oooOOOoooOOOooo Chapter 25
Dinner was a literally more sober affair. Everyone was still in good spirits but no one was drinking with dinner. They'd all had enough for one day,
"What do we have planned for tomorrow?" asked Harry.
"Nothing in particular," said Gabrielle.
"Did you have something you hoped to do?" asked Julia.
"Well, I am hoping to do some touristy things but I'm also hoping that we could go see our potential new home," Harry said.
The girls grinned at the very thought. They could admit that they were disappointed Harry hadn't gifted them with an engagement ring for Yule but they guessed he might be waiting a little longer. Their relationship was still very new.
"That would be wonderful," beamed Julia. She loved Emma and looked forward to having the sweet and fun woman so close by.
"We might need to do some updating or redecorating," warned Hermione. "Just be prepared that the facilities might not be modern," she said, thinking of Grimmauld Place.
"Right," said Harry, thinking of the same.
"Let's plan to go tomorrow after breakfast," said the grinning mother. She was hoping that the wedding could be held at the Delacour home but maybe the reception could be at the Potter enclave?
"I have some meetings to attend tomorrow but I look forward to hearing about your new home at dinner," said Jean Claude. He was doing research to see what else he could help Harry with. The Trois Amants Purifier ritual was something that Jean Cluade had heard of before. He wanted to know everything he could about it before he consented to allow his daughter to be a party to it.
As breakfast finished, talk turned to the Delacour New Year's Eve Party. Hermione looked at Harry. She leaned over to whisper.
"Perhaps we should gift everyone their clothes now? The day of the party might be too late to change attire," she said, quietly.
Harry looked at Gabrielle. She was watching. She smiled and nodded.
Jean Claude led everyone into the salon for after dinner drinks. Harry got his attention.
"Jean Claude, if I may. Gabrielle, Hermione, and I have a gift for you all," said Harry.
Bill looked curious. Harry grinned at the other man. "We might want to send your family theirs as an early gift. I've come to understand the day of might be too late to change," said Harry. Bill was a stylish guy. He had to agree.
"You're not wrong," said Bill. He already had his outfit planned and coordinated with Fleur.
"Dobby, could you bring everyone's gifts in the red boxes here?" asked Hermione.
Dobby popped into the room with a stack of boxes. Hermione and Gabrielle passed them out while Harry sat with his own box, waiting for time to open. Soon, everyone had a box.
They all looked at Harry. He grinned back. "Please, go ahead," Harry said, encouragingly.
Noemie didn't need an invitation. She rushed to open her box. A stylish cloak, a knapsack, and a set of basilisk hide boots waited inside, along with a long length of green skin. Her cloak was made of white and pale green scales from the underbelly of the snake. A line of silver edged scales flowed along the hem of the cloak. The shoes were slightly darker in color and had a few more silver lines. It was absolutely gorgeous. Noemie jumped up and screamed. "Mama! Do you see?"
Julia blinked out of her trance staring down at the absolutely darling items waiting in her own box. She picked up the forest green cloak edged with a yellow so vibrant, it practically glowed. Her robes, shoes, and bag were the perfect match. She had a cloak made of colors that mirrored the robes. She could tell they would fit perfectly. The garments were soft and smooth and smelled of fresh new leather.
"Mama!" cried Noemie in exasperation. Julia turned to look at her youngest daughter. She saw the gorgeous little cloak and boots. The darker colored length of extra leather inside Noemie's box made Julia turn to look at Harry in question.
"Oh, that's for when she's grown. I didn't want her to be left out," said Harry. Julia got tears in her eyes. She stood and went over to hug and kiss Harry. He was such a darling boy.
"Thank you, son," she said. Harry swallowed back tears at the epithet. He nodded his head. He didn't pull away until he got control of his emotions. He smiled a wobbly smile at her.
She wanted to put her arms around him again but instead, she just squeezed his hands and let go.
Jean Claude didn't notice the emotional scene. He was too busy looking at the rare, precious gift Harry gave him. A set of robes, trousers, a vest, boots, and an absolutely gorgeous cloak made of pure basilisk leather. The entire suit was made of a dove gray color that appeared under the beast's jaws. Jean Claude stood and swept the soft leather cloak around himself. It fit absolutely perfectly and felt cool and silky against his skin.
"This is from your kill?" asked Jean Claude. Everyone quieted down. Not everyone here had heard this story.
"It is," Harry said, quietly.
"What kill?" asked Lya, standing with her own robes, cloak, bag, and set of boots. This boy just met her yet her daughter had the same items as Noemie.
Soon, the tale of the Chamber of Secrets was told and the pictures shown. Lya was watching this young man with serious interest. He might just be good enough for her niece.
Jean Claude's uncle, Philipe, laughed and slapped his knee when he stood with the same clothes as everyone else, even the tiny little twin boys.
"We hope you'll all join us in wearing these items to the New Year's Eve ball," said a proud Hermione. She kissed Harry's cheek. He had avenged her for her petrification. He was a hero, brave and true.
Gabrielle took Harry's other arm and snuggled in. Harry had saved the most rare and beautiful skin for his own two ladies. Their items faded like the sunset from white to yellow to a soft pink to light green to a deep forest green around the hem. The leather came from the chest of the basilisk, right over the heart.
"Harry gifted my entire family with a set of these same items of their own, too. Even the siblings that behaved badly are receiving a set of basilisk hide boots each. They don't deserve it," said Bill, seriously.
"They certainly don't," said Dan. He and Emma both had matching robes and cloaks with the diamond shaped yellow and silver line down the center of the deep gray back. The work on the cloaks was pristine. Emma had a matching bag and they both had a pair of forest green boots. Dan felt his heart swell just a little more for this boy.
"What happened?" asked Julia, in dread.
"The girl attacked Hermione and Gabrielle physically and emotionally but the boy is the worst," hissed Emma.
Harry grit his teeth as he answered. "He attempted to kidnap my sons and send them to death eaters," he said, angrily.
"Tell me now," said Lya. She had a notepad out. Harry told her the whole sorry tale.
"That would be more than enough evidence to get a conviction in France!" said the woman.
"I don't want anyone to go to the dementors but he is getting a very light punishment. He gets to live at home with loving parents. They're going to let him continue to learn magic. He doesn't get to be with his friends at school. That's his entire punishment," said Harry. He knew Molly wouldn't work Ron nearly as hard as the Dursley family had worked Harry. Ron would always get food and a decent place to sleep. Harry had no such guarantee.
"That is too light. He would at a minimum be forced into therapy and community service here. His wand access would be restricted to lessons only until his 25th birthday! He would live in a group home under supervision of licensed professionals!" said Lya.
"If he steps foot in France, we will make it so," said a determined Jean Claude.
"I wish we could stay in France now but I am truly trapped in this tournament," said Harry. "I'm tempted to leave the boys here with the Grangers until school ends for the year. Powerful people in the Ministry have already threatened my children."
"We could provide protection for you. Given the circumstances of your years at Hogwarts, surely protection is warranted," said Jean Claude.
"He has protection," said Moody in a gruff voice, holding his own gift box. Damn that kid. This would protect Moody against anything but the AK itself. He wanted to hug the kid. Moody intended to keep his eyes peeled. He would see this kid safely to France if it killed him.
"Yeah, we're with him full time until the end of the tournament. He can take his finals and leave for France on the same day," said Tonks.
"He's exempt from Finals," said Fleur.
Harry chuckled. "I would never disappoint my ladies in such a way. No, I won't even skip classes. I'll go and practice on the schedule we have planned. This is just another thing I have to survive and I will survive it," Harry said, determinedly. Everyone holding a piece of 1000 year old basilisk flesh believed him.
Soon everyone retired to their rooms, ready for rest and a secret trial of their new clothes. They were all ecstatic with the unique and meaningful gifts. Harry gave his life to protect a girl that turned on him. He would do everything in his power to protect the new people in his life, too.
Jean Claude was tempted to wear his new cloak today but he decided to wait. He wanted to unveil his new outfit with his entire family. They would make quite the striking figures when they were all together. Jean Claude decided to take a page out of Harry's book and hire a photographer for the evening. It would be a welcomed novelty to the people at the New Year's Eve ball.
The next morning, Jean Claude did not go with the group to see Harry's new property. Instead, he went to his ambassador to the United Kingdom's office. He demanded a full investigation of Harry Potter and his entire group as well as the being known as Tom Marvolo Riddle. He visited the French Department of Mysteries and commanded for the Trois Amants Purifier ritual to be fully researched. If his daughter would partake of this ritual, his own experts would oversee it. He knew his daughter would marry quickly. He expected spring break and planned accordingly.
Harry led his group out of the house for a nice walk in the sun. The group walked down the country lane towards the former Malfoy estate. The newly christened Potter enclave was just a merry walk away. The two mothers-in-law walked arm-in-arm towards the charming new estate that Harry's group would call home. Harry walked up to the dual gates. Even they had been changed by the thoughtful Dobby. The gates had a stone stag and doe leaping forth on either side of the shining gate. A charming stucco fence surrounded the property, glimmering with fresh whitewash in the crisp winter sun.
The wrought iron fence had the Potter coat of arms on the front and the name Une Vallée
Potter over the top. Harry reached out to the gate and let it prick his palm. The gate glowed for a moment as the goblin wards recognized their owner for the first time. Harry invited each person in personally and gave them all unfettered access to the property, even the French Aurors. They relaxed at the right to enter the former Malfoy property. They expected to find the place a hovel of dark artifacts but were surprised to find that everything was cleaned out and looked as if it had been torn down to the rafters and rebuilt.
Harry was very pleased even if the expense was very high. The Malfoys were really the ones paying for it. Harry hadn't touched a dime of his own money and had barely touched the mountain of gold he'd taken from the Malfoys. Five million galleons was a drop in the bucket of what Harry rightfully stole from the Malfoys.
Harry grinned as he saw the large circular driveway around the front of the property. The goblins had outdone themselves. The stones were clean and dark gray, perfect for driving on.
They went up to the main house first. It was stately and gorgeous with Georgian columns and a white deck that wrapped around the entire house. Large, sparkling arched windows rose in four rows towards the clouds. The roof rose high and pointed, bringing the building in touch with the sky.
They walked up the deck to a set of double French doors with a stained glass Potter family crest in the center of each door. The rainbow light of the Potter gold and blue, with small blood red accents, glittered in the light.
Harry touched the doors and they opened after just a little pinch. Harry appreciated the security even if he didn't appreciate the sore palm. Jameson and Julius giggled every time Harry grimaced. He couldn't help but smile at them as he led them into what could potentially be their new home.
"Oh, Harry! This could be our home?" asked an excited Gabrielle. The whole place was pretty empty. Harry demanded that all of the Malfoy personal effects get gone. There was some furniture but Harry wrinkled his nose at what remained. It was all so fussy.
"Let's get new furniture," he said. Hermione laughed.
"Harry! Those are priceless antiques!" said the girl.
"So. Go raid the Room of Lost Things. There's all kinds of priceless antique furniture in there. I just don't want anything Malfoy sitting around," said Harry.
Gabrielle came in with a compromise. She was the peacemaker between them. "What if we moved the Malfoy things to the guest wing? Then, the antiques will be on display but Harry won't have to see them."
Hermione and Harry looked at one another and smiled. "Perfect," they said together.
The family walked through the vast, empty home, peeking at rooms and planning with their mothers and their friends.
Soon, they went outside to see the homes the rest of them might like to have.
"You're all welcome to live with us. We have plenty of room, obviously. But, I wanted you to have a home of your own, if you want it. So, I got a house ready for each of you. You'll need to decorate and buy furniture but it's otherwise ready for use," said Harry.
He led the group down to the cottages. Each cottage sat on around 5 acres of land. Plenty of space to make nice neighbors. It was basically a little cul-de-sac, with three houses on each side of a small street that connected to the round circular driveway. Each house had a small two car garage but the seventh house at the end had a huge garage attached to the back with its own road that connected to the circular driveway then disappeared in the distance.
"That house is for you, Padfoot. It has that big garage and connects to the road that goes all the way around the property. There's like 1100 acres here or something," he said. The entire property was surrounded by the same white stucco fencing as the gates of the house. In the distance was a big garden and grazing for a bunch of sheep. "The road isn't done yet but it will be soon. If you decide to stay here, you can start work on your new car right away," Harry tempted. He wanted his godfather to stay safe.
"The rest of you can pick whichever house you want. There should be enough for one for each of you. Moody, I'd offer you one if you were staying. Tonks, I'm thinking pick one for your parents, too?" said Harry. Regulus shook his head at Harry's extreme generosity. He wasn't complaining, he just didn't want to take advantage. Sirius didn't give him the chance to refuse. He merely grabbed his brother's arm and dragged him down the lane.
Bill laughed. He looked at Fleur. "Want to help me pick one out?" he asked, a promise in his eyes. She giggled and took his hand. They ran to the houses that all had their own character. Tonks looked at Remus with longing in her eyes.
"Maybe I'll just stay with my parents, for now. Then, if I ever wanted to move, I wouldn't be taking up valuable resources," she said. Remus smiled gently at her.
"I think that's a wonderful idea. I know if you wanted to move, that would be a welcome move, when the time is right," said Remus. Tonks' hair stood straight up and purple. She wanted to kiss him right now but too many people were watching for that. "Maybe we could look together?"
She nodded happily and took his arm. Moody snorted. "This is why she can't be on her own yet. She's too young even if she is an excellent cadet."
Harry just smiled. "Does that mean you'll stick around? I could use a bodyguard. I've got a good contract we can use."
Moody gave the kid a look. Was he for real? Harry absolutely was. The girls supported the move.
"There's one other cottage. It's a crofters cottage. We won't have a crofter. I don't even know what a crofter is, but you could pick that place. It's over there, by itself behind that fence down the road there," said Harry, pointing down what he considered Sirius' road.
Moody looked longingly at it. Gabrielle smiled.
"Let us go look at it with you. Hermione will go with her parents to find their own home?" asked Gabrielle.
Dan and Emma exchanged a look. "If you don't mind, we'll just take some rooms in the main house. We'd rather be with you and the babies," said Emma.
"Something near the library," said Dan. "I'll come help Sirius tinker from time to time but I prefer to avoid the upkeep of a house for just the two of us."
"Sounds perfect to me," said Harry. He led the Grangers, Moody, and the girls towards the crofters cottage. It was a cozy little two bedroom thing with a big study and a comfortable sitting room that looked out over the entire property. Moody felt like he could keep an eye on things here.
"This will do," said Moody. "I was planning to retire at the end of the year anyway. I would have retired sooner if it wasn't for Barty Crouch, Junior."
Harry scowled at the memory of the arsehole that tried to kill him.
"Right. Let's plan to hire four more security guards that will work under you," said Harry.
"Smart lad," said Moody. "We'll plan for at least that many to provide round the clock coverage."
Harry nodded. "Make it six if you need it," Harry said. He didn't want to take any chances with his family.
They met back up with the rest of the group and took some time to fly over the grounds, checking out the land as well as the house.
Harry's boys screamed in joy the entire time they were in the air. Harry would only let them ride with him but he knew he had two natural born fliers on his hands. He swore they would get a broom as soon as they could sit up reliably.
The group finally walked back down the road as time for lunch approached them. The boys were in good spirits but they were getting hungry. Soon, it would be time for food and a nap.
They had a peaceful afternoon with plans to go shopping and sightseeing all day in Paris the next two days.
Jean Claude came in late to dinner the last night of their Paris sightseeing adventure, disturbed. His investigations had found that all Harry Potter said was true.
Jean Claude was privileged to make the acquaintance of Nicholas and Perenelle Flamel. He had lunch with the reclusive and infamous couple that day. Nick ranted for over an hour about that arsehole Dumbledore who would have killed him if he'd truly given the bastard his stone. Nicholas had become very good at making fakes over the years. He had to. Giving vile men what they wanted was sometimes all that would make them go away.
"You've got Potter? Hide him away. I don't care what that cup says. Just drop him in for the events. That idiot Dumbledore means to see the lad dead one way or another. He doesn't mean harm, he just thinks everyone's life on Earth is his to manage and end as the need arises," warned Nicholas.
Jean Claude verified every house Harry claimed was his. He checked his acquaintances before Hogwarts. The only dark person in his circle was Ronald Weasley. That boy was a waste of space.
Everyone else in Harry's circle was who they appeared to be. The only other shocking secret was just how bad Harry's childhood had been. His relatives were vile. They truly did raise the boy in a closet. If they ever stepped foot in France, they would be prosecuted for child abuse and neglect. The aurors who did the investigating took memory evidence in preparation for that fine day.
Jean Claude wouldn't share any of that with his family but he would share what he had learned about the Trois Amants Purifier ritual. It was quite the complicated ritual but it was something Jean Claude felt his own experts should oversee. Jean Claude refused to oversee the ritual himself but he wanted to make sure it was done right.
Everyone greeted him as he entered the dining room. He returned the sentiments and took his seat. He was preoccupied throughout the meal. "If I could please see everyone in the sitting room," said Jean Claude.
When everyone was seated, Jean Clause spoke.
"I understand part of what has brought you all together," he said to Hermione, Gabrielle, and Harry.
"I can see there is true affection between you but Harry was honest and upfront with me. He told me about the Trois Amants Purifier ritual," said Jean Claude.
The teens all blushed. They had done just enough research about the ritual themselves to know they had something to blush about.
"The French Department of Mysteries has studied this ritual in depth," he said. He passed around a memo capturing the information. Everyone read.
"The ritual is French in origin, as the name implies. I was able to speak with the ritual creator about how best to enact the ritual and what would be needed for the best success. He and his co-creator have agreed to oversee the performance of the ritual by you all," said Jean Claude.
"But this ritual is at least 500 years old!" said Remus.
"608 years old this year," said Jean Claude with aplomb.
"Who is this person?" asked Emma. "Are vampires real?"
"Vampires are real but the creator was not one of the undead. No, Nicholas Flamel and his wife, Perenelle, created the spell," said Jean Claude.
Harry looked deeply ashamed. "I'm sorry to tell you this, Jean Claude, but Nicholas Flamel and his wife are dead. They're been dead for several years," said a sorrowful Harry.
Jean Claude smiled gently. "They are not dead. I had lunch with them today. Nicholas verified your adventure with the philosopher's stone. However, he did not provide Dumbledore with the real stone. The stone Dumbledore used in his trap was a forgery."
"It was?" asked Harry, amazed. A brilliant smile burst into being on his face. "They're alive! I thought it was my fault that they were dead!"
Jean Claude shook his head. "It would not have been your fault, even if they had passed on. You were an eleven year old child, Harry. Dumbledore chose to destroy that stone, not you."
Harry didn't agree. If Harry had left the stone alone, maybe Dumbledore wouldn't have destroyed it. Jean Claude could see that he wasn't getting through to the lad. He decided to change the subject.
"Nicholas and Perenelle have agreed to oversee the ritual," said Jean Claude.
Gabrielle's face was flaming. "Why must anyone oversee the ritual?"
Jean Claude had a grim look on his face. "For two reasons, one, if the ritual is successful, someone needs to keep the spirit away from all of you. Two, if the ritual is unsuccessful, someone must keep Harry away from you and Hermione. If Riddle takes possession of him, he will become an extreme danger to everyone around him."
"How will you know if the ritual is successful?" asked Remus.
"A spirit will rend itself from Harry if it works properly," said Jean Claude.
That didn't sound pleasant to anyone.
"You must speak with Nicholas about the ritual. I have invited him and his wife to lunch this Tuesday after the party," said Jean Claude.
Harry looked at Hermione and Gabrielle. They were starting to become central to his happiness. He could never live with himself if something happened to them.
"We'll agree to let the Flamels oversee the ritual. I look forward to discussing with them," said Harry, seeing the answers in the girls' eyes.
Jean Claude nodded. He handed the folder of information that had been prepared for him by the French Department of Mysteries over to Hermione. She started reading the information right away, with Gabrielle leaning over her shoulder to see everything.
The next few days passed in simpatico relations between all of the people. The babies had an excellent time being passed around to endless people who wanted to hold them and love them. Harry felt like he could finally relax. These people didn't judge him or expect anything from him. They just let him be himself. He even managed to relax a little around Jean Claude.
Harry and the girls spent quite a bit of time at the Potter enclave with their families. Everyone was glad to come see the Potter group's potential new home. Everyone was impressed, especially Lya, who also had a love for automobiles. She and Sirius spent the entire time in his garage, crawling all over the place, planning the tools he needed to acquire to do it up right.
Finally, it was New Year's Eve. Harry woke in his comfortable bed and stretched. He lay there for a minute, letting his mind come online. He looked out the window. The sky was a light blue with yellow starting to edge the clouds as the sun's rays started to climb over the horizon.
Today was the day. The day Harry would ask Hermione and Gabrielle to marry him. He took a deep shuddering breath. Harry was a 14 year old person. Hermione and Gabrielle might be 15 but Harry wouldn't be for seven more months. It felt insane to be doing this now but if he didn't do it, he would die. His children would be orphans. Was he completely ready for this? No. But, if he had to muddle through, he wouldn't want to with anyone other than those two intelligent, compassionate, beautiful young women. They were so different yet Harry felt his heart would burst at the thought of them both. This felt right.
Still, Harry was a nervous wreck. The longer he laid in bed, the more nervous he became. He suddenly jumped from his blankets and started to pace. He wanted everything to be perfect. His ladies deserve that.
"Dobby, Winky, can one of you come here please?" asked Harry.
Winky popped into the room. "What can Winky be doing for you, Mr. Harry?" asked the helpful little elf. Winky had turned around completely since Harry accepted her into the family. She wasn't drinking. She was spotlessly clean and had a bow tied around her head. Her skin was brighter and her eyes were clear. She wiggled her ears in happy readiness while she waited for Harry to speak.
"Do you know if the flowers are here? What about candles? Do we need candles?" Harry asked, starting to panic. Winky smiled gently at the head of her family. Harry refused to be anyone's master. He treated Winky like a true family member and Winky dedicated herself to helping him because of it.
"Mr. Harry, Winky and Dobby has everything just like you be liking it. Yellow and purple Freesia for Ms. Hermione and fresh peonies for Ms. Gabrielle. The caterer will be arriving at 11am to set up the things for everyone. The brownies be cleaning the table and waxing it until it gleams. Even Mr. Jean Claude has made a contribution," said Winky.
"What did he do?" asked Harry, confused.
"He be hiring a photographer to come today to be taking pictures," said Winky, as if that should be obvious to Harry.
"Should I have hired a photographer? How could I forget the photographer!" asked Harry, desperately.
"Your family be helping you, Mr. Harry. Let them," said Winky, gently. Harry looked at her.
"My family. They really will be my family, won't they?" asked Harry, in wonder. These people were ready to accept him as one of their own.
"Yes, they will be being. Many of them already are," reminded Winky. Harry often thought of himself as alone, yet he wasn't. He had friends and family. Just because some people he was related to didn't want him and because some friends turned on him, didn't mean that no one wanted him or that no one would ever treat him with loyalty. He just needed to find the right people. He had miraculously managed to do exactly that.
Harry let some of his anxiety go with that reminder. Hermione and Gabrielle were going to be his best friends and his family.
Harry got ready in his casual day robes. He would change for lunch, which the Delacours had asked to be semi-formal. The Weasleys would arrive after breakfast and get settled in before the nice lunch and fancy party tonight.
Harry made sure he had the rings in his pocket five times before he left the room. He could do this.
Harry walked into the dining room and saw Hermione and Gabrielle. He froze like a stag in wedding lights. Hermione noticed him.
"Harry? Are you alright?" asked the concerned girl.
Harry cleared his throat twice then squeaked out. "I'm fine. Allergies," he said.
"You have allergies, mon ami?" asked Gabrielle. Harry started to sweat.
"Temporarily, I think. Erm, when are the Weasleys getting here?" he asked quickly.
Everyone else who knew that Harry would propose today gave Harry amused looks.
"They should be here by around 10am," said Emma, taking pity on the boy. Emma had talked with her other co-grandmother this morning.
Harry didn't say anything else. He shoved food in his mouth to keep his foot out of it. He didn't want to give away the plot.
The group finished breakfast then Harry took his lads to play in the sitting room. Hermione and Gabrielle were dragged away by Emma and Julia to look at more paint samples and fabric swatches. They wouldn't outfit the entire house but they'd wanted to get a couple of rooms ready, for the fun of it.
Harry relaxed a little as soon as the girls were out of the room. Bill and Sirius decided to razz him and make him more nervous.
"Today's the day, eh, Harry?" asked Bill, with a grin on his face. Harry swallowed hard.
"Do you think they'll say yes?" asked Sirius, with a grin. "Or do you think they'll say no?" Harry went white. Sirius and Bill laughed.
"Mum's going to cry, you know. Loudly. She'll make a complete emotional scene," said Bill, smirking. Harry looked like he might pass out.
"I bet all of the women will. They'll all cry," said Sirius. Harry looked a little sick. "There'll be pictures of it all, too."
Sweat trickled down Harry's temple. He jumped up and started pacing. Everyone in the room laughed. Harry gave them a reproachful look.
"This is serious. What if they do say no? What if they change their mind? This is all so new. I'm asking too much! I'm ruining their lives! I can't do this," Harry said, pulling his hair.
"Harry," Jean Claude said, commandingly. Harry looked at him. "Do you find my daughter so fickle and shallow? Are her feelings so artificial that she would change her mind in an hour's time? No. You will help them build their lives. We all will. Much is being asked of all of you. None of this is your fault. Take responsibility where you must but take your accolades where they are deserved. It is imperative that you know your own worth or people will take advantage of you. Now, are you worthy of my daughter? Of Hermione?"
Harry froze in place. He listened to every word Jean Claude said and took it all to heart. Was Harry worthy of Gabrielle and Hermione?
"No, I'm not worthy of them but I will strive to become worthy of them. I'll protect them, with my last breath if that's what it takes. I'll love them because I can't help but do anything else," said Harry.
Jean Claude smiled. "That's all I can ask from you. Now, come. Let us plan for your future in France. I will seek to allow your peerages to be recognized by our realm. You deserve the honor of your houses, even if the English do not deserve you."
Harry listened while Jean Claude and Lya talked about Harry's dynasty, like that was even a thing. Then, the reading of the betrothal contract started. Harry was back to sweating by the time the fifty page document was read, negotiated, and ready for the girls to make their additions. One provision that Jean Claude would not budge on was the agreement that they would have no additional children before they were at least 27 years old. Harry didn't dare try to argue with him about it.
Finally, the ladies returned to the room. They were just in time for the floo to flare to life.
Molly stepped through, her face flushed with upset. As the other Weasleys came through, they heard the sound of timid little Arthur Weasley yelling at the top of his lungs.
"I swear, boy. I will put you in a military school in Bulgeria before I'll let you continue with this type of attitude! You should be ashamed of yourself. You should be thanking Harry instead of saying such horrid things. I will be returning your gift. You don't deserve it. The entire yard better be gnome free by the time I get back or I'll be packing your bags!"
All of the Weasleys looked chagrined. Arthur came through last, his face an angry puce. That was quickly fading to his normal jolly visage. He huffed loudly.
"Sorry you had to hear that. That boy just makes me so angry. I don't understand what's come over him!" said Arthur.
"Ron?" Hermione asked, in an unsurprised voice.
"What's his problem now?" grumped Harry.
"He's angry that you didn't give him more," said George.
"Said he should have got half of the proceeds since he helped you kill the basilisk," said Fred.
"The only thing he killed was his wand," said George, derisively.
"Too right," said Harry. He was annoyed that he'd tried to take pity on the boy who rarely had nice, new things of his own.
"He wasn't even in the room when you killed it," said Fred, annoyed at his younger brother. He ruined the festive mood of the entire family.
"He needs therapy," said Emma, seriously. Molly looked at her.
"Do you really think so?"
"Definitely. I'm not sure what the options are in the magical world, but I hope you can find him the help he needs," said Emma.
"Let's not let him ruin our day," said Bill. "We have much to celebrate and a party to attend tonight!"
"That's right. Who wants to go see our new house?" Harry asked. The Weasleys were all game.
Jean Claude and Julia walked everyone up to their rooms for the evening. While everyone got settled, Harry got his lads ready for the walk.
Soon, everyone was on their way to Harry's place. Arthur and Molly each had a baby strapped to their chest as they walked. They were natural grandparents. They kept the babies engaged and entertained the entire time.
Fred, George, and Angelina walked beside Harry, Hermione, and Gabrielle.
"Bill tells us this house has a merry little prank behind it?" asked Fred.
"Do tell," said George.
Harry laughed. "It does have a good joke behind it. The joke's on the Malfoys. The house I'm taking you to? It used to belong to them. I received it as part of the settlement for Lucius trying to kidnap my boys, along with half of their wealth."
Fred and George laughed uproariously. They tripped over their own feet and almost fell in the street.
"That's priceless!" said George.
"What a brilliant backfire! I wish I could have seen their faces!" cackled Fred.
"I wish I could have seen it but I didn't get to. I did get to see them float Lucius Malfoy through the Veil," said a grinning Harry.
The twins cackled again.
"More than good enough," said Fred.
They arrived at Potter enclave. Harry led the way through the gates, inviting the Weasleys in as guests for the day.
"Oh, Harry! This is darling!" said Molly, looking around at the land inside the wards.
"I love it," said Harry. "It's going to be my home."
"You're leaving England?" asked Molly, sadly.
"Can you honestly blame them?" asked Emma, gently.
"No, but I'll miss you so dearly. I know you've only been to our house twice but it feels like you're a member of the family," said Molly.
"You're welcome here anytime," said Harry, sincerely. "I'll make a portkey just for you and Arthur."
"What about for us?" asked a pouting George. Harry glanced at Molly.
"Well, I was hoping you'd be interested in starting a business with Padfoot and Moony. They want to start a joke shop. Paris only has a pitiful little shop. It's pathetic. I was hoping you'd be willing to come after your NEWTs. I'll give you a house if you do," said Harry.
The twins almost choked. Molly frowned.
"A joke shop?" asked Molly. "That seems like a silly waste of time."
"Not if it's successful," said a grinning Arthur. "I bet old Zonko makes a killing."
"He does," said Remus. "We're buying out rights to use his name and products. He's retiring after next year. I thought we'd take the year to learn from him, gain some experience in the business side of things before we open our shop in Paris. We'll still keep the shopfront open in the UK only under hired management."
"That's a solid plan," said Arthur, complimenting the men.
"I still think they should focus on getting their NEWTs and getting good jobs at the Ministry," said Molly.
"We'll never do that," said George, seriously.
"Not that there's anything wrong with it, but we never would," said Fred.
"I'm thinking of staying behind in France and finding a good property for the shop," said Sirius. Tonks looked longingly at Remus.
"I likely will stay as well," he said, regretfully.
"You can come whenever you want, Tonks," said Harry.
"I want," she said, softly. Remus gave her a gentle smile. "I'll talk to my parents about it."
"You'd really give us a house?" asked Fred.
"If you pass your NEWTs," said Harry. Molly gave him an approving smile at the requirement. "And agree to take a mastery."
"In what?" asked Fred, baffled.
"Runes, Charms, and Potions," said Remus. "I've already done Transfigurations, Runes, and Charms. I'm looking for a potions master now."
"What about you?" George asked Sirius.
"I come up with the ideas," he winked.
"That's not fair!" said George.
"Take it or leave it," said Harry. "I'll pay for the masteries."
"Take it!" said Angelina. Fred rolled his eyes but they didn't argue. Instead, the twins peppered Harry with questions about everything pretty much. Angelina had every intention of playing professional quidditch. She could play in France as well as she could in England.
The twins and Angelina went to look at the available houses while Harry led the Weasleys and Jean Claude on a tour of the main house.
The group finally made their way back to the Delacour enclave. They all went up to their rooms to change for lunch. Harry was in a daze of anxiety. He could barely concentrate.
By the time he had his best trousers, vest, and over robe on, he was hyperventilating. How could Harry be so selfish as to ask his ladies to give up their entire lives for him? They could do anything. They could be with anyone. Harry felt so worthless. He heard his aunt and uncle's voices in his head, despite how much he tried to block them out.
Harry looked in the mirror. Suddenly, he heard another voice. The voice of Jean Claude.
"Are you worthy of my daughter? Of Hermione?" demanded the man.
Harry remembered everything Jean Claude said. He looked at himself with determination.
"No, but I will be. I swear I will be," he said with fierce determination. He turned on his heel and went down to lunch. Hermione and Gabrielle were already seated. Everyone was. The photographer knew that look. He jumped into preparedness.
Harry got to the spot between his two ladies. His face was so intense and determined, Hermione was instantly afraid. Harry only looked this intense when there was trouble afoot.
"Harry? What's wrong?" she asked, instantly on alert. She tried to stand up. Harry put a hand on her shoulder to keep her down.
"Nothing's wrong," said Harry, intensely.
"What has gotten into you today, mon ami?" asked a confused Gabrielle.
Harry didn't answer. Instead, he dropped to one knee and pulled the ring box out in one fluid motion.
Hermione started instantly crying with joy. Gabrielle's face practically split in two with glee. The flash of the camera went off like crazy.
"My ladies. Hermione, you've been my best friend for almost four years. You're the most intelligent, compassionate, and passionate person I know. You stand up for what's right and refuse to allow any injustice to stand in your presence. Your beauty astounds me, inside and out. Your heart beats with mine and makes me wonder if I'm dreaming," Harry said. Hermione melted and sniffled, tears pouring from her eyes while a wobbling smile filled her face. Harry turned to Gabrielle.
"My darling Gabrielle. To know you is to love you but somehow you chose to love me in return. I'm not sure how such a miracle came to be. You did more than agree to give me a chance, you unlocked my heart and my mind, showing me what love could be. Ever since I met you, I see love all around me, where I'd never seen it before. You changed me, instantly, into a better person. Your kindness changed the way I see myself. Your charity helped me find the ability to forgive when it's warranted and that I too deserve protection," Harry said. Gabrielle literally floated a bit out of her chair. Her inner beauty enhanced her outer beauty and the beauty of the entire world around her.
"I know I'm asking so much of you. I know I'm not yet worthy of you. All I can do is swear that I will work every day to become a better person, one worthy of the love you've gifted to me. Will you please do me the honor of being my wives?" Harry said, true sincerity and begging in his eyes.
The girls looked at one another then launched themselves at Harry as one. They literally tackled him, surprising an oof out of his mouth as the air whooshed out of his lungs.
Emma and Molly burst into tears. Julia had slammed into her husband, taking him in a passionate kiss then pressing her face to his as the developing true love before her literally glowed around the now chastely kissing teenagers. They were too embarrassed to do anything else in front of their family. They took it in turns to kiss Harry and then praise him. They even had one chaste kiss with each other. No one was surprised to see it.
The photographer moved quickly to capture everyone's reactions. Bill and Remus were looking at their respective loves with promise. Both Tonks and Fleur stared back with hopeful moon eyes. The twins quickly took a turn to kiss Angelina while everyone was distracted, then they set off some tiny fireworks that popped over the table spinning and spelling out, "Congratulations Potters!" Sirius wished he'd thought to bring a prank while Lya was thinking exactly the same. They both promised they'd prank everyone tomorrow. Charlie just ate his food and enjoyed the show while Percy never took his eyes off of Jean Claude.
Eventually, Harry climbed out of the pile of girls and helped them up to their chairs. His face was flaming red with embarrassment but he had the most cheshire grin that you could possibly imagine. Harry turned to the girls' whose perfect makeup was completely ruined, and offered them the ring box. They squeed together at the gorgeous mithril and hexagon-cut fire opal promise and engagement rings glittered with multi-colored light. There was no question about which ring belonged to which witch with the perfectly matching set.
Harry helped them slide the rings onto their fingers. Taking their hands into his own when it was done. The girls sighed together and practically melted into his side.
The mothers couldn't wait any longer. Soon everyone was hugging, kissing, and slapping the backs of the happy thrupple. It was a chaotic few minutes as everyone got their turn in. Even Jameson and Julius got into the act. They did their first bout of accidental magic. They squealed and little bubbles, blue for Jameson and aquamarine for Julius, popped up all around them. The photographer went wild. This was an artist's dream. Capturing a baby's first magic? He was getting this published. He'd pay the family if they'd let him publish it in Witch Weekly. He had contacts.
Then, the chaos started all over again as everyone wanted to hug and kiss the babies in congratulations for their first act of magic. Harry was so chuffed. This day was coming up in spades. He should have known that wouldn't last.