Chapter 11: Feat Accomplished
A/N: Sorry for the lack of updates, but for a few days there, I just stopped writing. I hope this chapter makes my absence worthwhile. AS usual, thank you to my wonderful reviewers. I want to ask you guys a favor: a few weeks ago, my beta's mother was diagnosed with a lymphoma, a tumor in her chest. I am a bit depressed, seeing as she has not written to me since she told me this; can't blame her but can't blame me for not being worried. So please, I ask for your prayers. I'll be eternally grateful, thanks. Now:
Mat: Thank you Mat. Are you French? Wow, well, I don't know about the accent, but JK Rowling puts it that way in her book, worse actually, so…maybe you can answer that question for me?
quietlylurking: Thank you, I'm flattered. Yeah well, we both know Hermione can be temperamental sometimes, with or without Fleur's influence lol!
davaca: Thanks a lot. I must admit, coming from you that means a lot, since you are very picky about the fics you read. No pun intended, I'm that way too. Thanks a lot for pointing Hermione's reaction (the reason it is put in the chapter) and I hope the chapter makes up for your wanted update.
akjennymay9- well, Harry isn't getting the short end of the stick in this chappie, I assure you! So you like Sean, because we don't officially know if Oliver has an accent. Dare to dream!
Kindaliketom: Thanks. Does that mean you would read more of my fics? Well, sorry, but Oliver and Fleur get their fight without Ron meddling. Ups!
Harry85: Bear with me here! The greatest weapon on Hermione is insecurity and she knows Harry would never intentionally hurt her, but she just couldn't help it. And about Darcelle, you're just about right.
Talia: Well, Fleur isn't like every wizard, she's part Veela and everyone knows about Quidditch, she just doesn't know how to play it. About Sirius and Oliver, this is AU, I never agreed with Rowling about killing Sirius and Oliver is necessary for my plot.
MissLexiRE: What do you mean a cold pool? I just said it was heated…I don't quite understand you. Why would she be diving in a cold pool if England is cold? Thanks for your compliments. I loved the `Bite me' too!
Thank you so much! Keep them coming, you guys keep me going! Now, without further ado, enjoy!
As soon as Fleur spat her comment, she brought a hand to her mouth in horror. Seeing Hermione's wide eyes, she immediately regretted what she had done.
" `Ermione, oh God, I'm sorry, I didn't mean…"
"You're right," Hermione whispered, tears falling silently down her pale cheeks. "He did say that and wow, I thought the world was going to explode with stars at that moment. I felt like the luckiest witch in the world. If only he had meant them…" Hermione's voice trailed off as her body collapsed on the floor, trembling with uncontrollable sobs.
" `Ermione!" Fleur managed to catch her by her shoulders and sit her down gently, hugging her immediately afterwards. "I'm sorry `Ermione. Look, I don't know `Arry that much, but I am certain `zat…"
"Fleur, could we just not **hiccup** talk about Harry right now?" Hermione pleaded.
"Of course, `Erm, I'm sorry…"
"Don't be. Anyway, we both know that is not Oliver's case," Hermione returned to the previous theme.
Fleur stiffened. She had forgotten all about Darcelle…
****
After talking for a while, Fleur convinced Hermione to accompany her to the Quidditch field, just in case she had to stop her from blowing up Darcelle. Hermione wasn't too keen on the idea, but nevertheless decided to grant her friend's request. She couldn't avoid Harry forever.
****
Fleur went to the locker room to change into practice robes. Today, it was an all teams practice. Dumbledore had been pressing the need for improving the relationships between houses, so why not start with the house Quidditch teams?
Fleur groaned at the thought of seeing Darcelle all through practice, but decided not to give much importance to the matter; after all, she had Oliver.
While her friend was changing, Hermione waited outside. She regretted doing so however, when Ginny came into sight.
"Still angry, are you Hermione?" Ginny's mouth curled into grin.
Hermione sighed, trying to compose herself. She tried to think that Ginny hadn't gotten over her infatuation for Harry and maybe she didn't know that she and Harry were together; but that didn't give her excuse to…
"You know, it's funny. Personally, I couldn't care less," she spat before she could stop herself, but wouldn't meet Ginny's eyes. Deep down, she was still hurt.
"Does that mean I can keep Harry then?" Ginny asked eagerly.
That did it. Hermione lost control of herself. She took Ginny by the neck of her robes.
"If you touch one hair of Harry's head, I swear I'll hex you into next…"
Hermione felt someone take her by her arms and in just seconds, she had drawn some distance from Ginny.
" `Ermione, let's go," came Fleur's voice as she led her to the benches on the field.
By the time they got there, Hermione's face was dampened by tears. Fleur couldn't help but take a seat by her friend's side.
" `Ermione, do you want me to stay? I'll tell Oliver I couldn't make it," Fleur pulled her into a hug, but Hermione wouldn't let her feel sorry for her.
"No. Go. I'll be all right," she assured her.
"You're sure?"
"Positive. Go on. Have fun."
Fleur walked towards the Quidditch field, ready for practice. Darcelle mounted her broom the minute she saw her, riding towards the Gryffindor's warm up spot, as the pitch had been divided for the four teams to fit in. She specifically aimed for Oliver, who was putting some Quaffles in order, and pretended to fall from her broom, landing exactly on top of the Gryffindor Quidditch captain with a soft gasp.
"Sorry. Must be a little out of shape," Dracelle smiled down at Oliver, who returned it with a thin smile of his own.
"It's fine. That's what practice is for, right?"
This struck Fleur like a bolt of lightning and she ran furiously to the other end of the pitch, paying no attention to her team whatsoever. Unfortunately, she tripped over Ron in the process.
"Hey! Long time no see." To Fleur's annoyance, Ron's face turned as red as a tomato.
"Ron, not right now, okay?" Fleur responded as politely as she could, but her patience was running out, fast.
"So, you got on the Quidditch team? Didn't know a girl like you took interest in sports." Ron kept up the conversation.
"Ron…"
She was relieved when Ginny called her red haired companion, so the team could finalize the pre-practice arrangements. Fleur sighed and went towards Oliver, who was getting up.
"Gee Darcelle, are you all right? `Ope you don't have anyzing broken," Fleur cooed, resisting the awful temptation to rip Darcelle's head apart.
"Fortunately no. Luckily Oliver caught moi," Darcelle gave Fleur a wicked smile.
"Or was it you `zat caught `im? Jeez, `zese `zings can be so confusing," Fleur couldn't stop the sarcasm, but before she could send Darcelle somewhere, such as France, Oliver took her hand, caressing it softly.
"Come on, we're about to start." He gave Fleur a kiss on the cheek and went back to his team.
"Keep your `ands off my boyfriend or I'll make sure `zat you get somezing broken," Fleur whispered threateningly, before going back to her own Quidditch post. Seconds later, practice began.
***
Harry couldn't concentrate on practice. Hermione occupied all his thoughts. His eyes drifted over to an owl making its way towards Hermione. He sighed hopefully.
Hermione jumped at the owl's screech as it approached her. It wasn't Hedwig; this owl was of a beige color.
It landed on her lap and deposited a tiny card, which read:
Compliments of Mr. Harry Potter
Hermione reached for the owl's name badge.
Hermes
Messenger on old Roman culture. Original really.
She discovered that Harry's eyes were fixed on her and quickly made her way off the field.
Minutes later, Fleur received a parchment from Hermione's new owl.
Have some business to take care of. See you later at dinner.
Hermione
She tucked the message in her robes. Practice was already over anyway. Of course, she was to stay with Oliver for an extra flying lesson, but Hermione didn't need to be there, right? She headed for the showers to put on a more comfortable outfit. But her eyes passed the sight of Darcelle, who didn't leave and wouldn't do so before saying goodbye to the grand Gryffindor captain.
***
Hermione took off straight to the common room. However, she preferred to take the longer route, to ensure that she did not run into a certain green eyed Seeker. She just wasn't in the mood to talk to him and figured he would take the shortcut.
This proved untrue the minute Hermione passed across the Astronomy Tower.
"Hermione."
She turned around to come face to face with the precise person she wanted to avoid, Harry Potter.
"Good evening," her voice was flat and cold.
"Can we talk for a minute?" Harry pleaded.
Hermione sighed. This was coming sooner or later.
"Suit yourself," she replied.
"Did you like the owl?"
"Yes, it's pretty, but it won't buy your forgiveness regardless. If that was its purpose, you're free to take him back if you like."
"Come on Hermione! I didn't even touch her! And it was you who spilled the drink all over my clothes!"
"Oh, I'm sorry. Ginny was on top of you, clearly hitting on you, you didn't stop her. She was about to kiss you, if I hadn't interrupted. You broke my heart, but I had absolutely no right to spill my drink all over your Muggle attire. Go to hell Harry!"
"Hermione, I love you! What makes you think I would kiss another girl when I have you? I would never cheat on you!" Harry took a step closer towards his best friend, careful not to make her angrier, but it appeared Hermione was too involved in the argument to give the movement any attention.
"I must get my eyes checked then, because I saw Ginny coming on to you and you didn't do a damn thing about it!"
"She was not coming on to me."
"No? Then what was she doing then?"
"Hermione I don't care. Regardless, I didn't do anything."
"You allowed her to do something!"
"I'm not interested in Ginny! You know that! What do I have to do to get another chance with you? Do you want me to beg?"
"What makes you think I'm going to give it to you?" Hermione was fighting away her tears. She knew she loved Harry, with all her heart, but what were the guarantees of not getting hurt once more?
"So our kiss didn't mean anything to you? You're going to walk out, just like that?"
"I…"
Her voice came to a halt the minute Harry seized her by her shoulders, crushing his lips into hers. His tongue licked her lips softly, making her let out a pleasurable moan. Suddenly, she forgot all about the argument, as the only time their lips lost contact was to draw breath, before meeting again. Hermione had been right a while ago; she couldn't care less…about Ginny.
***
Fleur left the locker room pleasantly relaxed. She tossed her hair as she made her way back to the pitch, thinking about what she wanted to do first; lean into Oliver's body and have a pleasant flight in his Firebolt, or kiss him senseless. The second choice got more votes in her mind, her lips displaying a broad smile.
Her smile disappeared as she watched Darcelle hitting on her boyfriend. She saw everything as though in slow motion.
Oliver stood still, though Fleur couldn't make out his face while Darcelle passed her hands across his chest.
Luckily, Fleur found her voice as Darcelle moved her lips towards Oliver's…
"Stop it, bitch!"
Oliver jumped at the sound of Fleur's voice. His face was pale and his body still immobile as Fleur made her way towards them. Darcelle, on the other hand, watched with a smile on her face.
"Was `zis anozer one of `zose confusing accidents of yours, Darcelle?" Fleur's voice was no longer gentle.
"Jealous Fleurcy?" Dracelle sniggered, as Fleur glanced at Oliver, who tried in vain to explain the situation. He could speak no more however, when Fleur froze him with her wand, pointing at Darcelle afterwards.
"I warned you!"
"You `zink you scare me Fleurcy? When I want somezing, I go for it, and in `zis case, I want your dear Gryffindor Quidditch captain in my bed tonight," Dracelle replied ever so calmly.
"Shut up! You're nozing but a whore and I swear I'll `ex you to oblivion right now so `elp me…"
"What burns you more Delacour? `Zat I was `itting on `im or `zat you are finally in love?" Fleur lowered her wand at Darcelle's words, speechless. "Yes, I know you. You've always been able to `ave any man you want, but you never loved any of `zem. `Ow does it feel being unable to keep `ze one you love wiz you?" Darcelle's lips twisted in a malicious grin.
"Shut up…"
"Yes, `zat's right, you won't `ave `im, because tonight, `e'll be begging me for more!"
Fleur couldn't contain herself any longer, and her hand went up to Darcelle's face, slapping her soundly on the cheek.
"You're not even worz `alf of me you whore! `Zat's why men don't want you. `Zey see what a waste of time you are." A tear strole down Fleur's cheek. "You won't `ave `im. Oliver will never touch you because you see, you're beneaz me!"
Fleur left the pitch, walking as fast as she could, cheeks stained by hot tears. Was Darcelle right? Was she in love? She didn't know. All she knew was that she couldn't stop crying and had to stop to regain her breath.
"Fleur…"
She felt a hand touch her shoulder. Instinctively, she pulled away before turning around. It was Oliver.
****
Harry and Hermione managed to make it to the common room before they started kissing again. Their kisses were deeper than before, unleashing wild passion in the both of them. Harry managed to lift Hermione in his arms without breaking lip contact and walked to his Prefect room, opening and shutting the door with his foot as he eased Hermione down on to the bed.
"Harry, what are you…"
Hermione's whisper was cut short when Harry put his index finger against her lips, nuzzling against her neck as his breath caught her ear.
"I want you for myself tonight," he whispered against her neck, then trailing it with a path of hot kisses.
Hermione leaned her head back, allowing Harry better access to her neck and throat while she helped him out of the robes. He caught her lips once more and the kissing just didn't stop.
Hermione moaned with delight. It was a wonderful night and the perfect make up for the dance. Harry was hers, she was his. Could life be more perfect than this?