Harry Potter and Dumbledore's Army
Chapter Five: Introductions and Exits
AN: I have not idea how to write a French accent so I am sorry to say that Fleur will be Americanized. If any readers would like to translate what I have into a French Accent for me I would be eternally grateful… Oh, and I also don't know Fleur's sister's name so I'm going to make it up until I can find out
As our sixpack made their way home, The Burrow was experiencing a rather odd meeting of red and white. Fleur had arrived with her family (clearly having just left Bill's bed quickly enough to return home and return to the Burrow without Mrs. Weasley knowing) and began the highly anticipated meeting of her new parents with her old.
"Mother, Father, Sister, zees are the Weasley's. Molly and Arthur are Bill's mother and father. zis eez Charlie, Bill's older brother, and zeese tu are Fred and George. Bill 'as deux more brothers and une seester as well as a 'alf a dozen or so other members of ze extended family coming a little later." Fleur smiled at Bill as anxiety drained from both of them. Bill had previously met Fleur's family but meeting one Weasley is far different from meeting the whole clan.
"Well, Hello. Please have a seat. Like Fleur said I am Molly and this is my husband Arthur. Would you like some tea?" Mrs. Weasley ushered everyone into the living room (which had been enlarged for the occasion but would most likely keep its new extensions simply because of the need for more space) and began pouring tea for the Delacours.
"Oh, Madame, I only drink a certain breed of teee. I 'ave brought 'um along seence I figured I wouldn't be able to find it 'ere." With a swish of her wand Madame Delacour brought out her teapot (the finest china the Weasley's had ever seen) and her tea set (not excluding a quaint bunt cake made with whole raspberries and a strawberry glaze). At this exact moment Harry, Hermione, Ron, Ginny, Neville and Luna, as well as Stan of course, burst through the door carrying bags, boxes and a transfigured set of books (Hermione the genius she is did not want Mrs. Weasley seeing the extensive collection of defense and advanced spell and charms books they had collected). This sudden and rude interruption caused Madame Delacour to waver slightly, pouring all of her tea onto Molly's lap. Quite obviously neither woman enjoyed this and a bit of yelling began. First Molly yelled at the intruding group but once Madame Delacour added in her scolding on how unrefined they were and how terribly rude these children acted, Molly put on her death glare and began defending her babies.
Now, we all know how women with strong minds act when challenged. In this instance both women were very strong-minded, very loud and very upset. As predicted Molly huffed into the kitchen where she banged excessively while beginning dinner (having been actually forced out of the room by her two eldest and her husband). Madame Delacour huffed up the stairs to the room designated for her use where she excessively banged hair and make up products as she got ready for dinner (of course she was, as well, forced out of the room by her relatives). Fleur flew out of the house at an amazing speed with her head in her hands and tears dripping from her face. Bill, once securing his mother in the kitchen, flew after her only pausing long enough to grab his wand. Everyone else stood in the living room with a bit of shuffling feet and awed expressions.
"Ah, 'Arry! It is so nice to zee you again." Fleur's seester said breaking the mood. She ran upon his and gave him a hug (that was not missed by little redhead in the corner who was sending equally as scary death glares towards the blonde). Harry merely smiled and returned the hug in an almost half-hearted way. Nonetheless, by returning the hug Harry signed a death wish with the little miss redhead in the corner, who huffed out of the room with amazing likeness to her mother.
Harry cringed at his mistake but knew there wasn't much he could do. "So Soleil how has school been?" It had been a long time since Harry last had to talk small talk and clearly wasn't very good.
"Oh et 'as been wonderful. Everyone at school was so impressed by 'ow you saved me. 'Ave you been receiving my cards and letters?" Oddly enough a large snort was heard from the direction of the kitchen but Harry ignored it think he was imagining things.
"Yes, thank you. I hope you've gotten mine as well. The French Silk Frogs were wonderful last Christmas." It was unknown to all that Harry had been keeping in touch with the younger Delacour. This realization was rather odd and shocking to the group (especially considering the faint sounds of tears and sniffles from the kitchen). Harry had never mentioned his mentorship (for all that was what is was) and Hermione and Ron were slightly hurt. In reality Soleil's letters and cards (with occasion holiday appropriate gifts) were a blessing in disguise. These little things were comforting when Harry felt alone or forgotten (which happened often during exams, summer and holidays). Also, Harry was happy to tutor the younger girl through letters and his own little gifts. Though their relationship was strictly platonic with no intentions of ever changing (especially within this author's mind) it was rather important to each of them.
"Yes, zee are my favoreets. I did not happen to like those zelly beans zo. I zink my first was boogeeey flovored." Her face scrunched up as she remembered the experience. Neville laughed surprisingly and said, "Oh, yeah I have had that before too. I personally like Bertie Bott's Herbology flavored fruit gummies." Soleil smiled at the odd boy in front of her and nodded. "I shall want to try zum of zose then. Herbology is my favorite subject in school." With a little push by Harry Neville and Soleil became lost in conversation about Herbology and its amazing uses.
"Harry, come over here please." Hermione's tone scared Harry slightly and caused him to shuffle slowly rather than respond instantly. "Why didn't you tell us you were friends with her?" Ron asked accusingly.
"Erm, well, I just didn't think it was a big deal." Harry drew circles in the dirt on the floor of the living room. He knew that any secrets between the threesome were deadly because of the protective nature of all of them (and also because of the fears they all harbored of loosing their friends). In many ways Harry, Ron and Hermione were constantly battling (mostly due to Ron's oblivious nature) but they truly cherished what they had and the last year had threatened it with the discovery of the opposite sex. Ron's behavior was a prime example of that. Obviously Hermione and Ron assumed Harry's relationship was more than friendly.
"It is a big deal if you're going around talking and giving gifts to other girls while you're dating my little sister!" Ron's face almost matched his hair as he realized what a relationship between Harry and Soleil meant.
"It's not like that Ron. We are only friends. She's like a little sister. I'm mentoring her and tutoring her half of the time anyways!" Harry responded frustrated, knowing where the conversation would end.
"Ginny's in the kitchen crying now because of your unknown relations! Harry, we know you guys broke up but geeze don't be such a git! Why didn't you ever tell us about her. She's veela and probably trying to seduce you every time you talk! I doubt those chocolate frogs were just chocolate!" Ron's ridiculous out burst was a reflection of the tension between the group and the stress of his home life.
Hermione understood the reasons behind the outburst but was a much more logical person. "Harry, Ron doesn't necessarily mean it like that. We are just, erm, curious as to why you didn't tell us sooner. I can't lie, Harry. I'm a little hurt." Hermione put her arm around Ron to stop him from spinning off and out of the room but unfortunately all that her arm did was drag her with him when he left. Harry, not too worried about the snug, smirked at Ron's attempt at holding Hermione's hand (in the name of anger of course and not erm luuuuv). From there Harry made his way out to the garden where he ran into the infamous Weasley twins.
"Ay, Harry. Come here." Fred (wearing a shirt that said George) waved him over. The two were huddled over an assortment of objects piled into a box. Harry recognized a few of the labels as W.W.W products but he wasn't sure which items they were. He trotted out towards the boys (hmm… men now I suppose) and chuckled as a gnome ran out from behind a bush to kick George (also wearing a George Tee-shirt). The gnomes were known for their lack of intelligence (seeing how George simple flicked his wand and sent the gnome flying towards a target beyond the hedges of the yard) but were also known for their need for revenge on house owners who insisted on bothering them (as the Weasley had done for years). The Gnome hit the bullseye of the target and triggered a wave of fireworks. For years the Weasley's had used gnomes as objects to play rather cruel games with while degnoming the garden. It was all done in fun and games, seeing how the gnome equally got revenge (for example in the form of kick the kid challenges drawn up among the gnome familys' teens).
"Harry, these are for you. Hermione and Ron ordered them earlier today. Now you know we don't often deliver with such haste but, after all, you are Harry Potter, senior executive stockholder in the Weasley Wizard Wheezes. Plus Hermione was babbling on about defense kits and the D.A. We really don't have a clue as to what she was going on about, but since we figure she'll be family soon enough, we ought make an attempt to help her out."
Harry chuckled at the obviousness of Hermione and Ron's attraction but the lack of action occurring. He wasn't quite sure what the redheaded twins were talking about until he remembered the kits that Hermione was planning on putting together.
"Now, that I think of it Hermione is really brilliant. The things here will be great for emergencies. Have you two invented anything new for the defensive use?" Harry inquired as an idea entered his mind.
"Well, we are testing a few items but nothing for sale just yet. We will definitely let you know when we have final products. Do expect them in the mail as soon as possible. We assume you will be returning to Hogwarts?" Fred (whose shirt had suddenly changed to say Harry) asked interested. He knew a large part of business came from Hogwarts and Harry's connection there forward. Fred and George's knowledge of the D.A was limited but they were beginning to see a future investment processing.
"Yes, we all will be. What exactly did Hermione tell you about the D.A?" Harry asked but was replied to with only minor shrugs. "Well, it's only the six of us right now, but we're training for defense purposes. Nothing extreme of course, just useful skills and techniques." Harry's underplay of the doings of the D.A were quite obvious to the skilled pranksters. " I'm sure we could use your help this year with anything new or useful in our line of interests." The boys smiled at each other and stuck out there hands to Harry. With a shake the deal was set into place and the guys made their way up to the attic to store the contraband items from their mom.
The deal, that had just progressed, placed Fred and George (now wearing a yellow tee saying Charlie) among the D.A as members. They would, in essence, be the mind behind the tricks of the group, while Harry and Hermione were the skill (not to knock other members of course). They would continue with fun inventions, but would be dedicating much more time to helping fight the dark magics of He-who-must-not-be-named. Their part would be completely hidden, just as the rest of the D.A's intentions, from the Order. It was a tricky game they all played but well worth the effort if it meant defeating the Dark Lord.
AN: Many thanks to Dreamer22 for being supportive! Hope you enjoy this chapter. Much more to come.