Chapter 9 Christmas part 1
Harry Potter woke on Christmas morning in the arms of his lover. He smiled and turned to pull her into his arms and gaze at her. Hermione looked so peaceful. Some more of her features had changed. They were subtle changes that most wouldn't notice. She was a little taller and though Harry knew she had been working out with Fleur there was no tone to her body. Her skin was so soft Harry could just nuzzle her all day and her skin was perfect; no blemishes. There was a confidence to Hermione that he loved seeing grow. It had all started when they'd told other people. They had agreed to not go into detail about the sex drive. They would tell everyone the same things the Weasleys knew. And they did. To surprising results.
-Flashback-
They first decided to tell their dormmates. Harry sat with his arms around his lover as she explained that she was a Veela. Knowing how the girls were Harry was worried. "So that's what happened to your hair! Your hair has looked amazing lately," Lavender said.
"And we thought you got Harry to shrink your teeth! Though granted we were unsure about your tits," Parvati said, tilting her head thoughtfully.
Harry's eyes widened. Hermione just shook her head and kissed his cheek, "We're girls Harry. We've seen each other nearly nude a few times."
The look on Harry's face caused the girls to all laugh. Neville patted Harry's shoulder comfortingly, "Don't worry Harry. No one else understands girls either."
"Hermione how come Seamus and I aren't drooling like idiots like we were at the Cup?" Dean asked.
"Well that was a large number of Veela in an enclosed magical space. They were all blasting their allure too. I'm pretty good at controlling it. The Veela who I talked to said that you don't know until you're fifteen and your powers unleash but I can control it. Unfortunately if I do blast it accidentally, or even just let it leak a smidgen, Harry can't tell."
"Why not?" Seamus asked.
"True love," Lavender said with a dreamy look on her face, "oh that's so sweet! We always knew you and Harry would be a couple but that it's true love…"
Lavender let out a squeal that had Parvati and Hermione snickering while Harry explained, "I'm immune to the Veela allure. Whether Hermione casts it or another Veela does. Our love renders it null."
Neville smiled, "That is pretty romantic."
"It works on anyone who has true love. At the cup Arthur Weasley and the Bulgarian minister were both immune too," Hermione said. "Though Lucius Malfoy and the Minister made fools of themselves." Harry chuckled at the memory. The others laughed at their imaginations of the two's antics.
-End Flashback-
Hermione shifted and burrowed into his chest. His hands gently rubbed her back. From telling their friends they'd then told the rest of Gryffindor. Again there was no problem. Next they decided to tell the rest of the school. Admittedly, a few people were hostile. Most of them were Slytherins. None of them were dumb enough to verbally or physically attack Hermione save Malfoy, though.
Hermione moved again and Harry glanced down to see her gazing up at him, "Good morning," she smiled.
"Good morning," he leaned down to kiss her, "Happy Christmas my love."
"Happy Christmas Harry," she sat up and looked at the foot of their bed, "Dobby and Winky must have left our presents in front of our separate beds."
"Well we don't want to draw attention to our absences there," he got out of bed to find their pajamas and put his on after tossing hers onto the bed, "I'll see you in a half hour or so?"
She nodded and after one last kiss Dobby took Harry back to his dorm room with Winky taking Hermione back to hers.
At the foot of his bed was quite the collection of presents. Harry was just about to open his first present when Dobby appeared, "Harry Potter sir is so generous! Dobby is loving his socks!"
"I'm glad you like them Dobby," Harry smiled.
"Dobby wants to give Harry Potter sir his present too. Dobby made them," he handed Harry a small package. Harry opened it to reveal two different colored socks. A red sock with broomsticks and a green sock with golden snitches. "Wow Dobby. These are great," he smiled at the elf who was bouncing with joy, "I should open my presents now. I want to be able to see Hermione soon."
"Dobby must go help prepare dinner," he said before bowing and vanishing. Harry smirked and put the socks aside. He opened up his present from Hagrid to reveal a wide assortment of candy. From Remus he received a pair of sunglasses. Sirius sent him a pocket knife with attachments to open any lock and undo any knot. From Winky he got a new winter hat that she'd obviously made herself. A Gryffindor lion was on it. Harry was surprised to find a present from the Grangers. He opened it to reveal a set of James Bond books and a letter:
Harry,
We hope that you enjoy these books. Dan is a huge James Bond fan and Hermione and I would probably consider the books and movies to be guilty pleasures. Now don't you tell her I said that! She thinks she's crafty about hiding that from us.
Dan and I look forward to getting to know you this summer. We have heard much of you from Hermione's letters home; you've long featured them. Dan would love for an explanation of quidditch. Hermione's letters detail your games but primarily your performances in them.
Have a good Christmas Harry and I hope you and Hermione have a lovely night at the ball.
Dr. Emma Granger
Harry smiled at the letter. He remembered Dudley watching some James Bond films but he'd never been allowed to watch them. Operation Don't Get Killed By An Angry Dad seemed to be off to a good start. He was opening a gift from Viktor when Ron suddenly sat up loudly, "Presents!"
Harry rolled his eyes and resumed opening the box to reveal a full set of seeker armor. He smiled. From Fleur he received a speedo that had him blushing, especially when he read the note:
Why should you be the only one to have a nice view on the beach? Hermione will certainly approve.
Neville looked over at Harry, "What's up?"
"I think Fleur gave Hermione a second present," Harry said, the blush deepening. He showed the Neville the speedo and the other boy chuckled.
After reading the note Neville smiled, "Well she has a point Harry."
"Don't I know it. And I'm sure I'll be expected to wear it since I'm sure she'll tell Hermione about it." Neville grinned at his friend's obvious discomfort. Harry picked up Hermione's gift to him and opened it to reveal two tickets to a quidditch match in France that summer. A letter in Hermione's neat script fell out and he read:
Harry,
I know how important family is to you and while you're worried about how my parents might react (or probably will react) to our intimacy I want you to remember that they're not just my family. They're yours too. If there is one thing my father has always wanted it's a son. My parents probably won't see it right away but through you they have the son they always wanted. And, in fifteen years, we can see about giving them a grandson.
Love,
Hermione
A grandson. Their son. Harry felt his body warm at the thought that Hermione wanted to give him the family he'd always desired. Harry suddenly blinked and shook his head. Hermione wasn't giving him the family he'd always desired. She was the family he'd always desired.
He looked back into the box to find another letter:
Harry,
I'm sorry this box is empty however what I want to give you would have become inoperable inside of Hogwarts. Your Christmas present from me is a Nintendo Game Boy. I think I can create runes to make it run on magic but I can't do that here. When we get out of Hogwarts for the summer we'll go get the Game Boy and a couple games for you to play. I hope you can accept a belated Christmas gift.
Love you!
Hermione
Harry grinned and made a pile on his bed of things to go in the trunk Dobby wore around his neck. The books from the Grangers, Hermione's letters and the tickets, the speedo, and the sunglasses all went into the pile before he noticed that Dobby had laid out his clothes for the day. "Dobby you are the best elf ever," Harry whispered, grabbing his stuff and going to take a shower.
Hermione looked at the collection of presents. There were quite a few. She hoped Harry liked his gifts, or the promise of them. She smiled at the present from Hagrid. It was a brand new hippogriff quill and some cat treats for Crookshanks. Sirius had sent her a book of fairy tales that wizarding children all had read to them in their youth, The Tales of Beedle the Bard. Remus sent her a book about Alchemy, and her parents sent her some muggle books. There was also a small box in among the books from her parents and she opened it to reveal some lovely diamond earrings and a small note:
Have fun tonight. Your Harry is quite special.
Love, Mum and Dad
She smiled and gently set them aside to look at the other presents. Viktor had sent her a bottle of perfume his mother recommended that would prevent any subtle releases of allure and Fleur had sent her bikini bottoms. "Of course there's no top. Thank you for making my decisions for me Fleur," Hermione shook her head, a smile on her lips. Harry's eyes would probably fall out of his head if past experience was any indication. Her last present was from Harry. She opened the package carefully to reveal a very beautiful white gold diamond teardrop necklace, "Harry…" Then she had a thought. She picked up the box with the diamond earrings to see that they were also teardrops and white gold. "You wrote to my parents. Oh Harry. You are getting quite the Christmas snog."
Winky popped in, "Happy Christmas Miss Hermione. Winky is wanting to gives you your present now."
"That's great Winky. I want to give you your present too," Hermione pulled a package out from under her bed, "I know how you feel about clothes but I thought you might like some new dresses so I bought you some fabric to make your own."
Winky happily unwrapped the material, "Can I use it to make Dobby something too?"
"Use it however you want."
Winky beamed and handed Hermione two packages, "Dobby is getting you a gift too." Hermione unwrapped Dobby's to reveal a scarf of many colors. She smiled. Dobby loved colors; the more they didn't go together the more he loved them. Winky's present was a pair of winter gloves that had lions on the back of them.
"I love them Winky. Thank you. And thank Dobby for me."
Winky nodded her head eagerly, "Winky is going to help in kitchens. Winky has much work to do for tonight."
The elf popped out and Hermione smiled. The elves were both happier than ever being part of their family. She got her towel and robe and headed to the shower. She had a boyfriend to thank.
Harry and Hermione entered the common room at the same time, Hermione kissing him for his gift, "You wrote to my parents."
"Yeah," he admitted, "I needed help with getting the present. The Marauders are good for a few things; picking out jewelry isn't one. There is a reason they're both single and it's not that they're gay."
Hermione smirked and hugged him, "Fleur sent me a swimsuit for the beach."
"Yeah I got one too," he admitted, "do I have to wear it?"
"Yes you do," she kissed him again, "you'll love mine. Fleur seems to have forgotten to send me the top."
Harry was mollified (and slightly aroused) by that. He gazed at her for a moment before saying, "I look forward to the Game Boy but the greatest present was you telling me we'd give your parents a grandson one day."
She smiled, "You had to have suspected we would have children one day Harry."
"Well hoped yes but I didn't want to take anything for granted or get my hopes up. I'm used to having dreams dashed," he admitted.
"Oh Harry," she pulled him into a full hug and Harry sighed into Hermione's shoulder and closed his eyes.
"Ugh way to ruin my appetite," they heard. Harry didn't pull away. Ron had returned but in the past week since his return he had shown that he hadn't changed.
-Flashback-
Ron Weasley entered Gryffindor tower to receive no 'welcome back' or 'missed you mate'. His eyes landed on Hermione, who was talking to Lavender and Parvati about the Yule Ball, and he walked over, "Hey Herms. You can be my date to the Yule Ball."
It was Parvati's hand on Hermione's that stopped the Veela from drawing her wand. Her words were sharp, "I have a date, Ronald Weasley. Harry is my boyfriend and my date for the evening."
Ron's face reddened, "Fine! Be with that fame-hungry bastard!" He stormed up the stairs to the boys' room and only once he was gone did Parvati let go of Hermione's hand.
"I'm amazed you didn't roast him."
"Ever since Moody brought out the harpy I've been working on controlling it. Mira, the Veela who told me about my powers, has offered advice in her letters and I've been practicing with Fleur and Harry."
-2 Days Later-
Fleur Delacour was talking to Hermione about getting ready for the ball together when Ron Weasley entered the Great Hall and saw the two Veela together. He straightened his robes and sauntered over to them in what he thought was a macho style. "Hey Veela! You…" Ron tripped over his robes and fell flat on his face. Snickers were heard from those who'd witnessed it and he grumbled before finding a place to sit and eat.
-End Flashback-
After that every time that Ron tried to talk to the two Veela and seemingly ask them to the ball the strangest things seemed to happen to him. Trying to lean against the wall as he asked them had him falling into three suits of armor. Another time he seemingly became unable to speak and merely got out, "You…go…ball…me." Perhaps one of many people's favorite attempts was when Fleur and Hermione were already angry and just let loose some allure targeted at Ron. He'd humped a pillar near the great hall. And, not unlike his encounter in the Defense classroom with the Imperius curse, he'd continued it long after they'd ceased the allure. That led to more laughter and teasing.
"Ignore him," Hermione said, kissing Harry gently, "you have a girlfriend to take to breakfast."
"Yes ma'am," he smiled.
Draco Malfoy woke to a letter from his parents informing him that his mother was pregnant and he would have a little brother. Draco had blown up the letter with his wand. He had forgiven his parents for not sticking around after the task. In the pureblood world he came from if you embarrassed your family you were out. It was that simple. He had embarrassed his parents and should expect no comfort from them.
But his parents having a baby? He was the heir to the Malfoy and Black fortunes! How dare they take his inheritance from him! A still seething Draco's mood was only slightly mollified by the knowledge that he at least had a date for the night. Weasley had found no one to go with him. Although, unknown to Draco, Lucius had offered up 1200 galleons to Adrian Greengrass to get his youngest daughter Astoria to attend with Draco.
He gathered his things and went to take a shower. He really wasn't looking forward to the ball although seeing Weasley potentially humiliate himself might be worthwhile.
Hermione and Fleur went to the Room of Requirement three hours before the ball. Harry asked why it took so long and Hermione said their dresses were complicated. Harry had no clue what that meant and a look at the other boys said that they didn't understand it either. About an hour before the ball he went up to the room to find that the door appeared for him and he entered to take a shower and change into his robes.
Fleur zipped up Hermione's dress, "'Arry will love it."
Hermione's gown was silver and showcased her legs (Harry's favorite view) and her cleavage. She gazed at the mirror, "I think so too. I think he'll like how we did my hair too; he always prefers it down anyway."
The brunette helped the blonde into her dress robes before they heard a knock, "Hermione? How do you tie a bowtie?"
"Go to your lover," Fleur smiled. "I will be out shortly."
"You sure?"
"Oui. Go."
Hermione exited the changing room the room had created to see Harry's eyes widen and his jaw drop. "Now this looks like I used my allure," she teased.
Harry gave her a lopsided grin and moved to her and kissed her, "You look amazing Hermione. I'll be the envy of every guy there."
She took his bowtie from him, "Harry you tie a tie every day."
"But not a bowtie," he pouted. She rolled her eyes and quickly tied his tie for him before straightening it, "I love you Hermione."
"I love you too Harry," she pulled him to her for a kiss, "I like the white dress shirt and black pants and silver accents. You look very handsome."
"Hopefully I measure up to my girlfriend," he smiled.
When Fleur exited the changing room they exited and walked down the hall to find Viktor Krum waiting. "You should recognize my date," Fleur said to Hermione, winking as she moved to Viktor's arm.
"I should have seen that coming," Hermione whispered to Harry.
"That makes two of us," he responded. "I didn't know who Viktor was taking either. He said he wanted to spare her the angry fangirls."
Hermione bit her lip to hold back a laugh, "Fleur wanted to protect her date from being dueled."
"Sneaky friends we have," Harry smirked.
"Yes we do." She kissed his cheek, "Today has been an amazing day."
"Hopefully Ron behaves himself."
"Famous last words Harry," she shook her head, "he hasn't thus far. He doesn't take no for an answer."
"Still it's better for him you use your allure rather than your wand," Harry said.
"Without a doubt."
"Draco has gone quiet."
"I think he was properly shamed in the first task. Maybe he'll learn a lesson." Harry gave her a knowing look. "Well he might Harry. It's possible."
"I doubt his bigotry will shift but I guess he could maybe learn that he actually has to study."
Hermione smirked at the sarcasm in Harry's voice. She didn't think Malfoy would change either; he was, after all, still Malfoy. "We should stop by the Tower. I want to see Ginny's dress and the twins. They said they had some present for us but I haven't seen them all day."
"Me either," Harry said. "Alright then milady, on to Gryffindor Tower!"
The pair said goodbye to Fleur and Viktor and walked up to Gryffindor Tower. During their walk Harry saw the slit in Hermione's dress which showcased her leg and he smiled, "I like that."
"I thought you might," she kissed his cheek, "so what did my parents get you?"
"James Bond books," he answered. "How did you know?"
"They got the presents to the school this year through Winky, who told me that they'd bought you a present too."
"Ahh," Harry nodded in understanding.
The Fat Lady smiled at them, "Oh you look lovely dears! Have a lovely time tonight."
"Thank you," Hermione said as the portrait swung open.
The Gryffindor common room was in quite the state as Ginny had her wand pointed at Ron who looked to be the victim of her infamous bat bogey hex. "Uh, what happened?"
"Ronald yelled at poor Neville and proceeded to punch him when he learned that Neville asked me to the ball."
Hermione pulled her wand from an invisible leg holster (a gift from Fleur), and went over to heal a bruised and bloody Neville as Ginny, Parvati, Colin, Dean, Lavender, and Seamus told the story to Harry.
-Flashback-
Since returning to Hogwarts Ron spent little time with his family. They were friends with Harry still and thus traitors. Ron frequently spoke loudly about this in the boys' dorm, which was also full of traitors. Ron had spent his Christmas grumbling about Harry's present from Viktor Krum and that he was snogging a Veela. Ever since learning Hermione was a Veela Ron had begun to cease using her first name. She was mostly referred to as 'the Veela' and when referring to her if she was with Fleur he would call her 'Granger'. That irritated all of their house mates but Ron was oblivious.
Given his refusal to talk to his family he had only on Christmas day learned that Neville was taking Ginny to the ball; his response was to try to pulverize Neville's face. Dean and Seamus had managed to pull Ron off of Neville after some struggle and then Ginny had descended, yelling at her brother and hexing him with various curses before topping it off with the bat bogey hex.
-End Flashback-
"And that's when you and Hermione entered," Dean finished.
"Hermione your dress is gorgeous!" Lavender and Parvati exclaimed. Harry snickered. The more things changed, the more they stayed the same. Hermione was a Veela, they were a couple, but for the gossip girls Hermione was still the same bookworm in their dorm who had only recently begun to dress in a fashionable way. He certainly wasn't complaining. This was his first year just being 'Harry' and he quite enjoyed it.
Hermione nodded in acknowledgement of her roommates as she fixed Neville's broken nose. Once she'd finished with that she cast spells to clean Neville's robes, "Thanks Hermione," Neville said.
"You're welcome Neville," she patted his arm, "are you okay?"
"Yeah," he nodded. "Dunno why he's upset with me if his sister is a traitor he's not talking to."
"Neville I don't think Ron knows why he does half the things he does," she straightened his bowtie for him before moving to Harry for an explanation of what happened.
McGonagall appeared, "What is going on in here? The portraits reported a fight had occurred."
Again the six who had told Harry the story told McGonagall, "Mr. Weasley you will remain in Gryffindor tower for the evening. Since you can't behave yourself I find it to be an adequate punishment."
Hermione looked at her lover, "Harry you might want to cast wards on your trunk then."
Harry nodded and kissed her before heading upstairs to his dorm, Neville, Dean, and Seamus hurrying up after them. "What do you mean Miss Granger?"
"Professor, Ron has already shown he has no respect for our relationship. Harry has valuables in his trunk that he should probably protect, not to mention some candy that Hagrid sent him for Christmas. Neither Harry nor I trust Ronald. Harry knows how to cast anti-theft charms and I was merely reminding him that he should do so. I'm sure he'll help his dormmates do the same. Harry has two family heirlooms in his trunk. If Ron did anything to them nothing in this castle could stop my Harry from taking Ron out." In all honesty Dobby wore Harry's heirlooms around his neck as he carried the other trunk, having relinquished Hermione's new trunk to Winky once Hermione took her as her elf. Hermione's words had been to remind the other boys too. She knew Dean's mum sent him care packages and Seamus' mother did as well. Harry could cast the spells on the trunks for the boys if they asked for it.
Albus Dumbledore had been about to go down to the Great Hall when his deputy had informed him that Ronald had been beating up Neville Longbottom. Hermione Granger had healed him which served to lower the old wizard's blood pressure somewhat. At the beginning of the year Albus had hoped Harry would accept Ron back as a friend. But then something miraculous had happened. The device Albus used to keep track of Harry's scar had exploded. He was aware that Harry and Hermione were a couple. Could love have forced out the horcrux? Dumbledore wasn't sure. Perhaps it had to do with Hermione being a Veela. But regardless, the horcrux was gone. That much Albus was sure of. And he'd noticed the changes. Harry laughed and joked more, he wasn't shy about kissing his girlfriend on the cheek, the lips, or holding her hand. Harry had become friendlier with other students and his grades, as well as his magical abilities, had improved across the board. His class participation was also on the up and even Severus had admitted to some talent within young Potter.
The thought that the horcrux might have been holding Harry back was a thought that haunted Albus. Had his refusal to remove it, or to work out how to remove it, meant that Harry had suffered? He knew the Dursleys was not the best place for young Harry to live. He would have to write the Grangers and Sirius Black and he planned to apologize to Harry once the winter holidays were over. Maybe they would forgive him; maybe not. He really couldn't blame them.
Ron Weasley seemed to be going down a dangerous path. He was obstinate, he didn't control his temper, and he was failing out of Hogwarts. According to his professors Ron's homework that had been turned in was still troll worthy. Albus was no longer sure if it was because Ron didn't understand the homework or if he just wasn't trying. He wasn't sure which was worse, either.
The aging headmaster got down on his knees to floo the Burrow. There was one option left that wasn't expulsion. Hopefully it worked.
Chapter 10 - part 2
Molly Weasley was an overbearing mother. She knew that. And she knew that the howlers she sent to Hogwarts were more shaming than correcting any misbehaving. But the fact that Ron had beat up Neville Longbottom because the lad was taking Ginny to the ball made her want to scream a howler at her son. Unfortunately Albus wasn't done. "I have looked at Ronald's scores and gathered memories from his classmates. I am certain that Ronald has only passed his previous years because of Miss Granger. I think he has absorbed little of the material."
"Hermione helped him cheat?"
"Oh I doubt that very much," Albus said. "No according to Mr. Potter she would correct their homework for them and tell them what they got wrong. Many of Ronald's good papers and tests bear a striking resemblance to Mr. Potter's. Mr. Potter had no knowledge of this. I think it would be best if we send Ronald back to first year. His work then seemed to mostly be his own up until Miss Granger became friends with Mr. Potter."
The Weasleys were dumbfounded. Albus continued, "We realize the fact he might require seven more years of schooling is a bit much to put on you. His previous years will be refunded and he will return to first year, even bunking in that dorm."
Arthur was almost afraid to ask, "And if that doesn't work, Albus?"
"His wand will be snapped," the headmaster answered. "My concern is his behavior. Miss Granger and Miss Delacour have thus far been kind enough to blast him with their allure as opposed to drawing their wands. However according to Miss Granger's dormmates Ronald is getting dangerously close to finding himself at the end of her wand. I don't think I need to tell you what that could mean for the boy."
"No you don't," Molly sighed. "Can you re-sort him? Keep him away from Hermione and Harry a bit? I don't want them to get in trouble if Ronald does something to warrant a hex or curse."
"I will discuss it with the Sorting Hat. I must go now but if you have any questions by all means please contact me."
"What is Ron's punishment for fighting Neville Longbottom?"
"He's staying in the dorms tonight and not attending the ball. He will also receive two weeks of detentions. His point loss was overcome by Miss Granger's reward for healing Mr. Longbottom so expertly. Poppy said she couldn't have done better."
"Thank you for telling us Albus. Enjoy the rest of your night."
"I hope I do," he exited the floo and turned back into his office. He sighed, "I don't know how Draco Malfoy's name came out of the goblet but I'm quite glad that Ronald Weasley's didn't." Fawkes gave a trill that sounded like he agreed with his human. "I do agree with Molly. Re-sorting Ronald would hopefully keep him out of trouble. At the very least out of trouble from the two people who could most severely harm him." He glanced at the Sorting Hat, "I hope you have a place for him. I can't think of a single house that suits him at present."
"I shall think on it," the hat said.
The Great Hall was all decked out. It looked incredibly beautiful and festive. Harry squeezed Hermione's waist affectionately and she leaned against him more than was required. "No Ron takes out the biggest worry for the ball," Harry said.
"Draco has a date," Hermione said, nodding toward Draco Malfoy and Astoria Greengrass, "That's Daphne's sister."
"The Slytherin who you tutor?" Harry's eyes widened, "Wonder why her sister's Malfoy's date."
"I find I don't care enough to ask the question," Hermione answered. "Let's get our seats. And where are those twins?"
"Don't know but now I'm worried about the present they got us," Harry said. "It is the twins, after all."
"Yes but I think they're a little afraid of me."
"That does help," Harry admitted. After her destruction of the Defense classroom's blackboard plenty of people were afraid of Hermione. "So you got the invite to France then?"
"I've had it since Fleur and I became close," she smiled. "However today my parents are receiving an invitation to spend part of the summer in France from Fleur's mother. I've written home about Fleur and how close we are and I'm certain they'll say yes. Since Fleur's father is the minister getting there will be free."
"Smart," Harry nodded. "Is Remus invited? I got sunglasses from him."
"Yes both he and Snuffles are being invited. Mr. Delacour says once Snuffles is on French soil he can ask for asylum and then the French government can demand a trial."
"He could be freed?"
"Yes," she nodded. Harry's smile grew and she returned it. "Is your Christmas getting better Harry?"
"I didn't think it was possible but apparently I underestimated one Hermione Granger."
Hermione grinned before saying, "Try not to let that happen again." He saluted her which had her rolling her eyes. "Playful Harry is never bad to see."
"I'm glad you approve," he kissed her forehead gently before holding out her chair for her. "So what does one do on vacation?"
"Relax, unwind, toss their boyfriend into the ocean," she listed.
"And does said boyfriend get to return the favor?"
"Depends on the girlfriend's mood," she winked. Harry grinned.
Once everyone was seated dinner began. Sitting at Harry and Hermione's table was Ginny and Neville, Parvati and Colin, and Lavender and Justin Finch-Fletchley. Fleur and Viktor sat at the head table with Cedric and Cho with Draco and Astoria sitting on the end. Astoria did not look happy and Draco looked miserable. "Did you know that Fleur and Viktor were going together?" Lavender asked Hermione.
"No she didn't want to tell anyone and neither did Viktor according to Harry."
"It makes sense," Ginny said. "Viktor will frighten off male suitors and what female in this castle wants to go against a Veela for Krum? Kind of like why all of Harry's fangirls have gone quiet."
"Romilda Vane can be found crying in a chair in the common room on occasion," Hermione said, "she mutters about how her dreams are destroyed. Then she sees me and pales." Parvati and Lavender both giggled while Neville snorted. Harry rolled his eyes. He had a higher tolerance of his fame now thanks to Viktor. He still refused autographs and pictures though. He was too afraid people would use the autographs to sign a marriage contract or something.
Dinner was quite delicious. Harry had never seen Hermione eat a steak before. Where she put it he wasn't sure but she devoured it and did so far more politely than Ron ever could. When it came time for the dancing portion of the evening to begin they watched as the four champions took to the floor. Fleur and Viktor were easily the best dancers of the six. They were the most comfortable with each other easily. "I wonder just how long they've been keeping something secret from us," Hermione whispered to Harry. "It seems like there's something between them."
"They do seem to move like we do," Harry admitted. He left it unsaid that he meant they moved like lovers.
Cedric and Cho danced okay but Astoria Greengrass appeared to be sucking lemons throughout the dance. Draco Malfoy looked like he was ready to blow up in anger. It was obviously uncomfortable. When the music ended Astoria swiftly made her way toward her big sister while Draco marched back to the head table. Harry stood and offered Hermione his hand. Neville stood and offered his to Parvati while Colin and Ginny went to the dance floor together, "I knew that would happen," Harry said once he'd pulled Hermione into his arms.
"Me too. I think it's nice that they did that."
"Nice way to dodge the age rule," Harry admitted. Dancing with Hermione was well worth the time spent learning how to dance. "I love you," he whispered.
"I love you too Harry," she said, resting her head on his shoulder. "Are you still worried about my parents?"
"Not as much as I was," he admitted. "I mean I don't want them to think poorly of you but I understand this is a great deal for them to take in. So patience will be the key; both on our part and on theirs."
She smiled. "That's very mature Harry."
"Well I don't think we want them thinking we're immature while we're shagging like rabbits," he pointed out.
She laughed, "No I would have to say we don't want that. Have you told Viktor?"
"No. After Ron has been so…treacherous," Harry could think of no other word though he was sure Hermione could have, "I haven't exactly been the most trusting. Except with you."
Hermione mulled this over before asking, "Were you mad I told Fleur?"
"Of course not," he shook his head, "I know how few female friends you've ever had. And Fleur totally understands you. Not just on the Veela stuff either. You two are really close. I think it's great. I'll even wear the speedo she got me for you."
"So thoughtful of her," she smiled. "However did she know that all I wanted for Christmas was you?"
"Maybe she's part-seer too," Harry teased.
"Don't even joke about such malarkey Harry," Hermione playfully scolded.
The song ended and a new one was about to begin when Fleur and Viktor arrived, "Do you mind Harry? I weesh to dance with both lovely Veela tonight."
"I suppose I can let you go for one dance," Harry said, kissing Hermione before bowing to Fleur.
"Don't steal my boyfriend Fleur," Hermione winked.
The blonde laughed, "I shall try to not fall madly in love with him."
"If it helps I can step on your feet," Harry offered, grinning.
"Do and die, Potter," Fleur said, her eyes narrowing before she smiled at him.
Harry danced with Fleur for a single song before returning to Hermione's arms. Viktor and Fleur joined them at their table as they talked and laughed. Angelina Johnson and Alicia Spinnet, Fred and George's dates for the evening, walked over, "Harry, Hermione? Fred and George want you two to go out to the gardens. Your present is out there."
Hermione and Harry exchanged a look before he helped her up, "Let's not keep them waiting then," she said. Curious, Viktor and Fleur followed them outside.
The twins smiled at each other and once the couple was in view they launched their specially made fireworks. Harry and Hermione gazed up at the sky as an amazing fireworks display took place, ranging from spectacular scenarios like a little boy leaping onto a troll's back to save a little girl to a dragon roaring to life in the sky and culminating in a heart being drawn in the sky with HP & HG written inside of it. An arrow shot through the heart and from the tip a shower of sparks fell to the ground. All told the fireworks show was fifteen minutes long.
The couple went to the twins and hugged them, "That was amazing you two. Thanks."
"We should thank you. If it weren't for your help we couldn't have made the buttons or the ping pong sets. And with you telling us who the Marauders are we've got start up funds for the store we want to open. We really couldn't do that without you two," Fred said.
"We wanted to give you something really unique and special for Christmas," George nodded.
"Hard to beat a fireworks display," Harry smirked. The twins grinned.
Draco Malfoy sat and stewed. Half-breeds, creatures, and blood traitors were being lauded and were more popular than ever. It was disgusting. He would have to prove his upbringing somehow. Prove that he was superior. But how? How did he do that? Perhaps some sabotage was in order…
Ron Weasley was sitting in his dorm room grumbling. Stupid Potter. He just knew that his punishment was Potter's fault. Somehow. And the Veela just had to show off healing Longbottom. He really loathed them both. Potter the bastard who had everything Ron had ever wanted and the Veela who never let him cheat off of her. Stupid know-it-all bitch. Ron craved making Harry Potter jealous. But the stupid git had it all; even the girl Ron had figured he could bag to taunt Harry that he finally had something he wanted. Hexing Potter was a nice idea. He'd stay up and wait until the right moment.
After a walk through the gardens the couple returned to the Great Hall to dance together. Harry danced with only Hermione the rest of the night. They enjoyed watching people try to walk up and ask Fleur or Viktor to dance. Both refused each time and eventually people seemed to get the rather obvious hint that they were not dancing with anyone else that evening; Harry and Hermione were the one-time exceptions to that rule. As the signal for the last song of the evening came Harry pulled Hermione into his arms and the couple took to the floor with other couples. Hermione's head rested on Harry's shoulder and he sighed in contentment. Glancing around Ginny and Colin were seen dancing together, a shyness between them that was rather adorable. Parvati was dancing with a boy from Durmstrang, Fred and George were with their dates, Fleur and Viktor were together…but there was definitely something there. Harry nudged his lover and moved his eyes toward their friends.
Hermione gave a surreptitious glance before smiling, "Do you think they know?"
"Viktor isn't as dim as I am," Harry said.
"Okay rephrase. Do you think they are?"
"I think Fleur will tell you soon whether they are or aren't," he answered. "Personally, I think they are."
"Me too," she whispered. Harry smiled.
They were exiting the Hall when Albus Dumbledore smiled at them, "How was the evening?"
"Quite lovely Headmaster," Hermione said, masking her feelings for the man who'd put Harry in a horrible situation.
Harry just nodded in agreement with his girlfriend. Dumbledore handed him a letter, "It is quite important you open this when the two of you are alone. The invitation applies to Miss Granger as well." With that he was gone and two confused teens made their way up to their special room after saying goodbye to their friends.
Harry opened the letter once the door to the room had vanished:
Harry,
There are some things I must apologize to you for as well as tell you about. I have done wrong by you these past 13 years and I want to try to do right by you for a change. I suggest a meeting in my office tomorrow morning. The password is Mars Bar.
Albus Dumbledore
"What do you think?" Harry asked his lover.
"I think I'm definitely going with you," she said. "And if he tries anything the harpy is coming out to play." Harry grinned at that. She kissed him, "Now then, I owe you quite the Christmas snog still and I need your assistance to unzip my dress."
Harry unzipped her dress and was surprised to see Hermione let the dress fall to reveal that she'd only been wearing her knickers underneath her dress. Harry swallowed hard and she turned with a smile. "You okay Harry?"
"Feels a little warm in here," he admitted.
"I can help you with that," she offered, indicating his tented pants. Harry had never undressed quicker in his life.
The next morning after a shower and getting dressed they exited the Room of Requirement and headed to the headmaster's office. Harry was feeling incredibly cautious. Hermione felt her Veela wanting to calm Harry down and it took substantial willpower on her part not to drag him into a closet to snog or shag him. When they arrived outside the gargoyles she kissed him, "Relax Harry or my Veela might…"
"Well I'll try," he muttered. He knew that if his mood dipped Hermione felt an urge to make him happy again. He felt guilty about that but Hermione didn't complain; she just would remind him about the connection and he'd try to calm down. Harry took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "Better?"
"Somewhat," she admitted. "Let's get this over with."
"Agreed," Harry looked at the gargoyles, "Mars Bar."
The wall opened and they stepped onto the stairs which immediately began to move. The pair remained silent as the stairs stopped and the door opened, "Ah come in, come in." They did but both teens were giving the headmaster a cautious look that he had no way of misinterpreting. He wasn't surprised they'd worked part of it out. "Please, have a seat. I mean you both no harm."
Harry and Hermione remained standing. "Yes I deserve to be mistrusted. I apologize, Harry, for leaving you with the Dursleys. And I can do nothing to make you forgive me." He removed his wand from his robes and placed it on the desk, the handle pointing to the two teens, "I mean you no harm this morning. I have asked you here to begin to make amends."
"Amends?"
"Yes, amends. I thought I would start with getting Sirius a trial and you out of the Dursleys' home. Perhaps Miss Granger's parents could take you in during the summers."
Harry took a deep breath. Keeping his cool was paramount. "You could have gotten Sirius a trial at any point since he was incarcerated and you didn't? Why?"
"Because I wanted to control you and thought that I knew what was best. Your relationship with Miss Granger highlights just how wrong I was. But I must ask you, how did you remove the horcrux from your scar?"
"The what?" Harry asked.
"So that black goo and the mist thing that exited Harry's scar was a horcrux?" Hermione asked.
Dumbledore was confused. How did they not know…"Miss Granger what can you tell me about the black goo and the mist?"
"Well Harry was out flying alone on the quidditch pitch and I was out reading a book in the stands. He went into the locker room and I went through the girls' to get into the school faster. I waited in the corridor and when he walked out Harry looked off. I asked him if anything was wrong and he said that he was hungry. Then he said his head hurt and he leaned against the wall. Suddenly his scar split open the black tar-like goo came out, a green mist exited, and Harry passed out. I caught him and yelled for Dobby who came and took us to Madame Pomfrey. She ran tests and said he was fine," Hermione answered. "She banished the tar and Harry woke up and felt fine. I asked if a dark curse was in his scar and she said it was possible."
The headmaster rubbed his face, "Mr. Potter, what happened immediately prior to you exiting the locker room? Did anything out of the ordinary happen?"
"Moody was there, told me I fly well. And he offered a special Pepper-Up potion that the aurors take. He said I didn't look well rested."
Harry and Hermione both blushed at that and Albus chose to ignore it and instead focus on the potion. "Did you take it?"
"Well yeah," Harry admitted. "Then I exited the locker room to see Hermione."
"The potion forced it out then," Dumbledore took a deep breath, "I owe you some explanations. First, a horcrux. It is a piece of a person's soul, broken off and placed inside of something or someone else."
"A piece of…Voldemort?!" Hermione exclaimed.
"Yes," he nodded. "I assure you Miss Granger I did not know how to expel it from Harry. The only method I know of is destruction and I think you can see why I chose not to go that route."
"When were you going to tell Harry that he had a piece of Voldemort in his head?" Dumbledore said nothing and only Harry's hand on Hermione's arm saved the headmaster from a hex or a fireball. Hermione took a calming breath, "You weren't going to. Fantastic. You dump him with abusive people who are terrified of magic and then threaten them with magic, insuring whether intentionally or not that Harry would be abused. You leave a piece of a dark lord in his head and don't tell him. What else have you done to my Harry?"
"I encouraged you getting to the stone in your first year and in your second I knew it was a basilisk."
Harry had, since that day where apparently the horcrux had left him, become a pretty laid back individual. However for him the notion that Dumbledore had let Hermione nearly be killed was too much to bear and his wand was burning with energy as he pointed it at Dumbledore, "YOU NEARLY GOT HERMIONE KILLED YOU STUPID BASTARD!"
Hermione immediately had her arms around her lover, "Harry relax. Please relax. He's not worth it."
Dumbledore would normally have been surprised to admit that he was afraid of Harry Potter however at that moment he certainly was. There was murderous intent in the boy's eyes. The cloud vanished, though, when Hermione's body pressed into Harry's and she whispered softly to him. Harry's wand stopped glowing and he almost melted into her embrace. His arms wrapped around her waist and he let the tears fall as she held him. "I could have lost you," he whispered, "and that…that bastard didn't even…"
"I know Harry. But I'm more interested in why Mad-Eye Moody would give you a potion to remove a horcrux from your head and he's going to answer that question. Not to mention ask what my parents have to do with all of this."
"As to the first question Miss Granger, I do not know. I have thought Moody seemed off this year…I shall investigate it, I assure you. As for your parents, I was hoping Harry could be taken in by them. I intended to write them a letter."
Hermione released Harry to look Dumbledore in the eye, "You cannot tell them that I'm a Veela. We want to tell them in person. It's…complicated. Fleur's mother has offered to explain it for us. You will say nothing to them, in fact. You will tell the Dursleys Harry won't be going back there ever again. You can stay away from Sirius too. We already have a plan to free him. You don't get to know what, where, who, or how. Harry will be coming home with me this year and that's all there is to it. You can deal with Professor Moody on your own. But come near Harry again and I will not hesitate to send a fireball your way."
He nodded to her requirements. Harry glared at the headmaster, "You weren't surprised at the fourth slip of paper to exit the cup. You were surprised by the name. Did you expect it to be mine? Did you engineer that? That Moody or fake Moody or whatever would enter my name?"
"How did the name change?" Dumbledore asked before he realized what he had just said.
"You'll never know," Hermione responded, "let's go to breakfast Harry. We're done here."
Harry nodded and they exited the headmaster's office. Hermione squeezed her lover's hand and he spoke, "I wanted to kill him."
"I don't think either of us could but I too wanted to kill him. At least he's out of our hair now though."
"Yeah," Harry nodded. "So breakfast?"
"Then a snog. Angry, protective, possessive Harry is apparently a turn-on for the Veela."
"Aggressive Hermione is always a turn-on to me," he grinned, "about time you have a similar problem."
"Not similar at all Harry," she muttered, "primal and raw."
Harry understood that feeling. "We need to eat first. Then you can have your wicked way with me."
"I intend to take you up on that."
Chapter 11
Ronald Weasley was re-sorted the next day and placed into Slytherin house as a first year. For Gryffindor, it was a relief. For Slytherin, it was annoying. The other two houses were relieved they didn't get him. Still, there were no parties. No celebrations. Gryffindor had been happy when Ron went home and never really considered him a part of their house again after that. Harry was just relieved he wouldn't be around. Ron, though, was outraged. He complained about how he wasn't a "greasy snake" and more, serving to make him incredibly unpopular in his new house.
The rest of winter break was pleasantly spent. With the exception of one Mad-Eye Moody aka Barty Crouch Jr., anyway; Dumbledore contacted Amelia Bones at the DMLE to tell her that he had suspicions about Mad-Eye only for the head auror to easily find that he was in fact Barty Crouch Jr. in disguise. The madman was arrested and his father soon followed suit.
Under veritaserum Crouch Jr. confessed to more than Dumbledore had anticipated. He told about where Voldemort was located, that Pettigrew was still alive, and that Harry Potter had been a horcrux and caused severe pain to Voldemort until the dark lord had brewed a potion to remove it. Upon further interrogation he revealed that Potter was an accidental horcrux and there were many of them and his goal was to get Potter to the graveyard at the end of the tournament for a ritual to bring back Voldemort.
Amelia Bones herself, with two of her aurors named Shacklebolt and Tonks, told all of this to Harry. "I think we should face him," Hermione said to Harry, who looked at her in surprise. "Trust me Harry. I have an idea."
Knowing better than to argue with his lover he just nodded his head. He'd led her into dangerous things before; turnabout was fair play. The three aurors in the room were dubious, "Miss Granger I don't think that is a good idea."
"Actually, I think it's a brilliant one," Hermione said. "However we want no one to know about it. As far as the public is concerned, Harry killed Voldemort as a baby. Let's leave it at that."
Amelia could see the logic in that. "Very well but aurors will be going with you."
"Only females," Hermione said, "and Harry's coming with." Harry smiled at what she was planning. This would be good.
Ron Weasley sat at the end of the Slytherin table and stewed. Hogwarts was supposed to be fun. It wasn't fun. He complained to his parents who told him if he didn't suck it up and do well at school that his wand would be snapped. Ron didn't want to be a squib. He wanted to be an incredibly successful quidditch player. He would have any girl or Veela that he wanted. And he intended to. Still, playing quidditch didn't require knowing how to cast spells or brew weird potions. Ron saw no point to all that effort. He was the only first year never in the library. He figured since he'd already been a first year he knew it all.
Fleur Delacour was used to being the target of presents on Valentine's Day. Of hopeful glances from various men and leering eyes. It was less-so at Hogwarts; mostly because Hermione had demonstrated what could happen to people who piss off Veela and they all remembered what the girls had done to Ron when he wouldn't leave them alone. But she knew it was inevitable on Valentine's Day. She was jealous of Hermione. Her relationship with Viktor was not romantic despite what the brunette thought and Hermione had Harry who was quite the young man.
When she woke that morning she was surprised to see a single rose had been delivered to her. She cautiously picked it up. Lying underneath the rose was a note:
A beautiful rose for a beautiful woman.
Happy Valentine's Day.
-Viktor
Fleur couldn't stop the smile that spread across her face at the gift. Maybe Hermione was right.
Viktor paced in his room nervously. He'd taken the leap after advice from Harry. Advice he was grateful for; while Viktor knew more about dealing with fame Harry was surprisingly more adept at dealing with emotions. He still remembered their conversation the day after the Yule Ball.
-Flashback-
"There is nothing going on," Viktor said.
"Are you sure? Because you two were dancing like Hermione and I danced. And we're lovers," Harry said.
Viktor felt his face flush, "We are not a couple. We just wanted to avoid the crowds."
"Then why not tell either Hermione or me about it? Why keep it secret?"
Viktor's mouth opened and closed but no sound came out. Harry sat down next to the Bulgarian, "Look, Hermione and I both saw something. Before I asked out Hermione I was certain she wouldn't want anything to do with me. Not romantically, at least. But when she told me that she was a Veela, about her fear that no one would ever love her for anything beyond that and that she was worried she'd rob the boy she liked of his own will I knew that I had to ask her. Even if I got rejected. I needed Hermione to know that she was desirable for more than that. That she was pretty without the allure and any changes she underwent as a result of coming into her powers didn't change the fact that she was amazing without them. Being rejected by Hermione wasn't so scary when I thought about what she was so worried about. If she had rejected me, it would have hurt. Hell, it'd probably have crushed me. But she was worried she'd die alone, that no one would ever love her for her. I had to show her that I did and do."
The Bulgarian gazed at Harry, amazed at how emotionally mature the younger man was. His words made sense. Veela were only seen as sex objects by most people. Fleur had lived with it all her life, and she was incredibly beautiful given her Veela heritage. She had mentioned before that she wished for what Hermione and Harry had. That sent Viktor thinking.
-End Flashback-
Viktor liked Fleur. Once you got past the cold front that she put up she was quite warm and she liked to laugh. She and Hermione often spent time together in the library and Viktor was quite interested in the blonde. She was distant with most people but to see her around Hermione was to see the real Fleur Delacour. The teen Veela had made Fleur drop her guard easily. Viktor had asked her to the ball to initially prevent either one from having to go with someone who was only getting close because they wanted something from them. But as Fleur taught him to dance Viktor had found himself becoming quite attracted to her. Dancing with her was not like dancing with Hermione. Maybe, just maybe, he and Fleur were like Harry and Hermione. Harry said their friends had all assumed they'd get together but Harry and Hermione were both obtuse to the obvious connection. Maybe Viktor and Fleur were in the same boat; blind to what other could clearly see.
So after working up his courage Viktor had decided to let Fleur know how he felt. A Valentine's Day with little gifts here and there to show her his intent and make her feel special. According to Harry that was important. He just hoped that Fleur liked it.
Fleur attended breakfast with a warm smile directed at Viktor. The pair missed the knowing smirks from Harry and Hermione. Fleur sat down, "Thank you for the rose Viktor."
"My pleasure," he said, blushing. "Perhaps we could go for walk today?"
Harry and Hermione ducked their heads to avoid laughing. It was so…sadly cute. Two teenagers who were both of legal age in the magical world, were champions in the Tri-Wizard Tournament and chosen to represent their schools, and had two younger friends who they in many ways mentored, were afraid to ask each other out on a date.
Fleur didn't blush as she answered, "I would like that very much."
Viktor and Fleur went outside after lunch for a walk. They were silent at first until Viktor spoke, "Have you worked out your egg?"
"Oui," she nodded. "I do not want to even think about who they would take from me that is what I would most miss."
"For me it would be Harry. He is good friend. And very smart."
She nodded, "I suppose it would be 'Ermione. She ees my best friend. Even with other Veela I have never got along with someone like I do her."
"The icy water will be problem for you yes?"
"Yes. 'Ermione and I are working on some ways to protect me. If eet was just water I would be fine but ze ice adds a different level to eet."
Viktor cautiously took her hand in his, "Fleur I'm sure you can do it. You are the chosen champion for Beauxbatons."
She smiled at him and Viktor felt his pulse increase. Harry was definitely right. Viktor had a crush on the blonde Veela. "Thank you Viktor," she said. "For believing in me."
"I will not let you fail," he promised. "We practiced for the first task together. This one is no different."
Valentine's Day in Little Hangleton had a contingent of female aurors and two teenagers cautiously enterinh the area. Most of the Aurors stayed outside a delapidated manor with only Tonks and Bones following the two teens under Harry's borrowed invisibility cloak. Harry was ready. He was going to catch Pettigrew and make sure Sirius was freed. McGonagall, learning what they would be doing, had transfigured a cage to put the rat in that would prevent his transformation.
Hermione took a deep breath before entering the house and intentionally breaking the wards. Harry looked for trouble while Hermione moved to the study to see the chair the thing that was Voldemort was sitting in. A hex flew their way and Hermione blasted out her allure. Unseen, Bones produced a temporary shield to protect the teens from the hex. Once the allure was released Pettigrew would become worthless.
A groan was heard and Harry moved, casting the spell Sirius and Remus had told him about to force the transformation into a rat. He then placed Pettigrew into the container. "Hello Voldemort," he heard Hermione say.
"Who are you?"
"The one who made Harry an inhospitable horcrux vessel. You're welcome for all that pleasure, by the way."
Voldemort's eyes flashed but Hermione had already summoned his wand, "You will die."
"Well an idiot headmaster hasn't yet managed that feat so I fail to see what the most ugly creature I've ever seen can do," Hermione deadpanned. "My love for Harry and his love for me hurt you. Every night until Halloween when Crouch Jr., or should I say Mad-Eye, gave Harry a potion that Harry took without thinking about it."
"Sorry sweetheart," Harry said.
"I forgive you Harry. I suppose I should thank you Voldemort. You made Harry a horcrux, then removed it. That makes what I'm about to do so much easier."
"A mere girl can't defeat me!"
"I'm not a 'mere girl'," Hermione's eyes turned predatory, "I'm a muggleborn Veela and what better combination is there to kill a bigot?"
"Dumbledore doesn't kill," Voldemort sneered.
"Dumbledore isn't here," Hermione countered, "and if he were he'd be enjoying my fireballs right about now. Pleasure causes you more pain than imaginable. My allure doesn't just make men feel lust. As evidenced by some it also offers feelings of pleasure. Now then, this is for hurting my Harry, trying to kill my Harry, and taking his family and godfather from him." With that Hermione released a targeted allure blast that would have had most men's eyes rolling back in their heads. Voldemort was not one of those men. Instead he was screaming out in pain. A snake lunged at Hermione but Tonks cast a slicing hex that killed the snake on the spot. Harry held Pettigrew's cage with one hand as he moved to Hermione. He couldn't help her but he could offer his support.
The bloodcurdling scream that Voldemort was emitting grew. Unknown to the aurors, but suspected by Hermione, his horcuxes began to self-destruct. A diadem in the Room of Requirement combusted. A ring in a shack near Riddle Manor exploded in flames and the shack burnt to the ground. Hermione closed her eyes to focus and Harry slid an arm around her waist. Harry. She was doing this for Harry. This monster had tried to hurt her Harry. He'd never hurt her Harry again. Her blast increased and Bones understood why no male aurors were invited. She was female and attracted to men and even she could feel a little of the allure blast. That Harry didn't was astonishing.
A vault in Gringotts had its wards activated. When the goblins arrived where a golden cup had once been there were only scorch marks. In Grimmauld Place a locket blew up. An elf danced in victory that Master Regulus' work had finally been accomplished. The elf looked at the house. Master Sirius would be displeased. Immediately he went to work.
Voldemort ceased screaming; more out of his inability to do so than anything else. The pain he was feeling was overwhelming. He tried to crawl away but his body (what was left of it) felt paralyzed. His last visual was of a sadistic smile on the lips of the Veela and the determined glare of Harry Potter before his last thought that the prophecy had been false entered into his head and he himself, in the twisted form he'd taken, exploded.
Hermione's blast ceased when her target died and she leaned against Harry, "Remind me to never hold it that long again," she whispered.
"I'll do that," Harry promised, handing Madame Bones Pettigrew's cage before bringing his arms around Hermione. Using the allure didn't tire her out generally but she'd held it for ten minutes this time; she'd never held it that long before.
She closed her eyes and he saw her hand tighten around the lyre pendant. He let her pray in peace before she stood up straight and kissed him, "Thanks Harry."
"For what?"
"You putting your arm around me helped me to strengthen the blast. Voldemort can't hurt you ever again now."
He smiled and kissed her, "You sure you don't want to take the credit?"
"Positive," she kissed him back, "you can keep the title of destroyer of Voldemort. I'll just be your hot Veela girlfriend."
Amelia Bones and Tonks watched the couple's banter before Amelia spoke, "The report will be kept confidential. No one needs to know what happened here today."
"Now that you have Pettigrew will you free Sirius?"
"Yes we will," Bones nodded. "Pettigrew will be given a trial, I will lead the questioning so no mention of today will occur. I will make sure the Daily Prophet reports on the trial and Sirius Black's release will be given the lead headline. Once that is done he'll probably have to go to Gringotts or the Ministry but he'll not be punished for escaping Azkaban."
"Okay," Harry said. "Can we go back to Hogwarts now? I want to have a Valentine's dinner with my valentine."
"You are too sweet," Hermione smiled. Harry grinned in response.
Minerva McGonagall welcomed her two favorite students back from their excursion to before speaking, "The headmaster has informed me that the second task requires that which the champions would miss the most. You two are of course the two that Mr. Krum and Miss Delacour would miss most."
"And what, you want to stick us in the bottom of an icy Scottish lake in the middle of February?"
"Well, yes."
"Ice water and Veela don't mix well together," Hermione said.
"It is of course your choice."
Harry looked at his lover, "What do you think?"
"I think if we're doing this we can trust that Viktor and Fleur will do their very best to rescue us."
"Agreed," Harry nodded. "After today I know you can do anything so if you think we should do this then I'll agree."
Hermione mulled it over before nodding in the affirmative. McGonagall nodded, "We ask that you not tell them, of course." Harry smirked.
The couple had a small dinner in their room. Dobby and Winky catered it. When they finished with dinner Harry turned on the wizarding wireless and they danced slowly, "I love you Hermione," he whispered.
"I love you too," she kissed his jaw gently, "now we can enjoy our lives without ever worrying about Voldemort again."
"Still have to deal with Dumbledore."
"We could transfer to Beauxbatons but I don't think you want to."
"I want to finish Hogwarts," Harry said. "No longer having to deal with Ron definitely makes it easier to be here."
"Agreed," she ran a hand through his hair, "Dumbledore knows to stay out of our way so I don't foresee him being much of a problem." Harry smirked. Since their little visit with the headmaster it had been obvious he took their words to heart. He barely looked their way and they felt able to relax. Sirius would soon be free, the summer was coming, and Harry's first ever vacation would be in France.
"Will you be okay in the lake?"
"If we got me a wetsuit I would be," Hermione said. "Some warming charms and I'll be fine."
Harry nodded. "I'll have Remus come and he can cast the spells on us. I don't want anything to happen to you."
"Alright," she kissed him, "that sounds good. You should write him tonight."
"Him and Sirius both," Harry agreed.
Late that evening Viktor walked back to the ship with a smile. He and Fleur had eaten together in the kitchens; Harry had told him how to get into them. After dinner he and Fleur had gone for another walk, this one ending in the prefect's bathroom. Cedric had given him the password and they practiced swimming together before just relaxing in the tub and talking to one another. "Do you have siblings?" Viktor asked.
"A little sister, Gabrielle. She ees eight. You?"
"A brother, Yosif. He is six. He looks up to me."
Fleur smiled, "Gabrielle ees very…proud of her Veela heritage. She has yet to experience just what it means to be Veela."
Viktor gazed at her, "Do you hate it?"
"I don't hate being a Veela," Fleur said, "there are certainly advantages. But it is hard to date when most men just want one thing from us. There are not enough men like Harry in the world," she lamented.
Gazing into her eyes he could see that insecurity. Fleur was not shy about her body, the bikini she was wearing highlighted her confidence in her looks; she was insecure about her own being. Her status. Viktor had never seen that in his mother. But then, she had his father just like Hermione had Harry. "I've learned much from Harry in my time here at Hogwarts. Including that sometimes you just have to risk being hurt. I like you Fleur. Very much. At first it was because you're not bothered by my fame or intimidated by the hordes of girls that follow me around but now it's…it's different."
"Different? As in an attraction to me?"
He nodded his head, unsure of the right words to use in English. Harry had improved his English a great deal but Viktor didn't want to risk using the wrong words. He decided to just jump right in like Harry did, "Would you consider going on a date with me?"
Fleur's lips twitched upward in a smile, "I would very much like to Viktor."
Viktor smiled at the memories. He had walked Fleur back to her carriage where she'd given him a good night kiss on the cheek. He'd seen how Harry reacted to Hermione's kisses and he understood that now. He settled into his bed for the night with a smile and just across the way in a carriage a blonde Veela was doing the same.