Chapter 18

Katie had one hell of a strange week, there was no other way to put it. It started with her detention with Dolores Umbridge after the second task. Katie was never a good actress and was afraid the old toad could see right through the scared girl act. To her luck, the older woman was so infatuated with herself, that she played along without problems. Katie started with just some tips and suggestions about the headmaster, and how he was training some of his most loyal students with extra "homework". Dolores was specifically interested in Harry. She hated him, for whatever reason. Really hated him.

By the end of the second session, Katie was certain of two things, Harry and Daphne's plan might work, and Dolores Umbridge was evil. Not the despicable plain dumb woman they thought, but downright evil. The woman's scent was nauseating, and her smile started giving her chills.

But, more important than that, Harry had cut out Fleur and Daphne, and consequently the others from the club. Katie was not there when it happened, but knew something went wrong when she got down for breakfast and Harry wasn't there. Fleur sat at the table, and even with her perfect aura, Katie noticed she had been crying. Daphne had her ice-cold expression over the Slytherin table and glanced at them from time to time. Hermione looked around worried as if expecting Harry to just come by and fix things. Katie sighed. Her connection with Harry was thin, but he hasn't cut her off, as it appeared he had Done with Fleur. The she-wolf walked by Neville and asked. "Where's Harry?"

"I don't know, I didn't see him coming back last night, and he was not on his bed this morning…" At this, Katie listened to Fleur lightly sighing again.

"Guess something bad happened last night," Angelina said as they sat down.

"Yes, I will meet Harry for training today, I hope he tells me what happened so maybe I can help." Katie Shrugged.

"I would say it is not your responsibility, and all that, but, you do really like him, don't. you?"

"yes, I do…"

"I can see why, he is easy to fall for… I remember you saying you just wanted some fun at the term's beginning. Guess that is also long gone… I am just afraid he will keep you at the bench when he needs to…" Angelina asked, showing her concerns about her friends.

"I doubt that, the things he has done for me, even against Fleur's will. He is so loyal, maybe too loyal. Damn, who knew veelas were so possessive." Katie wondered.

"would you really… share him?" Angelina asked.

"if it means I can have him, yes, remember what I told you about the alphas and stuff?"

"yes," Angelina answered, curiously.

"He can handle us if he wants to. Damn, I am not even opposed to watching him have fun with the bird or the snake, they are hot."

Angelina giggled. "But then, is this some kind of magical compulsion to be with him?"

"No! I never felt that way before… I really liked him. I guess my crush has actually grown… I… I'm in love… damn! I sound like Patil and Brown!" Katie said, covering her face with her hands. "I need to discover what happened, maybe we can fix it."

The morning classes dragged on for what seemed like an eternity for Katie, she was not able to move her mind from Harry, barely registering the words from professor Flitchwit. Part of her wondered if Harry would be disposed to be with her again, and she felt guilty, it was too soon. Harry didn't show up during lunch. Neither did Fleur. Hermione looked worried, Harry had not gone to classes in the morning. After lunch, Katie ran to their training spot next to the lake. The temperature was rising, and she got sweaty even before arriving. She breathed in relief, seeing him sitting at the tree trunk, with his back to the school. "Harry?" she called in a somewhat low voice. The werewolf looked at her, with hard eyes. Almost like the old Harry. "I thought you would not come…"

"I told you, I would not let you down…" Harry got up, wand in hand, and smiled at her. "For today, as you managed the Patronus, I think we can continue…" Katie ran into him and hugged Harry before he could finish. It took a couple of seconds, but Harry moved his arms around her waist and returned her embrace. He was warm, and his scent was powerful and inebriating, Katie took a deep breath of it, and tightened the hug even more. "Sorry…" the boy finally said.

"What happened Harry?" Katie looked at him in the eyes, getting a little lost in the deep emerald green, fighting the urge to kiss him, to comfort her alpha. There was a dark shadow in his eyes. The werewolf looked at her, reluctantly. "I can understand Harry… remember who I am." she winked at him, and Harry gave her a short-lived half smile.

"I… lost control… Daphne and Fleur… I couldn't keep going…"

"Hum?" Katie answered, in a very eloquent way, making Harry smile.

"They are right, you know, it's all my fault, I am unable to choose, so I kept going… I kept letting it happen. I did the same to you, and for that I am sorry. Even if I didn't have malicious intent, it was not right."

"But, what really happened." Katie, there was something more.

"they were going at each other, and I snapped, I… I… roared at them, I was so angry,

so… frustrated…"

"Harry, do you love Fleur?" the werewolf nodded. "Do you love Daphne?" Katie asked.

"yes, I think so…" Harry looked down.

Now the question Katie was fearing. "Do you… like me… I mean… like that?"

Harry looked her in the eyes, he would not lie to her, and she knew it. "yes… I do…" Katie sighed in relief. "I don't want you to think that I have put you on some kind of emotional reserve, I just don't know how to make things work. It was all fun and games at the beginning, but not anymore, not for me."

"I know it goes against what people believe is right, but fuck it. you love who you love. And that's it. Love always grows and yada yada… sorry, I am not very good at this kind of talk. All I know is since you started living, and loving, you have improved a lot. Even your mood swings are better… and honestly, you may be too much for only one person to handle with all the shit that happens around you." Katie tried to say.

"You seem awfully ok with that…" Harry giggled.

"my gramps had two wives remember…" she shrugged.

"It doesn't matter anyway, I saw the fear in their eyes, they were afraid of me, I think it finally dawned on them what kind of… thing… I am now. I will not submit anyone to that, to live in fear…"

"I am not afraid… in time, neither will Fleur and Daphne…" Katie moved in slowly, and tenderly kissed his lips, and she was happy when he returned. No training today… just cuddling and talking…" Harry smiled at her.

"I can do that…" they sat down together, Katie in front of him, her back against his chest. Both only revel in each other's scent.

"Harry… I… I love you…"

.oOo.

Dolores Umbridge was having one of the worse weeks of her life. Not only had she discovered that the half-blood prat was training some kind of student army, but he was also doing it at Dumbledore's command. Initially, she thought of going on and asking the headmaster about it, but it was obvious he would deny it. But it all made so much sense. The old man was not only the headmaster of the most important magic school in England, influencing the minds of entire generations of young wizards and witches, but he was also the chief warlock of the wizengamot. The only thing standing between him and the total control of Britain was the ministry. And Fudge worshiped the ground the man walked.

The path ahead was as clear as a day. The ministry needed a more capable person ahead of it, and the headmaster needed to be stopped before his band of vigilantes took control. Dealing with Fudge would be easy, she had too much dirt on him, years of bribery, nepotism, and corruption. Dealing with the headmaster would be trickier, the old man was cunning and knew too much about her. She cursed the day she took his deal about the boy.

Damn boy, he needed to go. Everything bad happened around him.

.oOo.

Fleur Delacour was having one of the worst weeks of her life. She was angry, lonely, horny, and most of all, she was sad. She had never been this sad in a while. Worst of all, she knew exactly when Harry broke, and why. He could bear the fights, the jealousy, and the bitterness between Daphne and herself. What he could not stand was the fear. And for a second, she really was afraid of him.

But what Harry didn't understand was, that she was not afraid of the wolf, or of him becoming a monster. Fleur was afraid of losing Harry to Daphne, of not being good enough. For a second she felt like he got fed up with her. In the end, it all came true. Harry didn't show up to eat with them. He didn't show up to classes. Not even Hermione had talked to him.

But the worst was the bond. Fleur couldn't feel him anymore. It was like he locked himself from her. she never felt so lonely. The desperation Fleur felt before he closed their link was maddening, she wanted to reach out to him, But he was not letting her. And she was so angry. Angry at herself, and angry at him. The veela cursed him, he was a coward, no matter his intentions, he was a coward, just like herself. And yet, Fleur loved him. The girl never completed the bond, and her veela magic knew she would never find anyone else, she had already chosen him.

The days passed, and It was in this state that Hermione found her. The look on the young witch's eyes when she entered her room on the carriage said all she wouldn't do out loud about how Fleur appeared. The veela was still dressed in her nightgown, sitting on her bed, bracing her own knees. Hermione sat there, on her side, without a word for a couple of minutes, before hugging her. Feeling her touch, Fleur broke down and started crying. Hermione just stayed there, cupping her hair, while the French witch sobbed and let her tears flow. "it's ok, it's ok… I understand…" Hermione whispered.

Fleur kept crying for a couple more minutes before turning to Hermione, with red eyes, and a tired expression. "I had it all 'Ermione… he completed me… he was so angry and so sad… before her was gone…"

"I know… he is like that, sometimes he just loses control of his emotions…"

"It was my fault, I pushed him too hard… "

"shiii, it was anyone's fault. Everyone got carried away. Please don't do it to yourself." Hermione caressed Fleur's cheeks. "Do you love him?"

"Oui…"

"and everyone knows he loves you too…" Hermione held her face with both hands. " I know you too are meant to be together. And I… love you both." Hermione leaned down and softly kissed her. Fleur was surprised at first, but then her magic started calming, and the veela relaxed and returned the kiss. Fleur didn't notice when their kisses deepened, only that She was feeling sad and lonely, and her magic just needed release. Fleur's hands ran through the younger witch's hair, before cupping her face. Hermione must have understood that as a motivation, as she moved her hands to the French veela's Breasts. Fleur took a deep breath, Hermione was affectionate, and it felt really good, but something was off, but Fleur pushed this sensation aside. Giving up on her needs, Fleur moved up and removed her nightgown, revealing her nude form to Hermione. The bushy-haired teen took a deep breath. Seeing her lustful look, Fleur decided to let her allure flow free. To her surprise, it didn't obey her, it came out timid, contained. Nonetheless, Hermione was affected, and jumped on her, guiding Fleur to lay on her back on the bed.

Hermione carefully removed her own shirt, before kissing the French girl again, her tongue dancing on her mouth. Fleur thought how different it was. Hermione was soft and sweet, while Harry was passionate and warm. Fleur wanted this passion back, but that wouldn't do it. With confidence, she grasped both Hermione's shoulders and with a swift movement traded their places, binding her on the bed. Feeling like the wolf herself, she kissed and bit Hermione's lips, before moving to her jaw and neck, cupping her left breast with her free hand. The English girl had a large bust, Fleur got her hand full, pinching the young witch's nipple with the thumb and index. Hermione moaned, Fleur, registered that the girl had sensitive nipples.

Fleur kept kissing through her open shirt, never letting go of her breasts as she went down her torso. The bushy-haired girl moved her hips up, and removed her damped panties, and lifted her skirt. Fleur took notice and lightly caressed her nose over the girl's pubs, Hermione was a little bush there as well. Fleur felt a weird boldness, she could almost feel the wolf. But at the same time, something was not right. She wanted to make Hermione come, but she didn't feel the building needed for release. Fleur worked her tongue over the younger witch's folds, savoring her taste. Hermione's cunt was dripping, her juices forming a small puddle on the bed, mixed with Fleur's saliva, finally releasing her breasts, the veela first moved one finger inside her, while licking her clit. Hermione moaned louder, as Fleur added another finger, moving in and out, her tongue making small soft circles around her most sensitive spot. Hermione started moving her hips, trying to match the French movements, going faster and faster, moaning. She grabbed Fleur's platinum hair and pressed herself against her face. Fleur could feel her walls vibrating, and the girl came with a flow of moans and juice.

Fleur's magic didn't sing, her allure kept tame.

Fleur watched as a panting Hermione came down from her orgasm, with a coy smile on her face. It had been somewhat eye-opening. That was Harry's magic, somehow she felt like he shared a little impression of his wolf with her. Maybe that was how he felt about Hermione. How he was driven to care for and love others. The veela dealt with this sensation, as it slowly faded away. While she was lost in thoughts, Hermione started kissing her again, moving her own hand to her belly, down to the veela's perfect bald mound. Fleur delicately held her hand, halting her moving. "Non, there is no need 'Ermione, please…"

"But you made me feel so good, it's only fair…" Hermione whispered.

Fleur smiled at the younger witch. "sorry, I hope you can understand, as I'm starting to … you are not him…"

Hermione smiled at her. "Actually, I think I do." with one last soft kiss, she held Fleur in a hug.

.oOo.

Daphne Greengrass was waiting. She would be with the man she loved in a short time, but for now, she had to concentrate on helping him through the trial of his godfather. There was a right time for everything. And Daphne was always on time. With methodical planning, Daphne approached Harry at his spot by the lake, where he seemed to be getting refuge those last days. The dark-haired girl was afraid of how the young man she loved would react to her. Although short-lived, the fear she had experienced had been real. But she remembered seeing it before, and after that bare second, the witch knew that rage would never be directed at her. Harry could be terrifying, but to protect them, and she liked it.

Harry waited for her arrival, without turning around. Daphne didn't know if it was because he was angry, or just sad. Of course, he knew she was approaching, his senses were too accurate now, and even his magic was getting stronger. She could feel it reaching to her, caressing her, before retreating into itself again when he realized it. "hello Daphne." he whispered.

"Harry… I know things are confusing right now, and don't get me wrong, I plan for us to set it out sooner than later, but we have something important to focus on first."

He looked at her, his eyes glowed for an instant, sending shivers down her spine. "the trial." he said.

"Yes, is an important moment not only for Sirius but for you as well. Your godfather's case is important enough to be judged by the entire wizengamot, in front of the minister. In a way, this case is more like the ministry against the old noble houses, I would not be surprised if that was the card Sirius try to play.`` Harry nodded at her, in understanding. She smiled at him, he was leaps and bounds ahead of the confused boy from seven months prior. "So when you are summoned to testify, it will be time to present the new lord Potter to the world as well." he gave her that predatory smile of him, damn, how much she loved it.

"Now, here is the catch, you are not only the new lord Potter, you are THE Harry Potter. Do you understand?" Harry nodded again, like a good student. "Good, now, I know you are not fond of your fame, but it's time you put it to good use. This bloody tournament only helps you. You will be in the most formal robes, but we need to keep the glasses, and the messy hair" Daphne smiled, hungrily. "you will send a message. Harry Potter and Lord Black are coming for them, and the magical world will not be the same." she finished overdramatically, and both started laughing. "Now, let's work on your posture…"

.oOo.

Harry had to fight a possessed professor, watch her best friend being petrified, was shunned by all the school, he had been treated like a slave, and yet, these had been some of the worse weeks of his life. The young werewolf discovered that his rage was getting harder and harder to control, two days ago, he had to fight the urge of removing Theodore Nott's arm from his socked, after watching him harassing a Hufflepuff third-year girl, he got saved by Katie, who stepped up for the younger girl, who would know Nott had a weird phobia of werewolves. Those moments had increased a lot. And the full moon was still a week away. This had the effect of cementing, even more, his decision, he would not submit anyone to that. He knew Katie wanted to be with him, but Harry felt it was too soon. He tried to focus on the trial, and how important it was. Daphne had accompanied him to the ministry, as her father was one of the house members who would judge on Sirius. Harry was thankful to her. The Slytherin had tutored him well on how to respond to the copious question he was pretty sure would have to bear. And Even in plain formal robes, with her hair done in a sober knot on top of her hair, she looked beautiful.

Sitting on one of the top boxes at the chamber, Harry had hoped to see Sirius before the trial started. But all his hopes shattered as he saw the Delacours entering the box on the other side of the chamber. Harry was sure Sirius had arrived with them. To his surprise, Fleur entered with them, and Harry's heart felt heavy. Their eyes met, and magic danced between them. He felt the tug on his head, soul, and magic, the bond, before remembering the fear in her eyes that night. Daphne's voice brought him back to reality. "The Delacours are here as representatives of the icw, even more support to Sirius. This trial is really not about him anymore. That is genius…"

Harry nodded at her and watched as Dumbledore entered the chamber with minister Fudge and Dolores Umbridge. His blood boiled, and he could feel her nauseating scent from where he was standing, even in a room full of different smells and sounds. Harry forced himself on refocusing his senses on Daphne and himself. He could even catch Fleur's lilies scent from across the room, helping him to calm down. Daphne must have noticed his anger, as she subtly squeezed his hand. He watched as the old wizard opened the section and announced the trial, before stepping down and giving the floor to Amelia Bones and Minister Fudge. Harry found that turn of events a little weird, it seemed like the old man was planning something. Harry was still shaken by their previous conversation. The young wizard knew he needed the headmaster as an ally, but his scent was all too wrong. If there was a dubious person, hard to point to, it was Dumbledore. Even his smell was different, like two different persons at times.

Harry sighed as he heard the minister, then Amelia Bones called for the aurors to lead

the accused to the chamber. Harry watched as his godfather walked with a big grin on his face, and winked at him. Fudge cast a sonorus on himself and started the procedures.

.oOo.

Sirius watched as the minister started talking, and with a mischievous grin winked at Amelia, who just rolled her eyes at her childish lover. The man looked around at the full session and sat in his chair in the center of the chamber, that was going to be interesting. his attention was called back when the pink-dressed woman, who looked like a toad screamed for the minister's side. "Why is this man not wearing shackles? he is a dangerous wanted murderer, he should be chained to the chair! That's outrageous!"

Sirius narrowed his eyes, but before he could respond, a calm voice came from behind him. "That will not be necessary madam sub secretary Umbridge." Sirius turned to see the chief warlock himself, Albus Dumbledore walking to the side of his chair. "Must I remind you that Lord Black submitted himself to this trial, on his own good will? If he had any intention to cause harm, why would he have presented himself to the authorities, I am certain the chief of the DMLE agrees with me." Amelia just nodded as the headmaster smiled at a wide-eyed Sirius.

"What is that about wanting to chain a Lord of a noble house?" Someone screamed from the back of the chamber. "Who does the ministry think it is dealing with?" Sirius knew it was probably Arthus, they had anticipated this move from Fudge, the effect was immediate, most of the representatives of the ancient and noble houses started complaining and showing their disapproval, as Fudge glared at his secretary, just like the alliance predicted. But Albus was a mystery, what did the old wizard was doing defending Sirius, and what did he expect to archive?

"And may I ask what the chief Warlock is doing besides the accused?" Fudge finally asked.

"I am not here as chief warlock today. No, today I stand here before this noble body as someone trying to correct a mistake long overdue, today I stand as the defense of Lord Sirius Orion Black."

That was unexpected, Sirius thought as he watched the chamber explode in chaos. He exchanged a look with Amelia, who subtly shrugged, then looked at the sparkling eyes of the old wizard. Sirius smiled. Why not, he was ready for some more chaos.

.oOo.

Hermione sighed and lowered her head to the table. She had come to the library when Harry and the others had gone to the ministry. The young witch had high hopes to finish her theory today, especially after what had happened with Fleur, but, even surrounded by so many books that almost hide her from everyone, even with a solid idea, and knowledge, she couldn't make it work. Professor Séptima Had said she was a prodigy, that she had never seen someone with so much proficiency as her in all her teaching years, and yet, something was not right. Or maybe they were both just wrong, and arithmancy was not at the root of all magic. Maybe the bond simply could not be translated into numbers and symbols.

Hermione Granger hated the label some people got her, of the brightest witch of her generation, but the truth was, she might be it. The bushy-haired witch may not carry the punch, the raw power like Harry or Fleur, they were magical powerhouses, but no one could absorb knowledge like her, especially in theoretical magic. Hermione had a gift to see and understand how things actually worked on the inside. Her mother even played one time, that even as a witch, the girl was a scientist. The professors even suggested for her to go to advanced classes, but she dismissed the idea. She wanted to stay at Harry's side. Without her, he could die.

And yet, things were not working.

Sure she was working with conjectural numbers, as she was not able to measure the bond, Hermione worked with the descriptions she received from Fleur, Harry, and Katie, and with what she herself could feel. The witch worked the closest charms and spells and deducted some numbers, but there was something basic amiss. Even with the knowledge she was breaking ground and trying something completely new, she was getting frustrated. Her friends were falling apart around her. Harry, Daphne, and Fleur were so stubborn and prideful to the point of getting hurt. She wanted to help. Over the months, she noticed some changes, Harry loved her, she was sure of that, but what he had with the other three girls was something different, on another level. she sighed again and looked at the ceiling. she missed having Harry just for herself, but that was not going to happen ever again. Hermione knew that at least Katie was always going to be there. Who would want the plain book worn with three goddesses around?

"Hello, Hermione." A voice brought her back to reality. The girl looked over the pile of books to see Blaise Zabini in front of her. The tall, dark boy had an elegant complexion, and penetrating eyes that betrayed his aloof facade, Hermione knew he just pretended not to pay attention. "I'm sorry to interrupt your studies, but, by any chance, haven't you seen Ginevra?"

Hermione smiled, it was not a secret anymore that Blaise and Ginny were going together, she hoped the handsome Slytherin would finally break her friend from her childish crush on the boy who lived. "I'm sorry, she's not here, but I believe she is at the pitch with Katie and Angelina, training."

"Thank you." He glanced at the piece of paper in front of her. "Those are some pretty advanced equations you have there. I can see it is a difficult project."

"You have no idea…" Hermione sighed.

"But, if I may, although I could not go as far as you are going, you have made a small mistake at the very beginning…" Hermione looked curiously at him. Blaise pointed at the paper. "Here, if you are going to bring this cluster of the magic equation together with this one and try to combine the results, as it seems is what you are trying to do, this base number down here should be a two, not a one. Well, anyway, thank you, see you around." The young wizard waved and left a wide-eyed Hermione at the table.

.oOo.

Daphne watched with interest as the trial unfolded in front of her, it was an incredible show, a public demonstration of power. Right at the beginning, lord Black and her father, with the surprising help from the headmaster himself, had managed to take hold of the procedures, turning it from the trial of a suspected murder, into a clash of political power between the ministry and the noble houses. Albus Dumbledore and Sirius Black were playing their parts perfectly. The wronged lord, who was also a former auror and war-torn hero. Wronged by a power-hungry minister. She could even see the smile on the man's face, he was loving every second of the chaos that he was building.

Daphne kept taking mental notes, learning. Sirius accepted taking veritaserum of his own will and submitted his memories to be watched in the judicial pensive. Daphne couldn't help but be fascinated by Dolores Umbridge. At first, she thought the woman was nothing more than a pink joke, but, as she watched the trial, the young Slytherin finally realized her game. Every time she said something bad, every slip, she was able to deflect to Fudge. She was trying to make the minister look bad. But, why?

Daphne was brought back from her musings by Sirius's memories being played. She watched as the then auror discussed with a young-looking couple, Professor Lupin, and another person about the fidelius secret. Daphne was stunned by how much Harry looked like James. The same roguish features, and messy hair. And how beautiful Lily was. The memory of the discussion played as they discussed how Sirius would be too obvious, both for the dark Lord and for the order to discover. One of the other men, a young Remus Lupin, said he couldn't be trusted because of his condition. That left a short, but somewhat good-looking man.

Daphne felt Harry's hand squeezing her own harder. The young woman looked at the man she was in love with, His watery eyes were glowing, watching his parents. Daphne placed her other hand over his, his body temperature was a little high. Daphne quickly glanced at Fleur, who was looking at them. There was no anger in her eyes, just a shade of worry. Suddenly Harry looked down and gritted his teeth, shaking. Looking at the projection, Daphne could see why. In front of the entire chamber, through Sirius's eyes, lay the dead body of Lily Potter, and beside her, a crying toddler covered in blood.

.oOo.

Fleur gasped, covering her mouth with both hands. The small Harry in Sirius's memory looked helpless, and hurt, crying and trying to reach the lifeless body of his mother with his little hands, it was heartbreaking. The veela looked at Harry on the box across from her, his head down, shaking. All she wanted was to run and hug him, comfort him. Not even Daphne's presence mattered. The veela could feel his magic leaking, a dark aura of sadness and pain surrounding the young man she had chosen as hers.

So fixed on Harry she was, that she missed the final minutes of the memories. Both she and Harry turned their heads when they listened to the voice of Madam Bones. "So after you found that the Potters had been attacked, you Recklessly ran in pursuit of Peter Pettigrew. What about young Harry?" Her voice sounded calm and controlled, there was more than just experience there like this was staged.

"Not my brightest moment, I will admit," Sirius said in a sad voice, looking at his godson with pleading eyes. "I was mad, in rage, my two best friends had been killed, because of someone we trusted. I was not in a rational state, and for that I am guilty. I'm sorry Harry, in my anger I left you, but no more…"

"Headmaster, I understand Rubeus Hagrid took young Harry Potter to your care," Amelia asked.

"Precisely. As the previous memory showed, I was also ignorant about the change in the secret keeper, and so I wrongly assumed that lord Black had betrayed the Potters and killed the innocent non-magical." Dumbledore declared.

"Weren't you close to the accused and the Potters? Why didn't they inform you about the change?" Amelia proceeded.

"The war had been taxing to us all. At that moment, the Potters and I had grown a little apart, due to different ideas on how to approach the fight. Although I was the one who suggested the fidelius protection, I was only informed about Sirius. Seems like the diverting idea worked all too well."

Fleur watched as Amelia took some notes. The chamber was surprisingly silent. The young witch returned her attention to Harry. Their eyes meet in the distance. She could see sadness and rage in his deep green. The veela knew that he had closed himself to their bond, and yet she tried to send him her love and understanding. Fleur was surprised when a warm feeling took over her chest, for a second Harry had let the magic flow into the forming bond again. She took a deep breath, welcoming him again.

After she had been with Hermione, Fleur had gone through a myriad of emotions. The girl even felt angry at Harry, he was being selfish. Disregarding not only her feelings but also Daphne's. But she also knew Harry was a damaged boy. He was emotionally crippled, and it would take years for him to be fully healthy. If he was allowed it. It was already a miracle he could feel anything at all. But his drive to protect others from himself was taking too much of a toll on him. And Fleur didn't even know if she could help him. The Veela's perception of magic was based on emotions. Love, passion, anger, pain, lust. And Harry needed to learn how to deal with his own emotions. But so did Fleur, she could not deny how unprepared she was to actually love someone, to support someone as complicated as Harry. As much as the werewolf himself kept remembering her it was not her duty. And that was before they "fought".

Her attention was called by another set of memories projected by the judicial pensive. The night Harry and Hermione helped Sirius escape from the dementors. she watched as Sirius captured Ronald Weasley, and revealed Peter Pettigrew. The veela witness the rage from Sirius, and the confusion in Harry's eyes. "I was so mad at the rat…" Sirius said while the memories played. "That I forgot what was really important at the time. My godson. I spent so much time in my animal form, that my instincts took over me, all I saw at the time was blood."

The memory kept playing, Fleur watched Sirius letting Harry, Hermione, and Remus behind, only to be surrounded by the flying demons the ministry had used to hunt him down. the memory started to fade under the effect of the dementors' kiss, until a bright light shoved them away, actually destroying many of the flying monsters. The witch, and the entire chamber, watched in awe, the sheer number of creatures repealed by the Patronus charm was unbelievable. it was one thing to hear about the deed from Hermione, it was another to watch. With that, the memory stopped.

"who… who cast the Patronus charm?" Asked a baffled Amelia Bones.

"My godson, Harry Potter," Sirius answered with a smile.

Fleur heard murmurs all over the chamber. Although she was never really interested in politics, she couldn't deny the impact. If there was one thing old wizards respected, it was power.

"The floor calls for Harry James Potter." Dolores Umbridge said in a high-pitched voice that made Fleur shiver in agony.

.oOo.

Ronald Weasley clenched his teeth, trying not to moan too loudly. He grabbed the sides of the table with enough force to make his knuckles white. The wizard looked down in disbelief as a kneeling Pansy Parkinson strongly held his hard member, slowly moving her hand through his length. Looking directly in the red-haired eyes, the witch smiled at him, and licked the entirety of the length of his dick, starting at the base, letting her own saliva flow until she got up the tip, finishing with a kiss, allowing the drop of pre-cum formed there to touch her lips.

"I… I don't know…" Ronald said to her, "As much as I… damn that is good… hate him, I don't want to see him dead…"

"Who talked about dying…" Pansy answered, still stroking his cock, her mouth less than an inch from him. "We are going to teach him a lesson… all you need to do is make him feel guilty…" Without warning, Pansy engulfed the head of his dick with her mouth, and Ronald finally let out a loud moan.

.oOo.

Narcisa prepared herself, it all had to occur perfectly. Today Sirius would be absolved, and Albus would fulfill a part of his promises. But she needed to be subtle. Lucius Malfoy may be a weak inbreed man, but he was dangerous nonetheless. But the witch knew she was better in this game than him. The witch would start with suggestions and ideas, if Narcissa revealed too much now, her husband could be compelled to act too soon. Dumbledore had even set a date, and he was very assertive about it. A little now, then a little more later. If she played it right, when Sirius would make his move, Lucius would be desperate enough to act recklessly.

Pansy also needed to play her part right, but Narcisa had confidence in her protegee, the Weasleys were too easy to maneuver. The woman looked at herself in the mirror, her perfectly wavy black hair flowing over her shoulders, the reminder of the Black family blood running in her veins. Narcisa looked beautiful with it. Narcisa knew she had always been the prettier of the Black sisters, and Lucius envied even that. With a deep breath, the witch cast a charm spell on herself, making her luxurious black hair blond and straight, just like her husband's and son. She thought it looked terrible. She knew it was just another play of dominance over her, a futile one, but one that hurt nonetheless.

After casting the spells, Narcisa walked through the big, empty manor. There was no life here, not even when her son was home. The witch lived in a dead place, there was no music, no laugh, and not even the elves made a sound. Her high heels echoed through the hallways, remembering herself that she was alone. Narcisa was just a trophy, a token gained from a master played gamble to assure the Black fortune to the dark lord. But not anymore.

The woman arrived at the big studio doors and stopped. She could hear voices and conversation. Her husband had guests she didn't know about. Narcisa pondered about waiting when a voice got her attention.

A voice that sent chills through her spine, a voice she hoped she would never hear anymore. A voice that until now only echoed through her nightmares. With a haste move, the scared witch opened the door, her skin even paler than usual. three sets of eyes turned to then, and Narcisa had to resist a faint.

"Hello, lil sister…" Bellatrix Lestrange said, with a grin so evil as the dark lord itself.

.oOo.

Harry tried to focus himself, to control his senses. It was hard, almost too hard. There was so much noise, people whispering, a world of different heartbeats, even the sound of the recording quill scratching over the yellow official parchments hurt his ears. But the smells were even worse. cologne, alcohol, old and molded robes. Blood and death from the old purebloods, The sweet smell from Dolores Umbridge, almost like she wanted to mask her own evil stink. And the weird, dubious smell from the headmaster. Fudge stunk of fear, and Madam Bones smelled like confidence. Looking at the subtle magic colors flowing around her, and how they connected to his godfather, Harry decided he liked her. The young werewolf gritted his teeth and tried to focus on the closest friendly smell, Sirius, the man he was here to help. Sirius's scent was so familiar, even if they had not met after Harry was bitten. The man smelled like dog fur and old wood. He smelled like family.

A little earlier, he almost lost control. seeing the bodies of his parents was just too much. In a moment of weakness, not only he resorted to Daphne's presence, but also reopened his connection with Fleur. Harry felt like an egotistical shit when he felt the sadness from the girl he knew he loved. For a moment he wanted to run and kiss her. But then, the image of his aunt, and how she looked at Vernon came back to his mind. Harry would not be her monster.

Harry stopped at the left side of Sirius, who gave him a wink, while Albus Dumbledore just smiled at him, looking somewhat prideful of the boy. The boy looked at Madam Bones and the minister. Both widened their eyes, with the intensity of his gaze. Amelia cleared her throat and asked.

"Please state your name for the records."

"Harry James Potter, Sion of the house Potter and heir apparent of the house Black." His statement was followed by gasps and whispers all over the chamber, even though most there knew it already, rearing the young wizard to acknowledge it was something definitive.

"Were you present at the night when Sirius Black escaped custody and went missing?"

"Yes. I corroborate all accounts given by both Lord Black and the chief warlock." Harry answered.

"That is outrageous!" Dolores Umbridge screamed. "He is obviously lying here, he was not there, he is just a prat looking for attention, at the school…"

"I am sorry madam Umbridge…" Harry said, trying to control his own anger. "Please, remember you are talking with a representative of not one, but two noble houses. May I assume you are also speaking for the ministry, as its employee?"

"How dare you…" Dolores hissed.

"Now now mister Potter." A sweaty Fudge intervened. "It has been a long day for all of us. I am sure we are all tired. Please, let's continue, so we can get through the trial." Harry gave a smile and nodded.

"After his escape, were you aware of Lord Black's whereabouts? If so, why didn't you report it?" Amelia Bones pressed on. Again, the exact questions Harry was said to expect.

"Unfortunately I was unaware of Sirius's whereabouts until the french minister of magic revealed his state as a political refugee." Harry felt bad, it was a lie, but he was doing it to save his godfather, the Delacours, and himself. Seeing the enraged scoff of Dolores Umbridge however, made any regrets go away.

"You expect us to believe that!" The woman screamed, "You protected a fugitive of justice! You denied crucial information, even if Black is innocent, and I don't believe for a second that he is, that is a one-way trip to Azkaban, boy!" Harry cringed hearing the word. "Give him veritaserum, so we can know for sure!" Murmurs of outrage ran through the chamber.

"Now now, madam undersecretary." The headmaster intervened. "May I remind you that administering veritaserum to a minor is not allowed? So, unless the ministry is ready to recognize young Harry as an adult, and grant him emancipation, which I firmly believe is not the time, we can't proceed with your idea." Exclamations of approval rolled through the light and neutral seats. Even from some of the dark. They knew giving Harry veritaserum would open a terrible precedent. "If you are inclined to go to such lengths to get the answers you desire, I must say I'm really concerned about your presence amongst children at the school." Dumbledore finished, appearing to talk to himself, but making sure his voice carried through the chamber. Harry could see the colors dancing around him. The man was a mystery, a dangerous mystery, but powerful nonetheless.

The chamber exploded in screens and arguments after the headmaster's words. Harry could not help but find himself stunned again, by how over-the-top dramatic magical people tended to be. He looked at Fudge, the man seemed on the verge of a heart attack. He did the only thing left to him. The minister hit the small rammer on the table, demanding silence.

"I guess we all have heard enough. let's get a fifteen minutes break to discuss, and then proceed with the vote."

Harry watched as people started talking, and Sirius looked at him grimly.

.oOo.

The remainder of the trial passed in a flash to Harry. They let him remain beside his godfather for the voting. When called, the vote was overwhelmingly positive, only a couple of dark families, allies of the Malfoys, voted against Sirius' innocence. Them, like that, with a huge spectacle and drama, Sirius Black, head of the most ancient and noble house of Black was a free man. Harry gave him a warm hug and shake the headmaster's hand. The young werewolf was beaming, he needed that moment of happiness and grabbed into it.

They were soon joined by the Greengrasses and the Delacours. Sirius was cheered and hugged. For a moment, Harry could forget the awkwardness with both Fleur and Daphne and just allowed himself to be happy.

"You know what that means pup?" Sirius asked him while they walked from the dark chamber. "No more Dursleys! You are going to live with me!" Harry beamed and nodded at him. Just the prospect of living with someone he cared about, even if it was this incredible manchild, was amazing. "Just wait until Remus learns about it! And Harry, you better start learning french!" All the adults laugh at it, unaware of the strange glares exchanged by the three present teens.

Harry was all too aware of the closeness of both girls, now that the tension of the trial was gone, the scent of both girls was starting to get to him. The wolf saw the magic dancing around him and Fleur, strong and powerful, but the same was also true about Daphne. Harry bit the inside of his cheek, trying to regain some control. The girls looked at each other, with a mix of jealousy and sadness.

A smiling Amelia Bones joined then, Harry could see she refrain herself, and Sirius's scent was all over her. Harry made an 'o' move with his small and gave Sirius a knowing look. The older wizard just winked at him.

"I guess you owe me a date now Black." The chief of the DMLE said cheekily. "I like italian food, just so you know."

"Ah Amy, I remember it well, does that place you love still exist?"

"Yes, but the reservation line takes months…"

"We can go there tomorrow." he barked and winked at her. Harry noticed that was something he did a lot, and laughed at his godfather's antics. A familiar scent caught his attention, and he quickly turned to see the headmaster approaching.

"I am very happy for you, my dear lord Black, I guess congratulations are in place and thank you for allowing this old wizard to help correct a terrible mistake"

"Thank you, Albus, it was a surprise, I must admit," Sirius replied.

"I just hope we can all start mending bridges from now on." He said looking at Harry. "I have made many mistakes, and it is good, from time to time, to be reminded of the most absolute truth about myself. I am human in the end. Now, given the special occasion, I believe celebrations are in need. For that I granted mister Potter, miss Greengrass and miss Delacour permission to be out of the school for a couple more hours, I already set it up with madam Maxine."

"Thank you, sir." The three teens said in unison, looking at each other.

"No problem, go on and have fun, as the younglings you are." The headmaster said with a smile, turning in the direction of the floo. Coming to a sudden stop, he turned again. "Oh, I just remembered. Mister Potter and Miss Delacour, I was just informed today that the date of the third task had been changed. It will be a week later than predicted, well, I guess that is it, have fun."

Harry and Fleur looked at each other and shrugged. "That was weird…" Harry said.

"I agree. The headmaster is not dumb, he must know we suspect him…" Daphne said

"He has been acting like that since I discovered about the order," Harry said.

"The old man is on to something," Sirius said. "His secrets have secrets, and his plans have plans."

"Let's discuss conspiracies another time," Amelia said. "Right now I am starving!"

.oOo.

Sirius loved to have dinner with the people he loved. The looks people are giving him were just the icing on the cake. The man seemed like he couldn't keep his hands out of Amelia, running up and down her thighs, and making plans with his godson. Life was good again.

But Sirius didn't fail to see the strangeness between Harry, Daphne, and Fleur. There was something there. He felt a mix of pride from his godson, with two stunning women completely head over heels for him, and amused by his lack of tact with them, and how both were jealous of one another. And he was sure Apolline noticed too. "Ah young love…" he thought.

All in all, the dinner was great. He felt alive and complete, as he didn't for a long time. For a moment he was sad for Lily, James, and Remus not being there, and dedicated a toast to them. Almost at the end, when the three teens were preparing to return to Hogwarts. Apolline gasped. Everyone looked at her with worried looks.

"Mon Dieu… the date the headmaster said… I just did the math, it's a full moon!" The veela said.

Sirius saw Harry going pale and sighed. Things just got even harder for him. But now he was there and he was not going anywhere!