Harry Potter: The Unchained Flower
Disclaimer: I own nothing except the items and such that is not and will never be used by J.K.R.
A/N: If it would be possible, could the readers leave responses to my writing? So I would know if I am doing everything right or not. No worries if you guys don't want to though, I don't live by Reviews but I do want to know if I am doing thing right. Thanks!
Chapter Ten: The Betrayal
-Malfoy Manor, France
Harry sighed as he sank back into the comfortable high-back chair in the Malfoy library.
It had been three weeks since he had been reunited with Fleur and still, he had a feeling that something was amiss. He knew he came here to uncover the emerging Dark Lord Napoleon but he had yet uncover anything that might led to the Frenchman's destruction.
"Any news, Draco?" Asked Harry as he looked towards the former Comte de Toulouse and newly inducted Duke of Valentinois.
Draco Malfoy blew his pipe before replying steadily, "None yet, Harry. My contacts were not able to infiltrate the Bonaparte Manor this week."
Harry sighed at this before asking, "How about on the King?"
"The King, sadly, is losing power." Answered Draco as he uncorked the wine on his table and poured two glasses. "He has lost his popularity amongst the people."
"Sad indeed." Grimaced Harry.
Harry knew of the slowly gaining power of the revolutionaries in France. They had ye to emerge totally and fight against the monarchy head on but they were getting there. The popularity and trust towards the King had dropped significantly and this would be the catalyst of the coming revolution.
Harry took the glass of wine handed to him by the former Comte before asking, "Has the spell on him been lifted yet?"
"It has been lifted for a week already." Replied Draco as he shuffled through the paperwork that was on his desk. "It appears that his memory has been modified."
"Damn! At this rate, I might have to get Fleur to come with me and live in England."
Draco looked at the Duke of Clarence before replying, "I believe that is the safest course of action. The second best would be to leave her in the protection of the Veela tribes."
"The Veela tribes?" Asked Harry before shaking his head. "They would never protect a Duchess. They still cannot let go the scorn they endured at the hands of the Royals a century ago!"
"And yet," Started Draco as he leaned forward. "They have the best warded village in the world! Fleur would be protected there!"
Harry shook his head once more before downing the remaining wine in his glass before replying, "No! That will be the last resort."
Silence reigned for a few minutes before Harry tentatively asked, "What of you and your family?"
Draco smiled at the portrait that was hanged on top of the fireplace that depicted him and his wife before replying, "My wife and I with my unborn babe have already made arrangements. Do not fear for our safety when the time comes."
Harry nodded in acceptance before leaning back into his chair. He knew that this would probably the last time he would be able to relax since he needed to infiltrate the Napoleon Manor and if he was successful he would lose contact with the outside world for awhile to protect his identity.
Draco snagged a glance at Harry and smirked. He knew that helping the Lord Potter would be beneficial for him. The war was reaching France and even with the recent victory of the French and Americans against the British, the country still has debts that they owe and these will ultimately lead to the downfall of the monarchy.
Malfoy was about to speak up when a female voice was heard near the doors, "Draco, love, who is still visiting you at this ungodly hour?"
Harry looked towards the door and smiled at the lady before replying, "It is my fault, my Lady Valentinois. Although I am not really sorry."
The Lady Valentinois huffed before replying, "Well then Lord Potter, I guess a visit to the Lady Delacour is in order. We need to discuss your attitude towards ladies. I swear Fleur has not been teaching you manners!"
Draco couldn't help but burst out laughing at the contorted face of Harry when he heard that the Lady Valentinois would be talking to his Fleur about his manners. Malfoy then stood up and walked towards his pregnant wife before kissing her on the cheek and whispering, "I will be with you shortly, my love. Let me just finish entertaining Harry and the guest that has been waiting in the office and then, we can have our fun."
The Lady Valentinois giggled at her husband's antics before replying happily, "I will be waiting in our chambers then, My Lord."
Harry couldn't help but smile at the couple. Their love for each other could be seen clearly through their words and actions. If only his and Fleur's relationship would be this easy then he would not have any problems.
"Harry, I believe we are through?" Asked a smirking Draco.
Harry smiled back before getting up and grabbing his coat. He lokked at the couple and bowed slightly before saying, "Till we see each other again. My Lord and Lady Valentinois."
The Lady Valentinois smiled at the humble gesture of the Lord Potter before replying happily, "Till we see each other then, Lord Potter."
As Harry left, Draco pulled his wife towards his seat, with her sitting on his lap. He looked towards the window and waited until the carriage that held the Duke of Clarence was at a fair distance before ringing a bell.
A maid with a feather duster clutched in her hands walked in and bowed, "What does my Lord and Lady need?"
Draco looked at the maid before replying smoothly, "Bring in our visitor."
The maid bowed low before walking out. Draco only waited a few minuets before his other visitor walked into the library and sat on the couch.
Draco looked at the man before asking, "What is it that you need, Sir Weasley?"
Sir Weasley glanced at the Lord and Lady Valentinois before saying, "The House of Lords has sent me and a contingent of men to grab the Lord Potter and escape. You and your family will have to join us as well since the revolution is set to begin next month. Your and the Lord Potter's safety is of utmost importance."
The Lady Valentinois just nodded before asking, "Are we to bring everything or is there another crew to transport all our belongings?"
"There will be goblins that will be transporting all your goods to the London branch of Gringotts." Replied Sir Weasley as he checked his watch.
Draco saw the action and asked, "In a hurry, Sir Weasley?"
Sir Weasley looked at the Duke before replying, "Yes my Lord. We have had to follow my Lord Potter to accurately time his businesses. I am afraid I might be late for the retrieval."
"Retrieval?" Asked the Lady Valentinois, "He does not know of this operation?"
Sir Weasley shook his head, "He does not, my Lady."
Draco knew this would be a bad situation for them since Harry would definitely fight back if he thought he was being kidnapped. Harry never liked to ask questions first, he was more of a man of action.
"When will the retrieval be?" Asked Draco as he rubbed his wife's growing bump.
"Tomorrow evening, my Lord." Replied Sir Weasley.
Draco thought for a second before remembering a piece of information that he had garnered earlier from the man himself. He knew Harry did not yet want to leave but for the sake of his family, he had to help these British soldiers in recovering their Duke.
"I might be able to help you in this matter." Started Draco as he pulled out a piece of folder from the pile of documents on his table.
Sir Weasley grabbed the folder before taking a glance. He nodded before replying, "You had him surveillanced?"
"Oui." Replied Draco curtly. "I have to spy on him to leak information to your House of Lords."
Sir Weasley leafed through the report and said, "Tomorrow, he has a date with the Lady Delacour near the pier. It would be the best moment to grab him since our ship is docked in the same harbor!"
"Then do so at your own risk!" Answered Draco as he got up from his seat and escorted the Sir Weasley out the office. "Just be ready to transport my family tomorrow as well!"
Sir Weasley nodded in agreement before replying, "You will be escorted tomorrow afternoon, just before the Duke of Clarence."
"Very well! Good luck then." Replied Draco as Sir Weasley got on his carriage.
Sir Weasley just nodded and waved a goodbye before his carriage started moving towards the gates.
Draco watched as the carriage fell out of sight before sighing loudly, "I hope I did the right thing."
"You betrayed the Lord Potter by leaking information to the House of Lords of his dealings." Started the Lady Valentinois before engulfing her husband in an embrace, "And you did for you wife and unborn child's safety. I am sure he will forgive you in time when he finds out."
Draco could only nod before being escorted back into the manor by his wife. He knew he was doing the right thing, but for who?
-Bay
Fleru clutched Harry's hand tightly as they walked by the bayside in the shadow of the moon.
They had enjoyed a great dinner by candlelight in the heart of Paris before apparating onto the bayside to enjoy a romantic walk. It was their ritual since Harry had revealed himself to Fleur and they both enjoyed it. Although being followed by a contingent of the best knights at the orders of the King was annoying, at least they haven't found out Harry's identity. They believed he was of Valentinois blood since he used their carriage.
Harry glanced back at the contingent of men that was shadowing them before he sighed, "Won't they ever leave us alone?"
Fleur laughed at the Duke of Clarence's statement before replying, "They are here to keep us safe! Especially now since times are starting to become much more volatile."
"Indeed." Harry nodded as he glanced towards the ocean. "What are we, Fleur?"
Fleur looked at him questioningly before replying, "We are humans! Magicals! Are you going mad, my Harry?"
Harry laughed out loud at that statement, which was followed by Fleur's giggles before asking once more, "Not that Fleur! I was pertaining to our relationship!"
Fleur fell silent for a few seconds before replying slowly, "You are courting me, and I accept your courting. So we must be in the courtship stage of our relationship!"
"We are, aren't we?" Replied Harry as he stopped at one of the few railings and leaned onto it while staring at the moon.
Fleur stopped as well and hugged Harry as she joined him. She could always feel the turmoil in Harry and it has been at its peak since last week. She knew something was bothering him and yet, he keeps it bottled up.
"Harry, tell me what is bothering you." Started Fleur as she rubbed Harry's side for comfort.
Harry grabbed Fleur's hand before looking at her straight in the eye and asking, "Do you really want to know, my Flower?"
Fleur was taken aback from the sudden question before realizing her mistake and nodding, "Tell me. Maybe I can help you, my Harry."
Harry smiled at her gesture of love for him before kneeling down and pulling out a ring box.
Fleur knew what was happening, and yet could only smiled happily and tear up. She had been waiting for this to happen for a while now and here it was, happening at the least expected moment.
Harry held the box, which contained a silver banded ring with a piece of pink diamond in the middle. He never rehearsed his lines but he knew whatever he says tonight would be from his heart directly, which was much more 'right' in his mind.
"Fleur Delacour, my love, my life. You have been there when I thought that I would never find true love in this lonesome life of mine. You waited for me when my god-forsaken country pulled us apart. You accepted me back when I came for you even when most would just have forgotten. All those you did for me and I know I do not deserve your love but would you make this poor soul happy by accepting him as your husband-to-be?" Asked Harry as he presented the ring in front of Fleur.
Fleur could only nod repeatedly as her tears overflowed due to her joy. Joy of actually witnessing her love proposing to her. She almost forgot to answer but quickly rectified that by whispering, "Yes."
Harry smiled and slipped the ring into her ring finger. Fleur pulled Harry up from his kneeling position before kissing him lovingly.
Harry could only smile at the action of his Flower before pulling away from the kiss and placing his forehead on hers. He could see her tears still flowing and could only smile and wipe the wetness away.
He was about to say something when shouts were heard from the contingent of soldiers that was following them.
Instinct took control of harry as he pulled Fleur and placed her behind him. He pulled out his wand and casted 'Lumos' to widen his visibility range. He glanced towards the contingent of soldiers and saw them being pushed back by an unknown number of enemy.
Fleur was about to yell for Harry to apparate them out when she was pushed back by a spell.
Harry saw the spell hit Fleur and was too shocked that he was not able to block it. He whipped his wand in a circular motion before whispering, "Aguamenti."
Water started to come out of his wand and flood the floor before freezing due to the temperature. The ice would stop any of the assailants in surprising him since he could not apparate out due to wards being placed.
Fleur sighed in relief when Harry turned towards her and pulled her up from her position. She was about to thank him and give him a kiss before she saw a small group of the enemy breaking their contingent's line. She shouted for Harry to turn around but was too late. The leader had already casted a binding spell towards Harry and Fleur, which binded them separately.
Harry struggled hard but he knew it was of no use. He could only hope that he would be able to reach his wand to try cutting the ropes.
Fleur saw the men that casted 'Incarcerous' on them slip on the ice that Harry made but she knew that was not enough. The leader got up steadily before hoisting Harry onto his shoulders and running towards the boat.
Harry felt himself being hoisted and carried away from Fleur. He could only yell from his shock, "FLEUR! FLEUR! LET ME GO YOU BASTARDS! I WILL KILL YOU ALL!"
The men looked at him in shock before saying, "My Lord Potter, we are here to extract you with orders from the House of Lords. I assure you that you are safe."
Harry growled before snapping at them, "THEN I ORDER YOU AS A MEMBER OF THE HOUSE OF LORDS TO RELEASE ME! I WILL HAVE YOUR HEADS FOR THIS!"
The men just ignored him once more and continued running towards a ship that was docked nearby.
Fleur watched as her fiancé was carried away from her. She could do nothing but shout back, "MY HARRY! COME BACK! LEAVE HIM ALONE YOU BASTARDS!"
Harry started to tear up from his fiancé's shouts before replying back, "WAIT FOR ME, MY FLEUR! WE WILL BE UNITED AGAIN SOON! I PROMISE!"
Fleur heard his screams and replied back screaming, "I WILL WAIT FOR YOU EVEN BEYOND DEATH, MY HARRY!"
"AND I YOU, MY LOVE. AND I YOU!" Harry replied before the captain of the boat knocked him out. They needed to escape stealthily and the Duke screaming was not feasible in their plan. They had already wasted time with the encounter with the contingent that was shadowing Fleur and Harry; any more time wasted would be devastating to their plan.
Fleur watched as the boat that Harry was abducted on sailed farther and farther away. The contingent that was shadowing them ran towards her form and formed a defensive line in accordance to their oaths to protect her with their lives. The men that were with the group that abducted her Harry had immediately hopped on board another vessel and started sailing away. Her love had been separated from her once again. She could only hope that Harry would be able to come for her once more. She would wait for him. Even beyond death. She will wait for him.
Overview of Major Characters:
Lord Harrison Evans Potter: Duke of Clarence
Lady Fleur Delacour: Heiress to the Duchy of Brittany
Lord Draco Malfoy: Comte de Toulouse, Married to the Duchess of Valentinois
Master Neville Longbottom: Confidant and Right-hand man of Lord Harrison Potter
King George the Third: King of England, Husband of Queen Charlotte
King Louis the Sixteenth: King of France, Husband of Queen Marie
Sir Weasley: Knight under Lord Potter
Lady Longbottom: Mother of Neville
Lord Black, Lord Bones: Magical Blooded Lords in the House of Lords
William Pitt: Prime Minister of England
Lord Howe, Lord Williamson: Non-Magical Blooded Lords in the House of Lords
Lady Hermione Granger: First born Magical in the House of Granger
The Statue of Secrecy: Still in effect but very light in terms of Magical Use in front of Muggles.
A/N: Historical inaccuracies and accuracies are solely for the purpose of this story. Although "most" of the Historical References I am making are true, just not the timeline and the way they are arranged.