SIX – The Cost of Paper Birds...
It was difficult, but Harry had eventually gotten used to his routine. He found himself almost constantly busy, what with his healer training on top of his schoolwork.
So much of his free time was spent revising healing materials or making sure he kept up with his assignments. Hermione's parents had come through for him, they'd mailed him two texts. One on cancers, and the other on leukaemia specifically. But with the limited number of hours in a day, he was struggling to get through them. Even though he knew it was a terrible idea, he did sometimes wish he had a time turner.
Unfortunately, his workload has affected his friendships as well. Harry's lack of free time has resulted in Ron spending more and more of his goofing off with Seamus and Dean. Their friendship wasn't broken in any way, just that they were drifting. Slowly, but it was happening.
In retrospect, his relationship with Hermione was stronger than ever though. The pair spent a vast majority of his studying time together. Often in silence, with the only sound being the turning of pages and scraping of quills. And they were happy with this too, comfortable enough in each other's presence that the silence didn't bother them.
Another who he has gotten closer to was Fleur. They'd exchanged a small handful of letters and photos now. To his dismay and joy, he was unable to reply to her last letter on account of her travelling towards Hogwarts. Saddened that the letters had to stop, but happy to hear that she was finally on her way.
This period of non-communication was finally ending today.
It was October 30th, and the foreign students were arriving, and more importantly to Harry and Hermione. Fleur was arriving any minute now.
Professor McGonagall had just finished organising all of the students into their houses outside.
He stood with Hermione, holding small talk while they waited.
"Have you figured out what you'll be doing about Professor Snape?" asked Hermione.
"I really don't know," sighed Harry.
"I spoke with him regarding fair treatment. I even mentioned the increased workload, but it was pointless. In his words, how dare I accuse him of being unfair?"
Hermione was as troubled as he was. "Maybe you should speak to Professor McGonagall?"
"Maybe, but then I also run the risk of worsening the situation by going over his head."
"I understand, it's a rock and a hard place situation," said Hermione, saddened by the unfairness of it all.
"Enough of the greasy bat, how is your organisation for house elves going?"
Hermione lit up, smiling brightly. "Oh it's all coming together! Thank you again for asking Maisy to speak with me, it was really very helpful."
Harry chuckled, thinking back to that meeting. Hermione had come to visit him in the hospital wing as she often done.
…
He was practicing a control exercise Madam Pomfrey had given him, while Hermione worked on a report at his desk. He'd gotten hungry and summoned Maisy to bring them some food when he recalled Hermione's outrage at what she perceived to be slavery.
Before she could react, he'd asked Maisy to please explain to Hermione what she told him, and if there's time, answer any questions she has.
His best friend immediately stopped writing her report, excited at finally having the chance to better understand house elves.
"Hi Miss Grangys," greeted the elf.
"Hi, Maisy, right?"
The house elf nodded. "Yous been wantings to know why house elvses help wizards's?"
"That's right, it just sounds an awful lot like slavery to me?" said Hermione, troubled.
"Miss is not right but miss not wrong either… House elvses isn't needing to help wizards's miss. We's helping because we's wanting to."
"But what about the bond?" asked Hermione.
"Bond is wizards magic miss, we's not be needing it, but many wizards's not wanting to let us help without. Is trust miss, wizards not trusting elvses without bond. We's forced to accept it miss. We is wanting to help. We is wanting family…"
"Are you bound?" asked Hermione, afraid for the answer, but Harry's encouraging expression was a comfort.
"No's miss, Hogwarts elvses not have bond, we's work here, and we's get all the students as family," answered Maisy, her face lighting up in joy.
"Do you get pay? Or days off?" pressed the bookworm.
Maisy looked appalled. "Nooo miss, we is not wanting this, headmaster be telling us we can rest when we want, and we does, but we is wanting to help family, and if we is hurt or sick, we is taking times to heal."
The fact that they could rest and take time off when they needed if they want was somewhat mollifying even if the entire situation wasn't perfect.
She knew what she had to do now though. She had to get people to be willing to employ elves without the bond, and to allow them their wants. The elves are clearly highly frugal, so this should be a concession that should be easy to follow.
Then she had to fight for their fair treatment. There needs to be laws in place to protect their wellbeing, and in the cases of abusive families. The removal of the elf to a family that will treat said elf with kindness.
She'd still very much prefer if they were paid, but perhaps assigning a small fund that they were allowed to take from if they wished would be easier to accept for most.
Hermione looked at Maisy, she appeared healthy and in good spirits.
"Thank you for explaining it to me Maisy," said the bookworm, "and thanks Harry, that really helped."
"No worries, Hermione," said Harry.
…
"Well, when you have everything set up, you definitely have one member already," said Harry.
Hermione beamed at him, glad for his support. The pair continued their small talk, when someone shouted out.
"There's something in the lake!" rang a young voice over the crowd.
And the boy was right, there was a mast bearing a flag with what must be the Durmstrang coat of arms, rising from the water. The student body was awestruck. It's a lake. How the hell did the ship get there.
"Hermione? Is the lake connected to the sea with any rivers by any chance?" asked Harry, certain he hasn't seen any when he'd flown over it.
"I- don't know… It must be, how else did they get here then…"
"I guess…"
They watched as the students disembarked. Their uniform reminded Harry a bit of soviet era officer wear in style. The Durmstrang students certainly looked like a rather stoic sort to him. They even moved orderly, except for one who walked side by side with their headmaster, and Harry could have sworn he'd seen him before.
It wasn't until he overheard Ron and Seamus exclaim 'Viktor Krum' that he was able to remember where he knew him from.
"Bit of a grumpy looking bunch don't you think?" asked Harry of Hermione.
She had to agree with them. Maybe it was the journey, but there wasn't a single smile on any of the Durmstrang students faces.
"Igor!"
"Albus!"
Harry saw the headmasters greeting each other boisterously, an odd contrast to the seriousness that was previously evident on the foreign man's face.
Their reunion was interrupted by the crowd, excited murmurs broke out along with pointed fingers.
Harry looked in the direction they were pointing. He spotted what appeared to be a flying horse-drawn carriage.
He smiled brightly; Fleur had mentioned a carriage.
Hermione grabbed his arm in her excitement, they were both eager to finally meet her.
The carriage touched down, it was a detailed thing, designed in the style of the French Renaissance era with lots of gold and blues. The horses pulling it turned out to be huge, pure white winged horses.
"They're abraxan," said Hermione.
"Hm?"
"The horses Harry, they're abraxan."
"Ah, thought they were called pegasi?"
"No, pegasi are smaller."
The carriage doors opened, as a step ladder unfurled itself. The woman who led the procession stunned the crowd; she was by far the tallest woman Harry had ever seen. Even taller than Hagrid, and he was already a huge man.
The students followed behind her, each wearing stylish uniforms in a powder blue with hats. They appeared cold, some outright shivering in the cooling Scottish air.
Harry and Hermione were anxiously scanning their faces, trying to find Fleur.
Meanwhile Fleur was waiting her turn to leave the carriage. Her thoughts firmly on the pair who she knew were waiting for her just outside.
In these two months, their letters were bright points that she found herself looking forward to with bated breath. When she would see those lovely white feathers enter the room, she would struggle to hold in her excitement. Even though she wanted to immediately take the letters.
Proper procedure had to be held. First you must compliment Hedwig, pet her, and then feed her a treat. Only then could she relieve the owl of her cargo. Or risk getting your fingers nipped.
The few times when Hedwig had arrived during breakfast had some students wondering who it was who sent her letters with such a striking owl.
Only one person at the school knew the answer, and that was Aimée, a childhood friend of hers who also attended Beauxbatons. Unfortunately, she was a year younger than Fleur. This meant they weren't able to spend as much time together as she'd like. It also meant Aimée wouldn't be joining the delegation to Hogwarts.
Her time in Beauxbatons was often a lonely experience. Besides Aimée, she didn't really have anybody there. And as much as she loved the school itself, the relationship with most of her peers took a lot of the magic out of it.
It wasn't even of any fault of her own. The more beautiful she became as years passed, coupled with the arrival of her allure had put a serious damper on most of her friendships.
She did have a few sort-of-friends who she got along relatively well with, but they seemed to keep her at arms-length. Willing to sit with her at meals, work on group projects with her, and speak with her. But they'd never invite her anywhere, or simply choose to spend time with her for the sole purpose of wanting to be around her.
While trying not to let herself get hurt, she'd adopted an aloof persona. She focused on her academics and extracurriculars, going from being an above average student, to outshining all of them. Turning to academics seemed to be something herself and Hermione had in common as she'd learnt from the younger girl's letters.
On the upside, she learnt to value her relationship with the ones who truly cared for her, far more than worrying about the opinions of people who wouldn't give her the time of day or treat with respect.
It doesn't mean she didn't wish to be accepted for who she was, but as the saying goes. Once burnt, twice shy.
She had felt an odd sort of camaraderie from Harry and Hermione, as well as an almost irrational amount of trust. Something that night in their eyes spoke to her.
Even so, when she wrote that first letter to Harry and Hermione. The temptation to display her cold exterior was there, but in the end, she thought it would be disgraceful.
So, she took a leap of faith, dropped the mask and wrote it as she felt.
It was a decision she was glad for now. Harry and Hermione clearly liked her, or at least, they liked the Fleur they'd come to know through the letters. She could only pray that it carried over to her in person. And just as importantly, Fleur worried, that her allure wouldn't be an issue…
Fleur looked up; it was her turn to exit. Taking a deep breath, she held her back straight and stepped outside.
It wasn't until he spotted her that he realised he'd been holding his breath. She was even more breath-taking in person than the photos led them to believe. Unlike the rest of her class, she appeared completely unfazed by the cold.
She walked with an elegance the rest of them were struggling to uphold as they tried to keep from shivering. Even as she looked around, trying to find the pair of them. Hermione squeezed his arm tighter, clearly having spotted her as well.
They were both so nervous, but it was when Fleur met their eyes met that it all melted away.
There were so many emotions that were communicated through their eyes. Fear, nervousness, excitement, followed by realization, and then finally. Joy.
The three fought the urge to rush forward towards each other, not wanting to cause a scene.
Though Fleur had hurried her steps. It was while Professor Dumbledore was in the middle of greeting Madame Maxime that she reached them.
The three of them were silent, unsure how to proceed from here. The nervousness had returned full force. It was Harry who finally spoke up. "Nice to finally meet you Fleur," he said, smiling brightly at her.
She felt her confidence return and had to hide her joy; his eyes were clear. "You too 'Arry, 'Ermione," replied Fleur, shyly, returning their smile.
The way she said his name sent tingles up his spine.
"Hi Fleur," greeted Hermione, having let go of his arm.
The trio didn't notice the attention they'd gathered. A very beautiful Beauxbatons student had walked right up to Harry Potter as if she knew him. The Hogwarts students were wondering how Harry knew her, and the Beauxbatons students were confused at Fleur's out of character behaviour.
Harry eventually noticed the eyes on them, which included the headmasters. Professor Dumbledore appeared to find the situation very amusing.
He winked at Harry, before he spoke loudly. "Let us all adjourn to the great hall; it is rather nippy out here."
The students began moving. Dumbledore's words brought a question to Harry's mind.
"Uhm Fleur…?" he pondered aloud.
"Hmm?"
"How are you not cold? I recall you mentioning that you hate the cold, and you're dressed the same as the other Beauxbatons students... I can hear their teeth clattering from here," he mused.
Hermione's eyes widened, realizing the same.
Fleur smirked. "Who says I am not cold?"
The pair stared at her in confusion, she clearly didn't appear to be cold in the slightest.
The French veela couldn't help but find them adorable when they looked at her like this.
She decided to keep teasing them. "I am cold. Freezing actually."
Her deadpan admission only resulted in further confusion.
Their stares became penetrating. "Fiiine, I remembered your warning… So, I spent ze last two 'ours enchanting my clothes to keep me warm…"
Harry chuckled at the absurdity.
It was Hermione who spoke up next. "But those enchantments barely last more than a few minutes on clothing…"
Fleur blushed, looking away. "I figured it was enough…"
Harry, still chuckling. "Let's get in doors."
The trio entered arrived at the entrance to the great hall and noticed the rest of the Beauxbatons students were taking their seats at the Ravenclaw table.
"I 'ave to sit with zem for tonight at least, but I 'ope we can speak again after dinner?" asked Fleur of them.
They both agreed. "If we don't get the chance, Hermione and I will be outside pretty early tomorrow. We take a run most mornings. If you'd like, maybe you could join us or join us afterwards for breakfast?"
Fleur smiled. "Hmm non for ze running, but I will see you at breakfast, we can tour ze school?"
"Mhm, there aren't any classes tomorrow, so 9am?" answered Hermione. "We can meet you outside the hall?"
"Oui, I will be there," replied Fleur.
"I think we should take our seats, before we get scolded," said Hermione, seeing most of the students were now seated. Nobody seemed to have noticed their lack of entrance yet.
Fleur began to fidget, clearly having an internal battle with herself.
"What's wrong?" asked Harry, concerned. Hermione too had noticed her apparent discomfort and also wondered what the matter was.
It was a few seconds later when Fleur finally stilled, having come to a decision regarding whatever was bothering her.
Both Harry and Hermione were caught off guard when she immediately grabbed them in a bone breaking hug. Despite their surprise, and Harry's usual discomfort with hugs. They both wrapped an arm around her.
Harry noticed she was trembling slightly. He tightened his grip, trying to offer some comfort. It was a moment later when Fleur released them, her emotions under control. The pair hadn't realized, by they each still had a hand on one of Fleur's arms.
"Sorry… I've been wanting to do that for weeks now," came Fleur's voice, sounding both shy and embarrassed.
"Don't apologize," said Hermione, "I am sure I speak for both of us-" she glanced quickly at Harry, "-you can hug us whenever you'd like. We've only just met in person, but we care about you."
Harry nodded his agreeance before smiling. "We're here for you Fleur, and we aren't going anywhere." The conviction in his tone was clear to both girls.
"Merci," thanked Fleur, her throat closing up.
Fully composed again, she grabbed their hands before pulling the pair into the hall. "Let's sit before I get any more emotional, now is not ze time for tears."
They entered the great hall; it was only then that Harry noticed Professor Dumbledore had been watching them. The old man smiled gently when their eyes met, before offering Harry a nod to which he returned.
The trio were forced to separate in order to sit at their respective tables. Though neither Harry nor Hermione voiced it, they both missed the feel of Fleurs hand in theirs.
Professor Dumbledore began his speech with a welcome to the foreign students and their staff members before he motioned for Mr. Filch, who proceeded to bring in a large goblet.
With a wave of his wand, lighting the goblet with a bright blue fire. It reminded Harry of the bottled fire spell that Hermione was fond of.
"This is the Goblet of Fire, lighting it signifies the start of the Triwizard Tournament. Those who are interested in participating, must write their names on a scrap of paper and throw it into the fire. At this time tomorrow night, the goblet will return the names of the students that it has selected. One for each school."
The students in the hall stared at the goblet. An aura of excitement mixed with trepidation covering them.
"But please understand. Yes, there is glory in competing and greater glory in victory. But once you have submitted your name to the flames," Dumbledore paused, allowing the scattered murmurs to cease, before continuing.
"There is no turning back. The Goblet of Fire constitutes a binding magical contract. Submitting your name is the equivalent of signing said contract. If you are chosen… If come tomorrow night, and the goblet returns your name..."
"You must compete," he said with finality.
"Refusal to do so can have devastating consequences. So please consider carefully before submitting your names. As I have mentioned at the opening feast earlier this year."
"The tournament is not for the faint of heart."
"Many have died before, and even with all the precautions in place. We cannot guarantee that there will be no serious injuries or deaths this time around. Of course, I pray that it would not be so. But the risk is there, so heed my warning."
Some students in the audience who initially appeared excited, now looked nervous. The blue light from the goblets fire cast an ominous glow. Harry had no desire to take part even if he were old enough, but he couldn't help but feel scared for Fleur.
He was certain that she was a very talented witch, with a good chance of beating her classmates to selection. There was no doubt that he would support her should she be chosen, but he still would rather she not be in the tournament.
"In order to prevent any underage entries, an age line will be drawn. There will be obvious and I daresay, amusing consequences to any who try to get around it."
"You will have the whole of tomorrow, up until dinner time to enter. I think that is all- Oh wait, to our guests, please refrain from exploring the forbidden forest. Though they generally do not stray too close to the forests edge. There are quite a few dangers hidden in those trees, many with teeth... Rather big teeth…"
The foreign students shifted in their seats, looking quite perturbed at Professor Dumbledore's warning. Harry agreed with him though, thinking of Aragog and his far too large family.
"I believe we are all starved, so let us begin the feast," said the eccentric Headmaster, clapping his hands once.
The food that appeared on the tables had many of the usual feast items, but also included a variety of foods Harry had never seen before. He realised they must be there to accommodate the foreign students.
He eyed two dishes, the first, a delicious looking stew that Hermione told him was called Coq au vin which he decided to try first. The second, a seafood soup called Bouillabaisse that she went for.
The meal was delicious, a lot lighter and more delicately flavoured than what he was used to.
"How is it, Harry?" asked Hermione, curious to see how he would take to French foods.
"It's great, I wouldn't say no to having this more often."
It seemed not everyone at the table shared his enthusiasm, most were barely touching the foreign foods. Of the students nearby him, only Katie, Lavender, and Neville had gone for them.
At the Ravenclaw table, Fleur was annoyed. Her favourite, the bouillabaisse was finished before the bowl even reached her, and there was none left on the table.
Looking around, she noticed a near full bowl in front of Harry. Glad that she wasn't going to have to deal with someone unknown, or worse, a weak-minded simpleton who would just gawk at her.
She stood and made her way over to him, ignoring the stares as she walked.
Harry's first indication that someone was approaching, was the wide-eyed expression on Seamus's face as he stared over his shoulder.
"Arry?" he heard. Recognizing Fleurs voice, he smiled before turning his head.
"Yes Fleur, is something wrong?"
"Non, it's just, the bouillabaisse on our table is finished. If you're done with yours, can I take it?"
"Uh, go ahead" Harry glanced around. "I don't think anyone is going to be having any, we're all pretty stuffed already."
Fleur was secretly pleased when she noticed his plate. He'd been eating the French foods and appears to have enjoyed it.
Harry handed the bowl to her. She smiled gratefully, accepting it, glad that her quest had born fruit.
"Merci 'Arry."
"You're welcome, leave place for dessert, trust me."
"Pourquoi? Is it for your treacle cake?" she asked, teasingly.
He grinned. "It's a tart, and yes, you'll be amazed."
Hermione chuckled at the side. "There are more desserts than treacle tart Harry."
"Ignore her. She doesn't know what she's speaking about," he replied.
Fleur smiled, his persistence regarding this dessert amused her.
"I will try zis tart if it is there," agreed Fleur, "but I must return to my table now."
"Good idea, see you in the morning most likely," agreed Harry.
"See you tomorrow, Fleur," said Hermione.
"Au Revoir, 'Arry, 'Ermione."
The pair turned back as Fleur departed.
"Blimey Harry, who is that?" asked Seamus, eager to learn about this beautiful girl that Harry and Hermione know.
"Oh, that's Fleur."
Seamus stared at Harry. "We got that part!"
"Tell us more!"
"Yes, Harry! tell us more!" chimed in Katie, Alicia, and Angelina.
"She's the girl from the world cup, right?" asked Fred from Angelina's side.
Hermione answered, "that's her yes."
"Glad she's alright, hectic night that was."
Ron had already seen the photos, and unfortunately felt the effects of her allure very strongly. He focused harder on his plate while she was nearby, trying not to make a fool of himself. It worked, but it also meant he would struggle in the future.
"Wait, that's the girl you guys saved?" asked Angelina, who must have heard the story from the twins.
"Mhm," said Harry.
Angelina whistled, "damn guys…"
Katie chose the moment to pipe in. "It looks like the three of you have gotten to know each other."
"We've been exchanging letters since right before school," said Hermione.
Their friends continued to try and grill them for information regarding Fleur, but the duo wouldn't budge, and remained vague. Eventually, they relented when the desserts appeared.
Harry of course went immediately for the treacle tart, while Hermione opted for a healthier fruit trifle.
Fleur in the meanwhile, was staring at her own half eaten slice of Harry's favourite dessert.
She had to admit, it was good, very good, very sweet, she liked sweet. But it was missing something… Chocolate, she wondered, before taking another bite.
The students enjoyed their desserts, and on the dismissal from Professor Dumbledore, were let out to return to their dorms.
Harry sought out Fleur in the small crowd of blue. Meeting her eyes, they waved at each other as they were led out.
…
It was a few hours later where he sat at the windowsill in his room. The rest of his year mates had already gone to sleep, something which he should be doing too.
He was looking out the window, you could see Durmstrang's ship anchored in the lake, as well as the Beauxbaton carriage. It still hadn't really sunk in yet. He'd been waiting for Fleur's arrival since they'd begun corresponding, and now she's right here.
It was after midnight now. He looked at the photo of his parents on his bedside, and the small calendar he had, October 31st. He picked up his camera from the small table and began fiddling with it.
He looked out the window.
'Just because Fleur's here now, doesn't mean I should stop using the thing.'
He lined up his camera, pointing it out the window, and took the shot. The flash luckily not disturbing any of his sleeping friends.
Harry looked between the photo and the view from the window, and wondered whether he could get the little polaroid to Fleur. Ever since the he began focusing on his academics, he'd found spells in his books that he'd forgotten or just outright had no idea even existed. He thought of a little combination that might just get the job done.
He grabbed his quill and wrote a little message to her on the back.
Hi Fleur,
Welcome to Hogwarts
I guess you could try and figure out which tower the Gryffindor dorm is in from this.
Hope the little birdie reaches you.
Never tried this spell before.
Fingers crossed,
Harry
P.S. Please don't tell Hedwig I sent it this way.
Finished penning his little message. He folded the photo into a somewhat decent paper bird.
He pulled out his wand and animated it. The little paper bird began flapping its wings, getting some lift. Now he needed to direct it.
A more advanced version of the banishing charm could work, but you'd usually have to focus on the spot that you were banishing the item to. Not a person.
Theoretically it should be fine, he knew the direction at least, but it will require quite a bit of focus. He'd also have to make sure his thoughts were entirely on Fleur, and not on the carriage or he'd end up leaving his photo outside.
He let the little paper bird out the window before aiming his wand at its flapping form and keeping his thoughts on Fleur.
"Depulso Ductu"
The bird began moving towards the Beauxbatons carriage, it wasn't very quick, but it moved steadily enough. He couldn't brute force the spell, keeping his thoughts focused entirely on one thing without falter was hard.
Eventually the bird reached one of the windows and hit the glass, unable to get through, and with Harry's control still on it. It kept bouncing off and hitting the glass again.
Fleur was relaxing on her bed, warm beneath the blankets, a rather trashy romance novel held up by her legs and a cup of hot chocolate at her side. She'd gained a liking for such stories ever since she'd found her mom's books while snooping in her bedside table one day.
She'd just reached the climax of the chapter. The master had just discovered that the maid he'd slept with is actually the long-lost princess who went missing almost twenty years ago. Now it wouldn't be that bad, but the king was on his deathbed, and he had no heir. Even worse, the master's betrothed just overheard the maid speaking with the head maid. She's pregnant.
Leaning in closer as if it would speed up the pace that she read at. The start of an annoying tapping at the window distracted her. Each tap felt as if someone was poking her at the side of her head. She tried to ignore it, but it refused to stop.
"Aaarrgh!"
She slammed the book shut before ripping the covers off herself and stomped her way towards the window.
What she found there had her so baffled that her anger bled away instantly.
"A paper bird?"
She opened the window, letting in the little bird. Big mistake. Harry was so focused on Fleur, and he of course didn't know that the window to her room was at eye level and, he also didn't realize that the spell wouldn't stop until either his concentration faltered, or when the bird reached her.
Now as seen before when he learnt the Patronus charm, when he tries hard enough. He can really focus on something…
So, unfortunately for Fleur. The instant the glass was out of the bird's way. It flew straight in.
Right into her face.
"Ah!"
She fell over backwards, landing on her behind.
"Putain!"
Having reached its destination, the spell was completed and the force compelling it towards her stopped. Now it simply flapped around her room randomly, the animation still active.
Fleur grabbed it from the air, tempted to incinerate the blasted thing. She held herself back when she noticed the paper it was made from as well as some words on it.
'Harry?'
Unfolding the bird and ending the animation. She saw the photo of Harry's view; it was taken from high up at a distance. The sight was certainly picturesque, though rather odd, what with a fancy carriage and a very old ship in it. You could even see the lights from the carriage windows.
Turning the photo over, she giggled as she read his message. She was going to tell Hedwig. Serves him right for hitting her in the face with a paper bird.
'Intentional or not,' she thought, rubbing her backside.
"Good morning, Fleur," greeted Hermione with a smile, having seen her over Harry's shoulder.
Harry turned, and upon noticing the sleepy state she was in, chuckled, and greeted her as well.
Glaring at his chuckling face, she grabbed the pair into the hall.
"Coffee, mes amis."
The trio sat at the Ravenclaw table, having been dragged there by Fleur who ignored them both, immediately pouring herself some coffee and grabbing a chocolate chip muffin. The Hogwarts pair watched her drain her cup and immediately pour another.
Harry was starved from his morning run, and they were going to be touring the castle. So, he'd best eat enough.
It was a short while later when Fleur could properly be counted amongst the living again and joined them in conversation.
"Désolée 'Arry, 'Ermione, I slept very late…"
"Don't worry about it," answered Hermione.
"Feeling better?" asked Harry, finding her weakness for mornings amusing.
"Oui, the coffee 'ere is acceptable, but barely so…" sniffed Fleur in faux disdain.
"I'm glad us English have managed to satisfy your delicate French palate," teased Harry.
Fleur picked up a biscuit before flicking it at Harrys face.
"Ow! -What was that for?" he asked, rubbing his forehead.
"Zat was for 'itting me in ze face with a paper bird…" answered Fleur indignantly, her accent slipping in a bit more.
"Hitting you in the face with a paper bird…-?" asked Harry confused, "-oh," he said, as realization set in.
"Oui 'Arry, Oh…"
"I'm confused, what happened?" asked Hermione, looking between the two.
"I sent Fleur a photo of the view from the Gryffindor dorm last night," he said sheepishly.
"What does that have to do with a paper bird?" she asked, still trying to understand.
Fleur decided to answer in Harry's clearly embarrassed stead.
"What 'Arry done was charm the photo to fly as a little paper bird, it was very impressive, and would 'ave been better if the bird did not 'it me in the face as I opened the window."
"Sorry…" he apologized as Hermione laughed.
"It was an accident; I will simply be more cautious when opening the window if you send me anymore this way… BUT! I am still informing 'Edwig-"
"-Please don't!" urged Harry, holding his hands up as if to stop her.
"Non!"
"Please! She'll kill me!"
"And why should I care?" responded Fleur teasingly.
"I can't buy you chocolates if I'm dead?"
"Ohh, 'ow many chocolates are we speaking?" said Fleur, offering him a lifeline.
"A box of chocolate frogs…?" tried Harry.
"Une box? You think me so cheap," responded Fleur, holding a hand to her heart, feigning hurt.
"-Two?"
Fleur continued to pretend, her act and Harry's panic amused Hermione who hid her giggles on the side.
"-and a box of Honeydukes finest!" he implored hurriedly.
The French Veela was enjoying herself. She raised a finger to her chin, putting on a thoughtful expression as Harry squirmed.
"Come on Fleur, have mercy on him," said Hermione, coming to Harry's aid.
"Hmm, very well, two boxes, and some of this other chocolate will do," she relented, to Harry's relief.
"It is adorable when 'e panics is it not, 'Ermione."
"Definitely, it's always fun when he squirms," she responded to his mortification.
Blushing, he sought to escape the situation.
"It's getting late, we should start the tour!" said Harry urgently trying to move them along.
"Late? It's not even 10am yet Harry…"
"Oui, it is still early," said Fleur, agreeing with Hermione.
"No no, Hogwarts is very big Fleur."
"Alright Harry," giggled Hermione, "we can start now."
"This is the hospital wing," said Hermione, coming to their last stop. "It's where you're most likely going to find Harry."
They'd already been around the castle. Even though they wanted to show Fleur the Gryffindor common room, Hermione was reluctant, unsure whether it would be allowed.
Harry decided to wait until she'd gotten permission, at least for her conscious. What he didn't mention at the time, was that if McGonagall refused. They could always just sneak Fleur in with his cloak.
Madam Pomfrey stepped out of her office as they entered, alerted to their arrival.
"Mr. Potter, Miss Granger? I didn't expect to see you two today," said the Matron.
"Good morning, Ma'am, we were just showing Fleur around the school," greeted Harry, gesturing towards the blonde in their group, as Hermione nodded and smiled her greetings to the woman as well.
Fleur met the woman's eyes, "Bonjour Madame, 'Arry has told me much about you."
"All good things I hope?" quipped Madam Pomfrey.
"Oui, 'e thinks very 'ighly of you."
Harry suddenly found the walls very interesting as Madam Pomfrey smirked and sent him a scrutinizing look.
"I have heard much of you as well Miss Delacour, all good as well. Now if you don't mind my asking? How are you? Settle an old healer's curiosity."
"I am doing well Madame," said Fleur, smiling at the woman.
"That's great, you had Mr. Potter here very worried, and if what I overheard one day was right. The young Miss Granger as well."
Fleur smiled at the blushing pair, glad to know they cared so much.
"Ah Harry," continued the Matron, "I've left a book at your desk for you, please go over it. We'll be discussing some of the spells inside soon."
"Will do Ma'am, thank you."
"Now, unless any of you have any medical emergencies, I'll be getting back to my paperwork."
They shook their heads. "No emergencies Madam Pomfrey," said Hermione.
"Very well, if anything comes up, you all know where to find me," said the Matron as she returned to her office.
"Let me grab that book," said Harry to the girls. "Then we can get going."
He picked up the book from his desk. It was a small dark red book with a rather morbid looking etching of a human body wrapped around a wand on its cover. The only writing was what appeared to be the title.
Corpus Imperium Magicae
Hermione and Fleur both eyed the book as well. Where the avid bookworm found the books appearance fascinating. Fleur found it to be rather creepy, this was made clear to Harry when she said, "This book is not creepy at all 'Arry."
He chuckled. "Wizards do seem to like being rather macabre when it comes to books at times."
Harry moved as if to grab his bag before realizing it wasn't on his person. Realizing that it was back in his room. He sighed, pulling his wand out, and shrinking the book before pocketing it.
The trio decided to simply stroll around the grounds gathering quite a few looks, as they chatted, passing time until Fleur had to return to the carriage. She'd told the pair that her headmistress wanted them to all meet up with her before they would head to the great hall and place their names in the cup.
They walked Fleur to her carriage and wished her luck with her entry into the tournament. Even though you could see they didn't really want her to participate, especially with Professor Dumbledore's warnings from the night before on their minds.
Fleur thanked them, before parting ways with a quick hug. It became apparent to them that their French friend, was a very touchy-feely person once comfortable enough.
The three of them had found their initial worries about meeting in person melt away as the day passed. Each truly enjoying one another's company. Fleur was able to fit in with them seamlessly.
She was academically inclined enough to enjoy conversations regarding schoolwork with Hermione and her sense humour and adventure really spoke to that inner marauder in Harry.
It was with a smile and a spring in her step that Fleur eventually flopped onto her bed before checking the time and reluctantly getting ready to meet with Madam Maxime.
END CHAPTER SIX
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