"Speech"

'Thoughts'

"French"

$Parseltongue$

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.

Author's Note: Sorry for the wait. Hope you enjoy it. This chapter is a bit light on events, will pick up a bit more from the next. Special thanks to androidrainbow from the Harry/Fleur discord server who beta'd this chapter.

ELEVEN - Once a Gossip

Harry quietly approached their secluded little picnic spot on his broom from above the tree line. Neither of his girlfriends had noticed him as they faced the black lake. Fleur's musical lilt followed by a gasp from Hermione was carried to him by the wind. The young man chuckled fondly as he entered the small clearing, alerting them to his presence.

"Am I interrupting?"

"Oui 'Arry, you are ze third wheel," teased Fleur, she grabbed one of the tiny tomatoes from her plate and tossed it at him. Harry pulled up on his broom, catching the little fruit with his mouth.

"Harry! You could choke like that!" scolded his bookish girlfriend.

He shrugged, landing and taking the open spot beside her while avoiding the scattered food items, books and jars of blue fire. He also noticed the golden egg laying on its side in the grass.

Fleur grabbed him a mug which Hermione filled with soup from a thermos. The bookworm smiled when he pecked her on the cheek in thanks. Harry held the warm mug between his hands, feeling the chill leave them, flights at this time of the year always left your hands frozen.

He took a sip and sighed. The Hogwarts elves made the best soup by a long shot.

Pointing at the golden egg which had been left abandoned. "Any luck with that?" he asked.

"Non…" replied Fleur, glaring at the noisy thing, as if doing so would unravel its mysteries. The stubborn egg remained unchanged, mocking the Veela with its silence.

"None, whatsoever Harry…"

"Maybe we need a fresh pair of eyes… Luna perhaps? I doubt anybody in Gryffindor has a clue, or they'd have spoken up last night," said Harry, reaching for a breadstick.

"Hmm, Luna's perspective would certainly be fresh," responded Hermione, as she pondered his suggestion.

"I've just got this feeling she'd be able to help," he replied. "She can be quite cryptic though when she wants, but she's also pretty insightful."

"She often sits with us during lunch when we 'ave to eat in ze great 'all. We could ask 'er tomorrow." Chimed in Fleur as she handed him a plate filled with some finger sandwiches.

Grabbing one, Harry thanked her before noting. "This is a lot of food for two people…"

"Because it's for three…" answered Hermione, placing her hands on her hips, "we searched the entire castle for you before coming out here, but you weren't anywhere to be found."

She gestured towards his broom with a smirk. "I see now that we forgot to check the sky…"

Harry chuckled. "I needed a bit of space. The last few days have been intense and amazing, but between everything, it felt like I couldn't breathe."

"It's alright, at least we know where to look next time."

"I'm sorry, should have mentioned." Harry moved in, placing a soft kiss on her lips, when he pulled away, her eyes were closed, and her lips left parted as she breathed out.

He turned, and kissed Fleur as well before speaking. "So, besides the soup and sandwiches, what did you bring for lunch?"

His blonde girlfriend ignored his question as she closed the distance again, pushing him onto his back as his growling stomach was left to fend for itself.

Harry and Hermione lay spread on opposite sides of their newly enlarged blanket, their heads resting on Fleur's lap. The older girl seemed at peace, as she sat there running her hands through their hair. Her ministrations along with their full stomachs was making it incredibly difficult to stay awake.

Fleur broke the silence, her voice sounding over their shallow breaths. "What are we going to do about ze ball?"

"Hm… What about the ball?" asked Harry, opening his eyes to peer up at her.

"As champions, we must open ze dance," explained the blonde as Hermione leaned into her hand.

Harry groaned. "I forgot about that…"

"Why don't the two of you just go together?" suggested the younger of the two girls.

The young man tilted his head upwards to listen to Hermione.

"You both need dates, I don't really need one to attend. So just go together, unless there's a rule against that, which I doubt. International cooperation and all. I'll just bring someone along as a friend, and if there's nobody who wants to do that. I'll just enter alone, and once the opening dance has gone by, we can be together again."

Fleur appeared thoughtful for a moment before responding.

"Hmm, oui, we could do this, but are you sure, and who will you take?" asked the blonde, moving her hand to cup the younger girl's cheek.

"Maybe Neville, I'm sure he'd be okay with going as friends, or Ron if he doesn't ask out whoever it is he fancies, I guess," she answered, leaning into Fleur's hand. The revelation that Ron had someone he likes had come out when they'd accidentally let their relationship become known to him.

Ron and the girls had just walked with him to the hospital wing for his lessons with Madam Pomfrey. They were early and had hung around for a while until the Matron was ready. Though Fleur had to leave early in a rush, having forgotten a meeting she had with her headmistress. In her hurry, she'd forgotten Ron was around and kissed both Harry and Hermione before bolting out of the hospital wing.

The pair only remembered his presence when they'd heard his garbled choking. Dreading the explosion they were sure was imminent, Harry and Hermione turned to face their friend. The sight of his wide-eyed expression, along with his mouth trying and failing to form words would have been amusing had they not been so worried.

Though instead of angry yelling, the only sounds coming from him were some indistinguishable noises as he alternated between pointing at the pair and the door which Fleur had departed through.

"Uh, words Ron, use your words," deadpanned Harry as he started to relax.

Composing himself, Ron pointed at Harry. "She kissed you," he nodded in response as Ron then pointed at Hermione, "and you?" The brunette nodded as well.

The silence which followed was deafening and was broken when Ron simply went.

"...Ha."

His somewhat out of character acceptance threw Harry and Hermione for a spin. Unsure of how to respond, they both stared at their redheaded friend.

"What?" blurted Ron, before realisation set in. "Lemme guess, you both thought I was gonna be mad…didn't you…"

The couple nodded in sync, before Harry spoke. "Uhm, well… yeah… I guess we did."

Ron mildly irritated now, spoke rapidly, his mouth pulling ahead of his brain. "Well, I'm not. Okay? It's not that surprising, I mean you three might as well have had signs above your heads screaming 'take me now' every time you look at one another and it's not as if I like Fleur or Hermione that way, not anymore anyway and besides I kind of li- " he stopped dead in his tracks.

Harry glanced at Hermione who was blinking owlishly at Ron's unintentional admittance having liked her romantically before he capitalised on his friend's last slip.

"You kind of like?" he pressed, a smirk forming on his face.

"Don't know what you're talking about…" denied Ron, using all of his willpower to maintain his composure.

Harry stepped forward and threw his arm around his friend's shoulders, turning him away from Hermione before wagging his brows slyly. "Well, if you change your mind, I'm all ears."

Ron groaned, muttering under his breath about his big mouth.

Hermione, finding the motion amusing, threw a mild stinging hex at Harry's backside, who yelped, letting go of Ron.

"Stop trying to be sneaky Harry," she scolded teasingly with her hands on her hips.

Ron chuckled ruefully, and in an attempt to return the conversation to their love life instead of his own, asked how long they'd actually been together.

The newly minted couple glanced at each other, their eyes met in that way Ron recognized as their 'speaking without actually speaking' look. Hermione turned back to face Ron and began a very summarised telling of how the three of them had gotten together, censoring any remotely juicy bits of course.

Neither Harry nor Hermione chose to bring up the other slip Ron had made, regarding his prior interest in her. It likely began to fall away with the limited time they'd been spending with him since the year began. And, if he wanted to speak about it, he would eventually, best not to push what might turn out to be a sensitive topic.

"We'll have to make it up to you Hermione," said Harry thankfully.

"Oui, I'm sure we could figure out something," added Fleur suggestively, making the younger girl blush.

"By the way," shifted Harry, positioning his head higher on Fleur's thigh. "Do you both have everything you need for the ball? If you don't, we can maybe find something in Hogsmeade. Oh, and I want to help Ron out with his dress robes."

At Fleur's questioning look, he continued with a grimace. "The ones Mrs. Weasley sent him are hideous… Not going to let him walk in there wearing that just so Malfoy or someone can take the piss out of him," he added with a scowl.

Hermione smiled approvingly. "That's nice of you Harry."

"Fleur?" she continued hesitantly.

"Oui?"

"Would you help me get ready for the ball?" Hermione grabbed some strands of her hair, "with my hair mostly…"

Fleur ran her hands through Hermione's curls. "Zhere's nothing wrong with your 'air," scolded the older girl gently, before continuing, "but if it will make you feel better ma cœur, I'd love to."

Hermione smiled brightly in response. "Maybe we could tackle that nest of yours Harry."

Harry laughed. "Good luck with that."

A sudden cold breeze passed over the three; the warmth given off by the little jars of fire losing their effectiveness. "We should probably head inside," said Harry, as he sat up to stretch. "It's too early for the great hall, maybe the library?"

"Oui," shivered Fleur as she rubbed her arms. "It is getting cold."

Harry made his way back from the library, he'd returned there with Hermione after walking Fleur back to the carriage after dinner. He walked briskly, there was just enough time to make it back to the dorms before curfew.

Hermione had already gone on ahead a while earlier, having given him a kiss goodnight, she had an early class the next morning and needed her sleep. He'd stayed longer to finish a paper for Madam Pomfrey on dealing with wounds caused by curse damage, as well as to pen a letter for Sirius

Harry thought about his Godfather's situation. They'd already contacted him previously regarding Fleur's offer of her father's assistance, but he'd seemed reluctant to trust an unknown, despite both his and Hermione's assurances.

Though Sirius likely already knew about the events of the first task, he'd included a description from his perspective. Initially he had considered holding back the details regarding his injuries but knowing how much he personally disliked being left in the dark regarding things, especially when you were of the opinion that you deserved to know. The newspapers did report that he'd made a full recovery but left out the exact details regarding his treatment.

Then again, perhaps the information regarding the cost of the procedure he'd undergone, as well as Mr. Delacour's attempt at shouldering the entirety of said costs, would help convince his Godfather to give the man a chance. He didn't want to be manipulative or anything of the sort, but he wanted Sirius to be free, and if Fleur's father could be of any help, and was sincere, then it was worth the risk.

Turning a corner, he was surprised to find the headmaster standing there admiring a painting. Harry approached the old man who appeared unaware of his presence.

"Professor?"

Dumbledore startled, and upon discovering who had disturbed him, smiled in greeting. "Good evening, Harry. Coming from the library?" he asked, gesturing towards the overfilled book bag strung over his shoulder.

"Good evening, Sir, I am." replied Harry, stopping in front of the headmaster. "Madam Pomfrey had me researching curse damage," he added, adjusting the bag.

"Ah, Poppy has kept me updated on your progress, and I must admit, I am very impressed. It seems you have quite the aptitude for the healing arts."

Harry shrugged light-heartedly. "I enjoy it."

"Then you have found your calling, and to do so as early as you have is a blessing." Dumbledore's expression softened. "It took me many years before I discovered the reward in teaching, and though I am headmaster now, I find I miss the classroom."

"Not to come across as blunt Professor, but what's stopping you? If you want to teach, then just teach. I'm sure none of the other Professors would mind if you took over their classes every now and then"

The old man stared at Harry for a moment before he laughed good naturedly. "You know what, I think I might just do that."

"Allow me to walk with you Harry," gestured Dumbledore towards the path ahead.

Harry nodded as they began walking. " If you don't mind my asking Professor. Why were you out here?"

"Just a stroll, I find doing so helps me clear my mind. Now tell me, how are you, Harry? Recovering well?"

The young raven-haired man appeared thoughtful for a moment. "I'm alright, wishing I had a time turner though."

Dumbledore grinned knowingly. "I understand the feeling, but I'd recommend against it. There is merit in bettering oneself of course, and though you should always strive to do so, it's important to not lose yourself in the process."

The old man's expression turned mischievous. "Though my saying so is probably unnecessary. If the rumours of your association with the young Miss Granger and Miss Delacour were to be believed"

Harry blushed as he facepalmed. "Of course, there are rumours already…"

The headmaster chuckled. "Love is a wonderful thing. Not all magic is found in spells Harry."

"I'm surprised that you knew Professor. We were trying to be quiet about it, well somewhat."

"You forget Harry, the Hogwarts rumour mill is among the greatest mysteries of magic, besides, you're not exactly doing an excellent job at hiding it," smirked the headmaster.

Harry sighed. "At least nobody's bothered us about it."

The headmaster laughed. "Oh, you should take note of the glares you receive during mealtimes Harry. A great many young men are quite upset over your closeness with Miss Delacour."

A sudden suspicion crossed Harry's mind.

"Professor?" he voiced curiously.

"Yes, Harry?"

"You wouldn't happen to be a gossip by any chance?"

Found out, the old man spluttered defensively. "Of course not, I would never take part in such frivolity."

Harry continued to eye the Professor suspiciously who squirmed internally, before dropping the subject to the headmaster's relief.

The pair continued to chat amicably until they reached the Gryffindor tower where they parted ways. Harry enjoyed conversations with the headmaster, though he'd admit to finding the old man's penchant for roundabout answers annoying at times. The old man was constantly busy and had to find amusement where he could. It could also be his way of teaching, guiding his students to the answers, rather than handing them out.

Madam Pomfrey was similar at times, when he'd find something confusing, his teacher would ask him questions, trying to prod his mind in the right direction.

Harry crossed the common room, greeting the few students who were still up and about as he made his way upstairs. Entering his dorm room, he found Hedwig waiting at his window, as she often did when he needed her. Harry dropped his book bag on the bed and retrieved the letter for Sirius before tying it to her leg.

"It's for Padfoot," whispered Harry. "Don't rush, take it easy and wait for a reply."

Hedwig bobbed her head in response, before hooting once and taking off.

With that settled, Harry grabbed a towel to shower and ready himself for bed. He placed his wand on the small bedside table beside his old spectacles. One lens was missing, and the other cracked. Madam Pomfrey had returned it to him and had said he should keep it as a reminder that things rarely go according to plan, and that he might not always be so lucky.

He'd understood her motivation and taken the message to heart. She wanted him to survive, and to always consider every possibility. Tournament aside, it was more often that he had company during his brushes with death, and while he'd been lucky to make it through alive, it may not necessarily be him that ends up on the hospital bed next time, or worse.

"It's Mermish."

The three love birds stared at Luna in awe, the waifish blonde sat there on one of the old desks with her feet rested on a chair. They'd come to one of the many small empty classrooms to show her the egg, hoping for any hints towards the solution. They did not expect her to simply give them the answer.

The Ravenclaw, unfazed by their staring, explained. "There's quite a big colony in the black lake. Sometimes when I walk out there after I feed the thestrals, I wash my hands in the lake and they come up to say hello. They're quite nice, and their voices are actually beautiful if you listen to them underwater."

"Luna, you are absolutely brilliant!" exclaimed Harry excitedly. She looked upwards with a small smile in response and hummed while playing with her fingers which rested on her knees.

"It makes complete sense," began Hermione as she pulled out a notebook and began scribbling plans. "Mermaids can't speak above water. The second task must take place within the lake.

"So, we just 'ave to listen to it underwater?'' asked Fleur as she held the golden egg, to which Luna simply nodded. Switching her focus to her Harry, she continued, "where will you do it? I can use ze bath in ze carriage, and I don't think you want to use ze lake…"

"I've heard the prefect's bathroom has a pool sized bath, but you need a password to get in," suggested Hermione thoughtfully, looking up from her notes.

Harry removed a chocolate bar from his bag, one of the many left over from all that he bought on the train. He offered a piece to Luna before taking one for himself and handing the rest to Fleur who split it, giving half to Hermione.

"Hmm, I could probably get the password from Cedric," he suggested as he bit into his piece. "I'll tell him about the egg in case he hasn't already figured it out."

Harry pondered aloud. "You know, come to think about it, I think Viktor already knows." His eyes met Hermione's. "He was swimming in the black lake the other morning. Figured he liked the icy water."

Cedric had come through. The Hufflepuff had admitted to having already figured out the clue when Harry offered, but still gave him the password in return for his assistance with the first task.

Which brought Harry to his current situation. He had snuck out of the dorm in order to finally listen to the egg, meanwhile Fleur was going to use the baths in the carriage to listen to hers, they'd compare what the next day.

Stepping through the entrance, Harry found a large bath surrounded by gold taps of different shapes and sizes. On the far wall, a mermaid dozed in a stained-glass window, illuminating the entire room with natural light. Flicking his wand, Harry turned several of the taps and watched as great jets of bubbly water thundered into the enormous bath, filling the tub with a myriad of scents and colours. The sound woke the sleeping mermaid who waved at him as he undressed.

Once in the bath Harry sighed as the water warmed him up, he took a few minutes to relax as he leaned against the edge.

Glancing over at the golden egg, he groaned as he went to grab it. He couldn't spend all night there, as much as he would have liked to. Early mornings were his norm, and Madam Pomfrey would tear him a new one if he showed up half asleep. He'd done it once before and she was not happy.

Harry steeled himself for the possibility that Luna was wrong, though unlikely, since Cedric had apparently done the same, and the odds that each egg was different was slim. Fearing that he was about to subject himself to that horrible wailing screech, he lowered the egg beneath the water.

'Here goes nothing…'

He twisted the top, opening the egg and dunked his head beneath the water to listen to it. Instead of the ear-splitting screaming that he expected, a melodious song emanated out of the enchanted egg. The wailing had been replaced with a song.

Come seek us where our voices sound,

We cannot sing above the ground,

And while you're searching ponder this;

We've taken what you'll sorely miss,

An hour long you'll have to look,

And to recover what we took,

But past an hour, the prospect's black,

Too late, it's gone, it won't come back.

Excited, Harry immediately reached over for the bag he'd left at the bathside and retrieved a notebook to write in. Shaking the water off his hands, he began to transcribe the lyrics. A few back and forth's of his head under water and the entire song was put to paper.

Harry quickly got out of the bath, dressed and made his way back to the dorms. He'd gotten what he came for.

Hermione handed him back the notebook as they entered the great hall for breakfast.

"So, you're going to have to collect something from within the black lake in under an hour or it's gone forever." Hermione frowned. "Finding whatever it is shouldn't be too hard… This line," she pointed towards 'we've taken'. "Whatever it is that you'll have to recover, will likely be held at the merpeople's village, we'll just have to find out where exactly that is in advance."

Harry nodded. "It's the breathing underwater part that's the problem… Also, what would they even take from me… I mean, I have my firebolt and wand, but they can't really take my wand, I'll need that for the task." He paused. "There is the photo album that Hagrid gave me at the end of first year, the one of my parents."

Before Hermione could respond, they'd noticed Fleur waving them over from the Ravenclaw table. The older girl was waiting for them, drinking from a cup of coffee. The Gryffindor's moved to join her, Harry and Hermione taking the open seats on her left.

Fleur smiled in pleasant surprise when Harry kissed her good morning, to the shock of the surrounding students. Though the rumours had already spread, this was the first time they'd done anything in public that would outright confirm them.

"Bonjour mes amours," greeted Fleur as their lips separated, and she met Hermione's eyes over Harry's shoulder, who returned her greeting with a soft smile and a good morning of her own.

Harry looked up towards the staff table and found Professor Dumbledore grinning smugly as a frowning McGonagall handed him and Madam Pomfrey a galleon each. Harry squawked internally, not only was the headmaster a closet gossip, but they'd also been placing bets amongst themselves. Noticing his attention on them, his healing instructor pinked slightly as she returned to her breakfast, ignoring him.

"Harry?" Hermione called from his side.

"Oh, sorry, yes?" He turned, facing his girlfriend and pushing the staff's shenanigans to the back of his mind.

"Fleur's free after breakfast, while I'm in class, the two of you could perhaps check out the library for any information?"

"That's fine by me," he glanced at Fleur, who was nodding in response. The matter settled, he poured himself and Hermione a cup of coffee each, topping up Fleur's cup when she held it forward.

"What were you watching that was so interesting 'Arry?" asked his older girlfriend, curious to what could have distracted him.

Hermione peered over as she pushed two small plates of fruit towards him and Fleur.

"I ran into the headmaster last night on my way back and found out that the entire school suspected that we were involved." He smirked as he gestured towards the staff table. "After I kissed you, I saw Madam Pomfrey and Professor McGonagall hand over a galleon to Dumbledore."

Hermione coughed as she inhaled a sip of her coffee. Harry patted her on the back while Fleur quickly handed her some water which she drank gratefully.

"You mean they were placing bets!?" exclaimed the brunette to which Fleur laughed.

"That's exactly what they were doing…"

"Why ze surprise 'Ermione? Ze teachers are 'uman too, I am sure it is a way for them to 'ave fun."

"Bu- But Professor McGonagall as well?" argued Hermione, unable to reconcile the image she has of the stern Gryffindor head, with someone who gossips and places bets on relationships. An image of Lavender superimposed itself over Professor McGonagall in her mind. She shook her head to clear it of that horrifying thought.

Harry dug into his breakfast. "You know that I've had tea with her a few times, right?"

Hermione nodded while Fleur looked on curiously, she'd forgotten his mentioning of those meetings.

The young raven-haired man continued. "Everyone thinks she's this strict woman who's never done a fun thing in her life. But honestly, she's only that way when she's operating in a professional sense." He sipped his coffee. "Outside of work, she's nothing like that at all. She scolds us for breaking the rules and such, but I would bet she was just as bad during her school years."

Hermione still seemed torn but acquiesced. "I guess…"

"McGonagall is ze one who is ze cat animagus?" asked Fleur as she leaned forward to speak to Hermione.

"Mhm, she is."

"That makes sense then 'Ermione, ze animagus form reflects ze traits of ze witch or wizard."

Harry chuckled as he understood her reasoning. "When have you ever found a cat who didn't just do what it wants?"

"Good point…"

Fleur looked up as she hummed while trying to recall a memory. Finding it, she nudged Harry lightly with her shoulder.

"Your father was an animagus as well, oui?"

Harry finished chewing and swallowing. "A stag, yes, I'd love to follow in his footsteps someday myself, but I definitely don't have the time for it this year. Though, it would be pretty great if I turned out to be a stag, same as him."

Hermione giggled. "I think you're more cat-like than stag-like Harry."

"Non," interjected Fleur. "There is already a cat 'Arry at my 'ouse…"

"Oh, I forgot about the kitten," replied the younger girl, "how is he?"

Fleur poked Harry in the side, and smirked. "A troublemaker like 'is namesake."

Harry coughed. "...Don't know what you're talking about…"

"Sure, you don't 'Arry." Fleur rubbed his back as she pecked him on the cheek. He was unable to suppress the smile that formed on his face.

Noticing the time, Hermione baulked. "I'm going to be late."

The three hurriedly finished off their breakfast and left the great hall, separating outside with Hermione heading off towards her class.

Harry turned to face Fleur, who took his arm as they made their way towards the library.

"Let's work on finding a solution to the underwater breathing problem. We can ask Hagrid this afternoon if there's anything we need to look out for in the lake. I know about Grindylows and the giant squid, but that's about it."

"Oui, there is ze bubble 'ead charm, but maybe we can find something better."

"Bubble head charm?"

"Mhm, it conjures a bubble around ze mouth and nose so you can breathe. Ze bubble can be popped though."

"How does it work? I mean you'd run out of air in the bubble eventually?"

Fleur shrugged. "Magic."

Harry groaned. "I see why Hermione hates it when I do that now…"

The pair ignored the stares that were directed their way as they enjoyed each other's company. Though Harry did notice what Professor Dumbledore had mentioned. If looks could kill, he'd be dead a dozen times over already…

Fleur noticed that the glares Harry would receive when they were in public had gotten a bit more intense with their public displays of affection. Seeing that they had distracted him, she pulled his head towards her and kissed him deeply.

Harry smiled. "What was that for?"

"Do not worry about them 'Arry, most can't even speak to me." Fleur leaned against him as they walked.

Harry pecked the side of her head. "Thank you."

END CHAPTER ELEVEN

French: cœur - heart