Chapter 80: Beast of Burden
Monday after the dueling tournament, Harry was midway through serving breakfast when a gasp and a cup breaking broke the silence of the hall. Looking over, tea ran down the table as Hermione's spotted Hermione vice-gripping the Daily Prophet, her cheeks flushed and her nostrils flared.
"What's the matter?" Harry leaned in.
"Skeeter!" She slammed the paper down with a picture of Harry leaning into Fleur.
Potter Being Seduced by a Dark Creature?
Harry Potter, a 13-year-old wizard, whose suspect entry into the Triwizard tournament is still highly-debated within and without Hogwarts, seems to have his eyes on another prize.
This summer, we were all shocked to learn Potter was in a relationship with a girl named Henrietta Grange, a fellow Gryffindor student. The relationship shocked many within the school yet Potter espoused his care for her, though their relationship confused the student body.
"She's brainy but Potter can do better," a Slytherin fourth-year Pansy Parkinson said. "We all wondered what her angle was. It was clear she set her sights on the Potter fortune from the beginning. You never saw Potter without her around."
Well, that might be changing as it looks like the young Potter has had his head turned by an older woman. Yes, readers, it is clear that the Beauxbatons beauty who proudly claims her Veela heritage, opting to have her grandmother's hair as a part of her wand, a practice known to be dangerous, perhaps even casting doubt on her ability to compete in this tournament. She has apparently set her sights on the Boy Who Lived. After the dueling expo in which the Beauxbatons champion finished a fourth, significantly behind her other peers, she turned up the charm on Potter. Potter appears to be enraptured as he was heard asking to show her a room inside the castle where he could teach her some "spells."
"Oh she's pretty," Zacharias Smith, a Hufflepuff third year, said. "She's caught the eye of every wizard, even the mediocre ones, it seems. I wouldn't mind taking a run at her myself, to be honest. If Potter thinks he's got a chance, he's got another thing coming."
Veela are rumored inherently sexual creatures, known to enrapture men and rumored to steal their magical essence, leaving them little more than squibs. It has been theorized that the Department of Mysteries has a full department dedicated to studying their abilities to learn how to harness them for themselves.
Perhaps this could be but a ploy by Delacour to eliminate one of her fellow contestants? Or perhaps she's seen the power of Potter and wants it for herself? One thing is clear, however. Albus Dumbledore must step in to ensure the Boy Who Lived is not taken advantage of by the beautiful creature, ensuring the Potter line continues for another generation.
Read more on the Veela covens on Page 2
Further reading on Potter's suspect entry on Page 3
Harry looked up from the article. Hermione glared across the hall Pansy and Smith in turn.
"Hermione," Harry reached for her hand. "You know that's a lie, right? I did ask Fleur to show me the spell she used because it sounded interesting and she asked to learn how to cast the Patronus to which I offered to show her the Room to give us privacy but that's it, I swear."
"Oh shut it, Harry," Hermione spat venomously. "I know that cow was making up stories; that's not what has me upset. She insinuated Fleur is a siren from the old stories, only out to suck you dry because you're little more than a horny male. It's barbaric, racist, and incredibly insulting to both you and especially to her. Oh, I have to get to Fleur before she reads this."
"Too late," Lavender said, pointing toward the blonde at the Ravenclaw table. A few girls around her were giggling and pointing at her, even from her own school. Hermione narrowed her eyes as Fleur's nails began turning to claws.
"Fine," Luna snapped. The plates and goblets jumped as she dropped the article and abruptly stood from the table. Squaring her shoulders, Luna marched up to Fleur. "Excuse me, Ms. Delacour?"
"Oui?" Fleur used every amount of energy she had to keep her voice even.
"At the Quibbler," Luna said, her voice calm and serene. "We have always yearned to explore the corners of magic that we don't quite understand. We know that Veela are a deeply misunderstood race with its own culture and customs. We wanted to do a piece of each individual champion and I was hoping you would be the first one."
Fleur gaped at Luna, not sure how to respond.
"I know the picture that article paints," Luna set the paper in front of her on fire. "In my opinion, that's all that paper is good for. I was hoping you'd allow The Quibbler to tell an honest story with your input included. I'd also like to talk to your headmistress and your friends if possible."
"My 'eadmistress is no problem," Fleur said. "'owever, friends will be an issue as I currently have none."
Fleur's nostrils flared as she glared around the table at her schoolmates.
"Well then," Luna returned her wand to her ear. "I guess I'll just have to be your friend, then. Let me know when would be a good chance to interview you. Oh and here's our article on the Dueling Tournament that talks about what actually happened. Good day."
Luna handed Fleur a copy of the paper and without another word, sauntered out of the Great Hall wherein you could hear a pin drop. As she exited, she launched a stinging hex at Smith and Pansy, their yelps following her out the door. Harry could swear she was smirking as she left.
"What I'd like to know is how she heard me," Harry said. "I said that while we were all on the platform together."
"I am carrying that bloody map wherever we go," Hermione said as she tore pieces of toast to shreds. "Oh, I'm going to get her."
"Don't mess with Skeeter, Granger," Ron said. "She'll make you out to be a scarlet woman or something. Actually in this case she'll be telling the truth."
Ron's breakfast exploded in his face as Hermione stormed from the hall.
"You've got a little something," Harry gestured toward his entire face. "Just thought you should know."
"Keep it though," Neville said. "It's honestly an improvement."
Harry caught up with Hermione midway to the dorms.
"I am going to catch her," Hermione fumed. "I am going to figure out how she heard- because I guarantee it's illegal- and I am going to catch her. Oh, I am furious."
"I'll say. You're halfway to the dorms," Harry said. "We're supposed to be heading to Defense Against the Dark Arts."
"Morgana," Hermione slapped herself. "Get a hold on yourself, Granger."
Harry almost fell down the stairs as Hermione turned about-face to speed back down them.
The day before the first Hogsmeade trip, Luna's article arrived, detailing the Veela's history from enslaved concubines from Greece, used for their songs and their sexual prowess before breaking free and receding into conclaves in order fiercely protect themselves and their offspring before venturing out.
"We Veela will know instantly when we meet our mates," Luna quoted Fleur in the article. "I like Harry. he is a strong, honorable wizard but he is not my mate. He already has a strong bond with his girlfriend. Veela's are beings of love; it would be sacrilege for us to harm another person's bond.
Luna also got Fleur to tell her about her goals for that tournament.
"It is a great test for myself," Fleur said. "I have always loved a good challenge and this challenge is one that rarely comes along. After this, I hope to become a curse breaker wherever I can find the work."
Overall, it was an exceptional article that, coupled with the thorough reporting of the tournament, gave the Quibbler its best sales ever, softened the opinions on Fleur and built a friendship between Luna and Fleur. Fleur had taken up a position at the Gryffindor table at all meals, chatting with Lavender and Parvati about the latest fashion out of France; engaging Luna in conversations about all manner of creatures and talking to Hermione about Ancient Runes, Arithmancy, and spellcrafting. In their company, Fleur came out of her shell and became the warmer, more engaging person that Harry met the first time on the beach.
Harry was absently nodding along with their conversations, having long ago lost interest when movement caught his eye. Colin entered the hall dressed his very best, his tie straight and shoes shined. Harry tracked his path through the Great Hall when it stopped in front of Susan. The poor boy looked so nervous, it was a wonder he could still stand. Harry saw Colin say something to Susan who turned around. Susan's face went from curious to surprise, ending in a smile. Colin nodded his head and walked toward the Gryffindor table, a smile on his face.
"That looked interesting," Harry smiled at the blonde boy. "Care to share?"
"Sheagreedtogowithme," the words spilled from Colin's mouth barely above a whisper.
"Can you say that louder and slower?" Harry leaned in despite his request.
"She agreed to go to Hogsmeade with me!" Colin beamed at Harry. "I honestly didn't think she would. Now, what do I do? I have no idea where to go or what to do. What should I wear? My hair is far too long."
"Colin," Harry held up his hands to stop his runaway train of thought. "Breathe. She said yes which means she likes you. Just go and have fun. See the sights, have a butterbeer, walk up to the Shrieking Shack. As for wardrobe, go with something nice but casual… and warm. Definitely warm."
"Thank you," Colin said absent-mindedly. "I'll do that."
Colin ate, occasionally sparing a glance over his shoulder at the auburn locks of his date. The next day, Harry chuckled as Colin sat in the courtyard staring off into space.
"Just remember to relax," Harry whispered to him. "Be yourself. That's all you can do."
"Thanks, Harry," Colin smiled at the emerald-eyed teen. He opened his mouth to speak again when his jaw dropped. Following his eyes, Harry spotted Susan. She was clad in a pink dress with a grey cardigan and grey tights. Red paint adorned her lips and her hair slightly curled, bouncing with each step. She looked effortlessly beautiful and heads turned as she glided through the courtyard.
"Good morning, Susan," Harry called to her.
"Good morning, Harry," Susan smiled but looked past him to where Colin stood, still gaping at her.
"Fun day planned?" Harry asked while trying to nudge Colin out of his stupor.
"Oh I think so," she smiled. "A cute boy asked me to go with him to the village, though I wish I could find him. He said he'd meet me here."
At that moment Harry stepped on Colin's foot and elbowed him in the ribs.
"Ow!" Colin looked to Harry who widened his eyes and inclined his head toward Susan. "Oh! Sorry, Ms. Bones. How are you? Are you ready to go to Hogsmeade?"
"Relax, Colin," Susan chuckled lightly. "Please call me Susan, okay?"
"Uh-Oh-ah-okay," Colin extended a shaking hand. It was all Harry could do not to facepalm.
"Shall we go?" Colin timidly asked.
"Lead on," Susan snaked her hand through his arm and together they walked toward the carriages.
"Merlin I thought he was going to pass out," Hermione said.
"I wasn't that nervous for our first date, was I?" Harry asked.
"No," Hermione said. "You were worse. All second year, I wanted you to ask and you just kept missing the signs. Give Colin all the credit for asking Susan. Brave to ask the cop's daughter, an older woman to boot, out on her first date."
"Wait this is her first date?" Harry asked.
"Mmhmm," Hermione nodded. "Everyone else is either intimidated by Susan's cop aunt or trying to cop a feel, as Susan says. I think she's rather excited for this."
"Well, are you ready to go?" Harry turned to look at Hermione, still stunned by her natural beauty. Her hair she had loosely braided and she was wearing a burgundy dress with a green cloak over the top, matching Harry's green shirt and black slacks combo.
"Lead on, my champion," Hermione followed Susan's example, grabbing Harry's elbow. At the carriages, they shared a look and instantly changed their plans.
Just as they were about to reach the carriages, they saw three girls turn their backs on Fleur, leaving her behind as they climbed into a carriage. Harry knew from the look in Hermione's eyes what she was going to do next.
"Fleur," Hermione called out. Fleur turned, her pale cheeks pink and her eyes red as if she was about to cry. "Would you like to join us? I'm sure you've never seen the town before. Shall we guide you?"
"Zat would be lovely," Fleur relaxed yet hesitated. "My friends seem to have forgotten me. Ezzer zat or zey think zat I am going to seduze all ze boys in ze school."
"Or they're jealous you're the school's champion and not them," Harry supplied.
Fleur nodded as her blue irises turned red. Harry noticed her accent grew thicker as she spoke.
"Well we can't have that," Harry said. "As your hosts, it is incumbent on us to show you the village."
"I don't want to disrupt your date," Fleur protested yet Harry noticed she wasn't trying that hard.
"Fleur," Hermione's voice cut through. "We are taking on a tour of the village. Deal with it."
"I've heard that tone before," Harry smiled. "You should just save yourself the trouble and agree now."
Hermione smacked Harry in the shoulder though with a playful smile. Fleur enjoyed their repartee and laughed, the melodic sound pleasing all around.
"Let's crack on then," Harry said. "Blucifer will take us, won't you Blucy?"
"Blucifer?" Fleur looked at Harry like he was deranged, talking to empty air.
"He's a thestral," Hermione explained. "Harry's preferred choice for taking us to the village."
"'Ogwarts has t'estrals?" Fleur's eyes widened.
"A whole herd of them," Harry said. "Hagrid has them trained to pull the carriages."
"Fascinating," Fleur said as she climbed into the carriage.
Harry held Hermione's hand as she stepped into the carriage. On the way down, Fleur engaged in small talk, mostly asking Hermione how she kept warm with Hermione responding the cold is something she would get used to.
"I doubt zat," Fleur said. "Veela are beings of fire and air. Being in cold or water is the worst place you can put one of us. Especially if there are Sirens or merfolk."
"Stay clear of the Black Lake then," Hermione said. "We have a full colony of merfolk who live there."
"Zhank you for zat information," Fleur beamed.
"I think we are here," Harry felt the carriage jostle to a stop. Poking his head out, he stepped down before turning back to help the ladies from the carriage. Fleur paused as she exited, taken in by the spectacle of the village. Snow clung to the roofs, torches lit the paths in front of the quaint shops, all leading to the center of the village where the Three Broomsticks gleamed like a ship at sea.
"Beautiful," Fleur spun around. As she did, her heeled boot slipped and she fell. Before she could hit the ground, Blucifer extended a wing to catch her. Momentarily thrown off by the fact she was held aloft by something she couldn't see, Fleur recovered quickly.
"You okay?" Hermione gave Fleur a cursory check-over.
"I am fine," Fleur turned back to the head of the carriage. "Zhank you, Blucy."
What she did not expect was to have the invisible creature blow out a breath and nuzzle her. In spite of everything, Fleur laughed and tentatively reached her hand up to pat the creature's nose.
"I'll make sure Hagrid rewards you," Harry rubbed Blucifer's short mane of grey hair the way he liked.
Harry and Hermione flanked Fleur guiding her along a tour of the town. They stopped at the bookstore because Fleur just had to see the inside. Hermione couldn't stop in without getting a book, this one about spellcrafting. After the bookstore, they toured the shops before stopping in at the Three Broomsticks.
"Ah Harry," a voice called out to them. Harry scanned the room. Colin and Susan were in a corner, neither truly looking comfortable. Luna sat by herself at the bar, stirring her clear drink with her quill between her teeth as she stared at the parchment on the bar in front of her. In the darkest corner, Harry saw Bagman having a discussion with some goblins. After scanning the room, Harry turned his attention back to the voice that called his attention.
"Miss Skeeter," Harry stood as tall as possible. "As I have requested before, I would prefer you address me with formality. You have not earned the right to address me informally."
"Of course, Mr. Potter," Rita's look was something between taken aback and affronted. "I see you're spending some time with our French champion. How does your girlfriend feel about her horning in on your date."
"She's the one who invited her," Harry said. The tavern went quiet with Luna looking up from her spot at the bar with a slight scowl. "And before you take that anywhere, she is a friend."
"So Hermione," Skeeter turned to the brunette.
"Oh so you do know my name," Hermione sneered. "And that's Miss Granger to you."
"Miss Granger," Rita's eyes tightened. "You're not worried about a Veela's power being too much for your boyfriend? You don't think he'll consider other…prettier… options."
"There's more to love than how someone looks," Harry cut across. "Hermione's heart, kindness, and intellect drew me to her. She's beautiful for what she does, not what she looks like."
"Ah but Miss Delacour is smart," Rita gestured toward the French witch. "And as champions, you'll be spending lots of time with one another. How can you possibly resist?"
"First of all, he is immune to my allure," Fleur spat. "Secondly, I would never do anything to harm my friends."
"At least not intentionally," Skeeter countered.
"You ignorant cow!" Hermione had enough. Anyone who wasn't paying attention was now focused on the two. "You already have your story and you are going to fit everything into your narrative. Fleur is a fantastic girl and will make a wonderful curse breaker after this year. She's my friend. Back off."
Rita's response to Hermione was to laugh, holding a hand to her chest as she chuckled.
"Little girl," Hermione's eyes narrowed at Skeeter's invective. "I can do more with my quill than any wand could ever do. You would be wise not to cross me."
"You are nothing but a miserable witch whose only talent is writing lies," Hermione said. "I know a witch half your age with twice the talent. You've already lost your gig at Witch Weekly. Keep going; let's see if you lose the Prophet too."
Hermione's last barb stung Rita the most, her quill zooming across the parchment, no doubt crafting a scurrilous new story. Hermione pulled her wand, turned the quill to dust, spun around, and sped out of the tavern.
"Back off, Ms. Skeeter," Harry leveled her with his fiercest gaze. "And next time you're going to publish an article, it might be best to talk to the person about whom you are writing. Get their take."
"Excuse me, Fleur," Luna tugged on the French woman's sleeve. "But Harry needs to be with his girlfriend. I have a spot at the end of the bar. Would you care to join me?"
"It would be my pleasure," Fleur's teeth shone with her beaming smile.
By the time Harry caught up with Hermione, she was already at the carriages.
"Hermione!" Harry reached for her but she yanked her arm away.
"I want to be alone," Hermione growled.
"No you want to be angry," Harry replied. "She's not worth it. We both know it. We also know her next article will be about you. We should be ready for the worst."
"I'm going to get her," Hermione said. "I'm going to bring her down."
"I know you will eventually," Harry soothed Hermione's rage, rubbing her back in comforting circles. "For now, how about we go and visit Buckbeak and Featherpot? Would that cheer you up?"
"I think I'd like that," Hermione smiled tensely. "Let's have Blucifer take us back up to the castle."
Safely nestled inside the carriage, Harry pulled Hermione onto his lap, discarded her cloak, and massaged the tension from her shoulders.
"There she is," Harry cooed. "There's the girl I love."
Hermione leaned back into Harry and craned her neck back to kiss him deeply. They lost track of time, melting into one another. When the carriage jostled to a stop, they finally parted. Refastening her cloak, Hermione stepped from the carriage and flounced toward the hippogriff paddock.
Once they arrived, Buckbeak approached with Featherpot in tow. Feather flexed his wings, testing them even though it would be months before he would be able to fly. Feather instantly recognized Hermione and sprinted toward the girl, knocking her over and rubbing his neck along her shoulder.
"Yes Feather," Hermione sing-songed. "It's good to see you too. You're getting so big. I think you'll rival Beaky for size."
Buckbeak leaned his head over Harry's shoulder, watching the duo interact. Suddenly a deep rumble shook the ground with a roar echoing over the trees. Buckbeak snapped toward the cacophony, every feather, and talon on alert.
"What was that?" Harry turned in Buckbeak's direction. "Shall we investigate?"
Buckbeak lowered himself so Harry could mount up. As soon as Harry was seated, the hippogriff lifted off, gliding over the trees toward a clearing close to the mountains. Harry's eyes spotted four cages placed at the base of the mountain, all of them smoking. Urging Buckbeak lower, Harry guided the bird in closer. As Buckbeak circled lower, four scaled creatures came into view. One red, one green, one blue, and a black one who dwarfed the other three in size. The number was easy to figure out their purpose.
"Dragons," Harry gasped. "The first task is dragons. Surely we won't have to fight them; they're too strong to take in singular combat. What's the play then?"
Just as he was about to turn back, his eyes caught a glint of gold. In front of the dragons were four golden eggs. At that point, he noticed a clutch of eggs under each dragon.
"Not just dragons but nesting dragons," Harry groaned. "They're truly daft aren't they?"
Buckbeak screeched in agreement as they glided away, back toward the enclosure.
When Harry landed, Hermione stood instantly, rushing toward her boyfriend who looked frightfully pale.
"What's the matter?" Hermione placed both hands on either side of his face carefully inspecting him to understand the problem. His answer was one word; one word to terrify her to her core.
"Dragons," Harry gasped out. Hermione composed herself enough to answer in one word.
"Library," Hermione said, pulling him out of the paddock and toward the castle.
(A/N: Fleur is suffering a little like Harry did except she doesn't have a friend like Hermione… at least until Luna stepped in. Skeeter's been upstaged by Luna twice now. She's only going to get more desperate. Meanwhile, Harry knows about the dragons thanks to Buckbeak.)