I don't own Harry Potter, and I'm doing this for fun, not profit. Please let that be a sufficient disclaimer!
...
Gabrielle would remember two things from her Easter holidays this year: her time wedding planning with Fleur, and her outings with Harry.
Fleur was a force of nature, having realised just how little wedding planning she had done, and so she dived into the activity almost as soon as she was home; Gabrielle and Appoline were delighted, Sebastian and Harry stayed out of the way.
And when Gabrielle wanted something else to do, or Fleur wanted her out of the way, Harry abandoned Sebastian to his fate and took Gabrielle out.
Harry and Gabrielle explored Marseilles together, with Harry letting Gabrielle choose whatever she wanted to eat; the pair went to Celeste's twice for Le Goûter – the French afternoon tea they loved so much; Harry took Gabrielle to the main French magical street to buy a more advanced potions book; Gabrielle even insisted that she buy Harry an ice-cream, since he always treated her.
All in all, Gabrielle had a wonderful break.
...
The last evening of the Easter holidays, Fleur was tired. She had achieved much in two weeks, though it had cost a lot of energy, and so Fleur sat on the sofa, her eyes closed, resting... and musing over the fact that her industriousness had meant she hadn't spent as much time with Harry.
Speaking of which, Harry had clearly read her mind, for Fleur felt one of his hands trailing over her left shoulder and squeezing gently, teasing a massage. Fleur gave a low, appreciative moan.
Harry chuckled. "If you move position, I can massage your shoulders properly, or maybe play with your hair", Harry offered.
Fleur happily moved to accommodate, and soon she was sat in front of Harry whilst his hands squeezed the tension out of her muscles. After a few minutes, however, Fleur was unsatisfied.
"'arry? It would feel much better with oil..." Fleur hinted.
Harry smiled, and squeezed her muscles lightly as he replied. "Is that so? Do you have the energy to go up to our room?" Harry asked, wondering if such simple efforts were beyond her at that moment.
"Maybe not, but you could carry me", Fleur suggested hopefully.
One gentle carry later, and Fleur was removing her top and bra in front of a very interested Harry. A moment after that, Fleur was lying face down on their bed, waiting expectantly.
Harry warmed some massage oil in his hands, then proceeded to coax Fleur into a state of bliss. He started with long, flowing stokes across her back, eliciting grateful moans from Fleur, then began squeezing her shoulder muscles with a little more pressure, working out the knots he found there.
"'arry, that feels really good" Fleur sleepily encouraged.
Harry smiled proudly, continuing the massage by moving to her upper back, his fingers and thumbs seeking out any tension to work through. Then, after a few minutes, Harry moved to Fleur's mid and lower back, his hands starting near her spine and massaging outwards to her sides, going lower and lower, massaging each and every muscle.
Harry then returned to long, flowing strokes up and down Fleur's back, starting off lightly then using a little more pressure each time. Then, Harry moved to sideways strokes, his hands flowing left to right across her back, the oil allowing his hands to slide effortlessly across Fleur's smooth, perfect skin.
For the next hour, Harry massaged Fleur's back lovingly, seeking her delight and relaxation. By the time he finished, Fleur was almost, but not quite asleep. Harry, therefore, finished the task by running his fingers through Fleur's hair, coaxing her to sleep whilst revelling in the feeling of her magic caressing his hands.
...
It was the first day back after Easter, and Fleur was confused. It had started with replaying the memory of the last night of Easter: Fleur could see Harry's interest as she partially undressed in front of him, but rather than make a move he had put her needs before his own and had spent over an hour thoroughly relaxing her and then guiding her to sleep – it was so loving and sweet.
That had led Fleur to consider her fiancé's loving nature more generally, and she could think of countless times he had loved her self-sacrificially – as she tried to do for him – and it warmed her heart. But that wasn't the confusing thing.
The confusing thing came as Fleur realised: Harry had never initiated their intimacy. Oh, he had initiated hugs, kisses and hour-long massages; but Fleur couldn't think of any time Harry had initiated... intimacy.
Did he not enjoy it? His reactions certainly proved otherwise! Did he not hunger for it as much as she did? Perhaps; she had been taught that those of Veela heritage tend to hunger more than most women, but she had heard men were insatiable! And certainly, Harry had never turned her affections aside, or in any way discouraged them. Perhaps she needed some advice.
...
"Mum?" asked the young woman.
"Yes dear?" came the reply.
"How good are you at obliviation?" the young woman queried.
"Why do you ask, dear?" the mother replied, a little concerned. Such a start to a conversation rarely boded well.
"I was hoping to erase the last thirty minutes from my memory", the young woman answered.
"Weren't you talking to a friend just now?" the mother asked, a little confused.
"Yes, I was. A very dear friend. So can you? More importantly, will you?" the young woman persisted.
"Why would you possibly want to erase the conversation then?" the mother pushed, not understanding.
"Because, mum", began Cheveu, "Fleur wanted to talk to me about her sex life. With my little brother. And I gave her advice. About her sex life. With my little brother."
"..."
"..."
"Obliviate!"
...
Harry had been sitting in the great hall with Fleur, though Harry noticed his fiancée looked deep in thought about something. He was about to ask what the matter was, when Dumbledore had asked if he could speak to him privately. So, Harry had kissed Fleur on the cheek and followed the headmaster to his office.
"Lemon drop, Harry?" Dumbledore asked.
Harry considered for a moment. He had only just finished breakfast, but...
"Yes please. Uncle Sebastian tells me they are particularly good", Harry replied, not really remembering when he had enjoyed them himself in his younger years.
After Harry had took one, Dumbledore got down to business. "Now, I won't take much of your time – classes will start before too long. I just wanted to let you know: when you turn seventeen, the blood protections at Number 4 Privet Drive will finish, so your obligation to spend part of your year there will finish too", Dumbledore stated.
Harry nodded, though he had many questions. "I don't know if Uncle Sebastian ever explained why I needed to stay with Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon... not that I minded!" Harry quickly qualified.
Dumbledore smiled a pleased smile at that, then took on a more serious expression as he explained what he could. "At the time, many Death Eaters were still at large, targeting you, and I believe Lord Voldemort himself was still alive."
"Why do you believe that?" Harry asked, a little nervous. All three of his Godparents, and Uncle Remus, had explained about the previous war.
Dumbledore sighed; well, no harm in it now. "There was a prophecy made, which stated you would have the power to defeat Voldemort. It was unfulfilled, and remained that way until almost a year ago. My only explanation is that he somehow survived when he tried to attack you, but met his end over the last year."
"I don't remember defeating a Dark Lord last year", Harry joked.
Dumbledore chuckled. "Well, either way Harry, you only need to stay with Petunia and Vernon until your seventeenth birthday; then you are free to stay wherever you wish, be that France, or even Hogsmeade", Dumbledore said knowingly.
Harry fought against a blush, and nodded his understanding. Maybe Fleur could be convinced to spend a week or two alone with him before their usual two weeks together in France began...?
...
It was the weekend before Fleur had chance for a proper conversation with Harry – their potions masteries and Harry's other studies and Quidditch training keeping them busy.
It was also the first term-time Friday night since... well her seventh year... that they weren't intimate. Fleur had restrained herself, in case she was pushing Harry for too much, and besides she had wanted to ask about wedding invitations, and the conversation had taken much longer than she had expected... and, if she was honest, she might have been delaying the conversation.
But it was now Saturday morning, Fleur had woken up first, and she was gazing lovingly at her fiancé, waiting for him to wake up for a conversation she was a little apprehensive about.
Harry stirred, opening his eyes and seeing the gorgeous blue orbs of his fiancée gazing affectionately at him. All he could do was kiss her softly, which she happily reciprocated before pulling back.
"'arry, can we talk about something before you distract me too much?" Fleur asked.
Harry smiled and nodded. "What's on your mind, my cherished?"
Fleur took a deep breath and pushed forwards. "I was worrying that maybe I'm asking for too much sex", Fleur admitted, biting her bottom lip nervously.
Of all the topics of conversation Harry might have predicted, this was not one of them. A suspicion started to grow in Harry's mind. "Fleur?"
"...yes, my cherished?" came the nervous reply.
"I'm asleep right now, aren't I?" Harry asked, confident he was right. So confident he happily pinched himself, surprised when he felt the pain.
Fleur gave a curious look. "Why would you think that?"
Harry blinked once, then twice. "My sweet, loving, affectionate, wonderful, utterly gorgeous fiancée thinks she's asking for too much sex?" Harry questioned, still not sure what had happened to reality.
Fleur explained her reasoning, pouting a little. "Well, you never initiate! You kiss, and hug, and cuddle, but you've never, ever started anything more intimate; I thought maybe I had much more hunger than you."
Harry shook his head, his eyes wide at Fleur's words. "I'd read that men want it more than women, and I didn't want to pressure you for more than you desired; and we have been sleeping together more than the average", Harry explained, although he was now questioning some of the knowledge he had gained from the book Cheveu had bought him.
Fleur's eyes sparkled. "My cherished, I'm of Veela heritage. I though you knew... nevermind. I have an idea."
"What is it?" Harry asked, very interested.
"Today, you have to initiate every time you crave intimacy, and we will see if I find it too much", Fleur challenged.
"Every time? Are you sure?" Harry asked, foolishly questioning his good fortune.
Fleur nodded. "Every time", she insisted.
...
At the end of the day, lying next to Harry, Fleur giggled. At Harry's questioning gaze, Fleur explained. "That was far more than I had dreamed! I lost count of how many...! Though I doubt you would have managed as much without potions", Fleur noted slyly.
Harry's face held a joyous smile. "I was sure you would have had enough by the afternoon", he admitted.
Fleur giggled again and shook her head. "No, I loved it. I doubt we could regularly match today, at least not without spending all our spare time brewing potions! But it was wonderful", Fleur gushed.
Holding Fleur in his arms, knowing his newfound freedom to share his desires with her, Harry felt pure joy.
...
A few days later, Fleur was hopeful. She was in the Gryffindor common room with Harry, Katie, Hermione, Ron, Neville and Ginny. And she had just taken off her necklace.
Harry squeezed Fleur's hand in encouragement. Katie gave Fleur a big, warm hug. Hermione had her wand out, trying to detect something in Fleur's magic that would explain... something? Ginny looked at Neville critically. Neville nodded and Fleur, then turned his gaze to Ginny and kissed her softly. And Ron? Ron closed his eyes, shook his head, then opened his mouth.
"What else do Celeste's sell?" he asked, hoping that hearing about delicious pastries would focus his mind. Happily, it worked.
Fleur was pleased, as was Harry; it seemed their friends (well, Ron and Neville) had worked hard to overcome their natural reaction to Veela allure.
...
The rest of the term passed quickly for Harry in a haze of studying, wedding planning, weekend visits, apparition lessons and Quidditch training. Fleur and Katie both found his apparition attempts entertaining, though that was always the case for new learners; he did get better. It also included Harry teaching his first few potion lessons, albeit only to first years and under Jones' supervision – the lessons had gone well, and by the look in Jones' eye Harry was sure he would be teaching on his own next year.
Fleur's term passed just as quickly, though by the end she was already teaching independently – mainly revision for fifth year OWL students, which she surprisingly found she enjoyed.
The term also passed quickly for Katie – it had happened to be one of her best. Katie was delighted with her team's progress, and even more so by the scouts that had contacted her; after the final game of the season, Katie had two professional teams interested in having her try out for a reserve position, so she might even have options if she impressed enough!
Katie also enjoyed another surprise birthday party, where Harry had managed to arrange for the twins to be present; presumably with the help of his or their map. The joy emotion chews the twins brought were particularly enjoyed, leaving her in a wonderful mood for most of the day, though Fleur later informed Katie it somehow made her even more affectionate; she would need to apologise to Dennis Creevey for terrorising him with a giant bear hug.
But perhaps the most memorable, and unexpected, part of the term came right near the end, after Katie's exams were finally over. Sat near the lake, head resting on Harry's shoulder, she waited for the 'important question' Harry had wanted to ask her.
Harry began, nervously. "I just want to start by saying Fleur knows I'm going to ask you this, and she's totally ok with it. In fact, she was encouraging it.
"I know you might find it weird, but it's something I really wanted to ask. I'll understand if you say no, of course! And I hope it won't make things weird at the wedding whatever you decide, but..." Harry rambled.
Katie gave Harry's arm a squeeze. "Just ask, Harry", she encouraged.
Harry nodded, and got to the point. "Katie, you've always been my best friend, aside from Fleur. Your friendship has meant so much to me ever since I met you, and I know you'll be my best friend forever. Katie... will you be my best man – or best woman, I guess? – at my wedding?" Harry asked nervously.
Katie's expression started out shocked, then it morphed to confused, then disbelieving, then happy, then joyous. She pulled Harry into a tight hug, happy tears fighting to emerge. "Oh Harry, it would be my pleasure!" she exclaimed.
Then, after a few moments: "I get to plan your stag do, right?" she asked, just to make sure.
...
Harry wanted to order some Joy chews, partly to celebrate the term coming to its end. Harry could have mirrored the twins, but Hedwig would be faster than any ordinary owl, and she didn't get nearly enough exercise as it was – the mirrors meaning she rarely needed to deliver letters.
Figuring she had just enough time to get there and back with an order, Harry wrote a quick note to Fred and George, tied it to Hedwig, and sent her off.
Harry thought she might even get some hunting done whilst she was out.
...
It was really a terrible shame. Fred and George hadn't planned for some of their Rat Droppings to be mixed in with Emotion Chews (after all, only an idiot would miss the difference).
They hadn't even noticed, though they did find it odd that the bitter, miserable, toad-faced old lady wearing sickly pink clothing seemed so pleased at the price.
The old lady definitely needed some joy, which is what she thought she had bought. About fifteen years ago, her world was turned on its head: up to that point, she was pleased by the Pureblood supremacy that had rightly been at the core of wizarding politics, and whilst she didn't approve of he-who-must-not-be-named – after all, he seemed needlessly chaotic, and had even aligned with lesser creatures – she did think parts of his cause, at least, were noble.
But then he'd failed in trying to kill a baby, and then everything went downhill. It seemed like every sensible witch and wizard she knew had been arrested, and then all found guilty of petty crimes – like killing muggles – and were sentenced to Azkaban for it!
That was the start of the dark years, with Pureblood rights set back centuries by idiot, muggle-loving witches and wizards like Dumbledore, curse him. Her ambitions – to climb the ranks of the ministry and push for the proper Pureblood agenda – had come to nothing, with none of the morons in charge recognising her potential.
And now, Harry Potter, a 'hero' of their world, was engaged to a half-breed! The shame! Well, she would see if these 'Joy sweets', as one of her colleagues had called them, were worth the price.
Popping one in her mouth, she grimaced at the taste – it wasn't nearly as pleasant as how her co-worker had described. Still, she definitely felt its magic, though the effect was completely different to what she had anticipated – for Weasleys' Rat Droppings do not cause any sense of happiness or euphoria.
Finding herself shrunk down, covered in fur, and very angry, the woman in rat form started squeaking furiously. Unfortunately, that attracted the attention of a hungry snowy owl that was just about to deliver a letter for her owner.
Hedwig had just thought, 'That's a tasty-looking rat!' before diving down to enjoy a meal.
The last thought the toad-faced, spiteful woman-rat had was, 'I'm not a rat! You foul bird! Someone help!'
...
A couple of days later, Fred and George were in shock. Business was going ridiculously well, especially due to the Boneless Boots, though they had long since sold the majority of the pairs they would... or so they thought.
"Hallo, can I speak to Fred and George?", came a very gruff voice.
"Fred..."
"...and George..."
"...at your service!"
"I have heard about something called Boneless Boots. I vish to buy some", the young man stated.
"Wait a minute..."
"... aren't you..."
"...the world-famous..."
"...super-talented..."
"...Bulgarian seeker called..."
"Please, don't say it", the man pleaded. "I vould like to avoid the crowds."
Fred and George nodded numbly, then one of them asked the important question. "How many pairs of Boneless Boots would you like?"
"The Bulgarian league vould like a pair for every player. So six hundred pairs."
Fred and George fainted.
...
The summer finally arrived, beginning with Harry hugging Katie tightly on platform 9 ¾, and promising to meet up soon. Then, after giving Fleur a gentle kiss goodbye, Harry was off to Privet Drive. The greeting he got when the door opened was worrying.
"Harry, you've got to run! Save yourself, she's coming!" Dudley urged, his eyes wide and panicked.
Harry's brain had barely been able to process his cousin's words when Dudley's newest fear appeared just behind him. "Welcome home, Harry. I've been waiting for you!" came a voice passers-by might have called slightly deranged.
Dudley fearfully kept silent, but his eyes pleaded with his cousin: 'run, save yourself!' they clearly begged.
Harry, a Gryffindor at heart, faced the danger head on and cautiously stepped inside. He followed Dudley's Fear into the dining room, his mind alert and ready for anything. Except this.
"Now, Vernon and I have been thinking about your wedding, and how we might help. We've spent quite a lot of time coming up with ideas, and we're hoping you'll like some of them!" Petunia announced, as cheerfully as if she had been fed a specific Emotion Chew. Vernon nodded in agreement.
Spread across the dining table were a list of potential wedding favours, possible orders of ceremony (in various colours, in case Harry liked any of the designs), a list of family, friends and neighbours who Harry might want to invite, even possible honeymoon locations.
Dudley tried one last time, mouthing the words, 'it's not too late to run!' when Petunia and Vernon were looking the other way.
"Wow, I... I don't know what to say", Harry responded, incredibly touched.
Petunia understood his reaction and smiled happily. Then gave away part of the reason behind her excitement. "I've told all the neighbours about it: young love, blooming over years, and you're even waiting until you turn eighteen! Mrs. Henderson had tears in her eyes!" Petunia announced.
Well, this wasn't the way Harry had expected to spend the next two weeks, but he appreciated both the sentiment and the time this would save... and he was sure Fleur would too!
...
Dudley was tearful as he said goodbye to Harry at the end of the two weeks – though whether that was because his cousin had probably spent his last night at Privet Drive as a resident (he would of course be back to visit as a guest), or whether it was because Harry was abandoning him to the terror of Petunia in wedding-planning mode, Harry wasn't sure.
Not that he gave it much thought; it was his birthday, and he was about to spend two weeks with Fleur. Alone. With no wedding planning to do. And Fleur had promised him something special upon arrival.
His gorgeous fiancée came to collect him, stopping briefly to say hello to the Dursleys (which included being congratulated by all three) before surprising Harry by apparating them both to Hogsmeade.
"You can dual apparate?!" Harry asked, impressed.
Fleur smiled happily. "Yes. I practised a lot last year, which is partly why I'm only a couple of months ahead of you in the mastery", Fleur replied... although if she was honest, the wedding planning had more to do with it.
Harry and Fleur hurried into their home, and once inside hugged each other tightly.
"I missed you, my cherished", Fleur stated, before kissing Harry urgently.
Harry would have verbally replied in kind, but his focus was now on the taste of Fleur – her lips, her neck, her collarbone...
...
Not long afterwards, Harry and Fleur's desires were sated. But it was Harry's birthday, and Fleur had plans.
"Close your eyes and open your mouth, my cherished", Fleur urged, an eager smile on her face.
Harry did so, and a couple of seconds later he felt a small sweet enter his mouth. A chewy sweet. Did Fleur really...?
"No, keep your eyes closed, my cherished", Fleur insisted, as Harry felt the affects of the particular emotion chew he had been fed.
"Do you trust me, 'arry?" Fleur asked carefully.
"Of course, my love", Harry replied with certainty, now very eager for whatever Fleur had planned.
"I want to try something a bit different, but once I begin you won't be able to stop me", Fleur warned.
Harry considered for a moment, then replied. "I trust you, Fleur."
Harry heard Fleur murmur something, then a spell hit him. Harry involuntarily tried to open his eyes... but found himself unable to do so. In fact, he couldn't move at all, though he could definitely feel Fleur's hand on his skin.
"I did promise you something special, my cherished", Fleur whispered, before beginning the slow, teasing plans she had.
...
The best, most loving two weeks of Harry's entire life sadly passed too soon. They did not spend the whole time being intimate, but they did both revel in the freedom to hug, or kiss, or do anything else. Yes, they had enjoyed their weekends over the last year, and especially the last term now that Harry wasn't shy about his desires, but this... this felt like a honeymoon, and they hadn't even got married yet!
But now they were back at the Delacours', and Harry and Fleur had a number of things they needed to do. In some ways, they were sad that they could not just use the whole time to bond with Gabrielle, see their friends, and otherwise enjoy themselves; but there were several things they still needed to do, and Fleur and Harry both needed to focus as much as possible on their studies during the coming year – Harry especially so.
"We still need to sort out the venue, the refreshments, the wedding cake, the invites, the..." began Appoline, going through her list.
Harry looked incredulous – how was there still so much to do?! Thankfully, Gabrielle was there with excellent ideas to make everything better. "Why not Celeste's?" she asked.
"For the refreshments or the wedding cake?" Fleur asked, interested.
"Yes", Gabrielle replied simply.
Assuming she misheard, Fleur tried again. "I mean are you suggesting Celeste's for refreshments, or suggesting Celeste's for a wedding cake?" she asked, seeking clarification.
"Yes!" Gabrielle replied, with conviction.
"Both?!" asked Appoline, surprised.
Harry, who was already sold on the idea, nodded. "Definitely both", he agreed, high-fiving Gabrielle who had learned the gesture at school, and who had put her hand up towards Harry.
Sebastian laughed. "It'll be very expensive... but it's not like you can't afford it", he mused.
Harry looked hopefully at Fleur, who rolled her eyes affectionately; she could hardly say no to that adorable face. "Oh, alright my heart. But you can't tell Katie or Cheveu without me being there to see their reaction!"
...
The final two weeks of the holidays passed in a blur of planning, though there were highlights: Gabrielle's birthday party, with Cheveu, Katie, Uncle Sirius, Amelia and Uncle Remus all arriving to dote on her; Gabrielle getting her Beauxbatons letter, shopping for her school replies, and getting her familiar (a tabby cat she named Camille); Harry passing his apparition exam; three trips to Celeste's to discuss wedding catering, including the truly awful task of having to try several unreasonably delicious cakes and countless snacks; a trip to see Geoff and Barry ("You're getting married?" "Is there a baby already?" "Can we come?") and some potions research which Fleur wouldn't tell Harry about, but promised would be exciting.
Now, though, Fleur and Harry were getting ready to apparate to London, for the start of their final year. But before they did, Fleur had one last thing she needed to do. Walking over to her sister, Fleur took off her necklace.
"My little fly, I want you to make more friends than I could. I want you to have this", Fleur stated, as she placed the valuable necklace in Gabrielle's hands.
Gabrielle was in shock. She had secretly coveted the necklace on occasion – to be able to hide her allure, and avoid the worst of the reactions to her allure was... well, it was something she had often strongly craved.
"But Fleur, what about you?", Gabrielle asked, her selfish desires warring with her love for her sister.
"I will be fine – our friends can already resist the allure when they try, and the rest of the school will learn! But I want you to have the best time possible at school, at that necklace will help", Fleur assured her sister.
Happy tears threatened to fall down Gabrielle's face, especially if she spoke, so Gabrielle merely hugged her sister tightly.
"Just don't wear it all the time. Let the others see you as you, at least some of the time", Fleur advised.
Gabrielle nodded, her face now wet and her heart full. She sniffed, then risked a few words. "Thank you, my dear sister."
...
Author Notes:
If you're still reading, and want to say hi, you'll be welcome on the Flowerpot discord.
I wasn't planning on dealing with the toad, but Arnie1701 made a suggestion, and I figured there wasn't much that was more feel-good than appropriate justice from an alternate universe.
We're getting towards the end now, and I think most people will be able to guess what event will finish Delacour Godparents. Still a few feel-good things to achieve before then, though.
Thank you to all those who are still reading this story, and who show their enjoyment by favouriting, following or reviewing. Speaking of reviews, thank you thedude19859 for a first review, and thank you to the little cabbages who are Magnus Whitlock, Arnie1701, magitech, alix33, SiriusOrionBitch, arata7kasuga, Urgazhi, SKFF, Spider of Dreams, LAB1, Blue Luver5000, Mitkon2001, Red Renera and amortentiate for additional reviews since last chapter.
arata7kasuga – he had a pretty busy year, and his focus wasn't solely on his studies... though he did very, very well.
Spider of Dreams – Fleur's definitely working on something I've now teased, but I won't say what... unless you want to PM me :-)
LAB1, Mitkon2001, amortentiate – I think you all sensed something similar, which is that there wasn't much substance last chapter, just fluffy ways to pass the time. This chapter, however, properly starts the flight path to the end of the story.