Saturday came rather quickly for Harry's liking, though sitting around Grimmauld Place with nothing to do had rapidly lost its novelty. The only interruption in the monotony had come in the form of a visit from the DMLE. Amelia Bones led the small group, her cool, no-nonsense gaze seemed as though it could never form the rictus of fury that preceded a killing curse, nor the final, momentary surprise.

Sirius hovered nearby as Madam Bones asked her questions, interjecting his quick, truncated version of events before being knocked unconscious, and his following floo call to St. Mungos. Harry provided them the memory as requested, and bid them goodbye as politely as he could manage.

He felt supremely lucky to have a girlfriend who would write to him long into the night when he couldn't banish the image of the life leaving Amelia Bones' serious brown eyes.

Fleur stepped through the floo at a quarter till noon on Saturday, wrapping Harry in a tight hug by way of 'hello.' She released him and stepped back with an excited smile.

"I finished my potions the other day," she said with relief. She tossed her hair over her shoulder along with the loose ends of her yellow ribbon. She pulled the high neck of her matching jumper down to expose the base of her neck. "You see, not even a scar this time."

"I'm glad," Harry said, purposefully, if slowly, moving his gaze up to her eyes. He froze. "Not that I would have minded...or that it matters what I would mind…"

Fleur grinned at him and planted a quick kiss on his lips. "You are very cute when you trip yourself up like that. Do not worry. I know what you meant."

A flash of color caught his eyes as he saw her ribbon shift to a deep red before slipping quickly back to yellow. She produced her wand and tapped the ribbon on the side of her head lightly.

"Where is Sirius?" she asked quickly, looking around the empty living room. "He is usually here to say hello at least."

"He said he had an important appointment," Harry answered. "Though that might've just been to give us some privacy."

"Possibly, but it is a rather large house in its own right. It is not as though it would have been difficult to keep to himself."

"That's true," Harry allowed, frowning slightly. "He's been a little...weird lately."

"It is a...difficult time for everyone right now," Fleur said, glad she'd stopped her ribbon from shifting with her mood. "Especially for those of us who care about you."

Harry only nodded in reply, though she could feel the slight settling of his anxiety at her words. Maybe she wasn't the only one who liked to hear certain things said aloud.

"Did Ron get your owl?" she asked into the burgeoning silence. "It will be a little awkward if I have to hide in the other room while you talk to your friends."

A small grin broke out on his face, but his voice was still quiet and subdued when he spoke. "They're your friends too."

A smile of her own pulled at the corner of her mouth. They were. She didn't know them very well yet, Ron least of all, but they had both made great effort to include her in their lives, even before she and Harry were a couple. She needed to find some way to express her appreciation.

"Thanks for coming," Harry said quietly, startling her out of her thoughts.

"Of course. I am happy to be here whenever you need me."

The genuine smile he leveled at her pulled what she was sure was a giant goofy grin to her face from somewhere in the depths of her chest. Despite the serious subject matter they were about to address, she couldn't believe how expressive he was being.

"Are you nervous?" she asked.

"A little," he admitted before grinning slightly. "Can't you tell?" He let out a sigh. "But more about their reactions than about them knowing...if that makes sense. I don't want them to worry."

"I doubt that will be avoidable."

"I know, but still…"

The fireplace flared green and spat out a frizzy brown torpedo.

"Harry!" Hermione managed to stop herself just shy of wrapping her arms around Harry's torso. "Oh, are you still injured? Is it okay to give you a hug? Do you want a hug? Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, Hermione," Harry said, allowing his friend to embrace him for a moment.

The fireplace flared again, and Ron stepped through, the shimmering fabric of Harry's invisibility cloak bundled in one arm.

"Why did you not bring it?" Fleur asked, turning to Hermione. "Then he would not have to be affected by my-"

"Look," Hermione urged, grinning.

Ron stood just in front of the fire as it died to low embers behind him. He blinked, his blue eyes slowly scanning the room until they eventually fell on Fleur. She saw a slight twitch move through his body, but instead of stepping toward her, he just grinned awkwardly.

"It's uh...it's good to finally meet you. I guess," he said, holding out the invisibility cloak."I brought this in case you still wanted it, but I've been working really hard at occlumency, and I think it's working."

"Clearly," Fleur breathed, accepting the invisibility cloak from his outstretched hand. "Thank you."

He shrugged sheepishly. "It's a little too late for you to be able to have the cloak off at our meetings, but when it's just us like this…"

"While Ron's progress is incredible," Hermione said, flashing the redhead a big smile to soften her expedient change in subject, "it is so good to see you both okay. How are you?"

Harry and Fleur exchanged a quick look that didn't go unnoticed by Hermione.

"What is it?"

"It's a long story," Harry mumbled. He pointed over towards the kitchen. "Let's go sit down."

"Hermione told me what happened," Ron said as they sat down at the long table. Hermione and Ron sat side-by-side on one side, with Fleur and Harry sitting opposite them on the other. "I'm sorry I couldn't come."

"Don't be," Harry replied quickly. "You might've been captured too, or killed. All things considered, things probably could have gone much worse."

Fleur surreptitiously put her hand on his knee beneath the table and gave it a small squeeze.

"That's very true," Hermione said, nodding her head vigorously. Her excited energy faded a little, and her brows drew together. "If you're both feeling so much better, why do you look like you've both seen a ghost?"

"A house this old probably has at least a few," Ron tried, grimacing when he was only met with a baleful stare from Hermione.

"It's an expression," she huffed, turning back to face Harry and Fleur. "What's wrong?"

Harry couldn't stop himself from looking over to Fleur again for reassurance, the nervousness he'd been trying not to acknowledge flaring up in full.

"There's been a...development," Harry tried, wincing as the awkward word fell from his mouth.

"A development?" Hermione repeated, her gaze darting quickly between the two of them. "What-?"

"Just tell them like you told me," Fleur reassured him quietly.

Harry nodded and swallowed. "So...Dumbledore told us why Voldemort has been after me."

XxXxXxXxXxXxX

It was a somber silence that Sirius walked in on. The four teenagers were sitting quietly at the end of the table, for all the world looking as though they'd been fighting a war for longer than any of them had been alive. Hermione and Ron stared vacantly ahead, the former seemingly deep in thought, her brow occasionally coming together while her eyes darted around, examining some unseen problem. Harry and Fleur sat opposite their friends, their hands clasped together as though they were the only things keeping them anchored to the table.

Sirius hid a grimace. If only they'd been better all those years before, these things wouldn't have fallen on their too-young shoulders. Or maybe it would have with the prophecy. He shook away the circular thinking he'd already been through every night since learning of the damnable thing. They looked like they needed some good news, and he might be able to provide.

"I see you've told them," he said from the doorway, startling all four badly and causing each to jump in surprise.

"It's just not fair," Hermione griped once she'd composed herself.

"No, it's not, but we'll figure something out," Sirius replied, prompting a nod of agreement from Fleur. He pulled out the chair at the head of the table and sat down. He placed a small manilla folder he'd been carrying down in front of him on the table. "It seems like I got back at a decent time. You're all here, and you look like you could use some good news."

"Yes please," Fleur grumbled.

Sirius grinned, and opened the folder with a flourish and held the document out for everyone to see.

This document certifies that one Sirius Orion Black has shown proper growth and mental fortitude and stability; consistent with the requirements set by the Ministry of Magic.

I, Phillip Liam Jacobson, hereby declare Mr. Black fit for reinstatement into all the titles and privileges he is owed by birthright, effective immediately.

Harry snatched the paper from Sirius' hands and held it in front of him, tilting it slightly so Fleur could read it as well.

"Careful with that," Sirius admonished with a laugh. "I doubt Jacobson would be thrilled if I showed up asking for a new one less than an hour after getting this one."

"It's-" Harry tried, his bright green gaze searching Sirius' own.

"It's me making good on my promise from two years ago," Sirius said with a wide happy grin. "So how 'bout it? Want to come live with me? I think I've got a spare bedroom you can have."

Harry nodded quickly, returning Sirius' broad smile.

"Excellent," Sirius continued, slapping a hand down on the table. "This sounds like good cause for a party. Fleur, I have no doubt that Sebastian is incredibly busy, but would you see if your sister and mother are free? Hermione, your parents are welcome as well...though I suspect your mother might be the only one able to attend."

"They go on a skiing trip after the holidays," Hermione said with a shake of her bushy head. "They won't be back until mid-February."

"Lucky dogs," said Sirius, before turning to Ron. "Your parents are welcome as well, though again, I'm sure your dad is busy with his job at the DMLE."

Ron nodded slowly. "Yeah, but Mum might like to come by. She's always a little down after everyone leaves for the holidays. When are you having the party?"

"Right now," Sirius said, rising to his feet. "Harry has to go back to school tomorrow to be ready for school on Monday, and I'll be busy helping Dumbledore now that I've got my title back. I'm going to go invite Remus and Andromeda. Let me know who all is going to come, and I'll have Kreacher get us some food."

"I can cook," Harry protested. "I don't mind."

"As much as everyone would like that, the answer is no," Sirius said definitively. "You'll be celebrating along with everyone else."

Harry didn't argue.

In a whirlwind of motion, they all split off for their respective tasks, Ron and Fleur vanishing through the floo before Sirius made the call to his friend and cousin.

Hermione hung back with Harry, her excitement for the party quickly fading from her features.

"Do you mind...talking...for a minute?" she asked, her fingers picking at one of the buttons on her button-up cardigan.

"How are you doing?" Harry asked after the silence had begun to drag on without comment from his friend.

"I'm fine!" she said, jumping a little when he spoke. "I was protected by two sets of wards. The heat was a little uncomfortable, but I didn't get hurt. You two are the ones who…" Her face went pale. "You were both so...hurt," she whispered, her eyes wide. "Sirius ran to get help and I went over to you. I don't think you even knew I was there."

Harry shook his head.

"And Fleur...I could tell she was worried about you, but she wouldn't stop coughing up blood...and her chest-"

"Hermione," Harry cut in, his voice strained. "I am really really sorry, but I don't think I can handle hearing how badly melted iron hurt her. Not right now. Probably not ever." He grimaced. "Having one near-death experience with her is plenty."

"I'm so sorry," Hermione said, her hands flying to cover her mouth. "And I'm sorry I couldn't help you back then either."

"Back then? After the second task?"

She nodded. "You looked so lost and hurt...and all I could do was just sit there and stare at you." She swallowed, and her eyes darted away from his. "I couldn't even say anything to you. All I could do was go to a teacher, even though I knew you wouldn't like someone else knowing you'd been so upset."

"That's why McGonagall took me to Madam Pomfrey the next day?"

Hermione nodded miserably. "I'm sorry, Harry. I should have told you. I thought you'd be mad at me, but I think I still should have told you."

"I kinda wish you had," Harry admitted. "I thought you were mad at me or something for...you know...that stuff in the common room."

"Why on earth would I be mad at you for that?" Hermione asked, bewildered. At Harry's self-conscious shrug, her face grew thunderous. "Oh. Them." She paused, her eyes narrowing in obvious thought. "Harry, if you thought I got mad at you for opening up, then I can't believe you told me about what those horrible people did to you."

Harry let out a short laugh that was strangled by a stern look from his friend. "I'm sorry. That's what Fleur calls them too. It took some doing, but she's the one that convinced me it'd be okay to tell people."

Hermione's gaze slid slowly to the empty seat next to him, and her countenance softened.

"She's really good for you, Harry," she said quietly.

"Too good for me, more like."

Hermione shook her head fervently. "I disagree, but I know better than to argue with you." She gathered herself and fixed her gaze purposefully on his. "I'm so glad to see that you're both okay, and now we get to celebrate that Sirius can finally take you in!"

Harry nodded, allowing himself to be swept up into her forced cheer. It didn't take long for the feeling to become genuine. After all, he finally had a proper home.

XxXxXxXxXxXxX

The living room filled up faster than Harry could believe. It seemed like a green glow issued from the fireplace every few seconds, yet more people coming through to join in the unplanned festivities. Remus arrived first, followed almost instantaneously by Andromeda, who offered Sirius a warm congratulations upon her arrival. Fleur, Gabrielle, and their mother followed close behind, the three women saying their quick congratulations before splitting up. Apolline moved over to introduce herself to Remus, while Gabrielle made a bee-line for Hermione, and immediately struck up a conversation about the numerous books she'd received for Christmas that she had already finished. Fleur returned to Harry's side, a mischievous grin on her face.

"Papa will be along in a little while. He is busy, but is going to take a short break to come to congratulate Sirius. Both of you really, but we thought it might be a nice surprise. Maman said they are becoming fast friends."

Harry nodded, her infectious grin reaching out to mold one of his own.

Ron and his mother were next, both stepping out to a warm welcome from Sirius. True to form, Mrs. Weasley rounded Sirius up in a large hug before offering her sincere congratulations.

"Oh, I'm so happy for you," she said once she'd released Sirius. "Who would have thought it'd take so much work just to get your titles back."

"The Ministry isn't always the most efficient government in the world," Sirius replied with a slightly crooked grin. "Arthur has been there long enough that I'm sure that's not a surprise to you."

"No, it's not," she said, returning his grin with a tired smile. "Our government aside, you have to introduce me! I don't believe I've met everyone here."

Playing the part of a proper host, Sirius escorted Mrs. Weasley over to where Andromeda and Apolline were chatting amicably. They eventually made their way over to Harry and Fleur where Mrs. Weasley offered Fleur a wide smile in greeting.

"It is so nice to finally meet you," Mrs. Weasley said, extending a hand to Fleur. "I've heard about you from a number of people. Arthur says you are quite well-liked at the DMLE. He told me that Amelia Bones herself has her eye on you."

"'Had' her eye on me perhaps," Fleur replied, shaking the older woman's offered hand. "It is nice to meet you as well. Harry has had nothing but kind things to say about you and your family."

"Yes, Arthur told me the basics of your dreadful ordeal." She turned to look at Harry. "I do hope you are both okay. Please feel free to let us know if there is absolutely anything you need."

"Thanks, Mrs. Weasley," said Harry. "I'm glad you could make it."

"I wouldn't miss it for the world!"

Any further discussion was interrupted by Sirius, who suddenly smacked himself in the forehead.

"I've forgotten to get the food ready," he said, shaking his head.

"I can help if you would like," Mrs. Weasley said, already rolling up the long sleeves of her dark green button-up shirt.

"Absolutely not," Sirius said. "I have a house-elf for a reason. Kreacher!"

The old elf popped into existence between the four of them, his long drooping ears brushing both Harry and Mrs. Weasley's knees.

"Master is busy entertaining his guests," Kreacher drawled. The black venom that coated the word 'guests' left no illusions as to what the diminutive elf thought of the invaders to his home. "Kreacher will leave master to it."

"Kreacher, we need food," Sirius cut in, his voice strained with the effort of being cordial. "This is an important party, so if you do it well, you can have something else from Regulus' room."

Kreacher clicked his tongue sharply and narrowed his eyes up at Sirius.

"Kreacher already has all the important things. Kreacher does not want junk."

Sirius frowned down at the elf, the temptation to simply make a thorough enough command rising in the back of his throat. But Jacobson had said he needed to work harder at getting along with people he didn't see eye-to-eye with, and Kreacher was as good a start as any.

Though maybe Kreacher didn't count as a person…

"I'll make you a deal," Sirius said instead. "You do this properly for me, and you can ignore me for the next two days."

"One thousand days," Kreacher countered instantly.

"Three days."

"Nine hundred days."

"Two days."

"Only if Master promises to call Kreacher, so Kreacher can enjoy pretending he does not hear."

"Deal," Sirius said quickly. "Now, please hurry."

With a cackle and a crack, the house-elf vanished, and the sounds of banging pots and pans began to float out of the kitchen.

"That is an...interesting elf you have," Fleur commented, staring towards the opening to the kitchen.

"I'd forgotten you haven't had the pleasure of meeting Kreacher yet," Sirius said, rubbing at the corners of his eyes. "My mother did a real number on him. My brother Regulus was always his favorite though, but I think he's coming around."

"That's coming around?" Mrs. Weasley asked, shocked.

"He used to have a tantrum every time Sirius asked him for something," Harry explained. "Bribery usually worked though."

"Yes," Sirius said. "It's a little upsetting that he's got everything he wants that used to belong to my brother. That'll make it a bit harder to get things done."

"Well anyway, It was lovely to meet you, Fleur dear," Mrs. Weasley said. "please excuse me though. Andromeda was talking about a trip she and her husband took to Greece, and I've got all sorts of questions for her."

Sirius departed the small group as well to join Lupin, who had been standing awkwardly in a far corner of the room.

A short time later, Dumbledore made a quick appearance, the age-lines in his tired features even deeper than they'd been when Harry had last seen him. Despite his obvious fatigue, he had nothing but kind words and congratulations for both Harry and Sirius. He left not long after, leaving Harry to wonder silently if he'd made any progress in his search for information on the Horcruxes.

A squeeze on his hand jolted him from the thoughts, and he turned to see Fleur's concerned expression staring back.

"I thought you couldn't read my mind," he said quietly.

"I am beginning to think I can," Fleur replied with a small smile. "I apologize for lying to you during that second conversation of ours. Though I believe I said that I cannot read minds, not that I would not one day be able to read yours."

"So long as you don't use your power for evil...I guess that's fine," Harry replied, gratefully taking the bait to a simpler conversation.

"I cannot promise I will not use it for mischief," she said with the sly smile that sent shivers down his spine and brought warmth to his cheeks. A smile meant only for him. "I told you I could tell when you thought of me as your girlfriend." She bent over slightly, her breath brushing his ear. "But it is not the only time I can tell when you are thinking something specific about me...Harry."

She left him with a gentle laugh, allowing him some privacy in which to bumble through the embarrassed trainwreck she had left in her wake.

He jumped when Ron spoke from beside him. "You all right, mate? You look a bit like you've been confounded."

"Yeah," Harry answered quickly. "She likes to have a little fun at my expense sometimes."

"That sounds a little mean."

"Not in a bad way."

"Whatever you're into," Ron answered with a grin that made Harry roll his eyes. Ron surveyed the room a moment, an odd half-smile resting across his face. "Y'know...it's a little weird to be standing in Sirius Black's living room. A few years ago I might've tried to have you committed to St. Mungo's if you'd tried to tell me this would happen. It's a weird life we live."

"You're telling me," Harry replied with a quick laugh. "Five years ago a half-giant told me I was a wizard, and it's only been getting weirder since."

"Oh come on," Ron shot back. "Sure you have it a little extra-weird. Well, a lot extra-weird," he amended at a look from his friend. "But being a wizard isn't all that different from being a muggle."

"You're joking, right?" Harry laughed. "Hold on." He called to Hermione, waving her over with a quick motion of his hand. Gabrielle went over to where Fleur had joined with their mother, Andromeda, and Mrs. Weasley.

"What do you want?" Hermione snapped. "We were talking about her new favorite book."

"Sorry," Harry replied. "But I've got a question I think you'll like."

"Okay…" Hermione replied slowly, looking between her two friends who were staring at her expectantly.

"What's the weirdest thing about the magical world?"

Hermione's eyes widened. "That is a good question. Do you mean philosophically, sociologically, or in the day-to-day?"

"Uh...in the day-to-day," Ron said. "What's philosophy got to do with stuff in the magical world?"

"Don't ask questions you don't want to hear the answer to," Hermione replied primly. "I'll have to think about this for a bit. What's your answer, Harry?"

"Maybe how every sort of travel is weird and uncomfortable. It might be faster, but I'm already tired of getting pushed through a cold uncomfortable tube every time I'm apparated somewhere, and I can't even do it myself yet. Not to mention always falling out of the floo."

"Or brooms," Hermione added with a grin.

Ron glared at her. "You leave Quidditch out of this."

XxXxXxXxXxXxX

The small party gradually grew louder and more energized as the attendees grew more comfortable. After finding out that Lupin had been the one to first try to teach Harry the Patronus, Fleur stepped away to, as she put it with a part grimace part smile, "Pick his brain."

Late into the evening Apolline and Fleur's surprise paid off when Sebastian stepped through the Floo with a hearty congratulations for both Harry and Sirius. Sebastian looked almost as tired as Dumbledore had, but his bright smile and cheery demeanor banished most of the exhaustion from his face. With a warm, "Hello," to Harry, he joined Mrs. Weasley, Andromeda, and his wife, who wrapped an arm around his middle and rested her head on his shoulder.

Shortly after his arrival, an even more haggard Dumbledore stepped through the floo and collected Sebastian with apologies. Harry could see the way Sebastian's shoulders tensed when Dumbledore whispered something in his ear, and couldn't help the feeling of dread that settled over him.

Fleur put a gentle hand on his shoulder. "It is probably just more work for the ICW. They are assisting the Ministry with both the war and their leadership...issue."

"He looks really worried," Harry replied, his gaze following the two wizards as they waved goodbye to the other party-goers and vanished through the floo.

"It is a difficult time," Fleur repeated quietly, before raising her voice to address both Ron and Hermione as well. "Kreacher has finished with the food, let us all grab something to eat. I am starving."

As though their movement had broken some sort of invisible wall, the rest of the attendees quickly joined them in the kitchen, piling delicious-looking food high on plates, while Kreacher smugly eyed Sirius from the far end of the long table.

Dumbledore and Sebastian's hasty exodus wasn't quite forgotten, though Harry did find himself getting lost in the normalcy of the night. Fleur barely left his side the entire evening, with Ron and Hermione following similar cues. Harry made a mental note to thank Ron in earnest for his hard work to just include Fleur. Even with such a strife-filled future all but guaranteed for him, it somehow all still felt ages away, held back by a shield of good cheer and friendly conversation that continued far into the night.

XxXxXxXxXxXxX

Harry shut the door to his room behind him, a hollow pit growing inside him where the enjoyment from the party had once lived. It began to slowly fill with his fears for the near future, especially considering the news Sirius had reluctantly passed on to him. He saw the glint of black writing sitting on the note-paper on his nightstand and rushed over to it, tossing his clothes on the end of the bed as he passed. He grabbed the paper and dropped onto the edge of the bed.

Have you heard the news? About Azkaban?

Harry's heart dropped as he read the short note. Sure it was important, but it wasn't...whatever he'd been hoping for.

Sirius just told me.

I am glad you will be returning to school. I have no doubt your home is protected, but few places are as secure as Hogwarts.

What about you?

My parents have requested that I stay at their house for now. The ambassador's manor is well warded, especially compared to my apartment, which has none.

That's good.

I will have to leave eventually to pursue the task Dumbledore set for me, but until they have an idea of what Voldemort is planning, I will be staying here.

I'm really happy to hear it. Do you know what you're going to do once you're able to leave? Didn't Dumbledore ask you to find out more about the blue fire?

He did, and Hermione had a fantastic idea for my search. I was unsure how to contact other Veela in order to learn of their experience.

I can't say I'm too surprised. What is it?

Viktor Krum

He tried to kill you.

We both know he was under the Imperius. You would be much quicker to forgive him were it not me he attacked. That is sweet, but not necessary. Since he is, last I knew, still a player on the Bulgarian Quidditch team, Hermione suggested I reach out to him to see if he could get in touch with one of their cheerleaders.

What are you going to ask them?

I do not know. I need to know more about our blue fire, so I suppose I will simply have to ask about their experiences with it.

They transformed at the World Cup.

I recall.

Was their fire blue?

Merde.

Sorry. I didn't know it was possible for Veela to have different fire like that.

Neither did I. I will have to ask Maman about it.

It seems like a good place to start.

If you remember their fire so well, you must have been entranced by those Veela after all. I seem to recall you glancing around the top box at all the other people goggling at their dance. Perhaps I was mistaken.

I was entranced by only one.

Very smooth, darling.

His eyes widened in surprise as he read. The words vanished the moment after they appeared.

Darling?

I cannot believe I wrote that down. I had hoped you had not seen it. I wanted to try it out. In truth, I wanted to say it at the party, but I lost my nerve. If I am being honest, it feels strange to use something other than your name.

It doesn't bother me. Whatever you want to do. I've never had a nickname before, or at least not one that's worthwhile.

I will think about it some more, but for now, I will stick with Harry. You have only ever called me Fleur as well, and I quite like that. You have never even teased me with my full name. It is always just 'Fleur.'

Telling me your full name was really important to you. It seems wrong to tease you about it.

But I tease you all the time.

Not about the important stuff.

That is true. Thank you, Harry. For understanding me.

It seems like I should be the one saying that.

That is probably why it is called a partnership, and not simply a one-sided relationship.

I'll miss being able to see you so often.

As much as I would like to poke fun at how sappy that is, I feel the same way. We will still be able to spend time together after the lessons. Will those continue now that Umbridge won't be teaching the class?

Extra practice wouldn't hurt, even if the new Professor is really good. We've all made progress, but if I'd been just a bit better, maybe we'd have had a better outcome.

Better than you dueling a Death Eater and winning?

Well...yeah. It's not impossible to beat two people. Especially when they aren't attacking you at the same time. Moody took on a whole group in the graveyard.

Alastor Moody was a legend. One that I would not be surprised if you come to rival, but such things take time. We will just have to practice extra hard on the weekends to make sure we are prepared next time.

Together. Right?

Or not at all.

Harry's quill was down on the parchment before a frown of self-consciousness halted his hand. Who was he to put something like that down? Half the time he barely even knew what he was thinking, let alone feeling.

Instead, unwilling to let the conversation end, he asked after her new wand. She responded eagerly, their conversation carrying deep into the night yet again.

XxXxXxXxXxXxX

Harry's return to Hogwarts saw only minor fanfare, most of which was thanks to Fred and George, who had put together an indoor fireworks show for his return to the Gryffindor common room. Almost everyone managed to avoid getting singed by the multicolored sparks. Though he'd been loath to leave Grimmauld Place, where he'd enjoyed Sirius' company as well as regular visits from his girlfriend, he found the routine of school a welcome diversion.

The new Defense against the Dark Arts professor was surprisingly normal; a retired Auror from the Spanish Ministry named María Pilar, she reminded Harry of what might have happened if you'd managed to combine Moody with Lupin. Her classes weren't as extreme as Moody's, but still had plenty of practical work, something Harry hadn't realized how much he'd missed.

The biggest change, however, was their study group. Professor Pilar had not only announced her knowledge of the group but encouraged every class she had to join in an effort to make up time lost under the subpar tutelage of Dolores Umbridge.

The first meeting of the study group the weekend following his return saw Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Fleur huddled a short distance away from over a dozen new attendees, most requesting to see Harry's Patronus upon entering the room of requirement.

"How did that get around?" Harry asked, glancing over to the large group of chatting students. "I didn't exactly advertise that I could perform the charm."

"I reckon it was Dean or Seamus. Probably both to be honest," Ron ventured. "You know how much those two like to talk about what's going on in Hogwarts. I'd bet they were trying to make themselves look good by saying they were practicing the charm."

"The Patronus is impressive," Hermione cut in, "but it isn't really the most impressive skill you bring to the table. Your dueling is really something else."

Harry winced in response. "Maybe, but you're the only one who knows that for certain, and I'd really rather them not know how you know."

"I think that is wise," Fleur said from beneath the invisibility cloak. "That does not mean we cannot demonstrate."

"That's a good idea," said Hermione. "It seems that half of them are here just to see if there's any truth to you being able to perform the Patronus Charm. Showing them what you can do with a duel may well lend credence to your ability to lead the study group."

"How would we even show them?" Harry asked. His insides twisted uncomfortably and his mouth went dry at the thought of being on display in such a way. "Fleur would be the most challenging one here, but she can't take off the invisibility cloak."

"You'd take it easy on her and you know it," Ron put in with a quick laugh. "Listen, mate, if you can beat a Death Eater one-on-one, you'll have no problem showing them what you can do. You could always duel every single person in here to show dominance."

A laugh rose from the small group at Harry's horrified expression.

"What's taking so long?" a voice called from the agitated crowd. It belonged to an older Ravenclaw whose name Harry couldn't recall. "If we're giving up our Sundays to practice, we should actually learn something."

A murmur of agreement rose from the assembled students.

"Don't get your knickers in a twist," Ron shot back, prompting a quick swat from Hermione. "We're trying to decide what to show you first."

"I came to learn the Patronus," the same student said. "Being able to cast that spell is a guaranteed pass for the Charms NEWT." Another small chorus of agreement followed.

"We can go over that," Harry said, walking back to join the waiting students. "The key is mostly just practice though."

"You did not practice at all," Fleur whispered to him in French, her grin evident in her tone.

"I suppose we can start you all with the first thing I was shown," Harry continued, if a little louder. "We worked on learning how to more effectively cast the stunner."

"The stunner?" another older student scoffed. "I could cast that in my sleep."

"Let's see it then," Ron challenged, his voice surprisingly hard, all traces of his earlier joviality vanished. "The whole idea is to be able to cast it as fast and efficiently as possible, so let's see what you've got."

"You want me to stun you, Weasley?" the student said. "Because I doubt I'll have much trouble doing that."

"Don't be an idiot," Ron shot back. "We can both cast at a couple of targets. The one who hits the fewest gets to eat their words. I'll tell you what. I'm the worst out of the four of us, so I'll take you on. How about that?"

"You are not," Hermione said, sliding between Harry and Ron. "I'm the slowest. I can be your challenger if you really feel the need to do this."

"This is asinine," a seventh-year spoke up. Harry was surprised to find that it was Daniel Smyth, the head boy. "Most of us came here because we were told to. I'm not interested in being taught on one of my days off by three fifth years and an invisible Veela."

"Go on then," Ron shouted, anger flushing his cheeks beneath his freckles. "Get caught with your pants down by You-Know-Who."

"You think what we learn from you is going to help against someone like You-Know-Who or the Death Eaters?" Smyth shouted, his face coloring to match Ron's. "Most of them fought in the first war. There's nothing any of us would be able to do!"

"An extra second can make all the difference," Harry said, and though he didn't shout, his voice cut neatly through the room, stalling the argument.

"Like you would know, Potter," Smyth growled. "My uncle fought in the last war. He was an Auror recruit when it started and they killed him in no time at all. You're telling me we're supposed to learn to fight them from you because you can cast the Patronus Charm? I'll tell you what, I'm Head Boy, so I'll duel you, Potter, since your Veela girlfriend has to hide. None of this quick-casting nonsense. If you do well enough against me, maybe it'd be worthwhile to learn this stunner business of yours."

"My name is Fleur," she said icily. "And were you not so weak-minded I would duel you myself."

"And I'm sure that without your power to mess with my mind you'd beat me handily," the Head Boy mocked, a sneer pulling at the corner of his mouth. "Just because you were made champion of Beauxbatons doesn't mean you were good. Just that you were the best they could manage."

"I'll duel you," Harry cut in again, his wand already to hand.

"Struck a nerve have I? Someone almost three years your senior needs protected by some trumped-up fifth-year? I thought as much. It's probably better this way. I'd probably have hurt her if we'd dueled, even by accident-"

"Over my dead body," Harry interrupted, his eyes locked on the head boy's hand. "Your wand, Smyth. I'm tired of talking. Let's get this over with."

"Try not to hurt him too badly," Fleur told Harry as the rest of the students cleared away to make space for the duel.

"Words of encouragement from your lover?" Smyth taunted, twirling his wand through his fingers as he squared off a half-dozen steps away from Harry. "Did she tell you you'll still be manly to her when you lose?"

"But if something untoward happens, I will not say anything," Fleur growled before speaking up. "Jealousy looks as ugly on you as does everything else. Head Boy or no, it will do you good to be knocked down."

Harry might have heard her step away, but he couldn't tell through the blood thundering through his ears. He and Fleur hadn't barely escaped Death Eaters just to have to prove themselves to some jackass.

"Don't hurt him, Harry!" Hermione called frantically, her naked panic stalling his thundering anger. She was right. This was no Death Eater. She'd been the only one to see what he'd done to one of them.

"Don't hurt me?" Smyth scoffed, raising his wand, his mouth drawing down into an angry frown. "I don't think I'm the one who needs to be knocked down a peg."

A smattering of murmured agreement rose from a few of the assembled students that were quickly hushed.

"Alright," Harry said, letting out a slow breath to try to calm his hammering heart. It wasn't someone who looked like Amelia Bones in front of him. It was just an idiot. "Seamus, would you count us down?"

"Sure!" the Irish boy said, stepping quickly out of the group. "On three then?"

"One!"

"Two!"

"Three!"

A burst of bright red sparks issued from the end of Seamus' wand and Daniel stepped into motion. His arm flung up as he shouted, "Stupefy!"-an attempt to gain the offensive right from the start. His wand swung around in another motion, this time pointing at Harry's feet for a leg-locking jinx.

He moved so...slowly.

With a quick motion of his wand, Harry muttered, "Protego," and a shimmering shield appeared in front of him. The bright red stunner impacted on the shield and dissipated, the leg-locker following suit a moment later.

"Not much of a duel if you hide the whole time," Daniel taunted, shouting another volley of stunners against Harry's shield.

Harry stepped automatically to the side as the red energy splashed across his shield, his wand raising towards where he knew his enemy's chest was. "Reduc-"

He bit his tongue to stop himself and dropped quickly to one knee, angling his wand down to his opponent's foot. "Depulso."

The invisible spell pushed at Smyth's right shoe, buckling his leg out from under him. He threw his arm out, shouting an attempt to disarm Harry. "Expelliarmus!"

Harry slid to his right, neatly avoiding the spell while muttering out a quick stunner followed by two body-binds, one slightly above Smyth's body, and one below.

The head boy rolled back to avoid the stunner, simultaneously bringing a shield of his own into existence to block the body-binds. He rose to his feet behind the safety of his shield.

"You're not as fast as you claim to be," he said, glaring at Harry. "Though you are more trouble than I thought you'd be, but it doesn't seem like you're worth learning from."

"He's trying not to kill you, you berk!" Ron shouted from the sideline.

"Ron!" Hermione and Fleur hissed in unison.

Ignoring them, Ron got to his feet. "Kick his ass!"

"Ronald!"

Despite the tense atmosphere Ron's sudden cheer had created, Harry felt himself relax. A duel against the head boy wasn't a matter of life or death.

He took in a deep breath, keeping his eye on Daniel, who was standing behind his shield, no doubt waiting for Harry's response. He'd done it at the ministry, he could do it again. It wasn't until he was in the hospital, reliving the fight for the hundredth time that he'd realized he had non-verbally cast a stunner. If he could manage it in a fight for his life, he could manage it at school.

He felt the spell, and let the need for his opponent to no-longer be a threat suffuse his body.

He exhaled.

He didn't need to focus on the motion, his hand knew what to do. His wand didn't need the words, it wasn't the source; just the conduit.

Moody's voice: Smaller movements.

Red filled his vision.

His wand sliced the air, each pivot punctuated by another burst of red light. The spells obscured his view of Daniel, but a noise like the shattering of glass told him the duel was over.

The heavy thud of the head boy's body hitting the ground echoed through the otherwise silent chamber.

A whistle sounded from the mass of students.

"Damn, Potter…" Seamus breathed, his gaze sliding from the tip of Harry's still-raised wand to Smith's unconscious body.

Harry let his arm fall. "Someone should probably wake him up."

XxXxXxXxXxXxX

AN: So, obviously it's been a minute since last update. I desperately want to finish this, but the harder I push to get back in the further that goal gets. So my break that was supposed to last for the 14 days it took me to write Teleology is going to last a bit longer.

When I get back into this, I'll finish it up before I post it. So however long this wait is, it'll be the last one