Everything Changes

CH 2

Back to Reality

Fleur followed the instructions to the meetup spot, smiling to herself as she thought about how the evening had gone. Her lips were still tingling with the taste of Hermione.

She had hated being away from her for so long. She hated not talking to her and having to keep things from her. But more than anything, Fleur hated the thought of Hermione being in danger. And it was far too dangerous to involve her in anything related to the Order of the Phoenix. 

Not that it was up to Fleur. She was sworn to secrecy and as the newest and youngest recruit, she didn't have much of a say either way. 

Hermione and her friends already had a knack for getting into dangerous situations, Harry being Le Survivant after all. The Boy Who Lived had a clear target on his back. Wherever he went, trouble followed, and so did his two best friends.

Their love and loyalty for each other was both incredibly inspiring and utterly foolish. 

Fleur hoped that as a member of the Order, she could help keep them as safe as possible. Even if it might mean keeping her distance at times.

Given the current political situation, it was dangerous to know too much. It was dangerous to even be associated with people who knew too much. Fleur wasn’t sure how much she could keep from Hermione, especially if she slipped into the Mentis Consociatus. 

Though she had become very good at controlling it, she worried about how her Allure would respond to Hermione after not seeing her for so long. She had missed her so much over the two months she was gone, and she could feel the Allure throbbing with anticipation to be near her. Fleur could not risk losing herself in or outside of the shared consciousness. Not now with so much to do.

How would she explain it to Dumbledore? To the other Order members? 

I am sorry I am late, I knew I was supposed to report for this very important meeting, but I just had to see my girlfriend on her first day back to school and I lost track of time because my Veela Allure took control and we spent the night kissing and fondling each other at Hogwarts where I definitely should not even be seen...

That would not go over well.

Hermione was not even her girlfriend. 

That was why she had decided to continue practicing the newest variation of her magic that evening. A form she had been learning and developing while on her mission abroad.

For most of her life, being a Veela meant being noticed and gawked at, drawing others in. This made it easy to manipulate and influence others. It also made her very conscious of how she was perceived, leading her to suppress her true self quite often. She was learning that she could do the opposite while still getting the same results. She could be invisible and discreet, compelling others while hiding in plain sight.

In a strange way, not being seen allowed her to be more herself. The Veela magic that had once felt so confusing and inhibiting, now made her feel more empowered than ever. She was finally truly understanding herself and her magic. It was incredible.

Fleur should have known that this would not work when it came to Hermione.

It wasn't that she was trying to hide herself like she had done in the past, all she wanted was to protect Hermione. She should have known that the girl was too stubborn and much too clever to let her leave without at least getting her questions answered.

And then some.

In truth, Fleur had wanted to kiss Hermione as soon as she saw her. She held out for an impressively long time before the Gryffindor’s impassioned pleas and persistence finally made her drop the act. It did not help that her Allure had fought her the entire time, struggling to be let out in a way she had not felt in a long time. Challenging what she thought was her better judgment.

She found herself unable to stop herself from palming her cheeks and touching her hair. And when Hermione spoke to her in French, so assertive and confident, all of Fleur's remaining inhibitions melted away. Whether it was a good idea or not, there was no other option but to pull her into her arms and kiss her.

She kissed her like she had wanted to do for months, tenderly, urgently. She could have kissed her the whole night. Fortunately, the bit of release seemed to satisfy her craving enough to step back, remembering the important things she had to get back to. She had gotten what she came for and it was time to go.

As hard as it was to say goodbye again, she left feeling relieved to have been able to speak somewhat openly, as much as was possible anyway. She should have never doubted that they would figure out a way to do so. Hermione was not daft. She understood her situation and what was at stake.

Perhaps Fleur would not have to maintain as much distance as she thought. Perhaps whatever this was between them would not conflict with her mission.

Two Months Ago

Fleur was distracted as she stepped into her carriage that would take her back to Beauxbâtons. Her head was spinning with too many thoughts, her heart ached with too many feelings.

She had just said goodbye to Hermione and already she felt an emptiness inside. Their embrace had not been enough. Her words had felt insufficient. She did not even know what she wanted to express to the other witch. She hoped Hermione knew how much she treasured her. 

Her year at Hogwarts had been life changing in every way possible. Certainly not what she had been expecting when she first walked through those hideous doors. She chuckled at the thought. Perhaps they were not so hideous afterall. 

Hogwarts was wonderful. And safe, she reminded herself as a sense of dread and worry filled her. Would the students truly be safe there after everything? Would Hermione be safe?

Her brain was in a state of constant replaying of all the memories. She thought of Hermione, of their friends, the Triwizard Tournament. Moments of joy and excitement, anger and frustration, patience and understanding, sadness and grief. Moments that were beautiful, heart wrenching, devastating.

She left the castle in a state of uncertainty about the future. 

Maybe she should have stayed.

“Fleur.” 

Her mother’s voice caught her by surprise.

“Maman?” Fleur looked up at her as if in shock, trying hard to hold back her tears. 

“ Viens ma fille ,” Appoline extended her arms.

Fleur hesitated for a moment before she fell into her mother’s arms. 

“Maman!”

“C’est bon, ma petite fleur.”

Fleur’s eyes welled up as she felt her mother’s arms around her.

“Mon étoile brillante. Mon bijou.”

“Maman…” 

“Nous sommes tous très fiers de toi.”

Fleur cried in her mother’s arms.

“Je suis très fière de toi.”  

“Je suis fatiguée, maman.”

“Je sais ma petite fille. Je sais.”

They sat together for several moments. Fleur lay her head on her mother’s shoulder while Appoline rubbed her arm and continued speaking soothing words. 

“Maman…” Fleur sat up. “There are many things that have happened since you were last here.”

“I know, Fleur…” her mother nodded, mirroring the serious look on Fleur’s face. “It is happening again.”

“What will we do?”

“We will take care of each other, as we always do.” Her mother stated. “Here. I believe you were looking for this?”

Fleur took the small book her mother was offering to her.

“Gabrielle told you?”

“ Non… and also yes in a way,” her mother smiled. “This book knows when it is being searched for and immediately reports to its keeper. That person was once your grand-mère, then it was me, and now it is you.”

“I have so many questions…  ”

“And they will be answered in time. There is a lot coming. There is a lot for all of us to do.”

“You mean - ”

“The Dark Lord is back... It is a dangerous time for everyone, but especially for those of us who are different. For you. For us. There is a lot to learn. You must be prepared.”  

Fleur was too young to have lived through the first wizarding war, but she felt the repercussions in the aftermath. The Veela community had been afraid for a long time. Their people wanted to go back into hiding. The fallout from the war was difficult, and it was one the reasons why her parents chose to live their lives so openly and proud.

“I agree with your mother.”

Madame Maxime walked in followed by Professor Dumbledore. Fleur was surprised to see him in the carriage. Surely he should be at Hogwarts.

“Professor Dumbledore would like to discuss some things with you,” Madame Maxime explained. “If you are open to it of course.”

The adults shared some history of the first war. Many things she was familiar with, some she was not. They described the many alliances and efforts built between various factions of wizards and magical creatures, those who refused, those who worked together, and those who chose darkness.

It was a lot to take in.

Though the war was primarily fought and centered around Great Britain, the impact was felt across Europe. Voldemort’s influence spread across countries, and as he gained more power, that influence grew. In fact, Belgium was close to being overtaken before the unfolding of the mysterious events that abruptly ended Voldemort’s reign. The mystery surrounding her friend, Harry Potter.

Many individuals had gone to Britain to fight, others prepared for what might eventually reach them across the channel. It had been an ominous time in France.

“Why are you telling me all of this?”

“So that you are aware of your options,” Dumbledore said. “You can go back to France and be with your family. Live your life. You can forget everything that has happened here - ”

“Zat is not possible.”

“In that case,” Dumbledore smiled. “I have a proposition for you.”

“Maman?” Fleur looked back at her mother. 

“It is up to you cherie . This is your choice to make.”

“I wish I could tell you to take your time to think it over,” Dumbledore sighed, “but the truth is we do not have that luxury. As we speak, things are already in motion and we are struggling to catch up. I cannot tell you what it all entails until you agree, at which point you will immediately depart and be sworn to secrecy, even from your own family, for an undetermined period of time.” 

Apolline held her daughter’s hand. “This is a lot for such a young witch to handle all on her own, don’t you think Albus?”

“She won't be doing this alone.”

"Who do you 'ave in mind?"

Present

The first couple of weeks at Hogwarts had been awful. 

The Ministry hire, Professor Umbridge, was the absolute worst. She was supposed to be the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, but she simply refused to teach them anything useful. Her attitude towards all of them was patronizing and full of disdain. Especially Harry. 

The ministry’s official opinion was that Harry was lying, or at best, confused and that Dumbledore had gone off his rocker. They would believe anything over accepting the fact that Voldemort was back. Harry’s refusal to stand by and be called a liar led to more than one heated exchange with the “High Inquisitor” which landed him in a series of never-ending detentions. 

To make matters worse, Hermione and Ron had Prefect duties to attend to, another point of contention for Harry. She and Ron were constantly walking on eggshells as his sullen mood from the summer carried over into the school year.

Those first weeks were truly awful. 

And yet, Hermione was walking on clouds.

Every morning she rushed to the Great Hall with a smile on her face. She sat at the Gryffindor table, waiting patiently for the owls to arrive, unable to begin her breakfast until they did. 

Her initial fear that she would not hear from Fleur after their encounter on her first day had been immediately disproven. She received a series of new letters every day since then, each one responding to one of her own letters she had written over the summer. 

Petite Souris, 

It is so wonderful to hear from you! I miss you very much as well… I did not end up in France after all, my family surprised me, you see...

...I find myself thinking about our moments in the towers. I miss Cornelius …

 

My dearest, 

I have felt this sadness as well. When I think of Cedric, it breaks my heart… 

… I am reminded of a story my grandmother used to tell me, about a young Veela, lost too soon…

Ma chérie,

I am sorry for not getting back to you. I have read and reread every single one of you letters… You see, my trip has been extended…

… Regarding your friendship troubles. I am sure you have been as supportive as possible, as you have always been… 

 

H,

I suppose I should say I am happy to hear you have been in touch with our friend the Quidditch Star.

Please send him my regards… or better yet, tell him…

...Anyway, I am excited to hear you are practicing French! I look forward to teaching you the naughty words...

My Little Mouse,

I know you are angry with me for not writing. I promise to tell you all about my travels one day soon. Perhaps I can even take you to some of the places I have visited!

I have thought of how wonderful it would be to go on holiday together, to travel and learn about new places, to just be…

Every letter ended with closing words that made Hermione’s heart skip. 

Affectueusement… 

 

Tendrement… 

 

Bisous… 

 

Yours,

F.D.

On Wednesday, September 18 her letter arrived with an additional note. 

Tonight, 7PM. You know where. 

The anticipation and excitement made it difficult for Hermione to concentrate, both in and out of class.

She managed to get it together of course, forcing herself to pay attention and take extra careful notes to stay on task. This was her 5th year afterall, O.W.L.s were on the horizon. Despite everything going on, she knew how important it was to stay on top of her studies. Perhaps even more so given the circumstances.

“You’ve been notably happy lately Hermione.” Neville nudged her as they walked out of their last class.

“Beginning of the year cheer I supposed.”

“I don’t see how anyone can have any cheer with that old hag around.” Ron grumbled.

The group of them nodded in agreement, leading to a barrage of complaints.

“Did you see the latest ‘Educational Decree’ …”

“Power hungry monster…”

“I’ve never seen McGonagall so peeved, that’s for sure…” 

...

...

“Oi, Hermione!”

“Hermione!”

“Hm?”

“I said, were you able to get the notes from the last class?” Harry repeated himself. "Doing a bit of catch-up."

“Right. Uh… sure, of course.” 

Hermione had been thinking about the letter she had received that morning, wishing she had been given more details. There was hardly enough information to know if she should dress a certain way or be prepared for a certain topic of conversation. Would Fleur even be here? Or would it just be -  

“You alright?”

“Hm? Yes, of course!” She pulled out her notebook. “Here you go.”

“You’re just going to give these to me?” Harry smirked. “Not even going to sit with me to make sure I fully understand the lesson?”

“I’m sure after all these years, you can manage to study without my holding your hand..”

“She’s probably just distracted thinking about her girlfriend.” 

“Ronald!” Hermione turned bright red and swatted his arm. 

“Oh! Who is it?” Luna asked curiously. The girl had a way of appearing out of nowhere. “Is that who you get all those letters from?

“She’s just a friend…” 

“You mean Fleur?” Agnes had apparently joined the conversation as well. “So you HAVE heard from her!”

“Let’s change the subject shall we?”

Hermione sat in the Gryffindor common room. She was quickly finishing up as much homework as possible, partially to distract herself from the excitement building up inside, and also so she could fully enjoy her evening. Whatever Fleur had planned, she wanted to make sure she wouldn’t have to cut things short due to schoolwork. 

She was half listening to the conversation between Harry, Ron, and the Weasley twins.

“Just a warning if you are joining us for the holidays, Harry…”

“Mom is going to be VERY enthusiastic… It's been ages since Bill was home for the holidays.”

“Your brother’s back?” Harry asked. “The curse breaker?”

Hermione remembered Bill from the Quidditch World Cup. She was glad to hear he would be back home. He seemed like a nice guy.

“That’s right. Our dear old brother is - ”

“He’s coming back to stay!” Ginny exclaimed, hopping onto the couch next to Hermione. "Isn't that exciting!?"

“Right. We were just getting to that!”

"Yeah, don't interrupt Gin!" 

The twins continued explaining. 

“Took a job at Gringotts.”

“Seems like a downgrade to me.”

“Why take a boring old desk job when you can be traveling the world!”

“Constant adventure, excitement, danger - ”

“Versus security, stability, family…” Hermione spoke up with a smile, eyes still on her scroll.

“Riiiight…” They both chuckled. “Or… maybe something else.” 

“What do you mean?” 

“He's probably just work for the Or - Ow! What the hell Ginny!”

They all gave Ron a stern look. 

“Oh right. I mean…”

“What we mean,” George continued.

“Is that it probably doesn’t hurt that he’s made a new friend recently…”

“One Mademiuseeeelle Fleeeeur Delacooour, to be exact,” Fred winked.

“What?” Hermione looked up from her work. 

“He just got her a job at Gringotts,” Ginny rolled her eyes. "It doesn't have to mean anything."

“Sure...."

"Although, apparently, he has also been helping with her Eeenglish...”

“Private lessons, if you know what I mean…” 

Ron and Harry immediately turned to look at Hermione as Fred and George continued to make eyes at each other and mock Fleur’s accent.

"Stop that, both of you!" Hermione exclaimed. "Her English is just fine!"

“Did you know she was back?” Ginny asked tentatively. 

“Yes. As a matter of fact, I did.” Hermione stated. “She told me she got a job. It sounds like Bill helped with that. Wonderful. Anyway…” She packed up her things. “I’m going to finish this upstairs. Don’t you all have Quidditch practice or something?”

She ran up the stairs before Ron or Harry could say anything. 

The excitement Hermione had been feeling morphed into a familiar anxiety and insecurity she had not missed.