I don't own Harry Potter, and I'm doing this for fun, not profit. Please let that be a sufficient disclaimer!
...
Harry and Fleur did not wait long to share the good news of their relationship.
"Hello angel, hello little cabbage, how are you both?" Appoline asked.
Fleur and Harry both radiated joy through their mirror. "Really good, Mama! Is Papa there too? We wanted to speak to both of you", Fleur replied.
"Yes, one moment", Appoline replied, then called out louder, "Lover? Fleur and 'arry wish to tell us they're now dating!"
"Mama!" Fleur complained, scandalised. "I didn't say that was what we..."
"Oh, sorry, were your faces not meant to give that away, my angel?" Appoline interrupted, grinning.
Fleur looked quite put out, whereas Harry just blushed a little, looking quite pleased. After a moment, Sebastian's face appeared in the mirror. "Hello angels. So what is this completely unobvious news you wish to share with us both?"
Fleur stuck her tongue out rebelliously before replying with a sigh. "Yes, 'arry and I are now dating. But you could have at least pretended not to know!"
"Oh angel, your faces are just glowing with happiness! We're so glad you're both finally together" Appoline began.
"We're so pleased for both of you. Just don't forget about the relevant charms, my little angel" Sebastian said, looking at Fleur.
Harry only suspected what his Godfather meant, though Fleur's blush and response of, "Papa!" all but confirmed it.
"We haven't... We've only..." Fleur cleared her throat. She was of age, and she knew her parents would support any decision she made; with that in mind, she chose her words carefully. "We won't be needing them straight away, but I will make sure we take precautions when the time comes."
Appoline and Sebastian nodded their approval. "Who else have you told so far, angels?" Sebastian asked.
"No-one yet. Fleur only arrived just before dinner, and then we were..." Harry blushed, not knowing how to end that sentence.
"...we were catching up just before we called you", Fleur finished.
Sebastian managed to turn his chortle of laughter into a cough. He opened his mouth to remark, but Appoline nudged him and shook her head pleadingly.
"Your sister is in bed already, but she's missed talking to you. Shall we go see if she's awake?" asked Appoline quickly.
Both teens nodded eagerly, and with a push Sebastian was sent to get Gabrielle. A few minutes later, and Sebastian was carrying a sleepy form downstairs.
"'arry? Fleur? FLEUR! Oh Fleur, I missed you! 'ave you got your mirror? Wait, why are you with 'arry?" Gabrielle asked, now very awake.
Fleur giggled at her sister's reaction. "I arrived at 'ogwarts earlier this evening. That's why I'm with 'arry."
"That was today? I didn't know that was today! That's so exciting!" Gabrielle exclaimed. Sebastian put Gabrielle down, as she was wriggling so animatedly.
"Ah, but that's not the most exciting part, my little fly", Harry teased.
"What do you mean, 'arry? What's more exciting than Fleur visiting you?" Gabrielle asked, doubtful.
"Well..." a pause for dramatic effect. "'arry and I are now boyfriend and girlfriend." Fleur answered, beaming happily with Harry.
A couple of seconds of silence, and then...
"THAT'S SO EXCITING!"
...
The mirror call didn't last too long, as it was late for Gabrielle. After the call ended, Fleur turned to Harry. "I don't want you to go, my cherished, but you should, given curfew. I don't want you getting into trouble."
Harry nodded, his left hand threading through Fleur's hair. "You're right, my love. I should head back." Harry's words didn't stop him from leaning closer to Fleur.
Fleur bit her lip. "It would be bad if we got distracted now", Fleur pointed out, eyes glancing down to Harry's mouth.
Harry nodded again, his lips an inch from Fleur's. "Really terrible" Harry agreed.
Fleur now licked her lips. "'arry...", she murmured, eyes lidded.
Harry closed the final few centimetres, drawing further joy from the softness of Fleur's lips. Fleur melted against Harry, a soft moan escaping from her as she returned the kiss with enthusiasm. Her hands buried themselves in Harry's hair, holding him in place as she revelled in the warm, sensual feeling of kissing her boyfriend.
After a few minutes, during which she may have left a mark or two on Harry's neck, Fleur managed to regain some semblance of self-control, and pulled back to look in her boyfriend's eyes. "'arry, my cherished, you really should go now, or we'll both get into trouble", she murmured.
Harry smiled lovingly, planted one last gentle kiss on Fleur's sweet lips, then extracted himself from her arms. "Ok. But tomorrow we need to actually catch-up; I want to hear all about your last two weeks!"
...
The Marauder's Map was a godsend, and got Harry back to the tower without getting into trouble. When he arrived it was quite late, and there were only a few people left in the Gryffindor common room.
"If you tell me again that you've decided to wait then I might need to check you for compulsion charms" Katie opened with, as a greeting.
Harry grinned goofily and shook his head. "No need to check for charms. Fleur and I are dating now."
"YES!", cried Katie, and threw her arms around Harry. Whilst she was still very much attracted to her best friend, she loved him primarily as a friend and was happy to see him so obviously delighted. Besides, Harry had generously given her years to come to terms with his inevitable relationship with Fleur, and she had no desire to lose Harry's friendship (or indeed Fleur's) over it.
Harry grinned and hugged Katie back tightly. "Thanks, Katie", he responded, this time not quite so distracted by her strawberry scent.
As he let go of Katie, Hermione gave Harry a hug too, with a murmured "Did she really leave her mirror behind by accident?", her curiosity getting the better of her.
Harry chuckled. "That's your question?!"
Hermione gave an exasperated look. "Well, Katie had already asked the primary question, though the answer was obvious by your face. Would you rather I asked what you two were up to for three hours?" Hermione asked, relatively quietly.
Harry blushed and shook his head. "Ok, I preferred your first question. Yes, she did."
"Harry, mate, no wonder you preferred her as your best friend over any of us!" Ron commented in awe.
Neville chuckled, then added, "Congratulations, Harry; I know you've loved her for years."
Harry blushed but nodded; he really, really had.
...
At breakfast the next morning, Harry and Fleur tried very hard to keep public displays of affection to an absolute minimum. They failed horribly.
Whether it was holding hands, lightly bumping shoulders, leaning into each other, kissing each other on the cheek, or brushing a stray lock of hair behind an ear / attempting to tame incredibly messy hair, their affection was obvious to all.
Then Katie arrived and was her usual self - hugging both Harry and Fleur, leaning into Harry on occasion, patting his arm – to the point that poor Colin Creevey couldn't help but blurt out, "are you dating both of them?"
The three laughed and shook their heads. Harry emphased the point. "Close friend" Harry said, hugging Katie tightly from the side. "Girlfriend" Harry continued, kissing Fleur softly on her delicious lips.
"Need any more close friends, Katie?" asked one of the younger, braver Gryffindors.
Katie laughed. "Sure! If you're as sweet, fun, and good at Quidditch as Harry!"
Just then, Marjorie, Amelie and Jean appeared. "You left without us!" complained Amelie.
Fleur turned to her three friends and blushed. "I knocked, but you didn't answer!" Fleur protested.
"Too busy rushing to see 'arry, no doubt. Will Fleur need us anymore?" asked Jean, very melodramatically, his wrist on his forehead and his eyes raised heavenwards.
Marjorie hit Jean lightly on his arm, giggling. "Oh, be'ave, Fleur was pining after 'im for years!"
Katie's eyes lit up, and she joined the conversation. "Oh, Harry was the same" she began, patting Harry on the back, "and for the record pining doesn't begin to describe what he was like, not knowing if Fleur was coming."
Fleur's eyes shone with eagerness; Hermione had used the same words yesterday, but Fleur hadn't got any of the details. "Katie, tell me about 'arry pining?" Fleur asked.
Harry groaned and Katie grinned. "Well, first of all, I'm told he was terrible in potions, barely able to concentrate."
"Hey! Who told you that? That wasn't..." Harry protested.
Soon Harry and Fleur's friends were taking it in turn to good-naturedly embarrass the new couple; it was a fun breakfast for almost all involved.
...
A few days later, Harry was just finishing up in his favourite lesson when the professor called, "Harry?"
"Yes Professor Jones?" he replied.
"Can you stay behind after class? I need to speak to you", Jones politely ordered.
Harry nodded, then hung back after he had tidied up his ingredients.
When they were alone, Jones surprised him with a warm smile and a ruffle of his hair. "Congratulations on your new relationship, Harry. I assume this Fleur is your 'best friend' and 'potions buddy' all rolled into one?"
Harry blushed and nodded. "She is. Fleur has been my best friend since... well, since forever. And we were taught potions together whenever I visited my French Godparents."
Jones smiled. "Ah, the plot thickens! So she's the daughter of your Godparents; but haven't you called her your sister before?"
Harry shook his head smiling. "No, that's Gabrielle, Fleur's sister. Gabrielle has been like my little sister since she was born", Harry replied fondly.
Jones nodded in understanding. "I see! Ok, question then: is she any good at potions? Compared to you, I mean."
Harry grinned. "We both started learning potions together, and are about as good as each other, though Fleur says she's a little better."
Jones laughed, then started getting to the point. "Well, I think you need an academic professional to judge that, don't you?"
Harry looked a little confused. "How do you mean?"
Jones smiled and made her offer. "Would Fleur like to join us for some of our potion evenings this term?"
Harry looked a little shocked, then gathered his thoughts quickly and nodded eagerly. "I'm sure she would! I've told her a lot about you," Harry admitted, then blushed nervously.
Jones laughed, then ruffled Harry's hair again. "You're sweet. I'm not going to give up all the time I have with my favourite student", Jones emphasised, smiling, "but I'd like to meet this Fleur, and more potion-making does mean more profit..."
Harry blushed. He hadn't considered that he could be Jones' favourite... though she wasn't tutoring anyone else this year, as far as he knew, so it made sense.
Without even thinking, Harry hugged Professor Jones briefly. "Thank you", he murmured quietly. "You're my favourite teacher", Harry added.
...
Fleur was very nervous. She was heading towards the Gryffindor tower to try something that genuinely scared her. But Harry had convinced her to try it, and she trusted he had her best interests at heart.
Entering the common room and saying a few hellos, Harry then led Fleur up to his room.
"Hi everyone. I guess you're wondering why I asked you all to come up here?" Harry opened with.
Hermione almost raised her hand to guess, but instead nodded. Katie did know, as they'd spoke about it beforehand. The others had no idea.
"Fleur is of Veela descent. That means she has an allure that... well anyone at the world cup final last year would understand." Harry squeezed Fleur's hand in support.
"The how come we've not felt it?" asked Neville.
"I was recently... 'gifted' a pendant that 'ides my allure. I 'ave been wearing it whenever we 'ave spoken", Fleur explained, smiling a little nervously.
"We wanted you to see Fleur without the necklace on, so we know how you react", Harry explained.
"Why? You can just keep it on all the time, can't you, Fleur?" asked Ron.
Hermione shook her head in exasperation. Fleur wore a look of mild distaste. Harry replied, "I don't want Fleur to have to hide who she is, at least not when amongst my closest friends. When we finish school and move in together, anyone visiting us will need to be able to control their reaction". Harry squeezed Fleur's hand a little tighter.
Hermione saved Ron from further embarrassment by replying first. "That's very sensible, Fleur, Harry. I presume you invited us here so the rest of the tower doesn't get exposed?"
Fleur nodded. "Oui. They will still feel it, but I won't 'ave to risk needing my wand."
With a deep breath, Fleur took off the pendant and gave it to Harry to hold. The effect was immediate: Hermione stared critically at Fleur, as if trying to physically see the allure. Neville blushed heavily and tried to look away. Ron stared, his eyes glazed over and his mouth partly open. Harry looked lovingly at his girlfriend.
Katie's reaction, however, was different from the others. She gave Fleur a big warm hug. "I felt like something seemed a little off! You didn't have the same... warmth? No, that makes it sound like you've been mean. You didn't seem as comforting as you did when I visited you in France."
Fleur shook her head, smiling whilst she returned the hug. "Sadly I will need to wear it again; I can see Ron and Neville are struggling."
Katie smiled cheekily. "Can't we just kick the boys out?"
Hermione looked scandalised. "Kick them out of their own room?!"
Fleur, Katie and Harry laughed. "I wasn't being serious!" Katie said. "After all, you can stay, Harry" she added in a stage whisper.
Once Fleur had put the pendant back on, Neville and Ron returned to normal. Both were profusely sorry for their reaction; they knew they needed to practise ignoring Fleur's allure.
...
A knock was heard at the door.
"Come in!" called Professor Jones.
The two teens entered, hand in hand. "Professor, this is Fleur, my girlfriend. Fleur, my love, this is Professor Jones", Harry introduced.
"Hello Fleur, it's good to meet you."
"'ello Professor Jones. 'arry 'as told me a lot about you." Fleur greeted warmly.
"Has he really? What has he said?" Jones asked, curious as to whether Harry really had mentioned her, and if so what he'd shared.
"Well, you are obviously 'is favourite Professor. 'arry also told me about the extra potions lessons you are giving 'im, and 'ow profitable they are. But mostly, 'e tells me that you are kind, and funny, and truly care about 'im", Fleur answered honestly.
Jones actually blushed. "Well, it's hard not to care about my potions prodigy", Jones said, sidestepping the compliments. "Anyway, Harry has told me a lot about you too, including your potion skills. Shall we test them out as we talk? I have a few ideas of potions we could try this term."
Fleur nodded, eager. She could already see why Harry was fond of his Potions Professor.
...
It was a few of days later, at the end of Fleur's second week at Hogwarts, that something very unexpected arrived in the owl mail.
Harry and Fleur were eating breakfast with their friends when Fleur spotted Hedwig flying in carrying a parcel. "'arry, did you send 'edwig somewhere?"
Harry shook his head. "No. I wonder where she went and who that parcel is from?"
Harry didn't need to wait long before he found out. It was a medium-sized package, a little bigger than a thick book, but lighter. Harry saw a note was attached, and read it with Fleur.
Dear Harry and Fleur,
Congratulations again on your relationship! We're so happy for you both.
Harry, this is something your mother and father left in our care, with the promise that you would receive it when you're old enough, or when you need it; we believe you now need it, if you are to stay out of trouble.
Use it well, and use the relevant charms when the time comes!
Love to you both,
Mama and Papa
XXX
Harry blushed a little, assuming his Godparents were talking about... that again. Not that he hadn't thought a lot about it himself, but he and Fleur were taking their time to thoroughly enjoy each new experience together; besides, they hadn't had as many opportunities as they might like for exploring that side of things together.
Putting those thoughts aside, Harry opened the package, then promptly dropped it in shock.
"'arry?" Fleur asked.
Harry passed the package to Fleur, who uttered a surprised oath of "Mon dieu!".
After a few moments, a grin appeared on Fleur's face. "Pass it to me? I have a fun idea."
Harry did so, and was about to ask a question when Fleur continued. "I'll meet you outside your common room in half an hour, ok?"
...
Harry was waiting in the assigned spot, just next to the Fat Lady's portrait, not sure what Fleur had planned. He checked the time, seeing it was almost time for Fleur to arrive, when he was forced back against the wall as if by some spell.
Harry started to worry until he felt Fleur's lips against his, eagerly kissing him. Reaching out, he felt for her – hidden as she was by the invisibility cloak that had arrived half an hour earlier.
Fleur paused for a moment, and Harry noted only her mouth and nose were visible. A second later, and those were re-hidden too. "Go to your bed, and pull the curtains closed. I'll be right behind you", Fleur promised.
Harry hurriedly spoke the password, climbed inside the common room, then raced upstairs. The other boys were at breakfast still, so Harry was given no strange looks as he pulled the curtains of his four poster bed closed. A second later, Fleur's head appeared near the foot of his bed. A few seconds after that, Fleur treated Harry to a view of some of her best lingerie.
"Fleur?" Harry half-whispered. "What if someone comes in?"
Fleur grinned. "Exciting isn't it, my heart?"
"Are you planning on..." Harry asked with trepidation.
Fleur shook her head giggling. "Oh, there is so much to enjoy before we get there, my heart!"
...
It was nearly Halloween, and Dumbledore had just introduced the Goblet of Fire. Ron had spoken about his desire to compete, Harry was indifferent, and Fleur had surprised many by stating that she had no desire to compete – she was here for Harry, not the cup.
Fred and George, however, were delighted they were old enough to enter. They watched amusedly as some of the younger years attempted to get past some of Dumbledore's magical protections around the Goblet. Walking up to it, Fred dropped his slip of paper in; unfortunately it was spat back out.
George tried the same, but to no effect. They even tried dropping their names in together, but the Goblet appeared prejudiced against them.
"Well, at least that makes this a challenge!"
"Quite right! Might have been a bit..."
"...too easy otherwise?"
One of the spectators, a fourth year Ravenclaw, spoke up. "Why is it doing that?"
"Must not like our names..."
"... because we solemnly swear..."
"...it was just that and our school on the slips!"
The Ravenclaw looked suspicious; they would later find out, though, that the twins had been entirely honest.
...
"It might have a brain"
"What, inside the metal?"
"Well, not a brain but something that can think."
"Basic confusion charm?"
"Worth a go."
...
"It definitely spat it out slower that time."
"Just a question of strength?"
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
"Only leaves one left..."
"...and it's a bugger to brew..."
"...but the potential reward is..."
"... definitely worth it!"
...
"If I'm not mistaken, the goblet is ready to announce the tri-wizard champions!" called Dumbledore, eagerly.
A burst of fire shot out, and Dumbledore caught the first name. "The champion for Beauxbatons is Pauline Vachon!" Some polite clapping accompanied Fleur's antagonist as she proudly walked to the front and to a side room as directed.
Another burst of fire shot out, and the second name was revealed. "The champion for Durmstrang is Ana Petrova!" Louder clapping followed, as a tall red-haired girl followed the path Pauline had taken.
A final burst of fire, and Dumbledore caught the slip of paper. Then, silence.
Dumbledore stared at the paper. This wasn't possible! Some malevolent force must have been involved! The terrible words written down brought true dread to Dumbledore, and he knew in that moment that he had failed to properly ensure that only eligible names were submitted to the Goblet.
But Dumbledore had no choice. Every name that came out of the Goblet must compete, even with how dire the consequences could be; and Dumbledore suspected the consequences of this would be felt across the wizarding world.
"Dumbledore?" asked Madam Maxime.
Pulling himself together, Dumbledore spoke in a grave voice. "I do not know how this could have happened, and I can only apologise to all here for the consequences.
"The champion for Hogwarts – and I apologize again in advance – is both Fred and George Weasley." Dumbledore announced with dread.
"SWEET! IT WORKED!" was followed by a very loud high-five.
...
Author Notes:
This won't be the tri-wizard tournament you are all familiar with.
Thank you to the many people who have favourited or followed Delacour Godparents; each one brings a smile to my face. And a special thanks to those who reviewed: Maxinmus, Bahiagmc, Sparky She-Demon, InfernoVortex, Ronin Kenshin and mike3308; and to the overpowered bosses who are Mando-Vet, Urgazhi, bahnannah, sh777, nagiten, rishi547, Magnus Whitlock, iamshinydragonmist, alix33, PhantomKnightPercival, HughJasz, Spider of Dreams, Arnie1701, amortentiate, seaweedbrainwisegirl07, MauserTeleri (x2), SKFF, magitech, Mitkon2001 and The Prime Cronos for re-reviewing since last chapter.
Plus two reviews I can't see yet.
bahnannah - see your PMs
nagiten – thanks, fixed!
Bahiagmc – fair. Had I spent more time thinking through, I may have come up with a better approach.
amortentiate – yes, assuming a loose definition of "alive"
SKFF – there's your answer!
Mitkon2001 – thanks! That specific wording in that specific scene was my favourite part of that chapter, and maybe of the story to date.