Disclaimer – It has come to my attention recently that I unfortunately do not own Harry Potter. Who knew.

To everyone who has started their holiday baking and is planning on celebrating National Brownie Day, I wish you an enjoyable holiday (and am not jealous at all! I love brownies so much). Also fun fact which is neatly related to some of my stories ... today is National Pretend to be a Time Traveller Day. Honestly had no idea that was an actual day but even more excited to learn its a real thing. Also such a good day to be releasing a chapter for this story on!

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Author Note 1 - As a promise to my patrons I promised to start releasing chapters for an additional story (have a couple that are done but in the editing phase). If you want to have an opportunity to vote on which story will start to get shared next, feel free to head over to my Pa T-rEoN. Will keep the vote open to all so no one needs to sign up to vote. Otherwise check out the options and feel free to message me. Appreciate the input and want to make sure what I am sharing is what everyone wants to see.

The early morning sun cast a pale glow over the castle grounds, painting the freshly fallen snow in the cool shades of dawn. Rosaline and Fleur strolled along the edge of the Forbidden Forest, the light morning snow clinging to their shoes as they enjoyed the quiet peace before Hogwarts fully stirred to life.

Rosaline's gaze lingered thoughtfully on the forest's dark trees, her expression unreadable. Fleur glanced at her older cousin with a flicker of curiosity. Rosaline's usual cheerful demeanor was softened, pensive even, her mind clearly on the events of the night before. Unable to suppress her curiosity, Fleur broke the silence.

"What's on your mind?" she asked in French, trying to catch her cousin's gaze.

Rosaline turned, her eyes narrowing slightly as if weighing her words. "It's that boy," she replied. "Harry Potter."

Fleur raised a questioning eyebrow. "What about him?"

Rosaline tilted her head thoughtfully, looking off into the distance. "I don't think I entirely believe his story."

Fleur's expression shifted to one of surprise. "What do you mean?" she asked. "You don't think he was there to help you? I thought that was the story you told my father."

"Oh, he was there," Rosaline clarified, glancing sideways at Fleur. "But … I don't think it was mere luck that he was able to help me. The way he moved, the look in his eyes … well, I know that I wouldn't want to duel him, put it that way."

Fleur's eyes widened as she studied her cousin. Rosaline was not one to speak lightly of dueling prowess. The fact that Harry had made such an impression was intriguing.

"Well," Fleur began slowly, "he is known as the Boy Who Lived. Maybe he's more capable than he looks."

"Indeed." Rosaline said before looking at Fleur, giving her a small, wry smile, a glint in her eyes. "Although, last night … there was another thing that surprised me as well."

Fleur felt a warm flush creep up her cheeks, even as she tried to maintain an air of indifference. "Oh?" she asked, attempting nonchalance. "What else surprised you?"

Rosaline chuckled softly, glancing at her with a knowing smile. "It seems like you might have a little crush on Harry Potter."

Fleur felt her cheeks flame as she sputtered in response. "What? I—I do not have a crush on Harry Potter!" she exclaimed, shaking her head fervently. "It's just … he's very kind. And brave. I don't think I've ever met someone like him before. And—" She caught herself, embarrassed, and trailed off as Rosaline laughed, her laughter ringing lightly in the morning air.

"Is that so?" Rosaline teased. "I may be mistaken but I could have sworn you were staring at him more than at your food last night."

"I most certainly was not." Fleur said, trying to compose herself, brushing off her embarrassment with a shake of her head. "It does not matter, anyways. He has a girlfriend."

Rosaline shrugged as if this were a minor inconvenience. "That's hardly stopped others before, ma chère. You wouldn't be the first Veela to … sway a potential partner out of a relationship."

Fleur stared at Rosaline, scandalized, as her cousin gestured at her, indicating Fleur's appearance. "And I don't think Harry would have any reason to complain," Rosaline added, her tone playful.

"Rosaline!" Fleur exclaimed, her cheeks still flushed. "I could never do something like that." She trailed off, her voice softening as her gaze shifted downward. "Not that it would matter anyway. He is … immune to Veela allure."

For a moment, Rosaline was speechless, her mouth falling open. "Really?" she asked, astonished. "That should not be possible—not in someone so young."

Fleur nodded slightly, biting her lip as she recalled the memory.

Rosaline shook her head in amazement, a smile growing on her face. "Well, that does bring up an interesting question, Fleur." She smirked, crossing her arms and arching a brow. "How would you know he's immune to your allure … unless you've already tried?"

A reluctant laugh escaped Fleur, her cheeks still pink. "It wasn't as intentional as you're suggesting," she defended herself, her smile rueful. "It was more … him being in the wrong place at the wrong time. I lost control of my allure outside of the Great Hall and was surprised to find out that he was seemingly completely unaffected." She shook her head slightly, still bewildered at the memory.

Rosaline studied her for a long moment before nodding slowly. "Well, then, it seems you're in quite a difficult spot." She offered a sympathetic smile before looping her arm through Fleur's. "Let's get breakfast. I'm sure your parents are eager to take Gabrielle and me back home today, so I'm looking forward to spending as much time with you until then, as I can."

As they turned back toward the castle, Rosaline added with a mischievous glint, "Perhaps we'll get lucky and 'bump' into Harry along the way, hm?"

Fleur shot her cousin a playful glare. "Do not tease, Rosaline. We do not need to 'bump' into him."

"Oh, don't we?" Rosaline laughed as they walked back towards the castle, their conversation turning to lighter topics.

They entered the Great Hall, where breakfast was in full swing. Unconsciously, Fleur cast a quick, covert glance around the tables, but Harry was nowhere in sight. She was surprised at the small pang of disappointment she felt as she settled into her seat beside Rosaline. However, as she began reaching for the fruit she was surprised by the amount of people looking from her to the newspapers that were being passed back and forth.

- HP - SC - HP - SC - HP - SC - HP - SC - HP - SC - HP -

The morning had been a blur of goodbyes, hugs, and quiet reassurances from her family, but once they were gone, the reality of returning to Hogwarts life had set in. After the Daily Prophet article covering both the Second Task and what had happened immediately afterwards, she'd felt the weight of too many stares, too many whispers following her around. She hoped the library would be deserted and quiet enough that she would be allowed a moment of peace.

She released a sigh of relief as she stepped inside, feeling the tension ease slightly in the silence of the vast room. Scanning the shelves, she found a book on dueling and tucked it under her arm, before she began wandering around the tall shelves, her eyes searching for a secluded table. But as she rounded a corner, though, she froze.

Hermione Granger was sitting alone at a nearby table, her gaze focused on a thick textbook. Before Fleur could turn back around and retreat, Hermione looked up, her eyes widening slightly as she took in Fleur's presence. For a moment, they stared at each other, unsure of what to say.

Hermione broke the silence, her voice quiet but unmistakably wary. "If you're looking for Harry, he's not here."

The hesitation in her voice stung, and Fleur's initial instinct to retreat was replaced by a desire to clear the air. She took a step forward, then another, gathering her courage, and sat down across from Hermione. "I'm not looking for 'arry," she replied, her voice gentle. "I just came here to … escape. To try to avoid everyone, all the ones who read the Daily Prophet." She shook her head, looking down at her book with a sad smile. "It feels as if everyone has read this morning's article and can't stop staring at me."

Hermione let out a hollow chuckle, her eyes softening a little as she glanced around before looking back at Fleur. "Well, you're not the only one," she replied, her voice softer than before, her gaze finally meeting Fleur's.

Fleur nodded, a pang of sympathy in her chest. "I am … sorry, 'ermione. I never meant to put you—or 'arry—in any difficult situation." She hesitated, her gaze falling. "Yesterday … that task, it was difficult. When I couldn't retrieve Gabrielle, I … I panicked. And the longer I was at the surface without her, the worse it became. I felt so helpless … and then, suddenly, 'arry surfaced with her, and I was just… overwhelmed in that moment, I couldn't help my emotions."

Hermione's expression softened, a flicker of understanding and sympathy crossing her face. "I understand," she said, her tone gentle. She gave a slight nod, her earlier guarded expression easing. "I … can understand that. It must have been terrifying, especially with your sister involved. And Harry … well, he wouldn't have left your sister down there, not if he could do something about it."

Fleur nodded, feeling a sense of relief that Hermione understood. She looked down at her hands, which were fidgeting with the edge of her book. "Truly, 'ermione … you have nothing to worry about," she said earnestly, her gaze meeting Hermione's. "Seeing him, seeing that he went out of his way to help her … I was grateful, of course. But … I was just grateful that 'arry saved my sister. That was all. Besides," she added, with a small smile on her face, her gaze meeting Hermione's, "it is obvious how much he cares for you."

Hermione's cheeks flushed slightly, and a slight smile broke through Hermione's guarded expression, and she let out a breath, looking down at her hands. "I know he does," she said softly. "But you're … you're a Veela, and just so …" Her voice trailed off as she blushed furiously, looking down at the table. "… so gorgeous," she finished in a whisper.

Fleur's lips curved into a smile, an eyebrow arching with faint amusement. "My appearance," she said gently, "means nothing to a man in love."

Hermione looked up, surprise and a glimmer of hope in her eyes. But, before Hermione could respond, Fleur continued, smiling. "And as far as appearances go," she said, a playful light in her eyes, "well, I was hardly the only one being admired that night at the Yule Ball."

Hermione gave a slight shake of her head, but Fleur laughed quietly. "It's true," she insisted, her voice warm. "'arry was not the only one in that ballroom who appreciated how that dress looked on you. You were radiant."

Hermione's blush deepened, and she looked down, clearly flustered. Fleur's smile grew as she added, her voice gentle. "It was incredibly flattering on you. And now that I think of it …" She paused, considering her words carefully. "It certainly looked to be almost the same shade as a certain someone's eyes, non?"

Hermione looked up, a soft smile touching her lips, as she gave a small, almost shy nod.

Kind Regards,

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Story Note 1 – A small little chapter to build on this story from the perspective of Hermione and Fleur, specifically written for everyone who is wondering how the three characters will come together. There will be a couple of these chapters coming up, although in general they shall be a little longer. Mostly as a way to pass along information to help the reader understand parts of the story that are beyond what is immediately relevant and known to Harry. Enjoy the Horcrux hunt next week!

Story Note 2 – Rosaline has 'mostly' played her part for now, but she will certainly have an important part to play coming up so for anyone that really liked her inclusion and is hoping for more. Do not worry, she'll be back!

Story Note 3 – Looks like Fleur and Hermione have started interacting, obviously an important occurrence for this story. I do look forward to hearing your feedback on how this chapter came together and how it was received!

Story Note 4 – Had gone back and rewritten this chapter slightly so this will be overlapping the events of the previous chapter. (just for anyone trying to figure out when this is happening temporally)

Thanks to those of you out to those of you who enjoy my stories, I promise to keep updating the stories as long as you enjoy them, and a special thanks to those of you who have taken the time to leave feedback or reach out to me directly.

Author Note 2 – All feedback is welcome (hopefully constructive!) Looking forward to what you think! Once again, thanks for all the reviews and feedback on this story, I'm excited that it has been well received. Obviously, I love people telling me they enjoy the chapters (keep it up if you do) but I really enjoy the constructive criticism as well. One of the earliest pieces of feedback I got was that Fred/George dialogue was rough – so as a result I changed it and really like the way it is coming across now (a sentiment that seems to be universally shared by everyone's' reviews as well). Also please continue to share ideas or requests as to things you wish to occur in the stories. I love the suggestions. And try to incorporate what I can.

Author Note 3 – I have started posting polls, having been getting really helpful feedback from some readers and thought I would make it easier for anyone to provide feedback on the stories they are liking without having to reach out directly. Thanks in advance for anyone who follows up.

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Hudy Leak613, Guest x 4, OfInkAndQuill - Thanks so much for the feedback and I really hope you continue enjoying the story going forward!

Wanderer Chronicles - I can't begin to describe the feelings of joy I get when I find a story to binge and go at it for a couple days! Really happy you chose to enjoy this one! As for the descriptions thanks so much. Characterizations were so important and I find the characters themselves to be almost as important to the plot itself so I made sure to focus on the characters as poorly written characters can certainly ruin a story.

skotos07 - Hello again! Good to see you! Thanks for the review and really hoped you enjoyed todays national day (still can't believe the second is an actual one ... but certainly fits this story well)

john mainer - That is such a good take and I am so glad you picked up on it! Hope you keep enjoying the story!

cameron1812 - He will certainly have some important moments to play in the story going forward but building him is definitely a back plot for the overall story.

Guest - I'm really glad you are enjoying the story! Also unrelated note but happy national pretend to be a time traveller day! Definitely a fair point about the dialogue ... I think in the mid 20's I started changing the dialogue. Let me know how you like it when you catch up. Although dialogue is still something I'm working with a bit.

Hands Off MY Wolfie - I'd imagine there will be a wrench thrown into the mix soo enough!

KYKid942 - I promise this will certainly not take nearly that long. Bones within a couple chapters and Malfoy several after that. But playing the long game is neat. On an unrelated note ... any other potential teasers that you managed to catch ...

Monkey D. Conan - That's totally a fair take and can see that it is a little intense in comparison to most of the other chapter but I felt it helped explain how Draco is who he is.

Fenrir070 - Really appreciate that take :) I definitely agree that the canon Dumbledore comes off ... a little rough at points which is a shame as there is so much potential to write a caring Dumbledore who still has faults. Haha I had looked that up and loved it. Thank you so much! Enjoy the upcoming chapters!

N7 Greek-Valkyrie - Well here is one part. Fleur meeting Hermione and getting that ball rolling, or at least bringing that ball to the hill so it can start rolling. Up next ... Horcrux hunt (next chapter).

Guest - Whew! It's a really good thing he didn't wait too long!