Harry let out a long breath and picked up the communications mirror Sirius had given him before he left for France. He was afraid to talk to him for the first time since they'd met three years ago.
"Padfoot," Harry said.
A few seconds later the mirror flickered to life and a tired looking Sirius appeared. "Hi, pup, what's up?"
"Remus… came to visit yesterday. He tried to take me back to England. But Tonks and I managed to subdue him."
"Is he there? Can I talk to him?"
Harry let out a shuddering breath. "No, he's not…"
"Did he get arrested?"
"No, he… I took care of it."
"What do you… oh, you, took care of it."
"Yes," Harry confirmed.
"I wish you'd talk to me about it first."
"What would that have accomplished, Sirius?" Harry demanded angrily. "He wasn't going to leave without me and no matter what, he would have found a way to get word back to Dumbledore. I know he was your friend, but he picked his side, and it wasn't ours."
Sirius let the tension hang in the air for a few beats before speaking again. "You're right, I'm sorry. How are you feeling?"
Harry wanted to say he was fine, it was his long-time reflex, borne out of knowing how little people cared about him in his old life. But he knew Sirius wouldn't accept that. "Not great… I can't sleep… every time I try, I see… There was so much blood, Sirius. I've seen dead bodies before, but not like that, not when I'm the one responsible."
"It doesn't get easier. What happened is going to stay with you. It does get better though, eventually you might even be able to look at yourself in the mirror again."
"I'm sorry about your friend," Harry said quietly.
Sirius shook his head. "It's ok, Harry. Remus was an adult; he made his choice. He was a stubborn old mule, even back at school."
"How did your meeting with Minister Bones go?"
"Ame agreed to the plan, she's taking a trip to France in about a week to meet with the new Minister for Magic. She's going to slip away two days before she returns to England to interview you."
Harry sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "I don't want to do this, Sirius…"
"I know, but it's Amelia, she'll keep the information private as long as she can. But we can't get Dumbledore without telling this story. What he did to you is criminal, it needs to be told."
Harry nodded. "I know, you're right. Don't worry, I'll answer all her questions."
"Thank you, Harry. I promise this will be over soon."
"Thanks, Padfoot."
Hermione sighed as she absently stirred a cup of coffee as she sat at the dining table. The waves washing over the beach was a calming influence, but it didn't soothe her mind as she stared at the paper in front of her.
"Hermione, are you ok?" Fleur asked.
Hermione's head shot up hearing Fleur's voice. "O-oh, Fleur, yes, I'm fine."
Fleur walked around behind Hermione and hugged her. "Hermione, I want to help. I love you, I don't like seeing such consternation on your beautiful face."
"I don't want to bother anyone… we have so much more important…"
"Anything that's bothering you is the most important thing to 'Arry and I. He would agree with me if he were here, so, out with it."
"My parents are demanding to see me…" Hermione said finally.
"I see," Fleur replied evenly. She could tell this wasn't good news based on Hermione's tone and body language. "You never talk about them, what are they like?"
Hermione frowned, running her fingers through her hair. A trait she picked up from Harry. "They're… fine…" Hermione said lamely. "I always had food, all the books I could want, and nice clothes… but I knew from an early age I didn't fit into their life plans. I think if it weren't for my paternal grandmother, I wouldn't be here…"
Fleur gathered Hermione in her arms and kissed her on the top of the head as small tears rolled down the brunette's cheeks. "I, we, 'Arry and I love you, Hermione. Never forget that. If you want to meet your parents, I will go with you. We can do it at my parents' house."
"Oh, no you don't have to do that…" Hermione protested weakly.
"Oui, I do. You will not go through this alone. My mother happens to think quite highly of you, just based on my letters. She wants to see you and 'Arry again. Even if we have to meet with your parents too."
Hermione's shoulders slumped; she knew Fleur would not be talked out of this. Despite her outward exasperation, she felt warm inside. Hermione felt loved, she knew Fleur and Harry wouldn't let her be hurt. Any love she was deprived of as a child was being made up for now.
"Ok, I'll write to my parents and ask them to meet us at your parents house."
"I'll write maman and let her know we're coming," Fleur said, when she realized what she said she began to smile.
Hermione rolled her eyes and slapped Fleur on the ass. "Behave…"
Fleur squeaked and grinned, grabbing her girlfriend by the hair and kissing her fiercely. Hearing nearby footsteps Fleur opened one eye to see Harry entering the kitchen, but she didn't stop kissing Hermione.
Harry grinned and walked over, kissing the back of Fleur's neck and sliding his arms around to grope her breasts. Fleur moaned into the kiss with Hermione, releasing the younger girl's lips to let out a moan and tip her head back, grinning. "Oh my, Mister Potter, that's quite the weapon you have digging into my bottom. A poor defenceless French girl, like me, is no match for an English brute like you."
Harry growled hungrily, squeezing Fleur's breasts, kissing his way up and across her neck so he could bring himself face to face with Hermione. He pushed against Fleur and bent her down against him to capture Hermione's lips. Hermione's hands slipped between them, one going to Harry's dick and the other to Fleur's ass. The criminally short skirt Fleur was wearing gave the brunette easy access to Fleur's bare ass, which she happily groped and rubbed reverently.
A cough from Tonks hurriedly put an end to their impromptu make out session. Harry turned away to hide his visible erection, while Hermione blushed, and Fleur fixed her crop top that had ridden up because of Harry.
They weren't embarrassed by their physical relationship, well, maybe Hermione was a little. But they'd agreed not to be intimate in front of Tonks. Especially given her unrequited feelings towards Harry.
"Uh, sorry, but we were planning to…"
"Walk into town to do shopping, right I remember," Harry replied, running upstairs to change.
The three women stood quietly for a minute before Fleur spoke. "If you want to pursue 'Arry, we won't object."
Tonks smiled and shook her head. "I know, I'm letting Harry decide how things develop."
"Ok," Fleur replied with a smile.
"I'm back," Harry announced, re-entering the room. "Uh, are we all good?"
"Of course, 'Arry," Fleur replied, kissing Harry on the cheek. "Have fun with your date," She said teasingly.
"Uh, ok," Harry replied obediently as Tonks dragged him off to do shopping.
As Harry and Tonks walked down the path from the beach house to the road, Harry felt compelled to speak. "I'm sorry about that… I hope we didn't make you uncomfortable."
Tonks smiled and shrugged. "Nah, I mean, it's a little embarrassing, but you're young and in love and on holiday. Of course, you're going to sex it up. I know I would."
"Uh, yeah…" Harry said with a sheepish grin. "So, we're, ok?"
Tonks rolled her eyes, throwing an arm around his shoulders and kissing Harry on the cheek. "We're mates, that hasn't changed. As long as we have that, I'm good."
Harry smiled happily. "You're awesome, Tonks."
"I know." Tonks replied smugly.
Dumbledore looked up from his paperwork, hearing a knock at the door. "Enter."
Kingsley Shacklebolt entered the headmaster's office. "Good afternoon, Albus."
"Kingsley, welcome, please have a seat," Dumbledore said with an insincere smile. Once Kingsley was seated, he continued. "I need your help. I recently asked Remus to find and speak to young Harry. But, like Harry, I have lost contact with Remus."
Kingsley rubbed his chin in contemplation. "That is a concern."
"Quite, the last owl I received indicated Remus was in France. I would like you to take a portkey over the Channel and find him. Failing that, see if you can pick up the trail, he was following to find young Harry."
"I have some leave banked, I'm sure Madam Hammer will be glad to see the back of me," Kingsley said.
"Good, good, thank you, Kingsley."
"Of course, Headmaster."
"Hey," Hermione said walking into Harry's room with Fleur.
"Hi," Harry replied as he stood folding laundry.
Fleur walked over and flopped onto the bed, her large breasts jiggling enticingly for Harry. Hermione sat on the bed beside Fleur, tucking her legs underneath herself. "Are you enjoying your holiday?"
"Yeah, but, I'm good being anywhere as long as I'm with the two of you."
Hermione smiled and sat up, pulling Harry into a kiss. "You're so sweet."
"Though, if we were alone, it would be even more fun…" Fleur complained, pouting.
"I'm glad Tonks is here, if she weren't I'd never get my homework done," Hermione complained, smiling and blushing all the while.
Harry chuckled, sitting down on the bed, between his two girls. "I'm glad Tonks is here too."
"You like her, huh?" Hermione asked. "More than as a friend."
Harry paused and licked his lips. "N-no, just as a friend."
Hermione rested her hand on Harry's and lifted his chin to meet her eyes with the other. "It's ok, Harry, we don't mind if you want to pursue something with Tonks. We know you like each other."
"Really?" Harry asked, looking between the pair.
"Oui, Harry," Fleur agreed.
Harry frowned, letting out a long breath through his nose. "Let me think about it, ok?"
Hermione gave him a kind smile and kissed her boyfriend on the lips. "Ok, Harry."
When Kingsley returned to the Ministry, he headed immediately to Connie Hammer's office. "Good afternoon, Madam Hammer."
Connie put down her quill and considered her old friend. She still considered them friends, but her conversations with Bones about his work with Dumbledore had eroded her trust. Connie hoped he would be able to earn it back eventually. "What can I do for you, Kingsley?"
"Dumbledore called me to his office today, he wants me to go to France to find Remus Lupin; and failing that, Harry Potter."
Connie let out a breath through her nose as she leaned back in her chair. "And what did you say?"
"I lied and told him I had banked leave. I have no intention of helping him, my loyalties are clear now."
"I'm glad to hear it, but I think this is a lovely time to take a holiday," Connie said with a thoughtful smile.
"Ma'am?" Kingsley asked curiously.
"I have no intention of asking you to help Dumbledore, but once you're in France he has no way of knowing what you're doing. I am willing to authorize paid leave so you can go on holiday in France. If you're there, sending the occasional owl about your progress or lack thereof in finding Mister Lupin or Mister Potter, it will stop him sending someone else."
Kingsley smiled. "Bones made a wise choice promoting you."
"Thank you, Kingsley," Connie replied. "I hope you're not just saying that because I'm signing off on your extended LARPing across France."
"I would never dream of it," Kingsley replied with a chuckle.
"Uh huh," Connie said disbelievingly, letting a smile across her lips.
Harry let out a breath as he sat down at the kitchen table across from Amelia Bones. He'd only met her once in person. But this meeting reinforced the impression he got back then. This was not a woman you wanted to fuck with. Although maybe someone you wanted to fuck, but he was going to keep that to himself.
'Maybe I really do have a thing for older women…' Harry thought to himself idly as Amelia finished making herself tea.
"Now, I'd like you to tell me about your life, starting from when you were left with your relatives in nineteen eighty one."
"I'll… do my best," Harry replied hesitantly.
"Take your time, Harry, just tell me what you remember," Amelia said softly.
Tonks, who was sitting beside Harry, grabbed his hand and gave him a reassuring smile. "I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere, ok?"
Harry nodded, he wished Fleur and Hermione could have been there too, but they were in Paris to see Hermione's parents. She tried to reschedule but her parents were adamant that this was the only time they could see her. So it was an angry Hermione who left the house that morning, he doubted her mood would improve over the course of the day.
"I'm ready…" Harry said.
Amelia nodded and waved her wand at the quill in front of her. It lifted off the table and rested its tip on the paper. Harry looked at it hesitantly, making Bones raise an eyebrow. "Is something wrong?"
"Uh, no, you just brought back an unpleasant memory of dealing with Rita Skeeter," Harry explained.
"Ah," Amelia replied understandingly. "I assure you, the spell I used is in no way connected to the Quick Quotes Quill, Miss Skeeter prefers. This quill will not expound on our conversation. It will be a word for word transcript. You'll be able to review it before signing when we're finished."
"Ok, my first memory of being at the Dursley's is…"
Hermione had barely landed before her breath was taken away by the beauty of the chateau in front of her, and how it looked immediately familiar. "Your parents live in the Château de Pierrefonds?" Hermione asked, referring to a famous Parisian landmark.
Fleur smiled and shook her head. "Non, this is a facsimile of that building. My great-great grandmother on my father's side fell in love with it as a girl and her husband built it for her after they were married. It's been in my father's family ever since."
Fleur intertwined her fingers with Hermione's and pulled her along into the Chateau's ground and up the stone stairs to the solid looking wood doors. Before Fleur could knock they parted to reveal an older looking Fleur. Hermione had met Apolline Delacour before, but just like back then she was struck by how attractive she was. Even knowing she was a full blooded Veela.
"Hermione, you are becoming a rather fetching young woman. I hope 'Arry tells you how beautiful you are every day," Apolline said, pulling Hermione in for a pair of kisses on the cheeks.
Hermione blushed and smiled, brushing some hair behind her ear. "Thank you, and yes, he does."
"As he should," Apolline replied, leading them into the house. "And how is my beautiful daughter?"
"I am well, maman," Fleur replied.
"Hermione, your parents will arrive shortly, would you like some tea?"
"Um, no, that's ok," Hermione replied, wringing her hands nervously.
"It'll be ok, Hermione," Fleur assured her.
"Yeah…"
A knock at the front door caused Hermione to visibly tense. Fleur wrapped an arm around her as Apolline went to greet her other guests. "I'm here, Hermione, I won't go anywhere, I promise." Fleur whispered.
The two waited until Hermione's parents, Richard and Monica Granger entered the room. There was a sizable age gap between the two, with Richard being ten to fifteen years older than Monica who was closer in age to her mother who was approaching her mid-forties.
Richard was a severe looking man with greying brown hair and a studiously maintained mustache dressed in impeccable dark suit. He considered his daughter briefly before walking over to the window and adjusting his tie in the reflection.
Monica gave her daughter a brittle smile, sitting across from the pair. "So, you must be Fleur. Our daughter's letters were glowing about you. She didn't exaggerate regarding your beauty."
"Thank you."
"We were relieved to hear you weren't in the house when it burned down," Monica said.
"Yes, although I would have preferred to hear it directly from our daughter, rather than a random wizard," Richard said bitingly.
"You might have been able to reassure yourselves in person if you hadn't left your sick daughter home alone to go skiing," Fleur replied scathingly.
Richard scowled and glanced at Apolline. "May I smoke?"
Apolline nodded and offered Richard use of an ornate lighter to light his cigarette. "We were assured that Hermione would be able to take care of herself."
"By whom?" Apolline asked.
"It was in a letter addressed to us from the Hogwarts Matron," Monica answered, a concerned glance shared between Hermione and Fleur set her nerves on edge. "Hermione, honey, what aren't you telling us?"
"I also have questions. In your letters to your mother over the past school year, you spoke of being infatuated with the Weasley boy, but we're standing in the house of your girlfriend. This is a seemingly sudden change of preferences…" Richard said, tipping the ash from his cigarette into the provided tray.
"It's a long story, I'm not sure you have enough…" Hermione said weakly.
"We have time," Richard assured her, walking over to sit beside his wife.
"Ok…" Hermione replied quietly. "To properly explain this, I need to go back two years to mine and Harry's fourth year at Hogwarts…"
Amelia waved her wand, and the quill dropped limply onto the parchment. They'd covered everything Harry remembered from nineteen eighty-one to his birthday in ninety one. What Amelia heard so far made her want to throttle Dumbledore with his stupid beard. Taking a long breath, she pinched her nose and leaned back in her chair. "Let's take a break, Harry. I think it's time to refresh this pot of tea."
"Oh, I can do that for you," Harry offered.
Amelia smiled and shook her head. "No, I'll do it, thank you. Why don't you go out and get some air."
"Sure," Harry said, walking outside with Tonks following a step behind. He walked down to the water's edge letting the waves wash over his feet, stuffing his hands in his pockets.
"I guess it's pretty stupid to ask if you're ok," Tonks said quietly.
"I wouldn't put it quite like that, but yeah, I'm… struggling," Harry admitted, smiling ruefully.
Tonks wrapped her arms around Harry's shoulders, resting her head on his back. "You're going to get through this, Harry. You're going to tell your story, and then Bones is going to get that bastard. And then you can live happily ever after, with Hermione and Fleur."
Harry looked down at the waves washing over his feet, with a warm smile on his face. "Happily, ever after… that sounds nice."
"It does," Tonks agreed.
"What's your happily ever after?"
"Me?" Tonks asked, chuckling. "Not sure, haven't thought about it."
Harry reached up and rested his hand on Tonks'. "I'm glad you're here Tonks."
"I'm only a stand-in for Hermione and Fleur," Tonks replied dismissively.
"That's not true, I love Hermione and Fleur, but I need someone like you in my life too," Harry said, gently freeing himself of Tonks' arms and walking away a couple of paces. "You're fun, Tonks, smart, and beautiful too."
Tonks blushed, turning her hair a shade of crimson. "Stupid hair…" she muttered.
Harry let out a long breath, he'd been so hesitant to express his true feelings for Tonks. But he was a Gryffindor, it was time to be brave. "Fuck it…"
"Harry?"
Harry walked up, grabbing Tonks by the waist and stared into her beautiful eyes. He leaned in and gently pressed his lips against Tonks's. He waited for her to pull away, but when she didn't, he let his tongue slide into her mouth while her arms snaked around his torso.
When Tonks broke the kiss, she rested her forehead against Harry's. "Harry, I like you a lot, but my experience with Remus made me realise, I don't want a relationship. At least not for a while. I want to be around you, have fun with you, Hermione, and Fleur. But I'm not looking for a boyfriend or a husband. At least not for a good few years yet."
Harry smiled and nodded. "That's ok, Tonks. I don't mind keeping things casual, as long as you're happy."
"Will you keep me happy in bed?" Tonks asked with a saucy grin.
Harry rolled his eyes. "Why do I feel like I've made more trouble for myself…?"
"Dunno," Tonks replied impishly.
"We should get back inside; I'm sure Minister Bones is wondering where the hell we've gotten too."
"She's been watching us the entire time," Tonks pointed out.
Harry blushed. "Oh…"
The two sheepishly shuffled back inside, where Bones was waiting for them. She grinned and quietly sipped her tea, not commenting on the drama she'd watched outside.
"I heard from Connie Hammer while you were outside. Dumbledore asked Kingsley to come to France and find Remus Lupin, failing that Dumbledore wanted him to try and pick up any leads Lupin had to find you."
"What's Kingsley going to do?" Harry asked.
"He's going to take a long holiday in the French wine country. He'll send an occasional letter bemoaning his lack of progress in finding you or Lupin. We hope that will keep Dumbledore from sending anyone else," Amelia explained.
"You're ok with this?" Tonks asked.
"Kingsley immediately told Connie about his meeting with Dumbledore. I had questions about his loyalty, but they've been somewhat assuaged. Sending him away on holiday isn't ideal, I can see why people might think this is a reward for his disloyalty. But I don't see how we have any other choice."
"Ok, ma'am," Tonks replied.
"Now, can you tell me about your time at Hogwarts, starting September first, nineteen ninety-one?"
Richard lit up another cigarette as he stared out into the Chateau's Garden. He exhaled and turned around to face his wife and daughter again. "I don't want you returning to that school, Hermione, the risk is far too great."
"I agree," Hermione said.
"Are there any alternatives?" Monica asked.
"If I may," Apolline interjected, when she received a nod of affirmation from Hermione, she continued. "Parents of muggleborn children have frustratingly limited rights in the magical world. I would be happy to act as Hermione's magical guardian until she turns seventeen."
"What would we have to do?" Monica asked.
"I can have our lawyer draw up an agreement, he can also recommend someone to represent your interests."
"We would appreciate that," Richard said.
"You mean it?" Hermione asked hopefully.
"Yes, Hermione," Monica assured her with a smile.
Hermione teared up and reached over to hug her mother. "Thank you."
Monica embraced her daughter, kissing her on the head. "It's ok, love…" She took a shuddering breath before speaking again. "When we were told the house had burnt down, I was so worried you'd… I'm so happy your boyfriend and his godfather rescued you."
Hermione grinned. "Harry has an annoying habit of saving people. I'm glad he didn't have to put himself in mortal danger to do it for once."
Richard walked over to stand beside his wife, considering his daughter kindly. "We love you, Hermione. I know we haven't been the best at showing it. But we've only ever wanted the best for you."
"Thank you, father."
Monica turned her attention to Fleur. "Please, look after Hermione, she's precious."
Fleur gave them a bright smile. "Oui, I will, I promise."