Wake Me Up

Chapter 8

Something interrupted her sleep. Hermione's eyes shot open in alarm, but she relaxed as she heard the knock on the door. After last night's encounter she hadn't been able to sleep, not only was she scared that Ronald would come back but also the few seconds of sleep she had been able to get had been invaded by countless nightmares. At dawn she had finally given up on resting and she had kept herself busy cleaning her apartment here and there just to keep her mind from going in that direction.

Her feet hit the floor as she sat drowsily on the sofa and she ran a hand over her face trying to wake up more fully. Pain shot through her cheek and she cringed as she ran her fingertips carefully over the sensitive flesh. It was swollen and the effect of the potion she had taken earlier to reduce the pain had already worn off.

Another knock came from the door reminding her that there was someone waiting on the other side. Instant thoughts of the blonde rushed through her head and she reached for her wand trying to disguise the bruise as best as she could in so short a time. She had admitted last night that she was attracted to the other woman and that she wanted to find out what could happen but that was clearly naïve and she didn't want the other to know of her past, to feel pity for her as many have had in the past. Stop! She admonished her mind, You don't even know if it's her.

Fleur was ready to leave when the door finally swung open and puffy chocolate eyes met hers. Her gazed roamed over the brunette noticing her appearance and a blonde eyebrow shot up in question. Hermione held her breath hoping she had managed to cover the bruise, before the blonde finally smiled at the pictured Hermione made with her messy hair and wrinkled clothes.

"I'm beginning to wonder if I'll ever get you awake." A grin covered the blonde's beautiful lips.

"I was taking a nap" Hermione shrugged in explanation, as her heart slowed its pace.

The brunette's lips started to curl up but were suddenly stopped by the painful bruise that was well hidden by magic. Fleur smile vanished immediately at the fake smile she had been presented and she questioned her decision to come but Hermione's gaze had moved down and was now taking in her appearance slowly and carefully. The blonde was wearing jeans that hugged her hips perfectly and a dark coat that covered a simple black top. It was a simple attire that looked feminine and sexy on Fleur. Finally Hermione's gaze went up but the other's gaze was equally busy and she blushed, being reminded of her own state.

"Do you mind if I take a second?" Hermione moved aside signaling the other to come in.

Fleur looked around the always perfect apartment before cerulean eyes settled on the brunette. "Go ahead."

"To what do I owe this visit?" Came the brunette's voice from the bedroom.

"Well…" she walked to one of the shelves the room held and took a chance to study the contents. "Since we're the only ones who are free, I was thinking maybe you could show me around London some more."

One of the books caught the blonde's attention and she took it out. The insides revealed a neat handwriting and cerulean eyes read some of the passages carefully, noticing the well paced composition in only a few words. She didn't notice the presence standing behind her before Hermione finally spoke.

"Do you always snoop on other people's possessions?"

The book fell to the ground as the blonde turned to face Hermione. "I… I didn't mean-"

But she was unable to finish her words as her eyes finally landed on the brunette. Her mouth fell open and she tried to come up with something to say but her mind had clearly no intention of functioning. The brunette was not wearing anything extraordinary but Hermione definitely looked sexy and beautiful and her eyes didn't want to stop staring even when her mind would probably scold her later.

Hermione noticed the other's reaction and went to pick up the fallen book trying to hide the blush that was already covering her cheeks. "Next time please refrain from reading my things without my knowledge."

"I'm sorry, I was out of place." Her mind finally produced but she continued to stare.

"Hm… so you only want to me show you around because no one else is free?" Hermione tried changing the subject.

This finally caught the other's attention and she tried to correct her previous statement. "No, no. What I meant is, we had a wonderful time yesterday and I'd love to spend more time getting to know you."

There. It was out. And Fleur waited, not knowing if it had been good to say that but not wanting to take it back.

"I think… I would love that too." Hermione's soft voice reached the blonde's ears as she moved closer to hold the other's hand.

They had enjoyed a wonderful evening of sightseeing and for Hermione, seeing everything she knew through Fleur eyes had made her feel as if she was seeing this stuff for the first time. Now they were just walking lazily in the park and this was when curiosity got the best of Fleur and she couldn't help asking, even though it was none of her business.

"So you write? Ginny said you were very talented," the blond said "and from what I could see you really-"

"I don't write" Hermione cut in flatly.

"But..." Fleur started, thinking of the book she was sure was written by the witch and wondering what the mystery really was. Then she got a look at the expression on her face. "Sorry," she said. "I must have misunderstood."

"Yeah." A self-conscious silence filled the air and they walked a few more minutes before Hermione spoke. "We should go home."

Fleur stopped and turned to face the brunette. "Is that what you want?"

They had had a wonderful day. They had started to get to know each other. Then why was this making Hermione feel more insecure?

"I don't know. I just…"

"Look I was out of line. I shouldn't have asked something that you didn't want to share." Fleur said sincerely.

"It's not that. I just… It's hard for me to open up to people and it scares me that I want to with you."

It was on the tip of Fleur's tongue to ask why, but she remembered that she had reasons too why she was cautious around others.

She took the brunette's hand in her own. "Hermione." That brought startled chocolate eyes to hers and Fleur gave her a soft grin, this was the first time she called her by her name. "I really like your name."

"I like the way it sounds when you say it." A shy grin covered Hermione's lips.

"Good. I'll be honest with you. It's hard for me to open up too and this scares me. There are things from my past that are telling me to hold back but I have really enjoyed spending time with you and I don't want to hold back anymore. Maybe something will come of this and maybe it won't, but either way, I'd like to get to know you better."

"I'd like that," Hermione said honestly. "Just be patient with me, please. There are some things..."

Fleur gently squeezed the hand she still held. "I think there are some things for both of us. Let's just take it slow."

A full moon shined brightly in the clear sky as the made their way back to Hermione's place. They had silently decided to walk rather than apparate wanting to spend a little more time together. Fleur however had gone quiet, her gaze concentrating on the ground before her. Nights like this reminded her of Bill and she knew she had to let go of the past. As she had told Hermione, they both had things that scared them but she didn't want to hold back. She wanted to start leaving her life again. They finally stood in front of Hermione's building.

"I had a really good time." Hermione finally said, breaking the silence.

Fleur's cerulean gaze met hers. "Me too."

A yawn escaped Hermione's lips, proof of her tiredness and the lack of sleep she'd been suffering from lately. It was partly her fault, Fleur knew, but she couldn't manage to regret it even if she felt a little guilty.

"I'll go now so you can rest. Can I... would you like to do something tomorrow?"

"I'd like that." Hermione leaned forward and brushed her lips over the blonde's shortly, wondering where her courage came from, but enjoying the moment for what it was. Her lips were soft, softer than she had imagine and she wanted to lean forward again and capture them more fully and learn how they tasted.

"Good." Fleur answered as her palm came to caress the brunette's cheek.

This made Hermione cringe and Fleur instantly moved her hand away noticing for the first time the bruise that had been well hidden before.

"Thanks for being patient with me." Hermione said hurriedly and then she climbed up the stairs before the other had a chance to ask, leaving the blonde to stare after her.