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.

Note: The International Wizarding Times is a creation of La Morraine for their story Dobby's Deceit and is being used with permission.

Note 2: The description of the Beauxbatons uniform (male and female) is taken from the Harry Potter Fandom wiki.

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

A special thanks to my Alpha/Beta on this story.

This story is a Horcrux free zone.

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

Warning: This chapter contains several time skips.

Where the Wild Roses Grow 22

Parc naturel forestier de la Croix des Gardes, Cannes France

Friday, 1 September 1995

Harry and his group followed the trail that was marked out through the park for magicals to see. Hermione held Emma's hand so her mother could see the signs that were hidden from muggles, as the group made their way to the carriages for the journey to Beauxbatons. As they emerged into a clearing Emma squeezed Hermione's hand and moved back a step or two at the sight of the huge Abraxan's harnessed to the carriages. Hermione tugged her mother forward with Apolline following a step behind to stroke the mane of the horse. It lowered its head and allowed the jittery Emma to pat the giant horse. Emma threw a smile towards Hermione and then walked back to the group hand in hand with Apolline.

Hermione joined Harry and Tonks at the door to one of the carriages as other students and parents appeared out of thin air. Some were taken aback by their surroundings, while others shrugged it off as part of the experience. "So other students use a portkey and then the carriages take you to the school?" Emma surmised, getting an affirmative nod from Apolline. Emma then asked as a follow-up. "Why not use portkeys to transport everyone to the school directly?"

"Only the Beauxbaton's headmistress can create portkeys to travel in and out of the wards – to create four hundred-odd portkeys and track and secure them all would be a logistical nightmare. And if even one fell into the wrong hands, it would be a massive scandal. Let's say one of Dumbledore's people got a hold of a portkey that let them pass through the wards and get to Hermione or Arry?"

Emma reached out and pulled Hermione towards her as Lily tightened her grip around Harry. "That won't happen, right?" Emma asked looking significantly at Tonks.

"I've reviewed the security arrangements for the school and Madame Maxime runs a tight ship, even if Dumbledore's people got within the wards they wouldn't get far. We'll all be staying in the same suite, so I'll be close just in case," Tonks explained.

Lily smirked giving Harry a significant look. "No funny business young man."

Harry rolled his eyes at Lily. "Yes, Mum."

"Don't do anything I wouldn't do," Sirius added.

Harry turned to Fleur and Hermione as he tried to hold in a laugh. "Where would you even begin on a list like that?"

"It would be quicker to specify all the things he would do in those circumstances," Hermione replied sarcastically.

"It does not bear thinking about," Fleur agreed.

Sirius slapped his hand over his chest dramatically. "You wound me, dear lady."

Fleur raised her hand and produced a small fireball, with a wicked grin on her face. "Do not tempt me."

"Noted." Sirius stepped back, hiding behind Lily slightly.

Harry let out a breath and offered Hermione a hand. "Shall we go?"

"Oui," Hermione replied giving Harry and then Fleur pecks on the cheek before hugging her Mum, Lily, Apolline, and Sirius in that order. Gabrielle had run off to join her friends quickly after they'd arrived.

Harry followed Hermione around the group before stopping in front of Nick who was surveying the area, keeping a lookout for anyone approaching them. "Keep my Mum safe, ok?"

Nick nodded. "I think Lady Potter is quite capable of protecting herself, but I'll do my best for you, Master Harry."

Lily kissed Harry on the head and ruffled his hair. "Don't worry about me, I'll be fine, you go have a good year at school."

"I love you, Mum."

"I love you too, Harry."

Harry stopped at the door where Fleur was waiting for him, "I'm not sure what I'm going to do without you for a year…"

Fleur smiled and pressed a kiss against his lips. "I'm sure you'd manage."

Hermione quirked an eyebrow but remained silent as she watched from the door to the carriage, Harry joined her, and Fleur quickly followed. Harry paused and blinked. "Uh, Fleur…"

"Oui, Arry?"

"The carriage is going to take off in a few minutes, you should go and wait with everyone else," Harry explained.

"Why would I do that?" Fleur asked, a teasing smile tugging at her lips.

Harry groaned and closed his eyes while rubbing your face. "You're coming with us, aren't you?"

Fleur laughed and nodded. "Oui, I am taking a year of post-graduate studies in subjects related to curse-breaking. I will be taking extra courses in Arithmancy, Runes, and Charms. I'll also be taking courses on Goblin history and etiquette to prepare for some fieldwork I'll be doing later in the school year at the French branch of Gringotts."

Harry glanced at Hermione. "Did you know?"

"Nope, this is the first time I'm learning about it," Hermione replied.

"And you?" Harry asked turning his eye towards Tonks, who was grinning.

"I may have had an inkling, but I didn't suspect anything until I saw the suite they provided," Tonks admitted.

Harry finally smiled and hugged Fleur. "I would have missed you something fierce."

"And I you," Fleur whispered. "Both of you." She added looking at Hermione.

Hermione blushed and nodded at the older girl, joining the hug after a moment. The three untangled themselves and entered the carriage. There was a short entrance corridor that opened to a long corridor that extended left and right. Harry raised an eyebrow. "This is different from when we were here when it was parked at Hogwarts."

"Oui, the carriage was reconfigured to be a dorm and a school during the months it was at Hogwarts," Fleur explained.

Harry would have sworn he could hear the gears turning in Hermione's head as she cross-referenced all the spells she'd read about and what ones could have been used to transform the carriage from one function to another. Hermione eventually turned to Fleur. "Are there any books about the carriage at Beauxbatons?"

Fleur suppressed a laugh. "I'm sure we can set aside some time to find out."

The four made their way down the corridor deliberately choosing the cabin closest to the front, where fewer people were likely to bother them. Though as Tonks pointed out if you were eager enough to catch a glimpse of the famous Harry Potter you wouldn't need much excuse to stroll up and down the carriage to find him. This didn't bring Harry much comfort but being nestled between his two beautiful girlfriends made him forget his troubles quickly.

About half an hour after take-off, Harry reluctantly pulled himself away from Hermione and Fleur and stepped out into the corridor. Fleur and Hermione immediately shuffled towards each other, resting together while they read their respective books. Tonks followed Harry through the corridor to the bathroom, Tonks stood beside the door after checking inside briefly and nodding for Harry to enter.

Down the corridor Gaston Malfoy stood watching and grinned, he walked away from his cabin and down towards the bathroom Harry had entered. Tonks spotted him and immediately recognized him as the boy who'd bothered Hermione in early August, she'd noticed him in the crowd and made a mental note to see if it was the same boy later but as he walked past her and into the bathroom, Tonks was sure it was the same person.

Gaston stopped at the urinal beside Harry and began to relieve himself, Harry gave him a side glance, not realizing who it was at first before it dawned on him. "I would have thought you'd attend Durmstrung."

"Durmstrung is a school for wannabe Dark Lords and the insane. Malfoy's have attended Beauxbaton's for generations, we are wizarding nobility."

Harry snorted a laugh. "For someone who claims to have no relationship with Lucius and Draco, you're sure quick to spout their nonsense."

"The only nonsense here is the idea that you know anything about my family."

Harry turned his head in Gaston's direction and glared at the older boy. "I don't care about your family, just tell me what you want so I can leave."

Gaston sneered at Harry. "Fleur Delacour is a woman, you are a child, you do not have the sophistication or the experience to handle her. If you are her boyfriend as you claim it is time to move on. If you do you may have a chance with one of the other lovely ladies at Beauxbatons."

"Do you really want to get into a pissing match with me?" Harry asked turning his body to face Gaston with a smirk.

Gaston's eyes flickered down for a moment and winced before snapping back to Harry's face. "I see the reputation of Gryffindor's being headstrong and stupid is well earned. Some life lessons are destined to be painful."

Gaston washed his hands and walked out. Harry quickly zipped up and washed his hands, as Tonks, stuck her head around the door. "You ok, Harry?"

"Uh-huh," Harry replied as he threw the paper towel away and followed Tonks back to Fleur and Hermione.

Once Harry had resumed his seat and snuggled between Fleur and Hermione. Tonks walked over and stood in front of them with his arms crossed. "Who was that kid? I saw him bothering Hermione about a month ago, but I didn't expect him to turn up here."

Hermione and Fleur glance at Harry, who shrugged, extending his arms out behind him so the two girls could cuddle into him better. "His name is Gaston, Gaston Malfoy."

"Malfoy?!"

Fleur sat forward, turning to face Harry. "He's here?"

Harry nodded. "I guess he's taking some post-graduate courses too."

"I fear he's going to cause trouble for us," Fleur opined.

"He's already tried to warn me off dating you," Harry explained nodding his head in Fleur's direction.

"That bastard," Fleur muttered.

"What if we explain the soul bond to him, surely that would get him to back off." Hermione offered.

Harry shook his head. "No, if we tell him then everyone will know."

"Is that so bad?" Hermione asked.

Harry pinched the bridge of his nose; his glasses were almost a distant memory now since he'd started wearing contacts. It had felt uncomfortable at first but now he was used to it, and all the girls in his household had commented how pretty his eyes looked now they weren't obscured. "It's private, Hermione, I want to keep it that way, at least for a while longer."

There was a short period of strained silence before Harry stood up again. "I think I'll go for a walk down to the other end of the carriage. Maybe I'll spot some of Fleur's friends."

Harry gave the pair a weak smile before leaving with Tonks, who was shaking her head, in tow. Fleur shimmied up the couch and put her arm around Hermione. "Arry is new to this mon aime, you must have some patience."

"I know, but sometimes I wonder if he's really happy. Most guys would want to shout from the rooftops that they're in a relationship with a Veela," Hermione replied trying to hide the hurt in her voice.

"You well know, Arry is not like most boys. I'm sure he has some insecurities about being in a relationship with two beautiful women."

Hermione blushed and smiled at Fleur. "Thank you."

"Always cherie."

Harry stopped halfway up the corridor and rested his back against the wall, letting out a breath and rubbing his face. "That was stupid."

Tonks crossed her arms and leaned against the opposite wall. "Is hurting Hermione's feelings worth your privacy, Harry?"

Harry frowned. "No, of course not, but I…" Harry walked across the corridor to stand beside Tonks. "Before I went to Hogwarts, I was treated poorly by my relatives, my cousin spread rumours about me, and everyone believed them. Then I got my letter and my life instantly changed, I went from being scum to being a rock star. Everyone wanted to be the Boy-Who-Lived's best friend. Everything I did got reported in the paper, I didn't get to tell my friends I was dating Hermione before it got reported in the Prophet. I wanted my relationship with Fleur and Hermione to be a secret, to be the one thing no one else could interfere with. As per usual I managed to fuck it up by putting my foot in my mouth…"

"I can do that, wanna see?" Tonks replied with a grin, Harry reluctantly returned the grin after a moment. "Harry, I get it, you want to be a normal guy who dates his girlfriend and hangs out with his friends. Unfortunately, that option was forever closed when You-Know-Who came to your house. You'll be famous forever because of that night." Tonks explained, she raised her hand when Harry began to protest. "It could take decades to dislodge the idea that you're the Boy-Who-Lived from people's heads if it ever happens. Even saying that you still killed him in that graveyard, outflew a dragon and fought a sixty-foot basilisk. You were never destined to have a normal life, especially when you're soul bound to two extremely pretty girls."

Harry let out a breath through his nose. "Yeah, you're right."

"I could get used to hearing that," Tonks replied.

Harry chuckled and rolled his eyes as the two walked back to the compartment. Harry sat down in-between the girls again and pressed a kiss against both their heads. "Hermione, I'm sorry, you were right."

A small grin appeared on Hermione's face. "As per usual."

"Being soul-bound to you and Fleur isn't bad, it's wonderful. I wanted to keep it private but it's not fair to do that if it hurts your feelings, I'm sorry."

Hermione sighed and ran her fingers against his face. "You're silly, we could hear your conversation with Tonks in our heads. We get it, but I'm worried that Gaston doesn't."

Harry nodded. "So am I."

"Gaston should not be dismissed but at the same time, he is a boy, who is too horny for his good. We should keep in mind we may have to tell him about the soul-bond at some point, but I don't think we're quite there yet," Fleur added from Harry's other side.

"Wait, and see?" Harry asked, to which the three women nodded.

About halfway into the flight, there was a knock at the door, Tonks raised her hand to stop Harry from answering as her wand appeared in her hand as she approached the door. "Who is it?"

"Is Harry there, it's Cedric, I brought Cho, Susan, Hannah, Daphne, Neville, and Luna with me." Cedric Diggory explained from the other side.

Harry raised an eyebrow and gave Tonks a nod, the pinkette opened the door slowly pointing her wand at Cedric cautiously. "What gift did Fleur and Hermione get for Harry's birthday?"

"That super grey box that makes things move on the television," Cedric answered uncertainly, never taking his eyes off Tonks's wand or reaching for his own. Tonks asked questions to each of Harry and Hermione's friends in turn before allowing them inside.

"Sorry Cedric, we're still on high alert for anything Dumbledore may pull," Harry explained once Tonks gave the ayok for him to step forward and embrace his friends.

"So, I see."

A beaming Fleur wrapped Luna in a tight hug, gently stroking her platinum blonde hair. "I am so glad you're here, cherie, you look well. Did Mimpy collect all of your belongings?"

Luna gave Fleur a shy nod and a dazzling smile in response, Cho looked away from them shamefaced as Cedric put an arm around her shoulders. "This is a new start Cho, you can't change what happened, but you can look out for her now."

Cho nodded and smiled at Cedric, kissing him on the cheek. "Thank you."

"Fleur, isn't Mimpy one of the Delacour house-elves?" Harry asked.

"Oui, I sent Mimpy on a little trip to Britain, she collected up all of Luna's stolen property and returned it to her before she left for the carriages."

Harry smiled and walked over, giving Fleur a passionate kiss on the lips as Luna stepped away, blushing madly. "I love you."

"I love you too," Fleur replied with a grin.

"Ahem, we have company…" Hermione said crossing her arms and pouting.

"I'll kiss you later," Harry replied grinning over at his other girlfriend.

"Promise?" Hermione asked shyly.

Harry walked over and kissed Hermione on the cheek. "Of course, mon aime."

"Oh Merlin, are we to endure a year of blatant PDA's…" Daphne grumbled.

Neville wrapped an arm around his girlfriend and planted a kiss on her cheek. "That sounds like a wonderful idea."

Daphne rolled her eyes but couldn't completely hide the grin tugging at her lips. "You're incorrigible."

Neville's eyes lit up as he leaned closer to her. "I thought you liked that about me."

Tonks pinched the bridge of her nose. "This job better have great benefits if I'm going to endure this for a year…"

"Pining for your boy-toy already, Tonks?" Harry teased.

"Shut it, you…" Tonks muttered pointing a threatening finger.

Harry stuck out his tongue at Tonks before turning back to Cedric as the group sat down on the various chairs and couches in the room. "When did you decide to come to Beauxbaton's instead of going back to Hogwarts?"

"You need to ask? After my father read about the charges against the headmaster, he was ready to bundle my sister and me off to America or Australia…" Daphne interjected before Cedric could answer.

"You all changed schools because of me?" Harry asked incuriously.

"It helped you were at the centre of everything that was happening, but I would have been discussing transferring schools with my dad because of what Dumbledore did, regardless of who it was. Who's to say Dumbledore will stop at the Boy-Who-Lived, what if he decides we all need to unquestioningly follow him. The idea terrifies me," Cedric explained.

"Us two." Susan and Hannah who were sitting together, holding hands, agreed.

"I don't think Gran would have let me leave Hogwarts if she hadn't gotten a letter from your Mum, hand-delivered by Madam Bones first. After that, it was an easy decision for her. You're my best friend, Harry, apart from you and Daphne, I don't have any special ties to the school. I can study herbology anywhere." Neville elaborated.

"As soon as I heard Neville was transferring to Beauxbaton I talked my father around to letting me attend as well. I can't have some French… witch, sink her claws into my… into Neville." Daphne admitted with a blush.

"Aunt Amelia got all our parents and guardians together and they talked about it. My Aunt gave me the choice and I chose Beauxbaton, as long as Hannah came too," Susan explained giving a small glance and a blush to her best friend. "When Aunty told me who was transferring, I knew I wanted to transfer too. I want to make more friends than just the other girls in the Hufflepuff dorm."

The look in Susan's eyes as she explained why Hannah and she decided to attend Beauxbaton's caused Fleur and Hermione to grab Harry's hands possessively. Harry cleared his throat to fight down a laugh as she smiled at the group. "I'm glad you're all here, and, relatively, safe from Dumbledore. There is one thing you should know about Hermione, Fleur, and I, we're not just in a three-way relationship, it's a bit more complicated…"

After Harry explained the soul-bond and how it came about, Susan got up and walked over to them, Harry could see she was a little downhearted about Harry's heart already being taken but she hugged the three in turn and smiled at them. "That's super romantic, I'm so happy for you."

Harry returned Susan's smile. "Thank you."

Cedric shook his head. "I knew something happened between the three of you, I didn't think it would be that dramatic."

"I'm only surprised it wasn't more dramatic," Daphne replied sarcastically.

"Could you do us all a favour and keep it to yourselves? I'm not embarrassed or ashamed of being in a relationship with these two beautiful women, but I would like to maintain a small bit of privacy, at least for a little while." Harry asked.

This got a round of nods from the group as the lunch trolley came knocking. After being almost scared half to death by Tonks, Harry bought lunch for the entire group. As they ate Harry pulled Neville aside. "Nev, Mum told me about your parents before we left, has she said anything to your Gran about their condition?"

Neville gave Harry a small, but pained smile as Daphne walked over, sensing her boyfriend's distress. "Your Mum is amazing, she and Medi-Witch Tonks are already working on a treatment plan, but they're worried Professor Dumbledore will interfere. There's also all the red-tape Gran and your Mum must go through to even get the recipe for that potion. Gran said it could take a year or more."

Harry frowned. "Whatever I can do, Nev, I promise we'll get your Mum and Dad back."

Neville gave Harry a watery grin as Harry walked away, leaving his best friends in the experienced hands of his girlfriend to help put himself together. Harry dropped back onto the couch and took a small sandwich from the plate Hermione was holding, which caused her to shift the plate away from her boyfriend, with a playfully warning look.

Cedric grinned and sipped on his butterbeer as he watched them. "Harry, does Dumbledore know you're attending Beauxbatons?"

"I'm sure he does, but he's keeping it quiet as far as I've been told. Dumbledore doesn't want wizarding Britain knowing they've lost their star student." Harry replied putting heavy derisive emphasis on the final words of the sentence.

"Unless the Daily Prophet says you're not at Hogwarts, a great many people are going to assume you're there," Daphne observed.

The butterbeer Harry was holding paused halfway to his lips, as he smiled. "I don't think we'll have to worry about that."

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Scotland

Great Hall, 7:20 pm

Dumbledore frowned as he stared out over the great hall, despite most students returning for another year of school at Hogwarts, there were notable absences. Dumbledore already planned a call to both Cornelius and Amelia later to complain that Susan Bones was not attending Hogwarts. He would follow that up with a call to the Daily Prophet, the people of Great Britain deserved to know that the woman charged with protecting them didn't think Hogwarts was good enough for her niece. If that following outcry forced Cornelius to sack her, to be replaced by someone more sympathetic to his influence, Dumbledore wouldn't complain. First, though he would have to dispose of, ...er... persuade Delores Umbridge to leave Hogwarts to make way for a more incompetent defence teacher. Though where he would find someone more incompetent than Umbridge he could only guess.

Dumbledore wasn't bothered by the lack of young Harry or Miss Granger; they would be back under his care and singing his praises before the year was out. He'd already given Slughorn the modified recipe for the loyalty potion that Severus devised. It was twice as strong as before, this time he would only need to suggest action to them and they would follow his commands, unfailingly. Dumbledore was mildly concerned that the amounts involved were straying dangerously close to unsafe levels for humans, but he only needed the two alive for a certain amount of time, another year or two at most.

"I can't believe Potter would run out on us, that bloody coward, he's supposed to win us the Quidditch cup!" Ron complained loudly, spitting food on those sitting opposites.

Dumbledore sighed and looked down at his food, seeing Mister Weasley's disgusting behaviour had caused him to lose his appetite, not that he ever had much of one in the first place. A sudden fluttered caught the attention of everyone in the hall as a full parliament of delivery owls descended on students and teachers alike. The only person not to receive an owl was Dumbledore himself.

Dinner was swiftly ignored as a steady hum of chatter rose over the hall, as everyone conversed a final owl sailed in over the heads of the students, stopping in front of Dumbledore. "Hey! That's Potter's owl!" Ron shouted out.

Dumbledore's eyes widened when he realised that, for once, Ron was correct. He snatched away the item Hedwig was carrying and tried to grab for the owl, but she was too quick. Hedwig gave him an indignant hoot before flying off up and out of the hall. Dumbledore thought about throwing out a stunning spell but with the number of students and teachers present, he decided against it. Speaking of presents, Hedwig had left one for Dumbledore on his meal before she left, and her delivery didn't improve his mood any. It was a copy of a late edition of the International Wizarding Times, proudly announcing that Harry Potter had transferred from Hogwarts to Beauxbatons for his fifth year of schooling. A quick scan of the article cited the headmaster's lack of care in the previous four years, as well as the two different abductions both on Harry's parents and Harry himself. It was followed up by re-stating that French doctors had found no evidence to verify Dumbledore's allegation that Lily Potter was a re-animated corpse, outright calling the claim nonsense.

Dumbledore rubbed his temple, knowing now that he wouldn't need to bother reaching out to Amelia or Cornelius, they were no doubt waiting for the end of the feast to speak to him. He couldn't help but notice the smug expression on Umbridge's face, he had no doubt she had designs on his position, but he wouldn't allow that to happen. Umbridge would be gone soon, Dumbledore would make sure of it.

Beauxbaton Academy of Magic

Palace of Beauxbatons, Pyrenees, Southern France

Dormitory Wing 10 pm

Harry, the girls and Tonks followed one of Harry and Hermione's new teachers down the corridor of the dorms towards their quarters. There were a few raised eyebrows given that usually, the dorm wasn't co-ed. The teacher, Professor Millstein, opened the door and led them inside. The room was warm with light wood walls and a large set of windows and a bench opposite the door. A lounge suite dominated the centre of the room with a set of study desks parallel to the door. Immediately to the left of the door was another door, that Emma explained led to the bedrooms. Tonks had the room closest to the door with Fleur, Hermione, and Harry at the end. All the rooms had their bathrooms and study desks if one of the group wanted privacy to work.

"Beauxbatons is a wonderful school, I hope you take the opportunity to enjoy it to your fullest," Emma said as she walked out, she gave them a beautiful smile and a small bow before she left.

Fleur and Hermione came up to either side of Harry and gave the boy the side-eye. "See something you like, Harry?"

"Yes, my girlfriends," Harry replied with a grin, slapping both girls on the ass.

Fleur feigned offence. "You beast."

Harry kissed both girls on the lips while still grinning. "Good night, my loves."

The three girls watched him walk away, smiling. Tonks glanced at Fleur and Hermione. "You've both done well."

"It was inside 'Arry all along, he just needed to have the confidence to show it."

"I could do without the slaps on the ass," Hermione muttered.

"I liked it," Fleur replied.

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Of course, you did."

Monday, 4 September 1995

The following Monday, Hermione and Fleur entered the common area of their accommodation, dressed in the daily Beauxbatons uniform of a light blue button-up classic collared above the knee length dress under a light blue blazer with a dark blue trimming on the edges with the Beauxbatons emblem embroidered on the left pocket, with the same hat, dark blue stockings, and shoes. Hermione did a small twirl for Fleur which caused the skirt to flair, Fleur grinned as she ran her eyes over Hermione. "You look delectable, cherie."

Hermione blushed and looked away. "T-thanks."

"Harry should be out soon," Tonks said as she entered dressed in a black with a grey pinstriped pants suit.

"You look nice," Hermione commented.

Tonks smiled. "Thanks." She replied as there was a noise behind her, the three girls turned and looked towards the door which had closed over. "Harry, are you ok?"

"Yeah… This is embarrassing." Harry replied.

"Come out Harry, I'm sure you look fine," Hermione assured him with a smile, despite him not being able to see her.

They heard Harry sigh and step out into the common area, dressed in a light blue button-up classic collared shirt under a light blue blazer with white trimming on the edges, a dark blue necktie, light blue pants, and dark blue and grey shoes. All three girls stared silently as Harry shifted uncomfortably. "What? I look stupid, don't I?"

"Wow, your boyfriend is a stud…" Tonks commented absently.

Harry's face lit up with a neon pink blush as Fleur and Hermione gave Tonks the side-eye as she looked away shyly. Hermione walked over to Harry and planted a firm kiss, asserting her claim on Harry. Once he'd licked the fruity tasting lip gloss off his lips, Fleur stepped forward and planted a similarly firm kiss on his lips, before the two turned to look at Tonks. The older woman chuckled. "Got it, but my point still stands."

Hermione crossed her arms. "We know, that's why I'm sticking as close as I can to him today."

Harry's blush somehow deepened, he was used to being the centre of attention for being the Boy-Who-Lived, but having Hermione, Fleur, and Tonks fawn over him for being attractive was new. "I-I guess we should get going."

The three girls nodded and began the trek to class, Fleur would be break off to attend the post-grad classes while Hermione and Harry would be attending double potions, defence, and ancient runes. Harry decided to drop Magical Creatures and Divinations from his fifth-year coursework. He didn't have the connection to CoMC now that his teacher wasn't Hagrid and Beauxbatons didn't offer Divination, which Harry would have dropped regardless. In their place, he was taking ancient runes and computer studies. Hermione had wanted to take all the courses offered but Harry and Fleur managed to talk her down, reminding her what happened last time.

Harry glanced over at Hermione, eyeing off the way she looked in her new uniform. "You look amazing."

Hermione's earlier blush was renewed. "Thank you, Harry."

Tonks rolled her eyes as they reached the communal study space, where the rest of their friends were waiting. There was a mixture of people whose eyes were drawn to Harry, as he entered and walked over to Cedric and Neville. Cedric tugged at his shirt while holding his jacket. "This is a change from Hogwarts school robes."

"It's significantly warmer here than it is in Scotland," Harry observed.

"True, this is still going to take some getting used to," Neville replied.

Daphne walked around behind Cho and Hermione and draped her arms around their shoulders. "We're very lucky girls."

Hermione grinned. "Yes, we are."

Border Between Spain and France

7 September 1995

Remus cut up some vegetables and added them to the pot as he looked out from the safe house Dumbledore had arranged towards the Pyrenees mountains. Remus and Kingsley were waiting until closer to Christmas, before making their journey to Beauxbatons. They'd agreed early on in their journey that it was too much of a risk to go during the school term. When the palace emptied and students and teachers went home for the holidays, it would be time to strike.

Dumbledore had given them the plans to the school and the two had plotted a path from the entrance to Harry's dorm. They knew it would not be easy, but they had faith in Dumbledore, he knew what was best for Harry, especially after Lily's reappearance. Remus believed his friend was dead and Harry had committed a grave sin by resorting to necromancy to reanimate her. Harry needed to be kept away from Granger and the Veela. Remus was a creature; he knew the darkness that lurked in their hearts. He'd promised Lily and James he would protect Harry and he would fulfil his obligation, even if it killed him.

Beauxbaton Academy of Magic

Palace of Beauxbatons, Pyrenees, Southern France

19 September 1995

Hermione shook her hair out and sighed. It had been a long day of studying alone in the library. She'd gotten a morning kiss from Harry, except that wasn't any different from any other day, and well wishes from their friends, but apart from that it hadn't felt like much of a birthday. She hadn't even heard from Mum, Hermione wondered whether she was too busy sucking face with Apolline Delacour to bother with her daughter's birthday. Not that she could entirely blame her Mum, after all, sucking face with Fleur, especially while Harry was watching was a delightful experience.

Hermione was both excited to explore the physical side of their relationship and annoyed it would be another year and a half until Harry turned seventeen. Fleur and Hermione had both agreed it wouldn't be fair to delve if Harry wasn't able to join in, and seventeen was the legal age of consent in the magical world. They didn't want to give Dumbledore any reason to try and wrest back control of Harry from Lily if they could help it. 'If he weren't around though…' Hermione thought as a delicious shiver ran up her spine.

As Hermione opened the door to the shared accommodation, she stopped short, the lights were off in the common area except for a set of candles on a table in the centre of the room. Fleur and Harry were standing behind the table holding hands, while a pile of presents was sitting behind them. Harry smiled at her. "Happy birthday, my love."

Hermione dropped her book bag and let the door shut behind her as she approached the table. It was piled high with all her favourite Mexican dishes. There was even a selection of egg tortillas from Hermione's special recipe. "I thought you'd…"

"You thought we'd forget? No way, you're too important to us for us to forget something as important as this. Tonks is spending the night in her room, so it's just us," Harry explained walking around the table to pull Hermione into a hug, which Fleur quickly joined."

"We also rounded up everyone's presents and put them in a pile. Everyone will be here tomorrow for a party, but we wanted you to ourselves tonight." Fleur added.

Small tears ran down Hermione's face as she buried her head in Harry's chest. "I love you both."

"And we you," Harry whispered as both he and Fleur pressed kisses against her head.

Tuesday, 31 October 1995

Hermione was hurrying back from her last class of the day, hoping for some cuddle and study time with Harry and Fleur before dinner. Hermione paused in the middle of an empty corridor and palmed her wand as she spotted Gaston and his friends watching her from the other end. Gaston had been all but silent since warning Harry on the carriage. Hermione was cautious as she resumed walking, almost reaching the end before Gaston spoke. "Bonjour Hermione, you are looking lovely today."

One of Gaston's friends stepped out from beside him to block Hermione's path. Hermione adjusted the strap on her book bag and glared back at Gaston. "Thank you, is there something I can do for you?"

"Non, but I think there is something I can do for you," Gaston replied, stepping forward, Hermione raised her wand and Gaston took half a step back, raising his hands. "I have no intention of harming you, I simply wanted to inform you that the great Arry Potter may not be the ideal boyfriend you think he is."

Hermione's eyes narrowed. "What are you talking about?"

Gaston fought every instinct to smile. "I have been told you were together before you left Hogwarts at the end of the last school term, in June?"

"Yes."

"Then why was he telling me he was Delacour's girlfriend in July?"

"What?" Hermione snapped at him.

"Oui, I met Arry and Delacour at a nightclub in mid-July and Arry told me he was Fleur's boyfriend, but how could he be Delacour's boyfriend when he was dating you?"

Gaston let the silence hang in the air for a few moments before speaking again. "I'm sorry you had to find out this way, but it's better than never knowing your boyfriend is a lowlife." Gaston waited until Hermione couldn't see his face to grin.

What Gaston couldn't see was the grin plastered on Hermione's face as she watched them go. "Fleur, Harry, I had an interesting run-in with Gaston, you'll never guess what he told me…"

Gaston scowled as he entered the headmistress's office. To the side of her desk sat Harry, Hermione, and Fleur, watching him warily. Madame Maxime indicated to the seat in front of her desk. "Please, sit down Mister Malfoy."

Gaston nodded and sat, glaring at Harry as he did. "How can I help you, Headmistress."

"It has been brought to my attention that you're trying to stir trouble in the relationship of the three people to my right, is that correct?"

Gaston snorted a laugh and sneered at Harry. "I wasn't aware the interpersonal relationships of Beauxbaton's students were the domain of the Headmistress. Or is it because Saint Potter complained?"

Maxime's face darkened as she straightened her back and looked down her nose at the blonde boy. "I do not appreciate the sarcastic tone you've taken. Second, I will intercede in any incidents of bullying that are brought to my attention, as you well know. Third, Mister Potter's celebrity is not a consideration here, the fact that these three young people are soul-bound is."

"You expect me to believe…" Gaston began before being cut off by Maxime.

"I do, you will leave these people alone, or there will be consequences."

Gaston flinched and nodded. "Yes, headmistress."

Maxime sighed and waved her hand towards the door. "You are dismissed."

After Gaston walked out, Maxime turned her attention to Harry, Fleur, and Hermione. "I have known his father most of my life. I remember Gaston being a delightful boy when he was growing up, but then his mother died and his father became… how do you say, a man about town. I would never tell Edward how to live his life, but I think it may have left Gaston with a low impression of women. I can only apologise on behalf of the school for his attitude."

Harry stood up and took Fleur and Hermione by the hands. "That's not necessary, Madame Maxime, you're doing your best. If Gaston chooses not to heed your advice, that's his fault, not yours."

Maxime nodded and smiled. "Merci, Mister Potter."

Back down in the study area Harry, Hermione, and Fleur join Cedric and Neville's table, as Neville and Harry began to dig into that day's potion homework a dark-haired girl approached the table. "Mister Potter?"

Harry looked up and gave her a dazzling smile. "Oui?"

The girl blushed but continued smiling. "I saw you fly against the Hungarian Horntail last year at Hogwarts, and I heard you're an excellent Quidditch player, so I was wondering if you'd join my team for the intra-school tournament due to start in November?"

Harry's face brightened at the idea of being able to play Quidditch again. "I'd love to."

"Great! My name is Renne, can I drag you away to meet your teammates?"

Harry nodded and the spunky girl pulled him away from the table and towards a group of five other students. Fleur and Hermione glanced at each other and silently agreed that the girl could be trouble.

Meanwhile, Gaston watched from a dark corner of the room and smiled, he knew the story about Potter, Granger and Delacour being soul-bound was rubbish. It was an excuse to try and scare him away, but he wasn't buying it. He would have Delacour in his bed again.

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Scotland

Dumbledore smiled as walked down a corridor towards the office of his Defence Against Dark Arts professor, with Cornelius Fudge, Amelia Bones, and a photographer from the Daily Prophet in tow. This was the beginning of his re-assent to the top of wizarding society. Tonight, he would rid himself of a nuisance, prove to Fudge he was indispensable and show the wider wizarding world that he was their saviour. "I'm sorry about this Cornelius, but as you'll see once I found out about what Madam Umbridge was doing, I couldn't wait another day."

"Yes, fine Dumbledore, let's see this supposed egregious act that Delores is accused of." Fudge muttered angrily.

Dumbledore waved his wand and the door to Umbridge's office burst open, Umbridge was out of her chair immediately, her face red with indignance. "What is the meaning of this Dumbledore!"

"What is the meaning of that!" Dumbledore roared pointing to Colin Creevey who was sitting in a corner of the room, his hand bloodied and raw from writing with a blood quill.

Amelia's eyes widened as she rushed over to the boy, conjuring a rag to wrap around his hand and sending her bulldog patronus away to summon Pomfrey. "This is discipline, that boy was spouting nonsense about Potter and talked back to me in class!"

"So, you brutalised him with an illegal magical object?!" Amelia hissed, her eyes glowing with anger and magical energy.

"The boy needed discipline, they've been coddled for far too long. Frankly, I think Mister Filch has the right idea, despite being a squib, the old ways are still the best."

"Expelliarmus!" Amelia shouted snatching Umbridge's wand out of the air.

"How dare you! I am…" Umbridge began.

"Under arrest! You attacked a child under the guise of discipline, this is a school, these children are here to learn, not be tortured!" Amelia shouted before stunning Umbridge and securing her with magical restraints. She then turned to Fudge. "I assume there will be no ministerial interference?"

Cornelius's eyes wandered from Umbridge to Creevey and back again, very much aware of the newspaper photographer who was eagerly snapping photos of the scene. "No, of course not Amelia."

"And how much did you know?" Amelia spat in Dumbledore's direction.

Dumbledore gave her a placating smile. "Dear lady, as soon as I knew I contacted…"

"Bullshit."

Dumbledore blinked unaccustomed to being interrupted. "Excuse me?"

"You knew and did nothing about it. You often say that there is nothing in this castle that you don't know about, what's more, you had a newspaper reporter on the scene for the arrest. You knew and did nothing, allowing children to suffer while preparing for your photo op. There will be a full investigation into this Dumbledore and the report will be forwarded to the school board. I'm sure they'll have many questions." Amelia explained, magical energy roiling against her skin as she spoke, making two of the three men in the room step back and giving Colin Creevey a new hero alongside Harry Potter.

"Yes, well, the ministry of course knew nothing about what was happening here, Delores Umbridge acted of her own volition and had I known what was going on I would have put a stop to it immediately. The safety of our children is paramount, and I'll be contacting the board with my thoughts on the matter." Fudge said as he led the reporter out of the room, while Amelia summoned Aurors to collect Umbridge.

As Pomfrey pushed past Dumbledore and dealt with Colin, Dumbledore walked out. This was supposed to be an easy way back into the good graces of the wizarding public. It was his moment to be seen as a hero, and yet it burst into flame and died. Worse, somehow, he was left looking worse than when he started. The one to blame was Potter, everything that had gone wrong in his life revolved around Potter. Thankfully, it wouldn't be too long before he was back under Dumbledore's control and then in another year or two his plan would be enacted, and he would succeed where Tom failed and grasp immortality.

Beauxbaton Academy of Magic

Palace of Beauxbatons, Pyrenees, Southern France

11 November 1995

Harry groaned and dropped his bag on the floor of his accommodation as he collapsed into a chair. After only six days of classes Harry felt spent, it was dawning on him that the education standards at Hogwarts were severely lacking. Everything at Beauxbaton's was at a higher level than anything he'd experienced at the old school, he was thankful that he had his two beautiful girlfriends to help him, otherwise he'd be drowning about now. He was still making good marks in all his subjects, but now he was competing with the smartest witches and wizards in Europe. Of course, Hermione was fine, excelling even, she didn't have to hold back at Beauxbaton's, no one was going to tease her about her intelligence or bully her for knowing the answer to a question. Harry wished this was the school she'd attended since being told she was a witch, even if that meant he would never have met her.

Harry winced as he heard Hermione's voice in his head. "I'm glad I went to Hogwarts, the sacrifices were worth it to meeting you, Harry."

"I love you, Hermione."

"I love you too, Harry."

Harry smiled and focused, shutting Fleur and Hermione out of his head as gently as he could, both because shutting off his mind instantly could hurt them, and because he didn't want them to notice. Once he was sure they couldn't see or hear his thoughts, he turned to Tonks. "Tonks, I need a favour, one that might be a bit outside your usual remit."

Tonks grinned at Harry. "Hanging around Hermione is paying off, look at you using words like, remit." Tonks replied ruffling his hair.

"Tonks, I'm serious, and don't say it…" Harry responded pointing a threatening finger at Tonks, to which she replied by sticking out her tongue.

"You were taught to fight by Mad-Eye, right?"

"Yep, that old bastard taught me and Nick to fight, of course not at the same time, and I didn't know he'd taught Nick until very recently."

Harry nodded. "Can you teach me what he taught you?"

Tonks eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Why?"

"We know Malfoy and Dumbledore are going to come after me again, I need to be able to protect Hermione and Fleur…"

"That's my job Harry…" Tonks began.

"What if you're not around, what if Dumbledore finds some way to kidnap me again, what if I must confront him. It's not even a what if, I will confront him someday and end this. I must, otherwise it'll never be over," Harry protested as he got up to pace the room.

"You could just wait for him to die." Tonks offered.

"He hasn't died yet, and he's not going to stop until he gets what he wants or one of us is dead. I need to know how to fight Tonks and you got trained by the best."

Tonks let out a breath and ran her fingers through her pink hair. "Harry, Mad-'Eyes training regime was brutal, by the end of it I was calling him names that would have made my Mum wash my mouth out with literal soap. I can't subject you to that, your Mum and the girls…"

"Don't have to know." Harry stated emphatically.

"I'm not going to lie to them." Tonks hissed, letting her hair turn black as anger bubbled away inside her.

"I'm not asking you to lie, we won't tell them anything. I'm not asking now; I'm telling you as my employee that you'll do this."

Tonks blinked and then barked out a laugh. "You're not my employer, your Mum is."

Harry looked at Tonks, his eyes as hard as emeralds and very cold. "Lily Potter is the regent for house Potter, I am a lord in waiting, you work for me. Is that clear?"

Tonks scowled but nodded. "Yes, Heir Potter."

To Be Continued…