
'Good morning, hun. Slept well?' Hermione asked and Fleur put her arms around her waist and kissed her good morning.
'How do you know it's from your mother?' Hermione asked as she handed over the envelope.
'Because I don't think Minerva would send something as "personal" and who else might 'ave an interest in finding out where I am right now?' Fleur explained her logic while opening the envelope.
'Merde!' Fleur said as she pulled another envelope out the of the first one. It was red.
'Uh oh,' Hermione said as she looked at Fleur with pity.
'What is it? Why is it bad?' Mrs. Granger asked. The answer came in the form of a red envelope screaming around her kitchen in French.
'Do you want to talk about it?' Hermione asked pulling up a chair next to Fleur putting her hand on her back to soothe her as best as she could.
'The short version is: I 'ave to go to France to visit my family,' Fleur explained. 'And you're coming too. We have three days.'
'My mother 'as only once before sent me an 'owler and that was when I took the job at Gringotts, making my move to Britain final and relatively permanent. She is very angry.' Fleur said. She was still a bit shaken up by the whole thing.
'Why is she angry, luv?' Mrs. Granger said, trying to comfort her by patting Fleur's hand.
'Apparently, word travels fast. She is angry that she 'ad to 'ear from a complete stranger - it was my cousin but nevermind - that I 'ad found my mate. And to put insult to injury, I 'ave travelled 'alf-way across the globe to meet 'er parents before she even knew about the relationship. She demands to meet you, 'ermione, and she gives us three days to get there.'
'Oh my, she seems like a rather strict lady, your mother,' Mr. Granger said.
'She can be, yes. She is usually kind and caring and all that but whenever I cross 'er with anything to do with 'eritage, she tends to forget 'erself. Don't look so scared, chérie. She will treat you most pleasantly. I'm not so sure what she will do to me,' Fleur said and it was plain to see for everyone that she was not fond of the idea of going home.
Mrs. Granger filled the awkward pause, 'Your father and I were talking last night. We will take the summer off and reopen in September when you two are off to school. And we were thinking of maybe renting a little vacation home near Nice. This way, we thought, Fleur could be with her family and we'd still get to see you. We had no idea that we would only have three days, though.'
Hermione found the idea quite appealing. A bit of a break away from home in the south of France sounded lovely. As long as she'd be back in time to find muggle teachers, she could always floo with Minerva if there was urgent school business. She'd get to meet Fleur's family and would still be able to see her's. Perfect.
'I don't think I can let you rent a vacation home,' Fleur said. 'I really don't need another 'owler from my mother. You will stay in one of the guest 'ouses, I insist.'
'Hang on, what do you mean by guest houses?' Mr. Granger asked, clearly for everyone in the room.
'Next to our family 'ouse there are three little extra 'ouses. I think they used to be for married servants 'oo didn't need to stay in the servants quarters any longer. Nowadays, we use them for guests. They are really lovely, actually. I think you might like it there.'
'Are you sure? I mean, it wouldn't be a problem for us to find another place…' Mr. Granger said.
'I know it wouldn't be a problem for you but it will be a problem for my mother and that would cause problems for me. So please, if you don't mind, don't make your daughter un'appy by making me get 'exed into next week and take the guest 'ouse.' Fleur interrupted him.
And so it was decided that moving the Grangers back to London would happen entirely with magic. Fleur took care of the packing while Hermione reversed the spells she had put on the paperwork. Now her parents were officially Grangers again and the Wilkins' were history.
While Hermione's parents were fine with their possessions going back to England via Floo, they weren't ready to try it out themselves. They had insisted on taking a regular flight, completely without magic.
With a headstart of about a day, Hermione and Fleur arrived in Nice. It had taken them several hours of standing in line at the security check point. Apparently, France had seen an increase in Death Eaters trying to flee from being tried in court.
Soon enough, the two witches arrived at the apparition area and the next moment they found themselves standing in front of heavy wrought iron gates.
Hermione squinted but she couldn't see a house anywhere.
'You can't see it through the gate. Illusion spell,' Fleur said before Hermione could ask. 'Would you do me the favour of trying to open the gate?'
'What do you mean, "the favour"?' Hermione asked.
'I'm curious to find out if Maman has already included you in the family wards,' Fleur explained and winked.
'If I understand that correctly, your parents won't be giving us a hard time for moving in with each other so soon,' Hermione said.
'No, she will ask us why we are not yet married and what is taking so long with making 'er a grandmother,' Fleur kept up the banter.
'Very well, thanks for the warning. So, how do I open the gate?' Hermione asked.
'Any way you like, really. You can use a simple alohomora or you can vanish it temporarily, whichever suits your mood best. Get creative,' Fleur explained.
Hermione pulled out her wand, flicked it expertly and the iron turned to smoke that hung heavily in the air. They stepped through and the iron solidified again.
'I guess, that means I'm included in the wards,' Hermione said happily. It felt good to be so accepted, even before she had ever met Fleur's family. In the distance, Hermione could see the 'house' Fleur had talked about. It was a great white building with several floors. It was a whole estate, not exactly a "house" as Fleur had called it. She had to admit, she wouldn't even be surprised to find that the crockery talked and the butler was a flirtatious candle holder. It was majestic.
Before she could ask if they would walk all the way up there, a house elf appeared.
'Pilou!' Fleur shouted with glee and hugged the little elf, knocking off his little top hat. By the look on the elf's face, Hermione could see that she had had no reason to lecture Fleur on house elf treatment. He seemed overjoyed to see her.
'Vous m'avez manqué, Mademoiselle Fleur. 'Je suis tellement heureux que vous êtes bien.'
'Oh Pilou, tu m'as manqué aussi,' Fleur replied before getting back up.
'Bienvenue, Mademoiselle Granger. Enchanté de faire votre connaissance.' the elf addressed Hermione.
'Enchantée, Pilou.' Hermione answered and the elf's eyes lit up as he heard her use his language.
The little house elf held out his hands and Hermione followed Fleur's example taking it in her own.
A moment later, the three of them were standing in the entrance hall that looked exactly like anyone would imagine. Marble floors, double staircase to the upper floor, corridors left and right, a few pots of plants. It all looked very grand, definitely built to impress.
As Hermione took in the sight, Fleur whispered into her ear, 'Don't worry, the rest of the 'ouse is much cosier. This is designed for guests of high status and according events.'
'Madame est occupée avec des affaires urgentes. Vous pouvez mettre vos choses à la chambre. Je viendrai vous chercher si elle est prête. Une voiture attend que vos parents arrivent à l'aeroport. À bientôt,' Pilou said and apparated away.
'Come!' Fleur said and took Hermione's hand, leading her up the stairs.
Fleur was right, the private area of the house was much warmer and cosier with carpeted floors and old furniture. They finally arrived in front of Fleur's door. It was a tall double door and Fleur opened one side of it to let her in.
Hermione was impressed but not surprised at all. The room practically screamed Fleur. It was tastefully furnished and decorated and had little knick knacks standing around. The fabrics were all tones of blue and one look at Fleur told her that she had assumed correctly in thinking it would bring out Fleur's eyes just by being in here. Hermione turned around a few times before stopping at the french doors leading to a balcony.
Fleur wrapped her arms around Hermione's waist from behind and rested her head on her shoulder.
'What do you think?' Fleur asked.
Hermione turned around in Fleur's arms and smiled at her.
'I think it's wonderful. I love it,' Hermione said. 'It also shows me how vain you really are. Honestly, who colour coordinates their room to fit their eyes?'
Hermione cut off Fleur's sounds of protest with an affectionate kiss.
'I love you,' Hermione whispered. 'And it's absolutely worth it. Your eyes look stunning in here.'
Hermione leaned in for another kiss. This time it was a lot more passionate and hungry.
'How long do you think your mother will take?' Hermione asked breathlessly while Fleur kissed her neck, making her go weak in the knees.
'No clue. Don't care,' she muttered against Hermione's skin, moving them towards the bed.
A couple of moments later, Hermione found herself underneath Fleur, her desire rapidly increasing. Having Fleur lie on top of her made it only worse. She hastily untucked the French woman's shirt and slid her hands underneath, running her fingers over Fleur's back. As soon as Fleur felt Hermione's fingers, she moaned softly into her ear.
'You are driving me crazy when you do that,' she said, while nibbling on Hermione's ear.
They almost didn't hear the soft knock on the door. Almost. They instantly stopped what they were doing, freezing on the spot. Carefully, silently, they disentangled themselves and put themselves together again. Fleur had barely closed her jeans, when another knock was heard.
'Entrez!' Fleur called and Pilou opened the door.
He gave Fleur a knowing look and informed them about her mother waiting for them in the drawing room. Fleur nodded and the little elf closed the door again.
'I'm glad he didn't come right in,' Hermione said as she adjusted her clothes once more.
Fleur giggled.
''e used to do that until one day I wasn't alone in my room. Let's just say, 'e won't do that ever again. Trust me,' Fleur said and winked at her girlfriend who just laughed.
They walked along endless corridors until Fleur stopped in front of yet another door and swallowed heavily.
'Come on, it won't be that bad. Let's get it over with and then we'll have a nice little holiday and everything will be fine,' Hermione took Fleur's hand and turned the door handle.
Vous m'avez manqué, Mademoiselle Fleur. Je suis tellement heureux que vous êtes bien.
I have missed you. I'm really happy to see you're well.
Oh Pilou, tu m'as manqué aussi.
I have missed you too.
Bienvenue, Mademoiselle Granger. Enchanté de faire votre connaissance.
Welcome, Pleased to make your acquaintance.
Enchantée, Pilou.
I'm delighted.
Madame est occupée avec des affaires urgentes. Vous pouvez mettre vos choses à la chambre. Je viendrai vous chercher si elle est prête. Une voiture attend que vos parents arrivent à l'aeroport. À bientôt.
Madame is busy with urgent business. You can put your things in your room. I will come get you when she is ready. A car is waiting for your parents to arrive at the airport. See you later.
Entrez!
Come in!