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A foggy morning descended upon London, wrapping the Ministry of Magic in a dense gray shroud. A slight chill seeped into every crack of the ancient building, as if reminding everyone of the approaching winter. Hermione walked down the Ministry's corridor, feeling a slight shiver — partly due to the cool air, partly from the upcoming meeting. The folder of documents was tightly clenched in her hand as she tried to focus on work, but her thoughts kept drifting back to the invitation she had received the night before. Kingsley had summoned her for an important assignment, and from the looks of it, it was something serious.
As she approached the heavy door to Kingsley Shacklebolt's office, it silently swung open. Inside, Fleur Delacour was already waiting, elegant as always, perched lightly on the edge of a chair as if she were in her own home. She turned at the sound of footsteps and greeted Hermione with a warm smile.
"Bonjour, Hermione," Fleur softly said, her voice so gentle it seemed to glide through the air. "It’s good to see you."
"Hello, Fleur," Hermione replied, sinking into the chair opposite her. She couldn’t help but notice the slight sparkle in Fleur’s eyes, hinting at her usual confidence.
At that moment, Kingsley entered the office, holding a thick folder of documents. His presence always commanded respect, but today there was an added air of seriousness about him, as though the task he was about to present was of the utmost importance.
"I’m glad you both could make it," he began, seating himself at the desk and spreading the papers before him. "We have an urgent assignment, and I’m confident that you’ll handle it at the highest level."
The room filled with a heavy silence, thick with anticipation, as if absorbing all the tension of the Ministry of Magic. Kingsley, calm and composed as always, sat behind his massive oak desk, his gaze fixed on Hermione and Fleur. He folded his hands in front of him, carefully choosing his words.
"So," Kingsley began, leaning forward slightly, "next week, both of you will be heading to an international magical conference in the Alps. It’s a significant event, and the Ministry must be represented at the highest level. Serious matters will be discussed, concerning cooperation in magical research, healing, and ancient spells. We believe you two are the perfect team for this."
Hermione nodded, carefully listening to every word. She was accustomed to assignments of this level, but a trip to the Alps with Fleur was unexpected.
“Thank you for the trust, Minister,” Hermione said, trying to hide her slight nervousness. “We’ll do everything we can to represent the Ministry with dignity.”
Fleur sat beside her, her back straight, appearing as calm as ever, though her eyes sparkled with interest.
“It’s a great honor for both of us,” she added with a slight accent. “I’m confident we can accomplish everything that is required.”
Kingsley nodded, pleased with their determination.
“Excellent. Due to the unique magical protections of the conference, you’ll have to travel by Muggle means — by car. I’m sure that won’t be an issue for you,” he paused briefly, glancing at the papers on his desk. “You’ll depart Thursday morning to arrive in good time.”
“Of course, Minister,” Hermione replied again, looking at Fleur. “We’ll manage.”
“That’s all. I wish you both the best of luck,” Kingsley said, gesturing that the meeting was over.
Fleur and Hermione stepped out of the office, leaving the heavy oak door behind them, and found themselves in a quiet corridor of the Ministry. As soon as the door closed, the tension began to ease, and both exhaled simultaneously. They exchanged glances, understanding that the upcoming trip would be long and require focus.
"Well, a trip to the mountains, and only by car," Fleur began with a light smile, shaking her head. "I never thought we'd have to travel like Muggles."
"On the one hand, it's unusual, but... on the other, I'm glad I’m not going alone," Hermione replied, relaxing. "At least with you, it won’t be so boring."
"Yes, at least it won’t be lonely," Fleur agreed, giving her a cheerful look. "And if something goes wrong, we’ll always have magic to fix things."
They both laughed, feeling the tension that could have arisen from the long journey and the importance of the mission slowly ebb away.
“We last met a month ago,” Fleur remarked, her voice softening slightly. “In recent years, something always got in the way — work, assignments, and we rarely saw each other.”
Hermione nodded, reflecting on their shared history. Initially, it had been difficult for them to find common ground, especially during their school years, but later they grew closer, connected by joint missions and mutual friends.
“Yes, time flies,” Hermione said, a hint of sadness in her voice. “But I’m glad we’ll have the chance to make up for lost time. A long trip is a great opportunity to talk and catch up on everything we’ve missed.”
Fleur smiled, tilting her head slightly.
“I agree. Who would have thought we’d be here, given a mission together.”
“Completely agree,” Hermione echoed, feeling a warmth in her chest from those words.
***
Fleur and Hermione were heading to the international magical conference, held in the heart of the snow-covered mountains. The journey promised to be long, as due to the complex magical wards surrounding the location, no magical means of transportation could be used — neither Apparition, nor Portkeys, nor even the Floo Network. All of this was done for security reasons, to prevent unwanted guests and to avoid disturbing the fragile balance of ancient magic that enveloped the mountains. The only way to get there was by Muggle means, driving along snow-covered roads in a car.
The silver car moved smoothly along the winding road, pushing through the snowdrifts. The headlights illuminated nothing but endless snowbanks and tall pine trees covered in white snow, standing on both sides of the road. Hermione sat at the wheel, focusing on the road, occasionally glancing at the GPS to stay on course. Fleur, with her legs crossed on the passenger seat, gazed out the window at the shimmering white landscape.
“It always seemed strange to me that wizarding conferences are held in such remote places,” Hermione broke the silence, frowning slightly. “After all, we could have done this somewhere more accessible. In London, for instance.”
Fleur smiled, shifting her gaze from the scenery to Hermione.
“That’s the whole point, isn’t it? The magic of the place. These mountains hide many ancient spells, and aristocratic families have been choosing such locations for gatherings for centuries,” she explained with a light French intonation, which made her voice sound softer than most. “Besides, it eliminates any outside intrusions. We just have to endure the journey.”
Hermione nodded, but her expression remained thoughtful. They had several hours ahead of them, and although she was used to long trips, especially in the Muggle world, driving through the mountains in the snow made her stay on high alert.
“Aren’t you cold?” Hermione asked, noticing Fleur wrapping her scarf tighter.
“No, I’m fine. Though I’m surprised it’s this cold here. It’s warmer in Beauxbatons during the winter,” Fleur replied, reaching for the heater and turning up the warmth inside the car.
Hermione gave a brief smile. In moments like these, she was especially aware of the differences between them: Fleur, accustomed to elegance and refinement, and herself, someone used to rationality and precision, even in the smallest things. But on this trip, they were together, and that created a special atmosphere.
Snowflakes slowly settled on the windshield, and the car seemed to push through a white blanket of winter, surrounded by a crisp silence. From time to time, the road became particularly challenging—narrow, with sharp turns, where the snow lay in thick layers, and the tires slid despite all precautions. Hermione gripped the steering wheel tightly, feeling the tension rise.
“You’re driving wonderfully,” Fleur said approvingly, noticing how Hermione handled a turn that revealed a view of a deep gorge. “I would’ve probably used magic at least ten times by now to make the journey easier.”
“Magic can’t always help,” Hermione replied modestly, not taking her eyes off the road. “Sometimes it’s better to rely on your own abilities.”
The car slowed down as a fork in the road appeared ahead, leading them even higher into the mountains, where the snow lay especially thick. Hermione glanced at the GPS and exhaled a little more deeply.
“We’re almost there. Just a couple more hours, and we’ll be at the destination,” she said, signaling that the hardest part of the drive was behind them.
Fleur nodded, and her gaze returned to the window, where the snow-covered mountain peaks rose against the dark sky. It felt as if the world had slowed down, immersing them in a unique magical atmosphere even before they reached the conference.
***
Fleur and Hermione stepped into the small but cozy hotel lobby, surrounded by wooden paneling and decorated with twinkling garlands, reflecting the winter mountain atmosphere. At the reception desk, they were greeted by a smiling young man with a thick mustache and a slightly flustered expression. He clearly seemed nervous as he noticed them approaching.
"Good evening! How can I help you?" he asked politely, though there was a hint of tension in his voice.
"We have a reservation for two rooms, under the names Delacour and Granger," Hermione replied calmly, placing the documents given to her by the Ministry on the counter.
The receptionist quickly scanned the computer screen, then suddenly froze. His face paled slightly, and his smile dimmed.
"Uh… yes, I see your reservation…" he began, clearly trying to find the right words. "But unfortunately, there's been a mistake. We… uh, only have one room available."
"Only one?" Hermione repeated, her brows furrowing. There was a barely noticeable edge of irritation in her voice.
Fleur, standing beside her, crossed her arms in displeasure, her gaze cold and assessing.
"Excuse me, how is that possible? We reserved two rooms, and everything was confirmed," she said, her accent becoming more pronounced as her irritation grew.
The receptionist awkwardly shifted from foot to foot, realizing the situation was slipping out of control.
"I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience, ma'am. It seems there was a system error, and… at the moment, we only have one room available. But it's a large suite, very comfortable, and it can easily accommodate two people. We’re also offering complimentary breakfast and a discount as an apology."
Fleur cast a quick glance at Hermione, who was clearly not pleased with the situation.
"Wonderful," Fleur said with sarcasm, pressing her lips together. "One room, but at least the breakfast is free. That certainly solves all the problems."
Hermione took a deep breath, clearly trying to stay calm. She knew arguing with the receptionist was pointless—in the middle of the mountains with no alternative options, they would have to accept the situation.
"Alright," she finally said, glancing at Fleur, who looked like she was ready for another round of negotiations. "We’ll take it. It’s only for a couple of days, we’ll manage."
Fleur sighed and reluctantly nodded.
"Fine," she said quietly, though her tone betrayed her frustration. "But I hope the room is as comfortable as you claim."
The receptionist exhaled in relief and quickly handed them the key.
"Thank you for your understanding. The room is on the second floor, last one down the hall. Enjoy your stay."
As they walked away from the desk, Fleur shook her head.
"It’s amazing how even in places like this, such ridiculous mistakes happen."
"Well, it could be worse. At least we were sent here together. That should make the trip a little less boring," Hermione replied with a slight smile, though her voice still held a hint of annoyance.
"Yes, that’s the one silver lining," Fleur agreed, her expression softening a little.
***
The room turned out to be spacious, with soft rugs laid across the wooden floor. But the most striking feature was the large floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a breathtaking view of the snow-covered mountains, now wrapped in the shadows of evening. Snowflakes gently swirled outside, and the room felt as if it were immersed in a peaceful winter fairytale. Fleur stopped by the window, gazing in admiration at the snowy landscape.
"If it weren't for the booking mistake, I'd say this place is truly magical," she smiled, lightly touching the cold glass with her fingertips.
Hermione, settling in near her suitcase, looked around the room and nodded.
"I'll admit, the view is impressive. It feels like we're in some kind of winter dream."
She approached the fireplace with a smile, where a magical fire blazed, radiating a comforting warmth.
"Magical heating. Works wonders against the cold, even without spells," Hermione joked, extending her hands towards the fire.
Fleur chuckled, stepping closer.
"Yes, magical heating is definitely better than the Muggle kind. I wouldn't be surprised if this fireplace offered hot chocolate as well."
They both laughed, feeling the tension of the past few hours slowly melt away. However, Fleur's gaze lingered on the single bed in the center of the room.
"But about the bed… I'm not sure this can be called an ideal situation," she nodded towards the bed, clearly displeased that they would have to share it.
Hermione stepped closer, eyeing the bed before glancing at the cozy sitting area, where two large chairs and a sofa stood. She narrowed her eyes, thinking.
"I think we can solve this problem ourselves," she said, pulling out her wand. "After all, if they made a mistake with the booking, we can use magic to fix it."
Fleur looked at Hermione with interest.
"And how exactly?"
"Very simple," Hermione replied, waving her wand. Suddenly, a second bed, identical to the one in the bedroom, appeared in the living area across from the fireplace.
"Voilà!" Hermione smirked, mimicking Fleur’s familiar word. "Now we have two beds."
Fleur laughed, clearly pleased.
"You always manage to find a way out of any situation. No wonder they call you the brightest witch."
"It's just practical magic," Hermione replied modestly, tucking her wand away. "Now we can both be comfortable."
Fleur glanced around the room, where the two beds now sat cozily, the fireplace warming the air, and the snow swirling outside the windows.
"Well, this is starting to feel more like a vacation than an inconvenience," she said, sitting on the edge of the new bed.
Hermione smiled too, feeling that the situation had finally turned in their favor.
"Now we can relax."
***
The morning in the mountains was quiet and snowy. Sunlight pierced through thick layers of clouds, casting soft light over the snow-covered slopes and filling the room with a gentle glow. Hermione was the first to wake up, savoring the rare feeling of peace and solitude. She sat up in bed and looked out the window: snow-capped peaks stretched into the distance like waves of a frozen ocean.
Fleur was still asleep, her breathing steady and calm. But soon, sensing movement in the room, she slowly opened her eyes.
“Good morning,” she said sleepily, propping herself up on her elbow and stretching slightly. “Looks like the weather is treating us well.”
“Yes, it looks beautiful,” Hermione replied, sitting back on the bed. “I don't even mind that we're here for work.”
Fleur smiled, then, playing along with the mood, made a light joke:
“Of course, with a view like this, breakfast promises to be the best part of the day.”
They weren’t in a hurry to get ready. Their conference didn’t start until noon, and breakfast downstairs was served until late morning, so the two allowed themselves to enjoy this rare moment of peace and quiet. After a while, when both were ready, they headed down to the breakfast hall.
The restaurant was small but cozy. Large windows offered views of the snow-covered mountains even during the meal. The air was filled with the pleasant aroma of freshly baked bread and coffee. The tables were covered with white tablecloths, and a variety of dishes beckoned with their appetizing appearance.
“Well, at least the breakfast is truly worth it,” Fleur noted, leaning over her cup of fragrant tea.
Hermione nodded, spreading butter on her toast.
“You’re right. It’s a lovely way to start the day.”
They briefly exchanged plans for the upcoming day, discussing the details of the conference. Its main theme was international cooperation in magical research, healing, and ancient spells. These topics always sparked Hermione’s interest, and Fleur, as an experienced healer, was well-versed in matters related to treatment and magical herbs.
“I think research in ancient spells could lead to significant breakthroughs in our field,” Hermione remarked, taking a sip of coffee.
“Yes, especially if we combine efforts from different countries. That always opens up new opportunities,” Fleur agreed, slicing a piece of cheese.
Ahead of them were presentations, where each of them would also share their findings, and they both knew that throughout the day they would have many meetings with colleagues from other countries, who were equally important for the further development of magical research.
“If everything goes according to plan, we can make a big step forward,” Hermione said, looking up at the snow-covered mountains outside.
“Oui, and it’s definitely worth all the effort,” Fleur nodded.
After a while, when breakfast was over, they headed towards the conference hall, located nearby the hotel. Despite the snowdrifts, the paths were neatly cleared, and the air felt crystal clear. They walked along the snowy trail, discussing the upcoming events.
“It’s great that we’re here together,” Hermione said, glancing at the surrounding mountains. “It’ll make the conference less exhausting.”
“Oui, that’s true,” Fleur replied, adjusting her scarf to protect herself from the winter chill. “Together, we can handle any dull presentations and endless discussions.”
As they approached the large conference center, it was adorned with flags bearing the emblems of various magical countries, creating a sense of importance about what was happening. Although magic was present everywhere, it felt particularly restrained here due to the protective measures in place around the event.
“Ready?” Hermione asked, stopping in front of the doors.
“As always,” Fleur replied with a smile.
They entered, prepared for a new day filled with discussions, meetings, and perhaps new challenges that, as always, would require their professionalism and expertise.
***
The conference turned out to be intense and productive. Each of the key topics—from magical research to healing and ancient spells—contained numerous interesting ideas and directions that could be further developed. New treatment methods, ways to strengthen magical barriers, and possibilities for using ancient magical texts in modern spells were discussed. Participants actively shared their experiences, and both Hermione and Fleur noticed that many ideas could serve as a foundation for future collaborative research.
When the conference came to an end, it was already late. The hall emptied, and wizards began to disperse to their rooms. Stepping outside, they immediately felt a sharp change in the weather. It had become much colder, the wind picked up, howling between the mountains and causing the snow to swirl more intensely. The weather was clearly worsening, heralding a snowstorm.
“It seems we’re lucky to make it back before the weather gets completely worse,” Fleur remarked, adjusting her scarf and quickening her pace.
Hermione nodded, wrapping herself tighter in her coat and struggling to move forward against the increasing wind. “Yeah, the return will definitely not be as pleasant as it was this morning.”
***
When Fleur and Hermione returned to the hotel, the wind howled outside, and snowflakes pelted fiercely against the glass. They quickly made their way to their room, where the soft light and warmth of the fireplace welcomed them like old friends.
“It’s nice and warm here,” Fleur said, taking off her coat and hanging it on a hook.
“Yes, let’s have dinner before we dive back into magic,” Hermione suggested, opening the menu they found on the table.
Soon, plates of hot soup, meat dishes, and fresh vegetables appeared on the table. Both girls enjoyed their dinner while discussing the most interesting moments of the conference.
“I especially liked the presentation on new treatment methods using rare herbs,” Fleur said, setting down her fork. “This could significantly improve our results.”
“I agree. And the possibilities of applying ancient spells in modern contexts are just amazing,” Hermione added, rubbing her hands together. “We should do something similar in our research group.”
“You know,” Fleur began, “when they talked about ancient spells, I couldn’t help but remember that incident at Hogwarts when you tried to open that sealed scroll and nearly turned yourself into a frog instead.”
Hermione laughed, nibbling on a piece of bread.
“Oh, don’t remind me! It was terrible! I spent an entire hour trying to set everything back to normal.”
“But at least you were the smartest frog in the area,” Fleur winked.
“Yeah, if only frogs could read,” Hermione replied, reaching for her cup of tea. “By the way, if you were a frog, I’d have to feed you more often to bring you back to your human form.”
Fleur giggled.
“I’d probably prefer to be some rare bird. One that flies, so I could see this winter landscape from above.”
“Great idea! I could be your guiding bird,” Hermione replied with a smile. “But seriously, that would suit you well. I mean, being free and able to see the world.”
Fleur nodded, pondering for a moment.
“Yes, freedom is wonderful. But right now, we can explore the world of magic. And that’s important too. In our line of work, after all, magic brings people together.”
Fleur looked out the window, where the snowstorm was howling, and added, “You know, even though I’m a Veela and have my abilities, turning into a bird isn’t one of my skills. I’d much rather stay in my own form than depend on wings.”
“Yeah, you’re right. But even without turning into a bird, you have a freedom that many would envy. You travel the world, attend conferences, and are surrounded by amazing people.”
Fleur laughed, feeling her mood lift.
“Well, that’s true! And I hope that one day we’ll explore even the most remote corners of the magical world together.”
She realized she might have said more than she intended and felt a moment of tension, but when she saw that Hermione hadn’t noticed, she relaxed.
“Exactly,” Hermione agreed. “And the conference gave us the chance to learn about new approaches and find like-minded individuals.”
They both paused, enjoying warm memories of the day gone by, and soon the conversation shifted back to lighter topics.
“Well, I hope we won’t be stuck in the hall for hours again tomorrow. We should be able to do something more practical,” Fleur said, taking a bite of dessert.
“I agree! Maybe we can even go outside to get some fresh air before the weather gets worse,” Hermione suggested.
“And then we can check if there’s anything interesting around here,” Fleur added, looking at Hermione hopefully.
“And maybe we’ll find something unique for us,” Hermione nodded, then smirked. “I hope it’s not something like ‘How to Properly Tie Flying Balls.’”
Fleur laughed so hard she almost choked on her dessert.
“Oh, if that happens, I’ll be the first one to try it!”
***
After dinner, Fleur and Hermione decided to head downstairs to see what interesting activities they could find in the area. At the hotel reception, they were greeted by a rather bored-looking administrator.
“We have only one shop,” he said, pointing toward the window. “It’s located behind the hotel. You can head there if you like.”
Fleur and Hermione exchanged glances, and Fleur, with a wink, said, “Well, one shop is better than nothing!”
They stepped outside and immediately felt the howling of the cold wind. The snow, though it had stopped falling, left a thin layer on the ground, sparkling under the dim light of the street lamps. The girls tightened their scarves and dresses, trying to shield themselves from the sharp gusts.
“It seems like this wind has something to say to us,” Hermione remarked, laughing as a flurry of snow hit her face.
“Yeah, it’s definitely not in the mood for conversation,” Fleur replied, pulling her hood closer to her face. “But let’s go; we need to get to the shop.”
They made their way toward the store, where the wind made them wrap up even tighter. After walking along the path, they soon found themselves in front of a small shop adorned with garlands of twinkling lights that sparkled even in such cold weather.
Inside, they were greeted by a pleasant smell of fresh herbs and magical ingredients. The shelves were lined with strange potions, amulets, and various artifacts. One of the displays caught their attention—it showcased some completely unusual items.
“Look,” Hermione pointed, stepping closer. “These are ‘smart’ gloves. They say they can tell when you’re cold and automatically turn on the heating!”
“I would love those for my morning runs,” Fleur laughed, picking up the gloves. “But how would they know I’m cold? Maybe they activate a freezing charm?”
Hermione giggled and approached another display.
“What about this?” she pointed to a purple jar with a bright label. “‘Shine cream, even for frogs’? Does someone really use this?”
Fleur couldn’t help but laugh.
“Surely, this is the most ‘concealing’ product I’ve ever seen. Can you imagine someone thinking they lack shine and deciding to try it?”
Hermione nodded, and picturing Hagrid with the jar made her laugh even harder.
“Oh, Hagrid would definitely try to apply this cream to his frog to make it ‘sparkling.’ I can just see him saying, ‘Come on, you need to look beautiful!’”
Fleur, envisioning the scene, also broke into a smile.
“And the frog would be like, ‘What? I’m already a beauty!’” Fleur chimed in, giggling.
They both laughed, imagining Hagrid trying to convince the frog to become a ‘star’ with its shine.
After that, they continued to browse the shop, finding more and more strange and amusing items, and despite the limited selection, the day became much more cheerful thanks to their discoveries.
Fleur and Hermione wandered through the store, and soon their attention was drawn to another peculiar display of potions, where they spotted a bottle filled with bright green contents.
“‘Intelligence-Enhancing Potion,’” she read aloud. “I wonder how many times you’d need to drink it for Ron to be able to cast a spell without stumbling?”
Fleur burst out laughing.
“First, he needs to learn how to open the bottle!”
Finally, they stumbled upon a set called “Wonderful Spells for Houseplants.” Hermione looked at the packaging and remarked,
“Why do I need spells for plants? I’m already on the brink of war with my orchid!”
Fleur couldn’t help but laugh.
“Well, maybe these spells will at least help you avoid its ultimate revenge!”
They continued to laugh and enjoy the shop’s atmosphere, discovering more amusing items that made their evening brighter and more joyful.
After spending time in the store, Fleur and Hermione returned to the hotel, wrapped in warm scarves. They discussed their finds and kept laughing about the funny situations they had imagined.
Back in their room, the girls settled into their cozy beds. Fleur got comfortable with a book on magical plants, while Hermione, clutching a volume on ancient spells, immersed herself in reading. Soon, their eyes began to droop, and the pages of their books started to blur.
The calm atmosphere of the evening, the warm light from the lamp, and the quiet rustling of pages lulled them to sleep. Fleur soon dozed off, unable to finish the last page, while Hermione, falling asleep with the book on her chest, smiled softly, thinking about the day they had. Thus, both friends found peace, each in their cozy bed, immersed in a world of dreams where new adventures awaited them.
***
In the middle of the night, Fleur and Hermione suddenly awoke to a chilling cold piercing through them. The darkness in the room was absolute, and the only sound was the howling wind outside, creating an eerie atmosphere.
Fleur, with trembling hands, tried to reach for the blanket but instead encountered only cold air.
“Hermione, do you hear that?” she whispered, struggling to suppress the tremor in her voice.
Hermione was also unsettled, pressed against her pillow.
“Yes, what’s happening?” she replied, squinting sleepily into the darkness. “Why isn’t the heating working?”
Both realized that their anxiety and the cold were turning them hostile to this unexpected turn of events. They felt as if they were at the heart of a winter storm, unsure of how to deal with the situation.
Fleur got out of bed and, unsteadily navigating in the dark, bumped into a bedside table, accidentally knocking something over.
“Oops!” she exclaimed. “We need to try to turn on the lights!”
But no matter how hard they tried, not a single switch worked.
“It seems we’re stuck in a magical weather peak,” Hermione muttered, getting out of bed. She wrapped herself in a blanket and headed toward the window. “Maybe we should check to see if something’s wrong with the heating system.”
They exchanged determined looks, but inside, each of them continued to be tormented by the anxiety of an unexpected night filled with cold and confusion.
Fleur and Hermione quickly dressed in warm clothes, putting on everything they could find. Fleur shook her head and cast a warmth charm on herself and Hermione, and in that moment, they felt a warm cloud envelop them.
“Let’s go downstairs,” she suggested, and they both headed toward the door.
Thanks to the enhanced version of the “Lumos” charm that Hermione had perfected in her final year at Hogwarts, they didn’t need to use their wands constantly to maintain light, helping them navigate the dark space. The wind howled outside, a reminder of the raging snowstorm beyond the windows.
When they reached the first floor, the hotel administrator greeted them with a worried expression.
“What happened?” Hermione asked, scanning the empty hall.
“Unfortunately,” the administrator began, “the heating has gone out due to the severe snowstorm. We tried using magic, but unfortunately, it doesn’t work under these conditions.”
Fleur exchanged a worried glance with Hermione.
“So we’re left without heat?” she quietly asked, trying to conceal her growing concern.
“For now, yes,” the administrator replied, looking at them with sympathy. “We’re doing everything we can to fix it, but it seems we’ll have to wait until the storm calms down.”
“What should we do?” Hermione asked, feeling the cold seep into every cell of her body, and even Fleur's earlier charm offered little relief.
“We have spare blankets in the lounge,” the administrator suggested, “and we have firewood that you can use for the fireplace in your room. You’ll be able to warm up.”
Fleur nodded, pleased with the idea.
“Great! Let’s grab some and head back to our room,” she said.
With the administrator, they went to the firewood storage, took some logs, and returned to their room.
When they entered, the fireplace was indeed lit, but it was almost out, only occasionally glowing with embers.
“Let’s try to rekindle the fire,” Hermione suggested, taking her wand. She cast a spell, creating sparks that quickly ignited, filling the room with warmth and light.
“Yay! This is so much better,” Fleur sighed with relief, reaching out toward the fire.
As the fire in the fireplace blazed up, Fleur and Hermione exchanged glances and decided that a cozy spot by the fire would be the perfect place for the night.
“You know,” Hermione said, “we should make a bed right here by the fireplace. It will be warmer. We can put the mattress and pillows next to the fire and cover ourselves with blankets.”
Fleur nodded, picturing how it would look.
“That sounds great!” she agreed. “We can get comfortable and chat while the storm rages outside.”
They quickly began rearranging the furniture, laying the mattress on the floor and arranging the pillows around it. Hermione pulled out all the blankets they had and covered the makeshift “bed.”
“But even the fireplace doesn’t help much when the windows are floor-to-ceiling,” she noted, glancing at the huge glass panels through which the swirling snow was brightly visible. “The cold still seeps in.”
Fleur sighed, looking at the storm outside.
“You’re right,” she agreed. “We’ll probably have to keep the fire going all night to stay warm.”
“I hope it doesn’t go out,” Hermione said, wrapping herself in a blanket and settling onto the mattress. “In that case, let’s try to sleep closer to the fireplace.”
Fleur sat down next to her, and they both laughed, feeling that even in such a situation, they could find something good.
They settled comfortably on the mattress by the fireplace, wrapped in blankets. The warm glow from the fire softly illuminated the room, creating a cozy atmosphere, and their quiet conversations filled the space.
“You know, I still think this conference was really beneficial, despite the storm,” Hermione began, reaching for the fire. “So many new ideas and opportunities for collaboration.”
“Yeah,” Fleur agreed, smiling. “I learned a lot too. But right now, it seems like the cold is still creeping in.”
After a brief pause, both friends realized they weren’t getting any warmer. Despite the magic, the temperature in the room remained low, and the wind howled outside the windows.
“You know,” Fleur said, contemplating for a moment, “what if we fold two blankets together and lie close? Maybe that will help.”
Hermione raised an eyebrow but soon laughed.
“That seems pretty close, but in our case, it might be a solution!”
Fleur nodded, and they began to fold the blankets to create a wider, warmer surface. Then they cuddled beneath it, sharing warmth.
“Now it’s a bit better,” Hermione said with relief, resting her head on Fleur’s shoulder.
“Yeah, and if need be, we can always share our secrets to warm up even more,” Fleur winked, and they both laughed again.
After laughing, Hermione playfully lifted her head from Fleur’s shoulder and looked at her, mischief sparkling in her eyes.
“You know, let’s play a game of ‘question and answer.’ It could be fun,” she suggested, gazing at Fleur with excitement in her eyes.
“Alright, but let`s make it interesting. Each of us gets to ask three questions, and we have to answer honestly.”
Hermione nodded, and their eyes met for a moment, something special hanging in the air. Fleur felt her heart beat a little faster and smiled sincerely.
“So, who`s first?”
“I`ll go,” Hermione said, trying to hide her embarrassment as she hovered over Fleur. “If you could spend an evening with anyone, who would it be?”
Fleur thought for a moment, but there was already a playful spark in her eyes.
“You, of course!”
Hermione smiled, her heart warming. She hadn`t expected that answer, and it felt as if melodies filled with tenderness were playing in the air.
Fleur`s next question came unexpectedly, but Hermione admitted that Fleur was her ideal companion, looking at her with curiosity.
“Alright, what`s the strangest magical artifact you`ve ever had?”
Fleur thought about it, her expression turning playful and slightly embarrassed.
“Oh, promise you won`t laugh. Once, I bought a magical strap-on, and when I wanted to try it out, I got a complete surprise. Instead of doing anything sexual, it just talked! Every time I picked it up, it started telling jokes. I laughed about it for ages!”
Hermione couldn`t hold back her laughter, burying her nose in Fleur`s neck. The movement sent shivers down Fleur`s spine, and she felt the warmth of their closeness surrounding her.
Fleur wrapped her arms around Hermione`s waist, her hands gently resting on her hips, while Hermione placed her hands on Fleur`s shoulders, savoring the intimacy.
“You know how to surprise me,” Hermione whispered, trying to stop laughing.
The fireplace crackled softly, and the wind howled outside the windows, but the two didn`t notice, lost in each other`s warmth. In this magical moment, both felt their bond growing stronger.
Fleur felt a slight blush rise, sensing the warmth radiating from Hermione, and her voice became a little softer.
“Only you,” she replied softly, wrapping her arms around Hermione and stroking her back. “I never thought an evening in such cold could feel so warm.”
The warmth of their bodies enveloped them, creating a sense of safety. In the dim light of the room, illuminated only by the fire in the fireplace, Hermione spoke, her thoughts swirling in her mind.
“Fleur, I have a question,” she began, propping her head up with her hand and half-lying on Fleur, leaning from one side. Her gaze was filled with tenderness. “Have you ever thought about what it means to be in love? Or what it’s like to be with someone with whom it feels so easy and pleasant?”
Fleur was a bit surprised, but a spark of interest appeared in her eyes. She gently ran her hand down Hermione’s back, making her smile.
“Yes, I have thought about it,” she replied, a soft smile playing on her lips. “Being with someone who understands you, who accepts you as you are… it’s difficult, but at the same time, it’s so important.”
Hermione lost herself in her thoughts as her hand moved from Fleur’s shoulder to her chest, then to her stomach, gently trailing her fingers. She felt the tension rise between them.
“Like someone like me?” Hermione asked shyly.
Fleur hesitated, her thoughts tangled, but she didn’t pull away. Instead, she leaned in closer, pulling Hermione against her.
“You know,” Fleur said softly but confidently, looking into Hermione's eyes, “it’s not that simple. But sometimes, when I look at you, I feel like I want more than just friendship with you.”
Hermione froze, her heart racing as Fleur seemed to take a step toward honesty. Silence enveloped the room, broken only by the crackle of the fire in the fireplace. She met Fleur’s gaze, and in both of their eyes burned a new understanding.
“I know it’s complicated,” Hermione said quietly, not breaking eye contact with Fleur. “But I think we could try.”
Fleur raised an eyebrow slightly, and a spark flickered in her eyes. She placed her hand on the back of Hermione’s neck, pulling her closer until their lips were almost touching. Suddenly, with a gentle motion, she flipped Hermione onto her back, hovering over her as their gazes locked.
“We must always approach trying with determination,” Fleur said, her voice confident and full of desire. “I don’t want to just talk about feelings. I want to feel them.”
And with those words, she leaned in, pressing her lips against Hermione`s. It was a gentle kiss, full of promises and warmth. Hermione felt her heart swell with sweet excitement as Fleur deepened the kiss, their lips smoothly melding together.
Every touch felt like magic — Fleur pressed against Hermione, and she sensed a rush of emotions rising within her. Fleur`s tender hands glided along her sides, sending shivers across her skin, and Fleur, hovering above her, seemed like the embodiment of strength and tenderness at once.
Hermione closed her eyes, allowing herself to immerse in the moment. She felt the tension between them intensifying, filling the space around them with magic. Every second was precious, and in that moment, nothing else seemed to matter.
Feeling Hermione`s reciprocated feelings, Fleur deepened the kiss, trying to convey everything that had built up in her heart. She wrapped her arms around Hermione`s waist, pulling her even closer, and Hermione, feeling safe, responded to the kiss, pouring all her tenderness and admiration into it.
“This…” she whispered as they momentarily pulled apart, “this is exactly what I`ve dreamed of.”
Fleur looked into her eyes, and there was a spark of confidence within them. “We can be more than friends,” she said, resting her foreheat against Hermione`s. “I feel it.”
“So do I,” Hermione replied, her voice full of tenderness. She touched Fleur`s face, tracing her fingers along her cheekbones. “You make me feel alive.”
With those words, they leaned in again, their lips meeting with newfound passion, as if in every kiss they were discovering a new world filled with emotions and hopes.
The night slowed like a fairytale. Honest conversations were interspersed with tender kisses and touches. Fleur leaning in closer, whispering sweet compliments into Hermione`s ear, causing her to shiver with pleasure. Relishing every moment, they realized they had uncovered something special — the spark that could ignite a true fire of love. Enchanted by one another, they remained oblivious to the raging storm outside gradually calming down, leaving only a gentle whisper of the wind.
***
Morning arrived quietly, and bright rays of sunlight began to filter through the curtains, cutting through the morning mist and creating magical glimmers on the snow outside. Hermione opened her eyes slightly and looked at Fleur, and in her eyes reflected the gentle morning glow. The atmosphere was serene, but the awareness that they needed to get ready for the second part of the conference was quickly growing, after which they would have to return home.
Outside, the snow-covered Alps were visible, their pristine slopes bathed in the morning light, as if nature itself was welcoming their newfound feelings. The storm that had raged all night had finally calmed, leaving behind a clean, sparkling blanket of snow that shimmered under the sun’s rays.
“Time flies too quickly,” Hermione said with a slight sigh, but she couldn’t help smiling as she looked at Fleur, seeing her as if for the first time. Their last night had been filled with tenderness, and every minute spent together felt priceless.
Fleur, sensing the same light sadness but not wanting to let the morning light fade, pulled Hermione closer and whispered, “Let’s make this morning special before we leave this place.”
They exchanged gentle kisses, their lips connecting so effortlessly. Hermione felt her heart fill with warmth, and Fleur’s care made her forget about time. They spent several minutes in a warm embrace, gazing at the snow-capped peaks, realizing that this night had marked the beginning of something new for them.
Soon they would have to prepare to leave, but in that moment, surrounded by the beauty of the Alps and the morning tranquility, they knew that their journey was just beginning, and hope for a future together lived in their hearts.