The Second Task
CH 6
“You cannot ask me that.”
“Why not?”
“Because… I would not be able to control myself.”
“So don’t.”
Hermione leaned forward, lips barely grazing over Fleur’s.
“’Ermione…”
Fleur woke up with a start.
“Pas encore!”
Another dream.
She was starting to think there was something wrong with her.
First, confusing dreams, then déjà vu about the confusing dreams, and now a dream about the déjà vu about the confusing dream!
She wondered if she should reach out to her mother. She really did not want to. They would all just make a big deal about her Veela genes showing up stronger than expected.
Was this even a Veela thing? Maybe what she felt towards Hermione was just a normal part of connecting with someone. She had never had a friend like her after all. Someone who truly saw her, listened to her, cared for her in a deeper way. Uninterested in her looks.
Well, that wasn’t completely true. Fleur had certainly caught Hermione staring at her many times over the course of her time at Hogwarts. And she did not mind.
It was just different with her.
They had a connection. She was like a sister. A best friend.
So why was she having dreams about kissing her? Why was she so ruffled when she saw her with Viktor by the lake?
An indescribable feeling had coursed through her that night. She had felt an influx of energy, her Veela magic breaking through, stronger and stronger until she essentially blacked out. Next thing she knew, she was the one kissing Hermione.
Then she woke up.
She pushed the thoughts away. She had already made up her mind about this. She and Hermione were good friends. Fleur was just possessive. She knew that about herself.
That was all there was to it, and she did not want to think more of it.
Or maybe she should talk to her mother.
The next couple of months went by quickly for Hermione.
Her "double date" at the Yule Ball had made her quite popular. But she had no interest in opportunists wanting to know more about Viktor or get dirt on Fleur. Her main priority was still her best friends, particularly getting Harry ready for the next task. That, and managing Ron’s continued jealousies.
“Why weren’t we invited to the party!?”
“We tried to get word to you,” Hermione had explained for the hundredth time, “but you were nowhere to be found.”
“Well, some of us were busy doing important undercover work instead of fraternizing with the enemy! You’re supposed to be Harry’s friend!”
“Oh! I don’t mind Ron, like I said –” Harry had tried to interject.
“You are so annoying, Ronald!”
“Not just one,” Ron persisted. “TWO of them, the nerve of –”
“If you wanted to ask me to the ball, you should have done it ages before anyone else had!”
“What!? I –”
“I’m sick of nobody knowing what they truly want and then blaming me!”
Hermione was done being patient with others. She had resolved that she was going to start prioritizing and focusing on herself. She even found time for other friends. New friends!
The self-proclaimed nerds at the Ravenclaw table were an especially enjoyable group. She loved engaging in discussion and debates with them, even without Fleur. She found that she really got on with them on her own merit and had become friendly with many of them, particularly Asther, the other muggle born student.
The two of them would even get into their own side conversation about things their magical classmates didn’t understand, even pulling Harry into the mix at times.
“I have to say, I really do miss Taxis sometimes. Just regular ol’ ground transportation.”
“No thrills, no frills, no possibility of fracturing an arm or turning up in the wrong fireplace!”
“That’s right. Take as long as you need! I’ll be safe and securely seated until we get there.”
Fleur would still sweep her away every so often, saying she was tired of sharing. The two of them had continued to spend time together, though Hermione felt a sort of distance or hesitation from her. She couldn't quite place it, and she wasn’t sure why she felt that way.
Hermione chopped it up to Fleur mentally preparing for the next task.
She also realized that the pull she felt towards Fleur, though still present, was not as urgent as it used to be. She wondered if the initial excitement and nervousness of being around the beautiful Veela was wearing off.
For whatever reason, something had eased the insistent feeling. And although the wane allowed for less confusing, more platonic interactions, Hermione missed it.
Their conversations continued as normal, though Fleur had been bringing up family more often. Hermione loved how much she lit up when she talked about them, especially her little sister, Gabrielle. She described the thrill she had felt at 9 years old when she learned she would take on the role, a role she continued to take very seriously. Hermione could see how sad it made her to be apart.
Hermione was fascinated by the importance of a Matrilineality in the Veela community. She wanted to hear more about the generations of women in Fleur’s family, from her Veela grandmother to her mother, and then Fleur and Gabrielle. She was careful not to press though, knowing how important privacy was to them as a community.
The conversations made Hermione think about their own dynamic.
The Veela were a matriarchal society, and all the women had a sort of sisterhood with each other. That bond was incredibly powerful and important. Could that be the connection they shared? Could their feelings for each other be confused with that of familial bond?
Regardless, whether Fleur saw her as a “little sister” in the traditional sense or in more of the collective sisterhood, Hermione cherished the continued relationship and was perfectly capable of setting aside her more sordid desires.
She was doing her best, anyway. Even with the lessening of the pull, it was hard to set those feelings aside.
And then there was Viktor. The only person who was consistently clear about his intentions with Hermione. Though they had a nice time together at the Yule Ball, she did have to let him down. Gently. He was surprisingly understanding and insisted he wanted to be friends, which made Hermione very glad. Fleur said she was glad as well, but Hermione still caught her scowling at him the couple of times they ran into him and Roger in Hogsmeade.
These impromptu group outings further fueled the rumor that the Yule Ball couples were actually dating. In truth, Viktor and Roger had become fast friends after putting together an intramural Quidditch club. Hermione suspected they were “running into them” as a guise to have these “double dates” with the girls to get away from Viktor’s overbearing fans.
As the second task approached, Hermione's worries about Harry returned. She worried he wasn’t prepared, seeing as he was the only one of the Champions who had not reported on any discovery about his golden egg.
After weeks of pestering, he finally came to her with something.
“A source told me I had to bathe with it.”
“And what could that mean, Harry?”
“I… I don’t know.”
“Harry,” she said sternly. “The task is in just a couple of weeks. Don’t you think you should… you know, try to figure it out?”
“Why don’t you just tell him, Hermione?” Ron groaned. “I’m sure your best friend and boyfriend have already figured it out, haven’t they?”
“I’m sworn to secrecy, as you know,” she shook her head in annoyance. “Harry. Go bathe with your egg and let us know what you discover. And Ron. For the millionth time, Viktor is not my boyfriend.”
“I know that” Ron grinned cheerfully.
It was the day before the task and Hermione was in the courtyard waiting for Fleur after a relatively quiet breakfast with Harry and Ron. The three of them had scoured the library for the last two weeks, searching for something to help Harry breathe underwater with no luck.
An owl from Sirius had lifted their spirits until Harry realized his godfather was more interested in coordinating a social visit and had not offered any help with the task.
Hermione had excused herself soon after. She knew her day would be incredibly full, between classes and helping Harry, she wanted some time to check on Fleur too.
She found her friend in a quiet mood as well.
Fleur asked if they could sit under one of their favorite trees. She did not say much else after that. It wasn’t uncomfortable or rare for them to sit this way, each engaged in their own activities. But Hermione sensed that there was a lot going on in Fleur’s mind.
“Your thoughts are loud today.”
Fleur smiled from her position laying against the tree with her eyes closed.
“You can ‘ear my thoughts now?”
“Oh, yes,” Hermione mused. “Zipping around in every direction. I don’t know how you can keep track.”
“It is not too bad,” Fleur assured her with a grin. “There is an order to ze chaos.”
“Well…” Hermione sighed, wishing she didn’t have to leave. “I should be off.”
“Why?” Fleur sulked.
“Class.”
“Hm. Will I see you after?”
“I have to help Harry.”
“Ah, oui,” Fleur opened her eyes and sat up. “Is he ready?”
“He will be,” Hermione nodded. She was sure they would figure something out today. It wouldn’t be Harry Potter if there wasn’t a brilliant last-minute plan. “Are you? Ready?”
“... Of course,” Fleur stated confidently. Hermione caught the delay.
“Are you sure?”
“Oui, ‘ermione,” she waved her off. “I am ze Beauxbâtons Champion.”
“So, what’s wrong then?”
Fleur exhaled with a laugh.
“’Ow do you always see right through me, petite souris?”
“Tell me what’s going on in here,” Hermione tapped Fleur’s temple, stopping herself from stroking the shiny blond hair so close to her fingertips.
“I am just… je ne sais pas…” she shrugged.
“You’re worried about something?”
Fleur thought about it for a moment, seemingly processing in real time. Hermione wondered if she had been able to vocalize any of her worries before now. She cursed herself for not taking the time to ask her how she was feeling about the task, too worried about Harry to even realize how the other Champions might be feeling. How Fleur was feeling.
“I understand ze setting, ze time frame, likely ze task itself… but ze thing zat will be taken… je ne sais pas. I ‘ave a bad feeling.”
“Don’t worry about that part,” Hermione held her hands together in reassurance. “You have all the important information. You know what it is you're meant to do. Have you figured out how you’re going about it?”
“Oui, I ‘ave, but –”
“Then that’s all there is to it! The details are just details.”
“Per’aps…”
“It can’t be worse than facing a dragon, right?”
“I suppose not,” Fleur laughed. “You are right. I ‘ave prepared as much as I can.”
“You’re going to do amazing.” Hermione squeezed her hands. She resisted the urge to pull them to her lips and kiss them.
“Thank you, petite souris,” Fleur laid back against the tree. “I ‘ave not been able to have a quiet moment all week until now. You 'ave given me some peace.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
“Can we still see each other tonight?” Fleur asked hopefully. “After you are done with ‘Arry?”
“Absolutely.”
She wanted to be there for Fleur. She wanted to give her more moments of peace before the task tomorrow. She just had to help Harry come up with a plan first. No problem.
“Oi!” Fred and George called out to her while she was on the way to the library after she was done with her classes. “Hermione!”
“I’m quite busy, boys,” she sped up. She didn’t have time for any of their pranks or tricks today.
They chased after her.
“Don’t make us run, Hermione!”
“Honesty, our athletic ability does not involve that kind of cardio stamina.”
“Unnecessary skill when you’re up on brooms.”
“They do all the work for you.”
“Arm strength though!”
“Ever try to swing a bat at a bludger coming at you at full speed?”
“And maintain your balance doing it?”
“That’s where the core strength comes in!”
They quickly caught up to her and stood on either side of her, blocking any exit path.
“What is it?!” She folded her arms in frustration. “I’m on a schedule.”
“And Professor McGonagall isn’t?”
Hermione groaned. “But I’m just about to –”
“I suppose you want us to tell her that too?”
“How about I go wherever I’m needed as soon as I’m done with –”
“Nay!” George said, grabbing her arm. “She was very explicit about us bringing you to her A.S.A.P.”
“And she will most definitely blame US if you’re not there,” Fred added taking her other arm.
"And we do not need that kind of negative perception from our Head of House."
“We’ve got a reputation to maintain!”
“Could you just tell Harry where I’ve gone? And… anyone else who may be asking for me?”
“That’s very broad, Hermione.”
“We make no promises.”
They led her to Professor McGonagall’s office, never once letting go of their grip, despite all the excuses and attempts Hermione made to escape them.
“Hermione!” Ron exclaimed as she was led in.
“Ron?” She took a seat next to him. “Do you know what this is all about?”
“Beats me,” he shrugged. “I was dragged out of the library while I was helping Harry.
“’Ello?" A little voice interrupted their conversation. "You are 'Ermione?"
“Gabrielle?” Hermione immediately recognized her. Beyond the blond hair and blue eyes, she was the splitting image of her sister.
“Oui!” She smiled and hugged Hermione as if she knew her. “Ma sœur 'as told me so much about you!”
"Oh?" The comment caught Hermione off guard. “Well… what are you doing here?”
"Settle down everybody," Professor McGonagall addressed them all. "It looks like everyone is finally here."
Hermione looked around to see who else was present. There were the three of them, as well as Cho Chang, all sitting nervously in waiting. Percy Weasley stood in the corner, acting like his usual insufferable self, avoiding eye contact with her and Ron. Ludo Bagman was also present, grinning from the corner.
"Sit here next to me," she whispered to Gabrielle. She could tell the little girl was frightened. “Professor,” she raised her hand and started speaking. “What is this all about?”
"Thank you, Hermione," Professor Dumbledore appeared out of nowhere to acknowledge her. "Such a brave and inquisitive mind. I had wondered if anyone else was going to even ask." He smiled. "Allow me to explain…”
He explained.
“So, one of us for each Champion?” Ron looked around the room. “Obviously Gabrielle is here for Fleur… Cho for Cedric…. Do you think Krum is going to save me!?” Ron gasped. “Wait… No that can’t be right. Is it you then? I thought you weren’t –”
“Ugh!” Hermione groaned. “Was there not anyone else for Viktor?”
“Not on such short notice I’m afraid,” Dumbledore shrugged. "Mr. Krum's acquaintances are… difficult to pin down.”
They continued discussing the details, notifying them that they would not be allowed to go anywhere else for the rest of the evening.
“Ron,” Hermione whispered. “Do you know if Harry was able to figure anything out?”
“We were kind of waiting on you to come up with something” he grimaced. "We were definitely trying!" He added when he saw the look on her face, "We just kept hitting walls.”
“Professor,” Hermione raised her hand and spoke again. “Would it be possible, I mean, could I just step out and come right back, please?”
“Hah! After you've heard all the juicy details!?” Bagman laughed. “Absolutely not, my dear!”
“But I’ve made plans, sir!”
“I’m sure your friends will be okay if you don’t make it to book club.” He chuckled. His patronizing attitude was really getting to her. “Now off we go, children! The chains at the bottom of the lake won’t bind themselves.”
“I am scared!” Gabrielle cried.
“Hey, hey, it’s okay,” Hermione put her arms around the little girl. “I promise that everything is going to be just fine. We’re all going to be there with you. I will be there with you.”
“Mais… ‘ow do you know everyzing will be fine!?”
“Dumbledore wouldn't let anything happen to us,” she reassured her. “And even more so, your sister would NEVER let anything happen to you."
Gabrielle nodded affirmatively between sniffles. That seemed to soothe her.
"Or to you," she added.
“Right…” Hermione forced a smile. She was confused about the little girl’s familiarity towards her. What had Fleur been saying about her? Was it a Veela thing? Or maybe just a Delacour thing.
"Ready, Ms. Granger?"
Her thoughts were interrupted by Professor McGonagall’s hand on her shoulder, giving her a reassuring squeeze before pulling out her wand.
“Well..." Hermione took a breath and braced herself, "I suppose I –”
...
Hermione woke up gasping for breath.
She was cold and wet. None of her senses were working properly.
The sun was bright, making it difficult to see clearly. Someone was carrying her across the water. She blinked a few times and tried to make out the shape of the person holding her. She immediately began to panic when she saw the horrifying mutation staring back at her.
The creature was saying something, but Hermione couldn't even hear her own screams over the ringing in her ears. She finally calmed as the shark head morphed back into what she now recognized as Viktor Krum’s face. She tried to speak, but she was still sputtering water out of her mouth and nostrils.
She was swiftly pulled up out of the water and into a towel. Her teeth were chattering, and she was soaked. A burly figure guided her to the tent area where Madam Pomfrey was examining a shivering Cho Chang. She rushed to Hermione, sat her down and forced a potion down her throat.
“This should help,” her voice seemed far away.
The ringing faded and her ears popped. The sudden explosion of sound coming from outside of the tent was loud and disorienting.
"Not to worry, ladies," Madam Pomfrey went back to Cho after settling Hermione. She looked highly annoyed. "Despite the reckless, irresponsible risks this tournament continues placing on students – As if a dragon wasn’t enough! You are both okay. The high sensitivity is normal, just give it a couple of hours and some rest."
"Can I just..." Hermione tried standing up, but she was quickly forced back down.
“No.”
The crowd outside cheered as an announcement was made, likely related to the scoring. It was all a loud garbled mess to Hermione.
“I am second place!” Viktor barged in alongside Cedric. The two of them were beaming with pride, towels over their heads and patting each other’s backs.
“First!” Cedric pointed to himself.
“My hero…” Cho rasped, lifting her arms towards Cedric. He tried to wrap his arms around her but was met with a series of swats from Madam Pomfrey.
"What about Harry?" Hermione asked Viktor. She was acclimating quickly and was starting to collect her thoughts. "And Fleur?"
"Ah..." Viktor looked away uncomfortably. "They are fine, I am sure."
A commotion outside brought them all to their feet and running back out into the field, ignoring Madam Pomfrey's orders to stay put.
Viktor offered his arm to Hermione, as her balance was still a little off. She focused her attention towards the lake. Someone was being pulled out, but it was hard to see with all the people surrounding.
“FLEUR DELACOUR, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!” the announcer revealed. “SHE’S… SHE’S BY HERSELF? WHERE IS HER DAMSEL – I MEAN HOSTAGE – Err, TREASURE!”
“What’s going on?” Hermione tried to see through the crowd. Fleur was sitting at the edge of the dock. The Beauxbatons Headmistress, Madame Maxime hovered over her. There was no sign of Gabrielle.
“Fleur!” She called out as she tried to make her way to them, but Viktor held her back. “Fleur!”
“Maybe ve give her some room, da? She is okay."
Fleur stood up and turned in their direction. She refused the towel being offered to her and pushed her way through the crowd, dripping wet and with fury in her eyes.
“Putain de connard!” She shoved Viktor hard against the chest.
Madame Maxime and Hagrid stepped in quickly.
“Language, Ms. Delacour!” Her headmistress warned as she wrapped her in a towel, trying to calm her down.
“That is all you have to say?” The Durmstrang Headmaster, Karkaroff scoffed. “This girl has assaulted my Champion!”
“It is fine, Professor,” Krum shook his head. He had sat Hermione down when he saw Fleur advancing on them, as if he was expecting the reaction.
“It most certainly is not!” Karkaroff proclaimed. “She should be disqualified! Dumbledore, are you seeing this?”
“Do not be so dramatique!” Madame Maxime shouted back at him.
“What is that?” Dumbledore feigned ignorance. “My attention was on the lake. One Champion still to go!”
"Fleur? Are you okay?" Hermione asked, looking up to talk to her.
“Non! I am not okay!” she hissed. “I did not save Gabrielle!”
“Oh... I’m so sorry.”
“Merde. Merde. MERDE!” she began to cry as she continued cursing in French.
“It’s okay, Fleur. Gabrielle will be okay.”
“It is not okay! I ‘ave let down my sister! And I ‘ave embarrassed my school! My family! My people!”
Hermione wanted to hug her but didn’t know if she should approach her in her current state. It killed her to see Fleur so upset.
“You did the best you could.”
“’Ow would you know?” Fleur spat back, tears in her eyes.
“Fleur…” Hermione did not like where this was going. She felt the pain and anger shifting in her direction.
"You were just unconscious underwater, distracting me! Waiting for...” she glared at Viktor. “HIM.”
“Fleur, come on." Viktor tried to smooth things over. "Do not be this vay.”
“Well, that’s not my fault!” Hermione defended herself. “I didn't choose HIM!"
“Ok, ok, we are all very emotional," Viktor tried not to seem offended.
“Viktor, not now!"
Hermione was angry too. She never asked to be chained to the bottom of the lake to be rescued by shark boy! She didn’t do anything to Fleur, she certainly wasn’t trying to distract her or keep her from saving Gabrielle. It was like she said, she was unconscious!
“Do not vorry about her,” Viktor placed a hand on her shoulder. “She vill be fine.”
"NOT NOW!” The two girls yelled at him.
“Oh! You have beetle in your hair,” he plucked it out with a smile.
Fleur was immediately on him again. “TU ES UN FILS DE P –”
A loud splash and more commotion had them all staring back at the lake.
“IT’S HARRY! THE ONE AND ONLY HARRY POTTER, EVERYONE! THE LAST CHAMPION OUT OF THE LAKE! AND DOES HE HAVE HIS – YES! YES, HE DOES! HE HAS COLLECTED HIS DAMSEL, ONE RONALD WEASLEY! I MEAN HOSTAGE – I MEAN TREASURE!! AND WHAT’S THIS!? … IT APPEARS THERE IS SOMEONE ELSE UNDER HIS ARM! IS THAT WHY IT TOOK HIM SO LONG? WE ARE GETTING CONFIRMATION, YES, YES THAT IS IN FACT…”
“GABRIELLE!” Fleur cried, running towards the little girl and falling onto her knees to hug her.
Hermione watched as Fleur pulled Harry into a hug as well, kissing his face in gratitude as Madame Maxime and Madam Pomfrey arrived to help.
Hermione turned away. Much too quickly. She started to feel faint.
“You see? The leetle girl is fine,” Viktor whispered to her. “Everybody vould have been – Are you okay, Himinniny?”
He tried to help her, but she pushed him away, attempting to head back to the medical tent on her own.
"What did you do, Viktor?"
“I did nothing!”
It only took two steps until Hermione fell forward into familiar burly arms.
“I've got yeh Hermione! Don' yeh worry.”
She let herself be carried in Hagrid’s comforting arms. When she looked back up, Fleur and Gabrielle were being towed away by Madame Maxine and Fleur’s roommate.
Hagrid gave her a light, what he considered light, pat on the head before heading out again, leaving her in the care of an increasingly exasperated Madam Pomfrey.
Harry and Ron were sitting on either side of her.
“You, okay?” Harry asked, still toweling off.
Hermione nodded. She was having conflicting feelings about her friend at the moment. Despite being thrilled to see him and knowing that he was okay, the image in her head of Fleur kissing him made her want to punch him in the nose.
“What happened?” Hermione asked.
“He thought we were all going to die,” Ron said from her other side, taking a bite out of a chocolate frog. “Waited down there until the very end. It’s why he’s last."
“And how are you doing so well?” she groaned at his spirited demeanor.
“Pepper up potion! Didn’t you get some?”
“That and a couple of sweet kisses from Fleur, am I right?” Cedric winked as he and Cho walked by them chuckling. The two of them had been slowly making their way along the perimeter, regaining their balance and doing their own kissing.
Ron turned beet red and continued eating his snack.
“What the hell did you do to deserve any kisses?” Hermione fumed.
“She said I helped!"
“You were unconscious!”
The Gryffindor Tower was in full on celebration mode.
Despite being the last to return from the lake, Harry had jumped to second place after being awarded additional points for what the judges called “moral fiber.” Not only had he taken it upon himself to rescue Gabrielle, but he had also tried to save all the hostages at some point, only heading back to the surface when there was nobody left.
It was a very Harry move.
Hermione and Ron had of course known that they were never in any real danger. Dumbledore had assured them of that. But the competitors hadn’t been given the same explanations and reassurances.
She imagined it was a scary sight for them to be suddenly presented with, four of them chained and unconscious, each an important person to the individual competitors.
Supposedly. She scoffed at the thought that she was Viktor’s most treasured thing. She knew that wasn’t true. Likely a result of the silly rumors about them dating.
She could not stop thinking about how it must have felt for Fleur to see her little sister down there. How startling that must have been. She felt angry at the Tournament coordinators. At Dumbledore. It didn’t seem fair to bring someone from outside of Hogwarts. Someone who meant so much more than some stupid school dance date. A vulnerable little girl at that!
That must have been what threw Fleur off her game.
She tried not to think about what might have happened underneath the surface. She wanted to ask Harry, but he was dealing with his own post-task situations, including all the attention and hero worshipping. She knew he didn’t particularly love that. Fortunately, Ron did, and was able to take some on for Harry, somehow relaying everything they had gone through during the task – even though he was unconscious!
Hermione tried to relax. She lay back in one of the large armchairs in the common room while the celebration went on around her. She was still drained from the day’s events, physically, mentally, emotionally. She was just glad that it was over.
Not that it wasn’t nice to see everyone happy. Hermione was incredibly proud and happy for Harry of course. She was also just so incredibly heartbroken for Fleur. And hurt about how she had treated her. The conflicting feelings created a knot in her stomach.
“Hey, Hermione,” Neville sat next to her with a smile. “How are you feeling?”
“Oh, I’m well,” Hermione smiled back. “Just a little tired. Might go upstairs soon.”
“Before you do, uh…” Neville looked around cautiously before leaning in to whisper. “Someone is looking for you.”
Hermione sat up hopefully. “Who is it?”
“She’s uh…” Neville got close again. “She didn’t want me to say. But she’s outside.”
Hermione all but ran out of the common room, immediately seeing a hooded figure standing against the wall, just a few feet away from the Fat Lady.
“Do you know this individual!?” The Fat Lady scolded. “They have been standing there very suspiciously for a while now, thinking I did not see them there!”
“Fleur?” Hermione peeked beneath the light blue hood. “Is that you?”
The figure nodded, keeping her face shielded under the oversized hood. “I am sorry to bozzer you, ‘Ermione,” she murmured. “Can I stay with you?”
Hermione didn’t understand what she was asking. “What do you –?”
“Ahem!” The Fat Lady demanded their attention. “Either come in or leave, NO loitering!”
“Just come inside,” Hermine grabbed her hand. “Quickly now.”
The two of them walked along the walls of the common room where it was dark, making sure no one saw them head up to Hermione’s dormitory.
She closed the door with a sigh. They could still hear the party going on downstairs.
She turned to Fleur. She had removed her hood. She looked tired. Her eyes were red and puffy. She had obviously been crying. Even then, she looked incredibly beautiful.
Hermione felt her sadness. She wanted to run up to her and hug her. She just stared at her instead, waiting for her to speak.
Fleur looked around the room. “Why ‘ave I nevair been up ‘ere?”
“I don’t know,” Hermione shrugged.
“Which one is yours?” She gestured towards the four-poster beds, “No, wait. Do not tell me!” She looked around for about half a second before walking confidently towards Hermione’s corner.
She ran her finger across a stack of books, scanning the titles and stopping to smile as she reached the Beauxbatons book she had gifted her. She picked up and examined the various muggle items on her side table, including a motionless photograph of Hermione’s parents. She gestured towards the cat toys on her floor. “Where is Crookshanks?”
“Hunting probably,” Hermione replied. She was not in the mood for small talk and was feeling rather impatient. “So, what’s going on, Fleur?”
She felt for Fleur and wanted to be there for her, but it was hard to forget how hurt and confused she had made her feel earlier that day. She wasn’t sure what to do.
“Can I stay with you? Please?” Fleur asked again.
“Why? Where’s Gabrielle?”
“She is in the carriages resting.” She sat on the edge of the bed with a sigh. “Or rather, she was pretending to be asleep when I left.”
“Why did you leave?”
Fleur choked up and dropped her head into her hands. “I cannot show my face!”
“Oh, dear…” Hermione sat next to her and patted her back. “It’s okay.”
“I am sorry,” Fleur shook her head and stood up quickly. “I should not ‘ave come. I am interrupting your festivities and imposing on you. You and the many dormmates you apparently ‘ave. I am so embarrassed.”
“Hey, it’s okay,” Hermione sat her back down. “Just… give me a few minutes, I’ll be right back.”
Fleur nodded and let herself fall back onto the bed.
Hermione returned about 10 minutes later. Fleur was surprised to see two other girls with her. “Oh!” She stood up quickly, trying to make herself look presentable.
The girls were smiling and giggling.
“Lavender Brown, Parvati Patil…” Hermione introduced them. “This is Fleur Delacour.”
“We know.”
Fleur nodded politely. “Yes, Parvati and I engaged in some conversation at the Yule Ball.” She looked at Hermione curiously.
“Wonderful!” Hermione looked at Fleur. “Well, the girls just wanted to thank you for… the items.” She raised her eyebrows at her, urging her to play along.
“Oh, yes… Yes, of course!” she replied. “You are very welcome.”
“And they are potent?” Lavender asked. I’ve got my eyes on a certain rugged Quidditch Keeper.”
“Uh… yes!?” Fleur nodded some more. “Of course. Ze most potent.”
“Great!” Hermione turned and smiled at her roommates. “So, girls. Would you mind giving us some space tonight?”
They looked at each other and then back at Fleur, with devious looks in their eyes.
“We’ll bunk with Angelina and Katie after the party,” Parvati smiled, nudging Lavender.
“And please, girls,” Hermione eyed them each carefully. “Your discretion?”
“Of COURSE!” They stared at Fleur one last time, giggling before they headed out again.
“You trust zem?” Fleur asked as the door closed.
“Oh, absolutely not!” Hermione laughed. “I gave them each a chocolate earlier, I spelled it with a memory charm. They’ll forget what it is they saw up here, but they will remember not to come up until tomorrow.”
“Hermione!”
“It was the only way,” Hermione explained casually. “Anyway, I told them it was a special Veela chocolate that would make them more alluring to boys. That’s why I brought them up here, to show them the proof of where I got it from – You. I hope you’re not upset?”
“You are a bad girl, ‘Ermione!” Fleur smiled gratefully.
“Told you.” She exhaled as she sat on her bed and patted the space next to her. “Are you tired?”
Fleur nodded her head.
“Okay, come on.” She kicked off her shoes and pulled off her sweater vest, tossing it to the ground before dragging herself up to the top of the bed. “Come!”
As soon as Fleur laid her head down, she fell apart.
Hermione pulled her into an embrace. She rubbed her back and held her while she shook uncontrollably.
“J'ai échoué…” she sobbed into her chest. “Je suis un échec… Je ne vaux rien… Je déshonore tout le monde…”
“It’s okay…” Hermione repeated. “Just let it out.”
Hermione didn’t understand the words, but she felt them.
She could feel all her emotions. She could sense her shame, her fear, all the pressure. The disappointment. She was being incredibly hard on herself.
Hermione felt an urgent need to comfort her, to protect her. She pressed her lips to the top of her head and held her tight, hoping she could bring her some ease. She held her as Fleur’s cries and self-disdain dwindled, leaving them both laying quietly for a moment.
“I am sorry for what I said to you,” Fleur spoke more calmly. “I was upset… but you did not deserve any of it.”
“I didn’t.” Hermione nodded in agreement. “Thank you for saying that… What did you mean anyway?”
Fleur sat up, wiping away her tears.
“When I saw you zaire, chained up at the bottom of ze lake. I thought you were there for me. I was compelled to rescue you.”
“Oh…” Hermione was surprised at how honest she was being.
“But when I tried to go to you, zey did not let me. Ze merpeople… and then Viktor came.”
“So, what about –?”
“I did not even see her!” she cried. Hermione could see the guilt in her eyes. “It was not until ze creatures swarmed me zat I saw her! And zen it was too late!” she started sobbing again. “I let myself become distracted. I did not even see my own sister!”
“I’m sure it was all very confusing.” Hermione tried to reassure her. “And unfair! But what happened between you and Viktor?”
Fleur shook her head, unwilling to discuss it. “It is nobody’s fault but my own.”
“Okay…” Hermione nodded, wiping away the newly formed tears. She wasn’t going to add to the pressure. “How about we go to sleep now? Do you want to take some of these layers off?”
Fleur nodded.
She allowed Hermione to help her remove her various top layers until she was just in her camisole. She watched Hermione go to a corner to change out of her own clothes before coming back into bed. They lay beneath the blankets, facing each other.
“Gabrielle told me you ‘elped ‘er before ze task,” Fleur said gratefully. “Thank you.”
“Of course.” Hermione smiled, remembering their encounter. “We immediately recognized each other.”
“I ‘ope she did not say anything embarrassing about me?”
“Not at all,” Hermione chuckled. “Just that all you do is talk about me.”
“Lies!” Fleur shook her head. “You are not ALL I talk about.”
The talking seemed to calm her down. Hermione noticed her eyes were starting to droop. She opened her arms and urged Fleur closer, guiding her head back against her body.
“Is this, okay?” Fleur whispered.
“Yes,” Hermione nodded. “Now go to sleep.”
Hermione was struck by the sudden intensity of the pull.
She almost cried at the return of the familiar feeling. It was coming from somewhere very close to her, but also from within herself. She wasn’t sure where she was.
She felt a gentle purring and a soft sensation against her cheek. Not Crookshanks.
Fleur.
Fleur was purring and nuzzling against her skin, her head and nose gently pressing against her, cheek rubbing against her own cheek. Hermione sighed at the feeling, closing her eyes as she allowed the warmth and tenderness to engulf her.
“Fleur?” she said after a few moments.
Fleur looked up at her, a smile on her face. “Hi.”
She was so beautiful. As usual. Except… there was something different about this.
It was a familiar different.
She had been here before. Her surroundings were hazy, glowing. The feeling of longing pulsated through her. And Fleur was different too. She was being much more intimate than usual. She was also glowing.
The realization hit her suddenly. This was a dream.
Just like the other ones.
“What is it?” Fleur asked, caressing her cheek gently. Hermione noticed that her eyes were a paler blue than they normally were.
“Nothing,” Hermione smiled sadly. “Just another dream.”
“Ah, oui?” Fleur whispered with a giggle. “Zat makes sense.”
“Why is that?”
“Because I feel…” She placed her forehead against Hermione’s cheek, returning to the soft nuzzling. Hermione wrapped her arms around her, pressing her closer as Fleur pressed her lips against her neck. “Unrestrained.”
“Mhm…” Hermione nodded.
Fleur continued the motions, cuddling and kissing her softly, against her neck, her face, her cheek. She moved up her jaw and towards her mouth.
Hermione quivered as their lips tentatively touched. She felt a thrilling sensation, a sensation that escalated as it traveled from her mouth down to her chest, filling up her heart, and shooting all the way down to her most sensitive areas.
A whimper escaped her mouth.
Fleur echoed the sound as she kissed her again, slowly.
“Wait,” Hermione exhaled. “I know it’s just a dream, but I don’t feel right about this.”
“What do you mean?” Fleur looked confused.
“I can’t be fantasizing about you while you’re lying in my bed seeking safety and comfort,” she sighed, no longer talking to Fleur, but trying to rationalize things for herself. “And I really should wake up before I find myself in a very embarrassing situation.”
She closed her eyes tightly and coaxed herself awake.
She was almost disappointed when she opened her eyes, and she was back in the clarity of her room. No fuzziness, no glow, just red and gold decorum. The pull was still there, not as intensely, but more than it had been these past months. It had lingered, along with the physical reminder of her shameless dream. She pressed her thighs together and tried to shift away from Fleur who was still tangled around her.
She peeked down at her and was immediately taken aback by what she saw.
“Fleur!”
The Veela’s eyes were rolled back, completely white, as if in a trance.
Hermione shook her. “Fleur are you okay?”
“Qu'est-ce que c'est!” Fleur gasped as she was awoken. “What… what happen?”
“Oh, God!” Hermione rubbed her eyes. She was sweating. “Are you okay?”
“I am fine, ‘Ermione,” She smiled and took hold of her hands. “I was just ‘aving a dream. Did I sleep talk?”
“I was dreaming too…” Hermione panted.
“Something frightening?” Fleur asked, caressing her hands.
Hermione eyed her curiously. There had been a shift in the pull as soon as Fleur was fully awake. It had somehow eased again. As if it was being controlled.
“What were you dreaming about?” She asked Fleur.
“Oh…uhh…” Fleur looked caught off guard. “I really do not remember now.”
“Hm.” Hermione nodded.
She knew Fleur well enough by now. She knew she was lying.
The question was why. And when did she learn to control her allure?