CHAPTER 11 – THE END OF A SUMMER'S EMBRACE
In the intricate tapestry of Harry Potter's life, he had learned that the sweetest moments were often counterbalanced by the bitterness of reality. True to form, he couldn't savor happiness without the looming presence of something less pleasant. That summer, following his fourth year at Hogwarts, had been a beacon of joy in the otherwise gloomy expanse of his existence. Despite the oppressive ambiance at the Dursleys' abode, the Dementors' haunting specters, and the weight of his impending trial, Harry had experienced an extraordinary season of contentment. This summer had granted him the precious gifts of acceptance and the warmth of a newfound family. Yet, in the peculiar world of Harry Potter, the season's end brought an unexpected twist that would cast a shadow over its otherwise radiant memory—a twist involving a certain toad.
On the final day of summer, the one that preceded their journey back to Hogwarts aboard the Express, Harry found himself in the tranquil ambiance of the Ambassador's Mansion. Neville and Luna had departed for their respective homes the previous evening, promising to reunite with their friends the next day. The Weasley family had already embarked on their journey to the Burrow, and were set to rendezvous with the Delacours in Diagon Alley that afternoon for the customary school supplies shopping spree.
As Harry reclined in the mansion's main parlor, his thoughts wandered through the rich tapestry of experiences he'd woven during the past month, immersed in the love and support of his newfound family. Contemplating the forthcoming school year, he marveled at how his perspective had shifted, especially since the Dementor incident. In the past, the prospect of returning to Hogwarts had always filled him with a sense of eager anticipation, whether he had been confined to the desolate Privet Drive or enjoyed a brief escape. Hogwarts had always been his sanctuary, the one place he truly called home. However, this year, the warmth and kindness of the Delacours had transformed his perspective. He felt an unexpected pang of reluctance to leave them behind, even though Fleur would be accompanying him to Hogwarts.
Apolline, gracious and delightful, had become a maternal figure, Gabrielle's effervescent spirit was infectious, and Jean-Sebastian had emerged as the father Harry had longed for. In this newfound family, Harry found the unspoken love and understanding he had so sorely missed. Even Sirius, who had played a pivotal role in his life, couldn't quite fill the fatherly shoes. With his carefree charm and youthful spirit, Sirius was more akin to an older brother. Harry suspected that Sirius preferred it this way, embracing the role of a cherished mentor while steering clear of the burdens of fatherhood, a title he considered himself too young to assume.
When it came to the upcoming return to Hogwarts, Harry could foresee many of the challenges he would face in the coming year. While Cornelius Fudge had been somewhat defanged by the embarrassing defeat he suffered during Harry's trial, it was evident that the Minister's ongoing hostilities toward both Harry and Dumbledore would persist. As long as Fudge continued to deny the return of Voldemort, there would be a faction that believed him, and Harry would bear the brunt of their ridicule. Fortunately, he took solace in the unwavering support of friends and allies who stood by him, regardless of the trials that lay ahead.
Naturally, the usual tribulations of a school year would continue to plague him, from Severus Snape's unwarranted loathing to Draco Malfoy's ceaseless provocation. However, Harry's patience with the self-styled "mini-Death Eater" had worn thin, and he recognized that the time for dealing with this particular problem was fast approaching.
Lost in these reflections, Harry's thoughts were interrupted by the sudden burst of flames in the Floo network. The voice of the Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, sought permission to enter. Having been taught the proper etiquette by Jean-Sebastian, Harry promptly authorized the professor's entry and stepped back to allow the Headmaster to emerge.
"Ah, Harry, just the person I was hoping to find," Dumbledore greeted him upon arrival. "I have some news that will impact all of us in the upcoming year. If you could kindly summon Jean-Sebastian and your friends, I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to share it with all of you at once."
Harry nodded in agreement and exited the room, his mind already racing with conjectures about the matter Dumbledore wished to discuss. He couldn't help but anticipate that it might not bring good tidings.
Harry wasted no time in gathering the residents of the manor to the parlor, where the Headmaster would share his important news. With the Weasleys and their other friends having departed, along with Hermione's parents who had enjoyed a weekend stay, only the Delacour family and Hermione remained in the grand residence. Hermione, a steadfast companion, was determined to stay until they embarked on their return journey to Hogwarts.
As the entire group assembled, Dumbledore beamed at them before addressing the gathering. "I have some news to impart, and given its potential impact on the upcoming school year at Hogwarts, I felt it best to forewarn you all. This applies to you as well, Jean-Sebastian," he added, acknowledging the Delacour patriarch. "You've expressed certain concerns about the children's education in private conversations with me."
Jean-Sebastian maintained a stern countenance as he met Dumbledore's gaze, his features nearly inscrutable. "Your preamble doesn't exactly instill confidence, Dumbledore. Perhaps you should get to the heart of the matter?"
With a chuckle, Dumbledore nodded in agreement. "My apologies to you all; it seems the wisdom of age often leads to more words than necessary. To the heart of the matter, then.
"Today, I received notice that the Ministry has appointed a professor to take up the perpetually challenging post of Defense Against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts. Harry and Hermione may recall that we've been unable to retain a professor in that position for more than a year—a longstanding issue dating back to the late 1960s."
"But why, Headmaster?" inquired Harry. "It's not as if it's an undesirable position. I'd expect it to be quite prestigious, honestly."
Dumbledore nodded in agreement. "Indeed, Harry, it should be."
Jean-Sebastian interjected, his curiosity evident. "Do you have any inkling of what might be amiss? This can't be mere happenstance."
Dumbledore's expression turned somber. "I do not believe it's a coincidence, Jean-Sebastian, but regrettably, I lack concrete evidence. I'm working with conjecture and suppositions that seem to align with the prevailing circumstances."
The Headmaster then shifted his attention to Harry, fixing him with a searching look. "Harry, unless my memory fails me, you previously discovered the true identity of the Dark Lord, did you not?"
Harry nodded and replied, "Tom Riddle. He once told me it was an anagram for Voldemort."
Dumbledore nodded gravely. "Indeed, it is. Would it astonish you to learn that Tom applied for the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts on two occasions?"
"Voldemort applied to be a professor?" Jean-Sebastian interjected with disbelief. "Was this before or after he initiated his campaign of violence?"
"Long before, Jean-Sebastian. Had it been after, I assure you I would have taken swift action."
Dumbledore's demeanor grew contemplative for a moment as Harry absorbed the shocking revelation. The thought of Voldemort as a Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher sent shivers down his spine.
"His first application was made during the tenure of my predecessor, Headmaster Dippet," Dumbledore continued. "Professor Dippet interviewed him and, while expressing gratitude for his interest, informed Tom that he was too young and inexperienced for the position. Dippet advised him to reapply once he had gained more experience in the wizarding world and further honed his skills. At that time, Tom, though possibly disheartened by the rejection, appeared to have accepted the advice and embarked on a journey to prove himself."
Dumbledore elaborated, "The second time he applied was shortly after I assumed the role of Headmaster. By then, he was more than qualified for the position."
Jean-Sebastian couldn't contain his curiosity and inquired, "If he was qualified, why did you not hire him?"
The question lingered in the room for a moment, and Harry suspected he knew the answer. Dumbledore's next words confirmed his suspicions.
"I did not hire him because I did not trust him; there was something about him that seemed amiss. In hindsight, I suspect that by that time, he had already become adept in the dark arts, which explained his remarkable qualifications. Those who wield dark magic are uniquely positioned to comprehend it. I'm certain Harry and Hermione recall the effectiveness of the Polyjuiced Barty Crouch Jr. as a teacher."
Harry didn't relish the memories of the Death Eater and what had transpired in his classes, but he offered a tight nod in acknowledgment of the Headmaster's point.
Dumbledore continued, "Hence, I thanked Tom once more for his interest but explained that I had another candidate with more extensive teaching experience, which was indeed the case. I considered offering him a different teaching position to retain his presence at the school while keeping him under my watchful eye. However, a lingering sense of unease prevented me from doing so. Ultimately, I decided that if I couldn't trust him in one teaching role, I couldn't allow him to exert any influence over the younger generation in another."
"This time, when he was declined, Riddle concealed his anger behind a facade of disappointment. He departed and has not set foot in Hogwarts since. Nevertheless, since that incident, I've never been able to retain a Defense professor for more than a single year," Dumbledore explained.
Hermione, always eager for answers, was quick to inquire, "Are you suggesting he placed a curse on the position, Headmaster? I've heard of items or locations being cursed, but a teaching position?"
Dumbledore chuckled and commended her, saying, "Very astute, Miss Granger. In response to your question, I suspect that Tom did just that. Magic possesses a remarkable quality—it can be manipulated and modified by a sufficiently innovative practitioner who understands the magical processes and Arithmancy governing the magic. In essence, magic can accomplish almost anything one can imagine, provided you can discern the appropriate method. Considering the numerous cultures that have existed over millennia and the myriad magical practices they've developed, it's plausible that our own magical society employs only a fraction of the vast range of magic that has been explored in our history. This doesn't even take into account other sentient and magical races. So, while it might seem improbable, if anyone could place a curse on a teaching position, it would be Tom Riddle. He is exceptionally intelligent, even gifted."
"But why? What would he gain from it?" Hermione pressed.
Dumbledore's reply was gentle but somewhat enigmatic. "Why does he do anything he does? It's akin to asking why you prefer the color blue to red. I don't possess deep insights into the workings of Tom Riddle's mind, and I doubt that he himself fully comprehends the motives behind his thoughts and actions.
"In this particular case, I suspect two significant factors drove his actions. First, there was sheer spite. Tom was a supremely confident and arrogant student who didn't handle rejection well at all. That aspect of his personality remains unchanged. The second reason was likely an attempt to weaken our society as a prelude to his power grab. Due to the ongoing instability in the Defense Against the Dark Arts position, the quality of instruction has suffered. Over the past thirty years, if you examine the average OWL scores in Defense, you'll observe a consistent decline. In essence, students graduating from Hogwarts forty years ago were better equipped to defend themselves than those who graduate today."
Harry, eager to find a solution, asked, "So how do we break the curse?"
Dumbledore replied, "Ah, that is the question, isn't it? Not knowing the exact method Tom used makes it nearly impossible to determine the counter-spell. However, the straightforward solution would be to have a professor serve more than one year in the position, effectively breaking the curse's hold.
"I attempted to convince Professor Lupin not to resign when his lycanthropy was revealed at the end of your third year, under the belief that if this was the curse's way of preventing his return, his simple reappointment would be the remedy. Of course, this doesn't account for the possibility of the curse employing other means to thwart his return. Nevertheless, the professor had compelling reasons beyond the curse to resign. My intention had been for Professor Moody to be the one to break it, but you're all aware of how that plan unraveled. I have little hope that this year's professor will prove any more enduring."
Jean-Sebastian interjected, circling back to their initial topic. "Which brings us to the Ministry's appointment for Defense, Dumbledore. If I recall correctly, you mentioned that the Ministry had assigned you a professor?"
Dumbledore responded, "Indeed, a rather lengthy detour, but one with its merits, I believe. The Ministry has invoked an ancient law dating back several centuries. It essentially empowers the Ministry to designate a professor if the Headmaster fails to fill the position. In this case, the prolonged inability to retain a Defense professor, along with the Crouch incident from the previous year, has rendered the position nearly impossible to fill. I received no applications for the Defense Against the Dark Arts position this year, and every candidate I approached declined the offer."
Hermione pondered the situation and questioned, "What about Auror Moody? Could he step in as the professor for this year?"
Dumbledore regretfully shook his head. "Unfortunately, with Voldemort's return, Alastor has other, more pressing duties that require his attention."
Jean-Sebastian fixed a piercing look on Dumbledore. "Dumbledore, I dare say this discussion might have been unnecessary if the Ministry had simply appointed an Auror as the Defense professor. Who, exactly, did they appoint?"
With a grimace, Dumbledore acknowledged Jean-Sebastian's point. "You're absolutely right. I would have been content with many of our Aurors, although it would have represented a significant loss to the department. However, the Minister made a different choice. Regrettably, he appointed the Senior Undersecretary, Dolores Umbridge, as the Defense professor."
While Harry didn't initially recognize the name, the abrupt scowls on Jean-Sebastian and Apolline's faces made it clear that they did. Harry expected Jean-Sebastian to respond, but it was Apolline, clearly upset, who lashed out at Dumbledore.
"Umbridge?" she spat. "That woman is as vile a bigot as I've ever encountered!"
Dumbledore inquired, "I assume you have had some unpleasant dealings with the Undersecretary?"
Apolline nodded curtly. "A few years ago, she was part of a diplomatic delegation in France, during which she made derogatory comments about Veela, stating that they needed to be controlled. If she had her way, all Veela would be subjected to confinement and scrutiny, officially categorized as subhuman. Explain to me why I should permit my daughter to be subjected to the manipulations of such a loathsome individual."
Jean-Sebastian, maintaining his scowl, extended his arm to comfort his distressed wife. It was evident that he shared her anger and dismay at Dumbledore's news.
"Apolline's passionate stance is quite understandable, Headmaster, and given that our country is home to many Veela, Dolores Umbridge is effectively a pariah there. Apolline raises a valid question. Fleur—and Harry, if the Undersecretary's conduct during his trial is any indication—will likely become targets for her bigotry. Why shouldn't we remove them from the risk of such persecution and have them continue their studies at Beauxbatons?" Jean-Sebastian inquired.
Dumbledore adopted a conciliatory gesture, spreading his hands wide. "I appreciate your concerns and acknowledge that Madam Umbridge's beliefs are, indeed, repugnant. However, I believe you may not have fully considered the implications of withdrawing your children from Hogwarts."
Jean-Sebastian exchanged a significant glance with his wife before turning back to Dumbledore with a scrutinizing gaze. "Explain."
Dumbledore continued, "Simply put, in light of Voldemort's return and his continued fixation on Harry, it is in Harry's best interest to remain protected. No offense to Madam Maxine, but I am uncertain if Harry would receive adequate protection at Beauxbatons. It is, in large part, due to Voldemort's regard for me and his fear of me that Harry is safer attending Hogwarts. Furthermore, Fleur's safety is intertwined with Harry's, given her connection to Mr. Potter. She could potentially be used as leverage against him."
After a brief pause, Jean-Sebastian conceded, "I cannot argue with that reasoning." He then offered a sly smile as he continued, "One could almost think you were boasting with a statement like that, Dumbledore."
Dumbledore chuckled at Jean-Sebastian's remark. "Certainly not," he replied, clearly amused, his eyes twinkling as ever. "It's merely a statement of fact. As long as I am at Hogwarts alongside Harry, I believe Voldemort will refrain from any overt moves, unless he's certain of victory."
The Headmaster continued with frankness, "We all know that Harry is Fudge's primary target. Fudge's failure to discredit Harry during the trial has prompted him to change tactics. However, I believe that I am also a marked target, and that Harry's friends won't be spared either. Consequently, we must formulate plans to thwart the Undersecretary's intentions and ultimately expose them for what they are. I will require their assistance—particularly Harry's—in this endeavor."
Harry, determined to play a more active role in the unfolding events, asked, "What do I need to do, Professor?"
Dumbledore nodded in acknowledgment. "I simply need you to be yourself and to conduct yourself with utmost propriety. During the trial, Umbridge and Fudge attempted to portray you as a troublemaker seeking the limelight. I have no doubt that Umbridge will try to provoke you in some manner. You must resist responding while we devise a strategy to turn the tables on her and the Minister. Our response will depend largely on Umbridge's actions once you arrive at Hogwarts."
"And what about Fleur?" Apolline pressed. "That woman will seize every opportunity to taunt and belittle Fleur, if not outright attack her."
"Mrs. Delacour, I give you my word that I will do everything within my power to safeguard your daughter. I believe that, at least in the immediate future, Madam Umbridge will not attempt anything overt."
Fleur, keen on reassuring her mother, stated, "Maman, I can defend myself. I will be with Harry and our other friends. She will be powerless."
Dumbledore affirmed, "You will indeed, Miss Delacour, and there is no more steadfast friend than Mr. Potter."
Blushing at the Headmaster's praise, Harry met Fleur's gaze and wordlessly conveyed his commitment to stand by her side. Fleur, with a beaming smile, made no verbal response, which Harry greatly appreciated.
Seeking to shift the conversation away from his own embarrassment, Harry inquired about Umbridge's identity.
"Recall the woman in pink who supported Fudge during your trial?" Jean-Sebastian asked. When Harry nodded, he continued, "Dolores Umbridge is a well-known bigot who advocates any measures she believes will aid in the control of magical creatures. Her definition of creatures encompasses virtually anything non-British and non-Pureblood."
Harry took a moment to ponder before a playful thought crossed his mind, causing a mischievous smile to grace his lips. "While she may be quite unpleasant, after facing Voldemort himself four times, I hardly believe a pudgy, pink, toad-like woman should evoke any fear."
His jest served its purpose by dissipating the tension in the room, eliciting laughter from all present. It remained evident that the Delacours, particularly Apolline, remained dissatisfied with the situation and the absence of a concrete plan to counter whatever Umbridge had in mind for their children. Nonetheless, without knowledge of the specifics of Umbridge's intentions, other than discrediting Dumbledore and Harry, which was now substantially more challenging due to the trial's thorough dismantling of her and Fudge's arguments, crafting an effective countermeasure was problematic.
However, as Hermione pointed out, echoing Dumbledore's previous sentiments, they all had the support of the group that had formed over the summer. Fleur could rely on the backing of the Weasley twins in Defense class, given that they were in the same year. Harry had no doubt that the other Gryffindor seventh years, particularly those on the Quidditch team whom he knew well, would readily embrace Fleur.
As the discussion concluded, the Headmaster requested that Harry ensure his friends were informed about Umbridge's appointment and encouraged them to conduct themselves with the utmost propriety. After Dumbledore left, Harry was left to his thoughts once more. He recognized that Umbridge was coming to the school with the intention of causing trouble for him, but the notion didn't bother him. After all, they had encountered challenges throughout their time at Hogwarts and had surmounted them as a team.
What did concern him were his friends and his betrothed, who were at risk of becoming targets to reach him. Harry was determined to protect them; he wouldn't allow anyone to harm his friends just to get to him.
The day prior to their return to Hogwarts, Hermione received a visitor.
Hermione had left the breakfast room and returned to her own chamber, contemplating the changes the summer had brought to her relationships and her friends' lives. It had been an eventful summer, and if it weren't for her closest friend's swift action and the timely intervention of the adults, the outcome could have been tragic. However, dwelling on the past wasn't productive, and she saw no point in belaboring the issue.
The residents of the manor were scheduled to depart for Diagon Alley that morning to procure the last of the supplies for the upcoming school year, and Hermione was eagerly anticipating the trip. She knew her friends would tease her for her excitement, but she had always enjoyed the outing. Returning to school had always been a thrilling time for Hermione, and the prospect of learning, as well as the opportunity to explore Flourish and Blotts and purchase more books, had always brought her immense joy.
Hermione couldn't help but think, "Oh yes, Harry and Fleur will definitely make fun of my book habits."
Harry, who knew her better than anyone else, would be the one to tease her the most, though his teasing would be lighthearted and playful, in stark contrast to the cruel bullying she had endured as a child. She knew Harry would never intentionally hurt her.
When a knock at the door sounded, Hermione granted permission and was unsurprised to see Fleur entering her room. Hermione, being highly observant in addition to her intelligence, had noticed the serious looks Fleur had been directing her way, not only since the announcement of her betrothal but particularly in the past few days. She was aware that Fleur would have observed the close camaraderie between her and her best friend, if she hadn't already heard about their friendship during her time at Hogwarts the previous year. Hermione had been expecting to have to clarify the nature of their relationship to her best friend's betrothed for some time now.
Hermione greeted Fleur with a warm smile and invited her to sit on the edge of the bed. She couldn't quite comprehend why Fleur would be concerned; after all, Fleur was beautiful and possessed more than enough qualities to capture the attention of any young man. Hermione, despite her growing self-assuredness, still saw herself as a plain bookworm. What could Fleur possibly have to worry about?
Setting aside such thoughts, Hermione focused on her friend. They engaged in small talk for a few moments, and Hermione couldn't help but notice Fleur's attempts to keep the conversation light and amicable. However, the French witch seemed bothered by something. Fleur typically had excellent English pronunciation—much improved from her performance at the tournament—but her French accent became more pronounced when she was anxious or agitated. Given that excitement was not present in her demeanor, Hermione concluded that Fleur was nervous about something.
"Hermione, I wanted to ask you something," Fleur finally said after their conversation had continued for a while.
"Of course," Hermione replied.
Fleur fidgeted for a moment before visibly gathering her courage and locking eyes with Hermione. "I wanted to know more about your relationship with Harry. What are your feelings for Harry?"
Grinning at the fact that she had accurately assessed her friend's unease, Hermione immediately sought to reassure her. "Harry and I are the closest of friends."
"And?"
"As I mentioned, Fleur, we're best friends," Hermione reiterated, emphasizing the words. "We are incredibly close, and I would do anything for Harry, just as I know he would do anything for me. But it doesn't go beyond that. Our relationship is purely platonic, Fleur; we've always seen each other as siblings."
Fleur couldn't help but snort at Hermione's declaration, prompting Hermione to narrow her eyes in response. However, before Hermione could react, Fleur had already spoken.
"Hermione," Fleur began gently, patting Hermione's hand, "perhaps you aren't fully aware of the specific powers of Veela, but I can sense that you're not being truthful. Whether you're deceiving yourself or me doesn't matter much, but I want you to genuinely explore your feelings and be as honest as possible. It's very important."
Throughout Fleur's speech, Hermione felt her embarrassment and shame intensifying to nearly unbearable levels. Fleur knew her secret! How would she ever live it down? How could she regain Fleur's trust? She was cornered—only the truth could extricate her from this predicament.
"I do have feelings for Harry," Hermione admitted, bowing her head in embarrassment. "I didn't realize it until this summer, after he was already betrothed to you, but I do care about him."
"But, Fleur," she implored, "you have to believe me—I told you that our relationship is completely platonic, and I swear that's all it has ever been. We've only ever been the closest of friends to each other. Harry has never viewed me in that way, and I doubt he ever will. I've always been nothing more than a sister to him."
The last words were uttered with a hint of bitterness, as Hermione, despite her desire to reassure her friend and genuinely wanting the best for her, couldn't help but wish that Harry had seen her as more than just one of the guys.
Hermione was abruptly pulled out of her somber thoughts when Fleur let out a snort, bursting into laughter. "You know," she managed to say amidst her mirth, "you English have a saying that fits this situation perfectly: 'Love is blind.'"
"What are you getting at?" Hermione asked, her expression a mix of confusion and concern.
Still chuckling, Fleur moved closer and put an arm around Hermione's shoulders. "Hermione, you're one of the cleverest people I've ever known, but when it comes to Harry, you've got a blind spot the size of an Acromantula. You think Harry will never have any feelings for you? Well, I can tell you he doesn't see you as just a sister."
Hermione squinted at Fleur and shifted away from her. "He's never given any indication of that."
"Teenager? Male? Oblivious?"
Fleur's irreverent characterization of Harry sent Hermione into a fit of giggles. She playfully swatted at Fleur while trying to muster a stern expression. "Fleur! Harry isn't that bad."
"He's not? He told me those exact words, you know."
That caught Hermione's attention. "You asked him about me?"
"Not exactly," Fleur replied in a soothing tone. "We were talking about you, but I only asked him why he didn't take you to the Yule Ball if he didn't have a girlfriend and held you in such high regard. That was his response."
Hermione pondered this for a moment and then asked, "Did he say anything else?"
Fleur shook her head. "He didn't need to, Hermione. I can sense his emotions, whether he admits them to himself or not."
The confirmation of Harry's feelings, or at least Fleur's assertion of them, was almost more painful than the suspicion of their existence. It made her reflect on all the time they had spent together and the attraction she had felt growing steadily, almost from the first moment she met him. She knew that Harry wasn't comfortable expressing his emotions, partly due to his treatment by his relatives and partly because he was naturally reserved. Perhaps if she had taken the initiative and shown her interest...
But no, that would only have made things worse. If they had grown closer the way she wanted, the marriage contract would have torn him away from her even more painfully. Since the announcement, Hermione had tried to accept the situation as it was. She was never as inclined to curse the betrothal as she was at that moment.
But it was what it was, and there was nothing she could do about it. She wouldn't risk losing a friend she had grown so close to or the potential of being told she could never see Harry again. His friendship meant too much to her, even if it would never be more than that.
"Nevertheless, it changes nothing," Hermione declared. "Whatever Harry might feel for me, he's far too honorable to betray you in any way. You have nothing to fear from me, Fleur. I—"
Her voice faltered, and she felt tears welling up in her eyes. Hermione quickly composed herself, brushing away the tears and facing her friend, who regarded her with sympathy.
Hermione was taken aback by Fleur's statement. She had heard about the concept of multiple wives in certain cultures, but it had never occurred to her that it might be applicable in their situation. Her shock was evident on her face.
Fleur smiled at Hermione's reaction. "I see that this is new to you. Yes, it is not uncommon for wizarding marriages to involve more than two people, though many simply choose to have monogamous unions. In the case of a marriage contract like mine and Harry's, there is the possibility of adding another wife or husband, as long as all parties involved agree."
Hermione was still absorbing this information, her mind racing. The idea was completely foreign to her, but she tried to understand it from Fleur's perspective. "So, you're saying that if Harry wanted to marry someone else, and you were okay with it, he could?"
Fleur nodded. "That's right. It's important for Harry to have the freedom to make such choices within our marriage, especially considering the circumstances in which our marriage was arranged. I want him to be happy, and I trust him to make choices that benefit our family. Now, I believe he cares for you deeply, and I'd like to understand your feelings as well."
Hermione's mind was racing, and she couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions—confusion, curiosity, and even a hint of jealousy. She cared for Harry deeply, but she hadn't considered the possibility of such an arrangement. "I... I don't know what to say."
Fleur squeezed Hermione's hand reassuringly. "I understand this is a lot to take in, and I appreciate your honesty about your feelings. It's important for me to know how everyone involved feels. Just remember, our friendship and your place in Harry's life won't change because of this discussion."
Hermione nodded, still trying to process the new information. She couldn't deny her feelings for Harry, but the idea of him potentially marrying someone else, even with Fleur's approval, was a lot to wrap her head around.
Hermione was growing increasingly frustrated with Fleur's playful teasing. She wanted a straight answer and not more questions, especially when it came to such a sensitive topic. But she realized that Fleur had put her in a situation where she had to be honest, just as she had been honest about her feelings for Harry earlier.
With a resigned sigh, Hermione finally replied, "I... I don't know, Fleur. This is all so new to me, and it's a lot to process. I care about Harry, and I would never want to hurt you or our friendship, but I need time to understand this concept better."
Fleur's expression softened, and she reached out to squeeze Hermione's hand. "I understand, Hermione. I didn't mean to pressure you. I wanted to discuss this with you honestly, and I'm glad you're open to considering it. Take all the time you need, and feel free to ask me any questions you might have. My main priority is our happiness and making sure our relationships are strong and healthy."
Hermione nodded appreciatively. "Thank you for understanding, Fleur. I appreciate your honesty, too, and I promise to think about it and ask questions if I need to. We're all friends, and I want to ensure we're all happy."
Fleur smiled warmly at Hermione. "That's exactly what I hoped to hear. Now, let's not let this heavy topic overshadow our trip to Diagon Alley. We have shopping to do, and it should be a fun day."
Hermione agreed, glad to shift the focus to something more lighthearted. She knew that there was much to consider and discuss in the future, but for now, she was determined to enjoy the day with her friends and not let the weight of such complex matters bring her down.
Hermione felt the weight of Fleur's words, and they tugged at her heart. There was a certain truth in what Fleur was saying, and she couldn't deny her own feelings. Despite her logical mind and her upbringing, she had experienced a growing affection for Harry that went beyond friendship. But she had buried it, unwilling to jeopardize her friendship with Harry or come between Fleur and him. And now, with this conversation, her emotions were exposed.
"Fleur, I've always valued our friendship and your happiness above all else," Hermione said sincerely. "I care deeply for Harry, but I've kept my feelings hidden because I don't want to disrupt what you and he have. I never wanted to come between you, and I still don't."
Fleur gave her a reassuring smile. "I appreciate that, Hermione. I value our friendship too, and I don't want anything to jeopardize it either. Our discussions don't mean that any decisions have been made; it's about exploring possibilities and making sure we're all on the same page. Harry's happiness is crucial to me, but so is yours. Whatever happens, we'll work through it together."
Hermione nodded in understanding. "Thank you, Fleur. Let's just take it one step at a time and communicate openly. And right now, let's focus on enjoying our trip to Diagon Alley. I have a feeling this year at Hogwarts will be more eventful than any other."
Fleur's smile brightened, and she agreed, "You're absolutely right, Hermione. Let's make the most of this day."
With their conversation on hold, they both got ready for their shopping trip to Diagon Alley. Despite the complexity of the discussions they had started, they were determined to have a fun and memorable day with their friends, embracing the adventures and challenges that awaited them in the wizarding world.
Hermione's mind raced with a whirlwind of emotions and thoughts. Fleur's words were a lot to digest. They had started their conversation discussing the possibility of Harry having a second wife, and now it seemed Fleur was encouraging Hermione to explore her feelings for Harry. The situation was growing increasingly complex.
"Fleur," Hermione said slowly, "I understand that you're saying this out of concern and a desire for all of us to be happy. But you and Harry have a betrothal contract, and it's binding. You both are committed to each other, and I don't want to interfere with that. Besides, I value our friendship and don't want anything to come between us."
Fleur sighed, looking both frustrated and earnest. "Hermione, the contract is important, but it doesn't mean that we can't consider other possibilities or adapt. I love Harry, and I want him to be happy. I can sense his feelings for you too, and it's only fair to take all of this into account. We'll find a solution that works for all of us, Hermione."
Hermione was still grappling with the idea. On one hand, she felt an overwhelming desire to explore her feelings for Harry, something she had been suppressing for a while now. On the other, she couldn't ignore the contract and the bond Fleur and Harry shared.
"We'll need to talk to Harry about all of this. It's his life and his feelings that matter most," Hermione said, finally settling on a course of action. "He should have a say in how things proceed."
Fleur nodded in agreement. "Of course. It should be Harry's choice as well. But let's not forget to enjoy our day in Diagon Alley. We can revisit this later."
Hermione gave a tentative smile. "Agreed. Let's not let this heavy discussion overshadow our day. We'll deal with it in time."
They both nodded and continued preparing for their trip to Diagon Alley. The conversation had set a new tone for their friendship, one that was marked by uncertainty, but they were determined to face whatever challenges lay ahead together.
Hermione listened attentively to Fleur's response, her thoughts whirling as she tried to make sense of the situation. Fleur's initial suggestion had taken her by surprise, and now her honesty was equally unexpected.
"Are you telling me that you would be willing to share Harry with me? Or are you just saying that you acknowledge my feelings?" Hermione asked cautiously.
Fleur looked up, her blue eyes meeting Hermione's with a mix of emotions. "I don't know, Hermione. This is all so complicated, and I haven't made up my mind yet. What I do know is that I love Harry, and I can sense that there's something special between you two as well. I don't want to be selfish, and I want all of us to be happy."
Hermione nodded slowly. Fleur's feelings for Harry were genuine, and her willingness to consider alternative arrangements demonstrated her desire for everyone's happiness. But the path ahead was uncertain and filled with challenges.
"I appreciate your honesty, Fleur," Hermione said, offering a warm smile. "We'll figure this out together and, as you said, what matters most is Harry's happiness. We should talk to him about it soon."
Fleur nodded, and they both knew that their lives were about to become even more complicated. The trio's friendship and the betrothal contract would test the boundaries of their emotions and relationships in the days to come, and they would need to navigate this new territory with care and understanding.
"Good, then I won't be telling you anything you don't already know." Fleur paused for a moment, her eyes clouded with uncertainty. "You are aware of the Veela allure, aren't you?"
Hermione nodded. "Yes, I've read about it. Veela can exert a powerful magical pull on men, making them infatuated and captivated by the Veela's beauty. It's considered one of the strongest forms of enchantment."
Fleur nodded, her expression serious. "Exactly. It's an inherent trait for Veela, and we can't control it. While I can suppress it to some extent when needed, it becomes harder during certain emotional states, like anger or extreme happiness. I'm telling you this because I want you to understand that this is something that can affect Harry."
Hermione's brow furrowed with concern. "Are you saying that he might be affected by your allure, and that's why you're open to the idea of sharing him with me?"
Fleur sighed. "Partly, yes. I've seen the way Harry looks at you. It's not just friendship in his eyes. There's a deeper connection, even if he doesn't fully understand it yet. And I don't want to stand in the way of what could make him happy."
Hermione felt a mix of emotions—gratitude for Fleur's consideration, concern for her own feelings and Harry's, and a sense of impending complexity in their relationship. The road ahead was uncertain, and they would need to navigate it with care and honesty.
"Thank you for being honest with me, Fleur," Hermione said sincerely. "I think we should talk to Harry about all of this together. It's only fair to include him in the conversation and consider his feelings and desires."
Fleur nodded in agreement, and they both understood that their lives were about to become even more intricate. Balancing friendship, love, and magical heritage would be a challenging journey, and they would face it together, striving to ensure the happiness of all involved.
Fleur nodded solemnly. "Exactly. The Delacour line is safe as long as I can bear children, but for the Potter line, it's a different story. If Harry and I have only girls, it could spell the end of the Potter name. That's why I'm open to the possibility of him taking another wife, to ensure the continuation of his family line. It's not just about our feelings but also the legacy he carries."
Hermione couldn't help but feel the weight of responsibility in Fleur's words. The idea of Harry being pressured to have more than one wife to secure his family's lineage was daunting.
"Have you talked to Harry about all of this?" Hermione asked, concerned about how he was handling these complexities.
Fleur's expression softened. "Not yet, but I think it's time. It's why I wanted to discuss it with you first. We're facing a unique situation, and Harry deserves to have a say in how he envisions his future. I want this to be a choice he makes with his heart, not something forced upon him."
Hermione respected Fleur's approach to handling the situation, recognizing that she genuinely cared about Harry's well-being and happiness. It was a conversation that would be filled with emotions, and they needed to navigate it with sensitivity and care.
"I think that's the right approach," Hermione agreed. "I hope Harry understands that he has friends who care about him deeply and want the best for him."
Fleur nodded with a hint of gratitude in her eyes. "Thank you, Hermione. Your understanding means a lot to me."
The two friends shared a moment of understanding, knowing that their lives had taken an unexpected turn, and they would face the challenges together with the utmost consideration for Harry's happiness and the continuation of the Potter legacy.
The weight of the decision Fleur was presenting to Hermione was tremendous, and the young witch needed time to process it fully. The idea of sharing Harry with another woman was a complex one, filled with emotions and societal expectations. Hermione had always approached life with logic and careful consideration, but this situation was unlike any she had encountered before.
"Thank you for sharing this with me, Fleur," Hermione said, her tone reflective. "It's a lot to take in. I need some time to think about it and discuss it with Harry. I want to make sure any decision we make is one that he feels comfortable with and that respects everyone's feelings and desires."
Fleur nodded in understanding. "I appreciate your openness, Hermione. Take all the time you need. It's a decision that should be made thoughtfully. And know that whatever the outcome, Harry's happiness is my priority."
Hermione gave Fleur a genuine smile. "I believe you, Fleur. You've shown me how much you care about him, and that's truly important."
Their conversation had delved into complicated territory, but it was grounded in genuine concern and affection for Harry. Hermione knew that the days ahead would require heartfelt discussions and tough decisions, and she was determined to approach them with the same thoughtfulness and care that had been the foundation of her friendship with Harry and her growing connection with Fleur.
The issue of her parents loomed large, adding another layer of complexity to the situation. What would her parents think of her marrying a man who practiced polygamy? It was important to note that her parents weren't particularly devout Christians; they tended to fall into the category of "Christmas and Easter Anglicans," observing religious traditions during those special occasions but remaining largely secular the rest of the year. However, being raised in Western society, they had imbibed the prevailing belief that plural marriage was morally unacceptable. Predicting their reaction was a difficult task, but she was certain it wouldn't be met with unqualified joy. Ultimately, her parents might come to accept it, much as they had begrudgingly accepted her identity as a witch over the years. What was even more disconcerting was that she had felt herself growing apart from her parents due to her magical abilities, and this was yet another potential source of division between them.
Taking a deep breath, she finally responded to Fleur, choosing her words with great care, "Your points are entirely valid, Fleur. I comprehend your perspective, but there are significant reservations I can't simply dismiss."
Fleur regarded her with understanding, her voice filled with warmth and tenderness as she replied, "Hermione, I'm not urging you to rush into a lifelong commitment with Harry right this instant. You're still very young, as you rightly mentioned, and it's premature to make such a monumental decision in your life at this stage."
However, Hermione was determined not to delay this discussion for two specific reasons. Firstly, she wanted Fleur to reflect on the situation. She recognized that even if her Veela instincts pointed in a certain direction, it didn't guarantee that she and Harry would choose to be together if she wasn't in the picture. Veela powers were limited, lacking the ability to foresee the future or account for the complexities of free will. Her engagement to Harry undeniably complicated any potential romantic involvement with him. She empathized with Hermione's reservations and insisted that she should take ample time to consider her decision.
Her second motive was to shield Hermione from making a regrettable choice in the midst of her grief over what she saw as 'losing' Harry. Fleur didn't explicitly mention names, but Hermione could discern that Ron was the unspoken subject. Truthfully, Fleur's words struck a chord with her. She genuinely cared about Ron; most of the time, he proved to be a loyal and dependable friend. Even when his jealousy occasionally clouded his judgment, he usually came around eventually.
Yet Hermione was acutely aware that, irrespective of Ron's feelings for her, a romantic relationship between them would be inherently unstable. Their perpetual quarrels, differing aspirations, and polar opposite personalities formed a recipe for disaster. Fleur's words, if nothing else, served to underscore this fact in her mind – she and Ron as a couple was an implausible prospect.
With a thoughtful nod, Hermione responded, "I understand. I'll give it some serious thought."
Fleur, her expression filled with understanding, softly affirmed, "That's all I could hope for."
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