Disclaimer: I own none of the things you already know of.
Harry Potter and the Smallest Change.
Chapter 02. Christmas 1990.
Harry, age ten, stood in front of an ornate mirror in his bedroom. He wore dress robes, and he ran a hand down his side; the silky fabric smooth under his fingers, a scowl marred his face.
'Darling, you need to do something about your hair; but otherwise, you're quite dashing.' Said his mirror in French.
'I can't do anything about my hair, not even Dad can do anything about his.' Harry snarked back at the mirror in French, his eyes narrowed at his reflection in the ornate gold rimmed mirror.
A chuckle from behind drew Harry's attention. He turned to see Holly leaning against the door frame with a wide grin. She wore jeans and a green jumper with a reindeer on it, and her eyes were filled with mischief.
'I still can't believe you learned French to argue with a mirror. Why do you insist on arguing with it every time it insults your hair? You can just ask mum for a new one you know?' Holly said with a small frown.
Harry turned back to the mirror and his scowl deepened.
'But that would mean admitting that Dad wins. He made the mirror speak French and insult my hair. If I get mum to replace it, it'll just show him that he wins.' Harry huffed, and Holly laughed.
'So what? Dad always wins with pranks unless he tries to play one on mum.' Holly grinned and clicked her fingers at him.
Harry huffed again and turned back to face Holly.
'I don't want to go to this stupid ball. I want to stay here with you and Uncle Moony like we used to.' Harry complained.
Holly's grin grew wider, and she moved forward to wrap him in a hug.
'I know you don't want to go hang out with stuffy purebloods all night.' Holly soothed, rubbing his back, and Harry sighed.
'It's not just that though Holly, they're all uptight and their stupid children are too. It's bad enough that we had to attend Draco's birthday.' He said, the scowl returning.
Holly laughed.
'It wasn't that bad, at least the Malfoy's made sure the cake was nice.' She said, and Harry scoffed.
'They should have made sure their son wasn't a prat.' He muttered.
Harry let out a breath and smiled at Holly.
'It's only a few hours, then Dad will bring us home.' He said, more to convince himself than her, and Holly rolled her eyes at him.
'Mum will be there too. Don't forget that Uncle Sirius and Aunt Amelia will be with you guys too.'
'Yeah, you're right.' Harry agreed, and Holly smiled before her face fell.
'You'll look after Susan tonight, won't you? You know Christmas is a hard time for her.' Holly said, and Harry nodded, his expression grim.
Voldemort killed Susan's parents during the war on Boxing day, she'd been with Aunt Amelia since then.
Harry pulled Holly into a hug, then released her with a smile.
'Let's go down to join the others.' Harry said, and Holly nodded.
'You look nice by the way, very handsome.' Holly said with a grin before running out of the room with a grin.
Harry shook his head with a soft chuckle and followed behind her, ignoring the disapproving huff of the French speaking mirror.
Harry stepped off the stairs from upstairs into the lounge room and saw the three Marauders. His father and Uncle Padfoot wore dress robes like his own, while Remus lounged on one of the couches in jeans and a hoodie.
Sirius held a small child in his arms, only two years old. His Heir, Orion Black.
Orion struggled in Sirius' grip as Harry stepped into the room and held out his arms toward his quasi-cousin. Harry took Orion from Sirius and held the child who grinned up at him. Beside him, Holly stood and beamed at the child, who held her finger in a tight grip.
Harry turned to the two well-dressed men in the room as he rocked back and forth with Orion in his arms.
'Where are the ladies?' Harry asked with a frown.
James grimaced.
'Lily and Amelia are up in the master bedroom getting ready, Susan is in her guest room as well.' James replied.
Harry saw the grimace and cocked his head.
'What did you do, Dad?' Harry asked and turned to face Sirius as he and Remus laughed.
'James went up there about half an hour ago to hurry them up, only to get cursed by both witches who he hadn't known would get ready together.' Sirius smirked at James, who scowled.
Harry turned back to his father, an incredulous expression on his face.
'Really Dad? Of course they'd be getting ready together, they're like sisters.' Harry shook his head at his father.
Holly gasped beside Harry as Orion tugged on her pendant that Harry had given her years before. She gently took the pendant from Orion's grasp and winked at Harry.
'Speaking of sisters, I'm going to go help Susan.' Holly smirked at Harry and ran upstairs, disappearing down the second-floor corridor a moment later.
Harry turned back to the three men who were staring at him with wide smiles.
'What are you guys smiling at?' he asked, and narrowed his eyes, suspecting a prank.
'It's cute that you're so good with kids and women.' Sirius grinned and Harry glared at him.
'Kids, settle down. There's no point getting worked up before the party.' Remus said with a smile.
Harry sat down on the couch beside Remus with a scowl as Orion burrowed into his chest.
'Are you ready for the night ahead, Harry?' James asked.
Harry rolled his eyes.
'I am ready to be officially seen as Heir Potter in all the stuffy pureblood circles and I will behave as such.' Harry said, his half smile belying the sarcasm in his tone.
The three Marauders grinned at him.
'Are you looking forward to the party?' Sirius asked and Harry shrugged.
'I've never cared for parties. But I'll look after Susan while at the party.' Harry replied.
Sirius sighed.
'Harry, this is a party, and you should relax and enjoy it. You don't need to be so serious all the time.' Sirius said with a smirk.
Harry gave the man a deadpan stare.
James and Remus snickered, and Sirius huffed.
'Damn kids, too smart for their own good. At least let me make the pun sometimes.' Sirius grumbled.
The grumbling stopped when James backhanded Sirius' shoulder, who froze and looked past Harry up at the stairs.
Sirius' jaw hung slack, as did James'.
Harry blinked before turning to Remus, who only smirked at his friends. He gave Harry a wink and motioned with his head for Harry to turn around.
He did and Harry saw his mother walking down the stairs wearing a long, deep red dress, almost black, which brought out her rich red hair. Behind Lily strode Amelia wearing a similar style dress, but in a midnight blue that brought out the blue in her eyes.
From the corner of his eye, Harry saw his Father and Uncle staring at their wives like idiots. He tossed a cushion at his father, who blinked as if waking from a dream before he hit Sirius' arm.
A moment later, the two knelt at the bottom of the stairs in front of their wives.
'Your beauty outshines the brightest star, warms the coldest heart and brings tears to the driest stone. You look amazing.' Professed both men at the same time, each holding their right hand to their heart.
Harry smirked as both Lily and Amelia shared a grin before leaning down to kiss their husbands.
'All right, get up, you two. We don't have time for that sort of thing.' Lily said, taking James' hand and led him away from the stairs to stand by the couch where Remus sat with Charlus on his left.
Amelia took Sirius away and together they stood by the fireplace.
Remus coughed and leaned forward. He took a sleeping Orion out of Harry's arms before he nodded at the stairs. Harry turned around again and saw Susan at the top of the stairs, her face redder than her hair. Her dress was similar to Amelia's but was a few shades lighter.
Harry stood and moved toward the bottom of the stairs as she walked down. He ignored the grins sent his way by James and Sirius with practised ease. At the base of the stairs, Harry bowed to Susan and kissed her outstretched hand, a greeting of Heirs.
'You look pretty in that dress, Susan; it really brings out your eyes.' He grinned and her face turned a brighter shade of red as she gave a shy smile.
A bright white flash came from their side and Harry spun to face it, moving in front of Susan, shielding her with his body. He saw James holding a camera with a wide grin on his face.
Harry glared at his father.
'Come on Harry, you can't blame me, it was a perfect photo opportunity for the two love birds.' James beamed at Harry and Susan.
Susan gasped, her hands covered her blushing face.
'No, it's not like that at all.' She cried.
Harry noticed the knowing looks the room gave him, even his mother and Aunt Amelia. He expected as much from the Marauders, but not from his mother. He settled on glaring at the two women for their betrayal.
Lily moved to stand before Harry and Susan and wore a soft smile.
'Please don't get upset, you two are just so cute together.' Lily said, only for Harry to huff in reply.
Holly's arms wrapped around Harry from behind and her head poked out from near his elbow.
'Leave Harry alone.' She demanded, and Harry turned to smile at her. He pulled her into a hug.
Harry grinned down at Holly and saw Susan's still red face. He gave her a smile and turned back to the adults in the room, clearing his throat.
'Uh guys, when do we need to be at the party?' Harry asked, as much to start the evening as to distract the adults from teasing him and Susan.
James looked down at his watch and shrugged.
'We can arrive anytime, really. We'll be fashionably late as it is.' He said, turning to Lily, who nodded.
'Okay guys; let's head off. Are we all ready?' James asked the group.
Harry turned to Susan, who smiled at him and felt Holly take his other hand.
The adults gave Remus a wave, which the werewolf returned before walking across the room to the fireplace.
James stepped forward and took a handful of Floo powder, tossed it in the fireplace and stepped inside, calling out.
'Longbottom Manor.'
James was followed moments later by Lily, then Amelia, then Sirius.
Harry turned to Holly and kissed her brow.
'Hey, make sure Moony doesn't leave any pranks in our rooms, won't you?' he asked, earning a smirk from her. She wrapped him in a hug before releasing him. She gave Susan a wave and ran over to Remus, jumping onto the couch beside him, waking up Orion in the process.
Orion started to cry.
Harry rolled his eyes.
'On that note, we're going now. Have fun Uncle Moony.' Harry grinned and held out an arm for Susan, who took it with a smile.
'Shall we go?' Harry asked and Susan smiled up at him.
'Yes, we shall.'
Together, Harry led Susan to the fireplace and held an arm out toward it.
'After you.'
Susan grinned and took a handful of Floo powder and tossed it into the fireplace. She stepped into the emerald flames and met Harry's gaze.
'Longbottom Manor.' She said and disappeared.
Harry followed suit and, as he shot out of the fireplace, he smacked his head on the stone floor and groaned.
Susan helped him to his feet with a small shake of her head.
'Harry, all you need to do is twist as you enter the Floo, against the spin.' She whispered as he stood.
Harry's eyes widened as he noticed James and Sirius pointing and smirking at him from the other side of the room.
'I'll get those two back for never telling me.' He growled and Susan put a hand on his shoulder and gave it a soft squeeze.
'It's okay, you know now. It's no use being angry at them right now.' She whispered, and Harry met her worried blue eyes and sighed.
'Yeah, you're right. Sorry Susan.' Harry admitted before planting a smile on his face and offering her his arm.
'Shall we go mingle with the stuffy purebloods?' He asked, and she grinned.
'Yes, we shall.' She nodded, taking his arm in her own.
Together, the two walked further into the ball room. There were hundreds of people mingling in the central area of the room, on the dance floor. Around the outside of the dark polished wood dance floor dozens of small circular tables stood, each with four chairs around them.
Harry scowled as he noticed a table on the left of the room which held Draco, along with Pansy Parkinson, Daphne Greengrass and Theodore Nott. All four were Heirs or Heiresses and while none of them were outright aggressive toward him, none had been particularly friendly either during the last pureblood get together he'd had to attend as Heir-apparent.
Harry led Susan to a table on the right-hand side of the room where one of Susan's friend sat alone. She was a blonde girl, Hannah, Heiress of House Abbott. Harry pulled out a chair for Susan, who sat down with a small smile at him and he took a chair on her other side, opposite Hannah.
'You two look very cute together.' Hannah grinned, and Harry rolled his eyes.
'It's not like that, Hannah.' Susan blushed, covering her face with her hands.
'Why does everyone say that?' Harry asked, earning a small shake of Hannah's head before she turned to Susan.
'Thanks for sitting with me. I didn't want to sit with the Boy-Who-Lived.' Hannah admitted.
'Why does he have to be here?' Harry groaned, and Hannah chuckled.
'Harry, this is his home. Where else would he be?' Susan said, an eyebrow raised.
'Sue, look over there.' Hannah said, tapping Susan's shoulder and pointing her other finger subtly at a boy on the far side of the room.
The boy was their age, slightly chubby, but carried himself with more importance than even Draco.
Entering the room, surrounded by fawning adults, was Neville Longbottom, the Boy-Who-Lived. Behind him strode the formidable figure of his grandmother, Madame Augusta Longbottom, complete with her odd-yet-intimidating Vulture hat and imperious expression. The two Longbottoms wore red and gold robes and Harry smirked at the message they were shouting to all those present.
We are Gryffindor.
Even before Neville was sorted into the house. Harry's smirk fell as he wondered what would happen if Neville ended up in another house.
From the corner of his eye, Harry noted Draco's gaze was rooted on the Boy-Who-Lived. The blonde boy's eyes narrowed as they followed Neville's every step.
Greeting the Boy-Who-Lived stood a rather short, plump man with a pointed black beard wearing light blue robes. Beside the man stood a silver haired girl, likely his daughter. She stood close to the man, as if afraid of leaving his side.
She looked about the same age as Harry, though she was shorter. She wore a sky-blue dress that matched her eyes, which narrowed as her father greeted Neville Longbottom, shaking the boy's hand.
Neville gave the girl a wide smirk as he kissed her outstretched hand, as befitting an Heiress. However, the girl's lip curled in distaste, and she pulled her hand away from him.
Harry gave an internal chuckle at the scene, wondering who the girl was to show her distaste so openly for Neville. He knew he would not be able to get away with being so open about his own feelings toward the boy.
Harry watched as the two Longbottoms approached their table. Susan reached out her hand and patted Harry's and he took a breath, planting a false smile on his face.
'Potter.' The Boy-Who-Lived sneered, standing beside Augusta, whose eyes narrowed a fraction toward her grandchild.
Harry stood and held out a hand for the boy to shake. The greeting was traditional for Heirs to give one another when of equal status. He was aware that this would be perceived as an insult to both Neville and likely his grandmother, but it was technically true. Neville held the title of the Boy-Who-Lived, but he didn't hold an Order of Merlin or anything of the sort which would elevate him above Harry.
Harry would not bow to the arrogant child and he ignored the narrowed eyes of the Madame Longbottom on him as he waited for Neville to shake his hand.
A few tense moments later, Neville took his hand and Harry withheld a grin as Neville tried to crush his hand with his own.
'How are you doing this Christmas? Are you looking forward to Hogwarts next year?' Harry asked, while matching the pressure Neville used in their handshake.
Harry was careful to not cross any lines in his conduct with Neville. He knew it would cause a lot of trouble for House Potter if he made any mistakes in his dealings with the Boy-Who-Lived. But so far, he had done nothing but be pleasant to the wizarding world's celebrity.
'You really shouldn't have bothered introducing yourself as the Potter Heir. The family will be in ruins if you ever take over.' Neville sneered, releasing Harry's hand and stepping back.
'Neville.' Madame Longbottom said, a warning in her tone as she placed a hand on his shoulder.
The Boy-Who-Lived sighed and turned to Susan, who sat watching the exchange. He gave her a barely concealed sniff of disdain before he bowed and kissed her outstretched hand.
'You would do better to spend your time with a true pureblood. After defeating You-Know-Who, I would be the best option for a young lady such as you.' Neville said, standing straight and looking down at the redhead.
Susan narrowed her eyes for a moment, before standing and giving a small curtsy, the minimum to remain polite.
'I'm happy as I am. Thank you. But I appreciate the offer.' She said.
Neville scowled, sent a glare at Harry, and ignored Hannah entirely, then stomped away in a huff.
Harry turned to Madame Longbottom. He bowed to her and kissed her outstretched hand.
'I apologise for not being closer with your grandson Madame.' He said, and a tiny smile flickered across her face.
'You are a polite young man; I look forward to getting to know you better in the future Heir Potter.' She said before the imperious expression covered her face once more. She nodded at the two girls, who curtsied in return before she turned to follow her grandson.
Alone again, Harry turned to the two girls and let out a sigh.
'Susan, will you be okay with Hannah if I go take a walk? I need some fresh air.' Harry asked and Susan blinked.
'I'll come with you.' She offered. Harry shook his head with a smile.
'No, you two should spend some time together. I'll be back soon.' He said, giving a smile to Hannah, who grinned and waved at him.
Harry smiled at Susan, who returned it, her cheeks reddening.
He turned and left the two, moving toward the drinks table, and saw nothing but glasses of pumpkin juice for the children. Seeing that there was nothing else, he took a glass and moved toward a balcony off to the left of the room.
Harry walked past Draco's table and saw the boy glaring at Neville, and Harry smirked as he stepped out onto the balcony.
In front of him were the grounds of Longbottom estate. It was a stunning sight, the snowy grounds were lit by small orbs scattered around the grounds; it lent them a dim, almost twilight effect, even if the sun had long since set.
He took a deep breath before letting it out, watching his breath mist in the air as it crossed an invisible ward line that kept the cold out. It was a ward that most of the noble families had, and Harry was familiar with the one surrounding Potter Manor.
A sigh came from beside him and he blinked, he'd thought he had been alone. He turned and saw the silver haired girl he'd seen earlier stood nearby, only a metre away.
'I'm sorry for interrupting you, miss. I'll leave you to your solitude if you wish.' Harry said, and cocked his head to the side as he noticed the girl looked sad.
The girl shook her head before sighing again.
'What is wrong? Why do you look sad?' he asked.
Her eyes narrowed. She looked about to speak before she shook her head and stared out over the grounds once more.
Harry blinked, confused. He shrugged and turned to the grounds like her and leant forward on the stone railing.
'My name is Harry Potter; it is my pleasure to meet you.' He said and grinned as he stared out onto the grounds, not at the girl beside him.
'What made you dislike Neville? I noticed your reaction earlier when you were introduced to the wonderful Boy-Who-Lived.' Harry continued, sarcasm dripping from his final words.
The girl scowled and Harry grinned. He thought it made her look cute.
'Once ze Boy-Who-Lived 'eard my family name, 'e got ze zame look in 'is eye zat most purebloods in Europe get.' She said, her English coming with difficulty and her French accent was almost too strong to understand.
Harry cocked his head to the side.
'It must be an unpleasant expression to upset you so much.' Harry replied in French, though his accent butchered the melodious language. The girl stared at him for a moment before Harry laughed.
'Neville has always been, difficult, since the first time we met.' Harry continued, smiling at the silver haired girl before he turned and looked out at the snow-covered grounds.
'How so? Has he always been, like he is now?' the girl asked after a few moments.
Harry sighed.
'I met him on his eighth birthday. It was the first time Madame Longbottom allowed the Ministry to host a national party for the Boy-Who-Lived's birthday.' Harry started and noted the girl's eyes locked on his and he turned to face her.
'I mentioned in conversation with him that night that my birthday was the next day. He snapped at me that I had to stop trying to steal his spotlight.' Harry grinned, and the girl blinked.
'Really? What kind of person says that?' she said, and Harry shrugged.
'He then told me that the Potters had once been as royalty amongst the English Nobility, but ever since my father married a muggleborn, we have betrayed our noble lineage.' Harry paused in his imitation of Neville's speech, his jaw tightening.
'What did you do?' the girl asked in a whisper.
'I walked away. If I'd stayed, then I think I would have broken his nose. That probably wouldn't have ended well for my family.' Harry admitted, and the girl scowled.
'It must have been terrible.' She said.
'Oh, I got over my surprise at finding out the Boy-Who-Lived was a spoilt brat. That's one reason why I don't like these sorts of parties. I don't enjoy having to mix with all the uppity purebloods.' Harry admitted, then turned to stare out at the grounds once more.
The girl smiled at him before turning to glance back into the hall. She sighed.
'I have to go now. My Papa is looking for me.' She said and Harry turned back to her, giving her a smile.
She hesitated for a moment before giving him a small smile.
'You have been the only interesting conversation I've had on this island. My name is Fleur Delacour.' She said. Harry grinned.
'I have enjoyed our conversation, Miss Delacour. We could write to one another during the year if you like. I always wanted an excuse to practice my French.' Harry offered.
She frowned for a moment before nodding, a hesitant smile on her face before she nodded again.
'I'll be awaiting your letter soon then, Mister Potter.' Fleur said.
A moment later, the girl was gone, leaving Harry standing alone on the balcony. He turned back to stare out over the grounds.
Then her name hit him. Delacour.
They were one of the French Nobility, almost royalty. Delacour was the name of the French Ambassador to the English Ministry of Magic.
He remembered the pureblood lessons of his childhood taught by his father that he'd reviled. In them, he'd learned that different countries around Europe had their own hierarchies of magical families.
The Delacour's were among the most powerful in France.
Harry groaned and wondered what he'd stumbled into and whether it would get his parents in trouble.
A few minutes later, Harry entered the ball room to see Neville sitting in his chair beside Susan. Both Susan and Hannah looked extremely uncomfortable as Neville chatted at them. Harry figured the boy was telling them how great he was.
Moments later, Harry stood behind Susan, resting one hand on her shoulder.
'Brother, how wonderful to see you again this evening.' Harry greeted; his voice tight.
Neville froze, his face growing an impressive shade of red.
Both Susan and Hannah jumped to their feet and smiled at him.
'Did you two want to get a drink? I'm parched.' Harry suggested with a grin. Both girls nodded in relief.
Together, the three left Neville at the table, spluttering and red faced as he watched them leave.
On their way to the drinks table, Hannah leant in close to Harry and nudged him.
'Why did you call him brother?' she asked. Harry smiled at her and continued to the drinks table, taking one for each of the girls before taking another for himself.
He led them away from the table to lean against the wall on the right of the ball room.
'His mother was my godmother before she died. In another world, we would have grown up as brothers.' Harry said and Hannah stared at him.
'Then why does he seem to hate you so much?' Hannah asked, and Harry shrugged.
'No idea, I've done nothing to him that I know of.' Harry admitted, then looked at his watch.
'I wonder when we'll be able to go home?' Harry asked, and both girls laughed.
'You really don't like these parties, do you, Harry?' Hannah asked, and Harry's lip curled.
'No, I would really rather just be at home.' Harry said, and Hannah patted his shoulder.
'I'm sure it won't be too much longer. Besides, now that you're back, you can chat with us until it's time to go.' Hannah grinned and Harry sighed, which earned a laugh from Susan.
An hour later, Hannah left with her parents. Leaving Harry and Susan sitting alone as their eyes grew heavy.
Twenty minutes after that, James and Sirius appeared behind them.
'Oh Prongs, it's so cute. Do you think we can unite the families?' Sirius slurred.
'There will no more talk of that Sirius Black.' Hissed Amelia while Lily stood beside her. Both red headed women glared at their husbands.
'Padfoot, you're in trouble.' James slurred back.
Lily turned to Harry and Susan.
'Susan, you're staying at Potter Manor tonight. The both of you are free to Floo back whenever you like.' She said before glaring at James.
'We're going to have to take these two back ourselves. I don't think we can trust them to apparate or use the Floo.' Lily continued, and Harry nodded and rubbed his eyes.
'We'll head home now, mum. I'm sorry about those two.' Harry nodded at Sirius and his father, who were leaning on each other and looking like they'd consumed far too much alcohol.
'Yes, well. They're going to regret it tomorrow, that's for sure.' Lily growled before smiling at Harry and Susan.
'We'll see you at home.' Lily said before turning to take James by the ear, eliciting a yelp as she dragged him away.
Harry turned to Susan, and she nodded.
A minute later they Flooed back to Potter Manor and Harry fell asleep in his bed a minute later while Susan slept in her guest room next to his.