Fleur was overcome with joy, excitement, and most of all love for her new fiancé. Her friends, and his, were excited for them both, and the twins had wanted to throw a party, but Fleur was desperate to let their family know first.
So, after the hugs had slowed down, Fleur and Harry explained their desire to speak to family, found a quiet spot by the lake, and took out Harry's mirror.
"Mama? Papa? Are you there?" called Fleur.
The response was immediate. "Hello angels!" "Good evening, cherished!"
Fleur and Harry's glowing smiles gave them away, though this time Appoline and Sebastian chose not to ruin the moment.
"Mama, Papa... 'ARRY PROPOSED AND I SAID YES!" Fleur squealed excitedly. From next to Fleur, Harry gave a very pleased grin.
"Congratulations, my angel! We're so happy for you both" replied Appoline.
"We're so pleased; now 'arry will be family by law, as well as by every other measure", Sebastian noted, his eyes shining with happiness.
"Show us the ring?" Appoline asked, eager to see how well Harry had done.
Fleur raised her left hand delicately, and showed off the white-gold, diamond and sapphire ring proudly.
"It's beautiful, angel. 'arry, my little fly, you chose well", Appoline gushed.
Harry gave an embarrassed but pleased smile, whereas Fleur gave Harry a loving look and kissed his cheek.
"My fiancé is wonderful. Of course he chose well!" Fleur announced proudly.
"Well... I also had Katie's help", Harry admitted.
"Ah, we thought that might be what you were doing when you came to visit a week ago", Sebastian smiled, pleased he had guessed right.
"Wait, you visited Mama and Papa? Is that what you were doing when you spent that day with Katie?!" Fleur asked, surprised.
Harry nodded happily. "That's right! Katie helped me choose your ring, then we went to see Aunt Appoline and Uncle Sebastian."
Fleur laughed out loud, amused at Harry's (and Katie's) sneakiness. "I thought you were planning a birthday party or something!" Fleur admitted.
Harry shook his head, smiling. "I was so worried when Colin spotted us arriving back together, and you overheard; I didn't know what to say, and it was only Katie's quick thinking that saved the surprise!" Harry admitted, chuckling.
...
Harry and Fleur didn't spend too long speaking to Sebastian and Appoline, as they had quite a few people they wanted to tell. Sadly they couldn't tell Gabrielle yet – she was fast asleep, and anyway Fleur would see her tomorrow – but they could tell Harry's other sister.
"Cheveu?" Harry called into the mirror.
Cheveu appeared, but her reaction wasn't quite what they expected. She took one look at their faces, declared, "Give me five minutes?" then turned her mirror off. Harry and Fleur were a little taken aback; was Cheveu ok?
Figuring they would ask her in five minutes, they next called Sirius. "Uncle Siri?"
A few moments of waiting, then Sirius appeared. Topless. "Is this a bad time, Uncle Siri?" Fleur giggled.
Sirius shook his head grinning. "No, this is a wonderful time! Any time up to an hour ago would have been a terrible time", Sirius replied.
"It might still be terrible if you take too long, Siri..." came a voice from the side; one that Fleur didn't recognise.
Sirius didn't blush, but Harry did. He recognised the voice of Amelia Bones, and could see that her relationship with Sirius was clearly still going well.
Fleur shook her head in fond exasperation. "Well, we won't keep you long. But 'arry and I 'ave some news we wished to share", Fleur began.
"Oh?" asked Sirius, very curious. "What is it?"
Fleur didn't say anything; she merely held up her left hand, her ring showing clearly.
"Pups... You... You got engaged! That's awesome!" Sirius gushed.
"Wait, engaged?" came Amelia's voice. Rustling fabric could be heard whilst Fleur nodded, then Amelia's face appeared. "That's so exciting! Congratulations! Sirius told me you've both been practically together since Harry was a toddler!"
Fleur and Harry smiled merrily. "Well, I certainly knew I wanted 'arry for years, though I 'ad to wait for 'im for a long time", teased Fleur.
"Hey! It's not my fault my hormones were slow!" Harry complained good-naturedly.
"Show me the ring?" Amelia asked eagerly.
Fleur held up her hand again, proudly displaying the symbol of Harry's love. "White gold, with a diamond surrounded by sapphires", Fleur happily boasted.
Amelia looked at the ring, perhaps a little longingly; this was not lost on Sirius. "It's beautiful, Fleur, it really is. Harry – you chose well."
"Yeah, you really did pup", agreed Sirius. Then, a little oddly, Sirius' smile grew. "You've probably got loads of people you want to speak to, though, right? We'll talk properly – and celebrate – next week, when you're back from school?"
Harry nodded; he would have spoken to Sirius for longer, but his Godfather made a good point. "Sounds good! Let me know when!"
"Will do! Bye pups, speak soon!" "Bye Harry, Fleur – congratulations again!"
Harry and Fleur barely managed to say bye before Sirius had hung up. The reason for Sirius' abruptness was made abundantly clear as Harry was attacked, his assailant charging into him violently.
"Little bro! Tell me I haven't come all this way for no reason!" cried Cheveu, hugging the breath out of her little brother.
Fleur giggled, then tapped Cheveu on the shoulder. "See for yourself!" Fleur replied, holding up her left hand again.
Cheveu squealed excitedly then pulled Fleur into a three-way hug. "That's so exciting! How did Harry propose? What did he say? When will you get married?" Cheveu asked, rapid fire.
"Questions I'd also like to know", came a voice from nearby.
"Uncle Remus?!" asked Harry disbelieving. "What are you doing here?" Harry asked, before hugging his uncle tightly.
Remus grinned, returning the hug. "Cheveu told me I needed to get to Hogwarts quickly, for an emergency."
Then, releasing Harry and pulling Fleur into a hug, Remus continued with an amused smile, "Congratulations, Fleur. I'm glad Harry's finally thinking straight."
"Hey!"
...
Harry and Fleur saw no reason not to sneak Cheveu and Remus up to Gryffindor tower for the party, and neither had any complaints... though Harry had suspected the silvery animal that Remus cast with his wand and sent towards the castle might have been a polite request for permission.
The twins outdid themselves with the party, and it was very late when Cheveu, Remus and Fleur left Gryffindor tower. Fleur knew she would need to sleep on the journey home – a thought which several Gryffindors had.
The only downside came to Fleur the next morning – she really, really wanted a... private celebration... with Harry, but it was now going to be four weeks until they saw each other!
Unless... Yes, that would work. It would be a bit of effort, but she would have to do it anyway, and it would mean...
Fleur started making plans. Plans that she was very excited just thinking about. She could even plan it for two weeks' time, just in time for Harry's...
...
Gabrielle squealed in excitement, squeezing her sister as hard as she could. "You really are going to get married!" she declared happily.
Fleur nodded, the joy of being home, seeing her sister and sharing the good news was like a drug, except the joy was contagious. "Yes, my little fly, 'arry and I are going to get married."
Gabrielle had a very important question. "When?"
Fleur had considered this. She had considered it a lot over the past sixteen hours. "Possibly in two years, the summer after 'arry graduates. 'arry and I need to talk about it first."
Gabrielle looked dismayed. "But that's so far away!" she whined.
Fleur nodded, grinning. "Which gives us lots and lots of time to plan the perfect wedding, doesn't it?"
Gabrielle's eyes lit up. Perhaps waiting a while wouldn't be too bad, after all.
...
Harry, meanwhile, was sharing the news with the last of his family – the Dursleys, and Dudley in particular.
"Yes?! And then?!" Dudley asked, on tenterhooks.
A pause, and then...
"She said yes!" Harry announced, proudly.
"YES!" yelled Dudley, pulling Harry into a brotherly embrace. "I'm so happy for you! But wow, going from *cough* just friends *cough* to engaged in less than a year... I'm proud of you, cous'!"
Harry blushed, but he could hardly deny that he and Fleur were now much, much more than friends. Idly, Harry wondered if that meant his "best friend" slot was up for grabs. Maybe it had been since he started dating Fleur?
Harry and Dudley were interrupted by Vernon. "Is everything ok? I heard shouting. Nothing's wrong, is it Dud, Harry?
Dudley couldn't help himself. His tongue blurted out the truth before his brain could stop it. "Harry's engaged!"
Vernon looked shocked, and Harry didn't get the response he was hoping for. At least not initially. "Don't be silly. Harry can't be engaged!" Vernon declared.
Petunia, listening in, put her head around the corner. "That's right. You can't just get engaged, just like that."
Harry's shoulders dropped a little. Dudley, however, had Harry's back. "Yes you can! Harry's in love, and he got engaged, and I think it's wonderful news!"
Vernon was getting a little cross, and Petunia was indignant. "You can't just get married to someone at not-yet-sixteen", Vernon began.
"That's right! You won't even know if you're a good match! I'm sorry Harry, but you shouldn't jump into these things carelessly" Petunia insisted.
Dudley couldn't understand his parents' reaction. Didn't they understand?! "But mum, dad – Harry got engaged to Fleur!"
Dudley's room filled with silence for a few moments. Harry, feeling disheartened, waited for his aunt and uncle's further reactions.
"Oh. Oh, I see", replied Vernon, far more calmly.
"Oh, that's completely different. Congratulations, Harry", Petunia offered with a smile, giving her nephew a short but affectionate hug.
"Yes, congratulations. Always thought you two might end up together", added Vernon, clasping Harry's shoulder and allowing a ghost of a smile to grace his face. Harry smiled happily, once their words had sunk in.
...
Fleur was busy over the first few days of the summer holidays. Once she explained to her family the tasks she wanted to complete (although not the reason why she wanted to do so this soon... though Sebastian and Appoline had suspicions), they happily helped her, which meant the tasks were complete much sooner.
Gabrielle in particular was eager to help. Not just because she loved her sister dearly (though she did, so very much), but also because she hoped she would partially benefit. As it was, Fleur encouraged her to choose some furnishings, which was all the evidence Gabrielle needed to confirm her hopes.
It also gave Fleur's family the opportunity to see a place that had been described to them in great detail over the last few years, with Fleur able to act as a guide and show them around a little.
So whilst it was just over half a week of hard work, the Delacours didn't view it as such, instead enjoying the time together as a family – time that was filled with fun, laughter, knowing looks (directed at Fleur), and fond memories.
...
Fred and George were also busy at the start of the holidays, though theirs was a busyness that comes from setting up a shop on Diagon Alley from scratch. Molly Weasley didn't approve at all, at least not initially; but when the twins explained how their products had won them a thousand galleons, and how sales of Wheezes had profited them more than double that amount over the year (in part thanks to mirrors and Boneless Boots), it was hard for their mum to argue. And then, a week before they planned to open their shop, Molly's resistance was thoroughly trashed.
"Hello, can I speak to Misters Fred and George Weasley, please?" asked the smartly-dressed visitor.
"Oh, of course! Fred! George!" called Molly, after stepping a couple of metres into the house. "You have a visitor!"
The twins came barrelling down the stairs after only a few moments. "Lee, you're early, we aren't leaving for the store for another..." began George, before stopping upon seeing the visitor.
"I don't suppose you happen to also be called Lee?" asked Fred.
The woman smiled and shook her head. "No, my parents were kinder to me than that", she joked. "My name is Becky Kane, and I'm here on behalf of the Holyhead Harpies."
"So tell us, Becky"
"What bring you..."
"...to our illustrious home?"
Becky chuckled - she had been warned the pair were playful! "I'm here to enquire about, and potentially order, some Boneless Boots."
Fred and George exchanged a glance.
"You realise..."
"...we open for the public..."
"...from next week?"
"Why come all the way..."
"...to our home today?"
Becky smiled mysteriously. "Because I want to understand if what we need is possible, and you will be busy next week on opening day."
Fred and George nodded thoughtfully. "Fair enough. So what do you need?"
"You're aware that the feet are not the heaviest part of the body? During a fall, it's likely that players will not fall feet first. Can you charm the boots so that the wearer will land on their feet? Without drastically increasing the weight?" Becky asked.
Fred and George exchanged a brief look.
"..."
"..."
"An extra charm would work best"
"Included in the rune matrix?"
"Would have to be, to last as long as they need to"
Then, turning to Becky, George replied, "Should be doable, but it's going to take a little time to design."
"How long until the pairs are ready?" Becky asked.
Fred and George's ears pricked up at the word 'pairs'.
"How many pairs of boots..."
"...were you planning to order?"
Becky smiled. "Assuming you can successfully modify the design, I would like to order a pair for each of our players – including the reserves - plus a spare. So fifteen in all."
"You want to buy fifteen pairs of Boneless Boots?!" asked Fred and George together, gobsmacked.
Becky grinned. "That's right. Now, our newest recruit – a friend of yours, I believe? Angelina Johnson? She said you were originally planning to sell them for one hundred galleons a pair?"
Fred and George just nodded dumbly. Of course, those were with a ridiculous mark-up, and they didn't expect anyone to actually pay that amount other than rich idiots, which is where various promotions would come in. The twins were preparing for the inevitable bartering on the price, especially considering this was a bulk order, when Becky shocked them again.
"Well, given this is a custom job – though I strongly suggest updating your design to include it – I would be willing to pay a premium, under one condition", Becky began.
Fred just barely managed not to react to the word, 'premium'. "What condition?" he asked.
"The Holyhead Harpies get the first fifteen pairs. If you can agree to that, then we will pay one hundred and fifty galleons per pair – two thousand, two hundred and fifty galleons in total." Becky bargained.
The sound of a smashing plate came from the kitchen; Molly had clearly been eavesdropping.
"Deal!" said Fred and George together.
...
It was the day before Harry's birthday, and Katie had come to visit. It was a couple of hours into their time together, and Harry and Katie were sat on swings in a local park, happily chatting away whilst competing for who could go highest.
"Have you been to Fred and George's shop yet?" Katie asked, as she swung just higher than Harry.
"Hey, no fair! Just because I'm heavier!" Harry groused, before answering Katie's question. "I went with Sirius and Remus on opening day. There were so many people it was chaos! Then the Quidditch Teams turned up", Harry finished with a laugh.
Katie giggled. "I heard about that! They all wanted their Boneless Boots first, didn't they? I heard there was a bidding war?"
Harry nodded, smiling. "Fred had to tell them the Harpies got there first..."
"And good on them!" Katie interjected; the Harpies were her favourite team, and not just because Angelina was playing for them.
Harry smiled and nodded, then continued, "...which just made the other teams desperate to get their orders in sooner." It had been entertaining to watch.
"They wanted to get their boots before the end of summer and the next season begins – those things will stop the worst of the Quidditch injuries, and are going to save the teams a fortune", Katie noted wisely.
"Yeah, but when some teams started offering triple the stated price for their pairs, I thought Fred was going to faint!" laughed Harry.
Katie almost fell off her swing. "Triple?! But weren't the twins already making, like, 90% profit on those things?!" she exclaimed.
Harry grinned and nodded. "I think so. By the end of the day, I think every Quidditch team in the league had ordered a set. I don't think anyone paid less than a hundred and twenty galleons a pair."
"Merlin! And I thought the mirrors were going to make them rich!" Katie stated, still in disbelief.
"Oh, they probably still will. The mirrors were sold out on day one too; Remus tells me he thinks they'll make him more money than his actual job this year", Harry noted, amused.
...
Later, over lunch, Harry had a different topic of conversation he maybe wanted to raise with Katie, though he felt a little embarrassed about it. He couldn't decide if he was being silly or not – he felt like the conversation might matter to Katie, but he felt like a five-year-old for wanting to bring it up.
Katie, however, was her perceptive self. "Ok, something's on your mind. You're barely touching your pizza." Ok, maybe he was just being obvious.
Harry gave a guilty smile. "There is, but I think it's really silly."
Katie grinned. "Well, now you definitely have to tell me!"
Hsrry sighed, and figured Katie was right – now it had been mentioned, Harry didn't have a choice. "Well, it's just that I was thinking – remember when you told me that I was your best friend?" Harry asked.
Katie nodded, smiling. "Of course! You still are, you know."
That made Harry smile, despite himself. "Well, it's just I was talking to Fleur the other day..."
"No surprise there", Katie commented.
"...and we were saying that Fleur and I are much more than friends now, especially since we're engaged. Fleur reckons that means we're not 'best friends' anymore." Harry continued, rambling.
"Ok. That's one way to think about it, I guess", Katie replied, not sure where the conversation was going.
"And then that made me think – if not Fleur, who is my best friend? My best, dearest friend in the whole world?" Harry asked.
Katie now had a hopeful, heart-warmed smile on her face. "And...?" she asked.
Harry blushed a little. "Well, it's you. No competition really – you've always been there for me when I've needed rescuing from Rogue House Elves, or needed to calm Quidditch Captains, or just needed to have a great day out."
Katie actually felt tears build up in her eyes; Harry was being so sweet!
"I know it's silly, but I just wanted to let you know – you're my best friend, Katie, and I wouldn't trade that for all the twins' galleons."
They were in the middle of a nice Italian restaurant, but that didn't stop Katie from standing up, walking round the table, and hugging her best friend tightly.
...
Harry woke up on his birthday, feeling excited – as any newly sixteen-year-old does. He showered, got dressed, and went downstairs, finding the Dursleys already awake.
"Happy Birthday Cousin!" "Happy Birthday, Harry" "Happy Birthday, nephew!" came the greetings. Harry gave a pleased smile – it was very unusual for the rest of the house to be up before him, especially on a day like today!
"Thanks Dudley, Uncle Vernon, Aunt Petunia. But how come you're all up already?" Harry asked.
"We wanted to see you on your birthday, before..." began Petunia, before stopping herself.
"Before what?" Harry asked, now intensely curious.
"That's a surprise!" Dudley declared.
Vernon nodded. "That's right. Now, let's have breakfast, and then you should just have time for opening presents", he stated confidently.
...
One breakfast (or four, depending on how Harry counted; they certainly didn't share a plate!) and some presents later (two new video games and some chocolate from Vernon and Petunia, and a book on French pastries from Dudley), and Harry was just about to ask about the surprise when the doorbell rang.
Opening it, Harry was utterly thrilled to see his fiancée, wearing a witch's cloak - likely having a cooling charm built in. "Fleur!" "Harry!"
After a long hug and a short kiss, Harry looked into the eyes of his love. "I'm so happy to see you, Fleur!"
"I'm 'appy to see you too, 'arry. Now, say goodbye to your family. We 'ave plans!" Fleur instructed excitedly.
Harry did so, thanking them and hugging Dudley and Petunia (Vernon was more of a handshake man), then left with Fleur.
"So what do you have planned?" Harry asked, feeling excited.
"You'll find out", Fleur replied coyly.
Fleur raised her wand to summon the Knight Bus, and asked for Hogsmeade. One terrifying/exciting but short trip later – the bus was quiet, since it was still early – Fleur and Harry arrived outside Honeydukes.
Harry thought Fleur might have planned a morning exploring the village, but she led him away from the shops, and towards...
"Fleur, are we heading to your new house?" Harry asked, recognising the direction.
"No, my heart; we are heading to our new house... though it is only temporary, and I know you won't be able to stay over all the time", Fleur replied.
Harry smiled broadly. He longed for some quality time alone with his fiancée, perhaps repeating some of the more enjoyable activities from last term?
"I see that smile, and know what you're wondering!" Fleur teased. "If you must know, we're going to unwrap one of your birthday presents", Fleur noted, a twinkle in her eye.
They reached the house in no time at all, and after taking their shoes off, Fleur led them upstairs. "You'll find your birthday present in the bedroom", Fleur commented.
Harry was curious, wondering what the present could be.
As they entered the bedroom, Fleur turned to Harry. "Can you see your present?" she asked.
Harry looked around the room – no obvious package on the bed; a couple of potions on the bedside table, but nothing that looked too interesting; nothing on the chest of drawers. Was Harry missing something?
"Can you see your present now?" Fleur asked.
Harry turned to look at her, and his jaw might well have fallen off, it dropped so low. Fleur had taken off her cloak, and underneath she was wearing... oh wow, Harry had never seen lingerie quite like it before. "Fleur?" Harry managed to croak.
Fleur did a slow, sensual turn, letting Harry see her from all angles. "Well, aren't you going to unwrap your present?" Fleur asked, excitement in her eyes. "It's ready for you to play with, any way you want", Fleur purred.
"Any way?" Harry asked, hoping this meant what he thought it did.
"Any way, my cherished. Come and make love to me", Fleur almost pleaded.
...
An hour later, Fleur and Harry were catching their breath, looking lovingly into each other's eyes. They would not have been able to enjoy their intimacy for nearly as long as they did, but for the two potions Fleur had prepared.
In that moment, a thought struck Harry. "Fleur, my love? Does this mean we've now experienced everything together? Physically, I mean?"
Fleur laughed; it was a beautiful, joyful laugh. "My cherished, we are only just beginning. Would you say you had experienced everything at Celeste's, had you only tried the Frasier?"
A gorgeous smile bloomed onto Harry's face as he shook his head, and Fleur couldn't help but softly kiss his thoroughly bruised lips again. "We will explore this together, learning about the many pleasures there are to share."
Lying there together, both Fleur and Harry felt a wellspring of emotions – intense satisfaction of course, given their hungers were so thoroughly slaked, but others even more palpably: sheer unbridled joy; pride, at the pleasure they each extracted from the other; contentment, as a side effect from their satisfaction; but most of all love. Feelings of pure, unconditional love poured out of them, so powerful they could almost taste it. Their feelings of love for one another left them almost giddy, and both knew there was nothing that would ever, ever come between them.
...
What Harry and Fleur didn't know, and in fact would never know, was one specific consequence of their love:
Over a thousand miles away, Tom Marvolo Riddle's wraith form was being ripped apart. The purest of loves had torn Tom's final Horcrux asunder, and the emotional backlash had ripped chunks of ichor out of Tom's wraith form.
In a final burst of indescribable agony, the Dark Lord known as Lord Voldemort keenly felt regret – whether just for creating his Horcruxes or for anything else he didn't know – before dying one final, complete death.
Meanwhile, in a secret room deep within the ministry of magic, a glowing orb emitted a whine, then faded to a dull grey.
"Hmmm... Well, that was anti-climactic. I guess that's it, then. Better tell the boss, then the Headmaster", muttered the cloaked figure to himself.
...
Harry's blissful day with Fleur ended all too quickly, though it was only another two weeks before the lovers would reunite.
It was Appoline who picked Harry up this time, and she chose to apparate Harry to a cafe instead of straight to the Delacour home once his four weeks with the Dursleys were over; ostensibly so that she could talk to her Godson uninterrupted.
"Aunt Appoline? Is there something we need to talk about?" Harry asked, both remembering this cafe from a few years ago, and also suspecting the topic of conversation.
"Yes, my little cabbage, there is. But first let us get a drink", Appoline suggested, feeling the need for caffeine.
After they had ordered coffees and sat down, Harry started fidgeting. Appoline, on the other hand, laughed. "Oh, my dear Godson, you do not need to be worried!"
Harry tried to stop fidgeting, and managed at least a small success. "So what did you want to talk about?" Harry asked, wishing to get any unpleasantness out of the way; his Godparents must have found out that he and Fleur were now sleeping together, and it was clear they had opinions on that!
Appoline smiled affectionately. "About you and Fleur. Whilst she hasn't said anything, Sebastian and I are all but certain what you were doing with Fleur on your birthday", Appoline began. Then, seeing Harry was about to interrupt, she held up her hand to stop him pre-emptively. "'arry, it's ok. Honestly, we're surprised you abstained as long as you did, and you are engaged now.
"We just have two requests: please don't make us grandparents yet, and please lock the door and use silencing charms – Gabrielle does not need to see or hear her siblings being intimate", Appoline requested, smiling.
Harry nodded, blushing; the conversation was going immeasurably better than he could have hoped.
After the coffee – and safer topics of conversation – Appoline and Harry arrived at the Delacour home. Harry was pleased, albeit unsurprised, when Fleur greeted him by throwing herself into her fiancé's arms. Harry barely had any time to say hello before Fleur dragged him upstairs, but as she opened the door to her room and pulled him inside, Harry was surprised.
"My cherished, is that a double bed?" Harry asked, excited.
Fleur grinned and nodded. "Mama and Papa don't seem to mind our new intimate activities", she noted happily.
Unfortunately, such activities would need to wait, as Gabrielle hadn't seen her brother in far too long.
"'arry!" cried Harry's little sister, charging into the room and then into him. "I missed you so much!"
Harry gave Gabrielle a big, tight, warm hug. "I missed you too, little fly. I always do."
Gabrielle beamed happily, though Harry didn't see the expression, given how Gabrielle was burrowed into him.
Whilst the sight was adorable, Fleur remembered that she was waiting for Harry to try something that would almost certainly be even more adorable.
"My cherished, did you know I haven't given Gabrielle her angel drops yet?" Fleur asked with s smile.
Harry's eyes went wide. "Really? Can we do it now?"
"What are angel drops?" Gabrielle asked, curious.
"You'll find out once Papa makes sure he has his camera ready", Fleur promised.
A few minutes later, all was ready. Gabrielle was outside, along with Harry, Fleur, Appoline and Sebastian. Appoline had set up muggle-repellent and area-wide notice-me-not charms, Sebastian had checked no-one was nearby, and Fleur had the sweets.
"Ready!" called Appoline eagerly.
Fleur offered an angel drop to Gabrielle, who took it and ate it; she didn't know what was meant to happen, but everyone else was very excited, so she was too. After only a few moments, she discovered what angel drops do.
"I have wings! Angel wings! Papa, Mama, look! THIS IS SO EXCITING!"
A few more seconds and then, "And I can fly with them!", cried Gabrielle, as the newly ten-year-old flapped the large, white wings and launched herself ten feet into the air. "I LOVE ANGEL DROPS!" Gabrielle squealed.
...
The rest of the summer passed in a blaze of fun, family and – for Harry and Fleur – intimacy. Fleur had been right, there was much to explore together, and Harry got the impression there was a lot Fleur was particularly eager to try, but couldn't at the Delacour home. Harry eagerly awaited the nights he would spend at their Hogsmeade home this coming year.
chapter 32
It was only two days before Harry and Fleur would return to Hogwarts, autumn had arrived in a torrent of rain, and Harry's exams results had finally arrived.
"Well, my heart? Open the letter!" Fleur excitedly ordered.
Harry looked a little apprehensive – these were his OWLs, and his Potions NEWT, and they mattered. Nervously, he opened his envelope, read the important part, and sighed in relief.
"Well?" asked Fleur, impatiently. She was sure Harry had done well, but she wanted to know how well.
Harry offered the letter and Fleur eagerly took it, reading quickly through the results. "'arry, you've done really well! An O in Defence and in Herbology, an E in the rest... oh, and an O in your Potions NEWT!" Fleur noted happily.
From outside the room, Sebastian and Appoline had been shamelessly eavesdropping. This was discovered when Appoline spoke. "Well done, my little fly! That's amazing!"
"Indeed, you've done us proud, my little cabbage!" Sebastian added.
Harry blushed at the praise, pleased at his grades but also at the response to it from those he loved.
"We should celebrate, 'arry. Is there anything you'd like to do before you return to 'ogwarts?" Appoline asked.
Harry grinned. There was one thing he was hoping to do again before the end of the holidays...
...
"Geoff?" asked the snake.
"Huh? What is it, Barry?" came the sleepy reply.
"Do you know what my name rhymes with?" Barry asked, far too cheerily for the morning.
"What are you on about?" came Geoff's confused reply.
"I've just realised my name rhymes with something! Guess what it is!" Barry asked, excitedly.
Geoff rolled his large snake eyes. Hopefully if he guessed quickly, Barry would be quiet and he could go back to sleep. "Carry. Your name rhymes with carry. Well done, Barry", responded Geoff, trying to sound enthused.
"No, something better than that!" Barry stated, brimming with excitement.
"Garry. It rhymes with Garry. Now, I'll just go back to...", Geoff began.
"No, even better!" replied Barry, almost combusting with excitement.
Geoff sighed, then carried on going through the alphabet. "Harry. Your name rhymes with Harry."
"Yes! Do you think it's fate, Geoff? That my name rhymes with Harry? Maybe I'll be his familiar one day!" exclaimed Barry, his excitement now reaching 'shaking like a toddler on a sugar-high' stage.
"Because your name rhymes with Harry?" Geoff asked, clarifying.
"Yes!" asked Barry, eagerly.
"Barry?"
"Yes?"
"You're an idiot sometimes" said Geoff. Personally, Geoff thought the qualifier was being very polite.
Barry was just about to reply when an unexpected voice interrupted them. "I don't think Barry's an idiot sometimes."
"See! Sometimes I'm not an idiot!" argued Barry, neatly proving Geoff's point.
"Harry!" cried Geoff, his level of excitement chasing after Barry's.
"No", said Barry shaking his head. "My name only rhymes with Harry. Silly Geoff."
"No, I mean behind you!" clarified Geoff, his head pointing towards their favourite human.
"Harry! Look Geoff, Harry's here again!"
Geoff just shook his head in dismay at Barry's reaction – not again!
"Hi Geoff, Hi Barry!" Harry greeted, trying to contain his laughter.
"Harry, did you know your name rhymes with mine?" Barry asked excitedly.
Harry smiled at how animated Barry seemed. "That's right! At least, it does in English."
"Yeah, well we were born in England, and lived there until just before you met us", Geoff interjected.
Harry wasn't convinced that really mattered when it came to Parseltongue, but ignored that thought and carried on. "Ah, I see. Anyway, Fleur thought she'd like to..." Harry began, but was interrupted.
"Harry! You smell of Fleur!" Barry hissed, again full of excitement.
Harry looked confused, but then felt a little embarrassed. He and Fleur had been intimate that morning – still very much enjoying the newness of it all – but surely Barry wasn't referring to...
"What do you mean?" Harry asked, hoping it wasn't what he feared.
"You and Fleur have had a special cuddle!" Barry exclaimed.
"Special cuddle? Did you really just call it a 'special cuddle'?!" asked Geoff, horrified.
"Of course! When a witch and a wizard love each other very much, they have a special cuddle to..." Barry began, quoting... something or someone.
"So, are you hungry?" Harry interrupted, hoping to distract the snakes and also glad the others didn't speak Parseltongue. It was going to be an interesting visit, Harry could tell.
...
Two days later, Katie boarded the Hogwarts express, and headed towards the carriage she usually shared with Harry and others. Harry had clearly arrived there first, and was... preoccupied. Katie shook her head with a smile, and opened the door.
Fleur didn't mean to. She knew they would have company soon. But Harry had been so sweet, just caressing her arm, telling her how much he loved her; Fleur had no choice but to turn her head to the side and softly press her lips against his. Then, unreasonably, Harry had smiled against her lips – and Fleur could tell it was a loving, joyful smile, and so she just had to kiss her fiancé again.
Then Harry had run his hand up her spine and had threaded his fingers through the hair at the back of her head, encouraging her to continue, and Fleur knew it would be entirely unreasonable not to part her lips and gently seek out his tongue with hers. Fleur's tongue then softly, lovingly caressed Harry's own; these were not the frantic, passionate kisses they often shared before intimacy, but were the slow, loving, romantic kisses that they shared in moments like this.
That the slow, loving kisses more often than not turned into frantic, passionate kisses was merely a happy coincidence, Fleur told herself... before once again running the tip of her tongue along the underside of Harry's, exploring, tasting and enjoying. Until the carriage door opened.
"Should I come back later?" Katie asked jokingly, having caught Harry and Fleur in quite a sweet moment.
Fleur jumped a little, before a guilty blush bloomed onto her face. "I'm sorry Katie, I per'aps got carried away, and forgot where we were."
Katie waved Fleur's apology away. "So how were your summers?" she asked, taking a seat next to Harry.
Harry put an arm around Katie to give her a side-hug, then replied. "Really good. Really, really good, Katie."
"Oh? What made the holidays so good?" Katie asked, interestedly.
Harry blushed as an obvious answer came to mind; an answer he wasn't willing to just declare out of the blue.
Fleur saved the day. "Lots of things – Celeste's, seeing Cheveu, Uncle Remus and Uncle Siri, seeing Geoff and Barry, giving Gabrielle angel drops..."
Katie had to interrupt at that last one. "Awww, I bet she was adorable! Tell me all about it!" Katie gushed.
Harry, happy to be on less personal topics, gladly did.
...
Hermione joined them after a few minutes, and then, just as the whistle blew, Ron joined too.
A few minutes into the journey, and Katie, who had been waiting to share some news, couldn't contain her excitement any longer. "Guess what, everyone?" she asked.
Harry had a very good idea of what Katie was excited about, given the lack of a badge he had received in his Hogwarts letter, but didn't want to spoil her announcement. He shared a knowing look with Katie, and squeezed her arm in excitement.
"You're a prefect?" guessed Hermione excitedly.
"No! I'm captain of the Quidditch team!" Katie announced to her friends.
Ron, Harry and Fleur were excited at the news; Ron because he had always been Quidditch mad, and Harry and Fleur because they could guess how happy the news had made Katie, and knew it would help her desire to go professional after Hogwarts.
The five had an impromptu celebration in the carriage, with Neville and Ginny joining them partway through, the latter also excited at the news.
The rest of the ride passed in its usual way – with catching up, laughter, games and snacks from the trolley – but with the bonus addition of Fleur joining them for the start of term journey.
The sorting also passed in the usual way, though Harry interestedly noted that Fleur wasn't sorted; perhaps because she wasn't staying in the dorms? Instead, after the sorting, she was introduced.
"If I may impose on your time for a few more minutes before the feast, I would like to introduce two Masters students this year, both of whom will be well known to most of you", Dumbledore began.
"The first is Fleur Delacour, who will be studying her Potions Mastery with Professor Jones", Dumbledore introduced, to happy applause from the school; several people had met her – and remembered her impressive potion brewing – from last year.
"The second is Harry Potter, who will also be studying his Potions Mastery with Professor Jones", Dumbledore added, this time to very excited applause, particularly from the Gryffindor table.
"Now, I understand that towards the end of the year, Harry and Fleur may end up teaching some of your classes. Treat them with respect in the classroom, as they will be able to give and take points during any lessons they teach", finished Dumbledore.
Then, as the noise levels in the hall started increasing, Dumbledore clapped his hands and plates of food appeared on the tables.
...
Harry longed to spend the night with Fleur in Hogsmeade, but the pair agreed they would limit their nights together to weekends, as that would be easier for Harry to sneak in and out, and had the benefit of no morning lessons, in case the pair got... distracted in the morning.
So after dinner, Harry kissed Fleur softly goodnight, and went back to Gryffindor tower with Katie and the others. On arrival, Katie pulled Harry aside. "Harry, can I ask you something in private?", she requested, nervously.
Harry smiled encouragingly at his best friend. "Of course!" Then, looking round and seeing the other sixth year boys were all in the common room, suggested, "My dorm?"
Katie nodded, and the pair climbed the staircase, opened the door to Harry's dorm, and sat down together on Harry's bed.
"So, what is it, Katie?" Harry asked encouragingly.
Katie fidgeted a little, so Harry put a hand on her shoulder and squeezed gently, which seemed to calm her somewhat.
"It's... I know you're going to be especially busy this year, starting your NEWTs, and your Potions Mastery, and planning a wedding, and seeing Fleur, but I need to ask, and I understand if you don't want to! But I'm really hoping you can, because I'm not sure I'm ready yet, and I'm doing my NEWTs too, and..." Katie began, rambling somewhat.
Harry pulled Katie into a hug, rubbing small circles on her back and ignoring the delicious strawberry scent that she still, completely unfairly, continued to wear. "Katie, you're rambling. Just tell me what it is you want to ask", Harry encouraged.
Katie took a deep breath, squeezed Harry a little tighter, then pushed forward. "Well, there's two things really", she began. Harry didn't flinch, and kept rubbing circles on her back, so Katie continued.
"The first is whether you'd like to help captain the Quidditch team with me this year", she began, trying not to sound too nervous. "It's just that it'll be a completely new team, except us, and I'm scared I'll do a bad job, and..."
"Shhh. It's ok, Katie, I understand. Are you asking me to be deputy captain or co-captain?" Harry clarified.
"I'd really like to co-captain with you, but if you were deputy captain that would be really good too!" Katie replied, hopefully.
"And what's the second thing you wanted to ask?" Harry asked, without yet answering the first question.
"Well, it's a new team, and they aren't all going to be prodigies like you, and... well... they're going to need more time to train, if we're going to win", Katie nervously pointed out.
Harry nodded in understanding, now running his hands up and down Katie's back to try to soothe her nerves. "So you'd like me to co-captain the team, and you'd like longer training sessions?" Harry asked, making sure.
Katie nodded, her worry causing her to hold onto Harry tightly.
"For my best friend? I'll happily co-captain the team, and I'll see if I can fit more training sessions in", Harry answered, causing Katie to instantly relax into his arms; Harry hadn't realised quite how worried she had been.
"Thanks Harry," Katie replied, hugging him tightly. "You're the best!"
...
"Well, Mr. Potter, what subjects will you be taking this year?" Professor McGonagall asked as she made the rounds, handing out timetables.
"Aside from my Potions Mastery, I'll take Defence and Herbology", Harry replied confidently.
"What else? With your OWL results, you have the option of taking any of your subjects to NEWT level" McGonagall assured him.
Harry smiled, perhaps a little apologetically. "Thank you professor, but I think that's about all I can manage; with my Potions Mastery, co-captaining the Quidditch team, and starting to plan my wedding, I don't know if I could cope with any more", Harry admitted.
McGonagall strongly wanted to protest – the young Mr. Potter could at least take one or two more NEWTs – but she understood where his priorities were, and couldn't fault them too much.
"But Harry, you'll be limiting your career options! The more NEWTs you take, the more choices you'll have after Hogwarts!" Hermione insisted.
Harry shook his head and smiled. "But I already know what I want to do after Hogwarts", Harry explained.
"Oui. 'arry and I will be setting up our own Potions shop in Northern France", Fleur added, earning a pleased nod from Harry.
...
Having heard that sixth year was far harder work than even fifth year, Harry was a little apprehensive about how much homework he would be set. However, by the end of the first week of lessons, Harry was pleased that the increase in homework per subject was balanced out by the smaller number of subjects he was taking.
So much so that Harry felt no guilt at all in sneaking out of Hogwarts on Friday night, and walking with Fleur (albeit under his invisibility cloak) towards their Hogsmeade house.
Once they were in Hogsmeade and out of sight of the castle, Harry took the cloak off, and the pair walked hand-in-hand towards their temporary home.
After they were both inside, Fleur wasted no time. She kissed Harry eagerly, mewling when he returned the kiss with fervour. Her hands snaked their way up his back and into his hair, desperation and hunger driving her actions more than anything else.
Harry loved every second. At some point Fleur's necklace had come off, and so her allure was pouring off of her, wrapping around Harry like a sensual blanket and stoking his desire. Not that he needed it – Harry had read that women have less hunger than men, and so Harry had let Fleur initiate each time so far... but he craved Fleur's touch so strongly, and had hoped the weekend would begin this way.
Within minutes Harry and Fleur were in the bedroom, and it was only half an hour after that, their passions satisfied, that the pair could catch their breath and talk.
"I love you so much, my cherished", Fleur began, having caught her breath first.
After a moment, so had Harry. "I love you too, my heart. So, so much", Harry replied, with feeling.
Fleur basked in that love, before a thought popped into her mind. "'arry?"
"Yes, Fleur?"
"Boulogne-sur-Mer", Fleur stated with certainty.
"What?" Harry asked, devoid of understanding.
"Boulogne-sur-Mer. It's a town in northern France, and has good beaches. Not as good as those in Southern France, but still very good", Fleur explained.
"For our house?" Harry asked, clarifying.
"Yes. It will be easy to apparate to London – easier than back home to Mama and Papa – but still in France", Fleur elaborated.
"It sounds wonderful. Just like my fiancée", Harry replied, with the cheesiness of the sixteen-year-old he was.
...
Harry and Fleur were enjoying their Potions Mastery. It was odd for Harry – he had enjoyed both lessons and private tutoring with Professor Jones, but this was something in between – much more set in terms of material to cover, but still with the same comradery he had come to enjoy. That Fleur was there with him was a huge bonus.
"Ok, the next topic will be either really fun or horrendous, depending on how naturally you pick it up: modifying potions to go off-piste", Jones announced.
"What do you mean?" Fleur asked.
Jones smiled and started to explain. "Suppose you really need doxycide, but you can't get your hands on dragon liver. What do you do?"
Realisation dawned on both Harry and Fleur's faces. "You mean changing the recipe for potions we can already make?" Harry asked, just to make sure.
Jones nodded, a smile on her face. "That's right! But let's see if you can answer my question, it's a good case study."
Harry and Fleur both thought about the challenge. Fleur was the first to come up with an idea. "What about a different liver? Dragon liver purifies, so unicorn liver could also work?" Fleur suggested.
"But dragon liver is stronger, so you'd either need extra unicorn liver, or you'd need to change the potion in some way", Harry pointed out.
"Unicorn liver and some powdered unicorn horn?" Fleur suggested.
"With an extra clockwise turn, so the horn is properly mixed in?" Harry added
The pair turned towards their professor, to see a broad smile on her face. "Good idea, and good reasoning! Unicorn liver is about 80% as effective as dragon liver, so you wouldn't need much of the unicorn horn, maybe only a small spoonful. And the extra turn is a nice touch.
"This is a large part of what the mastery is about. You're both at the level where you can follow pretty much any recipe, but a real potion master can improve another's recipe, and even create their own. I look forward to what you both come up with", Jones finished with a smile.
...
Whilst his mastery and his NEWT subjects were going well, Quidditch was another matter. There seemed to be slim pickings for the Gryffindor team this year, with only Ginny really impressing in the trials.
Still, Katie and Harry were determined to keep up their winning streak, and so Harry gave in and let Katie schedule more than twice as many training sessions as Wood had been allowed, plus an additional training session on Saturday mornings that, as seeker, Harry wouldn't be required at. At least, that was the official story, and no-one seemed interested in challenging it.
Either way, the training paid off, at least to the extent that Gryffindor were able to keep Slytherin less than 150 points ahead, so when Harry caught the snitch the score was 220-180, so the lions won their first match of the year.
Katie was both relieved and pleased, though whilst she wouldn't say so to the rest of the team, it was really her and Harry that had mostly carried them through the match.
...
Towards the end of the first term, on a Friday just before a Hogsmeade weekend, Harry had a surprise. As usual, he had snuck out of the castle to spend the night with Fleur, though this time when the couple arrived at their Hogsmeade house, there were visitors.
"Big brother!" "Harry!"
"Gabrielle! Cheveu! What are you both doing here?" Harry asked, before wrapping his arms around his sisters and embracing them tightly.
"We're here for the weekend! Surprise!" Cheveu explained.
A broad grin spread a across Harry's face. "For the whole weekend?" Harry asked, not quite believing it.
Gabrielle nodded happily. "Of course! I've been wanting to visit all term, especially as I picked out the furniture in the guest room!"
Harry smiled affectionately at his little sister. Then an idea formed in his brain, and he asked an important question of Fleur. "My cherished, does France have butterbeer?"
Fleur rolled her eyes, though the affection in them was clearly visible. "Yes, though it's rare. Are you trying to spoil my sister?"
Harry nodded merrily. "Of course I am! Gabrielle, do you want to be spoiled?"
Gabrielle took on a very solemn expression and said, with her best responsible-sounding voice, "If my big brother thinks it best, I will defer to his excellent judgement."
Fleur rolled her eyes again, Cheveu laughed, and Harry kissed Gabrielle's hair affectionately. "Such a wise little sister", Harry commented.
...
Gabrielle loved butterbeer. The following day she found that she loved Honeydukes too. She also enjoyed the sugar quills at Zonko's, though was disappointed they didn't sell anything like angel drops; Cheveu promised to take her to a real joke shop on their return home.
Gabrielle wanted to see Hogwarts, and Harry did consider just sneaking her in under the cloak, but figured Dumbledore might let her have a tour, particularly as it was a Hogsmeade weekend so students were coming and going throughout the day. As fortune would have it, Harry ran into Dumbledore in the village, and the Professor was willing to let Gabrielle and Cheveu visit... under the strictest condition that they each took two lemon drops.
And so, after lunch at the Three Broomsticks – venison pies for Harry and Fleur, steak pie for Cheveu and chicken and asparagus pie for Gabrielle – Gabrielle was given a tour of Hogwarts.
"Hello Gabrielle!" Katie exclaimed, as the group entered the Gryffindor common room as part of the tour. "And hello Cheveu! What are you both doing here?!"
"Visiting Harry and Fleur for the weekend", explained Fleur, as Gabrielle raced towards Katie and threw her arms around her.
"Katie! I'm so glad I found you!" Gabrielle exclaimed, making Katie remember her desire to learn French.
The group didn't stay in the tower long, as Gabrielle wanted to see more of the castle, though Katie did opt to join the group for the rest of the tour – much to Gabrielle's delight.
The tour continued as planned, with the added bonus that the group ran into Daphne near the kitchens. She hadn't hung around very long – just long enough to exclaim, "There's two of them?! You're not getting another Galleon, Harry!", before hugging him briefly and disappearing to... who knows where.
Harry had even managed to introduce Gabrielle to the sorting hat, who merrily declared that, "the young girl is definitely a Hufflepuff, with her strong focus on family!" That wasn't too much of a surprise to the group, and Cheveu in particular was delighted.
All too soon it was dinner time, and with Dumbledore's blessing Gabrielle and Cheveu ate in the great hall. Afterwards, Harry made a little show of saying goodbye to Fleur and his sisters, then found a quiet corner to don his invisibility cloak.
Unfortunately he was spotted in the act. Fortunately it was by Katie, who had planned to head back to the tower with him but now intended to join him. Harry happily agreed, and so the sleepover at Harry and Fleur's continued with another guest.
...
The sleepovers became a regular occurrence during the first two terms, with every Hogsmeade weekend spent with some visitors – mostly Gabrielle and Cheveu, though once Sirius and Remus.
The Gryffindor Quidditch team continued to improve, too - their second game against Hufflepuff going much better, with a final score of 240-100. Katie was pleased the team, even without Harry, were already almost holding their own against another, even if it was the Badgers.
Harry's studies were also going well, with Harry confident he would do well in his electives.
And towards the end of the second term, there was another thing Harry was learning.
"Now, whisk the mixture well; we don't want lumps of flour", Fleur instructed, on a Saturday morning.
Harry dutifully complied, whisking so well that he splattered himself with the batter; it was a good job he was wearing the kitchen apron.
"Maybe not that well", Fleur laughed, waving her wand to clear the mess off the apron.
Harry smiled; it was only his first attempt, so some mistakes were expected. "What next, my love?" Harry asked, once the mixture was ready.
Fleur's eyes lit up as she answered. "Now we cook the batter!"
Harry looked surprised. "Is that it?" he checked.
Fleur nodded. "Yes. Just cook the batter, and then we have crêpes."
Harry stared in disbelief. "But that was so easy! The strawberry syrup was harder work than that!" he protested.
Fleur grinned at her fiancé's reaction. "The difficulty of crêpes are in the fillings, not the crêpes themselves", she replied wisely.
Harry smiled, happy that he had learned to cook something so quickly. "Well my cherished, grab a pan – we want to cook lots of crêpes!" Harry declared.
Fleur smiled affectionately – it was sweet how pleased Harry was.
...
Fleur decided she would have to teach Harry how to cook more foods – he wasn't terrible in the kitchen, and whilst she enjoyed cooking she didn't want to have to do it all once they were married.
Though that would need to wait for next term, as there was less than a week left before the Easter holidays. Fleur, for her part, was happy how the year was going, even if she hadn't made much of a start on planning the wedding.
Wait... She hadn't made much of a start on planning the wedding! She was getting married in less than eighteen months, and she hadn't done much at all! Clearly she had been neglectful, though of course that was completely Harry's fault – the weekdays were busy, and how was she supposed to achieve anything during weekends when she spent each one with her gorgeous, charming, loving, sweet, adorable fiancé?
Clearly she would need to make more progress over the Easter break.
...
The second term came to an end, and as Harry was riding on the Hogwarts express back to London, a sudden realisation hit him. He intellectually knew the fact already, but as he sat opposite Katie, talking about their Easter plans, Harry suddenly felt that knowledge: next term was Katie's last at Hogwarts.
"What's wrong, my heart?" Fleur murmured from her seat next to Harry.
"Just thinking how I'll miss my best friend next year", Harry replied quietly, so only Fleur could hear.
"Tell her then; she probably feels the same, and would be appreciate you telling her", Fleur encouraged.
Harry smiled and nodded. He moved to sit next to Katie, then rested his head on her shoulder.
"Hey Harry. What's up?" Katie asked quietly, as Fleur turned to engage Hermione and Ron in conversation.
"Just going to miss you next year, that's all", Harry murmured.
Katie put an arm around her best friend, dispensing a side-hug quite effectively. "I'm going to miss you too, Harry. Though I'll visit you and Fleur when I can", Katie reassured.
Harry closed his eyes, enjoying the nearness of his friend, and thought about the positives – at least he would still have Fleur's company next year! Then, he made the most of the train ride by spending it chatting away to Katie; after all, he had the Easter break to spend with his wonderful fiancée, so he could at least spend this time now with Katie.
chapter 33
Gabrielle would remember two things from her Easter holidays this year: her time wedding planning with Fleur, and her outings with Harry.
Fleur was a force of nature, having realised just how little wedding planning she had done, and so she dived into the activity almost as soon as she was home; Gabrielle and Appoline were delighted, Sebastian and Harry stayed out of the way.
And when Gabrielle wanted something else to do, or Fleur wanted her out of the way, Harry abandoned Sebastian to his fate and took Gabrielle out.
Harry and Gabrielle explored Marseilles together, with Harry letting Gabrielle choose whatever she wanted to eat; the pair went to Celeste's twice for Le Goûter – the French afternoon tea they loved so much; Harry took Gabrielle to the main French magical street to buy a more advanced potions book; Gabrielle even insisted that she buy Harry an ice-cream, since he always treated her.
All in all, Gabrielle had a wonderful break.
...
The last evening of the Easter holidays, Fleur was tired. She had achieved much in two weeks, though it had cost a lot of energy, and so Fleur sat on the sofa, her eyes closed, resting... and musing over the fact that her industriousness had meant she hadn't spent as much time with Harry.
Speaking of which, Harry had clearly read her mind, for Fleur felt one of his hands trailing over her left shoulder and squeezing gently, teasing a massage. Fleur gave a low, appreciative moan.
Harry chuckled. "If you move position, I can massage your shoulders properly, or maybe play with your hair", Harry offered.
Fleur happily moved to accommodate, and soon she was sat in front of Harry whilst his hands squeezed the tension out of her muscles. After a few minutes, however, Fleur was unsatisfied.
"'arry? It would feel much better with oil..." Fleur hinted.
Harry smiled, and squeezed her muscles lightly as he replied. "Is that so? Do you have the energy to go up to our room?" Harry asked, wondering if such simple efforts were beyond her at that moment.
"Maybe not, but you could carry me", Fleur suggested hopefully.
One gentle carry later, and Fleur was removing her top and bra in front of a very interested Harry. A moment after that, Fleur was lying face down on their bed, waiting expectantly.
Harry warmed some massage oil in his hands, then proceeded to coax Fleur into a state of bliss. He started with long, flowing stokes across her back, eliciting grateful moans from Fleur, then began squeezing her shoulder muscles with a little more pressure, working out the knots he found there.
"'arry, that feels really good" Fleur sleepily encouraged.
Harry smiled proudly, continuing the massage by moving to her upper back, his fingers and thumbs seeking out any tension to work through. Then, after a few minutes, Harry moved to Fleur's mid and lower back, his hands starting near her spine and massaging outwards to her sides, going lower and lower, massaging each and every muscle.
Harry then returned to long, flowing strokes up and down Fleur's back, starting off lightly then using a little more pressure each time. Then, Harry moved to sideways strokes, his hands flowing left to right across her back, the oil allowing his hands to slide effortlessly across Fleur's smooth, perfect skin.
For the next hour, Harry massaged Fleur's back lovingly, seeking her delight and relaxation. By the time he finished, Fleur was almost, but not quite asleep. Harry, therefore, finished the task by running his fingers through Fleur's hair, coaxing her to sleep whilst revelling in the feeling of her magic caressing his hands.
...
It was the first day back after Easter, and Fleur was confused. It had started with replaying the memory of the last night of Easter: Fleur could see Harry's interest as she partially undressed in front of him, but rather than make a move he had put her needs before his own and had spent over an hour thoroughly relaxing her and then guiding her to sleep – it was so loving and sweet.
That had led Fleur to consider her fiancé's loving nature more generally, and she could think of countless times he had loved her self-sacrificially – as she tried to do for him – and it warmed her heart. But that wasn't the confusing thing.
The confusing thing came as Fleur realised: Harry had never initiated their intimacy. Oh, he had initiated hugs, kisses and hour-long massages; but Fleur couldn't think of any time Harry had initiated... intimacy.
Did he not enjoy it? His reactions certainly proved otherwise! Did he not hunger for it as much as she did? Perhaps; she had been taught that those of Veela heritage tend to hunger more than most women, but she had heard men were insatiable! And certainly, Harry had never turned her affections aside, or in any way discouraged them. Perhaps she needed some advice.
...
"Mum?" asked the young woman.
"Yes dear?" came the reply.
"How good are you at obliviation?" the young woman queried.
"Why do you ask, dear?" the mother replied, a little concerned. Such a start to a conversation rarely boded well.
"I was hoping to erase the last thirty minutes from my memory", the young woman answered.
"Weren't you talking to a friend just now?" the mother asked, a little confused.
"Yes, I was. A very dear friend. So can you? More importantly, will you?" the young woman persisted.
"Why would you possibly want to erase the conversation then?" the mother pushed, not understanding.
"Because, mum", began Cheveu, "Fleur wanted to talk to me about her sex life. With my little brother. And I gave her advice. About her sex life. With my little brother."
"..."
"..."
"Obliviate!"
...
Harry had been sitting in the great hall with Fleur, though Harry noticed his fiancée looked deep in thought about something. He was about to ask what the matter was, when Dumbledore had asked if he could speak to him privately. So, Harry had kissed Fleur on the cheek and followed the headmaster to his office.
"Lemon drop, Harry?" Dumbledore asked.
Harry considered for a moment. He had only just finished breakfast, but...
"Yes please. Uncle Sebastian tells me they are particularly good", Harry replied, not really remembering when he had enjoyed them himself in his younger years.
After Harry had took one, Dumbledore got down to business. "Now, I won't take much of your time – classes will start before too long. I just wanted to let you know: when you turn seventeen, the blood protections at Number 4 Privet Drive will finish, so your obligation to spend part of your year there will finish too", Dumbledore stated.
Harry nodded, though he had many questions. "I don't know if Uncle Sebastian ever explained why I needed to stay with Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon... not that I minded!" Harry quickly qualified.
Dumbledore smiled a pleased smile at that, then took on a more serious expression as he explained what he could. "At the time, many Death Eaters were still at large, targeting you, and I believe Lord Voldemort himself was still alive."
"Why do you believe that?" Harry asked, a little nervous. All three of his Godparents, and Uncle Remus, had explained about the previous war.
Dumbledore sighed; well, no harm in it now. "There was a prophecy made, which stated you would have the power to defeat Voldemort. It was unfulfilled, and remained that way until almost a year ago. My only explanation is that he somehow survived when he tried to attack you, but met his end over the last year."
"I don't remember defeating a Dark Lord last year", Harry joked.
Dumbledore chuckled. "Well, either way Harry, you only need to stay with Petunia and Vernon until your seventeenth birthday; then you are free to stay wherever you wish, be that France, or even Hogsmeade", Dumbledore said knowingly.
Harry fought against a blush, and nodded his understanding. Maybe Fleur could be convinced to spend a week or two alone with him before their usual two weeks together in France began...?
...
It was the weekend before Fleur had chance for a proper conversation with Harry – their potions masteries and Harry's other studies and Quidditch training keeping them busy.
It was also the first term-time Friday night since... well her seventh year... that they weren't intimate. Fleur had restrained herself, in case she was pushing Harry for too much, and besides she had wanted to ask about wedding invitations, and the conversation had taken much longer than she had expected... and, if she was honest, she might have been delaying the conversation.
But it was now Saturday morning, Fleur had woken up first, and she was gazing lovingly at her fiancé, waiting for him to wake up for a conversation she was a little apprehensive about.
Harry stirred, opening his eyes and seeing the gorgeous blue orbs of his fiancée gazing affectionately at him. All he could do was kiss her softly, which she happily reciprocated before pulling back.
"'arry, can we talk about something before you distract me too much?" Fleur asked.
Harry smiled and nodded. "What's on your mind, my cherished?"
Fleur took a deep breath and pushed forwards. "I was worrying that maybe I'm asking for too much sex", Fleur admitted, biting her bottom lip nervously.
Of all the topics of conversation Harry might have predicted, this was not one of them. A suspicion started to grow in Harry's mind. "Fleur?"
"...yes, my cherished?" came the nervous reply.
"I'm asleep right now, aren't I?" Harry asked, confident he was right. So confident he happily pinched himself, surprised when he felt the pain.
Fleur gave a curious look. "Why would you think that?"
Harry blinked once, then twice. "My sweet, loving, affectionate, wonderful, utterly gorgeous fiancée thinks she's asking for too much sex?" Harry questioned, still not sure what had happened to reality.
Fleur explained her reasoning, pouting a little. "Well, you never initiate! You kiss, and hug, and cuddle, but you've never, ever started anything more intimate; I thought maybe I had much more hunger than you."
Harry shook his head, his eyes wide at Fleur's words. "I'd read that men want it more than women, and I didn't want to pressure you for more than you desired; and we have been sleeping together more than the average", Harry explained, although he was now questioning some of the knowledge he had gained from the book Cheveu had bought him.
Fleur's eyes sparkled. "My cherished, I'm of Veela heritage. I though you knew... nevermind. I have an idea."
"What is it?" Harry asked, very interested.
"Today, you have to initiate every time you crave intimacy, and we will see if I find it too much", Fleur challenged.
"Every time? Are you sure?" Harry asked, foolishly questioning his good fortune.
Fleur nodded. "Every time", she insisted.
...
At the end of the day, lying next to Harry, Fleur giggled. At Harry's questioning gaze, Fleur explained. "That was far more than I had dreamed! I lost count of how many...! Though I doubt you would have managed as much without potions", Fleur noted slyly.
Harry's face held a joyous smile. "I was sure you would have had enough by the afternoon", he admitted.
Fleur giggled again and shook her head. "No, I loved it. I doubt we could regularly match today, at least not without spending all our spare time brewing potions! But it was wonderful", Fleur gushed.
Holding Fleur in his arms, knowing his newfound freedom to share his desires with her, Harry felt pure joy.
...
A few days later, Fleur was hopeful. She was in the Gryffindor common room with Harry, Katie, Hermione, Ron, Neville and Ginny. And she had just taken off her necklace.
Harry squeezed Fleur's hand in encouragement. Katie gave Fleur a big, warm hug. Hermione had her wand out, trying to detect something in Fleur's magic that would explain... something? Ginny looked at Neville critically. Neville nodded and Fleur, then turned his gaze to Ginny and kissed her softly. And Ron? Ron closed his eyes, shook his head, then opened his mouth.
"What else do Celeste's sell?" he asked, hoping that hearing about delicious pastries would focus his mind. Happily, it worked.
Fleur was pleased, as was Harry; it seemed their friends (well, Ron and Neville) had worked hard to overcome their natural reaction to Veela allure.
...
The rest of the term passed quickly for Harry in a haze of studying, wedding planning, weekend visits, apparition lessons and Quidditch training. Fleur and Katie both found his apparition attempts entertaining, though that was always the case for new learners; he did get better. It also included Harry teaching his first few potion lessons, albeit only to first years and under Jones' supervision – the lessons had gone well, and by the look in Jones' eye Harry was sure he would be teaching on his own next year.
Fleur's term passed just as quickly, though by the end she was already teaching independently – mainly revision for fifth year OWL students, which she surprisingly found she enjoyed.
The term also passed quickly for Katie – it had happened to be one of her best. Katie was delighted with her team's progress, and even more so by the scouts that had contacted her; after the final game of the season, Katie had two professional teams interested in having her try out for a reserve position, so she might even have options if she impressed enough!
Katie also enjoyed another surprise birthday party, where Harry had managed to arrange for the twins to be present; presumably with the help of his or their map. The joy emotion chews the twins brought were particularly enjoyed, leaving her in a wonderful mood for most of the day, though Fleur later informed Katie it somehow made her even more affectionate; she would need to apologise to Dennis Creevey for terrorising him with a giant bear hug.
But perhaps the most memorable, and unexpected, part of the term came right near the end, after Katie's exams were finally over. Sat near the lake, head resting on Harry's shoulder, she waited for the 'important question' Harry had wanted to ask her.
Harry began, nervously. "I just want to start by saying Fleur knows I'm going to ask you this, and she's totally ok with it. In fact, she was encouraging it.
"I know you might find it weird, but it's something I really wanted to ask. I'll understand if you say no, of course! And I hope it won't make things weird at the wedding whatever you decide, but..." Harry rambled.
Katie gave Harry's arm a squeeze. "Just ask, Harry", she encouraged.
Harry nodded, and got to the point. "Katie, you've always been my best friend, aside from Fleur. Your friendship has meant so much to me ever since I met you, and I know you'll be my best friend forever. Katie... will you be my best man – or best woman, I guess? – at my wedding?" Harry asked nervously.
Katie's expression started out shocked, then it morphed to confused, then disbelieving, then happy, then joyous. She pulled Harry into a tight hug, happy tears fighting to emerge. "Oh Harry, it would be my pleasure!" she exclaimed.
Then, after a few moments: "I get to plan your stag do, right?" she asked, just to make sure.
...
Harry wanted to order some Joy chews, partly to celebrate the term coming to its end. Harry could have mirrored the twins, but Hedwig would be faster than any ordinary owl, and she didn't get nearly enough exercise as it was – the mirrors meaning she rarely needed to deliver letters.
Figuring she had just enough time to get there and back with an order, Harry wrote a quick note to Fred and George, tied it to Hedwig, and sent her off.
Harry thought she might even get some hunting done whilst she was out.
...
It was really a terrible shame. Fred and George hadn't planned for some of their Rat Droppings to be mixed in with Emotion Chews (after all, only an idiot would miss the difference).
They hadn't even noticed, though they did find it odd that the bitter, miserable, toad-faced old lady wearing sickly pink clothing seemed so pleased at the price.
The old lady definitely needed some joy, which is what she thought she had bought. About fifteen years ago, her world was turned on its head: up to that point, she was pleased by the Pureblood supremacy that had rightly been at the core of wizarding politics, and whilst she didn't approve of he-who-must-not-be-named – after all, he seemed needlessly chaotic, and had even aligned with lesser creatures – she did think parts of his cause, at least, were noble.
But then he'd failed in trying to kill a baby, and then everything went downhill. It seemed like every sensible witch and wizard she knew had been arrested, and then all found guilty of petty crimes – like killing muggles – and were sentenced to Azkaban for it!
That was the start of the dark years, with Pureblood rights set back centuries by idiot, muggle-loving witches and wizards like Dumbledore, curse him. Her ambitions – to climb the ranks of the ministry and push for the proper Pureblood agenda – had come to nothing, with none of the morons in charge recognising her potential.
And now, Harry Potter, a 'hero' of their world, was engaged to a half-breed! The shame! Well, she would see if these 'Joy sweets', as one of her colleagues had called them, were worth the price.
Popping one in her mouth, she grimaced at the taste – it wasn't nearly as pleasant as how her co-worker had described. Still, she definitely felt its magic, though the effect was completely different to what she had anticipated – for Weasleys' Rat Droppings do not cause any sense of happiness or euphoria.
Finding herself shrunk down, covered in fur, and very angry, the woman in rat form started squeaking furiously. Unfortunately, that attracted the attention of a hungry snowy owl that was just about to deliver a letter for her owner.
Hedwig had just thought, 'That's a tasty-looking rat!' before diving down to enjoy a meal.
The last thought the toad-faced, spiteful woman-rat had was, 'I'm not a rat! You foul bird! Someone help!'
...
A couple of days later, Fred and George were in shock. Business was going ridiculously well, especially due to the Boneless Boots, though they had long since sold the majority of the pairs they would... or so they thought.
"Hallo, can I speak to Fred and George?", came a very gruff voice.
"Fred..."
"...and George..."
"...at your service!"
"I have heard about something called Boneless Boots. I vish to buy some", the young man stated.
"Wait a minute..."
"... aren't you..."
"...the world-famous..."
"...super-talented..."
"...Bulgarian seeker called..."
"Please, don't say it", the man pleaded. "I vould like to avoid the crowds."
Fred and George nodded numbly, then one of them asked the important question. "How many pairs of Boneless Boots would you like?"
"The Bulgarian league vould like a pair for every player. So six hundred pairs."
Fred and George fainted.
...
The summer finally arrived, beginning with Harry hugging Katie tightly on platform 9 ¾, and promising to meet up soon. Then, after giving Fleur a gentle kiss goodbye, Harry was off to Privet Drive. The greeting he got when the door opened was worrying.
"Harry, you've got to run! Save yourself, she's coming!" Dudley urged, his eyes wide and panicked.
Harry's brain had barely been able to process his cousin's words when Dudley's newest fear appeared just behind him. "Welcome home, Harry. I've been waiting for you!" came a voice passers-by might have called slightly deranged.
Dudley fearfully kept silent, but his eyes pleaded with his cousin: 'run, save yourself!' they clearly begged.
Harry, a Gryffindor at heart, faced the danger head on and cautiously stepped inside. He followed Dudley's Fear into the dining room, his mind alert and ready for anything. Except this.
"Now, Vernon and I have been thinking about your wedding, and how we might help. We've spent quite a lot of time coming up with ideas, and we're hoping you'll like some of them!" Petunia announced, as cheerfully as if she had been fed a specific Emotion Chew. Vernon nodded in agreement.
Spread across the dining table were a list of potential wedding favours, possible orders of ceremony (in various colours, in case Harry liked any of the designs), a list of family, friends and neighbours who Harry might want to invite, even possible honeymoon locations.
Dudley tried one last time, mouthing the words, 'it's not too late to run!' when Petunia and Vernon were looking the other way.
"Wow, I... I don't know what to say", Harry responded, incredibly touched.
Petunia understood his reaction and smiled happily. Then gave away part of the reason behind her excitement. "I've told all the neighbours about it: young love, blooming over years, and you're even waiting until you turn eighteen! Mrs. Henderson had tears in her eyes!" Petunia announced.
Well, this wasn't the way Harry had expected to spend the next two weeks, but he appreciated both the sentiment and the time this would save... and he was sure Fleur would too!
...
Dudley was tearful as he said goodbye to Harry at the end of the two weeks – though whether that was because his cousin had probably spent his last night at Privet Drive as a resident (he would of course be back to visit as a guest), or whether it was because Harry was abandoning him to the terror of Petunia in wedding-planning mode, Harry wasn't sure.
Not that he gave it much thought; it was his birthday, and he was about to spend two weeks with Fleur. Alone. With no wedding planning to do. And Fleur had promised him something special upon arrival.
His gorgeous fiancée came to collect him, stopping briefly to say hello to the Dursleys (which included being congratulated by all three) before surprising Harry by apparating them both to Hogsmeade.
"You can dual apparate?!" Harry asked, impressed.
Fleur smiled happily. "Yes. I practised a lot last year, which is partly why I'm only a couple of months ahead of you in the mastery", Fleur replied... although if she was honest, the wedding planning had more to do with it.
Harry and Fleur hurried into their home, and once inside hugged each other tightly.
"I missed you, my cherished", Fleur stated, before kissing Harry urgently.
Harry would have verbally replied in kind, but his focus was now on the taste of Fleur – her lips, her neck, her collarbone...
...
Not long afterwards, Harry and Fleur's desires were sated. But it was Harry's birthday, and Fleur had plans.
"Close your eyes and open your mouth, my cherished", Fleur urged, an eager smile on her face.
Harry did so, and a couple of seconds later he felt a small sweet enter his mouth. A chewy sweet. Did Fleur really...?
"No, keep your eyes closed, my cherished", Fleur insisted, as Harry felt the affects of the particular emotion chew he had been fed.
"Do you trust me, 'arry?" Fleur asked carefully.
"Of course, my love", Harry replied with certainty, now very eager for whatever Fleur had planned.
"I want to try something a bit different, but once I begin you won't be able to stop me", Fleur warned.
Harry considered for a moment, then replied. "I trust you, Fleur."
Harry heard Fleur murmur something, then a spell hit him. Harry involuntarily tried to open his eyes... but found himself unable to do so. In fact, he couldn't move at all, though he could definitely feel Fleur's hand on his skin.
"I did promise you something special, my cherished", Fleur whispered, before beginning the slow, teasing plans she had.
...
The best, most loving two weeks of Harry's entire life sadly passed too soon. They did not spend the whole time being intimate, but they did both revel in the freedom to hug, or kiss, or do anything else. Yes, they had enjoyed their weekends over the last year, and especially the last term now that Harry wasn't shy about his desires, but this... this felt like a honeymoon, and they hadn't even got married yet!
But now they were back at the Delacours', and Harry and Fleur had a number of things they needed to do. In some ways, they were sad that they could not just use the whole time to bond with Gabrielle, see their friends, and otherwise enjoy themselves; but there were several things they still needed to do, and Fleur and Harry both needed to focus as much as possible on their studies during the coming year – Harry especially so.
"We still need to sort out the venue, the refreshments, the wedding cake, the invites, the..." began Appoline, going through her list.
Harry looked incredulous – how was there still so much to do?! Thankfully, Gabrielle was there with excellent ideas to make everything better. "Why not Celeste's?" she asked.
"For the refreshments or the wedding cake?" Fleur asked, interested.
"Yes", Gabrielle replied simply.
Assuming she misheard, Fleur tried again. "I mean are you suggesting Celeste's for refreshments, or suggesting Celeste's for a wedding cake?" she asked, seeking clarification.
"Yes!" Gabrielle replied, with conviction.
"Both?!" asked Appoline, surprised.
Harry, who was already sold on the idea, nodded. "Definitely both", he agreed, high-fiving Gabrielle who had learned the gesture at school, and who had put her hand up towards Harry.
Sebastian laughed. "It'll be very expensive... but it's not like you can't afford it", he mused.
Harry looked hopefully at Fleur, who rolled her eyes affectionately; she could hardly say no to that adorable face. "Oh, alright my heart. But you can't tell Katie or Cheveu without me being there to see their reaction!"
...
The final two weeks of the holidays passed in a blur of planning, though there were highlights: Gabrielle's birthday party, with Cheveu, Katie, Uncle Sirius, Amelia and Uncle Remus all arriving to dote on her; Gabrielle getting her Beauxbatons letter, shopping for her school replies, and getting her familiar (a tabby cat she named Camille); Harry passing his apparition exam; three trips to Celeste's to discuss wedding catering, including the truly awful task of having to try several unreasonably delicious cakes and countless snacks; a trip to see Geoff and Barry ("You're getting married?" "Is there a baby already?" "Can we come?") and some potions research which Fleur wouldn't tell Harry about, but promised would be exciting.
Now, though, Fleur and Harry were getting ready to apparate to London, for the start of their final year. But before they did, Fleur had one last thing she needed to do. Walking over to her sister, Fleur took off her necklace.
"My little fly, I want you to make more friends than I could. I want you to have this", Fleur stated, as she placed the valuable necklace in Gabrielle's hands.
Gabrielle was in shock. She had secretly coveted the necklace on occasion – to be able to hide her allure, and avoid the worst of the reactions to her allure was... well, it was something she had often strongly craved.
"But Fleur, what about you?", Gabrielle asked, her selfish desires warring with her love for her sister.
"I will be fine – our friends can already resist the allure when they try, and the rest of the school will learn! But I want you to have the best time possible at school, at that necklace will help", Fleur assured her sister.
Happy tears threatened to fall down Gabrielle's face, especially if she spoke, so Gabrielle merely hugged her sister tightly.
"Just don't wear it all the time. Let the others see you as you, at least some of the time", Fleur advised.
Gabrielle nodded, her face now wet and her heart full. She sniffed, then risked a few words. "Thank you, my dear sister."