A Godfather's Promise

"Harry Potter" belongs to J.K. Rowling

AN: Chapter 10, finally here. Hopefully the wait was more bearable this time around than the last update.

It took quite a while, but I finally got complaints about the whole fetish angle of the story, guess the spanking last chapter was the one that finally did it in for the negativity to flow, as well as the popularity that this fic has gained (breaking the 100k+ milestone tends to give you a hell of a lot more attention). All I will say is that I did warn you about it in the prologue, if the sexual content is too much for you, then I understand, but it doesn't mean I'm changing it to satisfy a larger audience. It started as a BDSM short story, and it's now an epic sized story with BDSM elements mixed into it when it comes to Harry's relationships. I said it then, and I'll say it now.

I am a firm believer that when a writer types a story he's not as passionate about, he will not only lose his or her drive to keep writing, but also deliver an inferior product, and writing fanfiction is purely a passion project, I make no money from this. With that in mind, I am writing what I want first and foremost. It does not mean that I don't take the reviews and PMs into account, as well as your ideas (which can sometimes enhance mine), it just means that I prioritize my vision first and foremost.

Keep in mind that this is my version of Harry, and my version of Fleur. Their canon counterparts are totally different. Harry was not raised like in canon, and Fleur was not as fleshed out in the books, the same can be said about Susan (who had extremely little exposure) and Daphne (of which we only got a name). For Fleur "dominating" persona in canon, it's extremely common that bedroom submissives are totally different people in a public setting. (Hence the stereotype of the control-freak CEO seeking a dominant partner in their private lives). I believe that after several very slow chapters detailing why they act the way they do, I have fully established their personalities and desires.

The same changes can be applied for other characters in my story, be it Hermione, Tonks, or Luna, all of whom had more canon exposure but can have different motivations or experiences in this particular fic. I don't just change characters on the spot though, that's why I go to great lengths of explaining why exactly they're different. Harry was raised by Sirius, and has a hell of a lot more confidence and power, Fleur's Veela nature is expanded on further, etc.

With that in mind, please enjoy the chapter.

Enjoy!

"Dialogue"

'Thoughts'

"Foreign Language"

Spells

A Godfather's Promise

Chapter X: You're in Love

Harry Potter was panting alongside Krum as they finished their last lap that chilly December morning. Cedric had been left behind a few minutes ago, even the Hufflepuff captain's stamina had been unable to keep up with the rigorous training regimen that the champions had set out for themselves.

Sweating profusely, Harry managed to rush ahead of Krum at the last minute in order to reach the starting point first, winning their little challenge.

"I win," Harry stated, panting heavily.

Krum gave an annoyed look before replying, "Next time, ve race vith brooms. Let's see how you perform."

Harry laughed. "I don't think the result will be any different, to be completely honest."

"Arrogance vill be your downfall then," replied Krum. "You're welcome to try if you think you can beat me."

Harry looked at his watch. "Some other time, maybe."

The Bulgarian gave a questioning look. "Why such a hurry. It's Sunday."

"Private matters," Harry answered simply before leaving back to the castle.

"Your French girlfriend," stated Krum assuredly. Harry did not respond to the answer.

Said private matters did in fact include his slumbering French girlfriend, who looked so peaceful when Harry woke up that he wouldn't dare wake her up for the daily morning exercise. She hadn't been sleeping well in several days, so seeing her resting was a great relief. Harry wondered if the spanking had anything to do with it.

'Spanking. that's right, I spanked my girlfriend. I spanked Fleur Delacour… Merlin… if the school knew about what I do to her in private…'

He knew that Hermione would probably be disappointed in him, saying that the Potter heir was being a complete pig for treating a woman like that, Fleur's approval be damned. If there was one reason why Harry stopped seeing his brown-haired friend as a potential girlfriend, it was because she would more than likely completely reject his hidden desires. Fleur did not.

Daphne would probably be scandalized, Susan would squeak and blush, same as Neville. Luna… well Luna would probably ask if she could join in… while eating pudding.

The rest of the school – including a certain Weasley male – would more than likely be jealous or incredibly judgmental. Not that he cared about what Ron thought about anymore, same with his fellow students.

As Harry arrived to his room, he was met with the sight of Fleur laying face down on the bed and still wearing her lingerie, her eyes focused on a large magical text in front of her. She was smiling, a quaint vision once he focused his eyes on the French girl's reddened behind.

The Potter heir started to approach the bed but Fleur gave him a stern look.

"Non. You are cold and you are sweaty. Shower first, zen you can come into bed."

Harry chuckled. "I thought this was my bed."

Fleur giggled. "Not anymore, it's our bed and our room. Seriously – take a warm bath before coming 'ere."

"You were sweating last night too, I'll have you know," said Harry.

Fleur blushed before replying, "Z-zat was different. A… 'ow do you say? A sexy kind of sweat."

Harry smirked as he took of his shirt. "Oh… and I guess my sweat isn't sexy?"

"Well, when you 'ave ze sweat I am talking about, we will see if your barbarous English body can 'ave attractive sweat," she said with a saucy tone and a flirtatious look.

Harry laughed as he entered the bathroom and gave himself a hot bath before dressing himself in his robes, preparing himself for breakfast time which would be in about an hour. Walking back to the main room, the young wizard went immediately to his girlfriend, who was still reading her book. Fleur took her eyes from the text to give him a smile

"Better?"

"Much."

Harry grinned mirthfully as he set himself down by the silver-haired Veela, taking a quick look at the beautiful ass he had spanked the previous night. It was still red from the ministrations, yet the aftercare made sure that Fleur did not suffer any bruising, no purple or yellow splotches tainted the rosy bum.

"How does it feel? Does it… hurt too much? Did I go too far?" asked Harry with great concern.

Fleur smiled at him. "I wouldn't count on being able to sit comfortably for a couple of days," she answered humorously. "But… I really liked it. I really did. It didn't just 'urt… it felt really good after a while. Emotionally, but it was also very… pleasurable to my body."

Harry had noticed that Fleur had been adapting to English a lot better these days. It was easier to understand now, but he truly liked her sexy French accent.

"Breakfast is in an hour but I wanted to talk to you about something," said Harry.

Fleur looked on curiously. "Oh, and what would you want to talk about?"

Harry trailed his fingers across Fleur's back. "Last night I became aware of how lacking we are in terms of… how should I put it… equipment."

Fleur grinned lusciously. "I know. My collar and a few ropes. Zat's all we 'ave."

"Which is why I thought I could use the holiday opportunity to seek for more things," continued Harry.

"And I guess you want my exceptionally more tasteful opinion on what you should get?"

Harry slapped her rosy butt softly, eliciting a yelp.

"Precisely," he answered while going for softer magazines he had kept, remembering that they had catalogues for several items that could be on sale. It would also help to know exactly what kind of ideas Fleur would be receptive towards.

"So, here's the deal, we go over these and you tell me what you want, alright?" asked Harry.

Fleur finally closed her text and scuttled over to see the magazines he had brought with a hint of curiosity. Harry opened the biggest one and started to flip the pages to reveal that the first ones were of women getting spanked, but some of them were being done so with paddles and other assortment of implements.

"I zink I want to get used to your palm first," commented Fleur, a hand tracing her rosy bum instinctively.

"Very well, I prefer to feel your beautiful ass with my hands," commented Harry, and daringly traced his palm over Fleur's soft derriere, which elicited a small moan.

The next few pages showed several forms of restraints. They had already experimented with ropes but there were several other forms of restraints that were a lot stricter than what they had done before. Leather and chains were quite prominent, and Fleur eyed the leather cuffs with interest.

"I could probably wear zose wizout even being restrained – just like a collar, non?" she pointed out.

Harry laughed mirthfully. "You want to wear these around the room now?"

"I could if you ordered me to, Maître," she answered.

"Oh, so I'm the only one taking that decision now?" joked Harry. "I'm pretty sure you are wanting to do this also."

Fleur giggled. "Guilty as charged."

He flipped the pages a few more times, seeing models in several positions once again, some of which interested Fleur, such as the girl that was hogtied on a large ottoman. One that seemed to get some attention was the picture in which two women were suspended with chains by a dominant that was apparently guiding both their heads to kiss each other.

He kept of flipping through the pages until Fleur stopped him with great interest.

"Wait! Look at zat! Fleur exclaimed suddenly.

Harry furrowed his brow. "What are you looking at?"

"Zat girl… ze one on ze divan." Fleur's gaze pointed towards one of the pictures.

It did not really stand out from, in fact, there was no bondage involved at all. Just a red-haired model lying on her stomach and looking at the camera, smiling. She did make sure to show off her generous bum, but he still did not see why Fleur was so entranced by it.

"What about her?" asked Harry.

"Look at 'er clothes," answered Fleur.

Harry eyes once again looked over at the model and finally noticed it. The model was wearing what seemed to be a body suit of some sorts, very tight around her body. It covered all of it in fact, with he exception of her feet, hands and head, the shiny black material seemed to hug her entire body.

"Figures," said Harry with a small snort. "The French girl will look at the clothes."

"We 'ad to take up ze slack. Merlin knows you Eenglish and ze Germans cannot appreciate fine fashion," responded Fleur. "But look 'ow pretty it looks on 'er!" she exclaimed, bringing the topic of conversation back to the black clad girl in the magazine. "You'd like to see me in somezing like zat, non?"

"What's it made of though? I've never seen anything like it."

Indeed, the garment did not seem to be made of cloth, wool or cotton or any other fabric he knew of. Yoga pants were tight but did not have that kind of shine to them. These clothes seemed to almost reflect the light used to illuminate the model.

"Zat is latex," said Fleur. "Some of ze Italian and French designers 'ave started to use eet recently because of zeir tightness and 'ow zey shine. Zey originate from ze fetish scene zough. I've always wanted to try it but 'ave never 'ad ze chance."

"You've never bought it?" looking at the price tags on some of the items, he noted that they were fairly expensive, but Fleur's family was rich, surely, she had enough to buy some of the tight clothes.

"'Arry," replied Fleur, "I am barely allowed to leave my parents or bodyguards sight when I go outside ze Château, I am accompanied almost everywhere when I leave."

"Haven't you tried to transfigure them?"

Fleur looked almost insulted. "You cannot just transfigure such exquisite clothes!" she snapped. "It's just not ze same. Transfigurations wear out eventually… when you 'ave somezing like zese kinds of clothes, you want to keep zem forever, non?"

Harry kept it in mind. Looking at the catalogue, he could see the garments of many different colors. Some of them were bodysuits much like the one the model was wearing but covered both feet and hands, leaving only from the neck upwards free.

There were other, more revealing items though, like panties and bras made from the same shiny material. Outfits as well, such as a nurse or maid… a French maid.

'How appropriate'

In the back of his mind though, Harry started to believe that he very much would like to see Fleur in one of those outfits that seemed to almost stick to the skin.

He had barely paid any attention to the clothes the models actually wore, but now started to pay more apt attention, seeing the dominants also wearing clothes that exuded authority, while subs wore garments that further symbolized their subjugation.

Harry did not own clothes like the male doms wore, the closest thing he had were a couple of studded leather jackets like the ones his favorite musicians wore. Sirius had gifted them to him, telling him that the only thing missing was a motorcycle.

'Maybe I need to take a quick trip to a shop this Christmas; find something… appropriate for her,' he thought as he continued to pay particular attention to the rubbery underwear. They were expensive, but he could afford it.

Especially for his Fleur.

He changed the page once again and Fleur went even redder at the sight.

The picture showed a caramel skinned brunette dressed in a provocative harem outfit. The picture made it seemed as if she was dancing, barely hampered by the chains that fastened her to a mean looking throne.

"Like it?" questioned Harry. "That's quite reaction this gave you."

"Um – oui… it's really nice… 'arem slave, right?" stammered Fleur.

Harry nodded. "That's right. Fashion straight from the Arabic peninsula. I wonder where they came with that ideas? Well – it is pretty warm down there."

"Oui…" responded Fleur, still red.

'Oh, I'm definitely getting one of those… chains too.'

He changed the page once again and saw that what was left was the catalogue. Skimming over it, there were many of the shiny latex outfits that he'd seen earlier, even more underwear. Some of it was made from leather as well.

Clothes weren't all there was, however. Harry saw quite a bit of items that were meant to restrain and muffle. He was already quite familiar with seeing models wearing ball-gags, but there were other types as well. Some of them looked quite restrictive and heavy.

"I really want to see you wear one of those," he said pointing at a candy red rubber ballgag.

Fleur smiled seductively. "You don't like my voice, Maître?"

"Oh, I do. Believe me. I'd just like to see you drooling around this ball… you hated when others drooled, didn't you? I wonder how Fleur Delacour would look like drooling?"

Fleur giggled. "Well, if you are going to gag me, zen I am glad it's at least wiz a fashionable gag, oui?"

Harry chuckled. "My tie seemed to do a go job to keeping you blind yesterday. How about we try it with your mouth?"

Fleur didn't respond, but the smile was enough for him. The Potter heir's attention once again focused to the kinky catalogue.

Restraints ranged from rope, to steel, even leather and latex once again. The emerald eyed wizard was quite fascinated with the arm and legbinders. Fleur seemed to be so as well, seeing a particularly expensive latex straightjacket in light blue, his girlfriend's favorite color. He definitely needed to get something like that for her.

Eventually it was getting late. Fleur had already ordered breakfast for both of them, but he needed to get to class. Fleur would probably be staying in the room; her classes being limited because her champion status and her advanced grades. Harry, being a fourth year, had no luxury of the sort.

"See you tonight?" asked Harry.

The French Veela smiled. "Of course."

Fleur adjusted herself for what seemed the dozenth time in the wooden seat of the Great Hall. She had spent the whole day practicing and taking her lessons. Thankfully she did those while standing up, which kept her sore derrière from carrying the entire weight of the French champion's upper body.

Now that she was eating, however, Fleur had to sit down in order to avoid suspicion of injury. The last thing she wanted now was for people to say she needed a physical exam that would doubtless lead to the discovery of her still red behind.

Still, the soreness was a small price to pay for the intense feelings that she had experienced when Harry had spanked her for the first time. Having been Dominque Delacour's little angel, Fleur had never been truly punished for anything, let alone physically like many parents did with their children. Going through such a humiliating event had certainly been an eye opener for the young Veela.

It had hurt at first to be sure, but after the initial pain she started to… enjoy it. Fleur could have ended the session any time she wanted by the utterance of her safe word but the emotions that were whirling during her punishment were so much that the young Veela never thought about stopping it.

Humiliation and helplessness, pain and pleasure, tension and relaxation, all of it rolled into one. It was painful, but it also felt… good. Not only emotionally but physically as well. The tingling sensations shot up all the way to her womanhood. Fleur doubted that even Harry knew what his ministrations were doing to her body.

She definitely wanted to feel those things again, maybe later when her rosy behind finally recovered. The same could be said about some of the scenes that they had seen on the magazines, Fleur's mind started to think about the possibilities on her new relationship.

Suddenly, Fleur was aware a light blonde-haired figure was skipping towards her. Her heart started to beat when she realized that it was the same girl that she and Harry had met during their first session.

The only other person which knew about their… activities.

"Hello, you are the French champion, correct?" asked the girl.

Fleur stared her down for a second before replying. "Oui, I am Fleur Delacour. 'Oo are you?" she asked, wanting to act perfectly normal, like the girl before her hadn't seen her with a collar around her neck and being led by Harry.

"I am Luna Lovegood, but you can call me Luna," the younger girl said with the same dreamy voice Fleur had heard during that encounter.

Fleur looked at her for a moment. "Can I 'elp you wiz anyzing?"

"Yes, I was sent here by Madam Pomfrey, she asked me to bring you back for inspection," she answered.

The young Veela froze for a couple of seconds. "I- inspection, for what?"

"She did not say, I was only told to bring you over to her office," responded Luna, the same besotted smile framed on her lips, unmoving in complete contrast to Fleur's inner turmoil,

"V-Vairy well," Fleur said nervously, "lead ze way."

The French champion stood up to follow the blonde girl out of the Great Hall, very much aware of the usual stares of lust and want that she's used to getting. Fleur ignored them though as she trailed behind Luna, she would have gone alone but the "tour" Harry gave her did not include the Hospital Wing.

Fleur's longer legs made it easy for her to follow the skipping Luna, the Ravenclaw girl was still shorter despite her quickness. Still, Fleur managed to spy something that she had not noticed before. Luna was carrying a massive tome hugged to her chest, but the French beauty could not gaze at the title.

"You don't like it when people look at you," Luna stated confidently.

Fleur stared at the odd girl with apprehension. This was getting uncomfortable. "…Oui, eet's annoying but you get used to eet as much as you may dislike it."

Luna then smiled. "You know, if you don't want them to know you are taken, you should wear your collar," she said suddenly. "There's not many people who would want to go against Harry knowing that he's your owner."

A furious crimson hue started to appear on Fleur's entire face. How could Luna state something like that so boldly? Before she responded, the French champion turned her gaze around to see if anyone managed to get that small bit of information.

"W-what do you mean?" Fleur finally asked in a timid voice. "What c-collar?"

"The one Harry was leading you around with of course. He owns you, does he not? He was helping you with the flu as I remember. Has he given you the cure yet?"

Fleur could actually feel the steam coming out from her ears by now. She could still feel the lingering effects of the "cure" on her bottom after all.

"Wha – Luna… err. I don't know what you are s-saying," she stuttered unconvincingly.

"It's easy. You would wear your collar around, that would keep others at bay. If Harry has to duel any of them, he would win. He's so powerful…" Luna swooned.

"I can't wear a collar around ze castle!" replied Fleur. "What do you zink ze ozzers would say?"

"Who cares what they would say. People already judge me, so let them. If it makes me happy, I just go for it. They call me 'Loony', but I don't care what they think. I think hiding what you really want because of some some unwritten rules is far loonier than anything," responded Luna. "I'd wear his collar gladly. Yes… that would be lovely."

"Luna…" Fleur sighed. "It doesn't work like zat. What I share wiz 'Arry… i's really personal. I don't want ozzers to know about it."

"Can I be your girlfriend?" Luna interjected, the same dreamy voice not skipping a beat at the declaration.

Fleur's brain felt like it was shutting down. She could barely start to formulate words.

"Wh-what?" the French beauty finally said. "I c-can't. I 'ave a boyfriend now. I really like 'im."

"Oh… I know about that," said Luna with the same quixotic tone. "Harry would be my boyfriend too, you see. I already asked him, but he said that he already has a girlfriend – so I asked you!" she exclaimed. "I would love to wear a collar. Let them see that I am owned by the best wizard in the school."

Fleur head started to spin once again. 'Is she actually asking for a threesome?' she questioned herself incredulously.

"Luna… I don't get it. Do you like women or men?"

"Both!" chirped Luna. "Why should I choose?"

Fleur looked at her strangely. "Because you will 'ave to choose one when you – um – 'ow do you say… settle down."

Luna just smiled dreamily when she said, "Settle? Why should I settle? It's like choosing between vanilla pudding and chocolate pudding. Why can't I have both?"

"Polygamy ees immoral… and illegal!" protested Fleur.

Luna just kept on smiling. "Not in the Magical World it isn't, just rare. You should know that monogamy is the result of a Gulping Plimpy conspiracy to keep us miserable anyway."

'This girl is impossible.'

Fleur took a deep breath to relax herself. "Luna… can you just take me to Madame Pomfrey?"

"Alright," the blonde girl responded, "I can wait for your response later."

Luna was getting in Fleur's nerves now, she wondered if the younger blonde was doing it on purpose. If she was doing so, then she deserved some much-needed discipline.

Just for a brief second Fleur imagined witnessing the younger girl being laid across Harry's lap just like she had been last night, being disciplined by her love's hand until the blonde's lily-white skin turned red. A good spanking could do wonders to a person; the young Veela had learned that lesson well just last night.

The French beauty shook her head, vanishing the thought.

Luna would probably end up enjoying it anyway.

The two eventually arrived at the entrance to the Hospital wing. After bidding each other goodbye, Luna skipped back happily away, as if aloof to the odd conversation they've had just minutes ago.

Fleur knew something like this was coming. Much like she knew that men would still pursue her despite being taken by Harry, her boyfriend had his own share of admirers that were not too happy at the prospect of him dating the French champion.

But Luna… she did not seem jealous of the fact. Most witches would ask Harry directly, but Luna came to Fleur to ask her directly. The idea seemed to be appalling at first glance.

Polygamy. Is Harry such a good catch that witches would go as far as to accept that they need to… share… with other witches?

'Yes… they would. He's that good. But they don't know what they're getting into. The things we both like are a connection of trust that cannot be broken and is almost impossible to forge with others.'

But Luna seemed interested despite what she had witnessed. She'd seen the collar and probably assumed the obvious despite her innocent demeanor.

If anything, it made the younger Ravenclaw seem more curious and excited at the prospect.

"Ah, Ms. Delacour!"

Fleur snapped from her thoughts to see Madam Pomfrey standing before her.

"You wanted to see me, Madame?" she asked.

"Yes, yes – please, do come in!" Madam Pomfrey said as she led Fleur over to one of the more private office.

"What is ze reason for zis?" asked Fleur once Pomfrey closed the door behind her.

"Rules of the tournament, I'm afraid. I've been ordered to do a post task inspection to see if there are any lingering damages we may have missed after the event," responded Pomfrey.

Fleur doubted in choosing her words, finally she said, "I see, but why ees eet meant as a surprise if you are only checking for wounds?"

"We´re not just checking for wounds, dear. We are supervising if you are taking any magical enhancing supplements that are illegal," informed Pomfrey in a matter of fact tone.

Fleur bristled at the suggestion. "I am not cheating! I vowed to win zis tournament wiz my strengths!"

"Just following procedure dear. Nothing to worry about – now – please strip down to your undergarments for the examination," ordered Pomfrey.

"Um… can't you do zis wiz my clothes on?" Fleur asked nervously.

"Sorry, Ms. Delacour, I'm afraid some of the spells require no interference from any kind of fabric. Don't worry… I'm a trained professional and you I took an oath of confidentiality," responded Madam Pomfrey with a tone of finality.

Fleur nodded shakily before trembling hands started to undo her light blue school uniform starting with the top half of the outfit, she left the lower part for last, wanting to take as little clothes as possible but the healer's expectant look was dashing those hopes away.

With a sigh she started taking off her shoes, followed by her stockings until her feet were touching the cold floor. Seeing that she had no other things to take off, Fleur slowly removed her skirt, letting it fall down on the floor. The French witch hoped that Madame Pomfrey would be satisfied with only seeing the front of her body.

That was not the case, as she started to circle around while waving her wand, running diagnostic spells on her body that left her with a light tingling. Fleur froze as she circled to see her still rose-colored derriere. The same shade that her ass was painted now started to contaminate her face as she felt it heating up.

"So… I guess you've been administered this 'cure' that Ms. Lovegood was talking about," commented Pomfrey, causing Fleur's blush to get even pronounced. "I assume this was not caused by the dragon's flames… at least not the dragon I'm thinking of."

'Damn you Harry. Couldn't you have chosen another day to punish me?'

"Please… don't tell anyone about zis… please," pleaded Fleur, tears threatening to spill down her cheeks as she turned around to look directly at the healer's eyes.

To Fleur's surprise, Madam Pomfrey gave her a reassuring smile.

"Dear… I've taken an oath to keep patient confidentiality. Nothing that happened in these walls will reach other ears. I found no traces of supplements, so I have no reason to report anything."

The French beauty nodded, relief washing away all her worries of her desires being discovered after she had spent her entire time as a teenager hiding them from the world.

"Zank you," she said. "I know zis can be… shocking, for some people – "

"Ms. Delacour, I work as the only medical professional in a castle full of hormonal teenagers – have done so for many years. Believe me, I've seen quite a bit of 'shocking' things in my days," responded Pomfrey. "He was very caring, if you must know."

"What do you mean?"

"Your… behind," said Pomfrey. "I've seen children punished by their parents that had less aftercare than that. Despite the punishment, there's not sign of serious marks or damage. He has taken extremely good care of you."

Fleur smiled. 'I know that.'

"Well… you're good to go. Just… please use protection if you're going even further."

Fleur's cheeks darkened again. "Wha – we are n-not – "

"Just… be careful," warned Pomfrey before letting Fleur dress herself once again and leave her office.

"And… Ms. Delacour?" called the nurse, regaining the young Veela's attention. "He's been through a lot… and he's chosen you… don't make him regret it."

Fleur nodded slowly before closing the door and leaving the Hospital. Looking forward to being back in her and Harry's little sanctum.

'I won't. He chose me as well… I'm never losing this'

A cold air greeted Christmas morning and neither Harry nor Fleur truly wanted to leave their bed. Harry knew he could withstand the cold, and so could Fleur, but that did not mean that she was going to be comfortable, no matter how many layers of clothing she put on, the young Veela had told him that it didn't compare to the warmth she got from sleeping with him.

Harry conceded silently by staying with her the entire morning. It was a good opportunity to give Fleur her presents after all.

That was, after he got his own present from her. It was a photo album, similar to the one Sirius had given him long ago that was filled with pictures of his parents, but this one was empty.

"I… I want us to fill zem. I don't know if our relationship was clear but I… really want to stay wiz you, mon chéri," she said with a smile.

Harry smiled. "I want the same, beautiful. I will stay with you for as long as you wish me to."

After a brief kiss, he opened it to see that there was already one of them there. One that had been taken after their victory in the first task. It showed Harry and Fleur smiling at the camera, which he remembered had been held by a very enthusiastic Clemence.

The emerald-eyed wizard then smirked mischievously before taking out a large chest he had hidden below the bed.

"Well, here's your present… or maybe I should say presents."

Fleur's eyes widened at what could be inside, but before she could actually open it, Harry stopped her.

"Impatient, aren't we? These are your presents, but we don't want to open them all at once, do we?" Harry questioned mirthfully.

"But 'Arryyyy! I want zem now!" whined Fleur.

Harry chuckled in a gravely tone. "Alright, I give you just one today, beautiful – close your eyes!"

"Alright," Fleur grumbled. "What is in ze chest? Is it really what I zink it is? 'Ow did you get zem."

"Remember when I went to pick up my robes at London with my Godfather?" Harry waited for Fleur to confirm. "Well… I kinda decided to take a small personal detour into a certain shop. I made a potion to make myself older and I managed to get a few things."

"Mmmmmh. I really want to see zem all," commented Fleur.

Harry snickered once again. "Good things come to those who wait. Close your eyes," he commanded once again.

Once Fleur closed them, he took out a leather collar. This one was of a greater quality than the last, it could be felt on the material. The smoother edges would also make it more comfortable than the last one, which had Fleur complaining of chafing.

He wanted one that was a little more custom made for his girl, but there was not enough time to get such an order made, so he went with the most expensive black leather one that was available. He would have to wait for another time for a custom-made collar, especially with some of the different materials and colors they could be made of. He had also bought her a couple of metal ones but decided to keep those hidden for now.

Gently, he pulled her hair to the side and quickly worked the collar around her neck like he was used to. Harry did not miss the beautiful smile that erupted once she realized what she was being given, something that he replicated as he locked the small heart-shaped lock, securing the leather piece that sported an O-ring at the front of her throat.

"Merry Christmas, beautiful."

Fleur opened her eyes and immediately sought the mirror to see the new collar. It was smaller than the last one and fit her slender neck perfectly. The French beauty smiled as she posed in several different positions in order to show off the new accessory. Once she finished doing so, she jumped back at him and was rewarded with a passionate kiss.

"Joyeux Noël, 'Arry."

Later in the day he had received several other gifts from his friends as well. Just as he had gotten for them. Books, various assortment of candy, and several magical artefacts were given to him by Hermione, Neville, Susan, Hannah, Luna, Sirius, Remus, Tracey, Blaise, and to his surprise, Daphne.

Nym had also given him something extremely useful: a dragonhide wand holster. It would definitely come in handy during the following tasks.

There was even a gift by Viktor Krum. He had given Harry a book on flying techniques, an obvious ploy to once again get him to race against the Bulgarian champion. It was a challenge that was getting more and more difficult to refuse.

Hermione got him several books of famous muggle authors. She knew of his fascination with the fantasy and science fiction genres. In return, she got a several advanced books on magic.

Daphne was a curious sort, having given him a copy of Machiavelli's "The Prince". Why she had done so, Harry had nary a clue. In return he had gotten her several expensive potions ingredients.

Susan had gotten him an expensive cologne. Harry sent her a book on healing techniques, something he had known to be her strong point when it came to magic.

The oddest was definitely Luna's: a book containing the history of marriage customs in the British Wizarding World.

Strange.

In return, she got a few tracking runes that could help her keep an eye on her missing things.

The rest of the day passed calmly until Fleur left in order to prepare with her friends for the ball, having left her dress back at the Beauxbatons carriage. Harry, on the other hand, was taken back to the Room of Requirement by Sirius in order to help him prepare.

Harry stood in front of the mirror looking in satisfaction as his usually messy hair was restrained in a small ponytail.

"Huh… I guess you were right. Letting it grow did make it easier to control," commented Sirius, who was sitting on the sofa next to his godson. "You don't look half-bad, actually."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence," replied Harry sarcastically.

Sirius laughed. "I think having a the most beautiful girl in the world as a date is all the confidence you will ever need, Prongslet."

"Ball's in one hour, Harry," informed Remus, still practicing against the wooden target in front of him.

"Right – where will you be?" asked Harry.

Sirius grunted. "We'll just go to the small adults party they're having over at Hogsmeade. Let the kids have their fun."

"Don't spike the pumpkin juice again," grumbled Harry, his gaze not leaving the mirror.

He was dressed in quite the expensive ball robes. He did not usually care much about his choice in clothing, but this special night with Fleur called for something far above what you could usually find in Gladrags.

Thus, Sirius had taken him to a little trip to London to one of the top magical designers to make custom robes for him. They were black in color, combined with red. The colors of his house, along with the corresponding symbol. The dragon was red in color though, to contrast with the mostly black cloth.

"Heard a little rumor," said Sirius, "about the band they're bringing over to play."

"Which one is it?" asked Harry.

"Nymmie's favorite band – the Weird Sisters."

Harry laughed a little. "Nym will probably curse herself that she graduated last year once she hears of this," he said. "How is she doing by the way? Still looking to get into the Auror Academy?"

"She has been. Of course, it's been unsuccessful. Can't join until she turns eighteen in May," replied Sirius. "I really hope she looks for something else though… if she's dead set on seeing the bad side of this world, she should work on being a lawyer like her parents… better pay too."

"Nym graduated with top honors. She can do anything if she sets her mind to it. Still… why go for Auror? With her personality, I see her doing something – anything else," replied Harry.

Sirius remained uncharacteristically quiet for a moment before saying, "I… don't know," in a tired tone.

The raven-haired boy looked at his watch and saw that the ball would be beginning in less than forty-five minutes.

"Well, I got to go. McGonagall wants the champions there early – see you tomorrow," Harry said before hugging Sirius and Remus.

Once the Potter heir exited the Room of Requirement, he made his way down the long stairs and stood outside the area he'd been told previously to wait. Harry and the rest of the Triwizard champions – including Fleur – were meant to kickstart the whole Ball, so a special meeting place had been made for them.

There stood Cedric, and an emotionless Krum. He stood besides them and waited without a word.

Cho Chang was the first to arrive. Harry's former crush was certainly a sight to behold with her white Chinese style dress and her pure black hair as she sauntered over to Cedric. The second one was Hermione, who was dressed in pink and had straightened her hair. For one moment, Harry felt a pang of regret upon letting Krum take her to the ball. His best friend looked absolutely stunning when she had prepared for the night, the characteristics she bemoaned when she was younger (the big teeth and ratty hair) were slowly disappearing to reveal a beautiful young woman.

It was then that Fleur Delacour decided to make her appearance.

She was wearing a silver dress that matched perfectly with her usually straight hair, which had been fashioned into long and wavy curls. Unlike most girls who wore quite a bit of cosmetics, Fleur seemed to wear very little, enough to enhance her features.

All of the people present were flabbergasted, even more so than usual. Fleur seemed almost to radiate beauty, so much that it wafted over to the rest of the castle and its occupants. Wizards and witches were unable to keep their eyes off her or their mouths closed.

For a few seconds, even Harry fell in with the crowd.

"So nice to see zat I can actually get zis kind of reaction from you, mon chéri," she commented with a small smile.

Harry immediately regained his composure, which could not be said for the rest of the students around them.

"Don't get too used to it, beautiful. I can still withstand most of you," replied Harry before whispering, "I have to do so. How else am I going to dominate you?"

Fleur giggled before taking his offered arm and joining the rest of the champions, who promptly waited for the arrival of McGonagall, who would be giving them their instructions for the dance.

Truthfully speaking, Harry just didn't do dancing, he just never found the reason to do so, but after a few arguments with Sirius it had been made clear that as a future Lord he would be expected to have the knowledge. During summer, Sirius had made sure to invite Andromeda and her daughter, Nym, to help him do so.

Once again, Harry was thankful for his godfather's intervention.

"Champions over here, please!" came the voice of the Deputy Headmistress.

They walked over to Professor McGonagall and she explained them on how they would be starting but Harry was so entranced by Fleur that he barely heard her strict instructions on etiquette.

The music then started, signaling the champions' entrance into the Great Hall, which had been outfitted to celebrate the occasion. He saw the different decorations, such as silver frost and mistletoe. The four long tables had been replaced with smaller ones, each lit by several candles.

The crowd on either side of the walkway clapped as the champions entered the dance floor. The Potter heir managed to see a few distinct figures that were watching them.

Ron was glaring at them. Both at Krum and Harry, but the emerald-eyed wizard did not truly know who was getting the most of it. The youngest male Weasley had come alone, not having found a date in time for the ball. Doubtless, he was jealous of both Krum bringing Hermione, and Fleur going with the Potter heir.

'If you had not been such a prat, I might have helped you get a date with someone else… but you would've wanted Fleur, wouldn't you Ron? Or would you have wanted to go with Hermione?'

There were others of course. Neville had come with Hannah, the shy Gryffindor looking nervous while the pigtailed blonde smiled and waved at them. Harry smiled at the pair and returned the gesture.

Susan had come with a brown-haired boy who seemed nice. The redhead was wearing one of the more modest dresses of them all, hiding her quickly developing figure from onlookers. She was also smiling at him, but it seemed to be slightly melancholic, never really reaching her grey eyes.

The last one he noticed was Daphne Greengrass. She was one of the few that had come alone as well, yet instead of it looking slightly pathetic like the others who had not found a partner, she look more unreachable than anything. Harry knew that the violet-eyed Slytherin had no small amount of offers from the wizards of all three schools, yet she had rejected them all with a glare.

Once they had reached the center of the Hall, the champions were led to one of the tables that was apparently reserved for them. Harry immediately pulled on Fleur's chair, which she sat on gracefully. He sat on his own at her side, eyeing the menu with interest.

It seemed to be a combination of dishes from the many counties which took part on the Tournament. Meals from Britain, France, Scandinavia and others from all of Europe.

"Pork chops!" commanded Dumbledore from another table, and his ordered dish appeared on his plate.

The rest of the Hall soon followed the Headmaster's example, shouting commands at the empty dish and receiving their own dish. Harry was still looking at the menu, trying to decide what he should order. He was already familiar with British food of course, it was a chance to try something from another country.

"Gratin dauphinois!" Fleur ordered, and a meal made out of potatoes and cream was summoned to her plate.

Harry smirked and decided to impress his girlfriend by choosing something out of her native land. To his dismay, he ended up butchering the name.

"Ehh… gigot d'Agneau pleureur?" he finally managed to say after a few tries, drawing giggles from Fleur, but he was awarded with the lamb roast in front of him.

"You are finally starting to eat real food," joked Fleur.

"You must be joking? I've got this tall and strong thanks to the food I've eaten," responded Harry mirthfully.

"It also makes most of you English fat."

"We are a proud and simple people, beautiful," Harry responded.

"In France we have a word for people like zat: savages," said Fleur.

Harry then lowered his voice before saying, "I didn't hear you complaining when I went all savage on your magnificent ass, beautiful." Fleur immediately reddened and went on to concentrate on her meal.

Once again, Harry had to admit that their neighbors across the channel certainly had talent when it came to the kitchen. He briefly wondered if Fleur had skill when it came to cooking herself. Both the emerald-eyed wizard and his Animagus godfather seemed to be hopeless in that area, often relying on restaurants or ready-made meals to keep them going.

He finally seemed to notice Krum besides him and thus his partner, Hermione.

She was truly pretty as well, having ordered a healthier meal of herself, consisting of chicken breast and salad. Krum had opted for a plate of goulash instead. They seemed to be making small talk with some difficulty. Krum's accent making it hard to communicate.

Hermione seemed to be mostly asking questions about Durmstrang and the types of classes the students were expected to take over there. Krum answered them, taking a spoonful every time Hermione asked for another question.

"So… how have you been, Hermione?" asked Harry.

The brown-haired girl finally stopped asking questions – which earned Harry a thankful look from Krum – and concentrated on the other guests.

"Harry… Fleur," she greeted with a professional tone. "I've been fine – just fine thank you… what about you?"

"We've been doing perfect, 'Mione. I was surprised that you decided to accept Krum's offer to come over," continued Harry, trying to dig into what Krum was doing with his best friend.

"Well… I was hesitant at first, but then Krum explained that he wanted to go with someone who wouldn't care about his celebrity status," confessed Hermione.

"I have girlfriend back home, but could not come over to ball," informed Krum. "Hermy-own-ninny has been good friend and understands situation."

"I see…" responded Harry. He didn't know why, but he was glad that Hermione wasn't considering the Bulgarian Quidditch star for more than a simple date. It was a strange feeling, but it was certainly there.

Once they finished with their meals, the music started to play and the champions were led to the middle of the hall in order to kickstart the dance.

The music started and they started to move. Harry remembered the moves he had practiced in the summer well, Andromeda Tonks had made sure of that. Fleur was practiced as well, as expected of a daughter to one of France's most important lords.

Slowly but surely, the other couples soon started to join them, but Harry was completely entranced by Fleur too much to care. They kept on dancing until Fleur finally asked for them to stop.

"Zese heels are pretty, but zey get very tiresome after a while – can we go get somezing to drink?" she asked.

"Sure," he replied and they both went over to a table filled with drinks and snacks, some of which really interested Fleur.

"Macarons!" she gasped and quickly led him to a plate filled with some sort of cookies, taking some for herself.

"Macaroni?" joked Harry. "I didn't know you liked macaroni and cheese. Very American of you."

"Non! Macarons! 'Ow can you compare macarons to macaroni?"

"Well they sound the same. Maybe they even taste the same?" Harry grinned at Fleur's horrified look.

"To compare macarons and macaroni… y-you are such a culinary barbarian!" she said, aghast at his comments.

"Hush now… let's just try the macaroni," said Harry between chuckles.

While Fleur ate the differently colored pastries at her satisfaction, Harry spied the other guests.

First, he looked at Susan, who was actually looking at him while sitting down on her table before turning as red as her hair and looking at a different direction. Once again, he couldn't help but see the sadness plastered on the Hufflepuff's face.

He then quickly turned to look at Daphne, also sitting on her table with Tracey at her side. She was gazing at the dance floor with thinly veiled contempt evident on her features.

"What are you looking at, mon chéri?" asked Fleur as she took his hand and rested her head on his shoulder.

"My friends… Susan looks pretty sad. I don't think her date really cares for her. Daphne hates it, though," he then looks at Fleur mischievously. "I really want to tease her."

Fleur giggled before nodding and they both went over to Susan, who couldn't help but blush even harder as they both arrived and stood next to her.

"Hey Susan. How do you like the ball?" he asked jovially.

Susan once again smiled melancholically as she finally looked at them. Her deep, grey eyes couldn't meet theirs however, and quickly looked down at the floor again.

"It's ok… I guess," she answered with an unenthusiastic tone, making Harry frown.

"Is your date not treating you well?" he asked.

"Oliver is a good friend, he just wants to celebrate Christmas differently than us," replied Susan.

Harry continued to frown, now feeling protective over the kind and gentle redhead. Why she had been so sad the past few weeks, he couldn't understand, but it bothered him greatly.

"Do you want to dance?" He finally asked, causing Susan to brighten up a little but it vanished almost immediately.

"I… you are already a couple… I don't want to intrude, Harry," she said with a strained voice.

It was then that Fleur entered the conversation, immediately taking Susan's hand into her own and pulling her up from her seat.

"Well if you don't want to dance with 'Arry, zen dance wiz me!" exclaimed Fleur and led the protesting girl over to the dance floor.

The sight of the two beautiful girls was definitely causing a bit of a stir, and not just because Fleur once again entered the sight of the attendants. It was definitely odd to see two witches dancing together like a couple, but no serious protest erupted.

Fleur was smiling as he led the shorter girl through a song. Susan on the other hand was no longer looking sad but was now as red as her almost crimson hair.

Surprisingly enough, the sight did not cause the same jealousy in Harry that he would have expected to upon seeing his beautiful flower with another person. He just chalked it up to the fact that Susan was a very good friend, but inwardly realized that if this were Cedric or even Neville taking Fleur to a dance like that, he would have very different feelings.

Now alone, he turned his attention once again to the stormy looking figure of Daphne Greengrass and walked over to her.

The look of contempt that characterized the black-haired Slytherin grew into a flat-out glare as she noticed that he was making his way over to her.

"Leave, Potter!" she commanded before he even said a word. "You just leave me alone now and walk back to your table to wait for your French Veela. Don't bother me with your presence."

Harry smirked as he sat down next to her.

"My my, Daph. Here I was thinking that you really needed a good dance in order to take you out of your funk. Do you always act like this in those pureblood balls you're invited to?"

Daphne huffed in response. "A ball is meant to socialize with people that will help you in the future. They are just a thinly veiled disguise to hide the ambitions of others, and since I have no ambitions with this gaggle of silly witches and boorish wizards, then I will take no part in the charade."

Harry laughed and then quickly grabbed her hand, leading the surprised Daphne over to the dance.

"Come on, Daphne. Live a little!"

Daphne kept on glaring at Harry as he led her to the dance.

"You are infuriating, Potter! Don't you have a Veela that you can bother? I'm pretty sure you came with one," she hissed but started to dance regardless.

"She's a little occupied at the moment." Harry looked over at Fleur still dancing with a blushing Susan.

Daphne huffed once again but actually started to dance professionally, almost as good if not better than Fleur's practiced moves. The attention of the crowd suddenly shifted once again to the Potter heir, apparently amazed that he managed to get the famous Queen-Bitch of Slytherin to dance with him.

"You do this a lot?" asked Harry.

Daphne answered in monotone. "It's expected of me, Potter. You will be doing so once you finally decide to integrate yourself in our world."

Harry smiled. "Is that why you sent me that Machiavelli book? I didn't think that a pureblood princess like you would know about him."

"I'm not daft enough as the rest of the purebloods to not know the advantage of wisdom and knowledge, and neither is my family," responded Daphne.

They continued the rest of the dance until the music stopped and the Weird Sisters made their entrance, changing the mood of the place entirely. The students immediately went over to them and started to sing and dance differently than they had been doing so before.

Daphne left him and went back to her seat. Harry then noticed that Fleur was back by his side, sitting down on a table in exhaustion and taking off her heels with a tired sigh.

"Want to go?" asked Harry, realizing that his date was getting quite tired now.

"Oui, but give me a couple of minutes, I want to rest a little," she said, massaging her feet.

"No need," Harry said with a smirk before grabbing her bridal style, causing Fleur to yelp cutely. "The barbarian is taking this princess away with him either way."

Fleur laughed as they both made their way outside the Great Hall and into the gardens, watching the clear sky and the moon shining down on them.

Harry looked down upon the French beauty, entranced by how the light of the moon enhanced Fleur like a fairy from the fantasy tales he had listened to as a boy.

'I am so lucky to have you, my angel…'

"Fleur?" he said as he stopped to look at her sparkling blue eyes.

"Yes, mon chéri?"

"I love you," he said with all the sincerity he could muster. He really did mean every word and more.

Fleur smiled at him, tears of happiness trailing down those blue sapphires as she cupped the side of his face.

"I love you to, 'Arry…"

The kiss they shared below that clear sky was unlike any Harry had ever felt. No matter what challenges might lie ahead, he now had something that completed him, that would make him stronger. He briefly remembered the talk with Dumbledore when he had first met the magnificent woman in his arms.

'I have done it. I have found something precious… and I'm never letting it go.'

It was with a heavy heart that Susan finally left the ball, having kept social appearance was the only thing that was really necessary for her. She didn't have to enjoy or stay as long as the rest of the students, nor did she have to be accompanied by the many, many wizards that had asked her out. She had finally settled on going with Oliver Rivers, who had confessed to Susan the previous year that he had no interest in witches. It was something that redhead could appreciate; Oliver was a good friend, a very good-looking friend who had also caught the eye of several girls, their mutual disinterest was the reason they finally decided on going together.

Susan really only had interest in one wizard. Hence the reason why she was adamant on leaving as soon as possible.

Harry had looked so handsome when he had appeared. Just as handsome as when he had protected her from a Malfoy and his goons back in second year, yet more mature and manly then that event two years prior. It was from that moment that Susan had fallen for him.

It wasn't hard for it to happen. The Gryffindor was definitely a cut above the other wizards of their year, not only in terms of looks, but in personality as well. Always so driven yet also carrying himself with an aura of confidence and dominance, Susan was powerless to prevent the attraction.

Susan never acted on her feelings, however, not only because of her shyness and non-confrontative nature, but also because of the sheer quality of the competition she had to deal with just to speak to the green-eyed Gryffindor.

The most obvious one was the witch that had been by Harry's side since the beginning. Hermione Granger was an impressive girl, to say the least. For their first couple of years she had been top of their class and was considered to be a prodigy in all fields. While her looks had been a little rough at the beginning, the brown-haired girl started to mature into a beautiful woman, something that she had displayed tonight very effectively.

It seemed as though they were the perfect couple. The prodigy golden pair, yet it never really came to happen

There were also others, of course. The gorgeous Cho Chang, the beautiful Daphne Greengrass, even the ever-present Ginevra Weasley. She'd also been seeing Harry hang out with the school's resident oddball, Luna Lovegood.

But she never would've expected that Harry would have ended up with the most beautiful woman Susan had ever seen. It fitted him, she supposed, that the worthiest wizard would end up with such a girl, even if she was from another country.

It didn't hurt Susan any less when she saw them today, smiling at each other, clearly in love.

Yet she could not truly bring herself to hate Fleur Delacour. She was too beautiful and kind to hate.

It did not help matters that Susan could not help to be utterly attracted to the French beauty as well, bringing into focus another repressed part of her that seemed to manifest around both Harry and Fleur.

Susan liked men, of that she had no doubt, yet ever since she started to notice the tingly feelings girls get around boys, she also started to get them with girls as well. It was a weird feeling that she felt aroused with both. She couldn't help it however, and as the male population made their comments on Fleur Delacour, the redhead couldn't help but agree with them as well.

Dreams of Harry that she used to have then also included them with the French witch. She imagined kissing the Veela's soft lips, followed by another kiss with Harry's rougher ones.

It was wrong and perverted and sick and forbidden, but Susan couldn't help but fantasize about both Harry and Fleur… being with both of them. The dance with the French beauty had only served to stir up those emotions even harder than ever before.

Sighing, she sat down on a bench and stared at the sky with sadness.

It just wasn't fair! Why couldn't she have that?!

The clacking of heels interrupted her thoughts. The sounds were then followed by frustrated murmurs.

"That… stupid… infuriating… Potter! Curse him!" came the voice that eventually revealed itself behind the bushes. It was Daphne Greengrass.

"Um…" trailed Susan as she looked at the gorgeous Slytherin. The light of the moon making her even more attractive.

The Slytherin yelped quietly as she noticed Susan Bones sitting in one of the benches.

"Bones! What are you doing here?" she demanded with some anger in her voice.

Susan bit her lip before looking back at the starts. "I… don't want to go back there." Back there with Harry and Fleur.

Daphne sighed before sitting down besides her, taking of her heels and flexing her toes in exhaustion.

Susan had never really noticed just how absolutely beautiful Daphne Greengrass was. Sure, she knew she was pretty, but seeing her right now, it was something else entirely. Once again, the repressed emotions started to surface.

"You hate it back there as well, don't you?" said Daphne, her violet eyes still looking at the moon.

Susan looked at the white orb in the sky as well before saying, "It's not like I hate it… but –"

"You wanted to go with Potter," Daphne finished without any mocking that she would've expected from other members of her house.

Susan blushed immediately. "N-no… it's just…" she stammered and eventually could not get any words out. How could she possibly deny the truth?

"I won't tell anyone. You and I have more in common than you realize," assured Daphne.

Susan looked at the ground. "You're in the same position I am, aren't you?"

Daphne sighed. "I am, but not as badly as you, I'm afraid. I do have three younger sisters… but if anyone is having that burden, then it'll be me."

Susan kept on looking at the ground. "You like him too, don't you?"

This time it was Daphne's turn to turn red. "What?! Potter? That's ridiculous… I don't –"

"Yes, you do… I'm more observant than you give me credit for," replied Susan.

Daphne huffed before settling down. "Not that it matters, Frenchie's got him already. Even before that I was sure he and Granger would've been the couple."

Susan looked as Daphne's façade started to fall little by little. By Merlin, she looked gorgeous. The redheads heart started to beat harder and faster as she continued to look on.

"I just… I always held the hope that I could be with him. It would be hard to make it work with my… situation – but I always wanted it… dreamed of it more than anything," confessed Susan, tears starting to form in her grey eyes.

Daphne looked at her before saying, "It'd be a hard situation. He's the heir of two houses. I don't know if he even knows what is expected of him in the future when it comes to marriage, or marriages. You'd be the fourth after that, being a consort."

Susan looked back at the sky with a blurry vision.

"I wouldn't care… I really wouldn't…"

Daphne stayed silent for a few moments. "I understand," she finally said.

A delicate hand settled on Susan's shoulder and the Hufflepuff looked over at the beautiful witch in front of her, taking in her long black hair and violet eyes. The redhead started to breathe heavily, sadness and desire taking over as she gazed upon the Slytherin's lips.

"Daphne…I'm about to do something really foolish," breathed Susan.

Daphne simply huffed. "I doubt whatever foolishness you'll do can be worse than going ba- mmmm!"

The violet-eyed girl did not have time to finish her statement, because her delicate mouth was suddenly blocked by Susan's soft lips.

Daphne froze on the spot as the shorter girl kissed her. Susan felt as if the Greengrass heiress almost stopped breathing while she continued to press her lips to her. She didn't taste much more, neither of them parted their lips to deepen it.

Susan did feel her heart thump in excitement at such an intimate action. How daring was she being! She had given this beautiful girl her very first kiss, taboos be damned. She had always imagined Harry being the first to do this to her, but Daphne Greengrass was not a bad option. Not a bad option at all.

Opening her eyes, Susan saw that Daphne looked absolutely stunned with violet eyes staring in disbelief. The redhead felt immediately ashamed at what she just did. She had never asked for the dark-haired girl's consent before she had acted.

Now the taller girl probably thought that she was a total freak. It was something that Susan had struggled with ever since she realized that she saw the beauty of girls the same way she saw the beauty of boys. Whatever the case, a girl being attracted to another girl was seen as depraved in their world, it didn't matter that the Bones heiress liked boys just like most girls did as well.

"I… I'm sorry… I'll just leave and – "

It was Daphne that interrupted this time. Not with a kiss, but by placing a finger on Susan's lips.

"Don't. You still like him… don't you?"

Susan nodded sadly before responding, "Yes… and so do you. Don't try to deny it, I can see it."

Daphne flushed red for a moment, that was the only answer that Susan needed.

"Alright – I admit it. It's not like there's a whole lot of quality wizards to choose from. Least of all in my house," responded the Greengrass heiress as she crossed her arms and blushed.

Susan smiled with a hint of melancholy. "So… we both lose in the end. We can't compete with her… no way we can have what we want."

Daphne nodded with a look of sadness that Susan would have never thought she would see in the normally stoic and composed Slytherin.

"But… can we have each other at least. To make our future marriages a little more… tolerable? I know this is seen very… how do you say… unfavorably by wizarding society."

Daphne smiled slightly. "Oh… it's more common than you think."

Susan looked confused but let the taller witch continue.

"If pureblood Ladies did not have each other then they'd go mad with their marriages. Ever wonder why most of them only have one child? Most of them can't stand their husbands," revealed Daphne. "You seriously never heard the rumors of what Narcissa Malfoy and Carmela Zabini do when they go on those extensive trips in Italy? Trust me, these things are not said on polite society, but it's very common. I imagine I will also end up saddled with someone to further our family's standing. You need to get married to someone without a family name so it passes down to your son. I'm guessing that's going to be our future as well."

Susan giggled before suddenly turning more serious. "I don't know… I like girls… but I also like guys."

"Who said I didn't like men as well? But I seriously doubt the one I'll be married to in the future could compare himself to my father."

"Or Harry," quipped Susan.

"Potter…right."

As they both stared at the sky, their hands slowly inched towards each other before finally grasping each other, Giving its counterpart warmth in the cold December air.

"If… if Harry were to be married to two women. Then maybe…" trailed Susan.

"You want to get on Ms. Delacour's pretty French panties as well?" commented Daphne with no small hint of sarcasm.

Susan giggled. "Well that'd be something, I can't say I haven't dreamed of it… being hugged and kissed by that girl. I wouldn't mind being with both her and Harry…"

Daphne snorted before she continued to stare at the clear sky.

"… and you," she finished with a tone of sadness.

Daphne looked at the stars for a few seconds before closing her eyes.

"Best let dreams be dreams, Susan. Don't hurt yourself more by thinking on the impossible."

The redheaded girl nodded, her vision turning blurry as she gazed over at the stars. Maybe Daphne was right, maybe she was thinking of a fantasy that she needed to let go. Just as she should have let go a long time ago.

Her dreams that night did not go away however, they simply changed just as they had been changing for the last two years. There was Harry of course, and her, but there was also Fleur and Daphne, even Hermione and some other figures. All of them happy.

She never wanted to get rid of the dreams, the fantasy, the love that she wanted. No matter how much they hurt.

She desired it more than anything in the world.

AN: Chapter son if "You're in Love" by Ratt from their 1985 album, "Invasion of Privacy". News broke out that Warren DeMartini won't be in the main band any longer, unfortunately. He's definitely one of my guitar heroes.

I think I have already fully established the Harry/Fleur relationship, so it's – aside from a few kinky scenes of course – I plan to finish the Triwizard Tournament as quickly as possible so that I can finish the first "arc" of the story.

Well, I guess the main character aside from Harry and Fleur in this chapter is Susan in her very first POV. A little angsty, but the eventual payoff is a lot better when the hardships are a lot deeper. I'm guessing I need to have a Daphne one at some point as well. I guess it should be confirmed at this point that this story is indeed a Harry/Multi story if it wasn't clear before, and it includes more than just Fleur, Daphne, and Susan.

I realize that back when I started as "Fleur's Kinky Contract", it was only tagged as Harry/Fleur, but that story is not longer the one that I'm writing. This is bigger, much bigger than that. This is the story I always wanted to tell but never really had the guts to attempt before because of various reasons, chief among them being that English is my second language and that I was afraid of failure. I have come to realize that not even attempting it is a failure itself, so I am doing it now. If it's a failure, then it's a failure, but it's a failure that I was really passionate about, so thank you for reading it.

Also, I have finally created a Discord server if you wish to communicate over various topics. Link is on my profile. It'd be great to have you there.

Thank you very much for your attention, and as always, if you have any questions or comments, or just wish to give your thoughts, leave a review. I answer via PM. Or go to my Discord! Link in my profile.

Thank you very much.

Until next time.

The Metal Sage.