Hey guys! Thanks for the reviews and encouragement, it always pushes me to try hard and push these suckers out as much as I can with my busy schedule. Here is part one of chapter nine. As always reviews fuel me so please let me know what you think and any suggestions you have.
Side note, I have a tumblr now so please follow so I can follow back. I made a little character inspiration page that kind of shows I envision these characters when I write so please check it out, link is in my profile.
The Rules Of Engagement
Chapter Nine: Secrets
The clang of metal against metal reverberated through the concrete training room. Two athletic forms danced around each other; only meeting when the metal rods collided together in an intricate ballet of sparks and ingot.
They finally pulled apart with a forceful push, their chests heaving as their lungs pulled in oxygen desperately.
"You're slow." Seamus spat harshly, his eyes flashing with a determined spark as he flicked the sweat from his brow with a well-placed neck crack.
Hermione simply heaved a heavy sigh as she felt her body finally settle. Her palms were sweaty as she adjusted her stance, flipping the metal rods to their opposite end while she met the Irishman's gaze.
"Maybe I'm just holding back."
She received a scoff in return, the Irishman shaking his head before he lunged forward, the rod narrowly missing the brunettes face as she side stepped him. They spun to face each other taking only a beat before the Irishman attacked again his left swinging over her head as she ducked but his right coming to meet her neck with a stinging blow. The young witch hissed in pain, her hands immediately dropping her weapons to grasp at the reddening area.
Hindered by slight embarrassment at being bested and annoyance from the pain in her neck, she awkwardly corrected her stance ready to go again before her eyes met deep blue ones that shone with disappointment. Suddenly she didn't care about her neck or the Irishmen's sudden attitude, all she could think of what had led them to this moment. The past few weeks had not been kind to their friendship. After getting back from the Mediward; Hermione immediately went into physical therapy to get her body acclimated to field work. She had not spent any real time with the Irishman since that night in Shanghai and it had filled her with such regret she owled him as soon as she was able to spare a free moment, knowing her old friend could never resist a sparring practice.
Their session had been strangely quiet till now, Seamus' disposition distant for the entire hour up until this point. She regarded him curiously as she tried to assess what she had done wrong, he had been so mournful when she was in recovery; constantly at her side till she was able to be released from intensive care. The man in front of her now was a far cry from only a week ago.
"See...You're just slow." He finally retorted, his tone apathetic and frigid.
The harsh clang of the metal rods hitting the floor jolted her when he turned his back to her and began walking off. Her heart stung from the harshness of the moment, the visceral tear that seemed to be between them so suddenly.
"Um… have I done something? What is this? What's going on Shay?"
Broad shoulders shrugged indifferently before his body came to a halt, half turning to acknowledge her.
"Have you done something? Don't play fecking coy with me Granger, I ain't Ronny… I'm not gonna put faith into your hard headedness." He growled, still not meeting her gaze.
Hermione flinched at the use of her last name before steeling herself and making her way to him in a few confident strides.
"Don't you get gruff with me Seamus Finnegan, you're cross with me and I demand to know why." She hissed, turning the Irishman by his shoulders to face her.
"I'm not cross…"
"Yes you are."
"I'm not, you're just being a ninny with no right sense-"
"I'm being a ninny? You're the one pouting like someone stole your chocolate frog and saying the most childish, and may I add, hurtful things you've ever said to me-"
"Because yeh just don't get it-"
"What? What don't I get?"
"Yeh could have died and you don't even give a boggarts arse!"
The room fell silent, the only sound their heavy breathing as they stared one another down. The Brunette seemed taken back as she searched her counter parts features for clarity.
"As soon as you woke up you went off, getting back into the physicals and the training, shirking your visits with Madam Heilwig… Yeh, I checked and yeh haven't been there in three days!" He seethed.
The young witch scowled before turning from his gaze.
"I… I've felt fine…more than fine. I don't need some overzealous Mediwitch poking at me every five minutes."
His glare only intensified when he grabbed her by her shoulders. His eyes were staring straight into hers as he suddenly moved one of his hands and pulled up the side of her black tank top; fingers grazing rather roughly along her side before bringing them up to her line of sight.
Pale fingertips were lined with crimson as Hermione's eyes focused from his hand to perturbed blue eyes, it was automatic and she couldn't help the answer before it slipped out.
"I'm fine…"
This of course was not the retort he wanted to hear because he dropped his hand immediately; shoulders tensing in frustration.
"Yeh've been bleedin for the past half hour, how can yeh not know? How can yeh not feel it Hermione? Do yeh feel anything?"
She simply pushed his hand away before readjusting her tank top; her teeth worrying her lower lip.
"I feel it alright? But I can't Shay, after what happened I can't be weak anymore. I won't allow it." She said purposefully.
"I know what happened to Viktor shook yeh up, but that ain't yer cross to bear. The amount of potion in yeh should have had yeh knocked out but as always yeh were being stubborn." Seamus' retort came out as more of a sigh, an exasperated tone lacing every word. The Irishman's stance seemed to soften a bit as he grabbed at his sweat soaked undershirt and wrung the bottom between his fingers, a nervous habit since school days.
"Anyways, he told yeh he was fine. He wasn't cross or nothin; all he was concerned about was yeh getting better."
Hermione scoffed, the tip of her tongue running over her teeth before she let out a frustrated breath.
"Yes, he keeps saying that, but with a broken shoulder so close to Quidditch season I care to think otherwise."
The Irishman simply nodded before awkwardly rubbing the back of his head.
"Look I'm sorry, I shouldn't had said those things…well I should'a but not in that way."
The young witch regarded him before shaking her head and chuckling. Their fights were never really fights, they couldn't stay mad at each other for very long but Hermione still felt the sting every time it happened. He was worried and understandably slow but she could take care of herself, she's not the same girl from school and anymore and she was hoping one day he'd see that.
"Apology accepted… I think." She gave him a gentle shove on his shoulder, his signature deep chuckle echoing as he stumbled back dramatically.
They both jolted when the double doors of the training room were thrown open and a seething Madam Heilwig was revealed.
"Miss Granger! What did I tell you about leaving your bed much less the Mediward!? Get back this instant young lady!"
Wincing at the red faced Healer, they turned to look at on another; both knowing their training session was over. Hermione conceded and gave the Irishman's arm a squeeze, making her way towards her caregiver with her hands up in the air.
"All right, All right. No need to get in a fuss I'm coming!"
Seamus watched as the brunette was practically dragged out of the training room, a severe tongue lashing being dealt as the doors slammed shut.
Hermione poked at her rice pudding half-heartedly. After receiving a stern lecture from Heilwig she was ordered to eat and to remain in bed until the Mediwitch was sure the sealing spell had taken to her wound. Of course this was Hermione and she had grown up with Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley; so she was sure as hell not going to follow the rules or be treated like some sick kitten for long.
The Head Healer had tucked her in so tightly that when she was finally able to pull the covers off herself she let out a deep sigh of relief. She adjusted her hospital shirt and made sure to tie the draw strings on the ward issued sweat pants that seemed a size too big for her before slowly adjusting her position on the bed as to not put too much weight on her wounded side.
Bare feet padded softly along marble floors as the brunette tip-toed by the intern healer. His back was to her and his attention was currently on a small radio that seemed to be blaring one of the Quidditch prelim matches. She slinked by him with expert practice; years of training proving to be worthwhile.
Once in the clear she decided she would explore. The ministry most recently started treating all Auror injuries in house. After the war St. Mungos proved to be too overcrowded and not to mention the risk of housing an agent of the law in civilian wards was too great. This way Aurors were treated with first priority and could easily be close to their work if need be.
She preferred being held here anyway, security was a little more Lax when watching them, seeing as most who took the post were fellow Aurors themselves; they tended to be a little more lenient with their own kind. Well, that used to be the case at least until Madam Heilwig took position as Head Healer.
More overbearing than Molly Weasley herself, the Healer was always doting over her patients. Most found it enjoyable, never having to lift a finger and have a motherly presence always attending to their every need. Well not Hermione, she had grown sick of it since the first day and she was constantly ignoring the old bats orders to stay in bed.
Delicately she snuck towards the Mediwards exit. Seeing as Seamus was obviously cross with this sort of behavior she knew she could find solace with Ron who would practically welcome her with open arms. He was always one for breaking the rules and had a similar dislike for the Head Healer from his own previous experiences. She longed to see Harry but knew he would instantly disapprove; so Ron it was.
Just as her finger tips brushed the cold brass of the exit doors she heard one of the side doors opening. Quickly she reacted; rolling to the floor and through one of the adjacent doors just before a team of healers entered. Her hand instantly gripped her side as a dull pain shot through her system. She still wasn't fully healed and her side was an ever constant reminder. After taking a moment for the pain to subside she observed her surroundings, she had never been to this part of the ward before but it would be better to avoid the main entrance for now as to not be spotted.
Cautiously she set down the dim hallway, her eyes raking over paint cracked walls. This ward seemed older, less updated than the rest of the facility and had the feeling of being hurriedly put together. She came to an opening with a glass wall; its light illuminating the remaining pathway. The faint sound of medical instruments echoing eerily throughout the hallway as she made her way towards the ominous glass room.
The young witch gasped suddenly and staggered back when she was faced with familiar pale blue eyes, ones that just weeks ago had been alight with immense rage but now only held a vacant stare.
"Merlin…Br…Brendon?"
Her voice came out as a hoarse whisper as she clutched at her chest, the sheer shock of his disposition rendering her suddenly cold and frightened.
Brendon's fingers merely twitched, his demeanor unchanged as Hermione looked over his limp form perched upright on the hospital gurney. His neck and face still possessed faint purple veins, leading from the collar of his hospital gown to the center and corners of his eyes, lips chapped and breaking with slight red streaks from being unkempt.
The man was inert…utterly catatonic.
All of a sudden she felt ill. She had not given the man one thought since waking and though she had numerous questions about Fleurs sudden appearance; she had not once given thought to what may have happened to her captor.
Unexpectedly the nausea she felt dissipated and she felt and instant calm over take her body. She registered the faint scent of lavender and vanilla before a figure made its way from the shadows.
"I hope you do not 'zink ill of me for 'zis."
Hermione jumped, her back slamming against the opposite wall as her hand clutched tighter at her hospital shirt. Panicked eyes met calm blue as the witch tried to stop her heart from beating out of her chest.
"Fleur…Gods…how…where did you…"
The French Auror merely gave a small smile before pulling a crumpled napkin from her coat pocket and showing the younger witch.
"Seamus gave it to me 'zat night… I suppose I should have returned it but given your 'abit for running off; I 'zought I'd 'old on to it a little while. Better I find you 'zan Heilwig non?"
Hermione slowly nodded before taking the napkin from her. Their fingers brushed and a jolt shot through the brunette's body causing her to retract her hand quickly.
A look of hurt flashed across Fleurs features for only a moment before being replaced with a neutral expression.
"The old bat wise to me yet?" Hermione quipped breathlessly as she tried to calm herself down. Fleur always seemed to surprise her, always seemed to know where she was or what she was doing. It was slightly unnerving and she found herself feeling a slight tinge of annoyance at the revelation.
The softest of chuckles filled the brunette's ears as the blonde witch shook her head, a smirk crossing her lips briefly. "No, she is currently occupied with a flooded utilitiez ward, nasty business it looked like."
Hermione could have sworn she saw Fleur wink before the blonde turned her attention to the glaring elephant in the room.
They were silent for a moment, the breathing apparatus hooked to Brendon's face being the only sound; the slow pumping of air echoing around them.
Hermione was the first to break the silence. "What did you do to him?"
It came out harsher than she meant it to but it was still a question that had been on her mind since that night. Fleur merely shrugged, leaning against the glass as her eyes regarded her victim briefly before meeting Hermione's expectant gaze.
"My thrall... I used my thrall." The blonde Auror stated simply before clearing her throat and turning away from the glass partition.
Hermione's features must have been marred with confusion because Fleur seemed to steel herself before speaking again.
"Obviously you know of it in its subdued form, ze attraction and what not."
She waved her hand dismissively, assuming the younger witch was fully aware of Veela and this particular trait to which the brunette merely nodded; gesturing for her to continue.
"Well it can be used in 'ozer ways besides as a defensive mechanism; when amplified it can act like a paralyzer of sorts..." The French woman explained. She looked uneasy as Hermione's brows frowned in concentration; taking the information in.
"He will be okay in a few days." The blonde witch assured before regarding Brendon's form briefly, her teeth worrying her bottom lip.
"Well... week's possibly. I may 'ave been a little over zealous."
The blush that coated Fleurs cheeks caused Hermione's heart to flutter. It was a surprise reaction, one that she did not expect to have when it came to her rival. That's what Fleur was, wasn't she? She thought back to her fourth year during the tournament, how everyone had seemed to be enraptured with the French blonde. Then Ron's awkward gawking whenever Fleur had entered the room, motor skills and what little tact he had long forgotten when she was in their presence. But then she thought of the cottage, gentle whispers and hands tending to her with the upmost care and concern; the scent of vanilla and lavender whenever she was near.
Soft fingers brushed her arm and a familiar shock shot up Hermione spine bringing her out of her daze.
"Where did you go?" Fleurs tone was soft as she slowly pulled her hand back, her finger tips rubbing together curiously.
"Sorry, just… thinking back." Hermione murmured before rubbing the spot Fleur had touched and turning away from the blonde.
"I hope it was sumzing good 'zen." The blonde followed Hermione's movements but kept a respectful distance.
Hermione did not answer, afraid of what it would be. They had never been close yet for the past month it seemed Fleur had become a constant fixture in her life. From the night she was brought in Fleur had made regular visits; adjusting her pillow or fetching water. She would often sit with the young witch in silence while Hermione read and had not once displayed dissatisfaction with the situation. There were so many questions, so many things unanswered. Viktor refused to speak of anything else other than how she was recovering and when the subject of Fleur was brought up, even in passing, his eyes seemed to darken with a sort of vaguely subdued ire.
"Fleur what happened that night?"
She could tell the French Auror knew what she was referring to. A look of regret for not bringing up another topic marred Fleurs face for only a second before being replaced again with a neutral one.
"You have many questions I know… All 'zat I am willing to answer, within reason of course." She quickly added.
Hermione merely worried her bottom lip before gesturing her to follow. She could not be in Brendon's presence anymore; the sight of it was too much and she felt a pang of guilt every time she took notice of the instruments robotic symphony in the background.
They made their way through the door she came, the French Auror guiding Hermione into a sitting area before gesturing the young witch to sit in front of her.
Hermione relented but fidgeted, tucking her sleeves into the palm of her hand nervously as she avoided expectant blue eyes. Air pulled into her lungs harshly before releasing, steeling her nerves for the conversation to come.
"It's not that I'm not grateful, really I am. If you hadn't shown when you had; who knows what would have happened? I just want to put the pieces together Fleur and I know how protective Veela are of their culture and I would never ask to break that confidence you must know this. But every day I stop and I just think to myself, Merlin Fleur that night… you were… you…Please, I really don't mean to offend- "
Fleur smiled before holding her hand up to cease the young woman's rambling.
"You 'ave not offended me Hermione, please do not 'zink zat you 'ave. You're questions are perfectly understandable."
The brunette nodded and looked up at the blonde witch expectedly as she wrapped her arms around herself; finally taking notice of how cold the room was.
Fleur took deep breath and leaned back against a marble column. Her eyes traveled around the room before seeming to settle on a spot next to the young witch instead of meeting her gaze.
"I guess I should start from when I first noticed you 'ad left. I was merely curious because Monsieur Weasley had gone missing and ze Gala had gone on for an hour without Monsieur Finnegan making a scene; as was 'ze norm for 'zis sort of gathering…"
Fleur sighed as she ran the heated wash cloth gently over her face and neck. The night had taken an odd turn, one that she was not prepared for and she had little resolve for keeping up the perfect guest routine for much longer. Her hand clenched into a tight fist as she tried to stop the shaking; it took nearly all her resolve to not grab hold of Hermione's arm possessively and hiss at Lycus when he had interrupted their conversation. But alas, she had quickly reminded herself that Hermione had to make her own decisions and far be it from her to prevent the brunette from doing what she wanted. Rationalizing like an adult was good but still didn't make the situation any better. She silently cursed herself for forgetting her calming draught at home, foolishly too preoccupied with straightening her appearance than taking care of her health.
Cerulean eyes gazed up at their mirrored reflection. Crow's feet crept at the corner of them and her skin was lackluster with blemishes that maybe was hard for anyone else to notice; but Fleur saw them. She saw them grow in depth and size every day and the potions her mother gave her, though helping with the physical marks, did nothing to help the sickness she felt on the inside.
She had to let the Veela out soon but taking over the Stoyan case had left little time for her to unwind and she could feel the beast clawing at her insides, even more so after recent events.
Sick of the sight she pushed herself away and made her way out of the lavatory and into the grand hall. It was oddly quiet, she had been to the Ministry only a handful of times but each visit was as hectic as the last. Wizards and their politics, she could write a book on the uselessness of bureaucracy but alas she worked for the very beast she detested so much. How she longed for Shell cottage and her garden; the smell of the beach and the feel of granules of sand in between her toes as she perfected her craft with wards and counter curses. But she could not dwell, she was in her line of work for a bigger reason, one that constantly alluded her and barely knew she existed but worth all of the danger and sacrifice all the same.
As she turned to make her way back towards the ballroom the familiar sound of glass breaking stopped her. She turned on her heel gracefully, casting her attention to where the sound came from.
The men's lavatory.
It was odd because she specifically remembered Lamont lecturing Seamus and Ronald on their behavior at the Gala only an hour ago; his face turning red with frustration as he brought up a rather humorous story of how the young wizards had put the restroom in a severe state of disarray after using one of George's highly explosive crafts. It was with that fact in mind why she crept silently towards the lavatory, her fingers gently pushing the warped door open before grimacing at the loud creak that reverberated from it.
Her eyes went from vigilant to surprise when she saw a familiar figure hunched over the sink, their eyes focused on their own reflection in a broken mirror.
"Ovid?" She spoke softly but the serviceman jumped as if she had yelled, his hand knocking over a dark brown bottle off the edge of the sink. Her eyes followed as it slowly rolled to her feet, a milky like substance spilling from it.
She kneeled gracefully, plucking it from the ground and smelling its contents.
"Delacour…what are you doing here?"
His voice was gruff which made her gaze take in his form. His eyes were slightly bloodshot and looked worn, hair looking more out of sorts than before as he slinked a shaking hand behind his back, trying to portray a normal stance.
"I needed some air…looks like we both 'ave different ways of coping with 'zose stuffed shirts no? Milk of ze poppy a common choice for you now a days?" She teased before coming closer, dangling the bottle in her hand.
"A prescription from a dear old family Mediwitch, sometimes the old ways are the best." He cleared his throat roughly, his eyes trying not follow her movements.
"Now, now Lycus. We both are from old lineage and we both know zat zis iz not a normal prescription. I find myself wiz a conundrum; a servicemen using illegal substanzes in a house of law and justice and my job being to report 'zese sort of 'zings being a glaringly heavy responsibility on my shoulderz." Her smirk grew wider as the man shifted uncomfortably, his eyes darting to the bottle in her hand and swallowing.
He seemed to make a decision then, his body moving swiftly to pin her against the bathroom wall, rough hands grasping at her shoulders before loosening only slightly as he whispered.
"Give it up Delacour, we both know you aren't going to say anything. You've got your feathers in a twist over that lovely girl and you're using this slight moment of weakness to your advantage. I can't say that a part of me doesn't desire this side of you but none the less; you forget I know things as well. Secrets so tantalizing, so… delicious that you should strongly consider calling it even." His gaze traveled to her bust line as he spoke, his grip moving from her shoulders down her arms before wrapping around her wrists.
She noted the slight painful squeeze he gave them before lifting her hand and gently taking the bottle from her loosened grasp.
"Good girl, always making the smart choice."
His smirk was wolfish before swigging the bottle towards his lips and downing the rest of its contents. A euphoric smile spread across his lips as he closed his eyes and then opened them, the redness from before a faint whisper as he again trailed his gaze from her eyes down her body.
"Have I told you how amazing you look in that dress tonight?"
The blonde Auror barely contained her eye roll as she strained against his grasp before replying.
"Many times, more 'zan I care for. Now release me or I will take 'zose fingers and break 'zem in so many places 'zat you'll barely be able to salute to 'zat fat drunkard you call a minister." Her tone was dangerous and glare practically deadly as she wrenched her wrists from his grasp and pushed him back with little effort.
Ovid only chuckled, rolling his shoulder before tossing the empty bottle into a nearby pile of rubble.
"So feisty my dear, I love it! God you are wasted on the meek, the French have no idea they have…that little song bird has no idea what she's missing."
"Speak of her no more, my threat still stands. She is of no concern to you Lycus, do you understand?" She hissed.
He simply held his hands up in surrender but the low chuckle he released said anything but taking her seriously.
"A bit of fun was all that was my love, she is yours and rightfully so."
He pursed his lips at her as he adjusted his jacket and ran his fingers through his hair, taming it effortlessly.
She was about to express her disgust again when a series of familiar voices echoed from outside.
"Consider it already halfway taken care of."
There was no mistaking Hermione's voice, the confidence that laced those few words had Fleurs heart flutter with a familiar yet always disarming excitement. Her eyes peered at them from the corner of the half burnt doorway as she watched the young witch take charge.
"So you're thinking a burner wand as well?"
"That's exactly right, and I know exactly where the market for that is. Come on boy's… nights just begun."
Fleur's eyes widened as her hand slightly gripped the edge of the doorway. She did so love when Hermione took the lead, not even remotely phased by the harsh male dynamic their post entailed. She almost overlooked the comment of the burner wand, almost. Suddenly she was taken back, she knew there was only one place they could be headed and that did not sit well with the French Auror, not one bit. She was brought out of her thoughts by Ovid's low chuckle; at some point during her leering he had moved behind her and his breath now tickled the back of her neck in the most unsettling of ways.
"Now this is a conundrum Delacour, continue playing with me or chase after your little bird who has a penchant for getting herself into trouble?"
She turned swiftly around, her back pressing against the door frame when it came into full view just how close he was.
"Speak of this to no one and I will try Ovid, try not to hurt you."
Her gaze was fierce but her body was wrought with anxiousness, she had to catch up to them. If they were headed where she thought then Hermione was certainly not prepared for what was in store. She knew very well of Alabasters Procurements and who frequented his services on more than one occasion.
To his credit Ovid merely clucked his tongue before moving closer to her, stubble pressing against her cheek as his lips ghosted across her ear.
"I saw nothing, but I would be less concerned with me and more focused on catching up with her my sweet."
His lips brushed her cheek as he swiftly moved back, clicking his boot heels together and giving a rather over exaggerated salute before exiting the lavatory.
Fleur let out a deep breath as she finished. Of course she omitted the reason for her being in the bathroom in first place and her run in with Lycus but she gave Hermione the gist of how her presence came to be in Shanghai that night.
"By 'ze time I tracked you down to 'zat building, Seamus and Ron had already come for you. I would have torn down the whole block if Seamus had not shown me 'ze charmed napkin. I believe I was razer rude and grabbed it from him; I've been meaning to apologize but I did not feel it was appropriate to bring up during our visits with you."
Hermione let out what could only be described as a half chuckle half scoff at the remark. Only Fleur would be concerned about her manners after her heroic rescue and display of unadulterated power.
"It's just… I've never seen you like that, even during the tournament…" She whispered, her mind thinking back again.
The blonde witch averted her eyes and shuffled her feet rather adorably as she pursed her lips, a sharp pop echoing around them before she shrugged.
The brunette observed with rapt curiosity the French woman's uncomfortable stance. Eyes flicking to pearly white teeth that caught a perfectly plump lip between them. She quickly averted her gaze as a blush ran up her neck and straight to her cheeks.
"Um and…what happened with Viktor? I heard you speaking with him before, he seemed angry at you for something. I don't remember much…just you were arguing and then he was trying to calm me down and I… I don't know what I did or how I did it but he was across the room…"
Blue eyes flashed dangerously before she shifted uncomfortably and licked her lips. Hermione found herself following the motion unexpectedly until shaking her head and willing herself to focus.
"Viktor was worried 'Ermione. 'e is, for obvious reasons, protective of you and 'ze frustration of 'ze night may have gotten to him; I was 'zer so he lashed out. As for what happened to him; 'zat was an accident Mon Cher, he knows 'zat without a shadow of a doubt. You are remarkable with your wand and obviously have untapped potential in wandless magic… we were more taken aback 'zan threatened."
The French woman let out a long breath after finishing and Hermione could not help the instant feeling of suspicion that seemed to fill her. The explanation was effortless as if it had been rehearsed which caused her eyes to narrow even more but she would let it go…for now.
"Well… That seems logical enough, I suppose. You still haven't answered my previous question though Fleur. You know, about you?"
For the first time Fleur met her eyes, her gaze resolute.
"Veela are protective of those close to 'zem, you are my friend and I could not let 'im hurt you anymore 'zan 'e already 'ad. I mean…we are friends 'non?"
Were they? What was happening between them? Was it friendship? She couldn't blame the blonde Auror for not knowing; up until shell cottage and then recently had they ever truly made it past glares and slight verbal sparring. Yes, it may have indirectly been because of Fleur why she was no longer on the Stoyan case but the blonde was just doing her job as Hermione was just doing hers. Their school days were far behind them so really there was no need to call their interactions with one another anything else but friendship, a surprising one but a friendship none the less.
She assumed Fleurs uncomfortableness was directly related with those facts so she gave a reassuring smile.
"Given after the war, that night and excusing my behavior during our unexpected reunion, yes…we're friends Fleur."
Pearly whites flashed bright at Hermione's words. She chuckled with a slight blush as Fleur clapped her hands together in triumph and made her way towards the chair in front of the brunette.
"Good…good. I was so afraid you would see me differently after 'zat night…I was not in control and I'm overcome with embarrassment at my lack of restraint. I should 'ave trusted Seamus and Ron but I knew we only 'ad minutes and 'ze Veela she... Well 'ze Veela wants what 'ze Veela…wants…"
She trailed off at the end of her admission, her eyes slightly glassing over with something that Hermione could not recognize. The brunette did not overlook the fact that Fleurs perfectly manicured finger nails seemed to dig into the chair before whatever thought was consuming her was sent away and her beaming smile returned.
"Never ze less, let's get you back to your room. 'eilwig is bound to make her way back soon and unfortunately my distraction only bought us a few moments."
The young witch chuckled, allowing Fleur to pull her up but this time instead of pulling away when the sudden shock ran through her body, she tried to adjust to it. If she and Fleur were going to be friends she would need to get used to it and supposed it was just her own reaction to an unfamiliar touch. Hermione took no notice to the shaky breath the blonde released before clasping her hand tighter and leading the brunette through the hall towards her room.