Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to the Harry Potter Franchise or its characters. All characters used are the property of their respective owners.

This story is rated M for violence, language, & sexual themes.

A Special Thanks to my Alpha/Beta on this story kgfinkel.

This story is a Horcrux free zone.

If you don't like the story, don't read it.

Where the Wild Roses Grow 17

Pitié-Salpêtrière University Hospital, Paris, France

Magical Treatment Wing

4 August 1995

Harry opened his eyes slowly, his head throbbed, and the world swam in front of him for a few moments before settling into a murky haze. Harry wondered what happened to that brilliant dream he'd been having about Fleur and Hermione. He wanted to go back instead of returning to the living nightmare his life had become. Someone moved beside him and soon he found himself faced with Apolline Delacour. "Good morning, Arry, how are you feeling?"

"I'm…" Harry paused when it finally dawned on him that he was speaking and moving. His eyes widened as he looked back at a smiling Apolline. "I-it wasn't a dream… they… they saved me."

"Oui, Fleur and Hermione both love you, the bond you share should leave you in no doubt of that fact."

Harry looked down at the bed, shamefaced. "Missus Delacour, I said horrible things about them… Things no one who loves someone else should say. To and about them, how can I be part of this bond…"

Hermione and Fleur bursting through the door of Harry's room stopped him from continuing as they climbed on the bed. Each girl straddled a leg as they focused their angry eyes on the poor boy that was their bond mate. "Harry James Potter! Don't you dare try to claim anything that thing that miserable old fuck put in your head represents how you feel. We know better. That wasn't you, and you're not allowed to feel guilty for things outside your control."

"You are our bond-mate; we love you despite your faults. The three of us need to recognize when we slip into bad habits, I certainly need help remembering to pull the stick out of my bum." Fleur explained before leaning into Harry's ear. "Perhaps you know a different stick I could put there." She whispered breathily.

Both her bond mates flushed deep red at her suggestion. "Fleur!" Hermione protested in a shrill voice.

Fleur was grinning as she leaned back. "Oui, love?"

"First, not the time, second..." Hermione shook her head, allowing her bushy hair to fly everywhere. "No, there is no second. Just… just… argh!"

At this Harry burst out laughing and pulled his girls into a hug. "Thank you, I love you."

Both girls gave Harry a peck on the lips in response. The girls climbed off his bed and sat either side, grabbing a hand each. Harry turned to Apolline and ducked his head. "Madame Delacour, I am prepared for whatever punishment you deem necessary for attacking your Auror."

Apolline morphed from the mother of Harry's girlfriend to the head of the French DMLE in an instant. "Given my relationship to you, I handed the file over to the Minister. She has decided, with the agreement of the aggrieved party that a fine of five hundred Galleons and an apology would be sufficient punishment, given the exceptional circumstances."

"Is that ok? I wouldn't want anyone to accuse you or the Minister of letting me off lightly because of my relationship with Fleur or because I'm the 'boy-who-lived'." Harry replied with as much derisive emphasis he could manage on that hated nickname.

Apolline smiled and nodded. "Since the Auror in question will suffer no lasting injury and is returning to duty today, the fine and apology are appropriate punishments."

Harry nodded and gingerly got out of bed. His body ached with the lack of activity and the drain the last few days had on his magic. "Can I do it now?"

Apolline gave Harry a small nod and looked out into the corridor summoning her Auror inside. Harry immediately bowed. "Sir, I am deeply sorry for attacking you, I hope I can someday make this up to you."

To his surprise the Auror laughed, offering his hand for Harry to shake. "Mister Potter, because you attacked me, I got some leave, and I was able to go and see my parents. After that, you might have a few Aurors lining up to have you attack them."

Harry smiled shaking the man's hand. "That sounds tiring."

"Thank you Auror," Apolline interjected signalling that he was dismissed. The Auror gave an understanding nod and departed. Apolline closed the door over and turned back to Harry. "Arry, there is one other person who wants to see you."

Harry raised an eyebrow. "Sirius?"

Hermione and Fleur got out of their seats and stopped either side of him. "He's here too, but he's still unconscious." She explained when Harry gave her an alarmed look she added. "We'll tell you everything soon."

Harry nodded. "Well, then, who?"

Apolline opened the door again, summoning the person outside to walk in. Hermione and Fleur kept a firm grip on Harry's arms as his legs almost gave out under him. "M-mum…"

Lily didn't say anything instead running over to her son with tears streaming down her face wrapping her son in a powerful hug. Mother and son Potter held each other for a long time before Lily opened her arms and encouraged Fleur and Hermione to join them. The four held each other for a while longer before finally untangling themselves. Harry stared at his mother in disbelief. "But… how?"

Lily gave her son a brief overview of what Dumbledore had done and where she'd been in the years since 1981. By the end, Harry was shaking with anger. "I'm going to kill that fucking bastard…"

Fleur took one of his fists and gently pried it open so she could slip her hand in. "Arry, no, attacking him head-on is not the answer. We need to know why he's doing this. We need to be smart and outplay him instead of charging in to confront him directly.

Harry took several deep breaths as he got a handle on his anger and magic. "You're right, I know you're right… he's cost me so much, I need to make him pay."

Hermione took Harry's other hand and snuggled against him. "We will Harry, eventually we'll make that bastard pay for everything he's done to us."

Lily still stood in front of Harry stroking his face as she smiled. "We can discuss that later, right now I'm more interested in the three of you. Harry love, how is it you have two girlfriends?"

Hogwarts School of Wizardry and Witchcraft, Scotland

Dumbledore stared down at the letter in his hand, it outlined the events in Switzerland. Dumbledore sighed and threw the letter on his desk and leaned back in his chair. He knew that this would complicate things. With his political power waning and his removal as Chief Warlock and Supreme Mugwump, it left him with few options to curtail Black's influence. However, it didn't worry him that much, his hold on Harry was absolute. Dumbledore was confident in Severus's potion-making ability, even Black and Delacour couldn't keep Harry in France forever. Eventually, he would be back in Britain and once he was it would a trivial matter to entice Granger back too. He needed both. He could use another witch, Greengrass or Bones sprang to mind, but Dumbledore was convinced Granger was the key. Granger's mother was a muggle and easily disposed of, Amelia and the Greengrass parents were a more difficult proposition. If they were to suddenly disappear it would be noticed.

Another letter then arrived but this one caused Dumbledore to smile as he summoned his deputy. "Good morning Minerva."

"Good morning Headmaster," McGonagall responded, ever since he'd returned from France Minerva had been oddly formal with him. Dumbledore ignored it in favour of addressing the letter. "I just received information that Mister Potter is being released from a hospital in France. Please arrange to have the fifth year book list sent to him immediately."

McGonagall frowned. "Headmaster, Mister Potter indicated he wouldn't be returning to Hogwarts in September."

Dumbledore waved his hand and smiled. "I'm sure now that Mister Potter has had time out of the castle, he will be eager to return come September."

McGonagall raised her eyebrow. "Is there a reason for your confidence? Or is this another case of Albus Dumbledore believing he knows better than everyone else?"

Dumbledore looked at McGonagall over his glasses his steel-blue eyes piercing the stern Hogwarts Deputy Headmistress who frowned. "Don't look at me like I am an errant first year Albus. Your interest in Harry Potter has crossed not just one line but many. That boy has been thrust into danger many times while you've sat idle and the staff have been left toothless. You preach forgiveness while conveniently forgetting that forgiveness must be paired with contrition. If I thought, there was a competent replacement for both the role of Deputy and Professor of Transfigurations who would challenge and defy you when needed I would walk out today. As it is less than a month before school returns, I am resigned to spending another year here. Be aware Dumbledore that I will no longer stand for your meddling in the lives of students. If one hair on any student's head is harmed because of your disregard for their safety I will file a complaint with the Board of Governors. If they fail in their duty I will resign and take my story to the press. Maybe then someone will take notice."

"Is that all, Deputy Headmistress?"

"Yes, Headmaster."

McGonagall walked out, slamming the door behind her. Dumbledore scowled but remained seated. He would not act right now. Dumbledore would wait, a year is a long time, especially at Hogwarts. Minerva would come around to his way of thinking eventually. Whether she did it voluntarily or he had to nudge her in the right direction, was her decision.

The Burrow, Ottery St. Catchpole, G.B.

Arthur leant back in his chair as he finished explaining Ginny's situation to his wife. He'd sent the children out of the Quidditch Pitch so he and Molly could discuss this alone. Molly was almost in tears as she spoke. "My poor Ginny, those beastly French men must be frightening. Arthur, you need to go bring her home, I'll talk to Albus. I'm sure he'll help smooth things over."

"Molly, Albus Dumbledore is part of the reason we're in this mess, to begin with. His obsession with Harry Potter has warped his mind and that manipulation has extended to you."

"Don't be ridiculous Arthur, Albus is only doing what he thinks is best…"

"What's best for Harry Potter is to stay the hell away from Dumbledore and us! I forbid you from contacting Dumbledore about Ginny or Harry."

Molly's eyes widened, shocked at the tone and the order she'd just received. "You order me…"

Arthur stared back at his wife defiantly, refusing to back down. "Yes, it's clear I've let you run this family for too long. Seeing Ginny in that room broke my heart. The journey back here, while short gave me time to think. Bill and Charlie ran away…" Arthur could see Molly about to protest so simply raised his voice to smother her objections. "They did Molly, Percy plans to do the same as soon as he graduates. After the events of the last couple of weeks, I can't blame them. You're not a witch who likes being told no, and when you are you act like a child about it. Until the twins arrived home from Hogwarts, I hadn't been aware of the howler you'd sent to Harry after he chose to take Miss Delacour to the Yule Ball…"

"That Veela ensorceled him, our Ginny would have been a much more appropriate date."

"That Veela has a name, Molly. Fleur Delacour from what Fred and George told me is a lovely person…"

"Veela's are creatures! They ensnare gullible wizards like young Harry and make them do inappropriate things! That poor boy isn't ready for that step!"

Arthur let out a breath trying to keep his temper in check. "I agree fourteen isn't an appropriate age for a boy and a girl to have sex. But I also know it's not our place to decide anything for that boy…"

"Arthur that boy needs us! He has no family apart from us!"

Arthur massaged the bridge of his nose and took a deep breath. He knew his wife wasn't a stupid woman, she was simply set in her beliefs. Those beliefs had led them to sit at this table having this discussion. "Harry has Sirius and the Tonks. He's also enamoured with Hermione…"

"A girl with strange ideas and loose morals! Young Harry needs strong guidance and a loving family to raise him right. Those girls have ripped him away from both and corrupted him into believing horrible things about Albus. Sirius isn't an appropriate guardian for young Harry, he's just come out of Azkaban! He could end up hurting poor Harry."

"I'm sure Andromeda wouldn't let that happen. Besides which it isn't our business…"

"How is it not our business we're his fam…"

"MOLLY! We are not his family, he stayed with us for one summer and you sent him some Christmas jumpers. That does not make him part of our family. He was our son's friend, that friendship ended when Ron refused to stand at Harry's side after Harry's name came out of the Tri-Wizard's goblet. We've imposed ourselves on his life and now it's time for us to leave him alone. If you do not, I will cast you out of this family."

Molly gasped, raising her hand to her face. "Arthur…"

"I'm sorry Molly, but your actions could lead to a blood feud with Sirius and his family. Sirius may not be dark like his relatives, but I'm sure he's capable of bringing the fire the Black family were famous for if we cross him. Stay away from them, please, for the sake of our children."

Molly slumped in her chair and gave a weak nod. Memories of newspaper articles from when she was a child flooded back. The Black family were infamous for destroying any family that crossed them, politically, financially and if it came to that physically. Sirius Black would not be crossed and any request for help from Albus would now go unheeded. "What about Ginny?"

Arthur looked out the window of the Burrow. "Ginny will stay where she is for now. I hope the Healers in Paris can help her. If not…"

As Molly began to cry Arthur got out of his seat and tried to soothe her, but he knew few things could. Seeing his daughter locked up like that, lost in a fantasy made him want to cry as well.

Pitié-Salpêtrière University Hospital, Paris, France

Magical Treatment Wing

"So, the Soul Bond was initially between Harry and Fleur, but Harry's magic reached out for Hermione making it a three-way bond?"

"Oui, as far as Grand-mere knows it's the first bond of its kind," Fleur explained. "There have been three-way bonds in the past. They're rare but they exist, but never one created this way."

Lily shook her head with a rueful smile on her face. When she noticed Harry staring, she explained. "Your father would have fallen off his chair laughing at this. He would have also proclaimed how proud he was of his son for bonding with two beautiful witches. A comment that would have earned him a smack around the head."

"So… you're ok with this?" Harry asked timidly.

Lily smiled and reached out to stroke Harry's face. "It wouldn't matter if I weren't, but for what it's worth I am. I missed out on fourteen years of my son's life. I'm not going to sacrifice more because your relationship doesn't fit the traditional definition of marriage. No matter the gender or the number of partners the only thing that should define a relationship is whether the people in it love each other. I believed that when I married your father and I believe it now. You are my son and I love you unconditionally, that will never change."

Harry gave his Mum a watery smile. "I love you too Mum."

Lily got out of her chair and wrapped her arms around Harry. "I've been waiting fifteen years to hear you say that."

"Oh, you two are so mushy!" Tonks complained with a smile on her face.

"Hey! You have a boyfriend, you can't complain!" Hermione bit back with a grin.

Harry raised an eyebrow. "I didn't know you had a boyfriend?"

Tonks shrugged. "It's new."

"While we were rescuing you from your doppelganger, Tonks was picking up a hot boyfriend."

Tonks rolled her eyes at Hermione's teasing. "It wasn't quite like that, but yes I have a hot boyfriend now."

As the group rolled their eyes Andromeda entered with Apolline. "Ok, your paperwork is finished so we can leave. Sirius is still unconscious but once the sedative is out of his system, you'll be able to see him."

"Another of Dumbledore's crimes…" Harry muttered darkly.

"Soon, Arry, soon," Fleur said soothingly.

"Harry, I know you've spent a lot of time in this hospital recently, but I'm hoping you might stay for a little longer. I've been talking to a colleague who is an optometrist and he's wondering if you'd like to get your eyes examined as a first step to getting magical contact lenses."

Harry blinked and then smiled. "Are you sure, the only time I went to see an optometrist the man said my eyesight was so bad I would never be able to wear contacts. Unless I had corrective surgery and Aunt Petunia immediately shot that down."

A dark expression came over Lily's face when Harry said the name of her sister. She vowed to herself she'd one day make the bitch pay for letting her bastard husband hurt her little boy. "I'm certainly all for it, nothing should hide my handsome son's beautiful green eyes behind glasses."

With his bond mates nodding in agreement Harry found himself marched down to the magical optometrist. After a few minutes of examination, the healer smiled. "Oh yes, with a corrective potion to fix most of the issues with his eyes Mister Potter will qualify for magical contacts."

"Can I do it today?" Harry asked.

"Not today, firstly the potion takes time to brew a few days at least as long as there isn't a backlog in the potions lab. Second, your magic is still recovering from your recent trauma. I wouldn't let you drink the potion today even if it were ready. We'll schedule a follow-up appointment in a week, and we'll have the potion ready by then."

Diagon Alley, London, GB

Amelia Bones sat at the head of the table of a private room at the Leaky Cauldron, around her was at least one parent or Guardian representing the Longbottom, Lovegood, Diggory, Chang, Edgecombe, Greengrass, Abbott, and Davis families. Knowing no one else was going to arrive, Amelia got the meeting started. "Thank you for coming today. We all know by now what happened in Paris over the last few weeks. I think we all recognize that Hogwarts is no longer safe for our families if Dumbledore is Headmaster. I wanted to gather all of you to see what your plans were for the upcoming school year."

Amos Diggory was the first to speak. "I've discussed this with Cedric and his and Cho's views align with yours, Amelia. Unfortunately, Dumbledore has too much power, even being stripped of his roles as Chief Warlock and Supreme Mugwump he still has powerful allies who will let him remain Headmaster even with a viable alternative."

"Augusta and I have spoken at length with Neville and Daphne, they worry about their friends and would prefer to be anywhere Dumbledore is not. I agree with them but see few alternatives except moving their education overseas." Adrian Greengrass added.

"That is why I've removed Susan from Hogwarts for the coming term. She will be attending Beauxbaton from September First, an option I believe both Harry and Hermione are considering."

"I heard a rumour that Potter had a change of heart, is that true?" Amos asked.

Amelia frowned glancing around the table. "This information cannot leave this room. I'm only sharing it in hopes it will impress upon you the seriousness of the situation." This got a round of nods from the assembled parents. Amelia quickly summarised the events that took place following Harry's kidnapping leading up to this morning. "I got a message from Auror Tonks about an hour before I came here. Harry's original personality has resurfaced, and the Healers are confident he will make a full recovery."

"Albus Dumbledore potioning a student… the boy-who-lived. To what end?" Patrick Abbott asked in disbelief.

"That's a question only Dumbledore can answer I'm afraid," Amelia replied as she opened her bag and placed a bundle of parchment in the centre of the table. "I have spoken to Madame Maxime and she's willing to re-open her rolls for a limited number of Hogwarts students. As much as I would like to remove all students from Dumbledore's care that's not an option right now. I say this now as Susan's guardian, not as the head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Take these forms home with you and discuss this with your children. We not only represent the parents of Harry's closest friends we are also among the most influential purebloods remaining in Britain. Withdrawing our children from Hogwarts and sending them to Beauxbaton instead is a powerful political message. A message that may motivate the Hogwarts Board of Governors to re-examine Dumbledore's continued presence in the castle."

Chateau Delacour, Neuilly-sur-Seine, France

5 August 1995

Harry walked down to breakfast having collapsed into bed immediately after returning to the Chateau the previous day. He was relieved to find out that Hermione had been keeping his familiar fed and watered while he was gone. Hedwig had given him a stern talking to with her eyes before he showered and dressed for the day. Harry was able to placate his mail owl by assuring her he would have mail for her later when he finished his letters to his friends to let them know he was fine.

Harry stopped at the entrance to the dining room when he spotted Lily sitting talking to Apolline. When the two women spotted him, they smiled. "Oh, um, hi Missus Delacour, hi… Mum."

"Hello sweetheart, did you sleep well?" Lily asked, her smile increasing in wattage when she heard him say the word 'Mum'.

Harry looked pleased as he walked over to the table and sat beside her. "Uh, yeah, I was exhausted. I still feel tired today."

"Your magical core is still recovering Arry, Fleur and Hermione are still asleep. They went to bed minutes after you."

Harry frowned looking down at his plate. "They shouldn't have…"

Lily reached out and took Harry by his chin moving his head around to face her. "Harry, stop. Hermione and Fleur told you yesterday that this wasn't your fault and I guess we'll have to keep drumming it into you until you hear us. This. Was. Not. Your. Fault."

Harry chuckled as his Mum tapped his nose to emphasis each word. "Yes, Mum."

Lily sighed and shook her head wrapping her arms around him. "What am I going to do with you…"

"Give me lots of hugs?" Harry asked meekly, wrapping his arms around her in turn.

"I think I can do that."

"Do you have any plans for the day Lily?" Apolline asked as they returned their attention to breakfast, Harry quickly loading his plate with the delicious French food he'd become accustomed to.

"As long as my son doesn't eat you out of house and home…" Lily commented dryly with a smile on her face. "Andi should be finished transferring guardianship of Harry to me today. I should also be getting a letter back from Gringotts sometime this morning confirming my regency over House Potter…"

Harry looked up from his food. "Is that important?"

Lily scowled as she replied, gently stroking Harry's untamed raven hair to let him know the scowl wasn't directed at him. "Apolline told me how little you know about the Wizarding world, but it's still a shock to see it. Harry the Potter's were a Most Noble and Ancient House in Britain. That means they were part of the upper echelon of Wizarding society. They contributed to important decisions about how Wizarding Britain was run. When your Grandfather Charlus spoke, people listened. Your Dad was just starting to gain that level of respect when he died and one day, you'll take the mantle of Head of House."

"But you said regency… can't you become Head of House?"

Lily bit back a laugh and shook her head. "Wizarding Britain is Patriarchal, which means in most cases only men can become Head of House or hold senior positions in Government. Amelia Bones is an exception." Lily explained anticipating Harry's question with Apolline adding. "Amelia was too good at her job to be denied the post, and she had the backing of the then-current Minister and the former head of the DMLE, Barty Crouch."

Lily took this as her cue to resume explaining. "Harry I can only become regent to House Potter until you're of age, which is seventeen. Once you turn seventeen, you'll become the Head of House Potter, you'll legally become, an adult and you'll be able to marry whomever you want."

Harry's face lit up red at this suggestion. "I don't think we should mention that to Missus Granger…"

"Too late Harry, Missus Granger already heard your Mum," Emma responded with a grin as Harry looked as if he wanted to dive under the table for safety. "Relax Harry, I know that once Hermione turns seventeen, she'll be an adult in the Magical world. If when you turn seventeen you want to get married, you'll have my support. All I ask is you two don't make me a Grandmother for a good few years yet."

"Seconded," Apolline added from behind her teacup.

"Third." Lily agreed.

"I get it…" Harry groaned burying his face in his hands as the three women laughed. Lily leaned in and kissed him on the head. "Just because we support you doesn't mean we can't tease you a little. Mother's prerogative."

"There's no such thing," Harry mumbled from behind his hands.

"Yes, there is, Emma was telling me about it last night." Lily countered with a grin on her face.

"Why does the idea of the two of you hanging around together fill me with dread?" Harry asked, more to himself than anyone else.

To Be Continued…

I wanted to keep going but I'm busy with a new job that has had a detrimental effect on my writing time. So, I found a good place to stop and stopped. I hope the next chapter will be longer, but no promises.

This story is 5-7 chapters from wrapping up so let's look forward a bit. I have three stories in the process of being finalised. I say three because one is only about 3-5 chapters long so once I've finished writing it I'll post a chapter a week until it's complete. Then the two longer-form stories will start taking shape. I'm not going to talk about what any of these stories are about but they're all Harmony or Harmony+. What I'll promise though is I won't be revisiting Fourth Year at Hogwarts again for a while. And even though my short story is Flower Harmony after a fashion I'm resting that pairing for a while as well.

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