The atmosphere amongst the newly abandoned trio was somber. Hermione was taking Ron's defection hard but was trying to put on a brave face for the sake of the mission. She felt guilty that she had let him go and that she didn't fight harder for him to stay and she felt angry at him for leaving them when they promised they'd stay together and help Harry no matter what

Harry was initially fuming, following the argument. He was mad at Ron for what he said about his parents. Especially, seeing as he knew he already felt bad for dragging his friends into danger and guilty for every new name he heard on the wireless. However, he seemed to be managing his anger and as time passed he was returning to normal.

Unsurprisingly, Fleur was dealing with it the best. She had never really liked Ron and especially didn't like his blatant romantic feelings for her mate, so truth be told she was glad he was gone. But she knew how important he was to Hermione and could see how much his departure was affecting her. She felt awkward at first, she felt as though she was replacing Ron in the trio and didn't want to make things worse when he inevitably realized how stupid he was being and comes back with his tail between his legs.

Hermione and Fleur's mating bond seemed to be progressing steadily despite this. The pull still remained, however, Fleur was now acutely aware of Hermione's melancholy towards her best friend's departure. She could feel it the sadness as strongly as she would if it were her own. The pull was still a deep and uncomfortable longing in her chest whenever she wasn't with Hermione, however, there was something else there in her heart, there was a constant guilt and sadness.

Fleur tried everything she could to comfort Hermione. When it was just the two of them, right before they went to sleep, Hermione's head resting on Fleur's chest with Fleur's arms wrapped around her tightly, stroking her hair gently, the blonde felt the negative emotions completely disappear. She didn't feel them again until they were changed and eating breakfast and it was this that reassured Fleur that, given time, Hermione would be okay. Until then she offered her as much love and support as she could.

When Hermione felt those feelings return in the morning she would automatically wrap her arms around Fleur, irrelevant of where they were. Unapologetically seeking comfort from the pain she knew only her mate's touch could cure. She was no longer embarrassed to display her love for Fleur in front of Harry, her need for relief overpowering any embarrassment she might feel. She was beginning to think that maybe that was one of the good things about Ron's absence.

Ron always made Hermione uncomfortable anytime she held Fleur's hand or sat on her lap. He would stare at them, immediately averting his eyes when Hermione noticed. Whenever Fleur noticed first he would glare at her, which she was fine with, seeing as she'd just arch one perfect eyebrow as if daring him to say anything. Hermione, on the other hand, would always flush and pull away embarrassed at Ron's staring.

Harry had always been supportive and would smile at Hermione understandingly whenever she sought comfort from Fleur. Perhaps it was because he had had a similar relationship with Ginny last year at school, where he'd seek solace with her to get away from being the chosen one for a couple of hours. He was devastated when he had to break up with her and now had no escape from his destiny, added to his constant worry for Ginny's safety now that she had returned to school. It was Harry's reassuring reaction that enabled Hermione to confidently reach out for Fleur regardless of his presence.

Two weeks after the argument, things were slowly returning to normal. The newly formed trio was sat at the table discussing potential Horcrux locations. They were narrowing the list down to high-security magical places, based on Voldemort's strong dislike for muggles.

"Hogwarts is an obvious one," Harry said, pointing down to it on the piece of paper Hermione had made a list on.

"Yes, though it would be best to check that out during the school holidays" Hermione added.

"Good idea, mon amour" Fleur beamed proudly, "we wouldn't want any students getting 'armed or any professors getting een ze way."

"Well, unless we go in the summer holidays, there'll always be some students there," Hermione said turning to Fleur.

"We can't leave it until the summer holidays, 'Mione" Harry urged feeling guilty, "that's months away and we need to stop him as soon as possible before he can hurt anyone else."

"I know" Hermione reassured him, "At least if we go over Christmas there'll be fewer students there so we're less likely to run into anyone."

"Zat doesn't give us much time to plan, 'ermione" Fleur stressed worriedly, frown lines forming on her face.

"Well the holidays don't start for another couple of days, so if we aim to go in a week's time, that should give us enough time," Hermione said to her running her hand over Fleur's forehead, trying to straighten out the creases and make her smile. As usual, she succeeded, with Fleur reaching up for Hermione's hand and kissing the back of it, before cradling it in her own on her lap.

"Surely it doesn't matter how many Horcruxes we find if we haven't got the sword to destroy them anyway," Harry said solemnly.

"You're forgetting that we have no idea where the sword is Harry. For all we know, it could be hidden at Hogwarts".

"Okay, so what's the plan then 'Mione"

"Give me until tomorrow to come up with one and I'll let you know," Hermione said finally.

Fleur and Harry nodded before the latter stood up abruptly.

"Is it alright if I go for a walk? I just need to clear my head" questioned Harry.

"Of course, 'arry take as long as you need," Fleur said.

Harry smiled at her and then at Hermione before he picked up his wand from the table and promptly exited the tent.

Once Harry had left Fleur stood up, pulling on Hermione's arm as she went. Hermione obediently followed behind her as Fleur led her to the sofa in the corner of the tent.

Fleur sat down with her back against one of the arms, legs along the length of the sofa. Once she was settled she spread her legs and looked up at Hermione expectantly, her big blue eyes widening in the way she knew Hermione couldn't say no to.

"Don't give me that face" Hermione gently reprimanded, before she just chuckled and obediently sat between Fleur's legs, her back resting against Fleur's chest and the back of her head on her shoulder.

"I don't know what you're talkeeng about, mon ange," Fleur said cheekily as she hummed contently and wrapped her arms around Hermione's head, pressing a kiss to her temple.

"Sure you don't," Hermione said and she rolled her eyes.

"Only for a minute, mind you" Hermione added "I do actually need to plan for tomorrow at some point" but never the less settled back against Fleur, closing her eyes.

They sat in silence for a couple of minutes, both of them simply basking in their closeness. Fleur keeping her lips on Hermione's temples, occasionally pressing loving kisses there. Hermione brought her hands up around the arms around her waist and entwined their fingers.

"This is nice," Hermione said quietly, breaking the silence.

Fleur said nothing, she just hummed and squeezed Hermione's hands tightly.

A/N:

Hey guys, sorry about the extended hiatus on this story.

I started med school this year so I've been really swamped with work. But seeing as we're all self-isolating now I'm going to try and update a bit more between online lectures, coursework and exam prep.

As usual please review and let me know of anything you'd like to see or any feedback.

bbp