Chapter 7
A Conflict of Emotions

Harry was pacing. He had yelled, screamed, and ranted at Vincent and Leo for a good hour. Now he simply paced. Both Leo and Vincent had retreated as soon as they were able, with the excuse that they had to speak to the headmaster or some other such nonsense. Harry knew, however, that they simply wanted to get away from him and he didn't blame them. He was furious. Nothing could explain the deep seething anger he felt at that moment, this was worse than the time he'd destroyed Dumbledore's office.

He took deep calming breaths, which truthfully didn't help calm his anger... at all. He was having a hard time processing what he had just learned. The very idea was so far-fetched and unbelievable. Things like that shouldn't be possible. There was no way someone could wake up one day and simply become... something else! It was absurd.

He froze. Maybe they were playing a joke on him. He looked about suspiciously. Maybe he was being watched right now.


Harry remained in his rooms the rest of the day, not even bothering to go back to classes or even go down to the Great Hall to eat. He was reading through Recognizing Veelas, which the room had provided for him along with a series of other books. There was no mention of someone becoming a veela by accident or otherwise, the book only dealt with those born Veelas.

A knock at the door startled him and he blinked at it. He had grown used to Leo just coming right in whenever he pleased. "Err- come in?"

The door opened and Rayn stuck his head inside, "Have you calmed down?"

Harry shrugged, closing his book and throwing it on the floor. Ignoring Rayn's displeased look at the action. "I am as calm as I'm going to get."

Rayn looked at something behind him and nodded. "Then I'd like you to meet someone."

Harry stood, shoving his hands into his pockets as Rayn led someone inside and closed the door swiftly. The boy before him was tall, almost unbearably so, with pale blonde hair and even paler eyes. Almost like a ghost.

"Harry, this is Azure Delacour, a good friend of mine," Rayn said. "Azure, Harry Potter."

Hearing the boy's name, Harry took another look at him. He certainly didn't resemble Fleur. "Charmed."

The boy cocked an eyebrow at him, lips pulling up into a small mocking smile. "Indeed, I'm sure you are."

Harry decided he didn't like this guy. Not at all.

Rayn's face twisted briefly before he smiled tightly. "Azure is here to test something."

"The veela thing, right?" murmured Harry suspiciously.

Azure sniffed disdainfully. "Yes, the veela thing."

"All right," Harry agreed, reigning in his anger. "But first I want to know how this could have possibly happened."

"You mean they haven't told you yet?" the veela, or whatever he was, laughed. He threw Rayn a look which went ignored. "Maybe we should wait until after he finds out all the details, yes?"

"What details?" Harry demanded, interrupting Rayn who was about to speak. He eyed the two of them suspiciously before his temper flared. "Whatever it is, I want to know. NOW."

"All right!" Rayn snapped, startling Harry and even Azure, who took a step back away from him. "This is mere speculation on most of our parts. The Ministry isn't even telling the headmaster anything."

"The Ministry?" wondered Harry.

"They're supposed to be looking for a way to send you home," Rayn continued. Harry shot Azure a look, but the boy simply grinned in a knowing way. Harry couldn't help but roll his yes, apparently no one was very good about keeping secrets. "We're under the impression that they tried something a while back which was what led you to getting knocked unconscious. I believe that they tried to send you forward through time, without first seeing what year you were from. If they had succeeded, you'd have likely not landed in your own time or you might have been completely erased from existence." Harry cringed. "The Ministry likes to think they have a lock on Time."

"It felt like I was getting ripped to pieces," Harry growled.

"They tried to send you back, you tried to stay," said Azure, amusement coloring his voice. "You were being ripped apart."

"Lovely," Harry muttered. "Wait, what does that have to do with this..." He waved his hand at himself, trailing off uncomfortably.

Azure grinned widely. "Our lovely Rayn was summoned. He's an expert healer, you see. Probably inherited from his mother. What he didn't expect when healing you, however, was for his magic to get sucked into you."

Harry spluttered. "What!"

Rayn scowled at his friend. "Don't listen to him. He's just trying to scare you." He sighed when Harry continued to stare at him wide-eyed. "You tried to suck my magic out, what you sucked out, however... well..."

"I sucked out your Veela!" Harry cried, horrified. He ignored Rayn's attempts to calm him down as he began pacing around yet again.

Azure was amused. He'd previously thought helping the boy would have be just as dull and exhausting as the last time he'd tried to help someone; his younger sister, Apolline, who'd had trouble controlling her own temper.

"Sit, sit!" Rayn was dragging the horrified boy to the sofa, pushing him down among the many pillows that suddenly appeared. Harry sunk into the cushions until only his head remained visible from beneath the pile of pillows. "Er..."

"I think this thing is trying to eat me," Harry said, he flailed an arm about helplessly, throwing them a wide eyed look. "Could I get a little help?"

"No, no, stay there," Rayn exclaimed. "Just relax."

"I feel suffocated, how can I relax!" Harry grumbled, writhing around awkwardly before huffing and giving up. "Well, at least I can't hurt you from here."

"I think that was the plan," mused Azure. He dodged Rayn's poorly aimed kick, rolling his eyes at his friend's childishness and sniffing disdainfully as he took a seat in the armchair. He stared around distastefully, the room was a bizarre combination of the Gryffindor Common Room - which he had visited after arriving in order to greet Leoned - and a library. The sheer use of red in the room was appalling and there seemed to be no set pattern to the various decorations that littered the walls and floor, almost as though the room had been decorated randomly. Or by someone suffering from mental instability. He eyed Harry suspiciously.

"I'm not exactly an expert at these type of things," Rayn was saying, either unaware or ignoring Harry's growing agitation. "What we do know, however, is that you'll begin showing characteristics of a Veela. That is; charm, allure, beauty-"

"Are you calling me ugly?" Harry interrupted, pouting.

"Out of everything he's said, that's what you focus on?" Azure shook his head. This was going to be hell.

"You might experience periods where you'll feel paranoid or furious without reason," Rayn continued, ignoring them both.

"This sounds very rehearsed," muttered Harry.

"Oh, it is!" Azure whispered, grinning widely, showing rows of perfectly aligned white teeth. "He spent almost two hours rehearsing in front of the mirror."

Harry cleared his throat loudly until Rayn was forced to stop and look at him inquiringly. "I thought Veelas were only female?"

Azure leaned back in his seat, wiggling around to get comfortable as though preparing himself for a long explanation. "That's a common misconception. Male Veelas are uncommon, but not rare. Full blooded male Veelas are very rare, however." He gestured at himself primly. "I am a full blooded male Veela. Lovely Rayn here is a half Veela, his mother was a full blooded Veela who was my mother's cousin-"

"I don't need another family lesson, please," Harry interrupted, pained.

The full blooded Veela sniffed and stuck his nose up, glaring at Harry as though he were a bug that needed to be squished immediately. Harry didn't appreciate that, truthfully, and so he glared right back, sticking his tongue out for good measure.

"You have much to learn," Azure said, shaking his head. Harry didn't like the sound of that either.

Azure's idea of teaching Harry "control" was, apparently, to continuously piss him off until Harry finally exploded. The Veela then proceeded to spray Harry with water as though he were a dog. Harry had no idea what was happening until Rayn explained that Azure was helping him control his temper by humiliating him. Shockingly enough, it was working. Occasionally.

He was finally allowed to rest in peace with the promise that Azure would return in the morning to continue the "lessons".


Lessons with Azure the next morning where as much a pain as they were the night before. As soon as the Veela had gone into the bathroom for a break, Harry had snuck out the door and down the hallway as fast as his legs could carry him.

Harry let out a deep breath as he reached the fourth floor. "I need... more exercise." He looked about cautiously, relaxing when he didn't see anyone he recognized. Rounding the corner, he accidentally ran smack into a small hunched figure. The impact sent him flying over the figure and he landed, quite painfully, flat on his face. Cursing his luck and the stupidity of people who stood hunched over where anyone could trip over them he didn't even bother moving off the floor.

"I am so sorry!" a small squeaky voice cried. "Let me help you up."

Harry sat up slowly, waving the help away in irritation. "Listen, what were you-" And he froze, mouth agape. "You're-"

The girl fidgeted under his stare, adjusting her overly large glasses. "I'm Myrtle. You're that new boy, something Potter?"

Shaking off his shock, Harry nodded. "Harry Potter."

"Nice to meet you," Myrtle said, timidly.

Harry wrinkled his nose at her. "Sorry. I imagined you to be loud and obnoxious."

"Pardon me?" stuttered Myrtle, eyes wide.

"Err- I mean-" Harry laughed nervously, realizing what he'd said. "I... err, I heard... about you, I mean. Yeah, that's it. From..." He tried to jog his memory of second year. "Olivia... Oli-something."

"Olive Hornby?" Myrtle scowled darkly.

"I think that's it," Harry muttered.

Myrtle seemed to deflate. "Oh." Harry gave her a confused, questioning look. "She's always teasing me about my glasses. I'm used to it."

Feeling guilty, Harry pat her shoulder awkwardly. "I'm sorry. But really, you shouldn't be accustomed to people speaking ill of you."

The girl smiled shyly. "Thank you."

Harry tapped his chin thoughtfully, looking her up and down. "Maybe if you changed your glasses she wouldn't tease you anymore."

The girl frowned. "Oh, I can't afford new glasses."

Harry couldn't believe he was feeling sorry for her, after she'd spread the rumor that he'd murdered Draco Malfoy. Still... maybe if her appearance changed...

Myrtle was startled by the smile that spread across his face. "I have an idea," he said before dragging her off.


"You're what?" Leo questioned for the third time. "I just don't understand." He eyed the Ravenclaw girl wringing her hands worriedly behind Harry.

"I don't expect you to understand," Harry growled. "I just expect you to help me. Now, will you give me what I need or not?"

"Yes, yes," said Leo startled. "My goodness."

"I don't have all day, you know. I still have things to do."

"I'm sorry for keeping you," Leo raised an eyebrow at Harry's behavior, feeling put out. "Are you sure you don't need any help?"

"No," Harry said shortly. Finally gathering all he needed, he grabbed the girl's hand with his free one and dragged her away rapidly.

Leo stared after them for a moment before deciding to forgo going to the infirmary that day and to just go back to sleep. Maybe next time he woke, the world would make sense again.


"I- I don't know," Myrtle said hesitantly. She gazed at herself in the mirror, fingering her hair. "I'm not much to look at."

"Don't be so pessimistic," Harry retorted, sorting through the materials he had gathered. "If Leo could tame my hair, anything is possible."

"But I don't understand why," Myrtle look at him through the mirror.

"Don't worry, I don't want anything in return," said Harry. "But I believe it will benefit all." Plus, if you die. Maybe you won't be such a whiner this way.

Myrtle drew her eyebrows together and shrugged. She took off her hair ties, allowing her hair to cascade down her back in a tangled mess.

Harry wrinkled his nose, looking at her hair and back at the brush in his hands. "Here I go."

Half an hour later, Myrtle was rubbing tears out of her eyes. Harry stood behind her triumphantly, he had managed to untangle half of her hair. "Now the second half." Myrtle whimpered.

Another twenty minutes later and Myrtle's hair was tangle free, while the girl was whimpering in pain.

Harry ignored her, picking up a book from the counter and opening it to the marked page. He read through the page then held it up for Myrtle to see. "I think we should do this with your hair."

"Really? That looks so lovely," Myrtle whispered in awe.

"This looks rather simple. I just hope I don't mess up and make your head explode," Harry said uncaringly.

"My head what!" Myrtle cried.

Harry repeated the motions and incantation as shown in the book. He felt his wand warm and then cool, he waited for the tip to light before slowly and gently running the wand over Myrtle's hair, grinning as the strands bent and curled with the magic. "Who knew hair styling could be this simple."

Once that was done, Harry scrutinized his victim. "We'll have to do something about those hideous glasses, of course. After we're done, Olive Hornby will never bother you again. If she does, she'll get a good kick in the-"

"Harry!" Myrtle blushed, mortified.

Harry cleared his throat awkwardly. He reached out and picked up a different book, flipping through the pages absently. "Here we have a spell to make things thinner, maybe that will work. Unless you want to try an eye repairing charm, but since I'm not a certified Healer you'd likely end up blind."

"No! Thin is good!" Myrtle placed her glasses on the counter. Harry waved his wand and leaned back as the glasses 'shrunk'. "Perfect." Myrtle hesitantly put her glasses back on her face.

"Lastly, I think we'll need a girl's help," Harry tapped his right foot thoughtfully. Then he grinned widely. "I think I know the perfect person, too. Maybe two."


"You want me to what?" Cornelia demanded incredulously. Staring at Harry as though he'd suddenly grown another head. "That's a joke, right?"

"No, actually, I was hoping you would agree quickly," Harry said.

"Quickly?" Cornelia cocked an eyebrow at him. "You've obviously lost your head. I'm sorry, but I have better things to do than help out a-"

"Maybe I didn't make myself clear," Harry interrupted. "Perhaps you'll agree quickly once I tell you if you do not, I will reveal a certain little secret to all your little Slytherin friends. Then we'll see who's calling who a mudblood."

Cornelia stiffened, staring at him and looking as though the world had suddenly crashed down around her. For a Slytherin, she really was so melodramatic, Harry thought viciously. "Are you black mailing me?"

Harry cocked an eyebrow, mimicking her previous expression. "I thought that was obvious."

"How do you-"

"Know?" Harry chuckled. "I know because Rayn knows. It's all very complicated and you don't need to know."

"Who the bloody hell is Rayn?" Cornelia hissed angrily.

"You two seem to having a very cozy talk over here," Helga whispered loudly as she joined them in the corner. She took the seat to Harry's right, reaching out and patting Cornelia's shoulder. "Come now, Cornie. There's no need to be rude to our dear baby Potter."

"Don't call me Cornie," Cornelia snapped. "You only just met him two days ago!"

Helga was looking at Harry curiously. Harry absentmindedly wondered if she maybe hadn't been meant for Gryffindor, like the rest of the Weasleys, instead of Slytherin. But looking at the Cheshire grin on her face, he had serious doubts. "So what brings you to our side of the castle, little Gryffindor?"

Harry didn't bother correcting her. "Well, I was asking Cornie for a little help, you see."

"Don't call me Cornie!" Cornelia snapped again.

"Oh?" Helga leaned forward, interest piqued.

"I need a girl's perspective. Since the only two girl's I've met are Cornie and Raven-"

"Say no more!" Helga suddenly threw her hands up. "I can see why you wouldn't go to Raven. All right then, if that's the case. I have no choice but to volunteer for this task."

Cornelia rolled her eyes. Harry was ecstatic, however, and not only because he'd managed to get the help he needed but also because he'd managed to snag Helga Weasley without any work at all. He hadn't even had to blackmail her. He threw Cornelia a little smirk.

The dark skinned girl gritted her teeth. "Oh, very well."

"Brilliant!" Harry cried excitedly, drawing the attention of all the Slytherin students still in the common room. He ignored their condescending glares and happily led the two girls out.

"So... What are we doing?" wondered Helga.