Chattanooga notes
A/N: I wished I owned Harry Potter. Alas, I do not. Ms. Rowling, I'd be happy to take it off your hands
A/N: Only one chapter for this day, but still, it's a pretty specific date
Chapter 33: Under the Lights
December 25th, 1994
"Well, you look quite dashing," Minnie said to Harry. Harry flashed her a smile. "How did you decide on green?"
"Well, Lavender heard me and a few other guys talking about clothes, so she volunteered to help me. She is quite good at the color charm."
"She is quite different than your other friends," Minnie remarked.
"Yeah, but don't let her fool you. I know she doesn't get the best grades, but she is good with people," Harry said.
"I don't know her as well as I should, but I'll take your word for it," his grandma said. "You've taken a lot of my time this year." Harry flashed a bashful smile at that and Minnie grinned back. Despite how crazy his year had been, at heart her grandson was the same shy but confident 14-year old that she was proud to call her blood. The door swung open and Akira walked in. He was in a normal tuxedo and was wearing a bow-tie that he tugged at. Harry grinned at his brother, who was clearly uncomfortable.
"You look really spiffy," Harry said, elbowing him.
"I feel ridiculous," Akira said. "Why can't I just wear regular clothes?"
"You can't ever cut loose, just a little bit?" Harry said, his smile growing wider. "Just relax and go with the flow. Minnie, you should make him dance tonight." Akira's face went wide. "Come on, you always preach how important footwork is. Now you can show it to everyone."
"Don't be ridiculous," Akira snapped. "Come on now, it's time to get going."
"Right," Harry said, and followed them down to the entrance to the great hall. He waved to a few friends as they walked past him. Cedric was wearing a regular tuxedo and looked quite nervous. Madame Maxime and Karakoff were dressed up as well. The only person wearing non-formal clothes was Dumbledore, in the same style robe he always wore.
"Well, we are waiting for a few more," Dumbledore said. Cedric and Harry nodded, and then Harry heard the older boy gasp a little. His eyes widened, and a goofy smile floated over his face. Harry turned and saw Hermione descending down the stairs. Lavender had grabbed him earlier that day and told him that Hermione was going to shock the entire school and Harry couldn't help but agree.
Instead of the normal bushy hair, Hermione had done her hair so that it coiled around the top of her head, while most of it was in a long braid that went just over her right shoulder. She was wearing a long gown that was a light blue that seemed to flow around her. She gave a shy smile and walked down the last few steps. Harry elbowed Cedric, knocking him out of a daze.
"Go say hi," Harry hissed. Cedric walked up to Hermione and whatever he said made his best friend flush. Cedric offered her his arm and walked over to Harry. "Hermione, you look absolutely stunning."
"Thank you Harry," Hermione said. "You look good yourself."
"Cedric, I will have to steal a dance from her tonight," Harry said with a laugh.
"That's fine, as long as I get one with your date," Cedric said.
"Harry, who are you going with?" Hermione said crossly. "Does Cedric know?"
"It was partially his idea," Harry told her. "I wasn't planning on going, but he had a good idea, so we went with it." He turned and looked down the hallway. "Hermione, I don't know that you have ever actually been introduced, so if you will allow me?" Hermione nodded, and then saw Harry's date, and her eyes widened.
As she glided closer, Harry had to take a few deep breaths. He knew that he and Fleur were going as friends, but under different circumstances he would have been quite pumped up to be going dancing with her. She was an absolute vision in a silver dress, and Harry saw she was wearing the necklace he had sent her parents. She gave him a smile and a hug. Harry was surprised when the hug tightened, and Fleur didn't move for a few seconds.
"Thank you again, Harry," Fleur breathed into his ear before releasing him. She left an arm around his back, and Harry was surprised to realize he didn't really hate it. Her arm almost felt comfortable, and they were now exactly the same height. "I'm looking forward to tonight."
"As am I," Harry said, guiding Fleur over to the other couple. "Hermione let me introduce my date. This is Fleur Delacour, the champions of Beauxbaton. Fleur, this is my oldest and best friend, Hermione Granger."
"It's a pleasure to meet you," Fleur said. She released Harry for a second to give Hermione a quick hug, but as soon as the hug was done her left arm went back to Harry. Cedric raised an eye at Fleur, and after making sure Harry wasn't looking and was talking to Hermione, she flashed Cedric a small smile and a nod. The Hufflepuff's eyes widened a little bit, but he managed to stay relatively calm.
"This is all well and good, but where is Krum?" Karakoff said, anger clear on his face.
"Oh yeah," Harry said, trying to keep a straight face. "Victor didn't want to come. Did I forget to tell you?"
"Harry, he has to come," Dumbledore said gently. "The champions need to open the ball."
"I don't know exactly where he is," Harry lied. He suspected he could find Krum if forced to but was more than happy to let his new friend avoid the spotlight. Harry even made eye contact with Dumbledore and Karakoff, daring them to try to pry open his mind. "He didn't want to deal with the press, since there are going to be a few members here. Thought I guess there won't be too many there after all. I guess I forgot to mention." Harry's smile was almost predatory, with Cedric and Fleur trying and failing to hide their own signs of mirth.
"I'll go find him," Karakoff told everyone angrily, and then stalked off. The remaining Hogwarts professors just shrugged at each other, and all but the Deputy Headmistress filed into the fall.
"Well," McGonagall said. "We will go in and sit. Wait for the doors to open again, and then you will come in and do an opening dance. Then go sit at the head table. Have a good night all." The professors all walked in and the door shut behind them, leaving the two couples alone in the hall.
"So where is he?" Cedric asked.
"Hiding on in the library," Harry said. "He said Karakoff will never think to look for him there."
"Harry!" Hermione hissed. "You lied to Professor Dumbledore?"
"I wouldn't say it like that," Harry said. "I just said I don't know exactly where he is. I have no idea what table in the library he is at." Hermione glared at Harry, and then Fleur started laughing. Cedric couldn't hide his smile and soon Hermione's glare vanished, though she still didn't look pleased. "Hermione, it's no big deal. There are apparently a few members of the press, and Victor is just sick of it."
"Press?" Hermione said, registering the word for the first time. She looked a little sick.
"Hermione?" Harry said, grabbing her hands. "Close your eyes, and just take a deep breath. In…and out." He released her hands, and Fleur again wrapped her arm around his back. Cedric glanced at the French witch, who looked a little angry. The younger champion was clearly baffled by Fleur's growing irritation, and Cedric groaned internally. "Better?" Harry asked his best friend.
"A little," Hermione said.
"I wanted you to be my partner tonight," Cedric said. "Be confident. I think I'm the luckiest guy here." Harry saw Hermione straighten, and she nodded.
"I think that Harry and I will attract most of the attention," Fleur said. "When we get in there, I'm probably not going to be able control my allure too well. Don't worry about it. We will go in and have a good time." The door swung open, and Harry indicated to Cedric, who gave a sigh of relief as the tension left the hallway.
"We'll go second. I think it will cause a bigger stir that way," Harry said with a grin.
"You are enjoying this too much," Cedric said, extending his arm for Hermione.
"Oh, I'm well aware," Harry told him as Cedric and Hermione stepped into the great hall, which Harry could see was transformed into a ballroom. "Fleur, I know you are worried about your allure tonight. I just want to add one more promise." He held up his right arm, and the sleeve on the robe slid down, revealing his wand. "If anyone gets out of hand with you, I'll hex them until they can't stand."
"Thank you, but I can look after myself," Fleur said with a smile.
"Oh, I know you can," Harry told her. "You can have them after I'm done."
"You are ridiculous," Fleur said, taking Harry's extended arm. They walked into the ballroom and Harry heard a collective gasp at the two champions together. "They all seem surprised." Harry felt Fleur's allure get a little stronger as they neared the center of the room. He could tell she was a little nervous as her hand slid up to his shoulder and gripped him a little harder.
"Ok," Harry said to himself. "Very simple." He was a little nervous as he took Fleur's hand with his left and put his other on her hip. He took a deep breath and then looked at Fleur. For the first time, Harry realized how well her blue eyes complimented the dress and then the music started. Harry barely heard the music as he and his date glided around the floor. The steps he had painstakingly practiced were second nature with the French Champion in his arms.
Fleur saw something in Harry's eyes she had not seen before. He was pleased to be here with her, and for the first time Harry seemed to register that she was indeed a vision. His palms were a little sweaty and he occasionally glanced away, only to be drawn back to her eyes. It was an odd sensation for Fleur, to be dancing with someone who was entranced by her and not her allure, but through it all Fleur had to hide a triumphant smile.
Harry had no idea how long they danced, but it seemed like a split second later that others were all around them on the dance floor. Harry almost shook himself free from a spell over his mind, and saw Fleur do the same.
"How long have we been out here?" Fleur asked quietly. Harry glanced at his watch.
"I think quite a while," Harry said. "Want to go eat?"
"Very much," Fleur said, and Harry led her to the table where Cedric and Hermione sat.
"Thought you two would be out there all night," Cedric said. "Mind if we eat now?"
"You didn't need to wait," Harry said, holding Fleur's seat out for her and then sitting next to Cedric with Fleur on his other side. He looked at the menu on top of his plate curiously. "What is this?"
"Just say what food you want," Cedric said. "Like so. Lamb chops!" The food appeared on his plate, and Harry nodded understanding. Soon all four were eating and chatting about nothing in particular.
"Harry," someone across the table said, and Harry looked up and saw familiar red hair.
"Percy?" Harry said. "What are you doing here?" Hermione glanced up and saw the familiar past head boy. "I thought you were at the ministry now?"
"I am," Percy said. "I'm here for my boss, Mr. Crouch. He is feeling under the weather. He chose me to represent him at dinner." Percy puffed out his chest and Harry held back a groan. "I have to say, I'm surprised you didn't choose a nice English girl as your date." He glowered at Fleur, and Harry held his right arm up, allowing his sleeve to slide down, having every intent on hexing Percy into the nearest wall. Fleur slid her hand into his and lowered it to the table.
"Oh, I was so pleased to be Harry's date," Fleur said. "My father was happy as well. If you are in Mr. Crouch's department, I'm surprised you have never met him. He used to be the head of the French Aurors, and now he is the head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation. His name is Laurent Delacour." Percy's eyes widened, and Harry realized the Weasley Bureaucrat recognized the name and had committed a big slight.
"Nicely done," Harry said. Fleur gave him a smile, and Harry felt his stomach do a flop. He pushed that thought out of his mind instantly. What in the world was going on? He was here as Fleur's friend, and Harry held in his anger at himself. The fact that she was still holding his hand didn't make it easier. "Sorry about Percy. He has always been a bit of a prat."
"It's ok," Fleur said. "Is he perhaps related to your red-head friend?" Harry nodded, curious as to why Fleur brought up Ron. "Oh. His brother asked me out to the ball, and then ran away before I could answer. It was quite funny."
"Yeah, Ron is certainly one of the more susceptible to the allure," Hermione explained. "It's a little ridiculous."
"Don't worry about it," Harry said. "Now Cedric, I believe I told you I was going to steal Hermione for a dance." He stood and offered Hermione his arm, which she took. "Will you honor me with a dance?"
"Of course, kind sir." Harry guided Hermione out to the floor and they began to dance. "You and Fleur looked really good out here earlier. You must have danced for 20 straight minutes."
"You and Cedric didn't look too bad yourselves," Harry said. To be honest, Harry had absolutely no idea if that was true. He assumed it would be fine, but everything else in the world had seemed to vanish when he was dancing with Fleur. He would have to ask her if that was an unusual side effect of her allure. "I hope he is being a gentleman."
"He is," Hermione said. "I have a bit of a weird question. Harry, you didn't ask him to take me, right?"
"Of course not," Harry said.
"So," Hermione said, her voice so quiet Harry had to lean in to hear here, "do you think he might actually fancy me?"
"Hermione, I think he would be crazy not to." She turned away and Harry realized he had messed up. "Whoops," Harry muttered to himself. "Hermione," Harry said, loud enough for his dancing partner to hear him, "I am 100% sure he really likes you." Harry could see Hermione was still not convinced. Time for embarrassment. "I bet he tries to snog you senseless tonight."
"Harry!" Hermione cried out, but Harry couldn't stop himself from laughing as the song ended. He guided her back over to Cedric, who was dancing with Fleur.
"Hey, give it a go," Harry said as he handed her back to Cedric. "I hear it's pretty fun."
"My turn for a dance!" Lavender cried, grabbing Harry and leading him back to the dance floor. As the evening progressed, Harry danced with his new friends, also dancing with Susan, Hannah, and even Daphne, although their dance was stiff and definitely more than a little awkward. Through all of it Fleur sat alone, turning down potential partners, her eyes stuck upon the black haired green eyed wizard. Eventually the French Witch decided enough was enough
"If you don't mind," Fleur said as she cut in on Daphne, "I'd like my date back for a little while." Harry gave Daphne a sheepish smiled as he guided Fleur away and they started dancing as the next song started. Fleur wrapped her arms around Harry's neck and her frown was instantly a graceful smile.
"Hermione looked quite nervous," Fleur said.
"Oh, I was just trying to embarrass her," Harry explained. "She is worried that Cedric doesn't fancy her, which is ridiculous. He has been interested in her all year."
"I can tell," Fleur said. "You can see it in how he looks at her. Did he get her anything special for Christmas?"
"Oh, yeah," Harry said. "I forgot to tell you. All of my Hogwarts friends decided with the Yule Ball today, we would meet up, celebrate, and do presents on New Year's. I was hoping you could join and meet them. I got you something, and I'd love to see you open it in person."
"Harry, you have already given me enough, just by coming with me tonight!" Fleur said. "I feel bad enough with just this necklace."
"Don't think of it as a present then," Harry. "Someone gave me some advice that I thought was very good."
"What advice?" Fleur said, her eyes alight.
"She said all woman had body image issues. It's an intrinsic part of being a woman. Nothing you can say will change how she feels. What men don't understand is with the right clothes, the right jewelry, the right makeup, it hides the flaws they think they have, and makes us look beautiful to ourselves. That's what makes you beautiful to everyone else."
"That is interesting," Fleur said. "What does that have to do with the jewelry?"
"Now that I think about it, it's stupid," Harry said, blushing and looking away. The music slowed and Harry and Fleur slowed as well. Fleur slid her hand up to Harry's neck, forcing her to look at her. "Well, I was just thinking that I wanted you to know that to me, it didn't matter what you wear. When the person who gave me that advice was worried about the message I was sending with necklace, I told her what I'm about to tell you. I think you are amazing in so many ways, and the fact that not having something to wear might change how you feel about yourselves is crazy when you are so breathtakingly beautiful." Harry heard Fleur inhale sharply. "Stupid, right?" He looked up and saw a tear in Fleur's eye. "Fleur I-" Harry started to say but couldn't finish as Fleur tightened her arms around his neck, leaned forward and kissed him.
Fleur had been trying to resist since the moment she saw him. But as they danced and talked, Fleur now knew that there was something in Harry's body language that had not been there before. Over the course of the night, Fleur began to wonder if there was anything more than friendship from the young champion, and when he told her she was beautiful, she couldn't help herself.
Harry stood stock still as Fleur's lips met his, and he tensed up in surprise. The kiss lasted for quite a few seconds, as Fleur snuggled up against the youngest champion but Harry was so stunned he stood stock still like a fish out of water. Fleur drew back as Harry didn't respond, and Harry saw a half tear in his date's eye. They had stopped dancing and Harry stared at Fleur, confusion clear on his face. Fleur's face went bright red, and she tried to pull away, but Harry's strong arms tightened on her waist, preventing escape.
"Did I do that?" He murmured in her ear. "I don't think I reacted to your allure, but if I messed up,"
"No, I did that," Fleur said, and Harry released her. "I'm sorry, Harry. I just need some air." Fleur walked away and out the far door into the night, and Harry went back to his seat and slid into it, totally baffled. He heard someone slide into Fleur's now empty chair, and saw Charlie, in his normal dragon handler clothes.
"Hey Harry," Charlie said.
"Nice of you to dress up," Harry told the new professor.
"Yeah, I don't do that," Charlie said. "So, you and Fleur?"
"We are just friends," Harry said, though he was not sure if that was the case anymore. He had been sure Fleur saw him as a friend, 100% sure. Until around 1 minute ago. He resolved to get up and find her in a minute, but he needed a minute to himself as well.
"Yeah, because the last time I checked friends kissed each other like she just kissed you," Charlie said.
"You saw that?" Harry hissed.
"Not too many people did, if that is why you are so testy," Charlie said. "I'm here on bodyguard duty. Tonight seemed like a perfect night to attack you, so McGonagall and I have been keeping an eye on you." Harry nodded, still composing himself. "So, friends or more?"
"I have to go talk to her," Harry said, rising.
"Harry," Charlie said, and Harry glanced back. "Just do me a favor and keep an eye out." Harry nodded. "And be honest. Girls like that don't come around that often." Harry rolled his eyes, but then took a deep breath and walked out into the garden. He looked around but didn't see her. He did see two couples in the nearby bushes snogging. He walked past them and looked down the path. He saw a glimmer of silver and as he kept walking, he saw Fleur sitting on a bench near the edge of the garden. He sat down next to her, and they sat in silence for a few minutes.
"So…" Harry said, unsure of what to say, but feeling like he needed to say something.
"I'm sorry," Fleur blurted out. Harry could see she was just holding back tears. "I shouldn't have kissed you like that. I just couldn't stop myself." Harry didn't know what made him do it, but he put an arm around Fleur and guided her head to her shoulder. She started to cry, and Harry began to feel more uncomfortable. He thought back to how Hayashi Sensei had dealt with his wife that summer when she became upset in front of others, and kissed Fleur gently on the forehead. Her tears seemed to stop, and she turned to look at Harry, her eyes curious.
"You don't have to apologize," Harry said, and as he searched for the right words Fleur leaned towards him, but this time she stopped centimeters away.
July 1994
"Harry, I know that you haven't done a lot of long-term thinking, but today I was hoping we could do some visualization," Hayashi Sensei said.
"Of course Sensei," Harry said, extremely confused.
"Harry, you have no idea what I mean, do you?" his master asked. Harry reluctantly nodded. "I appreciate the respect, but you can always tell me when something is unclear. So do you have any questions?"
"Sensei, what is visualization?" Harry saw Hayashi Sensei smile at him.
"Visualization is meditating, but instead of calming your mind you focus on an image or series of images. I often use it to see a fight in my mind. Sit in your meditation stance." Harry sat and Hayashi Sensei sat across from him. "I'll guide you at the beginning. Let your mind clear." Harry took a few deep breaths, and began to form the picture of the lake in his mind.
"Now, I want you to see yourself in the future." Harry's lake faded away, and he saw someone that looked like himself. As Harry focused on the person, they became clearer and Harry saw the telltale scar on the forehead of the adult. He had the same eyes and hair, but he was taller and he had the same wry grin Harry had developed over the summer. Harry jumped a little as he realized this person was himself in the future.
"You have that person?" Harry nodded. "That person should be happy right?" Harry nodded, but it was much less emphatic. The man began to smile, wider. "Why are they happy? What surrounds them?" Harry saw Ron and Hermione next to him, both of them laughing. They were all sitting on a bench, and a few children were on Ron's lap.
"I see myself and my friends. Ron even has some kids!" Harry said, in a half trance.
"What about you? Do you have a partner and kids?" That question snapped Harry out of the trance and he snapped back in his seat.
"Ugh," Harry said, rubbing the back of his head.
"Have you ever thought about that?" Hayashi Sensei asked gently. His eyes bore into Harry. He did not particularly care if Harry wanted to get married or wanted kids. But it was crucial that he work himself out of the sense of hopelessness that Takashi had seen when he thought about the future, and a partner and kids was a good way to do that.
"Honestly? I have never thought about it, but now that you mention it, I might want that. I figured I would never last long enough for it to matter."
"Why don't you go find that picture again? Maybe add some kids." Harry nodded and after a few deep breaths he was back in the image, and he saw a young boy waving to him from the swings, with a very young girl by his feet. "What is there now?"
"My son James, and my daughter. I don't know her name, but she is very cute."
"Do you have a wife there?" Hayashi Sensei asked. Harry snapped out of the vision again.
"I don't have anyone like that," Harry said.
"Well, I'll teach you a secret about girls." Hayashi Sensei scooted next to Harry. "When you meet a girl that fits into that image, make sure you hold on to her."
December 25th 1994
Harry could feel Fleur's rushed breath on his lips, and as he stared into her eyes, he saw, in the back of his mind, himself back on that bench, and he saw Fleur pick up his daughter and swing the laughing girl into her arms, both with glowing gold locks. The memory of what Hayashi Sensei had said all those months ago flashed into Harry's mind. Almost without thinking, Harry's arms tightened around Fleur's back, bringing her closer to him, and he bent down, closing the tiny distance between their lips.
All of Harry's kisses with Daphne had been passionate and full of fire. This kiss was different, more tentative and questioning. Harry pulled back and saw delight in Fleur's eyes, so he leaned in and kissed her again. This kiss lasted longer and Harry's arms tightened even more and he brought Fleur's body flush against him.
Fleur couldn't believe how happy she was when Harry had kissed her. She had been surprised, but had responded, kissing him back tentatively, not wanting to drive him away. When he pulled back she had felt like her heart was breaking, until he moved back to press his lips to hers with more desire. She felt herself melting into her embrace, and everything in the world that was not Harry's lips and arms no longer existed. Any doubt about her feelings for Harry evaporated in his arms. She was totally head over heels for the man whose arms were around her.
Harry tried to disengage but Fleur wasn't willing to let him go and gave him a few quick kisses, trying to entice him to keep kissing her, but eventually Harry broke away, taking a deep breath. Fleur buried her head even deeper into his chest so her face wasn't visible, and Harry's hand went into her hair, stroking it gently. What had started as a kiss had definitely turned into a very serious snog, and Harry needed to talk to Fleur for a second. Although he definitely felt something when they kissed, it was very different than Daphne. Daphne kissed him like the world was ending and she wanted to die in Harry's embrace. When he kissed Fleur, it seemed like it was a promise about the future, and Harry liked the new feeling.
"Fleur, how do you feel about me?" Harry asked.
"How about you kiss me again, and I'll tell you?" Fleur said, her voice muffled by his dress robes.
"Can we just talk for a moment first?" Harry pleaded. He felt Fleur nod and she pulled away from him, though she was awfully close and Harry was tempted to lean in and snog her again. "Look, I don't know why, but I just really wanted to kiss you. Was I reading something wrong?"
"Not at all," Fleur said. "I am very happy right now. Actually, I can't believe how happy I am. I'll be even happier if you kiss me again."
"So, do you fancy me?" Harry asked. He couldn't imagine someone like Fleur would be interested in him. She was talented, powerful, smart, funny, driven, and gorgeous. He was just Harry, still struggling to find out who he was. Yet her responses to his kisses suggested that she was more than interested.
"For someone of Veela heritage, it is a little more complicated than whether or not I fancy you," Fleur admitted. "So maybe we should talk about it. But before we get so serious, I would appreciate it if you, what do the English say? Snog me at least once more." When she gazed into his eyes, Harry couldn't resist so he leaned in and their lips met. He heard someone hurrying down the path and they broke away. The footsteps got louder and Harry turned to see Susan striding down the path towards him.
"Susan?" Fleur asked, and Harry could tell she was incredibly mad at her friend for interrupting. "Could we maybe talk later?"
"What was your idiot godfather thinking?" Susan yelled.
"Excuse me?" Fleur said. Harry stared at Susan, and then it hit him.
"What did he do?" Harry asked.
"He decided to go say hi to my aunt. She had no choice to arrest him. He's being held right now, and while she is trying to make sure he doesn't get kissed, she told me if Fudge gets word he will be here early tomorrow with a dementor."
"Oh man," Harry groaned. "Fleur, we will have to continue this later, if that's ok?" He had phrased it as a question, but he was getting up as he said it. Harry didn't even stop to hear if she answered as he strode back towards the converted great hall.
"What are you going to do?" Susan asked, trailing along beside him.
"I don't know," Harry said. "I've got to talk to Remus and if your aunt will let me, I have to talk to Sirius. But if your aunt thinks Fudge will come tomorrow and have Sirius kissed, then I do know I have to do one thing tomorrow."
"What is that?" Susan asked. Harry didn't say anything, but his course of action was clear. Apparently, Sirius would need yet another jailbreak.