Chapter 22

The New Year's countdown had passed in the Delacour household, and the party was more rowdy than Harry would've anticipated. The amount of alcohol that passed through the venue was immense, and Anita had been right about the veela being in a frenzy after the duel. Many had sought his attention, and even took desperate measures to try and get it. Some were subtle kisses on the cheek, while others tried to get him to dance with them. One was even bold enough to rub against him drunkenly. This resulted in Fleur glaring at the girl, and even drawing her wand to threaten her cousin. Fleur had kept him at her side for the evening, and at the countdown she pulled him for a kiss that likely made a few jealous, not that Harry was complaining. He supposed they hadn't put a title on what they were, but he also knew he was promised a second date if you didn't count that evening as one. The intentions were there, but he knew he had to come forth about a few things before it could go further.

Harry had resolved to tell the truth before he returned home, and he felt his anxiety of the decision increase as each guest departed and it grew later into the evening. It was well past two am when just the family had remained. In that time Harry had admittedly consumed copious amounts of alcohol with Sebastian and the other men who were trying to learn just how he became so gifted in the magical arts. He talked a lot about his mentor without giving any names away, and how his parents had left him to his own devices when he was younger which pushed him to become the best he could be. It was the nicest way he could speak of the neglect he experienced, and none seemed to read too deeply into it. Also in that time, Anita had claimed that if Harry wished for their alliance then they had to agree to an alliance. Basically if the veela conclave was attacked then Harry would answer the call to arms to help them, and vice versa. Harry would've done this either way, but he was happy he had gathered his first official allies. It was not as important for his death match with Voldemort, but it could be very important for whatever he decided to do after.

Harry was thankful the alcohol helped his words flow though, because he knew the time to talk to Fleur was upon him when it became just himself and her family remaining. Gabrielle had gone to bed long after the countdown, and that was likely for the best as some guest's behaviour had gone well over the socially acceptable line for most, but Harry himself was enjoying the laid back atmosphere greatly.

Fleur and Appoline had gone to the front of the house to say goodnight to the remaining guests leaving Harry and Sebastan standing alone, and in high spirits, "I still don't understand how you summoned the tidal wave!"

"I've always had an affinity for water." Harry said honestly, "But in the last year my control of the elements has leaped as my magic reached its maturity."

"You will clash well with my daughter. Fire and water are opposite in many ways, but, à la fin de la journée, there is a sort of harmony to it."

Harry swirled the liquid in his glass slowly asking the man, "Is that how it was with you and Appoline?"

The man laughed at this, "In some ways yes, but she was more the light to the darkness that had descended over my country. My dive into the Dark Arts during the war took me a long way from what I was comfortable with, and almost crossed a point of no return. Had it not been for her perhaps I would have risen to be a Dark Lord here in France." Taking a long pull of his drink the man looked appraisingly at Harry, "Speaking this among normal people this would be quite the controversial statement, but something tells me you of all people could understand. Your power...you must feel the occasional pull?"

Harry nodded his head, "Sometimes it is stronger than others. Before my family and I came to be on good terms I believed it was always a possible outcome. That I would lose myself in my pursuit of knowledge. My mentor always wanted me to push, and he would not have cared one way or another if I fell down that path as long as I never gave up. He wants me to change the world with my abilities, and I know he doesn't care how I accomplish it."

"Yes, I suppose Grindelwald wouldn't care what his student got up to." Harry felt his insides tighten, and the man nodded his head gravely, "Oh yes, Anita told me about the man who brought up such a powerful young protege."

"I don't know what to say." Harry said after long moments of silence.

"You understand that this man slaughtered many? All in the name of his supposed greater good." The man said frostily.

Harry shook his head, "That was a long time ago, and he spent nearly fifty years in solitary confinement to pay for it. He came out a changed man. He only wishes to right his wrongs by helping me change the magical world for the better."

"Can one really redeem himself after being responsible for so much death and destruction?" The man asked with a serious tone.

"In most of the world's eyes he will be irredeemable, but, to a kid who could've lost himself in the Dark Arts without a proper guide or mentor, he will only ever be the father figure he so desperately needed. Grindelwald never asked me for anything. Even now. He just wants me to do my best, and change the world for the better. I have learned from the mistakes of my master." Harry said passionately, "I don't care what he did before me. Only what he did for me, and when I crush this Dark Lord in my home country, I will tell the world just who was responsible for my victory. Many will throw a fit, and many will be angry, but if any step against me I will crush them."

Harry wasn't sure if it was the alcohol talking or the need to defend the man that practically raised him, but he felt more confident in his words than he would have been in the face of a man who could've lost everything to his master. After a moment Sebastian grinned, "There is a fire in you, Harry. One I have seldomly seen in a witch or wizard of any age...You have earned my respect in the short time we have known each other, and as a friend, and the father of a young woman who held you on her arm all night, I have to know...do you truly trust this man?"

With no hesitation Harry answered, "Without a doubt."

The two held eye contact for a long moment before the man nodded, "Good. My family would be quite disappointed if I ended up crossing wands with a man who killed to protect my daughter."

Sebastian offered his hand, and Harry shook it with gratitude, and relief, "Thank you for your trust in me, Sebastian."

The man nodded, and that was when Appoline and Fleur came into the room. With a slurred sloppy smile, and after nearly stumbling into the room, Appoline leaned against her husband, and began dragging him up towards the door, "'Arry, I am going to steal my husband now. Fleur will work out your accommodations for the evening. Happy New Years to you both."

Sebastian shot an exasperated look at Harry as he was dragged away, and Fleur let out a little giggle, "We are definitely going to sleep in the guest house tonight. Mama is quite annoying when she's drunk and with papa. It's disturbing, but I guess it means they are still in love after all these years, non?"

Harry offered the girl a smile and sighed, "Maybe we can go for a walk if you aren't too tired? I think we should discuss a few things."

"I suppose I can tolerate a little more of your company. It's a nice night for a walk, yes?" Fleur answered with a tone of fake indifference.

Their stroll out of the house was in silence, and they were on the beach sitting in the sand looking out at the Dark Horizon. Harry had offered her his jacket which she took appreciatively, and of course he had a fire for them in moments with the area warded off with warming charms following quickly after.

Deciding to jump off the deep end Harry just came out and answered the question that needed to be addressed, "Gellert Grindelwald."

Fleur's eyes didn't widen, and they didn't even shift towards him in surprise, "I know. My real question is 'Arry, did you murder that boy in the Astronomy Tower?"

Harry wasn't sure if it was alcohol influencing his mind, but he was truly surprised, "No, of course not. I was with Penny at dinner, and beforehand in the common room before we started evening patrols."

"The ICW Investigator believes the murder could've taken place as early as that morning. He also says that you two have had problems in the past. The sign of Grindelwald was left on the boy." Fleur said with accusation in her words, but her eyes showed a degree of faith. Knowing there must be an explanation.

It was a testament to the young Veela's faith in Harry. The evidence was certainly against him, but her eyes betrayed the fact that she still trusted him. Harry shook his head in frustration wishing he knew the true series of events, "It's a setup. I didn't kill Marcus Flint. He hadn't dared cross me in two years. After I thrashed him and his Slytherin cronies for attacking my brother I never was involved with him again, not even in Quidditch."

"The investigator believes you killed him. He also knows of your mentor. He spoke with historical experts in France, and they confirmed that the spells you used were created by Grindelwald. If there was proof I believe he would've tried to arrest you by now." Fleur said matter of factly.

"He threatened me not long ago...but you knew? Why act like you didn't?" Harry asked curiously and a bit of concern leaked into his stomach.

Fleur bit her lip for a moment before saying, "Because I didn't really care, 'Arry. This was all built up to be some great secret, but had you really thought about it you should've known to trust me."

Harry didn't really understand, and his look must've shown it because the young woman scoffed, "Think, 'Arry. The veela fought for Grindelwald in the last war. My ancestors have notoriously supported the greatest witch or wizard of every age regardless of cause. As long as we aren't the targets we flock to the powerful. It is in our very nature."

"I had never told anyone until Christmas day. No one knew. It had become such a secret in my life I couldn't tell you, Fleur. I couldn't imagine the thoughts that would go through your mind. Your own father was hesitant to trust the need for secrecy, and I still don't think he does. He says he trusted me. I couldn't risk telling someone I had only known for four months. I knew the information getting out too early could be seriously destructive, and I had to be careful." Harry defended carefully.

Fleur seemed surprised to find out how well kept the secret was, "No one knew? Not Penny? Not your friends? Not even your family?"

"Not even Justin." Harry said defensively, "My family were the first to find out a secret that was seven years in the making. They didn't take it well at first...In fact I thought Potter Manor would have a bloody Christmas evening, but their faith in me barely swayed them to put aside the violence. Grindelwald did terrible things here in France at the height of the war, for all I knew he could have butchered members of your family."

Fleur was silent at this, but not for long, "Some died for him...but that doesn't matter anymore. You saved my life, 'Arry. To me that is all that will ever matter. I wouldn't have believed you killed this Flint boy without reason either. I suspected it was possible you had a hand, but I did not believe for a moment you would have done so without reason. I trust you. You came to my side in a moment where everyone else had failed. I owe you my life."

She had grabbed Harry's shirt in the process of her speech, and they were nose to nose when she was done speaking. Harry spoke softly to her not finding a reason to raise his voice any longer, "I didn't kill Marcus Flint, Fleur. I have killed many others though. All were trying to hurt me or someone I loved though. I swear to you I never killed an innocent. If I can help it I never will either. The world may think otherwise one day, but I swear to you now in this moment I didn't do it."

The young woman nodded her head whispering, "Good. I would hate to think the man I am pursuing is a heartless murderer."

"Would it really have stopped you?" Harry asked in the same quiet tone.

Her answer was simple, "No."

The remaining distance was closed in a kiss. Clothes hit the sand in a matter of moments, and the fire nearby burned brightly as the young couple lost themselves in each other.

The next morning might have been awkward in another life. At some point Fleur had apparated the two of them into the guest house where they continued their evening activities well into the early morning desperately trying to become familiar with every inch of each other. They had risen just before noon, clearly feeling the rough side effects from the combination of alcohol and their lust for each other and making them more groggy than Harry would've preferred. When the duo made it down for lunch with her family Appoline looked at her daughter with knowing eyes, while Sebastian and Harry avoided eye contact through much of the fairly quiet lunch. Gabrielle's presence was the only mercy to Harry as she seemed to fill the room with light conversation about her big plans for the New Years, and her excitement to watch Harry and Fleur perform in the second task next month.

Fleur and Harry exchanged nervous smiles throughout their lunch, but afterwards Harry knew he had to return home and meet with his family and invite Grindelwald over for a later lunch as well.

When lunch was over Harry shook hands with Sebastian and the man clapped the hand he held briefly, saying, "You will always be welcome here in Delacour Château, Monsieur Potter, and know that nothing we learned last night changes how this family will see you."

Gratefully Harry gave the man a smile, "That means a lot, Monsieur Delacour. Merci."

The man laughed, "Next time we will work on your French, as well as discuss your intentions with my daughter. I think it will be about time for that come the second task, non?"

Harry could only nod in agreement, "I believe you are right. Until then."

Sebastian nodded and stepped aside for his wife who shocked Harry with a kiss on the mouth, and the knowing smile she had when she separated made Harry suspicious, but he didn't question it, "Thank you for spending the evening with us last night, 'Arry. Have a good second part of term, and we will see you at the second task. Be careful."

Harry and Sebastian exchanged looks, but the man merely shook his head shrugging. His answer was clear. When you are with a veela it's better not to question certain things. With a hug from little Gabrielle Harry turned to Fleur who was the last to see him off. She guided him to the wardline away from her family, "I hope you did not believe I am the type for one night stands, Monsieur."

Taking her hand and pressing a gentle kiss on the girl's knuckles Harry offered her a smile, "My lady I was still promised a second date. Besides, it isn't my style either."

He pulled the young veela into a kiss after that, and then left one hand on her cheek as they separated, "I will see you in a few days. At Hogwarts."

She nodded in agreement, and Harry took the final steps across the apparition line, and vanished in silence.

Arriving back at Potter Manor had been fairly uneventful. The first thing that happened was his mother berating him for allowing Justin to drink the night of the Yule Ball. He didn't have to wonder long why his brother gave him up like that, because he found out that he tried to get away with having a few drinks with the Marauders the evening before. It turns out his dad did let the youngest Potter have a single drink after they returned from the party they attended at Bones Manor, so both men were in the doghouse with Lily Potter. She swore up and down about the irresponsibility of it all, but Harry said he was about Justin's age when they were sneaking booze into the Quidditch Locker rooms to celebrate victories, and he didn't want his brother caught unaware of the effects of alcohol. Lily wasn't happy, but she seemed to forgive her oldest son faster than her husband, who had confided in Harry that he had slept on the couch the evening before.

When asked about his evening all he could was grin, and Sirius, who was hanging out in the living room with his father, cheered, and insisted more drinks be had in celebration of his godson's victory, but Harry quickly shot down the idea before they attracted any further ire from his mother.

Justin had been in a good mood when Harry arrived home despite the trouble he had caused. Apparently he'd had a fantastic evening with Susan the night before, and he could only grin at his brother when asked about it. It was clear the little whelp was on cloud 9, and Harry figured either he didn't want to know or would find out back at school far away from his mother.

Harry had sent a patronus inviting Gellert for dinner, and the man responded later with acceptance. This gave Harry some time to warn his family of the man's arrival, and while James seemed to nod tightly, Lily seemed more interested in the surprise.

Dinner came upon the Potter family quickly, and like last time Grindelwald arrived with a bottle of wine, and a bottle of Ogden's finest. This dinner was much more peaceful than the last, and it didn't have any hitches until conversations of what everyone spent the New Year doing came up, "Harry, how was your evening with the head of the Veela conclave? She is an old friend."

Harry rolled his eyes at this, "Yeah, it would've been nice if you mentioned that. She caught me with the surprise of knowing who you were right out of the gates."

James nearly spat his wine out of his mouth, "Other people know you are alive?"

Grindelwald gave the man a slight smile, "A trusted few. The veela and I go way back before my rise to power even. I knew the heads of all the clans by the time I was expelled from Durmstrang. I fought through most of their champions by the time I was twenty."

"Well, she spoke highly of you. I have secured the alliance of Anita Laurent, and wowed the conclave, and their important French husbands." Harry said almost sarcastically.

Grindelwald looked pleased, but unsurprised, "I knew you would. Well done."

"What do you need the Veelas alliance for? I thought you were just going to spend time with our family's allies?" James questioned.

"One does not change the world without friends, Lord Potter. The veela are an excellent ally for one with as much power as your son." Grindelwald answered simply.

"I did not know that was going to be a caveat to my visit, dad. I thought I was just spending the evening with Fleur and her family. I believe I will begin courting her as soon as we return to Hogwarts." Harry responded calmly.

The family seemed taken aback by the news, and Lily asked, "Son, that's a pretty serious thing to drop on us. A formal courtship is a serious commitment."

"It won't be formalized until the end of the school year, but I believe if our future dates go as well as the nights we've had so far then it would be a good idea to get ahead of it." Harry said as a matter of fact.

Grindelwald clapped his hands together looking pleased, "That is excellent news. I approve wholeheartedly."

James through gritted teeth said, "Your approval is unnecessary, this is a family matter."

Grindelwald did not let the accusation phase him as he bowed his head slightly in acknowledgment, but offered Harry a wink. Harry however frowned at his father, "I would value my teacher's opinion of a partner above most. Though I do agree. She is a good political partner aside from any feelings we do have for each other. Not to mention a magical powerhouse that can at least keep me interested."

Lily shook her head, while James was openly frowning at his oldest son. An awkward silence descended upon the table, when Grindelwald asked, "So how did you impress your newest allies?"

"I took down Sebastian Delacour last night. The challenge was thrilling, but not what I had hoped for." Harry admitted honestly.

Sirius who was sitting at the end of the table did actually spit his wine out at this revelation, "You duelled with Sebastian Delacour and won?"

Grindelwald offered Sirius a smile, "Now, Lord Black, my young protege here took down a dragon without a wand, yet it surprises you he beat a barely above excellent auror?"

James glared at the man, "Sebastian Delacour is said to be the most powerful wizard in France."

"My young apprentice may very well be the most powerful wizard in the world, and in time we will certainly find out. Have you told your family of your challenge?" Grindelwald asked smoothly.

Harry shook his head looking at the man in surprise, "No. I didn't think it was important for them to know."

Grindelwald tutted, and shook his head, "My boy, we are going to have one of the most historically significant duels of the decade, and you thought it unimportant?"

Lily looked between the two men, surprise etched into her face, "You two are going to duel?"

"Violently." Grindelwald said cheerfully, while Harry rolled his eyes.

James looked between the two suspiciously, "Why?"

"We must know if our young champion is up to the challenge of taking on the self-proclaimed Lord Voldemort. I am well beyond my prime, but I assure you I am still very capable with a wand. If Harry can defeat me, then we will know he is well on his way to victory." Grindelwald answered simply.

Lily looked at her son sharply, "How are you okay with this?"

Harry sighed and gently placed a hand on the woman's hand that was clenching the table, "It's okay, mum. Master Grindelwald and I have dueled many times before, and while this one will most likely be our most violent one because we both believe I am capable of possibly winning, it is still without the intent to kill. We have been dueling since I was thirteen years old, and you've never even noticed an injury. It will be fine."

Sirius was now matching the suspicious look James had on his face, "Why tell us? It was completely unnecessary."

The older man put his glass down on the table gently, and clapped his hands, "Lord Potter, I brought this matter to your attention, because I hoped for a few things to come of it. Firstly, I would like you and your family to witness this duel."

Justin was the one to interject here, "Really? How will we be kept safe from your magic?"

Grindelwald smiled at the young man as if he had just handed him a golden goose, "That is a perfect question, and it leads into my second intention. I wish to hold this duel on the grounds of Potter Manor."

This surprised Harry, and he broke through the stunned silence almost immediately, "What? That wasn't part of our last conversation."

Grindelwald waved his hand, "I saw it in a vision last night. I realized there are many advantages to your family now knowing your teacher of the magical arts, and this is certainly one of them. Anywhere we choose to have this duel could level a surrounding area, but the wards on Potter Manor are second to none in a family home. Here we could do it safely, and we can finally show your family just exactly what you can do. Show them there is absolutely no reason to fear this snake-faced coward. "

The ramifications hit Harry instantly. It was a masterful plan as he thought about it. It wasn't long before he nodded, "I agree the benefits are immense. Mum, dad, what do you think?"

James looked at his son warily, "I don't know, son, this sounds very dangerous."

Grindelwald nodded his head in agreement, "It certainly is. Wouldn't you feel better knowing you are here to keep an eye on your son just in case."

"This duel will take place no matter what. We have to know if I am truly ready to take on a Dark Lord. This gives us an incredible advantage. It will be fine, dad. Trust me." Harry said softly.

Lily and James Potter locked eyes. Both looked like they desperately wanted to deny the opportunity, but Lily said, "It would be safer if we could see him."

James could only sag in defeat, "I give you my permission. When will you do this?"

"Tomorrow." Harry said instantly.

Grindelwald nodded in approval, "Yes, alcohol must not play a factor in this, and I believe my young apprentice is a little sleep deprived from the previous night. He must be well rested."

The comment caught Harry so off guard he couldn't avoid the blush that rushed to his cheeks. Sirius howled with laughter instantly, and James could only grin at his son, while his mother was now looking at him with narrowed eyes. Before it could get awkward Harry stood, "Well, this has all been splendid. What do you say we wrap this up for the evening, before it gets any more uncomfortable."

Grindelwald laughed, rising to his feet, "Very well, young one. Get some rest. You will have the fight of your life tomorrow."

Harry nodded, and hugged the old man right in front of his family. It was with one arm, but still a show of the strength of their relationship. Harry had likely only hugged either of his parents less than five times in the past ten years, so it was a show of loyalty.

Gellert offered a bow to the people in the room wishing everyone a goodnight, and a prosperous New Year, with promises to see everyone tomorrow.

(A/N) Big things are coming. If you want to read through Chapter 29 you can follow me on Discord! Please leave me thoughts and comments on what you think of the story so far, and I will see you all in two weeks! Cheers friends.

Discord.

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