15 December 1991
Harry smiled as he walked from his last class of the day to the library. Harry was counting the days until Christmas holidays. Not only because he missed Apolline and Jean, but because he'd received the bracelet he planned to give Hermione. It was going to be his Christmas gift to her. He planned to confess his feelings the same day and ask Hermione to be his girlfriend.
Harry knew this might upset Fleur, but he had to be true to himself. He'd liked Hermione for ages, he'd liked her since they'd met. Even if he hadn't known at the time why Hermione's smile made his pulse speed up. She'd saved him, if it weren't for her, he never would have been taken in by the Delacours. He hoped he'd be able to make her as happy as she'd made him over the years.
As he rounded the corner into the corridor connecting the classrooms to the library, Harry froze. Further down the corridor Fleur had Hermione backed against a wall. He couldn't see their faces but he'd known them for seven and a half years. Fleur was gently cupping Hermione's cheek as she closed in and captured the brown haired girl's lips. Hermione closed her eyes and leaned into the kiss, resting her hands on Fleur's hips.
Harry's head dropped as he turned around and returned to his room. Harry dropped his bag on the table and climbed onto his bed. He wanted to be happy for Hermione and Fleur, they deserved to be happy. But he was upset he'd missed his chance. He'd been crushing hard on Hermione for a couple of years. He was attracted to Fleur as well, but she was so far out of his league. He knew there was no way Fleur would be remotely interested in him. Even if he had a crush on her.
It was obvious what he had to do. Harry had to smile and pretend his heart wasn't breaking. He would support his friends, because that's what friends do. He had to bury his feelings and move on. There were plenty of beautiful girls at the school and very few boys. It wasn't that boys weren't welcome, but historically boys were sent to schools like Durmstrang. More boys were attending Beauxbatons every year, but it would still be a decade or more before the ratio between male and female students reached parity.
24 December 1991
Apolline frowned as she ducked her head into Harry's room. He was sitting on the balcony staring at the cold grey, December sky. He'd been distant and quiet since the three had returned home for Christmas. Apolline suspected she knew why. She joined Harry on the balcony, grabbing a blanket off the bed and wrapping it around him as she sat down. "Your mood matches that sky."
"Hm? Oh, um, hi."
"Hello, Arry. Are you ok?" Apolline asked as she gently stroked his hair. She'd always been a tactile person. She liked hugging and cuddling with her foster son as much as she did her husband or biological daughter. At first he'd shied away from affection preferring to be alone. When he did appear he would almost compulsively clean or cook for them. As if he needed to earn his keep.
Apolline had gotten so angry once she began to transform. It caused Harry to hide in his room for an entire day, only opening his door for Jean. It hadn't been until later Harry had understood that she'd never been angry with him. She'd rarely ever gotten angry at him in the seven years they'd lived together. She had been and still was angry at his relatives. To treat any child as a slave was abhorrent to her. For it to be your nephew still made Apolline want to burn their house down with them inside. Jean said no.
"I guess… I mean I'm glad to be home for Christmas," Harry said trying to smile.
"But you wish you were coming home with Hermione as your girlfriend?"
Harry blushed and rubbed the back of his head. Apolline was the only one he'd told about his plan to ask Hermione out. He'd come seeking her advice about his feelings. She hadn't expected Fleur to swoop in and claim Hermione for herself.
"N-no, I'm happy for them. I am…"
Apolline put her arm around Harry's shoulders and pulled him towards her. She gently kissed Harry on the top of the head and kept him close to her.
"I'm so dumb…" He muttered.
"You're not. Hermione likes you the way you like her."
"But…"
"She also likes Fleur the way she likes you. There will be other girls, Harry. Or other boys if you're so inclined."
Harry chuckled. "I haven't found a guy I like that way. But it might happen one day."
"We'll support you either way, Harry," Apolline assured him, kissing Harry on the head again. "For now you need to be happy for Fleur and Hermione. Even if you're not. I know it's difficult, but you will get through it."
"Thanks," Harry replied.
10 January 1992
"Harry, can I talk to you?" Hermione asked as she knocked on the door to his dorm room.
Harry looked up from his homework and nodded. "Sure, come in."
Hermione walked into Harry's room and sat on his bed as he scooted over in his chair. "What's up?"
"I wanted to ask you that. I was wondering if I'd done something to upset you. You've seemed distant lately."
Harry shook his head. "We're okay, Hermione, really. I've been working through some stuff, that's all. Nothing to worry about."
"Are you sure?"
"Of course," Harry replied. "Are you okay?"
"Yep," Hermione replied brightly.
"How are things with Fleur?" Harry asked. He winced internally. He didn't want to sound hopeful if things weren't going well between the two girls. He doubted that was the case.
"It's going great. Fleur is so considerate and sweet. I was so happy when she told me she liked me. It was very flattering. She's always been so beautiful and glamorous, I'm just Hermione."
"You don't give yourself enough credit. You're beautiful, Hermione. There's plenty of guys and girls who'd leap at the chance to date you."
Hermione smiled as her cheeks turned pink. "Thank you, Harry."
"I'm glad you're happy, Hermione."
Hermione wrapped Harry in a hug to hide her blush and the hint of sadness in her eyes. She was happy with Fleur, but she still liked Harry too. "Me too."
2 March 1992
"Hi, Harry," Lucy said, approaching his table in the library.
Harry looked up and smiled. "Hi."
Lucy played with her fingers, glancing shyly at him. "Can I join you?"
"Sure."
Lucy sat down opposite him, and Harry was struck out how much prettier she'd gotten in the four years since they'd started Beauxbatons. Fleur and Hermione had become equally as pretty, but Harry noticed it less because they were around each other every day.
"What are you working on?" Lucy asked as she pulled out her homework.
"Potions."
"Did you want to read over mine?"
"Thanks."
As they continued to study Harry kept glancing up at Lucy before quickly returning his gaze to his homework. Lucy giggled and leaned forward. "Is something wrong, Harry?"
"No. I was just… would you like to go to the village with me this weekend?"
Lucy raised an eyebrow. "You want to go with me?"
"Yeah. Is that okay?"
"Of course. I just thought you wouldn't want to because it might upset Fleur."
Harry frowned. "I don't know why you and Fleur dislike each other so much. But that's not my business, and Fleur's not allowed to dictate who my friends are. If she doesn't like it, that's her problem, not mine."
Lucy smiled. "Okay."
7 March 1992
"I've been looking for this one!" Lucy exclaimed excitedly as she plucked a book off the shelf and added it to the pile Harry was holding.
"I'm so glad you found it," Harry replied, adjusting the pile in his hands.
"You're such a good bookshelf," Lucy said, grinning and tapping Harry on the nose.
As Harry rolled his eyes the bell rang at the front of the shop and two people entered. "Harry?"
The two looked down the stacks to see Fleur and Hermione standing at the front of the shop. Fleur's eyes narrowed and her lips formed a thin line. "Hello, Arry. Are you having a nice day?"
"Yes, actually. You?" Harry replied evenly. He could see how much him hanging out with Lucy bothered her. But as he'd said to Lucy, he didn't care. He liked Lucy and wanted to be around her.
"Yes. Hermione and I are here to buy some books," Fleur explained.
"We're on our way to lunch. Maybe we'll see you there," Harry said as he started walking towards the front counter.
"Um, Harry, would you like some company for lunch?" Hermione asked, ignoring the glare she was getting from her girlfriend.
"I don't know…" Replied Harry as his eyes drifted from Lucy to Fleur.
A frown crossed Hermione's lips as she felt Fleur's eyes bearing down on her back. She was aware of the animosity between Fleur and Lucy. Merlin did she know, she'd hear about it anytime Lucy got within speaking distance of Harry. Hermione wasn't sure if it was the family drama or that Lucy seemed interested in Harry or a combination of the two.
Letting her shoulders drop, Hermione sighed and shook her head. "It's okay. You two have fun."
Harry nodded. "We will, thanks."
Once Harry and Lucy had paid for their purchases and left Fleur turned to Hermione who was walking into the stacks. "Hermione, I…"
"Not today, Fleur. Let's just enjoy our date, okay?" Hermione asked, refusing to look in Fleur's direction.
"Okay," Fleur agreed sheepishly.
As Harry and Lucy walked towards the nearby tavern, Lucy looped her arm around his. "Are you sure that's okay? Hermione seemed disappointed that you didn't want to spend time with her."
"I'm disappointed too. But it's for the best. You and Fleur don't get on. I want to enjoy my day out, not constantly walk on eggshells. I'm sure I'll find time to spend with Hermione another day."
"And Fleur?"
Harry shrugged. "We used to be close. But the last couple of years we've drifted apart. I wish I knew why, but we don't really talk anymore."
Lucy nodded as she rested her head on Harry's shoulder. When she was little, she might have cared more about the rift between Harry and Fleur. Now though, she didn't care. It had been made abundantly clear to Lucy what her parents thought of the Delacours. Her father didn't care whether Lucy got the highest scores at school, as long as she was beating Fleur.
Lucy smiled at Harry who smiled back. "What?"
"Nothing, I'm just happy to be spending the day with you." She replied.
"Me too."
14 February 1993
Harry let out a breath and patted down his hair. He adjusted his tie and picked up the bouquet of roses he had sitting on his dresser. After a year of being friends Harry decided it was time. He liked Lucy the same way he liked Hermione, and perhaps Fleur.
Harry paused and sat down on the bed. He still had a few minutes before he'd arranged to meet Lucy, so he had time to think. He liked Fleur, sometimes she could be a bit moody and weird around him. But she genuinely cared about him too.
Even now with his friendship with Lucy, Fleur helped him with homework and looked out for him if anyone bothered him. He'd never been bullied during his time at Beauxbatons. But there were plenty of people of all genders who were interested in using him for his fame. Fleur made sure they stayed away.
Harry was attracted to Fleur, but then that was true of everyone at school. Fleur, Lucy, and Hermione were considered the most beautiful girls at Beauxbatons and for good reason. There were plenty of people jealous of how close he was with the three of them. But he'd never considered pursuing Fleur, he'd been too young to think about her that way until recently.
Even now if she were available, he still wouldn't. She was the most beautiful girl in school, and he was just Harry. The dumb nerdy kid who liked video games and fast cars. He couldn't even pretend to be remotely in her league. He wasn't in Lucy's league either and she'd eventually figure that out. But he was going to give it his best shot regardless.
Standing up Harry brushed himself down one more time and grabbed his bouquet. Walking out of his room Harry walked down the corridor and knocked on Lucy's door. Said girl answered in a pink camisole top and black skirt with thigh high black stocking and brown shoes. Lucy smiled brightly as she accepted Harry's roses. "They're beautiful, Harry. Thank you."
"Not as beautiful as you," Harry replied.
Lucy rolled her eyes, slapping Harry on the chest. "You're such a corny sap."
"You haven't complained yet," Harry commented with a grin.
Lucy ignored him as she placed the flowers in her room and locked her door. Looping her arm with his they walked out of the dorms heading for the carriages to the village.
Fleur's dorm room was located between Lucy's and Harry's. She'd watched Harry visit Lucy with flowers in hand. It didn't take a genius to guess Harry's intentions. She hated admitting it, but she was jealous. Harry had never shown the same interest in her that he did in Hermione or Lucy. Maybe he saw her as a sister, perhaps he didn't find her attractive.
Regardless of the reason it upset her. Fleur liked being desired, but she wanted to be desired by Harry specifically. It irked her that he'd seemingly never been interested. It hurt worse that he was now pursuing Lucy. Aside from the bitterness between their families, it upset Fleur that he found Lucy so much more appealing than her.
She understood it when it came to Hermione. They'd been friends for close to ten years, they'd grown up together. Hermione was Harry's knight in shining armour. Fleur wasn't surprised he'd fallen for her, she certainly had. Fleur wished there was another way, she wanted there to be a way for everyone to be happy.
Harry sipped on his butterbeer as the two ate at the inn. Harry had tried to take them to the small cafe some of the other boys in his year and above took girls too. Lucy nixed the idea and directed them back to the tavern where they usually ate when they were in the village. Lucy and Harry ordered a Caesar salad each but Harry paired it with butterbeer and Lucy had water.
"Are you enjoying yourself, Lucy?" Harry asked nervously.
Lucy smiled and nodded. "Of course. I'm spending my day with you. Why wouldn't I be?"
"You seem to be doing a lot of doodling," Harry commented.
"Oh, no. That's… don't worry about it," Lucy said sheepishly trying to drag the napkin off the table and into her purse.
Harry dropped his hand on the table catching the edge of the napkin with his fingers. Lucy glanced at him worriedly as he gave her a kind smile. "If you don't want to show me, that's ok. But I don't want you to be scared to share things with me. You're my friend, I want you to be happy."
Lucy returned Harry's smile and pushed the napkin across the table towards him. "Thank you Harry."
Picking up the napkin Harry carefully examined it before returning his gaze to Lucy. "Clothes?"
Nodding shyly, Lucy explained. "Ever since I was little, I've admired my mother's fashion sense. She always looks so beautiful and glamorous. But then I see other witches and wizards and they all wear such drab robes. I hate it. I want to wear beautiful clothes, but my father forbids it when I'm at home."
"Why?"
"He only wants me to look beautiful when it's advantageous for him. I'm always being dragged out to parties with his business and political friends. When I'm at these parties it reminds me, I'm not his daughter, I'm a bargaining chip. I'm there to be sold off to the man who'll give him the best deal. I hate it, but he doesn't care about my feelings or my mother's opinions. I'm worried one day he'll sell her off too."
Harry slid his hands across the table, taking Lucy's hands in his. He wanted to assure Lucy that her father would never do that. But from what he knew of the man, Harry wasn't sure he'd be being honest. He wanted to protect his friend, but he wasn't sure how. "If I can help, I will. Whatever happens you won't go through it alone."
Lucy smiled at Harry playing with his fingers. "I don't think I have much to worry about for now. At least I hope I don't."
"Forget about your dad for now. I want to spend today doing things we can enjoy together."
"Okay," Lucy said, interlacing her fingers with Harry's.
After dinner back at the school Harry took Lucy up to the astronomy tower. The two sat on the balcony holding hands and staring up at the stars. Lucy excitedly pointed up at the sky with her free hand gesturing towards the constellations above them. "If you join those stars over there you can see Aquarius and there's Virgo!"
"You really love stargazing, huh?"
"Of course! The stars are beautiful," Lucy replied.
"Not as beautiful as you," Harry mumbled.
"Huh?" Lucy asked, glancing over at Harry.
Summoning up all his courage, Harry leaned in and captured Lucy's lips. Lucy froze and Harry pulled back, letting go of Lucy's hand at the same time. "S-sorry… I-I…" Harry stuttered, worried he'd messed up.
After staring at Harry for a few seconds Lucy dived at him. She captured his lips with hers and wrapped her arms around him, dropping herself into his lap. Harry held her by the waist. He wanted to slide his hands lower, but he restrained himself, not wanting to upset her.
When Lucy broke the kiss, she was smiling. "I've been waiting weeks for you to do that!"
"R-really?" Harry stuttered blushing. Staring at Lucy in the light of the moon she looked even more beautiful than she usually did.
"Yes! At least… if this means what I think it means," Lucy said, her eyes narrowing as she watched him.
"Um, Lucy, w-would you be my girlfriend?" Harry asked timidly.
Giving Harry a thousand watt smile she kissed him again, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Yes. That was the right question, by the way."
"You mean a lot to me, Lucy. I wanted to show it. I thought I'd messed up for a second."
Lucy giggled, stroking Harry's cheek. "Sorry, you caught me by surprise. I've been hoping you'd ask me to be your girlfriend. I was beginning to think I'd have to take the initiative. Or that you weren't interested."
"I've been interested in you for ages, I just…" Harry said trailing off.
"Harry, tell me. You can trust me, I promise," Lucy assured him gently.
"I didn't think you'd be interested. You're so beautiful, and you're a Veela. I'm just Harry, I'm not special."
Frowning, Lucy grabbed Harry by his chin and forced his eyes up to meet hers. "You're wrong, Harry. You're special to me. Not just me, lots of people. You're kind, handsome, and you're a gentleman. I wouldn't have come up here with another guy. I'd only ever trusted you like this. I know you won't take advantage of me or force me to do anything I'm not comfortable with.
Harry shook his head. "No, of course not. I'd never do that to you or anyone else."
"I know but thank you for confirming it anyway. You're not allowed to think you're not special while you're my boyfriend. You're special to me, it doesn't matter what other people think."
"Thank you, Lucy." Harry said, smiling shyly.
"You're welcome, Harry," Lucy replied, kissing him again.
15 October 1993
Lucy did a twirl letting her layered white skirt flutter around her legs. Running her hand down her sides, Lucy smiled at Harry. "What do you think?"
"You look beautiful, as always."
Pouting Lucy walked over to his bed sitting in Harry's lap. "You always say that! You're supposed to be helping me decide what outfits to give away."
Flopping back onto the bed Harry laughed causing Lucy to pout harder. "What do you expect? I'm biased, my beautiful girlfriend looks great in everything. I'm happy with whatever you want."
"You're impossible," Lucy muttered, getting up and crossing the room to the ensuite. "I have one more, hang on."
Resting his hands behind his head Harry waited quietly, kicking his legs out occasionally. When the door to the ensuite opened again and Harry looked up, he felt his mouth go dry and an electric shock run through his body.
Lucy stood in the doorway dressed in a sleeveless blue coat and a white top that went around her bust. The top had gold trim and a navy-blue heart at her cleavage. As his eyes roamed down Lucy's body, he noticed she was wearing an obscenely short skirt and black stockings. Lucy smiled nervously. "Do you like it?"
Harry got up and walked over to Lucy, taking her in his arms and kissing her roughly. When Harry pulled back Lucy looked at him shyly and bit her lip. She swayed her hips letting her fingers ghost over his chest. "I guess you like it, huh?"
"I like it a lot," Harry replied huskily.
"I made it just for you. I only want you to see it."
Harry walked Lucy back to press her against the door of his ensuite. "I think you look great. I think you'd look even better out of it."
Lucy blushed and then smiled. "Okay."
Harry paused, resting his hands on Lucy's hips. "Are you sure?"
"Yes, I trust you, Harry. I know you'll take care of me."
"I promise," Harry replied softly, giving Lucy a kind smile as he led her over to the bed.
As Hermione adjusted her coat she reached back and pulled the door to her room closed. She was surprised that the door to Harry's room was closed. He was even more of an early riser than she was. It was something Fleur playfully complained about occasionally.
Walking down the corridor she went to knock on the door to Harry's room when it cracked open slightly. Hermione backed away in shock as Lucy shyly exited his room. One of Harry's Quidditch jerseys was pulled over her substantial bust.
Much to the three girls' chagrin, Harry had shown an incredible aptitude for Quidditch. He excelled as a chaser, being too tall and heavy to be a seeker, but not bulky enough to be a beater.
"H-hi," Lucy said sheepishly.
"Sleep well?" Hermione asked sarcastically.
"Yes, I did," Lucy replied defiantly, she glared at Hermione as she marched past the brunette girl and into her room. She refused to be slut shamed for having sex with her boyfriend. Harry had made her feel amazing and waking up in his arms had been one of the best experiences of her life. She wasn't going to let Granger ruin it.
Hermione bristled as she watched Lucy retreat to her room. She hadn't realised they were at that point in their relationship, and it upset her. She was happy with Fleur, they had a great relationship, but there was something missing. Her crush on Harry had never gone away and even after starting to date Fleur it had grown. If Fleur hadn't asked her out, she would have found the courage to ask Harry. Whether he was interested or not was something she'd have to deal with. If he wasn't she would have had to accept it and move on.
20 May 1994
"Harry?" Lucy called out, they were lying on his bed with her draped over his body and her head on his chest.
"Hm? What's up?"
"Did you want to stay at my house for a few days at the start of summer?"
"I mean, yeah, I would. But won't your dad get pissed?"
"He would… if he was there. My dad is going to be away for most of June and all of July. I wrote mum and asked if you could stay while dad was away, and she said it's okay."
"I don't know, I don't want to get you or your mum in trouble," Harry said, wavering.
"Please? I really want mum to get to know you. I know she'll love you as soon as she meets you," Lucy asked looking at him pleadingly.
Harry chuckled, running his fingers through her long blonde hair. "Okay, okay. You win."
"Yay!" Lucy cheered, sitting up and straddling her boyfriend, giving him a kiss on the lips. "Thank you, Harry."
"I can't say no to you…"
Lucy grinned. "I know."