I don't own Harry Potter, and I'm doing this for fun, not profit. Please let that be a sufficient disclaimer!
...
The first question Sebastian and Appoline needed to answer was: where would they stay whilst settling Harry in at Privet Drive? The answer was simple: in a tent. They knew Petunia and Vernon would not willingly let them stay in the house, and any overt magic was sure to undermine the hard-won truce Sebastian had gained. The Dursleys didn't need to know the tent was magically enlarged and more comfortable than a normal muggle house.
Fleur's reaction was entirely predictable. "We're going camping with 'arry?!" she practically squealed in excitement.
Sebastian gave a small smile and began to explain, "not exactly, my angel, we will only be...", but Appoline cut him off gently. "That's right, Fleur. We're going camping with 'arry, in the garden".
Fleur beamed at her mama, then turned to Harry. "Did you hear that 'arry? We're going camping together in THE GARDEN!". Sebastian merely gave a rueful smile, shaking his head. Then turning to Appoline, he murmured "It's getting late. I will explain our plans to the Dursleys and then we can get settled for the night.".
...
Vernon hadn't been thrilled with the idea of some near-strangers camping in his garden – that's not something decent sorts get up to! – but Sebastian was able to convince him that the alternatives were worse. Surprisingly, Petunia seemed to approve of the idea, suggesting that they could tell their neighbours they were checking to make sure the tent was of good enough quality before taking it on holiday.
And so with another hard-won discussion, Sebastian set up a wizard tent in the Dursleys' garden. The tent was relatively modest - for a wizarding tent. Two bedrooms ("Mama, I want to share a room with 'arry!"), a kitchen ("Papa, can we have crêpes for breakfast?"), a bathroom ("Did you bring the bath toys, Mama?"), and a living room ("can we see the kitchen again?").
It had gotten very late for Fleur and Harry, so without too much delay Sebastian and Appoline put them to bed; Fleur quite upset that she would be alone in her room whilst Harry would be in the same room as his Godparents. "'arry may need us tonight, angel, and we wouldn't want you to have poor sleep too", Sebastian explained.
Once the children were asleep, Sebastian and Appoline had time to talk, and grieve. Both had tried to stay strong for Fleur and Harry's sake, but now alone they wept for friends lost, and for poor Harry.
...
The first night was particularly hard. Harry had nightmares and desperately wanted his mum and dad, crying out for them. Sebastian and Appoline comforted him as best they could, though they both believed Harry had started, perhaps subconsciously, to realise something was very wrong. The elder Delacours were, however, somewhat thankful – they were here when Harry needed them, and they shuddered to think what would have happened if the Dursleys had had last night as the introduction to their nephew!
Whilst the first night was undoubtedly the hardest, the next couple of days were also very difficult, especially as Fleur began processing her own grief. As such, Sebastian and Appoline were grateful when they found that Fleur and Harry were a large comfort to each other; it was not uncommon for Harry to be snuggled up next to Fleur on the sofa, sometimes with one of them crying, but always with both drawing comfort from each other.
On day three, although all four were tired and drained, the mood was different. There were fewer tears, and more laughter – like when Fleur tried to teach Harry how to spin around in circles, or when Appoline made a soft toy of Harry's – a wolf - bounce around the room with magic. It was also the start of introducing Harry properly to his Aunt, Uncle and Cousin, and in a way that attempted to nurture a... if not loving, then at least cordial relationship. And whilst doing so, Appoline was careful that her veela heritage – her allure in particular – did not create unnecessary problems.
...
The next morning, Sebastian and Appoline felt they needed to start solving some of the practical challenges of Harry living with the Dursleys, and on that note Sebastian sought out Vernon and Petunia for a conversation. "Mr. and Mrs. Dursley, could I have a few moments of your time?"
Vernon looked suspicious – perhaps his default state. "Is there a problem?". Sebastian shrugged, "Nothing that cannot be solved. Firstly, we wanted to know where Harry would sleep once he lives here". Vernon frowned, but kept silent as Sebastian continued in a subdued tone. "Secondly, were you aware that most of 'arry's belongings were... lost when 'e was orphaned?"
Vernon face started to redden. "Now look here. I know you've promised us some money, but that wasn't so we could spend it all straight away on...".
Sebastian held up his hands to placate Vernon. "Apologies, that's not what I meant. We plan to go shopping for 'arry today, but first wanted to check you did not 'ave any unwanted spare clothes or toys 'e could use." And then, because Sebastian knew he needed as much goodwill as possible, he added " We also wanted to buy a small gift for young Dudley. We know this will be just as big a change for 'im as it will be for 'arry".
That second part was clearly a lie, but the offer has the desired effect. Vernon's face relaxed, and Sebastian thought he might even have seen Vernon smile, for a moment. "Well, that's... Yes, that's very reasonable of you. Petunia? Do we have any cast-offs we can give Harry?".
Petunia nodded thoughtfully. "He is a bit smaller than our Dudders, maybe some of the clothes he's grown out of? I don't think we can spare any toys, our sweetums barely has enough as it is!". Sebastian, quite valiantly, managed to hide his thoughts – Dudley was clearly spoiled, and it would probably do him well to share! But that was not an opinion he would choose to voice. Instead, he merely smiled and nodded, "That would be much appreciated, thank you both."
After a few moments, Sebastian raised his first point again. "What about 'arry's bedroom? We would not want to buy a cot or wardrobes that did not fit the space."
Vernon's first thought went to the cupboard under the stairs; it was large enough for a cot, and they often used their guest room for Marge's visits. But that clearly wouldn't be acceptable to the Delacours. Besides, they had already been offered the pounds for an extension; they could perhaps build a downstairs guest suite, which Marge would prefer.
Petunia was clearly waiting for Vernon's reaction – the guest room was the obvious choice, and it really was only his sister who used the guest room – so Petunia just nodded her agreement when Vernon answered, "it'll have to be the guest room. My sister uses it when she visits, but that extension you mentioned can be a new guest room."
Vernon led Sebastian upstairs to see the room. It was on the small side, but Sebastian was sure it would be sufficient.
...
For the rest of the day, many deep and philosophical questions were asked and answered. "Papa, did that dog sneeze?" "Maybe?". "Mama, why are there so many beds in this shop?" "because it's a bed shop". "'arry, do you like the dragon socks?" "Lur!". "Papa, how old is that man?" "quite old, judging from his face" "Sebastian!". "Mama, can we stop for cake?" "...alright".
The Delacours enjoyed their day out with Harry, even just shopping for essentials. By the end of the day Sebastian and Appoline had spent a small fortune, but Harry would have everything that he needed and the Dursleys wouldn't feel burdened. They had even managed to pick up a cute cuddly toy for Dudley which looked remarkably similar to a niffler.
At one point, whilst Fleur was busy sharing a small cake with Harry, Sebastian and Appoline had discussed their return to France. Harry still missed his parents, and would sometimes cry for them, but he was settling in far better than expected, and the Delacours couldn't remain in the Dursley's garden indefinitely. They agreed that after another few days, all going well, they would say goodbye to Harry and let him adjust to life with the Dursleys. While they longed to take Harry with them, they understood Dumbledore's reasoning.
...
If the Delacours had doubted their decision to leave Harry at the Dursleys', the owl they received from Dumbledore that evening would rid them of such doubts. The letter was short, and contained sobering news.
"Sebastian and Appoline. Late last night, the blood wards I erected were triggered. A few hours later, the Longbottoms were attacked by Death Eaters, who were later captured. The wards appear fine, but I will check them later. Be careful. Albus"
Appoline, who had read the letter first, shared it with Sebastian. The news of the Longbottoms was awful, as was the thought that Voldemort's followers had targeted Harry. It was worrying that they had even been able to attempt harm, though Appoline and Sebastian were relieved the wards were working well.
...
Later, Dumbledore had confirmed the wards were unharmed, and explained that the wards would even protect Harry for short periods when he left the house. The Delacours breathed a sigh of relief at that.
All too soon, the next few days were over. Harry had spent two nights in his new room relatively well settled, his relatives had proved able and willing to take care of him, and the Delacours knew it was time to say goodbye. Fleur was tearful – she had loved the time spent with little Harry and didn't want to go, but Appoline reminded her that they would see him soon.
With cuddles all round (including an extra long one from Fleur) and many heartfelt words "we love you and will see you soon, my Godson" "we will miss you 'arry" "Love you 'arry!", Fleur allowed herself to be led away, and back home to France.
...
Author notes:
I'm so grateful to all those who have followed or favourited Delacour Godparents – thank you. And I'm particularly grateful to those that have reviewed: FrostyTheDopeMan, JoeS1999, and Elder Sibling – thanks for taking the time to write a review.