FIFTEEN - Eventful Walks
The sound of dry grass crunched beneath their feet as the group made their way to the castle. They'd taken a more scenic route so Gabrielle and Apolline could see more of the grounds. Harry could almost smell the warm meal that awaited them within the ancient walls, the intensity of the second task had left all the champions famished.
Unfortunately, the holdup with the Grindylows had cost them the chance to win, with Harry placed third, technically tied for second, and Fleur coming in last. He had only managed to score so well thanks to the bonus points awarded to him on account of returning with additional hostages.
Though exhausted, he was just glad to see them all come out of the lake in one piece. He felt Hermione rest her head on his shoulder as they walked and listened to Fleur's musical laughter. Gabrielle, it seemed, was ecstatic about being reunited with her sister, and clearly Fleur felt the same, the patience and care Fleur showed her sister only served to strengthen their own feelings for the beautiful young woman.
Their voices dulled into the background as Harry's thoughts drifted to the moment right after coming out of the water.
Fleur had just released Hermione and himself from the hug and had been about to kiss him in front of the entire audience, when a loud gasp sounded from the diminutive blond behind her.
Gabrielle had shot past her sister, in her excitement, nearly knocking Fleur back into the water to throw her arms around Harry's waist.
"Merci, merci merci," the younger girl had said in an emotional rush.
It hadn't taken him long to realise she was thanking him for saving them at the World Cup. Had this been the Harry of the previous year, he'd have wanted nothing more than to escape the situation. Yet the girls' efforts had gone a long way in bringing him out of his shell.
Under Fleur's tender gaze, Harry had wrapped the trembling girl in a hug and held on as long as she needed. The horrific events of that night, of having to witness her sister at the mercy of Death Eaters, had become a permanent scar on the young Veela's psyche. In time, she'd be able to put it behind her, but one never truly forgets such an experience.
Gabrielle had slowly unclasped herself from him and been about to apologise when he had shaken his head. "It's alright," he'd said, and despite having near non-existent knowledge of the English language, the message was understood.
"Merci," she'd repeated shyly.
That's when she'd noticed Hermione's presence, and her eyes had gone wide. In an almost amusing fashion, she'd thrown herself at the brunette and wrapped her arms around her in a near repeat of her hug with Harry.
"Ma sœur loves to 'ug," Fleur had explained to Harry with a soft giggle.
"I noticed," he'd chuckled.
Then a stunningly beautiful woman approached them. Her resemblance to Fleur and Gabrielle had been uncanny, they'd shared the same flowing platinum-blonde hair, the same ethereal, almost fae-like features, and the same bright blue eyes that captivated Harry and Hermione so much.
"My mozzer,"Fleur had introduced, confirming their suspicions.
Gabrielle had let go of Hermione and gone to her mother who'd checked her over and kissed the petite forehead.
It had been an odd sensation to both Harry and Hermione, the realisation that they were about to meet their girlfriend's mother.
"Merci, for bringing my daughter out of ze lake, Monsieur Potter," Mrs. Delacour had gushed with an appreciative nod. "I would like to speak to ze two of you after this, s'il vous plait."
He'd stood up with Fleur and Hermione's help. His legs had been a bit shaky, but overall, he would manage.
"We'd like that," he'd replied, bringing a smile to the woman's face. She'd been watching their interactions since coming out of the water and was liking what she found.
Thankfully, their moment had gone relatively undisturbed since the judges were too busy deliberating. Though there had been confused whispers among some of the audience regarding Harry and Hermione's apparent closeness to Fleur and her family.
Harry was snapped out of his musings when Apolline's voice broke through. He quickly returned his attention back to the present, just in time to hear what Apolline had to say.
"I really can't express 'ow zhankful I am to ze two of you, for what you 'ave done for us at ze world cup," a tremble flittered into her voice, betraying how emotional she was.
"There's no need to thank us, Mrs. Delacour," said Harry, and he meant it.
Apolline watched as his eyes landed on Fleur's form, a tenderness in them that seemed out of place for one so young as him. "Having Fleur as a part of our lives is more than we could ever ask for."
The subject of their conversation had overheard him, though they couldn't see it, a beautiful smile had formed on her face as she heard and felt the truth in his words.
"You have an amazing daughter. She means the world to us," said Hermione.
"I must admit," began Apolline, "I was surprised to 'ear zhat my daughter was in a relationship with ze both of you."
The pair felt a sudden wave of worry, the next few moments would determine their acceptance.
The slight furrowing of her brow only served to exacerbate their fears. When Apolline began to speak once more, they found themselves hanging on the thread of every word.
"I am Veela, and my daughter's are Veela. Such zhings are not un'eard of among us… My 'usband zhough, 'e is a good man oui, ze best, but 'e is also more conservative. 'E is appreciative of what you too 'ave done," she added quickly, "and will always be so, as am I."
Apolline eyes sought theirs. "But please understand, and do not 'old it against 'im, one man, one woman, zhis is 'ow 'e was raised."
"I understand what you mean Ma'am, my father can have his moments as well," said Hermione, while Harry's eyes drifted to Fleur's form up ahead, a plea in his eyes that her father does not make things difficult for them. The tensing of Fleur's shoulders meant despite her lack of comment, she was listening.
"Allow me to say somezhing," continued Apolline, bringing their attention back to her.
"Zhings will not always be easy, I can see ze two of you care deeply for my daughter, and she for you. You 'ave chosen zhis path now, if you wish it to work– I know you are listening too Fleur, If ze zhree of you want zhis to work, you must support one anozher, you might disagree, you might fight, but in ze end, if you listen to each ozher, speak when somezhing upsets you, and never let yourselves go to sleep angry at one anozher. I believe zhat you will make it zhrough ze difficulties."
Silence followed as the three soaked up her words. It was broken by Harry, who surprised both Hermione and Fleur. His voice was steady but the emotion in his words and their significance wasn't lost on them.
"People think that my life has been easy… That being, Harry Potter, being The boy who lived, meant I grew up in luxury, that everything I wanted was given to me. They think that since I'm famous, it's all rainbows and sunshine." He paused as he composed himself, opening up like this was hard for him, but he felt Apolline needed to know the truth to understand him, to understand them.
"It's been anything but. I was raised by my muggle aunt and uncle," he added for clarification. "To say they dislike magic, would be putting it lightly… They hate it."
He let out a breath he hadn't realised he'd been holding. "There is no love for me in that house."
The group had stopped, all the attention on Harry. "I was raised to believe my parents were drunkards who'd died in a traffic accident," he said heatedly.
"Discovering magic existed, it was like this lifeline had been thrown my way and I grabbed a hold of it, and it was wonderful. Coming to Hogwarts, learning magic. But with it came the truth, along with its own downside. My parents weren't killed in a traffic accident, no, they were murdered."
With a soft touch, he traced the scar on his forehead. "A monster who fancied himself a Dark Lord had killed them and tried to kill me as well. Somehow, I survived and with that came fame I never asked for," he chuckled darkly.
"Honestly, who'd want that in exchange for family."
Hermione placed a hand on his back, offering him some comfort while Fleur stood rooted to the spot, unable to tear her eyes off him.
"Being here," he glanced towards the castle, "has been difficult, I've come closer to dying more often in the span of three years than most do in their lives… So has Hermione." He swallowed down a lump before continuing.
"It's dangerous to be around me. Sometimes I want to chase everyone away, where they'll be safe, but even if I did so–" He shifted, now addressing Fleur and Hermione, his eyes moist, "I know there's no way the two of you would listen."
The two girls spoke over each other.
"-Not a chance."
"Non," Fleur shook her head hard.
Harry turned to face Apolline, "There you have it, I'm quite sure I'm stuck with them," he chuckled ruefully, some of the heaviness seeped into it.
Fleur's mother drew a warm smile, "Would you both please join us for lunch tomorrow in 'Ogsmeade?"
"We'd love to," answered Hermione brightly, understanding it as approval.
The group began moving again, with Fleur sliding up to Harry for a moment, joining Hermione. She kissed his cheek and whispered something to him, which seemed to relax him. Apolline was glad to see her daughter so openly caring for another.
"Fleur tells me you wish to be a 'ealer?" asked Apolline in an attempt to continue their conversation.
"I do," he answered, a hint of pride creeping into his voice. "I'm apprenticed to Madame Pomfrey."
"Ze one who was at ze lake?"
Harry nodded, "That would have been her, yes."
"And what is it like?" she asked and watched as a thoughtful look crossed his face before it morphed into a light smile.
"It's hard work and the hours are long," he answered, "but very rewarding in the end."
"Arry is a very 'ard worker, maman, and very talented," chimed in Fleur, now holding Gabrielle's hand again.
"He makes me feel lazy," joked Hermione, with a short laugh.
"I am sure you will make a fine 'ealer," said Apolline, before turning to Hermione.
"And you? Do you 'ave anything in mind for when you finish at 'Ogwarts?"
Harry and Fleur were both surprised to realise that they didn't know. Hermione never really mentioned what she wanted to be, and it shamed them to think they hadn't asked.
"I—I don't know," answered the bookworm, with a troubled expression. "Both Harry and Fleur have their goals… There's so much I want to do… I want to do something that challenges me, that's exciting, but where I can keep learning every step of the way."
Her answer surprised them. Challenging, Harry had expected but Hermione wasn't exactly a thrill seeker.
"A curse-breaker, per'aps?" asked Apolline to which Hermione shook her head.
"It definitely ticks those boxes, but they tend to be away from home most of the time, and I don't think I want that to be me."
"A researcher, zhen?"
"Research sounds nice, the pursuit of answers," she nodded, almost testing the sound of the words on her lips. "But I don't want to be cooped up in a room on my lonesome either…"
Harry pulled her closer and placed a kiss on her crown, "Whatever you decide on, you'll have us with you every step of the way."
The loud snap of a twig caused Harry to stop, and Hermione to stumble. She would have fallen, had he not held onto her. In their absentminded strolling, they'd ended up relatively secluded and near the Forbidden Forest.
"What is it, Harry?" she asked as he investigated the tree line. Fleur had stopped with Gabrielle as well, having noticed the commotion.
Apolline was surprised at the sudden change in the young man she'd been speaking to. Gone was the relaxed atmosphere, and in its place, a stiffening of his form, like the tension of a bow string had come.
Before any of them could ask what the matter was, another snap of a twig echoed through the air. Call him paranoid, but Harry wasn't taking any chances. He slipped his wand into his hand and stepped forward, putting himself in front of Hermione, who had now taken note of his caution.
Fleur had followed his example, and immediately pulled out her wand. Though still confused at the sudden change in atmosphere, Apolline was no fool, and had grabbed Gabrielle and moved her behind herself.
Another louder snap reached them, followed by the sound of movement. The group was now fully alert, with Hermione having joined the other two in arming herself.
It was a pair of Hufflepuff students rushing towards them. They looked frightened and began calling for them as soon as they caught sight of the group.
"It's Mr. Crouch," gasped the larger of the two boys. His face panicked, as he tried to catch his breath.
Harry didn't raise his wand to them but kept it in his hand.
"Monsieur Crouch? What about 'im?" asked Fleur as she stepped closer.
The other boy was about to answer when he saw Gabrielle, he held his tongue and looked pleadingly between Apolline and the little girl.
They realised that whatever it was, he didn't want to bring it up in front of the little girl.
"You can speak, she does not understand English," said Apolline.
He nodded and met their eyes before pointing back at the forest. "We found the judge, Mr. Crouch, in the woods. We think… He might be dead."
The news stunned them, Apolline going so far as to gasp. "We need to get the Professors," said Hermione as she looked towards the dark forest, the quiet treeline now appearing deathly ominous.
One of the two boys made to move, but Harry stopped them by raising his wand. The others appeared shocked at his actions, none more so than the two boys.
"What the hell do you think you're playing at!?" yelled the larger boy as they stepped back.
The girls trusted Harry though and didn't question his actions, but he could sense they were wondering too. Apolline on the other hand tried to defuse the situation while she shielded Gabrielle in case spells started flying.
"Lower your wands! Please!" Protested Fleur's mother.
"Second floor bathroom," said Harry, confusing the two boys, but providing answer enough for Fleur and Hermione, the former having been told the story of them brewing Polyjuice there, and the latter having of course been there herself.
"Trust him, please Maman!" said Fleur to her mother in French.
Apolline, though uncomfortable with holding what is most likely just two students at wand point, got over her grievances.
"You're staying right here while we wait for the Professors," ordered Harry, his voice firm.
The two boys glared at them; the earlier fear having given way to defiance. "You think we did it!?" growled one of them.
"I'm not taking any chances."
The other looked imploringly at Apolline, hoping the adult in the situation would side with them.
Apolline returned his look with an apologetic one of her own. "Désolée– she glanced towards Harry, "Zey 'ave reason for zhis. Why don't you tell us 'ow you found zhis Monsieur Crouch."
While the two boys went on to explain their trying to explore a bit of the Dark Forest, Harry took the opportunity to send for the Professors.
"Maisy," Harry called out, summoning the elf. The situation upon her arrival startled the smaller being greatly, but she composed herself and awaited instructions.
"A man has been found in the woods, likely dead," said Harry, causing her large eyes to grow wide in shock. "Get the headmaster."
The house elf vanished immediately to find Professor Dumbledore.
"Sorry for this," said Hermione apologetically to the two, "we have to be sure."
"What are your names?" asked Harry while they waited.
The expressions on the two boys softened a bit at Hermione's apology. The larger boy still looked as if he wanted to argue when he met Harry's eyes. But in the end, he decided against it.
He released a breath, along with some of the tension in his body. "Michael Frimley," answered the boy.
"Graham Romsey," said the other, introducing himself as well.
Harry nodded, memorising their names. "Sorry, we had to meet like this."
"It's alright, I guess," said Graham.
The crack of apparition echoed out, signaling the arrival of Professor Dumbledore. It was soon followed by a flash of fire as Fawkes delivered Professor Snape.
A small group of staff approached them, led by the headmaster, followed by Professor's Snape and McGonagall. The old man once walked towards them with a strength in his step that contrasted greatly with his aged appearance. "You can lower your wands," he said, and they did.
"Maisy delivered some startling news to me, please explain."
Harry glanced between the group before he met Dumbledore's eyes. "We were out for a walk, when these two," he gestured towards Michael and Graham, "came rushing out of the woods. They say they found Mr. Crouch's body, sir."
Dumbledore nodded, he turned to McGonagall, "Please escort Mr. Potter and his friends to the Castle and contact the aurors. Meanwhile," he faced the two Hufflepuff's, "Mr. Frimley, Mr. Romsey, please show Professor Snape and I, where you found Mr. Crouch."
"Madam Delacour, would you please join them," he added to Fleur's mother, who nodded.
"Please follow me," instructed McGonagall as she eyed them.
While they walked back, none of them saw the grizzled face of Mad-Eye Moody observing them from a distance, the shadows cast by the thick trees hiding him as his enchanted eye whirred.
"Fleur," said Harry, gaining the blonde's attention. "Didn't Percy say Mr. Crouch was ill?"
"Oui, 'e said 'e was getting 'is instructions by letter," answered Fleur while Gabrielle wondered what they were speaking about. The earlier commotion had scared her, but the presence of her mother, as well as her older sister and the two who had saved them helped to instil a feeling of safety in the younger girl.
"Then why would he be in the forest?" asked Hermione as they neared the Castle entrance.
"Leave the investigative work to the aurors please you three…" chipped in McGonagall, a hint of warning in her tone. The group quieted, with only Apolline speaking to Professor McGonagall as they walked.
Professor McGonagall led them to Dumbledore's office where they waited for the headmaster to return. The atmosphere was lightened a bit when Gabrielle eyed Dumbledore's bowl of sweets hungrily.
"Over here, Professor," said Michael Frimley, leading them to a large tree with an outcropping of exposed tree roots.
Dumbledore circled around the grey bark and frowned at the sight of Barty Crouch laying on the forest ground face up, his face in an expression of shock, with his eyes wide open fixed in a dull, lifeless stare.
"Severus, see to it that Mr. Frimley and Mr. Romsey return to the Castle, and have their parents summoned."
"Are you sure you don't need me here?" asked Snape.
"I will be fine. When the aurors arrive, do bring them here, please."
Snape motioned for the two boys to follow him with a gruff jerk of his head.
Once they were gone, Dumbledore, careful not to disturb anything, studied the site. He ran his wand over the still body and confirmed a suspicion.
'The killing curse.'
He took note of the surroundings, the place, the timing of it all. This wasn't premeditated, it was sloppy, the risk of being found out too high. No, this was done hastily, fear of a lost opportunity perhaps.
Dumbledore stared down at the face of Barty Crouch.
'Why kill you? Why were you here? What did you know?'
Harry and Hermione sat at a nice corner table at the library. Fleur was spending the morning with her family, some alone time with them to catch up. The blonde had asked them if they wanted to join, but they'd refused, telling her she needed to spend some time with her mother and sister, just the three of them. They would still be joining them for lunch anyway.
"Harry, Hermione," a boy called out from behind, his voice low, careful not to disturb the sanctity of the library.
The pair looked up, and to their surprise, found Colin nearing their table.
"What's up?" asked Harry.
Colin began scrounging in his bag. "I meant to give these to you sooner," he said, as he removed a small bundle and handed it to him. "You were brilliant by the way, at the second task. Can't believe you came back with two hostages."
"Thanks, the hostages were never really in any danger though. I panicked when the merpeople followed me, but it turns out they were only doing so to make sure the hostages were safe. It was part of their deal with Dumbledore."
"Since we weren't competitors ourselves, they had to have precautions in place. Professor McGonagall explained it all to me when she asked me if I was willing to be the hostage."
"Oh," Colin blinked. "That makes sense."
"What is this by the way?" asked Harry as he opened the bundle. The contents shouldn't have surprised him, it did come from Colin after all.
It was a stack of wizarding photos. The image of him dancing with Fleur was at the top, these were of the Yule Ball, Harry's eyes lit up. He quickly began going through them.
He stopped at one of the three of them, it was of him dancing with Hermione, when Fleur appeared behind the younger girl, wrapping her arms around her. The Fleur in the photo, leaned forward to steal a kiss from Harry before Hermione turned her head to the side and stole one of her own.
"Professor McGonagall said I could take photos during the ball, I tried to do it without being too much of an interference. Those are all the ones I took of the three of you."
"These are lovely, thank you," said Hermione, causing the younger boy to squirm.
"I'm glad you like them."
"We do, thanks Colin," replied Harry.
Once the boy had left, they went through the photos properly, smiling at what they saw.
"Send copies of some of these to your parents?" asked Harry as Hermione held the one he'd been so enamoured with earlier.
"They'd love it," she answered as she watched Harry's eyes in the photo shine as he danced with her. She tried to hide it before, an insecurity about being with two people who were so attractive, and while Harry was not as observant in an emotional sense, Fleur was.
The Yule Ball had done wonders to eliminate those fears, and seeing the way she looked, preserved in the photo, the way Harry and Fleur looked at her. It really helped to make it all real.
"Did you notice Colin at the Ball?" Harry's voice snapped her out her thoughts.
"Hm? Oh—no, but to be fair," she added teasingly with a grin, before leaning up at him, her breath tickling his skin, "We were quite distracted."
She heard the change in his breathing and loved knowing how easily she could affect him.
"Are you trying to get us tossed out of the library?" He whispered in her ear and smirked at the goosebumps that formed on her nape.
"…Maybe."
Fleur watched from across the table at the Three Broomsticks as Gabrielle inhaled another chocolate frog. She shouldn't be having this many sweets, especially as close to lunch as they were. But it was hard to say no to her, and after going months without spending any time with her sister, Fleur was especially vulnerable to Gabrielle's manipulations.
As amusing as Apolline found it all, she had to put a stop to it or Gabrielle would have no appetite left.
"Enough now, ma petite. You can have some more after lunch."
Gabrielle threw her sister a puppy-eyed look when her mother wasn't paying attention. Fleur had to use all of her significant willpower to not cave in and slip her sister another chocolate frog.
Disappointed, Gabrielle pouted. "When is Harry coming?" she asked.
Fleur checked her watch, "Any minute now."
And right as she said it, the sound of the door opening, and Madam Rosmerta's cheerful greetings signaled the arrival of their guests.
Harry and Hermione looked around before finding them. The three Delacour's stood out in the room with their platinum-blonde hair. Even without it, Gabrielle's waving would have been enough for them. The pair approached, their eyes immediately drawn to their third part, Fleur looked as lovely as ever in her baby blue sweater.
The blonde stood to greet her paramours, with kisses to the cheek.
"I hope we didn't make you wait," said Hermione apologetically as she sat.
"Non, we only just arrived ourselves," replied Apolline, putting the younger girl at ease.
"We stopped for a gift," said Harry, before holding up a little gift bag.
"Arry," Fleur scolded, but he could hear she wasn't actually upset.
"It's just some chocolates, I know it's more customary to bring something like wine, but I know nothing about wine."
"And you're too young to buy it," added Hermione with a hint of disapproval.
Harry shrugged, "I bet they'd have sold it to me."
Fleur giggled at Hermione's put out expression, the bookworm knew he was right.
"Merci," thanked Apolline as Gabrielle took the bag from him. She threw a smirk towards her oldest, "I see Fleur has made our weakness known."
"We've seen it first hand," quipped Harry. "At least I know what to do if she's ever mad at me."
"Non, it will not work," scoffed Fleur, drawing a soft laugh out of her mother and Hermione who knew Fleur was fooling herself.
Gabrielle frowned and muttered something. Apolline kissed her daughter's crown, "Désolée, ma petite."
She turned to face them. "She wishes 'er English was better."
Hermione glanced at her boyfriend, "I can speak a little French, my family vacations there often, and though Harry says he doesn't have the time to learn another language, I know he nicked my book on French," she added teasingly at the end, exposing Harry.
"Quoi? Is zhis true, 'Arry?" asked Fleur with a gleam in her eyes.
The young man sighed ruefully with everyone's eyes on him, he nodded.
Before Fleur could voice her excitement, Harry quickly spoke up. "It's very little, and I don't have much time for it, so I won't be making any progress anytime soon."
Fleur shook her head, while smiling brightly. "It will take years. That you've started, iz what matters." To her, it meant he saw a future for them.
Hermione quickly translated for Gabrielle, who too looked excited. The younger girl promised to improve her English as well.
"Ready to order, dearies?"
The conversation halted at the sound of Madam Rosmerta coming to take their orders. Harry looked around the table, as he waited for everyone to place their order.
"I'll 'ave ze fish," said Fleur politely, remembering Harry's order from their last outing.
"Ze same for me," added Apolline before asking her youngest in French for her order. While that little exchange went on, Hermione gave her order of roast chicken.
Gabrielle decided on something with a nod, and Apolline relayed it. "She'll 'ave ze chicken as well."
Madam Rosmerta smiled and wrote it down, "And you, Harry?"
"A big slice of Shepherd's pie, please—" he glanced around the table, "—Butterbear?"
They nodded and surprisingly, Apolline did as well.
"And can you bring us some Butterbeer, please."
"Glad to."
With that she disappeared back into the bowels of the kitchens to get their orders made.
The tinkling of the bell and click of the door bid them farewell as they left The Three Broomsticks. The outside air had gotten colder since they were inside, and where it was manageable earlier, now had quite the chill to it. Harry noticed Gabrielle shiver despite wearing her coat.
He shook his off and wrapped it around her shoulders. The younger girl blushed and hid herself in the much too large coat, "Merci."
Harry chuckled, she looked rather comical.
Apolline smiled at the exchange.
"Oh, you have got to be shitting me," said Harry suddenly.
"Harry! Language!" Scolded Hermione, aghast while the rest were surprised.
He didn't respond, his eyes focused on something in the distance.
The group followed his line of sight, with only Hermione recognizing what it was he was looking at. Just out of the main path, between two buildings, sitting on its hind legs and watching them.
A scruffy dog
"You guys go on ahead, I'll meet you at the Castle." It was all Harry said before rushing off in the dog's direction.
"Ermione?"
"Yes, Fleur?"
"Was zat who I zhink it was?"
"Yes…"
Harry followed hot on Sirius's trail; the path was unfamiliar to him. He'd initially assumed Sirius was heading to the Shrieking Shack, but they'd veered off in an entirely different direction. It was several minutes later when he caught sight of their destination.
'A cave…'
Sirius entered the dark dwelling, and Harry grit his teeth before entering himself. It was dark and damp inside, but at least it was out of the wind. To Harry's surprise, a wizarding tent had been constructed in the centre. Harry sighed in relief, at least his Godfather wasn't slumming it out on the cold stone.
Sirius yipped before entering the tent, with Harry quickly behind him. The tent was a bit more utilitarian than the one the Weasleys had used, but it was furnished, albeit only with necessities and a small handful of comforts. Overall, it felt a bit empty, but at least it was kept warm by a small iron fireplace in the centre.
The black grim stopped in front of Harry and shifted, its form returning to the familiar one of his Godfather.
Sirius threw his arms around his Godson, wrapping Harry up in a bone breaking hug.
"Am I glad to see yo—"
"Not that I'm not happy to see you, because I am. But I thought we decided you'd stay away for now. It's not safe!" Harry's voice hardened at the end as he separated from Sirius.
"Dumbledore informed me about the imposter. I had to come," reasoned Sirius, his eyes gaining strength. "I had to."
Harry's shoulders sagged, were he in the same position, wouldn't be able to stay away either. "You should have told me at least… You mentioned Professor Dumbledore, does he know you're here?"
"He's the one who provided the tent and helped me strengthen the wards I placed on the cave. If the worst happens, I should still be able to get away quickly."
"So, what? He contacted you and invited you to come?"
"Not exactly…We've been speaking about getting my name cleared. The old man's been trying to get it done for a while now. I mentioned your suggestion, whether he thought that Delacour fellow would be able to help me. He's also kept me updated on the happenings surrounding you and the tournament. When he mentioned the imposter, I made the decision to come. He tried to talk me out of it, but when he realised there was no changing my mind, he asked where I would stay. I suggested the cave and he promised to set it up for me."
"I didn't know he was helping you?" Harry couldn't hide the surprise in his voice. It was nice to know that Dumbledore was trying at least. Even if there haven't really been results.
"It's been tough, there are factors. He can't do it in a way that opens up the possibility that my escape from Hogwarts was assisted. The Minister refuses to believe in the possibility that I'm innocent, not after the manhunt, and the Dementors. Even if he did... While I'm considered a criminal, but still alive, matters of inheritance are up for contention. There are some in high positions, who would prefer me not to be freed."
"That leaves Fleur's father then. What did he say? Does he think Mr. Delacour could help?" asked Harry, his lips pursed. "About Fleur's father?"
"He isn't well acquainted with him, but his reputation is of a good man, and he believes if Delacour is willing to help, that I should take him up on it. The man's got the clout to see me heard in France at least."
Sirius realised they hadn't moved since coming inside and took a seat on a couch near to the fireplace, with Harry following suit as Sirius flicked his wand to summon a small tray with a teapot and a tin, steam began to rise out of the little pot before it floated up to pour two cups on its own.
Harry nodded as he took his own cup and stirred in a teaspoon of sugar. "That's good, do you have everything you need? Is there anything I can get you?"
"I've got enough to get by, shouldn't risk it. Now, your letters weren't enough, tell me—" Sirius added, shifting the conversation, his lips curled into a teasing smile. "Hermione? The French champion?"
Harry laughed as he took a sip of his tea and delved into the events which led to their relationship. Despite wanting Sirius to stay away from Hogwarts, he was glad to have his Godfather around. Hopefully, with Fleur's fathers help, it could be made permanent.
END CHAPTER FIFTEEN
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