Archive of Our Own ^beta

Hermione was annoyed. It had been a grand total of two weeks since the announcement of the Tri-Wizard tournament and its Champion selections and she was going insane. Harry and Ron were at each other's throats. The other delegations didn’t seem to want to even deal with the Hogwarts students or the other school. Nothing was going right.  

Hermione would be encased in the library today at her favorite desk surrounded by books, but Ron had effectively driven her from her favorite place. Now she wandered abandoned hallways trying to find an escape from the constant twists and turns of her life. She huffed under her breath. Stupid prats.   

She hummed under her breath until she heard a large crashing sound from near her. Curious, she moved towards the sound. It happened again as she was opening the door. As she stepped further into the room, she was stunned to see the mess the abandoned classroom had become. In the middle of all the devastation was the Beauxbatons Champion, Fleur Delacour.   

Fleur swore in French. Her whole-body trembled with an excess of emotions that she seemed incapable of containing.   

“Are you okay?” Hermione asked.  

Stupid question but one she felt needed to be asked.  

Fleur froze, her shoulders tight with rage.   

“How did you get in here?” Fleur asked in her accented voice.   

That surprised Hermione, as most of the delegation spoke with heavier accents. Although now that she thought about it, the more it made sense. Letting her competition think she was an airhead would work.  

“I opened the door?” Hermione questioned.  

Fleur turned; her eyes as dark as night as she looked at Hermione. A slight tilt of her head was the only sign she heard her words. After a moment, she frowned.  

“That’s strange,” Fleur remarked.   

“What?”  

“You shouldn’t have been able to open the door.”  

Hermione shrugged, having no idea that there was even magic on the door.  

“I heard loud noises and wanted to make sure no one was hurt.”  

Fleur looked around; her eyes wide in surprise at the surrounding destruction.  

“Oh, I didn’t mean to do that,” Fleur’s voice was soft.  

“It’s not like anyone uses this wing, I’m sure a simple spell will put it back right,” Hermione suggested. “Although, those burn marks might take a minute.”  

Fleur turned to where Hermione indicated and flushed.  

“I really didn’t mean to do that.”   

Hermione chuckled as she waved her wand, righted the room and the burn marks disappearing.  

“Having a bad day?”  

“Very much so,” Fleur grumbled as she dropped into a nearby chair, her head dropped back as she huffed.  

Hermione found the older girl’s actions endearing. It was nice to see that she wasn’t as snobby as she seemed to be.  

“Would you like some company?” Hermione asked, with a slight smile on her face.  

“I’m not very good company.”  

“Neither am I, most days, think we will be fine.”  

Fleur’s head rolled to look at her, surprised by the slight smile on Hermione’s face, but nodded her assent.   

Hermione moved to sit near the older girl after a quick nod. She dropped into the chair within reach of the older student. Instead of talking, she pulled out a well-worn book from her bag. As Hermione leaned back, she opened the book to the last page she had stopped on. She could feel Fleur’s eyes on her, but pushed the feeling to the back of her mind as she let herself fall into the book.  

The two lapsed into peaceful silence with only the occasional page turning breaking their silence. Neither seemed inclined to talk or leave, which, Hermione felt was a bit of a win.  

After a while, Hermione waved her wand, a chair moved in front of her as Hermione kicked up her feet. Her hand pushed down to make sure her skirt didn’t fall to the side as she relaxed further.  

“How is that comfortable?” Fleur’s gentle voice reached her after a few minutes.  

Hermione shrugged. “I’m used to it.”  

“Do you normally hide to read?”  

“More often than not, yes.”  

“Why is that?”  

Hermione hummed under her breath. “My two best friends are fighting; it gives me a headache listening to them whine. I normally sit in the library, but Krum’s fan club is annoying. I just find somewhere quiet to read.”  

“That’s why I go to the carriage. I have a room to myself.”  

“Yet you’re here, destroying things.”  

Fleur chuckled. “I just sort of stormed off with no destination in mind and wound up here.”   

“Was it because of the tournament? Maybe the fact that all the boys trip over themselves with blank looks on their faces whenever you walk by? Or maybe it’s because the females are making snide remarks behind your back?”  

Fleur shook her head. “All, actually. How very observant of you.”  

“I go mostly unnoticed; I see a lot of things.”  

“Doubtful.”  

“Which part?” Hermione inquired as she turned another page.   

“That you could go unnoticed.”  

Hermione laughed, looking up to meet Fleur’s blue eyes.  

“Aren’t you charming.”  

Fleur smiled, a big, brilliant smile.  

“I have been told that a time or two.”  

“How unfortunate for you.”  

Fleur shook her head in disbelief.  

“I’ll have you know; I am very charming. Just one smile is all it takes.”  

Hermione tilted her head, studying the blonde next to her.  

“I don’t see it.”  

Fleur laughed, throwing her head back.  

“You mean to tell me, that my smile is not enough?”  

“I mean, it may work on others, but I don’t think it’s as effective as you think,” Hermione taunted.  

“Then, if not my smile, what is it?”  

Hermione liked the playful look in the older girl’s eyes. She couldn’t remember the last time she had been as comfortable with someone as she was now.   

Hermione tapped her chin, clearly thinking. Fleur leaned forward; eyes full of curiosity.   

“I mean, smile sure, but I don’t think that’s it.”  

“What is it?”   

“Isn’t it obvious?” Hermione teased.  

“Clearly not.”  

“Your ass,” Hermione said with a serious face.  

Fleur’s mouth dropped open in surprise before the two of them dissolved into laughter.   

“Am I wrong?” Hermione asked when they stopped laughing, closing the book in her lap.  

“Non, you are not. Now, tell me, how did you come to that conclusion?”  

“You’re kidding right? I know you can hear all the comments when you walk away.”  

Fleur shrugged, a soft smile on her face.  

“Yes, I can but that’s not what I am asking.”  

Hermione rolled her eyes. “What are you asking?”  

“If you’re basing your opinion on other’s opinions or on your own observations?”  

“Well, I can take the evidence presented to me,” Hermione said in her serious voice. “As most of the population has spent a lot of time staring at your ass and commenting on it, that would be a bit of a one-sided opinion don’t you think?”  

“In what way?”  

“It’s clear that they haven’t seen you smile, which would then skew the numbers in a different direction but would be a more encompassing study. Then, if they’ve spoken to you, and not at you, then I could put forth the numbers on whether they find your intelligence attractive. Although I have heard enough remarks about how very blue your eyes are, I think that point gets mixed into the shuffle. But based on the group consensus, it appears your ass is what garners the most attention.”   

Fleur shook her head, that smile still lingering on her lips.  

“Yes, but that is only based on the masses and yet, you seem to miss the key component.”  

“I don’t believe I am. As we are talking about the quality that most people focus on.”   

“You are also not adding your own personal views on the matter either.”   

“We aren’t talking about my personal views; we are talking about the masses.”  

“I am asking.”  

Hermione shook her head. “Nope, that is not what you’re after.”  

“Oh, it very much is.”   

“Besides, I can’t give you a conclusive answer.”  

“Why not?” Fleur asked with a pout that Hermione found adorable.  

“Because, I haven’t spent enough time with you to figure out which quality is most attractive.”   

“Well, what data are you missing?”  

Hermione quirked her eyebrow, but Fleur still smiled. When she realized how serious Fleur was, she sighed, putting her book away.   

“Well, as I've seen your smile, your eyes, your laugh, your ass, and your face in general, I can mark those off. I don’t know enough about your intelligence to answer that question.”   

“Well, Miss Granger, what would you like to ask me?”  

“Clearly, you know my name,” Hermione chuckled.  

“Not that it was hard to find out.”   

Hermione only shrugged.  

“I believe they call you the smartest witch of your year.”   

“Not that it is hard, mind you.”   

“Take the compliment.”  

“I shan't.”  

“Shan’t? Did you just say that?” Fleur laughed.  

“Point being?”   

Fleur waved off the question.  

“Well, how would you like to test my level of knowledge?”  

Hermione hummed before launching into a series of questions.   

Fleur’s eyes brightened with each new question that she answered. A few times, the two of them fell into a discussion about some finer points but Fleur was quick to move her on to the next question.  

“What is your conclusion?” Fleur teased when Hermione stopped asking questions.  

“You’re passable.”  

Fleur gasped in shock, her hand flying to her chest.  

“Passable? I’ll have you know that I have had the highest scores since I stepped into school.”  

“Is that difficult, though? I mean, you grew up with magic. Shouldn’t be that hard.”  

Fleur huffed.  

“Because, where I am sitting, you have a leg up on the rest of us. Being Muggleborn, I had to work harder to understand everything.”  

“That is, true. I have grown up with magic my whole life. It was an everyday thing, that doesn’t mean I just want to pass my classes. I aspire to be more.”   

Hermione smiled, pleased by Fleur’s response.   

“Do you have enough data now?”   

“Maybe.”  

“Although, I think you are forgetting one important category.”  

“Oh? What could I have possibly missed?” Hermione questioned, as she held the teasing gaze of the French student.   

“My body, clearly.” Fleur replied waving her hands down her body.   

Hermione let her eyes drift over the seated girl, taking her time as she took in what she could see. A smirk played on her face as she met Fleur’s eyes again, the glint back in her eyes. Hermione shrugged her shoulders in response.  

Fleur rolled her eyes.  

“Although, I suppose you need more than one encounter to make a conclusive decision,” Fleur said thoughtfully.  

Hermione watched a predatory gleam slide into her blue eyes, feeling her body heat at the look.  

“If it’s based on the initial attraction, then no, one encounter should be fine.”  

Fleur nodded absently.   

Hermione checked the time, annoyed that it was getting late. While she still had a couple hours until curfew, she still needed to get going.  

“I believe it is getting late,” Hermione said ruefully.  

Fleur rose to her feet with a nod.  

“Thank you,” Fleur said in a soft, vulnerable voice.  

Hermione smiled at her. “I’m glad to have helped you calm down.”  

“I appreciate it. I can’t remember a time that I could just be me,” Fleur admitted.  

“I feel much the same way.”  

Hermione pulled her bag over her shoulder, turning to head towards the door.  

“Although,” Fleur’s voice reached her, stopping her as she turned to look over her shoulder at the blonde.  

“Although what?”   

“Again, I can’t help but wonder if there is one more category you’re missing.”  

Hermione’s eyes narrowed as she turned to face Fleur.  

“What could I possibly miss?”   

Fleur chuckled as she stepped forward. She stopped in front of Hermione, surprising the younger girl. Hermione tilted her head back enough to continue meeting Fleur’s gaze.  

“You haven’t put any of it to the test.”   

Hermione frowned.  

“I don’t understand.”  

“It’s observation versus what’s known.” Fleur challenged.  

Hermione realized what Fleur was hinting at, surprised by Fleur’s boldness. She knew she could walk away with an answer firmly rooted in her head, but Fleur’s challenge licked at the back of her mind. A taunt. To see if Hermione found Fleur attractive.   

She knew Fleur wouldn’t be upset if she walked away from the moment, and she wouldn’t take offense. It was an opening for her to make a move. Something Hermione had done caught her attention enough to pose the challenge. While neither of them knew each other, Fleur guessed that the challenge would stir something inside of her.   

Hermione rolled her eyes, reaching forward to slide her fingers into the blonde hair and drag Fleur to her. Her lips pressed against Fleur’s own. Hermione sighed at the soft touch of Fleur’s own. Fleur kissed her back, her lips moving with a slow deliberation which Hermione appreciated.   

Her other hand drifted towards Fleur’s hip. Hermione pulled her closer, tilting her head to adjust for the height difference. Fleur moved into her space, her own hands gripping onto her hips. They pulled back after a second before Hermione pressed forward again. Fleur gasped as Hermione moved to deepen their kiss.   

Heat flooded her at the quiet moan that slipped from Fleur’s lips, pressing Hermione onto the edge of the desk behind her with a sudden need to get closer. Hermione registered her bag as it slipped off her shoulder as the two delved into a heavy snogging session.   

Hermione felt a rush of desire flood her system, taunting, teasing, begging Hermione to take from Fleur what she wanted. Which she did. Fleur’s lips broke away from hers as Hermione’s mouth latched onto her neck. Fleur moaned as Hermione took her time exploring the soft skin of Fleur’s throat. Hermione drank in the heat that seemed to make her mind melt. Their hands moved in gentle exploration.   

It took a moment before Hermione remembered that she really needed to make it back before curfew. As she was about to pull away from the blonde, she smirked. Her hands slid down Fleur’s back and over her hips until she was gripping Fleur’s ass with firm hands. Fleur all but collapsed against her as she squeezed, a whimper rising from her lips. Hermione wouldn’t lie, hearing Fleur losing her mind because of her went straight through Hermione. It was an addicting feeling.  

With a particularly harsh bite to Fleur’s neck that cause whispered mutters in French, she pulled away. Fleur’s hazy eyes met Hermione’s with a question. Hermione smiled as she leaned back to place a quick kiss on her lips before pushing past her. As she grabbed her bag and slung it back over her shoulder, she headed for the door.   

“You didn’t say what it was,” Fleur called after her, her voice breathless.  

Hermione paused at the door, taking in Fleur’s less than perfect look, something she would be sure to think about much later in the night, and smiled.  

“Ass,” Hermione responded with a wink as she walked out, the sound of Fleur’s laughter drifting to her.   

***************************************************************  

Hermione sat in the library, working on her latest potions essay. It had been two weeks since her encounter with Fleur in the classroom, and while they’d exchanged smiles in the hallway, neither made a move to approach the other. Not that Hermione would complain, there was enough on her plate, but the feel of Fleur’s lips lingered for several days after.   

As she took a break from writing and moved to the book in front of her, she looked down, surprised to see a new piece of parchment in front of her. A frown appeared as words appeared in a handwriting she had never seen before.  

I believe your opinion is biased.  

The words teased her, Hermione shook her head with a smile.   

How is it biased?  

It’s clear the masses swayed your opinion.  

I believe I was thorough in my initial observation.  

How can a single test give you enough information to draw a proper conclusion?  

Hermione grinned, pleased by the response, not bothering to look up. She doubted she would spot Fleur anyway.  

The experiment was for initial attraction.  

Then I believe the next step would be to move onto another experiment.  

I suppose it would depend on the next experiment and whether I find it worth studying.  

With the initial experiment in mind, the next logical step would be to see whether the initial attraction leads to deeper attraction or if it’s solely based on the presented information.  

That would require multiple instances that would either lead to further emotional development, a lack of emotional connection, or a feeling of friendship. Although, we can’t rule out strictly physical components without emotional attachment.   

It would take multiple occasions of interaction. Would they be solely based on casual conversation, romantic encounters, or by chance encounters?  

To make sure there is a thoroughness to the experiment, all three instances would have to occur over a period for the data to yield the proper results.   

How long would the period need to be?   

I suppose it would depend on the frequency of encounters that would lead to a conclusive decision.  

Wouldn’t intent be a contributing factor?  

As in?  

Are you going into the experiment open to any conclusion the experiment gives, or are you looking for a specific outcome?   

I would have to go into the experiment with an open mind for the correct outcome to come out.   

Then are you willing to try a new experiment? Was your initial conclusion enough to warrant another experiment?   

Hermione couldn’t help the smile on her face. She was enjoying this banter. It was clear Fleur was interested in her, and it made butterflies in her stomach.   

I think it warrants further data on my initial observation. Although, I don’t believe there will be a timely conclusion.   

Well, we wouldn’t want to skew the data by rushing such an important experiment. It will take time to gather enough information for a proper conclusion.   

That means I will have to make time for the experiment.  

Are there any parameters that need to be met to get an accurate conclusion?   

Too many parameters would hinder this type of experiment.  

Then I wish you the best in your endeavors.   

***************************************************************  

Hermione didn’t bother to look up when she felt a soft brush on her shoulder. She had to bite the inside of her cheek to keep from smiling. The game had begun. Hermione sat outside, back against a wall, and a simple warming charm kept her warm in the cooler air.   

“Seems like a nice enough day,” Fleur said, teasingly.   

“They happen rarely but they happen from time to time,” Hermione remarked to the teasing, her gaze fixed on the book in her lap.   

“Then would you honor me with the pleasure of your company?”   

Hermione hummed under her breath.  

“I don’t think I have any other plans, and it might be something I’m interested in. What is the offer?”   

Hermione looked up and into Fleur’s sparkling eyes. They were a light blue color with the way the sun hit them, but they still held a playfulness that Hermione had seen the first time they had spoken. A slight edge to the color that let Hermione know Fleur was interested in playing this game with her.   

Fleur smiled, a predatory look to her lips as she contemplated what Hermione said. Her index finger tapped her chin as if in thought.   

“I’m not sure how much I can offer, but I have been meaning to tell you about something that I thought you might find interesting,” Fleur replied.   

“What would that be?” Hermione asked, the book snapped shut, her attention shifting.  

Fleur waved her hand to the spot next to Hermione, who, after a pause, nodded her head. After settling down next to Hermione, not close enough to touch, but not so far as to be rude, she continued.   

“Well, I was in class the other day, when a teacher mentioned something that caught my interest,” Fleur began, clearly winding Hermione up by taking the long way to get to her point. Hermione quirked an eyebrow at Fleur, who smiled. “I hadn’t heard the entire discussion and set out to get the information that I was looking for. It took far longer than I thought to uncover what I was looking for, but I was successful. At first, it was mostly conspiracy theories. As a rule, I don’t involve myself with such information, but there was something about the ramblings that made a bit of sense. Which led me further into my investigation about an area of magic that seems to be gaining traction. There has been push back in the magical community in the last decade about ‘obscure magic’. It encompassed a lot of areas of magic. Still, there were a few that caught my eye. Aura reading, magical location, and wandless magic show a lot of interest. Those three seemed to be the main ones that people talked about, and the conspiracy comes in because some of these people are disappearing.”   

Hermione blinked as she took in the information, caught off guard by what Fleur said. A shift fluttered through Hermione in that moment and not knowing what it was she couldn’t put a name to it, but it filled her chest with a sense of warmth.   

Fleur watched her, curious and wondering how Hermione would react.  

“That seems to be an interesting field of study that no one talks about,” Hermione replied evenly. “On the one hand, calling it ‘obscure magic’ makes it seem like it’s not important magic. When, in all honesty, it is more about magic that isn’t widely used. With those three topics alone, I can imagine that there is a lot of push back. Maybe not so much on aura reading, but the other two would make sense. Let’s face facts, because we all know that wandless magic is a thing. We all develop the ability to manifest magical outbursts as children. A wand is a crutch, but it is at a point where we have become too dependent on them. If we lose our wand, we are useless. Wands make sense at the start, sure, to get control over our magical abilities. They cripple us the longer we use them. We should learn to do both, using a wand and wandless magic, but I can sympathize with some of the conspiracy theories. They have merit. You can’t trace wandless magic, but you can trace wands. It would disrupt their entire way of keeping us under control.”   

Fleur’s bright smile appeared by the time Hermione finished her thoughts. They launched into a very in-depth discussion about magic and its different forms. The conversation ended when they realized it was time for dinner. Both girls wore smiles as they separated to head to their respective tables.   

*******************************************************************  

It was a week later when Hermione approached Fleur in the library. She had smiled at Fleur’s friends, who looked at her with suspicion, but Fleur was grinning at Hermione’s approach. Hermione placed a book in front of Fleur, smirking at the gasp Fleur let out at the sight of it. She dragged Hermione down beside her, a series of questions asked about how she obtained the book and if she had read the book herself.   

Neither of them noticed the way her friends watched their interactions, but there wore soft smiles on their faces. Hermione and Fleur spent the rest of the evening discussing the book Hermione had brought, which led to an invitation to spend more time together the following day.   

A few weeks later, Hermione found herself wrapped up in the French Veela’s arms. The first task was the next day, and while the two still found time to spend together, the tournament was looming closer. Fleur was on edge the night before and Hermione had taken her on a walk to help ease some of her nerves. Their fingers threaded together as they walked, chatting easily.   

They were pleased with their time together, and their ability to talk without feeling judged. Hermione let Fleur express her nerves and worries. When Fleur continued to ramble, Hermione stopped, tugged on Fleur’s hand, drawing them together. Hermione captured Fleur’s lips in a gentle kiss that stole the air from their lungs. Fleur melted into Hermione’s arms as they let themselves explore their attraction. They hadn’t kissed since the first night, but the heat flooding them was familiar.   

As she pulled back for much needed air, Fleur surged forward, deepening their kiss. This time, Hermione melted into Fleur, drinking in the taste and feel of her. Their hands found placement but remained in place while they let their lips and tongues danced.   

Neither of them was in a hurry to leave the gentle embrace they found themselves in. Hermione was the one to slow down their kisses until they came to a natural end. Hermione cupped Fleur’s cheek and reveled in the look of desire painted across the blonde's face. From the moment their lips touched, Hermione’s mind was blank. A rarity for Hermione and one she craved. Fleur hummed in the back of her throat.  

“That was a wonderful distraction,” Fleur teased, as she leaned forward and nipping at Hermione’s neck.   

Hermione gasped, a gentle nudge with her nose, she gave Fleur a chaste kiss.   

“It wasn’t a distraction,” Hermione remarked.   

“Then what was it?”   

“Collecting data.”  

Fleur laughed, pulling Hermione closer to rest her forehead against Hermione’s.   

“I kissed you because you looked beautiful as you rambled about your worries and I wanted to see if kissing you felt as magical as the first time,” Hermione admitted into her shoulder.   

“What did you find?” Fleur whispered.  

“That you take my breath away.”   

Fleur smiled as she pulled Hermione closer to kiss her. Hermione moaned into the kiss, spurring Fleur on. Hermione felt like she was drowning and found that she didn’t mind at all. Instead, she held her closer, intent on making the moment last.   

*******************************************************************  

Two days later, Hermione found herself dragged into an empty classroom. The press of soft lips and a warm body had Hermione giving in immediately. Fleur pressed her into the wall, deepening the kiss with intention. Hermione wrapped her arms around her, having missed the feel of the blonde in her arms.   

They spent the next hour kissing. Fleur stopped their session, their chests heaved with a need to breathe. Hermione nipped at Fleur’s neck and enjoyed the shiver rippling down Fleur’s spine.   

Hermione was happy to return the favor a week later, catching Fleur just after dinner. She pushed the blonde against the wall, mouth going to her neck and not her lips. Her teeth nipped the soft skin, tongue traced her pulse, and her lips sucking dark marks against flawless skin.   

Fleur writhed beneath her lips, hands tangled in her hair, and her leg wrapped around her hips. While she loved their heated make out sessions, her brain latched onto wondering just how far she could push the other woman. The harder she bit the louder Fleur was. It was enough to drive her crazy in a way she’d only heard her roommates whispering about.  

She found Fleur’s breaking point when she nipped at the crook of her neck. Fleur’s hips rolled hard into her stomach, the heat there enough to short circuit Hermione’s brain allowing Fleur to get the upper hand.   

Hermione’s back hit the wall, a firm thigh pressed into her center as her vision swam, and sinfully soft lips captured hers in the filthiest kiss she’d ever had. The entire world narrowed to Fleur. How Fleur cradled her face in a soft touch, the hot press as her body pinned Hermione in place, and the sensual glide of Fleur’s tongue ravaging her mouth. Her own hands refused to remain still, exploring with determination to feel as much of Fleur as possible. It wasn’t until her hand gripped Fleur’s ass that the kiss broke and only because Fleur let out a growl , which left Hermione panting with need.   

***************************************************************************  

They continued to find different ways to spend time together. Some planned, but most were spur of the moment. Hermione enjoyed how Fleur would lose her mind when her hands and mouth mapped her skin. Their complimenting personalities were almost as addictive as the taste of Fleur’s skin.  

Fleur convinced her to sneak out one night just to show off her obsession with stars. Hermione watched the older girl light up as she spoke about how Muggle and magical cultures all viewed the stars with different eyes while still believing in life being more than their time on Earth.   

“I think we’re missing something important,” Hermione said as they were about to part ways for the night.  

“Oh? What could we be missing?” Fleur teased. Fleur took advantage of the alcove they had dipped into before Hermione’s common room as she leaned on the wall, hovering close enough to keep their conversation quiet.   

Hermione settled her hands on Fleur’s hips to draw her closer. She placed feather light kisses across Fleur’s jaw.   

“I figured we’ve worked hard on determining how the initial attraction would lead to more, that we seem to have left out a very key point.”  

“Did we? That’s tragic. How can we remedy this failure in our experiment?”   

A sudden realization stunned Hermione for a moment. She could spend the rest of her life having nerdy banter with a woman who looked at her like she lit up the world. Her heart pounded in her chest because she was in love with Fleur. These short weeks were the best she’d had in her life. While it might not seem like much, she felt a deep connection with Fleur that she knew was rare and hard to find.   

A smile pulled across her lips as she bathed in the knowledge, even if she didn’t feel ready to speak about it yet.  

“Well, we’ve done planned, unplanned, and sometimes a combination of both when spending time together. Part of it should be a planned date, a conclusion to the experiment.”  

Fleur seemed taken aback for a second, but Hermione could see the gears turning.   

“A date…” Fleur began. “To conclude the experiment.”  

Hermione hummed, quick to nod her head. She wondered if Fleur might piece out what she hadn’t said.   

“That…is a good idea.”  

She, internally, rolled her eyes since it seemed Fleur was stuck on ‘conclusion’ right now.  

“I think, to be thorough, we should go to the Yule Ball together. As a date.”  

Fleur’s eyes sparkled as she tried to fight the smile from her face.  

“Wouldn’t a trip to Hogsmeade create a more…intimate environment?”  

“I think the Yule Ball could be intimate and, unlike you, a seventh year, I can’t go into Hogsmeade every weekend.”  

“Then the Yule Ball would be the perfect date. We can coordinate our colors to match.”  

Hermione leaned up to give Fleur a chaste kiss but pulled back before Fleur could deepen the kiss further.   

“Sounds like a plan. I should get to bed since some girl kept me up past my bedtime.”  

“We certainly don’t want you losing sleep.”  

Fleur stepped back to let Hermione pass, her but caught her arm before she got too far away. She pulled Hermione back towards her, leaning down to kiss Hermione with the passion she felt. Hermione sank into Fleur’s arms and kissed back with all she had.   

She never could get enough of kissing Fleur, and she hoped she never did.   

******************************************************************************  

Fleur was a wreck. Not that anyone could tell because she learned a long time ago how to hide her emotions.   

She did her best to keep the worry down but the longer she waited for Hermione to appear, the harder it was. Hermione’s mention of an end to their experiment had frayed her nerves. She hoped they might move into a relationship and that Hermione was setting them up for it. However, it didn’t stop the little voice in the back of her mind telling her not to get her hopes up.   

Her fingers tangled together as she waited. Hermione had been a wonderful surprise. From their initial conversation, the kiss, and every moment after, tied Fleur up in ways she had only dreamed of. Hermione was kind, intelligent, and lit up with a fire that Fleur wanted to be consumed by. She kept her desires in check, even when she craved the taste of those lips on hers.   

When Hermione first pulled her close for a kiss, she was smitten. While she kept herself from being overwhelmed by desire and pushing too fast, it didn’t stop Hermione from making it her mission to find every one of Fleur’s buttons. It left her wet and wanting. Still, she wasn’t about to ruin whatever happened between them by making it all about sex.   

Each kiss with Hermione felt like coming home. The way their bodies slotted together like pieces of a puzzle. Those soft lips that tilted into a smirk every time Fleur chased them because she wasn’t ready to stop. She was addicted to the taste of Hermione. Emotions she never wanted to go away.  

A bit of commotion grabbed Fleur’s attention. She turned to see what it was but stopped at the breathtaking vision she saw. Hermione was stunning. Her hair, while somewhat tamed, was pulled away from her face, artfully cascading over her shoulder. Light make-up dusted her cheeks, and a hint of eyeliner made her eyes magnetic. Her simple, elegant dress hugged curves that Fleur was becoming familiar with. The way her hands fit with utter perfection allowed her to hold the younger girl close. From a simple hug to heated kisses. Her fingers itched to do just that. Hermione’s burgundy red dress was the perfect complement to Fleur’s midnight blue. A color Hermione had picked for her so Fleur could decide what color Hermione would wear. With their different skin tones, Fleur felt the matching dark tones would be perfect. She was right.   

Fleur stepped forward, drawn like a moth to a flame, to take Hermione’s hand. For once in her life, Fleur was speechless. She wanted to freeze this moment and live in it forever. The innocence still clung to them and the simplicity of their connection. Time and distance loomed ahead, and she knew these moments were special. Memories she would rely on in the coming months.   

“You’re beautiful, ma belle.” Fleur said, unable to keep her eyes off Hermione.  

Hermione flushed a beautiful shade of pink and her eyes danced with what Fleur hoped matched the deep emotions she felt for Hermione.   

“Only for you,” Hermione responded. She squeezed Fleur’s hand, a hint of her nerves creeping in.  

Unable to let Hermione worry, she looped their arms together, wanting to show off Hermione. Neither cared about the looks they got or the not-so-subtle whispers. They lined up with the other Champions, eyes never straying from the other.   

Dinner forced them to interact with the others, but Fleur couldn’t stop from making sure her chair was as close as possible. Hermione sent her a teasing smile every time Fleur reached for her hand. She had every intention of making tonight special.  

The Champions opened the dance for the night, and Fleur was pleased to get the chance to impress Hermione. She spun Hermione around the dance floor, using it as an excuse to pull her close. The smile she got was worth every second.  

They were in a world all their own. A few friends had stopped by for chats or to join them dancing, but they were quick to move on after a song or two. They’d find themselves a corner to talk during the breaks they took from dancing. As the night went on, they drifted closer, with light touches and soft smiles. Any excuse to justify their touches.   

Hermione was the one to pull Fleur out of the Great Hall. They didn’t head to the garden where other students were milling around. Hermione led them to a corner that was often overlooked. Fleur pulled Hermione close, bathing in the natural heat she gave off. Hermione’s arms draped over Fleur’s shoulders and her head tilted back to maintain eye contact.   

Fleur leaned down to press slow, languid kisses on dark pink lips. Her mind latched onto the way Hermione was pressing into her. Their kisses were a coming together. An end and a beginning. She sank into their kisses, craving to be closer. Needed to be closer. Hermione was happy to deepen their kiss.   

Hermione twisted them, pressed Fleur into the wall, molding them together. Fleur’s knees gave out just like they did every time Hermione took control, becoming putty in her hands. Her head fell back as Hermione attacked her neck with the intensity that had built between them over the last few weeks. She used all her knowledge of Fleur’s weaknesses riling her up. It was the sweetest kind of torture, and she sank into it without a second thought. Her hands grasped at the younger woman, who made her squirm and want. Fleur fisted her hand into Hermione’s hair and dragged those sinful lips back to her own. Fleur twisted to pin Hermione against the cool stone, taking control once more to drive Hermione out of her mind.   

Fleur's lips mapped a trail of fire across the exposed skin that taunted her all night. She wanted the taste of Hermione on her lips, if only to get her through the night. A part of her wanted to leave marks on Hermione’s skin that would linger for days. To place a constant reminder of their date even if it looked possessive. The idea of a temporary mark on Hermione called to her Veela side, which purred at the images of dark marks along Hermione’s collarbone and neck.   

A strong, insistent grip pulled Fleur away from Hermione’s neck. Desire darkened eyes pulled a growl from Fleur. The grip tightened as hips bucked at the growl and they seemed unable to stop the fire burning between them. Hermione let out a quiet whine that almost shattered her control. Before Fleur moved, her lips were captured in another passionate kiss. This time, Hermione slowed the pace. The fire left to burn in the background. Soft, chaste kisses slowed the runaway train their desire took.   

“Do you feel you have enough information?” Fleur asked. She didn’t want to have this conversation, but she couldn’t help wondering.   

Hermione blinked a few times, as she struggled to get her mind to focus.   

“I did. I think the experiment was a success.” Hermione’s voice was thick with desire and the low rasp to her words was enough to make Fleur tremble. “It means we can move onto the next experiment.”  

Fleur froze. Blue eyes locked onto the minuscule twitch of Hermione’s lips as she struggled not to smile.  

“Oh?” The word came out with a waver and breathless quality that she felt no shame in.   

Hermione nodded as her fingers teased the hair on the nape of Fleur’s neck.  

“Since our experiment led to further emotional development, it only seems right to move forward.”  

Fleur’s heart pounded in her chest and her own lips were hard to keep from grinning like an idiot.   

“It would make sense to move on, since the answer is clear. If we use that logic, the next step would be to move into a relationship.”  

“Yes, I agree, a relationship would be the next step.” Hermione’s steady voice surprised her. “We should focus on all possible outcomes. Further emotional development or if it leads to the end of those emotions. Of course, this also poses the questions about how well we communicate, future career plans that could contradict, and more importantly, physical compatibility.”  

Fleur swallowed at Hermione’s words and those last two were bound to haunt her for days. It had a lot to do with the sultry rasp of Hermione’s voice as she mentioned ‘physical compatibility.’  

“What parameters are in place? A study of this…magnitude would require some set of conditions to be met.”  

“It’s very important to have a system in place,” Hermione agreed, eyes sparkling with happiness. “I’m sure a time frame isn’t necessary?”  

“I think a time frame would put too much pressure on the participants. It’s something that can be evaluated at another time if one participant or the other felt it was needed to discuss a time frame.”  

“I agree, too much pressure could be detrimental to the overall information that has to be gathered. We should be clear that this experiment requires two participants.”  

“Of course, if either participant calls an end to the experiment, a meeting should be called to discuss any issues that arose during the experiment.”  

Hermione nodded her agreement.   

“A time frame shouldn’t be added for the physical compatibility tests, either. The pressure alone could destroy the experiment and lose the trust of the participants.”  

“Communication is key to moving into testing physical compatibility.” Fleur was quick to add, and stopped hiding her smile. “Is there a minimum number of tests that should be met for coming to a conclusion on compatibility?”  

A smirk played on Hermione’s lips and the contracting of her pupils set off a punch of fire in Fleur’s veins. She adored the confidence growing in Hermione and how it translated into their interactions. Her first instinct was to praise Hermione and her Veela took that thought to run with it. It left her to wonder what would happen if that praise was whispered in Hermione’s ear during one of their more enthusiastic make out sessions. It was a tantalizing thought that would linger in her mind for months.  

“Some portions of this experiment shouldn’t be hindered by mere numbers. After all, the more data collected, the more well-rounded the answer would be, don’t you think?”  

Fleur shuddered, her body on fire, ducking her head for the kiss she desired. Hermione gasped in a combination of surprise and need. Fleur used the opportunity to deepen the kiss, her tongue delving into the warm cavern of Hermione’s mouth. The passionate kiss pulled a deep moan from Hermione, who clung tighter to Fleur.   

“I think moving onto the next phase of the experiment is a very good idea,” Fleur’s words were whispered against Hermione’s lips. “One which should be started right now.”  

“I couldn’t agree more,” Hermione agreed before she surged forward to kiss Fleur again and again.   

**********************************************************************  

Fleur broke into a grin when she could finally return to her flat. The smell of food cooking made her stomach grumble, a reminder she had skipped lunch earlier in the day. She was quick to kick her shoes off, hang up her cloak, and place her bag near the door.   

Her feet took her straight to the kitchen, where she paused at the entrance. Her eyes took in the sight before as she leaned against the wall. Music filled the room, an upbeat song that Fleur didn’t recognize. Hermione was bare foot and dancing in the small kitchen of her flat. She wore one of Fleur’s favorite shirts. It fit Fleur with a bit of extra room but looked bigger on her shorter girlfriend. A pair of dark blue shorts peeked out from under the shirt, hugging the curves of Hermione’s ass. Fleur adored the curves Hermione had because her girlfriend tended to wear her clothes when she stayed over. Fleur’s own curves were far subtler than Hermione’s and her shorts tended to look painted on Hermione’s ass. She would never complain about it, not when she knew how much Hermione enjoyed Fleur’s hands on her. Hermione was a vision that Fleur couldn’t look away from.   

Their experiment reached two years not too long ago. Fleur had returned to England in pursuit of a job as a curse breaker for Gringotts. A job that had fascinated her for years. It was a hard-fought spot, as England boasted the best curse breakers in the world. Despite the weeks of stress over the tests and trials she had to complete, she landed a position as an apprentice. Hermione spent far too much time calming her down. With gentle reminders about her skills and drive to make it. Hermione had also been there to kiss her good luck on her first day. She’d been assigned to Bill Weasley, a knowledgeable enough curse breaker but too flirtatious for Fleur to feel comfortable. It was also the first time she’d seen Hermione show any hint of being possessive. Fleur requested a transfer to another curse breaker for her own peace of mind because she didn’t feel safe. The Goblins had accommodated her, which surprised most of the wizards, but no one knew Veela and Goblins maintained a great relationship. Her skills were enough for them to make the adjustment because they hoped Fleur’s success would bring more Veela into the fold.  

That day, she got transferred to an older wizard who took an earnest interest in her and didn’t try to flirt with her. Hermione was far happier than she wanted to admit. A few well-placed prods had Hermione admitting she wanted to punch Bill for being pushy. She was confident enough in them to not make a big deal out of it, but still had hoped Fleur would have a better trainer. Fleur rewarded Hermione with praise and her own admission of being possessive of Hermione. It had led to a heavy make-out session and far less clothing than before.  

The relationship continued to flourish despite the distance and Fleur met Hermione’s parents before she was allowed to spend nights at Fleur’s flat. Hermione didn’t get to meet her parents until they visited over Yule break. Their parents met during the holiday. Gabrielle teased Fleur for hours about how Hermione was too good for her and threatened to steal her away from Fleur. Hermione adored Gabi, and it drove Fleur crazy.  

After Hermione’s parents made her promise to keep their activities PG until she was a legal adult, they said she could stay some nights with Fleur. She respected the added condition and Fleur ended up with a wonderful relationship with Hermione’s parents. They visited her often, and she returned the favor when Hermione was at school. It warmed her when they came to her asking questions about the magical world. Their desire to make sure the distance with their daughter didn’t grow. With the help of her parents, Fleur showed them the joys and dangers of magic. The honest answers helped them maintain a close relationship with Hermione.  

Still, she didn’t regret a single moment. Maman was a tremendous supporter of Fleur’s relationship with Hermione. Hermione’s enthusiasm to learn more about Veela and what laws needed to be changed to make their lives easier had endeared Hermione to her parents. It didn’t hurt that Gabi hung on Hermione’s every word and Fleur had never been happier.   

Hermione’s friends took a bit of time to come around but were supportive in the end. Harry would talk to Fleur about magic, Ginny approached her in need of good stories to tease her eldest brother about, and Ron, after some time, talked to her about Quidditch, where she gave him pointers to get better. They’d accepted Fleur after a few conversations.   

Hermione’s voice interrupted her train of thought. Her girlfriend had started singing along to the new song. It was these unguarded moments that Fleur adored the most. When they could just be.   

Fleur couldn’t stand off the side anymore. Her day had been rough, and she didn’t think Hermione would be by tonight. As she moved across the kitchen, her eyes were drawn to Hermione’s ass.  

Her arms wrapped around Hermione’s waist, making Hermione jump and squeak.   

“Bonjour,” Fleur whispered into her ear before nipping on it. Pleased to feel the shudder ripple through Hermione. A fun little discovery that turned Hermione to Jello when Fleur spoke in her native language. Even when Hermione learned to be proficient in French, it still made her head swim in moments like this.   

“Hello, love, you’re home,” Hermione sighed, pressed against Fleur’s chest, and tilting her head to the side.  

Fleur let out a pleased hum as she placed kisses up and down Hermione’s neck.  

“I didn’t know you’d be here tonight.”  

“You sounded like you had a hard day. I decided to surprise you with dinner.”  

“Thank you for dinner and I’d be just as happy if it was just you.”  

“Smooth talker,” Hermione teased. Her hand came up to cradle her neck and draw her up into a kiss.   

Fleur sighed, sinking into the kiss like she’d done every time. The fact she could feel vulnerable with Hermione settled her emotions. Her issues with work faded into the background as her focus shifted to taking in the woman in her arms.   

“I’ve missed you,” Hermione said, her eyes full of love.   

“Me too but you’re here now, for however long I’ve got you.”  

“My parents agreed to have the holiday here this year and with your family coming, everyone wanted it to be simple. I promised my parents a full weekend, just the three of us and two dinners with you. Other than those, you’ve got me for the entire winter break.”  

Fleur’s smile could have lit up the night sky, tears burning her eyes. Hermione turned in her arms, cradled her face before placing a kiss on her lips.   

“Are you sure?” Fleur asked. She couldn’t help it. With the war going on and Hermione’s part in it, she would miss out on time with her parents.   

“I’m positive.” Hermione’s fingers traced her face. “Time with my parents is important, but my time with you is too. Besides, Mum threatened to change the locks if I came home. She said I’m adult enough to make my own choices about who I spend time with. It helps that they adore you and your mother sends them expensive wine.”  

Fleur laughed, her tears rolling down her face. Hermione smiled as her thumbs brushed the tears away.   

“I have a confession,” Fleur said. She leaned into the warm grip on her face.  

“What kind of confession?” Hermione quirked an eyebrow. Her eyes bounced across Fleur’s face.  

“In the interest of making sure we have all our data during this experiment,” Fleur began just to watch the way Hermione brightened at the mention of their experiment. “I’ve deliberated over some of the data available to me. It led to an important discovery.”  

“Oh? Which data might that be?”   

There was a slight waver to her words and Fleur couldn’t tell if it was from nerves or fear. Fleur turned her head, nipping her palm.   

“First, I had to look at the given information. I started with the way my heartbeat picks up whenever I see you. Then, I moved on to the way my body burns whenever we kiss. I added in how comfortable I feel when we spend time together. With a side note on the feeling of safety that settles in my bones whenever you're in my arms.”  

Fleur paused to take in the tears that clung to Hermione’s eyes and the slight tremble to her bottom lip.  

“Second, after I inputted the data I collected, I needed to sort out where it fell regarding our experiment. It seemed to line up with one important conclusion.”  

“Which was?”  

Hermione’s whispered and Fleur strained to hear them.   

“That I am irrefutably in love with you.”  

It seemed to take a moment for the words to sink in but when they did, Hermione teared up and broke out in a brilliant smile.   

“About time,” Hermione laughed. “I’ve waited two years for you to figure it out.”   

Fleur’s jaw dropped at Hermione’s declaration.  

“Why didn’t you say anything?” She demanded.   

“Because I asked you out!”  

With a laugh, she pulled Hermione to her to place a passionate kiss on her lips.   

“I love you too,” Hermione gasped when the kiss broke.   

Fleur groaned, diving back down to kiss Hermione again and again. Her hands gripped her ass, lifting her into her arms. Hermione melted into her kiss, a pleased hum rising in the back of her throat when Fleur picked her up. She walked towards the living room, intent on the next hour spent kissing Hermione breathless.   

“Wait,” Hermione called out, as she pulled back from the kiss.  

“What’s wrong?”  

“The food.”  

Fleur grinned as she freed her wand to turn off the stove and put a warming charm over the food.   

“Better?”  

With a nod, Hermione dove back into the kiss, hands grasping at any part of Fleur she could reach. Fleur made it to the couch before her knees gave out. Hermione kissed her like she couldn’t get enough, and it was making it hard for Fleur to concentrate.   

As her knee found purchase on the couch, she lowered them onto the couch, pressing Hermione into the cushions. Hermione moaned as Fleur’s stomach pressed against her center, amping up the temperature in the flat. Their kisses were frantic, as if the admission had undone the careful wall they had built between them. One that was being torn down one kiss, touch, and moan at a time.   

Fleur’s shirt was the first to go as Hermione ripped it over her head. Fleur retaliated by pulling Hermione’s shirt off. Her eyes drank in the vision of her girlfriend beneath her. Hermione had skipped a bra and Fleur was captivated. A gentle tug on her pants brought her attention back to Hermione’s face. Pink darkened cheeks were pulled over a sultry smile. Fleur didn’t hesitate to dive back in.   

They both unclasped Fleur’s bra. Twin groans left them when their bare upper bodies pressed together. A growl worked itself free as Hermione’s nails scratched down Fleur’s back. Fleur’s mouth dropped to Hermione’s neck to bite and suck, and Hermione arched into her. Hips rolled, hands marked, and skin darkened. The desire they kept in check was consuming them.   

Fleur’s hand slipped beneath Hermione’s shorts to grasp her ass, forcing Hermione’s center against Fleur’s stomach. Hermione’s leg wrapped around Fleur’s hip.   

Hermione moaned as Fleur’s lips blazed a path down her chest. It felt like torture to Hermione whenever she had put a stop to their make out sessions. She’d spent far too many nights on the edge and her body craved Fleur’s fingers in her. Hermione wanted to give in, but she knew she wouldn’t have been able to lie to her parents if they asked. Which they did. All she wanted was to feel Fleur everywhere and now, nothing was holding her back.   

Despite the passion that burned between them, Fleur was preparing to pull away. Even as her lips hovered mere inches from Hermione’s dark pink nipples that were begging for her touch. She promised herself that she wouldn’t push Hermione. Instead, she explored all the skin available to her.   

Her tongue teased over the goosebumps on the top of Hermione’s chest. Fleur froze when Hermione’s hand slid into her hair and gripped. Neither moved for what felt like an eternity. Hermione’s chest rose and fell in a desperate attempt to draw more air into her lungs. Each time her chest rose, it brushed against Fleur’s lips that hovered just over her.  

A gentle tug had Fleur’s eyes moving up to meet desire darkened eyes. She wondered what Hermione was thinking in that moment. Her body began to tense up in preparation for stopping.   

Surprise rippled through her when Hermione pushed her head down instead of pulling her away. There was a desperate look in those eyes and an answer soon followed as Fleur’s lips wrapped around one nipple and sucked. Fleur watched Hermione’s back arched, as a moan broke free, and those eyes went black as they watched her.   

Fleur’s body reacted as soon as Hermione gave her permission for more. Fingers dug into Hermione’s ass, to force her closer, and her tongue dragged over the tight nipple in her mouth. Not one to waste an opportunity, Fleur lavished Hermione’s chest with attention. Hermione writhed under her as Fleur got lost in the taste of Hermione on her lips and the warmth of Hermione’s center pressed into her. Her own hips rocked forward as the ache between her legs grew with each moan and gasp Fleur received.   

The hungry way Hermione watched Fleur was by far the sexiest thing she could do to Fleur. As if Hermione couldn’t bear to look away as Fleur showered her body with passionate touches. Fleur was overwhelmed by how much she needed Hermione. Her mouth added more marks to the new skin she had been offered. Another tug on Fleur’s head warned her just before she was pushed further down.   

Desire shot through her chest as she kissed down Hermione’s stomach as she approached the desire waiting for her. Their eyes stayed locked as Fleur continued her path downward. She didn’t want to assume anything, but the steady push was enough for her to hope. Her fingers curled into Hermione’s borrowed shorts, a question in her eyes.   

Hermione nodded as she lifted her hips. Fleur leaned back, her fingers trembled as she peeled the shorts down long legs. Her breath caught as the shorts dropped from her still fingers.   

“ You’re beautiful. I don’t even have the words to describe just how beautiful you are.”  

Fleur slipped into her native tongue, her English failed her as she gazed at Hermione. Hermione leaned up to pull Fleur down into a kiss. Their tongues tangled as Hermione tugged on Fleur’s pants.   

“Off,” Hermione complained.  

With a chuckle, Fleur untangled herself from Hermione to push her clothes to the ground. Hermione seemed to freeze once Fleur was naked before her. She wasn’t shy about her body, but there was something about the way Hermione looked at her that made her want to stay like this forever.   

When Hermione reached for her, Fleur caught her hand before she touched her. Fleur knew the second Hermione touched her, she wouldn’t be able to stop herself. It took only a moment for Hermione’s face to fall and try to tug her hand back, but Fleur held fast.  

“I’m not saying no,” Fleur said. “I just think we should move this to our bed because I won’t be able to stop if you touch me now.”  

Hermione blinked, desire returning to her eyes and a smirk on her lips. Fleur felt her heart crash into her chest as Hermione got to her feet. Her feet moved when Hermione led her towards the bedroom. She couldn’t take her eyes off Hermione, having a hard time grasping that they were doing this.   

Fleur forgot every worry she had as Hermione pulled her into the bedroom and onto their bed.  

********************************************************************  

Fleur sobbed into the hand she pressed against her mouth to stifle the sound. Her body shook with pain and anger. She didn't know what time or day it was. Ever since she got the patronus from Bill about Harry, Ron, and Hermione, everything had been a whirlwind.   

To walk into the room and see the state Hermione was in, broke her heart. There was so much blood. Hermione’s body shook with the aftereffects of the Cruciatus curse. She’d banished the others from the room as she set to work healing Hermione. It took everything in her not to transform or break down.   

After far too many hours, Hermione slept pain free and no longer trembling. Once satisfied, she slipped into the adjoining bathroom to cry. She’d been so close to losing Hermione and she wouldn’t have known. Three years. It didn’t feel like enough time.   

“Fleur,” came Hermione’s croaked voice.  

Fleur was out the door in a second, and knelt by the bed to make sure Hermione hadn’t started bleeding again.   

“I’m here, mom amour,” Fleur managed to get out.   

Pain-filled eyes gazed at her. They swirled with emotions, and it was clear Hermione hadn’t believed she would see her again. Fleur reached up, pushed strands of hair from Hermione’s sweaty face, before cradling her jaw.  

“You’re the best thing I’ve seen in months,” Hermione said. Tears clung to her eyelashes as a smile trembled on her lips.  

“That’s because you were stuck with Harry and Ron. I can’t imagine they were the epitome of handsome.”  

Hermione chuckled, but it devolved into coughing.   

“I don’t think I am either,” Hermione admitted, her eyes strayed to the bandage on her arm that covered the mark Bellatrix had left her.   

“Oh, ma belle, you are a vision.”  

“Your biased, my love.”  

“Oui, but I’ve seen all of you.”  

Hermione snorted, pressing into Fleur’s hand.   

“I’m skinnier now from lack of food.”  

“I’m not talking about your physical beauty, and you can add weight once this is over. Non, I’m speaking about seeing all of you. From the messy bed head to the frizzy hair when you’re stressed, the soft smile you get when you see me, or even the smirk you get when you’re about to ravish me. I’ve seen you happy, sad, angry, possessive, and at your lowest. You, mon amour, are…” The words caught in her throat. “You. Are. Everything. Knowing that I couldn’t be with you, that I didn’t know where you were or if you were safe. Even now, having you right in front of me, I have never felt more in love with you than I do at this moment. Your strength, your drive, your skill, they’re what makes you, you . I love you, Hermione. For today, tomorrow, and every day that you live in my heart.”  

“Fleur, you can’t keep doing that,” Hermione whined, trying to brush the tears from her face. “You make me hate this stupid mission we’re on that we need help on. I just want it to end. Take a long vacation.”  

“I hear France is wonderful this time of year,” Fleur teased.   

This got a laugh from Hermione.  

“I don’t think that’s the place to visit,” Hermione remarked causing Fleur to huff and playfully glare at her. “It seems like the perfect place to live. After all, we’ve spent enough time in England, but I think, five to ten years in France would give us enough time to gather the necessary information on which one we prefer.”  

“You’ve made a very sound argument,” Fleur grinned, her fingers threading with Hermione’s as tears fell down her face. “I do think five years is too short a time. Ten years would yield the best results.”  

“Then that’s what we’ll do when it’s all over.”  

********************************************************************  

Hermione craned her head back enough to take in the night sky. A smile tugged at her lips as her mind went back to a night five years ago when she took time to enjoy the night sky and the beautiful girl who taught her to love it. That same woman who was fast asleep in their shared bed and brand-new house.   

She often looked back on those early days with fondness. Years had passed since that fateful day when she found an upset Fleur in an empty classroom. Fifteen-year-old Hermione never would have believed that six years later this is where she’d end up. With a genuine conversation they both been lacking in their lives until that point. Her memories of that first year together were burned into her soul. They had been the driving force behind her fight to end the war. To fall asleep in the strong arms that protected her. The soft brush of lips as they kissed her forehead in the early morning hours.   

The war ended with loss and destruction. To this day, Hermione was unable to return to the place she had once thought of as a second home. She couldn’t stomach the memories those walls held for her. Her nightmares were bad enough without adding to them. While she made trips back to England, her feet found the right path for her in France. Madame Maxime had been kind enough to let her take her N.E.W.T courses at Beauxbatons. Fleur was pleased to finally show off the splendor of her school. Hermione fell in love with the white stone and beautiful scenery. It was the opposite of Hogwarts in every way. She was happy to let her girlfriend brag about Beauxbatons.   

Her scores returned two months later with sweeping high scores. High enough that Maxime arrived at the Delacour Chateau, where Fleur and Hermione were temporarily living, to offer Hermione a teaching job, personally. Fleur beamed with pride when Hermione accepted the position of Assistant Professor in Transfiguration. McGonagall sent a letter to express how proud she was that Hermione was finding her way. There was no guilting her about going to Beauxbatons over Hogwarts, which she had appreciated.   

Ron and Harry considered going to the Ministry to train to become Aurors. Hermione managed to talk them out of it. She reminded them they sacrificed enough for the sake of peace, and it was up to everyone else to help it stay that way. Ron jumped into easing the load on George at the shop. Harry reached out to Viktor, who got him a job as a Quidditch Sport’s Caster. Something that he adored and allowed him to travel alongside Ginny, who joined the Holyhead Harpies. Luna found her way to an apprenticeship with Newt Scamander, where she met Rolf Scamander. They got their name out there for their Magizoology work, with a book not far off from being printed. Neville returned to Hogwarts to apprentice with Professor Sprout before taking over her position as Herbology professor. Hermione was happy to lament with Neville about unruly children.   

Hermione reached into her pocket, fingers toying with the box that lay hidden inside. She planned to ask Fleur soon to marry her. Unsure what the best way to do it was. Her mind picked out ideas but, in the end, it came back to their tried-and-true form of taking their relationship to the next level. Her nerves about asking drove her from their warm bed and the love of her life’s arms. In the quiet moments, Hermione allowed herself to reflect on their relationship. To remember the good and the bad. Days spent falling in love. Hours lost to conversation. Weeks wrapped in their love. Despite three years of separation, they worked their way through it. Two years later, Hermione was standing outside trying to decide when to ask Fleur to marry her.   

It didn’t surprise her when strong arms wrapped around her waist and a gentle kiss was pressed into the back of her neck. Hermione sighed, leaning into Fleur’s warm embrace. She would spend eternity here if she could.   

“You’re up late,” Fleur said into her shoulder.  

“Just thinking.”   

“I’m grateful Maxime was able to get us a house this close to the school. I’d hate for you to have to travel far to return home.”   

“I think it had more to do with Apolline than either of us. Your mother is quite demanding when she wants something done for us.”   

Fleur chuckled.   

“It didn’t help that Gabi went on a tirade to Maxime about needing her sister and futures sister-in-law closer to her.”  

“A wonderful trait you all share,” Hermione teased.  

“I’m not near as pushy as my sister or mother,” Fleur huffed.  

“You got upset with me because I chose the wrong color bed sheets. Don’t lie.”   

“It was a terrible color! You were supposed to get a color that complimented the room.”   

“I was in a hurry, or did you forget Apolline demanded we show up on time for once?” Hermione shot back. She twisted enough to look Fleur in the eye.   

Fleur’s eyes danced because it was generally Fleur’s fault that they were late to every family dinner. Hermione would argue that if Fleur kept her hands to herself, they wouldn’t be late. Fleur would respond with a reminder that Hermione didn’t have to give in to her advances if she was worried about being late. Apolline would just shake her head at their antics and started staggering the time they should be there with the actual time a family dinner started.   

“No matter how many times you say it’s my fault, you’re just as much to blame as I am.”   

“I was never late until I met you.”   

“Maybe you should stop changing in front of me and we wouldn’t be late,” Fleur shot back.   

“I tried that. You pouted for day s when I did that.”   

Hermione didn’t let Fleur respond. Instead, she turned enough to capture Fleur’s lips in a soft kiss. Arms flexed around her waist to draw her closer as Fleur took control of the kiss. She melted when Fleur deepened the kiss. It didn’t matter that they were already going on year seven. Kissing Fleur felt as wonderful as it did the first time they kissed.   

“There’s something I’ve been meaning to talk to you about,” Hermione said when the kiss broke.  

Fleur shook her head to clear the haze from her mind as Hermione turned around to face her.   

“Oh?”   

Fleur smiled as her blue eyes glinted with the light from the stars. Hermione momentarily forgot she wanted to talk about something as she watched the way Fleur’s eyes swirled. It reminded her of the images of a galaxy spinning. Only this wasn’t with stars, but with Fleur’s emotions. She was breathtaking.   

“I feel like our experiment has run its course,” Hermione admitted. She kept her tone serious even as she felt Fleur tense beneath her hands.   

“You’ve collected the data you were looking for?”   

She didn’t miss the way Fleur fought to keep her voice steady. It made her wonder why Fleur tensed when they moved their relationship forward. One day she would ask but she had more important things to talk about.   

“I did.” Fleur watched her with an intensity that warmed her to her toes. “Two years ago, you collected enough information to determine that a deeper emotional connection had been reached. I’ve went over the last four years to see if more data was needed or if a consensus could be reached.”  

“What information did you gather?”   

Hermione tilted her head as she thought about how she wanted to phrase the conversation.   

“Emotional development seems unhindered by time, distance, or war,” Hermione began. “It’s clear that the feelings created a connection which appears solid and unbroken. Communication, while rocky for a while, found a middle ground, allowing a positive strength to the building connection. Despite attempts from outside forces, it became clear that with the emotional development and communication skills, the participants were able to find complementary career plans. One working towards a permanent position that indicated moving back to England wasn’t needed. The other worked to secure a coveted career as a top contender in their field which led to a permanent position and a need to remain in their current dwelling. Even though a time frame hadn’t been set, it appears to have benefited them in the long run.”  

“It would appear the experiment yielded favorable results if the intention was for the participants to move onto the next experiment.”   

Fleur’s voice was steady as she spoke, but Hermione could hear the hope that lingered in the background.   

“That is the conclusion I was heading towards. Until I remembered that a very important topic had been overlooked in my initial results. It was by sheer luck that the finer details came back to me before completing the report of my findings. This pushed back publishing the results. There was a heavy emphasis on physical compatibility that could sway the results from favorable to unfavorable.”   

Hermione shook her head, as if she was upset she left out that important information.  

“Thankfully, I had the results on hand to add to the data waiting for me. It took quite a while to piece through the surprisingly massive amounts of tests that had been conducted on physical compatibility.”   

That single sentence broke Fleur’s focused expression. Her eyes darkened with desire and a smirk followed her words. The only break Fleur allowed during their nerdy courtship dance.  

“After far too much time, I was able to determine that the addition of physical compatibility only made the answer clear. The experiment has shown that the participants were ready to move onto the next phase.”  

Hermione reached into her pocket to remove the ring box that waited for her. Fleur’s eyes welled up with tears, and her smile was everything she needed.   

“Nothing would make me happier than moving onto the next experiment with you,” Hermione began, doing her best to get the words out before she cried. “I can’t imagine a life where you are not at my side, challenging me, loving me, and constantly finding new experiments for us to do together. I want to spend my mornings waking up to your forehead kisses, my days working with you to build a future, and my nights curled in the safety of your arms. After waking up in Shell Cottage and seeing the pain you were in from saving my life, I knew you were the one I wanted to spend my life with. When you held me at the end of the war, I promised myself I would marry you. Fleur, will you take on the next experiment with me, marriage?”   

A sob broke free from Fleur. Tears made their way down a smiling face. The love she saw another wonderful memory that burned into her soul. This woman, who had given her shelter from the war, was her future. Her home.   

“I’ve never wanted anything more than to follow you through every experiment life has to offer us,” Fleur said through tears. “Marriage is just another step in the future we have together. Oui, I will marry you today, tomorrow, or three months from now.”  

Hermione couldn’t hold back her own tears as she slipped the ring on Fleur’s finger.   

They would face the future together.  

**************************************************************************  

Eighteen Years Later....  

Rose raced through the halls of Beauxbatons, her face bright red, and all she wanted to do was find a quiet place to lament her struggles in peace. She took the long way around the chateau to avoid her Mum’s classroom. If she got too close to the door, her Mum would appear to check on her, and that was the last thing she wanted right now. In a stroke of luck, Maman was not already at the school, or she would be fending off her Veela mom. Their Veela connection made it almost impossible for her to hide anything from Maman. This was one thing she was determined to keep locked away from the world.   

Inside the main floor of her dormitory, she raced upstairs to her sister’s room. Not because she wanted to talk to her, but because she knew her sister wouldn’t be there. Dominique had Quidditch practice at this time and was far enough away that her Veela wouldn’t give her away. Most days Rose didn’t mind her Veela heritage, but it made keeping a secret damn near impossible. She still had no idea how her Mum, who wasn’t Veela, could still read her like an open book.   

After a quick check, she let out a sigh of relief at seeing Dom’s dormitory empty. Her roommates were scattered around the school. Rose dropped her bag and climbed into Dom’s bed. While it wasn’t often her Veela side reared its head, today was one of those days. That meant she would calm down faster than being with her sister or parents. Instead, she settled on curling in her sister’s bed.   

Her heart still crashed into her chest and a blush lingered on her face.   

Years. She had spent years listening to her family and their weird habits. Maman had no shame in teasing her children with stories about how they got together. She would recount the initial meeting where she had challenged Mum to kiss her. It had led to years of ‘experiments’ that moved their relationship from friendship, to dating, to marriage, and to children. Mum would chime in to remind Maman that she was the one who had the guts to get them further in their relationship and if they waited for her, they’d never have gotten married. Which led Maman to add her own remarks about saying ‘I love you’ first and bringing up their greatest experiment, children. Dom enjoyed their stories, often talking in the nerd speak her family was known for. It drove Rose insane because her family was weird . Maman proudly framed their vows from their wedding. They hadn’t taken turns with separate vows but had gone back and forth, line by line, in vows they’d written together. Her extended family still teased them over their nerdy courtship.   

It would be just her luck that her family's weird habits had rubbed off on her and she had no idea what to do about it. Even the thought of the ‘Incident’ was enough to bring the blush back to her face.   

She was in the middle of mentally berating herself when the door of the dormitory opened, and Dom stood in the doorway. Her silvery blonde hair was pulled back out of her face, dark blue eyes tracking over the room until they settled on Rose curled in her bed. Dom’s thrall washed over her, allowing her Veela to settle. Dom swung her broom off her shoulder as she approached Rose, who pushed herself into a sitting position. She should have known better than to believe she could hide her inner turmoil from her older sister.   

“What’s got you out of sorts?” Dom asked in the same blunt manner Maman did.   

Dom was the mirror image of Maman. Silvery blonde hair, pale skin, and deep blue eyes. At seventeen, Dom was just as tall as their Veela mother. While she looked like Maman, she had inherited their Mum’s personality. She was driven, book smart, had struggled with personal connections, and an inherent need to argue with people. It led to Dom butting heads with their Mum.   

Rose was a cross between their parents. While she hadn’t inherited the silvery blonde hair, her hair was a golden brown that leaned more towards golden than brown. Her skin was the same shade as their Mum’s, but she had the Delacour blue eyes. She also had more curves than her older sister. Rose had a mixture of her parent’s personalities. Early in life, she gained a better grasp on her emotions, appearing almost aloof in much the same fashion as her Maman did. Her drive and book smarts were in the same field as Dom’s, but she was more laid back and less prone to the stress Dom carried with her.   

“I was an idiot,” Rose admitted, she buried her face into her hands. The admission was enough to make her blush again.  

“How were you an idiot?”   

“I...well..” Rose blew out a breath, lifting her head to meet her sister’s curious gaze. “You know how Mum and Maman always talked about their nerdy courtship ritual?”   

Dom snorted.  

“Maman has no shame, but I think that’s a combination of being Veela and the love she has for Mum.”   

Rose nodded in agreement. They often lamented about catching their parents in compromising positions. Veela didn’t care about nudity or sex, it was a topic often brought up amongst Veela. Love and family were the core of what Veela were. Sex was an expression of that love and celebrated. As children, they learned early to accept all aspects of their Veela heritage. By the age of six, most Veela children had grown out of being bothered by catching their parents having sex. It was used as a reminder that love was present in the marriage.   

“You know Evelyn King?”   

Dom hummed as she tried to remember who the girl was.  

“She’s that...fifth year you’ve mentioned a few times. The transfer student from the U.S. Pretty brunette with electric green eyes.”   

“That would be her.”  

“What about her? She seems nice enough if a little distant from the other kids.”   

“I bumped into her on my way out of the library.”  

Dom stared at her, wondered what had her sister tied up in knots about talking to this girl. Rose had never shown any interest in boys or girls. Their Mum reminded Dom that Rose would find someone interesting to her in time. It was another way that Rose favored their brunette mother. Dom was just as brash as Maman was. She’d had a few casual flings and one semi-serious relationship that fell apart four months in because of jealousy.   

“Are you going to tell me?” Dom asked when the silence continued.  

“I sort of...panicked. I blurted out a bunch of random facts about the book she was carrying.”  

“What’s so bad about that?”   

Rose groaned her face bright red. Dom’s eyebrows shot up at seeing the blush on her younger sister’s face. Did Rose have a crush?   

“It wasn’t bad at first. She asked me how I knew all that information. I mentioned our parents were big on experiments and how a simple conversation about initial attraction led to their marriage. When she asked how that happened, I sort of blurted out that we’d need to recreate the experiment to get the best understanding.”   

“You didn’t?” Dom gasped. There was no way her baby sister, who hated their parent’s weird flirting, would do the exact same thing to someone else.   

“I did. I really did that.”   

“What did she say?”  

“I ran off before she could say anything. I panicked! This is awful! I need to transfer schools and change my name. There is no way in hell Mum and Maman would let this go without teasing me! Nope, I am going to go pack my things and go live with Uncle Harry and Aunt Ginny. Yes, that’s a great idea. It’s only two years of school.”   

Dom launched herself across the short distance to keep her sister from rushing off. Rose fought her for all of three seconds before she collapsed onto the bed. She did her best to ignore the knowing smile on Dom’s face or the happy twirl her Veela did in her chest.   

“You’re being dramatic, and Maman will be pleased to know you got that from her,” Dom teased.  

“This isn’t funny. What am I going to do?”   

“Talk to her? It never occurred to me you would be the one who used nerd flirting with a girl. I mean, I’m proud that you even flirted, but was not expecting that.”   

“She’s so pretty,” Rose admitted. “That was my first time talking to her. So I wasn’t going to, but I couldn’t seem to keep my big mouth shut.”   

“You’re lucky Maman isn’t here right now. She would drag you around the school until you found the girl and talked to her.”   

Rose smacked Dom’s arm at her teasing.  

“Can you be serious? I’m freaking out.”   

Dom cooed before she wrapped around her.   

“You don’t need to freak out,” Dom did her best to soothe her sister. “I won’t tell them about your nerd flirting because I feel like that’s something you need to tell them. Give it a couple days and then approach her. You can tell her I gave you a cheesy pickup line, and you’re embarrassed you said it.”   

“Won’t that be admitting I have a crush on her?”   

“I think there is no way around that one.”   

Rose curled into her sister, trying to figure out what she should do.   

************************************************************  

When Rose woke the next day, she planned to take her sister’s advice and give it a couple days before she got anywhere near Evelyn. It worked for most of the day until she left the library early to spend time with her family.   

Once again, she bumped right into the other girl.   

Rose felt tongue tied and embarrassed when those green eyes met hers. Her flight or fight mode kicked in and she rocked back on her heels, intent on running away. While her Veela hated the idea of running from a beautiful girl, she was terrified of saying something else that would embarrass her.   

“Wait,” Evelyn reached out for her to keep her in place.   

Surprised, Rose froze, unsure what was happening.   

“Uh...” Rose said, her eyes darted around, looking for an escape. She considered jumping through the window, but she was pretty sure Madame Maxime had spelled them against such drastic measures.   

“I just had a question,” Evelyn hurried to say. “Is now a good time?”   

“Yeah...uh...yes, I’ve got a minute.”   

A shy smile settled on Evelyn’s face and once again, Rose was lost. What could Evelyn possibly have to ask her?   

“You mentioned that...the best way to understand your parent’s relationship was to recreate it. Would you...can we...I’d like to try it, if you want to.”   

Her jaw dropped. Literally, dropped. This was a dream, right? There was no way this very pretty girl could possibly be asking Rose to recreate the experiment that had led to their parent’s marriage. Yet, the blush on Evelyn’s face seemed to tell her she was serious with her request.  

“You...want to try it? With me?” Rose said. Her words sounded distant to her own ears.  

“I think it would be fun,” Evelyn admitted. “We both love learning, but if you weren’t serious about it...”  

“No, I mean, I was...serious that is. If that’s what you want.”   

Evelyn beamed at her despite the blush on her face. Rose felt her face heat with the realization of what she just agreed to. Her Veela crooned in her chest and her heartbeat was so loud that she worried she was going to pass out.   

“Is there something specific about the conversation or it was a bit spur of the moment?”  

Rose blinked, took in the dozen or so students milling around the hallway. It just occurred to her they were in a very public place.  

“Uh, this conversation is better talked about…somewhere else,” Rose managed even if she felt like she was in a fever dream.  

Evelyn nodded, her head turning to see the other students.  

“I know somewhere.”  

“Lead the way.”  

Rose fell in step beside Evelyn and wondered if this was what an out-of-body experience felt like. Neither spoke as they walked, but each sported a blush on their face. Rose bit her lip to not blurt the first thing that popped into her head. She still had no idea what happened and wasn’t convinced this wasn’t a dream. Even as Evelyn led her into an empty classroom that hosted various clubs. She found a spot to lean against one of the desks while Evelyn turned a chair to face her before sitting down.   

The silence felt stifling, but Rose had no clue what to say. She wished she talked more to Dom last night. Her sister was far better at flirting than Rose could ever hope to be.  

“How did your moms meet?” Evelyn was the one to break the silence.   

Rose tilted her head recalling her Maman’s face and the way she lit up whenever she got the chance to talk about it. Even from a young age, she could see the love her parents had. It was clear for the world to see anytime they were together or mentioned around them. Just recalling the excitement Maman spoke with as she recounted their first meeting brought a smile to her face. She missed the way Evelyn watched her.  

“Maman spent her final year of school in England, at Hogwarts,” Rose recounted. “Mum was in her…fourth year at school. Maman traveled to compete in the Tri-Wizard tournament and made Champion for Beauxbatons. This was all before the war. Maman struggled to deal with all the changes. She hated the cold, the students were like lovesick puppies and had no resistance to Veela magic. From the moment she became Champion, she was under a lot of scrutiny and pressure. After a rather rough day, she went to blow off steam. She spelled the door to keep anyone from entering. In the middle of a rather impressive tantrum, as Mum refers to it, the door opens and in walks Mum.”  

Rose chuckled, shook her head as she remembered the rather elaborate additions her Maman made about the first time she looked at Mum.   

“Maman would say that it was love at first sight, but Mum always reminded her it took her two years to admit to being in love, while Mum figured it out on their first date.”  

Evelyn chuckled along with her. Absorbed in the story Rose was telling. Rose realized how wonderful her parent’s love story was. After hearing it far too much over the years, she was blind to how it felt being the one to recount it for someone outside of her family.  

“Mum offered to keep Maman company. They sat in silence for a while, until Maman couldn’t stop her curiosity from spilling over. Dom gets that from Maman. They started talking, and Maman was trying to charm Mum. Rather than give into Maman’s blatant flirting, she began teasing her instead. Maman boasted about how it only took a smile to get someone’s attention and Mum shrugged it off, calling it okay.”  

“Did she really?” Evelyn gasped, eyes wide.  

Rose laughed and nodded her head.  

“Mum said she wasn’t about to let some brash, bold, albeit pretty girl, sweep her off her feet with a smile. She wanted something of substance. That’s how they got into the conversation about initial attraction. Mum teased her about how the collective student body seemed to favor Maman’s ass as her best asset.”  

“And she talks about your Maman being bold.”  

“Right! Well, Maman wasn’t about to just let the subject go and told her she wanted to know what Mum thought her best asset was or if she was biased because of group consensus. Mum was quick to lay out the different things that could draw someone in during a first encounter that fell under initial attraction.”  

“Like smile, eyes, intelligence, or any number of physical attributes,” Evelyn said with a knowing smile.   

Rose beamed.  

“Exactly that. Mum disregarded most of Maman’s looks and challenged her to show off her intelligence. At the end, Mum called Maman’s intelligence ‘passable.’”  

“Sounds like your Mum was really making her work for it.”  

“Always. Of course, Mum tried to dodge the question about her own thoughts on if Maman was attractive. Maman tried to get her to agree to more ‘observations,’ but Mum said it was only about the initial attraction. As Mum went to leave, in a moment of brilliance, at least in Maman’s eyes, she challenged Mum. Stating she missed a category in her observation. Observation versus-“  

“What’s known,” Evelyn finished with a laugh. “That was clever.”  

“Maman thinks so.”  

They lapsed into silence. Rose’s mind drifted to other memories of her parent’s nerd courtship. She felt closer to them, having talked about their love.   

“What are your views on initial attraction?” Evelyn’s question snapped Rose back to the present. A little surprised by the intensity in Evelyn’s eyes.  

“I…well…to be honest, I’ve never thought much about it,” Rose hesitated to admit.  

“You’ve never found someone attractive?” Surprise colored her words and Rose flushed.   

“Dom is more inclined to notice people or be noticed by people.”  

“While I’ve no doubt your sister gets her fair share of attention, you can’t possibly expect me to believe you don’t, too.”  

Rose shook her head. Unsure what to say. She’d never considered how it would look that she didn’t find anyone interesting or thought about how no one approached her like they did with Dom. While it wasn’t something she thought about, it was at the forefront of her mind now.  

“Then I guess this is the perfect time to find out,” Evelyn said.   

Rose blinked in surprise by the edge in Evelyn’s voice, but found the other girl standing in front of her. Those green eyes seemed to pierce into her soul, and she had a vague recollection of Dom describing them as ‘electric’.   

“Find out what?”   

Evelyn’s smile was soft and shy. Her shyness didn’t seem to stop her from what she said next.   

“When I first transferred here, I heard all about the two daughters of the most popular professor here,” Evelyn began.   

“Mum will be happy to hear that.”  

Evelyn gave her a playful glare that had Rose snapping her mouth shut.   

“I heard a lot about Dom. Her larger-than-life personality, easy-going nature, and her devastating good looks. It took a few days before I heard about you. Mostly, the students couldn’t figure you out. They thought you were aloof, uncaring. Overall, most of the students found you far more attractive than your sister.”  

“Now I know you’re messing with me,” Rose glared at the other girl.   

“I’m not, I promise,” Evelyn added. “I’ve heard a lot of them talking about you. Everyone agrees that you’re smart, focused, and dedicated in a way that isn’t overwhelming. Your eyes seem to glow depending on your mood. They’ve also pointed out how you have fuller curves than your sister and your hair is a combination of golds and browns that defies mere human DNA. Most of the students believe your most attractive feature is your eyes.”  

Rose bit her lip, her mixed emotions forced her to break eye contact. She had no idea what to do about what Evelyn said. Part of her doubted what she’d heard, and another part found it hard to deny. It made it almost impossible to refute her statement when Evelyn spoke with such conviction.  

“Where does that place you?”   

They both seemed surprised by Rose’s bold words, but it drew a playful smile from Evelyn. She was pleased that Rose had taken the bait. Rose knew she couldn’t back down now.   

Evelyn leaned forward a bit in a way that looked like an unconscious decision. Rose found herself captured in sparkling green eyes that sent a shock down her spine. Despite the unease she felt, she held her ground. She was a Delacour, after all, and they didn’t back down for anyone.   

“Well,” Evelyn dragged out the word. “First, I noticed your eyes and the way you blushed after you ran into me. I can see why everyone likes them so much.”  

“We aren’t talking about everyone else.”  

“Second,” Evelyn continued, as if Rose hadn’t spoken. “You showed off your intelligence when you started rambling about the book I got from the library. Third, I got a good view of your body when you headed down the hall. Fourth, now that I’ve finally seen your smile, I can add that to the list. It’s a lot of information to process.”  

“Seems like something you’d be able to handle. After all, it’s only an initial observation, which gives you less information to process.”  

Evelyn hummed. A slight tilt of her head as she processed her words. After a moment, a slight smile tugged at her lips.  

“That…is very true. It might take some time to gather my findings. Don’t you usually have dinner with your family around this time?”  

Rose jolted, looking down at the watch she’d been gifted by her Mum when she started school. It would take her ten minutes to get to her Mum’s class and she was already fifteen minutes late.  

“I do and I’m already late,” Rose grimaced. In the back of her mind, she prayed her parents wouldn’t ask too many questions. “Then I’ll expect a full report later.”  

“Of course,” Evelyn smiled as Rose headed for the door.   

Rose returned the smile despite the nerves tightening her stomach. As she headed for the door and just as her hand touched the handle, she stopped.   

“Although,” Rose said. Was she about to do this? “I can’t help but notice you’re missing something important.”  

She turned to look at Evelyn, who seemed confused.  

“What did I miss?”  

“You haven’t put any of it to the test yet.” Her heart hammered in her chest as the words fell from her mouth.  

“I don’t understand.”  

“It’s observation versus what’s known.”  

It took a moment before Evelyn’s lips pulled into a smile. Rose watched as Evelyn approached her, feeling her legs shake with each step Evelyn took. She came to a stop just inches from her. A slight, teasing smile on her face that made Rose melt.  

“Well, we can’t have that.”  

Evelyn closed the distance between them, one hand rested on her hip, and the other slid into her hair until she grasped the back of her neck. Soft lips pressed against her own and her breath caught in her chest. Her mind took a second to kick start and when she did, she leaned into the kiss.   

It felt as easy as breathing, kissing Evelyn. Their lips glided against each other as if they’d come together for that purpose. Her hands found hips that fit in her hands.   

Evelyn pulled back first, her eyes a stormy electric green, before she surged forward to kiss her again. Rose groaned at the heat in that kiss. Her head tilted as she deepened the kiss and pulled a moan from Evelyn as her fingers dug in harder. The kiss was all fire and passion.   

As much as she didn’t want to leave, she was already late. Any later and she wouldn’t hear the end of it. Rose slowed their pace down to bring their kiss to a natural conclusion. Hazy eyes met desire filled ones. She leaned in one last time for a quick kiss before she pulled away to make a dash for her Mum’s classroom.  

“Hey, Rose,” Evelyn called out just before she left the room.  

“Yes?”  

“It’s your ass, just so you know.”  

Rose laughed even as her face burned bright red.  

“Then the next time I see you we can discuss the next experiment.”  

“I look forward to it.”  

With a shake of her head, Rose stepped into the hallway with a smile on her face. Her feet took her down the familiar route to her Mum’s class while she thought over everything that just happened.   

She felt like she was floating and her Veela buzzed in her veins.   

Her mind was so preoccupied that it took her far longer than it should have to feel the press of Veela thrall against her own. By then it was too late to hide her emotions and now her Maman, sister, and Mum knew something was up.   

Prepped for whatever she was about to face, she pushed the door open to the classroom and into the adjoining room set aside for them. Her feet barely crossed the threshold before strong arms lifted her off the floor.  

“Maman!” Rose complained as her face was covered in enthusiastic kisses. She wriggled, trying her best to get her Veela mom to let her go.   

“Not until you explain why you’re late and what it has to do with your happiness,” Fleur demanded.   

“My love, put our daughter down,” Hermione said, her voice firm.  

“I won’t.”  

“She can’t tell us anything if you’re smothering her. Didn’t we agree not to push the girls and wait for them to come talk to us?”  

Fleur pouted, shooting her wife a betrayed look. Hermione just crossed her arms and raised her eyebrow. Rose was still stuck in the air in Fleur’s arms while Dom watched from her spot at the table.   

“Fine,” Fleur huffed as she set her youngest down. She maintained her grip around Rose just long enough to place her usual kiss on her forehead.  

“I missed you too,” Rose said as she smiled at Fleur.   

Fleur’s face softened as she led Rose to the table.   

“Glad that you could make it,” Hermione said a slight smile tugging on her lips.  

“Please, it’s not like you and Maman can ever be on time for anything,” Rose shot back.   

“That’s because your mother can’t keep her hands to herself.”  

“I see no reason why I have to,” Fleur responded affecting the haughty air she used to show how much she didn’t care. “You’re my wife , I have every right to enjoy everything that comes with it.”  

“We know,” Dom and Rose said together.   

Hermione snorted, shaking her head as she shot Fleur a look. Fleur just rolled her eyes and leaned over to kiss Hermione’s cheek.  

“Can we please eat before you two start that?” Dom complained, eyeing her parents warily.   

“You two act like this is something new,” Fleur looked at them, her thrall reminding them they were loved.   

“It’s not but we are both out of the house. Can’t you save it until you get home?”   

“We do. Can we eat? Since our daughter decided to be a half hour late.” Hermione jumped in to cut off the argument she knew was brewing between Fleur and Dom.   

“Yes, please, let’s eat,” Rose added.  

“Nice job making them more suspicious,” Dom teased.  

“Dom,” Hermione warned, and it was enough to keep Dom from teasing Rose further.  

As they ate dinner, they caught up talking about school, work, and family. Fleur launched into their Aunt Gabi’s latest misadventure. Swearing that Apolline’s hair was turning gray from all the trouble Gabi was still causing.   

Once dinner ended, they retired to the small sitting area.   

“I’m glad your moods improved since yesterday,” Hermione couldn’t stop from teasing Rose.  

“Dom!” Rose shot her older sister a glare.  

“I didn’t say anything! I swear. You know how Mum is,” Dom was quick to defend herself.   

“How do you know anything was wrong with me?”   

Hermione laughed.   

“Don’t give me that look. I’ve dealt with your mother’s thrall for years and don’t even get me started on the clan. As much as it comes as a surprise to you, I did happen to help raise you. I know when one of you is having a bad day. It didn’t hurt that I spotted your sister leaving practice early.”  

Rose groaned, burying her face in her hands as her blush returned full force.   

“How do you I wasn’t off talking to a girl?” Dom questioned.  

Hermione snorted and Fleur chuckled.   

“I can tell when you’re excited about that. Besides, you’ve never left a Quidditch practice for anyone. That you did, meant it had something to do with your sister.”  

“Are we not allowed to have secrets in this family?” Rose’s complaint was muffled against her hands.  

“Honey, you are more than welcome to keep secrets,” Fleur said in a soothing tone. “You can take as long as you need to tell us. We just want you to know that we are here for you both.”  

“I know. It’s just so embarrassing.”  

With her head down, she wasn’t able to see the look her parents exchanged or the way Dom tried to hold in her laughter.   

“It’s not that bad,” Dom said to get her sister to calm down.  

“Maybe not, but if I tell them, it will be.”  

“Probably, but you’ll fit in just fine.”  

“I already do!” Rose snapped at her sister.   

“Dom, stop teasing your sister.” Hermione said in her stern tone. Hermione was the only one who could keep Dom in line with a few words.   

“Yes, Mum.”  

“I…” Rose began. “Fuck it, I did the same stupid nerd flirting that you two did when you met,” she said in a rush, keeping her eyes down.  

Hermione had to grab Fleur before her wife burst from the couch to rush towards Rose. Her eyes cut to her eldest daughter, who was grinning at her sister. It didn’t surprise Hermione that out of their two children it would be Rose who rambled her way into a similar situation. Fleur vibrated in her arms, the desire to say or do something overwhelming her.   

“That’s…a surprise,” Hermione commented, keeping her tone even despite the smile on her face.  

“Is it?” Rose demanded, blue eyes locking on her own.  

Hermione still felt a rush when she looked into her daughter’s eyes. The identical match to their blonde mother. It warmed her heart.   

“No.”  

“I mean, it couldn’t have gone that bad since you floated in here,” Dom pointed out.   

“She…wanted me to…show her what I meant when I told her it’s easier to show her the ‘experiments’ that led to our parents falling in love,” Rose admitted.  

“Did you?”   

Rose shifted in her seat before she let out a sigh and nodded. The room fell silent. Fleur was openly crying and pressed her hands into her mouth. Dom’s eyes were wide with surprise and respect. Hermione didn’t stop her smile from taking over her face. Rose complained about growing up hearing about their courtship and vowed to never do something like that. That Rose had done just that was a surprise. If her daughter was this tied up about someone, that must mean they were special.   

Hermione released the hold she had on Fleur, who launched herself across the space to tackle their youngest. Rose let out a loud yelp as she found herself with her Maman on her lap and crushing her in a hug. The image of Fleur perched on Rose was enough to make Hermione and Dom start laughing.  

“I knew it. I knew it,” Fleur crooned as she kissed Rose’s head. “You’re just like your Mum at this age. Bold and brash when it matters and willing to back up your rambling, no matter how uncomfortable you feel. She must be very pretty if she had you rambling to where you challenge a girl.”  

“Maman, I’m not a little kid anymore,” Rose complained. “Yes, she’s very pretty and I didn’t mean to do it.”  

“You think we did?” Hermione laughed. “I just stumbled upon a cranky Veela who decided that flirting with me made her feel better.”  

“I wasn’t flirting with you to feel better. I was flirting with you because you treated me like I was a real person. There was nothing sexier than you respecting me. It’s not my fault you kissed me first.”  

“It very much is! You challenged my ability to gather information about a topic. That topic just happened to be about what I found most attractive about you.”  

“Look at us now, teasing our baby girl about flirting the same way you did.”  

“This is literally my worst nightmare.”  

“It’s not that bad,” Dom reminded her. “Look how it turned out for our family. Even if it doesn’t get that far, well, now you’ve found your way to flirt.”  

“Why me?”  

Hermione laughed, getting to her feet to pull Fleur off Rose.   

“Get going you two. You can tell us all about her when you’re ready.”  

“We love you,” Fleur added.   

Rose left the room, Dom’s arm slung over her shoulder and couldn’t help but wonder what awaited her in the future.