Disclaimer: I own none of the things you already know of.
Harry Potter and the Smallest Change.
Chapter 07. Summer. 1992.
The train ride was quiet as Harry sat in their cabin, telling Susan, Hannah, and Daphne about the discussion he'd had with Neville the night before.
'Wait, You-Know-Who is still alive?' Daphne gasped.
'Dumbledore told him that?' Hannah asked, her eyes wide.
'Wait, did he say that You-Know-Who was possessing Professor Quirrell all year?' Susan asked, and the three girls paled.
Harry blinked and ran a hand through his hair.
'Yeah, when you put it that way, we were taught by a Dark Lord all year. I wonder how much he had to restrain himself? I mean, murdering a bunch of kids probably would have been tempting for him.' Harry mused, and Daphne threw a cauldron cake at him.
'Harry, be serious. This is scary.' She hissed and glared at him when he caught the cake and took a bite.
'I know it is Daphne. This is me trying to make it less scary. And failing, obviously.' He trailed off at the glares from each of the three.
Susan sighed.
'So, what are we going to do about this?' she asked, and everyone looked at her.
'What?' Susan asked, glancing between the three sets of eyes locked on her.
Harry laughed.
'Well, now I suppose we tell our families. We can't do much about You-Know-Who still being alive. But we're all from influential families.' Harry mused, and Hannah clicked her fingers.
'Of course, if our families work together, maybe we can make it harder for You-Know-Who to return.' She declared, and Harry smiled.
'I think that's a good start. Our families working together in the Wizengamot will be sure to make waves.' Harry said, but gave a soft smile to Daphne.
'But I know that right now that might be difficult for all of us. So, all we can do is try. We tell our families what happened and go from there.' He said, and the girls nodded.
Daphne looked at the floor.
'I'm sorry guys, I don't think I'll be able to convince my father to work with your parents.' She said, and Hannah, who sat beside her, wrapped an arm around her shoulder.
'It's okay Daphne. Like Harry said, all we can do is try. No one can ask more than that.' The bubbly blonde said, and the Slytherin nodded.
'Yeah, I suppose you're right.' She murmured, but melted into the embrace.
Susan looked out of the window and Harry followed her gaze.
He saw London in the distance.
'Okay guys, I'm going to leave you to get changed. I'll come back in a few minutes.' He stood and left the cabin.
Harry stepped off the Hogwarts Express an hour later, Susan, Hannah, and Daphne around him. Harry saw Remus and Sirius waiting for them on the far side of the platform.
Holly held Orion's hand and stood beside Remus while Charlus stood on Sirius' side. The two Marauders were joking around and pointing at the train, not having seen Harry and the others yet.
Daphne turned to the others.
'Have a pleasant summer, I expect letters.' The Slytherin declared and the other girls smirked while Harry nodded.
Daphne hugged the girls, then embraced Harry.
'I'm going to miss you.' She murmured, and he squeezed her tighter before he pulled away with a grin.
'Me too Daphne. Enjoy the time with your sister. I know you two are close.' Harry whispered and Daphne nodded, a wide smile on her face.
With a wave, Daphne left the group to find her parents. Harry turned to the group and Hannah leapt on Susan, pulling her into a hug.
Once Hannah was finished with Susan, she pulled Harry into a hug.
'Look after Susan over the summer, won't you?' she asked, and Harry nodded.
'Always, she's family. I'll always look after her.' He said, and Hannah pulled away from their embrace, a strange expression on her face. She almost looked sad.
Hannah stepped away from the two.
'Have a good summer, both of you. Send me letters, okay?' she said before turning and dragged her trunk into the crowded mass of people.
'Harry.' Hermione's voice called from behind and he turned as the bushy haired witch pushed through the crowd, out of breath.
Hermione pulled him into an awkward hug, which he returned.
'Thank you.' She whispered, her cheeks red, before she pulled away.
Harry turned to Neville, who gave him a sullen nod, while Ron ate a cauldron cake. Harry smiled and shook his head at the red-haired boy.
The three Gryffindors moved away, but Harry found himself in another hug, this one threatening to suffocate him.
'Harry, I missed you so much.' Holly said, as she squeezed him.
'Air.' He gasped as he looked around for help, only to see Sirius and Remus laughing at him while Susan covered a smirk with her hand.
Finally, Holly released him enough to breathe, and she pulled the smirking Susan into the hug along with her.
Remus stepped forward and put a hand on Harry's and Susan's shoulders.
'We're all having dinner at Potter Manor, but you guys are headed home first.' He said the last part to Susan, who nodded.
Harry watched as a jovial Sirius led Susan and Orion away and, after sending Susan through the Floo, apparated away with Orion, who was still too young to use the Floo by himself.
Remus, with Charlus attached to his leg, grinned down at Harry, who had Holly attached to him.
'Okay, you two, we're headed back to your place. Your parents were too busy today, unfortunately.' The werewolf explained, and Harry shrugged.
That evening, after dinner, the extended family sat in the lounge as Sirius and James grinned at Harry and Susan.
'So how was your year?' James asked and Sirius scoffed.
'Forget that. Did you see any good pranks?' Sirius asked and James nodded beside him, apparently having decided Sirius' question was better.
Susan leant forward and grinned.
'Well, Harry had an eventful time protecting the Philosopher's Stone from You-Know-Who's spirit.' She said, and the room fell quiet. Harry stared at her before he face palmed.
They'd sent letters to their family about it, but the adults had asked them to not tell the younger ones.
Susan turned red as the attention of the room fell on her, the adults held expressions of disbelief while the children's faces held confusion.
'That, is not a topic for the younger ones to hear. So perhaps we talk about your finals?' Amelia suggested and Susan nodded, then looked down at the floor, as if she took an intense interest in it.
Harry lay a hand on her shoulder before he looked around at the extended family.
'Finals were okay. We spent a lot of time in the library studying before them.' Harry started, then frowned.
'I almost think the exams went too well, they seemed easy so I'm a little suspicious.' He admitted and Susan turned to him, her blush mostly gone.
'No, you're just so far ahead that they seem easy to you. Hannah and I had to really try with those exams. Without your help, I don't think we would have done so well.' Susan asserted, and Harry shrugged.
The rest of the night passed with the extended family catching up after two of them had been away for so long. But it wasn't long before the children got too tired to continue and everyone turned in for the night.
The next morning, Harry finished his morning routine, covered in sweat. Holly stood beside him in much the same condition. The two stared out over the pond and toward the snow-capped mountains in the distance.
'Holly, I'm impressed you kept up your exercise while I was at school.' He grinned, catching his breath as his muscles ached.
'Of course I did. It turns out I actually enjoy doing this routine. It helped to keep my mind off you being gone.' Holly admitted between taking large gulps of the cool morning air.
'I figured you two would be out here.' James said from behind and they both turned to face him.
'Sit down you two.' James said as he sat on the green grass.
Harry and Holly took a seat in front of him.
'What did we do wrong?' Harry asked, and James laughed for a moment before he sighed.
'No, you did nothing wrong.' James said and looked hard at Holly for a few seconds.
James sighed again and looked back at Harry.
'I want you to tell me everything you can think of about the Philosopher's Stone incident.' He said and Harry sighed and nodded.
Holly watched Harry with wide eyes as he related everything he could think of about the incident to the two of them.
As Harry spoke, Holly took his hand and squeezed it. He turned a smile toward her for a moment before he continued.
When Harry finished, he held a white-faced Holly into his chest as she clutched at him.
James closed his eyes and ran both hands through his hair, then he opened them, and brown eyes met green.
'Do you want to increase your training?' James asked and Harry blinked.
'Yes.' Harry replied, succinct.
James stood and waved his wand, he conjured a pile of small rocks, each the size of a golf ball.
'Your job is to dodge, like you did in your Christmas break.' James said, before turning to Holly.
'Holly, I need you to help me out. You need to throw these stones at your brother.' He said, and Holly's eyes grew wide.
Harry laughed and kissed Holly's brow, then stood. He moved to stand in front of the pond about ten metres away.
'Ready?' Harry asked and Holly nodded, holding a stone in her hand.
Her green eyes met his, filled with worry.
'It's okay Holly, I need your help with this.' Harry said, and she nodded, though she still looked like she had misgivings.
An hour later, Harry collapsed to the ground, covered in sweat, and he struggled to catch his breath. Holly wore a wide smile as she threw a final rock that hit his foot. James had been tossing Stinging Hexes instead of Tickling Charms this time and the extra motivation pushed Harry further than he thought possible.
James conjured a towel and Holly took it before she ran to kneel beside Harry and wiped his brow.
Harry watched as James moved over to sit near his children.
'Harry, every day you can avoid every rock and spell, we'll move a metre closer.' James said, and Harry gave a weary nod before his head fell back on the cool grass.
'I'm proud of you. I'm proud of how you protected your friends and how you thought through the problem and came up with solutions instead of rushing in like I would have as a kid.' James said, a small smile on his face.
'You would still do that now, Dad.' Harry groaned.
James laughed.
'Once a Gryffindor, always a Gryffindor, I suppose.' James grinned.
Harry tried to laugh, but could only cough as he regained his breath.
The three sat in silence for a minute before James shifted.
'Is there anything you want to do over the summer?' he asked, and Harry met his gaze.
'I have an invitation to visit Fleur's family in France at some stage, which I would like to do.' Harry said and James blinked.
'How is an international Portkey organised?' Harry continued, still lying on the grass.
James smirked.
'You must have done something right if you were invited to the Ambassador's estate.' James said, a twinkle in his eyes.
Harry shrugged.
'Fleur is my friend.' Harry said as if it answered everything, which in his mind it did.
James laughed.
'Okay kid, discuss with your friend when the best time is for her, and I'll get the Portkey sorted.' James grinned and stood.
James left the two siblings and walked toward the Manor, chuckling all the way back.
Harry turned to Holly.
'Do you know what he was on about?' he asked, and she shrugged, then pulled him up on his feet.
'You need a shower.' She said, crinkling her nose.
A week later, James and Harry stood on a hill that overlooked Potter Manor and the grounds. Held between the two was a piece of rope.
Harry frowned at the piece of rope with a healthy dose of suspicion.
James grinned.
'The rope is the Portkey. This one will take us directly to Delacour Mansion in France.' James looked at his watch before he grinned at Harry.
'Hold on to your breakfast.' James said and Harry glared at him as a strange hook-like sensation grasped his navel and pulled him from his home in a flash of sound and light.
It seemed like only moments later when the swirling sounds and lights stopped.
Harry opened his eyes to find he was lying on green grass in a heap while James stood beside him, cackling.
Harry smelt a soft pine scent in the air and felt a warm breeze brush past his face.
He looked around.
They were on a hill overlooking an impressive white stone mansion which stood a hundred metres away. Trees surrounded the mansion on three sides.
They were on the only side of the mansion without trees.
As his gaze roamed, in the distance, he saw a shining blue lake glittering in the sun. There was not even a single cloud in the sky, and he stared at the lake, he'd never seen one so large and inviting.
He pushed himself up to his feet and brushed himself off as his father laughed at him. James flicked his wand and cleaned him off.
Harry turned back to the mansion and saw four figures, three with silver hair that shone in the bright sunlight and one with dark hair.
In the middle of the three silver haired figures stood Fleur. He could tell it was her, even from a hundred metres away. Her beaming smile stood out like a beacon.
On Fleur's right stood a girl who looked a lot like Fleur and seemed about the same age, but with Veela, you couldn't tell until they hit their maturity. Harry assumed the other girl, almost a mirror image of Fleur, was her sister Gabrielle.
On Fleur's left stood a tall woman, who looked like an older Fleur. She was beautiful, even from this distance.
Beside the woman stood Dominique. He wore a smile that Harry could see from that distance with ease.
A few minutes later, Harry stood in front of the assembled Delacour family, James beside him. James gave a small bow, which Harry hurriedly mirrored.
A flash of a smile crossed Fleur's parents' faces at the slight awkwardness of Harry's bow.
'Lord Potter.' Dominique greeted and shook James' hand before he turned to Harry.
'Harry.' The older man said with a smile and Harry grinned, shaking his hand.
'Dominique, I'm glad to see you again and to finally meet your family.' Harry said and missed James' wide eyes at the informality.
Dominique gestured to the woman beside him.
'This is my lovely wife, Apolline, and my youngest daughter, Gabrielle. Fleur, you already know.' Dominique grinned and Harry leant over and kissed Apolline's outstretched hand.
'It is a pleasure to meet you all. Fleur has told me so much about you.' Harry said.
Dominique grinned and turned to James.
'Lord Potter, may I show you around while Harry and Fleur catch up?' the Ambassador asked, and James nodded.
'Just James, sir. I try to avoid political situations if I can.' James admitted and Dominique chuckled.
'James then, let's head inside.' Dominique smiled and turned to a pouting Gabrielle.
Apolline knelt beside Gabrielle.
'The Potters will be here all-day honey, so you'll have plenty of time to get to know Harry.' Apolline said in French and took the youngest Veela's hand.
With a final pout, Gabrielle walked with her mother and disappeared through the door into the mansion.
James gave Harry a wink before he followed Dominique inside.
Harry smiled at Fleur, and she took his hand.
''Arry, it is so good to see you again.' She murmured, and Harry grinned.
'It's wonderful to be here. It's so warm and your descriptions of this place didn't do it justice, its beautiful here.' Harry smiled as he met her cerulean gaze.
She smiled back, then tugged at his hand.
'Come, I will show you the grounds of the estate. There is much to show you.' She grinned, and Harry could almost feel her enthusiasm.
Together, the two walked the grounds of the Delacour estate.
They always stayed within sight of the mansion and Fleur showed him the stables, filled with horses.
She led him to a particularly impressive chestnut-coloured horse.
Harry stared at the massive creature. It was taller than him and he marvelled at the shine of its coat.
''ere 'Arry. Use this.' Fleur handed him a brush, and with her own, she ran the brush down the magnificent creature's coat.
Harry copied her motions. The chestnut-coloured horse turned its black eyes on him and blew out through its lips, shaking its long black mane.
'It's stunning.' Harry breathed, he'd never seen a horse before.
Fleur beamed at him, her blue eyes sparkling.
''is name is Ganache, Gabrielle named 'im.' She said, and Harry stared into Ganache's dark eyes and felt an intelligence in them he rarely saw in magical creatures, let alone mundane ones.
'He is wonderful.' Harry marvelled, still brushing the marvellous coat.
Fleur put a hand over Harry's, stopping him from brushing further.
'Come, there is much more to show you before we return to the others.' Fleur said, and Harry nodded.
With a last look at Ganache, Harry followed Fleur out of the stables, hand in hand.
She led him through multi-coloured gardens that held wonderful aromas.
'Tell me about your school. You 'ave mentioned it in your letters, but it is not the same.' She asked, and Harry smiled.
He told her of the imposing power projected by the school, the heavy stone that made up the battlements. He told her of the dark corridors and the pervading sense of magic in the air.
As they talked, she led him to a boulder overlooking the lake in the distance. Behind them, trees obscured the mansion and made the area feel like a hidden glade.
'Tell me about your adventures. Again, the letters cannot do them justice.' She asked and Harry gave a soft smile. She squeezed his hand.
He told her of the Troll, then the incident involving the Philosopher's Stone. Harry looked down at her hand as she clutched his, her knuckles white.
He looked up into her tear-filled eyes and pulled her into an embrace.
'I'm sorry Fleur, I didn't mean to upset you.' He murmured, and she wrapped her arms around him.
Sobs wracked her body as she cried into his chest.
Her tears soaked through his tight shirt, and he rubbed her back. He murmured soothing words into her ear, like he did with Holly when she was upset.
'I don't want to lose my best friend.' She whispered and tightened her grip on him.
'You're my best friend.' She repeated, and Harry squeezed her shoulders.
'You won't lose me, Fleur. I practice every day so that I can protect the people I care most about.' He whispered and paused for a moment before he pulled away to meet her teary gaze.
'You are one of those people.' He said, and she stared deep into his eyes.
She nodded.
'I will hold you to that Harry.' She said with a small smile.
Harry smiled back.
'How did your year go? You don't write much about your time there. Only what everything looks like.' Harry said, and her bright eyes faded. Her hold on him tightened.
Fleur sighed, she looked away for a moment before she took a deep breath and met his gaze.
'My year mates exclude me. They do not let me sit with them or join them in activities. They call me names and treat me like I am beneath them. I am alone at Beauxbatons.' She murmured; her eyes never left his.
Her once vibrant blue eyes grew dull, and Harry saw the sadness in them.
'Only the Professors talk to me, but they cannot stop the girls from calling me names and excluding me from study groups. They do not do it while the Professors are around, of course.' Fleur said, and Harry pulled her into a hug again.
He rubbed her back with one hand and stroked her hair with the other.
'Your classmates must be stupid. They have to be, to be mean to such a great person like you.' Harry said, and she pulled away.
She looked into his eyes.
'Why are you so nice to me? The other boys tell me they do not want to 'ang out with a leetle girl and the other girls are just mean.' She asked, and Harry's heart broke as he held Fleur in his arms.
'Fleur, we've been sending letters to each other for more than a year now.' He said, and she nodded.
'In that time, I've gotten to know you. You're brilliant and kind. You love your family and I know you would do anything for them.' Harry continued, and she nodded again.
Harry smiled.
'Thanks to the book you gave me about Veela, I understand a little about why you look younger than me, and that's fine. It's a part of you, that's not something you can change, nor do I think you should want to.' He continued and let out a breath.
'What I'm trying to say is that you're one of my best friends, even though we have only spent time together in person a few times, I feel like we know each other more than almost anybody else.' He admitted with a small smile.
Fleur blinked at him, tears in her eyes, and threw her arms around him.
'Thank you, Harry. You're so good to me, I don't know what I did to deserve you.' She whispered into his neck, and he smiled.
'You were just yourself.' He said and held her until she released him a few minutes later.
Once she released him and wiped her tears away, she smiled at him.
'Should we re-join the others? I would like to show you our 'ome.' She said and Harry smiled.
'Not just yet. I wanted to tell you about something I've been working on.' He said.
She cocked her head to the side.
'What is it?' she asked, a little light returned to her cerulean eyes.
'My dad and uncle have enchanted mirrors they used in school to communicate during detentions.' Harry started, and her eyes widened.
'I think we could make our own so that we can communicate with them instead of using letters constantly.' He continued, and she frowned.
'Why not use your Papa's?' she asked, and Harry laughed.
'I am worried that they'd listen in to our conversations or something. Those two are always playing pranks and getting up to no good.' He grinned, and she nodded.
She turned her gaze toward the lake in the distance and stared at its glittering surface. Harry followed her gaze and noticed dozens of tiny muggle boats on the surface.
Harry watched her and would swear that he could hear the gears turning in her mind.
Fleur turned away from the lake and met his gaze.
'I think we should do it. We will learn 'ow to create these mirrors and then we can talk to each other every night.' She declared, and Harry grinned.
The two spent the next few hours on the rock, discussing how they could create the mirrors and get them to work over such a long distance. But Harry's stomach grumbled, distracting them.
Harry blushed.
'Sorry.' He mumbled, and she laughed.
It was the first time he could remember hearing it, and the sound brought a smile to his face. Her laugh was wild and free, filled with joy, and he couldn't help but feel happy.
'We should 'ead in and see the others. I'm sure they are wondering where we 'ad gone.' Fleur said, grinning widely as she watched him rub the back of his head.
'I suppose you're right. I hope they're not worried.' Harry said and Fleur took his hand.
'Non, I think Papa will know we are fine.' Fleur led them away from the rock and toward the mansion.
As they walked and the mansion loomed over them at their approach, Harry looked over at Fleur, who wore a wide smile.
'Your English has gotten much better since Christmas.' Harry said, and she beamed at him.
'You noticed?' she asked.
'I 'ad Maman enchant my mirror to speak to me in English to 'elp me. Like you said your Papa did for you.' She admitted and Harry laughed.
'Well, he wasn't exactly doing me a favour, it was a prank because I didn't know any French at the time.' Harry grinned, and she blinked.
'But that is 'orrible.' She gasped, and Harry laughed.
'Oh, it was annoying for sure. Having to learn a new language to figure out how my mirror was insulting my hair this time. But it had its uses.' He finished with a smile, and she nodded, returning the smile.
'Oui, I suppose you are right. Now, let us 'urry back, there is more to show you.' She said and pulled him toward the mansion looming over them.
She opened the door, and he followed her inside.
Harry stared at the room. The inside of the mansion was sheer opulence and Harry could hardly believe such a place existed.
Potter Manor was large and had been in the family for over a thousand years, but in terms of sheer grandeur, it was outmatched by far by Delacour Manor.
Harry gaped as the entry hall was about ten metres wide and twenty long. The entire room was decorated with white marble, flecks of blacks and greys wound throughout the room, which gave the room an almost royal appearance. Gold trimming lined the room and drew the eye to carved designs in the marble that met the architraves along the ceiling.
Harry stared at the room and Fleur let out a short giggle as she tugged at Harry's hand.
'You act as though you've never seen a Manor before. Do you not live in one?' she asked, and Harry chuckled.
'Well, yes I do. But this is stunning. It's so much more elegant than my place.' Harry admitted, and Fleur beamed at him.
'You like it?' she asked, and he grinned.
'It's amazing.' He asserted.
'You don't think it's too much?' she asked, her voice held hesitation in it.
Harry stopped his examination of the room and turned to Fleur.
'No, I don't. This is another part of you, Fleur. You don't have to be embarrassed about it.' He said, and she met his gaze again.
'Are you sure?' she asked, her voice quiet.
'Of course.' He smiled and squeezed her hand.
'Now, are you going to show me around?' he asked, and she nodded, her smile returning.
She led him through a door on the right of the entrance hall that led to another room. The only way he could describe this room was that it was a staircase room.
In front of them, an ornate staircase led up to the next floor, before it branched off both left and right.
'The stairs to the right lead to my room and Gabrielle's room, along with a few guest rooms.' Fleur said, pointing up and to the right.
'Maman and Papa's room is to the left, along with a dozen other rooms.' She gestured vaguely up the left side of the staircase.
The ornate stairs were about three metres wide and kept to that size when they branched off in either direction. They were made of the same marble as most of the rest of the house as far as Harry could see. Above the stairs was a wide window that showed the brilliant blue sky outside.
The walls held paintings of landscapes and people in heroic poses. Most looked to be muggle artwork.
Harry followed Fleur as she led him through the room, they moved past plinths that held ancient looking urns and statuettes. He paused next to a statue of a robed and winged woman holding a spear in one hand and a lion pelt in the other, made entirely of gold.
But Fleur pulled him forward, and he hurried to catch up.
She led him through a set of doors and entered a dining room. It was smaller than he expected, it held a table for ten and decorative works of art hung from the walls. The room had marble floors and warm wood walls.
Sitting at the table were Dominique and Apolline on one side, with Gabrielle. Opposite them sat James.
The adults all looked grim, and Gabrielle wore a confused expression.
The occupants of the room turned toward the two, their hands still held together, and a wide smile grew on Gabrielle's face.
'Fleur, are you and Harry getting married?' the youngest Veela asked, voice full of excitement and innocence.
Harry and Fleur both blushed while James laughed.
'Gabrielle, you can't ask questions like that.' Apolline scolded but could not hide the grin she wore.
The room fell silent except for James' not so silent chuckles.
Apolline cleared her throat. She sent a glare toward Gabrielle before she smiled at Harry.
'How did you like the grounds, Harry?' she asked, her sky-blue eyes twinkling.
Fleur led Harry to sit beside James and took a seat beside him, facing her parents.
'You have a wonderful estate, but I think I like the boulder overlooking the lake the most.' He said then blinked in surprise as the elder Delacour's gave him knowing grins, while Fleur blushed beside him.
'That spot has always been Fleur's favourite as well.' Apolline explained and Harry turned a grin to Fleur whose blush receded, and she returned the grin.
Dominique cleared his throat, the grim expression they'd all worn earlier returning.
'I'm sorry, Harry, to jump to the chase as it were. But I would like to hear from you what happened at the end of your school year.' The man asked and Fleur gasped beside him, her hand held his tight under the table.
Harry grimaced, not wanting to tell the story again so soon, but unable to refuse.
'Should Gabrielle hear it too?' He asked, and Gabrielle bristled.
He smiled at her.
'My sister Holly wasn't told the full story straight away either.' Harry explained to the youngest Veela, and she beamed at him.
Gabrielle turned toward her parents, who shared a look that carried a conversation.
'You can stay Gabrielle.' Apolline said, though she looked like she'd rather send her away.
Gabrielle grinned and wrapped her arms around her mother's waist.
Harry sighed and told the story of the Philosopher's Stone incident. Dominique stopped him multiple times to explain what Harry thought of as minor details, but Dominique gave a solemn nod after each explanation.
After retelling the story, Harry let out a deep sigh and felt drained. A small hand squeezed his, and he smiled at Fleur. He squeezed her hand before he turned back to Dominique.
Dominique sighed and ran a hand down his face while he held Apolline's hand with his spare one.
'You must understand why we had to tell you?' James said and Dominique sighed again, nodding.
'Officially, I can't do anything to assist in the destruction of the Dark Lord, not until the British Ministry admits to his continued existence.' Dominique explained, looking pained.
James cringed.
'That's unlikely, with Minister Fudge in power. It is an open secret that Lucius Malfoy bribes him and so the Minister does what he says.' James admitted and Dominique groaned.
'I knew about the bribery, but I've never been able to prove it. But with the Dark Lord still alive, in some manner, there are bigger issues.' Dominique said.
Dominique smiled at Harry before turning back to James.
'Harry seems to have played a part in stopping the Dark Lord on this occasion. From the story and my own impressions, the Boy-Who-Lived doesn't seem to be a highly trained young man who could conceivably defeat the Dark Lord were he to return.' Dominique looked at Harry, a question in his eyes.
Harry gave a slow nod.
'Neville has been trained, but as a student, he is likely about fifth overall and so far, doesn't show any extraordinary powers.' Harry said, then paused and frowned at the dark wooden tabletop.
He ran a finger along the polished surface.
'Since Neville came to me for help, it's probably likely that he is, above average, even with his extra training.' He admitted and Dominique nodded as if he had come to the same conclusion as Harry.
Dominique smiled at Harry and turned to James.
'I hope it is not beyond my place, but I would ask that Harry joins us here at this estate a few times over the summer for some special training.' He asked, taking great care with his wording.
'If Hogwarts has been hosting the Dark Lord for a full year, who knows what the next year will bring. I would feel more comfortable if I could put Harry through his paces, so to speak.' Dominique continued, then sent a small smirk to Fleur.
'I am sure that Fleur would appreciate having a friend nearby as well.' He added.
James stared at Dominique.
Harry grinned at Fleur's hopeful expression and squeezed her hand; she turned a beaming smile toward him before she turned it toward her father.
'Y-yes, of course. That would be great.' James stuttered; his eyes wide.
'Thanks dad.' Harry whispered so only James could hear.
His father only nodded.
The rest of the day saw the two families getting to know each other and before Harry knew it, the sun was disappearing behind the mountains.
Dominique shook James' hand as the two families walked outside to stand in front of the mansion.
'Until the end of the summer, I hope Harry will join us every Saturday. The rest of the Potters are more than welcome to join us as well.' Dominique said, before he smiled at Harry and Fleur.
'I would like to strengthen our family's bonds for the future.' He continued, and Harry saw both James and Dominique look toward him and Fleur.
Harry blinked. What did that have to do with them? Wasn't the Dark Lord the one they were joining to face?
Harry hugged Fleur goodbye.
'We'll work together on the mirrors and get them working, but until then, we at least have Saturday's together.' He said, and she beamed at him.
'Come on kiddo, we have to go, or your mother will worry.' James said a few metres away.
Harry nodded and released Fleur to join his father.
They held the rope and Harry watched Fleur's face fall before the strange hook-like sensation tugged his navel and he returned home in a wash of light and sound.
The rest of the summer passed with Harry and Holly spending almost every waking moment together. Every Saturday, Harry went to the Delacour's estate, joined by Holly and one of his parents.
He loved seeing Holly and Gabrielle become friends and his parents grew closer to the elder Delacour's.
A few times, all the Potters went to Delacour estate and Harry loved seeing both Lily and Apolline rolling their eyes at James and Dominique's antics as they grew closer and relaxed away from their jobs.
Apolline and Lily were both enchanters and found they had a lot in common. Harry and Fleur often sat in on their conversations when Dominique and James weren't testing Harry's limits with different training exercises.
Harry's birthday came and Fleur gave him an emerald pendant with small runes etched into its surface for protection and Harry loved it, he never removed it.
The summer break passed quickly and soon it was time for Harry to return to Hogwarts, but this time, Holly was joining him.