I don't have much time today, so I'l keep it very short: Don't read this at work unless you have a really cool boss or work at home. ;)

Chapter Fourteen

As they walked through the corridors, Hermione was fascinated by how everything looked the way it had before but not quite. It was still distinctly Hogwarts, though. There were walls that had clearly been mended or even rebuilt completely. The brighter colour of the stone bricks gave it away. It seemed that in some places the stains of impacting spells had been too stubborn to be removed. Time would have to take care of that.

They found Minerva in her new office.

'We 'ave decided to return a little be a'ead of schedule. I 'ope this isn't a problem?' Fleur asked.

'Oh no. In fact, it is most opportune. We still have a lot to do before the new muggle teachers arrive and the students, of course. I will have an elf show you to your quarters if you don't mind. I'm drowning in paperwork,' the headmistress answered.

At her word, a harassed looking house elf appeared.

On their way through the school, Hermione noticed the state of the elf.

'Excuse me, Sir, are you alright? You look slightly pale. Would you like to sit down and take a rest?'

'No, Miss. Thank you, Miss. It is simply a very hectic time and since the war we are horribly understaffed.' the elf explained as he trotted on.

'You don't have to show us to our quarters. I'm sure we'll find it if you give us directions. Then you can get back to your other work much sooner,' Fleur suggested.

'No, Miss. It doesn't matter how soon I get back to my other work. It will still be too much. I might as well take you to your quarters.'

'That is unacceptable. I will talk to Minerva about it,' Hermione decided.

'That is very honourable, Miss. The headmistress knows about the problem. She is already doing everything she can. She even got funding from the Minister to buy mistreated house elfs from families who don't need them anymore. You know, when their master's dead or in Azkaban,' the elf explained.

'I didn't know that. But I still think you should get a break. This is no way to treat anyone, understaffed or not,' Hermione commented.

'Miss, we get breaks and holidays and some of us agreed to be paid when we were offered contracts but we choose to work overtime because we want the school to run smoothly.

Hermione was impressed. Minerva had employed her elfs instead of binding them to the school. Maybe S.P.E.W. wasn't such a failure after all.

'Here we are. This is Jolanda Triplehurst, your gatekeeper portrait. The password currently is "New Beginnings" but you can change it if you like. I wish you a good day,' the elf squeaked before apparating away.

There was a little nook behind the door, for shoes, coats and the like but upon entering one practically stood in the living room. There was a sofa and two armchairs around a coffee table, a beautiful old cabinet and of course a fireplace.

Giddy with excitement, the two witches explored their new home. They found the bedroom with an elegant four poster bed and an en suite bathroom. The other door led them to a study with two desks and lots of bookcases waiting to be filled. There was a tiny kitchen that allowed them to store things like cookies or other things they would want to have around, make tea or coffee, but there was nowhere to properly cook. They assumed that they would have to call a house elf for these things.

Fleur noticed that additionally to the fresh flowers there were also other decorations. Picture frames.

She looked closer and saw they were mostly pictures of Hermione on several occasions of Hogwarts festivities. There was also a series of Fleur at the Triwizard Tournament. And in a double frame, there was a picture of each of them at the Yule Ball. Someone had made sure to remove all other people from the picture. There were some paintings on the wall, some muggle, some magical. Hermione was sure that it was supposed to reflect her heritage. The house elfs really had outdone themselves.

Hermione pulled Fleur in for the first kiss in their new living quarters. She was thrilled at the prospect of sharing this space with Fleur. Despite everything, it would be a good year.

Fleur and Hermione unpacked their things to get that out of the way before they headed to the library. Madam Pince was there, sorting books into the shelves and didn't pay them much attention.

The two witches split up to gather some books and meet back up at Hermione's favourite table. Two huge piles of books and lots of spare blank parchment for notes, they set to work.

Hours later at the dinner table, Fleur was grumpier than Hermione had ever seen her.

'Don't worry, it was only the first day. We'll find something soon enough,' Hermione said, taking her girlfriends hand and smiling warmly at her.

Fleur melted.

'I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be so irritable. Forgive me?'

'There is nothing to forgive, love,' Hermione answered and gave Fleur a little peck on the lips.

However, as these things go, Hermione was wrong. They spent every minute they could doing research and Fleur had even snuck into the headmistress' office to consult with Severus Snape's portrait.

All he had said was that he didn't know which curse it would be and to look into books on Dark Magic. So they had expanded their search far into the restricted section.

On their last evening before the new school year, Hermione had put a stop to their frenzy.

She insisted on spending the evening doing something more comfortable and fun.

'How about I give you a little back to school present? Something to distract you. I'm sure I can think of something to help you with all your frustration and tension,' Hermione asked, not even trying to conceal her intentions.

Fleur didn't need much encouragement.

'A present? What would that present be?'

'Count to ten. Slowly. Then, follow me,' Hermione whispered in Fleur's ear before vanishing into their bedroom.

On one of their shopping trips in Perth she had slipped into a lingerie shop and gotten herself an exciting little chemise. It was a silky, short number with a little bit of lace in the cleavage area, thin straps but generally very simple. The colour was what made it special. It was the exact same red as the dress that Hermione had worn to Bill and Fleur's wedding. She might not be a fashion icon but she new that this colour looked good on her. She quickly got changed and lay down on the bed, the flimsy cool on her skin. She ignored the bandage on her arm and hoped Fleur would too. She closed her eyes got used to the light feeling of the silk on her skin. She felt almost naked. She was almost naked.

She didn't have to wait long for Fleur to enter. She stopped dead in her tracks. Her mouth went dry and she didn't know where to look first.

Hermione was fascinated by the effect she had on Fleur. She was completely still, her legs stretched out on the bed, crossed over each other, her upper body propped up with her elbows, so she could look across the room at Fleur, who was still rooted to the spot, roaming Hermione's body with her eyes.

'Looking is fine but keep in mind that touching is allowed too' Hermione said, surprising herself with the low, alluring voice she used. She gave Fleur a sultry look and slowly uncrossed her legs, lifting her knees just the tiniest bit. Hermione was sure that Fleur couldn't actually see anything but it was obvious that her mind went into overdrive, figuring out what or if Hermione was wearing anything underneath. Fleur's breathing got faster just thinking about it.

She licked her lips. Never in a million years would she have thought Hermione could play dirty like this. Again, she was in a completely unfamiliar situation. She knew the role Hermione played very well. Countless times she had been the seductress, driving others wild with her looks but never had she been on the receiving end of such advances.

With unhurried steps she approached the bed. As she got closer, Hermione's knees bent a little bit further but always only just enough to deny Fleur the view she wanted.

As Fleur slowly came towards her, Hermione could feel herself getting aroused just by the sizzling atmosphere in the room and the predatory look on Fleur's face. It was exhilarating to see her plan was working.

Fleur had reached the edge of the bed and was standing there, still looking at Hermione as if she were her prey, and in a way she was.

Fleur was still gauging whether Hermione was inviting her or if it was a trap. By now she knew that Hermione had a very dominant side to her, she just hadn't known how lewd she could be. Two could play this game.

As Fleur put her hands on Hermione's knees, the young witch could virtually feel Fleur's desire and lust radiating. She saw her push her bent knees further apart and even though Hermione knew that Fleur couldn't possibly see anything from her angle, Hermione felt more exposed than ever before. And she loved it. It was exciting and new and it felt powerful.

'I'm yours,' Hermione said in that same seductive voice as before, looking deep into Fleur's eyes.

Neither of them looked away as Fleur crawled onto the bed like a cat before hovering over Hermione, who had laid back down as Fleur came closer. Their noses were almost touching, the tension in the room was unbearable. All these slow deliberate movements were only adding to it.

Hermione lifted her head and put her mouth to Fleur's ear.

'Whatever you want, just take it,' she whispered salaciously.

Fleur couldn't believe the amount of love she felt for this woman and she was overwhelmed by the amount of trust Hermione put in her.

'As you wish,' Fleur said before nipping at the sensitive flesh of Hermione's neck.

Hermione trembled. She wanted Fleur to have free rein. She wanted to see what the French witch would come up with if given complete freedom over her. She surrendered herself to Fleur's mercy by stretching out on the bed, putting her arms above her head.

Fleur ran one finger over the silky garment, encircling Hermione's breasts and other sensitive spots. She could feel her muscles quiver underneath her touch.

Fleur knelt between Hermione's legs and pulled off her own t-shirt, revealing nothing but skin. Hermione sat up to feel and taste but before she could get anywhere a stern look from Fleur stopped her in her tracks.

'Non, chérie,' Fleur said. 'You don't get to touch me. Not unless I tell you to.'

Hermione whimpered slightly but withdrew her hands and laid back down on the bed. Fleur bowed down and buried her face in Hermione's shoulder and neck. She slowly travelled up to Hermione's ear.

'You look gorgeous in this,' she whispered while tracing Hermione's thigh with the tips of her fingers. Hermione closed her eyes and moaned.

Fleur nipped at Hermione's sensitive skin with her teeth before travelling further down with with her lips.

Her hands came up to massage Hermione's breasts through the thin material. She could instantly feel her nipples harden.

Instinctively, Hermione put her hands on Fleur's back but right away was punished for it. Fleur pinched her nipple through the delicate fabric.

Hermione hissed in pain but was far from complaining.

'I told you: no touching without my permission,' Fleur said, a devilish grin on her face. Hermione felt herself getting wet just by being looked at like that.

She settled her hands back above her head and waited for Fleur to continue.

The French witch nodded approvingly before running one hand along Hermione's leg until she could squeeze her wonderful arse. Her other hand was still taking care of Hermione's breast and occasionally raked up and down her abdomen.

She could see the anticipation building in Hermione. She could feel her writhing, fighting with herself to keep her hands were they were.

Fleur stopped what she was doing and got up from the bed. Hermione whimpered when she lost contact. She opened her eyes just in time to see Fleur step out of her jeans and knickers. Hermione groaned. This gorgeous woman was naked and she wasn't allowed to touch her. Fleur walked to her bedside cabinet and conjured some water into a glass before freezing it. Hermione squirmed with excitement.

Fleur resumed her position between Hermione's legs and bowed down to wet her lover's lips with the ice in her hands. She let Hermione's tongue play with it for a bit before dragging it slowly downwards past her chin and throat, over the heated skin of her chest.

Hermione welcomed the cold. Her whole body was on fire and she enjoyed the cooling sensation before it was suddenly gone, melted away.

'Sit up,' Fleur whispered and Hermione followed her order.

'Undress.'

Again, Hermione followed Fleur's orders. She slowly lifted the garment and carefully tossed it aside.

Fleur seemed satisfied with the result. She repositioned herself so that they would sit facing each other, one leg to either side of each other. Hermione would take all the skin contact she could get. And if that was just their thighs touching as they encircled each other's bodies, it was still better than nothing. It was still torturous, being this close but not being allowed to do anything.

Fleur resumed her play with the melting cube, again starting with Hermione's lips and quickly moving to her chest before following the trickles of water further down. When she touched Hermione's nipple with it, the young witch gasped and threw her head back. Hermione was supporting herself with her hands put behind her on the blanket. It was hard not to let herself fall back into the pillows. Her skin was tingling and and her nerves had a hard time processing the different sensations of ice and fingers and tongue.

Meanwhile, Fleur was driving her mad by dragging that ice cube over her stomach to her sides and back to her stomach. Fleur held the remaining chip of ice right underneath Hermione's navel as she watched the water run down and vanish between Hermione's legs. The young witch hissed again when the cold water reached her clit. Unexpectedly, it did nothing to cool her down.

Without thinking she intertwined her fingers behind Fleur's neck to pull her in for a kiss, but as soon as she had touched her, Fleur dove down and raked her teeth roughly over Hermione's nipple.

Again, Hermione hissed in pain, but felt she liked it. She began to understand why Fleur hadn't minded the scratches on her back when they had first slept with each other.

'I'm beginning to think you like it when I punish you for touching me,' Fleur whispered.

Hermione looked straight back into her eyes and smiled, 'What if I do?'

'You'll see.' Hermione shuddered with pleasant anticipation.

Fleur took another ice cube and began her game anew, starting at Hermione's knee and running it up her thigh, over her hip and back again.

Hermione was caught between heaven and hell. She wanted to hold onto Fleur, pull her closer, feel her but she was intrigued by the pleasure it gave her to let Fleur play with her body like that.

Fleur leaned forward to catch Hermione's lips in a searing kiss, after her ice cube had dissolved. Their bodies were not touching except where their legs met leading past each other.

Automatically, Hermione's hands came to rest on Fleur's shoulders. Fleur quickly reminded her that she had broken the rules again by holding yet another ice cube right at her clit before dragging it through Hermione's sopping wet folds for just long enough.

Hermione hissed but gave Fleur a seductive look, 'Are you trying to cool me down, love? It doesn't seem to be working very well.'

Fleur knew exactly what she was doing and so far, everything went just fine.

'Do you know 'ow the body reacts to cold sensations?' Fleur asked but didn't wait for an answer. She put back the ice cube making Hermione let out a strangled sound between a moan and a hiss.

'It pumps blood to the affected area to warm it. And do you know what makes it so unbearable not being touched? What makes you feel this burning need exactly here?' Fleur asked while repeating her earlier actions with what little was left of the ice.

'Blood.' Fleur smirked. 'Which means, that my plan is working out just fine. Your body will try to 'eat up the affected areas and you will not be able to believe 'ow much you will need me to touch you. Per'aps you will even beg.'

Hermione could already feel the effects of Fleur's treatment and Fleur could see her squirm.

Fleur leaned forward making Hermione recline back into a lying position while Fleur hovered over her. Hermione was writhing, her body was begging but she was too stubborn to give in just yet. She would not actually beg Fleur for release.

Fleur's fingers were tracing up and down Hermione's thighs again while her tongue played with her breasts. Hermione's ragged breaths made it hard for Fleur to keep up her game. She probably wanted Hermione just as much as she was wanted in that moment.

The writhing and the arching of her back got worse the longer Fleur teased her. She likely would have begged by now, had her mind been coherent enough. She also wouldn't have dug her hands into Fleur's back if her brain were still working.

Faster than she could rectify her mistake Fleur had pinched her nipple again, harder than before. Hermione was too far gone, she let out a guttural moan from deep within her. The burning need she had deemed almost too much to handle moments ago had only increased.

She felt Fleur settle one of her legs on her shoulder and a hand was again playing with her arse. Close but not close enough.

She couldn't bear it any longer.

'I need you, Fleur. Please,' she pressed out between hitched breaths.

'I know, chérie,' Fleur smiled against Hermione's skin. She repositioned herself for better access, Hermione's leg still on her shoulder, and kissed her girlfriend on the lips, exploring her mouth with her tongue, enjoying the unrestricted desire that she was welcomed with.

Hermione fought for air and broke the kiss, panting wildly.

'Fleur, just fuck me. Please.'

The moment the words had left her mouth she felt two of Fleur's fingers easily glide into her, the heel of her hand softly touching Hermione's clit in the process. The young witch moaned loudly. She had never been wound tighter than this. All she wanted was for this coil to snap and release her.

Fleur sped up and set a pitiless pace. She could barely hear it when Hermione whimpered for more but followed her request immediately by adding another finger. By now Hermione was reduced to mere instincts, a base creature ruled by emotions and physical stimulation.

She could barely process it when Fleur told her it was ok to hold onto her.

The gentle pain of her nipple caught between Fleur's teeth toppled her over the edge.

She came moaning Fleur's name and digging her fingernails into Fleur's back. The sight of Hermione losing control like that was nearly enough to make Fleur come too. She had never seen anything quite as hot as that.

Hermione's body jerked wildly but Fleur was determined not to stop what she was doing. Hermione was overcome by a second wave of bliss shortly after the first.

She screamed in ecstasy and held onto Fleur even tighter. This was more intense than any of their trysts before. Hermione couldn't believe that Fleur had found yet another way of increasing her pleasure.

Hermione slumped down and tried to catch her breath, a foolish grin on her face. When Fleur gently removed her fingers, she opened her eyes to look at her. She saw Fleur seductively licking her fingers clean and she decided that there were few things in life that were as sexy as the sight in front of her.

Fleur gathered Hermione up in her arms and held her tight. Her breath had still not returned to normal and it seemed that speech was a concept way too complex for now.

''ave you any idea what you do to me, when you come like that?' Fleur asked but her only response was Hermione smiling as she brushed her lips against the skin of Fleur's shoulder.

'Je t'aime, chérie,' Fleur answered before being swept away by Hermione's response to Fleur's declaration of love.