Hermione Granger and the Time of her Life

A/N: Hey. I'm Caroline Delacour. I'm not new in the world of fics, but I'm certainly new here. I'm a H/Hr shipper as well as O/F. It is an unusual pair, but it's a lot of fun portraying them. As I said: This fic is AU, so that would explain why Hermione's birthday is in August, instead of September; it is vital for the fic. As in Oliver, I know he graduated a year before, but I need him where I put him in order for the plot line to occur. Reviews and constructive criticism are welcome. Don't hesitate to write!

Enjoy!

Chapter 1: Happy Birthday

“Ringgg!” The alarm clock rang furiously, informing Hermione that, not only was it 6:00 a/m, but it was also her birthday. She jumped out of bed, exhausted and excited at the same time, for yesterday she had arrived home from Russia. . Her parents had decided to give her a trip for her birthday gift and she spent all the month of July in Russia, buying books for a bit of light reading, and learning new spells and charms as well as the Muggle history of the country.

Despite her holiday, Hermione was eager to begin her sixth year at Hogwarts. She was making her bed when she received three owls.

“Three? That's strange,” she thought, as she rarely received more than two owls; one each from Harry and Ron. But she didn't hesitate, and taking the gift from each owl, she sent them on their way. She opened Harry's gift first, eager to see what he had sent her. It was a bracelet, but no ordinary one.

It was colorful and very bright. She put it to one side and read the letter enclosed:

Dear Hermione,

Hello from Greece. I'm sorry that I wasn't able to write you more, but this summer I moved in with Sirius. We've been traveling all summer and I've been extra busy. I hope you like the bracelet. It's called a “Distraction Bracelet” and it comes from Germany. Here's how it works; every time you get scared or are in trouble, the bracelet glows and blinds your opponent, allowing you to escape. I think it will serve you well, although I know what you're thinking: I need this bracelet more than you do, but anyway, happy 16^th birthday. I'm looking forward to seeing you at Hogwarts. That's all for now. Say hi to Crookshanks for me.

Your friend,

Harry

Hermione hadn't realized how much she missed her friends. He was right, he needed the bracelet more than she did, but she was glad to have it anyway. She put it on her wrist and continued by opening Ron's gift. It was a book of spells, accompanied by a bag of homemade pumpkin cookies. She began to read the letter:

Dear Hermione,

Happy Birthday! I hope you like the book. I figured that if anybody could use it, you could. Surprised by the cookies? Mum made them. I know they're your favorite. Oh, Ginny says hello and asks for you to send her an owl if you find out where Harry is. He hasn't returned any of her owls and she's been worried sick. I told her to get over him, but she doesn't seem to understand the meaning of that. Happy 16^th birthday. Greetings from all the family. Can't wait till term starts.

Love from,

Ron

PS (Don't forget to send Ginny that owl. I can't stand her worrying anymore!)

Hermione laughed so hard that her stomach hurt. She missed Ron's sense of humor. She put the spell book in her little library (composed of 1000 books), and finally settled down to open the third gift. It was some sort of hair product. The bottle had very little liquid and it was too small to be regular shampoo. She reached for the letter, which left her mouth open in astonishment;

“Fleur Delacour?” Hermione thought. “ That veela ! Sending me a birthday gift? It surely has to be poisoned”. Nevertheless, she proceeded to open the letter carefully, which led to even more astonishment.

` To mademoiselle Harmonia Granger,' the envelope read.

“Harmonia?” God! She couldn't even spell Hermione! What on earth made her think that she was going to accept the gift? Regardless, Hermione continued to read…

Dear Harmonia

I guess that you must be wondering why I would send you a birthday gift. Happy 16^th birthday. The reason I am writing is that I got transferred to Hogwarts. Madame Maxime insisted on improving my English. Since you are one of the intelligent students, I was hoping that you could assist me on getting around Hogwarts. Plus, I have to take Arithmancy and since that is your favorite class, I thought you could help me. I shall return the favor. Please consider my offer. I made you a potion for your birthday gift to straighten your hair. All you have to do is put it in your hair, leave it for ten minutes and rinse it. Your hair will be so straight that you will not remember it was bushy. Test it and see. I await your response. Send your owl.

Sincerely,

Fleur Delacour

Hermione couldn't believe it. Fleur Delacour? Asking for her help? Why would she? Even so, Hermione decided to try the hair product. It worked wonders. Her hair was straighter than it had ever been in her life. She decided to take Fleur up on the offer. It couldn't hurt to try, surely. Besides, Fleur could teach her some new spells.

She sent Fleur an owl saying that she would be happy to help. Fleur was clearly pleased, and sent Hermione owls for the remainder of the holidays. They went to buy their supplies together in Diagon Alley, and Hermione began tutoring Fleur in English, making certain that the first lesson addressed the spelling of Hermione!

AN: The more reviews I get, the faster I update!!!

A/N: Hey! Thanks for all the reviews. It's honestly, a better response than I expected. Yes, my bad, I didn't explain that Sirius is very much alive, but the content of my fic isn't relevant to book 5, as it was written before book 5 was published. Sorry, but you won't get to experience Fleur and Hermione's first meeting, only their first interaction around Hermione's friends. Thanks for the reviews and keep them coming!

Chapter 2: Welcome to Hogwarts

Soon, it was time to return to Hogwarts. Hermione packed her trunk, said

goodbye to her parents and, before she knew it, she was at Platform 9

A/N: I'm sooo sorry! Yes, I realized there was a mistake in the upload, and it seems that chapter just can't make it out there! Realizing that that won't stop you from being mad at me, I have decided to post chapter 3, which uploads completely, to my amazement. Chapter 2 wasn't completely relevant and if Nappa can figure out what my problem is, I'll upload it; until then, please enjoy this chapter. Just so you don't get lost, Hermione went onto the train with Fleur. Yes, they are friends now; you missed their interaction and Ron's babble about Hermione's transformation and Fleur's appearance. Harry wasn't on the train with them, because Sirius was taking him directly in his motorcycle. It was a short chappie, so I'll hope you'll forgive me because here is the important part. I'm sorry! But such is life; when life hands you lemons, make some lemonade! Love you all and thank you for the reviews.

Chapter 3: Harry

Finally, they reached the Hogwarts entrance. Fleur went through a separate way, for she had to be sorted, while Ron and Hermione proceeded directly to the Great Hall.

Suddenly, Hermione stopped. There he was…

“Harry!” she called, interrupting her best friend from seeing his godfather depart, for he immediately turned around to glance at his best friend.

His eyes widened in surprise. Hermione looked different, somehow; almost…well, beautiful. Harry swallowed, confused by his thoughts. Hermione couldn't be beautiful! She was just…just Hermione. Right?

Although Harry didn't look so bad himself. Not surprisingly, he was somewhat taller, and his once small frame, if not exactly muscular, was certainly no longer scrawny. Hermione also noted his new glasses, which, in her opinion, suited his emerald green eyes perfectly

“Wow,” was the only word she could think of before finding herself engulfed in Harry's embrace. Mind you, she was more than happy to welcome the gesture.

“Hey! What about my hug?” protested Ron. Harry laughed and hugged him too.

Later, they made their way to the Gryffindor table, talking all the way through the hallway. There, Hermione found out that Harry was the Gryffindor prefect, most surprisingly, but she didn't mind as long as she was back with her friends.

At the welcoming dinner, they began to gather the new term's usual news. Oliver Wood and Katie Bell were Head boy and Head girl, Cho Chang was a Ravenclaw prefect, Susan Bones, Hufflepuff and Draco Malfoy, Slytherin. They enjoyed a happy meal and Hermione was later joined by Fleur, who despite been sorted into Ravenclaw, spent a couple of minutes at the Gryffindor table, to Harry's surprise.

After a long night of laughs, chats, teachers' speeches, and encounters, the prefects were set to guide their houses to their respective common rooms.

Fleur was walking with the rest of the Ravenclaws when suddenly a boy stopped Cho and whispered something in her ear. Cho nodded and the boy turned around to face the students; he was very handsome.

Or at least that's what crossed Fleur's mind before she heard him say what she least expected:

“Fleur Delacour?”

“'Zat would be moi,” she answered in her usually composed tone.

“Madame Maxime is expecting you. Follow me, please.”

Fleur did as instructed, mind you, never taking her sapphire blue eyes off the handsome brown- haired guy. Who was he? She didn't care. All that she knew was that he was hot!! Wait a minute! You're not supposed to be looking at him! He's supposed to be looking at you! You're the part veela! Her mind reprehended her. It was right. She had never once before in her life bothered in looking at a guy for more than five seconds. They did all the looking at her. After all, she was irresistible.

“Fleur! May I ask where `ze `ell are you going?”

Fleur's thoughts were suddenly interrupted by Madame Maxime's screeching voice. It was then that she realized she had passed the Headmaster's office.

“Miss Delacour, it's this way,” the guy indicated her.

“Of course. It's just `zat `zis school is so big. One can get lost in seconds,” Fleur smiled innocently, hoping that Madame Maxime had bought her statement, but it didn't seem that way. Thankfully, her Headmistress kept her mouth shut.

After cursing everything around her, Fleur sighed, making an entrance to the big office in front of her. She was determined not to let her eyes get away with her again. And they definitely wouldn't.

A/N: Sorry for the lack of updates, I've been busy. I just finished classes on the Drama department this week, but thanks anyway for your kind reviews. Now, to clear off some of your doubts and not so-kind comments (no pun intended) Madame Maxine isn't Hogwarts Headmistress, but she's the one who sent Fleur there, so she wants to know how it is going. As for Fleur's reason for moving to Hogwarts, I do have a reason besides improving her language, but that remains to be seen, so please be patient and don't assume the outcome of this fic until you READ IT! Now, do I hear any Oliver/Fleur fans out there? This chapter is for you; doesn't contain any H/Hr interaction, but if you review, chapter five will have more than a simple interaction (**Wink-wink**), so get your keyboard ready! As for chapter two, Nappa has so kindly offered to upload it manually, as it still will not load. I'll let you know when it is uploaded. Enjoy! And wish me luck, I take my driver's license test tomorrow (eek!)

Chapter 4: The Head Boy

Fleur followed the handsome guy, and pretty soon, they were entering the Headmaster's office.

There she found Madame Maxime and another rather good-looking boy. He turned out to be Eolus Cane, the new head of Ravenclaw. He was much younger than the last one, that's for sure. What was his name? Featherflee? Oh, whatever.

She heard a voice; perhaps Madame Maxime was talking. Was it to her? Fleur concentrated on the voice, but was soon enough distracted by the handsome guy who had escorted her so gently to where she was. His muscles were visible…"Wait a minute,” Fleur thought. “'E' eez just a boy! What is `ze matter wiz you? `Es supposed to be looking at you! Not `ze other way around! What…”

“Fleur! Earz to Fleur!” Madame Maxime shouted, interrupting her mental debate.

Fleur almost jumped as she realized what she was doing. Simultaneously, she put a stop to it and focused her attention on her previous Headmistress.

“Pardonez moi. What were you saying?” She tried to act as if nothing had happened, but it was no use.

“I was introducing `ze new `ead of Ravenclaw, your `ouse, before you became engrossed in looking at `ze `Ead Boy!” her ex- headmistress replied.

“I'm sorry. I must be a little tired from `ze ride,” Fleur tried to cover it.

“Ze ride, eh?” Madame Maxime looked at her in disbelief, but regardless, she continued with her speech, “ As I was saying, `zis is `ze new professor. I expect you'll get along well. I don't want to `ear any complaints about you back in France.”

“You won't,” Fleur put on an innocent smile.

“I `ope so. Well, I must be off. Congratulations. Your English is already improving.”

“Merci.”

“Au Revoir professor, Fleur, Wood,” Madame Maxime addressed them before taking her leave. As soon as Madame Maxime was off, the professor glanced at his new student.

“I think that will be all. Wood, would you please escort the lady back to the Ravenclaw dormitories,” he requested, looking at Oliver, who fortunately, hadn't noticed Fleur's gawking. That would have been such an insult to her Veela abilities!

“Certainly professor,” the boy agreed.

“Thank you. Miss Delacour, I expect we'll get along well. Welcome to Ravenclaw,” the professor greeted her.

“Merci, professor,” Fleur smiled as the Head boy opened the door for her.

“So, you're `ze `Eadboy?” Fleur inquired, eager to start a conversation with the mysterious stranger.

“In person. My name's Oliver Wood,” he introduced himself,” Professor Cane tells me that you're French?”

“Oui, from Beauxbatons to be exact. Why? Does Wood like French girls?” Fleur started working her master's degree on flirtation.

“Don't know. Never been with one,” Oliver replied casually. Hell, he hadn't even noticed that the blonde Veela was flirting with him.

“Pity. Of course, that could change…”

Before Fleur could finish her seductive proposition, Oliver was saying the password to the Ravenclaw dormitories: “Quidditch”. No surprise there, as Oliver was known to literally `live' for this wizard's game.

“Well, good night Miss Delacour.”

“Oh, call me Fleur,” she gave him a smile.

“All right, Fleur. See you around,” he returned her smile partially.

“You can be sure of `zat,” she promised herself while enjoying the splendid view until it was lost into the night. She sighed and made her way to her bedroom, her mind scattered in deep debates that were drawn to a precise conclusion; she would have Oliver.

A/N: I posted this out of guilt, so my H/Hr fans wouldn't be angry. That's what this site is for right? But please review!

Chapter 5: Quidditch

The next morning, Fleur, wasting no time, ran to the Great Hall, hoping to catch Harry at breakfast.

“ `Arry! `Arry!” she called as she neared his table.

“Fleur? What?” Harry asked, a little amused to be honest. After all, the part Veela had never paid much attention to him, at least, not before he had rescued her little sister. “Oh well,” he thought, knowing that Ron would kill for a moment with the French blonde.

“Ermione told me `zat you're a great friend of `ze `Eadboy,” she said eagerly, her sapphire eyes sparkling with interest.

“Oh, you mean Oliver?” Fleur nodded. “Sure, we play Quidditch together,” Harry laughed.

“Pardon moi?” Fleur felt like Harry had just spoken Chinese to her. Maybe she hadn't heard straight.

“Quidditch. You know…”

“No, I don't,” she replied puzzled. Was that word in the wizard's dictionary?

“You know, what we saw three years ago? Viktor Krum? You were there with…”

“Oh!” she remembered back in the Triwizard's Tournament year that she had attended some event that implied playing with some balls. Oh, and that Madame Maxime had gotten lost. That part she remembered perfectly. As for the rest of the game, that was unfortunate, due to the fact that in such a precise time, she had been taking too much care about her physical appearance as to pay any attention to the events around her. Not to mention the flirting…But Harry definitely didn't need to know that.

“Oliver plays `zat?” she asked.

“He's the captain of the Gryffindor team. He literally lives for it,” Harry replied with a considerable amount of sincerity.

“Could I play?” Fleur found herself saying, without having any idea as to what she was doing.

“Of course. All you have to do is contact Madam Hooch…”

“Who?”

“Never mind. I'll take you,” Harry had suddenly forgotten that Fleur was new in Hogwarts.

“Merci!” Fleur exclaimed gratefully, but now it was Harry's turn for confusion.

“Whatever,” he thought to himself, giving her a puzzled look.

“I mean, `zank you,” Fleur understood that Harry, of course, didn't know French.

“Oh, you're welcome.”

Harry paced from the Great Hall to the Quidditch field, Fleur behind him. They would have gotten to Madam Hooch's office faster, if they hadn't met up with a certain red-haired boy, much to Fleur's exasperation.

“Hey, you two!” Ron greeted them, keeping his stare fixed on the part-veela, who sighed with annoyance, “Where are you going?”

“I'm taking Fleur to Madam Hooch. She's interested in playing Quidditch,” Harry smiled at his best friend, whose eyes sparkled, scaring Fleur. He was surely up to something.

“I can do that!” Ron suggested excitedly, to Fleur's unfortunate displeasure.

“No, don't bozer,” Fleur tried to make him change his mind, but he wouldn't have it.

“It would be my pleasure. Besides, Harry, don't you have something to do? Huh?”

Harry knew what Ron meant. He decided then to let him have his way, even though Fleur wasn't too happy with it, and went to catch his other best friend.

Unsurprisingly, Harry caught Hermione in the library. She had her long straight hair brushed loosely to her shoulders, which made her look even more beautiful, Harry thought, before hurriedly dismissing her image from his mind. He couldn't be thinking about Hermione, his friend, as a woman, could he?

“Hey,” Harry patted her shoulder, interrupting her reading.

“Hi,” she smiled, a gesture that made his heart beat faster, “What brings you here?”

“Just wanted to see how you were doing,” he sat down next to her.

“I'm okay,” she replied, a little confused. After all, he had seen her just yesterday.

“What are you reading?”

“Just something on Transfiguration.”

“Great! Can I read too?” he asked, pulling his chair closer to hers.

“I…guess.” Hermione was even more puzzled. Harry Potter? Reading when there wasn't any exam in the next hour? Enough said. Nevertheless, as she didn't mind his presence, she continued with her work.

Harry tried to concentrate, but of course, he couldn't. All that had been an excuse to spend time with her. But why? After all, he could spend as much time as he wanted with his friends now that they were back in school. But there was something about her…

She looked so radiant. His heart resumed its rapid beating while his breathing shortened. What the hell was happening to him?

Hermione wasn't too comfortable either. Harry was so close to her that she could feel his breath on her face. But then again, that had never bothered her before, had it?

She looked at him and noticed that he was looking at her too. Their faces, just inches away…

“Oh God! Look at the time! Got to go to class! Arithmancy, that is. You can keep the book. Return it to me later. Bye!”

Hermione spoke so fast that Harry only understood half of what she had said. That was, in part, because his mind was registering the previous events. What had just happened? Was he starting to like Hermione…as a girl? No! It couldn't be! What about Cho? He decided that he had gotten caught up in the moment and left the library, Hermione's book in hand.

Meanwhile, Fleur was trying not to fall asleep with all of Ron's babble. Finally, they reached Madam Hooch's office. Lucky, too, because Fleur thought that if she was forced to endure the company of Harry's best friend one minute more, she might have just collapsed with boredom, not to mention irritation.

“Bonjour Madame `Ooch, I'm…”

“Fleur Delacour? Madame Maxime told me all about you. Sit down please. You can leave us now Mr. Weasley,” Madam Hooch suggested.

Ron's face turned a reddish color as Fleur turned and waved good-bye to him.

“Bye Mr. Weasley! Puertous Cerradus!” Madam Hooch said. By the time she was done, the office door had what seemed like 25 locks on it. Fleur assumed that she didn't want to be disturbed.

“So, Miss Delacour, may I call you Fleur?”

“Certainly.”

“What brings you to my humble office?”

“Oh, I'm interested in playing Quidditch and `Arry…”

“But of course!” Madame Hooch shouted a little too enthusiastically, making Fleur literally jump off her chair. “ What position are you interested in?”

“What?” Fleur was again puzzled. A little detail that Harry had forgot to mention, or was it that she had forgotten to mention that she didn't know a thing about Quidditch?

“Position. You know, Keeper, Seeker is out so can't help you there, but you can try Beater or Chaser.”

“Uh, I…” Fleur didn't even know where to start.

“Tell you what. May I recommend?”

“Sure!” snapped a more than grateful Fleur.

“You look more like a chaser to me.”

“Well, chaser it is!” Fleur realized that she had no idea what she had just signed up to, but it didn't matter, as long as she got her part of the bargain. And that meant the Gryffindor Quidditch captain.

“Okay! Fleur, practices start in two weeks. I look forward to seeing you there. If you want, I'll call Cho Chang to show you to the locker room…”

“No, `zank you. I'm sure I can manage,” Fleur stood up. She didn't want to know another thing about Quidditch until two weeks had passed.

“Funny,” Madam Hooch observed.

“What is?”

“Madame Maxime never mentioned that you played Quidditch.” No surprise there, Fleur thought, as in Beauxbatons they didn't even have a Quidditch field.

“Didn't she? Madam `Ooch,” Fleur smiled, “Quidditch is my middle name.”

“Good luck to you then. Oh, Puertous Abiertous!”

Fleur finally got out of Madam Hooch's office, only to find none other than Ronald Weasley waiting outside.

“What are you doing `ere?” Fleur tried to contain the annoyance in her voice.

“I thought I could walk you to your next class, so you don't get lost, you know,” he smiled.

“Really, itz not necessary…”

“Oh, don't be silly,” Ron took her arm and proceeded towards the hallway.

“Oy vey,” Fleur sighed first in disgust and then relief when she spotted Hermione.

“ `Erm!” she shouted desperately to her best friend.

“Oh, Fleur, Ron, hello,” Hermione smiled.

“ `Erm, aren't we late for class?” Fleur asked, leaving Hermione puzzled. They didn't take any class together.

“I didn't know we took…”

“ `Ermione, don't you remember? We are late for class,” Fleur replied, giving her a desperate look. Hermione fully understood.

“Oh. That class. Yeah, we should go.” Fleur immediately grabbed Hermione's arm as she waved to Ron.

“I didn't know Ron was still into you,” Hermione laughed.

“Not funny!” Fleir hit her playfully, before noticing Hermione's nervous expression, “ `Ermione, something wrong? You look pale.”

“I'm fine,” Hermione assured her, knowing full well that she was lying. She had been feeling a little awkward ever since the strange encounter with Harry in the library. “ So, I hear that you are interested in playing Quidditch,” Hermione changed the topic, “Doesn't seem like you.”

“ `Zat's because I'm not. I'm only interested in `ze Gryffindor captain.”

“Who?”

“Hey Hermione!” Fleur turned around, catching a glimpse of Oliver. He looked even more handsome today.

“Hey Oliver,” Hermione smiled.

“Oh, hi Fleur,” Oliver smiled sweetly, causing her to sigh.

“Bonjour,” she replied back.

“So Fleur, I didn't know you played Quidditch.” Apparently, Madam Hooch had shared the news.

“Sure! I live for it!” Fleur quoted Harry.

“Well!” Wood looked pleased. “What are you?”

“Chaser, and you?”

“I'm keeper, but I'm also captain of the Gryffindor team, so if you want, I could give you a few tips,” he offered.

“I would love it!” Fleur exclaimed before she could stop herself.

“Good. Wednesday on the Quidditch field?”

“I'll be `zere.”

Oliver smiled and took his leave.

“Tsk, tsk,” protested Hermione.

“What? `E was offering!” Fleur justified it.

“I wonder what tips he's going to give you, as you don't know anything at all.”

“Well, I…”

“Maybe I can get Harry to help you out,” Hermione couldn't bear to see her friend worried.

“Would you? Merci! I'll make it up to you, I will,” Fleur assured her.

“What are friends for?” Hermione sighed, putting her arm around her friend's waist. Now, to find Harry.

Sorry for the lack of updates, but my graduation came up and then a trip (my gift), so here I am again. I apologize for the shortness of H/Hr moments, but as soon as this chapter is over, you'll see more of them. I keep putting a lot of Fleur because she is a key to the plot, but you will have H/Hr. As for Quidditch, I think Fleur is quite the bitch (no pun intended as she is my favorite character) as to pay attention to herself and the boys staring at her rather than Quidditch. Don't get me wrong, I get your point, but I think that if you are not interested in the sport, you can be around it for years and when they ask you, you don't know a thing from it. After all, I have been around basketball all my life and every time I go to a game, I take a book (my parents are big fans and I used to go with them) and now when they talk a\bout basketball or ask me, I know nothing but the fact that you shoot a ball through a basket, nothing about the positions and their jobs, etc. So, I think that's understandable. Anyway, enjoy! Reviews are greatly appreciated.

Caroline

Chapter 6: More than Quidditch tips

Harry and Fleur had both just experienced the worst night of their lives

Hermione's had been bad too, but better than theirs, since she wasn't covered in mud.

Fleur, it turned out, didn't even know how to fly a broom properly. She fell at least 50 times from it and half of these falls ended with her landing on top of Harry. At last, she was at least able to fly a broom. Manipulating a Quaffle was another story. Not to mention getting it through the hoops.

The friends finished the so-called Quidditch practice at 10:30 p/m. Naturally, they were more than exhausted. They muttered a good night to each other after Fleur said at least a dozen `Merci's' to Harry, and of course, to her best friend Hermione. Even then, Harry couldn't go to bed, for Fleur gave him a hell of a hug and didn't let go for at least five minutes. Half an hour later the three of them were able to settle into their rooms.

But Hermione couldn't sleep. She was feeling a little angry for some reason. She couldn't seem to get Harry out of her mind and kept picturing Fleur on top of her best friend. Every time her mind re-played this, she got a strange feeling; a mixture of anger and disappointment at the same time. Could it be jealousy? She knew it hadn't been the part-Veela's intention to fall on top of Harry, but still…why was she having such thoughts? She wished they could have gone on all night however when instead, her mind drifted to the events that had taken place in the library. How she had felt when Harry got so close to her…how she had wanted to…No! No way! She couldn't like Harry as a boy. He was her best friend! Besides, she couldn't take such a risk. No. Harry still liked Cho Chang and now that they were both prefects, they had a better change of getting together. Harry would never lose an opportunity like that. With that on her mind, she settled under her sheets and fell into a deep sleep. From now on, she was going to concentrate on her studies.

The next day was back to normal. Hermione took all her classes as well as Fleur and then they wandered to the Charms classroom so that Fleur could teach her new best friend some new spells, much to Hermione's pleasure. Or at least, it would have been, if it weren't for the fact that Hermione couldn't concentrate on the spells. She was so distracted that she even turned Fleur's hair pale green.

“ `Ermione! What is going on?” Fleur shrieked, as she changed her hair back to its normal silver blonde color.

“I'm sorry Fleur. I just…didn't get much sleep.” Hermione tried to cover her mistake, but Fleur, of course, didn't buy it. She knew that was not it, and was determined to prove it.

“ You're terrible at lying `Erm. It's `Arry, isn't it?” She had noticed how the two friends stared at each other at every chance they'd get. This statement caused Hermione to almost fall off her chair.

“What? What are you talking about?” Hermione snapped, “Seriously Fleur, you're the one with a crush, not me.”

“Is `zat so?” Fleur asked sarcastically while continuing her little test, “Well, let's try `zat again. Cho Chang!”

Hermione almost blew Fleur off her seat. The Ravenclaw seeker's name just infuriated her. But why? Fleur knew why all right.

“I rest my case,” she said. But Hermione wouldn't have it. She wouldn't admit that she liked her green-eyed friend.

“What? I don't like Chang? So what? I don't like Draco either.”

“If you insist,” Fleur smiled and got closer to Hermione, not giving up,” You know, I `zink I saw `Arry making out with Cho on `ze Quidditch field `zis morning. My guess is `zat `zey spend way too much time togezer since `zey are boz seekers and now prefects. I wouldn't be surprised if Cho jumped into `Arry's bed one of `zese nights. Or who knows? She might've already done it,” Fleur lied through her teeth, but of course, Hermione bought every word.

“She wouldn't!” This time, Hermione blew up all of Fleur's test potions, making the part Veela smile. She had gotten what she wanted.

“I rest my case.”

Hermione was speechless. Fleur had been provoking her, and had gotten optimum results. Before she could think of another excuse, Oliver made an entrance.

“Ready?” Oliver asked Fleur. It was time for those Quidditch practice tips. Fleur looked at him and smiled seductively. She wasn't going for Quidditch tips. That much was certain.

“As ready as I'm going to be,” she responded before looking at Hermione, who looked puzzled, “Oh, and `Ermione, don't worry about the potions. `Zey can be replaced.” She assured her, before leaning to whisper in her ear: “ `Arry, on `ze ozer `and, can't be. Don't wait up.”

Those were Fleur's final words before she exited the classroom with Oliver by her side. Hermione was again left speechless. Was Fleur right? Could she have a crush on her best friend? Or was it more than a crush? All she knew was that the thought of Harry with Cho Chang repulsed her. And that was the answer to all her questions.

“Hermione, are you okay?”

Harry came in, noticing that Hermione was all alone and covered with the remains of the potions practice, the result of the recent explosion.

“Oh, fine Harry. Just a little accident,” she gave him a weak smile.

“I can see that. Here's your book. I forgot to return it last night,” he said. He hadn't read a single page.

“Thanks.”

Harry got on his knees and took his handkerchief out, taking the liberty of cleaning his best friend's face. But he didn't want to just clean it.

Within seconds, Harry became spellbound by Hermione's eyes. The handkerchief dropped to the floor unnoticed as he gently ran his hand through her hair, his heart pounding hard and fast. Having seen that she didn't pull away and was looking at him intently, he lowered his face hesitantly towards hers.

“Harry! Harry!” came a childish voice.

“In here!” Harry responded, putting distance between Hermione and himself, much to her displeasure. Ginny ran towards him and gave him a miniature Hedwig figurine, a little deformed, but it was still Hedwig, at least, it seemed to be.

“I made this for you in Transfiguration,” she said excitedly.

“Oh, thanks,” he said lamely. If it weren't for her interruption, he would be tasting Hermione's lips right now.

“Hi Hermione,” Ginny smiled. Hermione only returned her smile partially, her disappointment evident.

“So Harry, I was wondering if…” Ginny started asking, before being interrupted by the Head Girl, Katie Bell.

“Harry!” She stormed in, “Do you know where Oliver is?”

“He's practicing Quidditch with Fleur,” Harry answered.

“Wonder how he's going to do that,” Katie replied sarcastically.

“What do you mean?” asked a puzzled Harry.

“Well, he can't practice Quidditch without his supplies, can he? He left the locker room's key and his wand in Professor Dumbledore's office,” Katie replied.

“I'll give them to him.” Harry took them.

“Harry, I don't think you should…” Hermione tried to warn him. She was more than sure that Fleur wasn't going to practice Quidditch. She had other plans.

“Later Hermione.” He left for the field, leaving Hermione before she was able to properly warn him.

Meanwhile, Oliver and Fleur settled on the Quidditch field.

“Okay, stay here while I go get the trunk and brooms.” Oliver smiled, making his way to the locker room.

But when he didn't come back for a while, Fleur went after him.

“What's wrong?”

“I can't find the key!” He was going berserk.

“Don't worry. I'll `andle it. Alohamora!” Fleur opened the door in an instant.

“Well, aren't you the smart one?” Oliver praised her.

“Merci.” Fleur closed the door after him.

“Don't bother. We'll be out in a second.” Oliver took the trunk.

But before he could move, Fleur pushed him on purpose against his locker.

“Sorry. I `ave weak ankles,” Fleur smiled. Oliver bought her every word.

“That's quite all r…”

Oliver's reply was cut off when Fleur brushed her lips gently against his. To her surprise, Oliver's mouth opened over hers and…

“Oliver!”

They pulled away instantly.

“Harry?” Oliver was still catching his breath as Harry entered.

“You forgot…how did you get in?” asked a puzzled Harry.

“Oh, Fleur did an unlocking spell,” Oliver answered, taking the trunk and the brooms while going outside, Fleur behind him.

“Damn rotten luck!” Fleur protested as they got to the Quidditch field.

To her displeasure, Harry decided to practice with them. Due to that fact, they practiced for over three hours. Fleur had done an amazing turnaround, to Harry's surprise and Oliver bought the whole Quidditch story.

Finally, they were back in the locker room. Fleur went to have a shower, whining, for every part of her body screamed in pain. She couldn't believe that after she had gotten Oliver where she wanted, Harry had interrupted them.

Harry left and Oliver stayed to wait for Fleur and close the locker room.

“Fleur, are you finished?” he asked.

“Almost.”

He caught a glimpse of her in a towel. She looked breathtaking. His mind drifted to the previous events…the kiss….

“Oliver, what are you staring at?” Fleur asked, now fully dressed. The captain came back to reality, realizing that he had never taken his eyes off her.

“Nothing!” He stood up, “Are you done?”

“Oui.”

“What?”

“I mean yes.”

“Then let's go.” Oliver made his way towards the door.

But not being able to resist a second more, he pulled the part-Veela to him. He put her arms around his neck and his on her waist and claimed her mouth instantly. Of course, Fleur didn't mind this. What do you know? Maybe it wasn't rotten luck after all.

A/N: Here you go H/Hr lovers! Fluff sure to come on next chapter. Give me reviews and I might speed up the uploads!!

Chapter 7: Sparking Invitation

Harry was walking to the library, hoping he would see Hermione there, who had last night been the star of his dreams. He had just spent all night dealing with the realization that, had it not been for Ginny, he would have kissed his best friend. What was happening to him? Could he be in love?

His thoughts were rudely interrupted when he bumped into the last person that he wanted to see at the moment.

“Ginny? Sorry,” Harry apologized. The sooner he got out of her sight, the better. He didn't hate the girl. It was just that she was very bothersome sometimes and he didn't like that one bit.

“Harry,” Ginny flushed red,” It's quite all right.”

It was then that Harry noticed that his glasses were no longer with him. Ginny had acquired them.

“Could I have my glasses back?”

“Oh yes, I'm sorry. Let me clean them for you,” Ginny offered.

“Ginny, you don't have to bother…” Harry tried to snap her out of it. To tell the truth, Harry was scared of what Ginny was capable of doing to his poor glasses with her lethal wand. And sure enough…

“Clean…Achoo!” Ginny sneezed during the spell, causing his glasses to literally blow up.

“Oops, sorry. I'll repair them,” Ginny smiled clumsily.

“Ginny, don't!” Harry was on the border of nut town. He was sure that after this `repair spell' his precious glasses would cease to exist.

Fortunately, he was saved just in time. Fleur made her way towards him. The part Veela stared at Ginny with annoyance.

“Ginny. I'm sure Ron `as a nice candy bar for you. Go and get it,” she smiled sarcastically.

“Would you mind, French girl? I'm talking to Harry here,” replied a fierce Ginny. Fleur had to sigh in order to remain calm. Nobody talked to her that way!

“Weasley, if you don't get out of my way, I can not promise you my wand will remain steady,” Fleur threatened.

“Look you…” Ginny wouldn't give up, but Fleur would have it her way.

“Beat it Ginny!” she screeched. Harry thought she definitely looked like a Veela now.

“B…bye Harry.” Ginny ran as fast as she could while Fleur regained her cool temper.

“Ugh, I'll repair `zese for you.” Fleur took Harry's glasses from the floor, for Ginny had dropped them as she ran away. “Oculous Reparo!”

“Thanks. That reminds me of Hermione,” Harry admitted. His best friend had been on his mind for some while now, and Fleur certainly seemed to notice.

“Does it? Well, speaking of dear old `Erm, what do you `zink of her `air?' She began to test him as well.

“She's beautiful! She's perfect! She's…”

“Down boy.” Harry had gotten a little carried away with his feelings and the French blonde couldn't pass an opportunity like this. “Invite `er to `ze Yule Ball, why don't you?” Fleur asked, referring to the dance that took place at Hogwarts. “Or do you plan to take somebody else?”

“I haven't thought about it.”

“Perfect opportunity to do so.”

“She wouldn't want to go with me,” Harry stated with a hint of sadness

“Zat `Arry, is somezing that you'll have to find out for yourself. You'll never know unless you ask `er,” Fleur replied.

Before Harry could answer Fleur, a happy Oliver interrupted their Hermione- centered chat.

“Hey beautiful.” He took Fleur by her waist and pulled her against him, her back against his chest while he gave her a kiss on the cheek. She sighed and leaned against him. That was when Oliver became aware of Harry's presence.

“Hi Harry.”

“Hello,” Harry smiled at his friend.

“So Fleur, ready for your flying lesson?” Oliver asked her.

“I'm kind of afraid I will fall down. I `appen to `ave weak knees. Whatever will I do?” Fleur dramatized. Oliver knew exactly what she wanted and he was more than happy to give it to her.

“Covered. That's why we'll be on the same broom. You can never take too many precautions,” he answered. Fleur smiled and turned to him.

“Good boy.” She gave him a passionate kiss and took his hand while they both waved to a puzzled Harry.

Truth be told, Harry couldn't believe his eyes. Oliver and Fleur? He wondered how she had done it, since Oliver had never liked to pay much attention to girls, for he was always focused on Quidditch. Then it dawned on him; that's how she had gotten him: Quidditch.

All these thoughts drained away at the sight of a radiant Hermione.

“Hermione!” He lost no time and went over to her.

“Harry, hello,” Hermione smiled shyly. She couldn't stop focusing on his sensual lips.

“I was just looking for you.” Harry broke her trance.

“Why? Oh, you need help with something,” she assumed, as he never called her for anything else. His answer definitely surprised her.

“ No. I was just thinking…if you don't have a date for the dance…Do you have one?”

“No,” she answered, a little puzzled to be exact.

“Good,” he muttered,” I thought…maybe…”

“Yes?” Hermione's eyes sparkled.

“You'd like to go with me? Would you?” Harry managed to ask her without actually stammering.

“I'd love to go with you Harry.”

“You would?”

“Of course. We're friends aren't we?”

“Yeah, friends,” Harry replied disappointedly. He wanted to be so much more than that to her.

“All right, I'll see you then,” Hermione smiled, turning to take her leave.

“Hermione wait!”

“Yes?”

Here was his moment. He was going to tell her what he felt, no matter how his nerves felt about it. He would tell her and then take her into his arms and…

“You…uh…you dropped your books,” Harry pointed out.

Wow, hail that Gryffindor courage.

“Oh. Thanks,” Hermione's smile vanished. She somewhat hoped that there was another reason for calling her. A more…intimate reason.

She felt a little glint of hope. Harry had at least invited her to the dance. That was something, right? It faded just as it was born, for maybe he had invited her because no one else was available on such short notice. Cho Chang already had a date, so she thought the obvious. She was last choice.

Later in the afternoon, she went looking for Fleur. The part Veela was found in the Gryffindor common room playing chess with her now boyfriend…Oliver Wood. Ironic, wasn't it? Only this was a weird chess game, for Fleur was seated on Oliver's lap and they were holding hands, only playing in mere whispers, until Oliver finally won.

“All right you win. I'll surrender to your terms.” Fleur laid her head on his shoulder. She was sure that his terms were going to be pleasant indeed.

“You will? Let's see, wear a killer red dress for the dance,” Oliver began suggesting, as there was a Muggle dress code.

“Fleur,” Hermione interrupted their Kodak moment.

“ `Ermione, what brings you?” Fleur asked, standing up from her previous position.

“Hey Herms,” Oliver smiled, “I'll leave you two girls alone so you can chat.”

“Thanks.” Fleur returned his gesture as he pulled her against him and gave her a hell of a goodbye kiss. He grinned at Hermione and exited the common room.

“Congratulations. The Quidditch scam worked,” Hermione praised her.

“I know. Isn't it marvelous?” Fleur smirked. “But enough about me. What about you?”

“Harry invited me to the dance.”

“Did `e now? Well, we must make a perfect dress…” Fleur started planning.

“But I think it was only because Cho Chang wasn't available,” stated Hermione, displaying a little sadness on her voice.

“Oh, come on `Erm. `E's drooling for you! At least he will be after `e sees you in `ze dress `zat I'm going to make you,” Fleur muttered.

“Pardon?”

“Nozing.. Come on. I'll `elp you make `ze dress.”

“Thanks Fleur.”

“I said I'd make it up to you, didn't I?”

“True. Oh, and Fleur?'

“What?”

“A killer red dress?” Hermione quoted Oliver.

“Don't ask.”

Hello again! Thank you for your kind reviews, my dear readers, and as a gift, here is a chappie that I guarantee you crazy H/Hr fans will enjoy. I posted it in honor of `HP and the Prisoner of Azkaban ` Did you guys see it? Wasn't it a blast? Yay for the H-Hr moments!!! Just to answer one question, a fan asked me about tFleur's personality, you know, her being a part-Veela and all…I think making her flirty and aware that she really is beautiful kind of does it. She is, after all, a human being as well. The fourth book didn't get into specific details; only demonstrated that despite appearances, she's a real good girl. Oh, don't worry, you will get to see her temper. If you don't like it, I apologize. This was, after all, my first fic and I didn't get much into the portrait of characters, I didn't know much about Fleur when I wrote this; I hadn't even read the books, believe it or not! So, when I publish some other goodies of mine, you will see more developed personalities. Until then, please enjoy this humble piece!

Love always,

Caroline

Chapter 8: One Hell of a Kiss

Hermione finally came down to the Great Hall to enjoy a quiet dinner. She had been with Fleur for the majority of the afternoon making her dress, which was why Fleur could not be with her now, for she had to make it up to Oliver.

But Hermione wasn't very hungry. So she picked some porridge, an apple, and a glass of pumpkin juice before finally settling down to eat.

“Want some company?” Harry's voice pierced through her ears, startling her and almost making her spill her pumpkin juice. He immediately noticed what he had done, “I'm sorry. Didn't mean to startle you.”

“You didn't,” Hermione lied, after all, she was always happy to have his company. She invited Harry to sit down with her.

“So, what have you been doing?” he engaged her in conversation, although in actual fact, he was eager to do much more than that.

“I've have been…working on some…spells and reading.”

“With Fleur?”

“Yes.”

“I must admit, I am a little jealous,” Harry told her. Fleur was getting to spend more time with his beautiful best friend than he was.

“Why is that?” Hermione looked at him, only to lower her head again. She couldn't stop thinking about how much she wanted to kiss those lips of his.

“Well, now you have a female friend to share all your girly stuff with and I…”

“Harry, you don't have to be jealous. Fleur could never replace you. You still have the position of best male friend.” Hermione couldn't help laughing. This was so typical of Harry. But somehow…she was glad of it. That meant he had noticed her absence. That was something, right?

“Do you mean it?”

“Cross my heart.” Hermione took his hand, causing his heart to skip a beat. “You know what? Let's get out of here. We have a lot to catch up on.”

Laughter was the only sound to be heard in the Gryffindor common room.

“Ron did what?” Hermione couldn't breathe. It was just all too hilarious. But then again, she couldn't expect anything more from Ron, could she?

“It wasn't his fault. The spell backfired,” Harry managed to squeak through his laughter.

“Snape must have been furious!”

“You bet, since he was glued to his desk chair for over four hours. But don't worry. He didn't see who did it,” Harry grinned.

“To think I missed that!” Hermione kept on laughing.

You seem to have missed out on other things too,” Harry blurted out before he could stop himself.

“What?”

Harry didn't answer. Instead, his eyes became locked with Hermione's.

“You know, I still can't believe that you're going to the dance with me,” he admitted. Hermione grunted, for the image of Cho Chang was back in her mind.

“Harry, did you invite me because Cho Chang wasn't available?” she couldn't help but ask.

“Is that what you believe?” Harry said incredulously. If she only knew what she provoked within him.

“I don't know. You still like Cho Chang and now you finally have the opportunity to get her,” Hermione jumped to her own conclusions, “You're both seekers and prefects and I…”

Hermione wasn't able to finish her statement, for Harry claimed her lips in a kiss so passionate that it caused her to let out a moan.

“What was is it you were going to say?” Harry whispered, but Hermione couldn't think of anything more than his delicious lips. She sighed and kissed him once more. Mind you, he didn't complain as he pulled her into an embrace.

Hermione melted into the kiss. This was what she had dreamed of every night since that encounter in the library, and this time, there was no Ginny or Cho who could take the treasured moment away.

Hey! Thank you so much for the reviews and yes, I know the movie rocked! I'm glad you liked chapter 8 and I'm sorry to say this chapter is a little less sweet.

Thomas: Patience my dear friend; you'll get what you want. It is not Ginny who's going to be angry though.

Caroline

Chapter 9: Dance Mania

Hermione couldn't stop fixing herself. She wanted to look perfect. More than perfect. With Fleur's help, she had created a hell of a dress that would surely leave Harry with his mouth hanging open.

Oliver and Harry were growing more impatient by the minute. As the girls wanted to surprise them and wouldn't let them escort them, they had been waiting for over a half an hour already.

Finally, they appeared, and the wait, it seemed, had been worth it. They looked absolutely breathtaking.

As it was a Muggle dress code, Fleur was wearing a short, tight red dress three inches above her knee. Her garment had gold straps and on her feet were a pair of gold sandals with crystal heels, while she wore her silver blonde hair loosely to her waist.

Hermione wasn't far away. She had put on a short lilac colored dress accompanied with silver crystal-heeled sandals while her hair was combed straight to her shoulders.

* * * *

The dancing lasted almost all night, until they couldn't move their feet in exhaustion.

To catch their breath, Oliver and Harry offered to bring the girls a drink, which of course, they welcomed.

While their handsome dates acquired their beverages, Fleur took the opportunity to chat with Katie Bell about some new moves in the wizarding world. Hermione tagged along and ended up talking about some new Herbology books with Neville.

The conversation was pretty interesting until Hermione noticed that Harry and Oliver were taking an awful lot of time to get some silly drinks. She left Fleur and went towards the bar, not finding either Harry or Oliver.

It was then that her eyes fell upon Harry. And a certain red -haired girl with him. With him? No, that didn't cover it. She was almost on top of him!

“Harry? “ she fought to keep her voice steady.

“Hermione! I was just about to look for you!” exclaimed a sweaty Harry. With the look Hermione was giving him, it was quite enough to make him more than nervous.

“Were you really?” Hermione asked in a slightly sarcastic tone while Harry put some distance between Ginny and him.

“Here's your drink.” Harry smiled at her, but she took it without returning the gesture.

“It took you an awful long time to find me, “ she said, in a toned of forced calmness, “I'm surprised you thought I would be with Ginny.” Hermione was getting angrier by the minute, but the situation was understandably upsetting.

“No, no, no Hermione. It isn't what you're thinking,” Harry clarified. Hermione narrowed her eyes.

“Well then, enlighten me,” she crossed her arms.

“Oliver has just informed me that Ginny is our new acquisition for the Gryffindor Quidditch team,” answered Harry.

“Is that so?”

“Yeah, isn't it great?” exclaimed an excited Ginny.

“Sod off Ginny. This is between Harry and me.” Hermione's anger increased.

“Ouch. Lighten up Hermione. It's not a crime against the Hogwart's constitution,” Ginny replayed Hermione's sarcasm.

“I said sod off!” Hermione shouted, reaching her hand into the pocket where her wand was.

“Hermione, calm down. You're overreacting.” Harry took her arm out of her pocket, only to provoke more fury.

“I'll show you overreacting Potter!” Hermione shrieked. Harry gulped. He had never seen her like this. `Potter'? She sounded just like Snape. It couldn't be a good sign.

“Hermione, I was just talking to her,” Harry explained, but Hermione just scoffed. Ginny just stood there, quite enjoying the spectacle.

“Really? It didn't look that way to me. Maybe you should have invited her to the dance instead, because my, my, if the new acquisitions of the Quidditch team always get treated this way, I want to sign up too!”

“Hermione…”

“Harry, it just doesn't work this way. You can't just kiss me and say you love me and then go `talk' with a girl who was almost on top of you!”

“Hermione…”

“Because if that's the way things work for you, you can damn well go to hell!” Having said that, Hermione just stormed out.

Harry tried to go after her, to clear up the misunderstanding, but Hermione spilled the untouched drink over him and continued her way without even saying goodnight to her friends.

Meanwhile, Fleur was going berserk. She hadn't seen Harry, Oliver or Hermione for quite some time now. Without hesitation, she stood up and began searching the Great Hall.

To her displeasure, she tripped over the last person imaginable.

“Delacour!” she heard her unpleasant squeaky voice.

“You? Didn't I choke you last year?” Fleur tried to maintain her posture.

“'Ze feeling's mutual,” the girl responded.

“What are you doing `ere?”

“I got transferred, like you,” the stranger smiled.

“No kidding? For what? So you can sleep wiz `ze professors to pass `ze classes?”

“Funny. I `zought `zat was your job.”

“Look, you little…!” Fleur would have sent her to you know where, if it wasn't for an interruption that she definitely wasn't expecting.

“Honey!”

Fleur couldn't believe her eyes. The last thing she wanted right now was Oliver by her side.

“Oliver! Back so soon?”

“I went to the table, but couldn't find you,” he smiled.

“Well, what do you know? I forgot to tell you `zat I wanted ice wiz my pumpkin juice. Could you get it for me?” Fleur pleaded.

“Covered.” Oliver gave her the pumpkin juice cup and she could see it was full of ice. “I have gotten to know you well,” her boyfriend grinned.

“I see `zat,” Fleur whispered, cursing all the artifacts around her. It was then that she noticed that her companion didn't stop staring at the Gryffindor Quidditch captain.

“And who's `zis piece of caramel?” she asked in a seductive tone that was similar to Fleur's.

“Watch it!” the part-Veela warned her, glancing at Oliver, his face covered in a puzzled expression. “ `Zis is MY BOYFRIEND, Oliver Wood,” Fleur introduced, with an emphasis on `boyfriend'.

“Charmed. I'm Darcelle de Heinz,” the girl completed the introduction, “Fleur and I are…old friends.”

“You said it…old,” Fleur growled.

“So, how do you know each other?” Oliver asked with curiosity.

“We attended Beauxbatons togezer. And what a coincidence, we boz got transferred,” Darcelle used her previous seductive tone; while Fleur's sapphire eyes were sending off fire sparks.

“ Oliver, I'm cold,” the part-Veela interrupted on purpose.

Oliver took off his blazer and put it around Fleur's chilly shoulders, along with his arm.

“You want me to escort you back to your room?” he asked, a voice full of tenderness.

“I would like `zat very much,” Fleur answered with a smile.

Fleur took Oliver's arm and led him out before he had a change to say good night to his new acquaintance. Soon, they reached the Ravenclaw portrait.

“Blue,” Fleur summoned as the portrait swung open. “ `Zank you Oliver.”

“My pleasure. Good night then.” He leaned to kiss her.

“You're going to bed, aren't you?” Fleur asked, before Oliver's lips had a chance to brush hers.

“Yes. Why? You want me to do something else for you?'

“No. I just wanted to make sure `zat you weren't going back to `ze Great `All.”

“Why is that?”

“Nozing. It's just pretty late.” Fleur swung her arms around his neck and claimed his lips passionately.

They would have kept on kissing, but a sob interrupted them.

“ `Ermione?” Fleur saw that her best friend was already in the common room. She supposed it was because she told her every single password each week, just in case.

“Oh, I'm sorry Fleur. I didn't mean to interrupt you,” Hermione sniffled.

“No worries.” Fleur went towards her gently.

“I'll leave you alone. She's better off talking with a girl,” Oliver smiled. Fleur gave him another kiss and he took his leave.

“Come on `Erm, talk to me,” Fleur hugged her.

“It's Harry. I saw him and Ginny was almost on top of him. I just went berserk, he told me I was overreacting. We got into a huge fight and…” Hermione's voice was cut by tears.

“ I'm sorry `Erms,” Fleur hugged her even tighter.

“Please Fleur, can I sleep in your room tonight? I don't want to go to Gryffindor. Harry will be there and Ginny too.”

“Sure. I'll go get your `zings.”

Fleur went to the Gryffindor common room. She knew the passwords like the back of her hand, for both Oliver and Hermione told her repeatedly of the new code.

She grabbed Hermione's pajamas and black robes for the next day.

“Fleur! How's Hermione?” Harry came running towards her.

“She's sleeping in my dormitory tonight, so whazever problem you two may `ave, it'll `ave to wait until tomorrow,” Fleur answered, exiting the Gryffindor tower.

Hermione was already asleep the minute she arrived back. She apparently had borrowed one of Fleur's nightgowns and had cried herself to sleep. Clear evidence of that was her tear stained face.

Fleur settled on her bed, next to her best friend. But she couldn't sleep. Something unpleasant occupied her thoughts.

Her thoughts turned to one person; Darcelle de Heinz.

A/N: Hey, I'm back! Thanks for the reviews; need to clear a few things with some of you though.

Davaca:: Don't worry; you will find a brief explanation of Darcelle's character right in this chappie. Let's just say she's another French bitch (no pun intended); not a Veela though. And Fleur does not play for Gryffindor; she's a Ravenclaw. My bad if I wasn't clear about that. Oliver is just giving her Quidditch tips; why would he do that? He's Oliver, he's horribly naïve!

Quietlylurking: Thanks for your review. Yes, Sirius is a live in every single one fof my fics. I think the reason to why Hermione freaked is her insecurity; sorry the scene wasn't totally described, but we women tend to exaggerate things a bit sometimes. And Ron is going to be low-key. Sorry!

Fledge: Sorry about Darcelle's name; it was the only one that came to mind, since I'm not French myself, sorry! I don't think Hermione is out of character in that scene, because like I said to Quietlylurking, women tend to exaggerate things a bit and Hermione is a bit too insecure, specially when it comes to Harry; the answer to figuring him out is not in a book and I wouldn't say he thinks of him as her true love, because he just kissed her the day before the dance. She hasn't got a stable relationship to lean back on and she isn't totally secure about what he wants, so she will always think the worst. I think she was mostly angry at Ginny though, but took it out on Harry (although he deserves some of the `blame' too.)

akjennymay9 - That's okay, I don't like Ginny as well. I share the same opinion you do. So, you like Oliver? Or is it Sean Biggerstaff? Hee,hee. Don't worry, more Oliver in this chapter!

The rest of you, thank you soo much for your welcoming response. And now, back to the story!

Chapter 10: Darcelle de Heinz

Hermione got up early in the morning, her usual wake up time, as she wasn't exactly known as a late riser. She put on the robes that Fleur had brought her and made her way to her own dorm.

Once there, Hermione showered and put on her uniform robes, making her way to the Great Hall immediately afterwards. She helped herself to a glass of milk and opted for a simple piece of toast for breakfast.

Not long after she had seated, Hedwig came flying over her head, and dropped off a delivery for her. It was a single red rose, with a note attached to it. The parchment only had two words on it:

“Forgive me?”

Hermione automatically tore the note to pieces without a single moment of hesitation and stormed out of the Great Hall.

On her way, she ran into Harry, who, while unable to manage a word, looked at her with pleading eyes. But Hermione had her own three little words to say:

“Bite me, Potter.”

After that incidental encounter, Hermione went through a regular day of class, but couldn't concentrate in a single one. She even kept her hand down in Potions, not questioning Snape in a single procedure. Naturally, Snape was far too happy with this to give a second of concern to Hermione's strange behavior.

Finally, afternoon came, and with it, a free period. Hermione would have opted for the library, but figured that Harry would probably be waiting for her there, as he had been trying to persuade her to talk to him all day. If not him, Ron would be there instead, or some other student for that matter, waiting to talk to her about a troublesome assignment, or, even worse, about Harry. Hermione simply wasn't in the mood to talk to anyone. Hell, she hadn't even seen Fleur all day and that was saying something. So, she opted to head for the school's heated pool.

Hermione changed into a blue bikini and dived into the cold water, or rather, onto someone.

“Watch it! Oh.” Fleur smiled as she emerged, sighting Hermione.

“Oh gosh, I'm so sorry. Fleur?”

“ `I `Erm, `ow are you `olding up?” Fleur's happy look shifted to a concerned one.

Hermione sighed in frustration.

“How do you think? I even said `bite me' to Harry, not that he didn't deserved it though,” she pointed out.

“ `Zat bad huh? Kind of noticeable. Is irregular enough `zat you kept quiet in all your classes, much less `ang out `ere instead of `ze library. “ `Erm, you've known `Arry most of your life. You know `e would never intentionally `urt you.” Fleur put her hand on Hermione's shoulder, who shrugged. She looked as if she would start crying any minute.

“I…”

Hermione stammered as Fleur's eyes opened wide. She nearly drowned at the sight before her.

“Fleur, oh my God, are you all right?” Hermione asked the coughing part-Veela.

“I'll be all right later.”

Fleur got out of the water in a flash. She took Hermione's towel and put it around her waist, covering the lower part of her passion red bikini. Hermione would've said something, but it was pointless since Fleur was now at a considerable distance from her and was making her way towards Oliver, who was talking with…Actually she didn't know who he was talking to, but apparently Fleur did, since her face resembled that of an angry Veela.

“Oliver!” Fleur called her boyfriend as happily as she could, trying in vain to steady her temper. Oliver, however, didn't notice her mood, for he was too busy admiring her physique.

“Wow! Aren't you a sight for sore eyes!” he complimented her.

Fleur smiled, but Darcelle, Oliver's companion, seemed rather upset.

“Careful, you'll catch a cold,” she said in sarcasm.

“Oh, and I zink you would like `zat, wouldn't you, Darcy? So you could bed my…”

“So honey, I didn't know French girls were so interested in Quidditch.” Fleur was surprised by Oliver's interruption. They were?

“We're n…”

“Darcelle just got appointed Seeker of the Slytherin team, since Blaise apparently had a nasty accident. Anyway, allow me to remind you, practice today at three,” Oliver reminded her, a little too enthusiastically.

“I'll be `zere,” said Fleur as Oliver approached her side.

“We'll have our very own little flying lesson right after practice is finished,” he whispered.

Fleur put her arms around his neck and kissed him passionately, as she knew that her `friend' was watching.

“Walk me to my room?” Fleur pleaded. Oliver was only too happy to grant her request.

“Certainly.” He took her hand as he said farewell to his previous company and strolled off.

Hermione had seen enough. She hadn't actually heard the argument, but by the looks of Fleur's face, it had been thoroughly unpleasant. She got out of the pool and went looking for her, while Darcelle, cursing under breath, hit Hermione on the shoulder as she made her own way to the Slytherin common room.

Hermione decided not to pay attention to the little accident and went directly to Fleur's dorm.

She found her throwing things around the room. Oliver was clearly gone. She carefully crossed over to her, avoiding Fleur's little vanity mirror by inches.

“What's wrong, Fleur?” Hermione's voice was a mere whisper, while Fleur's voice was a hideous shriek.

“ `Zat De Heinz bitch! I know what she wants, and damn it I swear I'll kill her before she getz it!”

“You're referring to the French girl talking to you by the pool, aren't you?”

“Talking? `Ardly,” Fleur scoffed.

“Friend of yours?”

“ `Er name is Darcelle De Heinz.”

“De Heinz? What, her dad invented Muggle ketchup or something?” Hermione laughed, but Fleur didn't even blink.

“ She despises me, because all `ze guys she liked, preferred me over `er. I mean, can I really be blamed?” Fleur's confident air was back and Hermione gave her that peculiar look of hers, just to make sure her friend stayed on earth. “Okay fine! `Zey were `ot! Anyway, she obviously wants to get back at me and she wants Oliver, I just know it.”

“Fleur, you can't jump to conclusions before…” Hermione tried to reason with her, in vane, because Fleur burst out with another shriek.

“ She just signed up for `ze Slyzerin Quidditch team! `Erm, in Beauxbatons we don't even `ave a Quidditch team!”

“Maybe so, but you know Oliver loves you.”

“ `Zat's exactly what `Arry told you, wasn't it?”

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?

Hey! I'm back! Was so flattered by your kind reviews last chapter that I just had to post. Thanks a lot! You guys are so encouraging!

quietlylurking: Thank you. Yes, guys can be clueless, specially Oliver. Character is a little naïve if you ask me.

akjennymay9- Thank you. Yes Oliver has an accent, but not necessarily Scottush, although mine has it, hee, hee. Sorry about the link, your name is a little complicated, so I just copy and paste it; no biggie!

emily: your wish is my command.

ktkc1031: I'm so flattered! Thanks a lot! I think you deserve an award for review of the month! Thank you!

davaca: I aim to please.

Harry85: She wasn't that far, but remember, temper temper. Don't worry, Fleur will have her moment of glory.

And now, without further ado, enjoy the two chappies I have, in which a truth will finally be revealed. (Don't want to spoil!) Enjoy!

Chapter 12: Heaven and Hell

Hermione woke up to a beautiful morning. She reached for Harry's arm, resting on her waist and sighed. Last night was…there were no words good enough to describe it. She turned to face him and discovered that he was still peacefully asleep, with Crookshanks on top of him. He could afford at least half an hour more of sleeping, so she got up carefully and proceeded to his bathroom. She was happier today than she had ever been in any previous moment of her life.

She took a quick shower and as she was drying her hair heard Harry moan.

“Hermione? Crookshanks! Get off!”

Hermione laughed as she left the bathroom.

“What's so funny?” Harry crossed his arms, still in bed.

“Nothing, except that Crookshanks has taken an evident liking to you,” Hermione smiled.

“I uh, kind of noticed.” Harry passed his hand through his hair awkwardly. He had never woken up next to a girl before, and this was not just any girl, this was Hermione, his best friend. And now, now she had become more than that. Of course, he didn't mind. Not in the least.

“Not to mention you've taken his side of the bed.” Hermione hopped on the mattress next to Harry, who smiled, kissing her softly.

“Good morning,” he whispered.

“Hi.”

****

After a glorious morning and an excellent wake up call, Harry and Hermione made their way to breakfast, now holding hands. They would've made their way automatically to the Gryffindor table, but something at the Ravenclaw table immediately caught their eyes.

Fleur was sitting on a bench, away from the rest of the students. Worse, she didn't have any make-up on and, even worse, she was reading…a book! What was wrong with this? This type of behavior certainly wasn't normal for Hermione's French friend. Hermione was the first to comment:

“Something wrong with this picture?” she glanced at Harry.

“Yep. There's Fleur, without make up, reading,” Harry answered her.

“That's what I thought,” said Hermione, “Wait a minute…there's something missing…”

“Wood!” Harry and Hermione said in unison and made their way towards the blonde part-Veela.

“Hi,” Hermione greeted her friend cheerfully. Fleur jumped at her words, spilling her mug of pumpkin juice all over the book.

“Oh crap!” she protested, but Hermione already had her wand out.

“Taken care of.” She muttered a quick cleansing spell and the book was as good as new. Fleur just smiled thinly.

“Can we sit down?” Harry asked.

“You're already `ere, aren't you?” Fleur spat, immediately noticing her rude behavior and quickly putting a fake smile on her face. “ I'm sorry. I didn't sleep well last night. Of course you can join me.”

“Something wrong?” Hermione sat down by her side, concern shadowing her face.

“Why would you `zink `zat?” Fleur asked as casually as she could, doing her best to hide her gloomy mood, but failing miserably.

“Well, you're not wearing any make-up for starters, you're hardly eating, no surprise there though,” Hermione admitted. Fleur wasn't much of an eater. She kept on claiming that Hogwarts food was too heavy. “And you're alone, reading.”

“Okay, I didn't sleep well last night, so I got up after curfew and I didn't `ave time for make-up if I wanted to make it for breakfast and I'm too nervous to eat because I `ave to take a Potions exam today,” Fleur said quickly.

“If you say so,” said Hermione disbelievingly, obviously not buying a single word.

“Now, if you excuse me, I `ave to get to class.” Fleur stood up. Hermione glanced at the big Great Hall clock. It said: “Breakfast time.” There was no class yet, but before she could stop Fleur, she had literally stormed out of the Great Hall.

Fleur certainly wasn't going to class yet. She had to take care of something first. She went to Madame Hooch's office and knocked softly.

“Bonjour, Madame `Ooch,” Fleur smiled kindly as the office's door opened.

“Hello Fleur. What can I do for you? Sit down, sit down!” Madame Hooch was all too happy to receive her, but Fleur's news weren't all too pleasant.

“Well, I'm afraid I'm `ere to quit `ze Ravenclaw Quidditch team,” Fleur answered.

“What? Why?”

“Madame `Ooch, I `ave somezing to confess. I never played Quidditch before now. I only entered because…”

“I know. I've always known.” Fleur was speechless at Madame Hooch's words.

“You `ave? Why didn't you say anyzing? Why did you allow me on `ze team `zen?”

“Because I didn't want to take away your motivation. I know that they don't have a Quidditch team at Beauxbatons, but you wanted to play so badly that I decided to give you a chance. I don't regret it. You're one of the best chasers I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Davies and Wood think the same.”

“Yes, Wood.” Fleur felt her heart sting at the mention of his name. “ `Ze `zing is `zat…”

“Personal problems?”

“You could say `zat.”

“See, I don't think you should quit. You shouldn't waste away your talent just because the outcomes didn't come as you expected, life is like that.”

“You know what? You're right. Plus, it will serve as a distraction,” Fleur determined.

“That's the spirit!”

“ `Zanks Madame `Ooch.” Fleur stood up.

“No problem sweetie. Have a good day.”

Fleur sighed, gathering up her book bag. Somehow, Madame Hooch had made her feel a whole lot better.

However, the feeling didn't last long, for seconds later, there was a second knock on the door.

Fleur stopped dead in her tracks as she saw Oliver Wood entering the office.

“Morning profess…” Oliver was silent when he saw Fleur, beautiful as always.

Fleur gave him a cold look before brushing past him.

“Morning Captain,” she said coldly, so as not to concern Madame Hooch, and strolled towards the door.

“Chaser,” Oliver responded as Fleur closed the door.

“Wood? Wood!” Madame Hooch's screeches brought Oliver back to reality.

“What?” said Oliver, his voice a little altered and higher than he had meant to.

“What is it?”

Oliver then realized that he had forgotten why he had come to Madame Hooch's office in the first place. He rubbed his eyes, sighing in frustration.

Chapter 13: Slytherin vs. Gryffindor

Fleur got up to find that she couldn't move from her bed, for it was covered in red roses. And worse, there was an owl sleeping on her pillow! She snatched a note from the owl's mouth and it screeched in protest. Fleur's face expression became annoyed as she read the note:

To the most beautiful girl in the whole wizarding world. Hope you like it. Please forgive me. With all the love in the world and then some,

Oliver

She reached for the owl's shiny badge:

“Venus”

“Guys and poetry. `Zey suck at it!” Fleur cursed, getting up from her bed in a flash and crushing all the red roses in the process. As soon as she was dressed, she made her way into the Gryffindor common room. She made record time, for as she sat on the couch and settled to wait for Hermione, her best friend came out of Harry's room.

“ `Ermione, can I `ave a word?” She stood up. Hermione smiled and nodded, sitting down next to her.

“What's up?” she asked, but she knew perfectly well what this was about. Harry had told her all about it just last night, prior to their other nightly activity.

“Wood told `Arry, didn't `e?”

“Yes. And Harry told me. Why didn't you tell me in the first place Fleur?”

“I…didn't want to bozer you wiz my problems.” Fleur lowered her head.

“You're not a bother. You should know that by now. Still want to talk about it?” Hermione patted her shoulder.

“It was `zat all team practice day. Practice was over, so I changed. We were supposed to spend time alone, so I went back to the pitch. Darcelle was `itting on `im and I just got `zere in time before she was able to kiss `im. I know it wasn't `is fault. `E's just like `zat, buys everyzing you tell `im sometimes, and I suppose Darcelle convinced `im to give `im an after practice advice on `Quidditch'. I just got so upset `zat Darcele `ad gotten what she wanted `zat I didn't even let `im explain. We argued, well, actually, I argued and…” Fleur's voice was cut off by her tears.

Hermione embraced her in gentle a hug.

“It's okay,” she tried to calm her, but Fleur pulled away instantly.

“ `Ze problem is Dracelle is right.”

“What do you mean?”

“She told me `zat I was finally in love and what burned me `ze most was `ze `zought of not being able to retain Oliver like any ozer man I've ever been wiz. She's right. I've always been able to get any man I ever wanted, but Oliver's different. I even went `zrough Quidditch and mud just to get `im to notice me and I just despair at the `zought of `im being wiz somebody else. I love `im, and I'm scared of losing `im!” Fleur's

sobs got louder and she threw herself into Hermione's arms, crying uncontrollably.

“It's okay, it's all right. You won't lose him.” Hermione tried in vain to calm her.

She was interrupted, however, by Harry's shouts.

“Crookshanks! Out! Jeez!”

“What's going on?” Fleur's lips curled up as a tiny laugh escaped them.

“Oh, Crookshanks likes him a little too much.”

* * * *

Finally, the first Quidditch match after Christmas took place. Hermione went with Fleur to the locker room, so she could wish Harry good luck. Fleur just waited in a corner.

Hermione smiled as she spotted Harry and jumped at him, kissing him passionately which, of course, was most welcomed by him.

“What was that for?” Harry caught his breath, looking at his beautiful girlfriend in amazement.

“Just for good luck,” Hermione smiled.

“Well then, I can't wait to see what you give me if Gryffindor wins the match,” Harry grinned.

“You'll just have to wait and find out, won't you?”

Harry embraced her once more, brushed her lips softly and then took possession of his Firebolt. He was more than ready for the match and rest assured, twice as motivated.

* * * *

But the game was unbearable for Fleur. No, more unbearable was the fact that Ravenclaw played the winner tomorrow, and if it was Gryffindor…

Her thoughts were briefly interrupted when she hear Hermione cheering for Harry and the rest of the Gryffindor team.

The game was finally over when Harry beat Malfoy to the snitch, giving Gryffindor yet another victory. Hermione went over to the pitch, so she could properly congratulate the team and her boyfriend. Fleur, on the other hand, disappeared from the stadium in a second. But this didn't go unnoticed by the Gryffindor Quidditch captain, who went after her.

Harry and Hermione shared another kiss on the pitch as Hermione promised him a surprise for that same night.

After Harry changed, he and Hermione walked, hand in hand, to their favorite spot by the lake. And that was when Hermione became aware that Fleur was nowhere to be seen.

****

Oliver caught Fleur alone in the Ravenclaw common room, for the students hadn't yet come up to their houses. As the Head Boy, he was privy to all the houses' passwords and changes, just in case. And there she was…reading?

“Missed you at practice yesterday,” he remarked, bringing her attention to him. Yesterday had been the last all team practice before the Quidditch games started for the semester, and Fleur hadn't showed up.

The part-Veela shut her book and gave him an annoyed look. Of all the subjects in the world he had to approach her with Quidditch. Typical.

“So?” her voice was as cold as ice.

“Didn't you miss me too?” his voice was gentle against hers.

“It doesn't matter.” She sighed. She did miss him. Again, Oliver blew her patience.

“It's not like you to miss a Quidditch practice. If it was for me…”

“ `Zat's all you care about isn't it? Damn Quidditch game!!” she stood up and threw her book to the floor.

“Fleur, you know that's not true! I love you!” he confessed.

“Well, itz about time you knew somezing.” She approached him. “I'm not going to Quidditch practice so I can see Darcelle all over you again. Plus, I don't even give a damn about Quidditch! “

“What?” Oliver was puzzled.

“ `Zat's right. I don't care about Quidditch, nor for the Quaffle, Chasers and all `zat crap. I only entered `ze team so I could be close to you.”

“What? You did all that just to get to me?” Oliver should have been angry at this revelation, but strangely enough, he wasn't. He was flattered.

“It doesn't matter now.”

“It matters to me!” Oliver took a step closer to her and tried to kiss her, but she turned her face away.

“Congratulations on your team's victory and good luck tomorrow. Excuse me.”

Fleur fought back her tears as she climbed out of the portrait hole. Oliver sighed, cursing his luck. All he wanted right now was to kiss her.

****

Night came and with it, Harry's anxiety to find out what Hermione had planned for the night.

“ `Ermione, what brings you?” Fleur opened her door to find her best friend beaming at her. She was glad to see her so happy.

“I was wondering if you would be so kind as to take care of Crookshanks tonight. I don't want him to ruin Harry's evening.”

“Of course. What do you `ave planned?” Fleur asked curiously. Hermione just grinned.

“Wouldn't you like to know?”

“Well all right. But I want all `ze details tomorrow.”

“You'll have them. By the way, are you prepared for the Quidditch game tomorrow?”

“Sure `zing. Itz nozing.” But Hermione knew her friend all too well.

“You can't lie to me. I saw Oliver after the game. He looked pretty upset.”

“I told `im `ze truz.” Hermione's eyes widened.

“You did? How did he…”

“You know `Ermione, I don't want to talk about `zis, please.”

“As you wish.” Hermione glanced at the common room's clock. “Oh! It's getting late! Got to go. I got Ron to distract Harry and he sucks at it!”

“Don't do anyzing I wouldn't do,” Fleur grinned maliciously.

“Oh, before I leave, can I ask you a personal question?”

“As long as it isn't about Oliver.”

“Which…under gown would you choose were you in my place? Red or black?” Fleur looked at her best friend with amusement. When did know-it-all Hermione Granger start asking this type of advise? But, nevertheless, she answered.

“Black. Definitely black. It will drive Harry nuts as sure as brooms fly.”

“Okay. Thanks.”

Simultaneously, Oliver came running towards Hermione.

“Hermione, Ron said to tell you to hurry up. He's going berserk,” he said in a hurried tone.

“In a minute! Bye Fleur.”

Hermione smiled at her friend and left, leaving her face to face with the Gryffindor Quidditch captain, whose eyes were locked on hers. But before he could say a word to her, she closed the door in his face.

****

Fleur had a cold shower that night. But she couldn't fully enjoy her bath time. She was putting a towel around her body when the door opened abruptly.

“Damn it Wood! Don't you know `ow to knock?” she asked, outraged. “I'm not even dressed!”

“Sorry, but you forgot Hermione's cat and he was scratching me,” Oliver remarked.

“Oh, well, `zanks.” Oliver kept his gaze fixed on her. Her face was still wet and her hair was dripping. She was a sight indeed. “You know your way out.”

When Oliver left, Fleur pulled on her nightgown and took Crookshanks in her arms. She fell into a peaceful slumber minutes later.

* * * *

Hermione was finished lightning the candles in Harry's room. As expected, Harry finally entered, stopping dead in his tracks as he took in the masterpiece that was Hermione's room.

The room was dark, except for the candles that gave it a dim appearance and on the pillow rested a plate containing chocolate covered strawberries. At the night table stood two goblets with a bottle of Butterbeer behind them.

But the real masterpiece lay on the edge on the bed. Hermione was dressed in a thin, layered black nightgown, which accentuated all her curves and her silky hair was combed to her shoulders. She looked breathtaking.

“Well, are you going to stand there all night or would you care to begin your lovemaking?” Hermione's voice brought him back to reality.

Harry took her in his arms and crushed his lips against hers, savoring her sweet, strawberry taste. But he stopped as he eased her down on bed.

“Where's your nice little cat?” his voice sounded slightly sarcastic.

“Taken care of,” Hermione whispered, pulling him back to her.

Suffice to say that Harry enjoyed his surprise a little too much. It was a night to

remember.

A/N: So, I take it you like H/Hr fluff? Hey! This is Portkey! It should be illegal not to put it! See you next time!

Caroline

Okay, here's chapter 14; sorry . There isn't going to be enough H/Hr interaction in this chappie, but it is key to the plot. Hope you all will forgive me!

J.C. Rose: Your wish is my command.

Cha: Thank you. Here's your update.

davaca: Thank you. Very flattering.

Harry85: Glad you loved it; I aim to please. Yeah, she knows, but she's temperamental; it'll take a bit more to get her back to her senses. You know how stubborn one can be sometimes.

Hermionestar14: Thank you for your compliments. I respect your opinion, but I don't think Hermione's OOC. Sure, she may have her morals, but she loves Harry. She knows it wasn't his fault, she just needed…reassurance.

H/hr4eva: Thanks! You'll find out more about Ginny in this chappie. (I don't care about her either)

Akjennymay9-Did I get it right? No link this time. Thanks for your wonderful compliments; here's an interesting one for you.

And now, without further ado, chapter 14! Enjoy and please don't hesitate to review!

Chapter 14: Ravenclaw vs. Gryffindor

Harry stretched as the new morning approached, suddenly becoming aware that there was someone cuddled against his chest. He opened his eyes and was glad to find Hermione there, instead of Crookshanks. He sighed as the memories from last night came rushing into his mind. Last night had been beyond greatness and safe to say that he was more than ready for the game against Ravenclaw today.

He kissed his girlfriend softly on the forehead, carefully moving her to her side of the bed. Hermione moaned, opening her eyes sleepily and glancing up at him.

“Game time already?” she mumbled.

“No, it's still pretty early,” he murmured softly, gently stroking a strand of silk brown hair.

“Where are you going then?”

“Just to bring breakfast. Go back to sleep,” he planted a tender kiss on her lips and went to shower.

In less than ten minutes he was dressed in his Quidditch robes and making his way to the Fat Lady's portrait. The game wasn't taking place for another three hours, but he planned to spend as much time with Hermione as possible.

Ginny caught up with him before he was able to get out of the common room.

“Hey Harry, ready for the game?” she asked, while batting her eyelashes.

“Oh, yeah I am,” he answered flatly.

“So, I was wondering if after the game we could…”

“Can't talk now Ginny. Got an errand to run,” he smiled weakly and strolled off.

A smile crept slowly onto Hermione's face. The conversation was easily heard in Harry's bedroom and she sighed happily. Harry did love her.

* * * *

Oliver decided it was about time to be up, and determined to go to Fleur's dorm before breakfast so that he could wish her luck for today's game. (Okay so, that's not all he wanted, but oh well.) He crept into the Ravenclaw common room and knocked on Fleur's dorm, but no answer came. So, slowly and carefully, he opened the door.

“Fleur?” Nobody answered, so he entered.

She was there all right. He found the blond part-Veela still on her four poster bed, sleeping soundly, with Crookshanks on top of her.

Damned cat! That was where Oliver wanted to be right this minute. His eyes drifted to her sleeping shape, becoming more and more hypnotized by the minute. What he didn't notice however was that Fleur was waking up.

“Wood!” she gasped, falling out of bed. Crookshanks gave what appeared to be a scoff of disapproval. Fortunately enough, she was able to cover her nightgown with the bed sheets.

“Oh, Fleur. Good morning. I apologize…”

“What now? `Ermione wants `er cat back and she sent you to pick it up?” she glanced at

him coldly.

“No. I just wanted to wish you good luck for, you know, today's game, but I didn't mean to wake you.”

“Itz a little late for `zat, isn't it?”

“Sorry. Well, good luck then.” He opened the door and left silently.

“Damn it!” she cursed, completely awake. It was the second time he had startled her. She just wished that he would kiss her and be done with it.

She dismissed such thoughts from her mind as she took a shower and put her Quidditch robes on.

“Now Crookshanks, you be good, because I don't want to meddle in your owner's affairs,” Fleur warned. She figured that Hermione was probably giving Harry the wake up call of his life by this point. Crookshanks seemed to understand her, for he quickly got under her bed.

Fleur got out of her room and proceeded to the locker room. But somebody else opened the common room entrance, and Crookshanks escaped into the hallway.

* * * *

Before sitting on the benches and after wishing Harry luck, Hermione decided to stop by the Ravenclaw locker room.

“Hey Fleur,” she smiled as she sighted her best friend.

“ `Ermione, `ow's `ze world's finest seductive woman?” Fleur grinned maliciously, causing Hermione to blush.

“Stop!”

“ `Ow's `Arry?”

“How do you think? He couldn't wipe that silly grin off his face even when Wood was giving the usual `before game speech'.”

“I don't even want to `zink of what you did last night. But I want all `ze details after `ze game.”

“I told you you'd have them. So, where's Crookshanks?”

“Still in my dorm. Oh, and next time, don't send Wood as `ze messenger.”

“Sorry. I was in a hurry. Well, got to go. Don't let me keep you from warming up. Good luck.” Hermione smiled and took her leave.

Fleur smiled back and was left to stretch before the game. She opened her bag and noticed with a start that her water bottle was missing.

“Fleur, you left this in the common room. Figured you might need t.” Cho Chang, the Ravenclaw seeker handed her the lost water bottle.

“ `Zanks.”

“No problem. Well, to the field it is!” Cho Chang crabbed her broom and rushed past Fleur.

Fleur took a sip of her water and followed Cho. It was time to begin the game.

* * * *

The game was unusually rough. After the Quaffle was released, it became a blur of racing brooms, Harry and Cho searching for the Snitch, Bludgers everywhere.

Ravenclaw took possession of the Quaffle, and it was passed to Fleur as she flew in front of the goal post, where Oliver was flying, steady on his broom, prepared to prevent Fleur's Quaffle from entering.

But when Fleur prepared to throw the Quaffle, her vision suddenly went blurry. She rubbed her eyes.

“What's the matter with you? Score!” her mind reprehended her.

Oliver gazed at her in confusion.

But it only got worse as she started losing balance as a result of feeling dizzy.

“Are you okay? Fleur!” Oliver shouted as the part-Veela fainted, falling from her broom, her body and the Quaffle plummeting to the ground.

Oliver sprang after her and caught her just in time, falling to the ground with Fleur's body on top of him.

He sighed in relief. Fleur didn't have a scratch on her, but she still wasn't moving.

Professor McGonagall approached the field, followed by Professor Kane, who took Fleur in his arms and led her to the Hospital Wing. Oliver went after him, followed by Hermione and both Quidditch teams, the game long forgotten.

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Hey! Thanks for all your kind reviews!! I was so flattered! I didn't think you guys would like this chapter very much; guess I was wrong! This is the most reviews I've ever received! Thank you! Now, this chapter has none H/Hr interaction, but it's necessary for the Fleur issue to be partially resolved. Hope you all will forgive me, but I'm also giving you the next chappie, that WILL have H/Hr interaction and a bit of fluff. I'm sorry to say that this fic is slowly coming to an end. But the best part is yet to come, sop stick around!!

quietlylurking: Patience. Happy endings are my favorite!

Antone: So you read it all yesterday? I'm impressed; glad you liked it! Thank you!

davaca: You are a pretty good guesser. How I hate to prove you wrong, but the fic's not over yet…

Anonymus: Thanks for that, dear fan. As for Darcy, read and find out!

Harry85: I'm glad you like it. About Darcy, she really is what you said she is…but I'm not quite sure about the other part.

Kim: Calling you by your name is easier. Thanks. I know it's weird, but it seems we have something in common…Go H/Hr! Nice to meet you btw. Maybe you can tell me the titles of your stories so I can go read them?

J.C. Rose: Thank you! As always, your wish is my command. Have fun!

mcgaughy1661: Thank you! I'm glad that you love it! Here are your chappies…

Hermionestar14: As always, your opinion is respected. But thanks for your complimentr…and a word of advice, don't go blaming Cho just yet…

Hermione Potter: Thank you! I'm flattered! Why not? Why so un-confident? Not everyone can write; you sure can!

hhr4eva You guessed right! Lots of Fleur…Enjoy! Thanks a lot. I hope you still feel that way!

Now, without further ado: enjoy!

Chapter 15: Poison and Silver Lining

“ `Ermione?” Fleur's blue eyes opened slowly as she felt someone caressing her hand.

“No. It's me,” Oliver's voice filled her ears, but she made no effort to remove her hand nor to stop the caress.

“What `appened?” She turned her head to face him.

“You fainted and fell from your broom. I caught you.”

Their conversation was suddenly interrupted by low hisses. Seconds later, Madam Pomfrey made her appearance, followed by Hermione, Harry behind her.

“Oh good, you're up,” Madam Pomfrey smiled while Hermione rushed to Fleur's side.

“Is she going to be all right?” Oliver asked.

“Yes, fortunately. The poison wasn't lethal,” madam Pomfrey answered.

“Poison?” Oliver's eyes widened.

“Yes. It appears that somebody tried to poison you, Fleur. What did you drink before the game?” Madam Pomfrey asked.

“Some orange juice for breakfast and oh, `zere was my bottled water `zat Cho brought me,” Fleur recalled.

“Well, the water was poisoned, because the contents were designed to take immediate effect. Did you say Cho?” Madam Pomfrey frowned.

“I don't think Cho did it. I mean, she hardly knows Fleur,” Hermione intervened.

“Yeah, maybe it was Darcelle.” Fleur scoffed in disgust.

“I don't think she'd sink that low, Fleur,” Hermione interrupted again.

“We'll look into it. It's fortunate Wood caught you. You could've died from a fall like that. Maybe that's what the person who did this really wanted,” Madame Pomfrey figured. Fleur's face became pale, along with the rest of the faces in the room. “Go and take a shower. If you feel better afterwards, you may leave.”

“Here, brought you some clothes.” Hermione gave her a pair of jeans and a baby blue blouse, Fleur's favorite color.

She followed Madam Pomfrey's advice and came out of the shower relaxed and refreshed.

“Can I go now `zen?”

“Yes, but be careful. You're still weak,” Madam Pomfrey warned.

“I'm fine,” Fleur remarked, tossing her silver blonde hair.

“Nevertheless…Wood, carry her to her room please,” Madam Pomfrey requested. Fleur's eyes widened as Oliver nodded.

“What? No, zat's really not necessary…”

Despite all of Fleur's protests, she came out of the Hospital Wing in Oliver's arms. She was tempted to lay her head on his shoulder, as it was getting very heavy, but her thoughts were disturbed by Oliver's voice.

“Thank God you're all right. You had me worried,” his voice was full of the tenderness she had come to know so well.

“I appreciate your concern,” she answered flatly, avoiding his face.

“Did you like the owl I sent you?”

“Was `zat you?” her mouth formed the words automatically.

“I left a note.”

“Oh yes' Wiz all `ze love in `ze world and `zen some'. Very moving, Wood.”

“Does that mean you liked it?”

“Does it matter?”

“Well…yes.”

“Yes, I liked it. `Appy?”

“So, does that mean I still have a chance with you?”

“I don't want to talk about `zat.”

“Okay then. You look much better. The way I see it, you'll be back on the Quidditch pitch in no time,” Oliver smiled eagerly.

“I don't want to talk about `zat eizer.” Fleur sighed. Her patience for Quidditch had run out.

“Okay, what do you want to talk about?”

“ `Ow about you just drop me in my room? “ her tone was again icy cold.

“As you wish.” Oliver sighed, getting upstairs.

“Tell me, `ow was it `zat Darcelle got `zat close to you?” This time, Fleur did look at him.

“I don't want to talk about that Fleur. You talked enough that night.”

“I want to! I want to know `ow was it `zat Darcelle finally got you where she wanted!” By now, Fleur was screeching like an angry Veela.

“She didn't get anything, because we didn't do anything! I thought I had made it clear that I love you.”

“She was touching your chest!”

“We still didn't do anything!”

“”Yeah, you didn't do anyzing to stop `er!”

“I think you stopped her enough.”

“She was about to kiss you, damn it!”

“But we didn't! Jeez, Fleur, I told you I love you! You honestly believe that I would cheat on you with your French friend? If I didn't know any better, I'd say you don't trust me.”

“Whoever said anyzing about trust?” again, the words just sprang out of her mouth. Oliver's face changed. She had hurt him.

“Okay. That's the way it is then,” he whispered.

Fleur would have kept up the arguing; it felt good to finally get it out of her system. However, what Oliver hadn't taken into account was that due to the heat of the argument, he had lost track of where he was going, and was headed instead, to his own room. Fleur didn't only notice that tiny detail, but also saw the strangest thing; Crookshanks appeared to be out of his room, seated instead before the door of Oliver's room, and the Quidditch captain was going straight for him.

“Oliver, you might want to…” But Oliver had heard enough.

“What now? You broke a nail and want to take it out on me as well?” his tone had changed abruptly, leaving Fleur's mouth wide open. She had never been so insulted in her life. And no, her nail wasn't broken.

“Fuck you Wood!”

“Ah now, that's not a very nice thing to say Miss Delacour, since I'm the one carrying you!”

“ And `zere's plenty more where `zat…whoa!”

The next thing Fleur knew, she was lying on her back next to Oliver's bed. As expected, Oliver had tripped over Hermione's cat and had gone straight for the door, opening it with his and her own body weight. Oliver lay face down on the floor just in front of his bed and Fleur could see his feet were still in the hallway.

“Ugh! Damn it Wood! If you `ad paid attention…are you all right?” Despite their previous arguments, Fleur couldn't hide the concern in her voice.

Oliver groaned, but got up quickly.

“I'm fine. Are you?” He went over to her and offered his hand, but she refused it and attempted to push herself up. But, as a result of being weak, her feet stumbled over her bodyweight and she would had gone straight to the floor again if it wasn't for Oliver, who took her by her waist while her body leaned completely against his embrace.

Fleur sighed, inhaling the all too familiar scent. She put her hands on his shoulders so she could regain her balance again, but he pulled her tightly against him, lifting her chin.

Their lips met in a passionate, craved kiss that deepened the second it started. Neither of them pulled away for air, because they didn't seem to want this to stop.

Fleur moaned as Oliver's tongue entered her mouth and allowed herself to fall backwards on the soft mattress, pulling Oliver with her. Blood rushed through them as well as wild sensations; until the Quidditch captain finally pulled away.

“Fleur, maybe we shouldn't. I mean…you've just been…” But he was interrupted as Fleur brushed his lips softly.

“Oliver, make love to me.”

Their lips crushed roughly again as Oliver made himself a mental note; thank Crookshanks later.

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Chapter 16: A Look on the Bad Side

Oliver got up to a shiny morning, only to set eyes on the beautiful part Veela who was still cuddled up against his chest. He carefully moved her to the side of the bed. Fleur moaned and continued her peaceful slumber. Oliver took a shower, dressed and went down to breakfast.

He went to the Gryffindor table and began loading his plate with double quantities of everything. Harry, who had the same goofy grin on his face that he had worn the day before, caught him.

“Someone's in an awfully good mood today.” Oliver smiled back at him.

“Well, it's a beautiful day, don't you think?”

“Does it have the name Fleur Delacour written on it?”

“How did you know?”

“Wild guess,” Harry sniggered. His friend remained as clueless as always.

“Got to go. See if I can catch Fleur before she wakes up.”

“Oh, don't let me stop you. I've got to go see Hermione myself.” Harry gave him a pat on the shoulder and took his leave.

Oliver sighed happily and began making his own way out, but not before Professor McGonagall called him from behind.

“Wood!”

“Professor, good morning,” Oliver greeted her.

“I wondered if I could have a word with you. After yesterday's incident I fear the Quidditch match…”

“Professor, see, I'm kind of busy right now, but I'm sure that Katie will be more than happy to help you. She can fill me in later. Au Revoir.” Oliver smiled, continuing on his way at happy pace.

Professor McGonagall shook her head as she stared after him with a wide- eyed expression. Oliver Wood? Too busy to talk about Quidditch? It was then that she became aware that she had noticed double quantities of food in his plate and hastily dismissed the thoughts from her mind. But then she remembered that he had just spoken French.

Fleur got up to a knock at her door. She wrapped a blanket around herself and opened the door, a furtive smile taking over her lips as the visitor's eyes widened.

“Darcelle? “Itz a little bit early to be visiting, isn't it?”

“You? What are you doing `ere!”

“What do you `zink I'm doing `ere, really? Do I `ave to be a little more specific for you?” Fleur asked calmly.

“Where is Oliver?”

“Still in bed. Wouldn't wake him `zough. `E must be ex'austed, you know, being up all night and all. But if you want, I could give `im a message for you. If not…” Fleur smacked her lips. She was having the time of her life, “ I don't see what you're still doing `ere.” She closed the door in Darcelle's face.

Fleur sighed. She whished she could have captured Darcelle's astonished face in a picture. Her mouth curled up into a malicious smile as she took the liberty of using Oliver's bathroom.

She came out as Oliver came in with breakfast, her hair still damp and a smile on her face.

“Well, someone is certainly not temperamental today.” Oliver smiled back as Fleur got close to him.

“Wouldn't dream of it,” she whispered, kissing him softly. He was only too happy to comply with the sweet gesture.

“Breakfast?”

After a nice session of breakfast in bed, as well as a few kisses here and there, Fleur got up, ready to leave. But before she could, Oliver took her arm, pulling her closer to him and capturing her in a fervent kiss.

“You'd better let me go if I'm going to make it to Snape's class,” Fleur giggled.

“Oh all right,” Oliver pretended to whine, “But only because I have to stop by Professor McGonagall's office before lessons start.”

Their lips met once more in as ardent a kiss as before. Oliver rounded his arms at Fleur's waist, knocking the plates to the floor as well as other study materials.

****

When Fleur returned to her room, she noticed Crookshanks sleeping peacefully on her bed.

“You bad cat, you.” Fleur smiled, taking him in her arms.

She found Hermione at the pool again, but she wasn't alone. She and Harry were caught presently in a lip lock. Fleur sat down with Crookshanks on her lap and waited quietly, so she wouldn't ruin the moment.

“Fleur.” Hermione broke the kiss as she noticed Fleur's presence but Harry settled instead, on her creamy neck.

“Fleur who?” came Harry's muffled voice. Fleur laughed as Hermione elbowed Harry in the ribs to get him back to reality. “Oh, Fleur! Hi!”

“God, you looked so cute!” Fleur stood up as Harry and Hermione got out of the pool, Harry putting a towel around Hermione's shoulders.

“I just came to return your cat. I would've returned him last night but letz just say I got a little sidetracked.” Fleur handed the cat to her best friend.

“No problem. Thanks a lot. How are you feeling?” Hermione asked.

“A lot better today, `zanks for asking,” Fleur replied happily.

“I trust you slept well?”

“Well, don't know about `ze sleep, but I did `ave a very pleasant night. Ooh, got to go. Potions final.” Fleur smiled once more as she took her leave, leaving Hermione with a puzzled face.

“Am I missing something here? I mean, she just got poisoned yesterday. What is she so happy about?” Hermione turned to look at Harry.

“Didn't you get it? She just got back with Oliver. That's why she had a very pleasant night,” Harry explained, rubbing her shoulders as the towel dried her body.

“And how do you know so much about this?” Hermione put her hands on her hips.

“Oliver told me.”

“I'm watching you Potter,” said Hermione, giving him a soft kiss on the lips afterwards.

****

The day went by smoothly. After the day's finals, they were able to relax, as the next day was the last day before the holidays. Oliver and Fleur had that missing flying lesson around the Quidditch pitch. Harry and Hermione sat down to `read' in the common room (although we know for a fact that they didn't remain in the common room for long, nor did they end up reading).

As expected of such a great day, night came in a flash.

Hermione knocked the door to Fleur's room. Her friend came out dressed in shorts and a red top.

“Going somewhere?” Hermione asked, smiling.

“I'm going…to take Oliver's breaz away.”

“Knock yourself out.”

“Isn't `Arry waiting for you?”

“Yes, but I like him to get him a little…desperate before he sees me,” Hermione grinned wickedly.

“Ooh, I `zink I've `ad a bad influence on you. What can I do for you?”

“I just wanted to thank you before the term is over, for everything.”

“You `ave nozing to `zank me for. I just returned your favor. It is really me `zat should be `zanking you.”

“Well, you're welcome. You know, before I knew you, I thought you were nothing but a French Barbie.” Fleur looked puzzled.

“What's a Barbie?”

“Oh. Just a Muggle toy. Imagine this, I thought your gift was poisoned.”

“Wow, `zanks for elevating my self-esteem,” Fleur scoffed.

“I'm serious. But now I think you're my best female friend ever. I wouldn't have survived this term without you.”

“Well, same `zing goes for you. I don't even know what moved me to ask you to `elp me. I `zought you were nozing but a nerdy girl who spent her time hiding behind books. I couldn't `ave been more wrong.” Fleur hugged her.

“Hey Fleur, did they find out who tried to poison you yet?”

“Don't ruin `ze moment `Ermione! Jeez!”

They were still laughing when Harry suddenly appeared.

“Mind if I borrow her?” he asked Fleur, his arms encircling Hermione's waist.

“Not at all `Arry. Be my guest.” Fleur smiled at him.

“Merci.” Fleur stared at Harry in amusement.

“I see you're learning French.”

“I'm working on it,” he replied before getting close to Hermione's ear. “ Let's get out of here.”

He kissed her as he lifted her into his arms. Hermione waved happily to Fleur until they were out of sight.

Fleur went back to her room and finished combing her hair. She even put some perfume on.

Just then, her owl arrived.

“When are you coming over? Missing you already. Can't wait to kiss you. Put a hurry on it.”

Love,

Oliver

Fleur smiled as she put the parchment away and went straight for the door. But before she could, her room went black.

She gasped, trying to grasp the air in front of her, feeling for the doorknob. She hated darkness. Why had this happened anyway?

“Petrificus Totalus!”

Fleur fell to the floor in a matter of seconds as a shadow lifted her, disappearing into darkness once more.

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Hey! Here's the answer to the cliffie, by popular demand. Thank you for your kind reviews! Keep them coming!

Brianna!: Thank you; my favorite ship too; after H/Hr! Here's your update!

Dizzi01: Thanks! But I wouldn't be too sure about that just yet…

Kjm: Thank you! That is very flattering, since there's not much to go on Fleur's character. Even if she can be a bitch sometimes, she still has feelings, right? I love H/Hr too!

Winterzangel90: Yeah, poor her, but I won't settle for less than a happy ending! Here's your update!

HarryandHermione4ever: Thanks a lot! Here's your chapter, but for more fluff, you gotta read next chappie! Coming soon!

LittleAuthor: Thank you for reading. Hope this is promising enough for you.

davaca: Guess again…

Harry85: Um, I'm not sure it's Darcelle's arse you want to kick…

Akjennymay9: I hate Cho too, too needy for my taste, but she who you're looking for! And this isn't the last chapter either!

Hermionestar14: Appearances can be deceiving…

David: Slightly complicated screen name you got there! Thanks for your amazing review! Hope you like it in the end.

J.C. Rose: Sorry, but no more Ron in this fic. I promise more Ron in next fic, okay?

And now, this one's for you davaca!

Chapter 17: A Key Wand

Oliver was growing impatient. Fifteen minutes had already passed since he had sent the little parchment to Fleur, so he gave up and went to her room instead. He was sure that she wouldn't mind. God! The women take way too much time fixing themselves!

He knocked on the door, but received no answer. He reached for the doorknob and was surprised to find that the door was open, but figured the house-elves had already made the beds ready for the night's sleep time.

“Fleur? Sweetheart?” `

He found no one inside. This wasn't weird for the Ravenclaw students, as today was the last day of final exams, and they would be outside, enjoying their last weekend. But Fleur wasn't there. And she certainly wouldn't be hanging around after the plans they had made for tonight.

He glanced at her bed, but his eyes immediately shifted to the window by its side. It was opened. That was strange. Neither house-elves nor students ever bothered to open the windows. It was deliciously warm in the rooms and it was still a little cold outside at the night.

****

Harry opened the door to find Oliver standing there, a worried expression on his face.

“Oliver? What is it?”

“I'm sorry, but Hermione wasn't in her room, so I figured she would be here instead. I came to ask if she had seen Fleur because I can't seem to find her…”

“No.” Hermione emerged from inside Harry's bedroom, in her bathrobe. “ Last time I saw her, she was still getting ready . But that was…”

“half an hour ago,” Oliver finished for her.

“It…can't…” Hermione's expression changed to one of fear.

“Her window was open.”

Hermione and Harry got dressed as fast as lightning while Oliver went looking for his wand. When he went to his room however, it wasn't his wand he found.

“Oliver, what's going on?” Hermione found him holding a wand made of rosewood and Veela hair, which he had found lying on the floor just seconds before.

“This wand…it isn't mine.”

They both look at each other as their eyes opened wide with terror.

“Fleur!”

Fleur shifted as her eyes slowly opened, and discovered herself tied to a tree. Darkness surrounded the environment; the only spark of light was a magical green fire, glowing right in front of her; but instead of giving off warmth, it was icy cold. It seemed, Fleur thought, that she was in the Forbidden Forest.

“God, it's cold in `ere,” she protested. She had reason to. Her short and seductive attire was in no way equipped to deal with extra-cold weather.

But she had very little time to think about that disturbing fact, for her mind was cleared of all thoughts but fear as she heard a menacing voice whisper out of the twilight:

“Comfortable, I hope.” The black-cloaked man turned to face her, laughing maniacally.

“God in `eaven!” Fleur's face turned as pale as the moonlight when her eyes caught sight of the man's dead white face and reddish eyes. “I…assume `zat skin care products `aven't done you much good?”

“Quiet witch!” Voldemort screeched, his skeletal hand taking hold of Fleur's neck.

“ Where's your wand? Go ahead, take it out.”

Fleur instinctively drew her hand to her pocket; her wand wasn't there. Then she remembered; she hadn't seen her wand at all today. But as she hadn't needed it for her finals, its absence was unnoticed. Actually, she hadn't seen it since…Oliver's room, the clatter…

“I…don't `ave it.”

“Liar! What kind of witch doesn't carry her wand around?” Voldemort's tone changed dramatically. Fleur could tell he was angry.

“I…I don't see `ow's `zat iz your concern. I mean, you can just kill me and be done wiz it. `Zat's what you came for, isn't it?”

“Oh Fleur, for a part- Veela, I must say you're incredibly naïve. If I wanted to kill you, I would've done it while you were still at Beauxbatons, don't you think?”

“What…”

“Why do you think you got transferred to Hogwarts? You didn't seriously believe that it was because some old witch wanted you to improve your `Eenglish', did you?

Oh, but of course you forgot all about that the second you laid eyes on the Head Boy.”

“ `Ey!”

“It was I who got you transferred here, because your wand is the key to the very thing that can help me get all the powers that Harry Potter stole from me! You see my dear, if I get those powers, I will finally be able to have my revenge against a foolish child that thought he could murder me at such a young age. (AN: Harry didn't exactly `think that', but we all now how Voldemort is!) Harry Potter will become vulnerable, and he won't stand a change against me!” Voldemort laughed again. Fleur was stunned. It couldn't be. It had been an evil plan all along.

“But…'ze poison…”

“It wasn't intended to kill you, only to make you weak, so it would be easier to make my move, but I found that I couldn't, for every teacher at Hogwarts stayed on guard yesterday. But I outsmarted them. Now, I will have my revenge against Potter!”

“Well, tough luck, don't you `zink?” Before Fleur could finish her statement, Voldemort had her by her neck again.

“Give me the wand witch!”

“I don't `ave it!”

All of a sudden, steps were heard on the bushes as Fleur caught sight of Hermione, well hidden among the overgrowth. She figured she had to be accompanied, but at the moment, she wasn't able to see anybody else.

However, nothing could escape Voldemort.

“You had better tell your friend to drop her wand, if she doesn't want the disarming spell she's conjuring to backfire…on you.”

“I don't `zink you can afford to kill me Voldemort, if you want `zat wand.” There was a determined look in Fleur's eyes.

“Oh no indeed. That would be a tragedy. I think I'll do something else.”

“ `Ermione!” Fleur screamed as Voldemort made Hermione literally fly to him by wandless magic.

“I wonder what Potter will do when he finds out I've killed his lovely girlfriend.” Voldemort sniggered as Hermione struggled.

“Take your hands off her!” Harry's voice was heard as two more figures emerged from the trees.

“Potter. And Wood. What do you know? Two birds with one stone.”

”Is this what you want, Voldemort?” Oliver took out Fleur's shiny wand, Voldemort's eyes fixed on it.

“Oliver, don't!” screamed a terrified Fleur.

“Get it then.” Oliver threw the wand in the air. Fleur gasped as Voldemort tried to move towards it, but he still had Hermione with him and, literally speaking, she had advantage.

As Voldemort moved, his hold on Hermione tightened and as a result, Harry's gift, still settled on her small wrist, reacted. It burst out in sparkling fluorescent lights, flashing directly at Voldemort's reddish eyes.

Voldemort screamed as his hands released Hermione, who collapsed onto the ground. Oliver approached Fleur, instantly catching her wand and releasing her body from the magic straps. Harry helped Hermione up, pointing his wand at Voldemort. His friends stood beside him, wand in hand.

Harry knew he had to act while he still had the chance. One of them had to die and if he didn't act quickly, it would be his body crumpled into the ground soon.

“Duck!” he shouted, as his wand began to emit green sparks. His friends obeyed, even though Fleur had to use her own body weight to drop Hermione on the grass with her. Harry's mouth opened. It was now or never. “Avada…”

“You won the battle, but you won't win the war! I'll get you Potter!”

****

Voldemort was gone; nobody ever knew why. It was over, for now.

Harry sighed, lowering his wand. He almost had him. The decisive battle had almost taken place. But he had to look on the bright side; his friends were safe and sound.

Hermione stumbled into Harry's arms and kissed him, oblivious to the tears streaming down her face, while Oliver pulled Fleur into a warm hug, relaxing her frozen body. He put his coat around her as he lifted her into his arms.

Both girls rested their heads on their boyfriend's shoulder, thankful that they did not get harmed, as well as liking the prospect of being carried around. It had been a long night and they longed for a good night's sleep.

But first things first…

Stay tuned for our very own fluffy epilogue!

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Well, I'm sorry to say this is the end of my very own first fic! But I'm going to keep them coming. Sure hope you had as much fun reading it as I had writing it! Stay tuned for my next fic!! More H/Hr guaranteed! Please don't hesitate to review and thanks for your kind comments; you guys are what keep a writer going.

This chapter features “I've had the Time of my Life” on the “Dirty Dancing” soundtrack and my fic's theme. Until next fic. Love you all!

Caroline

Epilogue

“Morning, sleeping beauty.” Fleur opened her eyes at the sound of Oliver's tender voice. She sighed as they shared a passionate kiss and the memories of last night, the good ones, took over them.

“Wow, for a moment `zere I `zought I'd never be `zis close to you again,” Fleur confessed. Oliver frowned.

“What are you talking about? Did you think I wouldn't notice your absence in a second?”

“I know. Admit it Wood, you can't live wizout me,” Fleur pointed out as they laughed, kissing once again afterwards. “By `ze way, `ow did you know my wand would stay safe?”

“Sometimes, you've just got to learn to trust your friends.”

****

Harry woke up with the pleasant absence of Crookshanks pawing on his chest. He stretched in a happily lazy manner, only to turn around and find out that the darned cat was on top of HIS Hermione.

“Get your paws off my girlfriend,” he growled. Crookshanks scoffed at him, causing Hermione to open her eyes, and went to get his food at the other end of the room.

“God Harry, I don't know what you have against my cat,” Hermione said, Harry's emerald eyes suddenly staring into hers.

“He always gets in my way.”

Hermione blushed as she tried to sit up, vainly, for at that moment, Harry rolled on top of her, putting his hands in her own while capturing her mouth in an ardent, and, in Hermione's opinion, delicious kiss.

“Well, good morning to you too,” she giggled when Harry's lips tore away. He rolled off her but pulled her tightly against his chest. Hermione sighed as she nuzzled against his warm skin, suddenly glancing at her arm, more specifically, the bracelet that hung on her wrist. “To think that this bracelet saved my life.”

“See? I knew it had to be useful for something,” Harry teased her. She hit him playfully.

“Shut up Harry,” she commanded, kissing him softly afterwards. Harry smiled against her lips.

“Well, if this is the way you're going to shut me up every time, I'll never stop talking.” Hermione hit him again. He sighed and pulled her even tighter against him. “I almost lost you last night.”

“Harry…”

“I feel I should make up for lost time.”

“What do you mean?” Hermione gave him a puzzled glance only to have his eyes drown hers again.

“How would you like to take a vacation, away from all this spells, potions, Hogwarts business?”

“Sounds good, but we can't leave homework behind…”

“Fine `Mione. It's only for a short while. We will do it when we come back. While we're there, I want to have you all to myself.”

“Sounds like paradise,” Hermione sighed dreamily.

“Just you and me. Oh, Sirius too. We can go wherever you want.”

“All right. But…can we invite some friends?”

****

Hermione found Fleur in her dorm, still packing up her trunk.

“Hey, how are you feeling?” She walked towards her as the blond part Veela turned around and smiled at her friend.

“Alive. `Zanks, in large part, to you.”

“You would have done the same for me.”

“Probably. `Zanks `Ermione, for everyzing.” She enveloped her in a hug. “Promise you'll write.”

“Tell you what, I'll do something better. We'll go to France with you. What do you say?”

“Are you serious?” Fleur's eyes brightened.

“Of course. Harry has invited me to stay with him for the summer; I get to choose the place. Oliver has already been invited. What do you say?”

“Are you kidding? I would love it! I have got just `ze perfect little spot for us! Ever seen the Eiffel Tower?”

“No, but I bet I'm going to.”

“Oui, you are.”

“Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go!”

This ends Hermione's unique sixth year at Hogwarts. Later that day, Dumbledore said that Fleur's wand had been revised and that they had destroyed the thing that Voldemort had been looking for. A dark wizard, who is still unknown, had created it but the Ministry is looking for him.

So, Hermione left Hogwarts with a female best friend and the best of boyfriends, proving that with friendship, anything can happen, because it makes it all possible, that first impressions aren't always correct, that with union, there is strength, and most important of all: True love does conquer all…

Now I've had the Time of my life

No, I've never felt like this before

Yes, I swear it's the truth

And I owe it all to you

`Cause I've had the time of my life

And I owe it all to you

I've been waiting for so long

Now I've finally found someone

To stand by me

We saw the writing on the wall

As we felt this magical

Fantasy

Now with passion in our eyes

There's no way we could disguise it

Secretly

So we take each other's hand

`Cause we seem to understand

The urgency

Just remember

You're the one thing

I can't get enough of

So I'll tell you something

It could be love because

I've had the time of my life

No I've never felt this way before

Yes I swear it's the truth

And I owe it all to you

With my body and soul

I want you more than you'll ever know

So we'll just let it go

Don't be afraid to lose control, no

Yes I know what's on your mind

When you say, “Stay with me tonight.”

Just remember

You're the one thing

I can't get enough of

So I'll tell you something

This could be love because

I've had the time of my life

No I've never felt this way before

Yes I swear it's the truth

And I owe it all to you

“I love you Harry.”

“I love you too `Mione.”

Never take friendship for granted; it's the greatest gift of all…

THE END

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Author's note!

Hey! Thank you so much for your kind reviews, and for those of you who didn't like it very much, I'm sorry, but I tried to do my best! My first fic after all, bear with me!

Now, as a request from J.C. Rose, my next fic is called `The Amonrae Spell” and it's about a spell that Draco curses Hermione with….ups, said too much!

Actually, the fic is complete. I'm now writing like my tenth fic, so I will be able to post it soon!

Thank you for your comments.

Love you,

Caroline

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