A/N: Thanks to everyone who reviewed…and woot 1500+ views in less than 4 days! (I'm not sure if that's great but it made me really, really happy nonetheless!) I'm on a roll here so here's the next chapter...and its a long one. Hopefully you guys will get some answers!
Oh and about the surfing…just another quirk I pictured our dearest Hermione to possess. ;)
Once again Hermione was out in the morning sun swimming a furious crawl stroke through the bounding waves. Her arms dug deep through the churning water, despite objection from her aching muscles. She kept fighting, her arms slicing strongly through the current. Exhaustion best summed all she was feeling right now; not exactly physical fatigue despite her efforts in the water, but moreso an emotional exhaustion. It left her emotionally drained.
The previous night proved to be an awkward one as stories of relationships, bad make-out sessions and the like were exchanged around the bonfire on the beach.
Harry and Ginny were practically conjoined at the hips to Hermione; the way they had clung on to one another seemed as if they let go the other might plunge to their death. Lavender sat straddling Ron's lap, her arms linked around his neck. Hermione could start to feel bile rise in her throat as she watched Lavender kiss and nip repeatedly at Ron's neck, and then giggle coyly. Neville and Luna however, Hermione found delightfully awkward, as they simply decided to hold hands, and occasionally Neville would muster the courage to plant a small kiss on Luna's cheek. Seamus and Dean spoke highly of their respective loved ones, sparing no details about make-out sessions gone awry. Curiously, Fleur and Bill sat across from each other, both smiling and nodding during the conversation but neither volunteered anything about their relationship; to a stranger, they might have just seemed to be acquaintances. Finally when it came to Hermione's romantic exploits, she simply said, "As the Americans say, 'I plead the fifth.'"
"Come on 'Mione, surely you can spill some gory details about your time with Weasley!" Seamus laughed.
Hermione looked at Ron and Lavender, now snogging, completely oblivious to the conversation at hand. The sight disgusted her. She was never one for gratuitous snogging in public.
She began loudly. "Well I suppose I would be remiss if I contributed nothing to this conversation…gory details was it? There was that one time he took me out to Honeydukes, made the mistake of indiscriminately eating an entire fistful of Bertie Bott's beans and then proceeding to rather brutishly shove his tongue down my throat. Needless to say, it was a kiss I'd never forget. It was nearly a week before all of the food I'd eat stopped tasting like earwax." She said with a smirk, earning hearty laughter from the rest of her friends. "Oh and the other time he thought it'd be a great idea to snog in a broom closet…"
"All right…that's enough 'Mione." Ron said with a nervous laugh. Lavender simply stared daggers at Hermione but she was unaffected.
"In fact, I quite enjoy being single." Said the brown haired witch with a huff.
"Good, because odds are you'll be that way for a long time. You're insufferable Hermione! Completely barking you are!" Snapped Ron, brows furrowed. His words visibly stung Hermione, and she recoiled at the sound.
Harry intervened. "C'mon mate, you know you don't mean that."
"Whattya mean? O'course I do! I lived it! Like dating your bloody mother that one is! Stuffy, pompous, and never wants to do anything but read and study!" He pointed a finger at Hermione. "You might as well date yourself Granger!"
With that Hermione had stood and stormed back to the cottage, tears threatening to pour from her eyes. No one moved a muscle until Fleur began to follow her shouting all the way, but the brunette simply chose to ignore her. As Fleur picked up her pace, Hermione promptly raced into the study and slammed the door shut behind her. A locking spell was murmured from her lips and she flung herself onto her bed and began to weep. Fleur lingered outside the door knocking.
A weak voice came from the door. "Please Fleur…I just want to be alone right now…please…just leave me alone."
And here she was, back out in the churning waves, the water's cold embrace bringing the harsh sting of reality. She was alone.
"'Ermione!" Came a shout from the beach. Hermione stopped to tread water and peered out in the direction of the voice. Fleur was waving an arm frantically in the air, her broad smile gleaming in the early morning sun. A large blue wool blanket was draped across her shoulders and clutched in her other arm was a wicker basket. The brunette could feel her heart swell in her chest at the sight. She began to swim back to shore and Fleur took a moment to spread out the blanket. Hermione jogged the short distance from the water and happily sat cross-legged upon the blanket across from Fleur.
"Accio towel" said the brunette, holding open her right palm as her fluffy white towel slowly came to rest in it.
"Mon Dieu 'Ermione! You can perform wandless magic?"
Wrapping the towel tightly around her body, Hermione blushed and gave a small nod. "Just some of the simpler spells. I discovered I could perform summoning without a wand quite by accident earlier this summer. At my parent's house, my room is a bit of a mess…and upon word that we were going to holiday here I went to my dresser drawer to retrieve my wand only to discover it wasn't there. I must've turned my room upside down to find it, and in a fit of exasperation with my fruitless search I openly complained that it'd be fantastic to just say Accio wand. And it suddenly fell into my open hand!"
"'Zat 'eez wonderful! I can perform one or two wandless spells myself, but nuzzing as practical as summoning I'm afraid. I still need my wand for 'zat."
"I've found it's particularly useful to have a strong emotional connection to the specific spell…that, coupled with intense concentration. It took me hours of practice to summon things larger than my wand." Hermione spied the wicker basket next to Fleur's hip with great curiosity. "Might I be so bold to ask what you've got in the basket?"
"Oh! I brought you breakfast, as you missed 'eet yesterday!" She reached into the basket and produced a plate, setting it in front of the younger witch. Upon the plate she placed two pieces of toast; each with a perfectly fried egg in its center and much to Hermione's delight, they were still hot. Fleur then produced a small chilled carafe, filled to the brim with fresh squeezed orange juice. "I attempted to make, how you say, eggs-een-a-basket, non? 'Eetz not much, but I 'ope 'eet will at least give you enough energy to tackle 'zee waves 'zis morning."
Hermione brought the crisp bread to her lips and took a bite. It was perfect; not too burnt, not too much butter, and the yolk was done medium. Her eyes bulged at their sockets at the taste. "Mmm, Merlin Fleur, this is wonderful. How did you know how I like this?"
Fleur blushed. "I did some research…well I asked 'Arry."
"This is divine Fleur! But you really needn't worry yourself with this! I did help myself to an apple this morning." Hermione said between bites and absently she dipped the toast in some of the yolk that had dripped onto the plate. Fleur could only smile at the sight.
"'Eet was no trouble at all. I wanted to do 'eet."
Hermione handed the other slice of toast to the French witch, who reluctantly waved her hands in front of her face. "Oh non 'Ermione, 'eet 'ees all for you! I couldn't…"
Hermione broke a corner off of the toast and gently dipped it into the yolk. Extending her lithe arm she held the morsel at Fleur's lips. "At least have a bite. It is delicious…much too delicious for just one person to enjoy." Fleur hesitated for a moment before opening her mouth to accept the offer. Hermione nimbly placed the morsel onto the French witch's tongue and shuddered at the warmth she suddenly felt as Fleur's lips closed around her fingers. And she nearly convulsed as the blonde drew the rest of the yolk from Hermione's fingertips with a gentle, yet firm suck. The brown haired witch felt something quake in the pit of her gut as a single bead of sweat ran down her forehead, her tongue tied in a knot.
Fleur, who also appeared slightly flushed, chewed slowly. "You are right…'eet does taste good. Sometimes I surprise myself!" Hermione nearly knocked the carafe over as she felt the urge to slake her suddenly parched mouth and steady her ragged breathing at the same time. The cool citrus calmed her nerves for a moment before she returned her attention to the blonde witch.
"So…uh, how about I show you what Surfing is?"
And with those words the French woman's eyes widened like a child on Boxing Day.
"Oh oui! Allow me a few minutes to put on my suit!"
The days soon fell into a routine for Hermione. Rising early in the morning to swim in the tides, she would be joined later by Fleur for a waterside meal. She would return to the ocean a few hours more while on the surfboard. The afternoons at first were spent with her friends but soon after she opted to join Fleur for tea on the porch. And the evenings found her with Fleur once more, working their way through one of Hermione's muggle novels. Hermione couldn't describe what exactly that was happening, but she found herself drawn to the French witch; completely intrigued by all she was. In fact she even began to long for her while trying, and often failing to sleep at night.
This particular morning Hermione had decided that it was finally time for Fleur to learn how to surf.
Fleur swam alongside Hermione as she paddled the surfboard out to a suitable distance. Once they stopped Hermione reached over to pull the blonde on top of the board with her. Two protective arms encircled around Fleur's waist as Hermione attempted to settle the blonde's nerves.
"It's OK Fleur, stay calm…now that we've paddled out this far, we wait for a good swell."
"Un…swell?"
Hermione smiled. "We will start to feel the incoming wave that we will try to ride…first it will pull us backwards. Once that happens we prepare for it by lying flat on the belly." Hermione tenderly placed an open palm across Fleur's firm stomach. "And we start to stroke with both arms…" Her other hand came to rest lightly on Fleur's left bicep. The muscle quivered under Hermione's touch, and Hermione could just barely hear the French woman's breath catch in her throat. "When you start to gain speed you'll bring your legs forward to rest on your haunches…" The hand upon Fleur's arm slid down to her milky thigh. "And carefully stand up. Guide the board with your hips."
The brunette slid into the water but still held on to the board as Fleur positioned herself on her belly. "I should lay…like 'zis?"
"Excellent!" Hermione continued to tread water until she felt the familiar tug of the incoming wave. "Do you feel that Fleur? There's a good one coming your way, start paddling! I'll be swimming behind you, start paddling go!" With a gentle shove Hermione sent Fleur forward.
"Merde!" Fleur felt her speed increase as the board skimmed the top of the water.
"Stand up!" Screamed Hermione from a distance.
On unsteady feet Fleur managed to stand and held her arms wide to balance. "'Ermione! Do you see me! I am doing 'eet!"
Hermione whistled and whooped from behind, cheering loudly for the French woman.
Fleur's ride was cut short as she toppled over into the water. Hermione smirked and began her swim toward where Fleur went under. The board floated by itself, bobbing aimlessly in the water. The younger witch was only about three meters distance from the board before concern started to nag in the pit of her stomach when the blonde hadn't surfaced yet. Heart pounding, Hermione picked up speed and dove under the water. Attempting to open her eyes, all she could see was a thick soupy cloud swirling around Fleur's limp body sinking to the seafloor.
Blood.
Wrapping an arm around Fleur's waist she used her free arm to claw her way through the current to the surface. Her lungs burned as she broke the surface gasping for air. Fleur did not stir, blood still slowly seeping from a deep gash above her left eye. Hermione frantically looked from left to right, there was no one in sight. She began a furious sidestroke for the shore, clutching on tightly to the nearly deadweight French woman with every ounce of her strength.
She dragged Fleur's lifeless body a safe distance from the water across the sand, and immediately felt her neck for a pulse.
The soft artery of Fleur's neck weakly thrummed under Hermione's fingers. "Thank Merlin!" it was faint, but Fleur still wasn't breathing, her skin growing paler by the second. She raked her brain trying to remember the spell with which unblock a person's airwave, but try as she might the incantation just wouldn't come. Fleur's face was growing paler by the second.
With great precision the young witch positioned Fleur flat on her back, and tilted her head back. Pinching the bridge of Fleur's nose, Hermione brought her mouth to Fleur's and pushed air from deep in her lungs into the blonde. She pressed both hands into the apex of Fleur's ribcage and pumped hard against it with her palms. She repeated the process a few times over until Fleur finally came to and sputtered loudly. Water poured from her open mouth. She immediately sat up and coughed furiously, her hands clasped around her neck. Hermione backed away and ran a sandy hand through her damp hair. After her coughing fit subsided Fleur brought a finger to her lips and gaped at the brown haired witch.
Hermione stammered, "Fleur…I'm so, so sorry…are you alright?" She said sheepishly.
Her reply was a bone-crushing hug from Fleur and lips pressed hard against her own. Her heart instantly throbbed in her chest at the sensation of Fleur's pillow soft lips. She was rendered dumbstruck.
Fleur quickly pulled away and smiled weakly at Hermione's stunned expression, lips still pursed, eyelids halfway closed. "You saved me mon ange!"
Hermione gestured at the top of her head. Fleur mimicked the movement and winced at the touch and the sight of blood on her fingertips. "I suppose I will need some ice and dressings…"
"Fleur…I…" Hermione opened her mouth to speak but was cut short by shouting from a distance. She looked at Fleur with a shrug as Bill, Harry and Ron slid to Fleur's side.
"Gods Fleur you're bleeding!" Shouted Bill wildly. "What happened out here!"
Ron scowled at Hermione, stepping in between her and Fleur. Bill gently lifted the French witch off the ground with his strong arms.
"I 'ad a small spill 'een 'zee water. I 'it my 'ead on a rock. 'Ermione brought me back to shore and resuscitated me."
Bill looked to the brown haired witch with a broad smile. "Thank Merlin Hermione. You're a ruddy hero!"
"A hero?' Ron sneered. "Bill, it's probably Hermione's fault this even happened! You do know she's been sneaking out here each morning on that bloody board of hers!"
Fleur frowned. "Non Ronald. I am afraid 'zee fault 'eez all mine. I am not 'zee strongest swimmer. I should 'ave been more careful! You cannot blame 'Ermione for 'zis. I willingly followed 'er 'eento 'zee surf!"
Hermione rolled her eyes before standing. "Don't worry Fleur. Defending me to Ronald is a lost cause. If you'll excuse me, I see that you're in good hands now." Hermione visibly started to choke back tears. "If you need me Fleur…you know where to find me…" Feeling as if she had just eaten glass, she retreated to the cottage, leaving the three behind on the sand.
What Hermione didn't see was Fleur's own eyes beginning to well with tears.
In the evening Hermione lay sprawled across her bed, silencing charms placed on all of the windows in the study to keep out the sounds of joviality outside. Her face was buried amongst the pillows, some of them still damp from hours of tears soaked into their threads. The lunch Bill had brought to her earlier had gone cold hours ago, the food completely untouched. Her hair was still stiff from the dried salt water, as she decided to forgo a shower. Her thoughts ran a mile a minute, mostly of the tender lips that graced hers mere hours ago. She had only kissed two others before; Viktor Krum and Ron. Though did this even qualify as a kiss? A kiss from another girl no less? Fingers traced her lips as she smiled to herself. Whether or not it 'qualified', the kiss from the quarter-veela was her best yet, and yet again Hermione found herself longing for the French witch's presence.
"Only two more weeks." Hermione muttered to no one. "Two more weeks until I can return to school and this nightmare of a vacation can end…"
A knock at the door followed by a gentle click of the knob ended her silence. Her heart leapt up, hoping that a particular blonde was behind the door.
"Her…Hermione? May I come in?" Came a male voice, it was Harry.
Hermione sat up and made a halfhearted attempt to tame her unruly hair. "Please."
He entered slowly, crossing the distance from the door to sit at the edge of Hermione's bed.
"So? What brings you to see me tonight? Leaving Ginny out by the bonfire?"
"Forget about her 'Mione. I came to see how you were doing. You haven't seemed at all like yourself lately. In your eyes I can see so much sadness…" Harry looked down at his hands, which hung open at his knees.
"Well Harry, I'd be lying if I said I was alright." Said Hermione softly.
"I—I wish I could take back everything that Ron has said about you while we've been here. He's been a right foul git this entire time. I don't know what his problem is. I know you guys broke up this summer, but it's not like him to hold a grudge like this!"
"While I appreciate the sentiment Harry, notice how it's only been you and Fleur who have come to my side. People's true loyalties become known when it's least convenient don't you think?"
"Hermione you know that's not true…"
Hermione suddenly grew angry. "Then why does no one try to shut him up? I can only assume it's what everyone's collective opinion of me is!" She swallowed hard. "A part of me hopes that this will all blow over when we return to Hogwarts…but another believes this is only the beginning of a very rough year for me. Nearly all of my friends I have were met through either you or Ron. Had it not been for either of you taking the time to befriend me in first year…I might still be the loner I was then…well truth be told, I feel like the loneliest person here…"
"You can't mean that. Everyone likes you!"
"Really Harry? Everyone?"
"Well excluding Malfoy of course…"
Hermione gave a sad smile. "Malfoy aside…I think it's best if I just do my own thing this year. Don't get me wrong, I am still your friend, your friendship is precious to me…and of course I will stand with you in your quest to stop Lord Voldemort…" She paused for a moment. "There's still so much to be done…but I think I need to do some soul searching of my own…I'm barely scraping by…if that makes any sense. There's really nothing left to say…"
Harry nodded. "It does 'Mione…I just wish that didn't have to be that way. If there's anything I can do to help…you know that I've got your back." He took one of her hands in his own. His thumb gently grazed the skin of her palm. "'Mione, I owe my life to you. Yeah Ron may be my best mate, and a thickheaded git at times…but you are unlike anyone I've ever met. Without you I'd be dead. How many times has your wit and cleverness saved our hides?" He counted on his hand. "The Devil's snare in first year…the basilisk…the time-turner we used to save Sirius…the tasks of the Tri-Wizard tournament…and well besides all of that…I've come to regard you as my sister…my family. With Sirius gone…you're the only family I have left."
A tear slid down Hermione's cheek. "I can say the same about you Harry." He drew her into a gentle hug. "My parents have all but abandoned me too…"
"Stay strong Hermione. I know you won't let the deluded opinions of others bring you down. You're stronger than that. I can't bring down Voldemort alone 'Mione…I need you. 'Mione, you are so charming and beautiful…I can't bear to watch you retreat further inside of yourself…"
She shed tears into his shoulder as he held her. A few minutes later they pulled apart and he placed a tender kiss on her cheek.
"Thank you Harry…I…I'm sorry…"
"Don't be…" He stood up and put his hands in his jean pockets. "You'll join us for dinner won't you?"
"Maybe." Hermione said with a grin. Harry simply nodded and made his way toward the door, only to greet Fleur in the doorframe.
"'Ello 'Arry."
"Evening Fleur. Feeling better?" Asked Harry.
"Oui, very much so. 'Zough my 'ead will be a little sore for a while. 'Zank you for asking." She smiled.
Harry looked back to Hermione, who was still sitting cross-legged on the bed, and back to Fleur. "I'll leave you two alone. Good evening!" Hermione nodded as Fleur closed the door behind her. She approached the bed and blushed.
"May I?"
Hermione slid over and patted the mattress, and Fleur took a seat.
"'Ermione…'zank you…from 'zee bottom of my 'eart. 'Eef 'eet weren't for you I'd…"
As Fleur spoke an overwhelming urge to touch and embrace the French witch clung at Hermione. Her arms seemed to act upon their own accord as they gathered Fleur onto her open lap. She could hardly believe what she was doing, practically cuddling with a woman…a married woman no less. Her actions betrayed her self-control, as her desire trounced all of her common sense. Fleur's lament was merely a blur in her eardrums, and Fleur's flowing tears could barely be felt as they soaked through Hermione's shirt and ran down her skin. Taking in a deep breath through her nose, Hermione drank deep Fleur's intoxicating scent.
"And 'zat brutish Ron Weasley! 'E 'as a vendetta against you and I!"
Hermione was suddenly shaken from her trance. "Excuse me?"
Fleur choked back a few tears. "'I 'ave told you before…'zee Weasleys, 'zey are not fond of me. I 'ave 'eard Ron and Ginny call me 'Phlegm' on numerous occasions, and Molly, she 'zinks I am a bad influence on Bill…'zey look at me as 'eef I am a stranger whenever I am at 'zee Burrow. 'Eet 'urts 'Ermione…so much. I do not 'zink 'zey know 'ow much."
"Fleur I…"
"And 'zen 'zere 'eez my own family! 'Zey could not be more disappointed wiz me being here 'een England. 'Zey wanted me to stay in France, marry a rich man and make many bebes wiz him." She took in a deep breath, as Hermione held her tighter, gently urging her to 'let it all out'. "And now 'zis…" Fleur's voice was suddenly weak. "…not 'aving 'zee courage to act upon 'zat which I desire most."
Hermione arched an eyebrow at the sudden statement, looking deep into Fleur's blue eyes. Suddenly Hermione felt that familiar pull of daring, slowly moving her head closer to Fleur's.
Fleur's eyes began to close as she whispered; "…and 'eet 'eez…so close…I can almost…taste 'eet…" Fleur's breath caught in her throat as a pair of lips pressed tenderly to her own. Hermione's hand cupped Fleur's cheek as they kissed, and she began to taste salt on her tongue as tears poured from the French woman's eyes. Hermione's tongue softly probed the barrier of Fleur's mouth, as if asking for shelter. Fleur's mouth parted allowing the younger witch to deepen the kiss. A moan escaped Hermione's throat as she tasted Fleur for the first time…it was divine.
After what felt like eternity they pulled apart; both wearing dreamy expressions on their face, breaths ragged. Hermione's eyes soon went wide as the realization of what she had just done finally set in.
"You're married! Oh God….what have I done!" Hermione leapt to her feet and began to furiously pace. "Fleur…I am so, so, so sorry, I…never meant to force myself upon you! I don't know what I was thinking…thinking it was ok to do something like that…oh God, oh God, oh God, oh God…"
With cat-like speed Fleur stood, grabbed the back of the brunette's head and crushed her lips against Hermione's once more in a searing kiss. "I've wanted 'zis 'Ermione…more 'zan you know…and well, Bill…'e knows." She said against Hermione's mouth.
Hermione was incredulous and pulled away. "WHAT! Fleur…I, I, I only just discovered I have an obvious attraction for women…but asking me to join you and your husband is taking this a bit too far!" She stammered.
"Shhh…" Fleur shushed the babbling Gryffindor with a single finger pressed to her lips. "'Zat 'eez not what I mean at all ma belle…Bill knows 'zat I 'ave admired you from afar for a long time. 'Een fact, 'e was 'zee one who encouraged me to see you tonight…for I was afraid 'zat you didn't want to speak to me after what had happened today."
Hermione gave Fleur a small peck on the lips, eliciting a beaming smile on the veela's face. "It's funny, I thought the same thing of you." She whispered as she guided Fleur back to sit on the bed. They sat side-by-side, hands clasped together and fingers laced. "Now please…before I have yet another heart attack…explain all of this to me…you're married to Bill…yet he encourages you to seek another partner…that partner being me?" Hermione felt her heart swell as she said the last few words…she couldn't believe this was happening. This kind of stuff, she assumed, happened to someone valiant like Harry…not the erudite sidekick like herself.
Fleur blushed a moment. "Oui I shall explain but…may I….non, non forget 'eet…'eets silly."
"What Fleur?"
"May I sit on your lap again…I…really like 'eet." She turned her head away as her blush burned an even deeper shade of scarlet. Hermione gladly pulled the French woman on her lap once more, encircling her arms around Fleur's waist and nuzzling her nose on the supple skin of Fleur's neck. Fleur giggled, and it sounded like music to Hermione's ears. "Ahh I don't know about you ma belle…but 'zis, 'eet feels so, how you say, natural to me." Hermione absentmindedly nodded. "But 'zere 'eez somezing you must understand about Bill and I."
Hermione nodded not breaking eye contact with the French woman; listening intently on every word.
"We met at Gringott's…'e was 'zee only one patient enough wiz my Eenglish…you know how stubborn 'zee Goblins are…we became friends almost instantly. 'E was my first real friend 'ere in England. 'Zen skip ahead to 'zee battle on 'zee astronomy tower, where 'zat fiend…'e changed everyzing Fenrir Greyback…ruining 'eet for all of us."
"Fleur…what do you mean, for all of us?"
"Bill, 'e was maimed by monsieur Greyback…and 'zee injuries 'zey were not wizout complications…'e now suffers from lycanthropy…'e 'ees a…"
"Werewolf. Oh Fleur…I am so sorry…if only I knew!"
"Non, Bill wants to keep 'zis a secret. Especially from 'is family. 'E didn't 'zink 'zey would understand…but 'zat 'eez only 'alf of 'zee story. I am not sure 'eef you are aware ma belle, but recently 'zee Ministry…'zanks to Fenrir Greyback…are making people like Bill and I register…as magical creatures…"
"Creatures! How demeaning! What is the Ministry thinking, denigrating its citizens like this! It's positively loathsome!"
"Oui. 'Eet 'ees not wizout purpose…'zey somehow 'zink 'eet will help capture monsieur Greyback…and watch for new death eaters…as You-Know-Who 'as an affinity for 'zee non-'uman and 'alf-'uman population. We 'ave licenses, not unlike 'zee muggles and 'zere dogs. 'Zey can monitor us 'zat way. I myself 'ad to register despite 'zee fact 'zat I am only a quarter-veela. And 'zis was of great offense to my family. The Veela are a proud people and do not consider 'zemselves to be creatures."
"Understandably so!"
"But I was not to be dissuaded by 'zee laws of 'zee Ministry…and Bill, 'e found a loophole 'een 'zee law. Wiz a marriage license 'zee restrictions upon…people like us…are not as severe. We could still hold our jobs and live comfortably…and Bill could finally get out of 'zee Burrow…so 'e proposed 'zat we get married, as both of us were single at 'zee time. And I agreed. Much to Molly's chagrin, we eloped months ago…as I'm sure you already knew. We received 'zee deed to Shell Cottage and a dowry as a result…we were able to live comfortably. Whenever we went to 'zee Burrow, or were amongst friends, I 'ad to play 'zee doting wife, and Bill 'zee 'usband." Fleur chuckled. "'Zee irony of 'zee whole situation 'eez…I am not attracted to Bill…or men at all for 'zee most part." She blushed.
"So…this marriage you have…is a façade?"
Fleur nodded. "Oh yes. We encourage each uzzer to seek a lover…'een fact Bill 'as been seeing a lovely werewolf from London…she 'ees a wonderful cook!" Fleur laughed lightly. "And 'zat…mon ange…'eez why 'e pushed me to talk to you tonight…'e could see 'ow close we've become since you and your friends arrived 'ere…and 'e knows 'ow much Ron 'as been 'urting you…"
Hermione placed a small kiss on Fleur's neck, causing the blonde to shudder. "You know…years ago, I was so set on hating you…so jealous of everything that you stood for…heck, I was even jealous of the attention you got from Ron…and not once in my wildest dreams would I have imagined that I would share the best kiss of my life with you…and find myself rendered just as dumb as the boys at Hogwarts back during the tournament."
Fleur tensed a moment. "My 'zrall…'eet does not affect women…"
"Oh Fleur…you had me at first glance…" And they melted into each other once more…Fleur boldly roaming her hands across Hermione's torso, fingertips slipping under her shirt to caress baby-soft skin. When they broke apart, Hermione pressed her forehead to Fleur's, a small smile gracing her lips. "Stay in here with me tonight sweetheart?"
"Sweet'eart? 'As 'eet already gotten to 'zat point?" Fleur giggled.
"Well don't think I haven't noticed all the pet names you've given me since I've arrived here…sweetheart."
Hermione gently pulled Fleur down on the bed, easing the covers back for both of them to crawl under. Both laid on their sides, with Fleur fitting to Hermione like a puzzle piece with her back pressed against Hermione's front. Hermione held the blonde close and closed her eyes. "Good night…sweetheart…" she murmured drowsily as she fell into a pleasant slumber; the metronomic breathing of Fleur lulling her into her dreams.
Hermione awoke the next morning when the sunlight threatened to pour through her eyes. Squinting, she slowly sat up, and carefully dislodged a slumbering Fleur from her torso. Looking down upon the peacefully sleeping woman Hermione could only smile to herself, it was the most beautiful sight she had ever seen. Fleur groggily reached up to scratch her nose and Hermione stifled a laugh at the sight. She quietly knelt beside the sleeping French woman and reached into her shorts pocket to produce a single galleon. With a slight flick of her hand she transfigured the coin into a large feather. A devilish grin swept across her face as she used it to graze the tip of Fleur's nose. A hand swatted the feather away followed by a few bleary murmurs. Hermione sniggered and tickled Fleur's nose once more.
"Ugh…no more…of 'zee Bouillabaisse maman…I am le full…" Fleur mumbled and she rolled over, exposing the supple skin of the small of her back. The feather danced across it and Fleur groaned once more. "'Zee Grindylows…'zey cannot tap dance like I can, I would teach 'zem 'ow…but I am le tired…oui I am a natural shade of Bleu…" That was enough for Hermione who burst into an uproarious guffaw, and launched herself at the suddenly awake Fleur. The blonde's eyelids whipped wide open, her eyes nearly falling from their sockets. "MON DIEU! Aiiiieee!" Hermione's hands tickled Fleur senseless, and she attempted to straddle the now thrashing Fleur.
Fleur managed to wriggle out of Hermione's grip and grabbed a nearby pillow and promptly hit the brunette across the face. "POUR LA JUSTICE!"
"Ahh so the gauntlet has been thrown I see!" Laughed Hermione. "Well two can play at that game!" She held aloft her left hand and suddenly the pillow was ripped from Fleur's hand directly into the younger witch's.
"No fair! I am unarmed!" The blonde shielded her face as a barrage of abruptly charmed pillows began to assault her all at once.
"I surrender!"
"I'm sorry? Couldn't catch that."
"JE ME RENDS 'Ermione!" Squealed Fleur through laughter. Hermione stopped the pillows and they fell to the floor in a heap.
"Before I can accept your surrender my lady, I have certain terms that must be met."
Fleur smiled and rolled her eyes. "And what, pray tell, might 'zose terms be?"
Hermione crossed her arms tightly across her chest, and she feigned the most arrogant expression she could muster. "I demand kisses. Lots and lots of kisses. Whenever I so please."
The French woman blushed. "I 'zink I can live wiz 'zat." Hermione sat beside her on the bed and she held her arms open wide beckoning the blonde into her embrace. Fleur happily obliged. Their lips met for a few seconds before brown eyes met blue in a warm gaze. "Bonjour ma cherí. Did you sleep well last night?"
"Never better…" Hermione murmured while snuggling into Fleur's creamy neck. "I could get used to this you know."
"Are you…comfortable wiz 'zis…'eet 'as only been a matter of 'ours and already 'eet feels like much longer 'zan 'zat…I know 'zat my situation is razzer unique to say 'zee least…but know 'zis, I 'ave wanted 'zis for a long time and I will give you as much time to 'zink about 'eet as you need. I do not wish to rush you mon ange." Fleur's breath caught in her throat as she spoke the last few words. Hermione simply nuzzled deeper.
"Thank you Fleur…from the bottom of my heart…" She whispered against the blonde's neck. Fleur shivered at the sensation and stifled a moan.
A click from the far side of the room broke their collective daydream and before Hermione could unhinge herself, Bill popped his head in. Instantly he beamed.
"Sorry to interrupt ladies, but I just wished to say goodbye. I…I have been called back to London…death eaters have been rather active the past few nights and they're calling us all back for extra security." He looked at Hermione. "I may not be back before you and your friends leave for Hogwarts…so good luck and be safe dear."
Fleur spoke softly. "Don't forget your wolfsbane Bill."
He rolled his eyes with a gentle laugh. "Yes mother…" He turned his attention to Hermione once more. "She glows you know."
"What?"
"Fleur. She is radiant as the sun. And never have I seen her shine so brightly. Promise me Granger that you'll protect her and take care of her."
Hermione unconsciously tightened her arms around Fleur's body, as if she were a delicate vase that could shatter if anyone else had touched her. She swallowed. "Of course Bill…"
"And Fleur, I…I am happy for you."
"Merci Bill. I am 'appy."
"I hope to see you all again soon. Be careful out there will you?"
"Goodbye Bill." Said Hermione through tears. "Thank you…for everything."
"No Hermione. Thank you."
After Bill's departure, Hermione and Fleur found themselves spending nearly every waking moment together. Swimming and surfing out in the waves in the early morning, sharing a meal on the sand, and in the evenings behind charmed doors they cuddled up under blankets with a good book. To Hermione, this was utter bliss, and she wondered if things would be different if they had discovered their feelings back during the Tri-Wizard Tournament. Fleur had told her not to dwell on such things and that everything that happened in the past, no matter how good or how bad, had somehow made all of this possible. Nevertheless, despite the elation she was feeling, deep inside her gut she knew what was coming. Hogwarts. Would this mean their fledgling relationship would be over as soon as it began? Would Fleur even want to date someone still in school? She knew that what was to come would be difficult for the two of them. She shook the thoughts from her head and allowed herself to just live in the moment.
The only times that they were apart was in the company of Hermione's friends. They both shared a tacit agreement that perhaps they were not ready to share what they had with the world just yet. Hermione found these times daunting, as the object of her desire would be so agonizingly close. Her arms practically ached to envelope the quarter-veela, her lips longed to kiss Fleur senseless, fingers ready to run miles through a forest of golden blonde hair. However she could see the furtive glares from Ron every once and awhile that brought anger. Each passing day she grew more and more fed up with his behavior, his jabs and insults. Tried as she might, she couldn't suppress the pain any longer, and she would crumple in Fleur's embrace, her body quaking with sobs. Much to Hermione's chagrin, the day on which they were set to depart shell cottage was only 48 hours away. 48 precious hours.
They lay together across a blanket, clad in only their swimsuits after a long swim in the waves. Fleur's smaller frame laid on top of Hermione's, the brunette's strong arms along her sides, and fingertips tracing lazy circles between her shoulder blades. "Oh mon ange, 'zat feels wonderful…" Fleur bit her bottom lip as Hermione lightly dragged her nails across the soft skin of Fleur's ribs, and a moan escaped her throat. Hermione responded by playfully flicking her tongue across the supple lips floating precariously above her. And Fleur kissed her, smiling into Hermione's lips. "I know 'eet sounds cliché, but 'Ermione, I don't want 'zis moment to ever end…"
"Mmm, neither do I sweetheart."
"'Ermione 'zere 'eez somezing I 'ave been meaning to tell you."
Hermione playfully groaned. "Can it wait? Less talking…more kissing."
Fleur giggled. "Really 'Ermione listen to moi! I 'ave an apartment!"
"What?"
"Oui, 'een Hogsmeade. 'Zey let you go 'zere while at 'Ogwarts non?"
Hermione's eyes widened, as did the toothy grin slowly growing on her face. Things may not be so hopeless as Hermione once believed. "Yes! Fleur, this is a dream come true! Do you realize this means we can stay together? We don't have to wait 'til the Christmas holiday!"
"'Ermione, even 'eef I didn't 'ave 'zat place, I would never 'ave left you! I 'ave never been so excited to start a relationship wiz someone before you ma belle."
"I feel like I'm on top of the world!" Hermione hugged her tighter, and Fleur played with a strand of her long brown hair, lazily twirling it around a finger. "How long have you been a tenant Fleur?"
"At least a year. I would apparate 'zere from work 'eef I 'ad business nearby to attend to. And as much as Bill and I love 'zis cottage, 'zee weather 'eez a bit unbearable in 'zee winter months."
"So in theory, I could have been right outside your window, completely unaware that you were there?"
"Oh I remember seeing you, Ron, and 'Arry a few times. But I was nervous 'zat you three would not remember me from 'zee Tournament."
"Well, plan on many visits from me throughout this coming term. I want less and less to be in the dormitories." Hermione said dejectedly, looking off to the side. "I have a foreboding feeling that this will likely be a difficult year for me. With or without Lord Voldemort and the Death Eaters."
"Hush, don't say such 'zings, I know 'zat somezing will be done about 'zat brute!" She huffed. "…and my door will always be open for you ma belle." The final sentence was merely a soft whisper.
Hermione's lips met Fleur's once more in a hungry kiss and they rolled over on the blanket, legs tangling together. Breaths suddenly became husky as the kisses deepened, and Fleur's thigh rubbed against the apex of Hermione's legs. The blonde's pale fingers traced the faint grooves along the sinewy muscles of Hermione's developing abdomen. Hermione's body had slowly begun to tone as she continued her swimming through the past weeks. No longer did she feel she looked like a teenage girl…she was a woman.
"Gods Fleur…I…I…your body..."
Fleur's mouth pressed against Hermione's ear as she spoke in a harsh whisper. "What 'eez 'eet 'zat you want mon amie…" Her long nails grazed the meager fabric concealing two very sensitive mounds of soft flesh, earning her another whimper from the brown haired witch.
"Uhh…"
"Tell me…" A pointed tongue traced the ridge of Hermione's ear, and the blonde took her earlobe into her mouth, giving it a light suck.
"WHAT IN THE BLOODY HELL IS GOING ON!"
til next time. Ttfn tata for now!