Don't own Harry Potter as you already know

Those who are worried about me not finishing this story, don't be. I wouldn't give up this story no matter what.

Beta'd by SlythrInHermione

CHAPTER 2

Following an extremely awkward evening, the next day found the various camp occupants lined up to enter the Quidditch stadium. The sun had quickly disappeared and the championship was set to begin shortly.

Harry was really looking forward to watching the match, a pleasant alternative to dealing with Ron. Although he admitted, he would have been looking forward to it a lot more, had he been watching it with Fleur.

To make matters worse, Harry heard an enthusiastic voice call out to him the moment the group finally made their way into the stadium.

"Harry m'boy!" Boomed the Minister's voice as they all turned to see Cornelius Fudge approaching, trailed by what Harry assumed were Aurors.

As Fudge reached them, Percy stepped forward giving him the most respectful, yet ridiculous, bow that Harry had ever seen.

Fudge however, simply brushed past the former head boy, completely oblivious as he made his way to Harry.

Said wizard suppressed a snort at the quick turn of events, more than aware of the glare he was receiving from the aforementioned redhead.

Fudge treated Harry to a robust greeting, one strictly meant for a favourite nephew, while Harry simply did his best to appear enthusiastic in his response.

This only seemed to please Fudge immensely, who immediately began leading Harry away all the while discussing the Ministry's current affairs.

"That was quite the task we had cleaning that up believe me. Now tell me that you were able to find yourself a spot in the box for the match Harry. After all, someone like you shouldn't be sitting amongst such a crowd."

As Fudge continued rambling Harry noticed that he was indeed being led to the box by the minister.

Looking back, Harry saw various expressions on the Weasleys' faces due to the attention he was receiving from the Ministry official. These ranged from bewilderment or sympathy for the majority, to outrage by a select few.

"Actually, no sir, we were going to find seats in the crowd." Harry answered back trying to keep the edge off his voice while pacifying those around him who may have overheard.

"Well then, it's a good thing I saw you m'boy! You deserve to sit with the dignitaries in the box, where you belong." Fudge said disapprovingly as he lead them inside the box.

As the Minister turned his back, Harry beckoned for the others to follow him which they did without much indecision.

Upon entering, Harry immediately recognized Draco Malfoy sitting beside his father and a beautiful woman, who was obviously his mother. Absentmindedly, he noted their seats at the entrance of the box, away from the high dignitaries.

As they passed, Draco sent Harry and the group a sneer while Lucius merely regarded Hermione with disgust.

Following the kind greeting to the box, they all made their way over to where Harry saw Fudge greeting a pair of well-dressed men.

Realising that they were now in the most secluded part of the box, Fudge sat down gesturing for Harry to sit next him. While the Weasleys and Hermione were forced to find their own seats on the opposite side of the two men.

Once Harry was seated, Fudge immediately began introducing him to the first man, the Bulgarian Minister of Magic, who was a large black haired man with a matching beard. Followed by the French Minister of Magic, who Harry figured must have been in his mid 50's despite the youthful, clean-shaven face.

The three ministers wasted no time including Harry into their conversations before the match. Harry didn't mind being put on the spot by the minister, as he was actually quite curious to learn about the magical areas of other countries.

Soon after, Harry noticed that only Fudge remained talking while, with the exception of Mr Weasley, every other wizard in the vicinity had become mute.

Registering the surrounding witch's glares, Harry was surprised these included Hermione, since he had never truly seen the bushy haired girl show such negative emotion.

Despite his growing disgust at the males' drooling, Harry attempted to decipher the reason for Ron's reaction. True, he had seen the boy act similarly when presented a plate of food, but he was still rather taken aback.

An excited tap on his shoulder caught Harry's attention, while simultaneously sending Fudge into the wide spread trance.

Recognizing the flowery scent of Fleur from earlier yesterday, he turned to find the girl beaming at him. Her sparkling blue eyes seemed to pull him in as Harry lost concentration for a moment before mentally shaking himself, shooting her grin in response.

Seeming overly pleased at this, the young witch shot a triumphant look over her shoulder at a beautiful woman that Harry guessed, judging from the resemblance, was her mother.

Noticing the older woman studying him, Harry met her gaze before he felt an overwhelming presence in his mind instructing him to kiss her feet. Appalled by the thought, he broke the eye contact only for the sensation to disappear, leaving the older woman surprised by his control.

After shooting Harry an understanding look, the gentleman accompanying her, most likely Fleur's father, had began greeting the Ministers while Fleur went to her mother sporting a satisfied expression as they began conversing.

Harry watched the byplay curiously while they made their way to the seats beside him. Catching sight of a miniature version of the two who was blushing furiously while sneaking peaks at him, he flashed her a quick smile sending her scurrying behind her mother's legs in embarrassment of being caught.

Following the introductions of her family, Fleur turned to him with a pout eliciting the nearest males to draw closer, much to his annoyance.

"I zought you said zat you weren't seating in ze box?" She accused while many of the surrounding wizards took deep breaths from overhearing her musical voice.

Further increasing his aggravated mood, Harry noticed that the majority of the fools in the box were focusing on Fleur. However, among the worst of the group were his honorary brothers who were peering at her longingly. Honestly it was pathetic, yet these were the supposed dignitaries of the region and his closest friends.

"Well, we weren't going to but our minister recognized me from back home and had us accompany him here." Surprised by the control of his voice, Harry gestured reluctantly to the Weasleys and Hermione.

The latter was now raging as she unsuccessfully tried to shake Ron out of his trance. Ginny however, looked on with amusement while shooting Harry a wave to which he was extremely grateful for.

Before he could analyse her contrasting response to the Delacour women, Fleur continued.

"Well I'm glad zat you decided to accept. But are you sure zat you didn't just let 'im see you on purpose, so zat you could get to seat next to moi tonight?" She teased with a mischievous smirk, likely expecting Harry to fold.

Flustered for a second before recovering, he stated a dismissive "Nah!" before continuing on.

"Besides, I'd say that you were the one who was rather anxious to see me again. In fact, if I didn't know better I would wager that you begged your father to convince the minister to scout for me outside the entranceway. A lot of effort just to keep those seats open so you could sit next to me." Harry responded cheekily with his own smirk.

All the while trying to contain his mirth at the shocked looks on Fleur and her mother's faces. Harry was quite surprised he was actually able to beat Fleur at her own game, but decided to enjoy the moment as he figured it wouldn't be commonplace.

Fleur stammered a few times as her father laughed in amusement. Finally noticing the victorious smirk on Harry's face and his body shaking with silent laughter.

Scowling good naturedly, she hit him on the arm. Only to have Harry reply by turning to her with a wounded puppy eyed look to which she seemed to melt in the presence of.

The pair continued their playful banter while talking to her family, with the exception of Gabriele, who apparently didn't understand English but continued asking him questions regardless.

Eventually, Fudge stood and went to a podium that appeared as the whole stadium went silent in anticipation. Distracted by his conversation, the minister shouted something that Harry couldn't quite catch as cheers rose to deafening levels.

Harry observed a group of women in revealing clothing walk out to the center pitch, all dawning the same silvery hair as the Delacour witches. Although they paled in comparison to Fleur's beauty, atleast in his opinion.

Music began playing as the performers soon commenced their erotic dancing. Harry watched on uncomfortably as he noticed Fleur and her mother stiffen, looking disgustedly at them.

Worse still was the immediate environment in the box, as every single male jumped to their feet, goggling at the women. Some of the wizards were openly drooling while others attempted to jump off nearby balconies onto the field despite the safety charms.

Appalled at the scene, Harry looked to his left before bowing his head in embarrassment. The ministers were now touching the glass of the box hungrily, while Ron and his brothers followed suit through their omnioculars.

The only reprieve from the situation was Ginny, who was rolling around on the floor in laughter as her camera, which no doubt had many embarrassing pictures, lay beside her on the floor.

Hermione however found no amusement in the situation as she alternated her murderous glare between Ron and the five witches. Harry's eyebrows rose upon noticing that her wand was clasped tightly within her hand, occasionally releasing red sparks.

Harry eventually looked back to the pitch and while he was mildly amused by the spectacle, he was becoming increasingly bored and irritated.

Harry entertained the idea that he may have possibly reacted as bad as the other men, had he not met Fleur first though. Mr. Weasley and Delacour seemed to be the only others unaffected as they were pointedly ignoring the scene around them. Each offering Harry a congratulatory nod upon registering his restraint.

Beginning to wonder when this exhibition was going to end, Harry turned to see Fleur looking as if she had never been more satisfied in her life. She took his hand and gave a tight squeeze before letting it go, copying her mother who was still glaring out the box.

Harry sat in a daze peering at his hand which was now glowing red when he was interrupted by a sharp tap on his shoulder.

As he saw Hermione, Harry was taken aback by her red face and awkward expression. Before she could talk however, Harry spoke first.

"What exactly is going on here Hermione?" He asked, gesturing to the transfixed wizards. He could understand why they would find the women attractive, but to actually resort to this behaviour was beyond him.

Unintentionally, his voice carried throughout the quiet box drawing the Delacours' attention. Unknowing, they observed him in shock as Hermione's stormy demeanour grew.

"What do you mean Harry? Those are Veela! Their natural aura allures males and sometimes women too. I'm actually very surprised that you are not affected at all. Especially since dancing to the music allows them to carry out their hypnotic effect to the entire crowd, even capturing the attention of those who are not directly looking at them." Hermione sounded truly agitated by this, while Harry noticed that the Delacours were regarding him with bewildered expressions.

"Harry." Hermione continued softly after a while, dawning an understanding expression.

Harry detested that tone of her voice as she often adopted it in her condescending lectures.

"The only men who can truly be this immune. To say, not feeling the pull at all...are well .. well, they are usually those who play for the other team."

Harry simply stayed silent, trying to process what Hermione had alluded to. Looking at the Delacours, he saw disbelief and disappointment while Mr Weasley appeared to have been hit in the head by a Bludger.

Focusing on Hermione whose expression mirrored the previous looks, along with a betrayed expression, Harry realized exactly what they all thought.

Suddenly, he lost control as he fell off his chair, laughing hysterically. Ginny, who for some reason was still on the floor, joined him. Whether she had found the topic or his reaction hilarious, he didn't know.

They both continued laughing, egging each other on subconsciously until they could hardly breathe while tears of mirth streamed down their faces.

After gathering himself, gasping for air on the ground, Harry climbed back into his chair as elegantly as the previous scene allowed.

Focusing on Hermione, who for once was speechless, he asked in a disbelieving tone, "Are you trying to say that I'm homosexual?"

He had nothing against homosexuals mind you, but this was just absurd. Anyone who had taken the time to genuinely get to know him should have realized this.

Deciding to elaborate Harry continued, "Hermione, don't you remember last year when I started having a crush on Cho Chang? Surely you don't think I was faking."

At this, Hermione immediately looked apologetic, while the Delacours drew closer trying to overhear the conversation.

"Right, you're right. Sorry Harry, it was just strange that you weren't affected. I may have got just a little upset at the fact that some people can't seem to be more like you." She finished with an icy voice, looking directly at Ron.

As she turned to head back to her seat, Hermione narrowed her eyes at Fleur who had obviously been listening and now seemed both relieved but also apprehensive.

Harry, realizing he had been ignoring Fleur began to apologize. While at the same time, she also opened her mouth to speak. Both however, were interrupted as the music ceased and the five Veela quickly vacated the stadium, drawing boos from everyone returning back to reality.

Fudge visibly shook himself, along with many of the other males and Harry was satisfied to see that the Malfoys had also made complete fools of themselves.

The Minister subtly attempted to dry his drool as he pressed his wand to his throat before booming in a magnified voice, "Well, what a performance. Now let's enjoy as we have all gathered here tonight for the long anticipated QUIDITCH WORLD CUP FINALS!" The whole crowd roaring in cheer.

"Let me introduce our commentator for our game; LUDO BAGMAN!" Once again the whole crowd erupted as a jovial man, wearing bright multi-coloured robes, stood up before racing toward the podium with a huge grin on his face.

"Evening folks, hope everyone's as excited as I am. Without further ado, allow me to introduce our players for the game. Let's kindly welcome, from THE IRISH NATIONAL QUIDDITCH TEAM; CONNOLY! RYAN! TROY! MULLET! MORAN! QUIGLEY! AAAAAAND LYNCH!" At this, huge applause erupted from the green side of the stadium showing their support.

"And now, please greet THE BULGARIAN NATIONAL QUIDDITCH TEAM! Presenting; DIMITROV! IVANOVA! ZOGRAF! LEVSKI! VULCHANOV! VOLKOV! AAAAAAND KRUM!"

Immediately, the majority of the crowd went wild, chanting 'KRUM! KRUM!', as the Bulgarian team raced around the stadium with Viktor Krum in the lead.

Harry, after having listened to Ron for the past days, now figured he knew as much about the best seeker in the world as he possibly could.

Soon however, the match was under way as Harry forgot everything else, focusing solely on the fast pace. To say this was the most exciting game he had ever seen would be an understatement, if there ever was one. The teamwork displayed and pinpoint manoeuvres were a sight to behold.

Earlier than he had hoped for though, the match concluded with Ireland claiming the cup. Despite the fact that Krum had eventually caught the snitch, the Ireland chasers had completely dominated the match.

Lost in his thoughts of the game, Harry followed the crowd exiting the stadium when suddenly, Fleur pulled Harry aside. Making their way away from the others, Harry saw her family watching them while her mother sent them a knowing look.

Once they were safely secluded, Harry was surprised to see that the beautiful witch was acting quite nervous. Fidgeting, she kept looking at her feet and breaking eye contact while obviously lost in thought.

Harry confusingly reached out, gently moving her chin to face him. The contact alone sending chills through his body.

Lifting her head up, Fleur looked startled by the gesture while he regarded her with an expectant demeanour. Finally they broke each other's captivating gaze when she spoke.

"So um...ze girl you talked about with your bushy 'aired friend." She paused before continuing.

"Ze one you called Cho Chang...are you two...um...are you dating?" She asked nervously as Harry was caught off guard by the topic and surprised to see the blush that crept up her face.

Harry smiled at her before answering, "No, we're not. The first time I even noticed her was during a Quidditch match. But besides then, we've never really spoken to each other."

Upon finishing, Harry grew more confused to see the relieved smile that formed on her beautiful features. Was she actually interested in him like that? He just couldn't seem to grasp that fact, even presented by the darkening blush.

"And, do you like 'er?" She asked innocently and Harry couldn't help but move forward to reassure her.

Gazing directly into her eyes which were slightly higher than his he replied, "Honestly, I don't know. I haven't really thought about any girls since I got here. You would probably have to ask me that question when I'm back at school. But I guess that won't happen since we probably will never meet again."

Startled by the sadness in his voice, he was dejected to see a similar expression reflected in her own eyes.

"You never know 'Arry." She replied softly and Harry grew hopeful, wishing he could listen to her all night. He simply loved the way his name rolled off her tongue.

"We might see each ozzer again. But if we don't, zen at the very leazt, I want you to write moi. We stay in contact and zen we will definitely plan for ze future." Her voice growing more determined as she went.

Relieved, they each exchanged location addresses, promising to stay in contact. Although Harry covered for his false identity, instructing her to wait for his owl first, explaining that she was very territorial when it came to his letters. Which he figured was actually true.

The pair continued to talk but soon realizing how dark it was becoming, decided to head back.

As they approached the group, Harry noticed Mr. Weasley and Bill having a conversation with the Delacours, while Ron continued to gape from a distance.

Used to this by now, Harry ignored his friend but what caught his attention was the sly look on Bill's face. The oldest Weasley flashed Fleur a charming smile when they arrived and Harry felt his hands burn in outrage as she smiled back politely.

Following the forced introductions and somewhat tense conversation, everyone bid the Delacours farewell.

Just as Harry turned to leave however, he felt something soft slam into his back. Looking down, he saw little Gabrielle with her tiny arms wrapped around him as she held him. Smiling, he lifted her up before planting a kiss on her cheek, causing her to go completely red as he and the elder Delacours shared a laugh.

Placing her back on the ground, Harry glanced at Fleur who now looked torn at not having received her own personal goodbye.

Harry fancying the opportunity himself, decided to tease her. "Well Fleur, if you wanted one too, all you had to do was ask." He finished with a smirk, causing her to do a double take before running, capturing him in a tight hug which surprised everyone.

Before breaking their embrace but after a few moments of contact, she placed a gentle kiss on his cheek while whispering something in French as her departure.

Harry watched in a trance as she and her family walked away, all the while holding his cheek which burned with a heavy blush.

Snapping out of it, he found the remainder of the group watching him with reactions similar to those during the Veela performance.

As they made their way back to the tent, there was only one thought in Harry's mind as a few of the brothers pointedly ignored him.

'Thank Merlin the summer was almost over.'

And there goes yet another edited chapter, Read and Review