I don't own Harry Potter, and I'm doing this for fun, not profit. Please let that be a sufficient disclaimer!
...
It was Thursday, and Harry and Dudley were walking out of school together, laughing and joking like the friends they were. They were expecting a normal evening at home, but when they spotted Petunia at the school gates, they both knew something unusual was going to happen – because standing next to Petunia was Sebastian.
Harry waved excitedly, wondering what was going on – Delacour weekends never started on a Thursday, and besides his last one was less than three weeks ago! However as he started thinking about what could have happened, excitement started building. And sure enough...
"'ello 'arry, 'ello Dudley. You're probably wondering why I am 'ere?"
Harry nodded excitedly.
"Well, I thought 'arry might want to meet the newest member of the Delacour family..." Sebastian smiled.
"YES!" shouted Harry excitedly.
Dudley just chuckled. "Have fun Harry! Just don't go replacing me as Second Best Friend anytime soon!"
A few minutes later, Sebastian and Harry had found a secluded spot. A moment after that, and they had apparated to the Delacour home.
"'arry!" "Fleur!". The pair hugged each other tightly, and Fleur pressed a kiss to each of Harry's cheeks.
Before their hug had even finished, Fleur started babbling excitedly. "'arry, it's so exciting! Mama had the baby! Mama and Papa said it would probably be a girl, but I wasn't sure, and I wanted a sister just like you had and so I could share my old clothes, but then it was a girl! And she's so small and cute! You're going to love her, and she's going to love you, but you haven't met her yet, but that doesn't matter, and...
Sebastian, from his position just behind Harry, laughed. "Fleur, give 'arry a chance to breathe! Besides, maybe he would like to meet your sister rather than just hear about her?"
Fleur blushed a little, nodded, then led Harry by the hand to the lounge. "Mama! Harry's here!"
"Oh really? I couldn't have guessed!" joked Appoline with amusement.
As Fleur led Harry into the lounge, he saw Appoline sitting in one of the armchairs, holding a small baby. Appoline looked tired but well; the baby looked very small, and a bit sleepy.
Appoline smiled broadly and said to Harry in a gentle voice, "'arry, this is Gabrielle Delacour. Gabrielle, meet 'arry Potter, your honorary big brother".
Harry gave a big, proud smile, with just a hint of a blush. "Hello Gabrielle. You've already got the best big sister in the world, so I'll try to be the best big brother I can be."
...
From their usual position on the sofa, with Harry burrowed into Fleur's side, Harry and Fleur talked – mostly about Gabrielle, and how things would change. Fleur could see already that her Mama and Papa were going to have to spend a lot of their time looking after Gabrielle, but Fleur was trying to be understanding, and even to be helpful – she wanted to be the best big sister in the world, just like Harry had said.
Delacour visits never lasted long enough, but given Harry was only there for a couple of hours this time, it was all too soon when Sebastian had to apparate Harry back home. With hugs all round, and a kiss to the forehead for Gabrielle, the short visit was over.
...
It was a couple of months later when Sebastian had a surprising floo call.
"Hello Sebastian? Are you there?"
"Albus? To what do I owe the pleasure?"
A pause, and then, "Could we perhaps speak in person?"
"Of course. The floo's open, come on through."
Dumbledore, complete with garish robes and friendly smile, came through into the Delacour home. Sebastian could not tell whether the matter was urgent or not, so asked. "Do you 'ave time for a drink, Albus, or would you rather get straight to the point?"
Dumbledore hesitated for a moment, then replied. "Perhaps a drink, and maybe I could meet your new daughter?"
Sebastian smiled – he was more than happy to show off Gabrielle!
After a few minutes of Dumbledore entertaining Gabrielle with magical bubbles, and some tea, Sebastian and Dumbledore sat down to talk.
"So what do I owe this pleasure, Albus?"
Dumbledore paused for a moment; he disliked asking for advice, having learned not to rely on others decades ago, however... "Sebastian, you have proven several times over the past few years to be able to spot things I have missed; and that is not a compliment I give out regularly." Perhaps Dumbledore's greatest understatement that year.
Sebastian was surprised, to say the least. "You wish for my advice?"
A look of embarrassment flittered across Dumbledore's face for half a second, before it was replaced by his trademark grandfatherly smile. "I do. Were it not for you, Harry would likely not be thriving as well as he is, and Sirius would still be in Azkaban."
Sebastian nodded at the compliment – Dumbledore was clearly correct. "Ok. What is the problem?"
"I'm having trouble hiring a permanent professor to teach Defense against the Dark Arts"
Sebastian blinked. He assumed the problem wasn't as simple as it sounded, so he merely asked, "what sort of trouble?"
"I believe a curse has been put on the position; for well over two decades, each Defense against the Dark Arts Professor has only lasted a single year, and after that has suffered some misfortune or accident that has meant they could no longer teach."
"Do you know 'ow this may 'ave 'appened?", was Sebastian's obvious next question.
Here Dumbledore paused, and carefully ordered his thoughts before continuing. "I have only suspicions and circumstantial evidence, though I am convinced of my hypothesis. But Sebastian – this information cannot be shared. It could lead to other information that must die with me." A pause, and then... "I will need a secrecy oath."
Sebastian blanched - this conversation had escalated quickly! After thinking for a moment, Sebastian shook his head. "No, that is ok, Albus. You do not need to give me details. Suffice to say I can expect the curse to be very powerful, obscure and well 'idden?"
Dumbledore nodded. Internally he was glad – he did not want anyone gaining even seemingly innocent information on Tom Riddle, for fear of where any information trail may end. If Dumbledore was correct, Tom Riddle may have discovered a shockingly easy and truly evil means of functional immortality; what if Grindelwald had discovered Horcruxes? What if the next Dark Lord does? Dumbledore shuddered at the thought.
Sebastian thought for a moment, then asked the next obvious question. "What 'ave you done so far?"
"I've scanned the school for malevolent magics, but found none. With the consent of four of the last five Defense Professors, I have monitored them for residual magics towards the end of each of their years, but found nothing."
"Do any of your Professors 'ave a particular specialism in Dark Arts or Curse-breaking?"
Dumbledore gave it some thought. "Severus has extensive experience in Dark Arts, from his past and his former association. Filius did some Curse-breaking for a few years, I believe. I think that's all."
Dumbledore missed the momentary look of disbelief that flickered across Sebastian's face at the mention of Severus. A moment later the expression was hidden; this would be something Sebastian would need to address, but only after the current topic was resolved.
"'ave you asked them for suggestions?"
"No, although that may be a way forward."
Sebastian considered the problem for a few moments. The solution seemed obvious to him, though he examined it from different angles to be sure. Once he had done so... "Albus, why not 'ire a team of professionals? In particular, why not 'ire Gringotts cursebreakers? I understand contracts can be set up to force secrecy oaths, or any other conditions you wish to stipulate. Your school would no doubt be safer than Egyptian tombs, so I 'ave no doubt they would accept."
Dumbledore looked surprised. It was an obvious solution, and he didn't know why he hadn't thought of it! After a few moments he replied. "Thank you Sebastian. That sounds like the ideal solution, if the right conditions can be set"
"For the right amount of gold, I'm sure they can be, Albus."
Dumbledore nodded; it would certainly cost galleons, but the price would be worth it.
A thought occurred to Sebastian. "Of course, even if that didn't work, could you not arrange an auror rotation to teach? You may need to set lesson plans, but once that was done, assuming the ministry supports it, you could 'ave different aurors each year, or even each term if that was necessary to avoid the curse."
Dumbledore nodded again. "That would obviously be less ideal than a qualified professor teaching, but could be a reasonable solution. Thank you again, Sebastian."
Now that Dumbledore had two potential options, Sebastian brought the topic back to an earlier concern. "Albus, you mentioned Severus was teaching at your school?"
Dumbledore nodded, awaiting Sebastian's next idea.
"I'm surprised you're willing to let 'im teach."
Dumbledore frowned; he knew the argument that was coming, as he had heard this from several people before. "You need not worry. Severus has my complete confidence – whilst he did willingly follow Voldemort at one time, I know, without a doubt, that he is on our side."
Sebastian attempted a placating smile, and shook his head. "That is not what I meant. In Magical France, and indeed several other magical and Muggle societies, they do not let those who 'ave committed certain crimes work with children."
Dumbledore paused; that was not the argument he was expecting. After a few moments, he responded. "I believe in second chances. Whilst Severus committed terrible crimes as a Death Eater, he truly is reformed."
Now it was Sebastian's turn to frown; surely Dumbledore knew better than this! "Albus, it is not about reform. Working with children 'as its difficulties, and can be very mentally taxing. It takes a particular sort of person to thrive in teaching, and that is opposite to a person who could murder, rape or torture.
"Tell me, does Severus enjoy teaching? Does 'e take pleasure in 'is student learning? Does 'e encourage 'is students? Does 'e find joy in sharing 'is knowledge with others?"
Dumbledore looked troubled. He had been so concerned with keeping Severus on the side of the light, in particular ensuring Severus could find employment away from his old life – more difficult than expected for a potions prodigy! – that he hadn't stopped to consider whether Severus would be skilled at imparting his knowledge. Or whether he could enjoy the job. Dumbledore recognised the issue: with so many roles to perform, he was simply unable to give any one role enough of his attention. The realisation shamed him.
"If I may, I believe your expression 'as answered my questions, Albus. Let me say this – I can imagine it is 'ard for Severus to find work – especially with his old friends be'ind bars and many of the light not trusting 'im". Sebastian included – though he didn't admit that. "There are other options at 'ogwarts – potions research per'aps, or even the start of 'ogwarts own potions shop, set up in 'ogsmeade? You need not cast 'im aside, Albus."
Dumbledore gave a heavy sigh, then gave a melancholic smile to Sebastian. "You have given me much to think about. More, perhaps, than I have had since the war ended."
Sebastian nodded and gave a small smile – he was hopeful Dumbledore would make the right call. "Anytime Albus – you know where to find me."
...
It hadn't taken long for Dumbledore to agree terms with Gringotts, but by then it was already Autumn, and since the goblins needed complete access to the school Dumbledore suggested the work begin over the summer holiday the following year.
Whilst Dumbledore was a little tense during that period of waiting, Harry was the happiest he had ever been. Harry loved Sebastian, Appoline and (most of all) Fleur, and he was coming to love Gabrielle too. It was still tradition for Harry to immediately seek out Fleur and spend a few minutes with her first, but then Harry would find Gabrielle – much to her delight – and play with her.
The only difference to the tradition was on special occasions, like Fleur's ninth birthday, in late spring:
"Fleur!" "'arry!" was followed by a tight hug and Fleur kissing Harry's cheeks, however before they had made their way to their favourite sofa a voice called out, "Oi! Where's my favourite Godson?"
A look of mild frustration crossed Fleur's face – this was her Harry time! – but Harry just gave Fleur a smile, her hand a squeeze, and said a quiet, "later?".
Fleur nodded, albeit a little grumpily, so Harry called, "In here Uncle Woof!". And then a second later, "Hey! I'm your only Godson!".
Sirius laughed, scooped Harry and Fleur both up in a hug, and spun them around. Harry and Fleur joined in the laughter, and before too long two kids and a large black dog were running around the Delacour home playing. Then, once a crawling Gabrielle heard the chaos, she joined in – trying to grab hold of Sirius' tail, whilst Harry and Fleur were careful not to knock her over.
Gabrielle was having a difficult time grabbing hold of Sirius' tail, and so Harry and Fleur did what any supportive big brother and big sister would do – they tried to gang up on Sirius. It was working for a while (or at least Sirius was letting them think so), with Harry and Fleur sitting on Sirius to hold him down... until Gabrielle managed to grab the tail she had been seeking, put it in her mouth, and bite. At that point, Sirius yelped, transformed back into his human form and rubbed his sore rear.
"Ouch! Gabrielle, don't bite the dog!"
Gabrielle, in a standard response to being reprimanded for a not-yet-one year old, just giggled.
...
Much later, after birthday games, cake, presents, another ganging up on Sirius; and after Sirius had left and Gabrielle was in bed, Fleur finally had her Harry time.
Cuddled up together on a sofa, with Harry again nestled into Fleur, Fleur felt at peace. "I missed you, 'arry"
Harry gave Fleur a tight squeeze. "I missed you too, Fleur"
"I was waiting all day to have my 'arry time, you know"
Harry squeezed Fleur tighter, feeling both pleased and a little embarrassed. "Me too", Harry admitted quietly.
A few moments of silence, then, "Fleur?"
"Yes, 'arry?"
"Are you controlling your allure right now?"
Fleur smiled – almost grinned, really. This was a familiar part of their conversations. "Oh, I guess I am."
"Could you... stop for a while? Please?"
Fleur's smile was now definitely a grin. "Anything for my best friend".
Fleur relaxed, letting her allure flow. Honestly, it was much easier for her to let go like this, but as a part Veela she had to learn control – both for the sake of others and for herself. But with family, and especially with Harry, she could fully be herself.
As soon as Fleur released her allure, and Harry felt the familiar feeling of pure Fleur wash over him, he cuddled even closer, a content smile on his face and warmth in his heart.
In would be a while later that Harry and Fleur were ordered up to bed – Sebastian and Appoline were sure that unless they were told to, the friends would spend all night cuddled on the sofa, talking.
...
Author Notes:
I claim this story is no-bashing, which I believe this chapter holds to - whether you like Snape or not, to me it seems obvious that teaching really isn't for him.
I continue to be hugely encouraged and motivated by those who favourite or follow – thank you. And a special thanks to those who reviewed: Guest, SoulNightshade, Guest, SKFF and Urgazhi; and an even bigger thanks to those who have re-reviewed since last time: Z-Arc34, Arnie1701, Spider of Dreams, James Birdsong, Elder Sibling and BradyC.
Guest – We know how Harry can feel Voldemort's strong evil emotions, and how Harry suffers at times; this fic assumes the reverse is also true – perhaps aided by Lily's sacrifice – and the reason we didn't see it in the book is because book Harry is starved of love.
SoulNightshade – that is henceforth cannon, and I'm willing to claim Geoff and Barry were only recently transferred from Britain to France, in order to support.
Arnie1701 – couldn't fit it into this chapter, but those two will meet soon.
Elder Sibling – I'll see what I can do
Urgazhi – you'll have to wait and see... :-p