1 March 1995
Harry, Apolline and Jean sat waiting in a meeting room at the French embassy in London. Apolline had arranged this meeting working around Jean and Arthur's schedules.
Jean smiled at Harry and rested his hand on the younger man's arm. "You look well. Are they treating you ok at Hogwarts?"
"Most everyone has been really nice. The only exceptions have been Ron Weasley and Neville Longbottom. At least Longbottom hasn't been openly antagonistic, he just glares a lot. Weasley's a prick."
"This would be Lord Weasley's son?"
"Yeah. He's an entitled brat and he lets everyone know it. He's very interested in Lucy, and he doesn't seem to care that she has a boyfriend. I've been wanting to punch him in the face for a while. But I've restrained myself so far…"
Jean chuckled. "You only have three more months and then you can come home. I'm sure you can restrain yourself until then," Jean assured him before changing topics. "How are your studies going?"
"Good. Although I'd prefer to be back at Beauxbatons. I don't see why we had to stay at Hogwarts for the entire school year. Surely we could have come out for the tasks and then gone home once they were over."
"The goal of the tournament is to foster international co-operation between the next generation of graduates of three of the most prestigious magical schools in Europe. At least that's how it was sold to me," Jean said.
"And what did you think when they told you that?" Harry asked.
"I thought it was, as the British say, a load of old toss. Someone found a reference to this tournament in a book they were reading, and convinced themselves that reviving it was a way to impress their boss," Jean replied with a wry smile.
The door opened and Arthur Weasley entered in black acromantula robes. His vibrant red hair, the trademark Weasley trait, was fading. Harry was reminded of times Jean was working on a difficult or complicated case for the Bureau. As if the years were weighing on him. Harry wanted children eventually, so the thought of losing a child made Harry feel uneasy. He dismissed that thought not wanting to follow that emotional thread into a dark hole.
Arthur Weasley walked around the table to stand opposite of the three and bowed. "Good afternoon, thank you for meeting with me."
"Of course, may I present my wife Apolline and our ward, Harry Potter," Jean said.
Arthur kissed the back of Apolline's hand and then turned to Harry. He took a shuddered breath as he considered the younger man. "The last time I saw you, you were a tiny bundle in your mother's arms. You are clearly Lily and James's son."
"Thank you, sir," Harry replied politely. He was reminding himself that this man wasn't his son. Although in Harry's opinion he bore the responsibility of raising his son properly. But it wasn't his place to say anything.
Arthur sat down and considered Harry seriously. "I asked for this meeting in light of your return to England and the will left by your godfather Sirius. Sadly, the ministry never bothered to check whether he'd left a will or named an heir. It was only after I began reviewing the Black family accounts that I even came across it. Plainly speaking, my question is, now that you're aware of your claim to the Black family titles and fortune, what are your plans?"
Harry pondered it for a few moments before replying. "I don't have any."
"You must have some thoughts," Arthur said challengingly.
Harry shrugged. "Sir, I appreciate you being direct with me, so let me extend you the same courtesy. I have no interest in associating myself with the Black family. I don't want their money or their titles. After Professor Dumbledore told me about this meeting I read up on the Black family. Aside from my father's best friend, my grandmother, your ex wife's aunt, and your mother. They were all evil. Two of them were dyed in the wool, Death Eaters."
"I have no sentimental attachment to a man I never knew. A man who left to pursue revenge instead of taking care of me like he was supposed to. My future is in France," Harry said before glancing between Jean and Apolline and smiling. "My family is in France as are all my friends. If you're asking whether I plan to take the money and titles for myself the answer is no. I already have more money than I know what to do with from the Potter vaults. I don't need more. You're welcome to the lot. If there is a legal component I'm happy to sign any documents you require to cede my claim. As long as the Delacour family lawyer examines it first."
Arthur smiled and nodded. "That's acceptable."
"If you send over the paperwork I'll arrange with our lawyer to have her look it over. If she deems it acceptable I'll have it forwarded to Harry for his signature," Jean said.
"Excellent, I'll have my lawyer draw them up today. Thank you for your time Harry. I hope you enjoy the rest of your stay at Hogwarts."
"Thank you sir."
As Arthur walked towards the door he stopped. "Harry, please don't think poorly of Sirius. He was a good man. Your father and he were as close as any brothers. He could and should have made better decisions that night. But I can't say I would have acted any differently if I'd found my family dead and one of my best friends was responsible."
"Thank you Lord Weasley."
Arthur began walking again but stopped at the door. "I'm sorry, Harry. Please say if you think I've crossed a line. But have you been to visit your parents' graves since you came to England?"
"Uh, no actually, I haven't," Harry admitted sheepishly.
Arthur smiled and nodded. "It's fine, Harry. I didn't mean to accuse you of anything. Your parents are buried in Godric's Hollow. I'm sure the embassy has the apparition coordinates. If you have time you should visit."
"I'll do that. Thank you."
"Goodbye Harry."
"Goodbye, Lord Weasley."
Once they were alone Apolline turned to Harry. "Are you sure that's what you want to do? The Black family wields considerable political power in England."
"I don't care about that. I don't want political power. I know you and Jean are very driven to make change. I appreciate and respect that. But I've also seen many times that it makes you miserable. I don't want that in my life."
Jean chuckled. "That's fair. We only want you to have all the information to make the best decision."
"Thank you," Harry replied.
As Harry was hanging up his coat there was a knock at the door. "Come in."
Lucy entered pushing the door closed with her ass and rested against the door. "Hey, you ok?"
Harry nodded and smiled sitting down on the bed. "I'm fine, thank you."
"What was he like, Mister Weasley?"
"Nice?" Harry said.
"Really? I thought he'd be more like his son," Lucy said with a tinge of surprise as she joined him on the bed.
Harry sat pondering what Lucy said for a few moments and then shrugged. "I could speculate as to why but I don't want to think about Weasley any more than I have to. Especially when my beautiful girlfriend is sitting next to me."
"That's the best thought you've had all day," Lucy said grinning as they fell back onto the bed together.
6 March 1995
Harry stood in the witness chamber of the Wizengamot, he tugged at his robes. "I hate this."
Lucy smoothed out Harry's robes and slapped his hand away from the cuffs. "I know, but after today it's over. Besides, it's better to give them what they want and have it be over than fight. At least in this one specific case."
"I suppose," Harry replied with a sigh.
"Mister Potter, they're ready for you," A pink haired Auror said, entering the room.
"Thank you," Harry replied. He kissed Lucy on the cheek and followed the Auror out of the room.
"Your girlfriend is very beautiful," The Auror commented as they walked.
"Thank you, I'm very lucky," Harry replied.
"I'm Tonks by the way."
"Harry," He replied.
Tonks laughed. "That was the least necessary introduction ever. I don't think there's anyone in Britain that doesn't know who you are."
"Great…"
Tonks raised an eyebrow. "You don't seem all that enthused with the idea."
"I'm not, I'm just Harry. I'm not special, I don't want to be special. No one in Britain considers that to be the Boy-Who-Lived, my parents had to die."
"Yeah… I… you're right," Tonks replied quietly.
"Sorry… I didn't mean to come across as a jerk," Harry said sheepishly.
Tonks smiled and shook her head. "Nah, you're entitled to feel that way. It's your life," She assured him as they stopped at the end of the corridor. "Well, we're here. I'll be waiting to escort you back when you're finished."
"Ok."
Harry felt slightly claustrophobic entering the Wizengamot chamber. It was a small chamber packed with old men and their families. Everyone was interested in hearing the Boy-Who-Lived's story.
"Good morning, Lord Potter, my name is Amelia Bones, I am the head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. We are analogous to the Bureau of Magical Justice in France. We appreciate you taking time out of your schedule to indulge our curiosity. Please tell us how you came to live in France and attend Beauxbatons Academy in your own words."
Harry took a long breath and glanced up into the public viewing area. He smiled when he spotted Lucy, Hermione, Fleur, and Apolline sitting together watching. The smile disappeared almost as soon as it appeared when he saw Dumbledore standing near the door to the public viewing area. His face darkened, his resolve steeled.
Harry detailed his life from being left on the Dursley's porch to his trip to France and being taken in by the Delacour's. As much as it irked him he didn't leave out any of the gory details. Harry talked about being abused by the Dursleys, not having a name until his first day at school and how Vernon almost broke his jaw after he asked a question about his parents.
By the time Harry finished Amelia Bones's knuckles had turned white with the amount of force she was gripping the railing with. Minister Fudge began to speak but found his voice had escaped him for a moment. Clearing his throat he adjusted his glasses. "Mister Potter, thank you for your time today. Your testimony has been… illuminating."
Harry gave the minister a curt nod before he departed the witness box. When he arrived on the other side of the door the Auror from earlier, Tonks, was waiting.
"Your family is waiting for you, Lord Potter," She told him.
Harry took a shaky breath and nodded. "Ok."
"Um, just so you know, I thought you were bloody brilliant."
Harry smiled a little. "Thanks."
Entering the witness chamber Harry was tackled by a bushy haired bullet. "Are you ok??"
"Yeah, I'm ok. It helped having the four of you here to support me," Harry assured her. "What happens now?" He asked, looking at Apolline.
"Dumbledore has already been stripped of his political power. He deserves to have his position as Headmaster revoked as well, but that's up to the board of governors at Hogwarts. If they didn't dismiss him after the Basilisk incident, I don't know if abandoning Harry as a baby will be enough."
"Figures…" Harry replied.
Just before midnight Dumbledore's floo roared into life. The man himself glanced up from his work as Augusta Longbottom emerged into his office. "Good evening, Albus."
"Hello, Augusta. I take it this isn't a social visit?"
"I haven't graced you with a social visit in almost twenty years. I don't plan to change that now. The board just finished meeting a half hour ago. I have been tasked with informing you of our decision."
"And what wisdom does the board have for me this day?" Dumbledore asked sarcastically.
Augusta leveled an unimpressed stare at Dumbledore. "The board has unanimously agreed that your services will no longer be required after the end of this school year."
"I see. And on what grounds am I being dismissed?"
"Do I really have to spell it out for you, Albus?" Augusta asked in exasperation.
"I would prefer it," Dumbledore replied.
"Gross negligence and incompetence in your duty of care towards one Harry James Potter. You left him with magic hating muggles and never checked on him. How can we as the board of governors allow anyone to remain in charge of a school when they have such blatant disregard for the welfare of a child. Not just any child, the Boy-Who-Lived. It is an outrage and we had to act. The announcement will be in tomorrow morning's Daily Prophet."
"Who will be my replacement?" Dumbledore asked.
"We will announce our choice in due time," Augusta replied.
Dumbledore leaned forward. "If the board are still considering their choices, I'd be happy to forward some…"
"Albus, your recommendations will not be considered. We are not dismissing you only to have you headmaster by proxy."
"I don't intend…" Dumbledore began.
"I don't believe you, Albus. You've lied to me too many times. My grandson is permanently disfigured because of your ineptitude. If I'd had my way I would have brought you before the Wizengamot for the death of Ginny Weasley. That girl's blood is on your hands," Augusta hissed, stabbing her finger in Dumbledore's direction.
"I am aware…" Dumbledore replied leaning back in his chair, away from Augusta's accusing finger.
Augusta sat back in her chair and let her breath even out. "We are finished here, Albus. I came to inform you of our decision, not to debate it. If you wish to protest you're well aware of the procedure."
"Goodnight, Augusta."
"Goodnight, Albus."
7 March 1995
Harry and Lucy were cuddling together in bed. Lucy sat up covering her top half in the sheet as Harry glanced over at her. "Lucy, what's wrong?"
"After the second task I overheard you and Apolline talking," Lucy confessed, she wasn't sure she should mention that Fleur and Hermione were also listening. She decided against it for the moment. Right now Lucy was focused solely on her relationship with Harry.
"Oh," Harry said quietly. He sat up in bed as Lucy moved up to cuddle into his side.
"I feel a bit silly not seeing it before now. But maybe I did, and I was just in denial."
"Lucy…" Harry said, turning to her.
"No, it's ok, Harry," Lucy said, resting her hand on his chest. "I love you but you've been in love with Fleur and Hermione for much longer. I can't compete with that. And I can't stand in the way either."
"W-what are you saying?"
Lucy leaned in and kissed Harry. She gave him a sad smile as her thumb dragged down his lips. "I'm breaking up with you."
"But… I love you, Lucy. Don't do this…" Harry begged.
Lucy shook her head. "I've been waiting ages to hear you say that. But I think this is best for both of us. I know you, Harry. You'd never pursue Fleur or Hermione while dating me and the guilt of thinking about other girls would eat at you. I won't let that happen, you're a good person Harry. You deserve to be happy." Lucy explained tearfully.
"What about you? Aren't you happy with me?" Harry asked.
"I'm very happy with you. But this isn't meant to be. I was always going to be second place in your heart to them. I'm sorry, Harry," Lucy said as her voice cracked and she shook trying to keep herself together.
Lucy gathered her clothes and began walking out of Harry's bedroom despite only being covered in a sheet. Harry leapt off the bed and grabbed Lucy around the waist, pulling her against him. ""Lucy, listen to me, I love you. That's not going to change, not for Hermione and not for Fleur. I am happy with you. I'm not going to throw away the great thing I have with you for a maybe with Hermione or Fleur. They're happy together and I love you."
Lucy had tears flowing down her cheek as she spun around and buried her face in Harry's chest. "I love you too, Harry."
"Then stay. Please?"
"Ok." Lucy replied meekly as Harry led her back to the bed. She felt weak being unable to walk away from Harry when she was so determined. But she loved Harry. She couldn't deny her heart.
14 March 1995
A regal looking owl fluttered its wings as it landed on the Ravenclaw table in front of Harry. It held out its leg allowing him to unburden it and open the letter that had been attached to its leg. Lucy glanced over at Harry as she piled her plate with food. "Is that?" She asked quietly.
"Uh huh. I approved the final draft yesterday. One last review and I'll sign it. May I ask you and Fleur to witness it for me?"
"Of course," Lucy replied as Fleur nodded.
Harry quietly read the documents during breakfast. Once he was satisfied he signed papers handing them off to Lucy and Fleur respectively. He folded it up and returned it to the waiting Owl for the return trip to Jean's lawyer.
"All done."
"Happy?" Hermione asked.
"I guess. Honestly I don't feel much either way. Maybe a little resentment towards Sirius Black, apart from that nothing. It's at least a headache off my plate."
22 March 1995
"Hello, Potter," Daphne said as she leaned against the door frame of an empty classroom. Harry paused mid-step. The beautiful seventh year with short blonde hair was dressed in a Hogwarts uniform sans the robe. Her skirt was much shorter than the norm and the top three buttons of her shirt were undone, giving Harry an ample view of her cleavage.
"Um, hello. Can I help you?" Harry asked.
"Mmmm, maybe, but I was thinking about how I can help you?" Daphne said as she walked forward and let her fingers brush the inside of Harry's jacket. "I'm Daphne Greengrass. I've been eager to meet you since you arrived."
"You have? You have a funny way of showing it," Harry observed as he let Daphne's hand caress his chest through his shirt.
"You have a girlfriend. I'm not interested in getting between two people in a relationship. Unless of course I'm invited," Daphne explained with a smirk.
"You're… interesting."
Daphne chuckled. "Thank you. I think you're pretty interesting yourself."
Harry reached up and grabbed Daphne's hand. His calloused rough hand closed around Daphne's small soft hand as his emerald green eyes bored into her. "Miss Greengrass, I have a girlfriend as you said. I'm not looking to stray." Harry stated, his low gravelly voice sending chills down Daphne's spine.
Daphne grinned, her free hand reaching up to caress Harry's face. "That's fine, I'm not looking for a boyfriend. I'm way more interested in seeing the brute that left a Veela insensate and running late for class. More than once."
Harry chuckled. "You're very well informed."
"I have my ways of loosening tongues," Daphne replied, running the tip of her tongue over her top lip.
"I bet," Harry said, sighing. "You're very beautiful and it's a damn tempting offer. But I can't."
Daphne huffed and shook her head. "Your commitment and restraint is admirable…" Daphne grumbled.
"It's taking all my restraint not to take you up on it."
"Your girl doesn't know how lucky she is."
"Oh, believe me, she does," Lucy said as she approached the pair.
"Oh, uh, hi Lucy," Harry said sheepishly.
"Hello, Harry," Lucy said as she locked her arms around his and sent a withering look Daphne's way.
Daphne grinned, licking her lips and looking Lucy up and down. "I didn't mean any harm. Your boyfriend is yummy, and lots of girls want to gobble him up. I'm at least honest about my intentions."
"Hmph," Lucy replied, she cast her eyes over Daphne appreciatively. "I'm sure plenty of girls want to gobble you up too."
"Plenty have," Daphne said. She reached out and slipped a piece of parchment into Lucy's jacket. She let her fingers linger over Lucy's breast for a moment before pulling back. "If you're interested in a taste…"
Daphne walked away, swaying her hips for Lucy and Harry. Lucy glanced at him who looked away. She grabbed his chin and turned it to look at Daphne. "It's ok to look," Lucy explained, leaning into Harry's ear. "And maybe even touch, if you're a good boy."
Harry grinned. "You're the best girlfriend ever."
"I know."
24 March 1995
Harry stood at the foot of his parents' graves holding a bouquet of dark red roses. He knelt down and placed the bouquet between the headstones. "Hi Mum, Dad. It's Harry, I'm sorry I haven't been to visit before now. After you died… Well, it's a long story. I'm ok though, I got taken in by good people. I was raised with a lot of care and affection. I love Apolline and Jean. I can't imagine how I would have turned out without them."
"And um…" Harry started tugging Lucy towards him. "This is my girlfriend."
"H-hi," Lucy said meekly, giving the tombstones a wave.
"Lucy is great, I think you'd love her," Harry said with a sad smile. "I miss you both. I hope you're proud of me. I promise I'll visit more regularly in future."
Harry and Lucy walked over to Jean, Apolline, Fleur and Hermione. Lucy stepped back as the two girls hugged him before handing him over to his adoptive parents. "Are you ok, 'Arry?"
Harry nodded. "Yeah. I'm glad I came. I needed to do this before going back to Paris."
"I regret we didn't let you visit earlier. But we didn't know Dumbledore's intentions. There's no way we would have let you return to those awful people," Apolline explained.
"I understand, Apolline. I'm not blaming you," Harry assured her.
"Thank you, 'Arry," Apolline replied.
"Shall we return to the school?"
Fleur sighed. "If we must."
Hermione patted Fleur's hand. "Three months, Fleur, three months."
25 March 1995
"Potter!" Ron yelled as he ran down the corridor to catch up to the raven haired boy in question.
Harry bit back an annoyed comment as he stopped to consider the red-head. "Hello, Weasley, how can I help you?"
"I uh, wanted to say thanks. For signing over the Black family titles over to my Dad. I know you could have made this a nightmare for us so… thanks," Ron explained.
"It's fine, I don't need the added stress in my life."
Ron nodded letting the corridor fall into silence. As Harry began to walk away, Ron spoke again. "When I was younger I thought money would solve all our problems. I was so jealous of Malfoy, he was someone I used to go to school with."
"The name rings a bell," Harry confirmed.
"Yeah," Ron replied. "Then we got money, more money than we could ever spend and it made me happy. But in the end I'd go back to being poor if it meant we got Ginny back. I think our family was happier back then…"
Harry watched Ron regretfully. He had all sorts of advice he wanted to give Ron, but Harry wasn't sure if it would be heeded or appreciated. "I'm sorry."
Ron shrugged. "It is what it is. Anyway, thanks for listening. And uh, we never had this conversation. I can't look like a pussy in front of the chicks."
"Uh huh," Harry replied, chuckling to himself.