Hey, everyone! Mystery Critic here, back at ya with another chapter of Ma Fleur, Ma Ange, Mon Tout! I am so happy with the amount of popularity this story has garnered. Over 1,000 favorites, and since chapter sixteen, over 1,500 followers! I am so blown away at how much this story is loved. When I first started it, I only pictured the popularity of my other stories, just a couple dozen people enjoying it. I never imagined this story could ever become this loved, and it makes me so happy to see how many of you want to see more. I will try my best to continue to make a story you can all enjoy. Anyone who wants to be a beta, the position is still available. Anywho, I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the rights affiliated with it. With that being said, grab your Lemon Drops, grab your Pumpkin Juice, and let's dive right into chapter seventeen!

Chapter 17

Italics – French

The next few weeks pass by in a dull lull for Harry, the Tri-Wizard Tournament on everyone's minds. Harry walks into the Great Hall for lunch on the 30th of October, the delegations from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang would be arriving later that day. Harry couldn't keep the grin off his face. 'She'll be here in just a few hours!' Harry thinks, his grin widening even further as he sits down at the table and grabs a few pieces of baked chicken.

"Hey, mate!" Ron says, sitting next to Harry and clapping a hand on his back. "What's got you grinning like a loon?"

"Honestly, Ron!" Hermione sighs, shaking her head. "Beauxbatons and Durmstrang arrive tonight."

"So?" Ron asks, snagging a piece of chicken off of Harry's plate and taking a bite from it.

"So, who goes to Beauxbatons?" She asks, exasperated.

"Um, French people?" Ron mumbles through a mouthful of chicken.

Smacking Ron in the back of the head, Hermione huffs in annoyance; "Fleur goes to Beauxbatons, Ronald! Remember, Harry's girlfriend?"

"Oh, right," Ron says in embarrassment, swallowing the bite of chicken. "Sorry about that, Harry."

"It's alright, Ron.' Harry says, pushing the plate towards Ron, a dreamy expression on his face. "Honestly, not even Malfoy could ruin this day for me."

"You sure about that, mate?" Ron says, pointing towards the approaching Malfoy, flanked by Crabbe and Goyle. "Isn't there a Muggle phrase about not tempting fate, or something?"

"Well, Potter," Malfoy says, crossing his arms in front of his chest. "I bet despite the Ministry's restriction, you're going to find some way to weasel your way into this tournament, aren't you? Always trying to hog the spotlight, isn't that right?"

"Hm?" Harry hums, turning towards Malfoy and his cronies. "Sorry Malfoy, I didn't see you there. Did you say something?"

"What?!" Malfoy snaps, turning red. "How dare you ignore me!"

"Why wouldn't I, Malfoy? You're not even a fly to me." Harry yawns, waving his hand in dismissal. "Shoo, shoo. You're bothering me."

Sputtering and turning even redder, Malfoy fumbles through his robes and starts to pull out his wand, getting it halfway from within its confines before Harry's hand is an inch from his face, lightning coalescing around it threateningly.

"Give me a reason, Malfoy," Harry whispers venomously, the lightning flaring and crackling in a ring on the ground around the rivals. "I'm begging you."

"Mr. Potter, lower your hand this instant!" Snape calls out, walking up to the pair. "Mr. Malfoy, hand off of your wand!"

Lowering his hand slowly, Harry glares daggers at the other boy and steps away, the lightning still crackling at his feet. Malfoy slowly pulls his hand out of his robes and glares back before turning to Snape; "Professor, he started it all!"

"Mr. Malfoy, I saw the entire thing," Snape says, glowering at his godson. "You were already reaching for your wand before Mr. Potter raised his hand. Since no spell was cast, I will warn both of you this time. Do not let me catch either of you instigating a fight again, am I understood?"

"Yes sir," Harry says, nodding at him in thanks before sitting back down and leaning on his hand, a goofy smile slipping back onto his face. Malfoy turns on his heel and storms out of the Great Hall after throwing one last glare at Harry.

"Mr. Potter," Snape says monotonously, looking down at him.

"Yes, professor?" Harry asks, turning towards him.

"I would like for you to meet me in my office before the other schools arrive." He says, turning away. "I need to discuss your potions studies with you."

"Yes, sir,"

Standing up, Harry walks towards the doors of the Great Hall before turning back to his friends; "I'm going to go read ahead for the syllabus a bit in the library if you need me."

"Good job, Harry!" Hermione praises, beaming up at him. "I'm so happy to see you taking your studies seriously this year!"

"Oi, mate!" Ron whines humorously. "We already have a Hermione around. Why would we need another?"

As Hermione slaps Ron on the back of his head, Harry points towards her; "Well, firstly, that." He chuckles. Hermione turns her glare onto him and Harry holds up his hands in surrender. "Second, my girlfriend would immolate me if I didn't, so... Yeah."

Turning around, Harry walks out of the Great Hall and makes his way to the library, spending the next few hours there. As he turns to grab another book from his stack, someone taps Harry on the shoulder. Turning to greet them, he sees Colin Creevey greet him excitedly; "Hi, Harry!"

"Hey, Colin," Harry answers, a smile on his face. "Do you need anything?"

"Oh, right!" He says, smacking himself gently on his forehead. "Professor Snape sent me to fetch you!"

"Thanks, Colin." After stretching, Harry stands up. "I must've lost track of time. I'll head there now."

"Want me to put your books away for you, Harry?" Colin asks excitably. "I don't mind."

"Thanks, Colin. I've got it, though." Harry waves his hand towards the books and they fly back onto their proper shelves gently. "Thanks for letting me know. See you around."

Walking out of the library and nodding to Madame Pince on his way out. Taking one or two of the numerous internal secret passageways of the castle, Harry arrives at the door to the dungeons a few minutes later. Raising his hand, he knocks on the door to the potion's classroom.

"Come in, Mr. Potter," Snape calls through the door. Walking in, Harry sits down in front of the professor's desk. "I sent Mr. Creevey to fetch you because your mother had a habit of forgetting appointments, as well."

"To be honest, I actually did lose track of time, Professor," Harry says sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. "I was in the library, reading ahead on this year's courses."

"Quite wise of you, Mr. Potter." Snape nods approvingly, waving his wand. A tray of drinks flies onto the desk from the other room. "Pumpkin juice?"

"Thank you, sir." Harry accepts, taking one of the cups.

"I wanted to talk to you about the confrontation in the Great Hall," He says, pouring himself a glass of what Harry assumes is an alcoholic drink. "That was a very impressive piece of magic you displayed with Mr. Malfoy."

"Thank you, sir," Harry says, thinking for a moment before holding his hand out. "Can I have your arm for a moment, sir?"

Raising an eyebrow, Snape extends his right arm towards Harry's. He gently grasps his forearm and places his hand underneath Snape's, glowing bright blue as pure magic swirled around the pair.

"So, I have a few messages from my mother, sir." He says, the magic swirling faster around them. "First, my father realized only after everything that happened after school that he was a complete prat and a bully, and he was sorrier thank you could ever know. It was his biggest regret, actually, and she wants you to forgive him, for her. Secondly..."

Shimmering tendrils of energy spiral into the palm of Snape's hand, slowly forming into the shape of a doe. Snape's eyes widen as the miniature deer shakes it's head and stands up, looking around. "Lily..." Snape whispers as the doe hops off of his hand and bounces around the office for a few moments before settling down on his desk and drifting off to sleep. Snape looks back down at the young man in front of him, tears streaming down his face as Harry smiles warmly at him. "How did you..."

"I met her, sir," Harry says, explaining the training he has been undergoing with Merlin, as well as the resultant meeting with his mother.

Flashback, a few weeks prior...

"Merlin, I'm here!" Harry calls out, stretching his arms into the air and groaning. "What are we learning today?"

Feeling the man Shimmer into existence behind him, Harry spins around, lightning already forming on his hand. A staff stops his hand as Harry notices a second person next to Merlin.

"Oh, sorry, I didn't... Mom?" Harry says, his eyes widening. He straightens up, walking up to him and raising his hand to her cheek, feeling her solid cheek. "It's really... It's really you..."

"Yes, darling." She says, smiling brightly as she wraps her arms around him. "It's really me."

Hugging her tightly, Harry mutters into her shoulder; "How is this possible?"

"Really?" Merlin asks, raising an eyebrow. "I mean, it IS me, ya know. I can do pretty much anything."

"Shut up, old man." Harry and Lily retort simultaneously, delving into laughter.

"You are definitely my child," Lily says, giggling at their antics.

"Is dad coming?" Harry asks hopefully.

"Not this time, sweetie," Lily said, trying to smooth his hair down. "Oh, bollocks, I could never tame your father's hair, either."

"It drives Hermione spare." Harry chuckles. "You should have seen her last year when she threatened to cut it all off."

"I stopped counting the number of times I threatened your father with that." She smiles wistfully before cupping his cheeks. "Harry, I am so sorry you had to live with Petunia."

"It's okay, mum," Harry says, hugging her again. "It helped make me who I am. Plus, I never would have met Fleur if I didn't. Honestly, I think it was a small price to pay in the end."

"Speaking of," Lily smiles mischievously, causing Harry to gulp in fear. "I am so happy you've found such a wonderful woman to be with. Merlin has shown me everything, and I approve completely."

Breathing out a sigh of relief, Harry grins up at his mother; "Thanks, mum."

"Now, what would you like to talk to me about?" She asks, waving her wand and sitting down on one of the two conjured chairs. "I'm sure you have so many questions."

The next few hours are spent talking about Lily's childhood and school life, her romance with James Potter, and her friendship with Severus Snape.

"You forgave him a long time ago, didn't you?" Harry asks, placing a hand on his mother's hand comfortingly.

"Of course I did." She says, sniffling and wiping her tears away. "He may have called me that disgusting word, but he was my best friend. I wasn't going to stay mad at him forever, no matter what. I was going to talk to him again and try to bridge the gap between us, but he started avoiding me and spending more time with those Dark Arts buddies of his."

"Do you think he still blames himself?" Harry asks.

"I know he does, Harry." She sighs. "He would never have forgiven himself. I saw it in his eyes, he hated himself the moment he said it, but after he said it, the fight broke out. James attacked him, he retaliated, and then..."

"You guys stopped talking because he thought that you'd never want to talk to him again." Harry finishes for her.

"Exactly," She says, sighing. "He was in the wrong for what he did, but he was angry and already feeling weak, I think he just didn't want to feel any weaker. Your father's bullying of Severus was inexcusable as well, but your father really grew up after school and eventually started loathing himself for being such a tosser. It's his biggest regret besides not being able to watch you grow up."

"You want me to bring him a message, don't you?" Harry smiles.

"Yes, Harry." She smiles back, pulling her wand out. "Three of them, actually. In this order. One, tell him that James is sorrier than Severus will ever know. Ask him to forgive him, for me. To be the bigger person. Secondly, give him this. Expecto Patronum!"

A doe leaps from her wand and prances around them for a few moments before fading into mist and swirling into Harry's open hand before she smirks; "Finally..."

Flashback end...

"She wants you to forgive yourself for calling her what you did before she finds a way to come back and kick your arse so hard, you'll wish the Whomping Willow had more arms for breaking yours."

Snape stares incredulously at Harry for a few moments, tears falling down his cheeks before he chuckles. Continuing to chuckle, he throws his head back as they turn into a full belly laugh. "If it were anyone else, I would not have believed it," Snape begins, looking back at the boy who reminded him so much of Lily. "However, only Lily would be able to string together those words so vulgarly and still sound eloquent. Also, five points from Gryffindor for talking that way to a teacher."

"Professor, you wound me!" Harry gasps, feigning horror. "My mother made me do it!"

"I have no doubt in my mind she did, Mr. Potter." Snape chuckles, gesturing to the door. "I believe you have a loved one to greet. Off with you."

"Thank you, sir," Harry says, standing up. "Oh, and Professor?"

"Yes, Mr. Potter?"

"That's my mother's actual Patronus." He says, pointing to the shining blue doe. "As long as you're around, she will be, too. Have a good night, Professor."

Staring at the doe, Snape smiles and shakes his head, a few more tears falling down his cheeks. "You really are your mother, Harry..."

~Fleur~

Walking out into the courtyard of the Great hall, Harry slips into the crowd with the rest of Gryffindor and gently pushes forward to the front of the crowd, ready to burst with excitement. He wraps his arms around his two best friends. "Can you believe it? She's almost here!"

"Gerroff!" Ron chuckles, throwing Harry's arm off of his shoulder. "We're not all here to get tackled by our beautiful French girlfriends, ya know."

"She's not going to tackle me." Harry scoffs.

"A sickle says she does!" Ron says.

"I'm with Harry on this one," Dean says, nodding along with Seamus. "We'll get in on this and side with Harry."

"Boys..." Hermione mutters, shaking her head.

"Look, in the sky!" A student cries out, pointing into the sky out over the lake.

"Is that Beauxbatons?" Ron asks, smirking when Harry looks up at the sky. A few moments later, a house-sized carriage lands on the ground, enormous winged horses skidding to a stop in front of it. The door opens a few seconds later, the largest women most of the people in attendance had ever seen stepping out of the carriage She walks up to Dumbledore and holds her hand out in front of his face, the old man kissing it in greeting. Several dozen students pile out of the carriage following her, Harry flitting his eyes over the group of students. His eyes freeze on the hair of the woman who saved him, his breath hitching in his throat as shining emerald eyes connect with sparkling sapphire.

"'Arry!" Fleur squeals, running forward and tackling the raven-haired wizard to the ground, planting her lips firmly on his as she kisses him passionately. Pulling a coin out of his pocket, Harry throws it at Ron, a loud cry of pain coming from the direction he threw it. Harry threw up his middle finger briefly before wrapping his arms back around the blonde-haired beauty in his eyes.

"Ah, young love." Dumbledore sighs mirthfully, the rest of the adults chuckling in agreement. "Well, Miss Delacour, Mister Potter, if you wouldn't mind, you can continue that in the Great Hall. Now, Miss Delacour, if you wouldn't mind standing up with young Harry, we can all greet Durmstrang. Which I believe is arriving now."

"Um, sure Professor..." Harry says abashedly before Fleur pulls him to his feet. "Sorry about that, sir."

"No apology needed, Harry." He says, smiling and holding up a hand and pointing towards the Black Lake. "We were all young once."

A few minutes later, a haggard-looking man walks up to the Headmaster, nodding politely to him. "Good to see you again, Abus." He says, gesturing to the Great Hall. "Shall we?"

"Of course, Igor." He answers, turning with a jovial smile. "Let us all file into the Great Hall, where our elves have worked quite hard to provide dishes from all of our homelands for us."

The mass of people walk into the Hall, Beauxbatons sitting at the Gryffindor table and Durmstrang sitting with Slytherin House. Ron spots Victor Krum sitting stiffly as an excited Malfoy chatters in his ear. "That slimy little...!" Ron growls, pointing over to Malfoy and Krum. "He gets to talk with Victor bloody Krum!"

"Oh, is little Ronniekins..." One of the Weasley twins starts.

"...sad he didn't get a kiss from his boyfriend?" The other one finishes.

"Shove off, both of you!" Ron splutters, his face red in anger and embarrassment. "I am not in love with him!"

"Language, Ronald!" Hermione reprimands him, shaking her head. "Honestly, you boys are so uncouth."

"I don't know," Harry says, pulling Fleur into his lap and wrapping his arms around her waist, a squeak coming from her. "I quite enjoy the company we have."

"You aren't ze only one, 'Arry." Fleur purrs, wrapping her arms around his neck and laying her chin on top of his head. "I zink I found ze table I shall be enjoying every meal at."

"Oh, bloody hell!" Ron says, gagging noises spilling from his mouth, along with several other boys at the table. "Get a room, you two."

"Oh, believe me. I would enjoy nozzing more zan to get a room wiz zis wonderful man." Fleur laughs before her head snaps to Ron in realization. She looks around from boy to boy before realizing none of them have glassed over eyes, or drool on their chins. "Wait, how are you able to do that?"

"Do what?" Ron asks, looking at her confused.

"Be co'erent!" She says a smile plastered on her face. "You are talking to me, and you're not a drooling idiot!"

"Uh, why would I be?" Ron asks slowly.

"My passive allure! I am a veela!" She says, looking around at everyone, most of the female population glaring at her. "Non, you don't understand. It's the one part of my allure I cannot contain! I am over ze moon zat no one is drooling at me! It means zat zey are not affected by it! How..."

She turns to look at Harry who's leg had been bouncing nervously. He sees everyone staring at him and turns to look at Fleur, her eyes glued on him in shock; "'Arry, did you do something?"

"Well, I kinda put a sort of... magical dampening field around us." He explains nervously. "It's something I picked up, and magic that affects the mind is kind of... Trapped inside of it, I guess is the best way to explain it. Your allure won't affect anyone, no matter how much you release. I knew it's stressful for you to hold it in all the time, so I placed the rune for it on you when you tackled me. I know I should have asked you, and I probably made you mad, but I just didn't want you being uncomfortable like you always are. I'm really so-"

Harry's cut off as a pair of lips slam into his, Fleur holding his face as she does her best to suck his soul out through his lips. Harry pulls her closer, only to be interrupted a few moments later by a smirking Professor Dumbledore, glaring Professor McGonagall, and excitedly bouncing Professor Babbling. "Five points from Gryffindor for that, Mr. Potter," McGonagall says, placing her hands on her hips. "Take others into consideration when committing public displays of affection, understood?"

"Yes, Professor McGonagall," Harry says, blushing.

"Mes excuses.*" Fleur says, her cheeks matching Harry's.

"Now, I believe Professor Babbling has some-"

"What is that rune, Mr. Potter?" She blurts out, interrupting McGonagall and firing out questions quickly. "What base did you use, which pantheon? How many runic formulas did you cross? How did you make it without carving it? Why are you not in my class? Oh, and how did you place it on a living being?"

"One of my own devising," Harry begins, smirking. "A dampening rune from the Greek runic set. I lost count after twelve. I carve them in the air in front of my palm in nearly an instant using my magic. I didn't start taking my studies seriously until this year, and..."

Professor Babbling leans forward in anticipation, her hands shaking; "Yes, Mr. Potter?"

"Magic!" Harry finishes dramatically, wiggling his fingers. Babbling's jaw drops in disappointment, Ron groans, and Harry receives a smack upside the head from Fleur and Hermione. "Ow, what was that for?"

"Mate, you had that one coming for that last answer," Ron says, shrugging.

"How did you carve it with your magic?" Babbling asks.

"I just can, Professor," Harry says, smiling apologetically. "Same reason I gave a comedic answer for the last one. I can't really explain it. I'm really sorry, Professor Babbling."

Sighing dejectedly, Babbling shrugged before sulking back to the staff table. "Just my luck. A new aspect of magic is discovered and I can't even learn it..."

"Professor Dumbledore, can I take a test to join Ancient Runes a bit late?" Harry asks, Dumbledore's eyes widening. "I really feel bad about upsetting Professor Babbling. If I'm in her class, she might be able to discover how I'm able to do it."

"If you take a placement test, and make up the work you've missed thus far, I don't see why not," Dumbledore says, smiling proudly at Harry, a grin forming on his face.

"Thanks, Professor!"

"You're quite welcome, Harry." He says, walking back with the rest of the professors to the staff table.

"I'm really sorry, Fleur," Harry mutters, looking away from her.

"'Arry, look at me." Turning his face back towards her, Fleur places a soft kiss on his lips. "I am not mad. I am so zankful you did zat for me. Zis means I can make male friends wizout zem making a fool of zemselves trying to impress me. I might also be able to make female friends because I am not 'stealing zeir boyfriends.' You 'ave given me an amazing gift, 'Zank you so much, 'Arry."

"You're welcome, Fleur,"

"Now that everyone is settled down, let us give a round of applause for our guests!" Dumbledore says, beginning to clap as the rest of Hogwarts claps with him. As it dies down, Dumbledore waves his arms in front of him, food adorning the tables. "Let us feast!"

After the dessert course wraps up, the tables vanish and two men carry out a tall covered object. Dumbledore nods his thanks and gestures to the object behind him. "As you all know, the Tri-Wizard Tournament has a champion from each of the three schools to represent them in three events. The winner shall be rewarded with this; the Tri-Wizard Cup!" Pointing behind them, the covering flies off the object, revealing a shimmering crystal trophy. Harry notices a golden pillar being carried out, and turns back to Dumbledore. "To choose the champions, an impartial judge is being used. The Goblet of Fire!"

Pulling his wand out, Dumbledore lowers his wand along the length of it, the golden covering sliding down along with it. As the golden plates hit the ground, the goblet alights, a blue flame flaring into life from within it. Turning back to the students, Dumbledore speaks gravely; "Fame. One thousand Galleons prize money. Eternal glory. That is what awaits the winner of the Tri-Wizard Tournament. To enter, simply place a piece of paper with your name and school into the flame. You have until eight in the evening tomorrow, and the champion selection will take place after dinner. Take caution, however, for if you are chosen, you stand alone. As of this moment, the Tri-Wizard has begun." A smile appearing on his face a few moments later, Dumbledore claps jovially. "Now that we have all been fed, let's be off to bed."

Waving his wand towards the Goblet, a glowing wispy ring appears around the base of the pillar. He walks out as the rest of the denizens of the Great Hall begin filing out.

"Eternal glory!" Ron exclaims. "If I was old enough, I'd enter in a heartbeat. What about you, Harry?"

"Nah. I want a peaceful year for once." He chuckles in response, waving his hand in dismissal. "I want to watch the life-threatening event this time, not be in it."

Earning chuckles from everyone, Fleur stands up and intertwines her fingers in her boyfriend's. "Well, if I am chosen, you will get to watch my derriere in ze events, now won't you?" Fleur asks. Gulping, Harry stays quiet and nods enthusiastically. "Will you walk me back to ze carriage, mon amour?"

"Of course, cheri," Harry says, kissing her hand. As they walk to the carriage in silence, Fleur spends the entire walk with her head on Harry's shoulder. As they arrive, Fleur moves in front of him and Harry takes her other hand into his and smiles at her. "I'm so happy to see you again, Fleur. I've missed you so much."

"I've missed you, too, mon amour." She takes his face in her hands and kisses him deeply, reveling in her happiness and the feeling of his lips. "Goodnight, 'Arry."

"Goodnight, Fleur."

~Fleur~

The next day, students from all three schools were in and out throughout the entirety of it. That evening, everyone from all three schools was seated once more in the Great Hall. After dinner was concluded, Dumbledore stands and waves his hands, the lights extinguishing throughout the hall, the light of the Goblet of Fire, illuminating the entire room. "Now, for the selection of the Tri-Wizard Champions!" The fire of the Goblet flares red, and a piece of paper jumps from within the flames. "The Champion for Durmstrang is Victor Krum!"

Ron cheers louder than even anyone from Durmstrang, watching as Krum leaves through a door behind the staff table. The Goblet flares to life in red flames once more, the paper falling into Dumbledore's waiting hand. "The Champion for Beauxbatons is Fleur Delacour!" None cheered louder than Harry before he kisses his girlfriend fervently in congratulations. As she walks through the door, the goblet flares to life once more, spitting out one more piece of paper. "The Champion for Hogwarts is Cedric Diggory!"

Most of the Hogwarts students cheered, none more so than the Hufflepuff table. Professor Sprout squeals as she claps and bounces in place as she applauds for her Badger. After directing Cedric through the back door, Dumbledore turns back to the rest of the Hall! "Excellent! We now have our three Champions! The first task shall-" Dumbledore is interrupted as the Goblet flares violently to life, angry red flames dancing from within as it spits out one final piece of paper. Dumbledore catches it and reads it silently before turning to the Gryffindor table. The temperature rises in the room quickly as Dumbledore sighs. "Harry Potter."

An explosion of pure magic erupts from within Harry, pushing everyone away as the temperature in the room skyrockets to a smoldering level, everyone that was still within a few feet of him scrambles back as the temperature directly around him is practically lighting the air on fire. Magic visibly coalesces around Harry in angry, dangerous red wisps. Harry glares at the headmaster, his eyes glowing piercing emerald before his voice booms throughout the hall. "Every fucking year!"

Mes excuses. – My apologies.

Well, everyone! There is the cliffhanger you all missed, and that was chapter seventeen! I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed writing it! You can continue to expect chapters of this length every two weeks, maybe bigger. I hope these two chapters have made up for me being gone all these months. Constructive criticism is welcome, and flames will be used to fuel that explosive rage that Harry just had. Yeesh. As usual, read, review, and spread it like wildfire! I'll see everyone next time. This is Mystery Critic, signing off.