The door to their private room closed with a soft click that seemed to echo through the sudden silence. Harry barely had time to register the sound before Regina pressed him against the wood, her mouth finding his with urgent heat.
Her body molded against him, the crimson dress doing nothing to hide the soft curves beneath as she kissed him with clear intent. The scent of her perfume, something dark and spicy, filled his senses as Harry's hands found her waist, sliding down to grip the firm flesh of her backside through the thin fabric. She made a low sound of approval against his mouth, her fingers tangling in his hair.
"Finally," Regina breathed against his lips, pulling back just enough to speak. "D'you have any idea how bloody difficult it was keeping my hands to myself during dinner?"
"Got some idea," Harry replied, his voice rough as his fingers traced the curve of her spine. "Given how often your hand kept finding my thigh under the table."
"That was just warming up," Regina purred, her teeth grazing his lower lip.
Movement from the sitting area made them both turn. Daphne and Fleur stood near the sofa, watching them with expressions that were equal parts arousal and irritation. Both witches had color high in their cheeks, and Harry could see the way Daphne's fingers twisted in the fabric of her midnight blue dress.
"Still sulking?" Regina asked with a grin, though she didn't move away from Harry.
"We're not sulking," Daphne said coolly, though the flush on her cheeks suggested otherwise. "We behaved exactly as you requested."
"You did," Harry agreed, releasing Regina to move toward them. His runes were already humming with the presence of all three trustworthy witches, the familiar warmth spreading through his chest. "You both did brilliantly. No arguments, actual conversation, even what looked like genuine laughter at one point."
"Ze food was good," Fleur admitted, her accent thickening slightly as Harry approached. Her blue eyes tracked his movement like a predator watching prey. "And Daphne's company was... tolerable."
"Tolerable," Daphne repeated flatly, though the corner of her mouth twitched. "Suppose that's the best I could hope for from you."
"It's progress," Harry said, reaching them. His hands found Daphne's hips first, pulling her close enough that she had to tilt her head back to meet his eyes. The silk of her dress was warm from her body heat, and he could feel her pulse racing beneath his palms. "And I believe I promised a reward for good behavior."
Daphne's breath caught, her ice blue eyes darkening. "You did."
Harry kissed her slowly this time, taking his time to explore her mouth while his hands roamed over the midnight blue fabric that clung to her body. She tasted of the champagne they'd had at dinner, sweet and expensive, and her lips parted eagerly under his. Daphne melted into the kiss, her fingers curling into his dress robes as she responded with clear need. When his tongue swept against hers, she made a small sound that went straight to his groin.
When he pulled back, Fleur was already there, her blue eyes dark with want and her silvery blonde hair catching the lamplight. Harry didn't make her wait, capturing her mouth with the same thorough attention he'd given Daphne. She tasted different, something floral and distinctly Veela, and her body pressed against his with obvious intent. Her fingers slid up his chest to his shoulders, gripping tight as she kissed him back with increasing intensity.
Regina's hands appeared on his shoulders from behind, her breath hot against his ear. "As entertaining as watching you snog them both is, I reckon we can do better than this."
Harry released Fleur with a final nip to her lower lip that made her gasp, her pupils dilating. "Bed?"
"Bed," all three witches agreed in unison, and the eagerness in their voices made Harry's pulse quicken.
They moved as a group, hands already finding zippers and buttons, the air thick with anticipation and the mingled scents of their perfumes.
Regina turned to face Harry with a wicked smile as her hands went to the straps of her crimson dress. "Watch," she commanded, her dark eyes gleaming.
Harry watched. The dress slid over her curves like water, revealing smooth pale skin inch by deliberate inch. Regina wore nothing underneath, and she made bloody sure he appreciated every moment of the reveal. Her tits were full and perfect, topped with nipples already hard with arousal. She turned slowly, giving him the full view as the dress pooled at her feet, leaving her completely bare except for her heels. The candlelight played across her skin, highlighting every curve.
"Beautiful," Harry murmured, his runes flaring with heat as desire surged through him.
"My turn," Daphne said, moving to stand beside Regina. Her fingers found the hidden clasp of her midnight blue dress, and she maintained eye contact with Harry as she let it fall with a whisper of silk.
Unlike Regina, Daphne had worn undergarments, but they were barely there. Black lace that revealed more than it concealed, the bra pushing her tits up invitingly while the matching knickers did nothing to hide the curve of her backside or the shadow between her thighs. She reached back to unhook the bra with practiced ease, letting it join her dress on the floor. Her nipples were pale pink and already pebbled, and Harry's mouth went dry at the sight.
Fleur stepped forward next, and the silver dress seemed to shimmer as it descended. She'd chosen white silk underneath, delicate and elegant, and Harry could see the outline of her nipples through the thin fabric. She turned her back to him, glancing over her shoulder with a knowing smile as she bent forward slowly to slide the knickers down her long legs, giving him a view that made his cock throb.
The view was spectacular, the curve of her backside perfect, and Harry made no effort to hide his appreciation. When Fleur straightened and turned back around, removing the silk bra as she did, she was flushed with more than just the room's warmth. Her tits were slightly larger than the other two and perfectly shaped, her nipples a dusty rose color that Harry yearned to taste.
"Your turn," Regina said, her voice husky as all three witches stared at him with undisguised hunger. "We showed you ours."
Harry grinned and began working on his dress robes, shrugging out of the outer layer first. The three witches watched with obvious interest as he stripped, revealing the lean muscle beneath his white shirt. He could feel their eyes on him as he worked the buttons, taking his time the same way they had. When he pulled the shirt over his head, Daphne made a soft sound of appreciation.
His cock was already hard, straining against his trousers in a way that had to be obvious. He undid his belt slowly, watching their reactions. Regina licked her lips. Fleur's breathing had quickened. Daphne's hands were clenched at her sides like she was restraining herself from reaching for him.
When he finally freed his cock, pushing his trousers and pants down together, all three women made appreciative sounds. His length jutted out from his body, hard and thick, and he wrapped his hand around it once, giving himself a slow stroke just to watch their eyes follow the movement.
"Merlin," Daphne breathed, her voice rougher than usual. "Don't think I'll ever get used to that."
"Good," Harry replied, moving toward the bed. "I'd hate for things to get boring."
Regina was on him first, pushing him down onto the mattress and climbing over him with clear intent. The sheets were cool against his back, a sharp contrast to the heat of her body as she straddled his hips. Her mouth found his again as she ground against his length, sliding her wet heat along his cock without taking him in yet. The sensation made them both groan.
"Eager," Harry murmured against her lips, his hands coming up to cup her tits. Her nipples were hard against his palms.
"You've no bloody idea," Regina replied, her hand wrapping around his cock and positioning him at her entrance. She sank down slowly, taking him inch by inch until he was fully sheathed inside her. Her head fell back, her dark hair cascading down her back. "Fuck, yes. That's it."
The bed dipped as Daphne and Fleur joined them, the mattress shifting under their weight. Harry turned his head to find Daphne beside him, her blonde hair falling around her face as she leaned down. He pulled her down for a kiss even as Regina began to move, rising and falling in a rhythm that made his breath catch. Daphne's tongue swept into his mouth, eager and demanding.
Fleur's hands appeared on Regina's tits, cupping and squeezing as the dark-haired witch rode Harry. "Let me 'elp," Fleur murmured, and Harry felt the telltale tingle of Veela magic washing over them all like a wave of heat.
The effect was immediate and bloody intense. Every touch became electric, every sensation magnified tenfold. Regina cried out, her movements becoming more frantic as pleasure surged through her enhanced by Fleur's magic. Harry groaned, his hands gripping Regina's hips hard enough to bruise as the increased sensitivity threatened to overwhelm him. It felt like every nerve ending was on fire in the best possible way.
"Merlin's balls," Daphne gasped, her hand sliding between her own legs. "That's bloody incredible."
Harry's attention was divided between Regina riding him with abandon and Daphne beside him, her fingers working between her thighs while she watched. He could see how wet she was already, her fingers glistening. He reached out with his free hand, replacing her fingers with his own, and the sound she made was pure need. She was slick and hot, her clit swollen under his touch.
Fleur leaned down to capture one of Regina's nipples with her mouth, sucking hard enough to make the other witch arch and moan. Her silvery blonde hair cascaded down her back as she worked, one hand still kneading Regina's other breast while her free hand slid down to where Harry and Regina were joined. She traced where his cock disappeared into Regina's body, her fingers teasing.
"Touch her," Harry commanded, his voice rough as he worked Daphne's clit in tight circles. "Make her come."
Fleur's fingers found Regina's clit, circling the sensitive bundle of nerves with expert precision. The combination of sensations was too much. Regina's movements became erratic, her inner walls clenching around Harry's cock in rhythmic pulses as she climbed toward release. She was gasping now, broken sounds falling from her lips.
"Fuck, fuck, I'm gonna—" Regina's words dissolved into a sharp cry as her orgasm crashed through her. Her body went rigid, her pussy gripping Harry so tightly it was almost painful, and she shook with the force of her release. Her nails dug into his chest, leaving crescent marks.
Harry held still, fighting the urge to thrust up into her clenching heat. It took every ounce of control he possessed not to follow her over the edge. His fingers worked faster on Daphne, feeling her getting closer, and he turned his head to capture her mouth as she came apart beside him with a muffled scream against his lips. Her pussy clenched around his fingers, soaking his hand.
Regina collapsed forward onto Harry's chest, her breathing ragged and her skin slick with sweat. "Give me a minute," she gasped, her voice wrecked. "Just... one bloody minute."
Fleur took advantage of Regina's momentary incapacity to claim her turn. She gently pushed Regina aside, the dark-haired witch rolling onto the bed with a satisfied groan, and positioned herself over Harry. Her thighs were trembling slightly as she straddled him.
"My turn," Fleur said, her accent thick with arousal. She didn't waste time, sinking down onto his still hard cock with a moan that went straight to Harry's core. "Mon Dieu, you feel so good inside me."
Where Regina had been wild and frantic, Fleur was sensual and controlled. She rolled her hips in a way that made Harry see stars, her internal muscles working him with practiced skill. The Veela magic intensified again, and Harry realized she was using it on herself as well, her eyes glowing faintly silver in the dim light.
Daphne recovered enough to join in, her mouth finding Harry's while her hands roamed over Fleur's body. She cupped Fleur's tits, rolling the nipples between her fingers in a way that made the French witch gasp and stutter in her rhythm.
"'Arder," Fleur demanded, switching to English mid-sentence as her control slipped. "I need it 'arder."
Harry gripped her hips and thrust up to meet her, finally letting go of the control he'd been maintaining. Fleur cried out in pleasure, her head falling back as he fucked into her with increasing force. The sound of skin meeting skin filled the room, mixing with their harsh breathing.
Regina had recovered enough to add her own contribution, her hand sliding between Fleur and Harry to work the French witch's clit. The dual stimulation was too much. Fleur came with a scream, her magic surging outward in a wave that made everyone in the bed cry out. Harry felt it wash over him like a physical force, pleasure spiking so sharply it bordered on pain.
Harry managed to hold off, though it took every ounce of control he possessed and left him shaking. Fleur slumped forward, breathing hard, and Daphne was there to catch her, pulling the French witch into a surprisingly tender kiss that made Harry's chest tighten.
"Daphne," Harry said roughly, his voice strained. "Your turn."
Daphne released Fleur and moved to straddle Harry, but he stopped her with a hand on her hip. "Turn around," he commanded. "I want to watch."
Understanding lit Daphne's eyes, and she turned so her back was to him. The reverse cowgirl position gave him a perfect view of her backside as she slowly lowered herself onto his cock, and the sight was even better than he'd imagined. He could see everything, the way her pussy stretched around him, the curve of her spine, the way her blonde hair fell down her back.
"Fuck," Harry groaned as she took him fully, her walls gripping him tight. "You look bloody incredible like this."
Daphne began to move, finding her rhythm quickly. Her hands braced on his thighs for leverage as she rose and fell, taking him deep with each downward stroke. Regina and Fleur flanked her, their hands exploring her body as she rode Harry. Regina's mouth found one of Daphne's nipples while Fleur claimed the other, and the blonde witch moaned at the dual attention, her movements becoming less coordinated.
Fleur's magic pulsed again, stronger this time, and Daphne's movements became erratic as pleasure overwhelmed her coordination. "I can't... it's too bloody much..."
"Yes you can," Harry said, his hands gripping her hips to guide her movements, helping her maintain the rhythm. "Come for me, Daphne. Let go."
Regina's hand snaked down to rub Daphne's clit, her fingers moving in quick circles, and that was all it took. Daphne came with a sharp cry, her body shaking as waves of pleasure rolled through her. The sight and feel of her orgasm, her pussy clamping down on him like a vice, pushed Harry over the edge. He thrust up hard as his own release crashed through him, his vision whiting out for a moment as he emptied himself inside her.
They collapsed together in a tangle of limbs, all four of them breathing hard and slick with sweat. For several long minutes, no one spoke, the only sounds in the room their ragged breathing and the occasional satisfied sigh. The candles had burned lower, casting longer shadows across their intertwined bodies.
Eventually, Regina was the first to move, rolling onto her back with a satisfied groan. "Well. That was bloody well worth the wait."
"Agreed," Daphne murmured from where she'd collapsed beside Harry, her blonde hair sticking to her damp forehead.
Fleur made a sound of contentment, her magic finally settling back to normal levels. The faint silver glow had faded from her eyes. "Per'aps we should argue more often if zis is ze reward."
"Don't even think about it," Harry warned, though there was no heat in his voice. He was too satisfied to be properly annoyed.
They lay there in comfortable silence for a while longer, bodies cooling and heartbeats slowing, until Regina shifted and propped herself up on one elbow to look at Harry. Her dark hair was a mess, her makeup smudged, and she'd never looked more pleased with herself.
"So," she said with a grin that promised mischief. "Are we gonna talk about Susan Bones or what?"
The comfortable atmosphere shifted immediately. Daphne tensed beside Harry, her relaxed posture going rigid, while Fleur's eyes sharpened with interest.
"What exactly now?" Harry asked carefully, though he had a feeling he knew where this was going.
"Oh, don't play daft," Regina said, her grin widening. "Her little comment at the Ball. About hoping you enjoy yourself with your dates but remembering she exists? That was practically waving a bloody flag saying she's interested."
"Who ees zis Susan?" Fleur asked, sitting up slightly and not bothering to cover herself.
"Susan Bones," Daphne said, her tone carefully neutral in a way that meant she was anything but. "She's in our year, Hufflepuff. Amelia Bones's niece."
"Ah," Fleur said with understanding. "Ze 'ead of ze DMLE you are 'elping with 'er revenge plot."
"The same," Harry confirmed, sitting up and leaning back against the headboard.
Regina's expression turned calculating. "Susan Bones is quite fit, actually. Curvy in all the right places, that lovely red hair, and from what I've observed, she's got more confidence than most people give her credit for. Bit quiet usually, but there's steel underneath."
"She's also in Hufflepuff," Daphne pointed out, sitting up as well. "Which means she's loyal, hardworking, and probably's got some ridiculous notion about fairness and justice."
"You say zat like eet is a bad thing," Fleur observed, frowning slightly.
"It's not bad," Daphne said quickly. "Just... different from what Harry usually goes for."
Harry raised an eyebrow. "And what do I usually go for, exactly?"
Regina laughed, the sound sharp in the quiet room. "Ambitious Slytherins and competitive Beauxbatons champions, apparently. Susan Bones would be quite the departure from type."
"She's pretty," Harry said simply, shrugging. "And yeah, her comment suggested interest. But I barely know her, do I?"
"That can be sorted easily enough," Regina pointed out. "Especially since you're gonna be working with her aunt. Family connections and all that. Perfect excuse to get to know her better."
Daphne's expression had gone carefully blank, which Harry recognized as her trying to hide her actual thoughts. It was the same face she'd worn when she'd first heard about Fleur, back before they'd sorted things out. He reached out to take her hand, squeezing gently.
"What're you thinking?" he asked.
Daphne was quiet for a long moment, her ice blue eyes fixed on their joined hands. When she finally spoke, her voice was measured but there was an edge to it. "I'm thinking that Susan Bones didn't stand up for you when your name came out of the Goblet."
The statement hung in the air, heavy with implication. Regina's playful expression faded slightly, while Fleur's eyes narrowed in a way that suggested she was remembering her own initial reaction to Harry being in the tournament.
"No, she didn't," Harry agreed quietly. It was true. When the whole school had turned on him, when even some of the professors had looked at him with suspicion, Susan had been just another face in the crowd treating him like he'd done something wrong.
"I did," Daphne said, and there was steel in her voice now. The careful neutrality was gone, replaced by something fiercer. "From the very beginning. When everyone else reckoned you were some attention seeking tosser who'd somehow cheated to get your name in that cup, I defended you. I fought for you. I've been fighting for you since before we were even together, Harry."
Harry pulled her closer, pressing a kiss to her temple. He remembered those early days vividly. The whispers in the corridors, the cold shoulders, the Potter Stinks badges that had seemed to multiply overnight. And through all of it, Daphne had been there. "I know. And I haven't forgotten that, Daphne. Not for a second."
"Neither 'ave I," Fleur added, her accent thickening as she clearly remembered her own initial dismissal of Harry before the first task. "Daphne was defending you even when I was being... less zan charitable about your chances. She believed in you when I thought you were a pushover and would not last in ze tournament."
Daphne shot Fleur a sharp look, clearly remembering the arguments they'd had on that exact subject. The confrontation in the owlery, the cold silences, the way Fleur had called Harry a foolish child playing at being a champion. "You had a lot to say to my face."
"I was wrong," Fleur said with surprising humility, meeting Daphne's gaze steadily. "About many things concerning 'Arry. But you were not. You knew 'is worth from ze beginning, even when I was too blind to see it."
The admission seemed to surprise Daphne. She stared at Fleur for a long moment, something shifting in her expression. Finally, she nodded slowly. "Yeah. Thanks for saying that."
Regina, who'd been watching this exchange with obvious interest, cleared her throat. "While I appreciate the trip down memory lane and all the warm fuzzies, I reckon we're missing the point here."
"Which is?" Harry asked.
"Susan Bones is interested in you," Regina said bluntly. "Whether or not she supported you at the start doesn't change that fact. The question is whether you're interested in her."
Harry considered that. Susan was attractive, there was no denying it. Curves that her Hogwarts robes couldn't quite hide, that red hair that caught the light, and intelligent brown eyes. The way she'd looked at him during their brief interaction at the Ball, the confidence in her comment, it suggested depths he hadn't expected from the usually quiet Hufflepuff.
"I might be," he admitted. "But I'm not gonna pursue something just 'cause the opportunity exists, am I?"
"Good," Daphne said with satisfaction. "Because while I understand that you're not exactly exclusive, I'd prefer if the women you get involved with actually have your best interests at heart. Not just what you can do for them or how your reputation makes them look."
"Spoken like someone who's staking her claim," Regina observed with amusement, though there was approval in her voice.
"I'm not staking a claim," Daphne protested, her cheeks coloring. "I'm being practical."
"You're being possessive," Fleur corrected with a small smile. "Which I understand completely. I feel ze same way, if I'm honest."
Daphne looked like she wanted to argue, but Regina spoke first. "There's nothing wrong with being possessive, Daphne. Harry's worth possessing, innit? The question is whether Susan Bones would add something to this dynamic or just complicate it unnecessarily."
"I don't know 'er," Fleur said thoughtfully. "But if 'er aunt trusts 'Arry enough to involve 'im in 'er revenge plot, per'aps Susan 'as better judgment zan we're giving 'er credit for. Family loyalty and all zat."
"Or maybe she's just attracted to power and success like everyone else," Daphne countered, her voice sharp. "Harry's the favorite Triwizard Champion now. He's famous, powerful, and clearly capable of handling himself. That's attractive to loads of people."
Harry had to admit Daphne had a point. His status had definitely changed people's perceptions of him, and not always in ways he appreciated. The number of witches who'd suddenly started batting their eyelashes at him after the first task had been both flattering and mildly insulting.
"Fair point," Regina acknowledged. "But it's also possible that Susan's always been interested and only now's got the bottle to show it. Some people take time to work up the courage, yeah?"
"And some people are opportunistic," Daphne shot back.
"You're both right," Harry said, cutting through what was threatening to become another argument. "I don't know Susan well enough to say which it is. But I'm not gonna dismiss her out of hand just 'cause she wasn't vocal in her support earlier. People are complicated."
Daphne looked at him sharply, her ice blue eyes searching his face. "You're actually considering it."
"I'm keeping my options open," Harry corrected gently. "There's a difference."
"Just remember who was there from ze beginning," Fleur said, though her tone was more teasing than serious. "When you are collecting your 'arem of witches, as Regina so eloquently put it."
Regina burst out laughing at that. "Harem. I like it. Very appropriate, that."
"It's not a bloody harem," Harry protested, though he couldn't quite keep the amusement out of his voice.
"Three witches in your bed at once suggests otherwise, love," Daphne pointed out dryly, gesturing at their current state of undress.
"Four if Susan joins," Regina added helpfully, clearly enjoying this.
"Five if you count Amelia Bones," Fleur said with a grin.
"Six with Tonks," Regina finished triumphantly.
Harry groaned and covered his face with his hands. "You lot are impossible."
"We're realistic," Daphne said, echoing her earlier words with a smile. "You attract powerful women, Harry. You should probably get used to it."
"Besides," Regina added, shifting closer to run her fingers through his hair. "There's something to be said for variety. As long as everyone involved knows where they stand and what they're getting into."
"And as long as ze women in question actually care about you," Fleur added more seriously. "Not just what you can do for zem or 'ow being with you makes zem look."
"Which brings us back to Susan," Daphne said. "We don't know her motivations yet. Whether she's genuinely interested in Harry as a person or just attracted to his status as champion."
"Then I suppose I'll have to find out," Harry said with a shrug. "At some point."
"Just don't forget who your actual supporters are," Daphne said, and there was genuine emotion in her voice now, vulnerability showing through her usually composed exterior. "The ones who were there when things were difficult, not just when they're easy and you're the bloody Triwizard Champion."
Harry pulled her into a proper embrace, feeling the tension in her body and the way she clung to him just a bit tighter than usual. "I could never forget that, Daphne. You've been my staunchest defender since this whole tournament nightmare began. Standing up for me when no one else would, even getting into fights on my behalf. That means everything."
She relaxed slightly against him, her breath warm against his neck. "Good. 'Cause I plan on continuing to defend you, even if it means fighting off every witch in the castle who suddenly realizes what they've been missing all along."
"Such passion," Regina teased, though her voice was fond. "It's almost romantic."
"Sod off, Regina," Daphne said, but there was no real heat in it.
Fleur moved closer to join the embrace, her arms wrapping around both Harry and Daphne. "I'm sorry eet took me so long to see zat, but we are all 'ere because we want to be. Zat is what matters most."
Regina joined them as well, completing the tangle of limbs and warm skin. "And because Harry's bloody brilliant at what he does."
"That too," Fleur agreed with a satisfied sigh.
They lay there together for a while longer, the conversation about Susan trailing off into comfortable silence punctuated by the occasional murmur or shift of position. Eventually exhaustion claimed them, and they drifted off tangled together in a way that would have been impossible to explain to anyone who walked in.
-Break-
The air was crisp and bloody cold as Harry and Daphne stood on the shore of the Black Lake, their breath misting in front of them in white clouds. It was early enough that most of the castle was still asleep, the sun just beginning to peek over the eastern horizon. Harry had wanted to come down here before breakfast to check on something, and Daphne had insisted on coming with him.
The Durmstrang ship floated in the middle of the lake, its dark hull stark against the grey water. The ship looked almost sinister in the early morning light, all sharp angles and dark wood. As they watched, a figure appeared on deck, stripped down to just swimming trunks despite the freezing temperature, and without hesitation dove into the freezing water below.
"Krum," Daphne observed, wrapping her cloak more tightly around herself and moving closer to Harry for warmth. "Looks like he's figured out the clue as well."
Harry nodded, watching the Bulgarian disappear beneath the surface without so much as a splash. "After a bit of deduction, it was an easy enough clue. Open the egg underwater and the screeching becomes singing. Mermish."
"Which means the second task takes place underwater," Daphne said, her analytical mind already working through the implications. "An hour to retrieve something precious that's been taken. Question is what they'll take and where they'll hide it."
"Merpeople village, most likely," Harry said. "Makes sense. It's the only real settlement down there, and it'd be properly difficult to navigate if you don't know where you're going."
Daphne nodded slowly. "Which is why the Gillyweed still looks like the best option." She glanced at him. "You've got it sorted?"
Harry pulled out a small piece of what looked like slimy plant matter from his pocket. It was an unappetizing greyish green color and smelled faintly of seaweed and something worse. "Yeah. Neville came through brilliantly. Got me enough for the task plus a bit extra for testing."
Daphne wrinkled her nose at the substance, her expression one of clear disgust. "Still looks like something you'd scrape off the bottom of a cauldron. But it's definitely the best option. Full underwater adaptation, gills, webbed appendages, the works. Much more reliable than trying to maintain charms for an hour while swimming around and dealing with whatever the task throws at you."
Harry made a face, remembering his test run in the prefects' bathroom. "The taste is absolutely foul though. Like eating rotten seaweed mixed with pond scum and a bit of dragon dung for good measure."
Daphne giggled, making her breath puff out in little clouds. "A bit of foul taste is worth all the mobility you'll gain underwater. Can you imagine trying to swim for an hour while maintaining a Bubblehead Charm? The concentration alone would be exhausting, and that's before you factor in whatever obstacles they've set up."
"True enough," Harry agreed, pocketing the Gillyweed again and wiping his hand on his robes. "Though I still can't believe Fleur's going with the Bubblehead approach. Seems mental to me."
Daphne's expression shifted to concern, the amusement fading. "As a Veela, we don't know how Gillyweed will interact with her inherent magical constitution. Could have unexpected side effects, couldn't it? Might interfere with her magic or cause some kind of reaction. Better safe than sorry."
"Fair point," Harry conceded. "Not worth the risk if it could go wrong in the middle of the lake."
"At least the idiot's gonna use webbed gloves and fins to mimic fish movement underwater," Daphne muttered, though there was clear fondness underlying the insult. "And as much as it pains me to admit it, Fleur's powerful enough to ensure her Bubblehead Charm will be strong enough not to burst underwater. She's been practicing obsessively."
She paused, her voice dropping and becoming softer, almost vulnerable. "Which is a relief, honestly."
Harry turned to look at her properly, a slow smile spreading across his face. The early morning light caught her blonde hair, making it look almost silver. "Did you just compliment Fleur? And admit to being worried about her?"
Daphne's cheeks colored slightly, the blush visible even in the dim light. "I merely acknowledged her magical competence and the practical advantages of her chosen approach. That's not the same thing."
"You're worried about her," Harry said, his smile widening into a proper grin. "You actually care whether Fleur makes it through the task safely. That's brilliant."
"Don't be ridiculous," Daphne protested, but her blush deepened and she wouldn't quite meet his eyes.
"You two have come so far," Harry continued, thoroughly enjoying this. "Remember when you couldn't spend five minutes in the same room without trying to hex each other? All that rubbish about her being an arrogant Veela and you being a stuck-up little girl? And now look at you, actually concerned about her wellbeing. Practically mates, you are."
"I am not—" Daphne started, but Harry was already moving.
She yelped in surprise as he wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, pulling her back against his chest. The protest she'd been forming died on her lips as he held her close, his warmth seeping through their cloaks. She fit perfectly against him, her head tucking just under his chin.
"You're allowed to care about her, you know," Harry murmured into her ear, his breath warm against her skin. "Doesn't make you weak or compromise your competitive spirit or whatever else you're worried about."
Daphne was quiet for a moment before she sighed and relaxed back against him, letting her head rest on his shoulder. "Fine. Maybe I'm slightly concerned. Just a bit. But if you tell her I said that, I'll deny everything and then hex you both into next week."
Harry laughed. "Your secret's safe with me. Promise."
They stood together in comfortable silence, watching as Krum surfaced briefly, gasping for air, before diving back down. The sun was continuing to rise over the far edge of the lake, painting the sky in shades of pink and gold and orange. The water reflected the colors, turning the Black Lake into something almost beautiful, a mirror of fire and light. The Forbidden Forest was a dark line on the horizon, and somewhere in the castle behind them, people were beginning to stir.
"D'you ever think about what happens after all this?" Daphne asked quietly, breaking the silence. "After the tournament ends?"
"Sometimes," Harry admitted, tightening his arms around her. "Why?"
"Because things are complicated now," Daphne said softly. "In a good way, mostly. But complicated nonetheless. You, me, Fleur, Regina, potentially the two Bones women and Tonks and who knows who else. Just wondering how it all works long term, that's all."
Harry pressed a kiss to the top of her head, breathing in the scent of her shampoo. "We'll figure it out. We always do, don't we?"
"Such confidence," Daphne murmured, but she sounded amused rather than skeptical.
"I've got you," Harry said simply. "And Fleur, and Regina. As long as we're all on the same page about what we want, the rest will sort itself out."
Daphne turned in his arms so she could face him properly, the movement awkward with their cloaks but she managed it. Her ice blue eyes searched his face, looking for something. Whatever she found seemed to satisfy her because she smiled, the expression soft and genuine and completely unguarded.
"You're surprisingly optimistic for someone who's had to deal with a dragon, a crazed Death Eater's son, and whatever horrors the second task's got in store. Most people would be a bit more cynical by now."
"I prefer to call it realistic," Harry replied with a grin. "I've got good things in my life worth being optimistic about. Why wouldn't I be?"
"Flatterer," Daphne accused, but she was smiling as she said it, her eyes warm.
"Truthful," Harry corrected, and kissed her.
It was a slow kiss, unhurried and sweet. Not driven by passion or urgency but by genuine affection. Her lips were cold from the morning air but warmed quickly under his, and she made a soft sound of contentment against his mouth. When they finally pulled apart, both of them were smiling.
The sun had fully risen now, bathing the lake and grounds in warm morning light that chased away the last of the night's chill. Krum had disappeared back into the Durmstrang ship, apparently satisfied with his practice run. The castle was beginning to wake up properly, lights appearing in various windows as students stirred and prepared for the day ahead.
"We should head back," Daphne said reluctantly, though she made no move to actually leave his arms. "Breakfast'll be starting soon, and people will talk if we're not there."
"Let them talk," Harry said, but he released her anyway. "They're gonna regardless of what we do."
"True enough," Daphne acknowledged, taking his hand as they turned to walk back toward the castle. "But I'd prefer to give them less ammunition. The gossip mill's bad enough as it is."
They walked in comfortable silence, fingers interlaced, as the castle grew larger with each step. The second task was a little over a month away now, and there was still preparation to be done. Practice runs with the Gillyweed, making sure he could handle the transformation, figuring out the best route through the lake. But for this moment, standing by the lake with Daphne's hand in his and the sunrise painting everything gold, Harry felt content.
Whatever complications lay ahead, whether with Susan or Amelia or the tournament itself, they'd face them together. And that made all the difference in the world.
As they reached the castle entrance, Daphne squeezed his hand tight. "Thanks."
"For what?"
"For this. For us. For making me care about a French Veela who drives me absolutely mental." She paused, then added with a small smile, "And for not forgetting who was there from the beginning. Means a lot, that."
Harry pulled her close for one more quick kiss before they headed inside, tasting the morning air on her lips. "Never, Daphne. I could never forget that."
And as they walked through the castle corridors toward the Great Hall, their footsteps echoing on the stone floors, Harry knew he meant it. Whatever else happened, whatever other complications arose, Daphne had been there when it mattered most. That kind of loyalty was worth more than all the fleeting attractions in the world.
TBC.
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