Little Mouse

CH 5

Fleur POV

(Italics are French)

“Fleur, at what time are we planning to go?”

“I told you already I am meeting up with Hermione.”

“That’s right… What is it with you two anyway? You are nemeses, you are friends, you are not friends, you are friends again.”

“Just miscommunication.”

“Nothing like what that skeeter woman was writing then?” Her friend grinned.

“I thought you were above this British tabloid rubbish.”

“I am… It is just...”

“I do not have time for drama. I have schoolwork to maintain and a Tournament to win.”

“Of course. Although, I heard you had time to be barraging Viktor Krum the other day.”

“Really, Dominique?” Fleur stopped what she was doing and looked up at her roommate.

“I am just saying, I would not judge you for being jealous.”

“Wha – Jealous!?”

“He is charming and… attractive enough. And a Quidditch star! I would have expected him to ask you to the ball instead of the –”

“Instead of the what?”

“Nothing.”

“Good. Anyway, I am not interested in any of those things, and I am not interested in Viktor Krum. He is at best a colleague. And more importantly, my rival.”

“Whatever you say.”

“Exactly. Now, how do I look?”

“You look gorgeous!”

“Qui est – !?” Fleur did a double take at the door. “Who let you in!?”

“I’m s – so - Sorry!” The boy stuttered, looking at the floor as he started to retreat. “One of your classmates was headed out, they told me to just come inside. Should I wait outside?”

“Not necessary, Roger.” Fleur grabbed her purse and led her date out. “I am ready.”

Roger Davies had been one of the first to ask her to the ball. Though she had initially turned him down, she knew she could still rely on him. He was kind and handsome in his own right, and she considered him a safe bet when it came to romantic expectations. He had never pushed boundaries with her before, and she didn’t expect him to do so now.

He got along with Hermione, and he was quite the Quidditch fan. That would help for this double date.

“Are ‘Ermione and Viktor ‘ere yet?”

“Uh, yes. Well, no. I got a message from Krum. He said we should meet at the entrance.”

Fleur made an annoyed face.

“Something about Hermione running a bit behind,” Roger added quickly, worry in his voice. “Here! I brought you this!”

Fleur cursed herself for not having offered to get ready together. It would have been a friendly gesture towards Hermione and would have kept Viktor from interfering.

“Okay, let us go zen.”

“Don’t you want to put it on?”

Fleur looked down at the horrendous flower Roger was trying to push onto her hand.

“ueh… thank you, Roger.” Fleur took the monstrosity and put it in her bag. There was no way she was placing that anywhere on her person.

Fleur’s annoyance worsened when they arrived and their “double dates” were still not there. She had a feeling they would not be. She instructed Roger to wait while she followed her instinct to the bottom of the steps closest to the Gryffindor common room.

As luck would have it, she was just in time to see the young Gryffindor descending the steps in a floaty blue dress. She was wearing a very light and simple layer of makeup and had managed to tame her hair back into an elegant loop with her adorable curls falling on either side of her face. She looked gorgeous.

“Close your mouth, Delacour,” Viktor said smugly as he walked up next to her.

“Tais-toi. You are so distasteful.”

“Vat will people say about you ogling a girl that is all of TWO years younger than you?”

“Are you not going to greet your date?” she asked, ignoring his comment.

“Oh, ve already had several lovely moments earlier ven I picked her up from her dormitory.”

Fleur hummed and forced a smile towards him before heading towards her friend.

“WHAT are you all doing over there!?” 

Professor McGonagall’s voice stopped them all in their tracks.

“Mr. Krum! Ms. Granger! Get over here, please! Ms. Delacour, where is your – Oh, there you are Mr. Davies. You are all LATE!”

The four of them were suddenly being herded off down a corridor where the other Champions were already getting sorted.

“Champions and their dates will enter through here for the presentation. Remember, just like we rehearsed! Smiles all around!”

It was a whole spectacle. They took turns walking across the long passage and down a grand set of stairs in pairs, waiting as the Champions were called one by one, arm in arm with their dates. Fleur had a difficult time enjoying the admiration and applause, as she was too busy keeping an eye on Hermione.

The girl was truly stunning. She had really done herself up for Viktor. In fact, she seemed quite enamored with him, never once looking back up to meet Fleur’s eyes, as had become a common, and expected occurrence between them.

That was odd.

It was not that Fleur wanted to take advantage of the allure, but she already knew that it was present and how it affected Hermione. Why was it not it working anymore? Was Hermione actually interested in Viktor?

Fleur went along with the performance as if on autopilot. She was quite good at that. Smiling and waving, following the instructions Professor McGonagall had given them in preparation for the event. Roger was murmuring something to her, and she appeared to be answering, but none of it was registering in her brain. All her attention was on Hermione and Viktor. Their synchronized dancing. His hands around her waist. Her laughter echoing across the hall. What could he possibly be saying? He is not funny.

Finally, the performative piece was over, and the Champions were allowed to take a break to find their seats.

The lights were suddenly dimmed and the surprise musical group hit their first chord. Students began to scream as they rushed to the main floor to dance and enjoy the party. Fleur laughed at the excited mob and reflexively turned to exchange a glance with Hermione, quickly realizing she was not seated at the table with them. Hmph.

“Umm…Fleur?”

“What is it?” She turned to Roger.

“Do you… should we…?” he looked at her, hand out expectantly.

“What? Spit it out, Roger.”

“Come on, Fleur! Roger!” Cedric stood over them with his date, a Ravenclaw girl Fleur somewhat recognized, nudging her side and shaking his hips. “Let’s get out there and show them how the Champions get down!”

“Oh, fine,” Fleur relented. She could not help but chuckle. Cedric had definitely grown on her. He had a way of making situations lighter with his kind and easy demeanor.

She forced herself to give up on her search for her little mouse for now, realizing how obsessive she was becoming. It was not like her to be so desperate for someone else’s attention. She did not like how it felt.  So, she allowed herself a break and the four of them danced and sang along to the Weird Sisters. Fleur was not as much of a fan of the band as Cedric’s date Cho Chang, but they were popular enough that she knew their main hits.

She was surprisingly having a good time. Even Roger seemed more laid back, though he mostly just stared at her with a plastered smile on his face.

“Should we help them out of their misery?” Cedric asked pointing towards the tables.

There were several students sitting, either taking a break from dancing or too shy to get up in the first place. She zeroed in on who Cedric was pointing to. She saw Harry and Ron, moping in their seats, their dates on either side of them looking incredibly bored.

“Maybe later…” Cho held him back. “Bad moods are contagious.”

“Keeping me all to yourself, then?” he laughed. “Okay then!”

“Don’t tell Cedric, but Harry asked me to the ball,” Cho whispered to Fleur. “Might be awkward to have him around. I’m sure you can relate.”

“I see.” Fleur was indeed familiar with being in that situation, plenty more than Cho to be sure. Though for some reason, in that moment she was feeling more empathy towards Harry.

She tried to shrug off the feeling, shaking her head at Cedric’s exaggerated moves as he grabbed Cho and spun her in a circle. But the somberness she felt remained. And that seemed to be all she needed to have her attention swiftly yanked away from the group and back into the crowd.

There she was.

Roger began to say something, but she ignored him and made her way towards Hermione and Viktor. They had stopped dancing and Viktor had gone off, presumably to get drinks. This was her chance.

She noticed that Hermione was now in conversation with a few of their Ravenclaw lunchmates. Fleur suddenly regretted introducing them to her, as both Asther and Terry were obviously flirting and falling all over her. She was not worried about them though.

“Excusez-moi.” She patted Hermione's shoulder and waited, immediately reassured by the warm smile that greeted her.

“May I have this dance, Miss Granger?” she confidently offered her hand.

“Absolutely, Miss Delacour,” Hermione beamed as she took her hand. It made Fleur’s heart skip.

“I have not had a moment with you all night,” Fleur smiled wrapping her other hand around Hermione’s waist, signaling for her to do the same. “You look lovely.”

“I suppose I do clean up nicely,” Hermione smiled proudly.

“Non.”

“I’m sorry, no?”

“No, zat is not – What I mean is,” Fleur struggled to fix her error. She was suddenly nervous. “Ze makeup, ze hair, ze dress… of course, zey are vairy nice.”

“Thanks?” She felt Hermione’s hands loosen.

Fleur cursed herself. She had to stop with this tendency of accidentally insulting the girl.

“I mean, zese things zey… it only heightens what is already zaire.”

Hermione glanced at her curiously as they swayed. Fleur was suddenly aware of her choice of words.

“What I mean to say,” Fleur tried to start over. “Is zat you are vairy beautiful, naturalement. I thought so since you attacked me in ze corridor to yell at me at ze beginning of term.”

“For being rude!” Hermione laughed, cheeks reddening as she tightened her grip. Fleur followed suit.

“Well, I ‘ad to get your attention some’ow.”

That made Hermione go quiet again.

Zut alors, again. Did she just say she wanted to get her attention? Why did she say that? Not that it was untrue. But it was not like that. She had just been curious about her.

But Fleur knew better. She could not keep saying things like this anymore, not when she knew Hermione might have feelings for her. Though she was not sure if that was even true anymore. Hermione was saying something.

Oh! Hermione was saying something.

“Quoi?”

“Are you enjoying the ball?” she repeated. 

“It is fine,” Fleur answered with an amused smile. “Not as good as some of ze festivities we ‘ave at Beauxbâtons, mais –”

“Oh woow! Hermione took a step back, mocking offense as she released her hold around Fleur. “I was wondering how long it would take you.”

“But it is not terrible!” Fleur acknowledged as she tugged Hermione back in playfully.

She enjoyed teasing her. She had a feeling Hermione liked it too. The younger witch repositioned herself, wrapping both her hands around her neck as she welcomed Fleur’s close around her waist.

They smiled quietly at each other.

“And your date with Viktor?” Fleur asked.

She immediately regretted it. Why was she asking about him?

“Oh,” Hermione also seemed surprised. “It’s fine. He is a gentleman.”

“Did ‘e pick you up from your dormitory? ‘Ow did ‘e greet you?”

Fleur groaned internally. She had no idea why she was going in this direction.

“Umm…  Well, if you must know, we met outside the common room. And he said hello… and he kissed my hand.”

Fleur scoffed.

“You disapprove?” Hermione sounded mildly annoyed.

Fleur was unsure what to say. She could not stop putting her foot in her mouth.

Hermione spoke again.  

“Quoi?”

“Roger Davies. Your date? How has that been?”

“Oh…” Fleur sighed. It was her own fault their conversation had gotten here. “Well, ‘e burst into my carriage, brought me zis strange flower zat I now ‘ave ‘idden in my purse, and we walked togezer…” she paused for a moment, recalling her annoyance. “Looking for you and your date actually, since we were supposed to meet beforehand. Remember?”

“Right, sorry about that,” Hermione looked genuinely apologetic. “I asked Viktor to send a message. It took a while to finish getting my hair ready even with loads of Sleekeazy's Hair Potion!”

“Ah, ouais, ouais, I know.” Fleur shrugged, feeling hurt for some reason.

She knew she was headed in a dangerous direction, but she could not stop herself from speaking, even as she felt Hermione’s grip loosen again. “You were vairy busy making yourself vairy pretty for Viktor Krum. I just thought you also wanted to spend time with your friends since it was supposed to be a double date as you ‘ad suggested, but I see zat was just a way to placate me and you just wanted to spend all your time with – .”

“May I have my date back, please,” Krum cut in with a smile. “Mademoiselle Delacour?”

Fleur glowered at him as Hermione promptly slipped away from her grasp. “Thank you for the dance,” she said quietly, taking Viktor’s hands without sparing her a second glance.

Merde. Fleur turned and just about ran into Roger who was standing by, offering his own hand. Fleur looked at him with confusion. Had he been there the whole time?

“Non, Roger.” she shook her head. “I will sit zis one out.”

“What does she see in him anyway?”

“Tall, dark, and ‘andsome.”

“You think he’s handsome?”

Fleur shrugged. “Conventionally I suppose. Girls?”

“He’s a Quidditch star.” Padma stated plainly.

“And he is objectively handsome,” Parvati added.

“Zaire you ‘ave it.”

“He has a great build. Definitely giving off that masculine protector energy.”

“Who asked you, Davies?” Ron huffed.

“I also hear he’s quite thoughtful,” he continued. “His teammates have great things to say about him.”

“But is ‘e funny?” 

“Cedric is funny,” Harry joined the conversation. “He makes everyone laugh… and smile. A very nice smile.”

“Cedric is quite a pleasant person,” Fleur agreed. “Sorry, ‘Arry.”

“Are you going to ask us to dance?” The boys’ dates were past the point of impatience.  

“No.” Ron stated sourly.

“Roger?” Fleur gestured for her own date.

“Yes, Fleur? Are you ready to –”

“Will you take ze girls to dance?”

“Oh… uh… Both, or … do you girls –”

“Padma.”

“Parvati.”

“– want to dance?”

“Yes!” They answered in unison.

“Problem solved.”

Fleur felt a knot in her stomach as she watched Hermione and Viktor return from the dance floor for what felt like the tenth time, all giggles and smiles. The carrot boy was right, it was gross.

And yet, she couldn’t stop the corner of her own lips from lifting when Hermione finally met her eyes and made her way towards her. Was it possible she was no longer upset with her?

“Will you get us some more drinks, Roger?”

“Of course!” Roger jumped at the opportunity to serve.

Fleur had to admit, Roger was very sweet. He had happily danced with the Patil twins and their friends, waving to Fleur from the floor. He returned to the table to sit with her when Harry and Ron had run off to some secret shenanigans, their dates long forgotten. .

“Where are all your friends?” Hermione plopped down next to her.

Fleur pointed to the dance floor, towards the exit, and finally at Hermione. “All over ze place.”

“You’re ridiculous,” she groaned, though Fleur caught a flash of a smile on her face.

It’s not like Fleur was alone. Roger was basically her shadow. And as popular members of their individual schools, both sets of their social groups had been consistently stopping by in between songs to socialize, and to share spiked punch and gossip with each other.

“Having a good time then?”

“I am now,” Fleur responded staring directly into bright brown eyes.

Hermione looked away uncomfortably. “What has gotten into you tonight?”

"I am not ze one to get into anyzing."

"And what does that mean!?"

“Désolé!C'est lepunche,” Fleur winked. "It is... alcoolisé."

She was feeling much more confident than before. And now that Hermione was with her, she felt a sense of ease throughout her body.

“Enough,” Hermione sighed and grabbed her arm, pulling her to a quiet corner.

Despite knowing she was in trouble, Fleur was enjoying how sternly she was being handled.

“‘Ermione, you do not ‘ave to worry, Roger is a prefect! We will not be caught.”

“Never mind that,” Hermione waved her off. “Do fancy Viktor?”

“Ew.” Fleur made a face. “Why would you say zat?”

“I don’t know, maybe because of the way you’ve been treating us all night?”

“Oh, Alors! You are an US now?”

“And how you seem to have such a problem with me spending time with him.”

“Zat is... not untrue, but -”

“I just don’t understand!”

“I told you why!”

“Well, it doesn’t make much sense, does it? And anyway, you’re supposed to be my friend, you should be supporting me! You should be happy for me!”

“I will be ‘appy for you when you are with someone deserving of you.”

“You just don’t get it, do you?” Hermione looked close to tears. “Someone actually likes ME. someone thinks of ME in that way. This doesn’t ever happen to me! But you wouldn't know what that’s like.”

“People do not like ME,” Fleur scoffed. “Zey only see me for my beauty.”

“OH!” Hermione made a dramatic gesture. “Poor GORGEOUS Fleur Delacour, people only see how beautiful she is! Apologies if I have some trouble feeling sorry for you right now!”

Fleur crossed her arms and pursed her lips, holding back words she knew she would regret.

"What, no cheeky remark!?" Hermione was pushing her though. It was as if she wanted an excuse to be angry with her.

Fleur would not give her the satisfaction.

She sucked in her teeth and thought carefully before quietly responding.

“I ‘onestly thought you understood me.”

Hermione nodded in agreement. "I thought so too.”

“Hey guys!”

And there was Roger, good ol’ Roger! Once again appearing with impeccable timing. All smiles and drinks in hand. “Look who I found!”

“Ve can finally have our double dates, yes?” Krum bellowed joyfully. “You are a lucky girl Fleur, this guy is vonderful! He says there is after party. Yes, my friend?”

Roger looked like he was about to faint. “Uh yeah, that’s right... Friend! Out by the lake!”

Hermione thinks it’s a dream, but she’s not sure. She’s with Viktor sitting by the lake, but she feels Fleur’s presence. It’s as if her allure is surrounding her. It always is when she’s around, but this time it is much stronger. Stronger than it was before. Stronger than it was at the ball. It’s like she’s being doused in it. She wonders if the Veela is nearby. She must be.

She’s with Viktor by the lake. He smiles at her. They had been talking. Now they are kissing.

It’s nice. His hand cupping her cheek is firm. His lips are surprisingly gentle on hers. It’s technically not her first kiss, but the peck she shared with the inexperienced boy she met on her summer cruise could hardly compare. Viktor knows what he’s doing. He guides her.

She leans into it. She is kissing Viktor, but she feels Fleur still. Her allure is intoxicating. She feels her taking over her body. She deepens the kiss. He follows suit.

Then he’s gone. She’s with Fleur now.

“Bonsoir, petit souris.”

Her voice is angelic.

“Hi!” Hermione smiles, immediately jumping into her arms to hug her. “I missed you.”

“I missed you too. And your little blue dress.”

“It’s periwinkle.” Hermione spins.

Fleur snorts. “You are a little tipsee little mouse.”

“No,” Hermione giggles. “You’re drunk!”

“A leetle,” Fleur admits, giggling right back.

“I’m sorry for breaking my promise. I still feel awful.”

“I am sorry you are so attracted to me,” Fleur replies with a straight face.

“Fleur Delacour!” Hermione grins and rolls her eyes. “Can you be more arrogant?”

“I could probably, oui,” she smirks. “I am also sorry. For not supporting you. I just do not want to lose you.”

“You won't.”

Hermione cups her cheek, caressing the soft skin. Fleur lets her.

She leans in cautiously, slowly closing the distance between their lips. This time Fleur doesn’t retreat. She kisses her back.

Hermione’s whole body feels light. She feels like she’s floating, fluttering away. 

She opens her eyes.

She’s in her room. Still in her dress.

“Oh, bollocks,” she groans.

Hermione groaned. She felt her head spin. She hadn’t drank that much, had she?

She tried to remember how she got back to her dormitory, but the last thing she could recall was going to the lake with Viktor. She must have returned to the castle shortly after.

She was certain about having spent time with Viktor, but had she also been with Fleur? That seemed unlikely. She HAD to find a way to stop having dreams about her.

She forced herself up and almost collided with an airborne origami cat. The Champions were finally using the agreed upon delivery method. She snatched it from the air and opened it.

Hermione.

Ihope you enjoyed our evening together.

Also, I solved the egg a long time ago. You must open it in water.

Meet me tonight?

 - V. Krum

She checked the time. It was already half past noon. 

She took a quick shower and dressed in her weekend clothes before venturing off. She had to put the pieces together and figure things out. She stopped at the Great Hall first to get some greasy food into her stomach and down a few cups of water.

She found Viktor outside with a group of students from various houses flying around a makeshift Quidditch field, as their current field had been repurposed for the tournament.

A memory flashed in her head when she saw Roger up in the air on his broom.

Viktor and Roger were having the most enthusiastic, boring conversation about Quidditch. 

“I really don’t care much for Quidditch,” she admitted quietly.

“Me neither,” Fleur whispered back.

They sighed as the boys continued their animated conversation, making plans to form an intramural team to blow off steam between tasks. Roger seemed thrilled.

“Shall we go somewhere else?”

“Yes, please!”

Hermione looked up at Viktor, catching his attention and waving him down.

“Hermioninny!” he was all smiles. “So nice to see you. You are okay?”

“Yes, thank you Viktor. I’m just hoping you can help me fill in the blanks a bit? You see, I’m having a little bit of trouble remembering exactly how I got back to my dormitory last night.”

Viktor looked crushed. “You do not remember? Ve vere at the lake and…”

“Yes! Yes, of course I remember.” Hermione blushed. “I definitely remember that. And I had a very nice time.”

Viktor’s smile returned. “Oh, good. I vorried for a moment. I vould never do anything if I thought you vere not –”

“No! I was, I very much was!” she assured him. “But what happened after that?”

“I valked you back to the castle, and ve ran into some girls from your dormitory. You vent back with them. I think Lavander?”

Hermione let out a sigh of relief. “Okay, that’s great.”

“I must go back now Hermininny”

“Of course, sorry to keep you. And Viktor?”

“Da?”

“Thank you. For being such a gentleman.”

“Fleeeeur!”

Merde.

Fleur woke up with a terrible headache.

She blindly reached towards her drawer and pulled out a flask, immediately gulping it down.

“Fleeur!” She heard her roommate call again. “Ta petite amie est là pour te voir.”

She rolled her eyes at the intentional double meaning. Petit amie…

The thought brought on a memory from the previous night.

“I don’t have many girlfriends. I mean, girl friends, friends who are –”

“I understand your meaning,” Fleur assured her.

“So... I just wanted to thank you. For being my friend.”

“I am ze one who should thank you,” Fleur nudged the shorter girl. “You offered friendship to me when I was feeling lonely and ‘omesick.”

“I wasn’t even sure you would accept,” she answered quietly.

“Why not?”

“The truth is…  I don’t have many friends at all, if I'm being completely honest.”

“Zat is why you like to be in ze library?”

“Partially, yes. I love the experience of reading and studying for its own sake, but books have also always been my closest companions. At times, the only ones. Until I came here, to Hogwarts, and I met Harry and Ron.”

“You are all very close. It is sweet.”

“We’ve been through a lot together.”

“Zey mean a lot to you.”

“I don’t know what I would do without them.”

“You mean a lot to zem too. And to ‘Ogwarts.”

“What do you mean?”

“I can see ‘ow important zey all are to you. I know zaire will be a time when zis school will be just as grateful to you. Future generations will be ‘onored zat you ‘ave attended.”

“That’s a bit much,” Hermione flushed.

“I do not think so.”

“Salut,” she smiled at the look on Hermione’s face. “Tout bien?” 

“Why don’t you look a bad as I feel right now?” Hermione groaned in the doorway.

“Ah! Follow me.”

She led her into her room and pulled out her flask.

“No please, no more!”

“It is an antidote,” she shook the container. “For ze 'angover.”

“Oh!” Hermione immediately snatched it and took a swig. “Thank you.”

“Shall we go on a walk?” Fleur suggested. “Ze antidote will lift your spirits soon.”

Hermione collapsed back onto the bed and closed her eyes.

“Let me just lay here for a moment.”

“I just need to lay here a moment.”

“You are cut off leetle mouse!” Fleur laughed and laid back on the grass next to her.

“What do you usually do for Christmas?” Hermione asked.

“I spend it with my family. We 'ave a more… pagan ritual. And you?”

“Well… My first holiday at Hogwarts I went home but it was miserable!”

“Why?”

“I spent the whole time wondering if Ron and Harry were properly investigating the sorcerer's stone! I missed out on way too much. Then the second year, that was the Polyjuice Potion year.”

“So, ze rumors are true! It went well?”

“Mixed results. I acquired whiskers,” she chuckled. “But we got the job done. That was also the year I was petrified, but that’s another story. And last year, Ron and I decided to stay with Harry. He was going through a rough time and needed us. Oh, and that was the first year we got to go to Hogsmeade!” she stopped. “I’m sorry I’m talking too much, aren’t I?”

“Non,” Fleur shook her head. “I like when you talk.”

They exchanged shy smiles.

“Should we go to zis ‘Ogsemead?”

“We should! Oh, it is so lovely this time of year.”

Fleur hummed affirmatively in response.

“And what did you do before ‘Ogwarts?”

“Before Hogwarts we used to go away on holiday. My parents especially like France actually, skiing.”

“Ah, oui?” Fleur lit up. “So zis whole time… tu parles français? Un peu?”

“Uhh… très peu. And it’s been a long time.”

“Bonne.” Fleur conceded. “What is Muggle Christmas like?”

“A lot of silly traditions, same as the Wizarding world. There’s eggnog and reindeer, jingle bells, oh mistletoe!”

“What is zat?”

“That!” Hermione jumped up and ran up towards the decoration hanging from a tree. “This is mistletoe.”

“What do you do with it?”

“You should probably stand under here with Roger to find out.”

“Why?”

“You are supposed to kiss someone under the mistletoe, presumably your date.”

“Why would I do zat?”

“It’s tradition!”

“I would not kiss someone I ‘ave no interest in.”

“Okay… well. You don’t have to Fleur; I was just saying –”

“And you? You were under zis toe thing with Krum?”

“I’ve been with you all night!”

“You want me to be with Roger instead?”

“Do you know that he dumped his date to go with you after you had already rejected him?”

“I may ‘ave ‘eard zat,” she shrugged. “Zat does not mean I ‘ave to – Where are you going!?”

“I’m going to go find my date.” Hermione stormed off. “And you should find yours too!”

Zut Alors.

Hermione was already feeling better as they walked along the edge of the lake. The hangover had substantially diminished, and she did in fact feel in high spirits.

She hardly reacted when Draco walked by, sneering and hardly whispering insulting comments about her to his cronies.

“Zat boy does not like you,” Fleur stated. She was remarkably calm as well.

“No, he does not,” Hermione nodded. “I did punch him once though.”

“You punched ‘im?”

“Yep.” Hermione smiled as she remembered the moment. “He already didn’t like me though.”

“I am sure it was well deserved.”

“Completely.”

 “Partying… illegal potions… fighting!” Fleur tsked. “You continue to surprise me, petite souris.”

“I told you,” Hermione grinned. “I break loads of rules.”

“Within reason,” Fleur reminded her.

“Correct.”

Hermione wondered if she should ask Fleur about the previous night. She was slowly remembering the party, the antidote helped with that, but there was no indication that the interaction she had woken up thinking about was anything more than a dream.

“’Ermione?”

“Yes?”

“About last night.”

“Viktor is my friend,” she stated quickly. “And isn’t this what this is all about!?” she continued. “This whole Triwizard Championship thing. International Magical Cooperation and what not? Friendship!?”

“Is zat what you and Viktor were talking about by ze lake zen?”

“Well, no…” That caught Hermione off guard. So, she was around. “He’s not particularly loquacious.”

“Hmph.”

“Really? Can’t you just –”

“I am sorry! I support you. I do. If you want to date Viktor zat is up to you.”

“Well… I don’t. But thank you for saying that.”

“Oh?”

“He’s a friend. I enjoy his company. But it’s platonic. I’m actually going to tell him that tonight.”

“I see,” she nodded seriously.

“Don’t look too happy about it,” Hermione chided.

“I am not!” Fleur defended, though she definitely looked pleased. “I was not even going to ask you about zat.”

“Oh.”

They both laughed. Hermione wondered it the antidote was making the conversation so easy.

“What then?”

“About our conversation last night.”

“Can you narrow it down?” Hermione wasn’t sure which one she was referring to.

“I want you to know zat I understand ‘ow important friendships are to you. And I want you to know zat I appreciate your friendship very much. I feel zat you and I… we are becoming vairy good friends. I do not take it for granted.”

“Oh.” Hermione smiled, hiding the slight disappointment she felt in her heart. “That means a lot to me.”

“It is not easy for me either. Friendships,” she continued. “Though it may appear zat way at times.”

“I know that.” Hermione nodded. “I’m sorry if I made you feel misunderstood.”

“I am sorry too.”

Hermione stopped walking and looked up at Fleur. “Can we just…?

“Viens ma petite souris.” Fleur opened her arms, welcoming Hermione into a hug.

They held each other silently, taking in the comfort and safety of the embrace. Satisfying the pull. Fleur hummed into the feeling. She had never felt the allure in such a strong way. It should make her nervous, but all she could feel right now was calm. She would figure it out later.

“So, what would you have done?” 

“What do you mean?” Fleur asked as they pulled away.

“You disapproved of Viktor's date. So, what would you have done in his place?”

“You cannot ask me that,” Fleur responded quietly.

“Why not?” Hermione persisted.

“I…”

She had many ideas actually, but she could not tell Hermione that.

Despite the influence from the allure, Fleur had realized how important this friendship was to Hermione. How important it was to both of them. 

She had to control herself.

“I would not know," She shrugged and forced a laugh. "I do not plan dates, zey are planned for me!”

Hermione laughed at the response. "Could you be any more arrogant?"

"Probably," she winked.