Harry found it strange, being back at Hogwarts without Katie. She had been such a constant companion during his first six years, that the school didn't feel right without her there. Of course, she was only a mirror call away, and it wasn't as if Harry needed to look particularly hard for excuses to speak to her – Katie had quite a few things as Best (Wo)man that Harry and Fleur wanted her thoughts on.
There was one other change that Harry had planned this year, which was partly driven by Katie's absence and partly driven by how much else Harry wanted to achieve.
"But... But... Harry! This is important!" said the wizard, eerily reminding Harry of a conversation from his first year. But the sense of déjà vu was only about to get stronger.
"So you've told me. But with the practises, I won't have enough time for everything else I want to do", Harry replied, not quite repeating himself from first year.
The wizard looked incredulous, and Harry had to fight not to smile at the half-remembered expression. "What could be more important than Quidditch?!"
Harry tried to smile apologetically, but it likely came out as an amused expression. "Plenty of things. Finishing my NEWTs and my mastery, stuff for my wedding, spending time with my future wife and my friends and family, sorting out a house..."
Ron sat down in shock, just like Oliver had done several years ago. Ron asked, quite desperately, "is there anything I can do to convince you to stay on the team?"
Unfortunately, there was no Katie to save the day this time. "Sorry Ron. I don't want to leave you to find a seeker, but I just don't have time", Harry replied sadly, shaking his head.
...
Harry and Fleur were sat together in their Hogsmeade house, with a list in front of them. Fleur was trying to concentrate, but Harry kept running his hands through her hair, and it felt just as wonderful as always.
Still, she tried valiantly to continue. "'arry? What about... neighbours... Petunia... mmmm..."
Harry would have chuckled, but he loved playing with Fleur's hair, feeling it's magic caress his hands as he caressed it, and found the activity relaxing. Harry knew they did need to get back to the list, but he had no desire to – not when he could spend just another five minutes enjoying time with his fiancée.
Ten minutes later, Fleur managed to summon the willpower to gently take Harry's hands in hers, and hold them around her waist.
"Now, my wonderfully distracting love, we need to think about invitations", Fleur tried to insist. Thankfully, Harry didn't disagree.
"So, which of your neighbours should we invite? Your aunt suggested your next door neighbours, Joan from over the road, and Bernard from number 16?" Fleur recalled with uncertainty.
Harry nodded. "Yes, that sounds good. Joan hates going abroad, so she won't come, but Aunt Petunia thinks she'll appreciate the invite."
Fleur ticked some names on her list, wrote a comment, then turned to the next page. "Ok, what about school friends? Obviously we'll invite..."
...
"Ok class, today we're going to be studying strength potions", Harry began eagerly... then his face fell a little, as the class looked bored.
"Well, don't look too excited, class", Harry remarked sarcastically. That earned him a couple of sheepish looks.
"Ok, we'll do this differently. Emma, can you beat Gary in an arm wrestle?" Harry asked, picking the weakest- and strongest-looking first years in his class. Emma was barely two thirds the size of Gary, and had a willowy build, whereas Gary looked about ready to try out as a beater.
Emma looked petrified and shook her head frantically. "N... No sir, I can't!"
Harry considered using galleons, but grinned as he remembered that first years were eager for house points. "I'll give you twenty points if you give it a go", Harry offered.
Emma's eyes went wide, then she swallowed her fear and nodded. "O... Ok, Assistant Professor Potter", came the nervous, formal reply.
"But first", Harry instructed, offering a vial, "drink this".
Emma did so, again nervous but then pleased the taste wasn't terrible, and nothing bad seemed to happen.
"Gary, up you come! Feeling confident?" Harry asked.
Gary nodded, a pitying look on his face, then took position opposite Emma.
The two first years grabbed hands, ready to begin. One quick cushioning charm from Harry, and the class was ready for the lesson.
"3... 2... 1... Go!"
SLAM!
Gary didn't even have time to register what was happening before Emma had forced his hand down; only Harry's cushioning charm had stopped bones being fractured on the table. The class was speechless.
"Class, that was the effect of a third year strength potion, but I'm sure Emma would still have held her own with the potion we're learning today. So let me start again.
"Today we're going to be studying strength potions", Harry announced for the second time.
This time, his first-year class cheered excitedly.
...
"... going really well, except potions", Gabrielle explained through the mirror.
"Let me guess: you're too bored?" Harry replied.
"Yes! That's exactly right! Big brother, they were trying to teach me how to make a potion for boils!" Gabrielle complained.
Harry smiled knowingly. "Have you told your professor you can already make most of the potions from first and second year?"
Gabrielle shook her head. "Fleur didn't, not straight away. Did you?" Gabrielle asked, interestedly.
Harry nodded, a big smile on his face. "I did. I had to apologise for looking bored, and I rambled a bit, and then I made the boils potion from memory."
"..."
"Gabrielle?"
"Do they teach everyone that potion first?!", Gabrielle demanded.
Harry laughed. "Well, it is very easy", Harry pointed out.
Gabrielle looked thoughtful for a moment, then her face held a serious look. "I'm going to talk to my professor."
"That's a great idea little fly, if you find them tomorrow...", Harry began.
"Right now!" Gabrielle happily declared, before starting to walk. She kept the mirror on.
A few minutes later, Gabrielle was at her professor's door, knocking.
"Miss. Delacour, is there a problem?" asked the witch.
"Yes. I was talking to my big brother and he suggested I talk to you, Professor", Gabrielle said, with little preamble.
"I wasn't aware you had a brother. Fleur never mentioned him", the witch noted, perhaps a little sleepily.
Gabrielle grinned. "Oh, I'm sure Fleur talked about him all the time, but probably called him 'cherished', 'love' or heart'"
The witch started to understand. "Ah, I see! So 'arry Potter is like a brother to you?" she asked.
"That's right! Anyway, 'arry said I should tell you that I can already brew most of this year's potions", Gabrielle finished, a little sheepishly.
"I knew it!" exclaimed the witch. "Just like your sister! At least you have the sense not to hide it for too long", the witch idly noted.
"Well, I'm glad you came to speak to me. Now we can figure out what to teach you, maybe an accelerated potion curriculum..." the witch mused.
"Told you!" Harry interjected from the mirror.
"Oh! 'arry! I forgot you were still there!" Gabrielle exclaimed.
"Well, Mr. Potter, it's good to meet you! Fleur talked about you all the time..."
...
It was a Hogsmeade weekend, and Katie and Cheveu had come to visit. Fleur and Cheveu were out doing... something?... whilst Katie and Harry were planning.
"So, who shall we invite to your stag do?" Katie asked, quill in hand.
"Well... you, Neville, Hermione, Ron, Cheveu, Gabrielle, Dudley, Daphne, Uncle Sirius, Uncle Remus, Fred and George... am I forgetting anyone?" Harry asked.
Katie giggled. It wouldn't be the usual stag do, but then Harry had opted for a Best Woman, so that was fine. However, Katie thought there were two friends he'd forgotten about. "No-one else, Harry?" Katie prodded.
"Not that I can think of", Harry replied uncertainly. "Have I forgotten someone?"
Katie grinned a wide grin. She could just tell him, but this would be more fun. "You'll see – when your stag do comes around in the summer!"
"That's not fair!" Harry protested weakly.
Katie giggled, then put an arm around her best friend. "You'll survive, I'm sure", she replied, before sticking her tongue out.
...
A few weeks later, Fleur was working on a project, but she admitted she needed help. So, a little frustrated, she knocked on the office door.
"Hello Fleur, what do I owe the pleasure?" asked Jones.
"It's my mastery potion. I'm missing something, I know, but I need some 'elp", Fleur guiltily admitted.
Jones smiled. "No shame in that, it's what I'm here for! Now, what part are you struggling with?"
Fleur gave a relieved smile, glad Jones was so willing to give her time to help. "I've been working with Polyjuice as a reference, and I've been able to modify the result somewhat, but I don't want the appearance change, just my additions", Fleur explained.
Jones nodded in understanding. "And you still want to be able to use the hair, to tailor it?" she checked.
Fleur considered the question. "I guess it doesn't 'ave to be 'air, it could be anything from the person", she mused.
Jones smiled encouragingly. "That sounds like your avenue of research! As disgusting as it sounds, perhaps saliva would work?" she offered.
Fleur wore a look of distaste, but had to admit it was worth considering. And at least that ingredient would be cheap to obtain!
...
The autumn term raced by, and all too soon Harry and Fleur were back in France, mobbing Gabrielle.
"We've missed you so much, my little fly!" Fleur gushed, unwilling to let Gabrielle go.
"Hey, I want to hug my adorable, clever, wonderful sister too!" Harry mock-complained.
Gabrielle was blushing quite a bit, though she very much enjoyed the attention – she had been a little worried things might be different now she had started school, but she had clearly been silly to think so.
"Gabrielle wants to spend time with me first, don't you?" Fleur asked, sticking her tongue out at Harry playfully.
Gabrielle grinned, but didn't say anything, waiting for Harry's reply.
"Well, I think Gabrielle really wants to spend time with me!" Harry said confidently.
"You sound very sure of yourself, my cherished", Fleur noted, still holding her sister possessively – this was turning into a game, and she didn't want to lose!
Harry then proved to be a shameless cheater, violating every protocol and convention there was. "Gabrielle, shall we go to Celeste's?"
"YES!"
...
After Harry had hugged his sister sufficiently, it was agreed that Gabrielle would go to Celeste's with Harry and Fleur.
"I've missed their Frasier. And their Macarons. And their profiteroles", Gabrielle moaned, as she took a bite of Frasier and savoured the feeling of heaven on her tongue.
"Please tell me you're having everything at your wedding?" Gabrielle pleaded.
Fleur laughed; they essentially were, given the expected appetites of their guests, especially those who hadn't sampled Celeste's before.
"Yes, little fly. I think they are going to close the shop for the day, so they can focus purely on the wedding", Harry commented.
"How much do the cakes cost, anyway?" Gabrielle mused; she would eventually have to buy her own, even though Harry and Fleur treated her very often.
Harry and Fleur exchanged a glance; it wasn't anything they had spoken with Gabrielle about, and the answer would only lead to more questions. Still, she had started Beauxbatons already, it wasn't unthinkable for her to find out at her age.
Getting a nod from Harry, Fleur begun. "Well, my little fly, Celeste's is quite expensive."
"Mama and Papa keep telling me that. But how expensive? The prices are in francs, which I don't understand! Do we spend a couple of galleons each time we come? In fact, how do you both afford that?" Gabrielle interrogated.
Harry put an arm around his sister, partly in case she fell off her chair. "That Frasier alone was about two or three galleons", he admitted.
"Two or three galleons?!", Gabrielle half-shouted. Hot chocolates were only a few sickles in the wizarding world! Who would pay a couple of galleons for... Damn it, she would. Celeste's was just too good.
"But how can you afford it? We go all the time! Are you spending all your money on treats?" Gabrielle fretted.
Harry ran his fingers through Gabrielle's hair to calm her, whilst Fleur explained a little. "'arry and I have quite a lot of gold, so we can easily afford it. Besides, you're our sister who we love, and your pleasure is our pleasure ", Fleur reassured.
"I can't believe my brother and sister are rich, and they never told me!" Gabrielle mock-glared.
"Wait until you see your own vault", Harry teased.
"My vault?!"
...
A few days later, and with Sebastian and Appoline's... well, maybe not quite 'blessing', perhaps more 'resigned permission'... Gabrielle, Fleur and Harry went to Gringotts.
How Smashface was able to be there waiting for them as they arrived was a mystery that would remain unsolved. "Good morning Mr. Potter, Miss. Delacour and Miss. Delacour. How may Gringotts help you today?" the goblin asked as they stepped into the bank.
"Good morning Smashface. We would like to access our vault for a withdrawal, convert some money to francs, ask about houses, and introduce our sister to her vault", Fleur requested, a smile on her face at the familiar goblin.
"Of course; right this way", Smashface replied, leading them through the bank.
Harry had an idea, and murmured a quiet few words to his fiancée. "Shall we invite Smashface?"
Fleur's pleased smile confirmed her view of the idea. She surreptitiously took out a blank invitation – Appoline said she should carry a couple around, just in case – and quickly added the goblin's name to the paper.
A fast cart ride later – which Gabrielle had enjoyed thoroughly and wanted to do again – they were at Harry and Fleur's vault.
Harry and Fleur opened the vault, and saw that once again their gold has grown.
"... how much?" Harry asked, still finding the sight of so many galleons surreal.
Smashface nodded at the question. "Approximately 290,000 galleons. Your investments, plus modest deposits, have continued to grow your wealth."
Gabrielle looked utterly stunned, her mouth opening and closing but no words coming out. Harry wished he had a camera.
Fleur took out a few thousand galleons to cover some wedding expenses, then turned to Smashface. "Smashface, we were hoping you might be able to help us with a permanent house", Fleur began.
Smashface nodded eagerly; this was an excellent business opportunity. "What did you have in mind?"
Harry watched as Fleur took Smashface aside, and held a quiet conversation with him. Smashface came back, and turned to Harry.
"Miss. Delacour wishes to keep one surprise from you, but aside from that tells me you are in agreement with what you require", Smashface stated.
Harry looked at Fleur curiously, who stuck her tongue out and winked. Harry turned to Smashface and listed out what he and Fleur had discussed. "A large property, near the beach in Northern France, connected to the French floo network. At least four bedrooms, and ideally some space to fly nearby, plus whatever wards you'd normally recommend."
Smashface nodded. "It may be that there is a suitable property to purchase, but most likely you would need to purchase the land and then build your house from scratch", the goblin explained.
Harry and Fleur nodded, then Fleur asked the important question. "How much will it cost?"
Smashface frowned. "Until I check the wizarding and Muggle property markets I can't give a precise figure, however the highest cost would be if you have to build your house. In which case, what you have requested could cost as much as 100,000 galleons", Smashface stated, careful to set expectations at the upper end of possibilities; it shouldn't be quite that expensive, but one could never know, especially if the land needed to be purchased from muggles.
Fleur looked at Harry and shrugged. Harry turned to Smashface and answered. "That sounds ok. Can you check and let us know once you know how much?" Harry asked.
Smashface was tempted to charge the couple a few galleons for his time, but they had not insulted him or treated him as other witches and wizards sometimes did... and though he would never admit it, he did like the pair; or at least, he liked the gold their accounts earned him, which was much more valuable than a few galleons. "Leave it with me. Now, you wished to see the other Miss. Delacour's vault?" Smashface asked.
"Before we do, there is another question we had for you", Harry began.
Smashface narrowed his eyes in curiosity.
"Would you like to come to our wedding next summer?" Fleur asked, holding out an invitation.
...
Later, after Gabrielle, Fleur and Harry had returned from Gringotts, Gabrielle was in shock.
"I'm rich", she murmured, still not quite believing it.
"No, not yet – you'll still have to get a job after Beauxbatons", Fleur replied with amusement.
"But I have over fifty thousand galleons! That you gave me years ago!" Gabrielle stated emphatically.
Harry grinned; he'd tried to explain that they'd only given her thirty thousand galleons, and that interest had done the rest, but that was a difficult concept for an eleven-year-old.
"Yes, I know, it was terribly mean of us not to give you more", Fleur joked.
Gabrielle shook her head, trying to clear the shock she felt. "And you have even more galleons! No wonder you don't mind treating me to Celeste's!"
...
Halfway through the holidays, Harry was sitting on the sofa between Appoline and Sebastian, and he was trapped. Under no circumstances was Harry allowed to move, or even readjust how he sat – Appoline had made that clear.
Harry was starting to get the impression that he was going to have to sit there the whole night, though at least the company was pleasant, including the new lady in Harry's life... for Gabrielle's cat, Camille, had decided she was fond of Harry that day, and took every opportunity to brush up against his leg, meow at him, or climb into his lap, as she had done just a few minutes ago.
Harry had then started to affectionately stroke Camille, though Sebastian had jokingly called him a fool – for the cat had then fallen asleep on Harry's lap, and Gabrielle was insistent that it would be cruel to wake her while she slept.
So Harry sat, stroking Camille and talking to his Delacour Godparents.
"You are making sure you and Fleur have time together away from wedding planning, my angel?" Sebastian asked.
Harry nodded; just yesterday they had gone for a romantic, candle-lit dinner together, both enjoying fish stew and a slice of Tarte Tatin. They had then apparated to Boulogne-sur-Mer, walking hand-in-hand along the beach where they hoped they would have their home together.
Shaking away the memory, Harry replied to his Godfather. "We are. Not as much time as we might like, but enough for now."
"Good. Weddings are important, but it's just one day, and tending to your relationship will aid every other day afterwards, my little cabbage", Appoline noted.
Harry fell silent, considering the wisdom of Appoline's words whilst he ran his hand down Camille's fur.
"'arry, there was one thing we wanted to talk to you about", Sebastian began, after a short while.
"What is it, Uncle Sebastian?" Harry asked, curious.
"You will be getting married soon. When you do you will be our son-in-law, but honestly we've seen you as our child for many years", Sebastian explained.
Harry felt a confusing mix of emotions: surprise, realisation, happiness and love, to name a few. But before he could fully process those emotions, his Godparents continued.
"We were wondering... hoping, really... that you might want to call us Mama and Papa, either now, or when you and Fleur wed", Appoline finished for her husband.
Harry's eyes filled with happy tears, and he twice tried to speak but found his voice missing. Finally, after taking a deep breath, Harry replied. "I... I'd really like that. I love you both so much... Mama and Papa."
Being careful not to disturb Camille, Sebastian and Appoline put an arm each around their soon-to-be son, and took turns kissing the crown of his head. "We love you too, son..."
"...and we always will."
...
The only other occasion of note over the holidays was Fleur and Harry asking Gabrielle to be one of their bridesmaids.
"Yes! Of course I will! It's going to be so exciting!" came Gabrielle's predictable reply.
"Ah, but there's a catch", Fleur stated.
Gabrielle looked confused. "What catch?"
"Well, little fly, we thought it would be fun if..." Harry began, teasing.
Gabrielle was as impatient as expected. "Yes? What is it?"
"If you had wings. Angel wings", Fleur finished.
"THAT WOULD BE SO COOL!" Gabrielle shouted in excitement.
Harry and Fleur laughed. Harry then put on a mock-serious expression. "There's just one problem."
Gabrielle, her face beaming with joy, wasn't going to fall for Harry's teasing again. "No there isn't! There's no problem!"
"Ah but there is, my little cabbage. After all, won't you need practise?" Fleur asked, her face wearing a big, doting smile.
"Practise?" asked Gabrielle, her tone full to the brim with hope.
"Practise", confirmed Harry, pulling out a small bag filled with about twenty angel drops.
Fleur suspected that Gabrielle's resultant squeal could be heard from several miles away.
...
The last evening of the holiday, Harry was spending some time with his sister whilst Fleur was busy working on something with her parents. He found it a bit weird when Fleur came and asked him to spit in a vial, but he trusted her so complied. Then, it was uninterrupted time with Gabrielle.
Harry was sat on the sofa, and Gabrielle was sat in front on him on the floor. It might not have been the most comfortable position normally, but Harry was making it worth her while... by brushing her hair.
Harry had tried to hold a conversation with Gabrielle, but he was too proficient at relaxing her – she kept mumbling and stopping her sentences half-way through – so he gave up and instead focussed on relaxing his little sister.
Harry started with untying the loose ponytail Gabrielle had worn for convenience, then gently worked the kink out of her hair that the ponytail had caused. Then Harry had started his fingers at Gabrielle's scalp and had run his hands through the full length of Gabrielle's hair, enjoying the warm, comforting feeling her hair poured into his hands as he did.
Next, Harry gave Gabrielle a light head massage, working his fingers into the roots of her hair and gently applying pressure to her scalp. Gabrielle leaned into the massage, feeling thoroughly relaxed and at peace.
After a few minutes of blissful massage, Harry ran his fingers through the length of Gabrielle's hair again, starting to straighten out the mess he had caused with the massage; Harry could almost feel his sister's familial love pouring off her.
After another few minutes of hair playing, during which time Harry suspected Gabrielle might have fallen asleep, he took out the hair brush, and began properly straightening out Gabrielle's hair.
There were a couple of knots, which Harry was very careful to straighten out gently, but mostly Harry was doing this to relax his little sister and bond. Although, after a while, Harry's additional motive was made known.
"Gabrielle?" he quietly asked.
"Mmmm?" came the sleepy reply.
"I'm almost finished brushing your hair", Harry admitted.
A slight pause whilst Gabrielle digested the complex sentence, then, "But you've only just started!" she complained sleepily.
Harry chuckled. "We've been here for over half an hour", Harry pointed out.
"See: only just started." Gabrielle affirmed.
Harry chuckled, then responded. "Well, I was hoping to get some practise in plaiting hair..." he offered.
Hmmm. If her brother was going to be like that... "Deal", Gabrielle happily accepted.
...
Several weeks later, half-way through the spring term, Fleur was delighted. It had taken a lot more effort than she'd hoped, but she had finally finished the new potion that would form her mastery project.
However, the potion mastery was only third in her mind. Second was the thought that this potion could be very profitable, which would help her intended career. First in her mind, though, was the possibilities it would grant her and her friends and family personally.
There was a particular task she now wanted to do; Fleur had considered inviting her family to join her, but Gabrielle wouldn't be able to join until Easter, so it wasn't fair to invite her Mama and Papa.
Perhaps the upcoming weekend? She could go with Harry, and turn it into a date day; they hadn't had enough of those, with Harry's studies ramping up a little wedding planning still forging ahead, and her potion mastery project finishing.
Fleur looked and saw it was nearly dinner time; she might as well speak to him about it now.
...
"Are you sure this will work?" Harry asked, as he and Fleur were on their date, approaching the building. Not that he doubted Fleur, but what she had created was very exciting.
"I haven't tested it with your saliva, so there's a chance it won't work – especially as I've tested the understanding of human varieties, but not animal ones... yet", Fleur replied.
"I really hope it works", Harry sighed, for the fourth time.
"Well, we're here now, so we'll find out", Fleur replied, holding Harry's hand as they entered the building.
After checking that no-one else was around, Fleur drank the vial and proceeded into the very familiar location.
"...then I spat the rat back out, but idiot Simon thought it was a game!" groaned Geoff.
"What an idiot", Barry replied.
"Hi Geoff, hi Barry", Harry called.
Immediately, the two snakes turned, lightning-fast, to the sound of the heralded voice.
"Harry!" "Our personal Wizard!"
Harry chuckled. From next to him, Fleur waved, a big grin on her face.
"Oh, tell Fleur we say hello too", Geoff added.
Barry eagerly nodded his agreement, then paused. Something was different. "Harry?"
"Yes, Barry?" Harry replied.
"You've not given Fleur a special cuddle today! I can't smell her on you!" Barry exclaimed disappointedly.
Both Fleur and Harry blushed at the comment, and Geoff tasted the air to check Barry's assessment.
"He's right! Harry, you can't neglect your lady like that! You kept her waiting long enough, you can't go cutting her off already!" Geoff advised most seriously.
Harry was now blushing like a tomato. Fleur couldn't help herself, and was now laughing.
"No, it's not like that! It's just, well..." Harry stalled, unsure how this was the conversation they were currently having.
"It's ok Geoff, Barry. 'arry is very good at meeting my needs. We were just in a 'urry to get 'ere early today", Fleur explained.
"Oh, are you sure, Fleur? Harry's a good kid, but he's useless when it comes to the ladies", Barry informed her in a wise tone. Geoff, on the other hand, just stared at Fleur in shock, his jaw wide open.
"'e's gotten a lot better since we started dating, and even better once we were engaged", assured Fleur in a merry tone. She was having so much fun, this was better than she expected.
"Well, we could tell Harry liked you for ages, so we're glad he's treating you well, isn't that right, Geoff? Geoff? Are you ok?" Barry asked, noting the slack-jawed expression Geoff was still wearing.
"Geoff, are you trying to eat an invisible vole? I don't think voles are usually invisible" Barry informed him.
"But... how?!" Geoff asked, looking at Fleur, as he finally found his voice.
"Well, it's pretty simple, Geoff. No animals are usually invisible. Wait... Geoff! I've just realised something important!" Barry announced.
Geoff, who had mostly found his tongue, was glad Barry had cottoned on. "See! I can't believe we missed it!"
"How silly of us!" Barry agreed.
"We should have noticed right away!" Geoff excitedly stated, all the while staring at Fleur, who was still grinning.
"We wouldn't know if there were invisible animals around, as they'd be invisible!" stated Barry emphatically. On second thought, maybe Barry hadn't cottoned on.
"..."
"What?"
"Barry, you dolt! Fleur's been speaking to us! Like Harry does!" Geoff explained, shaking his head.
"Hi Geoff, hi Barry. It's great to finally be able to talk to you!" Fleur said, grinning.
"Geoff! Fleur's a Parselmouth!" Barry announced, completely unnecessarily.
Fleur collapsed with laughter, whilst Harry, giggling, explained about Fleur's mastery potion – which, once a person's saliva was added, could enable anyone to speak any language that the spitter could. And now was confirmed to work with Parseltongue, thanks to Fleur drinking the Harry-spit-imbibed brew.
"Figured she got enough of your saliva already" joked Geoff, winking at the pair.
Fleur, grinning, pulled Harry into a passionate kiss, proving that she hadn't yet had enough. Now that she could speak to her snake friends, Fleur knew this would be her best visit to the zoo so far.
chapter 35
The rest of the spring term continued without much of note, except that Gryffindor had just managed to beat Ravenclaw at Quidditch, so Harry didn't feel quite as bad at abandoning his old team.
Harry found he hadn't missed the game or the practises too much; sure, he enjoyed playing, but he found that he missed the time with Katie more. Speaking of whom, Katie had got a position with the Holyhead Harpies as a reserve chaser, but she had apparently impressed enough that she would be playing her first game as a starting chaser on the first day of the Easter holidays... though since the game was against the Chudley Cannons, Harry suspected it would be a relatively easy first professional game.
Katie had even got Harry and Gabrielle tickets; originally they were meant to be for Harry and Fleur, but Gabrielle had begged to go – perhaps just to see Katie play – and with Katie's blessing Fleur had given her ticket to her little sister.
So, instead of riding the Hogwarts express back to London, Harry and Fleur spent a night in their Hogsmeade house – a delicious, passionate night – and then the next day Harry met Gabrielle (who got a lift from Sebastian) at the Harpies' stadium.
"'arry!" cried Gabrielle, as she threw her arms around her big brother.
Harry responded by lifting her up and spinning her around. "Hello my little fly! Excited for the game?" he asked.
Gabrielle laughed at being spun around, then nodded happily. "Yes! I can't wait to see Katie's first game!"
Letting Gabrielle go, Harry walked over and hugged Sebastian before he left. "Love you, Papa. I'll see you after the game finishes?" Harry murmured a little shyly.
Sebastian gave him a big squeeze, a happy tear threatening to spill down his face, then replied. "Of course, my son. Enjoy the game, take care of your sister."
"Goodbye Papa! Now come on 'arry, we have to get to our seats!"
A few minutes later, Harry and Gabrielle were sitting in their seats – and very good seats they were – with some popcorn and fizzy drinks, waiting for the game to begin.
"'arry...?" Gabrielle asked, smiling sweetly at her brother.
"Yes, my little fly?" Harry replied, wondering what his sister was after.
"You'll translate the game for me, won't you?" asked Gabrielle, hopefully. She was terrible at English, and didn't want to miss the most important parts of the commentary.
"Hmmm... I've got a better idea", Harry replied. He'd planned this ahead, and was going to suggest it just as the game started – after all, the potion only lasted a couple of hours per vial.
"What's your idea?" asked Gabrielle, eagerly.
"English in a bottle! I think Fleur plans to call it Polymouth Potion; the name sounds better in English" Harry answered with a smile.
"Oh, can I have it now?!" begged Gabrielle.
"Each vial lasts for about two hours, and I only have three vials... use them carefully!" Harry warned, ruffling Gabrielle's hair.
Gabrielle stuck her tongue out, uncorked the first vial and downed it. "Is it working?" she asked after a moment.
Harry grinned. "You tell me, Gabrielle", he replied.
"..."
"Gabrielle?"
"I can speak English now! That's so cool!"
...
Harry was excited to watch Katie play, but it was Gabrielle who was the most enthusiastic of the two. The Holyhead Harpies utterly trounced the Chudley Cannons with a final score of 450-70, which gave Gabrielle plenty of opportunities to jump up and celebrate every Harpies goal, doubly so for the thirteen that Katie scored.
After three of Katie's goals, Katie had clearly spotted Harry and Gabrielle in the crowd, and so after each subsequent goal Katie made sure her celebration included a pass right next to her biggest fans, including high-fiving Gabrielle on a couple of occasions; Gabrielle was delighted.
The main commentator had noted this, and had great fun trying to guess who Harry and Gabrielle might be – family? Friends? Maybe a lover and friend? Maybe a lover and the lover's little sister? Katie had tried not to blush too much at the latter two suggestions, instead focussing on the game.
The game had only lasted ninety-five minutes, so Gabrielle's first vial of Polymouth Potion was only just running out when the match finished. They were about to leave the stadium and Harry was going to suggest they save the other two vials for another day, when Katie left her team's celebration for a moment to fly up to Harry and Gabrielle on her Firebolt.
"Hi there! Anyone want to volunteer for a ride?" Katie asked, still beaming from the match victory.
Harry noted a few desperate fans near them had launched their hands up, but as Harry translated for Gabrielle and handed her a second vial, Gabrielle kissed her brother's cheek, drank the second vial, and merrily replied, "I'd love to, Katie."
Katie grinned at hearing Gabrielle speak English – she had wondered if Fleur had managed to sneak her a vial of her new potion or not – then helped Gabrielle climb onto the front of the broom. She then proved to those watching that Firebolts can be even more of an adrenaline rush than rollercoasters.
Over the next twenty minutes, Gabrielle had shrieked her delight to the whole arena; half-way through, Angelina had come to say hi to Harry, and then had given him a lift down to meet the rest of the Harpies.
Harry was chatting to the team when Katie and Gabrielle landed, both red-faced and grinning.
"Why did you never tell us your best friend was a hot, famous guy who buys Firebolts as birthday presents?!" asked the Harpies' captain, Gwenog Jones.
Katie blushed, but nevertheless gave Harry a big, tight hug. "I missed you, Harry", she quietly whispered, so her teammates wouldn't hear.
Harry masterfully ignored Katie's delicious strawberry scent, mixed as it was with a little sweat, instead returning the tight hug and replying, "I missed you too". Then, a little louder, "You did amazing, Katie! I'm glad to see you've only gotten better."
Gwenog Jones frowned. "Well? You could have introduced us much sooner!" she griped.
Katie pulled away from Harry, though still had a hand resting on his arm. "My best friend is already taken, and it was him and his fiancée who bought me the Firebolt – crazy as they are", Katie added affectionately.
"Anyway, introductions: Harry Potter, meet the Holyhead Harpies. Holyhead Harpies, Harry Potter", Katie teased.
"Sorry to spoil the fun, Katie, but I already did real introductions while you terrorised little Gabrielle", Angelina admitted.
"Hey! I wasn't terrorised! Flying on a Firebolt is amazing!" gushed Gabrielle.
"Do I need to come back a little later?" interrupted a mirthful voice.
"Papa!" cried Gabrielle, running to embrace Sebastian.
Harry smiled and shook his head. "No, we should let the ladies celebrate – they definitely earned it today!" Harry answered, smiling at the team and at Katie in particular.
Gwenog rolled her eyes in mock-frustration. "Fine, you go running, Mr Potter. But you'll need to join us on another day, so we can get to know you better."
Harry smiled noncommittally, gave Angelina then Katie one more hug, then left with Sebastian and Appoline for France.
...
Two days into the Easter holiday, Harry and Fleur received an owl from Smashface, advising them of progress on the house hunt, and to visit Gringotts at their earliest convenience.
So, that day, the couple had postponed their plans ("But I really wanted to talk to Geoff and Barry!" "Well, we can do it tomorrow, and maybe invite Katie too?") and instead went to Gringotts... where they were almost immediately portkeyed to Northern France.
As they landed, Harry and Fleur saw a large building in front of them. It was...
"Horrible", Fleur assessed.
Harry nodded his agreement. The building looked to be a large villa, but its walls were crumbling, the local birds had clearly been using the roof as a large lavatory, there was graffiti over the chunks of wall that weren't covered in wild plant growth... there was a lot not to like.
Smashface chuckled; the sound reminded Harry of a battle cry. "Look past the decay and dirt, and I think you'll see potential. Imagine this house as it was in its prime; magic will restore it.
Fleur looked a little sceptical, but Harry started to see the potential. Walking up to the walls, he spelled away a patch of grime and uncovered promising-looking white stone walls. "It's the style you like", Harry pointed out, hoping he was right; it was one of the minor details Fleur had described when discussing their future home together.
Fleur looked at the clean patch of wall and nodded despite herself. "Does the villa have a pool?" Fleur asked, hopefully.
Smashface nodded. "It does. It's hideous, like the rest of the house, but again that is easy to resolve."
"And gardens? Or other land? How big is the plot?" Fleur asked, hoping again for good news.
"Approximately 4000 square metres – or just over two Quidditch pitches in size", Smashface answered, grinning toothily at Harry.
"How much?" Harry asked.
"A bargain at 30,000 galleons, due to the condition", he replied. Then as he liked Harry and Fleur, he answered the obvious (to him) questions without even being asked. "Repairs and clearing up the grounds will cost around 15,000 galleons extra. Then, as the villa is currently muggle-owned, there will be the additional cost for floo, registering with the ministry, setting up wards.
In total, if you choose this property" Smashface continued, 'which you should', he thought, "It will cost you no more than 50,000 galleons."
Fleur and Harry looked around the villa, albeit not too closely. Harry continued to see the potential, though he did avoid inspecting in the swimming pool. Fleur caught herself looking past the grime, and when she did she could picture them living here, having children here, growing old here.
"Ok, I'm convinced, my cherished", Fleur sighed dramatically, before winking at her fiancé.
"Are you sure? Really sure?" Harry checked.
Fleur nodded, her eyes sparkling. "Yes. We can make this out home, I'm certain."
Harry and Fleur gave Smashface the profitable news, though he surprised them with a question. "Do you want to pay for it out of your joint account, or Harry's London account?"
"Pardon?" Harry asked.
Smashface grinned. "Your London account. That, too, started with a reasonable sum, which was invested. It contains less than your join account, but enough to cover the villa and associated expenses", Smashface reassured.
Harry and Fleur looked at each other dumbly. Harry rarely ever went to Diagon Alley, and it had been years since he'd thought about his London account, let alone considered its value.
"Use the London account, then transfer the rest to our joint account", Harry replied after a moment.
"Are you sure, my heart? It's your money, and..." Fleur began.
Taking Fleur's hands in his, Harry interrupted his fiancée with a sweet kiss, then replied. "We will be married this summer. All that I have will be yours then, as it already is now."
Fleur kissed Harry lovingly – he was so sweet! She stopped at just kissing – Smashface probably wouldn't appreciate witnessing anything else – but Fleur had some ideas on how to reward Harry later.
...
The next day, the whole Delacour household woke up, feeling excited. Today they would be going to see Geoff and Barry, armed with several vials of Polymouth Potion.
They had breakfasted early, and were patiently waiting for their final guest to arrive. Finally, a few minutes earlier than expected, there was a knock on the door.
"Katie!" cried Gabrielle, who ran to hug the older girl she was so fond of.
Katie returned the embrace, a happy smile on her face. "Hello Gabrielle, hello everyone!" Katie said, with Gabrielle still stuck to her like a limpet.
Harry shook his head and rolled his eyes mirthfully. After Gabrielle had let go, he too hugged Katie tightly, again wondering why she had to look, smell and feel so good... but quickly tried to quash those thoughts, as he always did.
After a few more hugs, and after everyone had drank a vial of Harry-imbibed Polymouth Potion, the group was finally ready to go.
"Let's go talk to our friends!" Gabrielle cried excitedly.
"Right now!" Katie agreed, who was grinning at being able to understand Gabrielle at long last.
...
"...not that hungry. It be another week before I'm desperate enough to eat that."Geoff declared sincerely.
"That's not the same one you spat back out a couple of weeks ago, is it?" Barry asked, inspecting it closely.
Geoff slithered over to check. Within a few seconds he was outraged. "Bloody hell! It is! Oh, that's horrible, even for Idiot Simon! Isn't there someone we can speak to about snake abuse?!" he asked desperately.
"Well, since you asked..." a voice answered.
"YES! Sweet merciful cobra, thank you for your benevolence this day!" Geoff exclaimed.
"Geoff, there isn't a cobra there! Just Harry and his gang!" Barry corrected.
Harry, Fleur, Gabrielle, Katie, Sebastian and Appoline at this point were all in the enclosure, laughing, chuckling or grinning.
"Yes, I know... Oh, nevermind."Geoff replied, shaking his head.
"Harry, you've brought almost everyone! Fleur, your secret love child, Sceptical Pete, Vole Wizard and Vole Witch! It's only your big sister who's missing!" Barry declared.
Harry didn't know whether to laugh or cry; he opted for both, crying tears of laughter at the expressions on his friends and family's faces.
"Barry! Get their names right! Gabrielle isn't their love child, sadly. She's Fleur's sister. And I told you before, no-one would call their child "Vole Witch", she's called Mrs. Vole Wizard!" Geoff corrected confidently.
"Vole Wizard?!" asked Sebastian, trying not to cry with laughter. All this time, the snakes had been calling him Vole Wizard?!
"Sceptical Pete?" asked Katie, torn between confusion, horror and laughter. "Harry, where did that nickname come from?!" she asked, incredulously.
"In my defence... Geoff and Barry... came up with the names themselves... I just never... corrected them", Harry choked out, between heavy bouts of laughter.
"Hi Geoff, Barry! I'm Gabrielle and I'm so excited to be able to speak to you!" Gabrielle gushed.
"Awww, she's just as sweet as we thought, isn't she Geoff?" cooed Barry.
"Definitely! When we adopt Harry and Fleur you'll have to come over for sleepovers", Geoff agreed matter-of-factly.
Gabrielle beamed happily; Geoff and Barry were so much fun now they could talk. But she wasn't allowed to monopolise their time.
"Hi Geoff, hi Barry. I'm Sceptical Pete, or 'Katie' for short, and I..." Katie began.
"...want a Special Cuddle with Harry" finished Barry, helpfully.
Katie's eyes shot wide. "What? No, I, erm..."
"He means sex. And you definitely do", Geoff added wisely.
"We can taste it" Barry added, flicking his tongue out in Sceptical Pete's direction.
Katie blushed heavily. This was not the conversation she had been expecting! Harry showed true allegiance to his best friend... by collapsing on the floor with laughter. For a few moments.
"Don't be shy, he wants to mate with you too", Geoff added, mortifying the pair.
"Oh, but maybe not today; we can smell Fleur on him; I'm glad you gave Fleur her Special Cuddle this morning, and aren't neglecting her", Barry added, dragging Fleur into the vortex of embarrassment.
"I knew it! You both looked... weird this morning!" Gabrielle announced accusingly, further embarrassing at least two of the people in the room.
Sebastian and Appoline found this conversation very entertaining, especially as they knew Harry was completely faithful to Fleur, and didn't have to worry about his intentions towards Katie... but they did feel sorry enough for their Godson to distract the snakes from this line of thinking.
"Sorry to interrupt, Geoff and Barry, but I was wondering if you fine, upstanding gentlemen were 'ungry?" Sebastian asked, earning a muttered "thank you" from Harry.
"I'm starving for a vole! No, wait, I'm starving for two voles!" cried Barry, excitedly.
"Oh, I'm so glad you asked, Vole Wizard! Could I please, please have a guinea pig or two? They look so cute and delicious!" Geoff asked, salivating a little.
...
Towards the end of the visit, as the group were leaving, Katie and Fleur hung back whilst the others went ahead. Katie asked her question, which the snakes were delighted about, and then Fleur asked hers, and the pair were ecstatic. Katie and Fleur both promised to keep each others' secrets, so that the events would be a fun surprise.
The rest of the holidays passed quickly, with Harry in particular spending much of it studying, and then it was into Fleur and Harry's final term. Fleur spent two weeks finishing up her mastery, and then sitting a final exam; she would find out later in the term how she had done. The rest of Fleur's term was spent making potions – particularly Polymouth Potion, as she wanted a several vials for personal use and then an entire shop's worth ready for selling... possibly via the twins' store in Diagon Alley?
Harry's last term, on the other hand, was hectic. Harry's NEWTs were going well but required a lot of work, and that was saying nothing about his mastery. Harry's mastery potion was different to Fleur's – instead of creating something new, he wanted to significantly simplify a rare, difficult potion, and ideally significantly reduce the cost to produce.
That was not an unusual area of study for a Potion Master, but what Harry intended to do with the results was – he wanted a simplified recipe disseminated amongst the wizarding population, to benefit many. All he had to do was find a replacement for one tricky ingredient, and he would be done.
...
Ron had managed to lead the Gryffindors to another Quidditch victory, though they lost the cup overall. Still, he had attracted the attention of one Quidditch scout, even if it was for a terrible team... though Ron couldn't have been happier that his favourite team were interested in getting him to try out.
Hermione had managed, barely, not to focus on her NEWTs to the exclusion of everything else in life, though everyone was looking forward to the exams being over for her sake.
Neville seemed sad as the term progressed, as he would miss Ginny the following year, but he made sure to do well in his studies, especially Herbology. And when Professor Sprout offered him the opportunity to study a mastery the following year, both Ginny and Neville were thrilled.
Daphne seemed very focussed, though not always on her studies – the twins had somehow managed to convince her to design pranks for their store, something that Harry found equal parts surprising, terrifying and hilarious.
And Katie? She had impressed in her first game, and was being groomed to become one of the starting chasers the following season, replacing one of the team that was planning a (slightly early) retirement.
...
"You're sure this is safe, cub?" asked Remus, towards the end of term.
Harry nodded. "I've checked it several times, it's definitely not poisonous, and shouldn't have any other negative effects. You'll be the first to try if it works like your usual potion, though", Harry admitted.
Remus nodded and, trusting his honorary nephew, drank the vial. "You're not planning to stay the night, are you?" Remus asked a moment later, concerned.
"No, he isn't", Sirius answered on Harry's behalf. "That would just be stupid", he added, daring Harry to disagree.
Harry really wanted to see the effects first hand, though he understood his uncles' concerns, and gave in with little complaint. "Just let me know first thing if it works; not just because my mastery is riding on it!" Harry joked.
...
The next morning, Sirius and Remus both came to greet Harry, wide smiles on their faces.
"And...?" Harry asked without preamble.
Remus pulled Harry into a hug. "Complete success! Your modified Wolfsbane worked even better than the original – I'm not even feeling too tired after the transformation, which is incredible!"
Harry hugged Remus tightly, delighted. His mastery wasn't at the forefront of his mind – the fact that werewolves around the world would have better access to a potion that removed their monthly danger nights was his main consideration... after the benefits it would bring to Remus.
...
Finally, the end of term exams were over, including Harry's potion exam. He felt like he had done well, and the next week, when Professor Jones had winked and told him he'd get his results soon, he felt very pleased.
For Harry, the end of school couldn't come soon enough. He had loved his time at Hogwarts, but his attention was now fully on his upcoming wedding, which would take place the week after his birthday. However, some important things needed to happen before then, and the first involved a letter he and Fleur received on the last week of term.
"Dear Mr and Soon-to-be Mrs Potter,
Your house is ready for your inspection. Please visit Gringotts Paris at your earliest convenience, and we will confirm the property is to your expectations.
Smashface"
Harry and Fleur exchanged excited looks. Fleur also felt a little apprehensive, but she trusted Smashface – mostly – and surely it couldn't be too bad?
After one last train ride on Hogwarts express – with Harry and Fleur soaking up the company of Hermione, Ron, Daphne, Neville, and even Ginny and Susan – the engaged couple tightly hugged their friends and apparated straight to Paris.
The expected portkey later, and Fleur was confused.
"Snashface, where is our villa?" Fleur asked with a frown.
"Right in front of you", replied Smashface, showing little emotion.
"But... that can't be our villa!" Fleur protested.
"Oh? And why is that, Miss Delacour?" Smashface asked, a slight frown on his face.
"Because... Well..." Fleur took a deep breath, and pushed onwards. "Because it's gorgeous!" she gushed, finding her words.
Smashface grinned a large, toothy grin. "I believe you will appreciate the inside even more."
The white stone villa had been completely restored, with walls fixed, dirt cleaned off, gardens replanted and thriving, swimming pool cleaned and refilled... Harry and Fleur looked at each other and knew what the other was thinking: it was perfect.
"When can we move in?" Harry asked eagerly.
"In theory straight away. But it will be another two weeks for the wards to be set up, and if you wish Gringotts can also arrange for your effects to be moved across from your Hogsmeade house", Smashface replied.
Fleur grinned as a thought hit her. "Let's move in after our wedding. We can stay here for our honeymoon!" Fleur excitedly suggested.
Harry looked perplexed. "But it's going to be our house. Can you have a honeymoon in your house?"
"I want our life to be one long, sensual honeymoon, my cherished. And given the villa's location, it will certainly feel like a honeymoon", Fleur assured her fiancé.
"And if I already have a honeymoon planned?" Harry asked, certainly coming around to Fleur's way of thinking.
"Then we can have two honeymoons", Fleur answered with a grin.
...
The time before the wedding passed quickly, with only two events standing between Harry and Fleur and their happy ever after: a hen do and a stag do.
Fleur was delighted with her hen do. Marjorie, as Maid of Honour, had arranged it, and had invited Amelie, Appoline, Gabrielle, Katie, Hermione and Cheveu – a fairly close group. And the activities?
The day had started with breakfast at Celeste's ("They do breakfast?!" "No, Gabrielle, not usually, but they made an exception for Fleur"), which was unreasonably delicious – French toast, omelettes, pastries, and even slices of cake; Fleur was in heaven.
Then, the group had portkeyed to Southern France, and if Fleur had been a little surprised at the idea of a couple of hours on a secluded beach, all became clear when Marjorie had taken the Angel Drops out of her pocket and announced they were going to practise where falling to the floor only meant falling on the sand.
The group had the best of times, flying free in the air. Katie was particularly skilled, though Fleur shook her head smiling, figuring it was only reasonable that the professional Quidditch player was the best in the air.
The girls had a lighter lunch, then had a couple of hours in a spa, which Fleur made note of and decided she would have to bring Harry back to... though perhaps without the pedicures or manicures ("but my brother would have such pretty nails if he had a manicure!").
Finally, after another short spell at the beach, the girls had a cosy dinner at a small french restaurant - though sadly the Frasier was not comparable to Celeste's – and after that Fleur was hugging her friends and family goodbye, and the wonderful day was over.
...
Harry's stag do started unusually, for several reasons. Firstly, it was arranged so that it wouldn't take place on the same day as the hen do, as several guests overlapped. Secondly, it required Harry's cousin sneaking out, as Petunia and Vernon wouldn't be too thrilled with the day's events. Thirdly, there were two snakes present.
"Geoff?! Barry?! What are you both doing out of the zoo?" Harry asked, half delighted, half gobsmacked.
"We're here for your stag do!" exclaimed Barry excitedly. Geoff nodded his agreement.
"Well, we couldn't leave them out, could we?" asked Katie with a large grin.
Gabrielle was delighted, and gave a big hug to both snakes. Cheveu struggled to stop laughing at the nicknames, though when she did she joined Gabrielle in hugging the pair. Fred and George took great delight in talking to Geoff and Barry, and determined to speak to Fleur about her potion after the honeymoon. Dudley was fascinated, especially by drinking a magical potion! Ron and Neville were nervous, until Katie explained they were old friends. Hermione looked fascinated, and wondered if there were other animals that had their own languages. Sirius and Remus had a few whispered conversations that had Geoff and Barry in peals of snakey laughter, and Daphne was outraged that Harry was a Parselmouth and had never told his closest Slytherin friend!
The stag do itself was similar to Fleur's hen do, in that in contained both Angel Drops and Celeste's. However, Katie had arranged for the use of the Holyhead Harpies stadium for a few hours, and the group used the Angel drops instead of broomsticks for a Quidditch game... It turned out that everyone was terrible, so the game was fairly even. Fred and George decided they might try and make a real sport of it. Geoff and Barry decided Quidditch wasn't for them – after all, they didn't have arms.
The group gorged themselves at Celeste's for lunch, and if Katie went and apologised to the owners for someone's overenthusiastic eating, no-one noticed. Geoff and Barry had to be disillusioned for that part, and whilst cakes aren't normal snake fare, Barry valiantly tried to eat many things. He failed miserably, but the attempt had been made.
The group then spent some time just chatting, dreaming and bonding, and Harry thought he had got away without the customary teasing the groom-to-be usually experienced... until Katie called attention to the group for a final game.
"Ok everyone, before we finish, we have one last surprise for Harry", Katie began.
From the grins on the twins' faces, Harry knew he was in trouble.
"It's a simple game. We ask you five questions about Fleur. For each question you get right, you have to eat a Joy Emotion Chew. For each question you get wrong, you have to eat... another twin product", Katie explained with an innocent tone that fooled no-one.
Harry gulped, but knew there was no way out. He nodded his understanding.
"First, what is Fleur's favourite cake at Celeste's?" Katie asked.
...
Harry had done well, though that meant four Joy chews were causing his jaw to hurt with how much he was beaming. Then he had gotten the last question wrong, and now Harry was desperate to get home. Joyfully desperate.
Katie had teased him by suggesting they go for a drink, but Harry had explained in a painfully cherry tone that he had to get home right away, and the group, laughing, didn't stop him. So, after hugs goodbye, with Harry suffering the delicious agony of hugging Daphne and then Katie – damn it, she needed to let go, she smelled too delicious, he needed to leave! – Harry apparated home, and practically dragged Fleur to their bedroom. She had no complaints.
"Desire Chew at the end?" Katie asked, chuckling.
Fred and George grinned evilly. "Maybe!" they replied together.
"Do those sweets work on lady snakes?" Geoff asked innocently.
...
Finally, after a long, long time of waiting, the morning of the wedding had arrived. Harry and Fleur were more excited than words could express. It was going to be a wonderful day, and the start of Harry and Fleur's new life together.
chapter 36
Fleur had disappeared from their bed at the Delacour home by the time Harry woke up on his wedding day, with Appoline explaining that it was tradition that Harry didn't see Fleur until she walked down the isle.
Shrugging, Harry offered to get ready at his new home in Northern France, but that was vetoed – Appoline explained that Fleur was currently there, arranging something, and he was not allowed to visit until after the wedding. Harry had several interesting and not at all innocent ideas about what that might entail, but he would later find out his thoughts were entirely wrong.
Harry was a little lost about what to do and when, until Katie arrived a minute later.
"Right, I've spoken to Fleur and know about where you can and can't go. Grab your suit, and follow me", Katie ordered, taking great pleasure in her best friend's half relieved, half meek expression.
...
Fleur wasn't quite at their new home. Not yet. She was in a familiar location, having just drank a potion, planning something akin to a jailbreak.
"Fleur! Is it today? It's today, isn't it? Geoff said it was today!" cried an excitable Barry.
Fleur grinned and nodded. "That's right. Now, what did Katie explain after the stag do?" Fleur asked, knowing full well the answer.
"We're going to your wedding!" declared Barry, his head bouncing up and down. Geoff nodded enthusiastically.
"Did Katie mention anything else?" Fleur asked, a glimmer in her eye.
"Erm..." replied Geoff, helpfully.
"Maybe?" answered Barry, unsure.
"Well, Harry and I have our own house now, ready for us to move into. And Papa – Vole Wizard – is just finishing up some permanent warming charms on one of the larger rooms at the back of the house", Fleur hinted.
"You mean...?" asked Geoff, getting an excited nod from Fleur.
"You bought a cold house?" guessed Barry.
"No, you field snake!" insulted Geoff.
"What I mean, Barry, is that Harry and I are ready to break you out of here permanently, if you'd like. After the wedding, you can come live with us on the coast" explained Fleur, excited.
"YES! No more Idiot Simon!" exclaimed Barry, somehow even more delighted than he had been a few minutes ago.
"No more horrible rats!" agreed Geoff.
"Seeing our Harry EVERY DAY!" squealed Barry in delight.
"Well, come on", Fleur interrupted with a beaming smile and a wand drawn. "After all, once we've got you out of here there's a wedding to get to... and neither of you are dressed in the outfits I've got you yet!"
Fleur guessed that, at those last few words, Geoff and Barry were at risk of spontaneously combusting with excitement.
...
Whilst Katie would normally have spent a good age getting ready for a wedding, at this wedding she was Best Woman, and so her job was to support the groom... which meant foregoing most of her usual time getting ready, and instead shepherding Harry around.
"Ok, we'll get some breakfast, make sure the venue's all sorted, check that Celeste's are running to plan, grab an early lunch, then get us both ready, before we get you married", Katie listed cheerfully.
Harry, a little overwhelmed, just nodded. He was glad he could rely on Katie.
A light breakfast later, which Katie had insisted on, Harry had confirmed the venue was set up according to plan, and Harry's Groomsmen – Neville and Ron – had things under control. Or, at least, Neville did, and was ordering Ron around efficiently.
Harry was starting to feel a little hungry when he and Katie went to check on Celeste's. The patisserie was closed when they arrived, as expected, but upon their arrival the door was opened and they were welcomed inside.
"Welcome, Katie, 'arry! We're very excited for you on your special day, 'arry", greeted Celeste herself.
Harry smiled broadly. "Thank you. And thank you for agreeing to cater for us today; both Fleur and I, and several of our family and friends, are greatly looking forward to enjoying your pastries again", Harry complimented.
Celeste laughed. "Oh 'arry, it's our pleasure! Why, it feels like you and Fleur keep us in business when you're not away for school or university", she joked, repeating a half-truth Fleur had shared one visit.
Harry smiled, then looked embarrassed as his stomach rumbled a little; why had Katie insisted on a small breakfast.
"Why, Harry, you sound hungry!" Katie stated with a grin.
"Well, we can't have that! We don't usually do savoury food, so perhaps you'd both like to help test that today's savoury pastries are as expected?" offered Celeste, winking at Katie.
...
Katie had to stop them both from sampling too much, though in her defence this was the planned early lunch that she had mentioned to Harry.
After getting a taster of many of the pastries they would experience later, a much more content pair apparated next to... a hotel, near to the wedding venue.
"Ok, we've got a room each to get dressed and ready. It seemed a bit expensive, but then I'm taking the room tonight so I don't have to apparate home later, and I think Dudley might be getting your room", Katie explained as she got the keys from reception and handed one to Harry.
After walking to the rooms, which were fortunately next to each other, Katie unshrunk a collection of packages which she handed to Harry. "Wear those, and knock on my door when you're dressed", she instructed.
...
An hour later, Harry and Katie were ready. Harry's view was that they had taken far too long, Katie's view was that they should have had much more time. Regardless, their best friendship had survived and potentially even strengthened, and both were ready to go to the wedding venue.
A short walk into the venue, and Harry was being mobbed.
"Harry!" cried Dudley, throwing his arms around his cousin. "You're getting married today!"
Harry grinned, and hugged his cousin tightly. "That's right! How was the journey over?" Harry asked.
"Really cool! The airplane hit some turbulence and one man even threw up!" Dudley exclaimed.
"Thankfully they were in a different row, and the air hostess cleaned it up quickly", Petunia added from behind Harry. "Congratulations, Harry. We're glad we could share today with you", simpered Petunia, genuinely.
Vernon nodded from next to her, and grunted, "Congratulations, Harry."
"Thanks Aunt Petunia, Uncle Vernon. I'm glad you could be here today", Harry replied earnestly.
Cheveu approached then, holding two cups and winking at Harry.
"Oh! Aunt Petunia, Uncle Vernon, you've met Cheveu before", Harry stated, as Cheveu smiled and nodded.
"I thought you might like a nice cup of tea", Cheveu said, offering a cup to Vernon and Petunia.
"Thank you" "Yes, thank you", came the replies.
Petunia sniffed the cup, then drank a few sips. Her eyes widened. "I didn't realise you could get good tea on the continent!" Petunia announced.
Vernon took a sip of his, then grunted in appreciation, a rare half-smile gracing his lips.
Harry then excused himself, noting several guests he needed to greet. Next in line was his big sister. Pulling her into a tight hug, Harry had two thoughts which he vocalised: "I've really missed you, sis", then, "what was in that tea?"
Cheveu grinned. "I missed you too, little bro. Once you're back from your honeymoon, you and Fleur need to visit for the weekend.
"As for the tea? It's like a notice-me-not effect, except it changes what the drinker can see; essentially, your Aunt and Uncle won't be able to register anything magical going on", Cheveu explained.
"So anything magical will be invisible to them?" Harry asked.
"Not quite", Cheveu replied with a smile.
...
It was five minutes before the start of the wedding, and Harry had greeted everyone. The turn out was as expected – Joan from over the road in Privet Drive didn't attend, but everyone else invited did: Appoline (of course), Sirius and Amelia, Remus, the Twins, Hermione, Daphne, Susan, Ginny, Professors Jones and Dumbledore, Jean from Beauxbatons, Angelina, Alicia and Oliver, Lee, Seamus, Dean, Parvati, Lavender... the only people missing, Harry incorrectly thought, were part of the bridal party.
Then the doors opened once more, and two gentlemen in classy, modified suits entered, and Harry realised he'd forgotten about two very important friends.
"Is that a snake?" cried one of the French guests from Fleur's part of the guest list.
"Two snakes?!" cried another.
"Harry! Are we in time?" asked an excited Geoff.
"We beat Fleur, so we must be!" exclaimed Barry.
Geoff and Barry slithered into the room, and Harry had the impression they would have been bouncing up and down had they legs. But that wasn't the most unusual thing.
The snakes were dressed in something that might have passed for a full dinner suit, except tailored to remove the sleeves, and with only one... leg hole? Tail hole? Trouser leg?
Then, there were the black top hats. Barry, in particular, was very proud of his top hat.
Geoff was less fussed. Oh, he liked the top hat, he really did! But Geoff's pride and joy was his gold monocle.
The twins were the first to cave, bursting out laughing at the sight. Several others followed suit. Some of the guests started looking a little less nervous, and then when Katie, Cheveu and Harry and rushed to greet the snakes with great enthusiasm, the rest of the guests settled down.
Ten minutes later, Harry was standing with Katie at the front of the venue, with Harry fidgeting in excitement. Katie was about to tell him to relax – again – when an age-old stillness settled on those gathered, and a voice called out, "Would all guests please stand".
Anticipation filled the room, most of all in Harry. A sweet piano piece filled the room, and then Gabrielle entered first, rose petals in hand. Gabrielle looked like an angel, Harry thought, smiling affectionately at his sister. Harry meant that literally, too. Not only was Gabrielle wearing an adorable white dress, but she had clearly eaten an angel drop, and had gorgeous, white wings sprouting from her back. She used them to quite literally glide up the aisle and then around the room, sprinkling petals as she went.
Marjorie and Amelie came next, both wearing deep blue dresses that turned many heads in the room. Lee wore a smug look on his face.
Then Fleur entered, and Harry would not even remember seeing Sebastian next to her. Fleur stole Harry's breath away. She was wearing an elegant, figure-hugging white wedding dress, which moved like liquid as Fleur walked up the aisle. Her face was hidden by a veil, but Harry could still sense her excited, eager smile underneath it. Fleur was also holding a bouquet of rich red flowers, which Harry struggled to notice – his eyes lost as they were, staring at his bride.
Finally, Fleur was standing next to Harry, and Sebastian, a happy tear in his eye, placed Fleur's hand in Harry's. Marjorie lifted Fleur's veil, and Harry and Fleur stared enraptured into each other's eyes.
"I love you so much" "I love you more than I can say" they murmured to each other.
"We are gathered here today..." began the Officiator.
Harry wasn't paying much attention. He was lost in Fleur's loving, sweet, caring, gorgeous eyes, and it was all Harry could handle not to just kiss her there and then. Eventually, the Officiator had reached the important part.
"Do you, Harry James Potter, take Fleur Isabelle Delacour to be your lawfully wedded wife? To love, hold and cherish, in good times and bad, in pain and joy, sickness and health, and all life passes your way?" came the question.
"I do, gladly and without reservation", Harry replied sincerely, holding Fleur's gaze.
"Do you, Fleur Isabelle Delacour, take Harry James Potter to be your lawfully wedded husband? To love, hold and cherish, in good times and bad, in pain and joy, sickness and health, and all life passes your way?" Fleur was asked.
"I do, eagerly and joyfully", Fleur responded, adoration in her eyes.
"Harry, repeat after me:" instructed the Officiator, stating the vow.
Harry gladly did: " I, Harry James Potter, take you, Fleur Isabelle Delacour, to be my lawfully wedded wife. I share all that I have with you, most of all my eternal, unshakable love. With my thoughts, words and deeds I will honour you, and strive to put you first in my life. I will cherish you above all others, all the days of our lives, until death parts us – and even beyond that."
Harry willed meaning into his words, desperate for Fleur and all those gathered to understand that he meant those vows – truly, deeply, meant them, and would live by then for all his days.
"Fleur, repeat after me:" instructed the Officiator, stating her vow.
Fleur eagerly did, rushing the words a little in her desire to be married to the wonderful man in front of her: "I, Fleur Isabelle Delacour, take you, Harry James Potter, to be my lawfully wedded husband. I share all that I have with you, most of all my eternal, undeniable love. With my thoughts, words and deeds I will honour you, and strive to put you first in my life. I will treasure you above all others, all the days of our lives, until death parts us – and even beyond that."
Next came the rings, with Katie handing them to Harry.
"Fleur, my cherished, please accept this ring as a symbol of my eternal love for you. May you always wear it and know you are first in my heart, now and always", declared Harry, before slipping the ring onto Fleur's finger.
"Harry, my heart, please accept this ring as a symbol of my eternal love for you. May you always wear it and know you are first in my heart, as you always have been, now and always", declared Fleur, before slipping the ring onto Harry's finger, caressing his hand as she did so.
Finally, at long last, the words Harry and Fleur were waiting for were spoken. "By the power vested in me, and because of the love witnessed and vows shared, I now pronounce you Husband and Wife. You may kiss the... yes, quite" finished the Officiator will a wry smile, as Fleur, one step ahead, threaded her fingers in Harry's hair and pulled him into a soft, loving, promise-filled kiss.
"I can barely wait to make love to you tonight, slowly and adoringly" Fleur whispered quite unfairly, as the guests cheered loudly.
...
After signing the register and some more words from the Officiator that Harry barely registered, Fleur and Harry were walking down the aisle together, to cheers of celebration from their friends and family. Then, facing away from the guests, she threw the bouquet of roses behind her, and heard a gasp; turning to look, she saw Amelia with the flowers in her hand, and Sirius leaning to whisper in her ear. From the look of joy on her face, Fleur suspected she would soon be planning a wedding of her own.
Harry and Fleur then had far too many photos they had to pose for, and quite unfairly the rest of the guests had Celeste's pastries to enjoy whilst they waited. Harry commented on the unfairness of this to Katie, who rolled her eyes with fondness, walked off, and returned a minute later with delicious treats to keep the happy couple satisfied.
Eventually though, about two hours after the ceremony had ended, the photos had finished, Harry and Fleur had walked around and spoken to everyone for at least a quick 'hello', and it was nearly time for Fleur and Harry to eat their first proper meal together as husband and wife.
...
The Dursleys were having a lovely time. Vernon and Petunia had been afraid that the wedding might have been freakish, but they hadn't seen anything like that. Of course, that was due to the potion they had drunk on their tea. Dudley, on the other hand, was amazed to see how the potion influenced his parents:
Vernon and Petunia had met a small man affected by dwarfism, but who had a successful career in banking; Dudley met Smashface.
Vernon and Petunia were impressed by the acrobatics of the flower girl going down the aisle; Dudley had watched Gabrielle soar and glide with angel wings.
Vernon and Petunia had shaken their head and rolled their eyes when two cats came up to them for attention; Dudley met Geoff and Barry.
Vernon and Petunia saw a very talented waitress carrying an impressively large stack of empty plates and glasses through to the kitchen; Dudley saw Marjorie levitating the stack to the kitchen.
Vernon and Petunia were pleased no one was speaking French during the wedding ceremony or afterwards; Dudley enjoyed being able to easily speak another language.
So it was that all three Dursleys were having a delightful time.
...
The time for the Celeste's feast was achingly close. Harry and Fleur waited outside the ballroom until everyone was sat and ready, then entered together to huge applause from their friends and family.
Sitting at the head table, with all eyes on them, Harry was about to say something to his wife when Amelie tapped her glass; then after a second, a few other people were tapping their glass expectantly.
Harry looked confused at Fleur, until she whispered, "it means they want us to kiss, my cherished", then softly kissed her husband lovingly.
Harry smiled into the kiss, brief though it was; this was one tradition he particularly enjoyed.
After that short pause, it was time for the speeches, as Harry and Fleur wanted the speeches out the way before the meal. Sebastian was due to go first, so he stood up, and once everyone was silent he began.
"Hello everyone, and can I say what a pleasure it is to see you all here for Fleur and 'arry. Appoline and I truly appreciate your presence here today, and the support you have shown Fleur and 'arry over their lives so far", Sebastian began with a large smile.
"Now, it's tradition for the father of the bride to give a speech that embarrasses the bride and welcomes the groom into the family, however this will be different", Sebastian promised, "for 'arry was a part of our family since the day he was born, and so I will be able to embarrass both of them this evening."
Harry and Fleur shared a brief look of resignation, then held hands for moral support.
"The day Fleur was born was one of the happiest of my life – I'm meant to say that – and she was adorable and joyous – I'm meant to say that too.
"But in reality, Fleur found herself when 'arry was born. We were named his Godparents, alongside Sirius, and so we saw 'arry often. Fleur loved baby 'arry - sometimes more than us – and by the time 'arry was one she was already devoted to him."
There were cries of "awww!" from a few around the room.
"Soon after 'arry turned one, he was orphaned." Sebastian took a deep breath before he continued. "Petunia and Vernon took him in, and cared for him well, for which we are so thankful. But as his Godparents, we wanted to be there for him too."
"And thus began what were called 'Delacour visits' or 'Harry visits', depending on which child was asked. And after a year or so, the visits lasted a whole weekend and became 'Delacour weekends' or 'Harry weekends', and were Fleur and Harry's favourite times of each month", Sebastian explained, to more 'awww!'s from the guests.
"They were best friends before Fleur started school. Now, Appoline and I are delighted that Harry and Fleur are married, but did you know they've been planning something like it for over ten years? When they were both little, they promised to live together when they were older – a sleepover every day, they agreed... though I expect your planned activities for a 'sleepover' have changed quite a lot over the years, my little flies", Sebastian continued, grinning, whilst the room filled with chuckles.
"They even agreed to save their pocket money so they could buy a house", he elaborated, causing the couple to blush, and the room to coo again.
"And then, when Fleur was ten and Harry eight, Fleur discovered her hormones and realised she was attracted to her best friend. Harry, the observant best friend he was, didn't notice. For five years." The room was now filled again with laughter, and a blushing Harry and Fleur.
"And he only realised that when he woke up to his own hormones... and when Cheveu, his honorary big sister, explained it to him like he was a toddler" Sebastian described, with relish.
Harry blushed again, and Cheveu, the traitor nodded emphatically.
"Then began an entertaining period where Fleur and Harry decided they didn't want a long distance relationship, and would try to ignore their attraction to each other. A task they were truly awful at", Sebastian merrily shared.
"Anyway, not two hours after Fleur transferred to Harry's school for her seventh year – no guesses as to her motivation - the two were a couple. And honestly, neither have ever been happier.
"Fleur and Harry have found joy in each other, the likes of which most only dream of. I've seen the relationship of my daughter and now-son grow from strength to strength, seen them love each other more and more, and I couldn't be more proud as a father as I am today, for two of my children now have their happy ever afters." Sebastian was now valiantly fighting off the happy tear that threatened to trickle down his face.
"And now, can I raise a toast: the Bride and Groom!" commanded Sebastian.
"The Bride and Groom!" came the chorus of replies, and then the applause.
Harry's speech was next, and he stood up a little nervously. Unfolding a pre-prepared speech, Harry looked at it, shook his head, and threw it behind him.
"Sorry – I had written a speech but it was rubbish, so I'll wing it. My wife and I..." Harry got a loud applause at the phrase "...are so thankful you're all here. Our family, and our friends, are our rock. You all mean so much to us, and we're so glad you're here to celebrate with us", Harry began.
"I'll first thank all the people who made today possible, as I'll forget once I get to the 'complimenting the love of my life' part of the speech", Harry shamelessly admitted, to laughter from the room.
After he had thanked the people he needed to, he got to the things he really wanted to say.
"Fleur, I love you. I love you so much, I don't have the words to describe it. You're my heart, my love, my life, and you make me complete. You were my best friend since I was born, my very first crush, my only true love. That I get to spend the rest of my life with you is a dream, almost too good to be true, and I know I'll never, ever stop cherishing and adoring you. I love you with all of my heart, deeply and passionately, and I am honoured and humbled to be your husband." Harry gushed, lavishly.
Fleur had happy tears in her eyes, as did a few guests – such as Sebastian and Appoline.
"Oh, right, a toast! To the most wonderful, caring, supportive, beautiful woman in the whole world – to Fleur Isabelle Potter!" Harry declared.
The rest of the room joined the roast, then applauded. Harry sat down, and was immediately attacked by Fleur's lips; the room then applauded, with a few whistles being heard.
Katie stood up, and took her turn. "Harry can be a right pain", she began, smiling affectionately at her friend as a few chuckles were heard around the room. "As Harry's best friend – an honour that was only officially bestowed upon me when Fleur was promoted to fiancée – I now have to follow that! He spills his heart out, and I'm meant to make fun of him! Well, I'll give it a go", Katie promised, smiling cheerfully.
"Harry is clueless. Fleur had been almost throwing herself at him for five years, and he had no idea she was attracted to him. Harry genuinely believed that a girl who wanted nothing more than to cuddle, hold hands, kiss the very corner of his mouth, save up for a house together, share a bank account and, as a Veela bonus, positively drown him in allure... Harry believed that those were just the actions of a good friend" Katie stated, the feelings of disbelief still strong.
Harry, for his part, just groaned. Fleur blushed, but guiltily nodded her agreement of the facts.
"Then, he realises she likes him, and he likes her, and... well, I was going to pause longer for dramatic effect, but thanks Sebastian for spoiling that one for me", Katie groused good-naturedly. Sebastian snorted into his drink.
"Oh, and did Harry pine after Fleur! You knew if it had been more than five minutes since they'd last spoke to each other, as Harry had this 'lost puppy' look that would come over him", Katie shared with glee.
Harry was shaking his head in denial, but his traitorous friends – especially Neville, Ron and Hermione – were nodding their agreement.
"I remember when Harry heard that Fleur might be transferring to our school for the year, but she wanted to keep it a secret so 'forgot' her mirror, and in the two weeks of waiting Harry was utterly, utterly useless! At everything!" Katie declared with relish.
This time Harry couldn't deny it, and buried his head in his hands.
"But honestly, aside from dedicating almost all of his brain power towards thinking about Fleur, Harry's a good friend. In fact, he's the best of friends, though I hardly need to tell Fleur that! I'm meant to reassure Fleur at this point that she hasn't made some terrible decision, but honestly she knows that better than I do. I'm so glad that Harry is getting married to the woman of his happiest dreams, and I know, Fleur, that you'll utterly treasure him, as he will treasure you." Katie professed, smiling at the newlyweds.
"Now, I'm starving and I know the food is obscenely good, so let's quickly raise a toast so we can eat: to the Bride and Groom!" Katie declared, as the room followed suit, before applauding.
Katie say down with relief. She'd had help writing the speech, and had worried it hadn't gone well, but as Harry pulled her into a side-hug and whispered a quiet but emotional "thank you", she felt much better.
...
Celeste's had outdone themselves, and Fleur was half surprised her stomach hadn't burst out if her dress yet.
The meal had started with small savoury pastries, filled with ham and melted cheese, and they were divine. Then, there were pie options, and Fleur had chosen a steak pie, whilst Harry had chosen a chicken, honey and mustard pie; they were forced to share, as each of their pies were so good that the other needed to try it.
Then, after the mains were eaten, Celeste herself opened up a small patisserie area that had been set up, with every one of their options available, and that was where things had gotten silly. Fleur had eaten a slice of Frasier, obviously, followed by a selection of delicious profiteroles. Harry had opted for tarte tropezienne and Frasier, and would have gone back for more had Fleur not advised him to pace himself. Both were wallowing in their bliss.
Around the room, other guests were similarly experiencing culinary nirvana: Dudley seemed hypnotised by the taste of the hot chocolate; Sirius was staring at the Frasier in disbelief; Cheveu had a look of utter serenity on her face, who knows what she had just eaten; Fred was desperately trying to barter for recipes, whilst George prodded the filling of the profiteroles, daring it to reveal its secrets; Hermione was torn between discouraging Ron from eating even more, and wanting to try just one more profiterole; Professor Jones looked like she had fallen in love with the two éclairs she had eaten; Daphne looked betrayed that Harry had never told her about this before... and those were just a few of the reactions he had witnessed.
...
The tables were cleared away, and the ballroom had been set up as... well... an actual ballroom, or at least for dancing.
Celeste's continued to provide refreshments throughout the evening, so those less inclined to dance – or those needing additional calories – could continue to eat to their stomachs' content.
Harry and Fleur, for their part, danced. They started with a slow dance, just holding each other and swaying, sharing adoring looks. There were then some faster songs, though Harry and Fleur mostly ignored the tempo.
However, there were then queues of people waiting their turn, and so Harry and Fleur separated for a few songs. Gabrielle had demanded a dance with her brother, as had Cheveu, so Fleur danced twice with her father. Then Appoline had wanted to dance with her son, so Fleur danced with Remus. Sirius declared he was left out, which coincided with Katie dancing with Harry. Then, after Harry and Fleur danced a few more times together, Harry danced with Jones, Hermione, Daphne, Susan, Amelia and even Celeste, whilst Fleur danced with Dumbledore, Ron, Neville, Lee, Jean and Jones.
And that was only the beginning of the evening.
...
It was getting late, and Harry was convinced he'd danced with almost everyone at least once, and with Fleur countless times. A brief conversation with Fleur, and the pair decided to call it a night.
They spent another half hour saying goodbye to every guest, planning visits with some, before Fleur made a quiet request of Sebastian. Smiling, he nodded and then gave his eldest two children a tight hug, and wished then a happy honeymoon.
"Just asking Papa to look after Geoff and Barry for the night", Fleur explained, before showing off by dual-apparating them home.
Hurrying to the bedroom, Fleur hugged her husband tightly, then made her request. "I mean what I said, my cherished. Tonight, I want to make love to my husband slowly and adoringly. I want to take our time consummating our marriage. I want this time, our first as a married couple, to show you how much I cherish you. I want to savour you" Fleur pleaded.
And what was Harry to do, but to gladly, eagerly, and adoringly share his love with Fleur – that night, and forever.
...
The End