The Thief of Hogwarts
By: Bluminous
A/N: I don't own Harry Potter
Chapter 20: Third year trauma
July 31, Marseilles, France
"How long do you think will he keep this up?"
Harry shrugged and glanced back at Fleur's cousins who were playing around with a fairly large black dog on the surf. The dog chased after the scantily clad veela, its tongue hanging halfway from its mouth.
"WOOF!"
"Your godfather's absolutely shameless." Fleur sniffed.
"Knowing Sirius, he'd keep this up for weeks if he could." Remus added. The three were inside the main house, keeping a close eye on the infamous Sirius Black through the window. Innocent or not, Julian was not sure about the man's state of mind and was adamant that someone keep an eye out for the escaped prisoner of Azkaban.
Sirius' animagus form was spotted earlier that morning on its back on the beach, enjoying a belly rub from one of Fleur's cousins who decided on an early swim. He sniffed Harry a few times and laid down on all fours and tail wagging when his godson came near. He was obviously eager for his godson to pet him, but Harry was not a fan of dogs and ignored his antics.
The boy did not like Sirius attempt to lick his face, as he stomped back inside the villa, a thoroughly amused Fleur trailing behind him.
Padfoot, as Moony informed them earlier of the canine animagus form's name, whined and howled, seeing that Harry obviously ignored him. He kept it up through breakfast as they ate on a table laid out on the beach, until more of Fleur's cousins came out of their cottages and the black dog was gone from Harry's side, thoughts of getting to know more of his godson at the back of his mind. Remus arrived soon after, and stayed inside the main house to prevent Sirius from catching his scent.
WOOF!
One of the veela shrieked as Padfoot tackled her to the sand, licking her face as she laughed and tried to push him off. It was no accident that Padfoot's large paws were pressed on the veela's heaving breasts.
"I'm tired of waiting." Fleur huffed and turned to her betrothed. "Couldn't you do something Harry?"
Harry shook his head. "Julian said that we should wait for him to approach us, or confront him in a secure location. I think Nicky has a room prepared here for that."
The thirteen year old wizard thief looked at his godfather's animagus form while he made a coin he found on the beach dance along his fingers. Padfoot showed no signs of tiring as he continually frolicked among his lovely playmates.
"It looks like time for plan B then." Harry looked at Fleur in the eye while a small smile crossed his face. "Can I get that birthday gift you promised?"
"Of course." Fleur returned the smile, having a slight idea on what Harry was planning.
"Care to tell me what you're planning?" Remus asked.
"You'll see." Harry said. "Could you tell Julian though?"
Remus sighed and he got on his feet and put down his drink. As he reached the door, he glanced back at his best friend's son, the famous boy who lived who was now whispering at an amused Fleur's ear, telling her about his idea. The two teens noticed he was still there and stopped, and Remus knew this was his cue to leave the room.
The werewolf did not blame Harry for his somewhat lukewarm attitude towards him. He only had himself to blame after all, by secluding himself from the wizarding world in grief, forgetting that James and Lily's son was still alive. When he tried to find out where Harry had been sent to, it was too late since Dumbledore had managed to block all access to the boy who lived.
Remus was glad though to be a given another chance to be once again become a part of Harry's life. He was not even jealous that Harry paid more attention to the Delacours and the Flamels, though Harry seemed to accept him after he helped Nicholas create an improved version of the Marauder's map. They were even studying how they could duplicate this feat to other large areas, like the Delacour mansion and its vast gardens in Paris and also the French Wizarding Ministry complex.
Though sometimes, Remus couldn't help but think that Harry, the Delacours and the Flamels were keeping an even bigger secret from him, if that was even possible.
o0o
"Harry."
"Hey Fleur."
The dog's ears perked and he stood up from his spot from between two tanning veela and slowly moved forward, so that he could hear his godson and his betrothed better over the sound of the surf. He still couldn't believe that James had managed to plan this without him knowing. Did Lily even know? The magnificent bastard.
"Harry, there's something I'd like to give you for your birthday." Fleur said nervously. The quarter veela took a deep breath and smiled shyly. "I've been saving this for a long time. Would you like to have it now? "
Sirius would have fallen into the sand if he hadn't been in his animagus form. He whined, worried that his godson would get some at such a young age, beating his own first experience by a year. He should be happy, but James' son was learning to become a man, and at the young age of thirteen at that! When he thought things wouldn't get any worse, it did when he heard his two delectable and lovely tanning buddies speak out from behind him.
"Oh Harry! We also have a gift for you as well!" The blonde buxom said cheerfully.
"Come by our hut later to... collect it." Blonde buxom number two added.
"Thanks Genevieve, Marie." Harry smiled at the two. He had met most of Fleur's cousins a year before during a reunion, and found them very friendly and even willing to play with him.
If he could, Sirius would have died of jealousy a thousand times over. He was seriously tempted to transform at that moment, proclaim his innocence in front of his godson and then get some veela sympathy sex.
Fleur's laugh broke him from his stupor, and noticed that the two were already heading towards the house. He ran after them, kicking up sand from his legs. He needed to speak with Harry and clear his name.
Sirius ran quickly inside the house, and he ignored the surprised shouts from Fleur's mother and her relatives. He followed his godson's scent and headed inside a room that was opulently decorated. The animagus skidded to a halt when he suddenly noticed an old man sitting behind a desk staring at him.
He nearly jumped when the door slammed shut and he found himself surrounded by the appearance of Fleur's father and another.
Thought of attacking his captors vanished when he realized that the other wizard had a familiar scent.
"You never change even after getting locked up in Azkaban, Sirius."
Sirius instantly transformed and hugged Remus who eagerly returned the hug. "Moony!"
Julian Delacour slowly slipped his wand back in his holster as he watched the reunion. He glanced at Nicholas and took a seat at the couch.
"If you're going to make out, there's a room beside this one." It was onbious that Nicholas was getting impatient, causing the two grown men who werestill hugging each jump apart. Sirius looked outraged as he stared at the wizard sitting behind the desk.
"I'm Nicholas Flamel." The alchemist leaned forward. "And we, mister escaped fugitive, have a lot to talk about."
o0o
After a lengthy conversation that included a couple of vows, Sirius was finally allowed to see his godson. The moment he spotted the boy, he struggled not to hug him since he was warned by the boy's current guardians.
"Harry!" Sirius stepped forward and reached out a hand. "I'm your godfather, Sirius Black. I can't tell you how much you look like James…"
"But with my mother's eyes. Yeah, people tell me that a lot." Harry calmly accepted the handshake. He looked at the escaped fugitive and was grudgingly impressed with his feat. "You look healthy, but I guess prison food isn't the best."
"It isn't, but it's the dementors that will eventually turn you to skin and bones." Sirius shivered at the memory of the soul sucking creatures. He kept staring at Harry, and the boy allowed his godfather a few more moments of silence. "I'm glad that you already know the truth about me. I did not betray your parents. I was not the secret…"
"Yeah, it was the one armed man." Harry interrupted. He already knew of the whole story and was now mostly focused on their plan.
"Huh. What one armed man?" Remus told him that his godson was a bit eccentric and he didn't realize until now. He was sure Pettigrew cut off a finger and not his whole arm. The traitor wasn't that brave.
"We were already planning to get you a trial you know?" Harry ignored the question and looked around. He finally found what he was looking for. He grabbed the mirror and tossed it to his godfather. "Say Wormtail."
"Wormtail." Sirius nearly cracked the small mirror on his hands as he unconsciously tightened his hands. He stared at the image of the traitor on a bed, as still as a corpse. "Is he…."
"He's not dead." Harry sat on the desk and rummaged through Nichola's things. He found a nice silver and modern pen with the word cross carved on its surface and pocketed it, deciding to use it instead of the quills when he returned to Hogwarts. He continued to leaf through the cabinets and happily pulled out the hidden snack. "Ahah!"
"Why isn't he moving?" Sirius refused to remove his gaze from the mirror and spoke through clenched teeth. Only the presence of his godson prevented him from demanding the location of Wormtail so he could kill the traitor. They had promised their aid earlier and he in turn promised to follow their strategy, but they should have told him about Wormtail.
"He's dosed with the draught of living death." Harry popped one piece of the round chocolate into his mouth. These maltesers were really a nice snack, but they were rare to find in Surrey. He wondered where Nicky's source was. He carefully folded the red packaging and inserted in inside his pockets. "We were waiting to get everything ready to present him to the ministry and get a confession."
"What happens now?" Sirius took a deep breath and finally gave back the mirror. He admitted to himself that their plan was better than his. He needed to think and not to act based on anger, and moved to the window to stare at beach. "What happens now?"
"We wait for the right time to move our plans forward." Harry moved to the door. "Do you think you can stay here for a few more months and recover your strength?"
"I'd love to." Sirius replied, eyes glued to the dozens of Veela sunbathing at the beach. He had all the patience in the world. He really loved his godson.
o0o
"It will be easy. Don't be too scared."
He really didn't want to do this, but he was conflicted. He shivered when the waves reached his toes and looked at the source of his conflict.
Fleur stood in the waist deep water in a blue bikini, not too scandalous but it showed plenty of skin. Beside her Tonks was wearing a one piece black bikini, holding out her arms to him, as if encouraging him to jump.
"C'mon Kit!" Tonks jumped up and down, causing his eyes to focus on the distractions. He took a step forward, and then another. He relaxed for a moment and he studied the new sensation. Realizing that he was in full control, he continued towards the two women. Annoyingly they seemed to be stepping backwards as he moved closer to them, and he moved faster through the water to catch them.
The water already reached his neck when he reached their side. He was about to speak when the water swelled and his body was forcefully lifted up by the water. Panicking, Harry grabbed Tonks shoulders as she laughed at the look of his scared face.
"Relax Harry." Fleur said as she moved behind him. "The water is your friend. You already floated earlier when the wave passed."
"I'm not too sure about that." Harry tried to keep his composure. "Why don't we head back to the beach?"
"You'll be fine." Tonks answered. She really loved the impromptu vacations with Harry. She had woken up this morning eager to enjoy the weekend and relax, when her familiar appeared, offering a trip to the famous beaches in France. A quick note to her mother and they were soon playing in the sand with the Delacours, and surprisingly Sirius Black. "I have you. I won't let you drown Harry."
"It's easy, Harry!" Gabrielle said as she casually passed by, adding to the hilarity of the situation. The young vela then used the current allowed herself to be propelled to the direction of the beach, expertly kicking the water while her hands swung around her shoulders in perfect coordination. Moments later she was at the beach, being served a cool fruity drink by her mother.
"I think I want to back to the beach." Harry replied. Another swell passed them and the three were momentarily lifted up by the water. His grip on Tonks' shoulders tightened and the metamorphmagus felt the very real emotion of fear that Harry was experiencing. She slowly guided Harry closer to the beach where the water only reached them by their armpits causing the boy to relax.
"There much better." Fleur smiled and leaned her head on top of Harry's while her hands hugged around his waist. "Is this more comfortable for you?"
"A little bit."
"You just need to get used to the water first." Tonks instructed and stepped back from Harry. "Later when you're more comfortable I'll teach you how to float. So just play around first, and try to dunk your head underwarer. You don't have to open your eyes."
Harry nodded and watched Tonks demonstrate the common swimming strokes and soon the auror moved further away. He wanted to move back to the beach when Fleur refused to move.
"Fleur, let's head back to the beach."
"No, it's as Tonks said, you need to get used to the water." The vela replied. "How about an incentive to remain here with me?"
"What's incentive?" Harry asked. "If it was kissing he didn't know if it was worth it. Water was freaky, and he couldn't control his body while he was submerged.
"You have to remain quiet though." Fleur whispered from behind him. She moved her arm around his down and he suddenly stiffened as he felt her hand move under the garter of his shorts. "So do you think you can hang around here with me, Harry?"
"I love learning how to swim." Harry responed, causing the girl to giggle.
o0o
September 1, Hogwarts Express
"Did you see him?"
Padma Patil shook her head and sat down across her friend and wiped the sweat on her brow. "I don't think he's on the train Hermione. I checked the last four cars, and you said he wasn't at the other four."
Hermione nodded and continued her search of her classmate, though in all honesty she knew she wouldn't be able to find Harry. The boy was as slippery as an eel, and his nonchalant way of finding hidden nooks and crannies to nap on continued to amaze her.
Even after two years together in school, Hermione admitted to herself the she hasn't fully figured out her friend. At first she thought that he was one of those aloof and lazy students who only used minimum effort to get by in their academics. His consistent high grades proved Hermione's assumption wrong.
Then she formed another theory, and suspected that Harry was trying to hide his studying habits and didn't want to share his studying habits with the rest of the house. It answered the question of where he kept disappearing between classes and during the weekends. That suspicion was shattered when she found the boy sleeping on top of a tree.
Hermione later realized as she continued to observe her friend that he just simply didn't care what the other students thought of him. That the other students bored the young wizard, and she feared that Harry might have included her in that part of the group in his mind despite being his friend.
And with his betrothed's pictures surfacing, she started to doubt her worth. Wasn't she good enough for Harry Potter if he had exotic older French witches to hang out with?
The brunette shook her head and tried to clear her head thoughts of inadequacy. She was Hermione Granger! She continued to her prowl along the corridors of the train to look for her friend.
ooo
If Hermione knew where Harry was, she would have screamed in frustration. The wizard in question was happily sitting beside the train engineer, eating a bacon sandwich that the engineer generously shared with him.
The engineer was busy with his checklists as he made the preparations for the trip to Hogwarts, when he heard the news from the conductor that his fellow engineer got injured in a potions accident hours before. It meant that he would have to handle all the preparation and operation of the Hogwarts express causing his mood to sour. He already muttering angry words under his breath as he stomped towards the locomotive when he heard a familiar tune, though the words were unfamiliar. It sounded French.
… Le jolies locomotives.
Rouge, et verte, marron, et bleue.
Toute l'equipe brille de mille feux!
Chacune a son role a jouer.
Toujours partantes pour nous aider.
Avec Thomas et ses amis.
La vie nous sourit…
Confused at what he was hearing, he rushed to his cabin and stood dumbfounded at the sight a boy happily singing the strangely familiar tune in French while he played with the controls of the engine. The boy wore striped engineer hat almost similar to what he wore, complete with striped overalls. The engineer grudgingly admitted that the boy's uniform was more complete since he had a red scarf tied around his neck.
"What do you think you're doing here?" He demanded. The boy stopped singing at once and jumped back, though he noticed the boy quickly regained his composure and offered a simple smile in turn.
"Well?" The engineer crossed his massive arms and stared at the boy. "What are you lot doing in the front? Trying to prank me like those twins before?"
"Not at all." The boy replied. "I just love trains. That's all mister, couldn't resist playing."
"I can clearly see that." Despite the engineer's current mood, he was amused by the boy's stunt. His harp eye looked around and noticed nothing was amiss or damaged. He looked at his watch and noticed there was still a few hours before departure, and noticed the boy had a nicer watch than his. Grumbling beneath his beard, the engineer nodded at the boy. "What's with the outfit, then? And the singing?"
"I grew up muggle." The boy replied without any hint of shame. "I was familiar with the show, and when I was in France last summer, I saw on the telly the French version. It's been stuck inside my head since then, and when I saw your engine… well this happened." The boy finished with a gesture to his current outfit.
Now trying to fight a smile, the engineer offered his arm. "The name's Barlow, engineer Barlow to you."
The boy without hesitation quickly shook the man's hand. "The name's Harry, the boy-who-lived to you."
Barlow immediately laughed at that and an idea formed inside his head. Who knew the famous boy-who-lived was an engine nut like him? He couldn't wait to share to his mates if he pulled this off. "So Mr. Potter, want to learn more about trains eh?"
"Sure, and please, just call me Harry." The boy who lived replied.
"Since you're already wearing the outfit, how do you think about being my assistant for the trip to Hogwarts?" Barlow asked. "I promise you that you will learn more about trains and engines on this trip than in any book."
Harry found the idea intriguing and after a moment he agreed. It would be like he was in the show himself! It was a pity that there wasn't a fat controller and wondered how Hagrid would look like in a suit and a top hat. The fat controller usually appeared at the very end of the show anyway and Hagrid was the first person they always see whenever they arrive on Hogsmeade. "Why not? Thank you for giving me the opportunity, mister Barlow."
"Glad you agreed." Barlow headed further inside while Harry stepped back to let the man work. One of the few things he learned early in his career as an acquisitions specialist was to know when to step back when someone more knowledgeable was showing you how things were done. One of his acquaintances absolutely hated speaking while on the job and preferred Harry to simply watch and observe while he picked locks and cracked safes.
"Now, why don't you help me with the engine's fire. The difference with the muggle ones isn't that great, and coal is also used to control the heat, which in turn boils the water…"
o0o
"Harry! Is that you? Where were you? What happened?" Hermioned rubbed her eyes to confirm it was indeed her friend. He looked like he just escaped a burning house. Though his clothes looked pristine, there was a smell of smoke around him and there traces of soot in his skin.
The two had met when they reached Hogsmeade and were now patiently waiting for the carriages to arrive while the first years were led away by Hagrid. They were currently in a queue surrounded by students from all houses.
Harry, tired from shoveling magical coal since they do not react well to well with spells, fished out the remains of the his sandwich and began to eat. He enjoyed the experience though, and he learned many things from the engineer.
He really couldn't tell Hermione since he knew students were definitely not allowed at the train engine. "Oh you know, I fell asleep." Harry didn't even try to act tired as he yawned.
"You fell asleep looking like that?" Hermione looked again at his appearance.
"Fleur was in a mood before I left, and you know veela when they're annoyed." Harry replied, remembering Fleur's bad mood at the thought of the end of their summer. She had unintentionally burned some of her clothes as they packed their belonging in their trunks, both preparing to head for their respective schools.
"Fleur did that?" Michael Corner asked from beside them, while the males of Hogwarts leaned closer to hear more.
"The fire thing?" Harry remembered how she quickly tried to put out the fire with her foot, until Harry reminded her of vanishing charms. There had been a lot of teasing after that from Harry with him asking if the veela was a witch. She chased him around for a few minutes, while he laughed, but it made Fleur feel better after. "Oh yeah, you have to be careful with veela. Thankfully I managed to calm her down."
"You calmed her?" One of the Ravenclaw seventh years asked. Harry Potter was really making all of them look like first years. The bloody idiot should write a book or give a seminar.
"Fleur calmed down after a bit of teasing." Harry replied absently. He wondered what was the food for the feast later. "It took a few minutes, though, there was a bit of rough and tumbling around."
Fleur was really embarrassed when Harry shared the story to her parents, and she launched herself at him over the couch.
"How rough?" Michael asked, as the boys of Ravenclaw and some of the other houses moved closer to Harry, unintentionally pushing Hermione out of the circle of boys. She huffed and tried to move closer again but she was pushed back.
"She can be pretty intense, you wouldn't believe how strong that girl is." Harry rubbed his head when he remembered her giving him a noogie after she tackled him on the carpeted floor. "Good thing for thick carpets, or I'd have bruises on my bum."
"You get bruises?" Michael Corner asked, wide eyed.
"Of course." Harry looked around the group of males that surrounded him. "You don't get to the real fun part without the occasional bruise or two. That's normal."
"Bloody hell Potter."
"What do you mean?" Harry asked.
"C'mon, tell us more inside the carriage." The seventh year prefect of Ravenclaw pushed Harry to a newly arrived carriage, and he was quickly followed by his other housemates, all fighting for an empty spot in the carriage.