Apolline's shocked expression quickly shifted to one of calculation as she stared up at Harry. The power dynamic had flipped so abruptly that for several heartbeats, neither moved. The crackling fire provided the only sound in the suddenly tense room.
"Well," she finally said, her voice steadier than her expression suggested. "Per'aps I was... 'asty in my assessment."
Harry maintained his position, looming over her with unwavering confidence. "You think?" His voice carried a dangerous edge that he rarely revealed to others.
Apolline's eyes flicked to the door briefly before returning to his face. Her allure, which had been radiating powerfully moments ago, now receded to a gentle hum in the background.
"You should know," Harry continued, his voice low and controlled, and his grip on the fabric right over her tits tightening, "that manipulating me is a mistake. Testing me? An even bigger one."
Apolline raised an eyebrow, some of her composure returning, although the way he was still touching her made it challenging. "A muzzer 'as certain responsibilities, Monsieur Potter. My daughter's 'appiness—"
"Is not served by whatever this was supposed to be," Harry interrupted, taking a measured step back and finally releasing his hold on her dress, breaking the intimate tension between them. The movement allowed Apolline to straighten her dress, though her eyes never left him.
Harry ran a hand through his perpetually messy hair. "If you want to know about my relationship with Fleur, ask her. If you want to know my intentions, ask me directly without the theatrics."
"And what are your intentions?" Apolline challenged, though the question lacked her previous mockery.
Harry considered her for a moment. "I care about Fleur. She's intelligent, powerful, and sees me for who I am, not what everyone wants me to be." He paused, his expression hardening. "But what's between us is between us. I don't answer to you."
Apolline stood slowly, adjusting her dress with practiced grace. She ensured the movement was non-threatening and as graceful as she could muster. "You must understand my position. Veela relationships are... complicated. More so when zey involve wizards of significant power or standing."
"Then have that conversation with Fleur," Harry replied firmly. "She's an adult competing in a tournament meant for adults. Treat her like one."
A tense silence stretched between them before Apolline inclined her head slightly. "I see why she is drawn to you."
Before Harry could reply, the door suddenly opened. They both turned to see Fleur standing in the doorway, her eyes narrowed with suspicion. "Maman? 'Arry? What is happening here?"
The accusation in her tone was unmistakable as her gaze darted between her disheveled mother and Harry's tense posture.
"Your mother wanted to discuss our relationship," Harry said bluntly, turning toward Fleur. "She had concerns about my... worthiness."
Fleur's eyes widened before narrowing dangerously on her mother. "You did not."
Apolline lifted her chin. "I did what any mother would do, ma chérie."
"Non!" Fleur's voice was sharp as she stepped fully into the room, closing the door behind her. "What you did was disrespect me. I am not a child!"
"Fleur," Apolline began in a placating tone.
"Did you use your allure on him as well?" Fleur demanded, her French accent thickening with emotion. "The tea too?"
Apolline's silence was damning.
"Incroyable!" Fleur threw her hands up in exasperation. "I cannot believe you would stoop so low! Again!"
Harry watched the exchange with guarded interest. The family dynamic between the Delacour women was fascinating, especially now that he'd experienced their veela nature firsthand. Also, from what he could gather, this was not the first time Apolline had done something like this.
"I merely wished to ensure—" Apolline tried again.
"That what? That he would not fall to veela charms as well?" Fleur interrupted, her voice rising. "You still think I'm that silly girl just out of her veela maturity, don't you? Did it even once occur to you that I've grown? 'Arry is nothing like the others. That is precisely why I am attracted to him! He sees beyond the allure!"
Harry decided it was time to intervene. "Fleur," he said softly, drawing her attention. "It's alright."
"It is not alright," she insisted, but her tone softened when addressing him. "She had no right."
"No, she didn't," Harry agreed. "But I understand her concern. I'd be concerned too, if I were her."
Fleur's expression flickered with surprise before melting into appreciation. She stepped closer to him, reaching out to touch his arm. "You are too forgiving sometimes."
Apolline watched their interaction with keen interest, her earlier antagonism fading. "Per'aps," she said carefully, "I should leave you two to talk."
Neither Harry nor Fleur objected as she moved toward the door. Before exiting, she paused and turned to regard Harry, and he didn't miss the slight hesitation in her demeanor. At least she was meeting his eyes, so that was a plus. "Monsieur Potter," she said, her voice now formal. "I apologize for my... approach. Though not for my concern."
Harry nodded once, accepting the partial apology, though they both knew it was a long way from forgiveness. When the door closed behind her, Fleur immediately turned to him.
"What did she do?" she demanded, her blue eyes scanning his face.
Harry sighed, leading her to sit on the small sofa. "Nothing I couldn't handle. Some tea that made me... susceptible. A heavy dose of allure."
Fleur's beautiful face clouded with anger. "The tea was laced with Passion Petal extract, no doubt. A powerful aphrodisiac that amplifies veela allure so much, men turn to drooling simpletons."
"I think I've seen the kind," Harry chuckled, telling her about the state of those idiots when they had seen the veela dancing during the World Cup finals.
"Oh, that's nothing," Fleur waved her hand dismissively. "Multiply that ten, maybe twenty times or so, and you'll get what I'm telling you about."
"Oh."
Fleur shook her head as she cursed softly in French. "I should have known she would interfere. She did it once before too. This boy… I was just out of my veela maturity, and after being treated like a child my entire life, I… gave in to the first boy who showed interest in me. I mean, it was obvious what he was after, but the prospect of my first relationship blinded me completely. It's a good thing she did back then, but doing it even now? That's taking it too far."
"She was testing me," Harry said, taking Fleur's hand. "I passed."
A reluctant smile tugged at Fleur's lips. "Of course you did." She studied him for a moment, her gaze tender with affection. "You are not like other boys, 'Arry Potter."
"So I've been told," he replied with a small smile.
Fleur shifted closer, her body pressing against his. "I should apologize for my mother's behavior."
"You're not responsible for her actions."
"Non, but still." She sighed, leaning her head on his shoulder. "Veela mothers are very protective of their daughters. It is... common to test potential mates."
Harry raised an eyebrow at the word 'mates', knowing the significance of it, but he refrained from commenting on it. "Well, common or not, she should have found a different way."
Fleur laughed softly. "I agree. Though I am curious how you resisted. I'm telling you, 'Arry, any other man would have been... overwhelmed in a second."
"Well, I'm not any other man," Harry replied simply.
"Non," Fleur agreed, lifting her head to meet his eyes. "You are not."
Their faces were close now, her breath warm against his lips. "I heard about your day in Hogsmeade," she said, her tone casual but her eyes sharp.
Harry tensed slightly. "News travels fast."
"Indeed." Fleur's expression revealed nothing. "The Hufflepuff girl. Susan?"
"Yes," Harry confirmed, watching her reaction carefully. "Does that bother you?"
Fleur considered the question, her fingers tracing patterns on the back of his hand. "You know, I considered telling you this before, but as casual as I have been about things, a veela is not... accustomed to sharing," she admitted. "But I also understand that what is between us is not exclusive."
"It could be," Harry offered, surprising himself with the words.
A small smile crossed Fleur's face. "Could it? From what I have seen and heard, you have connections with several girls already. Your friend Katie, yes? And those two girls from Slytherin house too?"
Harry didn't deny it. "You know what the public perception of it all would be if I was in an official relationship with them all. That makes things complicated."
"Life often is," Fleur replied philosophically. She leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. "But I am not like most veela. I do not ask for exclusivity, 'Arry. I ask only for honesty."
"That I can promise," he said against her lips.
Their kiss deepened briefly before Fleur pulled back. "You should go. It is late, and after what my mother did, you need rest."
Harry recognized the dismissal for what it was—Fleur needed time to process her mother's actions, and perhaps have a long, nice chat with her as well. He stood, brushing over his shirt casually. "We'll talk more soon?"
"Oui," she agreed, walking him to the door. "And 'Arry? Good luck with the Bones girl. From what I've seen, she seems like a lovely girl."
With that note of encouragement, she sent him on his way back to the castle, his mind swirling with thoughts of veela tests, complicated relationships, and what awaited him tomorrow with Susan.
-Break-
The seventh floor corridor was quiet when Harry arrived there the next afternoon. Shadows stretched along the stone walls as the late day sun filtered through distant windows. He paced three times before the blank wall, focusing his thoughts: I need a place to practice dueling... somewhere private where Susan and I won't be disturbed.
The large wooden door materialized, and Harry slipped inside, finding the Room of Requirement had outdone itself. A spacious dueling arena dominated the center, surrounded by comfortable seating areas. Practice dummies stood in one corner, while bookshelves lined the walls, filled with offensive and defensive magic texts from the vast library the school boasted of. A small sitting area with plush couches and a crackling fireplace occupied the far end of the room.
Perfect.
Harry had just finished arranging some cushions when a soft knock sounded. Opening the door revealed Susan, her auburn hair pulled back in a practical ponytail, wearing comfortable clothes suitable for dueling.
"Wow," she said, eyes widening as she stepped inside. "This room is amazing."
"The Room of Requirement," Harry explained, closing the door which vanished behind her. "It becomes whatever you need it to be."
Susan turned in a slow circle, absorbing the details. "Convenient."
"Very," Harry agreed. "Especially when you need privacy."
A slight blush colored Susan's cheeks, but her voice remained steady. "So, dueling practice?"
Harry nodded, gesturing toward the platform. "You mentioned you've had training since you were twelve. I'm curious to see what Madam Bones' niece can do."
Susan smiled, a competitive gleam entering her eyes. "Prepare to be impressed, Potter."
They faced each other on the platform, their wands raised in traditional dueling stance.
"Standard rules?" Harry asked. "No Unforgivables, nothing permanently damaging?"
"Works for me," Susan agreed, her stance shifting subtly. Harry noticed her weight distribution was perfect—balanced and ready to move in any direction.
"On three, then," Harry said. "One, two—"
"Stupefy!" Susan called on two, her spell shooting toward him with impressive speed.
Harry's shield charm flashed into existence over his wand just in time, deflecting her attack. He grinned as the red bolt was swatted away. "Sneaky."
"Effective," she countered, already moving to her right.
Harry responded with a series of minor hexes, testing her defenses. Susan blocked each one efficiently, her movements economical and practiced. She wasn't flashy, but her technique was solid.
"Expelliarmus!" she tried, followed immediately by "Impedimenta!"
The double-cast spell chain caught Harry by surprise, especially considering how seamless the transition was. He managed to dodge the first and block the second though.
"Not bad, Bones!"
Their duel intensified, spells flying back and forth across the platform. Susan fought intelligently, conserving her energy while looking for openings in Harry's defense. She felt her strategy almost worked several times, but Harry's reflexes gave him the edge.
After fifteen minutes of intense exchange, she was breathing heavily while he looked completely at ease. Susan's hair had partially escaped her ponytail, and although he was not tired, Harry's t-shirt still clung to his back with sweat.
"Enough?" Harry asked after blocking her latest volley.
Susan nodded, lowering her wand. "For now."
They stepped off the platform, Harry summoning water glasses from a side table the room had provided.
"You're good," he said, handing her a glass. "Really good, actually."
Susan accepted the water gratefully. "Thanks. You're not so bad yourself." She took a long drink before adding, "Though I suspect you were holding back."
Harry shrugged. "Maybe a little. But your technique is excellent."
"My aunt insisted," Susan explained, setting down her empty glass. "She said a witch should always be able to defend herself, particularly in... uncertain times."
The pointed reference to the growing darkness wasn't lost on Harry. He was also in no doubt as to why she had been helpless in that situation during the Yule Ball. The escalation must have caught her off-guard, and as he'd come to know already, she hadn't wanted to create a scene in an international event.
"Smart woman, your aunt."
Susan nodded, using a small towel to dab at her neck. "She'd like you, I think. Despite your... reputation."
"My reputation?" Harry raised an eyebrow.
"The Boy-Who-Lived. Trouble-magnet. Ladies' man." She ticked off on her fingers, a teasing smile playing at her lips.
Harry groaned. "That obvious, huh?"
"The whole school talks," Susan said with a shrug. "Though I suspect half of it is exaggerated."
"Only half?" Harry asked wryly.
Susan laughed, the sound warm and genuine. "Let's just say there are some rather creative theories about your... activities."
Harry moved to the couch by the fireplace, gesturing for her to join him. When she sat, he left a respectful distance between them, leaving the control of the situation to her.
"Does it bother you?" he asked seriously. "The talk? The other girls?"
Susan considered the question, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "It should, shouldn't it? That's what everyone would expect."
"But?"
"But it doesn't," she said simply. "Maybe that makes me strange."
Harry shook his head. "Not strange. Just... different."
"Different enough that Katie Bell offered to give me tips," Susan said with a laugh.
Harry winced. "She didn't."
"Oh, she absolutely did," Susan confirmed, her eyes dancing with amusement. "Very detailed tips, I might add."
The embarrassment on Harry's face must have been evident because Susan burst into laughter. "Relax, I'm joking. Though she did offer."
Harry shook his head ruefully. "Katie has no filter."
"I like that about her," Susan admitted. "She's honest."
"Yes, brutally so sometimes," Harry agreed. He studied Susan's face, still flushed from their duel. "Can I ask you something personal?"
Susan nodded, her expression turning curious.
"Why me? Really?" Harry asked. "And don't say it's because I helped you at the Yule Ball. There has to be more to it."
Susan's gaze dropped to her hands for a moment before meeting his eyes again. "Because you see people, Harry. Really see them." Her voice softened. "Do you know how rare that is? Most people look at me and see 'Susan Bones, Hufflepuff, niece of Amelia Bones.' But you actually see me."
Harry hadn't expected such a candid answer. "I—"
"And," she continued before he could respond, "you're kind without being weak. Powerful without being cruel." A small smile curved her lips. "Plus, you're not bad to look at."
The compliment made Harry chuckle, breaking the intensity of the moment. "Well, when you put it that way."
Susan shifted closer on the couch, her knee brushing his. "Your turn. Why did you agree to this? To us?"
Harry considered his answer carefully. "Because you surprised me," he said finally. "Most people want something from me—the Boy-Who-Lived, the Triwizard Champion, whatever. But you just wanted... me." He paused. "And you were brave enough to say so."
Susan's smile widened. "Hufflepuffs can be brave too, remember?"
"I'm starting to see that," Harry murmured, echoing his words from Hogsmeade.
The air between them changed, charged with anticipation as they leaned toward each other. Unlike their first kiss before the second task, this one was unhurried. Harry's hand came up to cup her cheek, his thumb tracing her jawline. Susan's eyes fluttered closed as their lips met.
The kiss was gentle at first, almost exploratory. Susan's lips were soft beneath his, and she tasted faintly of the water they'd just shared. When her hand came up to rest on his chest, Harry deepened the kiss, pulling her closer.
They broke apart moments later, both slightly breathless. Susan's cheeks were flushed, her eyes bright.
"That was..." she began.
"Better than before the lake?" Harry suggested with a small smile.
"Much better," Susan agreed, her hand still resting on his chest. She could feel his heartbeat, steady but quick beneath her palm. "No tournament pressure. No chance of someone stumbling in."
"Just us," Harry finished, his fingers playing with a strand of her hair that had come loose.
Susan nodded, her expression turning thoughtful. "Harry, what exactly are we doing here?"
The blunt question was so typically Susan that Harry couldn't help but smile. "Getting to know each other better, I thought."
"You know what I mean," she pressed gently. "I meant what I said in Hogsmeade. I don't expect exclusivity. But I do want clarity."
Harry respected her directness. "Fair enough. I care about you, Susan. I want to see where this goes between us."
"And the others?" she asked, not accusingly but with genuine curiosity.
"Complicated," Harry admitted. "Katie and I have a... physical relationship. She's fun and straightforward and doesn't want anything serious."
Susan nodded, encouraging him to continue.
"Fleur is different," Harry said slowly. "There's something deeper there, something I'm still figuring out."
"And the rumors about others?"
Harry sighed. "Some true, some exaggerated. Daphne, Tracey, and Rosmerta. That's all."
Susan processed this information with remarkable calmness, not even batting an eyelid at the unexpected names. It surprised him a lot.
"Thank you for being honest."
"Always," Harry promised.
Susan's hand moved from his chest to the back of his neck, her fingers threading through his hair. "I can work with complicated," she said quietly before pulling him into another kiss.
This one was different—more confident, more heated. Harry's arm wrapped around her waist, drawing her closer until she was practically in his lap. Susan made a soft sound against his mouth, her free hand gripping his shoulder.
When they separated for air, Harry's eyes had darkened. "Susan," he murmured, his voice husky.
She answered by sliding fully onto his lap, her thighs straddling his. The position brought their bodies flush together, and Harry's hands settled naturally on her hips.
"Is this okay?" she whispered, her fingers playing with the hair at the nape of his neck.
"More than okay," Harry assured her, his thumbs tracing small circles where they rested.
Susan initiated the next kiss, her confidence growing. Harry responded enthusiastically, one hand sliding up her back to tangle in her hair. The remaining pins fell away, releasing her auburn waves to cascade around them.
Their kisses grew more passionate, their breathing heavier as hands began to explore. Harry's lips traced a path along her jaw to her neck, drawing a soft gasp from Susan when he found a particularly sensitive spot below her ear.
"Harry," she breathed, her fingers tightening in his hair. The sensation sent a shiver down his spine.
His hands slid under the hem of her shirt, tracing the warm skin of her lower back. Susan arched slightly at his touch, pressing herself closer against him. The movement created a delicious friction between them, and Harry groaned softly against the soft skin of her neck.
Susan pulled back slightly, her eyes dark with desire but clear with self-control. "Harry, I want to be clear about something."
He nodded, his hands stilling respectfully. "Anything."
"I'm not... I'm not ready for everything yet," she said plainly. "But I want this—want you."
Understanding dawned in Harry's eyes. "We don't have to do anything you're not comfortable with, Susan. This is enough."
The sincerity in his voice made her smile. "This is plenty for now," she agreed, leaning in to brush her lips against his again. "But I don't want to stop completely."
"Duly noted," Harry murmured against her mouth, his hands resuming their gentle exploration of her back.
His lips found Susan's again, soft and warm, pulling her into a kiss that felt both familiar and new. Her hands stayed at his neck, her fingers curling gently in his hair, while his palms rested lightly on her back, tracing slow patterns across her skin. The air around them seemed to hum, warm and quiet, as they sank deeper into the moment.
She tilted her head, deepening the kiss, her lips parting slightly. Harry followed her lead, careful not to push too far, his hands staying respectfully under the hem of her shirt. The warmth of her skin under his fingertips sent a quiet thrill through him. Susan's breath hitched, and she pressed herself a little closer, her thighs tightening briefly against his hips.
They pulled apart for a moment, their foreheads resting together and their breaths mingling in the small space between them. Susan's eyes, bright and clear, locked onto his. A small smile tugged at her lips. "You're very good at this," she said, her voice low and teasing.
Harry chuckled, his hands stilling on her waist. "You're not so bad yourself." His thumb brushed lightly against her side, and she squirmed, a soft laugh escaping her.
"Ticklish?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Don't you dare," Susan warned, though her grin betrayed her. She leaned in again, brushing her lips against his in a quick, playful kiss before settling back slightly. Her fingers traced the collar of his shirt, her expression thoughtful. "This is nice, Harry. Just... this."
He nodded, understanding exactly what she meant. "Yeah. No rush." His hands slid down to rest on her hips again, comfortable and steady. The moment felt easy, like they'd found a rhythm that worked for both of them.
Susan shifted, adjusting her position so she was more comfortably perched on his lap. Her auburn hair, now fully loose, spilled over her shoulders, catching the faint light in the room. Harry reached up, tucking a strand behind her ear. The gesture was small but intimate, and Susan's smile softened at it.
"You're kind of sweet when you want to be," she said, her tone warm.
"Only kind of?" Harry teased, his hands giving her hips a gentle squeeze.
She rolled her eyes, but her smile widened. "Don't let it go to your head." Leaning forward, she kissed him again, slower this time, savoring the way their lips moved together. Her hands slid down to rest on his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart under her palms.
Harry's hands stayed gentle, one resting on her lower back, the other brushing lightly along her side. He was hyper-aware of her boundaries, determined to keep things where she was comfortable. The kisses deepened, but they stayed unhurried, each one building on the last without crossing into anything more.
Susan pulled back slightly, her breath warm against his cheek. "You're really okay with this?" she asked, her voice quiet but firm. "Just... keeping things here for now?"
"More than okay," Harry said, his voice steady. He met her gaze, wanting her to see he meant it. "I like this, Susan. I like us, right here."
Her expression softened, and she nodded, her fingers playing absently with the edge of his shirt. "Good. Because I like this too." She paused, then added with a small laugh, "Though I might need to move soon. My legs are starting to cramp."
Harry grinned, his hands steadying her as she shifted off his lap to sit beside him. She stayed close, her shoulder brushing against his, her hand resting lightly on his knee. The shift in position didn't break the connection between them; if anything, it felt like a natural continuation, like they were settling into something real.
He reached for her hand, lacing their fingers together. "Better?" he asked.
"Much," Susan said, squeezing his hand. She leaned her head against his shoulder, her hair tickling his neck. For a moment, they just sat there, the quiet of the room wrapping around them. The only sounds were their soft breaths and the faint crackle of the fire in the distance.
Harry glanced down at her, taking in the way her face looked in the low light—relaxed, content, with a faint flush still on her cheeks. He thanked his stars once again for not going ahead with Dumbledore's fucked-up plan of playing with her emotions.
"You look happy," he said, the words slipping out before he could think too much about them.
Susan tilted her head to meet his gaze, her eyes warm. "I am. This feels... right." She hesitated for a moment before adding, "I know things are complicated with you, Harry. But this? This feels simple."
He nodded, understanding. "Simple's good." His thumb brushed over the back of her hand, a small gesture that felt like enough.
Susan shifted closer, her head resting more fully against his shoulder. "Tell me something," she said after a moment. "Something about you I don't already know."
Harry thought for a second, his free hand absently playing with a loose thread on his sleeve. "I'm terrible at chess," he said finally, a small smile tugging at his lips. "A few people have tried to teach me, but I'm hopeless."
Susan laughed, the sound soft and bright. "Really? I'd have thought you'd be decent, with all that strategy you pull off in Quidditch."
"Nope," Harry said, shaking his head. "I overthink it, apparently. What about you? Got any hidden talents?"
She tilted her head, thinking. "I'm pretty good at knitting," she said. "Not exactly exciting, but I made a scarf for my aunt last Christmas, and she still wears it."
"That's cool," Harry said, genuine. "You'll have to make me one someday."
"Only if you promise not to wear it ironically," Susan shot back, her tone playful.
"Deal," Harry said, grinning. He squeezed her hand, and she squeezed back, the moment feeling light and easy.
They fell into a comfortable silence again, the kind that didn't need filling. Susan's thumb traced small circles on his hand, and Harry felt a quiet warmth settle in his chest. He liked this—liked her. The way she was direct but kind, confident but thoughtful. It made him want to keep her close, to see where this could go.
Susan lifted her head suddenly, her eyes catching his. "What?" she asked, noticing the way he was looking at her.
"Nothing," Harry said, but his smile gave him away. "Just... you're pretty great, you know that?"
Her cheeks flushed, but she didn't look away. "You're not so bad yourself, Potter." She leaned in, climbing into his lap and pressing her lips against his once again.
They lost track of time as they continued kissing and touching, learning each other's responses. Susan discovered that Harry made a particular sound when she gently bit his lower lip. Harry found that stroking along her spine made her shiver delightfully in his arms.
Eventually, they slowed, their foreheads pressed together as they caught their breath. Susan's hair was thoroughly mussed, her lips swollen from their kisses. Harry wasn't in much better shape, his hair even more chaotic than usual and his lips just as swollen. Her lipstick had also left its mark on him, not that he minded in the slightest.
"We should probably get back," Susan sighed reluctantly. "People will start to wonder where we've disappeared to."
Harry nodded, though he made no move to release her. "Probably," he agreed, stealing one more quick kiss.
Susan laughed softly, finally sliding off his lap to sit beside him. "That was..." She seemed at a loss for words.
"Yeah," Harry agreed, understanding completely.
They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, Susan's head resting on Harry's shoulder while his arm draped around her waist.
"Thank you," she said finally.
Harry looked at her curiously. "For what?"
"For seeing me," Susan replied simply.
The vulnerability in her voice touched something in Harry. He pressed a gentle kiss to her temple. "Always."
-Break-
The Great Hall buzzed with dinner conversation as Harry entered later that evening. He'd taken time to shower and change after parting ways with Susan, but his mind kept drifting back to their afternoon together.
"Earth to Harry," Neville's voice broke through his thoughts as Harry sat at the Gryffindor table. "Where've you been all afternoon?"
"Practicing," Harry replied vaguely, reaching for the shepherd's pie.
Ginny gave him a searching look from her spot beside her boyfriend. "For the tournament?"
Before Harry could formulate a response, Katie slid onto the bench beside him, a knowing smirk on her face. "Or should we ask with whom?"
Harry shot her an exasperated look, which Katie ignored completely.
"I saw Susan Bones looking particularly... refreshed at the Hufflepuff table," she continued, her voice low enough that only their two dear students could hear. "Her hair was still damp from a shower."
Neville's eyebrows shot up. "You and Susan Bones? Since when?"
"Today, I guess?" Harry shrugged, munching on the slice of pie as his eyes flicked toward the Hufflepuff table. As expected, Susan was looking his way. When their eyes met, she gave him a small smile before returning to her conversation with Hannah who also gave him a big grin.
"Merlin's beard," Neville breathed. "First Katie, then Fleur Delacour, now Susan Bones. How do you do it, mate?"
"Nev," Ginny hissed, elbowing him sharply.
"What? It's a legitimate question!" Neville defended, rubbing his ribs.
Harry chuckled, finding the dynamic between Neville and Ginny fun. It was good to see them having gone past that awkward stage. At least one more good thing had come out of their little lessons, in addition to satisfying Katie's kink.
"Susan's a good choice," Katie said approvingly. "Smart, pretty, comes from a good family. And those Hufflepuffs are loyal to a fault."
Harry merely gave her an amused look, earning a grin.
He was halfway through his meal when he felt a presence behind him. Turning, he found Fleur standing there, her silvery-blonde hair cascading over her shoulders.
"'Arry," she greeted with a small smile. "May I have a word? In private?"
The nearby conversations hushed as students strained to eavesdrop. Harry nodded, rising from the bench. "Of course."
Katie caught his arm as he passed. "Meeting in the common room later?" she whispered.
"I'll be there," Harry promised before following Fleur out of the Great Hall, acutely aware of the stares tracking their exit and the furious whispers that erupted on their way out.
They found a quiet alcove not far from the entrance, secluded enough for private conversation but still in a public area.
"Maman is returning to France tomorrow," Fleur said without preamble. "She asked me to convey her apologies for her... behavior."
Harry nodded. "Apology accepted."
Fleur studied his face. "You are too forgiving sometimes."
"So you said yesterday," Harry reminded her with a small smile.
A hint of amusement crossed Fleur's beautiful features. "Indeed." She hesitated before continuing. "She also asked me to invite you to visit us in France. After the tournament."
The invitation surprised Harry. "Really? After everything?"
"Perhaps because of everything," Fleur suggested. "My mother respects strength and character. You demonstrated both."
Harry considered this. "I'd like that, I think." He paused. "Fleur, about yesterday..."
"You do not need to explain," she interrupted gently. "I meant what I said. I ask only for honesty, not exclusivity."
Relief washed over him. "Thank you."
Fleur reached out, her fingers brushing his wrist in a gesture reminiscent of her mother's, though without the manipulative intent. "But 'Arry, be careful. The heart is a complicated thing, especially when divided among many. I might not want to keep you to myself, but I don't want to lose you either."
The vulnerability in her voice caught him by surprise, and Harry nodded seriously. "I know. I'm trying to be... responsible about everything."
"I believe you," Fleur said softly. Her eyes flickered over his shoulder. "And it seems we have an audience."
Harry turned slightly, spotting Susan standing a discreet distance away, clearly waiting for their conversation to end. Their eyes met briefly before she looked away, pretending to examine a nearby painting.
"I should go," Fleur said, noticing the exchange. "We will talk more later, oui?"
"Yes," Harry agreed. As she turned to leave, he added, "Fleur? I'm glad we met."
A genuine smile lit her face. "As am I, 'Arry. You are the best thing that happened to me."
They shared a tender kiss before Fleur turned and brushed past Susan as she departed, the two girls exchanging smiles and nods of acknowledgment. Susan approached him once Fleur had disappeared down the corridor.
"I wasn't spying," she said immediately. "I just wanted to—"
"It's fine," Harry assured her. "Everything okay?"
Susan nodded, glancing in the direction Fleur had gone. "She's very beautiful."
"Yes," Harry agreed, seeing no point in denying the obvious.
"And intimidating," Susan added with a small laugh.
"That too," Harry said, smiling. "But so are you, in your own way."
Susan raised an eyebrow. "Me? Intimidating?"
"Absolutely," Harry confirmed. "You know exactly what you want and aren't afraid to go after it. That's intimidating to most people."
Susan considered this, looking pleased. "I never thought of it that way." She straightened slightly. "Anyway, I just wanted to give you this."
She handed him a small folded note. "Read it later. And Harry? Thank you for today."
Before he could respond, she leaned in and placed a quick kiss on his lips, then turned and walked toward the Hufflepuff common room with confident strides.
Harry watched her go, the note warm in his hand. His life had become undeniably complicated, but as he reflected on the events of the past two days, he couldn't bring himself to regret any of it.
Later that night, alone in his four-poster bed with the curtains drawn, Harry unfolded Susan's note:
Harry,
Today was wonderful. Meet me by the lake tomorrow after classes? I have something to show you.
Yours,
Susan
P.S. Hannah says we make a cute couple. I'm inclined to agree.
Harry chuckled in the darkness as he stretched slightly. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, new complications, but for now, he allowed himself to simply enjoy the moment.
Sleep came easily that night, free from the usual nightmares that plagued him. Instead, his dreams were filled with red, blonde, brunette, and silver hair, soft kisses, and the promise of what tomorrow might bring.
The tournament, Voldemort, and the weight of being the Boy-Who-Lived would still be waiting for him when he woke. But tonight, he was just Harry—someone navigating the already complicated world of relationships, made even more complex by his unique circumstances.
And somehow, that felt like the most normal thing in the world.
TBC.
Check out the link on my profile for early access to chapters and more. Chapter 27 to 32 are already up over there.