"Da," Krum responded and looked at the two Delacours. "Durmstrang teaches about them in Magical Creatures."
"Creatures?" Harry asked angrily but Fleur put a hand on his arm. "It's alright 'Arry."
Krum had already raised a hand in protest at Harry's outburst. "I have nothing but the utmost respect for Fleur and Veela in general. Remember they are the mascots of my Quidditch team and I know several of them. But there are some who take advantage of their abilities..."
"And Ron and his mother get to read sensationalized stories about those encounters?" Hermione asked.
"I do not know who Ron... Oh that's your friend who..."
"Yes, that Ron," Hermione replied.
Krum shrugged. "Those stories can be damaging to Veela in general."
"It is true 'Arry," Fleur said. "Zere are some Veela who do take advantage of zeir power over men. Just as there are some wizards who abuse Muggles. No race is perfect."
"Okay," Harry responded as he felt the anger diminish.
"Fleur and Gabrielle both love bonded with Harry," Hermione explained to the Durmstrang Champion. "And...and I joined the bond when they offered me the chance."
"But you are not Veela?" Krum replied. "Are you?"
"No, but we're not ready to share that story," Hermione replied. "Just please accept that it did happen."
"That is the truth?" Krum asked. "You're not just trying to get rid of me?"
Hermione walked over and gave Viktor a hug and kissed him on the cheek. "You are a very special person Viktor. I had a wonderful time at the Ball, well until Ron got upset with me anyway, but I realized it has always been Harry," She smiled at the Bulgarian. "Friends?"
Viktor leaned over and returned the kiss her on the cheek as well. "Of course. You vill still write though von't you?"
"Definitely," Hermione replied. She then looked down at her watch. "I'm sorry Viktor, but we are supposed to be in Dumbledore's office in ten minutes," She said and then turning to everyone else. "I think we need to hurry."
Harry shook Krum's hand again and then thought of something. "Can you do me a favor?" He then explained what he wanted.
Harry's attention returned to Dumbledore's office as he watched the venerable Headmaster sigh as he sat back in his chair. No twinkle existed in his eyes at the moment as he returned Harry's gaze.
After a few seconds of meditation Dumbledore finally broke the silence. "Understand that it was never my intention to keep this information from you forever. I just felt you weren't ready for it yet."
"Ready to know there is prophecy that says only I can defeat Voldemort?"
Dumbledore eyes widened in surprise as he looked at the black-haired young man in front of him. Everyone else in the room was looking at Harry as well.
"How did you find out?" Dumbledore asked finally.
"Why don't you tell me about the Prophecy first and then I'll tell you."
Dumbledore sat in silence for a while but realized that he had not choice but yield at least some information. With a sigh to show his reluctance he started with a word of caution. "I see you are not leaving me much choice in the matter, but before I mention anything, you must promise never to take that potion again. "Voldemort only knows some of the prophecy and I believe that link you share with him can be used both ways."
Harry couldn't contain himself anymore. "The same link you thought I had to die to get rid of?" He asked in a voice filled with malice. Every word dripped in the anger Harry felt as he glared at the Headmaster. "Do you want to tell everyone in this room what you suspect is in me? Especially what you think it means to my future or do you want me to?"
Everyone was now looking at Dumbledore. The Headmaster was not used to being in this situation. He was used to being in control of the information and doling it out as he saw fit. His still hoped he could minimize how much he had to reveal this morning while discovering how Harry had discovered what he knew. "It's possible Harry doesn't know everything or is even guessing," He thought. "I'll let you start then Harry. What do you think I've kept from you besides the prophecy?"
"I know..." Harry started.
"Non..." Fleur cut him off abruptly. When Harry looked over at her in surprise she explained. "E's trying to find out what you know love."
"Eet is true 'Arry," Alain Delacour agreed. "It is a simple trick you learn to use," He explained as he looked over at the young man he now truly considered a son. "E's wants to know the extent of what you know and zen 'e will either find a way to explain it away or just concur zat is all zere is to know. You must not let him control zis conversation."
"Can you help me sir?" Harry asked Mr. Delacour.
With those words from Harry to Alain Delacour, Albus Dumbledore realized he had made another serious mistake when it came to Harry Potter. He had had a chance to reclaim the confidence of the young man, but now he knew it would be Alain Delacour that Harry turned to for advice for the future.
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