Disclaimer: I don't own any part of this story. It all belongs to J.K Rowling and I make no money out of it. Please don't sue me!
The Yule
A shimmering snowfall fell inside Hogwarts, dusting the students' shoulders as they made their way to the Great Hall. The Yule Ball had arrived, and excitement hung in the air like the mistletoe above the doorways. Harry walked alongside Ron, who kept adjusting his new dressing robe.
"Thanks again for this, Harry," Ron said, his eyes gleaming with gratitude. "This robe is brilliant."
"Think nothing of it," Harry replied, peering at the swishing fabric. "I knew it would be perfect the moment I saw the robes Mrs Weasley sent for you to wear tonight. You wouldn't have stood a chance with those."
Ron laughed, a red blush blooming on his cheeks that matched his flaming hair. As they continued to walk, he glanced around nervously, clearly preoccupied with something else.
"So you have no idea who Hermione's going with?" Ron asked again.
"Ron," Harry began, exasperated yet amused, "for the tenth time, no, I don't know. Why don't you ask her yourself next time?"
"Oi!" Ron exclaimed defensively. "That's not what I meant! I'm just curious, is all."
"Relax, mate," Harry said, chuckling softly. He placed a hand on Ron's shoulder, who flinched slightly at the contact. "Just try to have some fun tonight, alright? Parvati's a nice girl; you'll have a great time."
"Right," Ron agreed, though it didn't seem to Harry like he meant it.
Harry and Ron neared the entrance to the Great Hall, "Ah, Mr Potter, Mr Weasley," Professor McGonagall greeted them from her place next to the entrance, her stern features relaxing as she stood near Viktor Krum, Cedric Diggory and Cho Chang. "Mr Weasley, please proceed inside. Mr Potter, you'll be joining the other champions here."
Ron nodded towards Harry before disappearing through the grand entrance.
"Good evening, Professor," Harry said, stepping closer to the small group of champions and their dates.
"Harry, you cleaned up well!" Cedric complimented, his eyes shining with good-natured amusement.
"Thanks, Cedric. You're looking quite clean yourself," Harry replied, smirking. He turned to Krum and added, "Viktor, you're looking sharp too." The Bulgarian Quidditch star nodded politely in response.
Finally, Harry's gaze fell upon Cho Chang, who looked absolutely stunning in her dress. "Cho, you look too good to be with a bum like Cedric," he teased.
Cho chuckled, her cheeks flushing a delicate pink. Cedric grinned and wrapped an arm around her waist, saying, "You're right, Harry, but let's not question it, lest she smarten up and throw me to the curb."
The laughter shared between them brought an ease to the atmosphere, even as the anticipation built for the festivities ahead. As they waited, Harry couldn't help but revel in the camaraderie amongst the champions. It brought him some respite from the still tense relationship with Ron.
Viktor's face suddenly brightened, a rare sight indeed for the usually stern and stoic Quidditch star. Curious, Harry followed his gaze to find Hermione descending the grand staircase. She was a vision, in a pale blue dress that complemented her complexion perfectly, her hair artfully arranged in an elegant bundle. As she approached them, every eye in the group was drawn to her, mesmerized by her transformation.
"Miss Granger, you look beautiful," Viktor said with an appreciative nod as he extended a courteous hand to help her down the last few steps.
Hermione blushed at the compliment, her eyes sparkling with happiness. "Thank you, Viktor. You look very handsome yourself."
"You look fantastic, Hermione," Harry chimed in, a proud smile playing on his lips.
"Thanks, Harry," she beamed, clearly pleased with the reactions she had garnered.
With Hermione now among their ranks, the champions engaged in light-hearted conversation while the rest of the students filed into the Great Hall. The buzz of anticipation grew stronger as they awaited their own entrance.
Just as the last few stragglers made their way inside, Harry caught sight of Fleur entering the castle. She gracefully crossed the threshold, each step seemingly more enchanting than the last.
Gobsmacked, Harry watched as Fleur Delacour floated towards him, the embodiment of elegance in a slim silver dress. The fine white gold necklace adorned with small emeralds provided the perfect contrast against her pale skin, while her golden hair cascaded down her back, two braided strands framing her delicate face.
"Merlin's beard," Harry muttered under his breath as Fleur stopped before him, an amused smile playing on her lips.
"Harry, you look quite... flustered," she teased, a melodious giggle escaping her.
"Ah, well, Fleur, you look absolutely breathtaking," he admitted, his cheeks flushing slightly at the confession. "I could hardly help myself."
"Thank you," she replied graciously, her blue eyes twinkling with mirth. "You clean up rather nicely yourself."
With a flick of his wrist, Harry wandlessly conjured a small glass flower bracelet, offering it to Fleur. A gasp escaped her lips as she admired the intricate craftsmanship, her eyes filled with delight.
"Harry, this is beautiful!" she exclaimed, lifting her arm for him to fasten the bracelet around her wrist. "Thank you so much."
"Consider it a token of appreciation for my stunning date," Harry said with a wink.
"I also appreciate your Christmas gift. It was very thoughtful of you," Fleur replied, touching the necklace with a gentle hand.
"Thank you, Fleur," Harry said as he lifted his sleeve to reveal the wand holster she had gifted him. "I must say, this wand holster has been a lifesaver. I'm not sure how I managed without it."
"Ah, it was nothing," Fleur replied, waving her hand as if to diminish her gift's importance. "It is not nearly as exquisite as the necklace you gave me."
"I was in desperate need of a holster," Harry assured her.
"Ahem," Cedric interrupted, clearing his throat rather dramatically. "If you two keep ignoring the rest of us, I might start feeling hurt."
"Sorry," Harry said with an apologetic grin and a tinge of red on his cheeks. Fleur, too, offered her apologies before greeting the other champions and their dates warmly.
"Champions," Professor McGonagall announced. "We need to make our entrance. Line up, please." Following her instructions, Cedric and Cho led the procession, followed by Viktor and Hermione, with Harry and Fleur bringing up the rear.
As they prepared to enter the Great Hall, Harry couldn't help but feel a bit of excitement, a welcome respite from the grim dread he had been feeling since their visit at the Gaunt Shack.
Harry had been dealing with the guilt that consumed him after Dumbledore's amputation. Despite the headmaster's repeated reassurances and adamant claims of absolution, Harry felt responsible. He knew logically that no amount of caution could have prevented the incident, but he was struggling with forgiving himself for it.
"Harry," Fleur whispered, drawing his attention back to the present. "Do not worry so much. Tonight is meant to be fun, non?"
"Of course," he replied, offering her a genuine smile. "I'm just not too confident in my dancing skills," he said, not wanting to share what was actually going through his mind.
"You'll do great," she declared, linking her arm through his as they moved forward.
The moment they stepped into the Great Hall, Harry and Fleur were greeted by a breathtaking sight. It was as if they had entered an enchanted winter wonderland. The ceiling was bewitched to look like a clear, starry night, with gentle snowflakes tumbling from above, melting before they reached the ground. Icicle chandeliers sparkled overhead, casting a cool, shimmering light over the room. Tables laden with fine dishes and goblets of crystal-clear liquid lined the walls, leaving ample space in the centre for dancing.
Professor McGonagall led them to the centre of the room and then stepped back, leaving the champions and their dates to arrange themselves into couples. Harry felt a genuine surge of nerves; he hoped he remembered the classes from the last time he had to attend the Yule Ball. As if sensing his apprehension, Fleur gave him a reassuring smile.
"Just follow my lead," she whispered gently.
Swallowing hard, Harry nodded and took Fleur's hand, placing his other hand on her waist. The music began – a slow, elegant waltz – and Fleur guided him gracefully across the dance floor. Despite his initial fears, Harry found himself swept up in the rhythm, his feet following Fleur's almost instinctively. They twirled and dipped in harmony, looking every bit the perfect couple.
As they danced, Harry marvelled at how effortlessly Fleur moved, her steps fluid and mesmerising, like a swan gliding across still water. Even Harry's awkward movements couldn't dampen the elegance of their dance.
The applause from the gathered crowd filled the Great Hall as the music drew to an end. Harry was proud for not having stepped on Fleur's feet even once during their dance.
As the clapping continued, Dumbledore approached the centre of the room, his right hand covered with an ostentatious glove. Harry felt a pang of guilt, knowing of the metal-like prosthesis hidden under that glove.
"Thank you, champions, for opening the Yule Ball so splendidly," Dumbledore proclaimed. "And to our visiting schools, we hope you enjoy this magical evening here at Hogwarts." With a sweeping gesture, he invited the champions and their dates to join him at the table reserved for them and their distinguished guests.
As they made their way towards the table, Harry noticed that Madame Maxime, Karkaroff, Ludo Bagman, and Percy Weasley were already seated. Dumbledore leaned towards Percy and explained that young Mr. Weasley would be stepping in for Crouch tonight, due to the latter's sudden illness. The pride radiating from Percy was almost palpable as he basked in the Headmaster's acknowledgement.
"Champions, please sit," Dumbledore instructed, before demonstrating how to order food by speaking directly to the plate in front of them. The enchanted plates responded immediately, filling themselves with the requested dishes.
The conversation around the table flowed effortlessly, filled with light-hearted banter between the students and the adults alike.
Percy Weasley, who Harry was beginning to think of as the human equivalent of a peacock, droned on and on about his role in the Ministry. He spoke with such pompous authority that it seemed like he single-handedly ran the entire government.
"Mr. Crouch has placed an extraordinary amount of trust in me," Percy boasted, practically preening. "Why, just last week, I was asked to draft a proposal for new regulations on cauldron thickness!"
Harry fought back the urge to roll his eyes, unable to bear the self-important rambling any longer. Instead, he turned to Fleur, who appeared to be studying the enchanted ceiling of the Great Hall with great interest. "What do you think of Hogwarts?" he asked her, hoping to distract himself from Percy's endless prattling.
Fleur glanced around the room, taking in the ice sculptures and snow-covered trees before responding. "It is nice, but nothing compared to Beauxbatons," she admitted. "Still, with all these decorations, it does look quite... enchanting."
Harry laughed at her gentle ribbing. "Well, please excuse our British barbarity," he said, grinning. "We can't all have the elegance of French wizards and witches."
"Ah, non," Fleur chuckled, her cheeks flushing slightly. "I did not mean it like that, I promise. It's just... different."
"Hey, don't worry about it," Harry reassured her, still smiling. "Honestly, I love the castle. It might not be Versailles, but Hogwarts will always be my first real home."
Fleur's eyes softened as she regarded him curiously. "What is your home like, outside of Hogwarts?"
"Truth be told, I don't really have one," Harry replied, his voice tinged with bitterness. "I live with my relatives, but we don't get along. They're not exactly the warmest bunch."
Fleur's gaze clouded with sympathy for a moment, and Harry could tell she was about to ask something more personal. Wanting to keep the conversation light, he decided to change the subject before she could press on.
"Tell me about your home," he asked, his interest genuine. "You mentioned you live in Strasbourg?"
"Oui," Fleur replied, her face lighting up as she spoke of her family. "I live there with my parents and my little sister, Gabrielle." Her gaze was lost nowhere for a second, but she quickly brought herself back into the conversation. "I do miss them, but being here at Hogwarts is a good trial. Next year, I plan to work at Gringotts while studying to become a curse breaker."
"Working with goblins, eh?" Harry remarked, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Sounds like a grand time if you can get past their sunny dispositions."
"Yes," Fleur admitted, chuckling at the jest. "I am not looking forward to dealing with them, but they do have the best curse-breaking team in the world. If that is the price to pay, then I will gladly accept it."
"Quite determined, aren't you?" Harry observed, admiring Fleur's resolute spirit.
"So, what about you, Harry? Any plans after Hogwarts?" Fleur asked.
"Ah, well," Harry said, scratching his head sheepishly, "at the moment I'm more preoccupied with surviving Hogwarts itself, so I haven't really given much thought to life afterwards."
As he spoke, Harry was struck by how true that statement was. In his previous timeline, war and death had consumed his fifth year at Hogwarts, leaving him with little opportunity to contemplate any future beyond the school's walls. Even now, with the weight of the past still bearing down on him, his only focus was to defeat Voldemort.
Fleur studied Harry intently, her brow furrowing as she seemed to pick up on the darker thoughts swirling beneath his casual response. Seeking to alleviate the sudden tension, Harry glanced around the table, searching for a way to shift the conversation.
"Professor, I must say, you are looking fine in your dress robes," Harry remarked with a grin, nodding towards the headmaster. His grin weakened a bit once he spotted the gloved hand.
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled as he looked at Harry, the twinkling dulling somehow once he noticed where Harry's eyes were posed. "Why, thank you, Mr Potter, you look quite sharp yourself," Albus replied, raising a playful eyebrow.
Harry chuckled, turning to Fleur. "You see, Hogwarts may not be as pretty as Beauxbatons, but we can certainly do fashion."
Fleur, who had been momentarily distracted by Harry's lapse in their previous conversation, recovered quickly and joined in the banter. "Indeed, Harry may have a point there. Headmaster Dumbledore, you do look very... 'smart'." It was obvious she'd never used the word before, and her French accent only served to make it sound all the more foreign.
"You are too kind, my dear," Dumbledore chuckled, casting Fleur a warm smile.
"As you know professor," Harry jumped in, "it's only polite to be nice to ancient wizards like yourself."
"Indeed," Dumbledore said with mirth in his eyes "Now, Harry, if you'll excuse me, I believe it's high time I showed you how us 'ancient' wizards handle ourselves at a ball."
With that, the headmaster stood up and strode confidently onto the dance floor.
"Students of Hogwarts and honoured guests," Dumbledore's voice boomed across the Great Hall, capturing everyone's attention, "it is my pleasure to introduce our entertainment for tonight. Please give a warm welcome to the Weird Sisters!"
A sudden burst of applause and cheers filled the air as the band members took to the stage, their instruments poised and ready. The students' excitement was palpable, and Harry felt it too, invigorating him with a surge of energy.
"Shall we?" Fleur asked Harry, offering her hand as the first notes of music began to fill the room.
Harry couldn't resist Fleur's infectious enthusiasm and replied, "Of course."
Together, they stepped onto the dance floor, joining the throng of students swaying and twirling to the beat. Laughter and voices melded with the enchanting music, creating an exhilarating atmosphere.
As they danced, Harry noticed the contrast between Fleur's graceful movements and his own somewhat awkward steps. Yet, there was something comforting in knowing that, despite his lack of skill, Fleur seemed to be genuinely enjoying herself as she guided him through the dance.
The music shifted, and Viktor Krum appeared at their side, looking slightly sheepish. "I hope you don't mind," he said, addressing both Harry and Fleur, "but I was wondering if I might steal Fleur for a dance or two?"
Harry glanced at Fleur, who gave a subtle nod. "Of course not," he assured Viktor with a smile. "I could use a break anyway."
"Thank you, Harry," Fleur said, giving his hand a gentle squeeze before joining Viktor on the dance floor.
As they moved away, Harry caught sight of Hermione on the sidelines, sipping a drink and watching the dancers. He made his way towards her, feeling a twinge of relief at the prospect of a brief respite from dancing.
"Viktor, huh?" Harry said, raising an eyebrow as he approached her. "I didn't know you two had become such good friends."
Hermione blushed and glanced at her feet. "Well, he's been spending a lot of time in the library lately, and we just sort of...started talking. I was surprised when he asked me to the ball, though."
Harry chuckled and nudged her gently with his elbow. "He'd have been mad not to ask you, Hermione. You look amazing tonight."
"Thanks, Harry," she replied, patting his arm gratefully. Her eyes drifted over to where Fleur was dancing with Viktor. "You've got quite the stunning date yourself."
Following her gaze, Harry felt his cheeks heat up as he watched Fleur glide gracefully across the floor. "Oh, we're just here as friends," he muttered, trying to sound nonchalant.
"Friends, huh?" Hermione teased, a knowing grin playing on her lips. "I don't think I've ever seen you look at me the way you look at Fleur."
"Shut up," Harry said playfully. His face burned even hotter as he quickly changed the subject. "Have you seen Ron? He disappeared earlier."
Hermione's expression soured, and she sighed heavily. "We had a bit of a row, and he stormed off. Honestly, he can be such a prat sometimes."
"Cut him some slack," Harry admonished gently. "He's not as mature as you and me – he'll come around eventually."
"Who are you," Hermione mocked, looking at him sceptically, "and what have you done with Harry Potter?"
"Be that way," Harry retorted, grinning ruefully. "See if I keep talking to you." They shared a laugh, the tension momentarily forgotten.
As they continued to chat, their eyes returning to the dance floor every now and then, Harry felt strangely content. Despite his reservations, he was actually enjoying himself.
Viktor and Fleur approached Harry and Hermione after a bit.
"Would you escort me to the grounds, Harry?" Fleur asked, "I could use some air."
"But of course, my lady," Harry answered mockingly while offering Fleur his arm.
Fleur wrapped her arm around Harry's "I'm sorry I have to take this one from you." She said to Hermione.
"Please do," Hermione said taking her place next to Viktor, "You would be doing us all a favour."
"You always say the nicest things, Hermione," Harry said mock hurt. "Please take care of poor Viktor while we are gone. Viktor be strong, she is all bark and no bite."
"Leave before I hex you, Potter," Hermione said trying to look stern, but unable to hide the smile from her face. Next to her, Viktor seemed to also be fighting a smile while Harry and Fleur left.
The entrance doors swung open with a low, reverberating creak as Fleur and Harry stepped out into the chilly night air. A soft dusting of snow coated the grounds, reflecting the silvery moonlight. The crisp scent of frost mingled with the faintest traces of pine from the enchanted forest nearby.
As Harry and Fleur strolled the grounds of Hogwarts, their shoes crunching in the crisp snow beneath their feet, they found comfort in the silence between them.
"Harry, look," Fleur whispered, breaking the quiet as she pointed towards a bench by the edge of the forest. There, Hagrid and Madame Maxime were engaged in an animated conversation, their breaths forming little clouds in the cold air.
"What do you think is happening there?" Fleur asked with a mischievous glint in her eye.
"Looks like your headmistress found something in Britain that she likes," Harry replied, the corners of his mouth tugging into a small smile. He was internally pleased at having sent that note to Rita Skeeter earlier, directing her investigative skills towards Karkaroff instead of Hagrid.
As they continued walking, Harry's thoughts drifted to Snape. He knew from his past experiences what kind of conversation would take place between Karkaroff and the potions master tonight. Although he felt a twinge of guilt, it was difficult not to see it as some form of poetic justice for all the torment Snape had put him through during potions classes. It was also nice to know Hagrid wouldn't have to face the media circus he suffered the last time around.
"Are you alright, Harry?" Fleur asked, noticing his faraway look.
"Yes, sorry, just lost in my thoughts for a moment there," Harry said, shaking off his musings and focusing on the present.
Guided by the moon's gentle glow, Harry led Fleur towards the shores of the Black Lake. The vast expanse of water lay before them like a darkened mirror, its surface gently rippling under the silvery light.
The untouched snow met the edge of the lake, creating a stark contrast against the inky black water. "It's almost as if the snow is trying to hold back the darkness," Harry whispered without thinking.
Fleur's eyes sparkled with mischief. "I didn't know you were a poet, Harry."
"Shut up." Harry said defensively, his cheeks turning red, but unable to suppress the small smile on his face.
As they stood there, taking in the serene atmosphere, Harry noticed a slight shiver run through Fleur's frame. Concerned that she might be cold, he discreetly cast a warming charm on her clothes. Almost instantly, Fleur's shivering ceased, and she turned to him with a smile of gratitude.
"Thank you," she said warmly. "It gets really cold up here."
"Sorry I didn't notice sooner," Harry replied, feeling a bit sheepish. "I should have thought of it earlier."
"Don't worry about it," Fleur dismissed his apology with a wave of her hand. "I quite like the cold, actually. It reminds me of holidays with my family. But your gesture is still very kind, so thank you."
Harry raised an eyebrow, not entirely convinced by her claim but appreciating her effort to put him at ease. "Well, you're welcome. We can't have Beauxbatons' champion freezing, can we?"
"Indeed not," Fleur chuckled, her laughter ringing like wind chimes in the still air. With a content sigh, she turned from the shore and restarted the walk, Harry following close.
With the gentle sound of lapping waves, Harry and Fleur continued their walk along the shore of the Black Lake. The tranquillity of the night was a welcome reprieve from the chaos and noise of the Yule Ball.
"Have you ever been to a ball like this before?" Harry asked, breaking the comfortable silence between them.
"Yes, at Beauxbatons we have a similar event," Fleur replied with a nostalgic smile. "But I must admit, despite of my teasing, the decorations here are quite something."
"Really? What's different about the Beauxbatons ball?" Harry asked.
"Ah, well, for one thing, we do not have ice sculptures that dance!" Fleur laughed. "It is a bit more... traditional."
"Sounds nice," Harry said, genuinely intrigued. "I'll admit, dancing isn't really my strong suit." He glanced down at his feet, remembering his clumsy attempts earlier in the evening.
"You did all right Harry, you did not step on my feet even once." Fleur teased, eliciting a chuckle from him.
"True, but I think that says more about your reflexes than my dancing skills," he replied, grinning.
Their conversation shifted naturally from the Yule Ball to school life, comparing their experiences at Hogwarts and Beauxbatons, sharing anecdotes about friends and professors alike.
"Speaking of challenges," Fleur eventually said, her tone turning serious, "have you had any luck with the egg?"
Harry hesitated for a moment, then admitted, "Yeah, I've figured out part of it, at least."
"Really?" Fleur's eyes widened with curiosity. "I cannot get past the screams when I open it."
"Would you like some help?" Harry offered, surprising Fleur.
"Help?" Fleur raised an eyebrow. "You need to stop giving away your advantages, Harry."
Harry chuckled. "I want to compete against the best you have to offer. And you won't be able to come up with your best strategy if you don't solve the clue soon."
Through their walk, Harry was surprised at how comfortable he felt around Fleur. He had grown used to the solitude, having spent so much time with Albus's portrait as his only companion. But now, he found himself easily forming new relationships with the other champions. It was a comforting feeling, one that he hadn't anticipated.
"You have a rather odd habit of helping people," Fleur observed, amusement dancing in her eyes. "Even when it might not be in your best interest."
Harry chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. "Hermione calls it my 'saving people thing'."
Fleur burst into laughter, the sound of singing birds on the crisp winter night. "That's a good name for it," she agreed, her breath forming small clouds in the cold air.
"How about we discuss the egg during our next training session with the other champions? It'll give us all a fair chance to strategise." Harry said.
"Fine," Fleur conceded with a grin.
They kept walking along the edge of the Black Lake, the moon following them on the water's surface.
"Perhaps we should head back to the Ball," Harry suggested as they reached the spot where the lake met the Forbidden Forest, the line of dark trees looming like sentinels in the night.
"Yes, I agree." Fleur took out her wand and cast a Tempus charm. Her eyes widened in surprise as she checked the time. "It is almost eleven! We missed the entire Ball!"
"I'm so sorry," Harry said earnestly as they walked away from the edge of the Forbidden Forest. "I made you miss the entire ball."
"Harry, please, do not apologise. It was I who asked for a walk," Fleur replied, a hint of laughter in her voice. "Besides, I enjoyed our walk very much."
"Me too," Harry admitted, relieved that Fleur didn't seem to mind missing the dance.
"Anyway," Fleur continued, "I should be getting back to the Beauxbatons carriage."
"Want me to walk you there?" Harry offered, trying to hide his hopefulness.
"That would be lovely, thank you." Fleur agreed, smiling at him.
As they made their way back to the carriage, the silence between them was now slightly awkward, filled with anticipation, though Harry didn't quite know why. He found it strange; he'd faced Death Eaters without a second thought, yet this simple walk was leaving him oddly nervous.
The night seemed to watch them as they walked, adding its own particular tension to Harry's turmoil. Hogwarts loomed like a guardian against the sky, stars winking down at them, as if sharing some secret knowledge. Fleur's breath formed fleeting clouds in front of her face, vanishing almost as soon as they appeared, melding with the crisp winter air.
"Harry," Fleur said suddenly, breaking the silence, "thank you for tonight."
"Thank me? You're the one who suggested the walk," Harry reminded her, feeling his cheeks warm under her gaze.
"True," Fleur acknowledged, "but you've been nothing but kind to me since we met, even when you had no reason to be."
"Guess that's my 'saving people thing' in action," he joked, but his voice was sincere.
Fleur laughed softly, and the sound sent a shiver down Harry's spine that had nothing to do with the cold.
Soon enough, they reached the Beauxbatons carriage, its windows glowing warmly in the darkness. Harry and Fleur found themselves caught in a now awkward silence. The warm glow from the carriage windows seemed to beckon them in, but they both hesitated, unsure of how to proceed.
"Harry, I –" Fleur began, her voice faltering.
"Actually, I –" Harry started at the same time, causing them both to stop abruptly. They exchanged a glance, and then burst out laughing, the tension between them momentarily broken.
"I had so much fun tonight, Fleur," Harry confessed. "Thank you for accompanying me tonight."
"Me too," Fleur agreed, the corners of her mouth lifting into a soft smile. "It was... different, in a good way. I think I needed something like this."
Their laughter faded, giving way to another pause that seemed to stretch on forever. The silence weighed on Harry, his heart hammering against his ribcage as he struggled to find the right words. Sensing his uncertainty, Fleur leaned forward and planted a gentle kiss on his cheek, a brief but electrifying touch that sent warmth surging through him.
"Goodnight, Harry," she murmured, her breath a whisper against his skin.
"Goodnight, Fleur," he replied, the words catching in his throat as she turned and disappeared into the carriage.
Still feeling the lingering heat of Fleur's kiss, Harry made his way back to Gryffindor Tower. The night's events replayed in his mind, each moment more vivid than the last: the snow crunching beneath their feet, the glimmering surface of the Black Lake, the sound of Fleur's laughter ringing in his ears.
Maybe Albus was right, it was worth it to allow oneself to enjoy the little moments.