A.N.- Thank you for all your reviews, have no worries, I will never abandon this fic. However I might be a bit slow on updating for the next two weeks or so, seeing that I will not be able to access my computer for the next two weeks or so, due to summer programs and crap.

Chapter 14: Deepest Fear, A Special Christmas

Harry and Roger met Elan and Cedric in the Great Hall next morning after a rigorous workout just before the sun rose, with the World Cup just months away; they were warned by Ray Anderson to take good care of their bodies and to exercise regularly. Ignoring the loud, excited giggling from fans surrounding them, the four hungrily dove at the food in front of them with ravenous hunger.

The irritation from their fans lessened a bit as Cho and Anna Zabini joined them, which all four were grateful for, though the two young women were less than impressed by four athletes' table manners. They spent a whole lot of time talking about what Lupin would teach them and for once, after hearing from Harry that Lupin had taught him a patronus, were eager for Defense.

After finishing their breakfasts, they remained in their places for Professor Flitwick's descent from the staff table. The distribution of class schedules took even longer this year due to the fact that Flitwick had to confirm that everybody had achieved the necessary O.W.L. grades to continue with their chosen N.E.W.T.s. However when Flitwick had reached them, it was a relief since all of them had nine or more O.W.L.S.

"So, Harry, Harry…" squawked Professor Flitwick, consulting his notes as he turned to Harry. "Twelve O.W.L.S, I have to say, you continue to impress…I was especially proud of your Charms mark, very proud. I suppose as usual, Harry you will be tackling all classes with the exception of Divination and History of Magic?" Flitwick squeaked. Harry nodded and smiled weakly when he caught Elena looking at him.

As he received his schedule, he caught the stare of Snape for a brief second as the Potion's Master handed Elan and Anna their schedules. After all his friends had gotten their schedules, they left the Great Hall together with Harry, Elena and Anna walking off to Ancient Runes while Roger, Elan and Cedric had free period.

"How was Runes?" Roger asked as he joined Harry and Elena as they walked to Defense.

"Terrible, first day and we have a fifteen inch essay." Harry grumbled.

"Shame, lucky I didn't pick that class." Roger replied cheekily.

Instead of requesting them to meet in the normal Defense classroom, Lupin was waiting for them in the staffroom on the second corridor. All the other students had arrived and were whispering excitedly, there was nothing in the room save an old wardrobe in which teachers put their spare robes.

It began to wobble as soon as Lupin went to stand by it. "Nothing to worry about," said Lupin as several students jumped backwards in alarm.

"There's a Boggart in there." Elena said with a fascinated look on her face.

"Correct, Miss Turpin, five points to Ravenclaw. Boggarts tend to dwell and thrive in dark, enclosed spaces," said Lupin. "Wardrobes, the gap beneath beds, the cupboards under sinks – I once met one that lodged itself in a grandfather clock." At this he gave Harry a smirk and continued, "This one moved in yesterday afternoon, and I asked the Headmaster if the staff would leave it to give my six years some practice, I know all of you have studied Boggarts in your earlier years so it will be interesting when you face the real thing."

Everyone gave each other grins as they felt that this lesson would be fun. "Quick review, Mr. Diggory! What is a Boggart?" Lupin suddenly asked.

"Shape-shifter that takes the form of the thing we fear most." Cedric replied, causing Lupin to smile.

"Well said, five points to Hufflepuff. A Boggart has no shape while alone in the dark, since he does not yet know what will frighten the person on the other side of the door. Now why would that be an advantage for us, why don't you tell us Harry?" Lupin said.

"Since there are so many of us, it won't know what shape it should take." Harry replied.

"Precisely, five points to Ravenclaw. The charm that repels a Boggart is fairly simple, yet it requires force of mind, what really finishes off a Boggart is laughter. You simply need to force it to assume a shape that you find amusing. The incantation is Riddikulus! Say it with me." "Riddikulus!" said the class together.

"Good, now can we have a volunteer? Mr. Davies, will you join me please?" Roger gulped before being walking wobblingly towards Lupin.

"Ready…1…..2…." Roger's face had turn sickly green as he aimed his wand at the closet, his hand had turned bone white. "….3" Lupin waved his wand and the wardrobe door opened with a slight creak, a rotting sickening hand slowly made its way to the edge of the closet door followed by a painful groan, several girls screamed as a decomposing zombie slowly stepped out, its head was tilted to a side revealing a gruesome sight; chunks were missing in its neck revealing rotting tissue and muscle, its chest was brutally torn open.

Even though it was only a Boggart, what freaked Harry out was its eyes, they were the very definition of lifeless. The zombie Boggart gurgled loudly as it slowly descended on the Ravenclaw.

"Riddikulus!" Roger incanted and the zombie then suddenly began dancing, it even did Michael Jackson's famous moonwalk. At this, the entire class laughed loudly, Lupin then told them to form a line as each person.

Harry watched on with fascination as Cedric was ushered up next.

Roger immediately whispered to Harry. "Five Galleons that Ceddy's worst fear is Chang."

"You're on."

Together they watched as the dancing zombie slowly warped into an extremely irate Cho Chang, everyone in the room could hear Cedric gulp as the Boggart Cho glowered at him, Roger was grinning stupidly beside Harry. "I knew it, cough up."

Harry swore loudly and with a sigh, took five golden coins from his personal pouch and placed them in Roger's open palm.

Time soon went by as Harry was ushered up and many people were looking on with anticipation to what could scare the famous England Chaser.

The Boggart was spinning and Harry knew at once what his biggest fear was and that there was nothing he could do to prevent it as the Boggart turned into a five year old Harry, the Boggart Harry was curled in a ball, sniffling lightly. He could distinctively hear, "Nobody cares about me…all alone…." Gritting his teeth, the Elder Wand flew from its holster towards the open hand of its master; with a wave Harry banished Boggart Harry back into the wardrobe rather forcefully and closed the door.

"Everyone listen up, now your homework will be to read the section about Boggarts in your books and summarize it for me…handed to me on Monday. That will be all." Lupin said but motioned for Harry to stay behind.

"Should I wait?" Roger asked.

"Go on, just tell Snape I'll be there shortly." Harry said and all color disappeared from his friend's face.

"Do I have to? You know how much he scares me." Roger whined but nevertheless gave him a wave and went on.

"So you want to talk about it?" Lupin asked as soon as the last person exited the classroom, he now regretted allowing Harry to face the Boggart, by all means, Harry was an exceptionally powerful wizard for his age being able to cast a corporeal Patronus, mastering Occlumency, Legilimency as well as casting spells nor-verbally but he knew that Boggarts weren't his strongest suit.

"No, Professor, I just need some practice." Harry replied.

"I'm here if you want to talk." Lupin responded and Harry nodded. "Any news regarding to Wormtail?"

Lupin shook his head and responded with a sigh, "Dementors, Aurors, nothing came up at all, then again, he's a rat…"

Harry then bade Lupin goodbye and went off. Soon, Defence Against The Dark Arts became the one class that people looked forward to. Draco couldn't stop rambling about how Neville Longbottom's Boggart took the shape of Professor Snape and that he had managed to cause it to be dressed in his grandmother's clothes, the Potion's Master was not at all amused to say the least and made it his personal mission to make the pudgy Gryffindor's life a living hell in Potions.

Elan sniggered and elbowed Harry in the ribs who also joined in when they saw Snape sneering even more nastier than usual, but immediately went back into his pie when Snape's death glare made its way to the Ravenclaw Table.

"So you guys going to Hogsmeade this weekend?" Cedric popped the question.

"Maybe but after three years, there's not much to see anymore…the Shrieking Shack's not even scary anymore." Roger snorted.

"Coming from someone who would cry like a sissy girl at every sound in that house." Elan coughed.

"That is true, sorry Roger, I have to agree with Malfoy on this." Harry said jokingly, causing Roger to growl at the two of them.

"But answering your question dear Ceddy, Anna would like to take some time away from the castle so yes, I'll be towed along." Elan replied in bored tone.

"Damn, Ice Queen's got you wrapped around her finger already." Roger exclaimed.

"What'd you say Davies? Care to repeat it again." A soft, deadly voice sliced through his sentence, Roger gulped as he slowly turned around and a pair of ice-cold violet eyes was staring challengingly at him.

"Hi Zabini…nothing, nothing at all, you're looking great today by the way." Roger squeaked.

Twisting a strand of her blonde hair, Anna just smiled, clearly enjoying herself as the Ravenclaw cowered underneath her glare.

Then she settled next to Elan and suddenly said "So Potter, I've been reading some juicy news in Teen Witch Weekly recently. That's one hot kiss."

"That's a whole load of rubbish, one kiss…or two doesn't mean anything. And give me some credit, it would be impolite to shove someone like Ashley off though she did instigated it." Harry defended weakly though he knew the general public had already made its mind about the two of them.

"Uh-huh, and I bet my entire vault that Sirius Black taught you that. Just to let you know, you might want to start checking your food and pumpkin juice for any illegal substance…I heard several seventh years rambling on how hot your arse was in the bathroom just now." Harry blushed bright pink while Roger patted his back and together with Elan and Cedric shouted, "Good on you mate!"

Harry just narrowed his eyes at them and walked out of the Great Hall. Deciding to congratulate Hagrid for getting the new Care of Magical Creatures post, he strolled down towards the gamekeeper's hut.

The half giant professor was in the pumpkin patch petting a creature that had the head of a giant eagle, the body, hind legs, and tail of a horse.

"Ah Harry, how yeh doin'" Hagrid said as he came out of the patch to greet the raven haired wizard.

"Just fine Hagrid, I mean Professor…how's the new job?" Harry said.

"It's bin great, good man…Dumbledore. Now tha' yeh mentioned it, Harry meet Buckbeak the Hippogriff!" Hagrid said holding out a hand, gesturing for Harry to enter the pumpkin patch.

Harry gulped when the bright orange eyes of Buckbeak connected with his.

"Bow Harry, tha' way, 'e will let yeh pet 'im." Hagrid whispered. Harry quickly heeded his words and did as he was told. Never once breaking eye contact with the majestic beast, Harry slowly knelt and after a minute of intense staring, Buckbeak bent its eagle like head downwards along with its scaly front knees.

"Well done Harry, yeh can go pet him now." Hagrid said with a wide, proud smile and 'nudged' the black haired youth forwards.

Harry moved slowly towards the Hippogriff and reach out towards him. Buckbeak seemed to be enjoying himself as Harry patted his beak and scratched his neck several times.

"He's beautiful…" Harry muttered.

"Yeh can go for a ride, if yeh want." Hagrid suggested.

"Sorry Hagrid, I have to be back inside for class in ten minutes." Harry mumbled and after patting Buckbeak one last time on his beak, Harry slowly backtracked towards the entrance of the pumpkin patch and ran back towards the castle after saying a quick goodbye and good luck to the half giant professor, he couldn't help but shiver, not from the first signs of autumn came but a feeling that something bad would happen very soon.

He didn't have to wait long, slightly after the Halloween feast, after the Gryffindors left the Great Hall, they were sent back after a bit later. There were whispers of the fat lady, who guarded the entrance to the Gryffindor Common Room, disappearing mysteriously from her portrait.

"The teachers and I need to conduct a thorough search of the castle," Dumbledore told the students as Professors McGonagall and Flitwick closed all doors into the Hall. Then the headmaster waved his wand and the long tables flew to the edges of the Hall and stood themselves against the walls, another wave and the floor was covered with hundreds of squashy purple sleeping bags.

As soon as Dumbledore left, people began chatting excitedly, Harry and Elena, being prefects started to walk around and warned them to lower their voices and that lights out were in ten minutes. Harry just smiled when he saw Elena comfort a first year who was sobbing with fear and had to suppress a snigger when he saw Percy Weasley boss his section with his usual pompous attitude; he never really liked the ginger much starting from his first day in Hogwarts, well he didn't really like the Weasleys in general since they were really practical lapdogs for Dumbledore.

"Um Harry?" Harry turned to the voice and found a fairly anxious looking Hermione Granger and Padma Patil already in their sleeping bags.

"Yes Hermione?"

"Do you have any ideas on how Pettigrew could have broke into Hogwarts?"

"I'm sure you have practically memorized Hogwarts, A History yes?" At this Hermione blushed tomato red.

Harry just laughed and said, "It's a good thing, well then you should know that no one save the Headmaster could apparate into the castle, flying in would be incredibly stupid because the Dementors are guarding every entrance, secret passage and would have seen him coming, same goes for stealth, invisibility cloaks are useless against them…" Harry was about to go on but was cut off when Elena tapped him on his shoulder and told him that it was time for lights out.

After telling the students in their section to quiet down, they went to find open sleeping bags and were disgruntled when the only two sleeping bags available were next to each other. Harry glared at Elan and Roger who were chuckling mercilessly at him.

Grudgingly, he took off his robes, undid his tie, unbuttoned his shirt and was left only in a tank top. Then with a wave of his wand, he transfigured his pants into a pair of silk night pants.

"Touch me, and I swear to God you won't be able to have any children when I'm done with you." Elena said warningly from the sleeping bag next to him.

"Glad we have a mutual understanding mi' lady." Harry said softly back at her with a mocked bow, she was shock as she saw him place his wand under his pillow and turned to the side so his back was facing her.

Elena mentally sighed before laying down on her sleeping bag, she was never good at showing her feelings, "What is going on with me?" She thought as she tilted her head sideways and saw a motionless Harry deep with the covers of his sleeping bag tucked tightly to himself. Ever since the year started, Harry was civilized with her, never once trying to prove that he was more intelligent than she was, unlike the pass five years and he could be so charming when he wanted to be, hell there wasn't a girl in the world that he couldn't charm. With a sigh, she allowed sleep to overcome her as her eyes closed, hoping that whatever she was feeling would leave her alone.

Aside from the teachers taking shifts on the hour to check that everything was well in the Hall, all was quiet. The school talked of nothing but Pettigrew for the next few days. Harry just snorted as he randomly heard theories of how he had entered the castle, it was also odd to see Eric Potter to strut around with the company of a teacher and the ever pompous Percy Weasley, who stuck to him like super glue.

He sniggered when he heard the Weasley next to his brother that Pettigrew would be no match for him, true, from what Sirius and Lupin had told him, Pettigrew was a pathetic excuse of life and pretty much pathetic in general.

The weather became worse the following days, adding to that, Lupin had mysteriously became 'ill' and Professor Snape with his hooked nose and abnormally pale skin was chosen to sub in.

Strangely, the entire lesson was on Werewolves, this was no coincidence either; Harry knew that Snape, Lupin and Sirius weren't going at each other's throats anymore but they weren't exactly buddy buddy either.

Roger grumbled as Snape assigned them a two-roll parchment assignment on recognizing and ways of killing Werewolves. Snape was well known to making the lives of students a living hell save his own Slytherins.

As the first Quidditch Match of the school year neared, the day before the match, the winds reached howling point and the rain fell harder than ever. It was so dark inside the corridors and classrooms that extra torches and lanterns were lit.

"Who do you think will win?" Elan shouted as he, Cedric, Roger and Harry ran down the lawns towards the Quidditch pitch with the hoods of their robes being the only protection they had against the merciless rain.

"Gryffindor of course. Hufflepuff without Ceddy is like a chocolate frog without the chocolate." Roger shouted back as they made it into the stands, Cedric just frowned; no one was pleased to be compared to a frog.

The wind was howling louder then ever along with the rumbling of thunder and the occasional flash of lightning. Harry watched on with difficulty as the two teams kicked off from the ground, it should actually be Gryffindor playing against Slytherin but since Draco injured himself, and with no back up seeker the Slytherin House team had no choice but to withdraw.

"How did your brother get injured Elan?" Roger asked as he placed his arms on the railing, eyes fixed on the match.

"That bloody bastard Nott thought it would be fun to set a Hippogriff on Granger, Draco pushed her out of the way but was scratched badly by its hoof, claw whatever its front leg is and being the big baby that he is, whined until Flint asked Professor Snape to change their opponents." Elan replied, causing his three friends to chuckle and smile.

"I'd never thought of Draco to be Gryffindorish." Cedric teased.

"Just whenever a damsel is in distress." Elan said with a grin. Together they watched as the sky became darker and darker, the sun was nowhere to be seen. Harry watched as Gryffindor led 60-10, seekers are useless if the players playing other positions are mediocre.

Then the strangest thing happened, it was as if all sound ceased to exist and a familiar feeling of dread suddenly became dangerously close, to his horror, Dementors were suddenly drifting into the Quidditch Pitch.

Securing the hood cloaking his head, Harry slipped away from the stands and crept off. Camouflaging himself at the edge from behind the stands, Harry immediately brought up his happiest memory: His one year old baby sister Rosy, saying her first word, which happened to be his name, in that moment Harry James Potter felt like he wasn't alone in the world, that he had someone who loved him, Rosy became the sole family he had with that single word.

"Expecto Patronum!" He thought with all his might and Rina flew out from the tip of his wand in her flaming phoenix mode, was it his imagination or did his patronus became the size of a wyvern? Shaking his head, he focused on the memory and watched with amazement as the phoenix shined brightly at the middle of the pitch, causing the Dementors obvious discomfort as they groaned and retreated back into the darkness.

With a loud squawk, Rina grew brighter and brighter until the entire stadium was bathed in a silvery glow, as soon as the icy dreadful feeling dissipated, Harry's phoenix patronus slowly dissolved into mist, leaving everyone in awe.

Feeling fatigue overwhelming him suddenly, Harry stowed his wand back into its holster and calling his familiar with his mind, disappeared with a flash of flames as Rina transported him back to his dormitory. His patronus must have taken a lot out of him for Harry dropped his rain soaked robe, kicked off his shoes and dove straight for his bed.

The following day, everyone was whispering about the silver phoenix that drove off the Dementors, Harry pretended to feign interest at Breakfast and noticed that Dumbledore and Snape were staring suspiciously at him while Lupin just smiled knowingly at him.

He was surprised when a large silver feathered owl landed right on his shoulder with a letter in its mouth. He took the letter and the owl flew off. A sense of happiness jolted him when he saw a familiar seal in the shape of a D, breaking it, he unfolded the parchment that lay within.

Dear Harry,

I can't believe your Ministry of Magic would actually place Dementors at the school! Anyways on a brighter note, my papa and mama wants to invite you and Lord Black over for Christmas (They didn't really get a chance to know him last time because he was knocked out drunk…) Harry sniggered at that. Gabby's been asking all about you and every letter you wrote to me and frankly making my life absolutely miserable, no doubt that will increase once I get home, sorry I'm rambling. So will you come? Not a lot of friends come by anymore after my Veela traits emerged and I miss you, a lot.

Love Always,

Fleur

P.S.- Just use the floo and call out Delacour Mansion

As he finished reading the letter, Harry smiled genuinely; he'd never expect something like this to happen sure, they had exchanged letters regularly and they had shared a dance in the moonlight on that one night in Paris.

With a smile, Harry began to write a reply, ignoring the catcalling that Elan and Roger made when they saw his smile. Meanwhile a brown haired Ravenclaw prefect felt something squeezing her heart hard, and it hurt.

It wasn't long before Christmas came, things seemed to have returned to normal as the Dementors stayed away. The castle, with its usual Christmas decorations had been put up, despite the fact that hardly any of the students would remain to enjoy them.

Harry shuddered as he saw thick streamers of holly and mistletoe were being strung along the corridors, with his trunk shrunk he walked towards the direction of the carriages, where his three closest friends were chatting to each other.

Throughout the trip, Elan repeatedly exclaimed how ecstatic he was because his parents had invited his three best friends over for Christmas Dinner and later a sleep over. Soon enough, they were on board the Hogwart's Express in their usual train compartment, Cedric was watching as Roger got his arse kicked by Elan in Wizard's Chess. Meanwhile Harry was just staring at the snowing scenery out the window and brushing the picture of Fleur, which he held in one hand against his cheek.

"Lookie here, ickle Harrikens is in love." Elan teased, causing Harry to waken from his little fantasy.

"Am not!" He replied, regretting how childish it sounded.

"You keep telling yourself that…hell, you rejected one of the hottest if not the hottest model in the world..." Elan said with a smirk. Roger just clutched his heart as if it were shot by Cupid's arrow making Harry palm his face.

After a couple games of cards, the train pulled into King's Cross Station at exactly as the clock struck noon. Narcissa Malfoy was, to put it mildly, concerned about their well being and gave both of her sons and Harry the biggest, tightest hug they had ever got.

Then with great dissatisfaction, Harry bade the Malfoys an au revoir and went over to where his parents were and was nearly floored by a speeding red blur.

"Greetings, your highness." Harry said causing his little sister to giggle. Little Rosy held out her arms and with great pleasure, was swept into her brother's strong arms. He handed her a box of crystallized pineapples, which she squealed her thanks at and then precede to snuggle deeply into his shoulder.

The trip back to Potter manor was quiet as usual, well for Harry anyways. As they got back to Potter Manor, Harry suddenly realized that his younger brother was less chubby, "Too bad, I can't go around calling him fat arse anymore." He thought as he walked into the manor with little Rosy next to him, his hand in her locking grip.

"Let's go play dolls…" Rosy chirped with her puppy dog eyes turned on full blast.

"Damn that pout, that's just playing dirty…" Harry thought as the giggling five-year-old girl was dragging him into the living room. Harry smiled the entire time as they played and thought

"She's so innocent, so ignorant that there is a Dark Lord rising—" There and then, Harry promised himself that he would not allow anyone hurt her.

After dinner, Sirius appeared via floo network and after ensuring Harry had everything he needed and a talk with James and Lily, left together for Number 12 Grimmauld Place because they had things to talk about regarding to his Quidditch future; of course Little Rosy was not particularly fond of her favorite toy being gone so early and made quite a fuss but relented at the end and watched on sadly as Sirius and Harry disappeared in the flames of the fireplace. No one noticed or heard Lily Potter sobbing from behind the living room walls, she had prepared long and hard for this year's Christmas Dinner for her eldest son only to learn that he won't be there.

Sirius laughed jovially when Harry passed him the letter Fleur had sent him, "Ah, the lad's in love." He teased, chuckling as Harry's face turned pink.

"Shut up…" Harry muttered before going into the long hallway to say hello to Mrs. Black's Portrait, not noticing Sirius muttering, "He's all grown up…"

After allowing Harry to settle his trunk in his room, the two flooed into the Leaky Cauldron when Harry realized that he hadn't bought a present for Fleur or Gabrielle yet.

Sirius immediately had a large grin on his face as he pulled him into a Jewellery store next to Flourish and Blott's. The owner was ecstatic that a famous celebrity was in his store and was adamant in giving him a discount as he browsed the store, never in his life would he thought that there were so many types of jewellery: different sizes, colors, clarity and many other things.

Then one item caught his eye, a necklace with a thin silver chain with a shimmering sapphire gemstone the size of the fingernail on his thumb in the center. (See . for illustration).

"How much for this necklace?" Harry asked.

The shopkeeper replied with a grin, "For that piece of art, four thousand galleons."

"Four thousand?" Harry asked with astonishment.

"Goblin work mate…acquiring it was murder. For you I'll give it for Four thousand." The shopkeeper explained. His mind was nigh deep in calculations, he was always careful with what he had and never spent so much as more than he needed but Fleur was the first girl that he had these weird feelings with.

Then with a smile, he procured his blue card and handed it over to overjoyed shopkeeper. Sirius just clapped his shoulder with a knowing smile, once the transaction was done Harry snatched his card back and stuffed it in his leather wallet.

"Here you go, all wrapped up. Good luck with your lucky lass." The shopkeeper said cheerily as he handed over a long thin blue velvet box. Harry nodded his thanks and left the store with Sirius.

"Alright, got everything then?" Sirius asked after they visited the Quidditch shop where Harry bought, much to his embarrassment, a small flying model of himself in the infamous white England Jersey. He had to explain to Sirius that it was for Fleur's sister so that he would shut up. Then they had dinner in the Leaky Cauldron.

"Harry, Sirius mate, good to see you both again." Tom said as he placed two plates of spaghetti and a basket of fried chicken on their table.

"You too Tom." Harry replied. "Likewise." Sirius said with a smile.

Then they began to devour their food ravenously. After paying the bills, Sirius and Harry returned back to Number 12 Grimmauld Place, and knowing Sirius, he began talking about his favorite subject: women.

Harry just smacked his face as Sirius rambled, "This is gonna be one rough night." He thought, knowing that once Sirius got started on talking about women, he wouldn't stop easily. Then Sirius began talking about some serious offers from the big clubs that were impressed with the amount of goals he had scored during the World Cup Qualifiers.

The Vratsa Vultures wanted to schedule a meeting so that Harry could see their training facilities and meet their players, the chairman himself would lead the tour, which surprised Harry a lot.

Harry's eyes nearly popped out when Sirius told him that the Vultures were willing to give him a Ten Million, Eight hundred thousand Galleon lucrative annual salary.

Too shocked to speak, Harry simply muttered that he'll think about it and began writing a letter to Ragnok, asking if it were alright if he had in his possession, a piece of Goblin made jewellery.

Next morning, the first thing Harry did was to check whether his presents for Fleur and Gabrielle were still on his bedside table. Then after brushing his teeth and changing into his grey, warm, cozy tracksuit, began his daily warm up.

Meanwhile in Paris France, a pair of intense blue eyes fluttered opened, Fleur Delacour was more than ecstatic when she had received Harry's reply, she didn't know why but her mother had told her to take the initiative before someone else comes along and snagged him away. To her surprise, the thought did not sit well with her one bit and she felt relieved when Harry explained in his letters that he was not seeing anyone and that the media was just spreading rumors about him.

Fleur smiled widely as she combed all the sleep from her silvery blonde hair in front of the mirror, normally she would be less bothered about her appearance seeing that she was Veela and Veelas with their natural alluring beauty has no need of combing their hair or putting on make up but she did it anyways.

After putting on some eyeliner, Fleur gracefully floated from her room, never ceasing to smile. Gabrielle was once again a happy and carefree girl again as she hugged her big sister tightly and said good morning, she was rather depressed and moody when her mother told her that her age difference and Harry's were too big, he was ten years older than her.

Harry and Sirius smirked as they flooed into Malfoy Manor which was located in Wiltshire. Harry looked around, it was as he remembered it, he was sure the manor had more rooms then Hogwarts had and every corridor looked identical.

"Harry! Happy Christmas!" Elan shouted as he flew in on his Firebolt out from a corridor, much to the Potter heir's amusement. Moments later Draco appeared, sulking on his Nimbus 2001,

"What were you two doing? A race?" Harry asked.

Both Malfoys nodded and said in unison, "Don't tell mum, she'll go ballistic!"

That was true, the two Malfoys were caught flying in the mansion once by Narcissa and she was less than impressed by the destruction they had caused. It's safe to say from that incident Harry learned that Narcissa wasn't someone you should cross at the slightest.

"Yeah, don't remind me, I did warn you two last time." Harry muttered as he went into the kitchen where a fantastic aroma of food wafted out while Elan explained the story to Sirius.

As soon as he approached the kitchen, Harry was pulled into a hug, "Er…Happy Christmas, Aunt Cissy." Harry said.

"Happy Christmas to you too dear, just hang in there, lunch's almost ready." Narcissa replied.

"Okay, but doesn't Dobby usually cook?" Harry asked.

"I've sent him and Kreacher to clean the rooms, they won't let me touch the kitchen if they were here. Don't want my cooking skills to deteriorate." Narcissa said with a laugh and shooed him out.

As he walked out the kitchen and sniggered when he saw Elan shouted, "Straight Flush, cough up the gold, Uncle Siri!" Sirius muttered something under his breath and the twenty galleons on Sirius's side went into Elan's pocket. Since introducing poker to his friends, they seemed to have taken a liking to the muggle game and they regularly played recreational—most of the time,

Elan jumped when he heard his mother call out that dinner was ready and preceded to stuff his winnings into a pocket just in time for Narcissa to appear next to him.

"What are you doing?" Narcissa asked, noting the cards on the coffee table.

"Nothing, just playing some cards." Elan said quickly and before his mother could ask, darted into the dining room.

Lunch was simply amazing, Harry swore that there was no one who could cook better than Narcissa, there was Honey Cured Ham, Green Salad, Grilled Chicken, and Roasted Beef. Harry stabbed a piece of ham and as polite as he could, sliced it up with his knife and ate it.

Lucius Malfoy came in shortly via floo, turned out he had been given the rest of the day off from his duty as Assistant Head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation.

"I would have never thought dearest Barty would let us go early." Lucius said tiredly and kissed Narcissa in thanks as she took his cloak and scarf.

"He's the bloke with a really weird mustache right?." Draco suddenly quipped and silence suddenly descended on the dinning table until Sirius began to snigger and then it turned into a full-blown laugh. Soon everyone followed suit, even Lucius smiled. Elan ended up laughing so hard that tears came down from his eyes.

Then the dessert came in the form of Apple Pie and Baked Egg Custard.

"Oi, what'd you think boss would say if he found out that we were stuffing ourselves?" Elan asked with a pensive expression on his face. Harry just chuckled as he imagined Ray Anderson berating them but was pulled down from reality when Narcissa asked, "Harry, I've heard from my dear cousin that you've got an invitation—"

"Um yes, a friend whom I've been exchanging letters with asked me if I could join her for Christmas dinner." Harry instantly regretted the words that tumbled out of his mouth when he saw Narcissa's mischievous smile.

"Her?" Narcissa asked.

"Yes, Aunt Cissy, she's a girl." Harry said.

"Not just any girl, a Veela!" Elan shouted before Harry could shut him up. "Sorry mate, just telling the truth…admit it, you're smitten!" He said with an impish grin at Harry's glare.

"Am not!"

"Am too!"

"Am not!"

"Gentlemen please, you two are longer five year olds, and surely you can come up with something more original." Lucius drawled, rolling his eyes and causing his wife to giggle at their display.

"I think its romantic, little Harry all grown up…just be careful and don't come back too late, we're having lemon soufflé tonight." Narcissa said, and smiled at Harry's astounded expression, she knew how much he loved her lemon soufflés.

Nodding, Harry promised and jumped when the floo flickered. Emerging from the flames were a sneering Severus Snape and a shabby looking Remus Lupin.

Narcissa rose from her chair and went to greet her two friends, Elan and Draco sniggered when they saw their Potion's Master's expression at being hugged which was a mixture of a sneer, a scowl and a smile which was very hard to describ.

"Hello Sev, you should really step into the sun more often, the first years would be wondering if you were a vampire or not." Narcissa said, putting on an innocent face as the Head of Slytherin rolled his eyes and went to sit down on the open seat next to Sirius.

"Hello Remus, congratulations on your new job, how are you doing?" Narcissa asked with a warm smile.

"Can't hope for anything better, Cissy. Thanks for inviting me." Lupin replied as Narcissa led them to the table and where the two sat down next to Sirius.

Muttering their thanks, the DADA and Potion's professors tucked in eagerly. They were discussing about Lupin's Boggart lesson and how Snape was totally humiliated by Neville Longbottom, to which Sirius cackled wildly until he fell to the floor. Snape just sneered his usual sneer when the floo flickered again and two more people emerged, a woman that strongly resembled Bellatrix Lestrange but had softer brown hair rather than black hair and a young woman with a pale heart-shaped face, dark twinkling eyes and bubblegum pink hair.

"Hello Cissy." The brown haired woman greeted

"Andy, Dora welcome." Narcissa replied.

Harry, Elan, Draco and Sirius all sniggered when the bubblegum pink haired girl tripped and fell down backwards. She glared at them and her face turned red when Elan stuck his tongue out at her.

"Potter, Malfoy, Malfoy, Black." Nymphadora Tonks muttered in acknowledgement as she took the seat next to her mother who smiled her thanks when Snape poured her some Firewhisky.

"Still a clumsy oaf I see." Elan drawled.

"Still arrogant as hell eh Malfoy?" Tonks replied with a glare.

"Me arrogant, please. Its the Malfoy Charm and oh can you do a repairing charm yet?" Elan said while examining his fingernails.

Tonks looked like she was about to blow up with rage, you see, household spells wasn't exactly her specialty.

"Enough Elan Abraxas Malfoy, quit bothering your cousin." Narcissa said in her listen to me or you're going to regret it voice.

"Yes mother." Elan gulped and brushed strand of his blonde hair from his face.

"So how's your training doing with dear ol' Mad Eye?" Harry asked.

"Really difficult, how'd you ever get through it?" Tonks asked. Harry narrowed his eyes at her, no one had knew he had trained under the half crazed auror when he was twelve.

"Moody kept comparing how an eleven year old Harry Potter could probably beat me in a duel." Tonks said, as if reading his mind.

"That's me pup!" Sirius said switching from the grown ups' conversation and gave Harry the old Knuckle Sandwich, he swore he heard Lupin chuckling at him.

"Well, I don't really know, sometimes, its about being how gifted you are, how adaptable you can be in certain situations. I've never had any trouble casting any spells Mad Eye had thrown at me, my physique helped and extra reading and studying spell theories don't hurt." Harry replied softly, Tonks instantly wished that she didn't ask the question; her mother had warned her a lot that Harry did not have the best childhood in the world and it would be for the best to not ask anything that might lead to such conclusion.

"Didn't Harry totally whopped you in his second year?" Elan asked, trying to drive the topic into another corner.

"It WAS luck, I slipped." Tonks tried to defend herself but thought that was a rather lame excuse.

To her astonishment, Harry laughed, not a taunting laugh but a genuine, laugh that you expected to hear from a good joke.

"You were pretty good, I have to admit. Just don't wear robes that are too long." Harry said with an honest smile.

Tonks immediately blushed, "Why does Harry not smile more often? He has a good smile." She thought and shook her thoughts away.

Excusing themselves, the moved to the couch to enjoy a better conversation, Tonks was excited about the upcoming World Cup and asked them all about the Qualifiers and their training facilities.

"You sure you want to be an auror and not a reporter?" Elan asked after a huge wave of questions.

Tonks blushed and punched him on the shoulder playfully. Her eyes widened in shock when Elan revealed his Firebolt.

Immediately Tonks begged for a test ride and to her shock, her normally arrogant, pompous womanizing cousin smiled and agreed.

"Quit sulking lil bro, you rode that broom like a hundred times since I got it. Father did promise to get you one." Elan said as he ruffled Draco's neatly gelled hair while keeping an eye on Tonks, they were in the backyard of the Malfoy manor and it had its own Quidditch Pitch. Draco just grumbled a bit but watched as Tonks slowly descended.

"This broom is amazing! I'm so jealous! I'm still using my Comet Two Sixty." Tonks whined.

"Hey, its not about the broom, it's the player." Elan said as he pointed his index finger at his chest. "Ickle Harrikens here used a Nimbus 2000 before he got his Firebolt to take on the 2001's and still beat the crap out them." Harry growled at his nickname but agreed with his friend on his statement.

Then together they headed back inside. They were returning to the couches when they saw the doors to the dining room closed and locked, as Elan tried to open them but failed.

"Leave it to me." Harry said as he pulled out his wand.

"What about under-age magic?" Tonks asked with wide eyes.

"This wand is… special." Harry replied and without giving the pink haired auror trainee a chance to reply flicked his wrist and suddenly they could hear.

"How on Earth did Pettigrew slip into Hogwarts undetected?" They could hear Andromeda ask.

"The pathetic bastard can turn into a rat, he's an animagus." Sirius voice replied causing Andromeda and Narcissa to gasp.

"I can't believe we trusted him." The soft voice of Lupin said.

"What Pothead saw in him, I will never comprehend." Snape sneered, obviously enjoying smearing his arch nemesis' name.

"Dumbledore doesn't seem to care much, nor is he doing anything to help. The other Board members are wondering if a change of Headmaster is in order." Lucius said quietly.

"I don't think he's going to attempt breaking into Hogwarts again, my money's on that he's trying to find out where Voldemort is now."

"Lupin!" Snape shouted with discomfort.

"Oh right, sorry Severus. You-Know-Who." Lupin corrected himself.

"Last I saw, Harry fought the Dark Lord but Quirrell portkeyed away before we could apprehend him." Snape said.

"What does this have to do with Quirrell?" Narcissa asked.

"It turned out that the Dark Lord had infested himself on the back of dear Quirrell's head." Snape replied, horror evident in his voice.

"What was the Dark Lord doing in Hogwarts?" Lucius asked.

With a sigh Snape replied, "The Dark Lord was looking for the Philosopher's Stone which will give him the Elixir of Life, thus allowing him to return to full power with a body of his own."

Tonks and Draco were terribly frightened when they heard what the stone was capable of while Elan offered Harry a high five.

That's when the doors swung opened and Harry and co. scrambled to not make themselves look suspicious as they began to sprout nonsense.

Snape came out first, sneered at the three young adults and a kid and said, "Remember Malfoy, Potter, eight roll essay, on my desk, first thing in class….failure to comply and the consequences…" Both Harry and Elan gulped, with his point taken across, Snape walked into the fireplace and disappeared in green flames, Lupin was next as he gave Harry a tight embrace and a quick farewell before Sirius walked him to the floo where he was consumed by green flames.

Andromeda was next with a troubled expression on her face and motioned for her daughter to follow, Tonks grumbled about not having more time to know her cousins more and reluctantly left but not before procuring a photograph of England's Starting VIII before their last World Cup Qualifier against Croatia and mumbled for Elan and Harry to sign it; which they did so gladly. They were surprised then when Tonks threw herself at them in a sobbing hug but returned the awkward three-person hug.

Then Tonks ran into the fireplace and disappeared in a flash of green flames, her mother following behind after she waved the two Malfoys and Harry goodbye. Then for the rest of the afternoon, Harry and Elan started their killer essay for Professor Snape while Narcissa and Lucius looked on approvingly at them.

It wasn't long until dusk came and Harry became increasingly nervous at the process of a meeting with the most beautiful girl he had ever seen, it was weird feeling that was totally unfamiliar to him and he didn't like it at all.

"Relax mate, its going to be fine…treat the girl like you always do and she'll be all over you." Elan reassured him as he juggled a soccer ball and sent it to Harry who caught the ball with his foot and continued the juggling, and did a fast around the world before sending the ball back with a flick of his head.

Harry had started playing football for a local club since he was seven and like his Quidditch position, played center forward due to his ability to score a lot of goals. Taking his friend's advice, Harry returned to the manor and after checking over his clothes in addition to looking in the mirror one last time, walked after Sirius into the floo.

"'ARRY!" Harry gasped in surprise as he was pulled into a choking embrace as soon as he emerged from the floo. His arms snaked around Fleur's curvy waist and breathed heavily in her ethereal silver blonde hair, she smelled amazing a mild scent of daisy rushing into his nose.

"Hi Fleur, Happy Christmas." Harry whispered in her ear.

"Happy Christmas to you too 'Arry." She whispered back. Suddenly Harry felt very uncomfortable as Fleur unintentionally or intentionally rubbed her chest against his. Harry then pull away but found out that Fleur had no intention in letting go of his hand as she pulled him from the fireplace.

What he saw totally took his breath away, despite that it was winter, Fleur was dressed in simple casual spaghetti strap aqua blue dress that hung loosely to her knees. He felt very out of place with his long black trench coat and dragon hide boots.

A house elf then took his trench coat, scarf and told him that it will be hanged up then without a warning, he was towed away by Fleur. Harry was amazed at the size of the interior of the chateau, Fleur had described to him what her house was like but as they say, seeing the real thing really was totally different from what he had read. Delacour Mansion was even grander than Malfoy Manor, which was quite an achievement in itself. Magnificent crystal chandeliers dangled from the ceiling, beautiful vases on display and paintings on the wall by Picasso, Warhol, Hockney and Lucian Freud.

"It's like I'm in a museum." Harry observed. Fleur let out a melodious laughter and pulled him into a glorious dining room.

"'ARRY!" Harry barely had time to react as a small silver bullet ran into him causing him to fall on his rear.

"Hello, my dear Angel Gabrielle, Happy Christmas to you too." Harry said once he was pulled himself from the floor and smiled his trademark smile at the little Veela who blushed bright red.

Alain and Apolline Delacour smiled when they saw the black haired youth being towed into the dining room by both of their daughters.

"Happy Christmas Mr. and Mrs. Delacour." Harry greeted politely as he shook both of their hands. Sirius then introduced himself and apologized for not greeting them previously since he was 'occupied.' Mr. Delacour just laughed merrily, greeted Sirius in kind and invited them to the table long enough to fit twelve people.

Dinner was a joyous celebration with an abundance of seafood including: lobsters, oysters, escargots, Foie Gras, and a large Turkey amidst all the delicious looking food. Harry and Fleur blushed bright red and looked down when Sirius 'jokingly' suggested a possible marriage contract between Fleur and Harry, it was so obvious to the three adults in the room that the two obviously had feelings for each other. Harry and Fleur talked all about Hogwarts and Beauxbatons as they ate and when he talked about his O.W.L.S., Alain and Apolline were amazed to hear that Harry had achieved twelve O.W.L.S.

"What is that?" Harry asked, pointing to a round bread.

"It's called pompe à l'huile, basically its like flat bread." Fleur explained. After dessert was finished, Harry gave Gabrielle her present first with a smile as he watched the little silvery blonde haired girl's face lit up when she saw it was a flying model of himself and was unprepared to be tackled from his chair by the small Veela who repeatedly jabbered her thanks while clinging onto his chest. The adults just watched on with a smile as the little girl ran off chasing the flying model. Fleur then surprised him with a fluffy package, Harry's green emerald eyes widened when he unwrapped the wrapping paper to find a purple sweater, it was very warm as he ran his hand across it.

"Do you like it? I stitched it myself..." Fleur asked with a nervous expression. To her shock, Harry grabbed one of her hands and gently kissed it, both the back of her palm and the front.

"I love it, Fleur, thank you." Harry replied with a smile.

"So...where's my present?" Fleur teased with a pout that could rival Little Rosy's as Harry threw a wink at Sirius and led her into the empty living room.

"Patience luv…" Harry leaned towards her and whispered softly into her ear while drawing circles on her hand with his thumb. "God, even her skin's so perfect." He thought and then procured the long thin blue velvet box from his pocket.

Fleur untied the white tie on it and slowly opened the box and gasped loudly. There lying inside the box was a necklace with a thin silver chain with a large, shimmering sapphire gemstone at the center. It was wasn't too flashy or showy, just simple and elegant.

"Oh 'Arry…" Fleur whispered and before Harry could reply her, he was cut off as she kissed him desperately, with her arms locking flung around his neck. Harry's eyes closed automatically and his arms slowly wrapped around her curvaceous waist pulling her closer to him as their chests heaved frantically brushed against one another, their body heat warming the other instantly.

Fleur's soft warm honey sweet moist lips moved over his over and over and over again. Both of them capturing and releasing each other's lips frantically. Their hot breaths mingling with one another's causing the air they received to taste like one another. Harry pulled her even closer towards him, their bodies practically mashed together and moaned when Fleur began sucking on his bottom lip, "Oh My God!" Was all he could think of before his intelligence was swallowed up by his growing hungry primal side.

Fleur gasped at the feel of his tongue as he pushed it in the moment her mouth opened. Harry explored every part of her mouth, letting nothing be undiscovered. His tongue wrapped around hers tasting her as he then pulled it into his own mouth using his own tongue, not releasing it as he start sucking hard on it while holding her tongue with his own. Fleur groaned at the absolute bliss and the level of passion of the kiss, pushing into him, molding her body into his. Fleur then let out another moan as their bodies pressed harder against one another feeling Harry's extremely well toned chest.

All logic had died out when Harry heard Fleur growl, is tongue moved all over her mouth exploring her it everywhere over her gum, teeth and tongue licking her inside cheek of her walls of her mouth as he moved his hand from her upper back to her waist.

Harry then repaid Fleur by sucking hard on her lips while moving one of his hands to her flat, stomach and began drawing circles with his index finger, causing her to shiver slightly. But soon, air was needed and Harry broke the kiss, while gently leaning his forehead on Fleur's. Their lips still touched as they breathed heavily against one another, their mingled breaths leaving them both intoxicated, unable to focus on anything else.

Fleur moved forward gently kissing his lips long, deep, and slow. She felt herself drift away in a bliss as they kissed, that was the most mindblowing kiss she had ever received but was slightly upset that Harry probably kissed a lot of girls in the same amazing way.

"Fleur, will you do me the honor of being my girlfriend?" Harry whispered through his swollen lips, making Fleur's eyes go wide.

"As long as those lips touch only mine, Yes! I will!" Fleur replied, and began nipping and sucking on his neck.

"I want you and only you, my flower, you're the first girl that I can't and won't ever stop thinking about." Harry whispered as he arched his neck, giving her more access.

After a few more little kisses, Harry took the necklace from the box and as gently as he could be, tied the necklace around her perfect, swan like neck.

"Your beautiful, Fleur." Harry whispered as he suckled on her earlobe, causing her to gasp in surprise. Then both of them returned to the living room where Fleur's parents and Sirius were laughing but immediately stopped when the two arrived at the entrance of the dining hall.

"Oh my…Fleur you look wonderful." Apolline squealed as she quickly rushed over to her half dazed daughter and began touching the Sapphire gemstone at the middle of the silver chained necklace.

She gasped when the stone turned into a lighter shade of blue, "Goblin made?" Apolline whispered with a glance at an equally dazed Harry.

He nodded and said, "Don't worry, Ragnok's a friend, he said it was fine…" Harry said recounting the response he had gotten from the leader of the Goblin nation.

Sirius just sent him a proud knowing smile and clasped his shoulder gently. Harry then proceeded to ask Alain Delacour for permission to date Fleur, which surprised him a lot but smiled and said that he would allow it.

Fleur then jumped into his arms and despite the fact that her parents were present, gave her boyfriend a flaming hot snog, leaving him even more dazed.

Like all good things though, it was soon time for Harry and Sirius to leave and Fleur didn't make things easier when she proceeded to continue giving him the hottest, most passionate kisses he had ever received on their way to the fireplace.

"Fleur, I won't be able to leave if you don't stop." Harry pleaded as Fleur sucked particularly hard on his bottom lip.

"Who says I want you to leave?" Fleur replied huskily. "Dear God! This woman is going to be the death of me." Harry thought and hissed when Fleur bit down on his throat, leaving a visible mark.

Sirius had to grab the back of his collar while rolling his eyes, and after Harry said a hoarse "Bye love." Proceeded to throw him into the floo where he disappeared with green flames engulfing him. The last thing he saw was Fleur giving him a saucy wink.