Chapter 16

Katie completed her twentieth lap around the pitch, it was an early and cold morning, but she didn't care. The werewolf actually preferred it like that. That way they would leave her alone, no stares, no whisperings, no judgment. No matter what clothes she would put on, the damn badge was there, marking her as different, as a dark creature. The way even people in her own house, people she would have called friends before, looked at her now, was almost too painful. Every student had been given a piece of parchment, explaining the badges, and it didn't take long for people to realize what she was. Other than Harry, Angelina, Hermione, and Alicia, every other student at the tower looked at her with fear in their eyes. Some Gryffindor courage alright! Even the twins haven't talked to her. Katie tried to stand proud, but the looks were starting to get to her. She felt the rage starting to build inside, and she needed out, so the she-wolf came to run. Harry would be looking for her very soon, he was worried about her. Maybe the girl should step back, keep her distance from him, or people would grow suspicious, but Katie doubted Harry would be ok with it, damn, how she loved him.

Another lap went on.

Katie could see a group of people approaching her, not the ones she was expecting to see at this time though. Daphne lead the group, followed by Tracey and Blaise a little behind. The boy seemed uncomfortable, Katie could smell his fear, but Daphne was a different matter. Ever Since she came back to Hogwarts from the Yule holidays, not only her scent but also the magic around her screamed alpha now, just like Fleur's. It was like whatever happened with her over the holidays filled her with courage and conviction. The dark-haired Slytherin waited for her to come closer, with a concerned expression. "How are you holding on, Katie?" Daphne asked when the werewolf got close enough.

Katie looked at her, searching for signs of deceit, but couldn't find any, not in her eyes, or her scent. Only Blaise appeared to be really uncomfortable. "Come on Katie, I knew about it before, for me, it changes nothing." Daphne waved, noticing the other girl's discomfort.

"You knew it?" Both Tracey and Blaise looked surprised at their friend.

"You have been around her for months, she is the same person she was yesterday, do you even remember everything we talked about this year?" Tracey looked ashamed at Daphne's words, but Blaise was still smelling like fear, Katie was getting a little annoyed at the tall boy.

"Thank you, Daphne." Katie finally said. "Won't you get in trouble with your housemates for speaking to me in public like that?"

"There aren't t many people around right now, and for those pricks, being a Gryffindor and Harry's friend is a way worse offense than being a werewolf, at least you are a dark creature now…" Katie caught the sarcasm in her voice. "And, after being seen with Harry, that doesn't matter anymore. Without Malfoy to instigate people, most of them know better not to mess with our man." Daphne said with a devilish grin that made Katie giggle.

"So, I presume you had come here to ask me to stay away from Harry, I know you have made plans with him, and you are teaching him how to use his fame and status politically and I may hurt your efforts…" Katie felt it hurt so much admitting those things, but they were all true. She could feel the rage boiling inside her. But Daphne didn't even flinch. The look on her face was calm, stoic even.

"Katie…" The Slytherin said in an even tone. "I would never ask you to do that. There is a part of Harry's life that only you can share. And as much as I don't understand, I know he needs you, and you need him. I will never try to break you two apart." Katie didn't know what to say. That was not what she expected, especially after Fleur's reaction. "As far as I'm concerned, you are as part of Harry's life as Fleur or myself."

"So why?" The werewolf asked.

"I'll be honest. The headmaster will use this to try and lure Harry back under his thumb. He will try and put him against your family. Katie, your alpha needs you more than never, he needs you to be strong!" Daphne sighed. "I also admit I have grown fond of all of you, and that I am concerned about you. I saw how people were looking and gossiping. I can't even imagine how it is. But you have changed everything I thought I knew about your kind. You are no monster or potion addict."

Katie smiled, somewhat that was something she needed to hear. "Thank you, Daphne."

"I know you believe Harry can change things for all of you in the future, being who he is, famous as he is, I can see it, and is no shame to admit, I just don't have that much faith in the wizardry world, but I want you to know that you can count me as an ally when the time comes for that move. Both as a friend and as a political advisor."

At that moment, Harry approached the pitch, seeming a little surprised to find the Slytherins there with Katie. The wizard gave Daphne an honest smile, and the girl gladly returned with her own. "I had the feeling I would find you here Katie," Harry said with a warm smile. "Let's grab something to eat, and I will walk you to class."

.oOo.

Harry's feelings were in turmoil. In less than two weeks, too much had happened. He was starting to understand Jacques's warnings about being with a veela. Fleur was everything he had ever hoped for, the two of them together felt like a dream, a moment of peace he so desperately needed. But she had also shown him that she could be jealous and possessive in an almost alarming way, but Harry had no doubt he was in love with her. Even her flaws, it was part of what made her the person he admired so much. But he also had to admit how much he missed Daphne. When he saw her the night she came back, he wanted to embrace and kiss her again, and at the moment, he had no doubt. Harry felt like the worst person in the world. How could he be in love with two girls at the same time like that, and he was sure he was.

But then, the dark creatures' act changed everything yet again. There he was, trying to be a normal teenager, with petty girl problems when a person he loved was suffering. And Harry knew he loved Katie. He may even be in love with her, and it was different from the way he felt about Daphne or Fleur, or even Hermione. But he loved her. Katie had always been at his side, even before he had been bitten. And after that, she helped guide him into his new life. Katie had chosen to stay with him over her family, and he would not let her down. People already looked weirdly at him. Some like If he was the second coming, others like he was the next Rising dark Lord, so, it didn't matter to him if they kept looking.

No, he would be there for her. Anyone who wanted to be close to him would have to accept that. It was with great relief and a little surprise that he heard what Daphne said to Katie that morning. Maybe the things Hermione and himself were working for, like house interaction and union, were finally starting to show some results. Or maybe Daphne was just playing some power game. To add to the injury, in the first class without Hagrid, the new professor brought unicorns, and the beautiful and pure animals stepped back in fear of Harry. The werewolf was expecting that, the wolf was a predator after all, but it didn't help that people looked at him like he was even more of a freak. Harry tried to visit Hagrid, but he was not in his hut that morning. The boy imagined if his big friend also wore a badge, and scary images of muggle-born and half-blooded students being forced to do so hovered over his mind. The images of Hermione or Fleur having to wear badges made his rage burn inside.

That was how Fleur found him at lunch. Her presence and her touch calmed him down a little. But his mind was rushing, and his rage was building. Harry barely touched his food. Fleur took his hand and got him up, with a smile, leading him outside of the great hall. Harry was puzzled, but he didn't fight it. Fleur took him to an empty classroom and closed and silenced the door.

"Fleur?" The werewolf asked. The veela looked beautiful with her platinum hair flowing down like a glowing cascade around her shoulders, and bright blue eyes that never left his, but as much Harry loved to have sex with her, that was not the time for that.

To his surprise, the veela pointed her wand and transfigured a desk and a couple of chairs into a comfortable-looking sofa in an impressive display of magic. Without a word she sat on it and patted the place at her side. Confused, Harry sat down. Fleur then did something no one has ever done to him. With a soft movement, she took his neck and laid his head on her lap, for a moment Harry's body stiffened, not sure what to do or feel, as Fleur started running her hands on his hair. Smiling warmly at him, just being there.

Harry never felt so exposed, and yet so cared for in his life. The warmth of her body, her hands running through his hair, her scent, it was like a calming draught, and even her allure was different, it felt like a blanket, covering him with passion and care. Harry relaxed and let himself get lost in the incredible sensation of being cared for. He felt safe. He felt like letting go.

Tears started to run down over Harry's cheeks.

.oOo.

A couple of hours before, Daphne saw how much Blaise was uncomfortable while she spoke with Katie, the tall, dark boy, usually so calm and aloof was afraid, that was something she would need to work on. The girl was surprised when Harry showed off, looking after Katie, seeing him a little earlier than expected. But it felt good nonetheless. The witch had yet to talk with him alone and urged herself to do so. Harry needed to know about her discoveries, but for some reason, Daphne was afraid of Fleur knowing about it. The girl realized she was afraid of looking weak in the eyes of the veela.

Right after Harry said he would take Katie to breakfast, the werewolf held Daphne's hand before she left, holding her back. The witch felt like a jolt of electricity ran through her body when he touched her, and she turned to face the wolf's eyes, and his bright smile melted her core. Did he feel it too?. "I heard what you said to Katie." The wizard spoke in a soft voice. "Thank you, Daphne, it means a lot to her, and me." Daphne tried to give him an inviting smile, which Harry noticed. In a quick movement, the boy she missed so much over the school break tenderly hugged her.

That was exactly the result Daphne had expected after talking to Katie, but Daphne still felt like she had butterflies on her belly. Harry was so warm, with his arms around her. Daphne really did care about Katie, but in the end, she wanted to show Harry who was on his side, who would accept him no matter what. Daphne closed her eyes, and for the faintest of seconds, she could see the dancing colors. Harry let her go, blushing. The Slytherin noticed he was still uncomfortable starting physical contact but was miles away from the beginning of the last term. "I really missed you…" The boy finally said.

"Me too Harry." Daphne wanted to say how she dreamed of dancing with him at the ball, kissing him in front of everyone. She couldn't, not yet. " How was the ball?" The witch finally asked.

"It was actually great… thank you again for the dancing lessons, they saved my life." Harry laughed.

"My pleasure… Harry, something happened…" His gaze turned into one of concern. "I need to talk to you, just the two of us." Daphne hoped Harry understood by the tone of her voice or her smell. And He did. "I know you're worried about Katie and yourself right now, and the stupid tournament, but promise you will talk to me. I need you." Harry held her hands and nodded.

At lunch, Daphne watched from the Slytherin table as both Harry and Katie barely touched their food, and Fleur pretty much dragged him out of the great hall. The girl felt a shadow of jealousy and cursed herself for her lack of control.

"Daphne, Daphne?" Blaise's voice brought her attention back to the present as She looked at him, with an annoyed expression. The tall wizard ignored her gaze and signaled with his head. The witch accompanied his movement to the other corner of the table.

Pansy was eating beside her betrothed, a very pale and confused-looking Draco Malfoy. The boy was barely eating, his eyes were darting from one place to another like he didn't know where he was. He looked almost like high on something, Daphne had already seen it at the hospital wing, when students abused certain potions. But the weirdest thing was Pansy. The girl was acting like nothing was wrong, she almost looked happy. The girl turned to Draco and whispered something in his ear, and the boy promptly started eating with renewed fervor. Daphne shivered at the satisfied girl's expression.

Fleur and Harry didn't come back to the great hall, and Daphne found herself walking with Hermione and Tracey to the history of magic class. Tracey was being her usual non-stop chatting, asking about the ball, but the way Hermione was looking at Daphne got her worried. She felt like one of the beasts in Hagrid's classes, she was about to question the brunette when Harry joined them in the hallway. Daphne seized the moment, grabbing Harry by the robes and pulling him away from a smiling Tracey and a perplexed Hermione.

"Huuum… Daphne, what are we doing?" Harry asked.

"Skipping class. History is a waste of time anyway, and we need to talk." Daphne finished pushing him to an empty classroom.

"Have you ever noticed how many unused classrooms this castle has?" Harry wondered.

"Hogwarts used to have more students, specifically before the war, but I think it comes from even before that." The witch said while locking and silencing the door. Harry gave her a curious look. "A topic for another time, I need to talk to you, but first I need you to promise me you are going to be smart about it, and not go out storming and hurting someone." Harry now looked with concern at her. "Please, you need to do this for me…" Daphne touched his hand again, and felt the magic running through them, Harry visibly relaxed, and the Slytherin girl frowned at this but shoved it for later. Harry sat on one of the chairs.

"You… smell worried…" The werewolf said.

Daphne rolled her eyes. "It's really disturbing when you do that you know…"

"It's just because I know your scent all too well," Harry said, a little embarrassed, Daphne always thought he looked cute when he was blushing. But Daphne realized she was also red with his affirmation about her scent.

"Right." Daphne leaned on a desk and took a deep breath. " Harry, I know it's weird, but do you remember when we first met?"

Suddenly Harry turned his face, looking annoyed with her question. "I try not to." He murmured.

That took Daphne by surprise, there was a really hurt tone in his voice.

"Why?" The girl asked. Harry turned to look confused at her. "Talk to me Harry… please."

"I… I was so lost," Harry started. "I didn't even know how to get to the train platform, if I hadn't overheard Ms. Weasley talking to her children, I may have got stuck in London. I was unsure about what to do, no one ever told me anything…" Daphne looked at him with confusion. Harry shrugged. "No one cared to explain to me. Well, that was when you showed up. You need to understand, in my previous school, nobody talked to me, I was surprised you even would. Surprised and afraid. You did approach me, being so… gentle? It felt so nice… you seemed happy to know me, no one ever did." Harry blushed furiously. "You were so nice, for a moment I really…" Harry didn't finish, instead, he took a deep breath and looked at the wall. " You helped me inside the train, you seemed as excited as I was about going to Hogwarts. Then you got off to fetch your friends… and never came back. I got there, waiting. When Draco showed, with his little speech, it finally dawned on me. You must have realized how much of a freak I was. Just like everyone. Just like my relatives. I felt like an idiot for believing you would want to be friends with me. I even tried waving to you at the boats, but you… pretended you didn't see me…" The boy sighed. "It even took me some time to accept Hermione and Ron as friends because of that…"

Daphne was close to crying. The witch felt almost as sad as she was angry, it was like someone had stolen her chance of a friendship with Harry, and now she desired even more than that. Without thinking, Daphne closed the distance between them and passionately kissed him. The girl poured all her feelings, all her passion, and fears into that kiss. All the years they have lost. All the adventures. All the time she watched from afar. Harry was taken by surprise, but Daphne felt his body relaxing, and he started returning the kiss. Her tongue asked for access, licking his lips, which he granted. Daphne sat on Harry's lap and pressed her body onto his, trying to get as close as possible. Harry's hands held her waist and her own hands grabbed his robes. But suddenly Harry stopped her. "Sorry, sorry… I want… I want you… really bad, but I can't… is wrong…"

"Damn noble git…" Daphne said with a sad smile, standing up. " But you are right… and I didn't ask you about that day because of that." Daphne took a deep breath, both teens trying to control themselves. "Harry, let me tell you my version…" The werewolf looked curiously at her. " Someone messed with my head, Harry…"

.oOo.

By now, Hermione Granger had exhausted all the books in the Hogwarts library about the subject. The brightest witch of their age, a title she hated to her core, was once again baffled by the lack of information about anything that hasn't to do with wizards and their accomplishments. But as a good researcher, she was able to track some of the books mentioned in the texts in the library. Even so, they were few, and most of those were vague. Bell's book was still the most complete, but Hermione had learned, a long time ago, that you should never trust in only one book.

The subject going over and doing the rounds around her head was bonding. It had Hermione's head running since the days before the first task. Harry and she had walked under the invisible cloak together, as they haven't done in a long time. The proximity with him had been intoxicating, and at the time Hermione kicked herself for not being as forward as Katie or Fleur and just confessed how she felt to him. How could she be so brave and shameless about schooling people, and be so fearful next to Harry? As always, she rationalized it as the deep fear of ruining their friendship. But that was not exactly what bothered her when Harry left that night, or when he faced the dragon. When he touched her that night, when they were so close, and Hermione could feel his heart beating, something had happened. The witch felt like something was running through them, from her to him, and back. Hermione couldn't tell if it was magic or emotions, but it seemed to feed itself and amplify. It was so faint and brief, but it was there, and it felt wonderful. After Harry left and the tingling on her legs passed, Hermione thought about it, and after reading the book she concluded it must have been the pack bond. The girl felt so incredibly happy for Harry to have chosen her, But also, she got worried. It was so faint, so distant.

As the witch saw it now, after a frustrating research, there were only two people she could talk to about it. And Katie was not in a talkative mood lately, and Hermione perfectly understood that. The werewolf was being isolated, even in their own house. In the corridors, Katie and the other quidditch team members have been called cheaters or worse. Montague had even started a hate campaign, asking for her expulsion and all Gryffindor trophies to be removed. Hermione's stomach turned every time she noticed Dolores Umbridge's look of approval when he started his hate-fueled speeches. It was not easy for the other ones too. Luna had been found frozen in a corridor and had to spend a day at the infirmary. Hermione was really fearful of the way things were escalating. No, Katie was not in the mood for talking at all, which left Hermione only one accessible option.

Thinking like that, Hermione found herself walking into the beauxbatons carriage after classes. Harry and Fleur had plans for the night, and Hermione wanted to talk to the veela before they started the more… fun activities. The girl asked to see Fleur at the magic faery statue on the door knock, and a minute later the door opened, and the beautiful veela was waiting for her, with a puzzled expression. Hermione felt her allure, like a soft caress on her cheeks, the way it had been ever since Fleur and Harry had become intimate. Hermione was also curious about that but saved it for later. "'Ermione, what a surprise… Please enter, it is chilling out here." The French took a step to the side, allowing her entrance into the carriage, and led the girl to her champion's room. "I can see in your face we are going to have a talk…" Fleur giggled. "Do you want something warm to drink? Tea, maybe cocoa?"

"Can I have a coffee?" Hermione asked and Fleur smiled, after a minute an elf appeared with two cups of espressos and a trail of butter biscuits. Hermione took a sip and looked at the older witch, debating on how to start. Fleur just looked at her, waiting with an encouraging smile.

"Fleur," Hermione started. "I will just be direct here, I am doing this to help Harry and myself to understand how things work, so, can you tell me about the veela bond?"

The French girl seemed taken by surprise by the question, she placed her cup on the table and stared at Hermione with a serious expression. "Why do you want to know about this?"

"Bell's book about werewolves talked a lot about the importance of the pack bond, specifically to the so-called alpha. Now, I am not saying you, or we, are a pack or something like that. But if the book is true, and I have seen enough evidence that at least part of it is, then there is no doubt in my mind Harry is the alpha kind of werewolf…"

"Oui, one just needs to watch him at the defense club meetings." There was a proud smile on Fleur's face. "But that didn't answer my question."

"I am getting there. So, Katie had obviously chosen Harry as her alpha. And the bond seems to have a great impact on their magic and their life. Well, the book actually says the pack bond is a little like the veela bond…"

"And, as Katie is not in the mood for conversation lately, you want me to talk about the veela bond." Fleur finished looking at the pleading gaze of the intelligent girl. "I don't know Hermione, that is something we don't usually share. Is like… a private matter. As you know, our kind is often looked at with suspicion by most wizards and witches, so we keep many things to ourselves."

"I understand. It's so frustrating, you know, the material in the library about any real bonds is so limited it hurts. Even the soulbond has more material, although being a myth." Hermione let out a frustrated sigh. They stayed in silence, enjoying the coffee, after a couple of minutes Fleur finally said.

"The bond was originally for protection. A long time ago." Fleur said looking forward. "At least that is what the old ones at the veela conclave say. Although magically powerful, veela were physically more fragile than the average witch. That improved with generations of offspring with wizards of course, but at the time, it's said our kind was fragile like birds. So the veela sought powerful wizards and bonded with them. The wizard would protect the veela, giving her strong offspring, and in exchange would have the most perfect mate at all times, ready to comply with any of his sexual desires. At that stage, the bond was almost purely physical, a surviving tactic. The bonded had a true physical need for relief that could only be achieved with the other bonded part."

"But, can the bond be forced?" Hermione asked, fascinated.

"Not from the wizard's part. But a veela can force it upon the man. That is part of the reason our kind is so badly seen. In the past, that unfortunately was a common practice among our kind. Specifically for the veela who wanted children. The more powerful the bonded lover, the more powerful the offspring."

"But that wouldn't mix the lineage? Dilute the veela heritage?" Hermione wondered.

Fleur smiled at her, with a guilty look. "People believe that, and we encourage it. See, there's no part veela…"

"The females are always veela…" Hermione concluded, almost to herself.

"Oui and the males are almost always powerful above the average, and with some small trace of the allure, and resistant to it."

"But you said it was that way, what changed?" Hermione asked.

"We, the veela… although we remain different from witches, after generations, we became more… human? See, veela magic is based on emotions, and with time, the bond also became linked to it. It was not only about physical need anymore, although this plays a big part to this day, we are emotional and sexual creatures. It is about emotions and lust. Nowadays we choose who to bond with through love. And it is a crime among ourselves to force the bond on someone. A crime punished by death…"

Hermione was fascinated, but her mind came back to her own theory. "About the creation of the bond, and its strength..."

"Nowadays it always starts with feelings. Remember we are beings of emotions, our feelings bleed through our magic and the bond. But no matter what, the bond can only be consolidated physically, and there is only one way to do it." Hermione looked puzzled and Fleur smiled. "Being intimate… having sex in some very specific ways with the intent of being bonded. It is a remnant from the old times, although not a bad one..." Fleur gave her a knowing grin as Hermione blushed. "But it has to be made with the intention to seal the bond. Not every relationship with a veela will end in a bond."

"Is it definitive?" Hermione asked.

"The veela bond is. Once bonded, it's forever." Fleur said, and Hermione noticed the older girl shivering, this was something special to her. "I don't know about the pack bond. But in our case, the closer we are physically and emotionally, the more intimate we are, the stronger the bond becomes. The better we can understand each other's emotions." Hermione noticed that Fleur sounded a little more dreamy as she talked. Hermione's brain, however, started running, making parallels, calculations and theories. Fleur looked directly at her with an amused look, until Hermione's mind clicked. Her eyes widened and she asked in a high-pitched voice.

"Are you bonded to Harry?"

Fleur stared at her, and Hermione could see a shadow of reluctance on the deep blue eyes. "Non… not yet…" The veela answered.

"Let me rephrase it. Are you bonding with Harry?"

Fleur sighed and looking deep into Hermione's eyes simply answered. "Oui…"

.oOo.

Fleur stood still, watching Hermione leave the carriage, the weight of her own words finally catching on to her. She hasn't consciously thought about it until now, letting herself go with Harry, getting closer and closer. But now, FLeur knew what she said to Hermione was true. And the implications were scary. There were the others, Katie, Hermione, and Daphne, especially Daphne. But in the face of a bond, the other girls were a smaller problem compared to the others. Harry was a werewolf, and would always be one, there was no cure. The wizard may try not to see it as a curse, but most other people wouldn't think like that. They would always fear the monster inside of him. And there was the dark lord. The monster may be trapped somewhere between life and death, but his followers were still very real and very much alive, as Harry's participation in the tournament demonstrated.

The witch took her golden egg from the trunk, Her mind was restless. What would it mean to become bonded to a man like that? To the wizardry world, Harry would always be a monster and a hero at the same time, his life would always be closely watched. People looked at him as a leader even if he didn't want to, and they always would. Would he be able to separate the many aspects of his life? Would she? Did she love him that much? With this thought, Fleur stopped at the door. Did she love Harry Potter? He was kind, protective, and powerful, he understood and accepted Fleur for who she was. Harry cared more about others than himself. And he wanted to make the world a better place. But he could also let himself get carried away by his own anger, had serious problems talking about his feelings, and by the gods, he was stubborn. And yet, she wouldn't change a thing about him. She loved him. But when did that happen?

Fleur walked to the carriage entrance, lost in thought.

And what about his own choice. They were both young, he was even younger than her, although sometimes it didn't feel like it. What if he didn't love her? At least not in the same way? The veela couldn't bond with him without his permission, it was not right, and it was something she would never do. Even if she became bonded to him by magic, she wouldn't make Harry do it against his will. There was still time for nothing of that to happen. Fleur was confused. And it was that way that she met Harry outside the carriage, leaning on a tree and waiting for her. The werewolf prompted noticed her confused expression but just smiled, a smile that said he would be there if she needed it. A smile that even if for just a second, washed away all her doubts and made her wrap her arms around his neck and kiss him soundly. "My rogue, my wolf!" The veela thought.

Harry produced his invisible cloak from his robes, Fleur was sure he could just ask Dobby to take them wherever they were going, but she was sure Harry liked the proximity after all these years of avoiding contact. And so did she. They walked through the grounds, trying not to make any noise. Both of them were really good at it, and the journey to the prefect's bathroom ended up being an easy one.

"The map says no one is here, so it's good for us," Harry said before opening the door to a luxurious bathroom filled with bathtubs that more resembled small pools. Fleur was taken by surprise by the size of it, and its somewhat hard-to-access location. "It's almost like the person who built this wanted the teenager students to abuse it." Harry giggled.

"Well 'Arry, if you wanted to take a bath with me, all you needed to do was ask…" Fleur said in a sultry voice, her index finger running circles over his chest. Something in this wizard made her interior veela crazy. But they would have time for that later. After both teens laughed, Fleur looked at Harry, as he took his egg from a bag and sighed. "So, are you going to talk to me about it?" Fleur knew something was bothering him, and it was not only Katie's situation.

"Only if you tell me why you looked so confused when I fetched you from the carriage," Harry answered, once more, looking more concerned about her. Fleur looked directly at his eyes, asking herself how much she wanted to tell him. Harry surely didn't need another thing to worry about now. But he probably would know if she tried to outright lie to him. And she didn't want to do that anyway.

"I was thinking about us…" Harry looked at her, a shadow of worry in his eyes. "I was thinking about what will happen after the tournament ends. If papa will be able to help you, so you can come to France with me. Or what would happen if he can't…"

"You were asking yourself what will be of us with everything that surrounds me …" Harry sounded more tired than sad. "With the headmaster, the death eaters. And my furry little problem."

Fleur nodded.

"What they are doing with Katie is terrible…" Fleur continued. "Just imagine what they will do to you. I admit sometimes I just wished we could date like normal people… no tournament, no ministry, no conspiracies… no Greengrass…" Fleur whispered, but Harry listened anyway.

"Me too… but then I remember that you are so incredible that you would never look at me twice in normal circumstances, so I guess I can count myself lucky there." Harry shrugged.

"Don't sell yourself short 'Arry, you have that roguish charm that is almost infuriating. You look like trouble, and trouble is exciting!" Fleur laughed. "Look at all these girls head over heels for you.

"Well, I guess we will figure it out, there isn't much we can do now… I mean… I guess…" He tried, and Fleur giggled, wrapping her arms around his neck, and giving him a soft kiss. "People keep messing with me and those I care about Fleur. I… I am tired. If you think I would be a burden in your life…"

"Don't you even start. My choices are my own. Harry, I am in love…"

"Well, he is a lucky bastard…"

"Prat!"

Harry removed his shirt, and Fleur looked at him with hungry eyes, examining his lean muscles and scars under his growing body hair, before removing her own school robes. The veela was already feeling excited, he was so close to her, the allure started flowing between them, and for a second, all her conversation with Hermione was not so scary anymore. Harry turned at her when she was down to only her black knickers, so perfectly fit over her already wet pussy, that left little to his imagination, and his eyes widened, Fleur noticed his member getting hard on his boxers, and smiled.

"Come on, let's take these eggs for a bath, so we can have some fun later," The veela said, losing her panties and entering the water.

.oOo.

Ronald welcomed Pansy's mouth on his own. It was always an almost violent kiss with her, like a fight for dominance, one which none of them wanted to lose. The petite girl ran her hands over his chest, then clawed her way through his back, before squeezing the wizard's ass. With strong arms, Ronald brought her closer, making sure the witch felt how hard he was under his trousers. The boy hated that snake so much now that he couldn't imagine his life without her anymore. He hated himself even more for giving up to her every time. It was almost like she wanted to hurt him, and he wanted to hurt her. And it felt so good. Ronald moved one of his hands to her breast, and another to the girl's own bun, Pansy bit his lower lip, almost to the point of bleeding. Snogging her was glorious. Fuck Hermione, fuck Harry Potter!

Their mouths finally separate, gasping for air, Pansy held an evil smile that sent shivers down Ron's spine. Almost everything was good, except for a little detail. "Do we really need to do this in front of him?" Ronald nodded at Draco, seated on a chair beside them, with a lost expression.

"He likes to watch, although I think he prefers watching you than me, farmboy," Pansy answered with an evil grin, bringing his mouth back for another searing kiss, while the blond wizard watched with a blunt expression. Neither Ronald nor Pansy noticed the fury burning in Draco's eyes.

.oOo.

Severus Snape tried to be the most silent he could, walking alone through the forbidden forest. It was a bright, full moon night, and, despite the cold, the wizard was sweating, drowning in fear. Snape was sure he was being followed, he could even hear the sounds of the creatures lurking around him in the woods. The forest felt like a cold maze of wood and stone, for a second he feared never finding his way out. But Snape knew he was getting close, he could feel it. The wizard stopped and raised his wand, a curse ready on his lips. Something moved to his left, and he was sure he heard a distant children's cry. The child was pleading for something to stop. Pleading and crying, asking for help. Snape felt compelled to help, but it was so distant, and the man had a mission.

Trying to ignore the crying sounds, Severus Snape pressed on through the tall, dying trees. He could see the faintest lights in front of him and hoped that it was what he was looking for. The man hated where he was, and his mission, He hated who he had to become. The trees opened in front of him, and Snape found himself in a big clearing. The brightest moonlight illuminated one of Hogwarts's carriages, pulled by a Thresdal. Getting closer, he could hear the boy's voice. Potter was talking with someone, probably the French girl. "Do you think it can work? I'm completely lost here" The boy asked.

"oui" the girl answered. "We just need to keep it from the professors and your headmaster. I am sure Papa can make it happen."

There he was, close to the end of this dreadful task. After he was finished, the professor would really need to teach the boy, he needed release from his own conscience. Snape got closer to the carriage, but heard the noise behind him, only it was too late. The wizard turned around only to see the enormous black wolf pouncing over him. The professor tried to cast a banishing curse, but the monstrous jaws closed around his neck. The man screamed in terror, only to see himself hidden behind a door. Snape watched as a baffled Albus Dumbledore and a transfixed professor Sybill talked in the room. The dark Lord needed to know, he needed to listen about this. But then a man found him, a man with angry eyes, the man grabbed him from his robes and tossed him on the street. Snape opened his eyes back in his office, sweating, only to meet the wolf's eyes still looking back at him.

Only this time they were on Harry Potter's face.

.oOo.

Harry looked around the room of requirements, configured as their usual training room, dummies, and obstacles, and also a small dueling arena. Although he was very pleased with the progress of most of his friends spell-wise, some things were bothering him. First, Katie was not there, and that was troubling him way more than he initially thought. Harry was becoming more aware of the hole the she-wolf played in his life. Although different from Fleur or Daphne, the wizard was sure he loved her. For what she was and what she meant to him. Harry was still lost on how to proceed about it, but knew he would have to do something m, and soon. There was still one full moon cycle left before the second task. Then there was Fleur and Daphne. The werewolf was not blind to the tension between the two women. Harry felt robbed after his talk with Daphne about her memories, and also worried. Only thinking about it made his rage boil, whoever did it, would pay a reft price. But more than that, both he and Fleur were well aware of the Slytherin girl's intentions. That was creating a visible tension in the group, a division he didn't want to see. That too would have to be dealt with soon, he just didn't know how. Harry was in love, with both… and he felt like the worst jerk of all times for it.

Then there were his "occlumency" sessions with professor Snape. Harry was sure he was close to discovering the reason why he was doing it. But the hunt was mentally exhausting. Something was deeply troubling about the potion master. And then, the second task itself. Fleur and himself managed to crack the clue and deduced they would have to rescue something, or perhaps someone from the bottom of the lake. Knowing about the rigged first task, Harry was really afraid of the consequences if it was a person. The wizard got the hand of the warming charms from Fleur with ease, but they still needed to figure out a way to see and breathe underwater. With all that, Harry felt himself, one more time, overwhelmed. Sitting at one corner of the room, while the other club members arrived, Harry let down a heavy sigh and hugged his own knees. For a brief moment, he wished to just silently disappear into the corner.

"Having a hard time?" Harry heard a friendly voice asking, as someone sat on his side. He raised his head to see Neville smiling hopefully at him. "Need any help there?"

"Just a little tired." Harry smiled at him.

"I can only imagine, the tournament, the training. I don't know if I would be able to handle it in your place. I'm impressed by your strength, Harry." The boy said honestly.

"Don't sell yourself short Nev. You are one of the club members that improved the most. I knew you would be great, you just needed confidence."

"Yes, you always believed in me, since the first year, I guess that is you, always seeing the good in everyone and pushing them to be better."

"Not everyone, it is hard to see any good in Crable and Goyle…" Both boys smirked.

"True. But Harry, as much as you tend to extract the good from each person, you also have this disturbing way of only seeing the bad in yourself." Harry looked at him confused, raising an eyebrow. "You blame yourself for things beyond your control, and worry about others to the point of neglecting yourself. I mean, look around you, all these people of different status, different houses, working together. If you can make this in school, imagine when you get your wizengamot sitting. Give yourself some credit, and try to ease your head man. Whatever it is, I am sure you can overcome it."

Harry stood there with Neville, contemplating his words. Looking at all the different people he befriended, changing just one small, prejudiced attitude. There was some truth in his friend's words. "What are they doing?" Neville finally asked, pointing at Hermione and Fleur.

"They are trying to enhance the bubble head charm, right now it is too fragile for what we need."

"And what do you need it for?"

"We discovered that the second task is supposed to be underwater, we need a way to breathe in it for over an hour." Neville nodded in understanding, but suddenly the boy got up, eyes widened. "What's up Nev, any problem?" Harry asked, sounding worried.

"Wait here! I think I have an idea, I just need my herbology book to be sure." The boy said, rushing out of the room.

.oOo.

Amelia Bones came out of the fireplace in the now familiar living room on the Delacour manor, thankful to the wards and secrecy charms the french chancellor of magic was allowed to maintain. If news of her visits to a suspect reached Britain, even one granted the status of a political refugee, hell would break loose over the wizengamot, and she would be lucky to work as a security guard on the three broomsticks. But she couldn't help it. The moment she laid eyes on Sirius Black waiting for her in the room, Amelia knew she would do it again. Again, the witch was surprised by how good he looked now, the months of rest, good feeding, and exercising were returning the man she loved to his old form, albeit with some grey hair on his head and beard. Amelia glanced at the shirt he was wearing, with the three top buttons open, giving her a good sight of the runes tattooed on his chest and neck. The witch had memorized all of them. The only new one was on the back of his left hand, done in Azkaban.

Sirius greeted the witch with a big smile, making her feel young again as if all those years weren't taken from then. Amelia believed him now, everything he said. The evidence of misconduct was overwhelming. Amelia dropped the pile of papers and parchments she was carrying on the table and threw herself at him, kissing the man with need. "I think they can wait for us a little, Appoline said she doesn't mind…" Sirius whispered in her ear, his beard tingling on her skin. Amelia captured his lips once more, and using her auror training, threw the man on the soft loveseat.

"Less talk, more fucking Padfoot… I have been waiting for this for too long." The woman said, losing her monocle, starting to unbutton her own trousers in a hurry.

"Yes ma'am auror sir… " Sirius answered, getting into their old role play, from before the war, when Amelia had started the auror academy with them. Amelia groaned, watching him slowly unbutton his shirt, revealing more and more tattoos and scars. With impatience, she removed her own trousers and already soaked panties, revealing her toned legs and a well-trimmed bush of red hair, just above her dripping slit. "Someone came here prepared…" Sirius grinned, moving his callus hand on the moist inside of her thighs, up to her labia. He knew her all too well. The wizard knew exactly what she liked, with a rough movement, Sirius inserted two fingers inside her wet flesh, with incredible ease, Merlin, she was so wet.

"Shut up Sirius, I am not in the mood for foreplay, remove your fucking pants now!" Amelia's commanding tone made Sirius even harder. Following her orders, the man quickly started removing his trousers, releasing his wanting member, but Amelia stopped him midway to his knees, she would not wait any more time. With ferocity, she moved her legs over him, and sat on his lap, burying herself all the way to the base of his shay inside her. The witch screamed, Amelia had other lovers over the years, but none that could make her feel full and loved like Sirius. The woman welcomed him inside her after all this time with need and passion. The wizard's expression was one of awe, after all these years of having feeling released only with himself, the sensation of the warm and moist insides of his old lover around him felt like heaven. When Amelia started moving again it was with passion and ferocity. Her hips moved faster and faster, relinquishing the amazing feelings of his hard cock and the way her clit slammed against Sirius' hips when he moved upward to meet her halfway. It didn't take long for them to reach their peak together, screaming each other's names.

.oOo.

Apolline Delacour was sure Sirius forgot the silencing and privacy charms on purpose. Although the veela was very excited, her mind full of ideas about what to do with her husband that night, she was also very amused by the discomfort of the others in the room, specifically Arthus and Sarah. But she also felt a little sad. Normal wizards and witches could be so stupid. If only they could let the prejudices aside, and learn the power of emotions and passion, love and sex, and how powerful magic could sing to them in the moment of bliss. But they were too afraid to deal with their own feelings.

Remus was laughing when Jacques handed the glasses of wine to them. Amelia and Sirius joined the group around fifteen minutes later, having bright smiles on their faces. Apolline could see their auras glowing and the magic flowing around them. Even the atmosphere in the room felt lighter. Jacques poured then two glasses of wine and sat on the big armchair of his study. "So, shall we begin our little meeting? First of all, thank you Ms. Bones, I know you are putting yourself in great danger coming here yet again."

"Please Jacques, we have known each other for almost twenty years now, call me Amelia." The witch answered, placing the pile of papers in front of them. Apolline could see not only passion in her aura but also acceptance, like years before. The veela raised from her chair and to everyone's surprise hugged Amelia Bones.

"Welcome back Amelia. I know it was hard being alone all those years, but I am really glad to have you here. I am sure James and Lily are happy to see us together again."

"Thank you Apolline, I'm sorry it took me so long. But I needed to be sure, for Susie, and myself…"

"And that is the reason we all like you, Amelia." Sarah Greengrass said. "You are our feet in reality." Apolline felt reassured by all the emotions she could see on her pers, it fueled her with the hope of building a better world for their children. She knew it would take time, and the resistance of those Following the old ways would be fierce, they would scream and fight, but it was worth it.

"I believe Arthus already gave you most of the good news," Amelia said, passing some pieces of parchment to the others. "There are so many irregularities in Sirius' case that it is becoming impossible for the ministry to cover it up. They had run out of excuses not to give you a proper trial. The funny thing is, for some reason, Albus Dumbledore tried really hard to postpone the date of the new trial, but after the fierce campaign held by Arthus and the granting of political refugee granted by Jacques, the only ones supporting it were the dark families."

"And that did not fly well for Albus, as the self-entitled champion of the light I suppose," Jacques concluded.

"Exactly, so I believe he will move to support it. A date will be set at the next meeting. The odds in your favor are really good. Even better if we had Pettigrew. But he seemed to have vanished…"

"The important thing is to bring Harry home, and discover why the old fart and the lame lord are so obsessed with him," Sirius said.

"About that." Amelia took another piece of parchment and passed it around. "I found this on my notes, but I was not the one who made it, someone wanted me to see it."

"This is the year of the Potter's death… what is this Amelia?" Remus asked, but Apolline answered before Amelia could.

"This is the formulary of a real prophecy recognition, I saw some of those in my time in the department of mysteries, before Fleur was born."

"That is exactly what my contact said, look at the names. Dumbledore presented the prophecy to the department of mysteries, but the actual content is about Harry and Voldemort." Silence few into the room.

"Maybe that is how Dumbledore controls those fanatics on the order. They look more like a cult than anything." Sarah thought out loud.

"Did you hear it?" Sirius asked nervously.

"No, only those involved in it can retrieve it from the hall of prophecies, in this case, Harry Potter and Voldemort…. What are you thinking, Sirius?" Amelia asked, noticing the concern on Sirius' gaze.

"I am thinking if Harry should learn about this or not…"

.oOo

Katie Bell was not feeling very well. All the people looking at her, like she had become some kind of freak, just because of a stupid badge she had to wear all the time was really getting into her. First, it made her sad, but now, Katie's pride had finally kicked in, and all it did was make her blood boil with rage. And the next full moon was only two days ahead. The girl could feel the wolf getting unsettled, the desire of breaking something, breaking someone, growing. And her desire to have Harry Potter too.

Harry had kept his promise like Kate knew he would. He trained with her outside of the club's meetings, just the two of them. No matter what, he always found time for her. They practiced, ran, and talked. They talked about things only the two of them could understand. The smells, the lust, the rage. Katie cursed loudly, making some students look at her. When she was at her grandfather's pack, it was different, but here, with Harry, she felt an almost uncontrollable urge to be with her alpha, to kiss him, to fuck him. And was only getting worse as the full moon approached. Katie knew he was feeling it too, she could smell, and see it. They ended more than one training session so excited that Harry could barely hide his hardness. And the things he confessed to her were also worrying. Katie was afraid her Alpha was spreading himself too thin. Harry was trying to help too many people, and forgetting about himself. They needed to remind him of this, that was their function on the pack.

"Damn, why can't Fleur be more like Daphne!" Katie thought again. It was scary. Daphne had changed, she was just like Fleur now. And she was ready to fight for the French's position. A dispute like that would only serve to weaken the bond, specifically before it was fully formed. And Katie was afraid to admit it, but she would support Daphne. The werewolf wanted to be with Harry.

Then Katie came to a sudden stop as a very familiar and powerful smell hit her senses. Fear. The scent caught her before the sounds. Turning her head around, Katie tried to listen, all her senses and instincts now focused on the overwhelming sensations of the hunt. Whomever it may be, it was frightened. Katie finally heard a low sob and walked to the corridor over her left, the smell getting stronger with each step. Another turn left a desert corridor. The wolf looked at some weird tapestries on the wall, a centaur pushing a wagon of some kind, full of house elves. The smell was strong. Fear, and excitement. Katie counted three different people. Her wolf was close to the surface, it was hard controlling herself so close to the full moon.

"Come on…" Katie heard a voice coming from behind the tapestries, a hidden room. "I heard your kind don't like wearing clothes, come on now, remove your shirt." The sobbing got louder, and the two other girls started laughing. " No bra?"

"I don't think she needs one, look how small they are!" The other voice barked. Katie had enough, the smell was too nauseating. The werewolf pushed the tapestries aside and entered the room to find two Ravenclaw girls, probably her year, surrounding a small, big-eyed blond girl, Luna. One of the older witches was pointing a wand at the younger, the other was holding the girl's wand. The small witch had tears running down her face, and was naked from the waist up, trying to cover her small breasts. Katie recognized the girl, the one who took pictures of the champions, she also wore a badge, a different one. But All her attention was focused on the two prey in front of her. "Get lost Gryffindor, this doesn't concern you!" The girl holding the two wands roared, pointing one of magical focus at Katie.

"Look…" The other pointed to Katie's badge. "She's also one of the freaks. Come to protect your friend, monst…" Katie's fist was on the girl's jaw before she could finish talking. Too much, too close to the full moon. Katie was angry and frustrated, and the wolf didn't care for wands. The other Ravenclaw watched in horror as blood and spit flew from the girl's hurt lips before a second punch hit her nose with a cracking sound. Katie realized she was roaring now. A third punch in the eye and the raven girl was down on the floor, holding her bloody broken nose and crying. With a quick movement, Katie dodged the weak stunners the other frightened girl was throwing at her, and with a triumphant roar pounced at the Ravenclaw, hitting the girl's head on the floor. Katie was ready to unload all her frustrations, all her desire, and her anger on the girl's face. The smell of fear and piss was intoxicating when a small hand landed on her shoulder, and a wave of calm and peace washed over her, like a warm blanket, making the werewolf stop.

"I'm ok, you can stop now before you get in too much trouble." The soft, eerie voice sang to her, making her head feel light.

Katie looked up at the small girl. Luna still had tears on her face but was smiling now. The wolf stopped, looking at the two winning girls in front of her. "I'm sooooo fucked…" Katie said. She felt disappointed, it had been years since the last time she had lost control like that. She needed her Alpha, her pack.

"Go find Harry…" the small blond girl said, putting on her shirt. "You need him now…" The tapestries opened wide, both girls turned only to see Cho Chang, and a very furious Dolores Umbridge looking at them.