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Fleur’s eyes tracked over the crowd, sipping at the cold drink in her hand. She was never a big fan of her time in England, but she was going to make the most of it. It’s why she’d arrived on a Saturday night instead of early Monday morning.
Her job had expanded over the years and Gringotts had acquired a new contract that they asked Fleur to help out with. It had something to do with the security issues each bank was having.
Lips twisting into a grimace as she recalled the latest break in at her bank. The alarms going off and having been close to them, she’d rushed down with a few coworkers to figure out what was going on. Her three coworkers had been knocked out almost instantly, but Fleur had just enough time to move out of the way. Frustrated, she had dueled with the person who was trying to get out of the underground tunnels.
She’d managed to hold her own, and she hoped her other coworkers would arrive in time. With a well-placed spell, she’d managed to knock their wand from their hand. Her fingers had wrapped around her wand, moving to hit them with a hex when her wand leapt from her fingers into the other person's hand. Realizing that they had used a wandless, wordless spell, Fleur felt smug in the knowledge that they wouldn’t be able to use her wand. Only a Veela could use a Veela hair core wand. Shock ran through her when her wand worked for the person and that was the last thing she remembered before blacking out.
Her coworkers had arrived, but the person was gone with her wand. She’d been pissed off. Her wand! It was bad enough that the person had gotten away but to take her wand too, it was downright evil. Fuming, she grumbled all the way to Ragnoks office. She was stunned when he handed her wand to her with a letter before dismissing her.
Doing her best to bury her irritation at having no answers, she took in the mass of bodies that moved on the dance floor. She needed a way to blow off some steam and she was hoping to pick someone up for the evening. There were a few men who had caught her attention but the longer she watched the less interested she was. Noticing a few women as well lead to the same conclusion. At this point she didn’t care if it was male or female, she just wanted someone interesting.
When she was about to give up hope she spotted someone. She leaned against the bar, jeans slung low on wide hips that hugged her round ass and strong thighs. A tight black shirt hugged her slim torso and pulled deliciously over full breasts. Dark hair pulled from her smooth neck into a haphazard bun that was already spilling out across her face. The woman leaned into the red-haired woman next to her, the two laughing at something. Her mind briefly caught a view of the red head, strong chin, and a more muscular body then the brunette next to her but beautiful none the less.
She watched their interactions with interest, seeing familiarity in their movements but nothing to indicate anything further. Her eyes widened when she spotted her good friend Viktor Krum appear. He scooped the brunette into a hug before turning to do the same to the red head. It was then Fleur realized who the red head was. Ginny Weasley, the single best chaser in Quidditch. She’d met the young woman once in passing. Viktor slung his arm around the brunette, who leaned into his hold.
Fleur frowned, wondering if this was the woman Viktor had been telling her about. Frowning, she tipped the drink back to finish it. She didn’t seem to be having much luck tonight and the only one who seemed interesting was probably with her friend, which sucked.
Just before she turned to walk away, she saw Viktor wave someone over. A different brunette approached, pulling Viktor into a kiss before hugging the two women. The four chatting happily as Viktor moved from hugging one brunette to the other.
“Going hunting tonight?” A woman leaned against the railing next to her.
Fleur grinned. “If I find someone interesting enough maybe.”
Celeste chuckled.
“I don’t think the club can handle two Veela on the prowl,” Celeste smiled right back. “I did spot a gorgeous little red head in the crowd.”
Fleur shook her head.
“You do have a thing for gingers.”
“Just think of how gorgeous our babies would be.”
Fleur rolled her eyes.
“You’d have to stay more than a night for that.”
Celeste shrugged.
“When I find one to satisfy my Veela’s hunger maybe I will. I can feel yours is hungry, cousin.”
“She’s been making my skin itch lately,” Fleur complained. “The last two were very unremarkable.”
“Story of our life.”
Fleur nodded. She loved being a Veela but she hated it when her Veela was hungry, it left her skin itchy, and she was irritated.
“Shall we go hunt?” Celeste asked a predatory grin stretching across her lips.
Fleur couldn’t contain her own grin, her Veela rising to her cousin's challenge. Celeste grabbed her hand, pulling her out onto the dance floor.
She always enjoyed nights out with Celeste, who was doing amazing work for the clan. They’d grown up together, best friends, and often rivals. Celeste was still annoyed she’d lost the three clan duels to her, but it never affected their friendship. When they were younger, Celeste had been jealous of Fleur rising in the ranks as she was born to be the heir. It had taken finding Fleur crying and stressing about her duties to the clan before Celeste was glad it wasn’t her.
When she’d found out her favorite cousin was going to be in England, they’d made plans to meet up for a night out in the club. They would get together to go over clan business on Sunday but tonight, they would enjoy time together.
Letting the pulse of the music call her Veela, the two gave into the music. They moved with an ease that humans envied. Music was a part of Veela in a way that people tended to forget. Fleur grinned at her cousin as they twined together, letting their thrall tease the senses of those around them.
“There,” Celeste told her, eyes locked on Ginny Weasley, who was dancing with the gorgeous brunette not far away.
They were one of the few around them who didn’t seem to notice their thrall, which instantly got their attention.
Fleur didn’t even hesitate to follow her cousins lead towards the two women. The brunette was in reach and Fleur was not going to pass up the chance. Both women looked up in surprise as Celeste appeared, confidence rolling off her as she turned her charm on Ginny. The red head looked stunned but was quick to take Celeste’s hand. The brunette shook her head but looked equally shocked when Fleur appeared next to her cousin, holding her hand out.
She watched those brown eyes take her in, her throat bobbing and Fleur’s predatory instincts flared at the clear signs of interest from the brunette. Fleur barely registered Celeste pulling Ginny away from them, she only had eyes for the woman in front of her.
Her breath caught as she watched a shaky hand take hers and then Fleur was drawing her close. Arms twining around the brunette's waist, feeling strong arms wrap around her shoulders.
Up close, Fleur let her eyes trail over the woman’s gorgeous face, memorizing the slope of her nose and smooth cheeks. Her Veela settled the moment the brunette was pressed against her, leaving her feeling a bit off balanced.
Instead of worrying, she held tighter as they moved to the music. She barely looked away, their breaths mingling as their bodies did all the talking. Fleur was enthralled with this woman. Her body moved with confidence and her hands were bold.
She barely paid attention to how long they were on the dance floor, too lost in the feeling of warm, smooth flesh beneath her fingers.
It wasn’t long before she found herself with the brunette pressing back against her front. Their hands grew bolder, their movements taking on a sexual edge that had Fleur losing her mind. The soft smiles she got when Fleur managed to make the brunette shudder in her arms was addicting.
The hand that tightened in her hair, pressing her face into the smooth neck in front of her. Feeling bold, Fleur let her lips, tongue, and teeth explore the unmarked skin. She felt rather than heard the whimper the woman released. A tug on her hair had her lifting her head which were captured in impossibly soft lips.
Fleur melted.
Her mind went blank as she’d never been kissed like this before. Everything faded all she could feel were the softest lips pressing roughly against her own. Sighing into the kiss as the brunette turned, pressing against her while moving a thigh to press into her center.
Fleur whimpered.
A noise she rarely, if ever, made. She was putty in those strong hands. Her head tilting to the side as she gasped in air as the kiss broke and those lips blazed a trail of fire across her neck. Hips rolling against the hard thigh. Her Veela purring inside her chest.
“Your place or mine?” The thick, rough voice sent a pleasurable shiver down her spine. Hot breath dancing across her skin.
“Mine,” Fleur blurted out before her lips were caught in a hungry kiss.
Stumbling on shaky legs, Fleur pulled the brunette through the crowd to the apparition point. Pulling her in for another kiss, they reappeared in Fleur’s hotel room.
There was no hesitation as they came together, lips tasting skin, hands tugging off clothes.
Fleur let out a surprised gasp as she found herself pinned to the wall. Those soft lips sucking dark bruises into her skin, fingers delving into the wetness between her thighs.
“Fuck,” she whimpered throwing her head back as those long fingers teased her opening.
The breathless chuckle only further driving her crazy.
She let out a sigh as those lips blazed a trail down her stomach, shoulders pressing her legs further apart. Chest heaving as she looked down in desire darkened eyes that gazed back at her. Biting her lip at the slow smile that spread across those kiss swollen pink lips.
Groaning, her head fell back as a strong tongue delved into her heat. Her leg was thrown over a strong shoulder, hips held in place as the woman moaned before delving back in.
Crying out one hand grasping in dark brown hair, her other hand gripping onto shoulders as she lost herself to pleasure. Her world focused on the tongue that swept over her, lips that sucked and toyed with her clit. It was amazing. Beyond words and Fleur could do nothing but hold on as this woman brought her over the brink and into ecstasy.
Fleur trembled, working hard to catch her breath. She didn’t have time as lips found hers again. Groaning at the taste of herself as she was kissed with passion. Once again melting as the kiss was deepened.
When the kiss broke, Fleur only had a brief look at those dark eyes before she was turned and pressed into the wall again. The warm body pressed against hers driving her mad.
“You have a strap?” The rough, liquid hot voice murmured into her ear.
Fleur pointed in the general direction of her bag as those lips kissed her neck. The breathless chuckle had her forehead hitting the wall. She whined when she lost the heat, but the strong grip kept her hips in place.
“Patience.”
Fleur sighed when she was pressed back into the wall, feeling the press of the strap against her ass.
“Just grip my hand if you need me to stop,” was whispered into the skin of her shoulder.
Turning her head slightly to see the hand pressing into the wall by her head. Fleur pressed back into the woman, reaching up to thread their fingers together as she nodded her head. Desire filling her at the realization that it was probably going to be a rough night, and the woman was concerned about her feelings.
Her legs were pressed further apart, and she relaxed into a confident embrace. Groaning as the strap pressed against her opening. Her mind went blissfully blank at the smooth stretch as it sank into her wet opening.
The surprised moan had her releasing a breathless chuckle.
“It’s new,” Fleur said. “Supposed to let the wearer feel…everything. Comes out in six months. Haven’t used it yet.”
The woman chuckled, nipping at her shoulder.
“Then I guess we should put it to the test.”
It was all that was said before a rough thrust had most of the strap buried in her. They both moaned, those hips rocking the toy deeper.
Fleur panted as hips hit her ass. Both trying to catch their breath.
“Fuck, that feels amazing,” the woman said in a shaky voice.
Grinning, she tugged the head up to kiss her.
“Show me what you’ve got,” Fleur teased.
The growl that left those lips was all the warning she had before a sharp thrust had pressed her into the wall.
Quick, hard thrusts drove her insane. The toy filled her perfectly, hitting all the spots inside her that had her losing it.
Her hand grappled with grabbing at this woman who was driving her insane. Hips slapping into her ass with each powerful thrust. Teeth nipping across her back and shoulders. It didn’t take long before Fleur was crying out as her orgasm washed over her. Her mind barely registering that those hips were pushing her into another orgasm when it hit her. She heard the soft cry into her shoulder.
With her head pressed into the wall, Fleur tried to break through the passionate haze that clouded her mind. Her skin was slicked with sweat, legs shaking, and a gorgeous woman collapsed across her back.
“So worth it,” Fleur sighed.
“Absolutely.”
They both chuckled and Fleur let out a squeak of surprise as she was swung into strong arms. She was dropped onto the bed where she scrambled into the middle before she was pinned down and thoroughly kissed.
Fleur groaned as she was filled once more by the strap, hands scratching down the back of this gorgeous woman. Her legs wrapped around firm hips as she left her own marks on that flawless skin.
When she came, it stole her breath, body arching as she cried out.
Fleur looked up at the smugly grinning woman and grabbed her face before pulling her down into a kiss. Tonight was going to be amazing.
*************************************************************
Fleur’s fingers wrapped around her wand half sitting up at the loud thump that woke her from a deep sleep. Her eyes shifted immediately to the unknown threat. She grinned as she watched the woman stumbling in the dark. Laughing outright when she tumbled.
Jumping to her feet, slight flush on her cheeks, she pulled her shirt on.
“You alright?” Fleur asked, setting her wand down.
“Yes, sorry, got an emergency work call,” was her response. It was clear the woman was unhappy about it. ”I swear I can’t leave them alone for one night without them blowing up half my lab.”
Fleur frowned; she was really hoping for a repeat in the morning but looked like it wasn’t happening.
“Guess I’ll have to eat some actual food for breakfast,” Fleur couldn’t help but tease.
The brunette froze, eyes wide before she grinned.
“Trust me I’m highly disappointed I won’t get to see you ride that strap,” was the husky response.
Fleur groaned.
“Not fair.”
The woman chuckled as she pulled on her shoes. She moved back to the bed, half crawling back onto it to drag Fleur into a kiss that had her head spinning. Fleur went to pull her back into bed, but the woman ducked out of her way, grinning.
“Sorry, I really do have to go,” she said before kissing her once more before rushing out of the room.
The door clicked shut and Fleur groaned as she dropped back onto the bed when she realized she hadn’t gotten a name or number.
*****************************************************
“What’s wrong with you?” Celeste asked when she opened the door.
“I didn’t get her number,” Fleur complained when she collapsed onto the couch.
Celeste laughed as she sat down next to her.
“You liked her enough that you wanted her number? I’m impressed. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you fail to get a number or be this upset about someone. She must have been great in bed.”
Fleur whined, glaring at her cousin.
“She was amazing,” Fleur shot back. “I can’t even begin to explain how wonderful that night was.”
“Then why didn’t you get her number?” Celeste demanded. “I’ve never heard you say that about anyone, and we both know half our cousins can’t say that.”
“She had a work emergency and rushed out the door. I didn’t even get the chance to ask her name or get her number.”
“Damn, cousin, didn’t even get her name,” Celeste teased.
“Honestly I was too busy being brought to multiple orgasms to think of anything else.”
Celeste laughed, shaking her head while Fleur pouted.
“I’m glad you found someone who made your night worth it.”
“Did you take that red head home?”
“You’re asking if I fucked the Ginny Weasley. The hottest rising chaser in the world?”
“Exactly that.”
Celeste sighed happily.
“I did and if your night was half as amazing as mine, I can see why you’re tied up in knots about it. Unlike you, I got her number and a promise for another night.”
Fleur groaned, covering her face with her hands.
“Come on, no time to wallow,” Celeste told her. “I’ve got clan business to go over than we are going to dinner together.”
“Fine.”
****************************************************
Fleur looked at the building. It was situated in a muggle area which surprised her, but she shrugged it off. Fixing her jacket, she headed up the short flight of steps and pressed the buzzer. After a quick chat, the door clicked open, and Fleur headed down the hall to the door at the end.
Knocking, it swung open to reveal a short blonde with wide blue eyes.
“Ah, you must be Miss Delacour,” the younger woman greeted with a dreamy smile.
“Yes, I’ve got an appointment at nine.”
“Of course, come in.”
Stepping into the small reception area with a desk and two other doors.
“I’m Luna by the way. She’s a bit busy now. One of our techs left a potion unattended and destroyed one of our labs so she’s been working on that.”
Fleur waved off the concern as she was led down a hallway with four doors. They walked to the one at the end.
“I’ll let her know you’re here. There are drinks in the fridge, just over there.”
“Thank you,” Fleur called after her as the door swung shut.
Fleur looked around the office. It was bigger than she thought it would be. The desk was covered in parchment books and quills. Three of the walls had bookshelves that were overflowing with books. Two nice chairs sat across from the desk, surprisingly clean from the chaos of the room. As books were placed in piles around the room. Parchment overflowing from the pages. Shaking her head, she sank into one of the chairs after grabbing water from the fridge.
She’d arrived early and used the time to take in the room. The letter hadn’t told her who she would be meeting only at a location, date and time. Her boss had just said it was about the latest break-in.
Sighing, she slipped her phone out of her pocket to shoot off a few texts to her Maman, Celeste and Gabi.
“Sorry, I’ve been here all weekend fixing a mistake,” a voice that was painfully familiar to Fleur said as the office door opened.
Fleur’s head snapped up; eyes wide in surprise. There stood the same woman from the club. Her clothes were wrinkled, brown hair pulled up in a sloppy bun and Fleur could still see faint marks that Fleur had left on her skin.
The woman was carrying an arm full of parchment, eyes fixed on them in her hands as she shuffled them on her way to the desk.
“I’m Hermione by the way. Ragnok told me you were the one I dueled at the bank…” Hermione’s voice trailed off when she met Fleur’s surprised gaze. Her own eyes widening in surprise and Fleur watched in amusement as Hermione’s cheeks flushed bright red.
Feeling a bit better, a slow smile crossed her lips. Now she had the name of the mystery woman who had fucked her well into the morning before rushing off.
“Well…I-I…” Hermione trailed off completely at a loss for words.
“It’s good to know your work emergency was real,” Fleur finally said.
Hermione’s face burned bright red, dropping the stack of parchment on her desk.
“I wouldn’t have left if it wasn’t an emergency,” Hermione complained.
Fleur chuckled; she couldn’t help it. Shy Hermione was adorable. It surprised her how shy she was now in the light of day when she’d been anything but that night.
“Wait, did you say that you dueled me at the bank?”
Hermione blinked, a rueful grin on her face. She nodded as she sank into her chair.
“Yes, I’ve been contracted by each Gringotts bank to make periodic break ins to check on the security measurements in place.”
“This was all planned?” Fleur said in shock.
Hermione laughed and nodded.
“After my friends and I broke in during the war, they were not pleased with us as you can imagine. I wasn’t allowed to step into the bank without three Goblins and four cursebreakers with me.”
Fleur grinned; she’d heard all about that break in.
“You mean they weren’t happy you got into some of the oldest, well-kept vaults in the lowest levels and escaped on the back of a dragon?”
“Definitely not. Harry and Ron still must be escorted into the bank,” Hermione replied with a sly grin. “I was working at the Ministry at the time when a friend of mine, Goldin, contacted me. He’s cousins to Griphook, the goblin who got us in, and told me the heads of the banks were mad that three teenagers had broken into a bank. England always boasted about their security. Goldin proposed asking if I had any ideas.”
“That couldn’t have made them happy.”
“They weren’t, they wanted nothing to do with us, but I sent along ideas anyway. It took Mardus from Germany to bring me in. Paid me upfront to break in and retrieve something without getting caught. When I pulled it off, he asked me to help him. Everyone else did too when they saw the improvements. England was the last holdout but they didn’t make it easy.”
“Wow, so you’ve been breaking into each bank to test us? Why didn’t they tell us?” Fleur asked in confusion.
“Defeats the purpose.”
Fleur blinked, surprised by what she was hearing.
“Why tell me all of this?”
Hermione smiled.
“Before I answer that, I have to explain a little more. Since I started this five years ago, I decided to add some stakes to it since Goblins love money and bragging rights. Each year the heads get together and bet who has the best score for each break in attempt. This year was France, and it was because of you specifically.”
“But you got away and you used my wand to do it,” Fleur pointed out.
Hermione laughed.
“That wasn’t the plan. I’m used to going against the curse breakers and I was losing against you. When you took my wand, I got desperate and used a spell I’d been creating. I hadn’t even tested it yet so I had no idea if it would even work. The fact that I could use your wand was a surprise since I felt the Veela hair core when I touched it. If it hadn’t worked, I wouldn’t have made it out of there.”
Hermione shrugged.
“Trust me I was surprised too,” Fleur admitted. “If it was you that day, how did you not recognize me Saturday?”
The pretty flush was back to Hermione’s cheeks that had Fleur grinning. She coughed trying to cover her nerves. Fleur was enjoying herself immensely.
“The magic I use to obscure my face you hit during our duel, and it messed with my vision. Ragnok only told me your name when I gave him your wand.”
“Alright, that explains some things,” Fleur said slowly. “The letter I was given didn’t really tell me why you requested my presence today.”
“Oh, right, I’m not surprised Ragnok didn’t tell you,” Hermione replied with a shake of her head. “I invited you here to offer you a job.”
“I have one.”
Hermione snorted.
“I know but I’ve been doing this for a few years and you’re the first person to almost beat me during one do my break ins. I wanted to up the difficulty for the banks by using two people and with your skills and knowledge about the banks…well, I really don’t think they’d be able to stop both of us. Not only that but in my down time I do research projects for the different Ministries around the world.”
“Wait, what is your company name?” Fleur said suddenly, catching Hermione off guard.
“Oh, Magical United, why?”
Fleur groaned, burying her face in her hands.
“Did I say something wrong?”
“Do you know a Celeste Delacour?”
“Yes, I’ve been working with her on magical law.”
“That’s my cousin, she was with me at the club Saturday.”
Hermione laughed.
“The one Ginny can’t stop raving about, I thought she looked familiar, but I couldn’t tell under the lights.”
“She’s never going to let me live this down.”
Hermione grinned, that sexy smirk that had driven Fleur crazy the other night.
“How so?”
“I may have been complaining how you left too quickly to get your name and number,” Fleur grumbled as she dropped her hands.
“I was complaining about the same thing too.”
The moment was filled with tension. An admission that they wanted more than a single night together. Fleur was tempted to see if those lips were as soft as she remembered and while the job sounded great, she was a bit unsure of admitting just how much she wanted to kiss Hermione again. If they did try to date while working together it could get messy. She could tell Hermione was thinking along the same lines.
“Well,” Fleur began to say. “What all would this job entail?”
Hermione let the subject change, understanding that they should talk about it later.
“We break into each bank over the course of ten months three different times. I have a rating scale about common things and the total is added at the end. I’ve a few departments that I work with. Potions, legal, runes, invention, and miscellaneous. The last is a mesh of things that my techs or I want to do but don’t have any real connection to the others. I’ve eight people on staff right now who I’ve trained over the last couple of years. Luna, the woman you met, tends the office and is in charge when I’m away. I’m looking for her replacement right now since she’s about to go on a creature hunting adventure with a friend of mine. You’re welcome to work in all areas that you’re interested in. You’ll be paid weekly, and you’ll get a bonus if you don’t get caught during a break in. Holidays are off and you can take time off for up to three months during the year. The only thing I ask is a heads up especially when it comes to break ins cause then I’d have to adjust the plans.”
She held out a piece of parchment that Fleur took. Her eyes widened at the number on it. It was almost triple what she made now.
“Gringotts pays well but you’ll have to sign some paperwork to not talk about to anyone outside of a small circle. We’d also have to sign new contracts with the banks, but they are amendable to the idea of having two people do the runs.”
“Will I have to move?”
Hermione shrugged.
“Not unless you want to. I can’t fully explain that to you without you signing the contract, but I have my own methods of travel that would make it easier for you to still live in France while working here. I’ve a few workers here who live in other countries.”
Fleur nodded, biting her lip as she thought about it.
“You don’t have to decide right this minute,” Hermione told her. “I just wanted to make the offer.”
“Why me?”
Fleur met those gorgeous brown eyes; she could see something in those eyes that looked a lot like interest.
“It’s easy to say that your dueling skills are what sold me but that would be a lie,” Hermione admitted. “You’re an exceptional duelist, which is why I talked to Ragnok about you. He gave me your file to look over. You were top of your class, you’re the heir to your clan, one of the top duelists in France, not to mention how quickly you’ve managed to move up in Gringotts. What really sold me on giving you an offer was how Ragnok boasted about you. I know that Goblins and Veela don’t get along and he had reservations about hiring you. The fact that he boasted at all told me you’d be the perfect fit for this. It’s challenging both mentally and physically. I’ve interviewed several people and none of them have what it takes.”
“You sure know how to flatter a woman,” Fleur teased trying to fight the rising blush she felt.
The smile she got made her heart race.
“Pretty sure I proved that already,” Hermione responded, her eyes dragging over her.
Damn this woman for being so fucking hot, Fleur thought.
“Take a few days, think it over. My numbers on the back when you decide.”
Fleur smiled.
“I will and I appreciate the offer. It’s certainly not what I was expecting.”
“Me or the offer?”
“Both.”
Fleur got to her feet, turning to head out of the office.
“Fleur?” Hermione said just before she opened the door.
“Yes?” Fleur asked as she turned enough to look at her.
Hermione was on her feet, hands on her desk leaning forward. That shy look was back on her face and Fleur hoped she was about to ask her out again.
“If you’re not busy tonight, would you like to go out to dinner?” Hermione asked, voice soft but determined. “I still owe you for bailing on breakfast.”
The look in those eyes let Fleur know that Hermione hadn’t forgotten her comment before she’d rushed out. Her stomach twisted with desire and her Veela preened inside at the idea of feeling those hands on her again.
“I’ll text you with a time,” Fleur told her with a smile before she swept out of the room.
When she made it back outside, she couldn’t contain her grin as she pulled her phone out of her pocket. It rang twice before she got an answer.
“I have to cancel dinner tonight,” Fleur said by way of greeting.
“Are you heading back to France?” Celeste asked.
“Nope,” Fleur responded as she made her way down the street towards her hotel.
“Does this have something to do with the mysterious letter?”
“Yes and no. It was a job offer.”
“Really? How does this have to do with you bailing on dinner tonight with your favorite cousin?”
“Remember that absolutely gorgeous woman who bailed on me?”
“No! Is she the one who offered you a job? Get the fuck out.”
Fleur laughed.
“You should’ve seen how red her face got when she saw me. Absolutely adorable considering how commanding she was that night.”
“Wait, how did she not know who you were that night?” Celeste demanded.
“I can’t really say just yet how she didn’t remember since how we met is the reason I got the job offer. I’d have to ask for clarification on what I can talk about.”
“Sounds mysterious. Are you going to take the job?”
“It pays almost triple my current salary, I don’t have to move, and I’d get to work on multiple projects on top of everything. It’s literally my dream job.”
“But?” Celeste asked, knowing her cousin well enough to hear the hesitation in her voice.
“She’s hot,” Fleur complained. “Literally fucked me better than anyone else. She’s smart, attractive, and uh…” Fleur’s words failing her as she pushed into her hotel room.
“You want to date her, and you’re worried how it will be if you work together on top of that?” Celeste asked in a knowing voice.
“Yes.”
“I’m guessing since she offered you a job you know her name?”
Fleur couldn’t help her grin.
“I do. She’s the owner of Magical United.”
She waited for a beat before her cousin screamed in her ear.
“You fucked Hermione Granger! You lucky bitch!” Celeste yelled over the phone.
“I did and I really hope to do that again tonight since she asked me to dinner.”
“If I didn’t love red heads so much, I’d fight you for her,” Celeste grumbled. “Do you have any idea how many women would kill for the night you had with her? She is the most eligible bachelorette in England. Fuck, Fleur, now I see why it’s a problem.”
Fleur groaned.
“Right! I mean she’s amazing.”
Celeste chuckled.
“I know, I’ve been working with her for three months. I’ve never even heard about her being interested in anyone. Look, the best advice I can give you is to enjoy your date and before you say yes or no to the job, talk to her. Not on the date but when you’ve had a few days. She doesn’t hold a grudge and she’s easy going. There is one important question though.”
“I feel like all of them have been but sure, what is it?”
“Your Veela.”
Fleur sighed, rubbing her forehead.
“Purring,” was Fleur’s quiet response.
“Fuck.”
“I know.”
“Alright, well my advice still stands.”
“Thanks, I’ll definitely keep it in mind.”
***********************************************
Fleur took a deep breath just before she pushed open the door and stepped out into the street. She was told to wear comfortable clothes and had no idea what Hermione had planned. It took her only a moment to spot the brunette, looking amazing in her jeans. Her eyes caught sight of a red head who was talking to her, and she could tell by the tension that Hermione was annoyed. Her eyes lit up when they spotted her.
She was pleased when Hermione stopped mid-sentence and brushed past the man to pull her into a hug, catching her off guard. Not that she minded one bit. She let herself enjoy the moment of having those strong arms wrapped around her.
“You look great,” Hermione told her as she pulled away.
“Not so bad yourself.”
A cough brought their attention back and it took everything in Fleur not to scowl at the man.
“Right, Bill this is Fleur. Fleur, Bill is-“
“We’ve met,” Bill cut her off.
Fleur could feel the hand on the small of her back twitch, but Hermione kept a polite smile on her face.
“Of course,” Hermione replied, her tone breezy if a little strained.
“Nice to see you, Fleur, you look great,” Bill gave her a sly smile.
She didn’t much care for the look in his eye but she’d long since learned to ignore the man.
“William,” was all she said in response.
“Didn’t know you two knew each other. Ron hasn’t mentioned you knew her. Must be new.”
“I met Fleur through her cousin Celeste.”
Bill smirked now.
“Right, you were always on some crusade or another. How is that little business of yours going? Still you and Luna?”
Fleur could see the way Hermione’s jaw tensed but her smile remained.
“You know how hard it is to get a good business going. All those pure blood issues that keep coming up. I’m sure it’ll pick up eventually.”
Fleur had to bite her lip as Hermione delivered her words with an air of sadness and frustration, clearly playing into Bill’s lack of knowledge.
“You always did have a soft spot for the less fortunate.” His eyes looked at Fleur as he said that.
Hermione let out a slow dramatic sigh.
“Now I owe Ron ten galleons, he’s never going to let me live this down,” she said with a deep frown.
Bill looked at her confused.
“Ron was right, and I had such high hopes. Too bad, really. Congrats Bill you’ve won.”
“Won what?” Bill frowned.
“The first-place time for biggest bigoted asshole award. In good news, I can finally tell Molly why you’re still single and she should let the hope go of you convincing someone to marry you.”
Hermione led Fleur away with a final wave. Neither of them spoke until they turned the corner before Fleur burst out laughing. Hermione chuckled, ducking her head in embarrassment.
“Sorry, he’s always been unpleasant.”
Fleur turned, capturing Hermione’s face with her hands before drawing her into a kiss. She let herself enjoy those soft lips before pulling back. Her eyes taking in Hermione’s still partially parted lips and still closed eyes.
It pleased Fleur to no end to see the effect a simple kiss had on her. Hermione blinked open slightly dazed eyes.
“That was the cleverest takedown of a bigoted asshole I’ve ever seen,” Fleur explained as she let her hands drift down over those shoulders.
“I’ve never liked him, but I deal with him,” Hermione shrugged. “The others were so happy to have him home when the war started but he always made my skin crawl.”
Fleur grinned.
“I felt the same way when I met him.”
Hermione made a face before she took Fleur’s hand to lead her wherever they were going.
“Does he really not know how good your business is going?”
“No, he tends to either walk off or make snide comments when I bring it up. Ron and Ginny turn it into a game to see how long they can keep making up outrageous lies about my work to see if he’ll catch on. He’d lose his mind if he ever found out I make about ten times what he does. Cranhall, his supervisor, has demoted him twice and refuses to promote him again.”
“Really?”
Hermione grinned and nodded.
“How did you have the misfortune of dealing with him?”
“When I got out of school, I joined the French holdings of Gringotts. Grandmere told me it took some convincing to let me go since she knew how much I wanted to be a cursebreaker and she managed to convince Ragnok I was a good fit. Part of my training meant I had to spend six months in England to get one of my certifications. For the most part my male coworkers were easy to dissuade with a simple ‘no’ or a few well-placed stinging hexes. Bill was not that easy. He would constantly try to corner me and the more I pushed back the more he tried. He thought it was some kind of game. Anyway, he got himself into a lot of trouble. One day, he was talking about me, wasn’t being nice about it. Most of my coworkers liked me well enough at that point and they couldn’t stand him. James, one of the lead cursebreakers and the one training me, got in his face about it. That didn’t sit well with Bill, and he pushed back. James ended up breaking his nose. Bill got pissed and started to talk about James's wife which really set him off. Cranhall was called down and Bill got suspended for two weeks without pay.”
“James Watson?”
Fleur nodded.
“Makes me feel less bad about putting Bill in St. Mungos two years ago. James is amazing, his wife, Claire has helped me out a lot.”
“Claire is one of the best liaisons for the West Coast Veela clan in the U.S. She taught me a lot. Bill is lucky that James didn’t ask the Goblins for retribution since he slighted a Veela.”
“She did, after the incident two years ago.”
Fleur’s head whipped around to look at her in shock.
“How does he still have his job?”
Hermione made a face.
“Ron. His Mum pressured him into stepping in and saving Bill’s job. The fallout wasn’t pretty. He told Bill, in no uncertain terms, that if he screws up again, he’s taking him to the Veela council himself.”
Fleur looked at Hermione in surprise.
“I’m impressed.”
Hermione chuckled.
“Don’t be. It took Ron four years to understand why my work was important to me. Doesn’t mean he wouldn’t defend me to the ends of the world.”
“What happened two years ago?”
“Well, it was my worst break-in to date. I tripped one of the alarms right after I got out of the vault. Unfortunately for me, Bill and two other cursebreakers were a couple vaults down. I ran into them quickly. The duel started. Managed to get one of them and Bill to drop their wands. I was focusing on the other when Bill physically tackled me to the ground. Normally, that wouldn’t be a big deal, it’s happened before. That’s when they try to apprehend me. It didn’t happen that time. He punched me instead. Quite a lot. I managed to get away, but he tackled me into one of the steel doors. Cracked two ribs and I collapsed. Hurt like hell. I was sure I wasn’t going to keep going and I told him I’d turn myself in.”
Hermione shrugged.
“He didn’t believe me and his boots connected with my cracked ribs and broke them, punctured a lung. His buddy came over to stop him. I didn’t hear much of their argument, but Bill ended up hitting him in the face, breaking his nose and he fell and cracked his head on a rock. That gave me enough time to get to my feet and well…I won’t lie I kind of lost my temper at the time. Ended up breaking six of his ribs, his leg, an eye socket and he had a concussion. In my anger I grabbed his wand and snapped it in half before grabbing his coworker and taking him to St. Mungos. Managed to keep his coworker alive but he still has some hand tremors that get to him.”
“Gringotts policy states not to go that overboard,” Fleur complained. “We are supposed to detain not try to hurt people.”
“That’s why they refuse to promote him again. It also was part of the retribution Claire got for him almost killing James.”
Fleur gasped in horror.
“He really is an asshole.”
Hermione grinned.
“He is. Cranhall had me add wards that when an alarm is tripped Bill is transported to his office and locked in.”
Fleur shook her head, still a little shocked at this information.
“I am a little curious about something,” Hermione said.
“What’s that?”
“Don’t get me wrong, the tournament sucked but how come you didn’t come with your school that year?”
“Ah, fair question. I had planned to go with my fellow students, I wanted to get a feeling for the students who would eventually join the Ministry. My Maman, our clan leader, got called away on urgent business. We’d been getting reports about Veela being attacked and the numbers kept growing. Concerned, she went to see what was happening. My Grandmere and some of the council eventually had to join her to try and help but…”
Fleur shook her head, a hint of sadness in her eyes.
“Because they were gone and we had no idea how long it would take, as heir, I had to step in to take care of the clan. I dropped the request. There was no way I could go to England and take care of them. Some of the clan was being affected and with a new group of younger Veela rising, I spent most of the year running back and forth.”
Hermione nodded.
“That year…sucked. I’m still not sure if it ranked higher than the time we snuck out to fight Death Eaters in the Ministry or when I was attacked by a werewolf.”
“You were attacked by a werewolf?”
“Yes and no. I mean, technically, I distracted him from trying to hurt my friends so it was my fault but I was saved by the hippogriff I was in the process of saving from being killed so I think it balanced itself out.”
Fleur blinked at Hermione’s causal explanation.
“Is this where I should be asking if you’re an adrenaline junky?”
Hermione laughed.
“No, trust me. It sort of comes with the territory of being best friends with Harry. Our first year I helped stop Tom from getting his hands on the Philosophers stone. I did miss out on the Acromantula and Basilisk but that’s just because I spent three months in the hospital wing petrified by the same Basilisk.”
“What kind of school did you go to?”
“Like I said, trouble follows Harry.”
Fleur shook her head with a fond smile. Hermione began leading her down an alley.
“Where are we going?”
“It’s a surprise.”
They made their way into a small restaurant where Hermione called out in German before she pulled Fleur up a set of stairs. Exiting out on small roof with a couple tables and a wonderful view of London.
“It’s beautiful,” Fleur told her.
Hermione beamed, pulling out the chair for her.
“It’s one of my favorite places to come eat. Foods amazing.”
Before Fleur could say anything else a pop interrupted them. A house elf appeared.
“Missus!” The house elf cheered before launching into Hermione’s arms.
Fleur watched with interest as Hermione laughed, hugging the house elf who promptly sat down on the table.
“Claude told me you was here.”
“I brought a friend who was in desperate need of a good meal,” Hermione said as she shot Fleur a grin. “You know how picky the French can be.”
Fleur rolled her eyes but smiled as the house elf turned to her.
“Winky, this is Fleur.”
“Hello Missus. You look much like your grandmother.”
Fleur beamed, her Veela preening at the compliment.
“You know Grandmere?”
“When I was young. Good sort.”
“I’ll be sure to let her know.”
Winky nodded, a big smile on her face.
“How are the kids?”
“Ezzy has been asking when you’re coming by. She’s fretting.”
“I’ll be at the community Thursday. I won’t miss any time since work has slowed.”
Winky nodded.
“Skew is upset with you again. He’s having issues with the irrigation system.”
“The pups using it as a waterslide again?”
“Yes. He’s blaming you for taking them to the muggle park and if you don’t fix it he’ll talk to Martha.”
Hermione chuckled.
“Why so she can threaten to eat him again? I’ll be sure to get something to distract the pups.”
“Cassandra sent word that the potion passed stage four but isn’t working on A positives this time.”
Hermione frowned.
“I’ll talk to Mack about it tomorrow. He might have dropped that sequence on accident again. Did she hear back from Jack?”
“He’s still being stubborn but he’s losing support fast. I’m sure we’ll get his order soon.”
Hermione hummed and nodded.
“Charlie wants to remind you that he still is having issues with the runes around the camp. Also two new young arrived three days ago. Hatchlings are rocking and Charlie thinks he’s got two weeks before the clutch comes.”
“Gorma must be having a fit.”
“Took a bite out of Torik when he got too close. Morg came in last night with some new pups, three of them.”
“Which means the pack has their hands full. She sent word?”
Winky handed her a letter that she slid into her pocket.
“Morg has been fretting about the clan. Worried about Thursday.”
“I am too but the work is solid and we should be good with the try.”
“She always frets when you do new things. She’ll be fine.”
“Don’t let her hear you say that. Still wants everyone to believe she’d get rid of me first chance.”
“She’s been saying that for years. No one believes her. Fren has been getting into with the herds again. El bit him good too.”
Hermione snorted.
“He knows better. El was just reminding him that they are the ones allowing him on their land not the other way around.”
“He didn’t approve of the fouls teasing his.”
“Their young and want to play. They’re a good bunch and he needs to get his head out of the stars.”
“You’ll have to remind him at the next meeting.”
“I’ll be sure to do just that. Did Morg bring any other strays?”
“Not this time.”
“Good. I’ll be there at dawn.”
Winky nodded, promising to get food before popping away.
“Sorry, I always forget Winky insists on catching me up when we speak,” Hermione told her with a sheepish grin.
“Who are you?” Fleur asked, a fond smile on her face.
“Me?”
Fleur laughed.
“Yes, you seem to get along with just about everyone. I’ve never seen an elf hug a witch or wizard. Not to mention you literally work for Goblins. You’ve been helping my cousin change the laws for Veela.”
“Oh,” Hermione said with a shrug. “I like helping.”
Fleur hummed, enjoying getting to know Hermione who kept surprising her.
“What’s this community you spoke of?”
“Do you really want to know?”
“Yes, very much so.”
“Well, it’s a long story.”
“I’m not in a rush,” Fleur promised.
Hermione flushed but nodded. She squirmed a little in her chair.
“It all started during the summer between first and second year,” Hermione spoke with a cool confidence. “Harry was staying with his awful relatives when a house elf appeared trying to stop him going to school the next year. Got him in a bit of trouble. Locked him and Ron out from getting onto the platform and they stole Ron’s dads illegal flying car which they crashed into the Whomping Willow. That same elf broke his arm during a Quidditch match. Anyway, my usually clueless brother managed to free the elf from the Malfoy family.”
“Dobby right?”
Hermione grinned and nodded.
“I’ve seen his statue at the Ministry.”
Her smile was sad but full of respect.
“Saved my life but it cost him his. Well, I ran into Dobby again my fourth year. That was around the time I started to fight for others. After saving Buckbeak, the hippogriff that saved me from the werewolf, I found Britains laws awful. I managed to get my way into the kitchens and Dobby remembered me. He convinced the older elves to talk to me. They taught me how to help. It wasn’t easy, I was headstrong and opinionated. The talking to helped me see what I was missing. I couldn’t put human standards on them. Instead, I worked with them to figure out what they needed. Winky was there. She was having a rough time since her family let her go. Dobby and I spent two years helping her get on her feet.”
Hermione looked away, sadness clutching her shoulders.
“Seventh year we dropped out and went on the run. With the war in full swing, we had to stay safe. In the end, we got captured. While I was being tortured for information Dobby was rescuing the others. He came back to get me and broke into a huge fight. Bellatrix managed to throw a knife that killed him but we got away. When the war ended I met with Winky. She came to live with me for a while since she couldn’t stay at Hogwarts without Dobby. She’s the one who told me about the community. It was a small settlement that housed out of work elves. They grew crops and traded for what they needed.”
Fleur had reached across the table to hold her hand as she spoke, getting a grateful smile in return.
“I was off helping for some work when I got injured. Morg found me and took care of me. She lived in the community too. She’s a powerful witch, older than many. Didn’t much care for me. Knocked me on my ass a dozen times until I got in her face. She had designated her area as a haven for beings to live freely. Told me that none of the groups got along but let me try. My first stop was the local Selkie community. They hated me. Martha bit my leg. One day, I heard some pups crying. Magical poachers had caught them. I ended up pretty banged up but managed to get the pups home. Martha accepted me after that. I moved onto the next group. Cassandra found me to be the biggest idiot she’d ever met. Wondering why a lowly witch could have the guts to walk into a coven of vampires.”
“Vampires?” Fleur repeated in surprise.
“They’re a good sort. I convinced her and the coven to let me help. Marcus, one of her vampires, has been helping develop a blood potion they can feed on. Also designed to help them deal with sunlight. I stumbled across a young Pegasus during that time. Got caught in a trap by poachers. Healed her broken leg and carried her back to her herd. El became my shadow after I rescued her. The elves helped me develop rune marks for them to keep poachers away. The herd granted me the ability to communicate with them in thanks. Wasn’t long before I was helping a hatchling.”
“How are there so many magical poachers?” Fleur grumbled.
“Wide area of land. They come from all over but they don’t know that so many groups are in the area. I’ve since warded the land better to keep them out with Morgs help. The dragons I found were pleased that I saved their hatchling. Morg and I spent months building a mountain of caverns for them. Charlie, Ron’s second oldest brother, was a dragon trainer in Romania and I convinced him to come help. He tried to use the same tactics he’d learned and got his ass burned before he gained their trust enough to talk to him. He quit his job and works full time at the community helping.”
“Since when do dragons talk to wizards?”
Hermione pulled up her sleeve, showing a red rune on her wrist.
“They gave this to us so we could talk to them. They’ve had the ability for years just didn’t like us much. Charlie is working on fixing the training in Romania.”
“The case of wizards helping others by human standard.”
Hermione beamed.
“Same lesson I got at fifteen.”
Fleur laughed.
“I’m impressed.”
“Not that impressive. They all work together and their thriving from it.”
“Because you went out to help. Don’t sell yourself short.”
Food and wine appeared. Fleur found the food to be delicious and the wine was amazing. They chatted easily about their interests and hobbies. When dinner ended, they spent time walking and laughing.
Fleur couldn’t think of a time she’d had more fun with someone. She adored making Hermione stutter and blush and her random moments of confidence.
It wasn’t until they made it back to her hotel that Fleur even noticed where they’d been walking.
“This night had been wonderful,” Fleur said when she turned to face Hermione.
“I had a great time,” Hermione replied.
“You’ve certainly been a surprise.”
“A good one I hope.”
Fleur grinned, wrapping her arms around her waist to draw her closer.
“The best kind.”
Hermione leaned in to meet her in a kiss. Fleur sighed at those soft lips pressing into hers. She really had no idea that kissing someone could feel so amazing but she didn’t want to stop. Arms wrapped around her, pulling her flush against Hermione.
Fleur found herself melting once more when Hermione deepened the kiss, setting her blood on fire. It was quickly becoming an addiction, kissing Hermione. Just the feel of those soft lips drove every thought from her head.
“I still owe you breakfast,” the low, rough tone stealing Fleur’s breath.
She met Hermione’s desire darkened eyes and the sexy smirk that made her knees weak. Nodding, Fleur’s hand slipped into Hermione’s as she lead her towards the elevator.
Stepping inside, her finger had enough time to hit the number to her floor before those soft lips were on her again. Her hands delving into silky brown tresses doing her best to bring Hermione as close as possible. One leg founds its way around a hip as she was backed into the side of the elevator.
When they stopped, they stumbled into the hall and towards the door to Fleur’s room. Digging out the key from her pocket, hands shaking as she tried to get the key in while Hermione kissed, sucked, and nibbled on her sensitive neck. She couldn’t fight off the whimper that rose at the harsh bite to her pulse point. The key threatened to drop from her fingers before Hermione’s hand caught her own. It was the low chuckle that held just enough of a rough edge to send a shudder down her spine.
The door swung open and Fleur turned to pull Hermione into a deep kiss. Hermione pushed them into the room where Fleur was pinned again to the wall.
Normally that bothered her but she knew that if she pushed on Hermione’s chest she would stop. Which was the last thing Fleur wanted. Jackets hit the floor, shirts tossed to the side, bras following soon after. Bodies twined together as pants, underwear, socks, and shoes were tossed into a pile under the window.
Strong arms lifted Fleur, legs wrapping around soft flesh. Their lips clashing as their desire continued to grow.
All the warmth disappeared as Fleur was dropped onto the bed. The casual displays of strength turned her on to no end. Leaning up on her elbows, Fleur took in the gorgeous woman before her. Eyes taking in the firm muscles, littered with small and large scars across various parts of her body. Full breasts moving with each deep breath, fingers twitching at her side, kiss swollen lips, and dark eyes that took their time looking over Fleur.
For a brief moment, she felt shy.
That was until Hermione let out what could only be described as a cross between a whimper and a groan. Hermione’s eyes were locked on the wetness between her legs, eyes so dark they were almost black. Before she could say anything, Hermione was kissing her like she was her salvation. Devouring her mouth and her hands running possessive over her body.
Fleur broke the kiss when she threw her head back and moaned when she felt the strap on slipping inside her. She hadn’t even seen her put it on and now it was stretching her out in the best way.
The growl that slipped from Hermione’s lips as it sank slowly into her made Fleur’s head spin.
Hermione’s hand found hers, pinning it above her head before her hips began to thrust.
Fleur arched into Hermione, her body trembling with pleasure. They were twined together, bodies moving in tandem. Fleur’s orgasm slammed through her, writhing under the welcome press of Hermione’s body.
It wasn’t until her second orgasm stole her breath that Hermione came, body trembling over hers before collapsing on her.
Fleur drifted in a hazy pleasure. She had no idea how long it took for her head to clear but she could feel the gentle kisses that Hermione placed on her shoulder where she lay next to her.
“Did you pass out?” Hermione teased.
“Honestly, I have no idea,” Fleur’s voice raspy from crying out.
Hermione nuzzled against her neck, finger tracing idle patterns on her hip. Fleur tilted her head pressing soft kisses to Hermione’s forehead.
**************************************************
Hermione groaned, her body shaking before she collapsed onto the bed. A lazy smile stretched across her lips as she stretched out next to her. Fleur smiled feeling on top of the world. Her body ached in all the right places. Skin covered in sweat. Bruises littered her skin from bites or fingers digging into skin.
Fleur rolled over, leaning down to kiss those lips she was so fond of. Hermione pulled her close. The kiss languid an echo of their shared pleasure.
Hermione broke the kiss suddenly, half sitting up, still holding Fleur as she reached for her phone. Fleur fought down the worry that Hermione would be called away again for a work emergency.
After sending a quick message, she tossed the phone into the pile of their clothes before laying back down.
“Everything okay?”
“Yes, Ron was telling me to meet him for lunch tomorrow because family night made for some interesting stories.”
Fleur smiled, kissing Hermione’s chest.
“If you keep doing that we’ll never get any sleep,” Hermione said in a soft voice but didn’t try to stop her.
“Should I apologize for that?”
“Never.”
“Good, I wasn’t planning on it.”
Fleur did settle down, half lying over Hermione, listening to the steady beat of her heart.
*************************************************************
Fleur wasn’t at all surprised when Celeste dragged her into her flat without so much as a greeting. She was pushed onto the couch where Celeste settled next to her with her legs under her looking at Fleur.
“Hello to you too, cousin,” Fleur teased as she kicked off her shoes and settled into the couch.
“Yes, hi, you look good. Now, tell me where the hell you have been for the last three days.”
“London,” Fleur deadpanned.
Celeste swatted her shoulder.
“Don’t play coy with me. I know you better than anyone. You’ve turned me down for meet ups and you’ve been tight lipped about your day since your impromptu dinner. Spill!”
“I mean, I have been working during the day but you’re right, I’ve been spending the nights with Hermione.”
“Four nights of sex I’m surprised the woman hasn’t tapped out yet.”
“It’s not always just sex. We’ve spent hours just talking. I did have to buy new sheets for her though.”
Celeste’s mouth dropped open, blue eyes wide in shock at Fleur’s smug grin.
“You partially shifted?”
Fleur nodded.
“You really are a lucky bitch.”
Fleur laughed, feeling giddy.
“How did she take it when she saw you did that?”
Fleur could hear the worry in Celeste’s voice, the same worry she had when it happened.
“I was worried too. She asked what happened and when I explained she just grinned before fucking me again.”
Celeste blinked, taking in that information.
“Best part was at the end of it all, with her blankets, pillows, and sheets torn to shreds she was actually upset I hadn’t also ruined the bed. Told me she’d try harder next time.”
It took all of a second before Celeste was laughing, Fleur joining with her.
“Please tell me she’s not that amazing,” Celeste said when she caught her breath. “You’re adding that last part.”
“I’m really not. She was beyond pleased that it happened because of her when it’s never happened to me before.”
Celeste sighed, shaking her head before a fond smile broke out on her face.
“Now that you’ve spent time with her what are you going to do about that job offer?”
Fleur bit her lip, rubbing her forehead.
“I’m going to take the job,” Fleur eventually answered.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. I want the job. Not because of the money or because I think I’d enjoy working with Hermione but because it’s something I want to do. I already told her that I want a meeting tomorrow to talk about the job.”
“If it goes bad?”
“Then it goes bad. I can go back to working at Gringotts or settle in my place as the heir of the clan. I have options and this is a great opportunity.”
“Well, I think it’s great. Hermione is a wonderful person. You’ve had the biggest grin on your face that I’ve ever seen. Happiness looks good on you.”
“I’ve never felt like this,” Fleur admitted. “I can talk to her about anything and I never feel like she’s judging me. She listens to me. When I’m with her I feel so much. The way she’s shy and blushing during the day and how she knows just how to play my body at night. I feel safe when I’m with her.”
“Sounds like you’re finally falling in love little cousin.”
“I might be.”
“There is no might about it. She’s got you wrapped around her finger that one.”
Fleur groaned, tossing her head back.
“It’s not even been a week and I…I’m already falling for her.”
Celeste cheered, rushing to her kitchen before coming back with the good wine.
“You’re scared, I get it, being in love is scary. I think it’s wonderful that it’s finally happened and I could be prouder. Now, we celebrate this opportunity.”
Laughing, Fleur took the glass offered to her.
***************************************************
Fleur smiled as Luna opened the door, ushering her in to head towards Hermione’s office. She was pleased to see she was already waiting.
“You don’t need to look nervous, Hermione,” Fleur teased.
“Sorry, just you haven’t mentioned anything about the job so I thought you’d turn it down,” Hermione admitted.
“I just didn’t want to talk about the job when I was trying to get to know you. I really like you, Hermione. It was hard to make a decision because if we did start something and I was working with you…”
“You worried how it would affect your job if we didn’t work out or if I was only spending time with you to get you to take the job.”
Fleur nodded.
“I was disappointed when I ran out for work that first night. I’m not the type to go home with a stranger and I didn’t want to miss out on a chance with you. Yes, I think you’re beautiful, breathtakingly so, but I felt something that night when you held out your hand. When you showed up for the job offer…I was worried. I didn’t want to mix work and my personal life either. Still, you are the right person for the job and I believe it now more than I did a few days ago. It felt…selfish to ask you out because I was torn between wanting to work with you and getting to know you.”
“Do you still think it’s a bad idea to work together?”
Hermione shook her head.
“I want both. I like you too, a lot and I want to work with you. I think you’ll teach me quite a bit.”
“It wasn’t selfish to ask me out since I’m not sure I’d have left without asking myself,” Fleur said in a soft voice. “This job is literally a dream come true. The perfect balance of my skills and drive to be better. Would you be mad at me if I turned it down because I’d rather see where it goes between us?”
“I’d be more mad at myself for you missing out on this chance but I feel like we would’ve had this problem even if we hadn’t slept together that first night.”
“I feel the same way.”
The two let the silence settle around them, taking in what the other had said.
“I made my decision yesterday about the job and I appreciate your thoughts on it,” Fleur said after a while.
Hermione nodded and Fleur could tell she was waiting for her to turn down the job.
“I don’t think it will be easy but if we take the time to talk about it I think we can work it out. I want both. I want to work with you and I want to see where this goes between us.”
It took a second before Hermione smiled. She got to her feet, pulling Fleur into a hug. Fleur smiled, pulling back enough to kiss Hermione.
“We won’t be able to much of that at work,” Hermione admitted. “It’s going to be hard enough not to be distracted by you all the time.”
Fleur couldn’t stop her smug smile.
“And here I thought that no one could distract you.”
“You can.”
“I like the sound of that. I’ll try to keep my hands to myself but I make no promises.”
Hermione flushed red but smiled.
“I hope you don’t have plans we’ve got a lot of paperwork to go over then I can show you the labs and introduce you to everyone.”
“I’m all yours.”
**********************************************************
“Wait, you don’t go in with a plan?” Fleur asked as she shuffled through the parchment.
She’s opted to sit on the other side of the desk opposite of Hermione. Mainly because she’d give into the temptation to kiss her when she began going on about work and that would make this day longer.
Hermione nodded.
“I didn’t want to go in with too much information. After each break in, I can remember details but not the route I used or where alarms are. Keeps everything new and fresh. That’s the new schedule for next years rotation. Gringotts pays for our rooms when we make our trips and the following day we have a sit down to run the head of the bank through security issues.”
“This is a detailed list for the points system you have. I’m assuming you add and remove every year?”
“I do because things change. Now, coordinating two breaks ins at once is going to be the challenge.”
“We can work it out in many different ways,” Fleur agreed. “At the same time. Then you have the one first and the second within a time frame after. I would like to see one where the first run is done and the second begins to see how they react to having to shift suddenly.”
“I like that idea. Also one in the morning one at lunch or even the evening.”
“We could do cascading break ins,” Fleur suggested.
“Explain,” Hermione responded leaning forward.
“Have one break in trip the alarm, then trigger the second in the middle of it. When the first gets away, double back and make another mark. Once the second is done while the third is being triggered, set off a fourth.”
Hermione grinned.
“Make them think it’s multiple groups at the same time. Spreading them out over the vaults would have them guessing.”
“Giving them ghost trails would also confuse them. Setting off false trails. It was something I’ve brought up before.”
Hermione nodded. It wasn’t so much the smile on her face that had Fleur’s heart beating faster but the look in her eyes. She was pleased to see that their session was going well and that Hermione looked like she was two seconds away from jumping her.
“How do you get out?” Fleur finally asked.
“I’ve got a space contracted with Gringotts. There is a door that only I can access, I’ll add you to it, and I just need to get there. It’s a connecting office. There is a second door that can bring me from one bank to the other and my office here.”
“That’s what you meant by another way to get me to the office from France.”
Fleur was impressed.
“Makes sneaking in easier and I have access to my workshop no matter where I am.”
“I like it.”
************************************************
Hermione ducked into the doorway, quickly shutting the door behind her as she tried to catch her breath. The faint sound of alarms still ringing behind her made her shoulders sag in relief. It was the last break in of the year.
Looking up, she groaned when she spotted Fleur smiling at her.
“How did you beat me here?” Hermione whined. “Your alarm went off a full five minutes after mine.”
“That’s my secret,” Fleur teased. “That seven in a row, which means I won. You know what that means.”
Hermione sighed, pouring as she approached Fleur.
“Ginny will never let me live it down,” Hermione complained.
“Then you shouldn’t have made the bet.”
Hermione grumbled, leaning against the desk next to Fleur’s chair.
“Fine, I’ll do it but only after we take our trip.”
“Deal. You know Maman is going to grill you with questions.”
“You make that seem like it’s a new thing. Not that she doesn’t send me a letter every week about it.”
“At least she likes you,” Fleur reminded her.
“She only started liking me when she discovered the sheets you’d ripped up that morning.”
Fleur grinned, eyes taking on that darker glint that Hermione loved.
“No, she began liking you when you told her that she should be glad that I didn’t ruin the bed like I normally do.”
“You told me to be honest with her.”
“Yes and not only did she find out that I partially transform with you but then you had the guts to tell her that the only reason the bed wasn’t destroyed is because you didn’t want to make a bad impression. I’ve told you how difficult it is for Veela to find a partner who can do that and not be afraid of it. You said it in without a hint of shame.”
“Was I supposed to be ashamed? Cause I’m not,” Hermione huffed.
Fleur laughed, dragging Hermione onto her lap to kiss her.
“Hermione, Maman likes you because you told my mother to her face that you not only fucked her daughter to the point where she partially transformed but that it was a regular occurrence that you fucked her so well that she destroyed the bed more often than not. It wasn’t even the fact that you even responded honestly but that it’s literally your goal to fuck me better than anyone else. Do you have any idea the bragging rights I get just because you said it to my mothers face?”
Hermione was flushed red.
“No,” was her response.
“You have no idea how jealous they got over it.”
“Let me guess, you take every opportunity to remind them?”
Fleur grinned, kissing Hermione again. It didn’t take long before Fleur found herself wrapped around Hermione and pinned against the wall. No matter how many times it happened it always made Fleur melt. Hermione going from bright red to having Fleur wrapped around her.
The last year together had been amazing. Not only did they manage to find a good balance between their personal and professional life, they communicated their issues well. Fleur was the only person capable of getting Hermione away from her work. Hermione, in turn, was the only one who could manage to keep Fleur calm when her emotions began to be too much. It was Fleur who asked Hermione to move in with her and her heart filled with love when Hermione didn’t hesitate.
They’d met each others friends and family. Ginny and Ron adored Fleur for her wit, charm, and brutal takedowns of their eldest brother. Even Molly had begun to side with Fleur more often than not, reminding her son that if he didn’t get his head out of his ass he wouldn’t ever get married.
Fleur had also become a staple in the community alongside Hermione. Helping to further their cause and set up two more on other continents in the process.
Their love had only grown with their time together. Gringotts had even given them much larger bonuses when their complex methods helped up their security measures. They enjoyed their stories immensely and made side bets on their best cursebreakers. Even Fleur and Hermione had gotten into bets of their own with time. Fleur usually winning against Hermione.
Fleur gave Hermione a soft smile when they broke apart. She relaxed into Hermione’s hold knowing she wouldn’t drop her.
“Marry me,” Hermione said suddenly.
It took Fleur’s mind a moment to grasp what her girlfriend had just blurted out before she broke into a wide smile.
“Yes,” was all she could say before Hermione was kissing her again.