It was the Easter holidays during Fleur's second year at Beauxbatons, and Fleur was currently nestled in Harry's arms, merrily catching up with her best friend.
"...and I made a new friend! And guess what? It's a boy!", shared Fleur excitedly.
Harry stiffened slightly. "A boy? I thought none of the boys at school could even talk to you?" Harry wasn't sure why, but his stomach felt a little funny all of a sudden.
Fleur turned to look into Harry's eyes – oh how she loved his eyes – and recognised the expression; she had worn a similar one a couple of years ago. Even if Harry didn't recognise his own emotions, Fleur did, and it caused her to chuckle. "Oh 'arry, my cherished, are you jealous?!"
Harry looked unsure. Was he jealous? Why would he be jealous of Fleur having another male friend?
Fleur chuckled again, this time at Harry's confused face, then put him out of his misery. "The reason he can talk to me, my jealous friend, is because he's gay. So my Allure doesn't affect him!"
"Oh", was Harry's immediate reply. Then, as the feeling in his stomach disappeared, he gave a small smile and continued. "Oh, I see. Well, tell me about your new friend, Fleur."
Fleur laughed lightly, then kissed Harry's cheek affectionately. "You're too cute, my cherished. Well, his name is Jean, and he needed some help with potions..."
...
Cheveu was looking forward to today. She didn't get to see her little brother and his 'definitely-not-girlfriend' often enough, especially since she started at Hogwarts. But after begging Uncle Siri to arrange something, the day had been planned, and now all she had to do was wait for him to turn up.
"Boo!" came a voice from just behind her.
"Aaaargh!" Cheveu jumped, tried to turn around, and managed to trip and fall over. "Uncle Siri! That's not funny!" she pouted.
Sirius looked very pleased with himself. "Depends on your perspective. From up here, it was very funny."
Cheveu got up off the floor and promptly whacked Sirius. 'Totally worth it', he thought.
"Are you going to bully your favourite uncle all day, or are we going to get going?" grinned Sirius.
Cheveu looked thoughtful. "Is 'both' an option?"
Sirius laughed, then grabbed Cheveu and apparated her to the Delacours.
Once inside, Cheveu called loudly, "hey lovebirds? Am I finally going to catch you two kissing?"
Sirius chuckled. Little Gabrielle must have been nearby, as she was the first to come running into the hallway. "Uncle Siri! Hair Lady!"
Sirius picked up Gabrielle, spun her around, then popped her back on the floor. But Gabrielle had an important question. "Uncle Siri, what did Hair Lady say?"
Sirius laughed, then decided to be nice – for now. Smiling fondly at Gabrielle, he replied, "She's just teasing Fleur and Harry, that's all"
At that moment, Fleur and Harry came downstairs; the timing was too perfect. "And what were you two doing, all alone in Fleur's room?", Cheveu half-shouted in mock outrage.
Fleur fought down a blush. "Just catching up, Cheveu; nothing you're hoping for". Fleur quickly changed the subject. "So, what did you choose for today, Gabrielle?"
Gabrielle gave a big, excited smile. "We're going to see 'arry's snake friends!"
...
"Harry!"
"Where?!"
"Right there, Barry, just like always!"
"Look! It's Harry! He's come to visit, Geoff!"
"Yes, I know, I just... oh, nevermind."
Harry chuckled at the snakes. "Hi Geoff, hi Barry. How are you?"
"If we said 'hungry' would that be getting to the point a bit quickly?", enquired Barry.
"Of course it would, you idiot! Besides, you ate two weeks ago, so you're probably more 'peckish' than 'hungry'."
Harry could almost see the confused look on Barry's face. "What's the difference, Geoff?"
"Barry, would you eat a rat if Idiot Simon came and gave you one?"
"Urgh, no. I bet he would as well, wouldn't he? Simon's the worst."
Geoff nodded in agreement, then made his point. "There you go. Hungry is when you're willing to eat rat for the fifth month in a row. Peckish is when you don't need to eat, but you would if it's something good."
"Like vole", Barry stated, Matter-of-factly.
"Speaking of which..." hinted Geoff.
Fleur, who was at her rightful place - holding Harry's left hand in her right – interrupted. "'arry, you need to translate! We want to know what you're smiling about!"
Gabrielle, who was holding Fleur's left hand, nodded her agreement. Cheveu just assumed Fleur had said what was on everyone's mind, and nodded too.
Harry did so, but before the girls could begin any conversation – and before Barry and Geoff could start getting too impatient – the man of the hour, Sebastian Delacour, appeared.
"Vole Wizard!"
"Our culinary saviour has arrived!
"What does 'culinary' mean, Geoff?"
"Oh, for Pete's sake..."
"Is that what Vole Wizard is actually called, Harry? Is he called Pete?"
Harry was largely successful in holding in his laughter. "No, his real name is definitely Vole Wizard. Anyway, what shall I ask for you?"
"VOOOOOOOOOLE!"
Geoff shook his snake head in disappointment. "Every time. Erm... Can Vole Wizard do one of those burrowing things in the enclosure behind us?"
Harry looked a little confused. "The... Aardvarks? How come?"
Geoff, somehow, giggled. "Can you imagine the look of horror on Idiot Simon's face when he sees me throw up aardvark remains in our cage?"
Harry barely managed to translate to the others before he succumbed to laughter... along with most of the group.
...
Later, whilst Harry was reading Gabrielle her bedtime stories, Cheveu and Fleur were catching up.
"So you're still waiting, huh?" Cheveu asked sympathetically.
Fleur nodded. "I think I may be waiting a while. 'e's clueless about it all."
Cheveu gave a mischievous smile. "Despite all your efforts?"
Fleur blushed, though couldn't deny it. "Per'aps. At least I 'aven't just grabbed 'arry and kissed 'im."
Cheveu giggled at that. Fleur, however, continued on a more serious note. "'onestly, Cheveu? I think I'll be waiting a long while, and not just for 'arry to notice girls"
Cheveu's giggled ended and she gave Fleur a curious look. "What do you mean?"
Fleur gave a heavy sigh. "'aving a relationship when we are in different schools will be very 'ard. Per'aps it would be better to wait."
Cheveu looked shocked. "But... but... you love him!"
Fleur nodded, sadly. "'e may not even like me that way. And if 'e does, I want our relationship to work."
Cheveu looked suspiciously. "That's not something a twelve year old comes up with herself."
Fleur gave a small, sad smile. "Something Mama said a few years ago. I didn't want to believe it at first, but... at Beauxbatons, there are some that tried dating from another school, but the distance... it was always too much."
Cheveu just hugged Fleur. Maybe, when Harry joined Hogwarts, she could try to make sure the girls all knew he was best friends with a pretty French Veela who adored him?
...
A few days later, after the Harry weekend was over, Fleur had an important question. "Mama, Papa? Can I ask you something?"
"Of course, my angel", came Appoline's reply.
"I had a custom-made wand when I started school, no?", began Fleur.
"That's right, my angel. Why do you ask?", countered Sebastian... though he had a sneaking suspicion of where this conversation was going.
Fleur blushed. What she was about to suggest was very personal. "I was wondering – could 'arry have a custom made wand when he starts school?"
Sebastian, to check it wasn't what Fleur meant, replied, "Your grandmother barely knows 'arry, my angel, that would be unlikely to work."
Fleur shook her head, blushing deeper. "No, Papa, I wasn't thinking about Grandmother's hair. I thinking about mine."
Appoline and Sebastian shared a knowing look. What Fleur was suggesting heavily implied her feelings for Harry. Oh, it would be reasonable for a family member to suggest such a thing. Even for Appoline, as Harry's Godmother. But for just a friend, even a best friend?
Nonetheless, Appoline knew Fleur's hair was likely too weak to work. Unless... "Angel, your Veela magic would not be strong enough. Which means your hair, alone, wouldn't be a strong enough core."
Fleur's face fell. She had thought that might be a possibility, but she loved Harry and wanted to at least try! "Are you sure, Mama? Couldn't we at least try? Even if it turned out..." A pause, and then, "...wait, what did you mean, 'my hair alone'?"
Appoline smiled knowingly. "I had considered offering one of my own hairs, though I didn't know if that would be enough. You know your Grandmother is more magically powerful than even I am. But perhaps a wand with a hair from each of us?"
Fleur threw her arms around Appoline in joyous hope. "Oh, Mama, can we really?!"
Appoline nodded, while Sebastian qualified. "We can give it a try, though not until 'arry visits in August"
Fleur looked a bit out out. "Why wait that long? Why not try now?"
Sebastian and Appoline shared a look of... could that be amusement? Fleur knew it had to be, when Sebastian replied. "For a great practical joke. And, as a lesser reason, a benefit to 'arry."
...
Three months later, and Harry was having an exciting day out with two of his uncles.
"What's next on the list? Which shop are we going into?" Harry asked eagerly.
"Madam Malkin's, for your wizarding robes", replied Remus.
"Robes? Like the things everyone in the alley seem to be wearing?" Harry checked.
"Sort of. You're thinking about cloaks, which are a part of it. Think of robes as your new school uniform", Remus answered.
"Oh, I see. Thanks, Uncle Remus!", replied Harry.
"And then, we'll be finished with the boring things!" declared Sirius.
Remus just shook his head and smiled, whilst Harry sniggered. Sirius defended his comment. "What? After this, we've just got the exciting stuff left – your familiar, your wand, your broom, and spending money!"
Remus shook his head again. "A broom? Really, Padfoot?"
Sirius nodded emphatically. "He's a natural on a broom, and that's after criminally few flying lessons this last year! Why, I reckon he could've been seeker without any lessons at all!"
Remus smiled and shook his head, again. He knew he couldn't argue with his best (and least mature?) friend when Sirius was like this, so decided not to even bother. "Well, if you want to buy him a broom, then it's your money, Padfoot."
...
After robes ("Yeah, Fleur's going to love those" "shut up Uncle Sirius"), a broom ("A Nimbus 2000? Really, Padfoot?"), a wand ("Well, that was ominous") and a familiar ("Are you sure you didn't want that cat?" "It does eat rats" "No Uncle Remus, Uncle Sirius; I wanted the snowy owl!"), the three had entered the bank. And after a long, wild ride through the bank, they arrived at Harry's vault.
Once the goblin – Griphook – had opened the vault, Sirius started laughing. "Wow, I guess you really could afford those school supplies yourself!"
Remus, chuckling, nodded. "You've almost got as much money saved as I do, and I have a job!"
Harry, once he was over his initial shock, turned to Griphook and smiled hopefully. "Can I transfer half of this to a vault I have with your French branch?"
This time, Remus burst out laughing along with Sirius. The boy hadn't even started noticing girls yet, and he had it bad!
...
A week later, Harry was out shopping again, this time with the Delacours. Though he wasn't entirely sure why. He was even more confused when Appoline led him towards a wand maker's.
"Aunt Appoline? But I already have a wand. Do I need two?", Harry asked.
Appoline grinned. "No, you don't need two, though don't mention you already have one. It's unlikely, but it might just spoil things."
Harry just gave his Godmother a bewildered look, and followed her, Sebastian, Fleur and Gabrielle inside.
"Ah, good afternoon Mr and Mrs Delacour, Miss Delacour, and... Mr and Miss Delacour the younger?" enquired the wandmaker.
Appoline smiled her reply. "Almost. The youngest is indeed ours, but this fine gentleman is our Godson, Harry. He lives with his Muggle relatives, so we volunteered to help him today." Not quite a lie, but deceit by omission.
"Ah, how very good of you. You will want to see our stock, then?" asked the wandmaker.
"Actually, we were hoping for another custom order", replied Appoline.
The wandmaker smiled knowingly. "I see! Who's hair am I using this time? Your mother's again, Mrs. Delacour?"
Appoline shook her head with a grin. "Actually, we were wondering if you could try something a little different".
...
A few hours later, Harry held his new wand – his new new wand, really, as the other was still new – in his hand. 11 inches, Redwood, with three entwined Veela hairs as the core. Because, once Gabrielle had heard what Fleur and Appoline had planned, she was determined to add a hair of her own. Whilst her hair didn't carry much magic, the French wandmaker said there was some magic there, and it wouldn't hurt.
Harry, however, was still confused. "But why did I get my other wand if I was just going to get this one?"
Sebastian grinned. "Because ministries of magic are idiots, and we want you to have fun."
"And be able to protect yourself without worry", Appoline interjected.
Harry was now really confused. "Huh?"
Sebastian smiled and explained. "'arry, most wizards only have one wand. The English and the French ministries of magic monitor the magic cast by each wand, but only in their respective countries. So the French will monitor that wand – for any magic cast in France. And the English will monitor magic cast by your other wand... In England. But if you use your Veela wand in England or your Phoenix wand in France..."
Harry blinked. "They couldn't monitor it? But why does that matter?"
Appoline answered the question. "Because you aren't meant to use your wand outside of school until you turn seventeen. Though your home with the Dursleys will be monitored separately, as with all homes where a magical child loves with muggles, so don't use either wand there."
Harry looked surprised for a few moments, then his smile grew.
...
Later, after the shopping trip was over, Sirius dropped by the Delacours for a surprise.
"Uncle Woof!" called Gabrielle, before leaping into Sirius' arms. She had learned the nickname from Harry, primarily as Harry felt too old to continue using it but didn't want to see the nickname completely disappear.
"Hello Gabrielle! Just the person I came to see!", Sirius replied.
Gabrielle's eyes opened in wonder. Uncle Woof came just to see her?!
"Go and get everyone, I have a present you'll like." Sirius instructed, putting Gabrielle down.
Gabrielle eagerly ran to get the rest of her family – Harry included – and after several hugs everyone was sat down in the living room.
Gabrielle, as the youngest and therefore most impatient, spoke first. "What is it, Uncle Woof?"
Sirius pulled a bag out of his pocket, unshrink it, then pulled out six mirrors. "Tada!"
Gabrielle looked excited those looked just like... "Magic mirrors, Sirius?", asked Sebastian.
Sirius nodded. "But better than the last ones. These have loads more charms on them – anti-theft, privacy, indestructible to name a few. And, best of all – they're all linked together. Including to the ones that Remus and Cheveu have."
Gabrielle looked a bit uncertain. "So can I talk to 'arry and Fleur with these?"
Sirius smiled and nodded, handing Gabrielle her mirror before handing the others around. "One each, including to Harry and Fleur. Then, just ask for the person you want to speak to, like this: Oi! Moony! Remus Lupin"
Sirius turned his mirror around, and everyone could Remus appear. "Hello everyone! I see Sirius brought your presents! Don't trust what he says, I did the hardest parts."
The room filled with light laughter, as Sirius pouted. "Hey, no fair! I did some of the difficult charms!"
In the meantime, Gabrielle ran and threw her arms around Sirius. "Now I can talk to my big sister and brother when they're away! Thank you, Uncle Woof! Thank you Uncle Remus!"
Sirius was then positively bombarded with thankful hugs.
...
A couple of weeks later, and the summer had ended. Thirteen year old Fleur was ready to start her third year at Beauxbatons. Fifteen year old Cheveu was ready to start her fifth year at Hogwarts. And Harry? Eleven year old Harry was ready to start his first year at Hogwarts.
chapter 12
...
Sirius, Remus, Harry and Cheveu were on Platform 9 and ¾. Harry was feeling nervous and excited – he was finally going to learn magic! Cheveu was feeling happy – finally, her little brother would be joining her at school!
But before they got on the train, Sirius and Remus wanted to reiterate one major point.
"Now, remember: there's a powerful magical artefact being hidden in the school. Anyone you meet would want it. Your task, if you can manage it, is to stop it falling into the wrong hands", began Sirius.
"Sirius isn't exaggerating, Harry. You must stop anyone with the wrong motives from getting their hands on it. Ideally, you would get to it first; you can't imagine the rewards for being the owner of such an item", Remus continued.
Harry nodded, a serious expression on his face. "It sounds dangerous, Uncle Remus"
Sirius shook his head. "On its own, the artefact is of no danger whatsoever. But in the wrong hands it could be really bad. And if one of the most powerful wizards of our time got their hands on it, it could be a disaster."
Remus nodded his agreement, his face grave.
Harry nodded. He would do this: he would protect the magical artefact and stop it falling into the wrong hands. He and Cheveu together. "Remind us, Uncle Sirius, Uncle Remus. What is this artefact called again?"
"The marauder's map" said Sirius and Remus together.
"And the reason you don't want Dumbledore to get his hands on it?" asked Cheveu.
Sirius gave Cheveu a grave expression of his own. "He would spoil all the fun"
...
After waving goodbye to Sirius and Remus, Cheveu and Harry found an empty compartment. Given they were fairly early, this wasn't a problem.
"So little bro, excited?", asked Cheveu.
Harry nodded. "Definitely! But also sort of nervous. It's weird thinking that I might be famous at school, but I want to do well, and make everyone proud."
Cheveu frowned and shook her head. "No, no, no! That sounds too much like Uncle Remus! You should want to have fun, get into trouble, rescue our Uncles' special map!" A pause, and then: "Plus, hang out with your big sister way more than you could do last year!"
Harry smiled at that last suggestion. He really hadn't been able to see much of his magical family, and to be able to spend the term with at least Cheveu was something Harry was eagerly looking forward to. Plus, with his new and improved mirrors, he could see any of his magical family whenever he wanted to!
"Ok, ok, I can make everyone proud and have fun doing it. Deal, big sis?" Harry held out his hand.
Cheveu laughed, grabbed Harry's hand and used it to pull him into a side-hug. "Deal!"
...
Several of Cheveu's friends dipped in and out during the train ride, and most seemed shocked at how close Cheveu was to Harry: "But he's Harry Potter!" "How come you never introduced us?" "I thought you were joking when you said he was like your little brother!" "I... But... How?!".
There was also a brief interlude when two first years had entered the carriage, looking for a toad. "Sorry, we haven't seen one, have we little bro?" "That's right, sorry!". The girl had looked curiously at Harry for a moment, but shook her head and left on the Toad Hunt.
For the most part, though, Harry and Cheveu were able to spend the train ride just chatting, giggling, playing games and enjoying their time together.
Eventually, the train arrived and Harry and Cheveu got off. As Sirius had already explained earlier that day, Cheveu left to join her friends in a carriage, and Harry joined the first years on small boats across the lake. As chance would have it, he joined the boy and girl he had met earlier – Neville Longbottom and Hermione Granger – in a boat, and after one gorgeous view of the lake later, the first years were ready to be sorted.
Harry smiled at the conversations around him – "...fight a troll!" "...studied as much as I can..." "...happens if I don't get sorted?" – clearly some of the students hadn't been told about the hat. Sirius and Remus had told him, if only to advise he actually have a proper conversation with a cool magical artefact (of which there appeared to be many at Hogwarts, Harry thought).
The first years were led into the Great hall, and one by one were called to put on the hat. When it was Harry's turn, he felt a bit weirded out - everyone was paying special attention to him, but he was just like the other first years!
Trying to ignore the stares, Harry walked up to the front of the great hall, sat down, and put the hat on his head.
'Hello! I'm Harry, and I've been looking forward to meeting you!', Harry thought/spoke.
'I... Well now, have you really? And why is that?', asked the hat.
'Well, my uncles – Sirius Black and Remus Lupin – told me how you've been around since the school was built! That's so cool; You must have some really great stories!', Harry thought eagerly.
'Hmmm... well, since you've asked so nicely, let me tell you a short one. It was during the early days, and Godric Gryffindor had taken me on an adventure to some mountains...'
...
Minerva McGonagall was getting worried. She had never heard of the sorting hat taking over five minutes for a sorting, and here they were at nearly ten. Though her worry turned to disbelief when young Mr. Potter actually laughed! Was the hat having a chat with the boy?! Minerva cleared her throat loudly, and a few seconds later a guilty-sounding "Er... Gryffindor!" sounded from the hat. And Harry had the audacity to actually wave at the hat, and mutter a "speak soon!" that she heard, even if the rest of the hall didn't. Honestly.
As for Harry, he thought that he would have to speak to the hat again soon; who would have thought Godric Gryffindor hated bees that much?! What other stories might the hat have?
As Harry joined his house table – smiling at the loud chant of "we got Potter" despite himself – he caught Cheveu's eye. She had a look of outrage on her face that even Harry could see was fake, so he merely smiled innocently, shrugged, and watched the rest of the sorting.
After the sorting, and after Harry had eaten and was talking to some of his fellow Gryffindors, two hands covered his eyes, and a voice asked, "Guess who?!" Before Harry could even answer the obvious question, a voice called across the hall: "Ms. Tonks, what are you doing?! Leave that student alone!"
Harry, however, paid no attention to the second voice. He speedily got up from his seat, turned to his attacker, and threw his arms around her in a tight hug. "Cheveu! Couldn't even wait half an hour to see your little brother again?", Harry asked cheekily.
Clearly, this wasn't what most of the occupants of the great hall had been expecting; Professor Sprout most of all, who's planned admonishment died in her throat. Harry and Cheveu, either ignoring the attention or oblivious to it, carried on the conversation.
"Oi, cheeky! Actually, just wondering what stories the hat shared; your face told me they were good!"
Harry nodded, but before he could say anything Dumbledore had stood up, grandfatherly smile at his lips and a twinkle in his eye. "It's wonderful to see friendships across houses, though I must interrupt to ask perfects to show first years to their rooms; you will all have an exciting week of learning ahead, and would do well to be well-rested!"
...
Once he was at Gryffindor tower, Harry took out his mirror. But no sooner had he done so he found himself surrounded by his fellow Gryffindors who were obviously keen to get to know him. Sirius and Remus had encouraged him to make as many friends as he could, so Harry smiled and tried to do so. He already considered Hermione and Neville sort-of-friends, and Ron seemed like an easy person to get on with too. But when his mirror vibrated and a very special voice called "'arry?", his resolve broke and he politely turned to the group and stated, "Erm, can you give me a few minutes? My best friend is calling."
The others look confused at Harry's request; doubly so when Harry pulled out his mirror, triply so when he started speaking French! "Fleur! It's so good to speak to you! How is Beauxbatons?"
"School is good, for the most part. But 'arry, am I interrupting? I can see other people around." Fleur asked, concerned.
Harry's slightly guilty face had given Fleur her answer, though if it hadn't then Hermione's incoming question barrage, which Fleur could just about hear, would have: "How can you make a phone call in Hogwarts? Who are you speaking to? Is that French? Why are you holding that mirror?"
Harry smiled, turned the mirror around, and introduced Fleur to his new friends. "This is Fleur, my best friend. I can speak to her, and a few other people, through this magic mirror.
"Fleur, this is Hermione, Neville and Ron, my newest friends."
Fleur waved in greeting, then tried not to giggle at their reactions. Hermione looked amazed, which was reasonable – the mirrors were impressive magical creations. But poor Neville was blushing, and Ron just blurted out, "you've got a best friend already?", in a very impressed tone.
Harry chuckled. School would be interesting, it seemed.
...
The next morning, Harry was up early. He had someone he wanted to speak to, and he needed to catch them quickly before they were occupied for the day. Making his way down to the common room, and to a comfy sofa, Harry took his mirror out of his cloak and called, "Gabrielle? Are you there?"
A few seconds of waiting, and then, "'arry! Hello 'arry! You called me!" came the excited voice, and Gabrielle's big, beaming, five year old face appeared in the mirror.
Harry smiled at his little sister's excitement. "Of course I did! Your big brother promised he would call you often. Now, do you want to hear about Hogwarts, or do you want to tell me about your week?"
Gabrielle smiled hopefully. "Both?"
Harry chuckled. "As long as I don't make you late for nursery. So, Hogwarts..."
...
Hermione had never felt so many different emotions at once. She was overwhelmed, excited, restless, curious, eager, and also confused. And when she had woken up early and couldn't sleep any more, she got dressed, came down to the common room, and found the source of her confusion.
"...already? Can I meet some of your friends too?" came a French voice from Harry's mirror. This one, however, sounded different to the older girl from last night – this was younger.
Harry, noticing Hermione's excellent timing, smiled and waved at her. Then, he answered Gabrielle's question. "Apparently so. Hermione, one of my new friends, has just woken up it seems. Would you like to say hello?"
Gabrielle nodded eagerly, so Harry beckoned Hermione over. Hermione, a little unsure, came and sat next to Harry so they could both see the mirror. Once she did, she saw an adorable little girl in bunny rabbit pyjamas, looking at her excitedly. "Hello! I'm Gabrielle, Harry's little sister! What's your name?"
Harry started to respond to Gabrielle – "Gabrielle, I'm not sure if Hermione can speak..." – but Hermione surprised him by interrupting.
"Hello Gabrielle. My name is Hermione. It's nice to meet you", she replied, slowly and carefully.
"It's nice to meet you too! Have you learned any magic yet? Can I see?", asked an eager Gabrielle.
Seeing that Hermione looked a little lost, Harry answered for her. "It's only our first day, my little fly, and Hermione didn't know she was a witch until recently. I'm sure once she learns some spells she'll show you.". Then after getting a quick translation of the words she didn't understand – "magic", "witch" and "spells" – Hermione nodded and carefully replied. "Of course, Gabrielle. I would be happy to."
Gabrielle looked pleased, then thought of another question she wanted to ask. "Did you meet my sister yesterday? She's the best big sister in the world."
Hermione was unsure. Did Gabrielle mean the older Hufflepuff who called Harry "little bro"? Or did she mean Harry's best friend from the mirror? Hermione decided just to ask. "I'm not sure. Who is your sister?"
Gabrielle nodded wisely at the question. "She's called Fleur and she's wonderful! I miss her when she's away at school." Ah. The girl from the mirror it is. But then, Hermione thought, why had Harry not referred to Fleur as a sister? This was very confusing! "I met her last night, in the..." Hermione tried to remember the right word. "...mirror? Just like this."
Gabrielle smiled at that. "Uncle Woof and Uncle Remus made them for us! Now we can all talk to each other when we want to. I spoke to Fleur before she had breakfast."
Hermione was struggling a little with how quickly Gabrielle was speaking, but also with the mention of so many relatives – none of whom were mentioned in the books about Harry! Had he been adopted, and no-one knew?
Harry, noticing the time (and also feeling hungry at the mention of breakfast), decided he would need to say goodbye. "Speaking of breakfast, my little fly, I should say goodbye for now – we need to eat, and you need to finish getting ready."
Gabrielle frowned, but knew Harry was right. "Can you tell me more about your school later?"
Harry wanted to agree, but with the timezone difference and Gabrielle's bedtime, he wasn't sure. "It depends when my lessons finish. If I get time I will, otherwise I'll call you tomorrow morning?"
Gabrielle considered for a moment, then decided it was the best she would get. "Ok. Love you, 'arry!"
Harry smiled broadly, and he replied honestly: "I love you too, my little fly."
...
Harry and Hermione were hungry, so as soon as one of the upper year students were available to show the way – a second year called Katie - they went down to breakfast together. On the way, Hermione couldn't help but ask the questions she had been considering last night and this morning.
"Harry, I don't understand. All of the books I've read about you say that you're an only child, like me, and that you grew up away from the magical world, in a castle", began Hermione, confused.
Harry groaned and shook his head. Gabrielle loved some of those books, so Harry had dutifully read them over and over. And over. "Urgh, those books are the worst!"
Hermione looked affronted. "What do you mean? They're books! Published books!"
Harry gave a pained expression. "And I've never spoken to any of the authors, nor has anyone I know. It's all made up rubbish, except the part about my parents being dead", Harry finished sadly.
Hermione looked shocked. How could that be? Books had been her constant companion since... well... since as long as she could remember!
At this point, Katie – who had been curiously listening in but had stayed out if the conversation, broke her silence. "Think about it – anyone can write a book, so all you need is to convince someone to publish it. I bet there's loads of books out there that get stuff wrong."
Rather than making Hermione feel better, Katie had made her feel horribly betrayed. "Well, I think that it's just terrible, making things up in a book. Well, except fiction books of course.
"But anyway, that still doesn't explain how you have two sisters – after all, both your parents died when you were an only child, right?"
Katie was shocked. "Hermione! Don't you think that's a bit harsh?"
Hermione then realised how she might have sounded. "Oh, but I didn't mean... I'm sorry, that came out really horrid, didn't it?"
Katie shook her head in disbelief, but Harry decided to answer; he had thought a lot about this over the years. "Family can be... biological?" Harry was sure that was the term Uncle Remus had used. "But it can also be chosen, like adoption."
"So you mean you were..." began Hermione, but was interrupted by Katie shushing her.
Harry continued. "But family can be other things too. All my Godparents are like my family – Sirius, Sebastian and Appoline – and Uncle Remus too, even if he's not a... biological uncle.
"And when I met Cheveu, she said she'd be my big sister, and we share an uncle anyway, and she's always treated me like a little brother.
Hermione looked desperate to interrupt, but kept herself in check whilst Harry continued. "And when Gabrielle was born – she's Sebastian and Appoline's youngest girl – Appoline said I would be her big brother and she would be my little sister. So I have lots of family, including two sisters."
Hermione was a bit sceptical about just declaring your family like that; she would have to do some reading, from a reliable book.
...
By the end of the week, Harry was bursting to tell Fleur everything that had happened. So on Friday evening, just after dinner, Harry was in his room, mirror in hand, calling out for Fleur.
"Hello 'arry. Miss me already?" Fleur asked, perhaps flirting a little.
"Of course!" Harry declared, as if it were obvious. "I always miss you! Anyway, I've got lots to tell you about my first week!"
Fleur blushed at Harry's earnest declaration, then cursed her hormones – would he always affect her so?
The next hour was spent with Harry describing his friends ("...Ron's friendly..." "...Hermione's nice but scary clever..." "...Neville is really shy..." "...Katie's funny..."), his lessons ("...and we've got an ex-auror teaching us Defence Against the Dark Arts!" "...In potions we've got a Professor and an Assistant Professor..."), and any other interesting thoughts ("...Katie says the team need a seeker..." "... Cheveu is looking after me..." "... I've spoken to Gabrielle quite a lot...").
Fleur was glad to hear Harry was happily settling in, and even more glad that (according to Cheveu) Harry didn't seem interested in any girls that way. She wished she could hold him, but their regular conversations were good – and they would just have to do for now.
...
Several hundred miles away, Tom Marvolo Riddle was half enraged, half terrified. He had, after much effort, managed to possess an unsuspecting Muggle and it had nearly killed him. But he had been able to gather some information about the wizarding world, and he was horrified!
All his Death Eaters either dead or captured – and they had been for about a decade! British wizarding laws changed in the most sickening way, stripping away most of the Pureblood rights and granting rights to lesser magical creatures! Even his curses on Hogwarts seemingly broken!
Tom had just begun considering what he could do when agony tore through his new body and then his wraith was ripped from the host. He was sure he almost died again right there, but rage gave him the ounce of strength he needed to withstand the assault and cling on.
But Tom knew: his situation was desperate. If he didn't find something to strengthen him, or someone to help him, he didn't know how he would survive the next few years. He didn't really know how he had survived this long.
chapter 13
Harry was bored. Really, really bored. It wasn't the professor's (well, assistant professor's) fault; after all, she was actually teaching the subject really well. Especially since she was teaching the class on her own today. It was just that Harry had learned the basics years ago, from Sebastian and Appoline.
So Harry sat in Potions, trying to look interested in information he already knew. And failing miserably. "Mr. Potter, is there a problem?", asked the assistant professor.
Harry looked into the eyes of the young woman. Apparently, she was training for her potion mastery and would be taking over when the... proper potions professor? real potions professor? main potions professor? retired.
Harry blinked away his tangential thoughts, then answered honestly; what's the worst that could happen? "Erm, I'm sorry professor, I didn't mean to look bored! You're teaching really well! It's just that I've been making the Cure for Boils since I was about seven, as it's one of the easier ones, so I... I already know what you're teaching."
The assistant professor looked sceptically at Harry. He grew up with muggles, so the stories went, and even if he didn't: who teaches their seven year old potions?! "Mr. Potter, I warn you now, I don't appreciate lying in my classroom."
Harry was insistent. "But professor, it's true! I really have been making that potion since I was seven!"
The Assistant Professor narrowed her eyes. Then, an idea popped into her head – one that would be win-win, whatever the outcome. "Ok, Mr. Potter. Here's what we'll do. You will attempt to make the Cure for Boils, right now. If you fail then that will be 20 points from Gryffindor and detention, for lying. If you succeed, it will be 20 points for Gryffindor, and we can discuss afterwards what other potions you can make."
Harry's expression brightened. "Ok!", he replied, then started collecting the ingredients. The right ingredients, the assistant professor noted.
"Well, class, let's see how Mr. Potter does. I'll talk you through each step as Mr. Potter makes his attempt – but only after Mr. Potter completes or fails each stage", the assistant professor explained.
...
Harry won 20 points for Gryffindor. His classmates were both surprised and amazed to varying degrees, and the assistant professor was impressed.
"As well as points, you've earned an apology, Mr. Potter. I'm sorry I doubted you."
Harry smiled happily, though he didn't think that potion was a big deal. "That's ok, Professor Jones."
Assistant Professor Hestia Jones returned Harry's smile. "So, what else can you brew? I want the full list so that Professor Slughorn and I can figure out how to stop you getting bored in our class!"
...
Later, over dinner, Harry was facing an interrogation. Perhaps even an inquisition. "How did you learn about potions when you were seven?", asked a half-impressed, half-outraged Hermione.
Harry shrugged. "My Delacour Godparents wanted to teach me and Fleur some magic, and since we didn't have wands it had to be potions."
Neville nodded understandingly. "My Gran taught me herbology for a similar reason, and I always loved spending time in the greenhouse."
Hermione, however, just wore a very worried – maybe even panicked -expression. "I'm so behind! I've got so much to catch up on! Maybe I should just skip dinner and read up? I'll never be a good witch otherwise!"
It was a small blessing that Professor McGonagall had noticed Hermione's expression, and had come over to investigate. "Miss. Granger, is everything alright?"
Hermione's words just gushed out of her mouth. "I'm so behind in class! I don't know anything! How can I catch up? Should I skip dinner? Or lunch? Maybe I can just eat quickly, then get some studying in before..."
McGonagall interrupted Hermione's tirade. "Miss. Granger, what has gotten into you? I've seen no problem with your school work over the last two weeks, and in fact your work in transfiguration is quite promising."
Hermione, unusually for her, disagreed with a teacher. "But Harry's been brewing potions for years, Neville's been doing herbology for years, Ron's been flying for years! I've got so much to catch up on!"
McGonagall shook her head. Then, having noted that Hermione had a good respect for authority, tried to reason with her from that perspective. "Miss. Granger, you are not expected to know any magic before starting Hogwarts. You are not expected to have read any books. You do not have to teach yourself – that is what your professors are for. Do you trust us professors to do our jobs?"
Hermione looked alarmed at the question. "Of course I do, Professor McGonagall!"
McGonagall gave a hint of a smile. "Then trust that we haven't failed you already, only two weeks into your magical education. You're doing well so far, Miss. Granger."
Whilst McGonagall didn't know it, she had been successful in putting Hermione's mind at ease, at least a little.
...
After dinner, Harry took the opportunity to tell Sebastian and Appoline about his potions class (well, after speaking to Fleur first, of course). "...and then I got 20 points for brewing it properly! Though it is an easy potion, so I don't know if I really deserved that many."
Appoline smiled. "It may be easy for you, but your classmates would struggle, especially from memory."
Sebastian continued, kindly. "Besides, I remember a seven-year old 'arry almost burning down the kitchen when he forgot to stir his potion properly."
Harry half-smiled, half-blushed at the memory. "Oh yeah... I guess potions aren't easy the first time!"
Appoline smiled fondly at Harry. "We're proud of you either way, 'arry. And we're glad you're doing well at school."
Sebastian grinned, then added, "Just make sure you take a bit of time to get into some trouble, my little fly."
Appoline laughed and shook her head. "Sebastian!"
...
There was one class where Harry was determined not to get into trouble. Not because he particularly enjoyed the subject matter (though he did), and not because the magic being learned was dangerous (it wasn't yet, but it would be). No, it was because of all the Professors at Hogwarts, there was one that you did not cross - something that, incidentally, a Slytherin student would be finding out later that day.
As Harry entered the classroom, took his seat, and looked at the stern expression on the Professor's face, his resolve was only strengthened. After all, only the foolish would mess about with an Auror (well, ex-auror). Particularly one like Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor Kingsley Shacklebolt.
Once the class had arrived, Professor Shacklebolt stood up and got the attention of the class. "Vampires. Polite enough if you stay on their good side, utterly vicious if you get on their bad side. If you met a vampire today and they wanted you dead, you would be dead. If you met one tomorrow, after this lesson – you would still be dead.
"I can't teach you how to defeat a vampire in just one hour, but I can teach you enough to survive an extra few minutes. Eventually, by the time you leave Hogwarts, you might just survive long enough for a professional to come rescue you, or for you to escape.
"But only if you PAY ATTENTION, MR. THOMAS!"
Dean Thomas, who had been trying to pass notes to one of his classmates, jumped in his seat, looking scared.
No, Harry thought. This was one class where he did not want to get into trouble.
...
Marcus Flint was livid. Harry Potter, the boy whose actions had landed his father in Azkaban, was here, at Hogwarts... And no-one had touched him! Not a hard shove down some stairs, not a stray curse; not even a bit of bullying!
Well, Marcus would see to that. He'd first tried to get Draco Malfoy on board with his plan, but Draco had only shook his head and told Marcus he was under orders to keep his head down. Then he'd tried some of the other children whose parents were in Azkaban, but – the cowards! – none had been willing to help.
Well, if he had to do it himself, then he would. Which is why Marcus found himself waiting alone, near the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom, ready to strike. He'd at least been able to get a copy of Harry's schedule from one of the first-years – Someone Goyle? – so knew this was where Harry would be walking past. And, as luck would have it, Harry's friends – the mudblood and the blood traitors – had just walked past without Harry, so separating him from his friends wouldn't be an issue!
Harry must have been talking to that filthy ex-auror, as it was a couple of minutes later that he appeared. Alone. Marcus made his move – he would finally get revenge for his father!
"Diffindo!" shouted Marcus, from his hiding place. A red jet of light shot out of his wand towards Harry, but to his surprise he missed! Idiot! "Diffindo!", he shouted again, and another jet of light shot out. No, he hadn't missed this time – Harry had dodged! But how? The boy hadn't spotted him, as he hadn't returned fire yet; or maybe he had, and the first year didn't know any spells!
Well, this next one wouldn't miss! "Sectumsempra!", yelled Marcus. This time he didn't miss, but his dark arts spell hit a bright white shield in front of Harry. But that wasn't possible – Harry didn't know the shield charm, and even if he did, he hadn't even said a word!
Then Harry's lips started moving, and cold dread filled Marcus. For it wasn't Harry's voice that he heard, but Kingsley Shacklebolt's. And he sounded furious. "Wand down, Mr. Flint!", shouted the voice, and after a wave of his wand, Harry's form shimmered and was replaced by the ex-Auror himself.
Unfortunately for himself, Marcus Flint panicked. "Sectumsempra!", he shouted again, only for his dark spell to be shielded a second time. A quick stunner later, and Marcus was down.
...
Albus Dumbledore believed in second chances. He believed almost everyone could be saved. But as Kingsley reported what he knew – courtesy of the Slytherin common room paintings, his personal experience, and the brief interrogation he gave Marcus – Dumbledore knew there was nothing that could be done now. Not only had Marcus planned to attack – and possibly murder – a first year, he had attempted to do so with Dark magic. Then he had knowingly attacked a Professor with a dark spell, and an ex-Auror at that!
That he had persuaded an innocent first year to be an accomplice, if only in providing information, was proof that Kingsley was right: Kingsley had argued that Severus had cut the Slytherins too much slack, and that he was inadvertently grooming bullies and thugs. Dumbledore had believed that pushing too hard would cause some to leave Hogwarts and seek education elsewhere – a path that was guaranteed to end in the dark.
But now Dumbledore knew he had been wrong – his actions appeared to be pushing some of the grey children towards the dark... but that would stop now. The first step would be to try Marcus for attempted murder and young Gregory for accessory to the crime. The next would be for Kingsley, as head of Slytherin, to come down hard on any bullying.
...
Harry was none the wiser. Professor Shacklebolt had told Harry that he needed to wait behind after class, then explained that Assistant Professor Jones would be coming to speak to him about his advanced potions. Jones arrived at the end of the class, and spent ten minutes asking Harry some simple questions about the potions he could already make. By the time Jones had deemed Harry's answers sufficient, Shacklebolt had already apprehended Marcus Flint.
The earliest that Harry knew anything at all had happened was when, a few days later, Dumbledore had addressed the students in a sombre tone, informing them that Marcus Flint had been arrested for attacking a student. He had been found guilty, had his wand snapped, and would never be seen at Hogwarts again.
Dumbledore also informed the students that Gregory Goyle had also been arrested and expelled, but had kept his wand.
This had the students busy discussing who could have been the target, but since all the students appeared fine, no-one knew who it could have been. The exception to that were the Slytherins who Marcus had approached directly, but none of the Slytherins were going to be spreading rumours right now: Professor Shacklebolt had been incensed at the attempted crime, and with Dumbledore's blessing he flayed the whole of Slytherin house with his words; they would not be putting a toe out of line anytime soon.
...
Nothing else unusual happened for the remainder of the term, and soon most students were preparing to go home and spend time with family over Christmas. And this year, Harry was particularly excited.
"Are you sure, Aunt Appoline?", Harry asked his mirror in amazement.
Appoline nodded, smiling. "Completely sure. Your headmaster checked the blood wards himself, and will be monitoring them over Christmas. Unless he gets in touch to tell us that something has happened, you can spend the holidays with us."
Harry was delighted, then his face broke into a mischievous grin. "Do Fleur and Gabrielle know?"
Appoline grinned, then asked a question that might as well have been rhetorical. "Not yet. Why do you ask?"
Harry looked utterly pleased with his idea: "So we can surprise them!"
...
Fleur was glad to be home, but was currently feeling morose. She had only been home a few hours when she had excitedly asked when the next Harry weekend would be, but her Papa explained in a gentle tone that "because of the blood wards at the Dursleys', Harry won't be coming for a weekend". Fleur had tried not to let her emotions show, but she had been crushed. That was only fifteen minutes ago, so the emotions were still fresh.
Fleur absently noted her Papa popping out, likely for an errand, and lay back on her bed, wallowing in her disappointment. Another few minutes later, and she heard her father return, and another minute after that, she heard a knocking on her door.
"How are you feeling, my cherished?", asked Sebastian gently, from the hallway.
Fleur sighed heavily, then answered. "Disappointed, and saddened. Thank you for checking up on me, Papa, but I'll be ok."
Sebastian, in a caring tone, replied, "Is there anything that would make you feel better?"
Fleur sighed again, quite dramatically. "No, Papa."
"Are you sure?", asked a different, much younger voice.
Fleur's mouth fell open. That was... But her Papa said...
After another second Fleur jumped up, ran to her bedroom door, yanked it open and almost cried in happiness. "'arry!"
Harry was pulled into a tight embrace, his arms wrapping around Fleur's waist as her arms pulled him against her. When Fleur pulled back, she only just had the presence of mind not to kiss Harry full on the lips; instead, she kissed him a couple of centimetres away from the corner of his mouth, for a long few seconds. And then, just for fairness, she kissed the other side too, her breath ghosting across Harry's lips on the way.
"Surprise!", grinned Harry, and Fleur thought – perhaps hoped? – she saw something of a blush on his cheeks.
Fleur's reply was to wrap her arms around Harry's back again, and pull him even more tightly against herself. She had, of course, forgotten her Papa was even there... but only for a moment. When she remembered, she turned and threw an accusatory glare. "Papa, you lied!"
Sebastian grinned and shook his head. "No I didn't, my cherished"
Fleur nodded vehemently, whilst still holding Harry tightly. "Yes you did! You said 'arry wasn't coming!"
Harry, his face hidden in Fleur's embrace, grinned as Sebastian replied. "No, I said he wasn't coming for the weekend, and that's true. He's actually here for the whole two week holiday."
Fleur squealed excitedly in reply.
...
When Gabrielle found out, she was similarly thrilled. Not five minutes after, she was nestled into Harry on the sofa, with a blanket wrapped around them both and a book in Harry's hand. "The Little Veela Girl", a new favourite of Gabrielle's. That it was written by a Veela and contained a fairly accurate portrayal was a bonus.
With a beaming smile on her face, Gabrielle alternated between staring at the pictures in the book and gazing up adoringly at her big brother... and giggling whenever Harry placed a fond kiss on the crown of her head.
Harry was happy to indulge his little sister. Whilst he craved time with Fleur most of all, he loved Gabrielle too and enjoyed time with her. Besides, Gabrielle still went to bed quite early, which always gave Harry and Fleur extra time together.
Gabrielle was determined to cling to her brother for the rest of the day. She had missed him so much, and it was the longest she'd ever gone without seeing him – and Fleur had been home a few hours earlier than Harry, so she'd already seen her sister.
Fortunately for Fleur, Appoline and Sebastian distracted Gabrielle a little, so Fleur at least had some time alone with Harry that afternoon.
Besides, after Gabrielle had gone to bed Fleur wasted no time in dragging a willing Harry upstairs to their room. She was desperate to cuddle with him and talk, uninterrupted. And if, at the same time, her allure gushed out of her... well, Harry had yet to complain.
Sebastian and Appoline had expected it, and so enjoyed a quiet evening together; they would see their Godson properly tomorrow, after Fleur had gotten her Harry fix.
...
The Christmas holidays passed too quickly, and all too soon Harry was saying goodbye to the Delacours. Harry had loved the past two weeks – they were the best of his life so far – but he knew he had to return to school. So, with an emotional goodbye, Harry hugged Sebastian and Appoline, picked Gabrielle up in a big cuddle, then held Fleur tightly for a minute. Fleur again exceeded expectations by managing not to kiss Harry senseless, instead giving him a lingering kiss on his cheek.
Once he was back on the Hogwarts express, Harry found Cheveu and began discussing their progress – or lack thereof – with finding the map. It wasn't long into that conversation when Katie entered their carriage with the Weasley twins.
If the twins, who were already getting a reputation for pranks, didn't have Cheveu feeling suspicious, then Katie's behaviour would have done. She sat right next to Harry, put her arm around him, and batted her eyes at him.
"Harry..." Katie began, her eyes wide and hopeful.
Harry looked a bit confused. "Yes, Katie?"
Katie bit her lip nervously, looking deep into Harry's eyes. "Would you consider... would you be willing to... Harry, please would you...?"
Cheveu watched, feeling about as nervous as Katie did. This could be awful, but she owed it to her little brother not to interrupt.
Harry just tilted his head curiously and asked, "What is it, Katie? What do you want to ask me?"
Nervous, but determined, Katie held Harry's hand and asked the question she had been gathering the courage to ask all Christmas. "Harry, will you... Will you join the Gryffindor Quidditch Team?"
A few seconds of silence, and then Cheveu burst out laughing, half in relief and half in amusement. The twins were outraged.
"This isn't a joke, this is serious!"
"This is Quidditch serious!"
"All of our hopes..."
"...and dreams..."
"...rest on Harry's..."
"...tiny little seeker shoulders."
"Rumour has it that little Harry..."
"...can play really well..."
"...and even has his own professional broom!"
Harry shook his head in disbelief. "Who told you that?"
Katie, still holding Harry's hand, replied. "You did, Harry. I... erm... may have heard you talking to one of your uncles just before Christmas, when he was asking you if you'd tried out for the team yet."
Harry sighed internally. Quidditch sounded fun, but also like a lot of work – Katie had complained often enough about the long practises!
"I don't know, Katie. I don't think I've got enough time, what with studying, speaking to my magical family, and... erm... a special project", said Harry, sadly.
Katie gave Harry a sad smile – she had expected this. But one of the twins – maybe Fred? – wasn't ready to give up. "What special project could be more important than Quidditch?"
Cheveu replied this time. "Uncle Siri tasked us with searching for a powerful magical artefact he believes is hidden in the school. We've been searching a little, but haven't found anything so far."
The other twin – Probably George – looked sceptical. "And what is this magical artefact? Sounds dangerous, and I can't imagine why that would be in a school."
Harry smiled – he too had thought Sirius and Remus's initial description had sounded like that! "No, it's not dangerous", Harry corrected. "It's a... sort of magical map Uncle Sirius and Uncle Remus made with my dad and another... and someone else. The four of them made it together when they were students."
Fred and George's expressions were unreadable. "Do you know what the map is called?", one of them asked.
"The Marauder's Map", replied Cheveu, suspiciously. "Why do you ask?"
Now Katie was confused. Realising she was still holding Harry's hand, she let go, blushing. "Erm... Fred? George? Something wrong?"
The twins were seemingly having a conversation without words. After a few moments, they turned to Harry. "If we helped you find this map, would you join the Gryffindor Quidditch Team?"
chapter 14
Oliver Wood, Captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch Team, was confused. No, he was more than confused, he was... what's a stronger word for 'confused'? 'Baffled'? 'Astonished'? Whatever the word was, Oliver knew that was how he felt. Here was a little firstie, who had barely any hours on a broom under him, who was probably the best seeker he had ever seen at Hogwarts already, and he... he... he wasn't sure about being on the team. He wasn't sure about being on the team!
Fred and George had made some kind of deal just to get him to try out, and after their first game – where Harry caught the snitch before the Hufflepuff seeker had even seen it – Oliver knew Harry was destined for Quidditch.
But after excitedly describing their new training regime – which would help them be the best! – Harry Potter had told Oliver he wasn't sure he wanted to be on the team!
"But Harry! This is Quidditch!", Oliver explained eloquently.
Harry gave an apologetic smile. "So you've told me. But with all the practises, I won't have enough time for everything else I want to do."
Oliver looked incredulous. "What could be more important than Quidditch?!"
Harry gave Oliver an 'are you serious' sort of look. Figuring the question might be genuine, he answered. "Plenty of things. Learning magic, spending time with friends and family, honouring my promise to my Godfather... lots of things."
Oliver sat down in shock. Thankfully, he was currently in the Gryffindor common room, so at least his chair was comfortable. After a few minutes, during which Oliver's brain had grappled with the complex paradox he had been presented with, he responded. "Is there anything I can do to convince you to stay on the team?"
Katie, who had been shamelessly listening in, suggested the obvious. "Oliver? How about only scheduling in one or two short training sessions a week? Two hours maximum per session?"
Oliver managed an expression that combined both horror and something akin to swallowing an entire bowl of lemons.
...
A few days later, Harry sort-of made a new friend, though he wished it had happened another way. Harry was thinking about his magical family, and perhaps Fleur in particular, on his way to the great hall to meet Cheveu for breakfast. He'd almost arrived when he saw a familiar head of rich, silvery-blonde hair in front of him. Without even thinking of the impossibility of his assumption, Harry had run towards the person. "Fleur?!"
No, it was not Fleur. It was a fellow first year; Slytherin, from the robes. As the young girl turned round, Harry noticed two things: 1. The girl's face looked very different to Fleur's; and 2. The girl was irritated. "Excuse me? I know I'm not as famous as the Great Harry Potter", the girl said, stressing Harry's name sarcastically, "but if you're going to randomly call out your classmates you could at least get their names right!"
Harry cringed internally. "Sorry, Daphne," Harry replied, glad he did at least know the girl's name! "I, erm, thought you were someone else. Your hair looks really similar to my best friend's, from the back"
Daphne, if anything, looked more irritated. "I look nothing like your friends. Who did you mistake me for?! Hermione? Katie? Neville?! Ron?!", she replied, stressing each name in turn. Daphne was feeling quite put out, internally: She had spent an hour on her hair that morning, and it looked particularly sexy if she did say so herself. If she could be confused for someone like Katie (she refused to believe Harry had mistaken her hair for Hermione's bushy mane!), she had done a far worse job than she imagined! Or Harry needed new glasses!
Harry shook his head quickly, recognising Daphne's rising irritation. "No, no, no-one you know. Fleur goes to Beauxbatons, so you've probably never met her."
Daphne gave Harry an 'are you an idiot?' look. "Then why did you think I was her?"
Harry blushed in embarrassment. He was an idiot! "Erm... because I was thinking about her, and she often has her hair like yours, and I guess I miss her, and... well..." Harry trailed off.
Harry was relieved when Daphne's lips turned up in a barely-concealed smile. He was less relieved when Daphne asked the sort of question all boys consider 'One Of Those': "So what does this 'Fleur' look like? Am I prettier than her?". Daphne knew full well what she was doing, but the opportunity to tease a celebrity like this was rare.
Harry, being only eleven, hesitated. It was exactly what Daphne had hoped for, and she schooled her features into a pretend outraged expression that Harry didn't see through. "You think she's prettier than me, don't you?!" Daphne accused.
Harry started stuttering. "Erm... But... That's not... I didn't say..."
"Fine!" Daphne demanded. "I bet you one Galleon I'm prettier than this Fleur!" She stuck out her hand, her expression demanding Harry accept.
Harry, with an expression of a deer in the headlights of a car, slowly reached out then and meekly shook Daphne's hand whilst replying, "Well, I didn't say... But, erm... Ok...".
Daphne could only hold her stern expression for so long, Harry's expression was just too funny. After a few seconds, she burst out laughing, and to Harry's horror and embarrassment he heard Cheveu's laughter from behind him a half-second after.
"Oh well done, Miss...?" Cheveu asked, through her laughter
"Greengrass. Daphne Greengrass. And thank you", came the entertained reply.
Harry took a few more seconds to realise that Daphne was teasing him, then his half-embarrassed, half-horrified expression turned to fully-embarrassed.
Daphne just laughed again. "Thanks for the morning entertainment, Mr. Potter. It was most satisfactory. If I ever meet this 'Fleur' in person, you can give me my Galleon then", she teased, then walked into the Great hall, carefree.
Harry just put his head in his hands, wishing to restart the day.
"New friend?" asked Cheveu, merrily. Harry merely groaned in reply.
...
The next day, in the Hogwarts Kitchens, four students were completing a business transaction.
"We've spent the last week..."
"...ignoring our studies..."
"No change there, brother of mine"
"Quite right"
"...so we could copy every secret passage marked on the map."
Cheveu asked carefully, "You've finished now?"
Reluctantly, the Weasley twins nodded, then slid the parchment across the table. Harry and Cheveu picked it up, then together said the magic words: "I solemnly swear I am up to no good!"
Immediately the marauder's map came to life, showing the whole of Hogwarts school (minus the chamber of secrets, Harry noted), along with every person currently within. It was done – Harry and Cheveu had retrieved the powerful magical artefact.
Fred and George stood up, mourning the loss of such a treasure. "Well, we best be off. Pranks to pull, and all that", George said, in an uncharacteristically sombre tone.
Harry held up a hand. "Wait a minute, guys." Then, holding up his mirror, he addressed someone else. "Uncle Sirius, are you there?"
A few seconds, and then Sirius appeared in the mirror. "Hey pup. Mission successful?"
Harry held up the map, smiling. "Mission Successful! But I have a problem, and a question."
Sirius sounded worried. "There's nothing wrong with the map is there? Was it Filch? I swear, if he's done something to it..."
Harry smiled and shook his head. "No, no, nothing wrong as far as I can see – though you'd know better than Cheveu and I!"
"Hi, by the way!", called Cheveu, popping her head in view.
"Hey cous'! Nice work, by the way – both of you" Sirius cheerfully replied.
"Anyway, back to the problem." Harry continued. "We obtained the map, but the only problem is that we believe you'd think the previous owners were worthy too.
"Cheveu and I wondered: if you had the map back, could you and Uncle Remus make a copy?", Harry asked, getting to the point.
The twins gave a look of hope and amazement to Harry and his mirror. However, before they spoke, Sirius had a question. "I don't suppose the previous owners are hot? Is that why you're going out of your way to help them?"
Cheveu laughed. "They're not bad looking, but Harry and I had something else in mind we might want from them."
...
Sirius and Remus promised to work on the map over Easter break. Given that Harry had already completed one of his main aims for the year, he was able to spend the rest of the term focussing on his other priorities – building friendships, doing well in classes and speaking to his magical family. And it turned out that the latter two could sometimes be done together.
"Uncle Remus, what about other uses of animal transfiguration?" Harry asked through the mirror, eagerly.
Remus chuckled. "How many more inches to go?"
Harry measured his essay, then replied. "One and a half?", he replied optimistically.
Remus smiled and shook his head. "Better make that two, knowing McGonagall. How about dealing with house pests?"
Harry gave his honorary uncle a curious look. "How do you mean?"
Remus began to explain. "Imagine you found some mice had gotten into your house. If you transfigure them into, let's say a fork, not only have you stopped the mice getting into your food, but you've gained something useful, too."
Harry nodded thoughtfully. "That makes sense. Thanks, Uncle Remus! Wait, but what happens when the transfiguration runs out?"
Remus grinned. "That's the second idea – doing that in someone else's house for a laugh. Imagine cancelling that same transfiguration mid-meal, then seeing your friend trying to eat potatoes with a knife and mouse. Sirius only laughed much later, after the bite marks had healed."
Harry was now giggling. Uncle Remus liked to pretend he was a sensible adult, but Harry had long ago learned he could be just as bad as Sirius!
After the call with Remus, Harry checked the time. It wasn't too late, so Harry tried calling Fleur.
"Fleur, are you there?", Harry called gently.
"One moment, my cherished!", Fleur called. The sounds of rustling fabric were heard, and then after a minute Fleur appeared in her nightie. "Good evening, 'arry!"
Harry smiled happily. "Hello Fleur! It's not too late, is it? You're already in your night clothes", he asked, making sure.
Fleur gave a sad smile. "Just tired after a long day, though talking with you would help."
Harry gave Fleur a concerned look. "Is everything ok?"
Fleur nodded, then explained. "It's just Pauline, that girl who dislikes me. I beat her in a test, and she was particularly mean because of it. It's nothing serious."
Harry frowned. Fleur had mentioned the girl a few times – for some reason she had taken a disliking to Fleur almost immediately; something about Pauline thinking Fleur was a liar?
Before Harry could respond, Fleur changed topics. "But enough sad talk. Tell me something good."
Harry thought for a moment. He had already told Fleur about Quidditch, the map, his lessons; maybe he should go for a failsafe option. "When I next see you properly, I'm going to spend an hour playing with your hair?", he offered.
Fleur's face held a pleased blush. He really did know how to make her feel better.
...
Fleur only had to wait a few weeks, as Dumbledore had again checked the blood wards around Privet Drive and concluded that Harry could stay with the Delacours over Easter, though he would likely need to spend most of the summer with the Dursleys in order for the wards to recharge.
When the Easter break arrived, Harry sat with Hermione, Ron and Neville on the train ride back. Hermione was keen to discuss homework assignments and Ron was keen to discuss anything except homework assignments. Unfortunately for Ron, Harry was willing to talk Potions and Neville was keen to talk Herbology. On the plus side, there were frequent visitors to their carriage, so conversations couldn't get too involved before there was an interruption.
Cheveu was the first to visit, checking in on her brother and planning when they might meet up over the holidays.
The twins visited next. Ron thought it was to see him, until the twins sat next to Harry and started talking animatedly with him; it was only when Ron voiced his disbelief that the twins started laughing and then talked to Harry and his friends for a few minutes.
Katie dropped by too, with the other two Gryffindor chasers – Alicia and Angelina. And if Katie received some suspicious looks from her fellow chasers, Harry didn't notice it.
Several other first years dropped by to say hello, including - to the surprise of most of the carriage – Daphne Greengrass. She had asked Harry something about a galleon, but Harry merely hid his face and refused to explain, whilst Daphne smirked and left.
Eventually, the train arrived in London. Harry saw that it was Appoline who had come to meet him; as soon as he noticed her he ran over and joyfully greeted his Godmother with a big, warm hug.
Appoline laughed and wrapped her arms around her Godson. "Hello 'arry, it's good to see you. Why don't you introduce me to your friends?"
Harry turned and saw that Ron, Hermione and Neville had come over to say hi. "Aunt Appoline, this is Ron, Hermione and Neville; they're first year Gryffindors like me. Ron, Hermione, Neville, this is my Godmother, Appoline."
"Erm, h...hello", greeted an awestruck Neville.
"Hello Appoline. You are Fleur and Gabrielle's mother, yes?", greeted Hermione.
Ron looked gobsmacked, except for his eyes which had glazed over.
Appoline chose to ignore Ron's reaction; she had experienced this enough times to be only slightly irritated about it. "'ello Neville, 'ello Ron, 'ello 'ermione. Yes, I am Fleur and Gabrielle's mother. I assume my Godson 'as talked much about them?"
Hermione smiled. "All the time, though I've also spoken to them both briefly through Harry's mirror."
Appoline smiled happily, and was about to reply when Harry asked a question. "Aunt Appoline, why are so many people staring at you?"
Appoline noted she was drawing a lot of stares, and sighed. "It's my allure, 'arry. We'd better go before I attract any more attention.
Harry nodded sadly; he had seen this reaction enough times over the years.
Saying goodbye to his friends, he held Appoline's hand as she whisked him away to France.
...
Within two minutes of Harry's arrival, he and Fleur were sitting on her bed. Harry was leaning against the headboard with Fleur in front of him, whilst Harry's hands were running through Fleur's hair.
Fleur was basking in pleasure, especially when Harry's fingertips began playing with the roots of her hair, massaging her scalp. And when his fingers caressed the side of her neck she moaned out loud.
"I'm sorry, did that hurt, Fleur?", Harry worriedly asked, stopping for a moment
"No, do it again, my cherished!", Fleur urged, a little desperately. "It felt so good!"
Harry smiled in relief, then added a light massage of Fleur's neck to the routine. Harry experimented a little, gently running his fingers up and down the sides of Fleur's neck, which she enjoyed; but when he ran his thumbs in small circles around the nape of her neck, Fleur moaned a little louder and Harry smiled happily at the achievement.
With the combination of hair playing and light massage, Fleur felt like her body was melting into a puddle of warm, pleasurable goo; when she moved in with Harry – which was still very much the plan – she vowed to herself that she would get him to do this every day, no matter what she needed to offer in return.
Harry, for his part, was enjoying the feelings that shot through his fingertips as he played with Fleur's hair. Her magic seemed stronger, as the sensations coursing through his fingertips felt even better than last time, a few months ago. Maybe, when they bought their house together, Fleur might be willing to let him do this every day.
...
A couple of days later, Gabrielle could be found giggling and laughing joyfully.
This was mainly because she was riding down the street on Harry's back – what five year old girl would turn down a piggy back ride from her big brother? – on their way to get an ice cream.
"Gabrielle, make sure you hold on tight! I don't want you to fall off", Harry advised.
"Ok 'arry!", Gabrielle merrily replied, then linked her hands together near Harry's neck, whilst Harry's hands supported her little legs.
"So, what flavour ice cream would you like?", Harry asked his little sister.
"Well, I like the strawberry and the chocolate, and I also like the pistachio", wondered Gabrielle allowed.
Harry thought for a moment. He risked spoiling Gabrielle's dinner, but it would guarantee him as the preferred sibling for at least the next few hours. "Why not all three?", Harry asked casually.
"Can I really? Do you really mean it?", asked Gabrielle, disbelievingly.
Harry laughed happily. "Anything for my wonderful little sister. Just try to leave space for some dinner, no?"
After arriving at the ice cream cafe (where Gabrielle was sad to climb down off of Harry's back), ordering their treats, and sitting down, Harry was reflecting on his relationship with his little sister. She was just so cute! He really loved Gabrielle dearly: how easily excited she was, how she would talk animatedly in their regular mirror time, how she would climb onto his lap and cuddle for stories, how she would give him an extra big squeeze goodnight...
Even sat here, eating ice cream together and hearing her chat away about her dreams ("maybe I can open my own ice cream cafe when I'm bigger!"), Harry's heart warmed. He knew that he would always be Gabrielle's big brother, and that he would need her to come visit often when he and Fleur got their house together.
...
The two weeks passed too quickly, and before long Harry was sat on the Hogwarts express, this time sharing a carriage with Cheveu and the Weasley twins.
Sirius and Remus had succeeded in creating another copy of the map; two in fact. It would have possibly taken years without the original map as a reference, but with it the two friends had recreated their prized possession. It was agreed that Harry should have the original, as his father had actively been involved in its creation. Cheveu had the second, so that she didn't need to share with Harry. And in Cheveu's hand was a third, for her and Harry to do with as they wished.
The twins were practically drooling at the thought of getting 'their' map back, even at such a high price.
"So we're all agreed?", asked Cheveu.
Fred and George nodded. "Absolutely. You drive..."
"...a hard bargain...
"...but the Marauder's map..."
"...is worth it."
Harry and Cheveu shared a glance, then both nodded. "Ok, you have a deal", Harry and Cheveu said together.
Fred and George took out their wands. "I, Fred Weasley, agree not to knowingly target Harry Potter or Nymphadora Tonks with any pranks. I also agree I owe Harry Potter and Nymphadora Tonks one legal, non-questionable favour each, to be collected over the next five years. So mote it be." A flash of light, then George repeated the same oath.
Harry and Cheveu handed the map over. "Pleasure doing business with you both!", Cheveu smiled.
"Oh no, the pleasure..."
"...is ours!"
"Just one question", Harry said. "What does 'non-questionable' mean again?"
Cheveu replied, "It means nothing sexual, nothing that would likely lead to physical harm, and nothing that would cause significant financial stress."
The twins nodded. They wouldn't have agreed to just any favour, even considering they trusted Harry and Cheveu. Even as it was, they hoped the favour was collected sooner rather than later.
...
The summer term passed without much fanfare. Harry's studies were going well, and in Potions he was starting to touch on some third year material. Harry was continuing to make friends, including some Hufflepuffs in his year. Harry easily won his second Quidditch game, outflying the more experienced Ravenclaw seeker; though Ravenclaw still won the cup, given how badly Gryffindor had done in their first game and how badly Slytherin had done since losing their captain. And Harry had spent plenty of time talking to his magical family, and making the most of time he could spend with Cheveu – often in the Hogwarts Kitchens.
Before long, Harry's first year was over. He had scored top marks in Potions (obviously) and even Defence Against the Dark Arts, and had done well in his other subjects too. He imagined things may have been a bit different if he had to endure the sort of Quidditch regime Oliver had initially planned!
On the train back, Harry spoke to several of his friends. There were many promises to write soon, some offers to meet up over floo (though that would need Sirius' help as the Dursleys didn't have a connection), and even invites to come stay from Ron and Neville (politely turned down, due to the need to recharge the blood wards and then spend time with the Delacours).
As Harry said goodbye to various friends at platform 9 ¾, Harry smiled happily. He was content.