Chapter 10
"I can't believe it," Nott laughs from his bed.
"If any fourth-year could pull it off, it would be Harry," Blaise adds with a grin.
"That's true, but what if he lost the bet? It was a pretty close end," Draco inputs.
"It was, wasn't it, Draco? However, I knew that it wouldn't be my fault if we lost. It'd be the ones who managed to get out of the game by falling into an ambush," I jest and he returns my statement with a glare as the others laugh at Draco's expense.
"Come on, Harry. Be nice to Draco," Nott tells me and I give him a look before waiting for him to go on with his statement. "You know, because not only did you get a date with an older Veela, but you also did it without foaming at the mouth like Draco. That's like what? Two strikes against Slytherin's pawn?"
"I don't see you faring any better with the Veela crowd, without your mind shields up, Nott," Draco retorts. "And I am not a pawn! I beat everyone else to get on the team."
Theo is unfazed by Draco's heated tone and just continues to smirk with Blaise.
"As much as I would love to debate on whether or not Draco is a mere commoner, I have to get going. Remember to keep your eyes and ears open at Hogsmeade," I remind them.
"This is an ample opportunity to catch our guests with their guard down. Remember that we are looking to make friends with them, not impress them. Hold your confidence back. If you meet a worthy ally... an ally who needs to be the smartest person in the room... you let them think they are the smartest person in the room," I tell them but they do not look thrilled about it.
"Draco, I am looking at you on this one," I tell him and he sighs before nodding his head. "Theo, keep detailed notes. Blaise, use that Unspeakable training we all know you have. Draco, make sure to spend money, but not be flashy about it. Tracey will join you later with the girls. She knows enough, but not everything, so don't divulge any information to them," I order before looking at myself in the mirror and get ready to leave.
That's before I realize I still have the privacy charm going on and cancel it. I forgot about our other two roommates.
"Gregy and Vinnie, look like your normal strong and intimidating selves... and don't get distracted by pretty girls, understood?" They both nod their head in the affirmative.
I really want to give them the benefit of the doubt that they will indeed perform their simple task without any trouble...but I can't, so I just decided to plan to solve any issues set off by the two. I leave my lieutenants with their mission before heading out to the common room.
***
"Where are you off to, Harry?" Tracey asks me with a fake innocent smile on one of the common room's couches as she looks me over appreciatively.
She is sitting down with the other female fourth-year Slytherins, more than likely waiting for the guys to enter the room from our dorm.
"I got a hot date, with a certain French starting Lieutenant," I reply with a mischievous smile of my own, referring to Fleur's position in the new tournament.
"Really, Potter?" Daphne replies with a disdainful smirk. "Have you stooped so low that you have to go after a harpy, just to get a date?" she laughs as some other girls join in.
"Beggars can't be choosers," I reply quickly with a shrug.
"Although, I would clear my schedule completely if it meant that I could take the most beautiful lady, of the House of Greengrass, down to Hogsmeade today. So, Daphne, the question is..." I pause.
I see the look of surprise on Daphne's face before the ice mask goes up, and I know I have her where I want her. However, she smirks before replying, "Potter, I would never-" she starts before I cut her off.
"Does Astoria have any plans for Hogsmeade?" I finish my question.
It takes a moment, but then I hear the gasps from multiple students, who seem to be listening in.
Claire and Pansy are in a state of shock.
Millicent and Tracey put their hands over their mouths in surprise, before trying to cover up their snorts of laughter.
The other female eavesdroppers have looks ranging from Pansy's to Tracey's.
Most of the guys try to stifle their laughter but, at the same time, they are also throwing me looks that say Daphne is going to end me.
Daphne's face went from confusion, to surprise, to anger, all within a couple of moments.
I think I might have to shield before a voice rings out.
"Sorry, Harry! I got plans with Ginny today, maybe some other time!" Astoria shouts at me with a huge smile from close by.
"Ah, well, maybe that is for the best. After all, it is bad manners to cancel on a lady, even if she is known as a 'harpy' by some," I reply, reinforcing the fact that most of the reason I messed with Daphne was because of her demeaning reference to Fleur.
"You all have fun, I don't want to keep my date waiting," I end, before turning on my heel and head out, not waiting for a response.
***
Checking the time, I can see that I am running a little late, which is how I want it.
I don't want to give off the impression that I am taking this bet too seriously... even if it could lead to that. I am going over my plans as I walk out to the school grounds when I remember I'd told Fleur that I would pick her up from the Beauxbatons' carriage. However, I don't really feel like having to wait outside and then ask someone to go get her.
One would assume there would be some charm on the entrance to let someone know a person is there and waiting to see someone residing inside...but then again, after all, from what I have seen so far... I wouldn't put it past them to not have something like this. I make my own solution by popping out my wand and cast a quick Patronus, so she knows I am about to be there.
Unfortunately, I didn't dumb it down, so it goes charging ahead, rather brightly.
"Merlin, Harry! Was that a Corporeal Patronus?" Susan Bones asks me from behind as she walks over with Hannah Abbot.
I look behind them to see if anyone else saw and unfortunately, Roger Davies, Marrietta Edgecomb, and Cho Chang seemed to have seen it as well. Being that they are in Ravenclaw, they quickly come over. They probably want to hear about this in order to quench their thirst for new knowledge.
"Ummm, yep," I reply, and... Merlin, do I really actually feel bashful now?
It’s time to change that.
"Susan, Hannah, it's a pleasure to see you. Roger, Cho, Marrietta, always nice to see you as well. It's a lot easier than it looks."
Hannah and Susan look surprised, and the older three look impressed.
"Still, pretty neat. Knew I picked right when we made you starting Commander," Roger tells me as he nods goodbye, with the two female Eagles, who give me smiles before they depart.
"Harry, that is not an easy spell. I know from my aunt that even Aurors have trouble completing that charm. You were being too modest," Susan tells me with a smile.
I just shrug my shoulders. "Didn't want to come out as a showoff."
"Or, you didn't want us poking around any further and notice you sent a message to someone from Beauxbatons?" Hannah replies.
They are observant, I'll give them that.
"You got me," I reply with a smile.
"Are you really going on a date with, Fleur Delacour, the Veela?" Susan asks me.
So the rumors are going around, good to know.
"I am not sure if you would call it a 'date' per se. I am taking her to Hogsmeade though and showing her around," I reply honestly.
I know I did win a 'date' with her, but the more I thought about it, the less I liked how it sounded. I will still take advantage of the win, but I will let this play out however Fleur wants it to.
"So, we still have time to hijack you from your non-date then, right?" Susan jests almost as nicely as Hannah giggles.
"I do have to say that being in the presence of Hufflepuffs most attractive 4th years is rather tempting...but I did make a promise with another lady," I reply.
I may be adding things on a little thick, but at least it is the truth.
"Oh Susan, how could us, only slightly done up young women, compare to the immaculate looking, Miss Delacour?" Hannah adds to the banter in a funny voice.
"Hey, my definition of attractive does not rely on looks, although you two look lovely this morning. I find you both highly attractive because of your personality. Just from class alone, I can see that you are caring and compassionate, " I reply to Hannah.
"And I see your fierce loyalty and determination," I relay to Susan.
"Together, you make quite the pair," I compliment them.
"And great, now we are jealous of the Veela vixen even more. She has taken the best one, Hannah!" Susan exclaims sarcastically.
"That much is true," Hannah agrees. "Well, we don't want to keep you. Thanks for stopping to chat," Hannah adds as they both smile appreciatively at me.
"Thank you," I reply, smiling back.
"Let's get together some time. I want to hear more about that Patronus," Susan states, more than asks.
"It would be my pleasure. I'll do you one better as well. I'll teach the charm to you, and you'll have it mastered in no time," I reply, not asking a question either.
"That sounds great. We'll hold you to it," Hannah ends.
"Bye, Harry," Susan adds before they start to walk away.
"See you ladies later," I finish before continuing my walk with new confidence in my step.
I am only feet away from the carriage when Fleur comes out.
She is looking rather stunning. I can tell she purposely did not get dressed up but took the time to not look overdone. It's almost like the hair product that makes your hair look the perfect style of messy. She took time to not look overdone...and she really can pull off that look. I turn up my mind shields, but they don't do anything, so I know it is not the Veela charm that it pulling me into her.
"You look gorgeous," I tell her honestly and notice that she looked a little surprised when she first walked out.
She gives me a quick smile before going back to a neutral look. This gives me the perfect break to conjure a small token of appreciation as I pull out a bouquet of brightly colored flowers after casting a summoning charm.
"You probably already know this, but these are dahlias," I tell her and she looks even more surprised but accepts the offered bouquet.
“Ow did...wait did you know dat?” she then pauses as the smell hits her. "Iz dat scent...cherry blossoms?" she asks in confusion.
"Yeah. Arielle let me know that you love the smell of them, but your favorite flower is the multi-colored dahlias. I laced the fragrance of the cherry blossom with the flowers but dulled the smell a little so it is not overpowering. They wouldn't last long, so I put a preserving charm on them. I hope they last for at least a week," I answer.
"Thank you. Zat was very...thoughtful," she tells me. "And you ave been in communication with my best friend as well? Talking to er with your Patronus too?" she slightly laughs.
"Nope. Just by regular owl," I reply with a smile.
"I see. Ow, may I ask, did you learn that charm?" she asks politely.
"Perhaps that will be a good story to tell you as we walk into town?" I ask her, wanting to get everything in that I wanted to before lunchtime.
She nods her head in the affirmative. "I will put these in zome water and be out, oui?" she asks.
"Oui," I answer back as she quickly goes in and I wait outside patiently.
I spend the time thinking and saying bonjour to a couple of groups that walk out and into town, but I get suspicious looks from many, which I guess can't be helped.
Luckily, Fleur comes out not that much later. I offer her my arm to lead her into town, and again she looks a little surprised. She takes ahold of my arm anyway as we make our way down.
"Merci," she tells me as I begin to explain the story of how I learned to cast the Patronus charm.
Although some parts remain vague, to cover up some things, it is the truth. I think she was fascinated with the story, but even though I want to, I don't check her mind to see if it is genuine.
"So, you know a little about me, the real me. How about telling me a little something about the real, Fleur Delacour?" I ask her and she looks a little hesitant. "Or let's play a game."
"A game?" she asks for clarification.
"Yes. I will tell you a little something, you tell me a little something, and so on and so forth," I explain.
"You won't go telling your friends all about me will you?" she asks with slight sarcasm.
"I hope you don't think that lowly of me," I reply quickly.
"No, I do not. You are...very different than I first thought," she replies before telling me a little about her family.
By the time we get into town, we have already swapped a couple of stories.
We continue to exchange tad bits of information as I take her to Dervish and Banges magical equipment shop where we look at a vast variety of all they have but end up buying nothing of interest.
I also indulge her when we enter Gladrags Wizardwear, where I patiently wait as she tries on some things but, to her frustration, she does not like a single thing. Apparently, the small village of Hogsmeade has nothing on Paris's magical clothing community.
When we head to Zonko's Joke Shop, we are at least entertained by the various items on display. I end up buying a couple of things even though she refrains from purchasing anything.
We even head to the Shrieking Shack. I tell her the alleged story behind it, keeping the real story to myself, as she listens with interest. After I am done with the story, a strong gust of wind blows past us, adding to the eeriness of the place before we depart. Fleur shakes off the wind's effect by moving closer to me, which I have no problem with.
The two of us are actually having a surprisingly good time as we continue onwards. Even the minor bit of stares and curious looks sent our way can't stop our good moods. We both pay the offending looks no mind as we make one last stop at Honeydukes.
"You ave, quite ze sweet tooth for chocolate, oui?" she asks with a smile at the rather large amount that I am buying, along with various other sweets. I don't comment but smile in turn as the teller rings up my order.
"I will be paying for her as well," I tell them.
"Arry no, I can pay for my own," she tells me.
"I know you can, but I am the one taking you out. So it is only proper for me to pay, oui?" I ask rhetorically with a grin.
"Oui," she sighs out with a small chuckle. I think she knows I won't accept no for an answer.
"Are you hungry?" I ask her as we get out of the shop and offer to take her bag.
She again reluctantly gives me her bag and nods in the affirmative.
"Yes. I ave eard that the Three Broomsticks is where people usually go for lunch? My friends are going there, and I ope you don't mind if I introduce you to them?" she asks.
"I actually had something else planned...if you don't mind," I tell her, hoping this won't interfere with something she had planned.
"Non, where are we going though?" she asks again looking surprised.
I would feel a little disheartened with all the looks of surprise she is giving me, but then again, I was kind of a prat to her recently. Although my attitude to her was for the best. It was also part of the plan.
"That's a surprise," I tell her and again, offer her my arm. She accepts it instantly this time and just smiles as we make our way to the outskirts of Hogsmeade. I have visited Hogsmeade enough on infiltration missions, and other outings, so I know a couple of hidden places the village holds.
The one I currently take her to is an elevated hill that doesn't have much of a view but gets lots of light from the sun and is rather secluded.
"Can you hold these for a moment?" I ask her as she accepts the bags while I reach into my cloak. I pull out a picnic basket before summoning out a large comfy picnic blanket, that folds out neatly on the ground, before coming covered with pillows, plates, glasses, eating utensils, napkins, and then the food comes out as well.
"I wasn't exactly sure what you liked, so I got a little bit of everything I could think of that would be nice. We have two large baguettes, three different kinds of cheese, I got a creamy, a regular, and a sharp one. We have some cold cuts: Jambon de Bayonne, Jambon de Savoie, Coppa, Bresaola, Speck, Saucisson Sec, and Lomo Serrano. In these small jars, we have different tapenades, the others are different preserves. And here is a bottle of sparkling water, and a bottle of french wine that I will not even try and pronounce. My house-elf recommended it."
"Merlin Arry, you were not joking about the variety," Fleur smiles.
"And that's not all," I tell her as I summon out the rest "For snaking and dessert I brought figs, grapes, strawberries, pear, and banana slices and, for the pièce de résistance," I continue as I see her captivated eyes "we have something simple," I tell her jokingly as I bring out a heavy metal bowl, that I let sit on a heavy four-legged stand while Fleur looks to be fascinated.
"I hope this works. It took some time to get this perfectly right," I tell her as I put the chocolate I bought into the bowl and cast a spell on it. It takes a moment before the chocolate starts to melt into liquid form and slowly flows inwards to the center before springing upwards making a continuous pouring dome.
"Oh, mon Dieu!" she exclaims "A chocolate fountain! Now I see why you bought so much."
"I hope you like it. I was going for a type of French-inspired picnic, with my own little twist," I tell her.
"Arry...I love it," she smiles before I offer her my hand, which she gratefully accepts before I lead her to sit down.
"I don't know where to start," she laughs.
"Why don't I help us both out a little?" I tell her and with a flick of my wand, various samples get thrown onto two plates before another flick pours two glasses of wine and two glasses of sparkling water.
"Merci," she tells me with a radiating smile.
Silence follows as we dig in, but it is a nice and comforting silence. After we satisfy our initial hunger, the conversation starts to pick up again.
"Did you come up with this idea by yourself?" she asks as she takes a sip of her wine that, from her expression, I can tell she enjoys.
"Sort of. I always enjoyed picnics with my family growing up," I tell her.
When she pauses on speaking, I can tell she looks hesitant to ask a question.
"By family, I guess you could call them my 'adoptive' family...but I see them as my real family just as much. I heard from others that Lily and James Potter were great people but to me, as a kid, they were just known as my birth parents," I inform her and she nods in acceptance.
She nods her head before speaking on the topic of my 'adoptive' family. "I know other Beauxbaton girls ave been...communicating with...someone who I eard you may be close to. Needless to say, the rumor mill as been quick to ash out many rumors about you," she tells me hesitantly.
I smile forms on my lips when I think of what Cassie may, or may not have, let slip.
"Oh?" I ask her in minor curiosity.
"I must be onest when I say..." she pauses before thinking exactly how to put together her words "I may ave misjudged you before meeting you. Then when I first saw you and met you, I thought of you as...I don't know, more entitled."
"I still might be just that. But... I also admit that I acted the way I have to you initially for a reason," I let her know.
"Oh?" she returns.
"If I didn't act like the little show-off that I portrayed, do you think you would have paid me any attention? I know first impressions are important, but if I came off to you as just another 4th year, who had an interest in you, I know you would have just dismissed me. At least, I would have if things were reversed," I tell her as I pop a grape into my mouth.
"By getting under my skin, you made an impression is what you are saying?" she laughs. "I guess that is true in a bizarre way. Ow did you look at me though?" she asks with a curious expression.
"From seeing the respect you get from your peers and, I don't mean to sound stalkerish, but also from seeing how happy you were when your best friend got selected to be a champion...I knew there was something hidden in that bravado of yours," I smile at her.
"You do not sound stalkerish, merely observant. And I keep up the 'bravado' as you call it because-" she starts, but I impolitely cut her off.
"You use it to keep away the many men who fall for your Veela charm?" I guess.
"Oui. Owever, it does not seem to affect you," she tells me and gives me a look like she wants to know why.
"What can I say, I like keeping the company of strong women around me. In doing so I have gained some immunity," I reply in a half-truth.
"There is more to it than that. You ave something else I can not put my finger on. Something I can not comprenz," she states. I grow a bit tense when I realize she caught on. I become even more so when she asks her next question. "Can you share with me what that is?"
"Unfortunately, not at the present moment...unless you were willing to do something in kind," I respond as I hand her a skewer.
I use my own to poke a strawberry before dipping it in chocolate, hoping the action will buy some time for my words to settle. She accepts this and picks a fig before copying my movements.
We remain silent as we let the chocolate cool before eating our treats in silence.
"And what is the thing I would be needing to do?" she asks as she licks a drop of chocolate from her hand.
I take a moment to respond as I regain composure from the inviting site.
"An alliance with me, backed by an unbreakable vow to cement loyalty with one another," I reply before getting a banana next.
She takes a sip of her wine before thinking it over.
"Do you not trust me?" she asks. She does not look offended, merely asking a question.
"It's not about trust. It's about building things in a thoughtful manner. It's about building things in the best possible way. It takes trust out of the equation," I tell her. "Also, to answer your question, I would like to think that I could trust you."
"Is it really that important? To ave to go through with such a big task as making a vow?" she asks, again merely asking a question.
"It is," I reply simply.
"You can take your time with a response, feel free to talk with your family as well if you need to," I add, giving her an out.
"I am of age. Although, right now I can only give an alliance with me...and not my family," she states and I can tell there is hesitation, almost like she thinks I might just want the power of her family. Which I still do, just not at the present moment. There is only one thing I would like right now.
"That is all I require. It's all I want. All I need for now. Let's start very basic for the time being. I will start at the tip of the iceberg. I don't want you to get involved with no way out," I tell her.
"Merci," she replies "I am ready," she answers before taking out her wand as we make a vow.
I then let her in and talk a little about my upbringing and how I can do what I do as she listens intently.
"There really is so much more to you than meets ze eye," she tells me after a moment of silence.
"And the same could be said for you. I meant what I said earlier when I first saw you today. You really are gorgeous. And not because of your Veela charm, or your outside appearance, but your mind as well," I tell her freely.
"You really mean that, don't you?" she asks with a small tint of pink on her cheeks.
"I do," I reply honestly.
The allure I get from her has nothing to do with her looks. Or should I say it has nothing to do with how the others, who are foaming at the mouth, look at her? The thought of how she escaped me in our game, and how she quickly came up with a battle plan, is just one example of the attraction. She is a woman of many skills, of that there is no doubt.
Instead of replying to me she just smiles and leans over to give my cheek a quick peck. It's now my turn to blush slightly as I feel like a kid again.
We partake a little more in the chocolate fountain and conversation before leaning back to rest our heads on our pillows as we watch the clouds pass by overhead.