SEDUCED BY A VEELA

PROLOGUE: FLEUR'S SECRET

Bill walked into the crowded Muggle restaurant and looked around for Fleur. He finally spotted her in a secluded corner of the fine establishment and made his way over to her. Curiosity was killing him. Fleur had called the night before and had asked to meet him there, but hadn't been willing to say what she needed to talk about.

Although no longer together, they still kept in touch and were on friendly terms. No one really understood that, but he was glad it had ended this way. They had loved each other, but there had always been some spark missing from their relationship. His gut feeling told him he was about to find out the reason.

As he reached her, he smiled and bent down to kiss both of her cheeks.

"Hello, darling. You look beautiful, as usual."

"'Zank you, Bill. You look nice yourself."

A server came by and took their drink and dinner orders. Both ordered quickly and the server left. Bill took another moment to watch her before speaking. When she started squirming, he stopped.

"Is everything alright, Fleur?"

"Oui."

"Why are we here then? When we spoke yesterday, I could tell something was bothering you. Let's not bother with the niceties and get to the point, yeah?"

Fleur laughed softly at him. "I bet you are dying to know what 'zis is about, non?"

"You bet. I'm all ears, so go ahead and tell me what's been bothering you."

"I am in love, Bill."

Bill raised his eyebrows in surprise. In the two years they had been apart, Fleur hadn't dated anyone that he knew about.

"Anyone I know? Is he treating you well?"

"Oui. You do know 'zis person. And I 'ave not told 'zem 'ow I feel yet. I am afraid to."

"Afraid? Fleur, you are one of the bravest people I know. I don't think many men would be able to resist your charms for long, so why are you afraid of telling him? He'll probably be ecstatic that you've fallen for him."

"'Zere is one tiny problem, Bill. It is not a 'e, but a she."

"Oh."

"Yeah. Oh."

"I didn't know you felt that way about women, Fleur. Is that the reason we didn't work out?"

"Part of it, at least. Do not doubt for a moment 'zat I loved you very much, Bill. I guess I just suppressed 'zese feelings and tried to move on. As you can see, it did not work."

"How long have you felt this way about her?"

"Since I met 'er several years ago. But 'zen I met you and we started going out. I forgot about 'er and moved on. But 'ze feelings are back and stronger 'zan ever."

"Who is it, Fleur?"

"'Ermione," Fleur finally whispered while looking down at her hands.

"Hermione? Harry's best friend and sidekick? Ron's ex?" Bill whispered back unable to cover his surprise.

Fleur winced and nodded.

The server came back with their drinks and salads and they reminded quiet while he was there. Once he was gone, Bill stared back at her.

"Wow."

Fleur finally looked up. "Are you mad at me, Bill?"

"No! Why would I be? I'm just really surprised, is all. Especially that it's her you fancy."

"Why is 'zat?"

"I always thought there was something between Harry and her. They're unbelievably close and protect each other fiercely. I figured they would end up together at some point."

Fleur frowned.

"I 'ave wondered 'ze same 'zing myself. I even asked 'er not long ago and she told me 'zey are just very good friends."

"What are you going to do about it? Are you willing to let her know how you feel?"

"I want to tell 'er, but I am afraid of 'er reaction. I do not know what to expect. I would 'ate to lose 'er friendship, Bill. Plus we work in 'ze same department at 'ze Ministry. It could get complicated."

"You will never know until you attempt it. Have you tried hinting at it at least?"

"Oui. Every time we go out it is impossible for me not to stare at 'er. I try to control myself, but I cannot. When I kiss 'er 'ello, I linger a second longer 'zan necessary. Same when I say goodbye. 'Er perfume is intoxicating to me. I seek 'er out at work and she is always so accommodating. I do not know if she suspects or not."

"You have to tell her, Fleur. Darling, I have found happiness with someone else and I want the same for you. What we had was special and I don't regret a single moment of it, but we moved on. If Hermione is going to be your happiness, then you have to go for it before someone else does."

"Someone like 'Arry?" Fleur asked with a scowl.

"Yes, love, someone like Harry. They are both single now and I've never seen two people more connected to each other than those two. If you want Hermione like you say, you have to tell her before its too late. Besides, life is too short and we can't waste it wondering about things. You have to go after what you want, Fleur. If Hermione is the one person in this world that will make you happy, go for it."

Once again, they were interrupted by their server, who looked apologetically at them, as if he knew he was interrupting a very private conversation. After putting their dinner plates in front of them, he promised to only come back when they called him. They both thanked him profusely.

Fleur looked at the huge steak on Bill's plate and smiled at him. He grinned back and tucked in. Fleur had ordered seafood pasta and just looked at it.

"Not hungry?"

"A little, but my stomach is in knots."

"You can't stop eating, Fleur. That dish looks delicious. Try eating a bit of it at least."

"'Ermione recommended it to me. 'Zis is one of 'er favorite Muggle restaurants."

"Then you have to try it. That way you have an excuse to see her tomorrow at work."

"I did not 'zink of 'zat. 'Zank you, Bill."

"You're welcome, darling. Now eat your food."