TWENTY THREE - Transparency


Hermione climbed off the bus in Avignon after her parents with a bounce in her step. The small yellow Italian designer bag on her back and a book still in her hand.

The street was bustling with tourists and locals alike, while the strong summer sun bore down on them. Not that it mattered, after her time in Italy, she'd already acclimatised to the Mediterranean weather.

"How exactly are we meant to get to Fleur's house?" asked her father while they waited for their luggage to be returned to them from the bus' storage. His condition had improved greatly since getting off the ferry in Marseilles.

"Fleur's letter said to wait here," explained Hermione, as she searched the area for any sign of her two loves.

When she felt a tap on her shoulder, she knew they'd found her first.

"I'm sorry Miss, but have you seen my girlfriend?" a male voice asked in French from behind her.

She giggled and turned around to find a very familiar face. "Harry!"

"Hey beautiful," he laughed and hugged her, as well as kissed her. She giggled some more when he lifted her off her feet in the hug.

"And moi?" Fleur asked from over Harry's shoulder. She got her hug and kiss as well.

Hermione separated from Fleur and took in their appearance. Fleur, of course, was stunning in her baby-blue sleeveless summer dress but the bigger surprise was Harry. He'd gotten a healthy tan which really brought out his eyes. He looked comfortable and carefree in a plain white t-shirt that was just tight enough to hint at the toned body beneath.

"Ermione, my dear? Are you not going to introduce us?" asked Apolline in amusement, joining them with a giggling Gabrielle.

"Madame Delacour, Gabrielle, bonjour," greeted Hermione with a smile. Fleur's father was not present, likely due to work.

Hermione noticed her parents appeared a bit stunned. Not that she could blame them, really. Fleur's family was one thing in photographs but seeing them in the flesh was an entirely different affair, they were all incredibly good-looking. Even some other tourists from the bus kept shooting glances their way.

"Mum, Dad," called Hermione. "You've already met Harry, and this is Fleur, her mother, Apolline, and her sister Gabrielle. And this is my mum and dad, Emma and Dan Granger," she introduced them to each other.

Fleur tried to hide her nerves, but Hermione recognised her urge to fidget.

"It's lovely to finally meet you," greeted Dan warmly. "I'd shake your hand but mine are quite full," he joked. Harry realised the man was carrying a ton of bags and quickly took some from him.

"Especially you, my dear," Emma addressed Fleur. "Hermione's never been able to stop talking about Harry all these years, so colour us surprised when it became Harry and Fleur." She shot a teasing smirk towards her daughter.

Apolline, never one to pass up an opportunity to needle her daughter, added her own knowing smile. "My daughter was much ze same."

Fleur blushed prettily. "It's nice to meet you, Madame."

Meanwhile Dan thanked Harry for helping him with the bags.

"It's a pleasure," said Harry. "How are you, Mr. Granger?"

"I'm alright, it was touch and go on the ferry but otherwise nothing too dramatic."

"Sea sickness?" asked Harry curiously.

"Horrendously so," shuddered Dan at the memory of his recent experience.

"There's a charm for that," supplied Harry. "It's an easy one as well, I'll teach it to Hermione when we're back at the house."

Dan chuckled. "She did mention you'd know one."

"Hm?"

"She has a lot of confidence in your abilities, you've made quite the impression."

"I hope to live up to the expectations, then."

"I'm sure you will. Tell me," said Dan with a curious scan of his surroundings. "How are we travelling, exactly? By car?"

"Not quite," replied Harry sheepishly. "You'll be missing that ferry soon."

"I'm not sure I like what I'm hearing," was Dan's sudden fearful response.

He was answered by Apolline who explained to them that they'd be side-along apparating. There was a designated area not far where they could do it safely. Fleur would take Harry, Gabrielle and Hermione one by one, returning each time for the next, and Apolline would take Dan and Emma in one trip.

While they were hesitant, Hermione assured her parents that it was safe, neglecting to mention the possibility of splinching.

The apparition point was barely a hundred metres from the bus station. The French Ministry was at least somewhat strategic in their placement of the designated areas.

"What's to prevent someone from finding this?" asked Dan as they stood in the small courtyard of an adjacent building.

"It's owned by zhe Ministry," explained Fleur. "Zhere are charms zhat prevent Non–magique from finding it."

Apolline tapped each piece of their luggage, shrinking it before storing it in a pocket.

"Hermione, please tell me you know this spell?" asked Emma, excitedly to their amusement.

"I do, but then what would dad carry?"

"Very funny," Dan glared at Hermione, but there was no heat in it.

"Fleur, take Gabrielle first, so Dan and Emma can see."

She nodded, and took Gabrielle's hand, before moments later vanishing with a pop, only to reappear alone.

It was actually rather frightening to witness, as Emma's expression clearly indicated.

"Ok," she let out a deep breath before steeling herself. "I'm ready."

The group arrived in front of the Delacour cottage. Emma took a moment to catch her breath from the apparition while Dan looked noticeably green.

"That was— terrible," he breathed heavily.

"It gets easier zhe more you use it," explained Fleur.

Hermione nodded in agreement. "I've read it's worse for the passengers as well."

"Oui," confirmed Apolline, patting the man on the back gently. "Ze feeling will pass soon."

"I must say, it is beautiful here," said Emma, to which Dan voiced his agreement.

"My grandpère gave zhe cottage to my 'usband and I when we were married," explained Apolline proudly. "It 'ad not been lived in for many years before zat. We fixed it, turned it into our 'ome, it's more zan we could 'ave asked for."

"Grapes?" Dan noticed the vineyard. "Table or wine?" he asked, curiously.

"Wine," answered Apolline, "Perhaps some with lunch?

"That would be lovely," said Emma, not seeing Harry and Fleur's attempt at stopping her.

Hermione looked at them oddly and asked them what the matter was once Apolline, and her parents were out of earshot.

"My mozher cannot make wine to save 'er life," sighed Fleur.

Hermione needed a moment before it sank in and her eyes went wide.

"Oui…"


The sun had barely hit his curtains when Harry was woken by someone sitting on his bed. He'd always been a light sleeper so his return to consciousness was quick.

"Fleur? Hermione?" he questioned groggily.

Fleur giggled. "Bon anniversaire, chéri." She kissed him, followed by Hermione. He was wide awake now and pushed himself up. The girls were both still in their sleepwear, Fleur in a silk two-piece and Hermione in pyjama bottoms and a white sleep shirt.

"We wanted to be the first," said Hermione, holding a small box with a ribbon on it. "Happy Birthday."

"Go on, open it," she urged.

He loosened the ribbon and opened the box to find a beautifully crafted silver men's watch. There were dozens of tiny engravings, which on closer inspection he recognised as runes.

"We worked on it togezzer," said Fleur proudly.

"I did the etchings," explained Hermione. "And Fleur enchanted it."

Harry rubbed curiously at the etchings. "What does it do?"

"It tells zhe time."

Fleur's deadpan answer made him blink.

The girls giggled. "It does indeed tell the time," said Hermione, amusedly. "But it also has an unlocking enchantment. Anything that isn't warded too heavily should be possible to open by using whichever hand is wearing the watch."

"You're kidding." Harry grinned. "That's brilliant!"

"We 'aven't tested it on anyzhing stronger than my mozher's jewellery box, but it 'as opened everyzhing."

"With this, my cloak and the map, I'd say you were hoping I'd sneak about?" He quipped after a moment.

A sly grin graced Fleur's cheek. "Hmm, 'ow else are zhe two of you supposed to visit me in zhe dead of night in zhat cold castle?"

Harry glanced at Hermione and chuckled softly. "I'm sure we'd have found a way. Have to keep our favourite Frenchwoman warm."


"Bon anniversaire, 'Arry," congratulated Apolline as Harry came down the stairs. She gave him a warm hug and a kiss on each cheek.

Harry returned her hug. "Merci beaucoup, Apolline."

"I zhink zhere is a little somezzing for you on the table. Why don't you 'ave a look, while I finish zhe coffee."

"Are you sure? I could help."

"Non non, I am already nearly done," she asserted, leaving him to hurry back to the kitchen from where he could hear a kettle whistling.

He checked the living room and found several wrapped packages on the dining room table along with letters. The Weasleys, Luna, Madam Pomfrey, Hagrid, and even the Greengrass's had sent him gifts for his birthday.

"Are you going to open zhem?" asked Apolline, returning with a tray filled with some pastries and a coffee pot charmed to keep the coffee hot.

"Why not?" he reckoned with a smile and a shrug.

From Ron, he'd gotten a new broom care kit. He suspected his friend was hoping he'd continue playing for the Gryffindor team. The twins had sent him a box filled with some of their latest inventions, some of which amused and impressed Apolline greatly. She had laughed reading the descriptions when he'd handed her box. Ginny had sent him a self-inking dicta-quill, a rather nice one at that. Her letter said she'd seen him making notes in the common room and hoped it helped. Arthur and Molly had sent him a book filled with Prewett and Weasley family home remedies, a truly kind gesture.

Neville had sent him a gift box filled with a selection of Honeyduke's finest. He chuckled and predicted Fleur would find her way into it unless Gabrielle beat her to it. He was glad Hermione at least avoided sweets, or he'd never have any left for himself.

The Greengrass' had sent him a very nice black dragon leather jacket which had a green hue to it under the right light. It was clearly expensive and lined with Acromantula silk. According to Apolline, it would even be enchanted to always fit him.

Though of the gifts, he preferred Hagrid and Luna's. The former had sent him a small knife that looked handmade, with a brown leather holster just big enough to wrap around an ankle. He had a feeling Hagrid had made it himself, much like the flute he'd received from him years ago.

And like Hagrid, he suspected Luna too had crafted his gift by hand. It was a bracelet of round polished gemstone beads that Apolline identified as bloodstones. They were a dark green colour with bits of red in them. Luna's letter said they had healing properties, which he found interesting. Who knew, maybe there was some truth to the crystal healing stuff that some muggles favoured.

"This one doesn't have a card," asked Harry, holding up a wrapped box.

"Zhat one is from my 'usband and I," explained Apolline while sipping her coffee.

Harry unwrapped it and found a leather bracer that was lined with the same silk as the jacket from the Greengrass'. The bracer was thin and light, and had a lovely, patterned motif of a tree.

"It's a wand 'olster, it belonged to my 'usband from 'is younger days when 'e found time for duelling."

"But shouldn't Fleu—"

Apolline waved her hand and shook her head. "My daughter 'as never liked it, my 'usband once offered it to 'er. So, instead of gazhering dust, we zhink you will get more use out of it."

"Thank you," said Harry gratefully. "I'll take good care of it."

Just then an owl entered through the open window, it was dark and rough looking and went straight for Harry and Apolline.

"Zhat's my 'usbands owl," said Apolline in recognition. There were two letters and a rolled-up newspaper. One of the letters was marked 'Harry', in a scrawl he recognised as Sirius'. It was short and quick and wished him a happy birthday, and said his present awaited back 'home', the word was underlined.

He heard a light gasp from Apolline and saw that she'd unrolled the newspaper. She quickly handed it to him without him needing to ask.

Harry suddenly felt someone behind him as he took the paper. The lovely brunette curls that hung over his shoulder gave away their identity.

Hermione kissed his cheek beneath his ear as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders. "What are you reading?"

She held him as he read the paper when she noticed his excitement. He read it three times to be sure.

"Does this say what I think it says?" he asked excitedly, holding the paper to Hermione. She scanned the front page and her eyes widened in shock.

"It says he's free," her voice was filled with awe.

Harry couldn't hold in his joy, he whooped and laughed, standing from the sofa to pull her into a massive hug. All the while Apolline laughed at their antics.

"Oh, what's got you two in such good moods?" asked Emma, coming down the stairs behind them.

Hermione showed her the newspaper where a photo of Sirius Black was plastered on the cover, and above in big bold letters.

Le ministère britannique de la Magie accepte le verdict de l'ICW.

"The British Ministry of Magic accepts the verdict of the ICW," she translated aloud as she took a seat on the sofa with Harry and Hermione sitting across.

"This Sirius, correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't he your godfather?" asked Emma of Harry. He paused in confusion for a split second and realised that Hermione had likely kept the details of their more dangerous adventures a secret.

"Yes, he is." Harry grabbed his cup of coffee. "He's had an uphill battle proving his innocence and if it hadn't been for Fleur's father, who knows how long it would have taken." He shot Fleur a grateful look which made her smile.

"The miscarriage of justice was horrendous," said Hermione. "The Minister for Magic is an appalling man, and the British Ministry seems to lack many of the checks and balances you'd expect out of a government. We tried to convince him that Sirius was innocent, but he refused to believe us. All he would have had to do was ensure Sirius was given a fair trial."

Harry scratched the back of his neck, a sign of something troubling him. "In our second year, he arrested Hagrid and sent him straight to Azkaban without trial. All because the Ministry had to be seen doing something."

Emma looked absolutely horrified at the idea that a civilized society could carte blanche act as they pleased.

"Fudge is a corrupt monster," said Apolline with disdain. She looked Harry in the eye and her expression softened. "My 'usband was glad to 'elp Monsieur Black."

Fleur entered the room at the same time, and sat down beside Harry, and gave him a chaste kiss before relaxing against his side. Hermione filled her in on the news.

"Quoi? Zhat is wonderful!" she said excitedly, throwing her arms around his shoulders and smothering him.

"I need to breathe," laughed Harry, escaping her grasp.

"I'm sorry if I seem intrusive," resumed Emma, "but I am curious. Are you going to be moving in with your godfather?"

"It's alright," Harry smiled, taking a sip of his coffee before putting the mug down and grabbing a croissant. "It's nice to be asked things that I want to answer. His freedom was the only thing really standing in the way. With that all cleared up now, there's nothing stopping him from taking me in."

"Does he already have a place to stay? I can't imagine it was easy being on the run."

"I've never seen it myself, but Sirius did mention a house. I suspect it's a family home that's been neglected ever since, you know…"

"An ancestral 'ome," offered Apolline.

"Hm," Hermione nodded an agreement. "The Blacks are a very old, and wealthy family. Even if the Ministry could seize assets, there are certain things that they cannot take."

"Didn't you once mention that the Potters were an old family?" asked Emma.

"Ze Potters' lineage can be traced back for centuries," answered Apolline instead of Hermione.

Harry suddenly looked a bit troubled since he could see the connection Emma had made, and answered the question before she even asked it.

"I've never actually checked to see if I own any properties…"

Hermione rubbed his back comfortingly. "Maybe Sirius will know?"

"Maybe, or Gringotts." Harry reached for his coffee again and blinked when he found it missing. He looked around and found it in the dainty hands of his French love. Fleur's coffee mug stood empty, and his half-full mug had been stolen to replace it.

He gaped and took it from her thieving mitts. "That's mine, thank you very much."

She shot him a betrayed look that made him sigh. He took one sip and handed the rest back to her, earning a peck on his cheek from the thief. Hermione giggled as they looked at the exchange in amusement. Fleur's need for coffee bordered on addiction.

"And you, my dear?" Emma looked questioningly at Fleur. "Have you been able to sort out accommodations?"

"Zhere is no need," she answered after a sip. "I'll be staying at zhe castle."

"Sorry," said Hermione suddenly. "Have we decided on plans for today?"

"I was zhinking, per'aps a relaxing day at ze lake. It is lovely outside."

"I don't think anyone has any reason to disagree," agreed Harry.


A freshly showered Harry lounged on the front porch of the Delacour cottage with a glass of ice-cold lemonade along with Dan. Apolline had taken Emma and Gabrielle with her to collect a few things for his birthday, and Fleur and Hermione had gone to get freshened up. It was already dark outside, but the humidity had not eased up.

"I love travelling, but my god it is still hot outside," complained Dan.

"I can help with that," offered Harry. "Fleur taught me a nifty little spell."

"Oh, by all means, go ahead. Anything's better than this heat. If you ask me, Harry. No place should be this hot when the suns gone down."

Harry picked up his wand from the small patio table and touched it to Dan's chest, a whispered incantation later and Dan was visibly more comfortable.

"That's loads better. You know, I'm beginning to really love magic," grinned Dan. "There seems to be a spell for just about everything."

Harry chuckled. "You should read Hermione's charms textbooks."

"I read the books from her first year, they were quite eye opening. On the subject of books, if you have any questions regarding the one we gifted you, don't be afraid to send us a letter."

"Thanks, I appreciate it," said Harry, already knowing he'd make use of their offer. Dan and Emma had gifted him a hefty book containing a collection of bizarre medical cases and their treatments.

The sound of an apparition gave them pause. It was Fleur's father who'd just gotten back from work. He walked the small distance up the path to the house, with a parcel in his hand.

"Bonsoir, Harry, and you must be Dan."

Dan stood to shake his hand. "In the flesh. Thank you for having us over."

"Think nothing of it," said Alain, waving his hand. "I hope I'm not too late for the party," he added to Harry.

"No party, thank Merlin," chuckled Harry. "I quite enjoy the quiet."

"I can't imagine you get enough of that at Hogwarts," laughed Mr. Delacour.

Dan grinned. "If it's anything like the boarding school I went to, then you have my sympathies."

"It's much the same I reckon, give or take a few dragons, a basilisk, a poltergeist and a giant squid," quipped Harry, leaving Dan gaping.

"And that, Harry, is why Beauxbatons will always be the better school," said Mr. Delacour, filing the detail regarding the basilisk away.

"I think we'll have to agree to disagree there," replied an amused Harry when he remembered the wand holster.

"Oh, I've been meaning to thank you," said Harry to Mr. Delacour, "The wand holster. I'm really grateful."

"De rien," smiled Mr. Delacour. "I hope it serves you well."

"I'm sure it will."

Dan looked at his watch and spoke. "We should head inside."


Harry stared at the large silver basin which rested on the coffee table. It was filled with a swirling liquid that gave off glows of an eerie white light. Beside him was Fleur on the left, practically vibrating from excitement and a relaxed Hermione who leaned into his side.

"This thing can really let us view each other's memories. Like a film?" Emma asked in awe from her seat.

"Non, better," answered Fleur. "Wizh zhe pensieve, we will be inside zhe memory, and see it 'appen all around."

"Are you sure this is safe? I mean, we aren't…" She gestured to her husband and herself.

"Relax, mes amis," said Apolline, joining them. "It is safe, even for non-magique."

Emma relaxed slightly and took a big sip of her wine. The dry, crisp liquid helped to calm her nerves.

"How exactly does it work?" queried Harry between bites of a delicious slice of chocolate cake.

"Fleur, I'll leave this to you," passed on Mr. Delacour, giving the floor to his daughter while he took it easy and sat comfortably on the couch beside his wife and youngest daughter.

"Can we show them Beauxbaton?" asked Gabrielle excitedly in French.

"Oui, let me explain to them how it works and then we'll start with that."

Gabrielle nodded eagerly, like a birdie.

Fleur opened her mouth to explain before pausing and changing what she was about to say. "I zhink it will be easier to show you." She placed the tip of her wand against her temple and closed her eyes. Seconds later she removed it and at the end was a wispy white thread of light. The sight of it made Dan and Emma stare questioningly.

"It's a memory," explained Fleur before dropping it into the pensieve where it vanished in the swirls. "Wizh some pensieves, you must put your entire face inside, but zhis is one for groups, a finger is enough. Just do as I do."

Fleur looked at each of them, trying to convey her reassurance. When she felt like she'd done it, she put a single finger into the silvery liquid and closed her eyes. Immediately it was as if she'd fallen asleep without moving.

Harry knew it would be safe, and wanted to show his trust in her, and followed suit. It felt like falling, only slower, and instead of hitting the ground, he suddenly found himself standing. When he got his bearings in order, his eyes widened in amazement. There in front of him was a beautiful castle, the stone a paler white than the grey of Hogwarts, and the roof was a dark blue. Where Hogwarts had wide sprawling fields surrounding it, this castle had trees right up to the walls.

"Is that–?"

"Beauxbatons?" confirmed a happy Fleur from beside him "Oui, it is beautiful, non?"

He heard a gasp behind and turned to find everyone else. Hermione made sure her parents were alright first.

"I'm fine," said Emma. "I didn't expect to fall in."

"You learn to expect it after a while," chuckled Hermione.

"Speak for yourself," moaned Dan. "Why does everything involving magic feel like a rollercoaster?"

Harry couldn't help but laugh. "You need to try flying."

"No, thank you, the only flying I'm ever doing is in a plane."

"Are we really in a memory?" asked Emma, staring up at the castle.

"Oui," answered Fleur when the world suddenly filled with white wispy smoke. When it cleared, the scene had changed to a beautiful dining hall filled with students wearing the light blue Beauxbatons uniform.


Hermione took a deep gulp of air as they came out of the pensieve. She started giggling while Fleur blushed a bright red. "I can't believe you ate your boogers as a firstie."

"I think you forgot that little detail," chuckled Harry, pulling Fleur into a sideways hug and kissing the side of her head.

"Hush you two, you were adorable, Fleur," consoled Emma.

Apolline hid her own giggles behind her hand. "Per'aps we should begin zhe next memory before my daughter bursts into flames."

This time it was Hermione who leaned forward so that Apolline could touch her wand to her head and draw out the thin white whisp that was her memory.

"I've always wanted to show this to you," Hermione said to her parents excitedly.

"Are you ready?" asked Mr. Delacour, holding his hand out to put a finger into the pensieve. When nobody asked to wait, Apolline placed the memory inside and they entered after.

Harry recognised it in an instant. The night sky filled with bright stars, the moonlight reflected across the lake and the illuminated windows of Hogwarts as it stood tall in the distance full of majesty, and the small boats with their lanterns and their little groups of first years. All led by one bigger boat that carried the massive form of the Hogwarts groundskeeper.

"Oh, this is beautiful!" exclaimed Emma.

"We don't get to ride boats at school," said a mildly jealous Gabrielle.

The world burst into white smoke and reformed in a room Fleur and Gabrielle immediately recognised as the Great Hall. The only difference to the usual nights was the group of first years standing nervously in the centre and a stool with a hat in the front.

"This is the sorting ceremony," explained Harry, "It's whe—"

He was cut off by a squeal, it was Gabrielle who'd caught sight of a young Harry standing awkwardly waiting his turn.

"You were so cute!"

She ran over and stood in front of the younger memory version of himself, and it was almost surreal. They were similar in height and looked like a miniature version of him and Fleur.

"You weren't friends wizh 'Ermione yet?" asked Apolline as they watched McGonagall call Hermione's name. She'd noticed that Harry and Hermione were far apart at the time.

Hermione answered the question for him. "It wasn't until Halloween that we became friends."

"Ah," said Fleur. "You've told me, zhe troll."

"Troll, what troll?" questioned Dan suddenly, making Hermione freeze and Fleur realize that she'd perhaps said something that she shouldn't have.

When Hermione kept still and didn't answer fast enough. Her dad pressed on and gestured for Mr. Delacour to pull them out. They were back in the living room moments later.

"Hermione Granger. What troll?" It was Emma who pressed, making her daughter clam up.

"Harry," Dan said his name hesitantly. "You said 'dragons' and 'basilisk' earlier, and now I'm hearing troll. Why do I get the feeling Hogwarts is more dangerous than we've been led to believe."

"Pardon, je suis désolé," interrupted Apolline. "Did you say, basilisk?"

Harry let out a resigned breath and showed the scar on his upper arm, the dark round impression suddenly felt menacing. "It's how I got this."

Mr. Delacour furrowed his brow. "How did you—"

"Survive? It helps to be friends with a phoenix."

"You are either the unluckiest or luckiest young man on the planet, I can't decide which."

"I can," said Harry with a smile, looking at Fleur and Hermione, who returned his smile with the same love as his. It helped to ease some of the anxiety that Hermione was feeling at the moment, as well as Fleur's guilt for accidentally bringing. Even if she knew they wouldn't hold it against her.

"Harry, do you mind showing them everything?" asked Hermione. "I'm tired of hiding things, even if I've never lied. It always felt wrong…"

There was a sincerity in her eyes, a need for the weight to be lifted from her shoulders. He took her hand to offer some comfort. "Are you sure?"

She faced her parents and answered. "I am."

Harry met Apolline's eyes and leaned forward so that she could touch her wand to his temple. The strand of memories was far longer than any other of the evening.

He brought up the memories of the troll, the first task, and the basilisk. Apolline drew them out and dropped them in the pensieve.

The group was about to enter when Harry stopped them.

"Before we begin, just please remember, we're all here and we're alright."

Dan looked Harry in the eye seriously and nodded.

As everyone dove into the memory,

They arrived in the memory right as Quirrel burst through the door screaming about a troll in the dungeons.

Dan stared at the fainted man in stunned disbelief. "What the—"

Panic broke out and Dumbledore's voice boomed through the great hall demanding silence, even their group paused.

"Hermione? I don't see you?" asked Gabrielle, who was searching the Gryffindor table.

"That's because I wasn't here, you'll see."

The students departed the great hall under the guidance of their prefects, when two boys broke off. As the memory shifted to the outside of the girl's bathroom. Hermione began to explain.

"I'd been having an awful time at Hogwarts, I was all alone, far from home and despite being there for months. I didn't have a single friend…"

Her words tore at their heartstrings and as her parents, it pained Dan and Emma the most. Emma quickly wrapped her baby in a hug. Hermione perked up after that and when they separated, she found support in her two lovers.

"We'd had a charms class, and I tried to help Ron. He took it the wrong way and said something mean. I spent the rest of the evening in the bathroom, crying. It's why I wasn't at the feast."

Harry rubbed her back and took over. "I'd heard some of the girls say as much, so when we all learned about the troll. I knew where she was. So, I grabbed Ron, and we went to find her."

"Why didn't you ask a teacher for help?" asked Mr. Delacour, curiously.

"Honestly, the thought never even came to mind," admitted Harry as the memory followed Harry and Ron through the hallways.

The group watched as the massive troll came into view. Emma gasped at the size of it, the huge behemoth of green warty oaf. They saw it enter through a big door and heard Hermione scream. The sound struck her parents and Dan was inside the bathroom before any of them.

What followed was nothing short of amazing to witness. When Harry climbed off the troll's back, pulling his wand from its nose. Emma had her daughter wrapped up in another hug, learning how close they'd been to losing her was a difficult pill to swallow.

Dan looked deathly pale. When he looked at Harry again, it was as if he was seeing him for the first time. He put a hand on his shoulder and just squeezed it. Harry didn't need to hear the words to understand how grateful Dan was.

Watching Hermione lie to Professor McGonagall did at least lift their spirits.

Before the memory could switch Harry asked them to wait. Apolline flicked her wand, and the memory froze in place.

Harry glanced at Gabrielle briefly. "The memories after this are rather…"

It was enough for them to catch his meaning, Mr. Delacour took Gabrielle aside and told her she'd have to sit it out. She tried to protest but one stern look later had her shoulders sag in disappointment.

Apolline was about to suggest she sit it out along with her youngest despite wanting to see it all, but Harry beat her to it by offering.

"They're my memories, I've already seen them."

"Are you sure?"

He nodded, "I could use another slice of cake."

Before he left, he gave Fleur and Hermione a quick hug each. "You're going to see some scary things, just remember, I'm right outside in one piece."

While Harry was on the outside, keeping Gabrielle company. Hermione finally got to witness the beast that left her petrified in the hospital wing. Her heart hammered in her chest when Harry and Ron came across the shed skin. The sheer size of it was monstrous, and since it was a shedding, the real basilisk had to be even bigger.

Professor Lockhart's attempt at obliviating them wiped that fear away and replaced it with rage. She swore she heard Fleur snarl when the fool of a man explained his plan. But nothing truly prepared them for what awaited within the chamber.

A handsome young man whose appearance had initially left all but Fleur and Hermione confused, until he revealed himself as Tom Marvolo Riddle, and his chosen name, Lord Voldemort.

Apolline had gasped in shock, and Alain stared at the floating fiery words in a stony seriousness. Hermione's own parents though failed to truly grasp just how evil the apparition before them was. But they had their own moment to stare in shock, with Emma going so far as to scream out in fright when the basilisk was revealed.

"Mon dieu…" The story of it all didn't do it justice. Fleur had grabbed Hermione's arm and held on so hard that it was likely to bruise.

But even in a memory, the arrival of a phoenix and the musical trill of its song was able to bolster the spirits and drive down your fears.

Each near miss, each time Harry had sidestepped or dove out of the way of the king of snakes, they were forced to look away.

Dan never looked away. He was transfixed by the expression on Harry's face. He was terrified, but his eyes never wavered. How a boy of his age could have such strength made him feel small, like a man staring at a giant. The scene of Harry stabbing a sword through the roof of the beast's mouth was something straight out of the stories of the ancient Greek heroes.

When Harry fell to his knees clutching at his arm, where the broken off tooth of the dead basilisk had impaled him. They had rushed to him, only recalling that it was a memory when Fleur's desperate hand went right through him.

And after such a feat, that this Tom Riddle, or Voldemort, or whatever he called himself had still found the nerve to gloat. It filled them with a sickening hatred, Dan had never felt the desire to throttle another as much, to crush their windpipe beneath his fingers as he did at that moment.

So it was with gleeful satisfaction that they watched him be destroyed when Harry stabbed the diary. A diary which Alain had made a mental note of.

The momentary high came crashing down though when they heard Harry put on a brave face and tell little Ginny Weasley to leave, all while knowing he was about to die.

Fawkes wasn't the only one who cried.

Their surroundings dissolved into white mist, and Dan expected to be thrown out of the pensieve when his daughter swallowed the lump in her throat and spoke up.

"There's more," she said, as a new scene formed from the mist. A dark cloudy night with a bright full moon, a haunting forest and wolves' howl.


Meanwhile on the outside, Harry was doing his best to communicate with Gabrielle. His broken French was at least somewhat understandable, 'somewhat'.

"Why can't I see the rest?" asked Gabrielle. She was clearly upset at being excluded, even if Harry's company did assuage her disappointment.

"Ces sourire ne sont pas jolis,"he explained, to which she blinked in confusion.

"Those smiles are not pretty?"

Harry took a moment to try and figure out if he said it wrong. Those memories are not pretty?

"Sourire? Mémoire?"

"Ahhh," Gabrielle giggled. "Non, not sourire. Souvenirs. Sourire is uhm— smile?"

"Ces souvenirs ne sont pas jolis."

"Merci," Harry flicked a piece of cake at her, which stuck to her forehead. He knew he was being silly, but it was his method of coping with the fact that some of his most frightening memories were being witnessed metres away.

Gabrielle scooped the cake from her face and ate it. "No wasting," she scolded him, before her expression became more solemn. "I think you should go back inside, I am going to bed." She sounded far beyond her years. She stood and pulled him to his feet. "Go!"

And like the whirlwind she often was, she disappeared up the stairs, leaving Harry alone. He sighed and turned to the pensieve where everyone else sat with a finger inside. His gaze was fixed to his loves, both had frowns on their faces. It was expected, with what they were witnessing.

Harry sighed and sat back down in his place, placing his finger into the pensieve and diving back inside.

He landed right behind the group who were watching from within the arena of the first task, as the memory version of him, wounded and bloody, prepared his final attempt at stopping the dragon. He's all or nothing, last ditch hope for making it past that spiked fire breathing monstrosity.

Dan saw him first. "Harry!" he called out, startling the rest. He was immediately held within Fleur's hold. His older girlfriend was very protective of Hermione and himself. So, the memories would have been even harder for her to witness. Hermione at least lived through them or was aware of them as they occurred.

"Hey, I'm alright," he cooed and kissed her cheek. She separated just enough to look at him properly before hugging him again.

Hermione approached and placed a hand on Fleur's back while leaning in an kissing Harry gently. "It was the dementors."

Harry had almost forgotten just what that memory truly entailed. He had nearly had his soul taken from him at the lakeside. He had screamed when the dementors had fed on him.

"I'm sorry for making you see that," he said gently to Fleur and tightened their hug.

"Non," she separated and shook her head. "I needed to see. All it 'as shown me is 'ow amazing you are, and 'ow lucky I am zhat you love me, zhat you bozh love me."

Harry kissed her softly, not caring that they were being watched. Hermione followed suit and kissed her as well.

"I think we should leave it here, this was the last memory," said Harry to Mr. Delacour who nodded and pulled them all out of the pensieve.

Apolline came over and hugged him gently and looked at his face with the expression of a worried mother. It made him feel self-conscious, but also cared for. "You're strong,'Arry. it relieves me, but it also scares me. Life is never easy for ze strong."

"Strength always comes at a cost," said Alain.

Emma went and grabbed the wine, taking a deep swig of the bottle before refilling the glasses.

Dan barely said a word though, and was sat with his focus on the floor, a thoughtful seriousness in his gaze. Hermione went and sat next to her father and took his hand, giving it a comforting squeeze. He pulled her in and held her close, in the sort of hug only a father could give to their child.

"You're worried about Hermione, and wondering if there's anything you can do," said Harry, knowingly.

"I'm worried about all of you," admitted Dan.

"Magic," began Harry hesitantly, taking his wand out of his new holster. "I love magic, it's— there's no words to describe it. It's wonderful, but we can't delude ourselves and pretend it doesn't make us powerful. We're changing reality with a word and flick of our wands." To demonstrate, Harry tapped an empty glass with his wand and turned it into a hamster. Another tap, and the glass was back in place.

"But with magic, the stakes are higher. There are curses that would have your ribs grow into your lungs and boil your blood in your veins. And there are creatures that could steal your soul or wipe out villages with their breath."

Harry met Dan's eyes with unwavering resilience. "It's why we do what we can to make sure we're prepared."

"And he's not alone," said Hermione to her father. "Fleur and I aren't going anywhere. We aren't helpless damsels."

"Oui," agreed Fleur. "We are in zhis togezher now."

Apolline watched her daughter with a troubled but proud expression, and Alain clenched his jaw. He would never manage to dissuade his daughter, and even then, he was unsure whether he truly wanted to. Harry and Hermione were lovely people and would fight to protect his precious flower to the bitter end. There was nothing more he could hope for when it came to the people his daughter chose to be with.

Emma held her glass tightly and spoke. "But can't we just—"

"Leave?" finished Hermione before shaking her head. "Running away never solved anything. Besides, there's no getting away from it for Harry, and we won't leave him. I wouldn't be the daughter you raised if I did otherwise, would I?"

"You always were brave," said Emma softly with a resigned smile.

Dan looked at Alain and chuckled awkwardly. "This wasn't in any of those parenting books." They laughed sheepishly in response.

Harry felt Fleur snuggle closer to him, his older girlfriend clearly wanted to feel his presence after witnessing his memories.

On that thought, Harry looked at the pensieve. "I'd hate to end the night on such a heavy note, perhaps we can view something a bit less dangerous? Perhaps the time Hagrid hatched a baby dragon and tried to raise it in his very wooden hut."

When everyone was back inside the penseive, Alain took a moment to hold Harry back. "I'd like to speak to you about that diary, but not tonight."

Harry nodded, he had a feeling Alain would be interested in several details of his memories.

Satisfied, Alain left him to enter the memory before following.


END CHAPTER TWENTY THREE


24, 25, 26 (Draft) available at / Office_Sloth if you want to read ahead. I hope you'll support me, it helps me to devote more time to this. Thank you!