FicWad

AN: I don't own Harry Potter, Doing it for fun =]

Thanx to AWR adn Master42 for being such cool betas, and to my editor for all the help!

Thank you for reading!

Chapter 09

Currently, my pack consists of eighteen people; eight of them are fully turned werewolves, the remaining are not normal wizards and witches either, though it may seem like it to the unassuming eyes of the wizarding society. They are not like other normal wizards because they all experience the bond of a pack.

The pack is the most important thing in a wolf's life. We live and die in the pack and for our pack. It is extremely hard to put into words what the pack means. It is a hunting party, but also much more, it is a family, but is also more. We are lovers, parents, children, brothers and sisters.

The pack is bound by love. Through the bond we all share each other's happiness and sadness, wins and losses, love and hate. It is not always easy. The bond can be so powerful that a non-wolf member can still feel his brother's rage running through himself and that can be devastating. Through the pack, we also share our magic. Magic flows through the fully bonded as free as the wind around as.

Many are stronger than one.

Contrary to what most wizards believe, the true bond cannot be forced upon someone; rather it is built over time, and by choice. The things that influence its creation seem to be love, lust, blood relation and magical compatibility. But most of all, the person must be willing to become a member, to embrace the wolf in all its good and bad, to accept their loved ones as they are, not as they desire them to be. There is, indeed, a way to force sort of a bond over others, but to do so is a sin in the eyes of our kind, and its results are more akin to slavery than a true pack.

The pack also gives us a way to direct our rage and to share our loads. That is the reason non-wolves can be bound. If not careful, one may lose touch with their humanity and be consumed by anger. The lone wolf is a dangerous wolf.

The lone wolf is a dead wolf.

.oOo.

Daphne strongly held Harry's arm, not letting him go, she could see the anger, the fear, and the betrayal in his emerald eyes. The witch could feel one more fissure forming in his heart. One more person he trusted that had wronged him. She could almost share his pain. "Harry wait!" She said. "If you confront the headmaster now, you will just put Sirius and my father at risk. Let's think this through. You need to calm down…"

"I trusted him…" Daphne felt the temperature of his body rising. "I looked up to him! He was almost like family… and he kept me away from the only real family I may have left…" the wizard closed his almost wolf like eyes, Daphne saw a tear running down his cheek. "All of this for him to use me as a stunt? As a weapon? What if he is the one that put my name in the Goblet… he out and out lied to me about Sirius!" Harry opened his eyes again, his pupils were vertical lines. "Why does he make me come back every summer Daphne? Why has he kept me locked? Why does the magical world hate me so much…? I just wanted to be part of it... part of something!" He was holding his tears in, his hands closed in fists. "I didn't want to be a weapon or a Savior… I just wanted to belong…"

For the first time, Daphne could really see it clear as a day. The witch knew who she was. She had someone to care for her, to nurture her; she had a sister she loved, and parents who would do anything to keep her safe. Daphne was the cold bitch who secretly want to be a healer like her mother. She owned who she was, invented persona or not. They tried to take even that from him.

"Harry, look at me." Her voice was calm, controlled, but full of care and warmth. "You are not alone. We are here." Daphne placed her free hand on the boy's cheek, wiping away the tear. "I know we've been talking for just a couple months now, but I want to believe we have become friends. We will help you find your place… or we are going to punch our place in the world through that old bastard's face! Remember what you said to me… for us to not live by the older generation's standards, to escape their machinations, to make our own mistakes. That opened my eyes Harry. Please, don't let them do this to you…" Harry looked at her; she saw so many emotions in those eyes that he was holding in. Anger, surprise, fear, care… he cared for her… he really did.

She did the only thing she could think of; Daphne threw her arms around his neck and gave him a hug. She tried to embrace him and all his pain. To show him she would be there and that she wanted him there with her. Slowly the young wizard returned the hug. They stayed in each other's arms in silence for a while. Daphne felt him calming down, his body temperature returning to normal, his breathing slowing.

"Thank you, Daphne, I am feeling better…" He whispered in her ear, making her shiver.

"First lesson, no acting before thinking…" Daphne answered, holding him more strongly.

Harry giggled. "Yes ma'am…"

They parted. Harry looking her in the eyes. "Shit, here I am having a breakdown in front of one of the most beautiful girls in the school, again… I am pathetic."

"No self-pity Mr. Potter. It does not fit you, I already told you that. You are anything but pathetic Harry. I would know. I don't like pathetic people… and I like you…"

"I like you too Daphne…"

.oOo.

Fleur and Harry had decided to meet at the weird room for the tournament training on the days the "defense club" didn't have meetings. After their "dance" together, Fleur was sure Harry was the right training partner. She'd never felt so in tune with someone as she felt with him. His strengths covered her weakness and vice versa. "It is a shame this was an individual tournament, otherwise we would be unstoppable." The thought brought a smile to her lips.

As she expected, several of the Beauxbatons students, specifically some of the girls moved to cheering openly for Cedric Diggory. She really didn't mind, until the day one of the girls appeared in class with one if those disgusting buttons. Fleur discreetly hexed her, and was overjoyed when the girl was moved to the hospital wing because she was throwing up slugs every time she opened her mouth.

Harry, himself didn't seem to mind much. After the first meeting, he obviously had other things in mind. He told her about the floo conversation, and personally thanked her for accepting Sirius into her house. It was not her choosing, but she accepted it in her father's name. He smiled so sincerely at this that she almost couldn't believe how cute he looked. That night they started with the real training. She helped him with his wand work and focus. He tested her shields. They exchanged ideas, tactics, and "danced" together yet again. They both had smiles on their satisfied faces as they lay panting on the cold wood floor as they cooled down.

"Your wand work is still shit, 'Arry…" Fleur said turning her head to him.

"Hey, it's not easy to concentrate when you are dueling against the most beautiful woman on this side of the magical world." Harry answered smiling.

She laughed. "Really? That's your excuse?"

"You bent over on propose…"

"Maybe…" they both laughed together feeling truly happy. Fleur sat up and looked at him. "Thank you 'Arry."

"Why?" The wizard asked, still lying on the floor.

"I almost forgot what it's like to be me… ever since the allure came to me, I had to learn how to drive people away. It is hard to know who is being truthful and who was just being caught by it. People changed around me, and I changed with them..."

"I understand… I really do." He looked directly into her eyes, Fleur could feel Harry looking at HER, not just her veela. "I like you, both the smiling and evil Fleur."

"Evil Fleur?" She giggled.

"I like it." Harry looked at the ceiling, blushing a little. "When you walk all prideful, knowing you are beautiful, or the way you scare the guys that are drooling over you, or when you are sarcastic with the girls. But I also like when you show your love and patience for Gabby and Regine, or how loving you sound talking about your family. I believe both Fleur's are real, and I like them both." Fleur didn't know how to react. Harry was still lying down, looking at her in a way Fleur now knew was when he caught her scent.

"Do you have a girlfriend 'Arry?" He finally blushed and looked away.

"No… never had…" He whispered.

"You never took advantage of one of your fan girls?" Fleur said with a smirk.

"Evil Fleur…"

"'Ermione?"

"Can't say I never thought about it, but no."

"She likes you, you know?"

"I do…" He sighed.

"Katie?"

"It's... complicated…" he said with a blush. "But no, she is not my girlfriend. I haven't ever asked someone out until I asked you, to be honest."

"Now I am flattered…" She giggled.

"And you?" he finally sat up. "Is there a lucky bastard I have to kill back in France waiting for you? Or … a lucky girl?

"I tried, both." She grinned at his blushing. "But no… there isn't."

They remained in silence, looking at each other. Fleur came a little closer. "It is hard, isn't it?"

"We are teenagers." Harry said with a laugh. "There is supposed to be drama."

She placed her hand over his. "I want to say I am glad to be your first date, Harry."

"Me too."

.oOo.

The next day, Katie found herself running alone around the quidditch field. Ever since she was a kid she enjoyed the feel of running, it made her mind clearer, her feelings easy to understand. And right now, dressed in a quidditch jersey, with black leggings and a blue trainer, she needed to think. Not about adopting another pack, her mind was settled on Harry ever since the night he was chosen by the Goblet. She needed to think about how to best approach him and the others. She knew the young wolf had already found his inner circle, but how would they accept it, would they be able to embrace it and let any prejudice out?

After many laps, more than she could count, Katie finally stopped to catch a breath and drink some water, when she caught a now familiar scent. Her inner wolf whispering in her mind, "alpha." The Witch turned around and looked at Fleur approaching. "Damn, she is truly beautiful…" the she-wolf mused as she looked at the French girl. Fleur's silver hair shone in the morning sun like a halo around her head and shoulders. She moved elegantly in her blue Beauxbatons uniform which almost the same color of her feral eyes.

"'Ello Katie." Fleur said in an almost friendly tone, as the brunette took a sip of the water.

"Morning, Fleur… looking for something, are you lost?"

"No, I was actually looking for you."

"There we go." Katie though. "Well, she is a veela and French… I hope she understands better than the others." But her hopes were not high, at least not yet. "You found me" the black-haired girl said. "Why do I have a feeling that I know what this is about…"

Fleur looked at her with curiosity. She elegantly sat on the bench, crossing her legs and fixing her skirt, trying to look calm, almost distracted. "Interesting act." Katie thought, but the wolf could smell the Veela's insecurity. She wasn't nearly as certain of herself as she wanted to believe.

"I wanted to ask you about 'Arry…" The French girl finally said, turning her predatory gaze on Katie. "She really must scare the little girls" The amused brunette imagined.

"Hum… what about him?"

Fleur put on her mask of confidence and disdain, but Katie could see right through it. "What's happening between you two? And I know something is happening."

"Let's remove the bandage." Katie thought. "Let's test her reaction."

"We have sex, Fleur." Katie said casually, taking another gulp from the bottle of water. A look of surprise, and a little hurt appeared on the French narrowed eyes.

"'Arry told me he did not have a girlfriend!"

"He didn't lie, I am not his girlfriend." Katie shrugged, playing Fleur's game back at her.

Fleur now looked confused and worried. "Is he using you?" She said with a little anger on her voice, Katie was not sure if for Harry or for herself.

"No, unless I am using him too… Fleur, Harry would never use someone like that." Katie could not help but be entertained by the confusion she was witnessing on the goddess of a girl in front of her. How someone like her could be so insecure about this? It was even funnier than Hermione. "I assume you know about Harry and professor Remus Lupin?" Katie asked. Fleur nodded affirmatively. "Ok, let me show you something." Katie put her foot on top of the bench next to Fleur and lifted the left side of her leggings, exposing her scar. "You will learn about it at some point anyways, if you want to stay with us…"

"You are also cursed…" The veela said in a whisper, comprehension dawning on her.

"Damn, I hate that word." Katie sighed.

"Sorry."

"But yes, and I am helping Harry deal with his urges, while dealing with my own."

Fleur looked thoughtfully at the young woman in front of her, narrowing her eyes. Katie sat beside her, looking up to the sky. "Fleur, I know it's weird, but I have chosen to stay with Harry, I will never let him be alone anymore, he is my pack now… and damn! He is good to ride on…" Fleur blushed and looked with a little jealousy at the smiling girl. "But I cannot be his mate. Or girlfriend if you want to call it that."

"Why not?" Fleur asked. Katie could see she was confused.

"He did not choose me…I am not what he needs now, our bond is of a different kind. I think he didn't even notice he already chose others… may I ask, why are you so interested?"

Fleur looked out to the field. She sighed. "I guess I thought I could protect him, I had my heart broken before, and didn't want him suffer through it. Silly I know, who am I to decide if anyone is good or not for him. But he killed a basilisk and never asked a girl out. You are older and have more experience than him, I was afraid…"

"Aren't you also older than him?"

"It's not like that!" Fleur stated.

Katie smiled. "You can't lie to us, you know, just to yourself…" Fleur looked at her, astonished. The wolf girl grinned at her. For a second the French witch confidence mask was gone only to return along with a smug face.

"Would you stop having sex with him?" Fleur asked blatantly.

"If you command me, yes. I would miss it, but yes."

"Command? I am not that kind of bint!" Fleur looked offended.

"Of course, not Blondie, but it is in our nature to follow the Alpha…"

.oOo.

Minerva McGonagall could not believe her eyes. For the second time in the old witch's long life, her favorite students were attempting the unthinkable, or so most pureblood families would think. Sitting before her, a couple instants before lunch at the Gryffindor table, her house's table, was one of the most interesting assemblies of students she'd ever seen. Obviously most of the participants were members of said house, but with them were two from Hufflepuff, a Ravenclaw and most importantly four from Slytherin, sitting together, talking, laughing, and planning for something. To complete the group there were three students from Beauxbatons, including their own champion.

There was no fighting, only teasing and laughing, as they all worked on a project. All centered around her two favorite students, Harry and Hermione. Unaffected by the other students' distrustful looks at them. Minerva felt tempted to simply walk by the table to try and discover just what they were working on, but she feared that would ruin the unusual moment of unity.

It was so rare for different houses, different blood status and social classes to be seen like that, especially after the last war, which had shredded the very moral fabric of the magical Britain. Wizards exacerbated some of the worst traits of human prejudice after that. Maybe some long overdue healing was starting to happen. Maybe that was the true destiny of the so-called boy who lived, to bring unity, not some half-listened prophecy.

But why does Albus look so concerned then?

.oOo.

After deciding on the schedule for the next defense meeting, Harry quickly excused himself and left the hall alone. Hermione and Daphne seeing his concerned frown, made a move to get up, intending to follow him, but with a smile and a wave, he calmed them down. He needed some time alone to think.

Harry walked through the grounds, absorbing every sound and every smell of the autumn, absorbing them, trying to understand the different colors he could see now. The young wolf remembered Bell's book, "we can see magic differently" It was so true. He passed Hagrid's hut, and came to his tree trunk, between the lake and the forbidden forest. He imagined he would visit there in his wolf form too, to rest and get some peace. Then he started laughing a loud, a maniacal laugh. He had most definitely lost it. He sat down still laughing.

His mentor, the closest he had for a father figure all these years, had lied to him for who knows how long, his fugitive godfather had just adopted him, a semi living maniacal sociopath was trying to kill him, someone threw him into this tournament probably for the same reason and yes, he had a raging hormonal monster inside him…

And all he could think about was his girl's problems… "What a joke."

But it was true; he couldn't stop thinking of them. Not only that, he was starting to feel responsible for those in his "club". Blaise, Ginny, and Neville… all of them and not just as a teacher of sorts, something was shifting inside him, in Harry's own instincts. And then there was the three girls, he was utterly attached to all of them, and felt great and awful about it at the same time, he felt almost possessive of them, and hoped that was the wolf inside him, not the wizard himself. But again, wasn't Harry the wolf, weren't they one and the same now?

He fancied Hermione since the last year, although he suspected it had started even before that. She was incredibly intelligent, quick, and revolutionary in more than one aspect.

He had always found Daphne the most beautiful girl at the school ever since the day she abandoned him on the train, years ago. Harry thought she hated him, and only watched from afar, but now that he got to know how resourceful and cunning, and yet loving and caring she was, Harry found her even more alluring. Then there was Fleur, the one who understands him, proud, smart, protective and powerful, but almost untouchable.

Harry didn't know what to do; the simple thought of losing one of them was unbearable. He knew Hermione liked him, and Daphne probably fancied him too, though he didn't know how much. Fleur was a dream… he would take her on their date, but he knew she was completely out of his league.

Thoughts of himself together with the other girls, and even Fleur at the same time ran through his mind arousing him. Teenage fantasies rolled through his mind, before he started feeling guilty. "I am an idiot and a hypocrite, they would never go for that, and to ask that of any of them is awfully egotistical of me…" he said to himself. "Katie will laugh her ass off at me…" He chuckled.

Harry let himself calm down.

What was it that Daphne had said about multiple wives anyway…?

.oOo.

Pansy Parkinson looked apprehensively at the fireplace in the Slytherin common room, waiting. The note she received had an urgent tone that scared her, and she knew best not to disobey Narcissa Malfoy. The woman had been her tutor since she was little, teaching her how to behave, and more importantly, how to make things happen. The older woman even knew how much Pansy despised Draco, and the girl had a feeling that Narcissa agreed with her, she always sounded disappointed in how her son turned out like the father. The older witch had even promised to let Pansy know how to control her fiancé. But now something else was happening. Something was lurking in the shadows, scaring Narcissa, and Pansy was afraid it would affect her too. Especially because the old headmaster was too cunning, the old man had plans inside of his plans.

But Pansy also knew her tutor was an intelligent woman, she would not be controlled by this old man, the same way she was not controlled by her husband. There was only one man in the world Narcissa was afraid of, and he was dead, because of Harry Potter.

.oOo.

Ginevra Weasley was feeling really confused as she walked through the hallways, all because of that damn green-eyed wizard.

At first the girl thought she had outgrown her crush on him, specifically after spending time with Harry and Hermione at the burrow. Ginny had discovered that he was nothing like the books, no powerful hero with well thought out speech and amazing super powers. He was a boy, powerful, it's true, but also a little shy, caring and easy to talk to. Her fan girl crush on the boy-who-lived was gone. Now Ginny had a crush on the real Harry Potter.

Then last year, she and Hermione decided to go a little crazy and be little teenage rebels, or so Ginny thought at first, they bought a bottle of fire whiskey using a charm spell and drank it while hiding in the prefect's bathroom. It was so funny watching Hermione get drunk; she poured the shots almost like doing an experiment. But then Ginny discovered that her older friend was really upset by her parents' divorce. It turned Hermione's world upside down and she also discovered how much Hermione liked Harry, just like herself, maybe even more… the drunken girls even made a pact to share him, though they never spoke of that day again.

The idea of competing with Hermione was not a pleasant one, but Ginny knew she was pretty, funny, intelligent (maybe a little too confident) and played quidditch, which was a plus in Harry's book, or so she thought, and maybe the older witch had been serious about sharing. This kind of situation was not unheard of in the magical world, didn't Tracy Davis' father have two wives? Yet, Harry was difficult to approach. That overprotective git of a brother of hers didn't help either. Specifically, after what he tried to pull with Hermione this summer. Ginny was sure his friendship won't save him from Harry if he found out what had happened.

Then there was Katie, she was obviously shagging Harry, and Hermione even seemed ok with it! Then Greengrass showed up, trying to play her sneaky games with him. Ginny was in a total loss about what to do.

Then the fucking French model appeared. Older, proud, with that weird aura around her. Shit, she always looks like she is floating! Lavender and Parvati said that she was a veela, a goddamn veela. Why did she have to keep touching Harry? She was obviously using her weird veela magic on him.

The other thing she didn't like was being followed (how ironical.).

"Why the hell are you following me Zabini?" She said turning to the tall dark boy walking behind her, his eyes were amber colored, and his Italian hereditary could be seen on his nose and jaw, he was slim, and his movements were elegant and precise.

"I am not following you Weasley." He said with a sigh. "In case you don't remember, we are going to the same place." She blushed, indeed they were.

They walked on in an uncomfortable silence for a couple minutes, when Blaise asked. "I heard you were going to try for the quidditch team this year. You play seeker, right?" The wizard raised his eyebrows curiously.

"Yeah, if it wasn't for this stupid Triwizard thing…" Ginny said with disdain, this tournament had been nothing but headaches for her.

"Harry said you are very good."

"He said?" She sounded a little happier than she wanted to show. "Wait, since when do you talk with Harry."

"Well, we sit together in a number of classes now". The Italian wizard shrugged with a smile. "He is really a cool guy, and he is trying to get rid of house rivalries…"

"Wait, you play seeker too, don't you!" Ginny finally realized. "I remember the game that Davis threw Malfoy on the ground and you replace him… you are miles better than that git!" And he really was, maybe as good as her, she thought. He gave her a sad smirk.

"I know… but my mother is not as influential as his father, or as rich, so there I am, on the bench." Ginny realized he sounded more tired than sad.

"That arse…" the red-haired witch said as they arrive at the room's door. Harry started calling it the room of requirement. It suited the place. Inside there were some new faces. Her twin brothers had joined with Angelina and Alicia, Neville had brought Hanna Abbot and Susan Bones from Hufflepuff, and Ginny herself had called Luna Lovegood to join in.

Susan approached Harry with watery eyes and talked with him in a low voice, the raven boy smiled tenderly at her and gave her a hug, and Ginny thought. "No! Not one more, fuck!" Harry came back and divided them in groups again.

"Ginny, Blaise and Tracy" He said in a commanding voice that made her shiver. "Your hexes have a good potency, but you need to learn how to defend yourselves, it's not always possible to be on the offensive. You need to practice shielding yourself and then others. After that let's see if you can improve those hexes to something even more powerful." Unfortunately for Ginny, the French blonde was the one training them tonight. Blaise was a little shaky at first and Ginny frowned at Tracy.

"It will be hard to train you with that bulge in your trousers, Zabini!" The blond Slytherin joked, Ginny laughed with her, making the boy bend and blush furiously. He looked at them with murderous intent in his eyes, making them laugh even more. The French witch showed them how to improve their shield spell and watched as they practiced. Ginny was not happy about being bossed around by the veela, but had to admit she knew what she was talking about.

"Are you gonna wear that face the entire night?" Blaise asked her.

"Is the only one I have…" She answered him, angrily.

"Never mind Zabini, she's just jealous," Tracy said with evil smirk. Ginny wanted to hex her so bad, but she restrained herself. That was just how Tracy acts with everyone, no filter between mind and mouth, much like herself sometimes...

"Right, I think we can test your shields now." Fleur said, and Ginny could swear there was an evil grin on her face. The sequence of stinging hexes was fast and brutal, Ginny could shield herself from the first ones, but as Fleur increased the speed it became almost impossible. After the three of them got stung without mercy, Harry called the meeting over. Fleur gave a predatory smiling to the hurting group in front of her.

"I like her!" Tracy commented to her companions as they walked out in pain.

"Are you crazy." Ginny answer in between her teeth. "She is evil!"

"I like her because she is evil!" Tracy finished as all three of them laughed.

"See, way better Weasley, you look much prettier smiling." Blaise said calmly, looking at her. Ginny blushed and the Slytherins laughed even more.

HPHPHP

Albus Dumbledore got the big pile of parchments and put it away in his personal travelling stash as he gathered himself for one more draining day of politics while his students, his children, got a free day for themselves. He did everything for his children. He would not fail them again.

They were the reason he accumulated the position of chief warlock of the Wizengamot and Hogwarts headmaster. Some people say it was too much power in one man's hand. But it was his way to keep his kids safe. As he looked out the window of his office at his students getting ready for their short trip to Hogsmeade to have a pleasant autumn day. He once again let the weight of his realization fall over his shoulder, and felt all his long years falling over him.

Some kids were more important than others.

And some had to be sacrificed for the others to live to their fullest.

He took his stash, walked to the fireplace and said. "Ministry of magic." Then disappeared in a flash of green flames.

.oOo.

Harry felt more than little nervous. Just Like he did before an important quidditch match. The young wizard had never gone on a date before. He should have taken Hermione last year, but didn't out of respect for Ron, who doesn't even speak to them anymore, what a waste. At least the red-haired boy doesn't wear one of those stupid bottoms.

Harry really wanted to take all three girls, but he realized it was not a good idea. It was Hermione who suggest taking Fleur, not only because she didn't know the settlement, but Harry and the foreign girl had a lot to talk about. That left Harry a little confused. It was a little weird how well Hermione dealt with both Fleur and Daphne, even becoming friends with the French witch.

"Here I am having illusions of grandness again." He thought. "As if I will end up with any of them." He concluded and smiled, as he waited at the castle's gates. He tried his best to look good, without forgetting to be himself. Harry did not try to copy the super fancy pureblood style, leaving that for the Wizengamot meetings of the future. How good it was to imagine a future… Harry put on his best new jeans, cleaned his red converse sneakers, a white undershirt and a red and black plaid shirt over it. He had to transfigure some of the items, as the wizard realized he had grown around one and a half inches since the term started, he didn't know exactly why, but was not complaining. His hair was a lost cause, no matter what potion, muggle lotion or anything he used, it was barely tamed at best. Maybe there was some magic involved. A jacket over all and the good casual looking teen was ready.

Dobby then brought him a charmed basket that kept the food fresh all day. The Three Broomsticks would be packed, and it was a nice autumn day.

Harry watched the students get into the carriages looking happy, friends and couples, some students from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang going too. That was something worth fighting for that was a magical world he wanted to save… He waved to the twins, escorting Angelina, Alicia, and a very happy Regine. Harry knew something was happening there, he could feel all five smells mixed up in all of them during the last defense meeting. If they were having fun, who was Harry to judge.

Hermione, Daphne and Tracy came down the path to the carriages next. Harry was baffled. Hermione was wearing a casual muggle outfit, tight jeans and blue tennis with a rainbow-like belt. She had a white blouse with a generous neckline, falling over her left shoulder, revealing the strap of a black tank top. The graphics on her blouse were of a stylized fist inside of a heart. Probably from one of the muggle bands she liked so much. Her untamed hair floated curly around her head, giving her a strong and independent look. She was beautiful in a strong way. At her left, Daphne was a vision. Harry always thought of her as the most beautiful girl in the school, even on par with Fleur. Her midnight black hair was straight and flowed flawless over her shoulders contrasting beautifully with her marble skin and almost grey eyes. Ice queen all right. She was wearing a neck tight blouse, with lace details both at the neckline and wrists. Her skirt resembled the uniform one, but in a dark green with dark purple lines, also suggestively higher than regulation. Her legs seemed to go forever, covered in a black mid-thigh stocking which he could see the top of when she walked. A pair of black leather boots with metal spherical pins completed the looks. At her side Tracy was wearing a blue skirt too small for any regulation. Knee high boots and a nicely fit shirt, with the top bottoms unbuttoned just enough for people to get lost in it. And their scents, if only he could only smell it for the rest of his life; he would be happy. The wizard damned his teen hormones as he felt himself get hard. The smile on the girls faces telling him that was exactly the reaction they were looking for.

"You can stop drooling now Potter, you will get yours later." Tracy said with an evil grin and a wink, as Hermione rolled her eyes. Hermione gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Have fun on your date Harry, you deserve it."

Daphne gave him a hug, pressing her body to his, much closer than needed, and whispered in his ears. "Have fun, but not too much without us." The words sent shivers over his body.

"Teaser." Harry answered and watched the three girls get in a carriage as they laughed at him. He felt confused, but happy at the same time.

Then Harry saw her.

Descending the path, looking like she was floating, the morning sun reflecting off her platinum hair and a smile just as shining. Fleur was wearing a pearl strapped dress that fit her breasts and waist perfectly. Under her waist the dress was flowing and danced around her legs with each step, finishing a couple inches over her knees. The draped bottom of the dress only accentuates the flow illusion further. There was a subtle flower pattern over the right side of the dress, over her shoulders there was a short jacket and red shoes with a small purse completed her outfit. Harry couldn't speak; just look astonished as she approached.

"Goodness." He half said, half stuttered when he finally got to speak again. "You look beautiful Fleur…"

Thank you 'Arry." She answered, giving him a kiss on the cheek, her scent making Harry almost jump in delight. "You look good yourself." Harry catches the "evil" Fleur smile for a second and the wolf scratched the back of his mind.

Harry helped her into the carriage and for a second debated if he should sit next to her. Gathering all his courage, he sat down on her left side. She slid closer to him, their shoulders touching, as soon as the door closed. Harry was again hit with a nostalgic warm feeling and drank in her scent. Fleur looked at him as he got stiff with the sudden proximity, giving a beautiful knowing smile.

"Evil Fleur…" He said rolling his eyes.

"I know, what about that basket 'Arry?

"You will see."

.oOo.

Ronald Weasley watched as the carriages departed. A feeling of anger came over him as he watched Harry enter one with the French veela. His so called "mate" had taken Hermione from him, was on the quidditch team, had managed to enter the Triwizard tournament and had money. Now he had a veela whore. Ron doesn't even have clothes of his own. Not even his brothers believed him about how bad Harry was. He had seen Harry's true eyes that day and those were evil eyes, he knew.

Ron was fuming, he had enough. Enough of dangerous adventures, enough of picking brothers, enough of Harry Potter.

"Hello Weasley." Ron froze; he turned around to the knowing feminine voice. Drawing his wand.

"I am not in the mood… wait, where is Blondie?" Ron asked. In front of him he could see Pansy Parkinson, but no Draco Malfoy. Behind her a couple steps he saw Crabbe and Goyle, but they were looking to the carriages, not at him.

"That lame excuse of an heir is at his daddy's lap crying over something… some family crises or whatever. Fuck him… I am here to talk to you Wesley."

"And why would you want to talk to me Parkinson? I just want to be left alone."

"There is a seizure in power happening Wesley. Because of your little friend…"

"He is not my friend… not anymore…"

Pansy Parkinson smiled, looking hungrily at the red head boy.

"What about some retribution, Ronald…" she finally said.

.oOo.

Albus Dumbledore pinched the bridge of his nose. Those small people were so tiresome, always so caught up in their own small feuds about money and illusory power, they all lost sight of the Greater Good that lay ahead. But thankfully, the day was almost finished.

He got some new legislation on the control of dark creatures, specifically werewolves passed, that way he could keep a closer eye on Lupin, the Bells and others of their kind and when the time comes, Harry. To do that he had to give up some control of Hogwarts to Dolores and the ministry. Smart player this one, he must be more careful around the small bitter woman. He would need to remind her who was truly in control. For now, what the ministry wanted was almost harmless, to get a registry of the classes and active control of all the muggleborn and half-bloods. In the end that would serve his own purposes as well. Amelia Bones did not seem pleased about that, which was a plus.

"The floor is now open to the honorable members of the council." He said with his magical amplified voice hoping to finish as fast as he could, so he could get back to his quarters at the school for some sweet liquor and a nice food.

The ever-weak Lucius Malfoy stood up. Dumbledore looked at him with a pinch of disgust, weak man of a weak house, climbed to some power because his marriage to a formidable woman and Tom's machinations before the last war. "There appears to be some mistake in the records concerning Gringotts. Although I'm the father and guardian to the Black family heir, my access to its assets had been terminated." Always about money… Albus closed his eyes. "Neither I nor my wife could get answers from the goblins. For that I intend to make a formal complaint and demand this council seek reparations for an insult to both the Malfoy house and the most ancient and noble house of Black."

"You should know by now Lord Malfoy", Artus Greengrass stood from his seat turning every head to him. Dumbledore looked at him with concern, something had happened, he could see it now, and if Lord Greengrass was involved, it could not good. "The goblins do not commit those kinds of mistakes. I actually have information concerning that matter and others that I desire to give to lady Bones, as it concerns her as the head of the DMLE."

"What are you trying to say Lord Greengrass?" The fierce woman said, looking at her old ally with hard eyes.

"I have here some documentation that sheds light not only on the Black assets situation, but also on a number of irregularities concerning not only the current Lord Black, but Harry Potter as well." Dumbledore eyes widened as he watched Lord Greengrass produce the parchments, and with a swift move of his wand move it, not to his table, as it should, but directly to Amelia Bones.

"There is no current Lord Black!" Lucius Malfoy screamed from his seat. "Not until my son comes of age!"

Dumbledore ignored the man and watched as lady Bones read the parchments, her eyes going wide. A flick of her wand testing for altering magic, only to find none.

"I would like to move an action to investigate the reasons why the Potter's will wasn't read." Lord Greengrass said with commanding tone. "And the whereabouts of the same. I would also ask for an investigation into the reasons why the scion of the Potter family was never moved to his original designated magical guardians and put under the care of the headmaster and chief warlock Albus Dumbledore, giving him access to the Potter assets." Dumbledore watched as the eyes of the head of the DMLE stared at him with each request from Lord Greengrass.

"And with the support of the French minister of magic and the legal backing of these adoption papers, I move to reopen the case against Lord Sirius Black, as it's proven that a trial or conviction of any sort was never held before Lord Black was thrown in Azkaban!"

Albus Dumbledore watched astonished as all hell broke loose in the Wizengamot.

.oOo.

Fleur was having an amazing time. Hogsmeade was overflowing with students from Hogwarts, friends and couples having fun, buying gifts and spending time trying to know the foreign visitors outside the school environment. Fleur loved the welcoming feeling of the town. There were stores for everything you could need, from candy to books, to brooms. But it was all made even better by her company.

From the moment she entered the carriage Harry had been great, he told her about the thestrals, talked about the village and when they arrived he was genuinely curious about her own view of things. "Back in France," she said to a curious Harry. "We are a little more integrated with non-magical people; there is no place with only wizards like this village."

"It is a double-edged sword, don't you think?" The young wizard asked her with a thoughtful look.

"Why?"

"Because, you may lose the awe of places like Hogsmeade, but the idea of a more integrated and tolerant world seems great! Non-magical people have amazing things of their own, like movies and music."

"I think you can say zat…" She shrugged.

"What do you like to do at home? To pass your time?"

"Other than seduce little wizards?" She said coming closer to him and running a finger through his shirt with an evil smile.

"Damn evil witch… You are trying to kill me!" They laughed a little of the tension away.

"I like to spend time with Gabby of course." She said a little more serious. "And play music. When it is warm I like to go to the beach to swim and get a tan…" she looked at silly grin on Harry's face and giggled.

"You said you play music? Like, actually sing or play an instrument?" He said clearly trying not to linger on the images she just put in his head.

"I couldn't sing to save my life." She laughed. "I play the Viola."

"I hope I can visit one day and hear you play."

"Or see me at the beach." Now he blushed, and she giggled again.

After a while, they came across Regine, Angelina, Alicia and the twins at Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop. The girls quickly excused the boys to go to the Quidditch sports shop. They all sat at the table, Fleur with an espresso with cream and the others with some mocha. "So?" Regine promptly asked. The other two girls looking at her too.

"So, what?" Fleur took a sip, pretending not to know.

"Come on Fleur." Angelina asked. "That is our little brother there! Is he behaving?" Fleur was once again astonished by the kind of loyalty Harry inspired.

"Although Katie says he is not little…" Alicia said with a grin.

"Or easy to tire…" Angelina continued, and Fleur blushed, without knowing why.

"He has been the perfect date." Fleur said rolling her eyes. "And not everyone is as sexually obsessed like you girls." She said in a joking voice.

"Hey, we're just having fun!" Regine faked an outrage. She had already talked about her situation with Fleur, the veela knew that the twins, Angelina and Alicia all dated each other, and Regine had accepted their invitation to have some fun. Fleur was more than ok with that. Her veela nature helped the witch see sexuality as something normal and beautiful, so long as everyone involved was willing to participate, but teasing her best friend was also fun.

"You know I love you…" Fleur teasingly kissed Regine's cheek. "I don't know, he is a little young."

"Bullshit" Angelina said with a wave of her hand. "My Mom is five years older than my father. Harry has survived more than most old men, suffered more than most, damn; he is more mature than Fred and George! Combined!"

"If he is so young for you," Alicia continued, as she played with her cup" why did you declined all other blokes to come here with him?"

Fleur thought about it for a while, she didn't know.

"Anyway Fleur, he is our little brother, and if you hurt him we will break your legs…" Angelina said in a casual tone causing Fleur to laugh. When the boys returned, Harry was as red as their hair. Fleur could only imagine the teasing he must have endured. Lunch time was close, and Fleur was starting to get hungry.

"So, the Three Broomsticks will be full, but I have promised you some butterbeer, don't worry, I got this." Harry said with a smile as they headed to the pub.

On the way, they came across Hermione, Daphne and Tracy, carrying shopping bags and chatting happily. Fleur got a little nervous, she knew at least Hermione and probably Daphne fancied Harry. Probably even more than just fancy. She really had come to like the girls and didn't want to change that. But to her surprise, the girls were incredibly polite, they joined the couple on the way and talked about their purchases, and even gossip with Fleur a little. For the first time Fleur felt included, wanted, "I can grow to like that", she thought.

The Three Broomsticks was really packed as Harry said, about an hour of waiting, but Harry smiled at her and winked. "Hey Rose!" He called at the door.

"Harry!" The attendant said back with a big smile. "So good to see you my boy. If you want a table I can kick someone out for you!"

"Please don't do that Rose, but if I can have some butterbeer to take out would be great!" The woman flicked her wand and four bottles traveled to Harry. He picked them up and shoved them in the basket, then turned to Hermione, Daphne and Tracy. "Rose will get you a table, unless you want to join us for a picnic."

"Thank you, Harry." Hermione said looking at Fleur, giving her a nod. "You two go ahead and have fun."

As they left the pub Fleur asked.

"A picnic?"

.oOo.

"Sooooo… what's the plan?"

"What are you talking about Tracy?" Hermione asked sitting at the table.

As Harry predicted, Rose was fast in getting his three friends a table close to the windows. Three bottles of butterbeer appeared at their table as soon as they were seated. Tracy didn't lose any time either.

"Come on. I can understand the little friendly competition between the smartest witch of her age and the ice queen of Slytherin over the boy who lived." She put a lot of emphasis on the titles. "It's even fun watching you all blushy and fluffy. But you are both Hogwarts's. So, what are we going to do about the French sexy model? I mean, I like her, she can be super mean, but she is not a sister."

The other two witches looked at her, eyes widened before laughing. "What?"

"It's not for us to decide don't you think? There is another very interested part in this little conspiracy of yours." Hermione said taking a sip from her beer.

"Nah, you and your muggle morals, we witches know what is better for our wizards! Daphne?"

"I will not do anything…"

"WHAT! Why?" Tracy looked genuinely surprised.

"Because I don't want anyone interfering when it's my turn." Daphne said with an evil grin.

"You girls are insane! She… Is… A…Veela!" The blond shot her hand in the air, in an overdramatic move.

"And the allure doesn't work on Harry for some reason, although I have some theories." Hermione said and both girls looked at her curiously. "Later…" She waved.

"Anyway, some other things came up; anyone who wants to be with him may have to learn to share anyway." Daphne stated looking at Hermione.

"Wait, you are not taking this to serious?" Tracy interrupted. "I am talking about some good snogging, maybe a nice shagging after a while, not something for the long run! Not marriage!"

"Harry would never get involved with someone if he can't to devote himself and make it work." Daphne said looking over her bottle at a very astonished Hermione. "We… talked a lot over in the hospital wing." She admitted to the brunette.

"If he is so noble like that, what about Katie Bell? They keep saying they are not together, but sometimes he shags her until she can't walk right." Both other girls blushed. Tracy laughed at the mixture of shame and lust on their faces. Hermione talked first.

"Katie's situation is completely different…" she looked at Daphne, who nodded in understanding. "But you fool yourself if you think she is not there for him for the long term. Even if they stop having sex, Katie will still be there, and he would still be there for her. But I believe he would let the person he is with decide about her joining in or not."

"You witches are crazy and like to talk in riddles…" Tracy moved her hands in surrender.

"Also…" Hermione said in just a little more than a whisper. "I don't mind sharing…"

Tracy had a big smile on her face, almost predatory. "You don't?"

"That is just a social convention, if it prevents you from being happy, to hell with it!"

Daphne looked at Tracy in disbelief. "I like the new Hermione!" She said lifting her bottle and they laughed. Lunch arrived, and they ate in almost complete silence, each absorbing the conversation in their own way. After they finished, Hermione looked at the two girls.

"Now, about Fleur, there is something I noticed. Do you remember the night she arrived? A month and a half ago? Do you remember the effect of her allure? Some boys couldn't even talk to her." The other two nodded. "Now think about our last meeting, or even our meeting with her here. Did you notice something?"

"Yes. Now that you say that." Daphne quickly picked up. "The effect is much less now."

"Yea, it is still there of course, and I am sure she can use and direct it if she wishes… But the residual effect is much less… I wonder what happened. There is almost nothing about veela in the library." Hermione finished her curiosity coming out.

"Maybe it's because of Harry" offered Tracy.

.oOo.

Harry chose a beautiful and quiet space, under a big oak tree, with most of its leaves already an earthy orange tone. The smell of the tree, combined with the lilies from Fleur's scent, had a calming effect on him that he appreciated. "That is a beautiful spot 'Arry" Fleur said looking around. "Why is it so calm? There is almost no one around."

"People think there is a monster in the house down there." He said with a shrug. "But it was just professor Lupin last year…" Harry took a blanket from the basket and laid it on the ground for them to sit. Fleur giggled at the idyllic scene.

"He is the one who bit you, yes?" She finally asked.

"Yes, it was me or Hermione, and I made my choice. For once it's something I can accept. Here" He said giving her a bottle of butterbeer, still cold from the charms on the basket. "Let it not be said that I don't keep my promises." He laughed.

Harry watched as the beautiful witch took a sip and made a disgusted face. "Mon dieu! How come you English are not a band of obese whales with this much sugar!"

"I see you know uncle Vernon…" Harry instantly kicked himself for making that comment, of course Fleur caught it, and although he felt she wanted to pursue the subject, thankfully she didn't.

"If Rose could get us a table, why not have lunch there? Not that I am complaining, I actually like it here." Fleur asked looking around. "Maybe a conspiracy to get me alone, monsieur wolf?"

"Too many people. Lots of noise and smells, I thought it would be hard to focus…"

"That's the reason you are always eating early." She whispered as understanding dawned on her. He smiled at her

"Anyways, after you complained so much about our food, nah, don't look me like that, you know you did. I thought you may not like the butterbeer, so I asked Dobby for this." Harry put his hands on the basket and produced a bottle of a Domaine Romaneaux-Destezet Syrah, Harry had learnt to select table wines from his time preparing Sunday meals for the Dursley's. Fleur's face brightened up, and he knew it was worth it; Dobby had to do some travelling to get him a bottle. He poured her a glass and started pulling food out of the basket. A selection of breads, croissants, a Mediterranean salad and a smoked fish. Harry explained he got some money so Dobby could arrange the fish. Fleur smiled as they eat and talked more about her family and life in France. She wanted to know more about his life outside the school, but sensing his discomfort, didn't press him.

After the meal Harry put the dishes and leftovers back in the basket. Fleur moved closer to him; he noticed her cheeks were a little red from the wine.

"You, Mister, zis trouble…" she said with a dizzy smile.

"Am I now?"

"Ask 'Ermione, or Daphne…" she giggled. Her face turned a little more serious. "'Arry, I got something for you." He looked at her curiously as she took a book from her purse. "Tell me, how much you know about your godmother?"

"Alicia Longbottom? I know she is Neville's Mom, and is at St. Mungo's…" Fleur expression was one of confusion.

"Who told you that?"

"The headmaster." Harry expression hardened as he remembered the lies, and his instincts calling the old wizard dangerous.

"'Arry, that woman is not your godmother…" she handled him the book, Harry saw it was a photo album, and his eyes widened at the sight in front of him. There they were, smiling and waving at him. It was a different picture from the only one he had ever seen of his parents. They looked so happy. The nostalgic sensation hit him, he saw a baby that could only be himself, holding hands with a small girl that he recognized as Fleur instantly.

"How… why… why didn't you tell me?"

"We... weren't sure how much you knew… Sorry… papa and mama looked so much for you… I was not sure… I was afraid you hated us…" Fleur looked ashamed. "But then it was clear you didn't even know us…" She pointed to the blond woman on the right side of his mother. "That is your godmother 'Arry, Apolline Delacour, my mama. Look at the album." Harry turned the pages, almost afraid of losing the moment, but there they were again. His parents, Sirius, Remus with a man Harry didn't know and Fleur's parents. There he was, with her, playing at the beach, at a manor… at some photos Fleur pointed to some of the other kids and babies… Regine and Daphne.

"Those were taken just a little before the violence escalated out of control. Mama said they kept meeting to have hope for the future, our future. The death eaters weren't their only enemy it seems… but they wanted to keep living."

"What happened? Why are you and Daphne not close then?"

"Everything fell apart when… it happened… and you disappeared. Sirius went to Azkaban, Remus disappeared drowning in grief, the Greengrass's and my parents kept their distance, afraid of their political adversaries… oh Harry, they were so happy when you came back… they sent you so many letters, but you never wrote back. I am betting you never even received them…"

"No. I would never…"

"They knew… it was all a mess of a situation, they thought Sirius had betrayed your parents, Lupin didn't want to contact anyone. I thought you had forgotten us. It took me a while to muster courage to write you…" she hugged him tentatively, tears I'm her eyes. "We… I am sorry… "

The feeling of her embrace was so good, so warm, in a sea of coldness. He was even surer now that his isolation had been intentional. He hugged her back letting her know he didn't blame her. "Thank you, Fleur…" he said handing her the book.

"Non 'Arry, it's yours, a reminder you are not alone, never again…"