Summary:
A Harmony story. Hermione is a Veela and discovers this shortly before their fourth year. What will Hermione's new powers do to alter Harry's fourth year? Warning- there's Ron-bashing ahead. If you dislike Ron-bashing, don't read.Rated: Fiction M - English - Romance/Humor - [Harry P., Hermione G.] - Chapters: 19 - Words: 66,667 - Reviews: 1,183 - Favs: 6,351 - Follows: 3,011 - Updated: Sep 11, 2014 - Published: Aug 20, 2014 - Status: Complete - id: 10633819
Chapter 1
Veela didn't hit their sexual maturity (when they came into their powers) until they hit 15. That was intentional. Men trying to have sex with an eight year old girl was not particularly desirable and since Veela were sexual creatures…well that's why the sexual maturity was 15. By that point the Veela could, generally, defend herself. Now how a person became a Veela…well that was not known. At least, not to the wizards and witches of the world. Veela knew. And they would never tell anyone who wasn't a Veela.
It was when Hermione Granger was at the Quidditch World Cup, her fifteenth birthday coming up in September, that she first met a Veela. One of the Bulgarian ones pulled her into a bathroom before the match, "You're Veela," she said. "Britain is not known for being supportive of magical creatures. I have for you a book, little Veela. You must read and understand it."
Hermione just stared, "I'm…but…but I'm Muggleborn. How could I be…"
"Veela are the daughters of Apollo. He has chosen you, young one. When you turn fifteen your allure will begin. Mastering it is difficult but the beginning steps are in this book. I have for you also a pendant," she pulled a necklace that had a pendant that looked like a lyre on it, "Pray to him for guidance should you need it. When you turn fifteen you will find you come into your own body my dear. It will seem to happen almost overnight. If you need to use your wand to repel suitors because of an accidental blast, do so. And do not be afraid to write to me. My name is in the book," she smiled at the young woman. "One last thing. Your sexual maturity is when you hit fifteen. Your urge to mate will be incredibly strong. However when it comes to fertility Veela are only fertile once they're in their thirties. Another safeguard from Apollo," she gave Hermione a hug, "wear the lyre and read the book. And don't be afraid of your feelings. That is how they control you. We are sexual creatures of dance, music, art, and celebrators of life. Enjoy it. Being a Veela…it is something special."
With that the Veela left the bathroom. Hermione quickly slipped on the necklace and hid it beneath her shirt before shrinking the book and putting it in her pocket. She quickly used the restroom and washed her hands before looking in the mirror. Hermione was a Veela. A Veela whose abilities would become clear at the age of fifteen. And she had two male best friends. She groaned. That was going to be difficult. But then, maybe they could withstand the allure. She'd heard about the allure. Well she'd have to find out.
Up in the stands Harry had left the seat next to him available. She sat down and he looked at her, "What's wrong?"
How he did that was something she didn't know. Hermione gently squeezed his hand, "I'll tell you later Harry. It's nothing bad, I don't think," she said. Harry nodded and squeezed her hand back. She knew Harry would always accept her at her word. It was what made him so great. And added to her feelings toward him. Feelings that had been changing since that ride on Buckbeak they had together. But then, Harry would never see her like that. So she kept those thoughts to herself.
When the Veela took the pitch to perform the pre-game mascot show Hermione got her first view of what the allure could do to people. Ron was tearing up his hat and trying to climb over the banister. Fred and George were flexing their muscles. Percy was puffing his chest out and if he was a peacock Hermione would have said he was preening. Bill and Charlie were also going out of their way to impress the Veela. Arthur, though, was calm. In fact he was holding Ron back with help from Ginny. She looked over to the other side of the box to see that Lucius and Draco, along with the Minister, were all trying to get to the Veela too. Narcissa Malfoy looked ready to kill her husband and son. The Bulgarian minister caught her eye and shrugged before winking and smiling at her. "They are fun to rile," he mouthed.
She smiled back at him before looking at Harry who was watching them through his omnioculars. She was actually dreading his reaction. Harry stood and went to tear at his rosette that was pinned to his shirt when Hermione placed her hand on his. Harry looked at her and she shook her head, pulling him back to his seat. "Did I do something wrong?" He asked. "You look sad."
"No Harry you didn't do anything," she said.
Harry, though a little dense, knew that something was wrong and it had something to do with his behavior, "Hermione what did I do wrong? Please tell me. I can fix it."
Looking into those green eyes that were filled with worry for her Hermione was feeling her resolve start to vanish. She took a deep breath, "I'll tell you when we have some privacy. Just the two of us." Harry nodded his head in agreement. He could wait until she was ready to tell him.
To Harry's frustration he and Hermione weren't alone together from the World Cup match to them boarding the train to Hogwarts. And then they were joined by others and Harry was again left not knowing what was wrong with Hermione. Hermione, meanwhile, was relieved that she had extra time to read the book. She'd read it three times in the previous weeks. Thanks to the book she understood the changes that were upcoming in eighteen days. And she understood that it was going to be difficult for her. But the time spent reading and digesting this knowledge, and coming to understand that sudden bouts of anger that push a woman into physical altercations was the sign of a Veela, as was the ability of other Veela to spot one of their own, mature or otherwise, had her ready to plan more about what she would do. Unintentionally blasting her allure was a concern. She just hoped she could control it. She wouldn't know until her birthday.
Her more imminent fears had to do with telling Harry. How would he react? Would he even want to be her friend anymore? And there had been a part of the book about mating…Veela could be with anyone they wanted and that worried her. She was well aware that she had a deep crush on Harry but unlike other girls hers was built on their friendship. Subconsciously she might end up blasting her allure toward Harry and causing all kinds of problems, including robbing him of his free will. That would kill her to do.
Harry was determined to get Hermione alone and finally managed it once they were in the castle. Unseen by their friends Harry dragged her into a broomcloset and instinctively Hermione put up the locking and silencing charms as he spoke, "Talk."
She sighed, "Harry it's…it's a rather big thing."
Seeing that she was upset Harry softened and pulled her into a hug, "Hermione you're my very best friend. Nothing can change that."
"I'm a Veela," she whispered.
Harry didn't relinquish his hold. It felt like she was testing him by confessing this and so he wanted to prove himself. "Are you sure? I mean, you don't do things like those Veela at the cup," Harry said.
"Veela come into their powers at fifteen," she answered. "So on my birthday…"
"Your powers manifest," he finished. "Well I don't care Hermione. You're still you."
"But think about the others like Ron! Veela can't control their allure at first. They have to learn how to do it and I'm in a school with half the population being male!" That was a problem, Harry admitted. Still, he let her keep going. She seemed like she needed to vent. "And worse what if my allure is used to get the attention of the boy I like? What if he only likes me because of the Veela? What if…"
Harry shushed her, "Well I don't know about who this mystery guy is but liking you for you has never been hard for me. If he's a complete idiot then maybe he will but if he's at least as smart as me then he'll still see you."
"Harry, I…"
"I was going to not ask this until I had worked up the courage to be rejected but I reckon I should ask it now since there's a timeline and I want no misunderstandings. Hermione I really like you and I like hugging you and you're the only person I willingly hug and I was hoping that maybe you might…well…will you be my girlfriend?"
Of all the ways their conversation had gone in her head, this question had never made an appearance. Rejection, disgust, acceptance, and assistance had all made an appearance. Harry being interested in her was shocking but incredibly exciting. She might be nervous about coming into her Veela-ness but with Harry by her side she knew she could do it. "Yes!" She kissed him and Harry returned the kiss, his hands moving to her waist as her arms slid around his neck.
They exited the broomcloset holding hands and smiling as they made their way into the Great Hall as all the students were still entering. Harry leaned in and whispered, "If you're worried about controlling your allure I bet we could round up some guinea pigs to test your control over it. The twins and Neville would help."
She smiled and leaned against him. Harry slid his arm around her waist, "There's other stuff I have to tell you," she whispered.
"I'm always happy to listen."
Content for now Hermione sat down at the table with Harry. It was not surprising that Ron didn't save them seats. Food was Ron's first and deepest love. They sat down opposite the twins who smirked, "Well Georgie it looks like there's a new couple in Gryffindor."
"Krum transferred in and is dating Ronnikins?" George asked.
Harry and Hermione laughed at that. Fred rolled his eyes in mock annoyance, "No my less intelligent twin. A certain Miss Granger and a certain Mr. Potter."
George seemed to have an epiphany as he gazed at them, "Oh! Congratulations you two."
"Thanks George," Harry said, "I'm just glad Hermione thinks I'm worthy of being her boyfriend."
"Well you don't have much competition. Ronnikins is still heartbroken over Krum," Fred said.
Hermione laughed and leaned into Harry, "Do you think Ron will write him letters?"
"I can just hear his efforts at being a big fan coming off as amorous fanboy," George said before trying to imitate Ron's voice, "I would love to go for a ride on your broomstick!"
"I'm happy to polish your wand! Or we could polish our wands together!" Fred cut in.
Harry wasn't about to be left out, "Do you have any special techniques for gripping your broom?"
The twins fell all over themselves laughing until Hermione stepped in, "Oh Viktor I'd love to carry your balls and polish them!" All four dissolved into laughing fits.
Ginny, who had heard their conversation, was laughing so hard she was crying. She wasn't upset about Harry and Hermione being a couple. She liked Hermione and it was obvious that she and Harry were meant for each other. She'd be happy to defend them. Gryffindors stuck together.
The Sorting was good, Harry and the others cheering for the new Gryffindors. And dinner was as always excellent. The announcement of no quidditch had ruined the meal but they'd all been interested in the Tri-Wizard Tournament. Once they were in the common room Harry stood up on a table, "Oi everyone!"
The house turned and stared at him, "Look I know that Gryffindors stand together so I just have to say this. Hermione and I are now dating and I'm sure that some people will want to give us problems or spread lies about Hermione. Anything like that happens and I'm personally taking offense and going after the person starting it. Which is probably better for anyone trying it since Hermione's more vindictive than I am," he said. "That's all I have to say." He hopped down off the table and kissed Hermione only to receive applause from every corner of the common room save for one redhead.
One fuming redhead who was about to do something rash when he found himself being dragged to a corner by three other redheads, "I swear Ron if you think for a minute Harry or Hermione will tolerate you saying anything negative about either of them you're mistaken."
"But she's supposed to be mine!"
Fred, Ginny, and George all exchanged confused glances before Fred spoke, "Ron, you're consistently rude to her and quick to pick on her for her studious nature when she's saved your hide in class plenty of times. You're unappreciative, rude, ignorant, and have a bad temper. That is not something girls go for."
"And besides Hermione and Harry are really good together," Ginny said. "You're supposed to be happy for your friends. Otherwise one day you're not going to have any friends Ron." The three redheads went over to talk to the couple and left Ron alone. Ginny hugged Hermione and told her she'd definitely be supportive of their relationship.
When Harry went to bed that night he was quite aware that Ron hadn't said a word all night. He was rather relieved. Dean and Seamus decided Harry was a hero for having the courage to finally ask a girl out and were asking for tips. Harry just rolled his eyes while Neville laughed at the scene. Harry had to begrudgingly admit that he rather liked being popular for asking Hermione out instead of killing Voldemort. At least this he'd actually done and done under his own power.
Harry entered the common room the next morning to see Hermione sitting by the fire. He smiled and walked over, kissing her gently, "Good morning beautiful."
She smiled and shifted so he could sit next to her on the sofa. "I have something else to tell you," she said. Since they were alone in the common room she quietly whispered, "Harry when Veela come into their powers the desire to…to mate can be overwhelming."
Harry frowned in confusion. Hermione sighed. Boys could be so dense. "Sex, Harry. I'm talking about an intense sex drive."
"Oh…Oh!" Harry's eyes widened, "Well if you need to I mean of course I would want to I mean…I'm not good at this," he hung his head.
Hermione cupped his cheek, "I want it clear. There is no one I would want to be with more than you. But I also understand our relationship is new and so it's not as easy to talk about it. Plus our age. But the good news is Veela don't get pregnant until they're in their thirties."
Not risking having a baby was a very good thing, to Harry's mind. He sighed in relief, "Look Hermione if the alternative hurts you you know I'd do anything to help you." Hermione smiled and Harry continued, "I've never really been shown love before but I wouldn't have asked you out on a whim anyway. I take us seriously. Maybe it's too soon but I can see us getting married one day. And I am, after all, a teenage boy. We'll make it work."
She smiled and leaned in to kiss Harry again, "And you said you're not good at this. Each time we talk about this you leave me feeling better about things." Harry grinned in response. Maybe this dating thing wasn't so hard after all. Why were other boys so scared?
In the days leading up to Hermione's birthday Harry set up two dates. The first was in the kitchens after Fred and George told him how to get through the portrait and the second Ginny and Neville helped him set up by arranging a picnic along the Black Lake for them as a surprise for Hermione. She enjoyed both dates and they snogged frequently in broomclosets.
Gryffindor had decided en masse to support their relationship. Harry was glad because this meant Hermione being a Veela, or becoming one (he wasn't sure how to describe it properly), the lions all would still have their backs. At least he hoped they would. The only person who wasn't supportive was Ron. He glared at them quite a bit and sniped at them, insulting one or both of them every chance he had. According to the other three Weasleys Ron wrote home for sympathy from his mother but instead he found that his parents were quite happy for Harry and Hermione. That had served to only make him even more bitter and angry. He could often be found mumbling that 'Potter has everything I want.'
Studying without Ron led Harry to realize he wasn't the dunderhead Snape accused him of being. And with Hermione's reward system, snogs for good grades, his grades were off to an excellent start this term.
Chapter 2
When Hermione woke on her fifteenth birthday she went in to shower and noticed immediate changes. Her breasts were fuller, her waist trimmer, and her hair had gone from bushy to simply kinky. Her hair was far more tolerable and easier to control. Her front teeth had shrunk as well and she smiled. That was one change she wholeheartedly approved of. And she was sure that Harry would like the changes. She cast the depilatory charm on the body parts she tended to keep free of hair and then got dressed for the day. Her birthday had fallen on a weekend this year and she was quite pleased. When she returned to her bed she noticed a vase of roses on her end table, "That elf with the sock on his foot left them there," Lavender said. "It's so sweet that Harry does things like that for you."
"You definitely have the best guy in our year," Parvati agreed before going into the bathroom for her turn. There were multiple shower stalls and toilets but the girls had decided early on to just go in turns unless they were in a hurry or it was an emergency. Privacy was hard to come by at Hogwarts and greatly treasured when it was found.
Hermione opened the card to read a note from Harry:
Hermione,
Happy Birthday! I can't wait to spend today with you.
I love you so much Hermione. I'm so lucky to be your boyfriend.
Love,
Harry
P.S. I paid Dobby for the roses. Neville says red roses mean love and beauty and you are the most beautiful girl I know and I love you.
Hermione smiled at the card and hurried out of their dorm to see Harry downstairs, shifting on his feet nervously. He looked up apprehensively and she jumped into his arms, kissing him passionately. When they parted he cupped her cheek, "Happy birthday love. Did you like the flowers?"
She rolled her eyes and kissed him again before he sat her down, "Harry even you aren't that dense."
He grinned and kissed her again, "Come on I've got a reservation of breakfast for two."
They ended up on the seventh floor with Harry pacing in front of a tapestry that had dancing trolls in tutus on it. When a door appeared he offered her his hand, "Dobby told me about it. No one can get in here if we want privacy."
They entered the room to see the beach and the ocean, "Harry," she gasped, "it's…"
"I asked Lavender and she said that one of your bedside pictures is of a beach that you said your parents go to visit every summer. Since you couldn't go this summer I thought you could have your birthday there, sort of. Ginny, Neville, and the twins know we're going to be gone for most of the day so they can run interference if anyone asks. This room will create anything we want or need."
Hermione kissed him again, "This is amazing Harry. I love it. Thank you so much."
"I'm glad you like it. Today is all about my girlfriend. I like your hair," he added, "it's different today."
"I woke up and it wasn't a bushy mess anymore," she said, taking off her shoes and socks. "There are other changes too," she added.
"Your waist is narrower," he nodded, "I felt it when you leaped onto me."
"My breasts are larger too," she sat down on the blanket that was stretched out on the sand, "this is so incredible Harry."
"I'm glad you approve," he took off his shoes and socks and walked across the beach to join her. "Dobby was paid 5 galleons for today. He wanted to do it for one galleon but I got him to think if he took less than 5 I'd be offended."
She smiled as the picnic basket appeared. Inside were croissants, crepes, fruits, and a thermos of her favorite tea. "How did you…"
"Well the beach is French and I know a little bit. And what kind of boyfriend would I be if I didn't know your favorite tea?"
She kissed him again, "Will you tell me if you begin to feel my allure? The book said that I will release it accidentally at first. And I was hoping you'd let me try to blast you with it to see if I can control it in that way."
"Of course Hermione," he promised.
They had a quiet meal together before going for a walk along the beach. Hermione kissed him and stepped away before closing her eyes to try and feel it. She'd reread the book's passages the night before about using your allure as a weapon and as something to protect yourself. She opened her eyes to look at Harry before willing the allure out. Harry's eyes immediately glazed over and his mouth dropped open. She immediately stopped and rushed over to him, "Harry? Harry! I'm so sorry Harry!"
He shook his head and blinked alot before sitting down with help from his girlfriend, "That's a good weapon. I couldn't have a coherent thought at all."
"I'm sorry. Are you okay?"
"Yeah as soon as you stopped it was like my brain kickstarted again," he leaned in to kiss her, "You could kiss me to make it better." Normally she'd roll her eyes but this time Hermione merely did as he asked, kissing him.
After quite the snog Harry let her try again to this time cast the allure in a more controlled manner. Harry was incredibly impressed to see that Hermione this time was able to use it to entice him rather than render him catatonic. "Is it normal to do that so quickly?"
"The book said that some Veela control it easier than others. It depends on your ability to focus."
"Huh," Harry said. "It seems like you can control it when you use it."
"Accidental blasts are the concern," Hermione said. "Using it when I feel threatened without meaning to; like a skunk sprays to frighten off invaders."
"Rather be blasted by you than a skunk," Harry smiled.
She smiled and kissed him, "I worry about the desire to mate the most."
"If you need me I'm there," Harry promised.
Hermione pulled him back to the blanket for a very enjoyable snog. Seeing what the full blast of Veela allure could do was important. She decided to see about using a little bit, "Harry? I'm going to let a little bit of it out. I want you to be honest with me about how you feel. And if you don't want me to that's fine. I won't be upset."
"Go ahead," he said before kissing her again. Hermione closed her eyes as they kissed and released some of the allure. It was like her magic. It was within her and she merely had to will it out. This was more like a trickle. Harry moaned into her mouth and she felt him get an erection. She increased the allure a little more and Harry's mouth moved to her neck, sucking and gently nibbling her.
Hermione stopped the allure and pulled him back up for a kiss, "I love you so much Harry," she whispered.
"I love you too," he said, gazing into her eyes, "Hermione…I love you for you. I don't care about your allure or anything. You're the brilliant occasional rulebreaker who always has my back. Thank you for letting me have yours."
She pulled him in for a kiss and the couple kissed gently and sweetly before they felt magic swirling around them (1). When they parted Harry stared at her before smiling, "Whatever that was, it felt amazing and pure. I definitely felt the allure at first but then I didn't feel anything."
Hermione gazed at Harry, "You didn't?"
He shook his head, "Try to hit me with it again," he suggested.
She focused and felt the allure leave her body. Harry didn't seem to react. His pupils didn't dilate, his heart rate didn't increase, and Harry had full control. She increased it and he didn't react either. Hermione stopped it and pulled out her shrunken book. She flipped to a passage and read it quickly. "Hermione?" Harry asked.
"True love negates the allure unless it's on full blast." (2)
Harry sat up, "So I'm immune now? That's cool."
She kissed him again, "I'm glad you're immune." The kiss that followed was sweet. "So what else do you have planned for my birthday?"
Playing on the beach was a part of Harry's birthday present to her. They built sandcastles, kicked a football back and forth, and simply lay on the beach together. Harry was having plenty of fun and Hermione loved that she could forget about everything. When it was time for lunch Dobby brought fish and chips and butterbeer. She was quite pleased with the spread and they sat and ate their lunches together.
Harry was pretty sure it was the best day of his life. After lunch they put on swimsuits (Harry trying not to stare at his girlfriend but finding it impossible) and then played in the ocean together, Harry picking her up and dumping her into the water only to then be chased through the sand until she pounced on him and he fell into the water with his girlfriend on top of him. "Don't do that Harry," she scolded, though her eyes were alight with joy.
"I don't know, it gets you rubbing against me and I'm a big fan of that," he smiled. He leaned up for a kiss and was rewarded with her lips on his. Harry moaned into the kiss and picked her up, standing and wishing for a bed or something to avoid sand getting in places that were hard to clean. A bed appeared nearby, looking surprisingly at home on the beach with its white sheets and pillow and the cabana around it. Harry fell into the bed with Hermione who was rather relieved that the bed was there. While she hadn't said anything to Harry about it today, ever since she saw him that morning she'd wanted to shag him rotten. It was something she could hold back thus far but it didn't stop her from wanting it more than she'd ever wanted anything, including a book.
Harry, meanwhile, was rather certain she'd been feeling amorous today. Her actions toward him showed it though he could see that she was controlling herself. He'd had some time to think about it over the past two and a half weeks. He loved Hermione. And he had had many a sexual dream about her the past two years. Taking their relationship to that next level didn't seem so bad; he'd sent a letter to Sirius about his nervousness being with Hermione (and telling him about her being a Veela with her permission) and Sirius had had Remus send him a book about anatomy and sex. He hadn't told Hermione about that but had devoured the book. Harry's hands slid under her bathing suit top to grasp her breasts gently. Her back arched and he slid his hands around her back to untie her bikini top.
Hermione pushed up so that she was sitting upright, "Harry are you sure?"
"Hermione as soon as I saw you in that swimsuit I knew that I wanted you. Now granted you look like a goddess and I'm a scrawny, too-thin teenager but if you want me that's enough for me to believe I'm good enough for you."
She smiled and pulled the top over her head and tossed it aside. Harry gazed at her chest. Hermione's clothes didn't tend to highlight her body. Harry was of the opinion that they should. She looked amazing. "Wow," he breathed. Harry's hands were gentle as he explored the newly revealed parts of Hermione's body. His right hand was soon replaced with his mouth and Hermione moaned and arched against him. Harry's tongue circled her nipple before he gently sucked on it. Once it was hardened he moved to the other breast, groaning when Hermione's hand went into his trunks. "Hermione," he gasped as he detached from her breast, "I love you."
"I love you too," she said. "So you like them?"
He kissed her, "What do you think?" Hermione kissed him again and they fell back on the bed, their mouths connected once more.
They woke when Dobby alerted them that it was dinnertime. Harry watched Hermione stretch and sit up. Over the past few hours he'd learned a few things. First, sex was absolutely incredible. Second, Hermione's passion for books and learning was most definitely a good thing. Third, Hermione was a wildcat in bed. And finally, he learned that he himself was more than capable of multiple orgasms. Four, actually. And he'd made sure Hermione had five. In his letters Sirius had pointed out that it was imperative that he make sure Hermione had an orgasm as well and Harry had taken that to heart. "I think I'll be sore tomorrow," Hermione said, leaning down to kiss him, "but it was definitely worth it."
Harry grinned goofily at her as his eyes raked over her body, "That was absolutely incredible Hermione. Where did you learn that stuff?"
"I have a few books you can borrow Harry," she kissed him, "three are muggle books but two are wizarding books. They are quite inspirational."
"I'll say," he sat up and stretched, "Want to take a shower together?" Hermione nodded and he took her hand as they walked to the shower stall that had magically appeared in the room at his words.
After their shower they redressed in their clothes and walked down to dinner in the Great Hall. Ginny and the twins wished her a happy birthday and Hermione thanked them, "So what was your super secret surprise that Harry was so proud of?"
"It was too magical to talk about," she smiled. Harry had a shit-eating grin on his face but kept his mouth shut about what they'd done.
"You get your present tonight," he said as they put food on their plates.
"You mean all that you've done today wasn't my present?"
"Well I guess it was part of your present," he tilted his head in thought, "but it's not your full present. I bought you a gift too. Snuffles told me that boyfriends have to take their girlfriends' birthdays seriously to show them how much they appreciate them and make up for any negative things we might do."
"I never thought I'd think that a Marauder would be a good role model for you," Hermione muttered. Harry heard her and chuckled.
Ron was sitting alone. Their other yearmates were all big supporters of Harry and Hermione's relationship; Hermione's dormmates thought it was incredibly romantic and that Harry was such an impressive boyfriend while Harry's dormmates had all at one point or another asked Hermione for help with school and Harry would offer them 'tips' on girls. So with the others firmly on Harry and Hermione's side Ron found himself friendless and alone. He glanced over at them and suddenly noticed that Hermione was hot (3). Obviously she was now worthy of Ron and was his for the taking. He got up, ignoring the crumbs all over the front of his shirt, and walked over to her, "Well Herms you're finally up to my standards. I'll take you to Hogsmeade."
Everyone within earshot looked at Ron incredulously. Hermione looked at Harry, both confused and concerned that her allure might be releasing without her knowledge, and Harry was looking incredibly pissed off. Dean, who was sitting next to Harry, held him down on the seat with Hermione holding Harry's other side while Ginny and Neville stood up and moved between Ron and the couple, "Ron you're an idiot," Ginny said. "First of all, Hermione is dating Harry. Second, Harry is a much better choice than you. And third, both can hex you into oblivion and I doubt anyone in Gryffindor house would turn them in."
"We'd probably all help them hex you," Neville cut in. "Now go sit down before Harry decides he wants to knock some sense into you with his fists."
"Or Hermione draws her wand," Ginny added.
Ron glared at them, "Fine but this was her chance to be with a realwizard."
"Harry gets better grades than you and he's taken down You-Know-Who and a basilisk," Fred said. "How do you compare to that?"
"Not to mention Harry is handsome, well-mannered, and treats Hermione like a girl should be treated," Lavender added.
"You're none of those things," Parvati nodded.
Ron opened his mouth to argue but Harry cut him off, "You are the reason, Ronald, that Hermione nearly died in our first year. You wouldn't have even gone to find her if it weren't for me dragging you along. Second year you never visited her once while she was petrified. And last year you wouldn't talk to her because of my broomstick and your stupid rat that was a Death Eater in disguise. I've forgiven you for things before but I'll never forgive you for those. You never once apologized for any of them. Not to her. Me you give half-ass apologies to; so just bugger off Ron. We're not friends anymore; haven't been since Hermione and I became a couple."
Hermione slid her arms around Harry to calm him down and he relaxed under her touch. Ron stormed off muttering about traitors and choosing girls over best mates. "Ron's really been a git to me over the years," she said.
"Just seems to be the same or worse each year," Harry said. "I'm done tolerating it. I kept thinking he'd finally mature but this proves he hasn't."
One thing concerned Hermione, "Harry what if I…"
"No one else reacted," Harry said. "Maybe he finally saw what I've noticed for a long while; you're gorgeous." Fred and George were quite curious now. The pair were talking about something and it sounded highly suspicious and secretive. The Weasley twins loved secrets. And whatever it was it was incredibly important given the way the couple was looking at each other.
Back in the common room after dinner they threw a small party to celebrate Hermione's birthday while the twins watched them closely to try and work out the secret. They couldn't work out what their secret could be as the night wore on, though. Whatever it was the couple was keeping a tight lid on it. "Why do you two keep watching us?" Hermione asked.
"Are we?" Fred asked.
"Yes you are," Harry answered.
"We heard you two talking at dinner and you were being so secretive that we wondered what was going on," George said, nudging his brother in the ribs. "Just curiosity."
Harry looked at the twins as if trying to judge their honesty. Hermione whispered into his ear and he nodded in agreement. "If you promise not to tell anyone, we'll tell you," she said. "And if you swear not to tell we'll tell you who the Marauders are."
"You know who they are?"
"Hermione we'll do anything for you if you tell us that!" Harry grinned. It was smart of Hermione to hold that over them. The boys were crazy about the Marauders. Now they just needed some privacy to tell them about it.
The twins pouted for the next two hours before Hermione and Harry exited the common room and they, along with Ginny, followed after them. They didn't want to use the Room of Requirement, since that was their little love nest, so they found an old classroom and cast privacy charms. "The secret is pretty big and I hope you don't think any different of me afterwards," Hermione began. Harry protectively wrapped his arms around his lover.
"What is it Hermione?" Ginny asked. The seriousness of her tone even calmed the giddy twins down, both concerned for the brilliant witch.
Harry kissed her neck to reassure her and she said, "I'm a Veela. I didn't know about it until the Cup when I met a Bulgarian Veela who told me everything and gave me a book about Veela. And this morning…well we come into our sexual maturity at fifteen."
Harry kissed her neck again, "Hermione can now use the allure that Veela have. And I'm immune to her allure. True love," he added by way of explanation.
She smiled at his words. "They say Veela have accidental outbursts at first. It's like accidental magic when we're little."
George was always the quicker of the two twins, "So that's what you meant at dinner. When Ron was acting like a git you were worried you blasted the allure and that's why Harry said no one else was affected so you couldn't have," he said.
The couple nodded. "And that's why your hair and teeth are different today," Ginny said only to receive more nodding. "Well I don't care Hermione. You're still you. And it's cool how you being a Veela is how you and Harry realized that your love is true love."
Harry smiled at Ginny, grateful for her support. Hermione had few female friends and he didn't want her to lose the few she had. And while Ron was a git Harry liked the rest of the Weasleys. The twins nodded, "If we start to feel your allure we'll let you know," Fred said.
Hermione smiled, "Well then, to insure your silence Harry's father was Prongs, Remus Lupin was Moony, Peter Pettigrew the traitor was Wormtail and Padfoot was Sirius Black, Harry's innocent but in hiding godfather." The boys were bouncing with the news and decided to write to Remus and Sirius right away about the business they wanted to create.
The three Weasleys walked back to Gryffindor tower while Harry and Hermione snuck back up to the Room of Requirements. Harry was wondering if he was just a teenage boy or if Hermione and he had some kind of connection; a single look and they were both ready to tear each other's clothes off.
In Riddle Manor the creepy baby figure that was Voldemort screamed in pain. "WHAT IS GOING ON?!" Pettigrew trembled as his master writhed in agony for the second time that day. "POTTER I'LL KILL YOU YOU- ARGH‼!"
"M-Master how do you know it is Potter?"
"That AHHH! Blasted sc-ARRRRRR! We're…AHHH! Connected someh-OWWWWW!" Pettigrew could do nothing but sit and watch as his master suffered through the night.
Chapter 3
When Hermione woke the next morning it was to see Harry asleep with a wide smile on his face. She had to admit, being a Veela had perks. Losing her virginity hadn't hurt her at all and while she was a bit sore she wouldn't be walking funny like she would have been otherwise. She leaned over to kiss Harry gently on the lips. His smile grew when she pulled back and he stretched as he opened his eyes, "Good morning love," he said.
"It certainly is," she smiled. "Do you think we'll get in trouble for not staying in the dorm?"
"We have the cloak and the map," he said, "and the portraits can't tell on us if they don't see us."
"Then how do we get back each morning?"
Harry was delighted Hermione wanted this sleeping arrangement to be permanent. He without a doubt did too but to hear her say what she had was fantastic. He shifted to lie on his side and face her, "Well we can use the cloak or we can ask for a little help from a friend of mine."
"I suppose that will work," she admitted. She moved closer to him and a seductive smile appeared on her lips, "Why Harry I do believe you're trying to tell me something."
"Maybe a little bit," he grinned. "I think you should forget having pajamas."
"You too," she said before their conversation ceased and they again became lost in each other.
Dobby took them back to their dorm rooms to get ready for the morning. Neither teen believed that they could get ready together without falling back into bed. Hermione got cleaned up and ready for classes and walked downstairs to the common room to see Harry waiting for her, "Do you like the new bag?"
"Yes," she kissed him gently, "thank you Harry." His birthday present to her had been a dragonhide bag that was indestructible and could hold all of the books she put in it without weighing more than three pounds. It was a great gift, she had to admit. And easier on her back and shoulders. Harry grinned and they walked down to breakfast together hand in hand.
The rest of September and most of October passed with no real excitement. Harry insisted that on their first Hogsmeade weekend he'd buy a new wardrobe only if Hermione did too, pointing out that she was incredibly sexy and at the very least some bikinis and lingerie were on order. Hermione protested but he insisted on paying for it. Begrudgingly she accepted. She wrote home to tell her parents she was dating Harry but left out her being a Veela. That required a face-to-face explanation.
The approaching tournament made Hermione nervous though. Bad things always happened to Harry on Halloween. She had only tried praying to Apollo once but on the night before Halloween, before she met Harry to go up to their room, she got down and removed the pendant from under her shirt, holding it as she prayed to Apollo, "I have accepted and come to enjoy being a Veela. But if I lost Harry I don't see how I could go on. Please, don't let him be entered into the tournament. We have already had pressure put upon us. We both just want to have one easy year. Please, oh mighty Apollo, spare my Harry from being forced into this tournament somehow."
Apollo loved his Veela. And hearing the words of one Veela who was concerned for her mate spurred him to action. In the dead of night he appeared on Earth and waved his hand at the scrap of paper which said 'Harry Potter' on it. The name changed into something else and he smiled before returning to Olympus. His Veela would be happy. He liked it when they were happy.
Voldemort had been miserable ever since Hermione's birthday. Not that he knew it was her birthday. For him it was just the day he'd begun to suffer through pain worse than the Cruciatus curse. And worse, it was joy. He was suffering through love and joy that Harry was feeling as he and some girl went at it like rabbits. While he was probably more than a little crazy now (splitting your soul does not keep you sane after all) he was still smart. He worked out that Potter was a horcrux. And then he realized that that blasted prophecy probably referred to the horcrux even if he didn't know all of it. Getting Potter to not be a horcrux was now a priority. When he wasn't writhing in pain he worked out a potion and instructed Wormtail to make it and get it to Crouch. Potter would have to drink it but once he was free Voldemort could rest easy.
Harry woke on Halloween certain it would be the best Halloween he'd ever had. He was with Hermione and they'd woke up in bed together as was the normal way things went. He turned and kissed her, "Good morning love."
She smiled and returned the kiss, "Good morning handsome." He grinned. "I'm assuming by your smile that you're happy?"
"Always happy to have my girlfriend in my arms," he said. "Want to shower together?"
"I suppose I could manage that," she teased, her hand moving down Harry's chest. She didn't understand why he thought he wasn't attractive. All the twists and turns and dives he went through on his broomstick had led to a very fit body. Granted he wasn't muscular but she didn't mind that.
Their shower was certainly longer than necessary but they both exited feeling quite pleased and content. The pair decided to spend part of the day working on homework so that they'd have the rest of the day free. They worked on their homework with the other boys in Harry's dorm (minus Ron) in the library before going to see who was entering the tournament. Ginny smiled and made room. Harry and Hermione sat next to her while the boys sat across from them, "Cedric Diggory entered. So did Bode and Angelina Johnson."
"Any Claws?" Seamus asked.
"Roger Davies," Ginny said. "And of course Krum entered along with everyone who came with the other two schools."
"Hopefully Angelina gets it," Harry said, "but how many people do you think entered last night when no one was around? Seems like the right time."
"Well the cup chooses so if you don't get chosen it's not a negative thing," Hermione said.
"Yeah but with all these people around? It'd be nervewracking to enter."
"Harry, love, other people aren't afraid of fame or hate it like you do," she said, kissing him on the cheek.
Ginny snickered at Harry's blush from being obviously read by Hermione. Dean and Seamus joined her in laughing at their friend's discomfort. Harry was pretty great but he was obviously not a fan of his fame. They all ate lunch before Harry went flying on the Quidditch pitch. Hermione took a book to read while he flew.
When Harry landed he kissed Hermione and headed into the lockerrooms to see Professor Moody there, "Nice flying there Mr. Potter."
"Thanks sir."
"Your father was good on a broom too," he said.
Harry nodded, "I've heard that before. Professor McGonagall says he was really good. Do you know what position he played?"
"He was a chaser I believe," Moody said. "You've looked tired lately Potter. Not getting much sleep?"
Harry fought to keep the smile off his face, "No sir not particularly."
"This is a potion we Aurors take. It's a specialized Pepper-Up Potion that keeps you up longer and helps you sleep easier when you finally go to sleep."
Harry accepted the vial, "Thank you sir."
"Your father would be proud of the way you handle that broom," Moody said as he walked away. His master would be pleased with how he handled that.
Harry drank the potion and took a shower before exiting to find Hermione waiting near the changing room doors, "Miss me?"
"Yes," she kissed him, "You okay?"
He nodded before frowning. "Actually, I'm pretty hungry."
Hermione looked at him curiously. "Harry you don't look well."
"Just hungry I reckon," he said, taking a few steps before leaning against the wall. "My head really hurts."
His scar suddenly burst open and Hermione caught Harry as he passed out. She watched black goo drip down Harry's face and green mist exit his scar. Hermione helped Harry lie down, "Dobby!"
The elf appeared, "Harry Potter sir is hurt! What can Dobby does?"
"Get us to Madame Pomfrey," Hermione said. The elf took hold of them both and they appeared in the hospital wing. "Madame Pomfrey! Something's wrong with Harry!"
The mediwitch appeared and levitated the teen to a bed before running tests on his scar with her wand. "Whatever it was, Miss Granger, Mr. Potter is showing up as being perfectly healthy."
Hermione watched the mediwitch cast spells to banish the black goo that looked to be as thick as tar and magically healed Harry's scar which looked much lighter now, "Could a dark curse have been in the scar?"
Pomfrey looked at the young man, "It is possible. Perhaps Mr. Potter unknowingly expelled it. It would be quite taxing."
Satisfied with this theory, and glad that Harry looked healthier, Hermione kissed him gently and watched him wake, "I like waking up to a kiss from you."
"You worried me. Do you feel okay?"
"Well I'm hungry but other than that I'm fine." Hermione shook her head. Boys could be so ridiculous. With Pomfrey giving them the all-clear they walked down to the Great Hall. It was nearly dinner time and the announcements were approaching.
Hermione didn't see any point in bringing up what had happened to Harry. He seemed fine and happy. That was all that mattered. They ate dinner with their friends and Harry seemed happier than any Halloween before. After dinner it was time for the announcement of the Champions. Dumbledore rose, "The Goblet of Fire will now make the choices for the Champions. Once your name is announced please enter the side chamber. For Durmstrang," the fire turned green and spit out a paper which the headmaster caught easily, "Viktor Krum!" There was applause from almost all the tables. Ron could be seen clapping loudly and whistling.
"Viktor and Ronnie sitting in a tree, k-i-s-s-i-n-g," Harry sang to Hermione who laughed.
"The Beauxbatons Champion is," another paper flew out, "Fleur Delacour!" There was plenty of applause but it was noteworthy how angry the rest of the French contingent looked.
"I wouldn't want to live in that carriage," Hermione said, the other girls at the table agreeing with her. She leaned into Harry, "Fleur is part-Veela," she whispered.
"You can tell?" She nodded in response. "Do you think she can tell?"
"Not sure," she admitted.
"The Hogwarts Champion is…Cedric Diggory!" Hufflepuff exploded in cheering. Harry winced at the volume and he wasn't alone. Ravenclaw and Slytherin students also had their hands over their ears. Cedric entered the chamber and Dumbledore spoke, "Now then this…" He was cut off by a paper flying out of the cup. Harry suddenly had a sense of foreboding and squeezed Hermione's hand. She returned the squeeze. Dumbledore caught the paper and read with some surprise, "Draco Malfoy."
The entire hall was silent. Hermione closed her eyes and offered a silent thank you to Apollo. He had looked out for her mate. Harry's grip relaxed and he leaned into her. The entire hall was staring at Draco Malfoy at present in surprise and, in Hufflepuff's case, anger. Dumbledore cleared his throat, "Draco Malfoy, please step into the chamber."
Draco Malfoy slowly rose and walked into the side chamber. Shortly after Dumbledore, the other headmasters, the ministry personnel, and Professors Moody and Snape followed. McGonagall excused the school and Harry and Hermione went up to the Room of Requirement.
Harry had just shut the door behind Hermione when he spoke, "I don't know how you did it, but thank you."
"For what Harry?"
"We both know that that parchment probably said Harry Potter. I'm always sucked into controversy or danger on Halloween. I don't know how you changed it but I'm thankful you did."
She smiled, "I might have sent a prayer to my patron asking him to protect my mate."
He scooped her up in a hug, "Thank you Hermione. Thank you, thank you, thank you!" He swung her around the room and she laughed at his joy. They exited the room and walked back toward the common room, stopping in a broomcloset along the way for a snog to explain their absence.
Draco Malfoy walked into the side room feeling confident. His father was a very important man. People fell all over themselves to do what he wanted. And that meant that Draco wouldn't have to compete if he didn't want to. But even better he could show off his pureblood abilities. The French girl asked, "What eez it? Do zhey want us to go back out?"
"My name came out of the goblet," he said, puffing his chest out.
Cedric, Viktor, and Fleur all looked at each other before Fleur spoke and gave Draco's ego its first hit of the night, "You? You are just a leetle boy! You cannot compete wiz us!"
Draco was about to argue when in came the headmasters, "Yes now then I daresay you three are aware of tonight's…irregularity."
Fleur turned to her headmistress, "Madame Maxime surely zis leetle boy cannot compete!"
"How does Hogwarts get two champions?" Karkaroff said.
"Eet is extremely unprecedented, Albus," Maxime nodded with her colleague. "I am of a mind to pull support from zis tournament altogezer!"
"They've all got to compete," Moody said. "Contract is binding. Lose their magic if they don't."
Draco ignored that. His father could do anything. "Mr. Malfoy did you ask an older student to put your name in the cup?"
"No," he scoffed. "As if I would do such a thing. When my father hears about how I'm being treated…"
Unseen by Draco Cedric and the other champions rolled their eyes. Draco was proving to be the spoiled brat he was and none of the three were eager to deal with that. Karkaroff was thinking to himself 'like father, like son,' which was a thought shared by Moody aka Barty Crouch Jr. Dumbledore shared those sentiments but kept his composure, "Mr. Malfoy's name has been submitted, somehow, and he must compete. All four must. Now as for you Champions you will receive no help from the staff but you have full access to the library and are excused from end of year exams. The first task will be at the end of November and I wish you all luck. You are now excused."
Draco left in a hurry but the other three exited the room and lingered. Cedric smiled sheepishly, "Sorry for him. He's a miserable prejudiced git according to the younger students in my house. He's always trying to start fights with Harry Potter and his girlfriend Hermione. Don't judge all of us by the actions of that prat."
Viktor nodded, "I vill try not to. I vill certainly not sit at his house table again. He vas obnoxious."
Fleur was pondering something, "Ees his father the minister of magic here?"
"No," Cedric shook his head.
"Zhen why was he bragging?"
"Well the Malfoys put alot of money towards the ministry," Cedric said, remembering his father's complaints about the amount of influence Lucius Malfoy had with Fudge.
"My fazzer is ze Minister of Magic of France but I do not brag…zis Malfoy ees very rude."
"He's a pureblood bigot," Cedric said.
Lucius Malfoy was sipping his evening firewhiskey when their owl arrived with a letter. He opened it to read:
Father,
I've somehow been entered in the Tri-wizard Tournament. Get me out of it. This French peasant called me a little boy. She should be punished. Make her suffer. Her name is Delacour.
Draco
Lucius rubbed his face. Draco had often whined that he wanted to be in Durmstrang; the truth was in Durmstrang he was certain that Draco would be smeared over the walls of that school. His son was all mouth with nothing to back it up and Durmstrang encouraged fighting in the halls. His grades the past three years were worse with each session. Draco complained that the teachers all favored the mudblood Hermione Granger but Lucius had asked Severus about it, who insisted that the girl was actually quite the intellectual. And that Draco was quite poor even in Potions where Lucius knew Severus showed favoritism. The fact that despite this favoritism the Granger girl still got an O in class and Draco got a P spoke volumes about his son's abilities magically. He took solace that they were better than the youngest Weasley son's at least.
And then there was Draco's treatment of his fellow students. Lucius had told Draco to try and befriend Potter. He'd then embarrassed himself in front of the lad in Malkin's shop. You didn't make friends by slandering someone's parents. Yet Draco blamed Potter for this as though the boy was to go around wearing an 'I am Harry Potter' t-shirt. And then there was how he treated Granger. She was Potter's best friend and now girlfriend according to Snape. Potter was very close to her and very protective. Draco did himself no favors in slandering the young woman every time she bested him or he saw her. According to Severus she was always happy to tutor other students and those she did had improved grades. She'd be a good teacher one day. Snape himself said that she possessed an inherent teaching ability and that Dumbledore and McGonagall had both spoken about hoping to catch her with an offer of an apprenticeship in any field she wanted after graduation. Even Severus had said that if the girl wanted a Potions mastery he'd happily take her under his wing. Lucius was well-aware Severus had never before had an apprentice and had once said he never would. That he thought the girl warranted such a title indicated just how good she really was.
When Draco had written home that Granger had punched him last year Lucius had saluted the girl's actions with a glass of firewhiskey. He'd often wanted to take his hand to his son but Narcissa would flay him alive if he did. Snape had secretly given the girl 10 house points for that. Draco Malfoy was, to his father, a large disappointment. Potter got a Nimbus 2000, Draco wanted a 2001. Potter got a Firebolt, Draco whined and complained that Potter only won because of his broom. Lucius remembered James Potter playing and according to Severus Harry Potter was even better on a broom. That admission cast doubt on Draco's words. Not that Lucius took his son at his word.
Now he was angry at a Delacour? Lucius was well-aware of who Fleur Delacour's father was. Claude Delacour was the Minister of Magic in France. He was a loving father who doted on his two daughters. The mere thought that Draco had already made an enemy of the girl was a reminder of his treatment of Potter before he knew his name.
As for the tournament…well Draco needed a healthy dose of humility. Plus the contact was binding. He'd inquired about the tournament that summer and the ministry had assured him that the contracts were unbreakable. The best question was how did Draco get entered? Lucius supposed that he could have asked someone older to enter his name. Actually he wouldn't put it past his son to do just that and then think better of it far too late.
Still the tournament would be dangerous. Perhaps he could offer Narcissa a divorce if she produced another heir for him? She'd happily take that. With a plan in mind Lucius finished off his firewhiskey and went to find his wife.
Chapter 4
The next day at breakfast Harry and Hermione arrived early to get good seats. They wanted to see how people reacted to Draco. Durmstrang entered and much to their surprise Viktor Krum sat down next to Harry, "You are Harry Potter and Hermy-own-knee yes?"
"Hermione Granger," Hermione automatically corrected. "Yes we are."
"Cedric says you no like blonde twit."
Harry choked on his tea. Hermione cleared his airways with her wand, "No we don't. He's quite rude and bigoted."
"Da. He vas very rude last night," Krum said. "I am Viktor Krum. Ees pleasure to meet you."
"Harry Potter," Harry said, shaking the offered hand, "Hermione's my girlfriend."
Hermione accepted Krum's hand as well, "It's very nice to meet you. We saw you play at the World Cup. Harry was impressed with your moves. He's a seeker too."
"Da? Maybe we go fly sometime yes?" Harry was surprised but accepted the offer. Hermione smiled. Then Krum spoke, "Do you mind if we sit here for meals?"
"Go right ahead," Hermione said.
Fleur Delacour entered and noticed Viktor sitting with two people. One who was a Veela. That meant that she knew that Fleur was part-Veela. Hmmm. Hogwarts was suddenly far more interesting. Fleur walked toward them, "Excusez moi. You are one oui?"
"Oui," Hermione said, "You are as well."
The blonde smiled, "I am Fleur Delacour. Eet ees a pleasure to meet you."
"I'm Hermione Granger. This is my boyfriend and mate Harry Potter." Fleur had to give the girl credit. She didn't dance around the bush and while it was said in a matter-of-fact tone there was no hidden anger or overprotectiveness. Fleur exchanged the traditional French greeting with Hermione, kissing both cheeks.
Harry returned the same having seen his lover do it. "Would you like to join us?"
Fleur nodded her head, "Oui, thank you."
"Has Malfoy insulted you yet?"
"I insulted him," Fleur smiled, "I called him a 'leetle boy' and that seemed to make him angry."
Harry and Hermione laughed. Harry collected himself to ask, "Did he threaten you with 'wait until my father hears about this'?"
"He did when your headmaster asked him eef he asked someone to enter his name."
"He threatened the headmaster," Hermione said. "I can actually see him doing that."
"Wonder what daddy dearest will do," Harry said. "The contract is binding right?"
"Oui. Our headmistress wished to leave but I 'ave to compete," Fleur said. Viktor nodded his agreement as he put some bacon on his plate. "'Ermione do you zink you could 'elp me wiz the library? I am sure eet is different zan ze one at 'ome."
"Sure," Hermione nodded.
Harry slid an arm around Hermione, "She practically lives in the library. She could probably tell you every book in it." Hermione blushed but smiled.
When the others came in the Gryffindors were surprised. The twins were eager to sit near Fleur but Ginny quickly flanked the other side of the blonde. The boys moved to the other side of the table since Krum was sitting on the end next to Harry. The couple introduced the two champions and Gryffindor immediately decided that if Hermione didn't have a problem with the beautiful blonde sitting near her boyfriend then they wouldn't either. Harry and Hermione kept her being a Veela pretty secret. Not out of shame but out of having people like Malfoy open their mouths. Hermione was pretty certain she'd end up killing some idiot by turning into a harpy if they knew and began to try to, pardon the pun, ruffle her feathers.
When Ron entered his eyes bugged out at Krum sitting at the Gryffindor table. Then he saw that he was sitting next to Harry and they were laughing about something and his jealousy flared. Potter had a girlfriend, was talking and laughing with THE Viktor Krum…and then Ron saw the beautiful blonde sitting between Hermione and Ginny. For the first time it occurred to him what not having Harry and Hermione as friends anymore cost him. He could have been over there right now. Maybe he could get close to them if he forgave them for becoming a couple.
The real sight was Draco Malfoy entering the hall. The Hufflepuff table all booed him and the Ravenclaws did too. Most of Gryffindor followed suit while the Slytherins remained silent. Draco sat down at the Slytherin table and saw Krum sitting with Potter. His glare narrowed. That French bitch was sitting and laughing with the mudblood. His father would take care of the disrespect she'd shown him last night. His family owl arrived and Draco read the letter:
Draco,
The contract is binding. You're in the tournament to the end. Make sure to do us proud. As for Ms. Delacour…her father is the French Minister of Magic. Don't you dare do anything to upset her. After Potter I thought you learned to be polite first but apparently I was wrong. Your mother and I will be up to view the first task in November. We look forward to seeing you do well.
Good luck,
Your father
Draco was incredulous. His father wasn't going to punish her? But she had mocked him! He looked at Pansy, "I have decided to compete."
"Why didn't you tell me you were entering Draco?" Pansy asked, sounding hurt.
The self-proclaimed blonde prince of Slytherin didn't like admitting he didn't know something. He decided to go on the attack, "You aren't exactly subtle Pansy."
Pansy's eyes narrowed. When she was little being betrothed to Draco Malfoy had seemed exciting. As she got older she realized Draco was a spoiled little whiner. Draco being in this tournament would probably be embarrassing. She didn't want to be his betrothed when he humiliated himself. After all, if her betrothed proved to be the idiot he was thought to be then she would be embarrassed and the subject of endless taunting. A trip to the owlery would be happening before lunch.
Harry went flying with Viktor that morning while Fleur and Hermione went to the library and talked. Harry was pretty surprised by the offer but greatly enjoyed flying over the quidditch pitch together. The twins threw golf balls for them to catch and Harry learned several things from the older boy. Harry was impressed with how easily Krum moved in the air given his bulk. It was a very informative morning, learning tips and tricks he'd never thought of before.
In the entrance hall as he re-entered the castle he found Hermione waiting for him. "Miss me?"
She tilted her head in thought before smiling, "I suppose I did. Sort of," she teased.
Harry gently kissed her, "I had fun. Did you?"
"Fleur is very interesting," she nodded. "I'm going to help her with her English and she'll help me with my French."
"I need a shower before lunch. Krum gave me some great advice," he slid his hand into hers as they walked back up to the tower together.
It was as they were exiting the tower to go to lunch that Ron stopped them, "I forgive you."
Harry and Hermione looked at each other, confused. "Forgive us for what?" Harry asked.
"For dating each other," Ron answered as though the answer was obvious. "So we can be friends again."
Hermione looked at Harry before speaking, "So let me understand this. You believe that we stopped being friends solely because you were mad at us for being a couple."
"Obviously. You're supposed to be smart Herms."
She bristled at that nickname and Harry pulled her to him, "Did you wonder if we forgave you?"
"For what? I'm the one who was wronged!"
Deciding to let Ron's desire to be the victim go, Harry pressed on, "You have been cruel and vicious to Hermione the past three years. You nearly cost her her life and you've never once apologized. You seem to enjoy sniping at us both lately and quite frankly, Ron, I've outgrown you. Hermione and I are a couple but you don't respect that. You instead saunter up like you're entitled to her and her feelings and mine are irrelevant. We aren't friends Ron. Not until you apologize to Hermione."
Ron's famous temper was flaring up, "For what?"
"Nearly getting her killed, being a git to her, bullying her into doing your homework," Harry began, "the list goes on. Oh and Ron, I'm well aware you only want to be friends because you heard I went flying with Viktor Krum today. Now then, I'm off to lunch with my girlfriend." With that Harry and Hermione walked down to the Great Hall, leaving a stunned Ron Weasley behind.
When they entered the Great Hall Parvati pulled Hermione aside, "Pansy broke up with Draco!"
"Really? Why would she do that?"
"He's Draco Malfoy," Parvati reminded her.
"Right, dumb question," Hermione nodded. "I guess I should have asked why now?"
"Apparently he insulted her this morning and it was just the last straw."
Hermione glanced at the Slytherin table. Draco had never been popular outside his house. He was obnoxious and a bully. It'd be interesting to see if Slytherin embraced him being a champion. She had the sneaking suspicion they wouldn't. She sat down next to Harry who slid an arm around her, "What was that about?"
"Gossip," she answered. Harry smirked and resumed putting food on his plate.
Draco Malfoy had not had a good morning. His godfather refused to help and pointed out that the champions were to prepare on their own. Despite Draco's whining Snape steadfastly refused and informed him there would be no help coming from him. Then Pansy broke up with him. Draco was disgusted with the world turning against him and thus going off to his two goons, er-friends, about how they were all turning against him and the pureblood cause. They nodded along while their leader glared at everyone he could.
The only professors who knew anything about the tasks were Dumbledore, Hagrid, and Moody. The other professors were kept in the dark. Snape didn't mind that. He didn't particularly care to know anyway. Sports and competitions had never appealed to the greasy-haired man. Intellect was more important. That was why he had respect for Granger. Her only interest in quidditch was her boyfriend. If Potter didn't play, she wouldn't attend the matches. She probably wouldn't even have bothered to learn about it. It didn't matter that the student body was ravenous for the sport. Peer pressure had never swayed her. There was something to respect about that. Two of his Slytherin fourth years, Zabini and Greengrass, had Ancient Runes and Arithmancy with Granger. Both had received help from her. In exchange the purebloods were happy to answer questions about things like house elves that she had.
The magical world really didn't lend itself to embrace half-bloods and muggleborns raised outside of it. Without Lucius in his youth Severus Snape would have been as lost as Granger was. Potter too, for that matter. The Weasleys certainly didn't teach them things that they needed to know. Most purebloods didn't grasp how different the outside world was and so to them moving pictures and using your wand to cook and clean were commonplace; explaining such things was impossible for them as a result.
He poured himself a glass of firewhiskey. Time with Draco often led to drinking. When the boy had entered Hogwarts Lucius had sent him six bottles. They were well-deserved. Lately Draco had taken to wanting Severus to flunk Potter and Granger. He was of the opinion that his grades must be superior. However this year Potter's grades had improved in all of his classes. He'd gone from an A in Potions to an E. If he continued on the track he was on Snape could imagine him getting an O by the end of the year. His other grades were also higher; he'd moved up to an O in Charms and an E in Transfiguration. Potter seemed to have his mother's aptitude for Potions and Charms. It was impressive to watch him improve under his girlfriend's watch.
Watching the young couple he was reminded of James and Lily. When the two had become a couple James had been found in the library often, reading at Lily's table. His grades had improved and his participation in class had begun to win points rather than lose them. It seemed that in that regard history was repeating itself. Harry was doing better in class and his homework was improved a great deal.
The school week began with no real fanfare. A few Hufflepuffs got a few Ravenclaws to make badges that read, "Support Cedric Diggory, the REAL Hogwarts Champion." Harry thought it was a good idea and Hermione and the twins created buttons that would rotate the names of the three champions to give them an equal amount of time. They sold out of them quickly, especially when Cedric, Viktor, and Fleur all bought one each. Being sold for six sickles each, and with help from Harry and Hermione, the twins soon had made a good deal of money. All of the visiting schools' students bought one and Gryffindor en masse did too, swiftly followed by Ravenclaw and almost all of Hufflepuff. Those that created the first badges were loathe to admit theirs were inferior. That changed when Colin took the three Champions' pictures and Hermione and George worked out how to put the pictures into the buttons similar to a muggle electronic scoreboard. That addition was an upgrade for two sickles and people happily paid it. The twins made sure to give a portion of the profits to Harry and Hermione for their effort, and Colin made one sickle per upgrade sold for his work on the pictures.
Harry and Hermione took their knowledge of muggle things to help the twins think up products, including how to make moving action figures. The twins didn't have any made yet but were happy to say that thanks to the couple they knew exactly how to do it.
Hermione finally told a few more people about her being a Veela and was accepted easily; the realization that Veela could have relationships was surprising to the few they told before Hermione conceded they could be far more open about it. Harry was proud of his lover. She had no reason to be ashamed so seeing her proud and being accepted was something he thought she deserved. But the wizarding world was very bigoted despite being so diverse and he'd truthfully been worried about the reactions too.
The next Potions class with the Slytherins and Gryffindors began with Draco Malfoy trying to berate Hermione to no avail. He tried to call her a 'creature' but Hermione merely retorted that he'd been ready to commit suicide to get to the Veela at the World Cup only to see him fall silent. Harry had merely chuckled and wrapped his arm around his girlfriend. Hermione wasn't one to need protection. She didn't do the 'damsel in distress' thing. He was quite glad.