Chapter Two – A British Wizard in Paris
The first thing they did in Paris was to go to apparating branch of their Ministry of Magic. Fleur passed her test without any problems. She could now travel legally to anyplace she wanted to in the world.
They walked around Paris for the rest of the day, looking at all of the sites that Harry had seen in books and on television. Everything was so wonderful that Harry didn't want to leave.
"I had a feeling that we wouldn't be able to do it all in a day. I told father to arrange rooms for us in a wizard's hotel."
Fleur and Harry arrived at the hotel just before they locked their doors for the evening. "Just made it." Said the bellhop.
"Rooms for Fleur Delacour and Harry Potter."
"Harry Potter? Thee Harry Potter?"
"Er, yeah. I would be him."
"But Harry Potter isn't French."
Harry told him that he had learned it for the trip. It seemed to please the concierge.
"Unfortunately, we weren't able to accommodate the needs your father requested. The best we could do was to get you a room with two beds. Will this be a problem?"
It just might be for Harry. Luckily, his wet dreams had gone unnoticed at the Delacour's house but Fleur would be in the same room.
Before Harry could say anything Fleur took the key. "It won't be a problem. Come on Harry, I'm very tired."
The room was very nice and it even had some of their things there. "My father sent some things over for us. Hope you don't mind that he went through your stuff."
"No, it's fine. I'm just glad that I get to be in Paris."
Harry decided to get ready first because he didn't know how long it would take Fleur. Given her past record he would probably be asleep by the time she got out if she went first. Harry was ready for bed after a few minutes and went underneath the covers. He wished that he had looked up a spell that would prevent him from having dreams about Fleur but he liked the dreams.
Harry was already asleep by the time Fleur left the bathroom. Like always she looked very beautiful in her silk pajamas. Fleur looked at Harry as he slept. She had grown quite fond of Harry over the last couple of weeks. All of the things that he had done for her and her family had not gone unnoticed. She tried to push the thoughts of her affection for Harry out of her head. She was going to be his teacher in a few months. Besides, he was too young. Still, he was more mature than a lot of boys even at her age and he would be a great wizard someday. She told herself not to think about it and went to sleep.
Harry awoke during the night having to go to the bathroom. He did his business and went back to bed. He must have been very tired or sleepwalking because he didn't go back to his own bed.
Fleur was startled to feel somebody's arms around her. She looked over to see that Harry was in the wrong bed. She didn't mind this at all and decided against waking Harry. It was the best sleep that she had in weeks. Being in Harry's arms made her feel comfortable. All of the worries about failing at being a teacher left her. All she wanted to do was to stay in that bed with him. She easily fell back asleep.
Harry awoke very pleased with himself. There was no sticky sensation in his pants. In fact, he didn't even wake up with the morning wood he was used to. He opened his eyes and all he could see was the color of silvery-blonde hair. He shot straight up and saw that he was not in his own bed. He must have crawled into Fleur's bed after going to the bathroom last night. He tried to sneak out of bed without being noticed but to no avail.
Fleur rolled over and saw that Harry was trying to get up as quietly as possible. "Good morning Harry."
"Fleur, I am so sorry. I must have sleepwalked or something."
"It's alright, don't worry about it."
Harry tried to change the subject. "So, what are we going to do today?"
"We've seen what the muggles of France have to offer now we'll see what the wizards have."
"Sounds great, think I'll just go pop in the shower."
"Want me to join you?"
Harry went red.
"I was kidding."
"Right, be out in a bit."
Harry couldn't believe what he had done. Wouldn't Fleur have noticed if somebody crawled into bed with her? Now she was joking with him. He should have known that she was joking. They had become good friends over the last couple of weeks, almost as close as Ron and Hermione.
Harry quickly showered and dressed. He waited on his bed thinking about what he had done last night while Fleur got ready. After nearly falling asleep while waiting for Fleur he decided to get up and order some breakfast.
Fleur came out of the bathroom just as the breakfast was arriving. "I hope you don't mind but I was getting hungry."
"I was getting hungry too. So did you sleep well?"
"Actually, yes. I'm really sorry about last night though."
"It's alright, I slept like an angel."
"And looked like one. Sorry, couldn't resist."
"You are the little charmer aren't you?"
"I try my best."
They both smiled at each other and finished their breakfast. Harry thought that Fleur couldn't be flirting with him. They were just friends, weren't they?
They left the hotel and toured the Parisian version of Diagon Alley. Fleur had taken to walking arm in arm with Harry. He was in such a good mood that he couldn't help smiling. He decided that as a thank you for their hospitality he would buy each of the Delacours a present. For Jean Luc he purchased a set of magical measuring spoons. They were charmed to produce exact measurements of the most common ingredients in cooking. For young Gabrielle he purchased a Tawny Owl. It was elegant and beautiful as she was. Harry hoped she would like it.
"Don't worry Harry, she'll love the owl."
For Mrs. Delacour Harry decided on a very lovely necklace. The gem of the necklace was enchanted to change to the birthstone of the month each and every month.
"You have excellent taste Harry."
"You are the only one left Fleur, what would you like?"
"You are too kind, you already helped me get through my test."
"Please, let me get you something. What would you like?"
"For us to remain close friends. I've grown quite attached to you."
"I had always planned on that. Never mind, I'll find something nice for you."
Harry walked into a shop while Fleur waited for him outside. He wasn't sure what he wanted to buy. Would it be something personal? Would she misinterpret the gift? He looked around saw nothing that he liked. It then occurred to him that he could probably just make something for her. He then thought of the perfect gift.
"What did you get me?"
"Nothing."
"You said you were going in there to get me something."
"Nothing struck me as being right for you. Come with me."
"Where are we going?"
"Just down the street, I need something to help me make your gift."
"Oh, that's sweet Harry. What are you making me?"
"I'm not going to tell you quite yet. If it doesn't work then I don't want you to be too disappointed."
Harry took Fleur down the street to a vendor that Harry saw earlier. They walked into the shop and saw a small wizard bent over a piece of marble, carefully taking off bits and pieces. Fleur looked around and saw thousands of little figures of wizards, dragons, unicorns, and various other magical creatures. The figures were now staring at Harry and Fleur as they browsing over the shelves. The wizard tore herself way from the piece of marble to help the new customers.
"Welcome to Pixy's Magical Figures Shop. I'm Madame Pixy, how can I help you?" It was at that moment that Madame Pixy's eyes went up to Harry's forehead. "Oh my, it's you!"
Harry was now very used to this. "Please, I'm just a customer interested in some items."
"Of course, anything for Harry Potter. What would you like?"
"I was wondering if you can carve figures of myself and this lovely young lady next to me?"
Fleur blushed. Harry thought this made her look more lovely than usual.
"Ah, this must be your girlfriend."
"No, she is just a close friend whom I'm visiting for the summer."
"But of course. When would you like these figures?"
"That is the thing, I am only here for a short period of time so I would need it to be a rush job. Would that be a problem?"
"Well, I am quite backed up right now with some party favors I'm doing for a wedding. I may be able to make an exception if you grant me one request."
"And what would that request be?"
"Well, I was wondering if after I do your figures, could I maybe continue making figures of you for sale in my store?"
"I suppose that would be alright, just as long as Malfoy never comes to Paris I should be fine."
"Good good, I shall get started right away. Give me two days and I will make these little ones perfect. Hold on, let me get my camera."
She walked back and took several photos of Harry and Fleur. She examined them and their garments so that they would be perfect recreations of the two at that exact moment.
"What material would you like?"
"What material will look the most life like?"
"Ah Mr. Potter, any material I use will come to life in these hands."
"Very well, what would you recommend?"
"Since they will be painted I would go with durability. I recently traveled into the muggle world and discovered just the material, titanium. While they consider it almost unbreakable, I have found a way for it to bend to my every whim."
"That sounds great. Shall I return in a couple days to pick up the items?"
"Lovely, I will see you then. Will this quiet one be joining you?"
Fleur finally piped in. "I'm sorry. I have been trying to figure out what he will be doing with these figures."
"No need to apologize, I just wanted to match a voice with the lovely face I'm about to carve."
Harry and Fleur exited the shop and went back into the wizarding street. "Harry, what are you going to do with the figures of us?"
"Well I was planning on making little videos and selling them as really being us. Maybe make a little extra cash."
"Very funny Harry. What shall be do next?"
"Well, since I'm here I should probably pick up some gifts for Hermione and the Weasley's."
"You're quite found of Hermione aren't you?"
"She is a very good friend of mine. Without her Ron and I would get into all sorts of trouble, she's our voice of reason."
"I'm worried Harry, you're almost fifteen and you haven't had a girlfriend?"
"Nope. I do like girls if that is what you are worried about."
"No, I wasn't worried about that. Do you have any crushes at school or at home?" She said this as they entered a bookshop where Harry was hoping to find some gifts.
"One girl, but I don't think she'll be approachable for a while now. It was Cho Chang."
"Oh my, the girl that was Cedric's thing he would miss most?"
"Yup, and after what happened at the tournament I don't think it would be wise of me to go up and ask her out." It was at that moment, talking about Cedric and Cho that Harry realized that he had barely thought about Voldemort since coming to France.
"No, it probably wouldn't be advisable. Still, don't give up. She'll heal over time so don't think she is gone forever." Fleur was starting to feel more like an adult now instead of just a friend. She didn't really like feeling like that when she was talking with Harry. "Come on, there are some interesting looking books over there."
Harry walked around the bookstore for a few minutes. He finally came across the perfect book for Hermione. It was the English translation of Beauxbatons A History. Harry thought Hermione would like to read more in-depth about schools in other countries. "You are lucky that you can speak French, they probably wouldn't sell it to a Brit."
"Why not?"
"They don't really like giving out secrets to foreigners."
"Bah." Harry continued looking around and found a French cookbook for Mrs. Weasley. Sure enough, there was Fleur's dad on the cover. "Well, if she liked Lockhart then she'll love your dad."
"Thanks for reminding me that my father is ogled by thousands of women."
"No problem" Harry said jokingly. "What should I get for Ron?"
"Maybe a girlfriend would suit him too."
"Funny. Wait, just figured it out. Where would they sell Gobstones around here?"
"There is a game shop down the street. Harry, with the smell that comes out of those he will never get a girlfriend."
"I don't know, I think some girls would find that smell quite intriguing."
"Oh yes, who that stinky boy over there? I can barely hold myself back from lunging at him and ripping off his clothes."
"See, I knew you would go for it. Ron better watch out for you come September."
Harry paid for the two books and went with Fleur down the street to the game shop. He paid for the Gobstones and left.
"Who is left Harry?"
"Well, I already gave Fred and George a pretty nice present back on the train. Mr. Weasley would probably prefer something muggle so we can pick that up on our way back. That leaves Ginny. Wait, I should probably get something for Hagrid too. Oh, and Dobby did help me on the second task."
"Wait, you got help?"
"And you didn't?"
"Good point, never mind. Who's Dobby?"
"He is a House Elf at Hogwarts. I liberated him from the Malfoys a couple years ago."
"Okay, what could you possibly get for a House Elf?"
"Not sure, something will catch my eye."
"Well, what will you get for Ginny and Hagrid?"
"I already saw something for Hagrid back at Pixy's place. But first I need to figure out what to get Ginny. If you were a girl who just turned fourteen what would you want?"
"She's an only girl isn't she?"
"Yup, with six older brothers."
"Get her something feminine, she probably doesn't get that enough with a house full of boys. Might I suggest some perfume?"
"What kind of perfume do you wear? I must say that I have never smelled anything like it."
"I don't wear any perfume."
"You have to, you smell too good."
"That comes from me. Veelas give out a naturally produced smell that is intoxicating to men."
"Too bad they don't bottle that."
"What makes you say they don't? Come with me."
Fleur took Harry to a small shop down the street and purchased a bottle of veela essence.
"Dobby, Hagrid, and Mr. Weasley." At that moment Harry looked across the street and saw the perfect gift for Dobby. In the display case was a small doll wearing a tiny tuxedo. "I can't believe it, that is the right size as far as I can tell." Harry hoped that the House Elf would like it as much as Harry thought he would.
"Okay, on to Madame Pixy's." Harry quickly went into the shop while Fleur waited for him in the street. He was out in under a minute's time.
"What did you get?"
"A figure of a Norwegian Ridgeback."
"Why would you get that?"
"Long story, shall we head out into the muggle world so I can get my last gift?"
"Of course, but we should get going soon. It is getting dark."
Harry and Fleur went into a small electronics store and picked up a radio-controlled car for Mr. Weasley. "He'll love it. Shall we go home?"
"Yes, I'm sure my father will be happy to see us." They went into an alley behind the store and disapparated.
