Hey guys, I am so sorry it took so long, but with school and everything… BUT! This chapter is super long, so I hope that makes up for the wait. I did a word check, and it is about 8130 words. I did say it would be long, so I did warn ya. I was actually tempted to make it into two parts, but I thought, nah, it'll be a treat.

Like always, all mistakes are mine (I did write it) and please, review. They make my day! So… *wink, wink* Get your reviewing on. Oh, and of course,

Please enjoy. ~ JoyfulTrouble

It is nothing, I keep trying to tell myself. It is just two friends going together to Hogsmeade to hang out. That is what we are going to do. That is it. That is all…

Right?

We are going to do things that friends do. We are going to Honeydukes and by loads of candy; most we haven't even herd of them, ever. We are going to go to Zonko's Joke Shop, and who knows what we'll do there, but it will be fantastic. And we'll even go to The Three Broomsticks and have some Butterbeer, because everyone knows that is heaven in a glass.

Then why am I so nervous? Why can't I stop the butterflies that seem to have made permanent residence in my stomach? I can't do anything other than worry about tomorrow; think about tomorrow; dream about tomorrow. Yes, that is right. I am going to Hogsmeade tomorrow.

Tomorrow.

What if she doesn't enjoy herself? What if she finally realizes that she doesn't want to be friends with me, and goes to someone else to fit the shoes? Gosh, this is so nerve racking!

I lay in bed, not being able to sleep due to, well, everything. My mind was racing with possibilities, my body was too pumped to even consider slumber. It was a concoction made specifically to not let me sleep! I look over to the alarm clock on my night stand, it reading 1:32am. I grunt in frustration, rolling over on to my side. I have tried everything in attempts to get to sleep, other than a sleeping potion. The sleeping potion seems a good idea, only I don't have the ingredients, nor the patients to make it right now. I roll over to my other side, attempting to get comfy; attempting to go to my happy place…

Ha! That's what I could do. I could go to the library. I sit up in bed, a new form of energy and excitement racing in my veins. I look back over to my clock, again grunting as I read 1:35am. Damn, I would get in serious trouble going out this late.

I plop back down onto the bed in a huff. Greatly disappointed that my idea got thrown out the window. If only there was a way for me to go down there unnoticed, then that would be,

I shot up again from my bed, getting slightly light head this time around. Harry's invisibility cloak. Why didn't I think of it sooner? I really must be distracted. I pull of my blanket, and hop out of bed. As quietly as I can, I make my way to the boy's dormitory. They are both the same layout, so I knew what floor Harry would be on.

Making my way up the steps, through the door, and in the boy's dorm, I start to second guess myself. Isn't this basically stealing? I know he's my best friend and all, but still. Well, I don't think he would mind in the end, or he doesn't even need to know. I decided in the end that this is important enough, and that it is also not stealing. Simply borrowing without permission. Finding Harry's bed, I go and check under his bed first, happily finding a box under it. Pulling it out and opening it, I was filled with more glee to know that it was indeed the invisibility cloak. I am grateful that Harry put it in an easy spot, but in the long run: bad decision. I mean, anyone could find it! I will have to talk to Harry about it later, right now I have a library to sneak to.

I head downstairs, and put on the invisibility cloak right before I exit through the portrait. Walking down the hallways, I can't help but jump at every little noise I hear. This whole sneaking around business really makes you on edge. Making my way down four floors, I finally find myself in the library, surprisingly without seeing any teachers.

Instantly I feel relaxed, walking into the library. The smells, the quite, and it being dark, the moon through the windows casts a beautiful blueish light in the room. It is just what I needed. I walk over to the bookshelf close to the forbidden section, and quickly glimpse at the books. Coming down to the library, I actually had no clue what to read about. I just knew this is where I wanted to be at the moment. I squat down, now looking at the Magical Creatures section, where I find one that fits the moment, Life of a Veela. Fleur did say she was quarter veela, it'd be interesting to learn more about them.

Taking the book, I walk over to the nearest table. I don't sit down, thinking it wold be suspicious if there was a random chair out of place (the library is very stick about keeping things clean and in order). So I opt to standing, setting the book down on the table. I flip the book open, up to a random page, and read the contents. The light from the moon was enough to be able to read. It started off talking about how the creature side of a veela is similar to a harpy; feathers, talons, beady eyes, and dangerous. I skip the part about mates, already reading a better version, and go to a part called Thrall.

"Thrall?" I whisper to myself, wonder what thrall could be. I have never heard of it before, and it sounds interesting. I also couldn't help but think how this thrall is or could affect Fleur. I quickly begin to read,

Thrall is an ability that all veela have. It causes nearby-

"Hello? Is someone there?" I hear a voice coming from behind me. Shit, I need to get out of here. As quickly and as quietly as I can rush to the library entrance. I don't stop until I have made it to the Fat Lady. Out of breath, I wait a few moments before I recite the password, Dragon's Tongue, and walk into the dorm. I carefully as I can, put the cloak back into the box, and under Harry's bed. I then head to my room. I take off my shoes, slip under the covers. Staring up at the ceiling, I can't help but feel more relaxed, and I can't help but think, what is thrall?

My curious thoughts is the only thing on my mind before I drift off to sleep.

I wake up an hour before breakfast, and that at least gives me some time to pick out an outfit. I have no clue what to where, and I start to have a mini panic attack. I open up my chest full of clothes and start frantically searching through it. What should I wear? Fancy? Non-fancy? Casual? Comfy? I stop what I am doing, and I count to ten. After I feel calmer. It is just two friends hanging out, no need to panic on wardrobe choices. So I grab s pair of jeans, a red shirt, and a grey cardigan. I quickly slip them on and head downstairs for breakfast. When I get there Ron and Harry are already seated. I go and sit beside Ron, who instantly looks at me with a confused gaze.

At first I ignore it, grabbing some eggs, and a large helping of bacon. When I look back to him, I notice the same expression, and I can't deal with it. It's too weird.

"What?" I ask. Ron doesn't answer, just goes back to eating his porridge. This makes me more infuriated, why is he acting all weird?

"Ron, did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed or something?"

"No." He simply replies.

"Then what is it?"

He looks back up to me, now a small smile on his face. This only makes me more confused.

"You're doing something today, something special, aren't you?" My eyes widened, and my mouth hung open. How did he know? I mean, it is not really special, just me and. Oh, who am I kidding, this is huge for me, but I am not going to let anyone else know that.

"How did you know? I mean, it's not that special, just a friend and I hanging out today." I say, with an exhale at the end. Damn it Ron, he is making me nervous again. I was fine a few minutes ago, now on the verge of panic. This is Fleur, and she always makes me nervous, but knowing that I am, for sure, going to see her soon, is overwhelming. And to top all things off, my wolf was having a nervous party of its own. It felt like it was running in circles, constantly yipping and barking. It was just too much to take in at the moment. I take a moment, and once again, count to ten. I finally feel myself, as well as the wolf, start to relax. I look back at Ron as he answers.

"I could tell. You seem nervous and excited, and happy. Yup, you defiantly seem happier than usual, right Harry?" Ron looks over at Harry expectantly.

"Yeah," Harry starts, "You seem to have been lost in your own world lately. Not that is a bad thing, it is just, nice to see you, ah, excited about someone. Speaking of which, who is it?"

"Yeah, Hermione, who is it?" Ron repeats.

"Oh… ahh," What should I say? I mean, it's Fleur, they will be cool with it, I just don't want Ron going on another 'you're gay, get over it' or 'you are so into her' type rants. But I guess it is better to get it done and over with without stalling. Or lying, "Fleur. I am hanging out with Fleur after breakfast." I instantly turn to Ron, waiting for the retort that I am sure is coming. But it doesn't, instead I get a knowing smirk, which is equally as annoying as what he is probably thinking. Why can't Ron just take a break?

"Well, on that note. I am going to go wait for Fleur. I will see you guys later." I get up, taking a few pieces of bacon. They say their goodbyes and I leave, heading to the Main Hall.

I'm only waiting what was probably a few minutes, but to me it seemed like hours. The Main Hall was crowded with students talking and probably waiting for others before they too could head to Hogsmeade. I stuck out like a sore thumb since I was standing alone off to the side, left to pounder in my nervousness. The emotional part of the whole aspect of what I was doing was finally starting to kick in. Me, Hermione Granger, was going to hang out with Fleur Delacour, a beautiful veela. And it is just going to be the two of us! Oh, and to just make it sink in, FLEUR DELACOUR! I can't help but replay what Fleur had said a few days ago, 'Let's just say, I want to be friends.' She wants to be friends, with me. Me!

I stand there, extremely excited, as I wait. But as the time goes on, my nerves start to act up again, and I start to panic. What if she has a bad time? What if she thinks this is a stupid idea? What if she doesn't want to be friends in the first place, and is just doing this out of pity? I do tend to spend a lot of time alone in the library…

Just to make things worse, out of my excitement and my nerves, my wolf starts to act up. It felt like it was running a marathon, clawing on my insides, and barking all at once. It was getting rather annoying. I attempted to try and get my wolf to stop, because it felt weird, and I didn't want this happening while I was with Fleur. I tried holding my stomach, failed. I tried counting to ten, failed, but it did calm my nerves. I even went and sat down on one of the wooden benches, closed my eyes, and willed the wolf to stop, again, it failed. I stayed in that position, trying every now and then to make the wolf stop. The wolf always picks the worst times to act up. It needs a schedule or something.

It wasn't until it felt like the wolf bit my lungs that I moved. I gasped, opening my eyes wide, and sitting back on the bench. When I did so, I leaned back too far, and fell down onto my back, air knocked out of my lungs. My feet were the only things left now on the bench. Taking my hand, I rub the back of my head, wincing slightly as I felt a tender spot. That is defiantly going to bruise. Not getting up yet, I look up past my feet, attempting to see if anyone noticed, and, well, someone did.

My wolf was now yipping with laughter like a hyena, and my cheeks went as red as tomatoes. There, standing in front of me, was a giggling Fleur.

"'Ello." Fleur said, waving a hand to me. My eyes widened, and I lost the ability to speak.

Fleur, was wearing skinny jeans that were so tight they were like a second skin, she was wearing a light blue hoody, with what I presume was her schools logo on the front, and her hair was tied in a ponytail as usual. My breath was now knocked out of me by a whole different force, and that was the veela standing in front of me. Clothes so simple, made her look astounding. She could probably wear a paper bag and she'd still look amazing. I can't help but wonder what Fleur would look like without her ponytail, she has never had her hair down through the whole month she has been here.

I look back up to Fleur, who isn't laughing anymore, but has an amused smile on her face. At least she found this funny.

"Here, let me 'elp you up." Fleur extends her hand towards me, and that reminded me that I was on the ground. I was distracted enough by Fleur that I completely forgot where I was. How does she do that?

I grab her hand, instantly reveling in how soft it is, and surprised when what feels like electricity shoots up my arm. Both of our eyes widen slightly, and I knew she felt it as well.

She heaves me up from the ground so fast I get slightly light headed. I lose my footing as well, and Fleur catches me in her arms. My eyes widen even more, my cheeks are once again red, and I look at her in confusion. She shrugs shyly, looking down and replies,

"Veela strength." I wasn't surprised by that at all. I didn't read about it last night in the book, but I did read that they were quite fast. Might as well throw in strength too, right?

"That's awesome." I reply, because it was awesome. There was someone who has somewhat the same abilities as I. It was something that we had in common. It was good to have that connection with someone for a change. Accept for the fact that she doesn't know about it.

We were staring into each other's eyes for who knows how long. It wasn't until she shifted slightly that I realized I was still in her arms. I instantly moved away, feeling embarrassed, but also surprised by just how right it felt to be in her arms. I cleared my throat, as she looked away, both of us sporting matching blushes. I wonder how many times I am going to blush in this outing.

"So, do you want to get going?" I ask, looking anywhere but the blonde.

"Oui, zat sounds like a good idea."

"Well, follow me." I flash Fleur a smile, and then head towards the door.

The walk to Hogsmeade is about fifteen minutes, so that would give us enough time to figure out what to do. I mean, I had a general idea of what to do, going to Hogsmeade last year and all, but I had no clue what Fleur wanted to do. Maybe she had a different plan in mind.

"So, have any idea what you want to do?" I ask, as we walk side by side.

"Not completely. I 'ave 'erd of zome places at Hogsmeade, since when we first came 'ere, the teachers insisted we knew. But I feel you know more, non?"

"Yeah, I went last year. There are a lot of cool places there. The question is which place you want to go first." I said, smiling sideways at her.

"What are ze options?"

"Well there is this joke shop called Zonko's, I haven't been there yet myself, but it sounds fun. Then there's Honeydukes, which is probably the best candy store you will ever go to. We have to go there today no matter what. Also The Three Broomsticks, I already told you about how awesome their butterbeer is," Fleur hummed in confirmation, "So we have to go there as well."

"It zeems zen ze only choce in ze matter iz Zonko's? Wow, I must zay, there are zo many to choose from. I don't know 'ow I could possible pick" Fleur said sarcastically. I look at her with the best glare I could, and Fleur just bursts into laughter. My face lights up instantly. I was not capable of holding in how happy her laugh makes me feel. I could listen to it forever.

Wow that escalated fast. We are only going to be friends, I keep repeating in my head. There is no need to get my hopes up.

"Fine, be that way. I guess we won't go to any of them." I looked at Fleur, and burst into laughter myself. Her face was full of feigned horror.

"Oh non, you wouldn't!"

"Try me." I smile at her, and she smiles back. I love how, even though we barley know each other, conversation comes up quite easily. It is defiantly a tension relief.

We keep walking for a bit. Between Hogsmeade and Hogwarts, there was a slight hill, and it had a beautiful view. On top of the hill you could see most of Hogsmeade; scattered buildings littered with students full of excitement, running from store to store. I looked over to Fleur who was admiring the view.

"So you never really answered my question. So ah, um…" Damn, my nervousness was back. Can't it just stay away? "W-where shall we go first?"

I looked over to Fleur once more, and her face was contorted in thought; tongue sticking out, eyes searching for who knows what, and her cute little nose scrunched. I really have to stop describing her like that; her cute nose, and her sexy voice…

"I 'ave always wanted to go to ze candy place. I can't even imagine what types of weird things zat are there."

"You probably do, don't you have a candy shop in France?" Fleur nodded, "Then they probably have the same things."

"Non, they don't. We do 'ave a candy shop, but it iz pretty basic. 'Onydukes is quite popular in France, it waz ze only shop in 'Ogsmade I 'ave 'erd of before I can 'ere."

My stomach was doing flips (or was it the wolf?) from the look of excitement that crossed Fleur's face. I guess I know where we are going first.

"Then Honeydukes it is."

Honeydukes was one of the few shops at the end of Hogsmeade. We walked silently, and on our way there, Fleur got to see quick glimpses inside of all the other shops. She looked especially interested in Tombs and Scrolls, but she looked interested in all of them. I made a metal note to stop at the book shop for sure.

While walking I couldn't help but admire Fleur. Anyone with eyes could tell her was beautiful; if such a word could fully express her looks. But she was more than looks. She had a sense of strength to her, and I wondered if she was popular at Beauxbatons. So far she seems like a nice person, well, of course she is, she is hanging out with me. But she doesn't really know me, does she? It goes both ways, I don't know much about her either, but I wouldn't mind changing that. Though, what if, when she does learn more about me, she dislikes me. What if she never wanted a friendship at all? What if she found out about my grades, and wanted some help from the competition? What if sh-

No, Hermione, enough with the 'what if's'. I can't let my insecurities and disbelief ruin the fact that Fleur is here with me trying to be my friend. Just go with the flow and see how it ends up.

Honeydukes is quite a bright building, so you never question if you've found the right building or not. The walls are a pale pink; a large contrast to the darker brown theme of Hogsmeade. The sign is a banana yellow, with bold green letters. Inside the shop looked rather busy, and I'm not a big fan of crowded places. But seeing the absolute glee plastered on Fleur's face, I knew I would do it anyways.

Fleur turned to look at me, having the brightest smile on her face, and I instantly got distracted by the site. She was so beautiful, there wasn't a single flaw I could find about her. She was the true definition of perfect. It was then, that my wolf started acting up once again. It felt like it did on the full moon, the longing feeling; feeling incomplete. The difference was now I knew what the wolf wanted, what it longed for, and she was standing two feet from me, smiling. Why does she have to be so out of my league? Only in a perfect world would she and I be together. Together. That sounds, astounding, and fantastic.

Dreamlike.

"'Ermione?" And that snapped me back into reality. I quickly focus back to her, who was now looking at me slightly worried, slightly… amused?

"Sorry, what?" She laughed.

"I was wondering if we could go in now." She asked, pointing her thumb behind her, towards the store. I smile at her.

"Of course, you don't have to a-" All coherent thoughts flew out of my mind, as well as any basic function, when Fleur took my hand and pulled me towards the store. I couldn't get over how soft her hands were, and how they fit perfectly with mine.

She pretty much yanked the door open, full of excitement. I remembered me having a similar reaction to the store last year, only it had a lot less people. I walk into her back, and I look up to Fleur in question. Fleur only put one foot into the store, before everything froze. She stood still, her form rigid. Her face was I mix between shock, sadness, and slight fear. It was a huge contrast from her earlier.

"I ne- we need to go." Is all I here before everything happens in a fast blur:

Fleur grabbed my hand and yanked me away from Honeydukes so fast I am surprised I managed to stay on my feet. She must have been using her abilities, because I was more or less dragged to the other side of Hogsmeade, and behind a building, in a matter of seconds; it was defiantly a head rush.

Now that the roller-coaster was over, and Fleur and I are standing in front of each other, it took only a few moments for my confusion finally seeps in. What just happened? I was about to ask, when I noticed Fleur. She was trying to mask it, but she looked scared.

"Hey, Fleur, you okay?" I asked softly. She looked at me after starring into nowhere. She was breathing heavily, and was shaking slightly. I was getting more confused by the second.

"I- I, n- no. I-"

"Hey, you don't have to explain. Let's just forget whatever happened over there, and, ah, go somewhere else. Sound good?" Fleur didn't verbally respond, just nodded slightly.

Now I was nervous for a whole different reason. Something happened back there at Honeydukes, something that really bothered Fleur. I wasn't going to invade her privacy if she didn't want to talk about it; but a protective instinct was forming towards her, and I wanted to help her with whatever that was. I think part of it was my wolf. The substantial force for me to protect Fleur was large, and I think it has to do with both me and the wolf wanting to protect her. I could feel the wolf clawing, trying to get to Fleur, to try and comfort her. I wanted to as well, but I knew I shouldn't; she probably wouldn't want the contact. We haven't known each that long.

So we walked. I opted that we stayed behind the buildings, for more privacy I had a feeling Fleur needed at the moment. The Three Broomsticks wasn't that far from here, and even though it might not be the best place at the moment, the beverage would be. It only took us a minute until we were behind the building. I look over to Fleur, who was seemingly in her own world at the moment.

"Hey, I'm going to go to The Three Broomsticks. We can stay in there, or we could go somewhere else. It's up to you." I had a feeling she wouldn't want to stay at the Broomsticks, but I thought it be best to give her choice instead of assuming.

Fleur didn't answer right away. She was still staring into space, lost into thought too important at the moment to acknowledge what was happening around her. I was about to repeat myself, thinking she might not have herd, when she answered.

"I don't really feel like going to any stores at ze moment." Fleur said quietly, looking down. Her voice sounded small, almost as that as a child's. I simply nodded, understanding all too well the need of a quite atmosphere.

"I'll get us some butterbeer, and I'll be back before you know it, okay? Don't move a muscle." When Fleur looked up from the ground to look at me with saddened eyes, I tried what I always try when someone was upset: make them laugh, or smile, whatever works.

"Hey," I said pointing a finger, "what did I say about moving?" Fleur face was full of confusion for a moment, before she finally understood, and a small smile came to her face. It wasn't a full out laugh, but it was better a frown.

I smiled back at her, then promised I'll be quick, and ran. I flew into the pub, ignoring the stares and the shocked gasps, and ran up to the bar. I shot out the words so fast I had to repeat myself. The bartender then went to get the two bottles, taking way too long in my opinion. When he came back and handed me the drinks, I dropped five sickles on the counter and ran out the door with the beverages, leaving behind a very confused crowd.

"Teenagers." Mumbled the bartender, shaking his head. He grabbed his money, and continued on to the next customer.

I ran back, carrying a drink in each hand. Taking a quick turn and finally making it behind the buildings in record time. If, of course, someone randomly recorded these things. I slowed down when I am close to Fleur, not wanting to frighten her. As I walk towards her, I notice that she actually hasn't moving a muscle; arms crossed over her stomach, feet shoulder width apart. The only thing that moved was her head, which is now looking downward. I really wish I knew what caused her such immediate discomfort. It was like someone flipped a switch, and a whole new side of Fleur was being shown. I wanted to just ditch the drinks and hug her, hug her until all her problems went away. I knew I couldn't, but I could dream.

"Hey." I say quietly, hoping I'm not interrupting on some moment of solitude. I did tell her I'd be back, but maybe now she just wants to be alone. I never really asked, maybe I should.

"If you want to be alone for a little bit, no hard feelings, I totally understand." I say, as she looks up. She doesn't answer, and I take that as a yes, I want to be alone.

"Here." I hand her, her butterbeer, which she takes quietly, then turn and start walking away.

"Non, wait," she says so quietly, I probably wouldn't have herd it if it wasn't for my enhanced hearing. I stop and turn to face her, "I don't want to be alone right now, but I don't want to be 'ere."

"Well then, you won't be," I reply, smiling at her. She smiles back, but it doesn't reach her eyes. "I know this place that not many kids go. We can be alone there." Fleur smile grew a little more, becoming warmer; at least that's a start. She nods and I start walking in the direction of the shrieking shack, her following.

After a minute or two of silence, I feel a hand slip into mine. I look over to Fleur, who is smiling shyly at me. I understand she just needs comfort through physical contact, and it is not just because it is me. But I'll never let go of an opportunity to hold her hand, and I mean, who would? I squeeze her hand, trying to wordlessly reassure her that I was fine with it, but to be honest I was more than fine. Her delicate hand felt warm in mine, giving me comfort I hope she was feeling as well. What felt like little bolts of electricity was shooting up my arm do to the touch, and it was an amazing feeling. The wolf liked it too; jumping for joy and making my stomach flutter.

That is how we walked, hand in hand, as we made our way to the spot. I take a few sips of my butterbeer, but hers stays untouched.

The spot we were going was beautiful. It was on top of a little hill, with one singular bench resting atop. It had the view of Hogwarts, far into the distance, and the lake, which seemed to go around the hill, giving an amazing view, and the aroma of the sea breeze. It was one of my favorite places, other than the library.

We made it there in five minutes, where Fleur stopped and took in the view.

"This is amazing," Fleur said in awe, looking around, "I am surprized not many come 'ere." I love how here problems from earlier already seem to be on the back burner of her mind.

"Yeah, well, the view is great, but not many students want to be near the shrieking shack." She looks over to me, questioning what I meant. I simply point to the large, extremely damaged building that is quite close to this spot. When she looks at it, she is not fearful, more so intrigued.

"Why not? It looks amazing. It looks like it 'as many stories; much 'istory."

"That it does. Many believe it is haunted."

"'aunted?"

"Yeah, people have said that they've herd weird noises coming from in there. Like howls and screams," I knew for sure the howling part, obviously, "There is one rumor that is most common, which is a family used to live there: wife, husband, and a kid. They say that one day a pack of wolves come into the area and murdered them. And now the family supposedly haunts the shack, and that is why you hear the screams."

"That iz impossible," Fleur states, almost looking offended, "wolves do not attack 'umans unless threatened. So there must 'ave been a reason if they did attack."

"That is true, but like I said, it is only a rumor." Fleur huffed, and I found that cute. She looked like a child having a mini tantrum. What I was glad about, though, was that she seemed to have forgotten completely about earlier, which was my plan coming to this place.

"Here, let's sit, shall we?" I say as I walk toward the bench. The bench was probably another reason for kids not coming here. Not because it was haunted or anything, but because it was facing the shrieking shack, and not Hogwarts.

I sat down first, patting the spot beside me, where Fleur sat seconds later, without hesitation I am glad to add.

"So," I say, after a minute of us staring at the view. I have seen it multiple times, more times than I would have wished, so it wasn't as fascinating as it was to Fleur, "Ah, what do you want to talk about?"

Fleur's attention went from the shack to her folded hands in her lap. She only shrugged in answer. I had a feeling what ever happened was now at the forefront of her brain again.

"What is your favorite food?" I ask, trying to distract her. She looks up at me, smiling slightly, her cheeks were slightly red. Is she blushing?

"It iz not anything fancy." Fleur said shyly.

"It doesn't matter. Your favorite is your favorite."

"Well, my favorite iz ze chicken burger. I 'ave always liked ze simplicity of it, and ze marvellous taste."

"It makes sense."

'What?" She questions me, staring at me and I can't help but laugh.

"I just think that France has such fancy and intricate meals, that you would like something simpler." I explain. That brings a smile to her face.

"I guess if you put it zat way, but not all of zem are fancy!" That made me laugh again. "What iz yours?"

"I have to say it's a tie between steak and spicy chilli."

"What kind of steak?"

"Medium rare. I love it, but most of my friends wonder how I could eat it." I look over to Fleur and notice I must have said something wrong, because the smile was off her face, and was replaced with a look of sadness. I instantly felt worried, and that feeling of constantly wanting to protect her. I put my hand onto her shoulder, trying to comfort her in any way possible, without passing the invisible boundary. She looks at me with saddened eyes, and I wish I could just take away all of it, and only let her have happy, positive emotions.

"Sorry about earlier." She finally said, only in a whisper. Then and there, I threw everything out the window. Me trying to give her physical space, me trying to hold back on my protective side; everything. I flew forward and wrapped my arms around Fleur's waist in a strong hug.

"Fleur, there is no need to be sorry. You don't have to be sorry, because you did nothing wrong."

"But I ruined ze-"

"No, you didn't. You did nothing wrong, and I am perfectly fine to sit here, with you, and have a nice conversation as friends." I finally must have said something right, because Fleur's arms wrapped around me as well, resting her head on my shoulder, and I instantly relished in the feeling. In some weird way, I felt complete. Like having Fleur in my arms was me finding a piece of myself that I've never had. She was so warm, and very comforting. I never want to let her go, but I know I'll soon have to. My wolf, to my surprise, wasn't acting up at this point. I think it was in the same boat as I: perfectly comfortable being in the arms of Fleur; no complaints.

"Zank you." She whispered against my neck, and my whole body shivered. That was a new feeling and one I am all too willing to repeat. My wolf was now up and yipping excitedly, and my heart was racing. Fleur slowly released me from her hold, and I did the same. I looked anywhere but Fleur's face, trying to attempt to hide my blush that I knew painted my face.

"When I walked into ze-" Fleur started, and I knew what she was trying to do, I just didn't want her to feel forced to explain.

"You don't have to tell me if you don't want to."

Non, I zink it would be best if I did. To get it off my chest," I simply nodded, and let her continue, "When I walked into ze store, I stopped because of who was in ze store."

"When I first saw ze store, it was zo crowded in zere that I did not ze zem right away, or else I would 'ave asked to go somewhere else. Zo when I walked in, I instantly saw zem, and zey quickly saw me. You don't know who zey are, but zey are from Beauxbatons. On contrary belief, I am not popular, at all. To be 'onest, most of ze kids 'ate me." That, to me was extremely shocking. How could people hate Fleur? "Those three students zat I saw, they treat me ze worst. Zo when I saw zem, I thought they would do something 'orrible, 'ence why I left zo quickly." In the middle of the speech, I had grabbed Fleur's hand, trying to give comfort, and Fleur hadn't pulled away. The one question, though, was still going through my head: How could someone hate Fleur?

"Fleur?" she looks up, "Why do people of Beauxbatons hate you? Why were you so scared of them? What would they have done to-"

"'Ermione." She cut me off, looking at me with a small smile, "It's just, well…"

"Sorry if I am asking too much, you don't have to tell me if you don't want to."

"I just don't know what you will zink of me after I tell you." I was shocked, how big was this?

"Why would I think differently about you? I promise I won't."

"Okay. Well, it 'appened when I was younger, a petit fille." I squeezed Fleur's hand, hoping to give her comfort in what I think is going to be a tough thing to tell. "I was born quarter Veela, zo I 'ad my abilities at a young age, only I wasn't used to zem yet. One day, mama went to the market to get zome food, papa was already at work. Zo it was my zister, our babysitter, and I. We just got zis babysitter; ze other one moved away. Turns out I strongly disliked zis one. She did some things zat got me upset, I don't remember now, but what happened was zat I" and that was when a sob escaped Fleur's lips. Without thinking I quickly hugged Fleur again. "I-I lost my temper. And I S-shifted." Fleur paused for a moment, clutching me with her strong veela strength. I don't even think she was noticing. "I attacked 'er, 'Ermione. I mauled 'er face and broke 'er arm. I didn't mean to. I never wanted to 'urt someone. B-but,"

"Shhh, Fleur, it's going to be oka-"

"Non, it won't. Don't you understand?" Fleur said, shoving me away from her. "The word got out, everyone thought of me as a monster, someone to be feared! Zo everyone 'ates me. I 'ave no friends, only my zister!" Her small outburst of anger quickly deflated, as she looked down to her lap. "Sometimes, some of ze brave ones pick on me, and sometimes 'urt me. I didn't mean to, 'Ermione, I didn't mean to do it. Please, don't 'ate me. Si vous plait."

I stared at her for a second, looking at the sadness and worry in her eyes, and taking in all that was said. She had no friends. All because of a mishap that happened when she was younger. Everyone made mistakes, I know this one is a bit more serious, but why hold that one someone? Clearly Fleur wouldn't do that again, if people were more educated on hybrids, they would know that it wasn't her fault; that it was a forced transformation. It sucks how people can think that of Fleur. It must have been horrible, and probably still is. I slowly move closer to her, to not scare her, and give her another hug. The only way I have ever known to comfort people is through physical contact and laughter, and it wasn't time for laughter. I also just really like hugging Fleur.

"I do not think of you any differently. I do think differently about the rest of the Beauxbatons. How dare they judge you on something you couldn't control? And this is a perfect example for why schools should educate kids about hybrids more often. They would have understood you, like I do. Okay?" I felt a nod, as well as my shirt getting wet from her tears. I didn't mind, it will dry. "Now, how about we do something to get your mind off of this. What do you want to do?" She mumbled something into my shirt, and I asked her to repeat.

"Can we do what we were doing earlier? Asking questions." Fleur asked in a hoarse voice, obviously from crying.

"You mean kind of like twenty questions?"

"Yeah, it seems like the easiest way to know each other."

I smiled, liking the idea myself. "Okay, do you want to go first?"

"Oui." She said. She removed herself from my grip once more, and I already missed the contact. I took a sip of my butterbeer, I almost forgot I had it. "Do you 'ave any siblings?"

"Nope, just me. What is your sister's name?"

"Gabrielle."

"That's a nice name." I say, and a small smile is finally back on her face.

"Where do your parents work?"

"Oh, there dentists."

"Dentists?" Fleur asked, confused.

"Yeah, they're muggles. I am a Mudblood. One of the reasons the students bully me."

"Ze student bully you?" Fleur repeated my words once again, and I couldn't help but laugh, I guess we really don't know a lot about each other.

"Yeah, a lot of the students discriminate against witches and wizards born from a muggle family. Some also bully me because of my grades, I think they are just jealous."

"You do spend a lot of time in ze library, no wonder why you are smart." I laugh again, and Fleur joins me this time. I am glad she is not upset anymore, she doesn't deserve to be sad. I take another sip of my butterbeer, it being almost gone now. Fleur takes the first sip of hers, and a big smile is plastered on her face.

"This stuff iz good." She said, looking at the bottle, then takeing another swig.

"Told you. Now, you asked me a lot of questions. My turn. Tell me something… what bugs you about being a veela?"

"Oh!" She said, eyes going wide, and smiling, "Ze damn thrall, merde, I wish it could disappear."

"What's thrall?" I remember reading it from the book earlier, but I never got the chance to figure out what it was. Was it a bad thing?

"Ze thrall is something every veela 'as, whether we are 'alf, quarter, full, et cetera. What it iz, iz an aura zat veela let off, which causes people around us to have an immediate attraction to us. Zerefore, people do some really stupid zings because of it." I didn't answer right away, I was too shocked. Causes immediate attraction, check. Causes people to do stupid things, check. Maybe it wasn't my wolf and the whole 'mates' concept. Maybe it was just Fleur's thrall. I don't know if I want to be happy or sad about it.

"So, everyone is effected by your thrall?"

"Not all, but pretty much, oui." That sems like a really difficult thing to live with. How would you know if someone was feeling genuine, real attraction to you, and not just under the influence of the thrall?

"Then how do relationships work?" That got Fleur's eyes to widen a bit. "I mean, if everyone is affected by it, how do you know what they are feeling is, well, real?"

Fleur looked down to her lap, her tongue sticking out in concentration.

"Well," she starts, still looking anywhere but me, "I could understand 'ow zat could be a problem for other veela." Other veela? What makes her different?

"Why won't it effect you?"

"To explain zat, I'll 'ave to explain two other zings." Fleur's face looked a bit worried. What did Fleur hace to worry about? She couldn't control her thrall…

"First iz that ze thrall only effects men." And that simply statement cleared off a few things. So whatever I was feeling towards Fleur was indeed, genuine. But that didn't explain why Fleur doesn't have to worry about her thrall.

Okay, but that doe-"

"The second part," Fleur continued, "iz that I am not interested in men."

"Wait, so that means-"

"Oui. It means zat I am gay." The sound of the river flow, and birds that chirped nearby, was the only things that could be herd. I couldn't say anything. Fleur just admitted that she liked women. The category I fit in. It gave me a sense of hope, joy, nervousness; everything. It gave me hope that I might have a larger chance. Joy, because well, same for hope: I have a larger chance. Nervousness because, well, she doesn't- and I don't… It was all too much, and I just couldn't find my voice.

Fleur seemed to think I lost my voice for a different reason, because she was looking at me more worried than earlier. Fleur voiced her worries, and my heart broke a little at the words.

"Do you 'ave a problem with it?" Fleur's voice was small, "I will be okay if you do. A few other people I 'ave told didn't really-"

"Fleur." I said, finding my voice, and trying to make it as reassuring and as strong as possible. "You liking women does not bother me at all. It is not my business who you are attracted to, and I am in no position to judge you on that. Even if I was, I would never." Fleur finally looks relieved, having her worries washed away. I couldn't have been happier. I was glad that Fleur was willing to be so open with me. I thought that maybe I should do the same, but my secrets were too much at the moment. One I even had trouble admitting to myself.

"Zank you."

"No, Thank you for trusting me, and being open with me. I think I should indulge you with some of my secrets, since you have given me so many of yours." Fleur laughs, now a smile on her face.

"Let's see. I have a serious obsession over meats, I can never get enough. I have troubles with my emotions, sometimes getting too worked up over things. My parents are muggles, you already knew that. There, that's two and a half. We are even." Fleur laughs again, and my heart melts a little, gosh I love her laugh.

Like. I like her laugh.

"Zo what do you want to do now?" Fleur asked, the mood lightened, and both of them were thankful for it.

"Do you want to keep going with the question game?"

"Sure." And so we begin flying questions back and forth, answering them honestly. In those couple of hours, we learned quite a bit about each other. Like how Fleur hates celery, and thinks it shouldn't even be classified as food. Or how she is afraid of ice and loves to swim. She learned about me as well. Like how I dislike Quidditch (because of my fear of heights), and how I sometimes like to paint. It was an amazing time, unitl it started to get dark and we walked back with each other, talking alone the way as well.

What I thought was going to happen, going to store to store, never happened, and I am grateful. What truly happen, us mostly just talking, was better than I would have ever imagined. It helped us get to know each other better, helped us get to trust each other, to become closer, to become

Friends.

Again sorry it took so long, but I hoped you at least enjoyed the long chapter.