Hermione was disoriented. She was laying down, face against the ground.

Her foot had hit some roots. She groaned as she got up on her hands and knees and looked around. She couldn't see anything, or anyone. She had lost Harry and Ron. She was alone.

She stood up straight and pulled out her wand. "Lumos"

Okay, so she was alone in a dark and creepy forest while some muggle haters were running around. She would be safer with other people. She took a deep breath, Gryffindored up and started to walk.

One foot in front of the other. She started slowly but every noise, every shadow, could be a threat so she was progressively going faster.

A twig broke. She swirled around, wand raised. She blinked a few times. She could have sworn she had seen electric blue eyes shine in the dark.

There was another sound and she started to run, until she hit something that wasn't there before. Someone.

She was once again on the floor, this time on her butt. A shifty man was in front of her, still standing. He did a weird thing with his lips, or so it seemed, her wand was on the floor a few feet away. He had crazy eyes as he raised his wand.

As soon as he started to move she did too, going for her own wand. She reached it and turned but as soon as she did a light blasted the man away.

She stood up and jumped as someone came towards her again. In the shade she saw long blonde hair, she couldn't see the woman's face but didn't have time to dwell on it as a warm hand grabbed her wand wielding hand and started to pull. Hermione tried to resist but it was worthless. The unknown woman took her wand from her and whispered "Nox"

The brunette didn't know what to think. She was pretty sure this woman had saved her from the scary man. Why did she take her wand and turned off the only light they had? Was she even safe?

She felt her wand being pushed back into her hand. She didn't understand. After a second she could see something, it was like the woman's eyes were glowing. Beautiful blue eyes.

She doesn't know how long she looked into those eyes before she opened her mouth but couldn't speak as her arm was grabbed and she was being pulled behind her savior.

"Who…who are you? Where are you taking me?"

She didn't get any reply so she tried again.

"Who are you?"

"Shhhh. People can't spot your light anymore, don't let them hear your voice"

At least Hermione was beginning to understand some of the woman's behavior. She couldn't help but wonder what kind of spell was being used to be able to see in the dark.

They stopped as a light appeared in the sky, it turned into a skull.

"The dark mark" Muttered the brunette, this wasn't good.

Suddenly there wasn't a sound in the forest. No more scream coming from the camps.

It was deadly quiet until lights appeared and voices. The blonde woman pulled Hermione completely behind her as they slowly walked closer to these voices.

Hermione frowned. She knew some of these voices. She peeked around the body in front of her and exclaimed. "Harry! Ron!" Before running to join her friends. She froze as dozens of wands were suddenly pointed at her. She couldn't help but look over her shoulder, searching for her mysterious woman as she was in trouble. She was gone.

Mr. Weasley stepped in immediately just as Amos Diggory joined them, a stupefied Winky in his arms.

If there was one thing Hermione Granger didn't like was not understanding something. She had searched and searched. There was no spell that could make you see in the dark. There was glasses and other similar enchanted objects, but nothing that could have a direct effect on the eyes. It had been tried but no one ever managed it, the idea was given up after a few accidents, people becoming blind or exploding eyeballs.

She was sitting in the library annoyed. It was not a spell. The next logical explanation was that the girl wasn't completely human. That didn't take her anywhere either. All the creatures listed as being able to see in the dark never looked even close to humanoid. She had seen a woman, she had no doubt about that.

To add to that problem the school was hosting a stupid competition. The triwizard tournament, a competition between schools, just what she needed to distract her from school. She groaned. They were arriving today and…she had potion that afternoon, her eyes grew wide, she couldn't be late.

A few hours later the whole school was waiting outside, their guests were late. It was bloody cold and Hermione had better things to do than stand there like a fool. Finally something appeared in the sky. It was getting closer. She had read a few things about the other schools, which was pretty much nothing, they were so secretive.

Hermione didn't pay that much attention to the very tall woman and students who got out of the carriage, that was what she was more interested in: the carriage was amazing and the abraxans…

Not so long after the French, Durmstrang arrived in a boat and Ron became even more annoying than usual, just because of a quidditch player. Hermione rolled her eyes on the way to the welcoming feast. At least she wouldn't be as cold and got to eat something.

But things didn't get better. Ron was eating like a pig, as usual, but he was talking nonstop about Krum and then he saw the pretty girls from Beauxbatons, like the other boys…

She was trying to ignore them and talk to Ginny. When everyone around her stopped talking. She looked up and found a very beautiful blonde, the one who had laughed when Dumbeldore talked about having a good time, in her blue uniforms a small smile still on her lips. The muggle born already didn't like her. Although there was something strange, Hermione couldn't help but feel like the blonde was looking right at her, into her.

She couldn't help but think about her stranger as she looked into pale blue eyes. She was brought back to reality when she heard her voice.

"Excuse me, are you wanting the bouillabaisse?"

Hermione was pretty sure she opened he mouth but nothing came out. She could see Ron turn pink next to Harry. It was him who replied.

"Yeah, have it" Said Harry.

"You have finished with it? Asked the blonde again.

Hermione was sure she was paranoid. The beautiful girl in front of her couldn't be just looking at her.

"Yeah" Ron said breathlessly "Yeah, it was excellent"

That was it. She had to be sick. Even a very purple Ron was able to answer when she was left dumbstruck. She just watched as the blonde took the bouillabaisse and walked back to the Ravenclaw table.

Hermione's anger was growing.

"She's a Veela!" Exclaimed Ron.

That did it.

"Of course she isn't! I don't see anyone else gaping like an idiot!"

Ding ding ding! Hermione knew she was being a hypocrite, but it felt good to yell at Ron while being frustrated. She was used to it.

She would never admit either that it wasn't so stupid. It could explain why she was being weird. Back to the library, she'd look into her savior later. It was more important to know why she was acting like…Ron.

Everything happened so fast, people entering their name into the goblet of fire. Some people were ready to do pretty much anything for glory and money.

Though Hermione had to admit she was very competitive too, she hoped Angelina would be picked. Cedric Diggory would do too, he was good looking and it would annoy Ron to no end.

No one was really paying attention to the delicious food they were eating. They were all waiting for Dumbeldore to finish and announce the schools champions. Finally, the hall was quiet as the headmaster announced the first champion.

"The champion for Dumstrang…will be Viktor Krum" There was a storm of applause. He was popular and everyone expected him to be chosen.

The second piece of parchment shot out of the goblet, propelled by the flames. "The champion for Beauxbaton…is Fleur Delacour!"

Without thinking about it Hermione repeated the name. Fleur Delacour. She liked the way it rolled on her tongue. She had a name to go with the beautiful somewhat arrogant French girl. Fleur.

She was surprised to see that the French were not so supportive. Most of them seemed so disappointed, some girls were even crying. Most boys were slowly clapping though, with a few girls.

The last piece of paper appeared. "The Hogwarts champion…is Cedric Diggory!"

Hermione plugged her ears, the uproar from the Hufflepuff table was too loud. At least she couldn't hear Ron complain, which was what she could see him do. She couldn't help but smirk before whooping to antagonize her friend.

They were all having fun until they all stopped and started to whisper. The goblet's flame was glowing red again, but each school had a champion. Another long flame suddenly shot out, carrying a piece of paper in the air. The hall was deadly quiet as Dumbledore grabbed it and read it at once, then repeated it louder. "Harry potter"

The brunette did like everyone else in the room and stared at the boy who lived. She could see he was like frozen, she pushed him towards Dumbledore who was calling him and followed him with her eyes until he disappeared.

She knew Dumbledore tried to calm them but it didn't really work. The hall was buzzing with that strange news. Harry Potter a fourth champion?

Hermione slammed her book shut and made a sorry sign as she saw Madame Pince glare at her.

Harry jumped next to her. She forgot sometimes that he was spending most of his time with her since Ron wouldn't speak to him. He was still working on his Summoning Charms.

"Homework trouble?"

"No, I've been looking for something that I can't seem to find"

"Do you need any help?" Tried her friend.

"Good try. You really need to master the Summoning Charms"

"I'm not going to get it by just staring at these pages. I need a break. I think I'll visit Hagrid" Said Harry as he got up.

Hermione just nodded as she opened another book. Maybe she'd finally find something concrete about Veelas, other than basic knowledge before explaining they were a very secretive kind.

She needed a break too, even more so with Krum's fan club coming in. She closed her book and put it in her bag with a sigh. It was double potion later and her two best friends still refused to speak to each other.

She was lost in her own mind when she collided something soft. Butt on the floor, surrounded by her books she realized she had hit someone, dressed in blue, a Beauxbaton's student.

Hermione groaned as she realized, still standing in front of her as poised as ever was Fleur Delacour. She was surprised that the blonde didn't sneer or complain like she had seen her do so many times around the castle. She graciously excused herself and put out her hand to help the young Gryffindor.

"I'm sorry. Are you okay?"

In daze, Hermione grabbed her hand and was pulled to her feet and found herself standing very close to the blonde. Even up close she was perfect. Hermione took a step back. "No. I am sorry. I wasn't paying attention to where I was going"

"I wasn't either. So I guess we are both sorry" Fleur smiled with perfect teeth.

Hermione couldn't help herself and passed her tongue on her big front teeth, self-conscious.

The brunette looked at the floor as spoke. "It's okay then"

She didn't feel like a brave Gryffindor then, she just wanted to run and had no idea why. Head still bowed she pulled her bag back on her shoulder and started to walk away but was stopped by her musical voice.

"I didn't get your name" Fleur was looking at her with her bright blue eyes and small smile. Hermione wondered if she ever heard the blonde speak with such a sweet tone before.

"Hermione. Hermione Granger" She strangely put her hand out to shake the blonde's hand but was surprised as the French girl stepped closer, too close, in her personal space and kissed her on the cheeks. Right, left, right. Hermione heart was beating loud and fast. She felt weird, as if her whole body was pulsing.

A huge smile was on the champion's face as she stepped back. "Enchantée. I am Fleur Delacour, but you already knew that"

In a haze, Hermione could only say it back. "Nice to meet you"

"Where were you going in such a hurry?"

"I'm not sure. I was going to look for my friends before class. You?"

"Library" Was all the blonde replied and Hermione felt stupid, she was just standing a few feet away from the library's door at the end of that corridor. Fleur had to be going to there. Embarrassed the brunette really had to get away.

"I'm sorry, but I really have to go"

A few steps away she turned around to the blonde still standing here. Hermione had the strange feeling she was watching her go.

"Good luck in the library, Krum groupies are in here" The Gryffindor smiled and Fleur seemed the light up. Hermione left a little annoyed, convinced she was imagining things about the way the veela was acting towards her. Even more annoyed because she couldn't blame it on the veela's thrall, it only attracted the male population.

A few hours later Hermione couldn't help but think about Fleur's perfect smile as Madame Pomfrey was shrinking her teeth. It was an opportunity for her and she let the mediwitch work, not stopping her until her teeth were smaller, until she could have a perfect smile. One that could match the French champion's.

She thanked the nurse and walked out as fast as she could. She'd need to get notes for whatever she'd missed that afternoon. She was going to lose precious homework time, and she was distracted by her new teeth. She couldn't help but pass her tongue over them.

As soon as she got back to Gryffindor's common room Harry came to her and explained he had finally received a reply from Sirius. They had to be ready for the 22 of November.

They couldn't get a break! As soon as the day started there was something wrong again. Rita Skeeter had published what Hermione could only call a fiction about Harry. She was flattered in a way to be called 'stunningly pretty', but deep down a voice in her head told her it was more about what kind of story the author wanted to tell than reality, as if Harry could be top student in the school.

People were pointing at her, making fun of her. She'd rather be invisible as usual. She felt a shiver and looked around, she found Fleur glaring in her direction. She groaned. She even looked good as she was scolding. Life wasn't fair.

So Hermione did the most logical thing, she went back to hide into the library, Harry tagged along for a while again, but when she tried to be nice and said something about Quidditch he left, just because of these ridiculous wonky faints thing. She was even more annoyed because the Krum's groupies were once again following him into the library. She had to give him some credit thought, he didn't seem to abuse his status. Next time she'd do it, she'd bring earplugs.

She was frowning, head buried in a book about house elves when she heard the chair next to her move and someone sat down. She remained as she was, engrossed by her book. She didn't want to get distracted again. The person next to her didn't seem to want to leave her in peace, after moving around for a while that person cleared their throat.

Angry, ready to give them a piece of her mind, Hermione looked up and froze at the sight of Fleur Delacour.

"Fleur?"

"Bonjour Hermione"

"I mean. Hi. I'm… surprised… to see you here" Stammered the Gryffindor.

"French people are not as demure as you English. I needed a break from all the gossip" Hermione made a face. She wasn't sure if she should be offended or not. Fleur didn't seem to notice.

"What are you reading?" The blonde just pulled on the book's cover to read the title. "Do you have homework on Elves?"

"No. I'm doing some research on house elves. I want to find a way to end the abomination that is the house elves' slavery" Stated a passionate Hermione.

"But isn't it their purpose in life? I mean they like it, no?"

"Of course not! They've been slaves for centuries, they are conditioned to act like they do. Which is why I want to find a way to get them rights. Wizards should treat them like living creatures and not furniture, pay them and give them off days!" The brunette was getting a little carried away.

"Did any house elf ever requested such things?" Enquired the blonde.

"Yes" Awkwardly replied Hermione.

Fleur probably realized something was wrong with the younger's girl response. "How many?"

"One" Mumbled the brunette and was annoyed as she saw a smirk appear on the French girl.

"Before you go to the ministry to change the laws, you should start by talking to the elves"

Fleur made a sign at Hermione as she opened her mouth so she could keep going.

"I'm not saying you should stop. I just mean that you have to start with getting house elves to ask for this. Teach them that there is nothing wrong with wanting to be free and treated better. You can't just go to people and say that you want to free elves who would rather keep working like they've always been for wizards"

Hermione was baffled. Fleur was the first person to actually listen and not make fun of her idea. And her advice wasn't a bad one. She needed to find a way to speak with the Hogwarts' elves.

Fleur took the brunette's silence as an opportunity to keep going.

"I'm surprised to see you alone. Most of the time you are always with your boyfriend"

Hermione was frowning again, she could have sworn the blonde's voice sounded bitter. "Not you too! Nothing in that article is real! Harry isn't my boyfriend for merlin's sake!"

Fleur eyes grew wide at Hermione's loud voice as she leaned back into her chair while Hermione closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She didn't see Madame Pince glare at her.

"I'm sorry. All of this is getting on my nerves. I didn't mean to yell"

"It's okay. I told you I needed to get away from gossip and here I am, doing it to you. Sorry"

Hermione nodded and neither of them spoke for a moment. The brunette slowly got back to her book, but kept glancing at the other girl, who after watching her for a while pulled out books of her own.

A weird routine started from that day on. Strangely Fleur never joined her in the library when she was with Harry, only when she was alone.

She receive a quirked eyebrow when the blonde saw she was reading something about veelas. She didn't dare ask anything about it, but Fleur was acting weird while she was reading that book, so she kept the veela study for when she was not with one.

After two weeks, Hermione started to feel like the other girl was kind of stalking. It felt like she could get a glimpse of her most of the time during their breaks. Or maybe it was because she was attracted to the champion, with whom she had no chance at all.

Even on their trip to Hogsmeade, on which she was convinced to look like a loon as she was talking to an invisible Harry. She had barely sat down and pulled out a notebook from her bag to look as if she was doing something and not just being a loner when the beautiful blonde appeared out of nowhere.

"Hermione? What a nice surprise to see you in the Three Broomsticks alone"

Fleur didn't wait for an invitation to sit down, on the opposite side of the table, right in front of the brunette.

"Hmm" As usual, Hermione was annoyed that she had no idea where Harry was. "I…wanted to get out of the castle for a while. Harry doesn't want to be seen in public and Ron…is acting like a stubborn idiot"

Fleur's face lit up "I'll get us some butterbeers"

As the blonde was getting up Hermione felt someone elbow her in the ribs. She winced before calling back to the champion. "Could you take three?"

Fleur frowned "Are you expecting someone?"

"No. Everyone is already here"

The blonde shrugged as she disappeared in the crowd.

"Since when are you this friendly with Fleur Delacour?"

Hermione whispered back, as discreetly as she could "We met a few times in the library. That's it"

"Really? Just hanging out in the library. I don't think I've ever seen her smile, let alone like that. Is there something you'd like to share with me?"

"Don't be ridiculous. She is way out of my league" Huffed the brunette, she didn't give in the opportunity to respond and just cut right to it a little annoyed. "She is bringing a butterbeer for you, we'll have to tell her you are here"

"I think Moody looked right at me"

As soon as she heard her friend say this she turned to Hagrid and Professor Moody. They were making their way towards them.

"All right, Hermione?" Said Hagrid loudly.

"Hello" Said Hermione smiling back, just as Fleur came back, her usual cold mask in place as she took in the newcomers. "Bonjour" was all she said as she sat down in front of Hermione again.

Moody limped around the table and bent down, it seemed as if he was reading the notebook in front Hermione until he muttered "Nice Cloak, Potter"

Fleur eyes grew wide as she gave a questioning gaze to the Gryffindor who couldn't really speak at the moment. Hermione just nodded as she took a butterbeer and handed it to the boy next to her.

Fleur's eyes watched the beer disappear and straightened up, if it was even possible. She seemed annoyed at this new development. Hermione gave her the best apologizing expression she could.

They heard Harry's quiet voice question their Professor "Can your eye – I mean, can you…?"

"Yeah, it can see through Invisibility Cloaks. And it's come in useful at times, I can tell you" Said Moody discretely.

Hagrid was beaming down at them before he took bent down and said something to Harry no one else heard before straightening up. He then said loudly "Nice to see you, Hermione". He winked and left with Moody.

Once the teens were left alone, no one spoke for a moment, although they could hear Harry slurping his butterbeer to which Fleur made a face.

"I'm sorry Fleur. Harry didn't want to be bothered so he…" Hermione trailed off as she saw the blonde nod.

"I understand, I saw the Skeeter woman on the way here" Said the very stiff French girl.

There was another silent pause, until Hermione slapped Harry next to her.

"Stop poking me!" Hissed the brunette.

Fleur cleared her throat "I think I should leave"

"You don't have to" Weakly tried Hermione.

"No, really. I knew I couldn't stay long. With the first task soon, Madame Maxime wouldn't want me to stay out too long" Fleur was already starting to get up.

"I'll see you at our usual spot?" Questioned a worried Hermione as she got up.

Fleur gave her one of the soft smiles the Gryffindor was used to and kissed her on the cheeks before leaving. Hermione swooned and Harry snickered. It only took as second for the brunette to rumble as she sat back down.

"Harry!"

"Sorry. I've just never seen you act like such a girl"

Hermione frowned a little offended, the boy who lived probably realized it and started to speak again, changing the subject.

"Why does Hagrid want me to meet him at midnight?"

"Does he?" Hermione was startled "I wonder he's up to? I don't know whether you should go Harry…" She looked nervously around and hissed "It might make you late for Sirius"

They stayed a little longer in the Three Broomsticks, until Hermione felt way too uncomfortable being seen talking alone. She spoke with Harry but as usual he was stubborn, he was going to see Hagrid and risk being late, so of course she was going to help her friend.

She was supposed to open their common room portrait from the outside at half passed eleven.

Plenty of time for her to take care of what was on her mind. Find Fleur and make sure they were still...that nothing was wrong.

She didn't expect to build such a relationship with the haughty French girl, but she turned out to be smart, sweet and respectful. Hermione found herself looking forward to her time in the library for something other than a good book.

Finally she reached the huge blue carriage. She stood there for a minute, shifting her weight from one leg to another while she was looking around, hoping to see a Beauxbaton's student making his or her way back. After a while she felt that she had no other choice but to knock. She waited more, until the door was finally opened by a dark haired boy who looked down at her.

"Foreigners are not allowed in"

"I…I'm looking for Fleur Delacour" Managed to say a nervous Gryffindor.

He looked at her from head to toe and sneered before slamming the door in her face. She opened her mouth but knew it was useless. She groaned, annoyed. She wasn't sure if she should knock again or… She sighed before looking back up at the door one more time. It was useless. She started to turn when she heard the heavy door move again.

"Hermione? Is something wrong?"

"No. No. I just wanted to make sure we were okay. I mean you left in a hurry and I worried"

Fleur stepped completely out, closing the door behind her she walked up to the smaller girl and whispered "Is Monsieur Potter still with you?"

"No. He went back to our tower, he is probably polishing his broomstick again" Fleur gave her a strange look which Hermione didn't understand but felt the need to develop. "He is a little disappointed that the quidditch cup was canceled and it makes him feel better"

"Oh. I was surprised, is all"

"Are you sure? I mean, I can pay you back for the butterbeers" Offered Hermione.

"Don't be ridiculous. I have no problem with buying you and Monsieur Potter a drink. I was just caught off guard. I swear"

"Then I think you should start by calling him Harry then" Stated the brunette.

"Fine" Grumbled the blonde.

"I wondered if I could make it up to you, would like to walk around the grounds with me?"

Hermione had heard the blonde complain many time about the castle, the weather, although never to her. There was a good chance Fleur would rather just stay in her probably cozy and beautiful carriage. She was already getting to tell her it was fine that she didn't want to go for a walk with her.

A smiling Fleur surprised her. "I'd love to. I've actually never took the opportunity to really explore this place"

Hermione wasn't sure why but she could feel heat rush to her cheeks as she nodded and stepped aside so the champion would join her.

They started to walk side by side in a comfortable silence. It was the first time Hermione found herself very conscious of her hands as she walked, they even brushed the other girl's hand once. Should she put them in her pockets?

"Do you think you are ready for the first task?" Finally voice Hermione. It was so random she wanted to hit herself.

"I'd like to say yes. I'm as prepared as I can be without actually knowing what I'll have to do" Sighed the blonde.

Hermione just nodded, scared to say something stupid again. She could see Fleur smile at her from the corner of her eye.

"While we are visiting Hogwarts, could I ask you a few questions about it?"

"Sure. I could lend you a copy of Hogwarts a History too if you want" Replied obliviously the brunette.

Fleur's smile got bigger as she added "I'd rather hear it from you"

"Alright then. Ask away" Agreed the smaller girl.

"Why is this place so gloomy?" That caused Hermione to stop walking and glare at the French.

"I mean no offense. It's just…so medieval" Seeing her little friend glare harder Fleur tried to find a way out "Maybe it's just the cloudy weather…You know what, just forget I said anything"

They started to walk again but Hermione couldn't let that go. "It's not gloomy! It's a beautiful castle built in 993, which explains the architecture. Built and standing thanks to magic. Powerful and everlasting magic"

"I know it's old and very British. I just wonder why they never gave it a makeover"

"To us, it's perfect" Stated Hermione with a very affirmative tone but she was then very curious about the French school. "How is Beauxbaton?"

"Breathtaking. It's built in the south of France so we have a lot of sun and beautiful light, which is why there are many windows. The grounds seems more like a giant garden, with flowers and fountains. We don't have armors like you do but sculptures, made of marble with sometimes layers of gold, copper or even ice. The magical ice statues never melt but shine, I wish you could see an ice statue shine during the summer, if hit by the sun they sometimes create rainbows. You'd love to sit in the garden under a tree with a book"

Hermione realize she had lost Fleur for a second, she couldn't help but smile at her friend who obviously missed it, which could be why Hogwarts might seem like such a bad place for Fleur. They kept on walking, talking about their respective schools, it was starting to get dark.

"We should probably make our way back now before we can't see where we are going anymore" Said Hermione.

"Don't worry. I have a pretty good eyesight in the dark" Responded the champion.

"We should still get back to the castle, we could eat and when it's completely dark we could go to the astronomy tower. I mean…if you want to that is" Hermione was babbling at the end.

Fleur just looked at her and a big smile appeared on her face as she nodded.

Something kept nagging Hermione in the back of her mind. She was thinking about the stranger at the quidditch world cup. Fleur reminded her of the figure she had seen that night. The darker it got the more Hermione was doubting her own mind. She kept on glancing at the blonde by her side. She jumped as she felt a war hand grab her own cold one.

"I'm sorry" Said Fleur as she was letting go "It's getting darker, I wanted to be sure you wouldn't fall on something you didn't see"

Hermione frowned and looked up at the champion who was obviously adverting her eyes.

The brunette took back the French girl's hand, but didn't dare to pull her closer like a little voice was telling her to do in her mind. She was warm and…

Fleur looked right at her when their hands clasped. Hermione gasped at the sight of electric bright blue eyes.

"Your eyes?!" Exclaimed the Gryffindor.

Fleur looked down before looking away again. "I…Veela can see in the dark, our eyes seem to glow" She seemed a little down as she explained.

Missing completely to point the brunette had so many questions. "How does this work? Is it part of their…your magical abilities?"

"I…I don't think you could see it like that. Even when a Veela is in her human form, the bottom of her eyes are not red like the average human, there is like a silvery surface reflecting the light. With barely any light we can see just like during the day"

"Oh! Just like cats!"

"Except Veelas are bird like beings" Fleur's tone was playful.

"I knew that!" Exclaimed Hermione and the blonde laughed. They kept on walking in silence until Hermione had to ask again. "How come I couldn't find anything about that in the library?"

"Very little facts are published about Veelas" Was Fleur's evasive response, before asking. "Why were you looking about Veela facts?"

Hermione cleared her throat, she didn't feel like telling the other girl she was looking for any kind of information she could find on Veelas because of her. "A Veela helped me and probably saved my life at the Quidditch world cup"

"I know" Said Fleur so quietly that Hemione barely heard it. Shocked, she stumbled.

The blonde was very quick, instantly she grabbed her. The Gryffindor was looking at her with wide eyes. "It was you!"

Fleur only offered a weak smile and an annoyed Hermione slapped her shoulder as she yelled.

"Why didn't you tell me?!"

"What could I have said? Hey, nice to see you again in a safer environment, at least for you"

Hermione slapped both her shoulders this time.

"Stop manhandling me!" They both froze. Fleur had never raised her voice in front of Hermione. They looked at each other for a second before Hermione moved and hugged Fleur like her life depended on it. "Thank you. Thank you"

When she pulled back Hermione wasn't sure how to act "You know. For saving my life and all that" She saw the blonde shiver just as she took a step back and offered her scarf.

"I can't take it Hermione. Your hand are already cold, I don't want you to get sick"

"Fleur. We'll be in the castle in a minute. Take it. I have other scarfs don't worry"

The blonde nodded as she took it and put it around her neck. "Thank you" Not daring to tell her that her shiver wasn't due to the cold.

Hermione felt herself blush again. Her mind was playing tricks on her again. She could have sworn Fleur had smelled it once it was in place.

Before they walked into the entrance hall Fleur stopped them.

"Where do you want to meet so we can go to the Astronomy tower?"

Hermione hid her disappointment the best she could, but she realized it wasn't good enough as Fleur added. "People are already going to gossip enough with my brand new scarf"

Hermione nodded even if she didn't like it. It would have been nice to eat with the blonde, someone she could have a real conversation with as opposed to the usual quidditch obsessed people at her table, or Ron…maybe it wasn't such a good idea for Fleur to join them anyway.

"Meet me at the hospital wing. It's close enough and it will be discreet"

Fleur nodded and they shared an awkward moment. Like neither of them was sure how to proceed. Finally Fleur took a step back and walked away.

Hermione couldn't help but feel a weight on her stomach. Regret. She should have hugged her, or kissed her! On the cheeks, like the French girl did all the time of course.