Title: REDUX

Chapter: iv - Padma and Fleur

Disclaimer: All characters belong to JKR. Keep in mind, I'm just borrowing.

--

I planned everything to implicit perfection. My hair, my makeup, the clothes I picked, the curl of my words… everything. But I wasn't prepared for how I would react.

As I stood outside the building, I blundered about my purse for a slim fag. Carefully I balanced the slender paper rolled stick between my fore and middle fingers. I hear the familiar sound of a lighter coming to life. Glancing upward, I was met with Bill's jade-eyed stare. I leaned towards the orange glow.

The invasion of the rank smoke was a welcomed infection in my lungs. "Ta."

"Back at you." Bill slapped his Zippo closed. "So?"

"So what, Mr. Weasley?"

"Ms Patil, I din't get a hold of you for my health."

"Ah." A subtle way to ask for it, but…I didn't expect anything less from his type. So I opened my purse and pulled out a bulked folio. "As the family had agreed -- Your payment."

He looked at me curiously but he didn't hesitate to partake of the lump sum. "That answer's one question. Thanks."

I arched my brow, "And the other?"

"Wouldn't be doin' m'job if I din't ask the burning query, love. How'd it feel?"

I smiled charitably, "Goodnight Mr. Weasley - I'll call myself a taxi, thank you."

As I turned, he seized my wrist. "Tut-tut, Padma. I promised to take you home." Bill tugged and brought me closer to him. From the corner of my mouth of exhaled the puff of smoke, then stubbed my ciggy out. He did his homework… he played to my… needs. But whether it was a need for female company or male company in my bed tonight, remained to be seen.

"So you did." I turned completely to face him and to allow my fingers to trail down his chest. "I have another engagement but if you wait…" As boys do when they know there may be a possibility of something 'fun' in the works… He smiled and nodded - almost too excitably. Amateur.

It was an added bonus that Bill Weasley was quite the attractive bad boy if ever I saw one. At least something will come out of this excursion. As Bill left, I glanced into the foyer and rested my gaze on her.

Thanks to Bill -- she was the reason for my being here. Squaring my shoulders I entered the hospital foyer. I passed the main waiting area where her so-called friends were. There was the gaunt looking young man with a mass of unruly dark locks that could have played off being a former addict of some sort. And an Asian woman that screamed: hi my profession is questionable! Even the thought of sleeping with her would give any normal person a venereal disease. My gaze skimmed the pair; the man had his head rested on the woman's lap and then gave pause on to Fleur.

She stood surrounded by the attending medical staff. Sensing that I needed to be a part of the conversation, I strode to the group.

"…Ms. DeLacour, first off let me offer my condolences in regards to your--"

In a guttural purr that sent unsolicited shudders along the course of my spine, Fleur silenced the head physician.

"They 'ave been noted, signore…" Her haunting silver pools gave fair warning. "You are questioning the invoice, oui? We shall settle this now…"

"--What my client means to say, gentlemen," Accordingly, they looked at me with questioning glances, "Of course, pardon the intrusion,"

I paused, holding a finger aloft towards the good doctors and turned to whisper to Fleur -- the scent of jasmine met my nostrils, my GOD, I had forgotten, "I'll handle this, get yourself and your friends some sustenance…I'll be done shortly."

Grudgingly she complied.

"Gentlemen," I began, "I represent the interests of the DeLacour Family. Padma Patil, from Slytherin & Malfoy." I could tell by the whispered awe, they knew the extent of what my being here meant. It came with the territory. My breed was already infamous, but when coupled with working for the aforementioned company... we become formidable sharks.

"Now, the matter of the account will be handled under pseudo, following the proper backstopping of the paper trail, of course. You'll get our business, not to worry – perhaps even a generous donation to this... fine establishment. But as an added safety net, you must insure that all your records in regards to the DeLacour are…conveniently lost?" I smiled as I received the collective nod, "Fabulous. I'm so glad we see eye to eye."

As that business concluded, my eyes immediately wandered the expanse. I found her with her friends; Fleur seemed to have developed closeness with the pair. Her fingers ran through the man's hair as her eyes locked with the Asian; they spoke quietly.

When she rose to her feet, I made my excuse. Light of foot, I followed her to the cafeteria. I watched her for while. Since it was a quite some time after mid-day the cafeteria was sparsely loitered with personnel. I moved behind her.

"…Egg salad wrap, no?"

I smiled to myself and said in said in French, just how I thought she preferred, "You remembered."

"You gave me no choice to forget."

Her reply in English brought a thoughtful tug to my brow. Fleur glanced towards the galley-hand and placed our orders as well as those of her friends. Cordially, she asked if I would like to sit with her while our orders were still in queue. It took all my self-restraint learned in my field, to quell the surge of emotion as she looked at me. Besides…I would have been a fool had I not accepted. As she led the way, I noticed a definitive change in her. The girl I knew… had been all but erased.

The woman I saw now was an alluring enigma.

She slipped into her seat and watched me. Voyeurism was a personal fetish for Fleur and as I saw, old habits die-hard. For her… I accommodated. My movements were deliberate -- I wanted to accentuate everything I was for her. I felt my heartbeat rampage in my ears. I could tell by the glint of her eyes, she was at best entertained. But I also witnessed a flicker of interest.

"Your English, it's improved," I stated.

Fleur didn't acknowledge the comment. But she kept her eyes on me.

"'Ow did you find me."

"We're dealing with your family." I paused, letting my foremost comment sink in and carefully chose my words, "The resources are exponential, Fleur. Tell me you didn't expect this visit sooner."

Her fingers played on the tabletop -- it was the first hint of her agitation.

"Your family…"

"Sent you for, what? This… 'Ow you say…. Damage control? Why do you think I am 'ere." She looked away form me for a brief moment before answering for me, "So I can be away from that bullshit and give them what they wan'."

The fire in her eyes could have engulfed me if I let it. It was an impassioned, silent plea. I promptly ignored that look in her eyes.

"D'you honestly really think that?" I scoffed, "You're more egocentric than I ever gave you credit for." Softly I added, "Believe it or not... they asked me to come."

"You are right… I don' believe you." Her head tilted to the left and those silver cerulean pools that haunted me for so long, returned to browse my body. "You came for one thing -- my family jus' so 'appened to give you th'ticket to me…"

Malicious whore. But she was right.

"Then take it as you will, I don't care. But your family wants…needs you back."

While her hands remained folded on the tabletop, I wanted to reach out and bridge that gap that left me lonely for so long. I dared not to, though.

"It's time for you to go home." Fleur turned her eyes away from mine; I tried a different approach. "You… You weren't the only one that lost her. We all loved Gabrie--"

Sharply, her gaze speared back to me, "It seems you are the ones that 'ave a 'ard time forgetting my sister."

It was a topic that must have still been an open wound for Fleur, because the look on her face was indescribable. And I just aggravated the wound with a healthy dose of salt; with that the conversation ended. She rose from her seat and mentioned that our orders were ready. Obediently I trailed after her, grabbed our foodstuffs and routed off. We slipped into one of the corridors leading away from the main wait area.

"Your friends are the other way," I commented off-handedly.

She nodded, "Detour."

I didn't bother to ask for explanations when I had an idea. When we neared our destination, Fleur pressed her hand to the door. As she gave a little push and paused. I rounded from her left. An attending nurse left the room and I took the opportunity to meander in. Whether Fleur disapproved - I didn't care. I was curious to see this person.

I stared down at the young woman after having rounded the medical bed. The steady droning blip of the monitor announced that the girl had a strong heartbeat.

Despite the grotesque bruise that marred her brow, she slept peacefully. Her sable colored tresses, haloed about her head; her leg was already cemented in a cast and elevated. Leaving her body, though athletically developed, prone and… unimpressive. The girl's lips were slightly chapped and comparatively thin to mine. Where Fleur and I could boast of our exotic heritage -- this girl… This girl was plain!

"She's…" I felt myself bristle, "…young." It was the closest thing to being cordial as I could be. Glancing back to Fleur, her face was cloaked with the dancing shadows birthed by the afternoon's light… I could not bring myself to believe that this girl could at all have won Fleur's affections.

Fleur remained detached from commenting. So after I sated my curiosity I moved from the girl's bedside. I stopped myself so that I stood but a mere inches from Fleur. Her arm brushed against my own -- I damned my coat from prohibiting me to feel her skin on mine. It was difficult to read her eyes but I knew she had been gauging my reaction and observing every move I made. She could be quite vindictive when she wanted to be.

"She's young, Fleur." I reiterated quietly.

"She's also not likeus, is she?" I scoffed and continued, "We both can see she's no where near my caliber."

Fleur gave me one of her patented intense stares.

I smirked.

"Your old tricks are fading my love. When you flaunted your lovers you would have been all over them in my presence. In this case…" I clucked my tongue upon the roof of my mouth… then looked to the bed-prone girl, "You're keeping to yourself."

Emboldened at this notion of unrequited attraction, I pulled out a business card that I had gleaned from the Hotel I was staying at. I flicked the rigid article onto the girl's bed. It landed awkwardly on the blanket that pooled at her elevated legs.

"I'm staying there." I paused long enough to pull a strand of her hair back and over her shoulder; it was enough to witness the minute tensing of her body. I couldn't help but wonder how long she allowed herself to not be touched in such a manner.

"I've missed you, Fleur -- I'll have your favorites ready, should you take up my offer."

That said, I pivoted on my heel and walked out of the room. I wanted her. She knew that I did. Is it fair that I put her in a position she had no choice in? Probably not…

But…

I don't play fair. Humans never play fair when they crave. It's the nature of our beasts.

As I walked from the main hub of the hospital my steps slowed. Obviously, Bill's beast screamed for him to stay. Roguishly he eyed me.

"You're still here."

He nodded, "Yeah… yeah that I am." Bill shifted his eyes towards the hospital, "D'ja get what you wanted?"

I glanced back towards the east wing with the sun brazenly keeping the occupants on one particular room hidden from view.

"I'll know later tonight."

As I wandered closer, Bill met me halfway. With the calloused pads of his digits, he tilted my head and brushed his thumb gruffly across my lips. I winced but elicited a strangled whimper.

I liked this.

He smiled, "Ahh, you're that type."

I lamely tried to pull back.

"Mmm, I don't think so. Let me take you home…There's a few things we need to discuss."

"Among other things… I'm sure." I heard myself breathlessly rasp.

"As if you would expect anythin' less."

And I didn't. It seemed my inner beast was hungrier than I realized.

--

The surface of the wall was cool against my forehead. It took everything I had to stop the rush of blood ringing in my ears and the continuous pounding around my eyes that trailed to the base of my skull. After all this time, Padma knew how to twist the knife deep into me. I groped about my track-pants and felt the recognizable plastic bulge that jostled in my pocket.

After a year of migraine-related attacks, I hoped that I would have been used to it by now. But my hands shook as I twisted the preventative child-lock cap off the bottle; two off-white pills finally tumbled onto my palm.

"…I usually take water with my pills."

I tucked a lock of my hair behind my left ear and drew my gaze back towards the bed. I said that I did as well, but had none on hand.

"There's a pitcher here."

Though bed ridden, Hermione pulled her frame up and began to reach for the pitcher. I moved immediately to her side; my words slipped from me in rapid and I think nervous tension, because she looked at me in confusion. She apologetically said,

"I only had a year of French in my freshman year of college…"

I apologized quietly to the girl before continuing, "I said you should not force yourself."

I pulled the rolling tray table from her bedside and offered to help situate her body upright. She looked at me hesitantly but nodded. As soon as she was settled into her new position, I pulled back. Despite herself I felt her eyes wander briefly over my body. Where I would have normally bathed in the attention -- for her… I needed to hide. So I moved and kept moving. I began to pour two plastic cups with water and offered her half to her.

"I was not expecting you to be awake."

"I wasn't expecting to have some strange, irate woman stare at me…" Hermione paused, "Besides my pain-killers are wearing off, I need a refill anyway."

"I am so very sorry for that."

"Was she a friend of yours?"

I didn't answer.

Again I moved towards the end of her bed and saw the business card still lying at her feet. I plucked the cardstock and flipped it over. My face must have looked crestfallen because Hermione noticed.

"Is something wrong?"

I glanced up after pocketing the card and shook my head. Then, I answered her previous question. Padma was an old acquaintance from a period in my life I cared not to think about, Hermione nodded in silence and kept her eyes on me even as I move about her bed.

"You 'aven't stopped staring. Should I go?"

She blinked and looked down towards the spaghetti-like plastic IV tubing. "Sorry. I'm just trying to figure something out…"

I arched my brow. "Qui?"

"You have this look, an air -- in fact you could fit with that one American girl group, the tawdry one -- You know…" Hermione began to warble out the a few lines, "I'm tellin' you to …Loosen up my buttons…." She looked up and embarrassedly began to pantomime, "I mean… it's not that I think you're one of them…I… I mean in a way you are, but…this isn't really getting me anywhere is it?"

I laughed. Her cheeks had gone beet… It was charming.

"But…I just thought they had incredible names -- so I just ran them through my mind… Somehow though," she continued, "None would fit you."

After a time, I answered: "Because none are it."

"What does it take then… To get the name of the person that saved my life in order to properly thank? Because I thought I did everything you asked me."

I was glad for the shadows; they gave me the coverage I needed to hide my desires. I wanted to confess to Hermione that all it took would be for her to look at me the same way I have, her. To hear my name coating her lips, to have her feel the extent of what she does to me.

"--Oh! You're awake Ms Granger! Good t'would make it easier for you to take these then."

My thoughts collapsed in on itself when the door to Hermione's room swung open to reveal her attending nurse. A cheery, robustly made woman. She and Hermione immediately engaged in chitchat. I skirted the room allowing both women to carry on. My eyes drifted occasionally to Hermione, smiling to myself as she broke into that musical laugh. To my surprise, she met my gaze more than once.

As the nurse turned to leave, she nearly collided into me.

"I'm so TERRIBLY sorry, so quiet miss, 'ad I not been in th'right mind I'd'a all but run you over."

The nurse appraised me from top to feet, "Reckon maybe even broke a few bones," she added in a mutter, "Bloody lightweight you are."

Hermione chirped, "Mm, sorry about my friend there -- Has a right nasty tendency of lurking." She paused to slurp her Jell-O treat and mumbled, "I'd introduce but…" then lifted her cradled morsel. Cheekily she grinned at me.

She was forcing my hand. I narrowed my eyes at her. Grudgingly I introduced myself ala Faux. The nurse accepted the Pseudo name and instructed me to insure that the English girl maintained her diet of soft foods and take the pills she needed to take. When the nurse finally left, I wandered towards the bed.

Hermione ravaged her treat without casting her eyes on me.

"Sneaky."

She inclined her head and lifted a shoulder, "I do what I need to… 'Rielle'."

I nodded slightly. "You don' believe that is my name?"

"If you have a hard enough time telling me your name, I can only imagine the line you feed to others that only know you for a few seconds."

"Touché."

As my eyes flicked towards an empty recliner and then turned back to her, she motioned me to have a seat. I eased my body into the welcoming cushions. I don't recall how long we sat in silence, trying to pry into the other's soul with our level stare but we savored the companionship.

"I've known you for more than mere seconds now… Tell me." Hermione finally murmured.

I laughed, "Since I am, quote -- your friend -- Maybe you should ask me instead of ordering me."

Hermione set her contained morsel aside, "I tried that remember? So I'm taking a different approach. Though, if you continue to insist… May I be permitted to know your name?"

I felt my lips curl into a slight smile, and then witnessed Hermione's cheeks color faintly. To her credit, she remained composed. Giving her a piece of privacy I turned my body away from her, letting one leg cross over the other. And to keep with the intimacy of the situation, I answered softly.

"Fleur. Fleur DeLacour." I cringed at the sound of my name. I hated it.

"…DeLacour?"

I cradled my chin against my palm and glanced towards Hermione. I could tell my surname tumbled through her thoughts. She held a look of recognition but didn't pursue. Hermione returned her attentions to her rubbery, half-eaten treat. For some reason… I felt compelled to explain.

I told her that I was Fleur DeLacour the sole daughter (she gave me a questioning look, but said nothing and allowed me to continue) and heiress to one of the oldest and wealthiest families in Europe. As a DeLacour, I said, you were not born into wealth. You WERE wealth. You not only had a specific type of lifestyle to live, but you also lead by example. I was the new breed of Socialite -- my examples were at best, corrupt. Time didn't exist when there were parties to throw, or even go to. The paparazzi were my playthings to be flirted with and laughed at as they tried to report the 'latest' dish. Nothing was better than knowing one of the DeLacour girls was rumored to be a lesbian who put American Socialites to shame.

If the 'Razzi ever caught a glimpse of me, it was by pure accident. I was never caught in the middle of any debauchery, because my twin was never too far to 'protect' me from any trouble I fell into.

"She was my world."

"…Is that why you took her name?"

I looked blankly at her. Her sharp mind picked up on the pseudo I went by. My sister's name, shortened. I gave my head a shake, "I took it because I was guilty and needed a reminder of why I am guilty."

"I don't understand…"

"I killed her."

Hermione's eyes were guarded. I heard myself laugh dryly… nonetheless my tale continued. Gabrielle, I stated, was the prodigal good daughter -- our parents made no qualms as to which twin they favored. But what they didn't know was that Gabrielle that towed the line in her curiosity of 'the other side'; the side I lived in. I tried to make sure she never crossed it.

"The operative word being tried…"

But I was too fucking high to push her away from the line she towed.

"I still cannot remember if I was even driving that day." The silence drew out and I turned to look at her and said, "But I do know… at least what I remember… is that I 'eld 'er. Like I 'eld you."

"You do know… that is was an accident, right?" She quietly offered.

"I like to fool myself to believe that."

Hermione's eyes were hidden. I could only guess what crossed her mind. I rose from my seat, "I think it is time for your pills oui?" The unease that settled around us was evident; I needed to change the tone of the conversation.

"Yeah I feel like my bloody bones are trying to break through my skin."

I smiled at her attempt to dissolve the awkward moment; as I prepared the proper dosages, I asked about her friends, if she heard word on them.

"Nurse Abraham mentioned that Ron -- unsurprising -- suffered minor scratches."

"Why unsurprising?"

"Boy's a bullocking tank. Broad shouldered, thick boned… thick-headed…" She quirked a smile, I chuckled, "Harry though…I think he suffered a minor concussion."

"I am sure he will be fine."

"I've no doubt -- appreciate the concern."

I returned to her side. "Three pills, the red you need to take last."

"Thanks…" Compliantly, she did as told.

I should have been more aware of my body's movements. Even better still I should have stepped back. But… my hand reached out lifting the veil of her hair from her face. My body… basically betrayed me when I needed it most. As my fingers lingered over her cheek, Hermione pulled back casually. I think I would have preferred another slap to my face than that. My arm slinked back to my side.

"I'm not your sister."

"Mm… true -- we look nothing alike." I delivered with a smirk.

"Fleur…"

The moment I wanted, the moment I waited for -- but it wasn't the way I imagined it to be. The sound of my name from her lips was foreign. Uninviting.

"I can't replace her."

"Did you really think you could?"

She shook her head, "…The point I'm trying to get out -- is that your affections for me are misguided--"

I echoed her word quietly in my mind. Hermione really believed that my loss was being transferred on to her. Were it only that simple.

"--That night we" she illustrated with her hands, I got the gist and told her to go on.

"… I was confused; tonight you just cleared things up for me. It was the heat of the moment, it was… a need that… that you filled at that time for me -- and I assume for you too. But even beyond that…" Hermione desperately mopped her face with both hands and then combed her fingers through her hair, "…I don't think…I'm not… I'm not for you; at least not in the way you want me to be. I can be in other ways… I just…"

The funny thing about love is that it strikes you when you least expect it and can be a wonderful tailspin. But there is no guide, no amount of experience to remind you… how much you'll hurt, if it's only a one-way street. As I had gone silent Hermione called my name with concern blanketing her voice. That was sweet of her. I snapped to.

"I was just thinking…"

"Of?"

"How I could tell headquarters that I lost one."

Thankfully, she laughed.

"Was it my recruiting methods?"

She blushed, "…Trust me, the method was exceptional."

I dipped my head and peppered it with a smile, "Merci."

"You know…"

In a mild haze I glanced up.

"I've been told I give incredible massages. Why don't you come here, let me see what I can do to help."

"Pardonne moi?"

I must have not noticed that I had lifted my spectacles to the top of my head or that my fingers were thrumming against my temples trying to quell the irritation building behind my eyes. I pulled my hand from my face and looked at my fingers. With a curt 'no thanks' from my lips I told her that I didn't think it would be a good idea.

"I should go. I think it is time you rest, mm? It 'as been a long day for you."

Hermione shifted and looked to me as if she was upset at the notion. I'm sure it was all in my mind.

"So..."

"Oui?"

"Will you come by again?"

The question pulled a knot to my brow. She shrugged casually.

"This" Hermione waved a hand over her elevated leg, "sort of put a damper on our backpacking plans. I think we can assume that I'll be here for a spell… and I sort of need more than just testosterone surrounding me…"

"And you wan' me around?"

"You're surprised."

Torn would have been the more appropriate description. The line had been drawn and I wasn't sure how deal with this just yet. I hadn't been used to being told 'no'. Like I didn't know how to end a pursuit -- because I've never been the pursuer. Then again… I hadn't been in love before.

People have said that it's better to have love and lost than never to have loved before.

Whoever said that… was a moron.

I was more the idiot when I said that I would be here. Whenever she wanted, whatever she needed… I would be the one to give it to her. And when Hermione's lips slipped into that familiar unguarded smile -- I was reminded why I would risk my sanity.

For a few minutes longer we talked.

For a few minutes longer, I saw how much she taunted me physically. I am, after all still a woman and one who has needs. That is a part of me that I've tried to keep under wraps, but as Cho knew from the beginning… I'm an incredibly sexual creature. It's amazing that I've staved off that part of me for as long as I did around Hermione.

As I looked at Hermione my mind was thrown back to that night. I all but gave myself to her. But I saw nothing in her eyes that would welcome that part of me again. I rose from my seat at one point and slipped my left hand into my pant-pocket.

I felt the sharp edge of the business card. Padma.

The door swung open and her friend, Ron I believe his name to be, walked in -- effectively putting a pause to our conversation. Relief spread across his freckled face. From the semi-darkened corner of the room, I saw them reunite. There was a certain intimacy they shared.

He held her.

Her fingers lingered over the back of his hand.

They talked in hushed tones.

It wasn't until I moved from my hiding place that the both broke from the quiet reverie that they realized I was still there. Ron swallowed whatever he was eating. He began to look a little pale.

"Je suis de sole. I was jus' 'eading out."

Hermione began to make the introductions but was cut off by her friend.

A sort of gurgling sound erupted from the back of his throat. I assume it was his way of saying hello. I wasn't sure but I fed him a curt smile nonetheless.

"So… same time tomorrow?" she asked hopefully.

I shrugged my shoulders and nodded in a non-committal manner. She beamed a smile in return… I could learn to loathe that smile. As I turned to exit, I heard their voices once more lock in that familiar banter they shared.

Awful beast, jealousy. It can turn you into a monster before you least expect.

I slipped through the hallway of the hospital, hoping to go unnoticed, but the whispers between the staring began. I kept to the hope that the unwanted circus of my 'other life' could be kept at bay long enough for me to run again.

Don't approach me.

Keep my head lowered.

Don't look at anyone.

I made it to the waiting lounge. Then the supportive frames of both Neville and Cho crowded against me… but even as they couldn't block the static droning of the television.

"…site of a single car accident. Reports indicate both passengers seated in the front portion of the sedan, fare well. The third is still in a guarded condition at this time. But the interesting part of this tale is the good Samaritans whom aided the injured passengers…that lead to our Entertainment segue, Gianna? I have to say, odd bedfellows, that…"

"Not really Carlo. The Entertainment industry thrives on spotlight gossip. This is as juicy as they get. Through a confirmed contact a certain platinum haired Heiress -- who we've only had glimpses of in the past -- has FINALLY come out of hiding… only to serve as the Heroine…"

"-- Funny you should use that term."

"Isn't it though?… But back on topic… she's the one that pulled these Tourists from England out of the wreck --"

"Turning a new leaf is she? Ahhh you're making a face Gianna, don't believe it?"

"If rumors are true, Fleur DeLacour was so heavy into her celebrity and its vices --"

"Drugs, sex and the proverbial American phrase 'Rock and Roll'?"

"Yes -- that instances like these are to be taken with a grain of salt. For all we know, this is a publicity stunt for her to get back in the Limelight."

"And what of the DeLacours themselves? It must be embarrassing to have the blackest of sheep running amok."

"According to my contact -- she's refused any and all communiqué…"

I tuned out the rest of the so-called newscast and hissed my urgency to get out of there. My friends were expressing their concern… Like the TV they were nothing more than white noise. When I didn't respond, their white noise chatter slowed to a halt. They looked to me expectantly. As I raised my glance to them, they understood.

In the confines of the SUV, my body remained rigid. The silence of the cab was broken when Cho stated she would take me where I wanted to go. Neville gave me one of his brotherly smiles, but it looked more consolatory than anything…

After some minutes, my lips moved. I answered simply with the address I memorized…

--

"Hello?… This is a surprise. Not busy at all. I am. Just let me get decent…"

My hand covered the receiver as I mouthed my instructions towards the help…

I watched the room-help gather the distressed beddings that lay in a pool at the bed's feet. Then I motioned towards one of the maids. She nodded and took up the trash from one of the complimentary steel bins.

I laughed when she grimaced at the contents of the bin. "What. Better to be safe than sorry…"

They scurried out muttering under their breath after all was done. I scoffed. "As if they've never seen a bin full of rubbers before."

At least it was a quick session – hardly satisfying - but it was something to pass the time until…

The thought flittered in and out of my mind as I returned the receiver to my ear.

"Are you alright…? I'm sorry…. That was a silly question… Of course, of course. See you soon."

I settled the handset onto its base once more and with the pads of my fingers traced the cresting smile dressing my lips. I ran my fingers through my hair; still damp from the shower I took, and then glanced towards the time. With another call, this time to kitchenette… I wasn't about to go into this night without a fight.

The ringer to my suite sounded and I never felt more like an adolescent teenager than this moment. My steps were quick-paced, bringing me closer to the door. Almost excitedly, I tore the door open.

Fleur stood there, likened to a broken Porcelain doll. But only one thing danced in my thoughts.

She chose me…

--

To those few that actually like this piece – wow. And those same few who've taken the time to offer your critiques/comments, thank you – it makes a person want to continue to share :) As for the bombastic prose -- consider it cut. Or cut down.

This chapter is long, I do apologize. It's to make up for lost time. Don't give up on our ladies… Till next time.