Little Mouse

CH 3

Hermione couldn’t believe it. That Veela had put her under her spell!

It was the only way to explain it. She was acting just like one of the smitten, sex obsessed boys. Drooling all over Fleur. Feeding into the desire she felt taking over her body.

Trying to kiss her!

She had never done something like that before. She felt dirty and ashamed.

Fleur must be laughing at her right now, telling Dominique and her other friends how she had fooled Hermione.

It was strange though; how surprised Fleur had seemed. Surely, she knew what she was doing. Perhaps she didn’t expect Hermione to be so forward. She did see her as some timid little mouse after all. That must be it. She had lured her all along, pretending to be a friend when she just wanted another devotee for her collection, someone that was a challenge. She hadn’t expected Hermione to act on the contrived feelings. To be so confident.

Neither had Hermione, honestly. Even now she asked herself how she believed that someone like Fleur would want any kind of relationship, even platonic, with her. It must have surprised the Veela as well. Hermione wondered how many other people were in on the joke, waiting to see when she would confront reality.

Fortunately, there wasn’t much time to spend stewing or questions about why she was avoiding the Ravenclaw table. The first task was less than a week away and there was a lot more important things on everyone’s mind. Including Hermione’s.

For one thing, Harry needed help. He had discovered that the first task would be related to dragons. Dragons! And he had no idea what to do about it.

So, she was spending most of her time at the library researching book after book, or in an empty classroom practicing various spells that might help him. She was glad that Ron had dropped his ridiculous grudge after Harry’s name had been pulled out of the Goblet. This way, they could all learn and practice at the same time, which proved quite helpful actually. For one, it was never too early to prepare for their O.W.L.s next year, AND with the two of them sparring, she wouldn’t have to be the victim of any hexes or charms gone wrong!

She didn’t let herself get stuck wondering if Fleur knew about the dragons and if she was prepared. Of course she is, she muttered to herself. She reminded herself how advanced Fleur was even for her year, and plus, she’s a Veela… whatever that means. Not like she could seduce the dragon. Or could she?

Of course not. Hermione tried her best to keep her thoughts off the blonde temptress. That included resisting the urge to go into full research mode on Veelas. She didn’t have time for that! It was best to set these things aside and just continue to avoid the older girl.

Fleur seemed to be doing the same. Hermione always knew if she was around or not. She had continued to feel her presence, but the frequency had lessened over the last few days. Any time Hermione did catch herself peering in the direction she was pulled towards, Fleur was already gone or on her way out.

Hermione found herself missing the feeling of having her close. She missed the time spent with her friend. Real or not, there was a comfort and relief that her presence brought with it. Instead, that nagging pull had returned. And it was much more frustrating now that she had experienced a personal connection with Fleur.

She managed the loss by focusing on the much more important task at hand. Harry’s life was on the line! Though the professors continued to assert that safety was the highest priority, Hermione knew that accidents happened, magic or not, and Harry was already at a disadvantage being so young and quite frankly, not very studious.

A competition like this required more than bravery and luck. Harry might have a natural ability when it came to dueling, but he needed more than that. He needed to understand magical situations and creatures, he needed to be trained and knowledgeable in spell work. Lucky for Harry, Hermione was already ahead of the curve and a very fast learner.

And she did rather enjoy sharing her knowledge with others.

The first task arrived quickly. The newly built stadium was full, echoing with excited chatter and bewildered expressions as everyone looked down into the giant arena, completely unaware of what the Champions were about to face.

When the announcement came, Hermione could hear the mixture of excitement and nervousness in their whispers. Dragons!?

She sat in anticipation, pressed between Ron and Neville, unable to make casual conversation as she was too focused on the arena. Waiting for things to begin.

First up was Cedric Diggory.

Hermione watched as he transfigured a boulder into a dog to distract the dragon. It was a good idea actually, and did the job for a while, until the dragon realized he had been tricked, swiftly turned around and shot flames right into Cedric’s face.

Hermione’s gasp was drowned out by the crowd around her.

Cedric had retrieved the golden egg but not without a price. This was just the first of four dragons, and there was already a serious injury. It made her that much more worried about Harry. And Fleur.

She gripped her seat as the next champion was called up.

“Fleur Delacour!”

She looked on anxiously from the stands. Fleur…

Fleur walked out into the arena; a speck compared to the enormous creature that appeared on the other side. Hermione watched as she quickly ran and hid behind a rock.

“Here,” Neville handed her a set of binoculars. He must have noticed her state as she craned to catch a glimpse.

She thanked him and immediately searched the area using the added magnification. Fleur was standing flat against a rock formation. It looked like she was preparing an incantation.

As the dragon approached, Fleur leapt out and aimed her wand towards the creature who was ready to attack. As soon as she cast her spell, the dragon halted and began to sway back and forth, before stumbling and tumbling down to the ground with a loud crash.

“Did she… kill it?” Ron gaped.

“No…” Hermione observed the dragon. She could see it was still breathing. “I think she's asleep!”

Hermione smiled at the strategy. She watched as Fleur effortlessly walked the rest of her way to the nest without putting herself or the dragon in any danger.

She turned to the crowd and took a majestic bow before turning to pick up her prize, the golden egg. Everyone cheered. Hermione sighed in relief and lowered the binoculars, handing them back to Neville. Nicely done, Fleur.

Several students took the opportunity to loudly convey their unrequited adoration and attraction. Hermione rolled her eyes at the pitiful attempts to get the Veela’s attention. At least she wasn’t so obviously affected.

Wait… why wasn’t she? There was no doubt she could feel Fleur’s grip on her. Even now, Hermione felt her heart beating rapidly with all the different emotions she was feeling – worried, scared, excited, proud. But she wasn’t acting in any particularly egregious or uncontrollable way.

Come to think of it, she had never actually acted that way around Fleur. She never felt that she was not in control of her own actions. Except maybe when she tried to kiss her.

“Oh, hold on!” Ron exclaimed, gripping Hermione’s arm. “I think she’s waking up!”

“What!?” No…

They heard a commotion as the dragon stirred, grunting and snorting. Hermione squinted, keeping her naked eyes on Fleur, who seemed to be slowly backing away with the egg under her arm. A loud huff and a booming snore emerged from the creature and with it a fiery exhale that engulfed the Beauxbatons Champion.

“Fleur!”

Before she could have a chance to see the outcome, Hermione was running down the stands and making her way to the Champions tent. She barely heard Ron and Neville calling after her. There was a stronger call pulling her. She had to see Fleur.

She easily made her way straight to the Champions tent. She had been there earlier to give Harry some final reminders and a reassuring hug, only to be sent away when the press arrived. As she turned the corner, she all but ran into a large, muscular frame.

“Hallo!”

“Oh, I’m so sorry, I –” Hermione tried to get around the tall boy who was now standing very much in her way.

“I am Victor Krum,” he said. “Durmstrang Champion!”

“Yes, I know who you are Victor, hello!” Hermione smiled politely, trying to peer around him.

His eyes lit up. “I know who you are too… Herm – Hermin – Minny.”

“Hermione.”

“Herm – own– ninny.”

“Sure,” she said dismissively. “That works.”

“It is my pleasure,” he took her hand and kissed it. “I vould love to engage in more conversation, but I must be off to vanquish my beast.”

“Yes, best of luck,” Hermione responded quickly, pulling her hand back.

“I hope you vill find my performance vorthy, as you haff come all the vay here to see me.”

“What? No, I didn’t come to see you, Victor, I –”

“Oh.” Victor’s face fell, but he quickly recuperated. “That is okay. Farewell for now, Himminny – Herm –”

“’Ermione?”

Finally, the person she was looking for!

“Fleur!”

Victor turned around and smiled at his co-competitor.

“Vonderful, Flor!” he said enthusiastically. “The spectators, they loved you! I am so sorry that I vill have to surpass you now!”

“Ah, ouais!?” Fleur rolled her eyes but smiled back. The Champions seemed to have a friendly rivalry with each other. Hermione was glad to see that. She watched as Fleur playfully goaded him back and wished him luck before turning to Hermione with a scowl.

“Fleur…” Hermione repeated as she looked her up and down. She didn’t have a scratch on her, though her skirt did seem a smidge crispy.

“What are you doing ‘ere?” she asked coldly. “Zis area is only for Champions.”

“Champions and friends!” Victor added from the corner, waiting to be announced.

Fleur scoffed and grabbed Hermione by the arm, pulling her into a smaller room in the tent. It looked like this was Fleur’s personal holding area.

“Alors?” Fleur looked upset as she crossed her arms and repeated her question. “What are you doing ‘ere?”

Hermione cautiously approached, slowly looking her over once more. Had she imagined seeing her consumed by flames? No, she was quite sure of what she saw. That strong visual had urged her to make sure she was okay.

“Eh!?” Fleur snapped her fingers to get her attention. “I am speaking to you!”

Hermione looked up at her in disbelief. 

“What do you think I'm doing here!? I was worried about you, of course!”

“Worried?” Fleur sneered, taking a step closer. “You? Worried about Me? Pourquoi?”

“How could I not be!?” Hermione exclaimed, advancing her position to stand directly in front of her. “You were just about barbecued!”

Fleur scoffed again. She leaned forward so they were face to face.

“You zink I would not be prepaired for a leetle FIRE when facing a DRAGON?”

“Well, when you put it that way…” Hermione mumbled under her stare. Though little was a bit of an understatement.

Hermione hesitantly reached a hand towards the Champion. She wasn’t sure why. She just needed to touch her. To confirm she was alright.

Fleur didn’t move away.

“Bravo, Fleur! Très magnifique! … Fleur?” They immediately stepped away from each other as Madame Maxime, the Beauxbatons headmistress, called out for her. “Où es-tu?!”

“Je suis ici, Madame!” Fleur responded pleasantly, quickly shifting her tone.

“Viens! Vous avez – Eh? What are you doing ‘ere leettle girl?” The headmistress towered over both of them and stared curiously at Hermione. “Are you ‘ere to spy!?”

“Non, madame,” Fleur waved her off. “C’est bien. Vraiment!”

“Fleur Delacour!” A boisterous man walked in behind the large woman “Amazing!”

It was Ludo Bagman, Head of the Department of Magical Games and Sports, and as such, one of the men responsible for this whole tournament. Based on everything she’d heard; Hermione did not particularly like him.

“Absolutely delightful!” he said. “Though there are still two more Champions to go!”

“Nobody will beat her time.” Madame Maxime stated proudly as Fleur beamed.

“Perhaps!” Bagman said, somewhat nervously. “You are definitely one to watch out for Ms. Delacour! I look forward to seeing how you do in the next tasks!”

“Merci, Monsieur Bagman,” Fleur smiled politely and gave another one of her theatrical bows. “We will see, indeed.”

“We will!” Bagman laughed a bit too hard and patted her roughly on the shoulder. “Best of luck! To all of us!”

Madame Maxime promptly grabbed the man and walked him out before one of the girls could hex him. Hermione did not like him at all.

“You see?” Fleur glared at Hermione, another tone shift. “Zey do not doubt me. Even zat imbecile man. Zey know I will succeed because I am a good witch, an excellent witch! One of ze best! Per’aps aftair all of zis you will see zat! Or maybe when you are older.”

“I know you are a good witch!” Hermione snapped back. She didn’t know what age had to do with it. “I never said you weren’t!”

“You are just like everyone else!” Fleur continued angrily as she moved towards her, closing the gap between them again. “Making assumptions about me wizzout any understanding. Wizzout knowing anyzzing about me! Because I am part Veela!”

“No! Fleur, I was just – Ah!”

A flashing light caught them both by surprise.

“No press inside ze tent!” Madame Maxime’s voice boomed angrily. “GO!” She pulled Hermione away from Fleur, shooing her out. “You are deestracting ze Champions!”

Hermione scurried out. She had a lot to think about. Of course, Fleur was prepared. She knew she would be; she just hadn’t been able to think rationally after seeing her immersed in flames. Too consumed with worry and fear for her wellbeing. She hadn’t meant to doubt her.

Now Hermione’s mind filled with other questions, curious about how Fleur had prepared and what she had been thinking at that moment. She wanted to know everything about her strategy. Though she doubted Fleur would want to have that conversation with her. Why was she so upset with her anyway? For caring? Hermione was the one who should be upset after everything that had happened. Right? She wasn't even sure what happened between them anymore.

She sighed. For now, she was just happy Fleur was okay.

She headed up the stairs of the stadium in time to see Victor running across the arena, a stumbling dragon behind him. Hermione felt just as confused as the creature looked.

“He’s blinded him!”

“What?”

Hermione turned to see one of the girls from the Ravenclaw table, the Muggle-born, Asther.

“Conjunctivitis Curse,” she explained.

Conjunctivitis Curse… Hermione mumbled. Not bad.

The dragon lurched and stomped recklessly, accidentally landing on her nest, destroying her eggs. Oh dear… Hermione hoped those weren’t real.

“He’ll have points docked for sure,” Asther continued. She looked up at Hermione. “Did you want to sit?”

“Oh,” Hermione shook her head, politely declining. “Sorry, I have to go find Ron.”

“Right,” Asther returned the polite smile, though she seemed a little miffed. “The non-boyfriend, right?”

“Correct!” Hermione stated, unable to hide the irritation, as she hastily walked away. Why was everyone acting so strangely towards her today?

She ran up to her original seating area as Victor waved and exited the ring. He was another one with a loud obnoxious following. It made Hermione wonder. Was it really that different from the worshipping towards Fleur? He didn’t have Veela blood, but some of his fans certainly acted as if they were enchanted.

She continued to question her assumptions and thoughts about her recent feelings. She was definitely going straight to the library after all of this was over.

“Oi!” Ron called as he shoved Neville aside so she could have her seat back between them. “Where have you been? Harry’s next!”

Hermione nodded quietly and focused her attention on the arena. Whatever thoughts or questions she had about her feelings for Fleur or whatever just happened in the tent were set aside. Harry was her focus.

“Here,” Ron handed her a set of binoculars. “Got these for you while you were running around doing god knows what.”

She was glad that he didn’t question her more than that, both much too nervous to get into an argument.

They watched, transfixed. Everything was happening too quickly to process in real time. Harry was doing amazing! He used the summoning charm perfectly and swiftly hopped on his Firebolt, leading the dragon on a wild chase until he swooped down and retrieved his egg. The crowd exploded with excitement!

And just like that it was over.

“I think that was even faster than Fleur!” Ron exclaimed.

“She won’t like that,” Hermione simply stated. She was immensely happy for Harry and also sympathizing with how Fleur would be feeling. Harry, the youngest, and technically illegitimate Champion, would definitely be at the top with his performance.

It was just up to the judges now.

The celebration began immediately.

The excitement following the completion of the first task would not be easily extinguished. Dumbledore allowed the impromptu festivities to take over the grounds.

After a series of press photos and interviews, the Champions were released from their tent and into an outpour of adoration and cheering. All of them were applauded and praised. Regardless of score, they had all performed impressively. No one could deny that.

The response seemed to surprise the Champions, as could be seen by their expressions. Even Victor was taken aback. Perhaps the ratings had impacted him more than expected.

Hermione waited until the crowd around Fleur dissipated before walking up to her.

“Fleur? May I please speak to you?”

“What do you want?” she asked curtly. “More concern for my wellbeing? I assure you I am fine, despite your skepticism and assumptions.”

Hermione wanted to explain herself. Fleur had obviously been offended by her worrying, seeing it as doubting her abilities. That of course couldn’t be further from the truth. Seeing Fleur out there scared her yes, but it was also thrilling! She was amazing in action!

“Well, yes I was concerned, but I was also incredibly impressed!”

“Oh?” That caught the older girl’s attention.

“Everyone else went through arguably more tribulations.”

“More entertaining you mean?”

“No, that’s not what I mean!” Hermione clarified. “They were all bumbling around! Whereas your strategy was perfect. Quick, smart, and most notably, you showed kindness to the dragon! You were amazing!”

“Hm…” Fleur pretended like she wasn't enjoying the compliments.

“And neither you nor the dragon was injured!”

“Or ze eggs,” She added with a proud smile. “But… it does not matter,” she sighed. “I was still not good enough.”

“You were robbed!” Hermione shook her head in frustration. “Honestly, I really don’t understand how the headmasters are allowed to be judges!”

Fleur snorted.

“And don’t get me started on Bagman!” Hermione continued. “I bet that man has all sorts of bets tied to the tournament. He’s going to judge based on whatever gets him out of trouble. I just know it!”

“I was last place ‘Ermione.” Fleur shook her head, discouraged despite the praise.

“Technically tied for third!” Hermione reminded her. “And everyone knows you should have been –”

“First?”

“I was going to say Second.”

“Ah!” Fleur chuckled.

The sound lightened Hermione’s unease.

“I appreciate your ‘onesty.”

“We were all surprised by the scores,” Harry interrupted, walking up from behind them with Ron. “Sorry, didn’t mean to eavesdrop.”

“Zat is okay,” Fleur waved them into their conversation. “Monsieur Bagman said 'e rated us by who ‘e thought was ze most ‘Entertaining.’”

“Which is rubbish,” Harry shook his head. “And Karkaroff didn’t even bother explaining how he rated everyone a 4 except for – Oh, hey Victor! We were just talking about –”

“You are talking about me,” Victor glared at Harry and Ron. His eyes softened when they reached Hermione, and then up at Fleur.

“No!” Ron exclaimed, quite distressed at the idea of Victor being upset with him. “Of course not, Mr. Krum! Not you at all, just your prat of a headmaster – uh… well, you know.”

“I do. Apologies, Flor,” he reached his hand towards his Beauxbatons competitor. “You were deserving a much higher ranking. This is not how I like to vin.”

“It is not up to you Victor,” she shrugged taking his hand. Hermione thought she was being an awfully good sport. She hadn’t expected that for some reason. “It is what it is.”

“Heya, chums! Are we having a Champions meeting without me?” Cedric hobbled into the circle, arms falling heavily onto Harry and Victor. Half his face was covered in orange goo, and he was obviously still feeling the effects of whatever potion Madam Pomfrey had given him. “Any idea what we gotta do with those golden eggs we stole?”

“Are you feeling okay, Cedric?” Hermione asked him. “Shouldn’t you be on bed rest?”

“Pfft!” he responded. “I’m brilliant.” He gazed down at Harry and squeezed his injured arm. “Right, Harry? We Hogwarts men are tough! We can handle a little dragon inflicted wound.”

“OW – I mean, right!” Harry grimaced at the painful action. “Nothing we can’t handle.”

“I ‘ave a suggestion!” Fleur looked around at them. “Since ze official scoring is obviously rigged, ‘ow about we ‘ave a leetle competition of our own?”

“Race to see who cracks the egg first?” Cedric smiled widely as Fleur nodded.

“Vat are the terms of this friendly competition?” Victor was interested too.

“We will ‘ave to think of somezing worthwhile.” Fleur pondered. “Zaire is some time before ze next task. We can all come up with ideas and decide.”

“But how will you know who got it first and without giving away the solution to each other?” Ron asked. He was excited to be a part of the exclusive group.

“’Ermione.” Fleur stated as if she wasn’t even there. “She will be the one to keep track.”

“Hold on now!” Cedric chuckled as he swayed. “That’s not fair, I’m preeetty sure she’s sweet on Harry! Nicely done, Harry!” he ruffled his hair.

“Am not!” Hermione protested. “We’re just friends!”

“Exactly!” Cedric winked.

“And also, Flor,” Victor smiled. “I am meaning that they are friends. I have seen them together many times.”

“’Ermione is the most trustworthy of anyone we could think of,” Fleur continued casually, completely disregarding all the commentary. “She would not betray ‘er integrity.”

“Agreed,” Harry stated. “I know she wouldn’t either.”

“That is true,” Ron agreed. “She won't even let me or Harry copy off her coursework. And that's way lower stakes.”

“Zen it is settled!” Fleur decreed.

“Wait just one moment!” Hermione interjected. “Shouldn’t I be asked if I want to partake in this?”

They all looked at her. Fleur’s blue eyes bore into her. It flustered Hermione. Why did she want her involved in this anyway? Wasn’t she angry with her? Were they even friends still?

“Fine!” Hermione sighed. The reasons hardly mattered. It felt too nice to be back in her good graces. “But just so you know, I will continue helping Harry with his spells. He has to catch up to the rest of you!”

“Hermione!” Ron glared at her.

“My main objective is to keep him alive,” Hermione continued. “I don’t care who wins this barbaric tournament!” She kept her eyes on Fleur as she spoke, unable to look away.

“That is fine,” Victor shrugged. “It vill make this competition more fair.”

“I do feel better knowing you’re getting some tutoring actually,” Cedric’s smile seemed plastered on at this point. “Anyway, no time like the present…” He looked around in confusion. “Where is my egg anyway? Have you guys seen it? It’s golden… and egg shaped… I don’t exactly remember where I got it from… What were we doing again?”

“Ve should take Cedric back to the medic tent, I think,” Victor motioned to Harry.

“Oh! Right. Yes, we should do that. Coming Ron?”

Ron quickly followed, giddy to be walking alongside the quidditch star.

That left Hermione and Fleur alone again, staring awkwardly at each other.

“I should go,” Fleur finally spoke up.

“Wait, Fleur,” Hermione stopped her. “Are you really okay?”

“Of course, I am… I … I... I don't know,” she said quietly, averting her eyes.

“What don’t you know? You can tell me.”

“It is just zat… Everyone is expecting me to do so well... My classmates and my family, zey are all depending on me! And I just feel… Je crois… Je sais que je peux, que je l'ai fait!” She continued in her native tongue. “Mais je suis… Je suis un peu dépassé. Et en colère! Et déçu!”

“Uhh… right.” Hermione made a mental note to brush up on her French. She could make out a few words, but not everything. She felt like she understood the general sentiment though. “You’ve definitely got a lot of pressure on you. It’s okay to feel this way.”

“But also…” she went back to English, not bothering to translate her previous words. “I also… I was frightened, ‘Ermione,” she finally confessed as she looked back at her. Hermione could see the tears forming in her eyes. “Zere was a moment. I almost froze.”

“Of course you were frightened! You were up against a dragon!”

“And I was incroyable!” Fleur smiled as she quickly hyped herself back up. “And I performed brilliantly!”

“You did!” Hermione agreed, grasping her hands. “I was truly amazed by your execution. I was also terrified when I saw you in flames! I suppose I should have waited to see how you ended up before rushing down to find you. But anyway, it’s not about me. You were so brave and majestic, and I was only worried because I care about you, not because I doubt you! You are exquisite, Fleur Delacour!”

“Yes, well…” Fleur smirked and pulled her hands back. Hermione thought she might be blushing. “You did not ‘ave anyzing to worry about. I know a very effective flame repellant spell.”

“Of course, you do.”

“Thank you for listening,” she took a deep breath. “I feel much better. It is like you said in ze owlery, non? It ‘elps to express zese things. And thank you also for worrying about me. It is nice to know someone cares about more zan if I win or not.”

“I thought you were angry about that?” Hermione asked.

“Zat is NOT what I was angry about.”

Fleur sounded frustrated with her again. Hermione was at a loss. The energy between them had been incredibly strong since Fleur had gone against her dragon. She felt tension and also longing. It was confusing.

“Can’t we just go back to being friends?” Hermione asked after a few moments of silence. That’s all she wanted. To go back to how things were.

“I…” Fleur seemed hesitant. “I do not want you to feel uncomfortable around me.”

“I don’t!” Hermione said, grabbing her arm pleadingly. “I’m sorry  if I –”

“Please.” Fleur stopped her. She placed her arms back down away from her. “If I am being ‘onest zen… I do not know if I feel comfortable around you.”

“Oh…” Hermione’s face fell. “Okay, then.”

“For now, at least.” she added when she saw the look on the younger girl’s face.

“I understand,” Hermione nodded, holding back her tears. She had never had a friend like Fleur. An actual girl friend, an intelligent and thoughtful peer who she could learn from and have conversations with, someone who seemed to like her for her and was interested in her thoughts and opinions. Someone she could debate with, someone who would challenge her. The realization that their friendship was real after all hit her like a ton of bricks. She just had to go and mess it all up!

“About the other day, I –” She was forced to stop as a group of celebrating students rushed by, almost running into them.

“Maybe we talk about it anozzer time. D'accord?"

“Okay,” Hermione nodded, anxious and relieved to put the conversation on pause.

Fleur returned the nod and walked away. There were no customary kisses on the cheek. Those were reserved for friends after all.