A/N: Sorry this ones taken a bit of time to post, enjoy!
The week following Hermione's and Fleur's date passed quickly. Gabby still met Hermione after classes, with Fleur coming halfway through. Hermione had brought up the idea of having a Quidditch match with Katie and Amy, who both immediately agreed and ran off to get Ros to bring their brooms in. Angelina and Alicia Spinnet agreed as well, promising to get permission to use the pitch from McGonagall.
All too soon, the Christmas Break came, and Hermione was sat in the library. It was Saturday, and the first day of the break, but Hermione wanted to finish all her homework. Thankfully, her normal study nook was deserted, so the table was quickly covered in various books and parchment. The young Gryffindor was bent over her Ancient Runes essay, so engrossed that she missed the person moving to stand in front of her table.
"Hello, you are Hermy-own, correct?" The figure said, making Hermione jump, spilling ink all over her essay. Hermione looked up at the Durmstrang champion, Viktor Krum, barely hiding her annoyance at the interruption.
"Hi, yes I am," she replied. "You're Viktor Krum, right?"
"Just Viktor, please," Viktor said carefully. "I am sorry for interrupting, but I vould like to ask a question."
"Of course."
"Vould you like to come to the Ball vith me?" Viktor looked incredibly nervous, and Hermione bit her lip.
"I'm sorry Viktor, I've already got a date for the Ball. But thank you for the offer." Hermione said softly.
"Oh," Viktor said sadly. "Vell then, I am sorry for interrupting your studies."
With that, Viktor turned and left, leaving Hermione to do her homework. Sighing, the Gryffindor pulled out her wand, trying to salvage her Runes essay. Before she could spell it away, another wand appeared suddenly, and removed the spilt ink.
"'W'at did 'e want?" Fleur asked, putting her wand back in her sleeve and sitting down.
"Hello to you too," Hermione mumbled, checking her essay. "Thanks for cleaning that up."
Fleur sighed slightly. "Bonjour 'Ermione. Now w'at did Krum want wiz you?"
"He asked me to the Yule Ball," Hermione replied distractedly. "I said no, he left."
The older witch frowned towards the front of the library. Hermione sighed, pressing a kiss to Fleur's cheek. "Don't look like that, Fleur," the Gryffindor said, moving her homework into her bag. "I'm sure you've been asked out loads lately."
Fleur's frown deepened. "Oui, but I do not like anyone asking you. Eet es different."
"Oh yeah?" Hermione teased. "I thought you wouldn't get so protective?" Fleur just glared at her as they left the library. "But go on, who's the latest to ask you out?"
"Zat blue boy - Rodger Davies or zomezing," Fleur shook her head, letting Hermione pull them outside towards the Lake. "I tried to ztop 'im before 'e embarrassed 'imself. 'E transfigured my book to turn into roses after I zaid non."
Hermione couldn't help the laugh that exploded out of her. Every day, even when Hermione was with her, more and more boys came up and asked for Fleur to go to the Ball with them. Each one was more ridiculous than the last. Hermione was abruptly dragged from her musings by Gabrielle jumping on her back.
"Mi! Mi!" The young girl shouted excitedly in her ear. "Are you really going to play Quidditch tomorrow? Can I watch? Fleur will not let me fly a broom."
"Gabrielle!" Fleur cut across. "Get down. Do you not 'ave anyone else to annoy?"
"I 'ave missed my Mi!" Gabrielle said sweetly, climbing down from Hermione to grab her hand instead. "You keep giving me zilly zings to do."
"Zere es a reazon for zat!" Fleur exclaimed, openly glaring at her sister. Hermione, once again, found herself laughing loudly at the pair, causing two pairs of blue eyes to settle on her.
"Honestly, you two," Hermione managed to say in between bouts of laughter. "You both need to talk to each other. I'm going to find Katie, and see if she's gotten Ros to get our brooms yet. Yes Gabby, you can come tomorrow and watch."
"'Ermione! I wanted to spend time wiz you," Fleur pouted, and in that moment, Hermione thought it was the cutest thing she's ever seen. This pout was quickly copied by Gabrielle, who looked every bit of a miniature Fleur right then.
"Oui, Mi, please," Gabrielle begged.
Hermione sighed, then planted a kiss on the younger Delacour's forehead. "No, seriously, I'm going to find Katie. I'll see you both later. Don't hurt each other!" The Gryffindor turned, giving Fleur a chaste kiss, before turning to head back to the castle.
True to word, Hermione did find Katie in the Gryffindor common room, with the other two Gryffindor chasers, and the Weasley twins. Katie spotted her first, quickly pulling Hermione over to their spot near the fireplace.
"Maribel's bringing our brooms tomorrow," Katie said excitedly. "She's bringing all of the Firebolts, so everyone's on the same broom!"
"We're just working out the teams," Angelina interrupted smoothly. "Ginny, Ron, and Harry have all agreed to come and play as well."
"Although we don't know how Ginny knows how to ride a broom," Fred added.
"She's never been allowed on ours," George continued.
Hermione giggled slightly at the pair, shaking her head. "She's been stealing your brooms since she was six."
"Oh," The twins replied, staring at their sister on the other side of the room.
"Anyway," Alicia changed the topics. "Since when have you been able to fly, Granger? Always thought you hated it."
"Katie taught me, over the summers," Hermione shrugged, letting Katie pull her in for a sideways hug. "Didn't really give me a choice, to be entirely honest."
"Yeah, but now you're a halfway decent player," Katie teased. "Who can be in any position."
"Does Harry and Ron know you're playing?" Alicia asked, having spotted the pair making their way upstairs.
Hermione was suddenly very worried. "No, Merlin, no they don't." Her face had paled rapidly.
"Hey hey hey," Katie said smoothly, running her hands up and down Hermione's arms. "'Mione, listen to me. You don't need to worry about that. Don't worry about them."
"But they're my friends and I haven't told them!" Hermione panicked. "With everything Ron said at the start of the year, about the lies and this is another thing! What if they hate me, for everything?"
"Listen, Granger," Angelina said sharply, turning the girl to face her. "If they hate you, so what? What can they hate you for anyway?"
"Yeah," Alicia piped up. "They're not good friends if they let this be the thing that breaks you apart!"
"But that's the thing," Hermione said sadly. "With everything that happened last year over Harry's broom, and how Ron reacted at the start of the year. They're the first friends I ever had."
"And now you've got us," George jumped in.
"Sometimes you gotta let friends go, Hermione," Fred added.
"Remember what Ros said," Katie spoke softly. "You're a Ravenclaw. And we stick with each other. I'm pretty sure they're going to watch us tomorrow at any rate, so if they do start anything, they'll put a stop to it!"
"You're right," Hermione said quietly after a minute. "I'm sorry, I just wish I could explain everything to them, but I think they'd rather ignore it for the most part."
Everyone bundled in for a hug, before Angelina changed the topic to the Yule Ball. Hermione stayed downstairs for a little while longer, before finally heading upstairs to bed.
The next morning was thankfully very clear. It was still cold, but it wasn't snowing. Hermione made her way towards the Great Hall, as they hadn't set a time to start playing. Alicia had mentioned something about Madam Hooch agreeing to referee their match, as she was missing Quidditch this year.
As Hermione sat down for breakfast, pulling some toast towards her, she felt herself wrapped in a blanket of warmth. Seconds later, Maribel sat down next to her, kissing the younger girl on the cheek.
"Morning 'Mione," she said happily. "Ros and Hooch are taking the brooms down to the pitch, I think they're going to have a play before you all go down."
"Hi Maribel," Hermione replied, leaning into the older witch's touch. "Thanks for bringing them."
Maribel just waved her off, grabbing a pastry. "No worries, just stay safe. Minivera's coming down to watch as well, something about the majority of the players being from her House?"
The Gryffindor blushed. "Yeah, but Eve and Amy are playing too!"
"That's alright, it'll be interesting to see how everyone plays." Maribel paused. "So what's happening with Fleur?"
Hermione's eyes widened, suddenly very interested in her toast. "I don't know what you mean?"
"Don't play coy with me, 'Mione," Maribel teased. "I've seen my niece, she's practically floating around."
"Viktor Krum asked me to the Ball," Hermione said suddenly. "I said no."
Maribel's smile brightened further, seeming to get the hidden message. Before they could say anything further, they were dragged down to the pitch by an excited Amy.
"Morning!" Ros called as they entered the Quidditch pitch. "Just waiting on the young Mr Weasley and Mr Potter before you can get started!"
Hermione let Eve pull her into a hug, ignoring the teasing glances sent by Alexander and Claire. Just like Maribel had said, Professor McGonagall was waiting as well, talking to Madam Hooch. Gabrielle pulled Hermione into a hug as well, placing a noisy kiss on both her cheeks.
"'Ermione, bonjour," Fleur said once Gabrielle had released her. Hermione couldn't help but stare at Fleur, who was wearing a full set of Quidditch robes. The older witch placed a single kiss on the corner of Hermione's mouth, blushing slightly as she pulled back.
Before Hermione could say anything, Claire and Alexander pulled the girl into a hug, placing kisses as well. They were both dressed the same as Fleur, all in the powder blue robes. Just as it seemed like they were going to tease them, Hooch interrupted.
"There's Potter and Weasley, let's get started!"
"Right," Angelina started, who was standing by the broomsticks and a board. "We've got the teams sorted. Normal Quidditch rules! Lady Ravenclaw has loaned us her brooms for us all to use, so everyone is on Firebolts. Sorry Potter, no advantage here!"
Harry blushed lightly, his own Firebolt over his shoulder. Ron looked ecstatic at the brooms, grinning broadly.
"Right so on one team," Angelina continued. "We have Hermione, Katie, and Amy as Chasers. Fred, George, you're Beaters. Potter, you're the Seeker, and Eve, you're in goal. On the other team, Fleur, Alicia, and myself are Chasers. Claire and Alexander - Fleur said you normally play Beaters, so you two are there. Weasley you're a Keeper, and Ginny, you take the other Seeker position. Everyone happy?"
Ron, Harry, and Ginny had given Hermione a strange glance when she was announced as Chaser, but she hadn't had time to reply when Amy dragged them over to their brooms. Gathering in a huddle, Amy spoke to their team together.
"We all happy with our positions?" She asked, waiting for everyone to nod. "Good, let's show them what we're made of then!"
As the rest of them picked up their brooms, Ros, Maribel, Gabrielle, and McGonagall had made their way into the stands, Hooch standing by the Quidditch chest. She sharply blew her whistle, letting both teams fly into the air.
Hermione relished in the feeling of flying, Katie and Amy keeping close. Katie shouted over to them as they were rising. "Usual play? Never seen Weasley in goal, but the twins reckon he isn't so sharp at it!"
Amy and Hermione nodded, as Hooch released the Bludgers and Snitch. She then flew up to the middle, throwing the Quaffle and whistling again. Amy quickly shot forward and scooped up the Quaffle, avoiding Angelina's outstretched arm. Hermione was aware of Fleur on her own tail, so sped up to move ahead of Amy. Ron looked nervous in goal, as Amy threw the Quaffle to Katie, quickly passing to Hermione.
Alicia tried to grab the Quaffle off Hermione, who swerved to avoid her. Claire sent a Bludger in her direction, although George quickly sped down to hit it away, cheering as he went. Hermione, still in possession of the Quaffle, started flying higher as she approached the goals, Ron watching her eagerly. Just as Fleur tried to grab the Quaffle, Hermione let it drop down to Katie, who quickly got it through the left hoop.
Fleur grinned at Hermione, ignoring Alexander shouting in French at her. Hermione blew her a kiss, before flying back down to join Amy and Katie.
"Merlin Granger," George shouted as he passed.
"Why aren't you on the House team?" Fred added, holding his bat up, eyeing a Bludger.
Hermione just smiled at them, focusing on the Quaffle, what was now in Angelina's possession.
"Weasley isn't that great in goal is he?" Amy asked, the three of them waiting for the others to approach. "He was too busy paying attention to your flying 'Mione."
"They've never seen me fly, Amy, that's why," Hermione replied, adjusting her gloves.
Angelina threw the Quaffle towards Fleur, Alicia speeding towards the three. Amy stayed in place, letting Katie go high, and Hermione lowered down. Fred sent a Bludger towards Fleur, who quickly passed the Quaffle to Alicia.
Eve sat in goal, watching the Chasers approach. Hermione tried to take the Quaffle off of Alicia, but missed the pass to Angelina, instead having to sharply turn to avoid crashing. The Hufflepuff's eyes narrowed as the Chaser approached, having played enough games over the summer to know that Angelina was about to faint throwing it. Sure enough, as Katie came in to take possession, Angelina threw the Quaffle up to Fleur, who tried scoring. Eve reached out to stop it, barely keeping hold of it.
Swearing, Fleur headed back to the middle, Angelina and Alicia in tow. Not wanting to waste time, the Quaffle was thrown to Katie, avoiding a Bludger sent by Alexander. Harry and Ginny were flying in loops around the top of the pitch, trying to spot the Snitch. As Ginny dived, Amy managed to get another goal past Ron. Harry followed Ginny's dive, but they both lost the Snitch as a Bludger came hurtling towards them.
"Should we try something different this time?" Hermione asked Amy and Katie, watching Ron try to pick who to through the Quaffle to.
"Go on then," Katie replied happily.
Nodding, Hermione sped towards the goal, forcing Ron to throw the Quaffle. As it arched through the air, Fleur barely had time to grab it before Amy had grabbed it out of her hands. Amy spun around, wanting to lead the Chasers away from the goal. The twins, seeming to catch on, quickly sent both Bludgers towards the opposing Chasers. Amy threw the Quaffle to Hermione, ducking under Angelina.
Hermione sped towards the goals, Ron watching carefully. Katie pulled ahead to get his attention, allowing Hermione to arc the Quaffle through the middle hoop. She faintly heard Claire and Alexander swear, grinning happily as Katie pulled up beside her and hugged the younger brunette tightly.
"Go on 'Mione!" Eve shouted from her goal, clapping excitedly.
The teams kept playing for a while longer, Hermione managing to score several more times, as well as the other two. Fleur finally managed to get a goal for her team, as Claire sent a Bludger directly towards Eve, forcing her to fly away.
Hermione watched Fleur wearily, Quaffle tucked safely under her arm. Narrowing her eyes, the Gryffindor opted to just fly by the other witch. Hermione was vaguely aware of Harry flying towards the goals, Ginny on his tail. Readjusting the Quaffle, Hermione sped up, knowing Amy and Katie would be trailing behind. Just as the brunette went to pass Fleur, the French witch lent over, pressing a kiss to Hermione's lips.
It was just a second. A tiny, little kiss. But it was enough that Hermione's grip on the Quaffle loosened. Fleur pulled back, giving the stunned witch a wink, as she grabbed the Quaffle, racing towards Eve. Leaving Hermione, still stunned, in the middle of the pitch.
"'Mione you useless gay, come on!" Amy shouted at her, spinning around to try and catch Fleur.
Shaking her head out of the daze, Hermione spun around as well. Just in time to see Fleur pass the Quaffle to Alicia, who scored past Eve. At the same time, Harry cheered, Snitch safely in his hand.
The teams cheered, although Angelina was just gaping at Hermione, Amy, and Katie. They slowly made their way back to the ground, Alexander charming the Bludgers to return to the box.
"Granger," Hooch said as they finally all landed. "Where exactly did you learn to fly?"
Hermione blushed, ducking her head. "Katie taught me over the past few summers."
Harry and Ron both stared at her, Ginny punching them both to close their mouths. Katie stepped protectively towards Hermione, wrapping her arms over her shoulders. Before the two boys could say anything, Gabrielle had ran across from the stands, throwing herself into Hermione's arms.
"Mi! Mi! I want to fly!" Gabrielle cheered, giggling. "Can I fly wiz you?"
"Maybe some other time Gabby?" Hermione replied, trying to keep hold of her.
As the others went to leave, Amy and Angelina discussing tactics, Fleur stepped towards Hermione and Gabrielle.
"That was cheating, Fleur," Hermione teased, a small smile on her face.
"Eet waz playing to my advantage, non?" Fleur replied, reaching forward to twirl a strand of Hermione's hair. Gabrielle snorted, still clinging to Hermione's neck. Fleur glared down at her sister. "Gabrielle, leave."
"Non," the younger Delacour said stubbornly.
"We are going to be groz, Gabrielle," Fleur warned, checking around her to make sure the pitch was empty. Hermione frowned at her, wondering what she was doing. Fleur pressed her lips to Hermione's again, just for a second, but it was all the older girl needed.
"Zat es brute," Gabrielle said firmly, her nose wrinkling. It did have the desired effect of the younger girl leaving. Although not without placing her usual kisses on Hermione's cheeks.
"You didn't have to scare her away, you know?" Hermione said, letting Fleur pull her into her arms.
"I know, but I wanted to 'ave time wiz my girlfriend, wizout my zeezter." Fleur hummed back, leaning forward to capture Hermione's lips again. Hermione pulled back after a few minutes, losing herself in the feel of their magic around them.
"I quite like the sound of that," Hermione mused. "Being your girlfriend, that is."
"I zall 'ave to zay eet more zen," Fleur teased. "After ze Ball, when everyone knows about us. I zall zing eet from ze towers."
The Gryffindor blushed, shaking her head. "Maybe not that far?"
"Ahh mon amour, you wound me," Fleur grinned. "Come to ze carriage wiz me? Zpend ze day? Eet es far too cold out 'ere."
"You just want to get me into your room, don't you?" Hermione poked Fleur, although did allow the other girl to start leading the way.
"Per'aps, I alzo 'ave zat list I promised you."
"Fine," Hermione grumbled playfully. "Let's go then."
Hermione swore to herself that Fleur would never lose that beaming smile she gave her.