Chapter 31: France

A few days later, school was officially over, and everyone had packed up for their holidays… except for the graduates who packed their belongings for their very last time. It had been sad and nostalgic as Hermione spent the last hours roaming the corridors of the castle, revisiting the library and all her favourite spots, like her and her girlfriend's favourite spot at the lake, the secret passageway where the blonde had asked her to the ball… With great difficulty, she revisited the Quidditch Grounds too. Harry accompanied her on that one. There was no longer any trace of the maze as if it had never even happened, but Hermione still felt her heart speed up and her hands tremble at the sight of it. Harry threw his hand around her shoulders for support, which she appreciated deeply. She didn't stay long, turning back to visit the rest of the grounds.

Now, sitting with her friends on the Hogwarts Express back to London, it was starting to sink in that this was probably her last Hogwarts Express ride, the last one with her friends like this at least, Ginny being the only one who still had another year to go. It brought a pang to her heart, so she decided to do everything to enjoy every second of it. She was with some of her favourite people in the world, everyone smiling and laughing with each other, everyone alive. She was determined to savour the moment.

Unfortunately, no matter how much fun they had on the train ride, playing magical chess and cards, it only took a few hours before Hermione found herself standing on the London station 9 ¾ platform, hugging her friends and bidding tearful goodbyes as they each went to their families, each promising to owl regularly and visit when possible.

"I'll see you soon, Hermione," Luna called out as she walked away, "I need to see those magical creatures Brittany mentioned."

Hermione looked perplexed at the blonde as she walked away. Did she mean she was going to France too?

"We'll see each other soon," Harry said, bumping her shoulder and pressing a kiss to her forehead, "France is not that far. We are witches and wizards, remember? Plus, there is nothing stopping you, ever."

Hermione wiped her teary eyes and chuckled, "That is true, Harry Potter. I always find a way."

"You will always be my sister, Hermione. Thank you for everything," he smiled.

Looking at his boyish grin, Hermione hugged him tight, "And you have been the best brother, Harry."

"Well, you better remember that when you get married. I call dibs on being your best man," he winked.

Hermione blushed and laughed, punching his shoulder. With one last hug, she watched as he moved away to follow Sirius, turning around to throw a final wave before disappearing into the crowd.

With a final hand wave, Hermione turned to her parents.

"Where is your luggage?" her father, Adam, asked, frowning at the empty space around her. The only thing in her hand was a hissing Crookshanks in his cage. It was usually his job to carry the heavy stuff.

Hermione chuckled and patted her breast pocket, "I'm officially a graduated witch now, Dad. I can do magic outside of school grounds."

Much to his wife and daughter's amusement, Adam pouted as he escorted them to where he parked the car. It would have been easier to apparate home, but her parents had insisted on picking her up. Hermione didn't really mind. The family shuffled in, and soon, they were on their way home.

The drive was an hour long with her house situated in a nice spacey verdant suburb, perks of having two dentist parents who earned good money. As she shuffled in, Hermione's parents left her to unpack before dinner. The brunette climbed the stairs to her room, which was always kept clean and everything in the exact same place she had left them, ready for her return. Her mum always made sure of that. Being back home always felt refreshing to Hermione. Despite having spent little time in this house in the last few years, it was still where she had spent the majority of her childhood. It was still her first home. She opened Crookshanks' cage, and the orange Kneazle quickly got out, hissing at her in annoyance at being caged before disappearing down the stairs. Hermione chuckled at seeing him go. He was also one not to change. It was either that or being shrunken into her pocket, and she didn't think the Kneazle would have appreciated the second option. Breathing in the scent of home, she sighed in pleasure. " It is good to be back," she mused internally as she pulled her shrunken luggage out of her pocket and turned the suitcases back to their original size.

The first thing she pulled out was the photo album she had created with all the countless photos she had amassed throughout her schooling years, specifically this year. There were photographs upon photographs of her friends but most importantly of Fleur and herself, of the two of them kissing and being coupley, a few of the Triwizard tasks, the Triwizard cup and Hermione's graduation photographs with friends and family. She watched as the Fleur in one photo wrapped her arms around the photo-Hermione and pressed a kiss onto the brunette's cheek. Seeing the large grin erupt on the photo-Hermione's face was somewhat strange and surprising. That was her. That was what she looked like when she was with Fleur. She ran her fingers lovingly on the Veela's face. She missed her blonde despite writing to her every free moment she got with their enchanted bracelets.

The blonde had received her results with the same amount of Os as Hermione and an E in Arithmancy. Fleur had pouted at their bet ending in a draw, and Hermione chuckled at being able to read the blonde's pouting through her writing. The blonde's graduation was scheduled for two weeks, and Hermione couldn't wait. Just a few days before the event, the Delacours would come to fetch her and her family so they could attend. Fleur had invited Hermione's parents as well, but the main reason Hermione couldn't was that it was also the day she would be making her move to France.

Looking through her luggage, she started pulling out the stuff she wouldn't use again, like her Hogwarts robes and Gryffindor ties, while carefully setting them in her drawers and wardrobe. The rest would be kept in her trunks to avoid having to repack everything for France. She didn't have much when she looked at it. I need to talk to my parents about going shopping for some professional clothes and a few more things here and there. The rest, I can purchase in France with Fleur, she mused. Happy with the plan, she continued sorting her luggage. She had received several positive responses to the job applications she had submitted and had already had a few interviews lined up. Later at dinner, when she mentioned the plan to go shopping to her parents, she chuckled when her mum groaned while her dad perked up. It made her realize just how much she had missed her family.

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To say that in the next few days, Hermione bought a lot of things would be an understatement. Her dad has so much fun bringing her all over London for shopping, sparing no expense. He was quite proud of his daughter being a graduated woman, ready to enter the workforce, despite missing the little girl who always used to insist on him reading to her at any time of the day.

Hermione looked at the mountain of clothing and accessories that were piled on her bed and smiled, taking her wand out. With a few flicks, everything shrunk and levitated to be neatly arranged in her luggage. The perks of being a witch. "That's the last of it," she murmured to herself. Fiddling with her wand for a few seconds, she realised that she was fidgeting. She was nervous! Excited but still nervous. The Delacours would send for them in approximately one hour from the letter they had sent.

With another flick of her wand, the luggage levitated themselves one by one down the stairs to the living room, with her following behind.

"That's a lot of bags, pumpkin," noted Emma, awed as she watched everything float down the stairs from her spot on the living room couch. No matter how many times she saw magic, it still surprised her.

"Well, I AM moving out of the country. I'm going to need a few things," explained Hermione as she settled the trunks by the staircase.

Adam chuckled, "we all know they are just full for books," he said, taking a sip of his tea.

"Dad!" Hermione mock glared at him.

"You know he is right, sweetie," Emma laughed, "now, come sit before you wear the floor with your pacing."

Hermione stilled. She had started pacing without even realizing it. Sighing, she walked and sat across from her parents, gratefully taking the cup of tea her mother handed her.

"Now, drink this up, and let's watch some mindless TV until they arrive," Emma said as she turned back to the show she had been watching.

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A pop was heard, startling the family. Hermione turned around to find an elf dressed in all sorts of glitter and shimmering garments smiling at her. She quickly recognised it to be one of Fleurs.

"Oh, hello!" she greeted. Has it already been one hour?! She had lost track of time.

"Bonjour, Miss Granger! I am Passpartout," the elf greeted excitedly as she offered her hand, "I am here to bring you all to the Chateau,"

"Hello, it's nice to meet you," Hermione smiled, waving to her parents to come closer. They were looking at the elf in awe. Despite having seen some when they visited Hogwarts, it still amazed them to no end that elves existed. Hermione shrunk all of their luggage, handing it to the elf before looking at her parents, "Mom, hold my hand and Dad's hand. Hold tight." Taking the elf's hand, she nodded with a smile to show that she was ready, and with another pop, they were gone.

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It was just a few seconds before they apparated in the yards of the Delacour Chateau.

"Ughhh," Adam groaned, holding onto his stomach, looking a little green, "you were right. That was not pleasant at all," he said, looking at Hermione as he took deep, controlled breaths. On the other hand, Emma had fared better and started rubbing her husband's back, trying to comfort him.

"You get used to it," Hermione said with sympathy.

The crunching of gravel announced more people, and Hermione turned around just in time to be bowled over by Fleur.

"Mon Amour, you are 'ere!" Fleur cried out, picking her up and spinning her around.

"Fleur!" Hermione squealed but hugged the blonde tightly. She had missed her so much. The feel of her, the smell of her… It was all filling up the cracks of their separation.

"Oh wow," Emma exclaimed as she looked to really take in the immenseness of the Chateau, "Adam, look at this place! It's like we are in medieval times!"

The rest of the Delacours, who had been approaching at a slower pace, chuckled, "it has been in the family for generations," Apolline explained before pulling them into hugs.

"I shall tell you all about it," Angelique added, "Now, let's get inside. While the weather is nice," she pointed at the blue sky, "we should get you all settled first. Then, we can have tea in the gardens. This way, please," she said as she led the way back.

"Grandmere?" Fleur asked as she put Hermione down.

Angelique raised her eyebrow at her before chuckling, "Yes, you are excused, but don't be late for dinner."

Hermione looked at them perplexed but was not given a chance as she was whisked away, "Where are we going?"

"You will see in a second, ma petite loutre," Fleur grinned, "Before I forget. Gabrielle said to say hello. She is out with friends and will be back later."

Hermione just nodded and let herself be dragged along. They entered the forest surrounding the castle, and Hermione let Fleur lead her through the track. The forest was beautiful and lush green, with tall trees reaching high up and creating a canopy. The trees entwined above their heads but allowed gaps for the blue sky to peek through and sunlight to stream onto the forest floor, giving an ethereal feel. The grass was lush under her shoes, and the wildflowers swayed gently into the breeze. Quite a difference to the Forbidden Forest, she mused.

The trek was a short one, and the trees soon thinned out. Hermione was surprised to find herself exiting the forest onto a beautiful white sandy beach with calm azure waters. "Oh wow!"

Fleur turned to the brunette and smiled, "Come," she instructed and continued her trek, pulling Hermione onto the soft sand.

Hermione looked further to see where the blonde was leading her and found a beautiful little cottage sitting a few yards away. The walls were painted white, large windows took up most of the space, and the roof was a baby blue. It was beautiful.

Fleur pulled out her wand as she reached the cottage door and whispered a quick incantation before turning to Hermione and flicking her wand at her.

Hermione felt a swirl of magic engulf her and looked at Fleur, perplexed.

"Just adding you to the wards, mon amour," Fleur explained, bringing Hermione's hand to her lips to press a kiss on the soft skin before she turned back to the door and opened it, leading Hermione into the house.

Hermione looked around and was pleasantly surprised to find the house cosy, with walls covered with bookshelves bursting with tomes. There were sofas strategically placed next to a fireplace encrusted with seashells. The place was open, airy and bright, and the sound of the waves from outside was quite soothing.

"How do you find it?" asked Fleur hesitantly, "there is more to see."

"It's beautiful! Very different to the Chateau. Is this like a guest house or something?" she asked as she moved towards the bookshelves to inspect the titles.

"Non," replied Fleur simply, waiting for Hermione to turn towards her. When Hermione did, she continued, "This is our place. Do you like it?"

"Our place?" Hermione mouthed in surprise.

"Oui. I thought that we would have our own little place for now instead of living in the Chateau with everyone," Fleur replied, fidgeting with her fingers, "but you can say no if you don't like the idea."

"Oh, Fleur," Hermione replied, walking towards the blonde and pulling her into a hungry kiss. Pulling away reluctantly, she replied, "It's a magnificent idea! I love it!" and pressed another kiss onto the blonde's lips, "Come, show me the rest of it!" she said excitedly.

Fleur smiled brightly before pulling the brunette to see the other rooms, kitchen, and sunroom, keeping their bedroom for last.

Hermione looked at the big spacious bed and threw herself into it, "Hmm," she moaned, "it's so soft. It's perfect."

Fleur approached the Gryffindor, hovering over her, "You are perfect."

Hermione smiled shyly at the Veela as her blonde hair cascaded over her. She reached out to tuck the blonde strands behind Fleur's ear and gently pulled her on top of her, "I love you," she whispered.

"Je t'aime aussi," replied Fleur before capturing the brunette's lips.

They kissed for a few minutes before Fleur reluctantly pulled away and got up.

"Where are you going?" asked Hermione, perplexed.

Fleur smiled and extended her hand at her, "Come on, let's go see ze beach." Hermione just took the blonde's hand and followed. She would follow her girlfriend to the end of the world.

"It's beautiful," Hermione whispered as they stepped out onto the sand. It was warm, but a refreshing breeze blew across the beach. The azure water was sparkling in the sun, with just a few fluffy clouds making their way through the sky. It was a beautiful day.

"Take off your shoes and come with me," Fleur instructed as she took her own.

Hermione followed and sighed as she dug her toes into the fine white sand. They walked hand in hand along the stretch of sand, feet in the water. Fleur started pointing out the flora and fauna occupying the area, hoping to familiarize the brunette with France.

"Vahriin is on the other side of the forest, near the mountains. 'Er little ones have hatched. They are the cutest things ever," Fleur said, "we can go see them later."

"I would love to," Hermione replied absently, eyes focused on the blonde as the gentle breeze played with her golden tresses and the sun illuminated the spun gold.

Hearing the distracted tone of voice, Fleur turned to the brunette.

"You are beautiful," Hermione interjected, watching happily as a bit of pink flushed into the blonde's cheeks.

"Merci, mon amour, but not as much as you," Fleur replied, picking her brunette and spinning her around.

Hermione squealed, "Fleur! You are going to drop me into the water!"

The blonde put her back down and cocked an eyebrow at the brunette. A sly grin emerged between rosy lips, blue eyes twinkling with mischief.

Hermione barely had a second to register anything before she was tipping backwards. She squeaked as her body crashed into the water. The water shocked her slightly as she was submerged. Pushing herself back up quickly, she sputtered, "Fleur!" The blonde had pushed her!

"My bad, mon amour," the blonde grinned, turning to walk away.

"Argh!" Hermione let a battle cry and quickly got up to her feet and rushed towards the blonde.

A gleeful laugh left Fleur as she tried to run but was too slow in her mirth when a weight settled on her back, and she was sent plunging face-first into the water.

Hermione laughed in victory as the blonde pushed back up, spitting out the salt water.

In a move fit for a wrestler, Fleur wrapped one arm around the brunette's waist and flipped her back into the water. She quickly pulled her out, laughing as she dragged them to the water's edge to settle on the sand. Hovering on top of the brunette, she grinned, doing a little dance shimmy, "I win!"

Hermione chuckled. Her Veela absolutely hated losing. She did too, but she was going to let it go for the blonde, "Fine, you do."

Grinning gleefully, Fleur brought her face closer to the brunette, observing how beautiful she looked with water clinging to her skin and the waves playing with her drenched brown curls. But what was more mesmerizing was the warm brown orbs staring into her own. Gently touching their noses together, she whispered against the brunette's wet skin, "I get my prize then."

"Prize?" Hermione asked in a murmur, lost in the deep azure of the blonde's eyes, which were getting darker by the second "What prize...?"

Bringing her lips just a mere distance from Hermione's, Fleur whispered onto the moist lips, "You…" before capturing the salty lips on her own.

They explored each other's mouths languidly, hands slowly running along arms, backs and into hair, eliciting goosebumps Fingertips roamed, exploring familiar territory they had missed during their separation, exploring each other. There was no rush this time, no curfew to meet, no task or homework to do, no distance or different country to think about, and no one around to worry about. It was just the two of them entwined together for as long as they wanted to be.

ᴥ TO BE CONTINUED ᴥ

Author's Note: Hi, everyone! It's been a while, but I have finally wrapped up this story. It is finally complete, YAY! I am going to now start focusing on my other stories, but I also have a sequel in mind for this story which I will probably post on AO3, so stay tuned! I hope you enjoyed it! It was great having you all for this awesome ride which took foreverrrrrr! I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did! Love you all ~ Sky