AN: So we finally have Harry and Fleur start dating? Honestly, they are young and dont have the full idea of what they want. Although I will say I don't plan to play with the relationship in any way for plot convience. There will be friction, yet what I want is a couple growing and learning while taking on the world. A fact that I lived with my wife when when we started dating in high school 10 years ago now.

August 19th Day after the World Cup

"Daphne. Before you go. Can I ask you a question?" Daphne turned to him. She was still an emotional mess. She had figured the night before in her inability to sleep that she was going to tell her mom about the curse manifesting during her Holiday Christmas break. She would skip the ball and hopefully be able to spend the holidays with her mom normally one last time before her magic truly became unwieldy. She was unsure of how she would tell Harry or if she ever would before it was too late.

"Sure." Harry then pointed at the door. "Walk?" Daphne was surprised at the request, noting he wanted privacy. They left 12, and were walking on the street enjoying the summer morning. A silence came over them though, but it was clear Harry was struggling. Harry looked at his right hand. It was slightly shaking, but he balled it up. Suppressing the feelings, he didn't want to think about those bodies right now. "I really don't know how to say this. I feel very embarrassed."

Daphne was surprised. Harry never had an issue speaking his mind. She then noticed he was blushing and figured it was about Fleur. She smiled. "Is there a French witch on your mind?"

Harry stammered and turned further red. She giggled and looped her arm around his. "You're easy to read, Harry, but I see how you look at her. Outside of her natural beauty you truly admire her." Daphne felt him stiffen but continued walking. "She would be quite a catch for you. Do you think it's something serious?"

Harry stammered a response. "Does it have to be?"

Daphne sighed and stopped them. Unhooking her arm. "Not saying that you have to marry her. You may date her in your books but the moment you go to a public event. The wizarding world will see you announcing the future Lady Potter. The Triwizard tournament has a ball traditionally. If you date and take her there. Just know how the world will see it."

Harry sighed. "But what about everyone else? Not everyone is gonna be assuming.—-"He stopped. "No one else will matter. All eyes are gonna be on me regardless. Even if it was just a normal date. That is what you're saying. It's not some Lord and Lady bullshit. Is it my fame?"

Daphne nodded. "Partly. Traditionally my statement still holds. You would have to make your intentions explicitly clear when you ask and for some more traditional families you would have to ask permission from fathers. But in your case it will be much worse. People will assume."

Harry nodded and understood. Yet he also caught on. "Wait, you're assuming it will be a yes. You know something. Does Fleur like me?"

Daphne smirked. Hooked her arm again and continued walking. "Can't say anything. But as your friend and a fellow Lady, I want you to know that you should weigh it. If you go with her to the ball you better ask her Father and make sure you have your business arrangements separate in case something happens. Potter men are notorious in their pursuit of women traditionally so who knows."

Harry caught the last part. "What do you mean by that?"

Daphne smiled. "Potter men are notoriously known to date and marry their school sweetheart. There may be crushes etc for other women, but your family has a pretty good track record."

Harry blushed wondering how that would look. He hadn't thought that far. He was surprised at his own current courage, he couldn't imagine doing that. "Are you going to the ball?"

Daphne's smile fell away and a neutral expression took her face. "I can't. I have...I want to spend Christmas with my mom."

Harry looked at her and stopped her. "Daphne. I know you won't talk to me, but I want to tell you. Against your mother's wishes mind you."

Daphne stopped him. "You keep what my mom told you. I don't want to know. You better keep her confidence. My mom is all I have. She always has a reason okay?" Daphne finished with a little bit more emotion then she suspected. Harry stayed silent. Realizing that Daphne respected her moms wishes more than to know what she had done.

Harry nodded. "Fine. Just know I am willing to help. Please. Just listen to that. Ignore everything else."

He raised his wrist. The admonitor clearly showed. " I enjoyed our time together for that time and this summer. You were a bright light in my dark world at the time back then. You made me laugh and you made me smile. I looked forward to spending time with you every day back then. I hope to continue that this year and for however long you want. I am glad to have you in my corner."

Daphne had teary eyes and she threw her arms around him. "I look up to you Harry. I really do. You made me enjoy time at Hogwarts for the first time and I will tell you my issue when I am ready. After Christmas hopefully. I promise."

Daphne pulled away and as if caught in something, Harry stopped, and looked at her. He felt a pull and he wondered. Why did it turn out this way with her? Maybe in a different world they would have been together. Daphne was as beautiful as Fleur. It was clear fate was pushing him in a different direction. For what reason? Who knew? He would just go with it.

Daphne was having similar thoughts. Would she ever not focus on the curse and move on? Find love? The curse, she felt, made her obsessed with it. She didn't understand how Astoria could ignore it. Nor how her father or anyone in their recent family could move on. She remembered the old family History. The curse began and many in the family died out. It was a miracle for one child to be born to the family. Each one being equally obsessive until the family eventually stopped being so obsessive about finding a cure. Her sadness quickly took over. It would no longer matter. She would never get that chance. She felt a slight pain in her chest, but fought through it.

Daphne's magic was flaring. She decided to change the subject. "So you plan to ask her out to Hogsmead?"

Harry nodded and they continued walking. "I already explained to her the significance of it. So she will know. She wanted to know about the school culture."

Harry blushed and his courage was further complicated. "I will ask her out when I give her birthday presents."

Daphne smiled. " I will ask my House enchanter to make 2 sets of the books I gave you. So all three of us can communicate privately. I will owl them to you."

Harry beamed at that. "Thanks Daphne."

Break break break (Late Afternoon)

Harry was at the Gringotts. He had gone out after Daphne left in the middle of the day so he could be alone. He of course told Sheda but he wanted to be alone.

"I am looking for a goblin that has helped me previously. Is it possible to ask for them, Lurkok?"

The goblin teller looked confused and buzzed a button. Another goblin came over and made a confused look. And went away. The teller looked at him. "What business do you have today Lord Potter?"

Harry looked at him. "Visit to the Black family vault."

The goblin noted it as Lurkok came from the back, surprised to be called by name. He spoke with the goblin and nodded. "Lord Black if you will. Follow me." Harry followed the goblin deep into the caves as the goblin looked at him with a side eye the whole time. "Family vault 7. Anything in particular you are looking for?"

Harry looked in the vault and it was dark. 'All gloom and doom even for the vault. Black is a name and a state of mind I suppose.' Harry thought. "Anything of Veela made Lurkok? I figured Black vault would be my best bet. The Potters didn't seem to have anything last we were there. "

Lurkok looked at his ledger but spoke. "You would be correct. Potters have nothing of Veela nature. They do have vampire items if you care to know." Harry was shocked by the statement. Vampire? Maybe his grandfather fought some of Grindelwald's vampire loyalist in Europe? He would ask Queenie.

As Lurkok spoke up after reviewing his ledger. "Let me see. There are a few things for the Blacks. A pensive made by Veelas, a choker necklace made of gold with rubies, enchanted red gloves, and matching enchanted scarf. Those items were given as payment by a small veela magical House in France, the Delacours, back in the mid 1920s for a damaged dark book in the Black collection. On the nature of Fairies. Phineas Black, before his passing, noted little care for the book or items. The book was heavily magically damaged with Fiendfyre ages ago when the Black Manor burnt down during the Magical French invasion of Magical Great Britain. Coinciding with the muggle French invasion in 1216. The book is of no value was his final note."

Harry was shocked by his luck but also curious. That book appeared again. Was it that important? Dark book? He would have to read it before giving it to Myrtle or maybe make a copy. "I will take all 4 items. They will be given to Fleur Delacour for permanent keeping. Once again thank you Lurkok. Good help and a life saver." Lurkok, again curious about the wizard, shook his head. Noting everything, he went into the vault to collect the items.

August 21st

Harry dodged a wild spell. He was currently in the attic area at 12th. He had asked Sirius if he was good at Dueling and the man had taken great offense.

To Harry's surprise Sirius told him he was the best out of the 4 marauders. Remus had been second while also being the best enchanter and the resident book worm, James was the best in transfiguration, of course, and charms, and Peter was the best at potions and obscure stuff. There was nothing Peter couldn't find much to his own admittance.

As they fought Harry could tell Sirius was truly creative and had a wide knowledge of spells at one point casting a counter course as he learned they were called. He also had a sense of style to his duels, almost as if it was a show. Not a show in telegraphing his moves, but a show of building up to a defeat.

Harry was struck in the chest, the robe though rebound the stinging curse right at Sirius hitting him in the chest. "Now that is not fair." Harry chuckled as they stopped. Casting a tempus he noticed the sun was just past early morning. He should get ready for the day. He remembered the conversation he had with Daphne before she left the day after the world cup

Harry had not been fully satisfied with his conversation with Daphne and decided to ask Sirius about it. "Sirius. What was Dad like when he decided to ask out my mum?"

Sirius smiled, rubbing his chest as he conjured a chair. "What was he like the 1st or 100th time? James could not help, but like Lily when he first met her, and that was in 1st year. Everyone assumed it was a crush, but he never chased other girls."

Harry smiled as Sirius conjured a chair for him and he sat down. "Daphne said something similar a couple of days ago. She said Potter men had a way of pursuing the women they liked."

Sirius nodded and sat down. "You are right in that regard. Aunt Dorea always said that Lord Charlus never let her be. They started dating in secret a few years after they graduated. Although she mentioned that he never let her be in Hogwarts after he saved her from some bullies at the beginning of her 4th year. Grindelwald was recruiting and terrorizing across Europe around 1935 Apparently some young Grindelwald British loyalist's hated that the Black family had declared neutrality so early in this cause. This was back before the War even started. Your grandfather lost his head Boy status because of what he did to the students." Harry was excited to have some parts of the Queenie story filled in.

Sirius continued. "James was different, everyone remembers him for what he became, not for what he was." Sirius chuckled. "Looking back you aren't like him in any way. I am glad truth be told. James let his family's legacy get to his head. A rightfully earned legacy no doubt, but one that fueled an ego. His uncle had royal griffins as pets. His father was a war hero and celebrity. His family had money with multiple estates. He had looks and magical abilities."

Sirius stopped speaking and looked to take a deep breath as he remembered the past. "We gravitated to him. He was so cool those first 4 years. He pushed us to become animagi in our second year. Imagine that. 2nd year Harry."

Harry was surprised by the sincerity in Sirius's voice, but also the guilt. Sirius continued after a bit. Clearly trying to make sure of what he said. "James had issues. Issues you don't realize as a kid without being told by others or when you get older. He had a crush, but he only ever tried impressing Lily. Fantastical feats of transfiguration that no young student could do while throwing expensive lavish gifts at hef. He never worked to know her, where she came from, he never worked to understand her interests. The worst was Snape-"

Harry looked confused. Sirius caught on. "I figured he wouldn't tell you, the man is still a right git. Lily and Snape were childhood friends. James hated him. Bullied him for a good amount of time at Hogwarts."

Harry was surprised, but not. It's clear a lot of people around him held secrets. He was also starting too. Sirius took a breath. " I think everything changed in 5th year. James wasn't chosen for prefect, but Lily and Remus were. He was angry for a good amount of time. He only hung out with us when Remus would transform that year. We had finally gotten our animagi earlier in the year, but he never cared about that accomplishment. His pride had been hurt."

Sirius looked down. The guilt of what would happen eating at him." I think it further hurt him what would happen later in the year. In the spring of 5th year, in a fight between Snape and himself he attempted to goad Lily to date him. Something along the lines of 'I will stop the spell if you go out with me.' Lily of course denied him. According to James he was about to release Snape when Snape, in his humiliation and anger, called Lily a 'filthy little Mudblood."

Harry smirked and shook his head. Now that's the bat he knew. Sirius didn't acknowledge his smirk and continued. "James felt awful afterwards. Although he tried making Snape apologize, he felt guilty. The school year ended and we went our separate ways. 6th year was more of the same, but James focused on school much more. He barely spent time with us anymore and focused solely on his studies. I even tried to pull a prank on Snape that could have seen him killed. I tried exposing him to a transformed Remus."

Sirius breathed deeply in as he stared gat the ground. Harry, with a neutral face, responded. "Why?"

Sirius wondered the same thing, youthful idiocy he figured. "I suppose I wanted to pull off a big prank, to bring the crew back together? I don't know? James saved him. He never talked about it. He went back to the same studious self for the rest of the year. He stopped pursuing Lily during that time. He didn't ask her out once. Some girls started asking him out 'sensing an opening' he turned them all done respectively. Some of the hottest girls too."

Harry shook his head and Sirius chuckled."7th year came and your father was very much Lord Charlus's son. Head boy along with Lily as Head Girl. A proper noble Potter. Much like you are now."

Sirius looked conflicted. "Again I wont say anything about Sheda, but I think what happened to her is the conduit to Lily seeing a different James. After that night Lily was smitten. For a month she was with him; talking to him. He was honest with her, brutally honest from what I was able to understand. He laid himself bare for her. In all that—well—I don't know."

Sirius fidgeted in anxious energy with his, but after a while sighed. "Everyone always says that Potter Men pursue their women, that their love is so absolute that nothing can stop it." Sirius stopped as if thinking. "In the end, I figure future Lady Potters know when their Potter truly becomes Lord Potter. When that happens is when they truly give in to fully loving them. 'It's not some obsessive nature by potter men, it's the witch's. The witches know when the Potter they love are truly living up to their full potential.' At least that's the way Aunt Dorea taught me when she consoled me on my issues with Sheda before she passed."

Harry took it all in. The Sheda comment of her past came up again. Maybe he could ask her, but it was clear it was a touchy subject. A long story, but he now understood his father somewhat better and the relationship he built with his mother. He also somewhat understood his Grandmother and Grandfather better. "Since when did you become such a philosopher or is that end part straight from my Grandma?"

Sirius chuckled. "It's hers, part of it. I expanded the idea of becoming Lord Potter. It's the part that fits the most. Maybe it's just Black madness. Always some reason in madness." Sirius looked at him. "Any particular reason? Maybe a French witch?"

Harry blushed. "Is it that apparent to everyone?"

Sirius chuckled and got up and walked up to a seated Harry. Crouching he looked into Harry's eyes. The summer had changed Harry, Sirius could tell. Not just with the way Harry talked and carried himself, but also in his eyes. Seeing death had changed him and Sirius began to feel guilt. He had failed James and Lily and the result was a teenager growing up too quickly. At least Harry could still feel the wonder and feelings that any teenager would have regarding finally dating. "You don't hold onto a witch like you did last night if you didn't care for her. You grabbed and held on to her. Even after she pulled from the hug. Her face told me she knew what you did, but she let you. She likes you. I can tell you that much."

Harry blushed and stammered. "I was just worried. I didn't-."

Sirius tapped his shoulder. "I know but this did." He pointed at his heart. "Ask her out. What's the worst that can happen if she says no?"

Harry looked worried. "I ruin our friendship and make things awkward."

Sirius squeezed one of Harry's shoulders. "Lily still said yes after everything. Your Grandma still said yes after everything. Hell. Your Aunt Euphemia said yes also. Your uncle didn't even give her a chance. It was not until he admitted his issue of never being able to have children that she slapped him and kissed him. Lord Charlus loved that story."

Harry smiled as Sirius continued. "Be a Potter, but not any Potter, Lord Potter. Live up to the greatness of your family and you will do alright."

Sirius smiled, but then his face became neutral. "That includes being noble if she rejects you and accepting it like House Potter. I wont have you being vindictive. House Black doesn't get jealous either. We are the best. Nothing above us."

Harry chuckled at the absurdity but nodded as he stood up. "Nothing above us and be noble. Interesting combination."

Sirius also laughed as he threw his arm around Harry's shoulder to give him a sideway hug. "There is no one above House Potter-Black in regards to nobility, honor, and love for family. How about that?"

Harry smiled, he liked it, and nodded as they left the attic. He was unaware of his trembling hands "Yeah. That."

Break break break

Politically the following days after the Quidditch World Cup was a mess for Sebastian. The Daily Prophet tried to downplay what had happened, too little success. 40 casualties including 3 death eater deaths, a missing Lord Goyle, 6 British Aurors, and 6 ICW agents all from France. The French minister did not want to let it slide especially with an election now coming up. He couldn't look weak.

Sebastian was able to capitalize on the fact that it was leaked that his daughter had been injured during the night. It now afforded him some more political sympathy starting his campaign. It also allowed him to strong arm the French minister in allowing him to go to Magical Britain to discuss the issues further. He could care less about all that in the end.

"Fleur. Are you okay?" Sebastian asked as he looked over his daughter. Looking at the burn on her back he grimaced. Apolline also looked over Fleur

Fleur responded. "I am find papa. It no longer hurts and it will heal with no blemish." Sebastian had been having doubts about all of this, but seeing Fleur dismiss the wound he knew it would be foolish to go back.

Fleur would never leave Harry's side. She would rather get injured than do so, and maybe it went further now. He looked at her. His worry as a parent grew, but she was turning 17 today. Any hold on her ended today. He sighed deeply.

Queenie called him over from the living room to the kitchen door. "How much do you want to know Mr. Delacour? I know you asked. Speaking with Harry he is willing to include you in the international circle as he is calling it. We know a bit more of course, but it's up to you. I know it must be conflicting to want to know more and keep your family safe at the same time." Sebastian was surprised by the level of trust

Harry was willing to give, but seeing how his daughter was, it was clear it was a form of consolidation. "Tell me everything you can."

Queenie smiled and nodded. "What our children make us do sometimes. Come let's talk more in the kitchen."

Fleur was seated by her mom. Harry was spending time with Sirius. Alexandra kept to herself and Sybil had left to meet with a Lord in Germany.

Fleur would be leaving today with her family to prepare for her final year. She spoke up in French.

"Mother. When did you start pursuing papa?" Apolline was caught off guard by the question. She hadn't expected it, but then she realized. "Is this about a certain Lord?"

Fleur, having never reached out to her mother, decided to be honest. "Yes. It is."

Apolline smiled at her. "Well I started pursuing your father when he was an ICW agent stationed at our coven in France. I was there in the summer. He seemingly only had eyes for me. He constantly looked for me and even though I tried to push him away. He didn't stop. I finally relented to go on a date with him the day before he was to be stationed somewhere in the French ministry."

Apolline looked happy at the memories. "He was a charmer. He was younger, but he had so many dreams. Dreams that I wanted to follow. Hoping to make France a better place not only for our people, but also in general. To my horror my mother liked him for those dreams."

Fleur smiled as reached out to grab her mothers hand. Apolline grabbed it. "I didn't think a relationship would work. I had doubts so many times. I had doubts on who I was, what I wanted, in so many things. Merde, like I said, going on a date with him took awhile as I rejected my own feelings. I strung him along for who knows how long."

Apolline looked at the fireplace and squeezed Fleur's hand. "I didn't want to hold him back, but at the same time he wouldn't stop. Every date I thought it would be our last and next thing you know he was on his knee two years later. 3 years after our wedding you were born."

Apolline smiled and chuckled. "I guess I never did pursue your father. He pursued me. I never felt I was less than him. I just felt that he wasn't for me. I was a different woman before him. I didn't want to let him down with a Veela fling. I had many up until then. My mother was adamant that he was the one."

Apolline chuckled again although Fleur saw a side of her mother she never saw before. "I swear she was planning the wedding the day I first introduced him to her."

Fleur laughed a little, but wondered what her mother was like before. Apolline then responded. "So the Lord? I suspected, but I did not think you would admit your feelings."

Fleur looked away. "Sheda slapped me and made me admit them. She caught me asleep in the bed with Harry when he was in a coma."

Apolline gasped. "She was right to slap you. I would slap you too if you told me she hadn't. How could you? It is very disrespectful."

Fleur nodded and looked back. "I was exhausted the night before and I felt guilty. I didn't realize it but I admitted to her that I had a crush. She didn't want him to be strung along and allowed me to sleep in the room afterwards knowing that I truly cared for him."

Apolline looked at her daughter and saw that much had changed since that night in Vienna. Her daughter was not her former self. She was still prideful, but it's clear something else was happening. "You feel lesser than him? That is why you ask me?"

Fleur played with her fingers. " I do. I feel significantly less. He has saved me twice now. He is saving our house and even has my future all planned for me. It feels almost suffocating how much he is doing for me and yet he acts like none of it matters. He acts as if it is all paid for as long as I stay his friend."

Apolline looked concerned. "So you don't feel beholden to him rather than liking?"

Fleur made an exhausting sigh. "If only. At least I would be able to manage the situation and take a step back. Papa told me to be his friend and not worry about any of it. I thought it would be hard or almost impossible, but not once has it been. Harry helps as well to not care about that stuff. He has never brought it up and just spends time with me. His friend didn't even bring any of that up either."

Fleur huffed and was frustrated how much Harry made her have doubts. No boy had ever done this to her. "He accepts me; just for me. In turn, it amplifies the rest of him in my eyes. He is caring, smart, bold, good looking and he is only growing. He loves so easily, he looks out for everyone, and he listens to me. I can give an opinion and he actually cares about it. He is everything that a girl would want."

Fleur sighed and pulled her legs in. She whispered. "I think he likes me as well."

Apolline was surprised by the fact and then connected the dots. "Sheda said to not string him along."

Fleur twirled her wand in her hand, her head resting on her knees. "Her exact words. She also said he was willing to throw away all house etiquette for me."

Apolline looked at her daughter and realized her self confidence was gone. She took a deep breath. "Fleur. I am sorry for what I said earlier. I should have never told you that you would never be considered an equal in their eyes. It was too harsh and not what a mother should say."

Fleur looked at her mama. "You only said it to protect me. You are right. Just because one came along that made you seem wrong, doesn't mean you weren't right to. I have experienced one already here in Magical Britain. The first of probably many. I needed to understand it. I didn't want to. I still don't. Harry and even Daphne prove it to me that these families are not bad. Yet, you are right. I will always remember that mama."

Apolline had teary eyes. "Your Grandma always said the hardest part for a Veela was admitting when they had fallen for someone. That it would be the end of our beautiful people, due to our inability to put aside the vindictive nature we have. The centuries of prejudices at the hands of wizards fueling our prideful beliefs. Maybe it's why I didn't want to pursue your father."

Apolline scouted closer to Fleur who leaned her body against her mothers. "Be the difference Fleur. Be like your grandma. She followed her heart everywhere she went. I know it's what she would have told you."

Fleur had tears in her eyes as she stared at the fireplace in the living room. "I miss her Mama. Every night I think of her. I feel like she would have hated what I became after she passed. A vengeful girl with pride and ego."

Apolline chuckled as she kissed Fleur's head. "Do not think of your Grandma so highly. She had pride issues. She was a Pure-Blood Veela. Her parents both had Veela heritage as well. Her pride was greater than yours. She just knew who to show it to and who to control it with. She was a proud Veela through and through. She researched our people more than anyone else in the French coven. Always speaking of our true abilities when I was child."

Fleur smiled at the idea of her Grandma, taking it to heart. Prideful to certain people. "Papa is learning right now so he will tell you, but I met Grindelwald."

Apolline paled Fleur continued. "The attack in the valley was planned. All of it. The goal was a distraction to get his hands on Harry. It worked but it got out of hand. It needed to be done for a secret of Harry's."

Apolline couldn't comprehend the magnitude of what was just told to her. Yet, she began to make sense of it. "The mad man. 2000 people died as a mistake? Do you understand that? All to meet with Lord Potter." Apolline couldn't make any sense of it, much less how Fleur could as well.

Fleur's voice trembled at the idea. The level of secrecy. It reminded her of France's Reign of Terror and the subsequent revolution fueled by foreign magical capital. Thousands died and not much was known until the no-maj Napoleon stabilized the country. Malfoy's betrayal became known to all of Europe. She wondered what Europe would think if they learned an American agent and Grindelwald himself planned the attack that saw 2000 people die. It wouldn't matter based on what was coming. "A vision. War is coming mama. One that can see the European and maybe the entire magical world fall. Voldemort is coming back. All across Europe people are picking sides. This will probably be the last peaceful summer."

Apolline paled further with her own Allure flaring. She understood then. War changed things and made individuals make necessary hard choices. A fact her mother taught her. "War. War results in the worst of humanity. How did he survive? What magic did the dark lord man use? Is that why you stand by his side?"

Fleur sighed, grabbing her blanket and covering herself. "Yes. I saw it in Grindelwalds face. It was a deep sadness and slight fear of the unknown. Dumbledore and even the MACUSA somewhat knows." Apolline was surprised that a magical nation knew and made the connections. "Queenie works for him again?"

Fleur nodded. "Qui. That is beside the point. The reason I bring it up is that Grindelwald knew our name. I know my father took it since Delacour is a name with generations of magical individuals compared to his muggle born name. Yet, he mentioned Grandma. She helped him research the nature of the Veela."

Apolline was shocked, but began to make her own connections. "Are you certain? Mama never mentioned anything like that?"

Fleur under the blanket nodded. "He said her full name without me telling him, Isabella Delacour and offered his condolences when I told him she passed."

Apolline looked confused. "I have her diaries. I never read them. I can give them to you if you want."

Fleur reached over and hugged her mama. "I will like that mama. Thank you."

Just then Harry came down and she looked at him. He was sweaty but clearly had been dueling with Sirius. "Lunch? In the alley? Before you leave."

Fleur smiled. "Sure"

Break break break

Harry and Fleur went to the leaky cauldron as it rained and requested his private room key. Sheda was meeting with Dumbledore today much to own anger, but his nerves from what he was about to do suppressed those feelings. Given the key they ordered a simple lunch and headed up stairs.

Fleur sat with him on the sofa wearing a tight fitting gray and green robe. Under the clothes she had a simple tight shirt and tight black jeans with simple boot heels. She took her robe off as he did as well. He told her about the theory that her Allure may stop his magic from acting up. He wanted to test it, it seemed. Fleur noticed that there were packages in the room already. "Planning this?"

Harry chuckled. "Reserved the room for a week unsure when we would have time. Eat first?" Fleur nodded. They chatted about the year to come Fleur wondering what the tournament would be like and what Harry hoped to learn in runes. Harry in his anxiousness asked her a question. They had gotten comfortable with Fleur lounging on the sofa while Harry sat on the carpeted floor. "Fleur. How far are you willing to do all this? You got injured and you don't need to do any of this."

Fleur looked at him and sat up. Seeing that he was worried. "Yes but like HE said. It would eventually come to France and all of Europe. There is no running from this."

Harry shook his head. "I know that. I want to know if there is something more. I don't want you to feel that you need to do something because of some vision made by a technically unstable man." Fleur stared at him. He was doing so much for her family and he was still willing to push her away.

Fleur's blue eyes narrowed in defiance as she looked into his green eyes. "I stay because of you and I stay because I want to grow with you. You told me that night in Vienna that we would be friends. Well you are my friend. A good friend and a best friend."

Harry smiled and hesitated. "I consider you a best friend as well. Let's open your gifts." Fleur thought he was going to say something more. But it seemed his courage went away. She wondered who would make the first move.

To her surprise he brought over a couple books. "Here. Daphne wanted to give you these. They are enchanted so we can always write to each other. The red one is to talk to me and the green one is for her. She requested blood runes for privacy's sake so it can't be opened by just anyone. Mine have them too, just have to add some blood and it will open" Fleur looked at the leather bound books and smiled. She had told Daphne she was worried about communicating with Harry and of course she figured out a solution. A small cut and she was able to open the green one for Daphne. She saw a birthday message.

Happy Birthday Fleur! Thank you for being my first girlfriend and keeping my secret. I am excited to have you at Hogwarts. Don't think you can't talk to me. I will help you with your date so don't worry about it.

Love Daphne

"Date?" Fleur mouthed. She looked at the words shocked but quickly hid it.

Harry then came over with two small bags. "These are the first two of mine. Well actually. Let me get all of them."

Harry walked back to the package and levitated the bigger one and grabbed the smaller one. Fleur giggled "Harry. People are gonna think you're spoiling me."

Harry smiled at her. "I plan too." Fleur's heart fluttered. "These are all technically your families I believe. I believe your Grandma paid with them for a book in the Black library." Fleur gasped. "Here are the first ones." She opened the bags and pulled out a beautiful set of red and gold silk gloves and a matching scarf. "The goblins said they are enchanted."

Fleur marveled; she quickly pulled her wand out and tried to see the enchantments. Simple warming ones but to her surprise she also felt a few Veela hairs and quickly figured out they were her grandmas. "These are my grandmas, they have her hair in them."

Harry beamed at that. Pushing the bigger package forward she opened it and gasped further. "The family's Pensive?! We always wondered what happened to it. Harry. I can't take this. This is too much."

Harry shook his head. "It's your family's. I would have probably only given you the gloves and scarf but the book you helped me get in Vienna is the same book your Grandma got from the House Black. Take it as pay back." Fleur noted that for future reference. "Here is the last one. I hope you wear it often." Harry hesitated. "I like it."

Fleur opened the jewelry box and brought her hand to her mouth. Tearfully reaching out. "My Grandma's necklace. I saw it in photos. She said she lost it." The gold teardrop red choker had rubies the size of pearls with one large teardrop one in the middle the size of a galleon. Fleur grabbed it. "Can you put it on me?"

Harry nodded and brought it over her neck as he slowly clasped the chain. He hadn't walked around but had reached past her. As a result, their faces were close. Lavender filled Harry's mind and Cinnamon and pine filled Fleur. They stared into each other's eyes when Fleur reached up and kissed him on his cheek. "Thank you Harry. For giving these back to my family."

Harry was a little shocked at the kiss. Harry kept staring at her. The green eyes looking at the blue ones. His original idea of taking her to Hogsmeade went out the window. He wanted to be with her. He wanted her to be his. "Fleur, I like you a lot. I wanted to know if you want to be more than friends?."

Fleur caught her breath and smiled the largest smile she ever had as she nodded. He didn't care about a date. He wanted her already. She would agree. She wanted him. "Qui. I agree." Feeling bold and confident. She wanted to show him that he was hers. She moved closer and kissed him on the lips. Although quick and chaste, it clearly took the breath away from both teens.

They stared at each other, both blushing. Fleur realized how they looked. Harry was covering most of her body with his. If anyone came in they would see two teens clearly doing more. She pushed the thought out and caught her breath first. "Maybe you can come to France? This time no Lethifolds will crash anything we do."

Harry finally caught his own breath. Blushed at the comment and realized she felt the same way. They had multiple dates up until this point and were understanding each other well. Although not fully the definition. The Picnic, today and now possibly a week. Feeling bold himself he responded. "Maybe just a picnic with a Dark Lady."

Fleur blushed with a shocked joking expression and batted him away. "I never meant it that way."

Harry chuckled, pulling away from her. He reached out and held her hand. "Do you want to stay longer or you want to head out? I can have kreecher take the pensive."

Fleur nodded. "Just a little bit longer."

Harry looked at her. "I will go with you to France this last week. I don't think I properly used your invention last time."

Fleur chuckled. "Oui. You didn't. I will like that. It's okay if you have to do something while there but you're mine while I have you." Harry blushed at the possessiveness she showed but he was okay with it. His first kiss was with her because of it.

Harry sat next to her and she leaned into him. Fleur began to think about the other boys she had fun with and realized that she didn't want that here. Other boys had been making out and petting. Never anything more. She made sure of that. Now though, looking at him. She would take it slow. He was younger, but also because she wanted a proper relationship and she certainly didn't want a fling.

Fleur remembered her mothers words and knew she didn't want to ruin this chance nor their friendship. She would have to grow and learn with him.

Fleur decided to tell him. "I like you Harry. I want to tell you that I don't want this to be a fling. Can we try to make it work as long as possible?"

Harry was surprised by the statement and realized her words. Although he had never been in a relationship he understood what Sirius had told him.

Sirius had made him understand that the men of the House of Potter worked in their relationship. They trusted, loved, and were honest. In the end, all things that led them to be the Great Lords of their House. He would have to live up to that. Unknown to him his hands finally stopped trembling. "I told you that night in Vienna that we would be friends and equals. As long as we work towards that I think we will be okay. I will agree with you. I like you and I would like for this to not be a fling as well."

Fleur hugged him and whispered as she traced her fingers over his heart. "People will come at you."

Harry chuckled loving the feeling of her nails tracing over his heart. "I know. Let them. In the end it's only you and me. Who else matters?"

Fleur smiled and looked at him. "No one."