13 August 1983
Harry stumbled as he and Jean apparated from the hospital to the Delacour Chateau, with Apolline and Fleur landing a few seconds later. Harry paused, his mouth a gape as he took in the immaculately appointed estate. They stood on a gravel driveway lined with trees that also encircled the house. In front of them was a tall wrought iron gate that matched the wall that surrounded the house and gardens, supported by a red brick base. As Jean led the awed raven-haired boy through towards the house, he stared at the odd small creatures that were popping in and out of existence as they tended to the plants around them.
"They are our servants Arry, they're called house-elves, I can introduce them to you later, if you'd like?" Jean explained.
"Yes s… Jean, I'd like that a lot, I want to meet everyone in my new family," Harry responded.
Jean smiled and nodded. "I'm glad, and you're right, they are part of our family, many of them have worked here since I was a boy."
Once they were inside the house, Fleur excitedly grabbed Harry by the hand and dragged him upstairs. "'Arry, look, look! Your room is ready! I helped Maman and Papa decorate it!"
Harry tentatively stepped inside the large, for him, room, the walls had been painted sky blue and had a large four poster bed in the centre. Harry smiled as he ghosted his fingers over the walls and glanced around. Fleur stood at the door, fidgeting slightly. "D-do you like it?"
Harry smiled at Fleur, who smiled back. "I think it's cool."
"Good," Fleur responded.
"Please let us know if there is something you don't like about your room, Arry, we can always re-decorate it to your liking. This is your home now, Arry," Apolline said as she entered the room.
"I-I know…" Harry replied, rubbing his neck self-consciously.
"I know, you know, up here," Apolline said, pointing to his head. "But do you know it, in here?" She asked, pointing to his heart.
"I'm… not sure yet," Harry admitted.
Apolline gently caressed Harry's hair. "That's ok, 'Arry, it will take time."
"Come on, Papa is making lunch!" Fleur proclaimed, grabbing Harry by the hand, and dragging him downstairs.
Apolline smiled, watching them. Growing up a Veela was a lonely experience, she'd tried her best to integrate Fleur with the wider world and let her lead a relatively normal life. Despite initial resistance from her mother, the enclave had been supportive thus far. They'd even given Fleur a pendant, Fleur thought it was a beautiful piece of jewellery from her beloved grandmother, but in reality, it was laced with runes that would suppress her allure at least until she could learn to control it. Fleur's allure wouldn't start flaring until she hit puberty, but it would take time for the runes to properly adjust to her magic.
As Harry and his new family ate lunch, chicken Caesar salad, Apolline occasionally glanced up at Harry frowning. Eventually Harry stopped eating and moved his hands under the table, fidgeting. "I-is there something wrong Missus Delacour?"
"Hm?" Apolline asked, she quickly saw the worried look in Harry's eyes and got up from the table walking around to stand behind Harry's chair, giving him a quick peck on the cheek and a hug. "Non, nothing is wrong except for these rags your relatives dressed you in. It is time we fixed that, Fleur and I will be taking you shopping this afternoon. A handsome boy like you should have handsome clothes."
"O-oh, you don't have to do that…" Harry replied timidly.
"Oui, we do, no member of my family will walk around in rags. Besides, 'Arry, you are part of our family now, we will take care of you. It is not an imposition for us to buy clothes for you."
"I-it's not… what?" Harry asked quizzically.
"We don't mind shopping for you, Arry, in fact, quite the opposite," Apolline assured him.
"I'm sure 'Arry will love playing as a dress-up doll for the two of you…" Jean muttered to himself.
Apolline smiled, poking Jean in the side as she walked back to her seat. "Unlike some people, 'Arry appreciates Fleur and I helping him look his best."
"That's because he hasn't been exposed to the horror, yet" Jean replied teasingly.
Harry paled. "T-the horror?"
Jean laughed and shook his head. "It's not that bad, 'Arry, I'm playing it up to tease my lovely wife. You'll see soon though."
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry, Scotland
Dumbledore frowned as he hung up his robe, he'd been on holiday for a month. He'd left the administrative details of the upcoming school year to his capable deputy. Casting an eye over the room Dumbledore realised immediately why the room was quiet. The monitors set up to keep an eye on Harry were silent. Dumbledore waved his wand, transfiguring his robes into a muggles suit. "Fawkes, I need you."
Fawkes appeared out of thin air and settled itself on Dumbledore's shoulder. Dumbledore smiled as he addressed his familiar. "4 Privet Drive, if you would."
Delacour Château, Paris
Harry sighed as he stood at the foot of his bed, he'd never seen so many clothes. It felt like Fleur and Apolline had bought out an entire clothing store solely for him. Harry jumped when he felt a hand on his shoulder, he looked up to find Jean staring down at him, smiling. "I see you survived, Arry."
Harry shrugged. "It wasn't so bad, Fleur and Missus Delacour were very excited."
"I'm sure they were," Jean said with a grin. He paused a beat and considered the boy. "'Arry, what's wrong?"
"It's so much, is it really okay?"
"It might have been a bit excessive, but they were excited to buy clothes for you. This is only because they care, 'Arry, they want you looking your best. They know, like I do, there is a brilliant person waiting to emerge behind the shy and timid mask you shield yourself with," Jean said as he squatted down to Harry's level. "I know you're scared, and that's okay, this is all new to you. Hopefully soon it won't feel so alien and you can finally relax."
Harry nodded. "I hope so too."
Surrey, England
Dumbledore stepped out of the alley in a royal purple suit with neon green pinstripes, an electric blue shirt and a ruby red tie. He walked down Privet drive towards number four, quietly examining the wards for any sign of disruption. He found nothing, not that the wards hadn't been tampered with, they were simply gone. Dumbledore knew there were two possibilities, either Harry was dead, or he no longer considered Privet Drive home.
Either one would be disastrous, he immediately dismissed the first idea. As long as Voldemort survived in whatever form he'd found himself in after his battle with baby Harry, the boy would be alive.
The other idea troubled him more, Harry Potter no longer being in easy reach presented a multitude of problems. He needed the boy to prove to the wider wizarding world that Voldemort was still a threat, and the only wizard they could rely on was him. Only he was powerful enough to banish Voldemort for good, the boy had merely presented a bump in the road, Voldemort wasn't dead, Dumbledore was sure.
He also needed Potter as a rallying point for the forces of light, a beacon they could gather around as Dumbledore worked in the background, without prying eyes studying his every movement. And of course, in the end, he needed Potter to die for him, for only then would he be able to do what was needed of him and banish Tom.
Petunia almost squinted as she answered the door of 4 Privet Drive, the man with the long white beard standing on the other side, either dressed in the dark or was blind, she decided. "Yes, can I help you?"
The man gave Petunia a genial smile as she suddenly felt a pressure inside her head. She didn't like it, it felt wrong, somehow invasive. The man's demeanour didn't change however, he simply stared at her for a few more seconds before shaking his head. "I'm sorry, it seems I have the wrong house, good day."
Dumbledore sat frowning, staring at the empty fireplace in his office. It was confirmed, Harry Potter was lost to him, the boy had run away from his relatives into the streets of France. Given he was only six years old, Dumbledore had grave fears for his health. Sadly there was nothing he could do for the boy, he was out of Dumbledore's grasp.
At first Dumbledore thought there might have been something amiss with the memories. They seemed almost frayed around the edges, but as he pushed he found his answer. Petunia had tried to bury the memory, hiding the fact that she'd abandoned her nephew in France without even looking for him. He had no doubt the shame would haunt her.
Dumbledore worried Voldemort would still return one day. Hopefully the absence of Potter wouldn't doom their world to darkness. But only time would tell.
15 August 1983
"Good evening, Daniel, Emma, and Hermione, I see Paris is treating you well," Jean said as the three entered his home.
"Thank you, Jean, yes, we've had a lovely trip, for the most part," Emma replied.
"Oh?"
Emma gave him a wain smile, glancing at Hermione. "Our little girl has been worried about Harry. She's quite invested in his well-being."
Jean smiled. "Well, I can put her mind at ease."
Jean led the three into the dining room where his family were waiting. Hermione's eyes widened and a big smile appeared on her face. "Harry!"
"Oof!" Harry exclaimed as Hermione ran around the table and hugged him. "Um, hi."
Hermione pouted. "You remember me right?"
"Of course, Hermione, Hermione Granger, you're the really smart girl who showed me a brilliant book about the Eiffel Tower."
Hermione giggled and nodded. "Yup, I went to see it too, it was so cool! We went up to the top and we could see all of Paris! It was such a long ride in the elevator, it was really rattly, is that a word? Not sure, anyway, I was a bit scared but I held Dad's hand so I felt brave enough to walk to the railing…"
"Hermione, breath dear, he's not going anywhere," Emma said, resting her hands on Hermione's shoulders.
"O-oh, s-sorry…" Hermione said, looking away, flushing in embarrassment.
"You're brilliant," Harry commented, still smiling.
Hermione ducked her head, she felt her insides wiggle around in reaction to Harry's smile. She had no idea why, no one had ever made her feel this way before. Hermione decided to figure it out later. Maybe she needed to talk to Mum, while Dad wasn't around. "Thank you."
"You remember Mister and Missus Delacour's daughter, Fleur, right Hermione?"
"O-oh, yeah, h-hi," Hermione said, glancing shyly at Fleur. Okay, maybe it wasn't strictly true that noone had made her feel the way Harry did before. Fleur had sent her stomach squirming when they'd visited last year, she hadn't known what to make of it last year either. It was definitely time to talk to Mum about all of this.
"Bonjour, Hermione," Fleur replied with a smile.
Later, after the kids had been put to bed, the four adults sat in Jean's study. All the adults had glasses of whiskey, but Jean was the only one smoking. Emma took a sip of her drink before speaking. "I thought you said, the best thing you could do for Harry was hand his case over to the English authorities, what changed? You had a sharp reaction when you heard his name and description."
"Oui, I did, 'Arry is a unique case," Jean said, tipping some ash into the tray in front of him.
"How so?" Daniel asked.
"I'm sorry, Daniel, I can't say."
Apolline considered the two for a moment before walking over to her husband, whispering in his ear. Jean glanced at his wife questioning. "Are you sure?"
"Oui," Apolline replied.
"Jean, what's going on?" Daniel asked.
"Old friend, has Hermione ever done anything you couldn't explain, perhaps in a moment of extreme emotion?"
Emma and Daniel glanced at each other. "Yes, how did you know?"
"I didn't, my lovely wife was the one who sensed it inside Hermione," Jean explained.
"Sensed what? Is Hermione okay? Is she sick?" Emma asked worriedly.
"No, no, not at all, Hermione is special, she has magic inside her."
"What?" Daniel asked. "I mean, excuse me?"
Jean smiled as he explained what magic was and how it related to Hermione. He then explained Harry's circumstances. Emma leaned back in her seat and took a long pull of her whiskey, before reaching for the bottle. "So, this man, this supposed headmaster of a school, left a baby with his abusive relatives and never checked on him?"
"That's what we understand, yes?"
"And our daughter is supposed to go to this school to be taught magic?" Daniel asked.
"Yes, by law all magical children living in the UK must attend Hogwarts," Jean replied.
"Is Hogwarts the only option?" Emma asked.
"In the UK, yes," Jean replied.
"Where do you plan to send Harry and Fleur?"
"Beauxbatons, it's a boarding school in the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain, starting at 11. I attended in my youth and Olympe Maxime, the headmistress, is a family friend," Apolline answered.
"What happens if we, and by extension Hermione, decide not to attend a magical school?" Daniel asked.
"Hermione's magic would be bound, meaning she'd never be able to use it. And your minds would be wiped of any knowledge of magic. That is the law in the UK," Jean explained.
Emma nodded. "You've given us a lot to think about, thank you, both."
It was the last night of the Granger's holiday in France, the Delacours graciously agreed to watch Hermione while the adults had a romantic dinner alone. Unfortunately before things could turn romantic the thorny issue of Hermione's education needed to be discussed. "So, what do you think?"
Daniel frowned, leaning back in his chair and letting the wine swirl in his glass. "I don't like what I heard about the Headmaster, if he can leave a baby in the hands of abusive relatives, how does he treat his students? We can't send Hermione there."
"Agreed, that leaves the French option or…" Emma said, letting her voice trail off as their food was delivered.
"I don't like the idea of anyone digging around in my family's heads, and the idea of forgetting Jean or his family is unpleasant to say the least."
"Are we talking about leaving England?"
"Is that okay with you?" Daniel asked.
Emma frowned, chewing over the idea in her head. "Are we really that close to anyone in Crawley? I'd say you're closer to Jean than you are with any of your football mates, and I think Hermione would be happier going to school with Harry and Fleur than at her current school. The biggest hurdle would be getting recertified as dentists in France."
"I'd imagine Jean would be able to help us with that," Daniel added.
"Then it's agreed?"
Daniel nodded and smiled, raising a glass to his wife. "It is."
A few days later, the Granger family were back in England and Daniel and Emma were sitting at their dining table opposite Hermione. They'd explained to her what Jean and Apolline had told them a few nights before. Hermione sat frowning. "Mum, Dad, I don't want to go to Hogwarts, the headmaster sounds horrible. Why would he leave Harry with those terrible people?"
"We don't know, Pumpkin, perhaps it's better we can't imagine a reason. We agree with you, we don't want to send you there either. But we need to decide what to do in…"
"Can I go to school with Fleur and Harry?" Hermione asked eagerly.
Daniel laughed, glancing at his wife. "I guess that answers that question."
"It does," Emma replied, amused by her daughter's eagerness. She could see how much she liked Harry and Fleur, she was both hopeful and worried about what that might hold for the future. But they were a few years away from that being an issue yet.
"Hermione, if you want to go to school with them, we can't stay in England. There's a law that says any magical child living in England must attend Hogwarts."
"Oh…" Hermione said, looking down at her hands.
"Honey, we thought you might feel this way, so your Dad and Uncle Jean have started talking about us moving to France. How would you feel about going to live with Uncle Jean and Aunty Apolline for a couple of months while your Dad and I organise our move?"
Hermione's face instantly brightened. "Yes! Can I?!"
Emma nodded, smiling. "Yes, Hermione, you can. I'll come and stay for the first week to help you settle in but then you'll be staying with them without us. We need you to be on your best behaviour."
"I will, I promise," Hermione assured them.
"I know you will, love."
"Harry!" Hermione exclaimed, running over and embracing said boy in the bear hug.
"Hi Hermione," Harry replied smiling.
"Did Uncle Jean and Aunty Apolline tell you we're going to go to school together?" Hermione asked excitedly.
"Yeah, it's awesome!" Harry said cheerfully.
"Fleur, can you show Hermione to her room?" Apolline asked.
"Oui, Maman," Fleur replied, grabbing Hermione by the hand and running upstairs, giggling.
Harry followed to find the two giggly girls jumping on the bed. "Harry! Come on!"
Harry hesitated, glancing back down the corridor. Where Apolline stood watching him with a smile. "What's wrong, 'Arry?"
"Um, I-I don't want to get in trouble…" Harry said, indicating inside the bedroom.
Apolline peeked inside, and chuckled. "I'll allow it," She replied, adding. "Just this once," With a wink.
Harry smiled and nodded, racing inside to join the girls bouncing on the bed. Apolline watched them from out of sight, it warmed her heart to see Harry acting like a six year old boy. It would take time and a lot of work, but she would help him emerge from the shell he'd built around himself to protect him from those horrid people.
Apolline wanted to immolate them with her fire for causing such harm to a child for the crime of having magic. She knew it wasn't the answer, the best revenge was raising Harry to be the best person he could be and let that stand as a symbol of triumph over their evil. Sometimes though, in her darker moments, she wished Jean would let her bring the wrath of the enclave down upon the Dursley's.
It was well after dark when Emma Granger arrived at the Delacour Chateau, she was ushered into the Delacour study and given a glass of wine. She smiled and slumped into her seat, toasting, Jean and Apolline. "You're gems, both of you. I hate moving, I thought when we bought the house in Crawley it would be the last time, but I'm glad of it. Hermione has been so excited to return to France, I think she can recite her transfer letter from memory, she's read it that many times."
"Your family is part of my family, Emma, without Daniel's father, I would not be here now. He is my brother, I will never abandon him or you in your time of need." Jean said.
Apolline enveloped her husband in a passionate kiss. Resting her head on his as she looked back at Emma. "I think we've done well for ourselves."
"I agree," Emma replied with a smile.
"How is the move progressing?" Jean asked as Apolline returned to her seat.
"Good, it's easier when you can pay someone else to pack up your stuff," Emma explained.
"I can imagine," Apolline commented.
"Is Daniel having any trouble with getting you and Hermione French passports?"
"Not since you put him in touch with your liaison officer."
"It's not exactly what he's paid to do, but I wasn't going to have Daniel spend months away from his family dealing with red tape."
"We appreciate it, Jean."
1 September 1983
Hermione ran into the Delacour Chateau, ahead of a smiling Harry and Fleur. Emma glanced up from some documents Daniel had dropped off to finalise their application to become French citizens. "Hello, love, how was school?"
Hermione smiled brightly. "It was brilliant! Harry was so cool! Some kids came up to bully me but Harry told them off and they left me alone. Harry and Fleur were super popular, but they never let me feel left out!"
"I won't let anyone bother you, Hermione. I don't like bullies."
Apolline leaned down and kissed Harry on the head. "You're a good boy 'Arry."
Harry blushed and rubbed his arm. "I just, wanted to protect my friend. Oof."
"You're the best," Hermione said after running over to hug Harry.
"Thanks."
Apolline glanced over and caught Fleur's eye, she was staring at Harry and Hermione shyly, there was a hint of jealousy in her eyes. Apolline couldn't decide if it was directed towards Harry or Hermione. Fleur smiled and turned away as Hermione continued hugging Harry and singing his praises to her Mum.
31 July 1986
Harry groaned as he slumped back on his bed, he was back in hospital for the first time since he'd been taken in by the Delacour's. This time it wasn't due to abuse, instead he'd broken out in a bad bout of Dragon pox. Instead of pot marked skin, and a lasting greenish tinge. A combination of the healer's treatment and Veela salve, was going to leave Harry looking no worse for wear when it was over.
Though he still had to sit in the isolation ward of the hospital, until his symptoms passed. That meant spending his birthday alone. It was a weird experience for Harry, he was never short of love or affection with the Delacour's and the Grangers.
He didn't like being away from them for this long, he'd gotten very fond of Hermione's hugs. Even though it felt like it was a constant source of consternation for Fleur. He could tell the amount of affection Hermione showered on her self-proclaimed best friend, upset Fleur. He wasn't sure if it was because it wasn't her doing it or because he was the one receiving it. Either way Harry had no idea how to appease her.
There was a knock at the door and Harry looked up, expecting a nurse to come in for his routine temperature check. Instead, he gasped and leaned back in bed as Hermione and Fleur entered wearing masks. "What are you two doing here?!"
Hermione blanched and looked away. "I thought you'd be happy to see us…"
"I, I am, but I don't want you to get sick," Harry said wincing.
"It's okay, Harry, we've had our vaccinations for dragon pox, and we're wearing masks. As long as we don't make skin contact we'll be fine," Hermione explained.
"We didn't want you to be alone on your birthday," Fleur added with a small smile from behind her mask.
Harry returned their smiles. "Thank you."
"We're only allowed to stay for a few minutes, the doctor was worried about us being infected."
"But you recited all the reasons you wouldn't?"
Hermione blushed, causing Harry to chuckle. The two girls gingerly approached the bed, placing a pair of presents at the foot and stepping back. "Happy birthday, Harry."
Harry reached down and brought the presents up to sit on his lap. He tore the wrapping off Fleur's present first and his face glowed with excitement as he flipped the box over in his hands. "This is so cool! Thank you Fleur."
"I hope you don't spend all your time playing video games, Harry, you still have summer homework to finish," Hermione admonished gently.
"I know, but you like watching," Harry said teasingly.
"Y-yeah, but that's because you're playing," Hermione replied.
There was a knock at the door and the nurse stuck her head in. "Girls, it's time to go."
"We'll be back soon, Harry," Hermione promised.
"Oui."
Harry smiled brightly. "Thank you, both."