A/N: Thanks for all of the well wishes. You guys are the best! What follows is my lame attempt at fluff. XD Have mercy on me! Also this chapter was typed on an iPad, so hopefully I've caught all of it's errors. (That's right, I take no responsibility for the iPad's nefarious autocorrect actions!)
I initially titled this one wrong. It is supposed to be "Walking on a Dream". XP Check the fictrack on my profile, cuz this song has my head bopping for hours on end!
Christmas was fast approaching, and Hermione found herself at a loss. Headmistress McGonagall had given her a verbal thrashing for sneaking off the grounds and continually probed the young witch for her holiday plans. Undoubtedly, Hermione wished for nothing more than to spend the holiday with Fleur but with her beloved living at the Malfoy Manor, the cavernous mansion hardly seemed the appropriate atmosphere for a warm Christmas.
Her thoughts wandered to the Grangers, and her heart stung for the briefest of moments. This was surely to be the first holiday spent away from them, and she wondered what they were doing without her. What explanations had they concocted to explain her absence in their lives to their relatives? There had been a simple Christmas card sent to her in the mail, a sterile 'Happy Christmas; signed with their first names in ballpoint pen. Hermione held the card in her hand, completely devoid of emotion, she absently thumbed the etching of Mr. Granger's heavy print. Unable to look at it any longer, she stowed in the top drawer of her nightstand.
With a heavy heart she realized that she would be among the 'forgotten'…the handful of Hogwarts students that had nowhere to go for the holidays. Hermione had never been included amongst them before. Once this fact had been relayed to the Headmistress, McGonagall gaped at the young woman in shock. "Miss Granger, are you not joining your friends for this holiday?"
The young witch expected this response. "Times are dangerous Professor. With You-Know-Who's whereabouts so unknown, I feel that I am much safer here…and the Ministry has requested that…people like me…distance ourselves from our muggle families. It is indeed quite disheartening." Hermione cleared her throat. "Though I do have a single request if you would entertain it."
McGonagall nodded. "Of course."
"I understand that I haven't exactly been the shining pupil lately though I have been making an effort to get better. I hope that despite that, it is not too much to ask if…"
"Miss Delacour could come to the grounds for the holiday?" McGonagall completed, leaving Hermione slack jawed. "Oh don't play coy with me Miss Granger. As Headmistress my eyes and ears are privy to much in these halls. I have heard the rumors, the comments, seen the stares and how you have been keeping to yourself since you started term. I know it must be her to whom you disappear to on weekends."
"Professor…I"
After quickly adjusting the spectacles precariously perched on her nose, the elder witch's aged hands came to rest on her oak desk. "Under normal circumstances it would behoove me to promptly decline such a request; as it is what is expected of me given your recent behavior. You have a knack for being quite the escape artist." Hermione sucked in a breath. "Though it seems that you have been through much, and Fleur as well…" The headmistress absently fingered the phylactery around her neck. "…it would leave me bereft of the Christmas spirit to deny you some happiness Miss Granger."
For what felt like the first time in ages, Hermione smiled a genuinely happy smile. "I am speechless. This is just…wonderful! Thank you so much…"
"However I have some conditions."
"Anything Professor." Said Hermione, leaning into the desk eagerly.
"Fleur is to be with you at all times; she is not to leave the grounds while she is here and she is to depart at least a full day before the student body returns. If I suspect that either of you is up to no good, she will be promptly asked to leave. Can you agree to that Miss Granger?"
"Of course." The Gryffindor gave a fervent nod. "Thanks…so much…"
"I am sure you are anxious to message Miss Delacour I will not hold you here any longer." Her words were cut short from a bone-crushing hug
"Happy Christmas professor!" And with that Hermione ran full speed out of McGonagall's office making a beeline for the owlery.
Fleur arrived at the castle on the eve of the 23rd of December. Hermione greeted Fleur on the front steps of Hogwarts, where the blonde witch stood with a small suitcase clutched in her gloved hands. She was dressed in an elegant blue double-breasted pea coat with a matching hat and a grey scarf. Hermione found her to be absolutely adorable.
"Cissy let you come I see." Holding open the large doors, Hermione held Fleur's gaze as a wide infectious grin spread on her face.
"Well of course 'Ermione. Narcissa 'ees not so coldhearted as she lets on. We 'ave become good friends actually."
"That's wonderful Fleur..." Hermione took hold of Fleur's suitcase and placed it down gently at her feet. Her arms came to rest upon Fleur's shoulders as she wrapped them around the blonde's neck. Their foreheads came to rest together as Hermione's eyes stared longingly into Fleur's. "Happy Christmas baby…" She whispered, followed by a tender kiss.
"Joyeux Noel mon amor."
The castle was nearly empty on Christmas Eve. Only a handful of students and professors remained. The war affected everything. There were decorations hung on the walls but they were not nearly as intricate as they had been in the past. Neither Hermione nor Fleur cared much for the emptiness; the vast castle had never once felt so cozy. Arms looped together, the two lovers revisited the blonde's many memories of her brief time at the school.
"And here is where we had our fateful first encounter…over a nice bowl of bouillabaisse." Hermione mused now that they stood at the door of the Great Hall. The cavernous room was nearly empty, save for a few students dotting the tables here and there.
Fleur let out a sigh. "Imagine 'eef we fell 'een love back 'zen…'ow different 'zings would've been." Fleur gathered Hermione into her embrace with a smile. "'Zee dragon of 'zee first task, I'd slay 'eet for you. I'd 'ave whisked you away to 'zee carriage 'zat same night, made love to you…"
Hermione blushed at the thought. "Sweetheart we were so young then!"
Fleur took the brunette's hands in her own, holding the younger witch as if they were about to waltz. She spun Hermione around before dipping her back for kiss. "Certainly I would 'ave taken you to 'zee ball…danced wiz you for 'zee Champions dance…maybe sneak off into 'zee courtyards…steal a kiss…or 'zree." Hermione blushed an even deeper shade of crimson as Fleur's lips pressed themselves tenderly against the soft veins of her throat. "You were so stunning 'een 'zat dress, I'll admit I couldn't take my eyes off of you…Viktor did not know 'ow lucky 'e was…"
The quarter-veela suckled gently on the soft skin. "Oh Fleur…what next…" Hermione's voice grew husky as the blonde witch continued with her playful caresses.
"I would ask you to join me 'een 'zee bath to open 'zee golden egg…and whezzer or not you would be mine to save, I'd brave 'zee Grindylows of 'zee Black Lake and rescue you and my sister. Once we'd break 'zee surface, I'd resuscitate you wiz a kiss." Fleur emphasized her story with a hungry deep kiss. "And 'zee final task…well…I would do whatever 'eet takes to ensure 'zat I return to you…and once 'eet 'ees time to leave I'd shrink you down so 'zat you can fit 'een 'zee pocket of my jeans, and I'd sneak you back to France wiz me…you'd be mine forever!" The two women giggled, and snuck more kisses.
They walked across the courtyard, the moonlight dazzling in reflection upon each falling snowflake. It was blissful. A light dusting of snow collected upon Fleur's golden hair and her azure eyes shone like two diamonds beset in fine silk. The sight left Hermione breathless as she pulled Fleur's body against her own, the familiar warmth causing her eyes to flutter. Loving touches and feather soft kisses were exchanged between them, the only witnesses to their affections being the brilliant moon hovering above them.
After a few moments of precious silence, Fleur's body quaked with a light shiver. "Cold?" Hermione smiled as Fleur nodded. "We should head upstairs…don't want to get caught outside by Father Christmas do we?"
"I don't see why 'eet matters…" Fleur quipped. "You are most likely on 'zee naughty list anyway."
At this, Hermione raised an eyebrow, and upon her face was a coy expression. "Naughty really?"
"Oui very much so. 'Zere may not be any 'ope for you getting off 'zat list."
"Getting off?" A Cheshire grin accompanied the words and Fleur crossed her arms tightly with a huff.
"Stop twisting my words 'Ermione! I am only trying to make fun!"
"I know that darling, but you just make it so…easy."
"Oh so now you 'zink I am easy?" Fleur feigned indignance as Hermione absently tucked a stray strand of hair behind the blonde's ear.
"Touché." Hermione extended a hand. "Come now, before we both catch our death out here." Fleur bent down and immediately pelted Hermione with a snowball before taking off full speed. Hermione gave chase, dodging a hailstorm of snowballs before wrestling the playful blonde to the ground. A fistful of snow was shoved down the back of Hermione's coat and she screamed at the top of her lungs. And the shivers wracked her body, her teeth chattering loudly. Overcome with concern, the veela gathered the Gryffindor into her arms, rubbing them vigorously.
"I am so sorry ma belle!" Fleur's lament was cut short by a snowball being thrusted into the front of her coat. Hermione smiled wickedly.
"Victory is mine!" The two women descended into a fit of laughter, continuing to wrestle playfully in the snow under the watchful moon.
Hermione pressed her lips to Fleur's once they had calmed down, and stood to extend a hand. Fleur was pulled up into Hermione's embrace. "Lets go warm up baby." They slipped into the warmth of the castle and disappeared among the multitude of staircases and corridors.
The Gryffindor tower was almost completely devoid of life, but to Hermione it had never felt more alive. She and Fleur could be as open as they wished, spending all waking moments together, taking meals in the common room, bathing together, and curling up in front of the fireplace at night with one of Hermione's muggle novels. Fleur even snuck in a few bottles of wine.
A blanket was draped over them both as Fleur quietly sipped from a hot mug of cocoa and Hermione reading aloud from Great Expectations. It was bliss, revisiting the summer that brought them together. Fleur had brought the cherry red surfboard with her, still shrunken of course, complete with a little stand. This simple gift reduced Hermione to tears, she longed to return to the shore one day with Fleur at her side. Sitting on the couch in the common room after a quiet meal, Hermione had an arm wrapped around the veelas shoulder holding her close, and Fleur leaned her head into the crook of the brunette's neck. They sat like this for a little while until Fleur slipped out from Hermione's arms and disappeared into the dormitory. Hermione gave chase only to have the door slammed in her face. Wrestling with the knob, Hermione could not get it open.
"Now, now we mustn't peak 'Ermione." Fleur tutted from behind the oaken door. Hermione chuckled and leant against the wood, pressing an ear to it.
"What're you doing in there? Why won't you let me in?"
"Don't try anyzing, I 'ave jinxed 'zee door should you attempt to unlock 'eet!" Fleur snapped. "As for what I am doing…I am wrapping your Christmas gift!"
Her stomach plunged through the floor. She had nothing to give to the French witch. Money was scarce, and much of her time had been devoted to Fleur and preparations for the Jubilee. "Fleur…I have a confession to make."
"And what might 'zat be?"
"I—well that is to say, I don't have a Christmas gift for you…" Tears threatened to fall from her eyes as she spoke her confession. Clinging to the hope that Fleur would continue to be forgiving, Hermione was surprised to see the French woman's head poking out from the slightly ajar door.
"'Ermione…do not worry your pretty 'ead. You are 'zee best gift I could ever ask for. Better 'zan any jewelry, flowers, poems…'zey are all but trivial 'zings…you are priceless. And 'eef you must know, I 'ave gotten you a doll."
"A doll?" Hermione tilted her head in a puppy like fashion, causing the older witch to giggle and nod. "Don't you think I'm a bit old for a doll?"
"Non 'Ermy." Click! Fleur retreated back into the room for a few more minutes before calling out for Hermione to enter. Her dormitory was bathed in darkness, and Hermione reached toward the sidewall instinctively feeling for a switch. The gas lamps burst to life and Hermione's heart seized inside her chest at the sight of Fleur's present.
Wrapped intricately in bright red ribbon, a very naked Fleur gazed back seductively at Hermione, a bowl of ripened strawberries in her left hand, her right bringing one of the succulent berries to her lips. A rivulet of crimson juice dribbled down her lower lip and chine as she took a bite. Hermione could only stare at the drop of juice trailed down the gentle slope of Fleur's neck before disappearing into the valley between Fleur's breasts, both pressed together by a single line of ribbon. The satin ribbon was tied into a large bow on the top of her head, and her woven outfit just barely covered Fleur's most intimate places.
"Joyeux Noel, mon amor." The words thick like honey drew the brunette closer. A lithe arm extended outward, with a succulent berry held precariously among nimble fingers. The blonde witch traced the outline of Hermione's lips with the tip of the berry, and the brunette's tongue flicked out and teased the edge of the fruit. Hermione opened her mouth and welcomed the fruit, taking a bite of it and sucking the juice from Fleur's porcelain fingers. Her tongue darted out to lick the supple skin in between.
Hermione leaned close, bringing her mouth to Fleur's ear, "Might I unwrap my present…I would love to play with my doll…" Nipping at the blonde's earlobe, Hermione had to catch her as her legs shook at the sensation. Their eyes met, and both wore the appearance of being both drunk and winded; mouths slacken, and eyelids heavy. Fleur's hair was in a loose ponytail, and she wore no makeup. To Hermione, she never looked more radiant, and she met the blonde's lips with her own, the taste of Fleur and strawberries completely intoxicating.
Without warning one of Fleur's hands dipped into the liner of Hermione's jeans and her wanton fingers pressed themselves against the brunette's sex, teasing the organ gently. The French witch purred as she watched Hermione's expression change when grazed a particularly sensitive spot. Fingers broke into the threshold of Hermione's opening, and the younger woman could barely stifle the moan that escaped her throat. Fleur kissed the angular lines of Hermione's jaw until she met the girl's lips. Their next kiss was a messy battle of tongues; Fleur expressing a profound hunger for the young witch with her tongue plunging deeply into Hermione's mouth.
They pulled apart after an ephemeral eternity, both nearly out of breath. The two women pressed their foreheads together and sighed. "Fleur…this is…wow."
"I 'ave to confess to not 'aving a gift for you as well…Narcissa 'asn't let me leave 'zee manor until now." Fleur blushed. "'Zough you like 'zis non? I found 'zee ribbon 'een 'zee manor, Narcissa let me 'ave 'eet."
"Like it? I adore it! Brilliant! Best Christmas gift I've ever received!" Hermione quickly lifted the blonde from the floor and cradled her against her chest, pressing a kiss to Fleur's forehead. She spun around the room, reducing the blonde to a fit of giggles. "Fleur, the relationship we share is a gift that I am always thankful for." She made her way to her bed, gently laying Fleur down on top of it, before laying down herself and welcoming the blonde into her arms. "So much has happened to us, so many terrible and unexpected things, and it leaves me at a loss for words how lucky I am that you are still by my side. Sometimes I feel that I ask too much of you."
"Ermy, je'taime. We will get 'zrough 'zis togezzer. I know 'eet. We 'ave a family now, Bellatrix and Narcissa will 'elp us 'eef we need 'eet." Fleur gave Hermione a small kiss. "Even wizout 'zem, we 'ave each uzzer."
"Fleur…" Hermione choked on her words. "I sometimes think that I don't deserve you."
"'Ermione, why say such a 'zing? Every one deserves 'appiness…"
The normally articulate brunette found herself stumbling upon her words. "Had we not…Had I not…you might still be with a job and a home…safe with Bill. And not living in the lion's den."
"And I would be alone. Left wondering what could 'ave been. Still I would be called 'Phlegm' and still I would be a stranger 'een my own 'ome. And above all else my life would be so…boring. You bring an element of danger and excitement!" Fleur took both of her lover's hands and pressed them against her heart; Hermione could feel the organ smoothly beating beneath the woman's rib cage. "'I truly believe everyzing 'appens for a reason mon ange. 'Zis…us…was meant to be." It was all Hermione needed to hear.
Suddenly two bodies intertwined like the threads in a rope, lips catching and fingertips running miles along soft skin. Slowly the ribbon became unraveled, revealing the precious curves and valleys that Hermione had longed to see for weeks. Hermione's clothes were also shed, and she shuddered as her skin was exposed to the chill of the nighttime air. And Fleur placed her lips upon several sensitive spots along the brunettes body, each ministration producing heat where the two pillow soft lips had touched. Strong arms closed tightly around rose petal skin. They began to make love. A passionate hunger passed between them both, igniting desires and senses that had been lying dormant in the days past. The recent pain and anger Hermione had been experiencing was all but wiped away with each tender caress from the quarter-Veela's fingers. The very air of the room became hot and humid with the thick smell of passion. They swam amongst the blankets. And after Fleur had gifted the brunette with the first climax of that evening, Hermione started to cry with joy.
Hermione deftly rolled the French woman onto her back and straddled her, the dampness of her sex slick on Fleur's stomach. Hermione gazed back at her lover longingly, as the French witch chewed on her lower lip; an expression that drove the Gryffindor wild. Fleur whimpered as Hermione began her slow descent down the valley of her abdomen, nipping and kissing the skin as she went lower. Her hands came to rest upon the blonde's breasts; gently kneading the soft flesh, tweaking the now hardened nubs with her thumbs. The sudden sensation of Hermione's mouth pressed hard against her clit sent the French witch over the edge with her back rising up into a broad arch. She drug her fingernails don the expanse of Fleur's body, and pushed two fingers inside. Hermione continued to thrust with a rapid rhythm, Fleur's musical cries reaching a crescendo. She came hard around Hermione's fingers, the muscles moving in waves. The brunette suddenly became infinitely aware of her own arousal as the sensation was nothing short of incredible. Bringing the fingers to her lips, Hermione tasted the blonde. If heaven had a taste, she mused, this would be better.
An hour had passed before they finally laid back to gather their bearings. Slick and shiny with sweat, the two lovers cuddled closely upon Hermione's bed. Fleur's chest rose and fell in a gentle rhythm and her stomach was mottled with sticky spots of strawberry juice in the shape of lips. The brunette lazily traced the ridge of Fleur's abdomen with her fingertips.
Fleur was the first to break the silence, lifting her head from one of Hermione's breasts that she was using as a pillow. "Do you ever 'zink about 'zee future 'Ermy?"
Hermione stifled a yawn. "What do you mean?"
"Do you see us...a year, five years, ten years from now?". Fleur absently traced circles around one of Hermione's soft areolas with her fingertip, stopping to play with the nipple every now and again.
"Like...marriage?"
"Perhaps. A family. A 'ome to call our own."
"I mostly think about what tomorrow may bring to be honest...and I am not certain you and I are even allowed to get married..."
"Well marriage 'ees just a symbol 'ees 'eet not?"
"Regardless of the legality, Fleur, I don't need a fancy ceremony or a ring to reaffirm what I already feel...I certainly wouldn't mind spending the rest of my life with you...I could think of far worse things.". Hermione smiled. Fleur rapped her on the nose.
"'Ermy I am being serious!" She said with a giggle.
"And so am I! I'd much rather use the money for a lavish wedding and buy the seaside cottage with the white picket fence. Maybe a dog or two...corgis! Yes two Pembroke Welsh Corgis and we each get to name one. And most certainly we'd have a child."
"I'd adore 'aving a little girl...but we are two females..."
Hermione hugged the blonde closer, relishing the sensation of their naked bodies pressed so close together. "I am sure we'd find a way around that love...we have our whole lives ahead of us!"
"Once 'zis war 'ees over.". Her tone was despondent.
The brunette pouted. "Come now...it's Christmas sweetheart...let's live in the moment...I love you Fleur Delacour...there's nothing that can change that. I will see this through to the end...help you win back your freedom...and we'll start working on leading normal lives together."
"Normal? 'Ermione 'eef it was normal 'zat I wanted I would've never fallen for you...you are pure excitement...and I love you for 'eet!". She firmly pressed her lips against the younger witch's.
They had been sharing coffee and biscotti on Hermione's bed the following morning, a book open on the brunette's lap. Fleur suddenly leapt to her feet, reminded of something. "Oh 'Ermy I 'ave somezing for you!" Fleur went to her suitcase and produced a small plush leather pouch. "Bellatrix gave 'zis to me before I left!" As she handed the satchel to Hermione, the light sounds of clinking glass could be heard. "I promise I did not peek!"
"Is this a gift?"
Fleur nodded. "Oui. Open 'eet! I 'ave been curious all day to know what 'eet 'ees!"
Pulling open the pouch Hermione gave a confused look as three small crystal vials greeted her, each with a strange wisp like entity swirling inside it. Holding one of the vials up into the light she turned it slowly and inspected it closely.
"Oh! 'Ow exciting!" Fleur smiled broadly while lightly clapping her hands in excitement. "Do you know what 'zat 'ees?" Fleur probed, gently taking out one of the vials in her own hand.
"Not quite sure. I've…never seen anything like this before."
"'Ermy, 'eet 'ees a memory!"
"This…liquid?"
"'Ermione, are you not 'zee brightest witch of your year? Surely you 'ave learned about memory charms. 'Een 'zis vial 'ees 'zee physical manifestation of a memory. A witch or wizard can siphon a memory from 'zeir mind for safekeeping." As if to demonstrate her point, the blonde playfully tapped Hermione's left temple with the tip of her wand. "'Eet 'ees difficult magic but quite useful. Bellatrix must 'ave 'zree memories 'zat she wishes to share wiz you. A 'zoughtful gift indeed!"
"Am I supposed to…drink it?"
Fleur hastily grabbed the vial and returned it to the pouch with the others. "Non! We must use a pensieve to view 'zese. We 'ad one at Beauxbatons, 'eet 'ees a truly remarkable object. 'Zere 'as to be one 'een 'zis castle."
Hermione brought her thumb and pointer finger to her chin, deep in thought. The word was familiar. "Pensieve…pensieve…pensieve…Aha! I think I recall Harry once speaking of something called a pensieve. Yes! Perhaps in Dumbledore's office!" Hermione paused for a moment. "But it will take some creative persuasion to convince Professor McGonagall to let us use it. I doubt merely asking to view the memories of Bellatrix Lestrange would be sufficient enough."
"Maybe you could tell 'er 'zey are my memories…'zat I gave 'zese vials to you as a gift. 'Eet could be my recollection of our first kiss…" Fleur blushed a deep crimson and Hermione leaned forward to claim the blonde girl's lips with her own.
"I would love to relive that moment sweetheart."
It wasn't easy but McGonagall finally relented, allowing the two women access to the ancient pensieve sitting atop an equally archaic pedestal. Hermione gazed down into the swirling liquid with trepidation. Fleur handed one of the fragile vials to Hermione and planted a quick kiss on the girl's cheek. "Gently pour 'zee memory 'eento 'zis bowl, and simply look 'een." Her thumb gently grazed the skin of Hermione's cheek. With a quick kiss to the forehead, Fleur made her way to the door of the office.
The wisp slithered out of the vial and into the dish with a faint plop. It swirled wildly in the mist of the pensieve, before suddenly changing colors. Faint images of what appeared to be people slowly materialized in the swirling liquid. Hermione dipped her face into the pensieve and instantly she felt the sensation of falling. Falling down deeper and deeper. Her stomach had lodged itself in her throat. The colors surrounding her swirled and writhed until when she finally feared she would strike the bottom, they immediately came into perfect focus. Getting her bearings her eyes felt as though there was a veil pulled over her face.
"Ahh Horace! You old goat, I knew you'd make it!" A joyous voice had shouted. Hermione shook her head blinking wildly as she found herself standing in the very epicenter of a lavish holiday party. People paid her no mind as they danced and drank all around her. The voices she heard were coming from the front door of the house where a relatively younger Horace Slughorn was shaking snow from his cloak. A tall man around the same age with jet-black hair and a manicured goatee was patting Slughorn's back, beckoning the old professor into the party with a broad sweep of his arms. Shutting the door behind them Slughorn and the man walked straight into the throng of people. The elegant home had been decorated with garlands and tinsel. A magnificent Christmas tree was illuminated in the far corner. The house was packed, with a myriad of very wealthy looking people. Each guest was dressed in elegant robes, the women adorned with constellations of jewelry. House elves flitted about carrying trays filled with wine glasses and hors d'oeuvres. It was a holiday party. People drunkenly sang carols and children ran about in a blur of laughter.
Another knock came from the front door and a house elf scrambled to answer it. Standing in the doorframe was a handsome young couple that Hermione instantly recognized.
Bellatrix and Rodolphus Lestrange.
ttfn…tata for now!