Friday afternoon the four of them headed for the Deveraux lands, and while they had been told it was in the mountains, they were shocked. The home was deep in the mountains, remote from any other homes, but Andre told them there was a village in the next valley. The estate would be unreachable by muggles, unless by rappelling in, or parachute, but the rocky crags, the river and woods, were perfect for owls. Andre explained they owned the valley, and they had spells up, so the entire valley was an enclosure for the owls, so they had miles and miles to fly. They owned most of the next two valleys, where much of their actual wealth came from.

The actual house was perched on a cliff over looking the valley, quite a large hunting lodge, and there were some small grounds, but the valley acted as most. They apparated onto the edge of the valley, and walked in on a small path hidden by magic, because of the enclosure, and then apparated.

The family waited to meet them and Harry could see Andre and his brother were both images of their dad. "Welcome to our home."

Andre did the introductions. "This is my father Claude, mother Renee, brother Francois and his wife Helene. These are Harry and Draco."

Harry felt a bit uncomfortable since the two women, and even the men though less obviously, were eying him up. He wondered if Andre had been talking a lot about him, or simply it was the first time he brought a guy home, but it was not as if they were dating. He would not be opposed, but they had not been on one yet. The women seemed to like what they saw, and Harry was soon being embraced by both, Helene pregnant with her first child.

The men showed them around, and grilled them about flying and owls, and Harry had to admit he knew little of owls, other than what Andre told him. Draco knew a bit more but that came from owning one for six years, if they bred snowy owls, Harry would have done better.

Claude took them to the place where they worked with the owls. "My son has told me of your loss. I would be happy to gift you one, when you're ready of course."

Harry smiled a bit. "That is quite generous sir. I have been thinking about a new owl, but I would pay for one."

The man said yes of course, but as soon as Harry and Draco were taken inside so they could settle in, he knew the man had not listened at all. It was like when he told Molly he didn't need any more food, or blankets on the bed, she said of course, and still showed up with more. Harry assumed it was likely natural for some people, but with his childhood it was never easy for him to accept generosity, and not from someone new.

The rooms they were given felt like the rest of the manor, like some old hunting lodge, and many of the walls were done in beautiful wood panelling. They soon joined the rest of the family for dinner, and Harry felt like he was on trial, though they were good natured about their grilling at least.

Draco elbowed him when the others were not looking. "I told Andre he should not bring you before your first date. Don't want the in laws to scare you off."

Harry was trying to hide the shade of red he was going "They are not my future in laws. I doubt Andre is even interested in me like that."

Hiding his laughter, and from the look on Michel he had heard as well, that was definitely a joke. Harry was truly blind if he could not see how Andre was looking at him, and from the way the family was grilling him, they more then agreed. Harry still had their words on his mind when after dinner, Andre took him for a walk along the tops of the walls around the estate, the perfect views of the valley. Harry could not wait to go flying out there the next day, so happy he was coming.

Andre turned to him. "Harry I am so sorry for the way my family has been acting, they don't know when to stop. We haven't been on a date yet and..........."

Harry cut him off. "Are we going to go on a date together?"

Smiling Andre reached out and drew Harry in, and after a moment pause in which Harry wondered if he had changed his mind, Andre kissed him. Harry had never been kissed, well not by a man, since he had come out of the closet. The kiss was short, and tender, but it left them both blushing a bit, and Harry wanted another kiss.

When Andre pulled back he smiled. "I was thinking we could go out for a date next weekend. That is, if you're interested at all."

Harry smiled and nodded. "I have never dated since I came out, but I am definitely interested. And I would not be opposed to another kiss either."

Drawing Harry back into his arms for another kiss, this one lasted a bit longer, but had the same effect. Harry laughed, they had now kissed twice and he had met the parents, and they had not been on a date. Andre would have taken him this weekend, but he thought they would end up with chaperones or something. His family seemed to share the same unhealthy obsession with their relationship, as their best friends had. Neither of them had missed the fact they were not out alone.

Harry continued to walk with him."Well it is a beautiful night, and I for one would rather not be worried about spies, when we go out."

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They hit the air the next day, and for Harry and Draco who had only ever known on a pitch, or for Harry at the Burrow, this was incredible. There were no muggles for hundreds of miles, so they had all the freedom, and Harry could see why Andre had such a love for this place. They spent most of the day racing through the valley, along the water, and darting through the trees, having a lunch brought by an elf, so they could stay out. Harry knew it was just Draco's talk getting to him, but he could see coming back here every year and with kids, but reminded himself they had not had a date.

They were joined by Claude and Francois before dinner, and Harry was surprised when a beautiful eagle owl had come to him. He knew he was told that some people believed owls in the past chose their wizards, and he had such a bond with Hedwig, but he had chosen her.

Claude was even more surprised."He is a rescue bird, he was a yearling when I found him last fall. He was so badly abused, he rarely even allows me near him."

Harry was not sure why but he let out his hand and the bird flew to him. "Wow you're beautiful."

They watched as Harry stroked the feathers of the bird, and Draco had never seen Harry like this, since Hedwig had been killed. He usually refused to handle his dad or Draco's owls and gave them the letters for them to be sent on, and this seemed a good sign.

Harry stroked the feathers. "I know it can be scary can't it boy, to trust people? I know, but I won't hurt you boy."

Andre had been told a bit of what had happened to Harry, not the full abuse. "Kindred spirits it seems. I think perhaps we have found Harry a new owl."

It would take some time for the owl to be trained before he could be sent on, but they were not sure Harry was ready for him, so it seemed fitting enough. Harry had seemed so at ease, and Claude had never bothered to train the owl, he didn't think he would ever be good with humans. He thought the owl would just live here.

Claude clapped his son on the back."I will train the owl for Harry. I would think he'd be ready as a Christmas gift for you to give Harry."