"The judges have conferred and are ready to announce the scores for the second task", Dumbledore announced.
"Pauline: we cannot give any points for magic performed before the task. For performing some minor hexes and completing your task, you scored two points", Dumbledore announced, again to a few polite claps and many grumbles from the crowd.
"Ana: for excellent use of an agility charm, strength charm, Bloodmoon Sword conjuration, self-transfiguration, as well as completing your task, you scored eight points", Dumbledore announced, to several cheers from the crowd.
"Fred and George: we cannot give any points for magic performed before the task, no matter how advanced. For an unsticking charm and completing your task, you are awarded two points. As you completed your task first, you gain five additional points, for a total of seven", Dumbledore announced. The crowd were again cheering vigorously for the twins.
"That means the scores going into the third task are as follows: in last place with eight points is Pauline", Dumbledore declared unnecessarily. Fleur noted there were a couple of people booing her.
Dumbledore continued as if uninterrupted. "in second place with thirty-two points is Ana." This time, there were many cheers, including vocal supporters from all schools.
Dumbledore took a moment to marshall his thoughts, then finished, "in first place, with eighty-six points, are Fred and George Weasley"
"WE LOVE YOU GRED AND FORGE!" shouted a voice that sounded suspiciously like Lee Jordan's.
...
It was the Thursday after the second task, and Fleur was joining Harry in an evening potions session with Professor Jones. They were brewing a weight-manipulation potion, or more accurately a weight-manipulation potion base. The base was hellishly difficult to brew, but then could be stored for years until the final ingredient was added, at which point the potion would be complete.
The possible final ingredients varied the end results significantly – the potion could be used to significantly increase the drinker's weight, or to reduce it to almost nothing. It could even be used to coat objects, for a semi-permanent effect.
Jones noted that buyers would be rare, but that the potion commanded a high price.
But whilst the lesson was interesting to Fleur, it was after the lesson that was more notable. As Harry and Fleur were preparing to leave, Jones spoke up. "Fleur? Could I speak to you for a moment? In private?"
Harry looked curious, but merely stated, "I'll just be outside", and left Fleur and Jones to it.
"You love him, don't you", Jones began without preamble.
Fleur blinked. Was this going to be some sort of warning? Fleur proceeded carefully, but honestly. "Oui. I love 'arry more than I can say; he means the world to me."
"You see a future with him?" Jones probed.
"Without a doubt. 'arry 'as been a part of my life since 'e was born, and 'e 'as been my best friend for as long as I can remember. I want no-one else" Fleur replied, with conviction.
Jones nodded. "That will make next year difficult, won't it? With Harry still at school. What do you plan to do?"
Fleur had thought much about this, and given how much Harry trusted Jones (as did Fleur, if she was being honest), she was willing to share. "Ideally I would find a job in Britain so I was closer to 'arry. I could earn enough making potions to get by, maybe even living in 'ogsmeade so I could see 'arry often."
"Only at Hogsmeade weekends, I'm sure", Jones added wryly, knowing that Harry and Fleur, with their knowledge and skill in potions, would not find it difficult to escape the castle.
Fleur couldn't help but give a small smile at that. "No comment", she joked.
Jones was happy with Fleur's replies, so had no problem proceeding as planned. "What if another opportunity presented itself?"
Fleur's eyes widened. Was Professor Jones going to suggest...? Just in case she was considering it, Fleur responded very deliberately. "Any opportunity that allowed me to further my potions skill, and let me be nearer to my beloved, would be something I could only wish for."
"Something like a Potion Mastery at Hogwarts?" Jones asked, her face a mask betraying no emotion.
Fleur shivered in anticipation. "Were that a possibility, there would be little I wouldn't give for the chance."
"Even if the cost was one of your hairs per month, willingly given?" Jones asked, carefully watching Fleur's reaction.
This was not what Fleur had been expecting. She considered the question, then countered it with another. "What would you use my hairs for?"
Jones nodded her approval. "There are some potions – very rare, very profitable potions – that require veela hair as an ingredient. They are... sensual... potions, as you might guess" she explained. Then, in case her meaning could be misinterpreted, added, "They are not love potions, and will not change romantic allegiance. They will... enhance experiences for those who can afford them."
Fleur had heard of such potions before; she had read about them, in one of her mother's potion books. "I assume you do not need the 'ole 'air? That the root would remain, and the 'air would grow back?" Fleur asked. This should be true for something temporary like potions; for more permanent uses, like wands, the entire hair (and the magic within) was gone for good. It was a sacrifice to give an entire hair, let alone several, and that was something Fleur hoped she could avoid.
Jones nodded. "Yes, you are correct. I wouldn't ask for something that would permanently weaken you."
Fleur, curious, had a question before she jumped at Jones' implied offer. "'ow many vials of potion per 'air?"
Jones smiled knowingly. "Between five and fifteen, depending on the potion. The average is about eight." Then, before Fleur could ask another question, Jones turned the implicit into explicit. "Fleur Delacour, I would like to offer you the opportunity to study your Potions Mastery under me, at a cost of one of your hairs per month. I will even teach you how to brew the potions that will use your hair. What do you say?"
Fleur's face blossomed into the biggest smile Jones had ever witnessed on it. "Oui, Professor Jones! I would love to!"
...
The squeals of delight that Jones heard from outside her office, as Fleur obviously related the news to Harry, brought a smile to her face. McGonagall had previously questioned whether she was able to support two students through their mastery together, but as Jones explained that they would take a minimum of two years to complete it, and that she intended to take a leaf out of Slughorn's book and have the pair teach some of her classes, McGonagall's doubts evaporated... and left the Deputy headmistress with a desire to find her own prodigies!
A week later, McGonagall had cleared it with Dumbledore, who had only one question: where would Fleur live – in the castle or outside? McGonagall planned to take responsibility for figuring this out, but Jones offered to deal with it, as it was a consequence of her offer... and as she was very sure that the option for Overnight Visitors would factor heavily into any accommodation decisions, and she wanted to spare McGonagall the embarrassment.
So, after their next evening potion session, Jones asked Harry and Fleur to stay behind for an important discussion.
"Now, Fleur there's one key question about your Masters that we need to answer", Jones began without preamble.
"Oh? What is that, Professor?" Fleur asked, curious.
"Where will you live during your study?" Jones asked.
Fleur tilted her head to the side; she had thought the answer to that would be obvious, but perhaps it was not. "What are my options?" Fleur asked.
Jones smiled at the question. "The obvious one would be to live in the castle, either with one of the houses or in separate accommodation. Alternatively, you could seek private accommodation, perhaps in Hogsmeade, and commute each day."
Fleur nodded in thought. "I 'ad assumed I would live at 'ogwarts, so 'adn't considered private accommodation; I didn't know it would be an option", Fleur admitted.
"It isn't, for regular students", Jones replied. "But as you will be an of-age witch, who will have passed her NEWTs, you would not be under the same rules as other students, so you have more options."
Fleur thought for a moment; living in Hogsmeade would mean she could see her family far more often (at least without needing to sneak out), as a floo journey then apparition could see her almost instantly in France whenever she liked. And she suspected there would be one additional bonus, too. "If I stayed at 'ogwarts, what would be the rules on 'arry visiting?" Fleur asked directly.
Jones smiled wryly. "If you stayed with one of the houses, then the usual rules apply – girls can visit the boys' dorms during the day, but must be out by curfew. Boys cannot visit the girls' dorms at all. If you stayed elsewhere in the castle, there would be scrutiny about when Harry visited, and for how long."
Fleur nodded her understanding; that was about what she had expected. "I will see what options there are in 'ogsmeade first", Fleur answered.
...
Daphne was suspicious. She had been pranking the twins for months, but so far there had been no repercussions. She was not naive enough to believe they didn't care; perhaps they were too busy with their business? They were certainly selling enough of their 'Wheezes'.
Sitting down for dinner, she was just enjoying a steak pie when she was distracted by Crabbe yelping. Turning to look at him, Daphne saw... too much. She had never wanted to see that much of Crabbe. But what was worse were the two items he was wearing – very familiar items that would now need to be industrially cleaned, or burned. Or maybe both.
For Crabbe was wearing nothing except a matching set of Daphne's green underwear, and a look of horror on his face. Daphne risked a glance at the twins, who were both wearing terrifyingly happy grins on their faces, looking directly at her. Damn it.
...
Cheveu missed her little brother. Oh, she knew that as soon as Fleur arrived at Hogwarts then Harry would be terribly distracted, and to be fair to him Harry had made sure to call her regularly. But she was looking forward to when her brother finished school – then they could meet up much more easily!
Speaking of meeting up, Harry should be appearing in a few minutes; he seemed particularly keen to speak face-to-face, so she was waiting in Hogsmeade for him to appear, and sure enough...
"Cheveu!" Harry cried, before wrapping his arms around her.
Cheveu chuckled, returning the hug. "Hey bro, good to see you!" Then, seeing Harry was alone, she asked jokingly, "No Fleur today? Has some Dark Lord put you under some terrible spell?"
A nervous look passed over Harry's face for a moment, then Harry hastily replied, "I just thought it would be nice to spend time together, just the two of us."
Cheveu gave Harry a sceptical look, which only strengthened as Harry started fidgeting. "Ok, how about you tell me what the problem is, then we can solve it, then we can enjoy the rest of our time together. Sound good?" Cheveu offered.
Harry sighed in defeat. "I wanted to enjoy time with you first!" Harry weakly protested.
Knowing she had won, Cheveu overrode her brother and got straight to the point. "So, what's wrong? Is your relationship in trouble?" she asked, concerned.
Harry vehemently shook his head. "No! Not at all! In fact it's..." Harry paused and took a deep breath. "It's going really well, better than I could have dreamed. I realised this term that, well... that I want to spend the rest of my life with Fleur."
Cheveu rolled her eyes and smiled affectionately at Harry. "Well, of course you do, you two are perfect for each other!" she declared.
Harry blushed happily, then continued. "But sis, I want Fleur to know that. I want her to understand how much she means to me, and I want her to know, without a doubt, that I want a life together with her."
Cheveu grinned. "I think she already knows, what with the joint Gringotts account and the plans to buy a house together." Then Cheveu decided that she hadn't teased her brother enough, so added, "Besides, you could always just propose!"
Harry didn't react how she thought he would. He blushed, for sure, but met her gaze and didn't protest. In fact, he had a pleading look in his eye, almost as if he was seeking her understanding and support, almost as if...
"You're going to propose?!" Cheveu half-shouted. Then, just as Harry started to look nervous, or worried, or some combination of the two, she added, "That's so exciting!"
A relieved smile broke out on Harry's face. "You really think so?" he asked.
Cheveu pulled Harry into another hug. "Of course!"
"I was worried you'd say it was too soon, and that we should wait a bit", Harry admitted, his arms wrapped tightly round his sister.
Cheveu gave Harry a tight squeeze. "Don't be an idiot. You two have basically been unofficially together for years, and in less than eighteen months you'll be of age. If you were hoping to marry Fleur once you graduate then you've got a bit of a wait, but that's not a terrible thing."
Harry smiled happily. The thought of marrying Fleur was the most wonderful thought in the world; there was only one question for Harry to ask before he could enjoy the rest of his day with Cheveu. "Cheveu? Do you have any ideas about how I could propose to Fleur?"
Cheveu thought for a minute, then turned to Harry with a mischievous smile. "Well, I have an idea if you want a grand romantic gesture..."
...
The twins were having their best term yet. Wheezes were being sold so quickly that they had to work almost fifteen hours a week just to keep up with demand, and that was just from the students! Imagine what would happen if they were able to open up a shop on Diagon Alley!
Speaking of which, their profits this year had easily exceeded one thousand galleons, and if some enquiries about the Boneless Boots were anything to go by, they would soon be profiting far more! They should easily be able to afford the deposit on a shop front; in fact, only the tournament was keeping them at Hogwarts any longer.
They were just about to start a new batch of angel drops – which were more popular than they'd hoped – when Harry found them.
"Hi Fred, Hi George", Harry greeted.
"Harry! Great timing!" Fred replied.
"Any later and we'd be..."
"...uninterruptible for the next few hours!"
"Making more products?" Harry asked, curious.
"More Angel Drops", agreed George.
"They keep selling out..."
"...as fast as we can make them!"
"But what can we do for our..."
"... favourite Mr. Potter?"
Harry drew a deep breath. "I've come to call in a favour", Harry announced.
Fred and George exchanged a look.
"If this is about Daphne..."
"...you should know she started it..."
"...and we've actually been going pretty easy on her..."
"...given how much time the business is taking."
Harry smiled at the information, then shook his head. "No, it's nothing to do with Daphne. It's... I'd like you to make me something. Something new."
The twins gave Harry a curious look. "What do you want us to make?" George asked.
"Well..."
...
The end of the spring term drew to a close, and with it did the term-long Potion competition. There were forty participants in total, though almost half had dropped out due to failures in their brew over the last several weeks – clearly many students had attempted potions far beyond their capability. Of the remaining twenty-three, eight were pre-OWL, and so had no real chance of winning.
Which left fifteen with a real chance. They were gathered in the great hall, where the winner would be announced; most of the student body was out in force to see the results – Professor Jones had made potions a popular Hogwarts subject, and the other schools wanted to support their compatriots.
The crowd could see there were a variety of potions brewed by the final fifteen, including agility potions, Veritaserum, even a vial of Felix Felicis. There was also a potion that nearly got thrown out.
"Non! Wait! That vial is mine!" Fleur urgently called, as one of the judges made to throw it away.
"Well hurry up and fill it, Miss, the final judging is about to begin", the witch said, as patiently as she could.
Fleur wasn't sure whether she felt more amused or exasperated; either way, she had brought this upon herself. "It is filled, ma'am", Fleur assured.
The witch took a second look at the vial, but it was clearly empty. Was this a joke, or just a confused student? "Miss, you can clearly see the vial is empty. Perhaps you forgot to fill it? Hurry up now, we can't delay any longer."
Fleur shook her head. "Looks can be deceiving. Can you hear any liquid in the vial?" Fleur asked.
The witch valiantly stopped herself from rolling her eyes at the clear delaying tactic, but went along with it anyway – sometimes it was quicker to indulge the confused. Picking up the vial and holding by her ear, she lightly shook it. Then her eyes widened, and she stared at the vial in shock. "There's a potion in there!" she declared, surprised.
"Oui, ma'am", Fleur' replied, now smiling.
"But it's invisible!" the witch protested.
"Oui. An invisible invisibility potion", Fleur explained.
The witch managed not to drop the vial in shock, but it was a close thing.
"Vials to the table, ready for the judges!" called a voice.
The witch shook herself, then took the remaining vials to the table. From Fleur's vantage point, it looked like she was explaining the vial to the panel of judges.
Five minutes later, the judges were ready. "Ladies and Gentlemen, the results are ready. In third place, with a prize of one hundred galleons... Cedric Diggory of Hogwarts, for brewing Felix Felicis!"
The crowd cheered enthusiastically, with a few students eyeing the vial enviously.
"In second place, with a prize of two hundred galleons... Harry Potter of Hogwarts, for brewing Wolfsbane!"
More enthusiastic cheering, and a kiss on the cheek from Fleur. Harry knew which he valued more.
"In first place, with a prize of three hundred galleons... Fleur Delacour of Beauxbatons for an invisible invisibility potion!"
The crowd cheered even louder at that, and Fleur distinctly heard Fred (or was it George?) shout, "That's so cool!". Fleur suspected they would be paying her a visit soon.
Harry returned Fleur's kiss, though if his was right on the corner of her mouth she wasn't going to complain.
...
Harry and Fleur knew it wouldn't make much difference to the total, but they wanted to add their potions winnings (plus profits from what they had brewed from Professor Jones) into their joint Gringotts account. So over Easter, Sebastian offered to take them. Fleur also wanted to know how much they had, so they could think properly about somewhere in Hogsmeade for Fleur to live for the next two years.
"Ah, welcome Mr. Potter, Miss Delacour, Mr. Delacour", greeted Smashface as the group entered the bank.
Sebastian looked a little surprised at this, until Fleur responded. "Hello again, Smashface. I hope you are well?"
The goblin grinned; it was terrifying to behold. "Very well, thank you. Can I help you with anything today?" he offered.
"We would like to make a deposit and then check our vault's overall value", Fleur replied, with Harry nodding in agreement.
One wild cart ride later, and Fleur and Harry were outside their vault. Sebastian, having heard about the previous value from Appoline, wasn't overly surprised when the vault opened. Harry and Fleur, on the other hand, were.
"Fleur, there's more than last time!" Harry declared.
Smashface looked bemused. "Of course. The interest from your investments, plus the minor additions – relatively speaking – from your deposits all add up."
Harry both did, and didn't, want to protest. "But we transferred 30,000 galleons into a new account for our sister, Gabrielle Delacour... Didn't we?" Harry asked, now a little worried the transfer hadn't happened.
Smashface let out a small laugh; wizard children could be adorably naive sometimes – well, the richer ones could be adorable, at any rate. "Yes, but that was almost three years ago. Your investments had done well over that time; in fact, the amount you donated to Gabrielle was made back in interest in about fourteen months. Further interest, plus deposits, brings your total vault value to about 237,000 galleons", Smashface explained.
Harry and Fleur exceeded expectations by not collapsing in shock. Fleur turned to Harry, and shared what was on her mind. "With this, we could even buy a house in Hogsmeade for the two years!"
Harry just nodded dumbly in reply, still coming to terms with the value.
Smashface, however, had heard Fleur and had an idea which would be beneficial for both of them. "You are seeking accommodation in Britain?" he asked.
"Yes. I plan to live in Hogsmeade for two years whilst I study my potion mastery at Hogwarts, then Harry and I will move to France permanently", Fleur explained.
"I see. Have you found a property in Hogsmeade?" Smashface enquired.
Fleur shook her head. "I've only just been offered the mastery, and I haven't taken a look yet."
"Properties for sale in Hogsmeade are rare, but I have two suggestions if you want to hear them", Smashface began. At Fleur and Harry's encouragement, he continued. "Gringotts owns a property in the village, near the school, for when cursebreaking or other services are needed in the village. That could be rented to you. Alternatively, you could build a new home, though that is likely to be more expensive."
Fleur looked interested. "Tell me about the property I could rent." Then, forgetting her Papa was there (not that he disapproved), Fleur added, "Would there be enough space for two to live there together, on occasion?"
Smashface grinned his terrifying grin, glancing at Harry as he did. "I'm sure the property will be to yours and Harry's liking", he assured.
...
Half-way through the Easter break, there was a surprise visitor to the Delacours. Well, it was a surprise for Harry and Gabrielle; Fleur knew about it, as she was the one who had arranged it.
"Katie? What are you doing here?!" Harry asked, before throwing his arms around his close friend, and holding her tight. Then cursed the sweet strawberry scent that she always had.
"Surprise!" Katie replied, smiling as she gave Harry an affectionate squeeze.
"Katie's 'ere to visit for the day. We planned it a few weeks ago", Fleur chipped in, smiling happily.
Harry beckoned Fleur over, then pulled her into the hug, too, with one of Harry's arms around Katie and one around Fleur. A second later, Gabrielle entered the room. She had a mixed reaction to what she saw.
"Katie! Have you come to visit? That's so exciting! But why is Harry hugging you both... Without me too?!" Gabrielle asked indignantly, then clambered into the group hug, nestling herself between Fleur and Katie.
Harry and Fleur giggled, and so did Katie... after a quick translation.
"So what are we all going to do today?" Harry asked, after the group hug was over and Katie was leaning against him.
Katie looked up into his eyes, hopefully. "I was really hoping that we could... well..."
Harry tilted his head to the side. "Yes?"
Katie blushed a little. "I mean, if it's ok; we did it before and it was so good, but if we can't then I understand!"
Harry smiled at Katie encouragingly. "We can't read your mind, Katie. What did you want us to do?"
"Can we... can we go back to that bakery?" Katie asked, a pleading look in her eyes.
Fleur laughed out loud. "You mean Celeste's?" she asked.
"Yes! That was the name!" Katie replied eagerly.
"Did Katie say Celeste's?! Are we going today?!" Gabrielle asked, hearing the only word in the sentence that mattered to her.
Harry grinned and gave Katie a quick side-hug. "Well, if both my little sister and one of my closest friends want to go... Yes, Gabrielle, we'll go to Celeste's today."
"You're the best, 'arry!" shouted the excitable nine year old, before hugging her brother tightly.
...
Katie moaned in pleasure. The profiteroles at Celeste's were so good! Last time she was here, she'd only managed to have one of Harry's (how was she to know French profiteroles were so much better than English ones?!), but this time she had eight of her own, with four different fillings: plain (although how anyone could call it 'plain' was beyond her!), strawberry (which she could easily fall in love with), caramel (which brought joy to her taste buds) and pistachio (which she had initially been unsure about – incorrectly so).
"'aving fun, Katie?" Fleur asked with an entertained smile.
"It's so good!" Katie whimpered.
"Try the 'ot chocolate. It's better than the one you 'ad last time", Fleur suggested.
Katie looked sceptical. "But the hot chocolate I had last time was really good!"
Fleur shook her head. "The 'ot chocolate you 'ad before was an English version. The one you 'ave there is the real version", Fleur explained.
Katie took a sip, and melted into her chair. "It's too good! Why do they even sell the other version?!" she protested weakly.
Gabrielle had a slice of Frasier, and was in a similar state of bliss. "'arry, you should 'ave gotten the Frasier! It's the best!"
Harry laughed, enjoying his profiteroles. Like Katie, he had gotten eight, with the same four flavours. "You say that about whatever you order", Harry pointed out.
"But today the Frasier is particularly good!" Gabrielle insisted.
Harry, however, knew his sister too well. "You're just looking for a trade!" he accused, an amused smile on his face.
Gabrielle took on the look of a nine year old caught with her hand in the cookie jar. "What? No! That's ridiculous!" she insisted, fooling no-one.
Harry grinned, then made an offer. "Two bites of Frasier for two profiteroles... of different flavours! You can't just take both pistachio ones!"
Gabrielle pouted – sometimes her big brother knew her too well! She considered it for a moment, before internally admitting it was a fair trade. "Deal!"
...
On the way home, Harry panicked and announced he'd forgotten his jacket inside Celeste's, and so Katie's best friend had to go back and get it – when they were half way home! She loved her friend, but she would tease him about that later! But Fleur and Gabrielle were excellent company, so Katie didn't feel abandoned.
The rest of the day passed too quickly, with Katie not knowing who she had spent more time with – Harry or Gabrielle! Little Gabrielle was just adorable, and had wanted to play with her friend throughout the day ("but you get to see Katie all the time!"). Katie admitted the language barrier wasn't getting any easier – maybe she would need to start learning French... or maybe she would just try to find some magic to cheat?
All too soon, though, Katie was getting ready to go home, with Sebastian volunteered to apparate her. She was just in the process of hugging everyone goodbye (including an especially exuberant hug from Gabrielle) when Harry took out a brown paper bag and gave it to her.
"What's this, Harry?" she asked, curious.
Harry wore an incredibly pleased smile on his face. Some might even have called it self-satisfied. "Take a look", he answered mysteriously.
Katie opened it, then squealed in delight. Carefully placing the bag down, she launched herself into Harry's arms and hugged him for all his worth. He was so sweet! Why was he always, always so sweet?!
"Thank you so much! But how..." Katie asked.
Harry grinned. "I may have been lying about forgetting my jacket", Harry explained, a twinkle in his eye.
Katie released Harry and kissed his cheek, then hugged him again. "You're the best, you know that?" she declared.
Harry grinned, pleased at Katie's reaction, then let her go. "Well, don't eat them all at once!"
Katie picked up her paper bag – filled with the Celeste's pastries she had wanted to try but hadn't chosen this time – and gave Harry a beaming smile. "No promises!" she replied.
As Sebastian apparated Katie home, Fleur sidled up to Harry, then kissed his cheek lovingly. "You're so sweet, my cherished", Fleur stated. Harry blushed, pleased that he had made one of his closest friends and his love happy through his actions.
...
There was only one extra thing Harry wanted to accomplish over the break, and that involved a conversation with Sebastian. Harry was initially very nervous, but after explaining the topic, his Godfather had pulled him into a fierce embrace, happy tears in his eyes. Harry's nervousness gone, the pair were able to have a conversation that Sebastian would look back on as one of his favourites in his entire life.
...
All too soon, the holidays were over and Fleur and Harry were back for their final term.
For Harry, there were exams to study for, a Quidditch tournament to win, and a third task to enjoy. And then, when Fleur stated that she wanted his opinion, Harry also needed to view the property the goblins were offering to rent her.
The latter task was easy enough to accomplish. Sneaking out of Hogwarts had become almost mundane, and so when Smashface suggested a date and time, Fleur and Harry agreed without hesitation.
A few minutes of looking round the house – which had a (magically expanded) living room, dining room, modern kitchen, large bathroom and two bedrooms – and Fleur was sold. Especially after seeing the large king-sized bed in the main bedroom.
Harry, who had assumed that any sleepovers would be in separate beds – as had been the case over the Easter break – wasn't as excited about the bedroom, but concluded that the house looked nice and roomy, and for only one hundred galleons a month it was easily affordable. The fact that the house was only a twenty minute walk from Hogwarts – and a five minute walk from Honeydukes – sealed the deal, and the contract was signed that afternoon.
...
The prank war was in full swing, at least as far as Daphne was concerned. For the twins it wasn't as full-blown as the ones they had with Bill or even Charlie, but respectable nonetheless.
Daphne managed to prank the twins with their own fake wands.
The twins snuck Daphne a canary cream, in the middle of the great hall.
Daphne caused the twins to loudly belch whenever they tried to speak, for an entire day.
The twins turned all of Daphne's cloaks just the slightly wrong shade of green... It was maddening when she spotted it!
Daphne caused the twins' food to taste of vomit for an entire meal, whatever they ate.
The twins convinced Crabbe that Daphne had a huge crush on him, so that he followed her around like a lost puppy for a week.
For everyone watching, it was great entertainment. The twins were delighted, and thought about how to incorporate some of Daphne's ideas into new products. Even Daphne was enjoying herself, though she would hex anyone who suggested such in her hearing.
...
The final Quidditch game of the year – and Angelina and Alicia's final Quidditch game at Hogwarts - did not go as hoped.
They found out a week before the match that Durmstrang had the world-class seeker Victor Krum at their school the previous year, and so the school's Quidditch Teams had enjoyed professional-level training for at least that year. Whilst the Durmstrang seeker was a little worse than Harry, the beaters, keeper and chasers were better than the Hogwarts team – especially without the Twins as beaters.
The game ended after Harry caught the snitch, but by then Durmstrang were more than 150 points ahead. The game ended with Durmstrang on 280 and Hogwarts on 250.
The Durmstrang team had won the Quidditch tournament, and Harry (and Katie, grudgingly) had to admit – they had more than earned it.
...
Finally, the morning of the third task arrived. The crowd were waiting with excitement, Ana was fiercely determined, Pauline was focused, and Fred and George? They had been grinning since waking up. They had a few plans in place and were quite certain they would win. But they were even more certain that the day would be very profitable, especially with the accomplice they had managed to agree to help out.
Yes, they had been looking forward to this day all term.
chapter 30
"Welcome, all, to the final task if the Tri-wizard tournament!" Announced Headmaster Dinchev.
The students were in stands, around a long, rectangular structure which looked like a stretched greenhouse – if it were built for giants to walk through, and it was forty times as long as it was wide. There were several places where the not-a-greenhouse was dark, and the spectators couldn't see in.
"This task is something of an obstacle course. The champions will enter here" Dinchev indicated the entrance to the not-a-greenhouse, "and will proceed as far as they can, with points based on how far through each champion gets. There are several places where the champions will face a choice of paths – some paths carry more points than others, but more points mean more danger!"
Dinchev smiled. "Send up red sparks when you've gone as far as you're willing to. We don't expect the champions to reach the end, but anyone that does will gain an additional twenty points", he finished explaining.
Turning to the champions, Dinchev addressed Fred and George. "As the champion will the most points, you can choose whether to go first, second or third."
Fred smiled eagerly. "First, please!"
Dinchev nodded, then turned to his champion. "Ana, as the champion with the second-most points, you can choose whether to go second or third."
Ana considered for a moment, then announced, "Third".
"Well, there you have it! Fred or George will go first, followed by Pauline, followed by Ana. Champions – good luck!" Dinchev finished.
Fred entered the not-a-greenhouse, and George's commentary began. "Welcome, Ladies, Gentlemen and Ron!"
"Why do they keep saying that?" Ron asked, from his seat near Harry. Neville nearly choked on his laughter.
"Special thanks to everyone's favourite Professor Jones, who has kindly agreed to run a stall selling Weasleys' Wizarding Wheezes during the task! If there's anything you see that you want to buy, she's selling it on our behalf, near the task entrance!" George merrily announced.
The students collectively turned towards the place described, and saw that Professor Jones was indeed at a stall, selling Wheezes.
Harry turned to Katie in astonishment . "Katie... How?!"
Katie shook her head, either in shock or great amusement. "I have no idea, Harry!"
Jones had a pained expression on her face. She really had no choice: she had accidentally (at least, she assumed it was an accident – who knew with the twins) come across the twins' plan for an end of term 'celebration', and whilst there was nothing in the school rules against perma-swamps, that was only because no sane person had thought of it!
The twins had agreed to cancel their end of term plans – and that any replacement plans needed approval from Dumbledore – if she manned their stall for the third task. She'd gone to Dumbledore for a second opinion, and he had agreed: for the good of the school, Jones would do so (after all, trying to stop the twins, even knowing their plan, was a fools' errand).
"Now, there goes Fred, looking confident – of course he is, we're fifty points ahead – and he's come to some doors... what's inside?" George asked, genuinely. The doors were marked with numbers 1, 3 and 5, respectively. Fred took the door worth five points, and entered to find...
"A group of Cornish pixies! Now, pixies are fireproof, right? They wouldn't be affected by our new Dragon Breath Balls, would they?" George merrily narrated.
As soon as Fred walked through the door, the relevant area lit up for the spectators to see. But Fleur was busy pondering a different matter. "'ow can George see what's going on? We could only see when Fred entered the door, and 'e's still at the entrance", Fleur wondered aloud.
"Mirrors, mostly likely", Harry correctly guessed.
Meanwhile, Fred was now breathing large plumes of fire. The pixies scrambled away as quickly as they could; two were too slow.
"Well, clearly we needed to pay more attention in Defence; pixies aren't fireproof!" George declared, faux-morose.
Fred was onto the next set of doors. This time the choices were a 1, 5 and 10. "Which door will my twin pick? Oh, interesting!" George declared, as Fred chased another ten points.
"Oh no! Not two trolls! Whatever will Fred do?! Wait, aren't those the leftovers from the first task?" George pointed out.
The trolls were brandishing clubs again, and looked quite menacing. Fred managed to levitate something into each of their mouths.
"Trolls are so sweet, aren't they? Almost... angelic" George stated, just as the first troll sprouted huge angel wings. The troll flapped its wings purely on instinct, and floated up out of the way. The other troll was less fortunate.
"Well, one of the trolls is angelic. The other one looks... Sort of runty."
The other troll squeaked, and then started... changing. Its face sprouted whiskers, it grew a long, spindly tail, and it started shrinking. Once the transformation was complete it was only three foot tall, and definitely less dangerous – it couldn't even hold its club.
"Introducing Rat Droppings! Don't worry, they're not as crap as they sound!" George joked. Katie pulled a disgusted face; even the name sounded yuck!
Back to the course, Fred came to the next set of doors. These were marked 3, 5 and 6, and there was an ominous sound behind the six-points door. Fred grinned in anticipation.
"Well, look what we have here! One of Professor Hagrid's monstrosities! I wonder if it's hungry?" George wandered aloud, while Fred fed something to the Blast-ended skrewt.
The skrewt grew black feathers, and rounded in shape, taking on the appearance of a very non-cuddly, quite angry bird. It squawked menacingly, then exploded.
"Wow! Somehow it exploded but still survived! I see Fred making a wise choice to rush past it before it can do so again. Another win for canary creams!" cried George, as if his brother's life hadn't been in danger.
The fourth set of doors had the values 5, 8 and 10. Fred obviously went for door 10. Inside were three giant spiders. They looked hungry. "Well, this is a great time to introduce our newest products! Emotion chews, in a variety of flavours! Looks like Fred's gone for depression..."
One of the spiders stopped crawling towards Fred, and instead just dropped its body to the floor, looking around helplessly.
"...oh, that one's joy, I think..."
The second spider began chittering happily. Joy Spider ran between Depressed Spider and the last spider, getting in the last spider's way and being no help at all to Depressed Spider.
"...and, well, hunger shall we say, but not of a food kind!"
The third spider stopped caring about Fred, and approached Depressed Spider.
"Wait, what's that spider doing?" asked Neville.
After a few seconds more of watching, Hermione had the answer. "Well, it looks like it wants to mate with the Depressed Spider... but that's impossible, spiders don't copulate like humans do!"
"Copulate?" Fleur asked Harry, unsure of the word.
"Sex", Harry replied.
"Was that an offer?" Fleur teased. Harry blushed, but was spared having to reply by the next commentary.
"Ah, and now Fred's realising his error – spiders don't get to experience that joy; Horny Spider is going to be so frustrated!" George noted amusedly.
Fred was easily able to walk past the spiders, especially when Horny Spider mistook Joy Spider's enthusiasm for... something else.
Fred carried on, towards the last set of doors. These promised 8, 9 or 10 points. Fred picked the obvious option, then was confronted with his brother, lying dead on the floor.
"Well, that's not something you want to see. Still, what's funnier than a Dead George? Most things. Including, a Dead George attached to a firework!" George declared.
Fred dutifully stuck a moderately-sized firework to the Boggart, lit the fuse, and stood back. The boggart must have sensed something was wrong, as Dead George opened its eyes and moved eerily towards Fred... just as the fuse ended and it was shot straight up in the sky. George had never looked so colourful.
Fred continued past the boggart, careful not to laugh too much, then noted that upon landing the boggart was still alive – tough little things! Fred saw a final pedestal with a trophy on it, and once he grabbed it he was whisked back to the start of the course.
"Well done, Fred, for finishing the course. Pauline, you're next!" Dinchev congratulated, trying to maintain his smile as he realised the others had no chance.
Pauline nodded, and knew that her only hope was to go for the most points at every door, and hope Fred hadn't; but if he hadn't, what could be worse than trolls and (presumably giant) spiders?!
Going through the first door, Pauline saw a handful of Cornish pixies, and they were livid! Pauline fired spells and hexes, but she was still caught by three at one point. Thinking quickly, she cast a fire-proof charm on herself then set her cloak on fire. The pixies quickly dropped her, and after shedding her cloak Pauline continued on.
Next, Pauline cane across two trolls. Or, more specifically, Angel Troll and Mini Troll. Pauline had been prepared for trolls this time... but not a flying troll! "Merde! Merde! Merde!" Pauline again panicked, and ran.
Flying Troll tried chasing her, but it was still getting used to its wings. Still, whilst Pauline had managed to escape and continue, she knew the boos from the crowd were at her performance.
Then, Pauline came to the Skrewt-Canary, and she thought she was going to have it easy. That thought lasted right until the cute horror squawked angrily, exploded, then squawked angrily again.
"No! Impossible!" Pauline uttered. The next explosion knocked Pauline off her feet; had she not been charmed against fire, she might not have survived.
The terrifying explode-a-bird was fast, and Pauline couldn't get around it. After another blast that flung her against the door she had entered through, Pauline made the wise decision to flee and sent up sparks.
"Good attempt, Pauline!" Dinchev lied. It had been pretty terrible. At least Ana wouldn't be last. "Go on Ana, you can begin!"
Ana nodded, then as per usual cast her agility and strength charms, and her Bloodmoon Sword conjuration. She even opted to self-transfigure wings again.
Like a dark Valkyrie, Ana flew through the course, though she found it disappointingly easy to begin with. The pixies were not used to being chased through the air by a blade-wielding demon; it was quite stressful for the pixies, right until Ana calmed them down. Permanently.
Following Fred's path, Ana next came to the Angel Troll. Ana found that fight quite exhilarating, especially as the troll was starting to get used to its wings. Still, Ana won easily.
Next came the Skrewt-Canary, and Ana had to stare in disbelief, right before she remembered George's narration and the mention of explosions, and she flew up high. Just in time, too, as a couple of seconds earlier and the first explosion might have knocked her unconscious, or worse.
The nasty thing kept exploding – or causing an explosion? – and so Ana fired a stunner, and then a cutting charm when that didn't work. The cutting charm worked, and upon death Ana realised that the twins might just have done her a favour – the skrewt looked unpleasant!
The Emotional Spiders were next, with Horny Spider the most trouble – it had taken an interest in Ana the moment she appeared, and had to be discouraged quite violently.
Finally, Ana came across the boggart, and decided just to test the Bloodmoon sword on it. The boggart clearly wasn't a fan, but neither was it dead, so Ana left it and finished the gauntlet by grabbing the trophy, just as Fred had.
...
"The judges are now ready to announce the winner of the Tri-wizard tournament!", Dumbledore declared, as if the result wasn't obvious.
"In third place, with twenty-three points is Pauline!" Dumbledore announced unnecessarily.
Some polite cheers, and plenty of booing, was heard.
"In second place, with ninty-three points, Ana!" Dumbledore announced. The crowd were now cheering fully.
"Which means that in first place, with one hundred and forty-seven points – Fred and George! Congratulations, both, you are the winners of the Tri-wizard tournament!" Dumbledore praised, trying not to think about the fact that they could only both enter because of some very unsporting efforts back in October.
...
Not unexpectedly, the Emotion Chews were very, very popular. Jones insisted she wouldn't sell one particular type to under-seventeens, though she was aware Fred and George wouldn't be that strict when selling the sweets themselves. Only another month and the terrors would graduate, and it wouldn't be her problem.
Speaking of Fred and George, they were thrilled! One thousand galleons, plus a decent amount of sold Wheezes, meant it was easily their most profitable term already. They would need to think of a way to keep up the students' interest next year; maybe a owl-mail business as well as the Diagon Alley store?
There were a few more things they needed to do before leaving Hogwarts, however: finishing Harry's project, and seeing whether Daphne would sell her prank ideas...
...
Katie walked into the common room, and knew something was wrong. It was too dark, for one. The common room was never this dark in the morning. She also sensed that something was about to happen. Taking her wand in hand, and honing her senses, she listened carefully. Stepping down the stairs from the girls' dormitory, she focussed her attention on any movement, or other sign of danger.
"Happy Birthd...ack!" cried Fred, who was the loudest, and so the one Katie had targeted with her leg-lock jinx.
"Happy Birthday!" cried everyone else at the same time, then laughed at Fred's predicament.
Katie's shock turned onto a smile as Harry, Fleur, Fred, George, Angelina, Alicia, Hermione, Ron, Neville and a few others suddenly appeared in the common room.
"I'm impressed you hit Fred whilst he was still invisible!" George noted, as he cancelled the jinx on his brother.
"Quidditch instincts", Fred commented, not at all upset about being hexed first thing – after all, it added to the excitement.
Then, with a wave of his wand, George made a long table visible; a long table that had several presents on it.
"Thanks everyone, I wasn't expecting this!" Katie gushed, before proceeding to hug everyone present.
"How did you manage the invisibility?" Katie asked, trying to avoid staring too much at the table of presents... and one present in particular.
"Oh, we traded some angel drops for some of Fleur's invisibility potion", Fred nonchalantly explained.
"Angel drops?" Harry asked his girlfriend.
"Oui. For Gabrielle", Fleur explained. Harry's heart utterly melted at the thought.
"You two need to take a wizarding picture when you give one to her!" Katie declared.
"Anyway", Fred interrupted, impatiently. "You have a pile of presents..."
"...just sitting there..."
"...all sad and lonely."
Katie grinned. "Well, if you insist!"
There were a range of presents – sweets, chocolate, a selection of Wheezes (though why they gave her a Desire Emotion chew was beyond her!), a nice summer dress, a book on learning French, a nice set of silver earrings with small rubies, and The Final Package.
Katie looked to Harry and Fleur. "You really shouldn't have", she tried to admonish.
"It's not all from us; Gabrielle contributed two weeks' pocket money", Fleur replied.
Katie knew she would have to buy Gabrielle something for her next birthday - the girl was so sweet! Still, Gabrielle's contribution would be a drop in the ocean, even for just a minor upgrade.
At Fleur's insistence, Katie started to unwrap the long, thin package. Her excitement built as she saw a quality of craftsmanship she had only ever dreamed of, but when she saw the name she almost fainted. "A Firebolt?!" she squeaked.
Harry and Fleur, standing together holding hands, smiled and nodded. The rest of the group looked shocked; Firebolts were the best racing broom available, and were horrendously expensive! The broom must have cost hundreds of galleons!
"Harry... Fleur... I can't..." Katie began, her desires warring inside her.
"...wait to try it out?" suggested Fleur.
Katie looked unsurely at Fleur, then Harry. It was a Firebolt! You don't just give out Firebolts as birthday presents!
Fleur pulled Harry over, and together the two pulled her into a warm hug.
"Katie, you're one of my closest friends", began Harry, murmuring quietly in her ear. "You only turn seventeen once, we can afford it, and we wanted to treat you."
"And we know Quidditch is your passion. This will 'elp you in your future career", Fleur added quietly in the other ear.
Maybe the argument convinced her, or maybe she was just too overcome with emotion to care. Either way, Katie kissed Harry's cheek, then Fleur's. "Thank you. Both of you. I don't know what I did to deserve such good friends", Katie quietly replied.
Harry smiled broadly. "That's what I ask myself about you."
...
Several days later, and Fleur and Harry were lying in Fleur's bed, catching their breath. They had celebrated the end of their exams with mutual pleasure, and were now basking in blissful afterglow. Harry was running his fingers lovingly through Fleur's hair, and Fleur was running her hand lazily up and down Harry's back.
"I love you so much, Fleur. What you did was... oh, I've never felt so good!" Harry praised.
Fleur grinned. "Just wait until we 'ave sex. I 'ear it's even better", she teased.
Harry stared into Fleur's eyes. That was something he wanted to ask about, but he didn't want to pressure his wonderful, sweet, sexy, perfect girlfriend. They had, after all, tried everything else he could think of, and there was so much to enjoy without needing that last pleasure. "Fleur...?" Harry began, not knowing how to ask.
Fleur smiled coyly. "You want to know when we will sleep together?"
Harry blushed and nodded.
"Soon", Fleur promised. "I 'ave been wanting to for so long, but I 'ave also been enjoying this slow build up, trying out new pleasures all year."
Harry blushed again, and found himself agreeing. Their shared intimacy this year, building up from guilt-free kisses to... well... other uses for lips and tongue, had been far beyond Harry's wildest dreams and expectations.
Fleur gazed deeply into Harry's eyes, and admitted something she thought might be silly. "I also... I want our first time to be special. Not in a school, or in a carriage, but somewhere that 'as meaning for us. And definitely not in my bedroom when Gabrielle could walk in and interrupt!"
Harry nodded in understanding. "I'll wait as long as I need to Fleur", Harry assured.
Fleur responded by kissing Harry slowly, lovingly. Her boyfriend was just too perfect!
...
It was only two weeks until the end of term, and Harry needed to speak to Katie. Really, Harry felt bad he'd not found the time for this particular conversation so far, but the term had been so busy...
Still, there was plenty of time now exams were over, especially for Harry who (in theory) didn't know which subjects he would pass and be able to take next year.
So, at breakfast on Sunday morning, Harry had asked Katie if she was free to spend the day with him. Always willing to spend time with her best friend, Katie readily agreed, and after breakfast the two were walking around the lake together.
Katie was her usual tactile self, having looped her arm around Harry's as they walked. "I've missed you this term. With exams and everything I don't feel I've seen you enough", Katie complained.
Harry patted Katie's arm, and honestly felt the same. "I've missed you too. And I know it's my fault we've not spent as much..."
Katie bumped into Harry lightly, interrupting him. "Hush, you. You're meant to spend time with your girlfriend, especially when you've been in love since forever!"
Harry smiled at Katie; she really was too good to him. Harry squeezed her arm in thanks.
"Anyway, what's on your mind?" Katie asked.
"What do you mean?" Harry asked, a little confused.
Katie smiled confidently. "You've got that look. The 'I want to talk about something serious' look."
Harry groaned. "Not you too! Am I that obvious?!"
Katie giggled. "Harry, you've been one of my closest friends for almost five years; I'm meant to know a little of what you're thinking!"
Harry, who had become a master at ignoring how hot Katie was, was very glad she really couldn't read his mind. That would have made their friendship far too weird!
Well, no use putting it off now. Harry turned to Katie, looked into her warm, shining eyes, and shared the news. "I... well... I'm planning to propose to Fleur."
Katie stopped; given her arm was still looped through Harry's, he stopped too. "You're serious?" Katie asked, a little surprised.
Harry nodded, waiting to see how Katie would react.
She reacted quite violently – that was how Harry would describe the hug later on, at least. "Congratulations!" Katie half-shouted, whilst squeezing Harry for all his worth. "I'm so happy for you both! I don't know why I needed to ask if you were serious, you two have been practically dating for years, and you're already planning to live together straight after Hogwarts, and..."
Harry let out a breath he didn't know he had been holding, and hugged Katie tightly whilst she rambled. A minute later, she was finishing.
"... question is when? Oh, and have you asked your Godfather yet?" Katie asked.
The pair continued walking while Harry answered. "Yes, I spoke to Sebastian over the Easter holidays. As to when, and how, I've sort of got a plan..."
...
There was a part of Harry's plan that had yet to be sorted, and Katie would be the perfect help. Almost a week after Harry had shared the news with her, the pair were sneaking out of the castle.
"Where are we going to go?" Katie asked, this being her first time involved in such things.
"Well, that's a surprise", Harry smiled knowingly.
Katie laughed. "I can't help you if I don't know the details!" she pointed out.
Harry smiled and shook his head. "You just want to know. But you don't need to know where to be able to help."
Katie stuck her tongue out at Harry; it was less effective than she'd hoped, which she blamed on the dark tunnel they were in.
After exiting the tunnel – and Honeydukes – Harry held out his hand to Katie. Curious, she grasped Harry's hand, and only just registered the feeling of something wooden when she felt an unpleasant squeezing sensation... then found herself in a very different-looking town.
"How did you get your hands on a portkey? And where are we?" Katie asked.
"Fred and George owed me one more favour, but it runs out soon and I thought getting them to make me a two-way portkey would be fun", Harry explained.
"As for where we are, look behind you", Harry smiled, his eyes twinkling.
Katie turned round, and squealed in excitement. "You didn't! But I thought we were shopping for..."
"Oh, we are!" Harry interrupted. "But shopping might take a while and I thought we might need something to eat before we start", Harry explained.
"I wish you'd told me, so I didn't eat as much breakfast", Katie grouched good-naturedly.
"I did warn you we might pick up something!" Harry reminded her. "Besides, we'll come back for lunch, too", Harry confidently stated with a grin.
Katie could only moan in anticipation. Harry led the two into the establishment, where Harry was greeted by name. "Welcome back to Celeste's, 'arry. A table for two, this time?"
...
Katie felt she waddled out of Celeste's; she really should have opted for something light, like macarons, but the thick slice of rich, heavenly Frasier called to her and she was unable to resist.
She was already looking forward to returning for lunch (if she could call pastries and cakes lunch), though a thought struck her mind. "Harry?"
"Yes, Katie?" came the reply.
"I should pay next time. You've treated me to Celeste's three times now, which really isn't fair", Katie pointed out.
Harry grinned and shook his head. "You can't. You don't have any francs."
Katie pouted. Unlike the wizarding world, the muggle world insisted on different currencies. Katie didn't even know how much Celeste cost; she assumed that it would be similarly priced to somewhere like Madam Puddifoot's, and felt a little guilty about the money Harry was spending. Little did she know, Celeste's was much more expensive, and for good reason – the patisserie had both class and food that was far superior to the wizarding establishment.
Still, she was distracted from her thoughts as Harry distracted her. "Come on, let's go shopping for an engagement ring!"
...
The day had been a success. Katie had helped Harry choose an elegant, tasteful white-gold ring, with a moderately-sized diamond surrounded by a cluster of smaller sapphires.
Then, Harry and Katie had celebrated by gorging themselves at Celeste's – with Katie wallowing in the kind of bliss that can only come from real profiteroles.
They even had time to stop by and see Sebastian, Appoline and Gabrielle, with the latter especially delighted by the surprise visit.
After an hour with Gabrielle sat on Harry's lap, having her hair brushed and then not-quite-fully-plaited, Gabrielle moved on to Katie, in the hope that she would do a better job... and continue the attention. Harry then realised a little of why Gabrielle and Katie got on so well: Katie was incredibly tactile, and Gabrielle loved physical affection... really, seeing Gabrielle almost purring in Katie's lap, and Katie beaming at the adorable nine-year-old, Harry wondered why he hadn't realised sooner how much Gabrielle would look up to Katie.
With Gabrielle occupied, Harry was also able to spend some quality time with his Godparents – excitedly sharing his plans, chatting about the term so far, and soaking up their love for him. Sebastian even tried to help improve Harry's plaiting skills with Appoline's resigned agreement, though she would later admit that even if her hair was worse for it, it had been relaxing.
All too soon, however, their time was up, and Harry and Katie needed to return to Hogwarts.
Even here, Katie proved she was an excellent friend, saving Harry just when he needed it:
"Were you two on a date?!" asked Colin Creevey when the two entered the great hall for dinner; Colin still couldn't quite believe that Harry and Katie were just friends.
Fleur just happened to be within earshot, and cocked her head interestedly. "You were with Katie all day? I thought you were busy with Professor Jones", Fleur asked.
Harry felt trapped; he wasn't about to admit to Fleur what he had been doing, but had no clue what to say!
Katie, though, came to the rescue. "No, we were not on a date. Yes we were together all day. You weren't meant to find out yet, Fleur; we were busy planning a surprise for you", Katie groused good-naturedly. Then, to throw Fleur off the scent, she added, "it is your birthday over the summer".
It was not technically a lie, but definitely misleading; Harry thought it was perfect, and muttered a quick "thanks, Katie" when Fleur wasn't looking.
Fleur smiled, pleased at Harry's thoughtfulness. She started thinking about what could need a day to plan; a party? That would make the most sense, she thought. Being fairly confident she was right, Fleur had a little pity for Harry – she might not have guessed had Colin not spotted the pair. Fleur would need to at least pretend to be surprised when her birthday arrived.
...
It was the last evening of the school year, and the twins were excited. Dumbledore had signed off on their celebration plans (toned down though they were), and now they just had to sit impatiently for the rest of the students to finish eating.
Finally, after someone had finished their fourth helping of dessert, Dumbledore stood up.
"Dear Hogwarts students, and dear Beauxbaton and Durmstrang guests, we have almost reached the end of another school year! Headmistress Maxime, Headmaster Dinchev and I all hope you have particularly enjoyed this year, and have built lasting friendships... and perhaps more!" Dumbledore began, smiling at a few new couples in the school.
"I hope you all have an enjoyable summer, and that you don't forget too much of what you have learned; and that those awaiting OWL and NEWT results are rewarded for their studies!" Dumbledore continued.
"I would like to tell all students, whatever their school, that Hogwarts' doors will always be open to you in times of need, though I hope those times never come", Dumbledore offered with a grandfatherly smile.
"Now, before we finish, I believe the talented Misters Weasley would like to make an announcement, and provide some end-of-year entertainment", Dumbledore finished, hoping fervently that the deal he had made did not contain loopholes.
"We would first like to tell all students..."
"... whatever their school..."
"...that our doors will always be open..."
"... in times of need."
"As long as those needs include fireworks..."
"...pranks..."
"...or Boneless Boots."
"Seriously, buy some Boneless Boots."
"The mark-up is insane, and we make a killing from each pair" joked (?) George.
"George!" admonished Fred in an entertainer's stage whisper. "You were meant to say 'mental', not 'insane'"
The hall was, by this point, filling with laughter.
"And where are those doors, Fred?"
"In Diagon Alley! Weasleys' Wizarding Wheezes opens this summer, on the 1st of August! Come buy our stuff!" announced George, to huge cheers from students across the schools.
"But Fred, what if our honourable students haven't seen our products in action?!" cried George, to laughter from the crowd.
"If only we'd had opportunity to advertise our wares throughout the year" Fred continued regretfully.
"Well, there's only one thing for it..."
"...WEASLEY FIREWORKS DISPLAY OUTSIDE, IN TWO MINUTES!"
The students cheered loudly, eager to see another display from the twins.
"Run, don't walk!"
"Push and shove for the best view!"
...
The students were outside, and thankfully hadn't stampeded like Fred and George had advised.
Fred fired his wand, and the fireworks display began. At first, it started fairly sedately... for the twins. The fireworks exploded in a rainbow of colours – literally a rainbow, Hermione had no idea how they managed it. Then the twins set off some Wand-Controlled Fireworks, using their wands to bring the fireworks much closer to than the crowds had ever seen – uncomfortably close, from the professors' points of view.
Then, as a finale, Fred and George let off their biggest firework yet. It launched into the sky, then instead of merely exploding and being done, the firework took the shape of a dragon, with its breath breathing colourful explosions across the sky. The students, already cheering throughout, were utterly delighted.
But as the dragon-firework flew past one final time, something unexpected happened. Letters appeared in its wake, spelling out a message for all to see:
'Fleur, will you marry me?'
As the last letters appeared, the crowd gasped in surprise. Fleur turned to Harry in disbelief... only to find him on one knee, looking up at her hopefully, offering a gorgeous diamond and sapphire ring.
"Fleur? You're my best friend, my confidant, my one true love. I adore you, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?" Harry asked, his heart beating rapidly.
Fleur's eyes were wide, but as realisation hit her, joyful tears fell down her face and the biggest smile Harry had ever seen blossomed onto her perfect features.
"Yes my love! A thousand times yes!" came the reply, before Fleur let Harry's slightly shaking hands slide the ring onto her finger.
Then, once Harry had stood, Fleur pulled her fiancé into an embrace, and kissed him with all the love she could muster. Neither had ever been happier.