I don't own Harry Potter, and I'm doing this for fun, not profit. Please let that be a sufficient disclaimer!
...
Tom Marvolo Riddle would have passed out from the pain, if his wraith form was capable of doing so. As it was, he endured a level of suffering that crippled him beyond anything that had happened so far. Minutes later the pain receded a little, and Tom was horrified – he felt his very magic had weakened slightly, desperately struggling to sustain him as death had tried to violently drag him to the grave.
He had felt near death almost continuously over the last twelve years, but this... the most feared Dark Lord knew that if this continued his very magic would be at stake.
...
Gabrielle had been waiting very patiently whilst Harry and Fleur had their 'important conversation', as Papa had called it. When she was finally allowed to interrupt them, Gabrielle both shouted and raced up the stairs, and when she charged into Fleur's room it was to find them looking... suspicious. She couldn't figure out why, but suspicious was definitely the word for it. Probably.
Narrowing her eyes, she was about to ask about it when Harry's eyes grew wide. Then, a big smile blossomed on his face. Then he ran up to his little sister, picked her up in a big hug, and excitedly proclaimed, "Gabrielle! You've got your allure!"
Instantly distracted, Gabrielle half-blushed, half-grinned proudly. "I know! It arrived during the first few weeks of school, which Mama says is better so the school gets used to it earlier."
Harry wore a fake scandalised expression, though inwardly he was delighted. "You've had your allure for months and didn't tell your big brother?!"
Gabrielle stuck her tongue out. "So that it could be a surprise!"
Harry popped Gabrielle down, then held out his hand. Gabrielle's little hand found Harry's, but before going downstairs she turned and asked, "You're coming too, right Fleur?"
Fleur blushed then nodded. "As soon as I quickly brush my hair". It had, after all, gotten quite disheveled.
"'arry, were you playing with Fleur's hair again?", Gabrielle asked accusingly.
Harry merely shrugged guiltily, then led his little sister downstairs.
Sebastian and Appoline were waiting in ambush. "Where's Fleur, my angel?" asked Appoline, slightly apprehensive.
Gabrielle gave a dramatic sigh and explained before Harry could think of an excuse. "She's having to brush her hair, as 'arry messed it up!"
Sebastian smiled knowingly. "Oh did he? How did you mess Fleur's hair up, 'arry?"
"Yes 'arry, how could that possibly have happened?", asked Appoline with a grin. Internally, she was a little disappointed Harry and Fleur had apparently opted not to wait, though she could hardly blame them!
Harry blushed and struggled to find the words; where was Fleur when he needed her?!
"Well, 'arry must have been playing with Fleur's hair again, right?" Gabrielle asked. She was confused: Why was everyone asking Harry such an easy question? And why wasn't he answering?
"Right, 'arry?", asked Gabrielle again.
"Yes, do tell us my little cabbage, is that all you were doing?", teased Sebastian, grinning.
It was at that moment that Fleur came downstairs, her hair looking slightly less wild than it did a minute ago.
"Gabrielle, my angel, you were right! Fleur's hair does look messy! Fleur, we were just asking 'arry how that happened. Anything you want to share?", Appoline teased.
Harry and Fleur shared a look, both their faces the colour of a ripe tomato. Fleur, having expected the interrogation, had planned a defence. "'arry's hands messed up my hair, Mama", Fleur stated, careful not to tell a lie.
"Is that all? It looked as though you might have some news to share with your family", Sebastian hinted.
Harry and Fleur both shook their heads very quickly.
"Really? So nothing has changed? The two of you are still just friends?", Appoline outright asked. The two of them were being inadvertently adorable!
"Yes, Mama, we're going to try to remain just friends for now." Fleur knew she had misspoke as soon as her Mama and Papa's eyes twinkled.
"Oh? 'try'? Angel, has that become difficult? Perhaps you were finding that a challenge upstairs?" Appoline asked, her face grinning.
"Perhaps they were grappling with... 'the challenge'?", Sebastian intimated.
"Papa!" "Sebastian!" One voice scandalised, one fighting amusement.
"'arry and I were not grappling! We were just...", Fleur realised what she was about to say and stopped; unfortunately it was not fast enough.
"Just what, my angel?", asked Sebastian. Fleur's Mama and Papa were grinning at her like sharks!
A few moments of silence, as even Gabrielle understood that something important was about to be declared.
"We were kissing", Fleur admitted quietly. Harry stood next to her, and reached out to hold her hand in support.
"You mean on the cheek?", asked Gabrielle, confused. "Is that meant to be exciting?"
"No, not on the cheek, my little fly. Fleur means they were kissing like this:" Sebastian explained, then kissed him wife with a small degree of passion. Appoline didn't think that conveyed enough passion, so she lightly nibbled Sebastian's lower lip. Just for Gabrielle's benefit, of course.
Gabrielle's eyes widened, and turned to the accused. "You were kissing kissing?!" she asked, excited.
Harry and Fleur nodded hesitantly, then Fleur clarified. "Yes, but we're going to try not to again, and stay just friends until I finish school."
Gabrielle looked baffled. "That sounds like a terrible idea!" she exclaimed.
Appoline laughed, her lips still occupied with her husband's. "That makes three identical reactions", she noted amusedly, after pausing her kiss for a moment.
"Does that mean you're going to get married when you're older?!", Gabrielle asked excitedly. Harry and Fleur refused to look at each other, but both thought the idea sounded wonderful.
Appoline, granting a small mercy, replied for the new not-couple. "Not necessarily. Maybe, but not definitely."
Gabrielle looked a little sad. "But if they did, then 'arry would be my brother for real!", she declared.
Harry shook his head; Gabrielle still didn't seem to understand. He let go of Fleur's hand, crouched down in front of Gabrielle, and looked her carefully in the eye. "That wouldn't make me your real brother, my little cabbage. How could it? I already am your real brother, and I'll be your real brother forever."
Gabrielle looked surprised for a moment, then with happy tears in her eyes, she launched herself at Harry and hugged him violently. He had said similar before, but to hear it again and in such a way caused her much joy.
"I love you, 'arry", Gabrielle declared through her tears.
"I love you too, Gabrielle. And I always will", replied her big brother.
"And to prove it, I'm taking you to Celeste's", Harry added.
Gabrielle giggled through her tears. "When?"
"Well, lots more times. The next time is as soon as you put your shoes on, little sister", came the reply.
...
Fleur watched as Harry and Gabrielle left the house, holding hands and skipping away. He was so caring, and sweet. Every moment together made her love him more!
As Fleur turned round, she faced her parents, with frowns on their faces.
"Fleur?", began Sebastian.
"Yes, Papa?" she answered, nervously.
"We understand this is an embarrassing topic for you, but we need to know, truly. What is your relationship now with 'arry?", asked Sebastian, seriously.
Fleur fidgeted. "We are honestly going to try to resist a relationship for now. But Papa, it is so hard! I see him and I just want to kiss him over and over, and..."
Fleur took a deep breath. "I love him, Papa. I love him so much."
Appoline was glad to hear it, but her and Sebastian had a question they needed to ask. "Do we need to give 'arry his own room?"
"Mama?", Fleur questioned.
Sebastian asked more bluntly. "Do we risk you getting pregnant if you continue to share a room?"
"PAPA!", Fleur shouted, scandalised. Sebastian merely held his questioning gaze in reply.
Fleur shook her head emphatically. "Papa, we're not... We've only just kissed! And that's as far as we'll go until... Not that we're even planning to keep kissing!", Fleur rambled.
Appoline and Sebastian shared a look. "We're placing a lot of trust on you, if we let you continue to share a room. We would not be happy if that trust was broken", Appoline warned.
Fleur gulped, then nodded. But Sebastian had one more thing to say. "One other question. Again, we need you to answer honestly". He paused for a few moments, just to let sufficient dread permeate Fleur's skin. "How was the kiss?", Sebastian finished with a teasing grin.
Fleur didn't even mind the tease. A hungry expression passed across her face at the thought of the earlier kisses. "Oh Papa, it was wonderful! It's really not fair!"
...
Gabrielle was brimming with joy. Celeste's was just as good as she remembered – the Mille-feuille was delicious, as was the chocolate macaron Harry had let her have as a bonus; Harry and Fleur had kissed, and might even get married; Harry was excited about Gabrielle's allure, and his happiness about it was the only change in his reaction around her; Harry really was her big brother; and he was still willing to give her piggyback rides.
The rest of the holidays passed too quickly for Gabrielle's liking. She got to spend lots of time with her brother and sister, though there were a couple of times where she had found them looking suspicious; maybe they had kissed again! She also got to see Harry perform some magic with his Phoenix wand, which was so exciting, and best of all she was now allowed to join in with potion brewing, with Harry and Fleur teaching her for a bit!
But all too soon she was giving a big, clingy hug to her big brother, with earnest promises that they would speak soon.
Her sister got a longer hug from him, and a kiss that was right next to her mouth – did that count as a kiss kiss or not? She assumed not, but would ask her sister after Harry had gone. She would certainly have felt a bit weird if her brother had kissed her like that – ewww!
...
Back on the train, Harry reflected that he and Fleur hadn't done too badly. Oh, the first day had been a complete failure: they had kissed before Gabrielle had interrupted them, and then later that evening, after they had gone up to their room a little early, Fleur had pounced on him – she had claimed it was because of how sweet he had been with Gabrielle. And then after talking and cuddling for a while, Harry had been unable to resist kissing Fleur again before he moved to his own bed; and that was perhaps their longest and most loving kiss of the day.
But the next day they guiltily admitted that they would need to do better, and there had only been three other lapses during the two week break. Oh, and the one in the park. And the one at Celeste's, although how was he to resist when Fleur offered him a taste of her éclair, albeit from her mouth? So there had only been five additional lapses, which Harry was fairly proud of.
His thoughts were interrupted when Katie joined him in the carriage, followed by Hermione and Neville a minute later, and then Ron just before the train started moving.
"Have a good break, Harry?" Katie asked from her seat next to him, whilst Ron desperately tried to persuade either Hermione or Neville to help him with his Herbology and/or History of Magic homework.
Harry smiled; it was a very good break, though he didn't plan to share all the details with Katie! He was just beginning to reply – "It was good, thanks. I..." – when the door opened and an impatient Cheveu entered the carriage.
"Ok, spill! What happened over Christmas, Harry?" Cheveu demanded, her hair cycling through pink and orange. Then, seeing that Katie was in the carriage, her hair turned bright red and she exclaimed, "Oh hell... maybe not everyone wants to know."
Katie picked up the context quite quickly. "Oh, something happen between you and Fleur, Harry? I'm sure we'd all be happy to hear about it", Katie reassured, whilst hoping she had avoided hinting at her unrequited feelings to the rest carriage.
Harry glanced at Katie, who tried to give a cheerful smile. Resigned, he turned to Cheveu. "We... well, we erm... we decided to wait."
Cheveu's mouth fell open, and her hair turned bright orange. "WHAT?! Harry! Why?!"
Harry sighed at the question. "Because Fleur was worried that a long-distance relationship might not work, and she didn't want to risk it", Harry explained.
"Fleur said that?! And she didn't even try to kiss you?!" Cheveu asked, disbelievingly.
Harry blushed. "Well, Aunt Appoline told me Fleur wasn't sure, so I asked her when we talked about it", Harry replied, deliberately ignoring the second question.
Katie gave Harry a strange look. "But you're not going to date anyone else while you wait, right?" Katie didn't want to examine her emotions too closely, as she had no desire to know what her heart wanted to hear.
Harry shook his head quickly. "No, I'm not going to date anyone else. That would be... Just really unfair to Fleur and to the girl."
Cheveu flopped down onto an empty carriage seat dramatically. "I can't believe you haven't even kissed Fleur yet!"
Harry blushed, but kept silent.
"Harry?" Katie asked.
'Oh Merlin, surely Katie isn't going to be the one to push?!' Harry thought. "Yes?", he replied nervously.
"Did you and Fleur kiss?" Katie asked directly.
Harry blushed even deeper. All eyes in the carriage were on him. "Erm..."
Cheveu was baffled. "But you said you decided not to date!"
A part of Harry's brain wondered just how hot his face could feel. "Maybe I should've said we agreed to try to wait", Harry admitted.
Cheveu was there like a shark who had smelt blood. "How many times did you kiss, little brother?", Cheveu asked, perhaps slightly menacingly. He'd nearly gotten such an important detail past her!
Three times that first day, five more after, which made... "Eight", Harry admitted.
"You shared eight passionate, toe-curling kisses with your best friend?" This time, it was Katie who asked.
Harry nodded, his head now hiding behind the fortress of his hands, cheeks burning.
"High five!" Katie offered, bravely squashing her own emotions.
Cheveu laughed, a little relieved. Neville was stunned, but resolved to ask Harry about kissing girls later. Ron looked envious, but also resolved to ask Harry about kissing girls later. Hermione rolled her eyes, a small smile on her face. And Harry groaned, then high fived Katie's hand feeling a little embarrassed, head still hiding behind one hand.
...
Back at the Delacours', after Fleur had been dropped off at Beauxbatons and Gabrielle was busy playing elsewhere, Appoline had a question. "Sebastian, my heart?"
Sebastian smiled affectionately. "Yes, my love?"
"Remind me about your promise to Lily? About the cloak?" Appoline asked.
Sebastian smiled at the question. Though thoughts of that fateful Halloween were still desperately sad, remembering the happier days were now more positive. "Although James had a more... Marauder's opinion of the right time, Lily didn't want Harry to have the cloak until he really needed it, or until he passed his OWLs."
Appoline smiled, shaking her head. "Well, a promise is a promise, my heart. At least Lily was happy for us to use it, in the meantime!" Chuckled Appoline.
...
Hermione was in a good mood. She always was, after a morning of Ancient Runes and Arithmancy. The fact that one of her best friends had taken the subjects with her was a real bonus.
As she gathered her things and turned to her friend in question, she found he was being approached by a mutual friend of theirs; well, a friend of his, a friendly acquaintance of hers – she really should get to know Daphne better.
"Hello Harry", greeted Daphne. "Hi Hermione", she added politely.
"Hi Daphne!" "Hello Daphne" came the replies.
"Could we talk in private after class?", Daphne asked, giving Harry a strange look. Hermione groaned internally. Another one?! Harry wasn't that fanciable!
"Of course, Daphne. Hermione, I'll see you in the great hall?", Harry replied, cheerfully clueless.
Daphne took her time collecting her things; even Professor Vector had left by the time she was finished. Daphne turned to Harry, and surprised him by taking his hand in hers. "Harry", she began, a sultry edge to her voice, "will you take me to Hogsmeade this weekend? I'd love to get to know you better." Then, just in case her desires were not obvious, she leaned forward and kissed Harry's cheek, uncomfortably close to his mouth.
"Wha... Daphne?", Harry managed to squeak. This was not what he was expecting! Daphne was a friend, and hadn't shown any interest in him before, he was sure!
Suddenly, a noise came from outside the classroom. Turning towards it, Daphne let go of Harry's hand, took out her wand and stalked towards the door. "WHO'S SPYING ON ME?!" She shouted, looking around the door and seeing two figures scarpering.
Daphne's shoulders relaxed, tension dropping off them. Heading back to Harry, she patted his arm affectionately. "Sorry about that, Harry. There are some pretty persistent Slytherins who want to get in my knickers, so I had to throw them off my scent. Now they'll think I'm after you, which gives me some time to deal with them properly", Daphne explained, casually.
Harry looked concerned. "Wait, what? I mean, erm, will you be ok?", he asked.
"I will now. I know I didn't give you much of a choice, but thanks!" Daphne replied, then gave Harry a brief hug.
Harry sighed in relief. "Good! I thought for a moment that you really fancied me. But you don't, right?"
Daphne cocked her head to the side. "You're attractive enough, and we're good friends, so if you'd shown me some interest I might've shown some back", Daphne admitted, perhaps flirting a little.
"But I know the second you finally woke up to your hormones", Daphne began, whacking Harry lightly on his arm, "you were already taken. Katie sure moves fast", Daphne groused, only half seriously.
Harry opened and closed his mouth, in shock. He hadn't realised that one Hogsmeade visit had worked so well.
Daphne, however, misunderstood. "Oh, don't look so surprised, you two were apparently all over each other on your date, and the Gryffindor twins even saw you making out!" she declared. They obviously hadn't, but had spread the rumour for fun; Daphne clearly believed it. "On that note, if you explained it to Katie, is there any chance she might let you take me to Hogsmeade, just as friends? It would really make my 'crush' more believable, and I'd like to see the village without being swarmed", Daphne explained.
Harry grinned. "So I'm like your bodyguard now? I'll ask and let you know", he replied. Of course, it wasn't Katie that he would ask.
...
Katie had found the situation hilarious when Harry had explained it to her. She had grinned when she 'gave Harry permission', though used it to extract another Hogsmeade visit with him; after all, why wouldn't she want to spend a day out with her (quite unfairly) attractive friend, even just as friends. It was lucky that students could visit Hogsmeade on Saturdays and Sundays, so her and Daphne had a day each!
Fleur found the situation funny, for which Harry was thankful, and she too was happy for Harry to take another of his friends to Hogsmeade. She trusted him after all, and from what Cheveu had said this Daphne wasn't even a contender like Katie might have been (poor girl).
Speaking of Katie, Fleur was thankful to the girl – she could have been trying to tempt Harry into a relationship, but Katie had seen his feelings for Fleur and had stood out of the way; and if Cheveu was right, she'd even tried to help others give up on him.
Maybe they could meet up over the summer? In fact, it might be nice to meet some of Harry's other friends; she very much planned for his friends to be her friends, after she graduated.
...
The Hogsmeade weekend was one of the highlights of Harry's term, and had apparently worked to put off some of Daphne's prospective suitors, according to her. Other highlights included Harry's Potion OWL studies going well – he would be ready well in time for the exams, according to professor Jones; getting to know his friends better (including the Sorting Hat, who Harry hadn't spent enough time with so far, and Susan, who seemed a little down about something); and continuing his uninterrupted Quidditch winning streak.
His Easter break had gone well too, and much to his pride he and Fleur had only passionately, frantically, toe-curling-ly kissed three times over the two weeks – once the first night (they were each desperate to know the other still felt as they did), once when Fleur had woken up very aroused and couldn't help herself (though she had stopped herself from going further than kissing), and once at Celeste's, when Fleur took a bite of her Pistachio Macaron, and asked if Harry wanted a taste (she hadn't necessarily meant the bite in her mouth, but as she melted into the kiss she didn't complain).
Then it was into the summer term, with Harry intent on enjoying the term as much as possible. There was just one problem.
"Uncle Remus?" Harry called into his mirror, on a particularly hot weekend.
"Hello Harry", came the reply a few moments later. "Miss me already?" They had only spoken a few days ago, after all.
"No, it's... Well, yes I did miss you, like I always do, but I called because I need your help, Uncle Remus", Harry rambled.
"Oh? What's the problem, Harry?" Remus asked, concerned.
Harry blushed; this was the embarrassing part. "It's... Uncle Remus, it's the girls! They're all wearing, well... less! Everywhere I look there's legs, or cleavage, or belly buttons... some of the older girls were even sunbathing in just a swimming costume by the lake!" Harry complained.
Remus put on a serious face, though inside he was a millimetre from bursting out in laughter. This was the first summer after Harry hit puberty – or was it puberty that hit Harry? – so this wasn't a surprise; it was, however, hilarious, and he would tell Padfoot later. "And you find the sight ugly?" he asked, deadpan.
"No! It's the opposite, Uncle Remus! I just want to keep staring, but I shouldn't! And then of course loads of my friends are just gorgeous, and they have, well, features my eyes just want to drink up, and it's not fair!" Harry whined, whilst blushing.
Uncle Remus did laugh at that. Harry was appalled. Well, it looked as though Remus would be tasked with explaining to Harry how to keep his desires under control; Padfoot would owe him quite a large case of brandy for this!
...
Harry was not the only one who had an uncomfortable conversation that term.
Sebastian and Appoline were enjoying the start of quite a promising evening together, beginning with a foot massage, when a voice called from the floo, "Sebastian? Are you there?"
Sebastian groaned, and Appoline rolled her eyes. "Go on", she murmured, "go be a hero again. I'll be waiting upstairs, but if you take too long I might start my pleasure without you."
Sebastian wiped the disappointment off his face with one hand, then answered the floo. "Yes Albus, I am. Good to 'ear from you", 'though your timing was terrible!', he thought.
Dumbledore's voice sounded cheerful. "Excellent! Could I trouble you to come on through? There's a conversation I'd rather have in person", he asked.
Acquiescing, Sebastian soon found himself in Dumbledore's office, lemon drop in mouth. After exchanging pleasantries, Sebastian got straight to it; he did have his wife waiting for him! "So what can I 'elp you with, Albus?"
"I'll start by saying this hasn't yet been announced, so I'll appreciate your discretion", Dumbledore began. At Sebastian's nod, he continued. "The tri-wizard tournament will be returning. The Durmstrang headmaster, Beauxbatons' own Madame Maxime, and of course myself have planned it for next year, to take place at Hogwarts."
Sebastian nodded his understanding, and motioned for Dumbledore to continue. "You may know about the previous tournaments' death tolls? We are hoping to avoid that this year, whilst still keeping the tasks exciting. I was hoping for your opinion on what was planned."
Sebastian smiled; to be the occasional advisor to Dumbledore was something he felt a little proud about. "Ok, describe the planned tasks."
Dumbledore did so: a magical creature to get past, an underwater rescue, a maze filled with traps. Dumbledore had started off quite pleased, but seeing Sebastian's facial expression evolve, Dumbledore suspected he was going to feel foolish again.
"Albus, what sort of magical creature?", Sebastian asked.
Dumbledore nodded. "That's still being worked out. Ideas range from dragons to trolls, though I'll admit I'm hesitant about the dragon option."
"I should 'ope you are more than 'esitant, Albus! Remind me what 'appened the last time a dragon attacked a wizarding area?", Sebastian challenged, a little horrified.
Dumbledore nodded; he had considered this, of course. "About thirty-five witches and wizards were killed", he admitted.
"And 'ow many dragon 'andlers are killed or seriously injured each year?" Sebastian continued.
Dumbledore again nodded. "Many. It's not considered a safe career. And if the dragons escaped containment...", Dumbledore raised, beating Sebastian to his next point.
"I shall continue pushing for more sensible options" 'though perhaps a little more strongly' Dumbledore finished to himself. Any thoughts on the other tasks?"
"The second task sounds reasonable, but 'ow will the spectators spectate? Without 'elp, they will be staring at a lake for an 'our", Sebastian pointed out.
Dumbledore groaned internally. A good point, and one he had not spotted himself. "A good point, and something I will resolve. And the third task?"
"What is stopping the contestants from mapping out the maze before'and? Or just flying over it? And 'ow will the spectators see what is going on?" Sebastian asked.
Now, Dumbledore felt foolish. Cheating was a tradition of sorts in the tournament, so such behaviour should be expected! "You make another good point. The other organisers and I have much to consider, Sebastian. Thank you, my old friend."
Sebastian was eager to return home, but had a couple of other points. "Two more things, Albus. About the age limit: what will stop an older student submitting the name of a younger one? Also, if this is to aid inter-school relationships, why not do more than just the tournament? You could invite any student from seventh year 'o wished to visit, you could 'ave a duelling competition, or Quidditch tournament..."
Dumbledore nodded, though internally he groaned. The age line he had planned on seemed like a good idea, but would be trivial to circumvent now he thought about it. In fact, taken all together, it seemed very likely that parts of the tournament would need to be re-planned, and if the organisers were going to do that, they may as well do it properly. Although it seemed likely the tournament would need to be delayed a year.
After Dumbledore had again thanked Sebastian for his time, Sebastian rushed home; he was delighted to find he hadn't taken too long.
...
One evening a few weeks later, Harry had a call on his mirror. "'arry, my cherished? Are you there?"
Harry had been sat in the Gryffindor common room, revising for his Potion OWL, but there was very, very little that would stop him responding to that voice. "Of course, Fleur. Shall I move up to my room? I'm in the common room at the moment."
From the opposite sofa, Hermione and Neville had a brief, and quiet, exchange. "Harry drops everything for her, doesn't he?" "Yes, but she's the same with him" "They're just adorable, aren't they?"
"Actually, I was hoping I could speak to a couple of your friends before we talk. I don't suppose Katie and 'ermione are there?" Fleur asked unusually.
Harry looked around and spotted Katie, as Hermione replied, "Of course, Fleur. Harry, pass me over while you go see if Katie's free." Hermione had, after all, finished her homework much earlier.
As Hermione's face appeared in the mirror, Fleur smiled. "'ello 'ermione. It's good to see you again."
"It's good to see you too, though can we please speak in French? I don't get to practise enough, and it is a nicer language", Hermione asked.
Fleur grinned. "Of course! Your French had improved considerably, by the way. Though how would you like an extra opportunity to speak French?"
Hermione gave a pleased smile at the compliment, then looked curious. "What opportunity?", she asked.
Fleur gave a hopeful smile. "I was hoping you might want to come visit 'arry and I in France over the summer, for a night or two."
Hermione's excitement rose quickly. "Could I really? I'd love to! Oh, but I'll be going on holiday in the summer with my parents for a couple of weeks – to France I think – but I think they'd be sad if I visited whilst we were away. But maybe if it was just for a night, and if we happened to be nearby, of course I don't know...", Hermione rambled, until Fleur interrupted.
"It's ok, 'ermione. I'll assume you'd like to, if we can find a suitable time? 'arry usually spends the last two weeks with us in France, so it would be some time during that period, and we can arrange for someone to apparate you over", Fleur replied, happily.
"Ok, that sounds good. And I think I'm going on holiday earlier in the summer, so that should be ok. Are you going to ask Katie the same thing?" Guessed Hermione.
Fleur nodded. "I was hoping to get to know you both better. I had thought of inviting Ron and Neville, but I'm not sure how they would deal with my family's allure", Fleur explained.
At that moment Katie came over. "Well, Katie's here, so I'll say goodbye, and hope to see you soon!" Hermione finished.
Hermione passed the mirror to Katie, who tried to smile warmly at Fleur. "Hello Fleur. Harry said you wanted to speak to me?"
"Oui, Katie. Could we per'aps talk somewhere we won't be over'eard?", Fleur asked politely.
Katie nodded, though she was nervous. Had she upset Fleur in some way? Was it about her trips to Hogsmeade with Harry? After taking the mirror up to her dorm, which was mercifully empty, she sat down on her bed. "What did you want to talk about?" Katie asked apprehensively.
Fleur let out a small laugh. "Oh Katie, it's nothing 'orrible, you don't need to worry. But I wasn't sure you wanted the rest of your 'ouse to over'ear."
Fleur continued, more sombrely. "I owe you a great deal of thanks. You 'ave been such a good friend to 'arry, and you 'ave been a good friend to me too: I know of your feelings for 'im, but you put them aside for me – a girl you didn't know. You 'aven't tried to tempt 'im into a relationship, though you're beautiful enough, and sweet enough so Cheveu tells me, that it likely would 'ave worked."
Katie blushed. "Harry obviously adores you, and he did so long before he realised. I could see you adored him too, so how could I steal that happiness away from one of my best friends?" Katie replied, careful to still smile.
Fleur smiled. "I would give you an 'ug if you were 'ere in France, Katie. Which is the other reason for my call: I understand if it would be too 'ard for you, but I would very much like to get to know you better. Would you come to France for a night or two over summer, to see 'arry and I? We're 'oping 'ermione will join us too."
Katie was shocked. She assumed Fleur would be weary of her if she knew of her feelings for Harry, but here she was opening her arms. A small, hopeful smile appeared on Katie's face. "I... I think I'd like that, Fleur. Getting to know you better, and visiting this summer."
...
The rest of the term passed without much of note, aside from rumours that Harry was dating Katie, or Daphne, or Katie and Daphne. Harry had tried very hard not to think about the latter of those.
Finally, the term ended, and Harry was feeling melancholic. Oh, there was much to be happy about: he had sat his Potions OWL and felt like it had gone well, and he had done well on his other exams; he continued to excel at Quidditch, much to the mock-disappointment of his non-Gryffindor friends; he had plans to meet up with two of his friends in France and introduce them to Fleur; and he had spent lots of time speaking to family and seeing friends. But this was Cheveu's final year at Hogwarts, and Harry knew that he would miss her dearly next year.
On the train ride back, Harry monopolised Cheveu's time. They spent the ride chatting away like the siblings they were, planning when to meet up (especially now Cheveu could apparate), and plotting some bonus weekends where Harry could break out of Hogwarts with the Marauder's Map and Cheveu could meet him in Hogsmeade.
Eventually, though, the train ride was over. After goodbyes and hugs to his friends and an extra-long hug for Cheveu, Harry spotted his Uncle Sirius, assaulted him with a hug, then felt himself apparated away to his summer holidays.
...
Author Notes:
Part of this chapter was hard to write – specifically, trying to hold to my commitment of 'no bashing' whilst challenging the tri-wizard tasks. Hopefully I didn't do too badly.
And yes, the tri-wizard tournament will be happening a year later in this story. And yes, that is my fix for Fleur only being sixteen when Harry's fourth year starts.
A much longer chapter this time, as I wanted to fit lots in and also wanted to finish the year. I'm not aiming to gradually increase chapter lengths, honest!
As always, a huge thank you to those who favourite or follow Delacour Godparents; it means so much to me that so many people enjoy the story. And a special thanks to those who motivate me most by reviewing: Sheogorath-Loves-His-Cheese, The Muse of Apollo, TBWL713, and iamshinydragonmist; and to the merciful overlords that are PhantomKnightPercival, Arnie1701, bahnannah, HughJasz, Spider of Dreams, VashonBeader, SKFF, Urgazhi, insanecoop, magitech, MauserTeleri, Earth Guardian 28, alix33, Qhaq, Magnus Whitlock, Monkeyman8290, and TBWL713 for re-reviewing since last chapter.
PhantomKnightPercival – I'm sure they won't be in the zoo forever :-)
HughJasz – I've not read that one yet, though it sounds sad for Katie! You're right, there are ways they could have managed, but none occurred to them in this story. Eventually I'll explain why, but not yet.
Urgazhi – as you can see in this chapter, Harry has no intention of dating anyone else. In a long-distance relationship they might progress the physical side of their relationship to some degree, whereas right now they are trying to resist even just kissing.
alix33 – thank you, as always. Sebastian had previously put a spell on Pettigrew that forced him to remain in his animagus form, even after death. In the scene in question, Sebastian merely cancelled that spell. So yes, Geoff never ate human bones. Katie had a roast pheasant pie with roast potatoes and asparagus, while Harry had venison pie with roast potatoes, carrots and peas. In the coffee shop, Harry had Mille-feuille.
TBWL713 – no upload schedule, but I do aim for two uploads a week. I had originally aimed for one a week, but the reception to the story has just blown me away, and genuinely makes me write faster.
Iamshinydragonmist – Ah. About that. Surprise! You've got another year to wait (sorry)!