It was the last thing Hermione expected. Despite not knowing exactly what she was expecting she knew most definitely she was not expecting this. Yes, the fact that Fleur was veela wasn't a secret from her but she had no idea...

Well, she just had no idea.

This was why Madam Pomfrey had come to see Fleur then, why she had to take that potion, why she needed the check up. Hermione reread the passage for one last time then stared blankly out at the lake.

She didn't like Fleur, no, not at all. But this book said she might die. Why? It made no sense... it wasn't logical at all. Releasing a deep breath to calm herself, Hermione looked back down at the book, lighted by her blue flame, and knew there was really only thing she could do right then and there.

And that was finish the rest of the book.

After all, she reasoned, Fleur did say it would explain everything. Sighing deeply and preparing to read long into the night, Hermione flipped the page and became deeply engrossed in the mating habits of the veela. Her heart sinking with every page as she read realizing more and more, it definitely had to do with her.

If everything in the book was right, and Hermione thought it definitely was, she really had to have a talk with Fleur tomorrow.

The trouble was, Fleur wasn't in class. In fact, Fleur wasn't anywhere. No one knew where she was, not even her legions of admirers, many of which weren't too eager to give any information to Hermione who they knew wasn't amongst their numbers but still managed to spend more time with the object of their desire than they did. Hermione spent her spare time wandering around Hogwarts in a vain search for Fleur which was just making her more frustrated.

Almost two hours had passed in her try to find Fleur escapade when Hermione found herself in the hospital ward of the school. That's where she heard the familiar lilting voice of Fleur, speaking in her light accent to Madam Pomfrey.

"Impossible," Fleur was saying, her tones agitated, "I have already missed one day of classes, Madam Pomfrey. I will not miss more. It is foolishness."

"It's your health, Fleur!" Madam Pomfrey exclaimed, sounding just as agitated. "I know you're trying to resolve the situation on your own but this isn't wise at all. You're only causing yourself to become more ill."

"I am leaving," announced Fleur, her voice was trembling now. There was the sound of stumbling and the rushing of feet. A moment of silence passed before Fleur said quietly, "It is fine. All will be well... I promise."

"Fleur," began Madam Pomfrey.

"Yes?" Fleur cut her off, sighing slightly.

"Your potion."

Silence enveloped them again and Hermione could practically see Fleur smiling softly for some reason. She saw it in her minds eye, as clear as day, it was a small smile that curled on her lips, lifting them up slightly, making her look utterly charming. Then Fleur said in a quiet drawl, "Merci."

The door opened and Hermione scuttled out of sight. Fleur stood in the hallway, shifting her eyes about, finally resting on the large statue that Hermione was hidden behind and her lips formed the exact smile Hermione had imagined.

"Hiding?" asked Fleur and although her deep blue eyes were tired, echoing with worry, they twinkled at Hermione with humor. "I am not that frightening, surely."

Stepping out from behind the statue of a knight, noticing with some embarrassment it rolling its eyes at her, Hermione smiled nervously. "I read the book," she said finally. "I wanted to talk with you about it."

"I had thought you might," replied Fleur. She studied Hermione before walking towards the girl, her movements lacking their usual fluid grace. "Come," she murmured, walking still, "we should discuss this somewhere more private, non?" When Hermione followed after her, Fleur looked backwards, over her shoulder and stared into the shadows at the far end of the hall. "Where we will be alone."

For some reason, Hermione never really imagined where her teachers lived. Somehow she didn't think they had lives outside of Hogwarts. Other than Hagrid, of course, whom she had gotten to know quite well over the years.

Perhaps that's why she took in Fleur's house with some surprise. It was on the edge of the Hogwarts grounds, isolated from most of the school. But that wasn't what surprised her most. Somehow she had expected Fleur that would choose to live in more extravagant settings than this. The house was of normal size, just two stories, wooden and simple in appearance, its architecture not modern in the least, giving it an aged appearance. Granted, it was only Fleur staying there but somehow Hermione expected that she grew up in a mansion or other such elaborate surroundings.

Seeing Hermione's surprise, Fleur smiled as she quietly shut the door to the house. "A replica of my family's summer house," she offered in explanation. "It is a simple spell to perform. Certainly you could," Fleur's eyes twinkled.

The nearby coat rack held its golden arms out, hands stretched to take Fleur's cloak as she removed it. "Merci, Goldie," said Fleur easily, walking past the coat rack which waved at her happily and gave several thumbs up. Looking back at Hermione who was trailing after her cautiously, she said, "Would you like to have our chat in the parlor? I think it the most comfortable room in the house."

"That's fine," said Hermione slowly, her eyes darting around, taking in the simple wooden structure of the house, reflecting age and elegance.

It had obviously been passed down through the generations, the real one that is, and the walls were covered with portraits. Most likely of Delacour family members who were, for the most part, winking and wearing what seemed to be the patented smile of their clan. Walking into the parlor and watching as Fleur gave a light flick of her wand, causing a fire to light up in the fireplace, Hermione focused her gaze on yet another portrait. This one with Fleur herself in it.

A handsome man, obviously human, with thick blonde hair and warm brown eyes smiled kindly at her. Next to him stood a woman a few inches taller than him with long and shining silvery blonde hair, skin lightly tinged gold, her eyes the exact color of Fleur's. Her gaze was lidded, looking at Hermione cautiously, almost like she was trying to figure her out. Positioned in front of them was Fleur, sitting in a chair, just finishing crossing her legs and giving Hermione her usual glittering smile. At her side, leaning on the chair and glaring fiercely at Hermione was a girl, thin and gangly with shoulder length blonde hair pulled back by barrettes, her eyes were royal blue and narrowed. She scowled then stuck out her tongue and whirled around so only her back could be seen.

Noticing Hermione studying the portrait, Fleur sighed at the girl's antics. "My sister, Gabrielle," she said, walking towards the nearby couch and sitting down. She looked at Hermione and smiled wryly. "She is a bit protective over me."

"She seems nice," offered Hermione, not sure of what else to say.

Chuckling at this, Fleur shook her head, causing long blonde locks to fly about. Pushing several out of her eyes, she said, "I love her, my sister, but she can be something of a trial." Fleur glanced back at the portrait where Gabrielle was looking at them again and was now making faces. "In fact, she is one almost all of the time. Still," Fleur focused on Hermione and smiled, "family is family." They were quiet for a moment then Fleur lightly patted the couch cushion next to her. "Will you sit?" she requested. "You make me nervous, standing there."

"Sorry," Hermione jumped, apologizing. She made her way over to the couch, sitting down but keeping a nice distance between herself and Fleur. Something that she was positive the other woman noticed. "So," she began nervously, "the book."

"Yes," Fleur sighed, looking almost disappointed the subject was brought up so soon, she faced Hermione. "That is why we are here, is it not? Well then," she murmured, her blue eyes cautious. "You've read it so surely you must have questions for me."

"Am I the reason you're sick?" asked Hermione quickly, the words rushing out of her. "Because if I am then I want to help you. Even though I'm not sure how I can help. I did read the book but a lot of it was confusing and-"

"Mademoiselle Granger," said Fleur, smiling and holding up her hand, interrupting the girl's babbling speech which caused Hermione's cheeks to flush. "It is fine," she said in quiet, soothing tones, her voice lilting again. She looked away from Hermione, out the window of the house and at the grounds. "I have been ill for some time. It has nothing to do with you, I swear it."

Watching Fleur and suddenly feeling very sad, Hermione asked in hushed tones, "Why are you sick then?"

"You read the book," said Fleur, looking at Hermione. "I am not a half breed but I am close... my mother is one and my father, he is a human wizard." She was looking back at the portrait where her parents smiled kindly at her and Gabrielle was sitting on the ground, her head peeking up over the frame, glaring at them. "There is only a short amount of time after puberty that may pass before the need to find a mate takes me over. If I do not..." Fleur trailed off.

"What?" Hermione encouraged.

Locking her eyes on Hermione once more, Fleur sighed then looked at the fire as she said, "I become ill. So you see, it has nothing to do with you, not really. It is merely my bloodline."

"I don't think it's mere, Fleur," said Hermione and Fleur jerked her head up, looking at her with surprise on hearing the worried tones in her voice. Frowning, Hermione went on, "And neither does Madam Pomfrey or Headmaster Dumbledore."

"They worry themselves needlessly," Fleur waved her hand. She sighed and shifted on the couch, stretching her legs out and instantly, a footrest scurried to her, settling in front of Fleur so she could put her feet on it. Tipping her head back against the couch, Fleur looked up at the ceiling. "I have dealt with this for quite some time. I had hoped... well, I had hoped different things but I see now this is not the place for me. I belong elsewhere, I should think." She moved her head and Fleur smiled softly at Hermione. "It seems the trend will continue, hm? No Professor for Defense Against the Dark Arts lasts long at Hogwarts. Ah well," she sighed again, "I will finish out the year, at least."

"What did you hope for?" asked Hermione and Fleur sighed again. Narrowing her brown eyes at this, she continued, "And what do I have to do with it? Is it like what I read in the book? Because I don't fall under your thrall? Staring at you with a brain dead worshipping expression like nearly everyone else at school?"

Fleur stared blankly at Hermione for a moment then she burst out into laughter. Unlike her chuckles, which were quiet and melodic, her laughter was a full and hearty sound, somehow making Hermione laugh along. Because, really, she did find the expressions that Ron and the others in Fleur's fanclub wore quite funny.

"Yes, it has to do with that," said Fleur, chuckling still. She was quiet, a serious expression forming on her sculptured features and her blue eyes darkened into the color of the night sky as she turned to face Hermione. Scooting forward, she left a spare few inches between them as she murmured, "Do you know how rare it is? How hard it is for my people, for the veela, to find someone who doesn't fall under our spell? Can you even imagine what it is like... to talk to someone and see their eyes glaze over and know that no matter what you say, they will agree, despite not really hearing a word that you have uttered?" Fleur was utterly solemn and her jaw was set, a steady tick forming in it. "A form of hell, I would think." She then leaned back, away from Hermione, and smiled softly. "That is why you interest me. You are not under my thrall... you don't look at me that way, you hear everything that I say, although you might not care for one word of it. I must admit," Fleur chuckled again, "I find it invigorating."

"Then you don't want me?" Hermione said slowly, a feeling of mixed disappointment and relief rising up in her. "For the courtship ritual, I mean."

Fleur studied Hermione for several long and seemingly endless moments before she smiled extravagantly, her teeth glittering in the light, her blue eyes deep and shining, as she said quite simply, "No, Mademoiselle Granger. You are mistaken. I do want you. Very much."

Hermione, for once in her life, could not think of a reply.

The situation, play by play, went like this. Most of Hogwarts was interested in Fleur; Fleur was interested in Hermione; Hermione was interested in being left alone; and all of Hogwarts was interested in why Fleur was interested in Hermione. This made for a very interesting situation.

At least to everyone but Hermione, who was getting quite sick of the attention she was getting not from her intelligence or from being Head Girl or even from new improved look and always enticing swing of her shapely hips but instead from the situation with Fleur. A situation which she had a hard time explaining to Ron and Harry.

"She likes you because you don't like her," said Ron dimly, his face screwing up in a frown as he tried to figure it all out. Shaking his head, he looked at Hermione then said, "That doesn't make sense."

"I know!" Hermione exclaimed with frustration, waving her hands about. "It makes no sense at all! No sense! I think the veela are crazy you know, that or they get a perverse joy out of driving people mad because I think that is what's happening to me. I'm going mad! Stark raving mad, bonkers!" Hermione was now ranting as she paced back in forth on the yard, ignoring the stares from some of the passing students, not really caring what anyone thought at the moment, she was so frustrated. "I simply can't take it!"

"I think it makes a bit of sense," said Harry thoughtfully. When Hermione and Ron's gazes, both angry at his words, pierced into him, he shrugged sheepishly. "Well, think about it," he murmured, "would you want to be with someone you didn't know really and honestly liked you? At least if they win over someone who doesn't like them at first or who just isn't interested, they know for sure they can't ever fall under their thrall." Harry smiled now. "That the love is genuine."

Ron stared at Harry for a moment. "My sister did this to you," he said sadly, shaking his head. "She ruined you for all time. I knew that she would."

"Shut it," Harry said, shoving Ron on the shoulder. Looking towards Hermione, who was glaring at several students walking past and whispering to each other, he asked, "What are you going to do? Keep ignoring her?"

"Ignore Fleur?" said Ron incredulously, staring at Harry as if he was the one going mad thanks to all the gossip going around about him. Then again, there was always gossip about Harry it was just that he, unlike Hermione, had gotten very used to it and was practically immune to its effects. "She can't do that!"

"I wish I could," muttered Hermione and Ron looked positively scandalized on hearing this. She sighed deeply and ran her fingers through her hair, smoothing it out. "I suppose that I'll simply have to deal with all of this. After all," she gave a halfway bright smile that begged for them, as her best friends, to give her hope, "I'm sure Fleur will become interested in someone else."

Harry and Ron alike looked very doubtful at this prospect. Something that didn't give Hermione hope in the least.

Class was pretty much the same. Except for the fact that most people in it glared at Hermione when they were mooning over Fleur. Sometimes they did it at the same time. This usually happened whenever Fleur would call on Hermione.

Something that Hermione was beginning to increasingly dread. It was her habit to listen to Fleur but to avoid looking at her and to especially avoid eye contact. She didn't quite know why, especially since she was supposedly immune to Fleur and her veela charm, but every time Hermione looked into those deep blue eyes that always regarded her affectionately, her heart would beat faster.

The sensation was entirely disturbing for her and that was why Hermione almost never looked Fleur in the eyes unless she absolutely had to. Which was why she was staring out the window of the class when Fleur called out her name.

Heaving a sigh, Hermione looked at Fleur's chest then blushed as she realized what Fleur would think of her looking at that of all things, then she lifted her gaze just a bit to stare at Fleur's neck. Yes, the neck was a safe zone. Not at all like the chest which contained the soft and alluring swell of her breasts or the lower portion of her face that had full and curving lips and lord, not the hips... yes, the neck, it was safe. She decided from now on she'd simply look at Fleur's neck.

Hermione was starting to seriously doubt she was immune to anything. Maybe she'd gotten some horrible form of the magical flu or something. Just what she needed. Her dreaded enemies, the members of Fleur's fanclub, would probably just take her being ill as an opportunity to finally finish her off.

"Mademoiselle Granger?" Fleur's charming lilt brought Hermione back to reality and she jumped, jerking her head up, freezing as she realized she had just done herself in. She was no longer looking at Fleur's neck and was now staring into deep blue eyes. Which were, she swallowed the lump in her throat, twinkling at her fondly. Damn her. "Do you have any suggestions for how we might defeat a giant in battle?"

"Soft spot on their head," said Hermione hoarsely, really and truly wanting to just be left alone. She then tore her gaze away from Fleur's and looked back out the window.

"Exactly," said Fleur and Hermione could tell she was smiling by the tone of her voice. "The only weakness of a giant, besides poor eyesight is a soft spot located on their heads. Which is the reason that you almost never see one without their helmet on. After all," Fleur chuckled, "if you had but two weaknesses wouldn't you do your best to conceal them from others?"

Several people sighed mournfully at this, obviously relating these words back to Fleur and her much circulated problems thanks to her veela heritage, and Hermione formed a scowl. She was almost starting to miss Divinations.

When class ended Hermione didn't bother leaving as she somehow knew that Fleur would want to talk to her afterwards. Which is why she sat, a bored look on her face, chin in the palm of her hand, staring out the window while Fleur politely shooed away her large crowd of admirers so they could talk. Once they were alone and the click of the door shutting sounded, Hermione sighed and stared at Fleur's stylish high heels which were the exact color of her eyes.

"You will not look at me at least?" said Fleur softly. A moment passed and Hermione lifted her gaze, looking rather like a first year meeting the Bloody Baron in a dark hall. "Why do you wear that face?" Fleur asked and hesitantly her hands reached out, elegant fingers tracing the barest path to lightly rest on Hermione's face, as if through touch she hoped to memorize its planes. "This is unpleasant for you, I know that," she went on, not seeming bothered by the lack of response from the girl in front of her. "I often feel the same. I do not enjoy the attention as they would think."

"Then why not forget about me?" said Hermione abruptly, jerking her face backwards, not at all liking how much she was starting to enjoy Fleur's caress. "Find someone else who won't fall under your thrall. Someone not at Hogwarts."

"Because I cannot," said Fleur sharply, her voice almost harsh and Hermione looked at her and found her features had contorted in anger. Deep blue eyes narrowed and she whirled away from Hermione, gathering up her leather satchel. Storming out of the room, the last thing Fleur said before the door closed loudly was, "I never thought you could be this cruel or foolish."

All of ten seconds passed then Hermione scowled like she had never scowled before and she followed after Fleur, running at top speeds. Not caring they were in the middle of a very crowded hallway, Hermione grabbed Fleur's arm, which had swung back in her furious walk, and turned her around so they would be facing. Making her scowl of all scowls deeper, Hermione glared up at her.

"What did you say that for?" demanded Hermione shrilly. "You were the one who began this whole thing! You came here because of me and not the other way round! Don't you dare start calling me names!"

Fleur's deep blue eyes narrowed and she stared at Hermione's fingers, wrapped around her arm then she lifted her gaze to look into dark brown eyes. The whole world slipped into a horrible slow motion for Hermione and then, the next thing she knew, Fleur's lips were on hers, kissing her in the plain sight of a good portion of Hogwarts.

And those lips, they were cool, soothing on her like a balm, making her feel like that was where they belonged. Elegant hands dropped the satchel they held and pressed lightly onto her waist, holding her close, pressing them into each other and Hermione gasped as she felt the swell of Fleur's breasts against her own. Unable to think, unable to do anything but focus on Fleur and her lips, soft on her own, opening her up in a wet demand of desperate need, Hermione forgot where she was, who she was, and responded, allowing Fleur's tongue to slip into her mouth.

That was when a loud cough sounded in the air.

Seeming unaffected by this, Fleur took her time when pulling away from Hermione, sucking lightly on her lower lip then kissing her gently. Resting her palm on Hermione's cheek, both of which were flushed heavily, Fleur smiled softly at her then tilted her head, turning to look at whoever had interrupted them.

Hermione should have expected it to be Professor Snape, it made sense, after all. He always seemed to be around when things went wrong in her life. Snape was always there to gloat and punish, that was what he was best at.

"Delacour," said Snape in his always snide tones, looking at Fleur as if she was some sort of insect he really wanted to squash. "I know Dumbledore is giving you leeway when it comes to your relationship," he sneered on the last word, "with Granger but I doubt he would approve of such displays. Particularly when it is a Hogwarts Professor and the Head Girl responsible for these acts."

"Oh?" Fleur arched a blonde eyebrow. She wore an entirely calm expression, unlike Hermione who didn't ever like being under Snape's inspection, much less most of the school, seeing as all of the students present were busy with gaping at them. Sensing this perhaps, Fleur reached back and took Hermione's hand in her own. "I had always thought the Headmaster to be the romantic sort. Besides," she smiled softly and looked back at Hermione before facing Snape again, "there would be nothing to tell, after all. This was simply my way of apologizing for a lover's tiff." Fleur's deep blue eyes twinkled and she drawled, "Would he really care of such things?"

Staring at them for a long while, Snape snarled then stomped past, obviously intent on talking to Dumbledore no matter what Fleur said. Sighing at this, Fleur watched him leave then murmured, "Horrible man." She looked at Hermione who was busy avoiding the stares of her fellow students. "Hermione?"

Hermione vaguely realized it was the first time Fleur had called her that, had called her by her first name, but it didn't matter, nothing mattered except that everyone was staring at her and that she had made a fool out of herself yet again. No, not her, Fleur had made a fool out of her, and she didn't even care that she had done this.

Shaking her hand out of Fleur's grip, Hermione said stiffly, "You shouldn't have done that. Not here, not in from of everyone."

"Yes," Fleur admitted, her eyes drifting over the students around them. "Much like we should not discuss this here as well. Will you accompany me then?"

"Just leave me alone," Hermione bit out, rushing away from Fleur, away from the stares on her, away from everything going on in her life lately. "Leave me alone!"

Watching Hermione go, Fleur noted that this was the first time her hips didn't swing attractively as she departed. Which meant, by all means, that she had managed to upset the girl very much this time. Heaving a sigh, Fleur picked up her leather satchel and pondered what she should do next as she left.

The rest of the Hogwarts simply stared.

On the weekend Hermione escaped into Hogsmeade, feeling that there had to be at least some people in the town who weren't obsessed with Fleur and therefore, were not angry at her over the kissing fiasco. She thought that the stares in the hallway after the kiss were bad, well, they were nothing next to the glares she was currently receiving. Every other person in Hogwarts was furious at Hermione for getting to do the one thing they apparently wanted to do most. Kiss Fleur.

Part of Hermione couldn't blame them. She did know first hand that Fleur was a good kisser. Her fans didn't but she supposed that people under Fleur's thrall just assumed that she was and in this case, they assumed correctly.

Still, one good kiss certainly wasn't worth all this trouble. Not even one Hermione found herself dreaming about the day after. Well, each day after, with the dream getting more elaborate each time. Something that Lavender teased her about while Parvati asked details on the dream when Lavender wasn't around.

Ron, on the other hand, was furious at Hermione for three days before he gave in and wanted to know details as well. Something which frustrated Hermione to no end. She hoped to find solace in Hogsmeade and in the Three Broomsticks with a tankard of butterbeer. Parvati and Lavender were with her, hoping that they might somehow cheer her up. Lavender and Hermione were both exhausted after Parvati, who had a shockingly strong sweet tooth, purchased enough candy at Honeydukes to last the entire year. Although, according to Lavender, they would be lucky if it lasted Parvati a month.

Having dentists for parents, Hermione simply shook her head and thought about all the horrifying things Parvati would've had to go through if she didn't happen to be a witch with magic on her side.

"You know, one thing still confuses me," said Lavender, averting her eyes away from Parvati, who was busy searching through her bag of treats, to Hermione. "I thought you said that Fleur was sick, that being veela did it to her."

"Yes, because of the courtship ritual," said Hermione with a nod. She frowned at Lavender, whom she now knew to be far more perceptive than she could have ever thought. "Why does that confuse you though?"

"Because," said Lavender slowly, obviously mulling it over. "If Fleur is sick then why isn't she moving more quickly? From everything you've told us it seems like as soon as the courtship ritual is done, she'll be fine. Except she hasn't even gone to you about it."

"Maybe she's waiting," Parvati suggested, popping an every flavor bean into her mouth. She made a little sound of pleasure then murmured, "Mint ice cream."

"Waiting?" echoed Hermione, looking confused.

"Yeah, you know," Parvati said, not looking up through her every flavor bean search. Once she had the horrifying experience of finding the fart bean and she wasn't about to relive that again. "Waiting for you to start to like her more. Fleur doesn't seem like the type to force herself on anyone. Besides," Parvati looked up at Hermione, holding a bean which she thought might be blueberry in her hand. "Hasn't she been busy trying to win you over since the kissing incident? You're having dinner with her tomorrow, right?" She popped the bean into her mouth and grimaced then spat it onto the table. "Ew! Toilet bowl cleaner!"

"Ick, Parvati," said Lavender in her best cute whine, flicking the chewed up bean at her girlfriend, "try keeping things in your mouth, okay?"

"You didn't say that last night," replied Parvati, smiling flirtatiously.

Lavender rolled her eyes at this and looked at a stunned Hermione. "Parvati is probably right about this, you know," she said. "I bet Fleur is just waiting for some sign that you like her back." Lavender studied Hermione carefully then gave a mischievous grin. "So," she drawled, "do you like her?"

"What?" Hermione blinked, looking blankly at Lavender. Realizing what her friend had just said, she exclaimed, "Don't be ridiculous! The reason she wants me is because I don't like her!"

"I thought it was because you're immune to her thrall," said Parvati, arching an eyebrow and looking fairly smug with herself. It was an expression that only Lavender could love and she smiled happily at Parvati before facing Hermione.

"I know about the dreams," Lavender said in a silky smooth voice. She looked over at Parvati who suddenly wasn't quite so smug and guiltily searched through her bag of every flavor beans for one that wouldn't make her sick. "Parvati's not good at keeping secrets from me."

"I see," said Hermione rather sourly. Shaking her head, she then looked at Lavender and said quite plainly, "Dreams are dreams. They aren't anything to get worked up about. Just because I've had a few about Fleur doesn't mean I'm not still furious over what she did to me. Honestly," huffed Hermione, folding her arms over her chest, "kissing me in front of the whole school! Practically everyone in Hogwarts hates me now."

"Fleur doesn't," said Parvati in teasing tones, popping a bean into her mouth and sighing with relief. "Nice boring chocolate. Yummy for me."

"I don't care if Fleur hates me!" Hermione cried in agitation.

Lavender and Parvati's eyes widened at this outburst and Lavender opened her mouth to reply when Hermione interrupted, "No! I mean it, Lavender, I don't care one little bit of what Fleur thinks of me! She can just bugger off!"

"But Hermione-" Lavender tried again.

"I'm serious when I say this, I truly am!" Hermione announced, rising to her feet, hands on her hips.

"Hermione-" Parvati took her turn.

"I... don't... care..." Hermione slowly spaced the words out, staring at them like they were some type of magical creature she had never seen in her textbooks before.

Instead of trying one final time, Lavender and Parvati sighed then shrugged, lifting up their wands and casting a wind spell to gently turn Hermione around. Causing her look into deep blue eyes that held a vague hint of amusement and, if you looked close enough, which Hermione always did, hurt as well.

"Bonsoir," said Fleur, her lilting tones as even as her gaze as it bore into Hermione with an unwavering strength. "So," her voice was disturbingly accepting. "You do not care?"

"Fleur... I..." began Hermione, unsure of what she really wanted to say. She held those blue eyes which searched her own before Fleur sighed and looked away.

"It is fine," Fleur said. Shining silver blonde hair covered her sculptured profile and walking away, she murmured, "I did not expect you to. Forget my invitation of dinner. I am sure you have better ways in which to spend your time."

Hermione watched her, a dumbfounded expression on her face, and she most likely would've kept standing there, watching her, if Parvati hadn't levitated a few every flavor beans to whap them at the back of her head. Turning around, she faced her friends, both of which wore disapproving expressions.

"Well?" said Lavender peevishly as she stood up. Her eyes narrowed and she put her hands on her hips, unconsciously mimicking Hermione. "You are going after her, aren't you? If you don't... well..." Lavender's eyes narrowed more and she said in her very best attempt at a threatening tone, "We'll never forgive you!" She looked down at her girlfriend for support and said, "Isn't that right, Parvati?"

Rising to her feet, Parvati looked closely at Hermione, pausing as she wore a solemn face, then she said quietly, "That upset her, Hermione, it really did. You should talk with her, make an apology. But," a hint of a smile played on Parvati's lips, "don't say anything you don't mean." She glanced over at Lavender. "Some girls can tell if you lie."

"That's right!" Lavender declared, flipping her hair over her shoulder imperiously. "Which is why I'll be able to tell if you're not nice to her! So you have to do your very best to fix things. Go on," Lavender made a shooing motion with her hands. "Get a move on!"

Forming a small smile of thanks, Hermione rushed out the Three Broomsticks. Leaving Parvati and Lavender to themselves, something they always liked.

Running after Fleur was something that Hermione was getting used to even though she didn't much like it. But run she did, and for not the first time in her life she wished she was a little more broom inclined because it would certainly help her get places faster. She shivered at the thought. If only they didn't go up so high and were so unsteady and were just so horribly broom-like.

Sometimes she just wanted to go out and buy a rug. Even though they were still having a spot of importing problems when it came to them.

She didn't know how or why, but somehow Hermione knew that Fleur had gone back to her house. Maybe it was instinct or luck, she had no idea, but whatever told her this was right though. Because before Hermione, huffing and puffing from lack of air, could even lift her hand to knock, the door opened for her.

No one was there but Hermione entered anyway, somehow knowing that Fleur was well aware she was on the premises. The door quietly shut and the golden coat hanger snatched the cloak off her shoulders. Hermione thought that it must be angry with her because of her treatment of Fleur and smiled warily at it.

The coat hanger, Goldie, she remembered it was called, bristled at this then tossing her cloak on itself, it pointed Hermione down the hall and towards the parlor. Cautiously heading that way, Hermione called out, "Fleur?"

Hermione found Fleur sitting in front of the fireplace in a large leather chair, staring placidly up at the portrait of her family. On seeing Hermione enter, Gabrielle stuck out her tongue and made a series of disgusting faces. Fleur's lips moved into a bare smile and she said, "You've made Gabrielle cross."

"Really?" asked Hermione lightly, stopping to stand at one side of the chair. "I couldn't tell. She always looks that way when I'm here, after all."

"Hm," Fleur murmured, chuckling a bit. "That is true, I suppose."

"Fleur, about earlier... I-" Hermione started hesitantly.

"I said it is fine," said Fleur almost harshly, fixing her gaze on the fire, watching the crackling flames before her. "We have nothing between us, you and I. Certainly I never expected you to care for me. I hoped... eh, foolish things." Blue eyes glittered, reflecting the burning fire, and she said quietly, "Do not worry. I will survive."

"But you... the ritual..." Hermione stumbled over the words. "You said-"

"I will survive," repeated Fleur bitingly. She kept her gaze locked on the fire and Hermione watched a tick emerge in her jaw. "I ask again for you to leave now."

Hermione was motionless for a long while, staring at Fleur's expression which was cold and without feeling, something that she had never thought she would see. Fleur could be infuriating, arrogant, and often obnoxious at times, but she was never like this. Never.

She looked at the sharp jaw line, fierce and uncompromising, going well with silvery blonde hair, feathering down her shoulders. Hermione's eyes traveled down to Fleur's hands, once long and elegant but soft and gentle now formed in the shape of claws, nails hard as they shone in the light of the fire, showing them to be dangerous weapons.

"Fleur," whispered Hermione in shock, unconsciously echoing the words that Ron had said to her only two months ago. "What's happened to you?"

Looking to Hermione who gasped at what she saw, deep blue eyes turned golden, glittering at her as she said, "Nothing." Fleur sighed and looked back at the fire. "This is what happens sometimes. My veela blood takes control. You have seen the shift, surely? From one form to the next in pure blooded veela?"

"Yes," said Hermione, recalling her trip to the Quidditch World Cup and the veela that had performed there, and also recalling it from the book that Fleur had given her a few days ago. Despite knowing precisely why this was going on, she still felt compelled to ask, "But why is it happening to you?"

"Emotional distress," Fleur shrugged. "It is a natural defense, one supposes. To ward off people from causing my kind pain." She gave a hollow laugh and smiled up at Gabrielle who was making funny faces to undoubtedly lift her spirits. "Although it does not work so effectively in these harsh modern times." Directing her gaze back at Hermione who hadn't moved, she murmured, "I said you can leave."

"I don't want to leave," said Hermione firmly, looking extremely stubborn. "I want to talk with you, Fleur. I didn't mean what I said back there, really I didn't. It's just, well, I don't like all this attention... it bothers me." Blushing and wearing a very flustered expression, she turned away from Fleur to look out the window. "I wish you hadn't kissed me in public like that, is all."

There was a moment of silence and then the only sound was the rustling of Fleur's clothes as she stood up. A soft touch was on Hermione's cheek, turning her head and she gasped on looking into Fleur's features, back to normal, full of loveliness, blue eyes alight as they bore into her earnestly.

"We are alone now," Fleur said softly, her voice lilting. Studying Hermione for a moment longer, she tilted her head to one side then said, "May I kiss you?"

Being with Fleur like this, feeling her touch, caressed by her warm gaze, knowing that for whatever reason she was wanted by this person, that she was perhaps even loved by them, Hermione did the only thing she felt that she could. Shakily, she nodded her head and said in a breath of a whisper, "Yes."

Then they were kissing once more. Only this time it was a hundred times better than before because this time Hermione knew what to expect. She knew those lips would be soft and tender on her own but eager as they pressed into her in a sweet demand, opening her up and tasting deep. There were no eyes to inspect her, to envy her, only Fleur and her warmth, her love, and Hermione felt that she was drowning in it, it was so intense. But it didn't matter, nothing mattered but Fleur and being with her and this kiss, this embrace, going on and on.

Go on it did, with a tumble back onto the leather chair, Hermione falling onto Fleur's lap, those chilly but comforting hands on her waist, holding her close, touching her in ways she never dreamed of. Mouths opened and tongues exploring deep, gasping sighs and moans of pleasure sounded in the air as expert hands trailed up and under Hermione's shirt, cupping her breasts.

Brown eyes immediately flew open and Hermione pulled away from Fleur, causing those hands to drop onto her hips. She was breathing raggedly and a lock of hair went falling into her eyes. "No," she began, sounding slightly panicked. "I... I can't... I mean, we've only just... it's..."

"Shh," Fleur soothed, smoothing Hermione's hair back, pressing it softly into her head as she smiled. "I understand," she assured. "I do not want you to rush into anything you might regret later, Hermione."

All was quiet then Hermione sighed, looking immensely relieved, then she hid her face on Fleur's shoulder, murmuring into her neck, "I like how you say that."

"Say what?" questioned Fleur, wrapping her arms around Hermione's waist, pulling her up and moving their bodies closer.

"My name," Hermione replied with a tiny smile.

"Ah," said Fleur wisely, amusement resounding in her tones. "Well then," she pronounced rather loftily. "I think I will have to call you that more often then. It might help you respond better to me in class, non? Hermione," she said, doing an effective impression of herself while teaching in Defense Against the Dark Arts. "Do you know the most effective way to slay a gargoyle?"

"Yes," said Hermione with exaggerated annoyance, getting into the game, moving further into Fleur's embrace and smiling wider. "'But I won't tell you unless you say my name again."

"Hermione," Fleur lilted out, her French accent making her sound smoother than a normal person. Elegant fingers crawled up Hermione's sides, lightly tickling her as she went on, "Hermione, Hermione, Hermione!"

Collapsing into giggles, Hermione gasped out, "Stop it! I can't stand being tickled, even if you are saying my name!"

"I apologize," murmured Fleur, resting her hands on the small of Hermione's back and rubbing it in tender circles. "I promise to not do that to you again."

"It's all right," said Hermione with a quiet happiness.

They were motionless for a long while, simply enjoying the embrace, being together and feeling at peace, when Fleur sighed softly, shifting her body. She pressed a light kiss on Hermione's cheek and murmured, "Thank you for this."

"You don't have to thank me, Fleur," said Hermione, looking a bit alarmed, moving back to study Fleur carefully. "I wanted to." She blushed and turned away from Fleur for a moment. Looking at her again, Hermione reached out, tentatively resting the tips of her fingers on Fleur's face, feeling more confident this time, because she realized what she was saying really was true. "I wanted to. I like you, I really do."

"I am glad," said Fleur softly, forming her always glittering smile.

And for the first time since she had seen it, Hermione didn't scowl. No, instead she formed a glittering smile of her own. One that made Fleur smile all the brighter before she moved forward to capture Hermione's lips with her own for a passionate kiss. Then suddenly, they had better things to do than smile.

Far better.

End