บท 15: Chapter 15

Disclaimer: Still do not own the characters, but would like to take credit for any new approaches to the HP universe you might find in this story.

Chapter 15

When Harry awoke the next morning, he knew immediately who was lying against him. Even without his glasses he recognized the brown hair that was currently tickling his nose. The vanilla smell of her hair was as familiar of a scent as his own shampoo. He gently reached to the table beside the bed and retrieved his glasses. He then propped himself up on his elbow and looked down that the sleeping young woman beside him. He moved aside a few strands of hair that were covering her face, and became enchanted by the wondrous sight of Hermione sleeping. The gentle movement of her chest as she breathed, the small smile that rested on her lips, even the slight movement of her eyebrows and nose ever so often fascinated Harry.

A smile encroached upon his lips as he wondered what it would be like to go back in time two weeks and tell that past self how his life was going to change. An internal snort overcame him as he tried to imagine describing to that emotional impoverished past self what the emotions felt inside the bond were like. Would that past self even be able to comprehend the love he had for the woman lying beside him at this moment? Or that Fleur, the Beauxbaton Champion who seemed on her own plateau had fallen in love with him? "Not likely," He thought.

Harry felt Hermione shift in her sleep and he laid back down and put his arm back around her. It was a few more minutes before he felt her awakening. "Good morning love."

"Good Morning Harry," Hermione replied as she reveled in the loved pouring from Harry over the bond. She smiled and snuggled deeper into her pillow. It took a few more seconds before she realized there was an arm around her and the previous night came back to her, her chat with Fleur and going to bed in…Harry's Bed?

Hermione turned over quickly and found herself looking into those gorgeous emerald green eyes. "Harry, I.." Hermione blushed as her eyes widened.

Harry laid a finger on her lips and his own lips followed lightly brushing over hers. "You think I mind waking up beside you?" He whispered as his fingertips trailed over her cheek.

Hermione eyes closed as she mentally followed the fingers trailing across her face, savoring the feeling of it. She finally opened them again and looked at Harry. "I…I liked sleeping next to you, but I don't want you to…" Her voice trailed off as Harry's lips met hers again.

"You don't want me to think you want to explore the issue your father discussed with me yesterday morning?" Harry asked as he continued to stare into Hermione's eyes.

Hermione nodded as she looked away, the blush reappearing.

"Don't worry love," Harry thought. "I know neither of us are anywhere close to being ready for that yet. I'm happy holding and kissing you and feeling the love we share."

"It's just that if you did ask, I'm not sure I could tell you no. Feeling your love for me and wanting you to be happy… " Hermione's thoughts trailed off as she looked back into his eyes.

Harry looked at Hermione, he could feel the nervousness that she was experiencing, "Then I won't ask, not for some time to come, and only after we talk about it first. You know you mean too much to me to ever want what you aren't absolutely sure you're willing and ready to give."

Hermione continued to be lost in his eyes, feeling her very soul falling into them. Without even feeling his emotions, she knew the sincerity that was behind those words. It was an eternity before conscious thoughts reentered her mind, and her over analytical mind kicked back in. "But it's more than that Harry," She finally said. "We all need to sit down and discuss this as a bond issue."

"Why?"

"Because it will affect all of us," Hermione explained. "You see how just a good kiss between you and one of us, affects the other two. We can feel the kiss. What happens when you and I or Fleur do go further sometime in the future?"

"The others will feel it," Harry sighed as he fell back into his pillow and stared at the ceiling. "Nothing is going to be simple in this relationship is it?"

Hermione smiled at him, "No it isn't, but then again, you're not a simple man are you?" She laid her head on his chest and listened to his heartbeat. "I know you can feel my love, but I never want to forget to say just how much I love you Harry."

"I love you too."

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"Remus, welcome," Albus Dumbledore said with an outstretched hand to the gaunt looking man in front of him. "I'm glad you were able to come so quickly."

"You mentioned it had something to do with Harry," Remus Lupin replied as he took Albus' hand. "Is everything alright?"

"He's had a very interesting couple of weeks, but that is a tale he has to decide if he wants to share with you," Dumbledore replied. "But I think you will find he is looking forward to seeing you."

"Is this something to do with the Triwizard tournament?"

"You've been keeping track of it?"

"Only what I've read. How did Harry get entered into it?" Remus asked.

"Someone confunded the Goblet of Fire," Dumbledore replied. "Unfortunately when the last name comes out, the Goblet dissipates all residual magic, so we were unable to investigate the matter thoroughly. Alastor Moody looked into the matter, but wasn't able to discover any further evidence. All we know is it would take a powerful bit of magic to override the Goblet. It is also unfortunate that the original creators of the cup never envisioned someone's name being put in the cup who didn't want to compete so the magical contract was less stringent than it should have been. Of course that will be corrected before the next tournament," The Headmaster looked thoughtful for a few moments, "I'm hoping the person responsible was just hoping Harry got hurt or humiliated in the tournament. If that's the case they have to be feeling pretty foolish right now," Dumbledore's eyes gained a slight twinkle. "Not only is Harry doing extremely well, he's actually tied for first in scoring," Dumbledore's eyes lost the twinkle as he continued, "Though I can't shake the feeling it's more than that. I guess the person could have thought Harry might get killed, but I believe we have enough safeguards to prevent any of the Champion's deaths. Well I did until we had an unforeseen crisis in this last task. We almost had a Champion and participant die."

Lupin looked at the headmaster sharply. "The Prophet didn't mention that. It only mentioned the Beauxbaton Champion's hostage needed help getting to the platform. It wasn't Harry was it?"

"It wasn't Harry who almost died no. But he did risk his life to save the Beauxbaton Champion and her hostage, but that's part of the tale I'll let him tell you," Dumbledore said. "I'm taking no chances in the third task. I have Alastor working on improving the security."

Remus studied the Headmaster. "Mad-eye was one of the best, but is he still up the task?"

"I think so," Dumbledore said. "Outside of a complaint from Lucius Malfoy about having his son transfigured into a ferret, Alastor's classes have been up to par this year. Severus has complained about him searching his office on several occasions already and he's voiced his reservations about Karkaroff being here. But his lack of trust should work to our advantage when it comes to security."

"Okay, but I will feel better when this year's over and Harry's finished with the tournament," Lupin replied.

"So will I Remus. Now I would like to discuss something else with you. When you were working with Harry last year, did he mention his life before Hogwarts?"

Remus thought back to the times he spent with Harry the previous year. The young man never seemed really happy but Lupin couldn't remember any exact reference Harry ever made to his home life. "No, I can't say he did."

"Well I won't go into details, but it hasn't been pleasant," The Hogwart's Headmaster explained. "I suggested to Harry that maybe the remaining Marauders might like to utilize their unique methods in expressing their displeasure in the way Harry has been treated."

Remus looked at the Headmaster. "You asked me here to prank some muggles? Are you serious?"

"Remus, I asked you here to mitigate a serious misjudgment on my part," Dumbledore replied. "If Harry will tell you the complete story, both what happened before he got to this Castle, and what happened in the last two weeks, you will understand why I consider this important. The Dursleys actions not only were inexcusable for Harry's sake, but as you will find out, almost cost far more than that."

Remus considered the older Wizard's words before replying. "Was it really that bad for Harry?"

Dumbledore eyes took a look of extreme weariness, "I really would prefer Harry to give you the details, but I'm not sure if he will. But yes Remus, it was. For the life of me, I can't understand how someone related to Lily Evans could be so different."

"Lily Evans Potter," Remus thought. The name brought back the hurt that came with her loss. James' death had hurt Remus tremendously, but he had been a man of action; a man who always had to be involved in what was going on. In his heart Remus was prepared for his loss in the war against Voldemort. But Lily, she was everything; beautiful, smart and had a heart of gold. She was one of the few people outside of the Marauders who figured out that Remus was a werewolf and it never bothered her for a minute.

"I'm concerned that without a proper...eh...outlet, shall we say, of emotions, Harry might someday fight back in ways that would be detrimental to his being," Dumbledore continued.

Lupin was only half listening to the Headmaster. He was remembering the first time he had seen Lily holding little Harry. The smile she had on her face radiated so much love she almost glowed. Harry had been born just a couple of days after a full moon and Lupin had still been feeling pretty tired, but just that sight of Lily beaming down at her son had made all of the aches and pains disappear. Not to mention the goofish grin James had plastered on his face. "Anyone who'd hurt that young man deserves a bit of payback," The werewolf thought.

"You know I'd do anything to help Harry," Remus finally replied to the Headmaster. "I am currently unemployed so I can start immediately if you want me too. You mentioned Marauders; does that mean Sirius is around also? "

"Yes, Sirius has been in the castle as Padfoot for the last couple of weeks because of what happened to Harry," Dumbledore explained. "But last night Harry remembered that Alastor got something he called the Marauder's Map from him and we had to get Sirius to a place of hiding. I presume from the name of the map, you are familiar with it?"

Remus thought of the map he had given Harry back last year and chuckled a little, "Yes, I'm very familiar with it. As you might have already guessed, I was one of the creators of it," Lupin appeared lost in thought for a few seconds before continuing. "I agree that Sirius needed to be hidden, but the good thing is that unless Alastor had a reason to be looking for Sirius, he might not have seen him."

"Why would you say that?"

"The map shows the entire castle and most of the grounds," Lupin explained. "It shows the current position of everyone in those areas in current time including their movements. The map is an excellent tool when you want to avoid someone," Remus looked at Albus, "such as Filch or certain professors who might not have appreciated Marauder humor, but because there are so many dots, and they are constantly moving, unless you are specifically looking for a particular name, it's hard to pinpoint one. Now unless Moody had a reason to believe Sirius was in the castle, he would have had no reason to be looking for that name on the map. But then again with that Magical eye of his, no telling how it can be used to pick out details."

"Well that might explain why Alastor hasn't tried to apprehend Sirius," Dumbledore replied. "We have him tucked away somewhere very secure; a place that not even Alastor can get to or see on the map. As for you being unemployed, I think this could fall under a special assignment by the Headmaster of the school and I can offer you free lodging and free food as well as a small amount of Galleons to make it worth your while. I can also have Severus prepare Wolfsbane potion again and the place we have Sirius would be an excellent place for the full moon nights. I would definitely have something else to offer you if you knew anything about rendering magical creatures down to salvageable items, or I should say Harry would."

"I will admit to not knowing everything, but after so many odd jobs I've picked up a few skills here and there. Give me a book on the subject and a little time, I can probably do a passable job. What's Harry needing done?" Remus asked.

"Do you remember what Harry did in his second year?" Dumbledore asked.

"The Basilisk?" Remus asked as he instantly came to the correct conclusion. "But that was almost two years ago, surely it's not still viable?"

"I assure you that it is," Dumbledore said. "I was just down in the Chamber of Secrets last evening. It's an impressive sight."

"Even so, why Harry?"

The Headmaster looked contemplative for few seconds then looking back up at Remus, "There are a few reasons I suggested he gets the rewards for that endeavor," Dumbledore sighed. "Until you actually see that creature it's hard to image just what Harry faced down in that chamber. Look at that sword there," he nodded at the Sword of Gryffindor in a case on the wall. "When we go down to the Chamber later, I want you to imagine facing the thing you're going to see with just that in your hand. Then remember he was only twelve and didn't have his wand at the time."

"Go down to the Chamber?" Remus asked, and then it hit him. "So that's where you've tucked Sirius away."

"Yes it is," Dumbledore replied. "It might not be the best facilities in the world, but it's not very cold, it is very secure and we're sending down food for him. Harry and his uh…friends are planning on keeping him company."

"You said a few reasons for Harry getting the proceeds from the rendering of the Basilisk, what are the others."

"I would prefer the galleons not go to the Ministry where you know some of the people there will siphon the funds off to their personal gains." Dumbledore said. "You also know as well as I that some of the people there directly supported Voldemort, and with the spectacle at the World Cup, I am concerned they are going to start trying to push their pureblood agenda overtly again. Money influences policies, so the more I can keep out of their hands, the better off we will be and I imagine this will be a significant amount," The Headmaster sighed again, "And finally some of the things that have happened in the last couple of weeks to Harry are going to make his life a little more complicated, having funds to draw from will help."

"And you're not going to tell me what these complicated things are, are you?" Remus asked.

"It is really Harry and his friends' story. I probably shouldn't have even mentioned this much, but I think they will be glad to tell you."

"So Miss Granger and Mr. Weasley are a part of this?" Lupin asked.

"Oh you can definitely say Miss Granger is," Dumbledore said with a slight chuckle, "but not Mr. Weasley. My last understanding was the issue was not going to be discussed with him yet."

Remus thought of the trio of friends from the previous year but he knew how the dynamics of teenage friends can change and didn't pursue those questions. "Well as I said, I am definitely interested in helping. It will be good to see Padfoot again. I do have one last question though. You mentioned that Harry might need to have funds to draw from, has he already spent his inheritance? I know James and Lily weren't exceptionally rich, but they weren't poor either. I can't imagine Harry has used all of that money up."

"James and Lily died without wills Remus," Dumbledore said. "I have been keeping the inheritance tied up in the court system until Harry's seventeenth birthday."

"Why?"

"If he receives the inheritance before then without clear guidelines of trust, his guardians will have to be notified of and given access to the funds," Dumbledore said. "His aunt could even make a claim to part of the family money outright. It might even turn out to be a moot point since I don't even know how much is in their family vault. It is sealed until the inheritance is settled and you know how the Goblins are. If you don't have a right to a vault, you don't get in the vault. Right now Harry has access only to his vault that was set up for him at birth. Fortunately James made me a trustee on that vault or I would have had to let the inheritance go through," Professor Dumbledore looked like he was going to say something else but then changed his mind. "I guess I need to find out how his relationship with the Weasleys might change because of his new life. I need to see if he wishes Molly to still have access. Just one more thing that needs to be done."

"Does he even know about the family vault?" Remus asked.

"I want to tell him, but I remember him sitting in front of the Mirror of Erised night after night looking at himself with his parents," Dumbledore said sadness permeating his voice. "How much more sorrow will I bring to him, if I tell him that there may be mementos of his parents awaiting him in a vault, but he can't touch them for more than two years."

"He's not eleven anymore you know," Remus said.

"I know Remus, but when you get to be my age, everyone looks too young," Dumbledore replied. "Maybe I should talk to him about it. But not for a while. Harry definitely is working through personal issues right now."

Remus shook his head, "I was positive that James and Lily wrote their wills. Sirius mentioned he was to be Harry's guardian in case...well what happened happened."

"They did file wills with the ministry," Dumbledore said, "But there were problems when they were unsealed."

"You know more about the law than I do, so I'll let you take care of that problem. Dealing with the Ministry isn't a skill I ever learned."

The two men continued to discuss a variety of subjects for the next hour or so before they left to find Harry so Mooney could join Padfoot in the chamber.

%%%%%%%%

The initial entrance into the Great Hall was staged by the bond mates. Harry walked in first with Gabrielle holding tightly to his arm, gazing happily at him. Fleur was walking on the other side of Gabrielle. The murmurs and head turning started before the trio made it to the Gryffindor table. Gabrielle sat next to Harry while Fleur took a seat across from them. Once they were seated, Hermione came rushing in a couple of minutes later and sat down on the other side of Harry.

Ron got up from his seat next to Seamus Finnigan and was about to sit down next to Fleur until he realized who it was.

"Uh.." Was all he could say and as his faced turned bright red he quickly moved around the table and sat next to Hermione. He was doing his best to not look at Fleur but trying to get Harry's attention. "Glad to have you back mate," He said finally.

"Good to be back Ron," Harry replied. "You met Gabrielle last night but maybe a new introduction to her sister might be in order? Fleur this is my friend Ron Weasley, Ron, Fleur Delacour."

"Nice to meet you Ron."

"Yeah...uh.." Ron stammered.

"I wish to apologize. I was rude to you when you asked me to ze Yule Ball. I was just upset with all ze people asking me," Fleur continued.

"Uh, yeah…that's...uh...okay," Ron replied as his faced moved to an even a deeper red. He quickly turned back to Harry. "So Harry what are you doing today? Got time for a game of chess or exploding snaps?"

"Thanks Fleur, have I mentioned how beautiful you are today?" Harry thought, and then to Ron, "Probably not, I'm taking Gabrielle into Hogsmeade this morning, and I do believe Fleur and Hermione are joining us. Want to come along?"

Ron's eyes glanced nervously at Fleur, "Uh..maybe next time. What about this afternoon?"

Harry noticed the eyes, and said, "Ron, you're going to have to get over this thing with Fleur. We've become good friends, and I'm dating her sister. I'm going to be spending a lot of time with her," He winked at his eldest bond mate when Ron looked away, "For some reason she doesn't think she can trust me with Gabrielle."

Fleur's silvery laughter ranged out. "Oh 'Arry, you know I trust you. I trust zat as soon as I turn my back you'll be dragging my sister off into some broom closet," Then to her bond mate, "And you know I want to be ze one you take in a broom closet."

"That's alright," Ron replied, and then he turned to Hermione. "What happened to you the last week?"

"I had a family emergency that I don't want to speak of right now," Hermione replied with her practiced response.

"Oh..well, I'm glad you're back, I mean I'm so far behind in my homework. Do you think you can help me today?" Ron asked.

Harry felt the annoyance buoy up in Hermione before she replied. "If you mean will I look over your work that you've completed, I'll be glad to. If you're asking me to let you look at my homework so you can copy, then no I won't. We will be studying later this afternoon if you wish to join us though. We are still behind in our homework as well."

"Am I that bad love?" Harry asked mentally. "Do you get that annoyed with me?"

"Sometimes," Hermione replied truthfully. "But you're not as bad as Ron. You at least tried when I finally got you working."

"I'll try to be better, just don't expect me to keep your schedule please," Harry replied. "I doubt I've ever told you enough how much I appreciate all that you've done for me."

Hermione looked down at her plate as a simple blush came over her face, "I just wished I had done more. As for enticing you to do better, maybe Fleur, Gabrielle and I can come up with an appropriate reward system for you," Hermione suggested. "One that you might find very very enjoyable," And she flashed him a thought of them kissing.

"Yeah, I guess I better," Ron replied. "I..well just let me know when you're starting."

"We'll be glad.." Hermione started when another voice interrupted.

"What'd you do Potter, dump the mudblood and start on a Veela whore?" The unmistakable sneer of Draco Malfoy sounded. "What other kind of scum was there at the bottom of that lake?"

Harry's eyes went directly to each of his bond mates. He could feel the simple annoyance from Hermione over the bond, but could feel distress radiating from Gabrielle and anger from Fleur. Gabrielle looked up at Harry and he could see tears forming in her eyes.

"It's alright Gabrielle. He's just an arrogant idiot," Harry thought soothingly, but felt his own anger rising as he turned to face the blond Slytherin pulling his wand out as he did. He noticed not only was Draco flanked by his two massive bodyguards, but Pansy Parkinson was also with him.

"Harry, DON'T!" Hermione shouted into his head.

"I have to Hermione," He replied, but he felt his anger diminishing as he heard Fleur, " 'E's not worth it 'Arry."

"Jealous aren't you ferret?" Harry replied evenly. "Wished your girlfriend," Harry's eyes flickered over to Parkinson, "was as beautiful as mine? Guess all of the inbreeding takes a toll on the looks."

Draco's face went red and he grabbed for his wand, but before it cleared his robes, there was another wand poking him in the back of the neck, "Are you sure you want to do that?" Came the voice of Cedric Diggory. "You do realize you have three Triwizard champions and most of Gryffindor table with wands ready don't you?"

"Plenario Katharsis," Harry heard Fleur mutter quietly as her wand wiggled slightly.

Draco glared at Harry one last time before he turned to stalk away. Before they left, Parkinson tossed a copy of Witch Weekly onto the table and looked at Hermione. "You might find something interesting in there," She smirked and followed Draco.

"Are you alright Gabrielle?" Harry asked. "He's nothing."

"I'm fine 'Arry. Thank you," Gabrielle replied. "I shouldn't 'ave let it bother me."

"Zat boy," Harry felt the emphasis on the thought boy from Fleur, "Needs to learn a few manners. Zough pretty soon,'e's going to need a bathroom."

"What did you do?" Harry asked.

"Maman taught me a spell to deal wiz pureblood scum like 'im," Fleur said. "As she put it, it's better to 'ave dirty blood zan dirty underwear. Ze spell is an old bowel cleansing spell. It used to be used by 'ealers who needed to diagnose digestive issues before ze bowel content banishing spell was developed. It delays about five minutes before kicking in. Ze spell is designed zat way to give ze patient time to get to ze bathroom."

It took a lot of control for Harry not to burst out laughing right on the spot. "Oh Merlin I'm in trouble if I ever tick off my bond mates aren't I?"

"Of course love. But you're ignoring Cedric right now."

Hermione had picked up the magazine and started flipping through it, while Harry turned to Cedric. "Sorry about that Cedric, I was thinking about the look on Draco's face when you came up behind him. I appreciate the support there."

"Fleur's my friend also Harry and I figured the jerk was going to insult her or her sister," Cedric said.

"Oh have you met Gabrielle?" Harry asked.

"Actually I haven't, but I presume she's the beautiful young woman who is sitting beside you?"

Harry turned to Gabrielle, "Gabrielle Delacour, this is Cedric Diggory. He's the real Hogwart's Champion. Cedric, this is Gabrielle."

Cedric took her hand and gave it a kiss. "Nice to meet the young lady who's captured Harry's heart. I think you've broken many witches' hearts this morning. Your sister spoke very highly of you all year. And ignore your boyfriend, Harry's proven he's worthy of being a Champion."

"Nice to meet you Cedric. My sister wrote a few things about you as well. As for 'Arry," She looked over at her bondmate. "I'm very lucky eet seems. 'Arry's a very special person."

"Well I'm glad you didn't come to harm during that thing under the water." Cedric said then turned back to Harry."And I'm glad you were there for them. If I were half the 'puff I should have been, I'd been there with you..."

"That…that bitch!" Hermione sputtered. She had found an article in the magazine underneath a color photo of Harry. The rest of the group leaned over her to read.

Harry Potter's Secret Heartache

A boy like no other, perhaps - yet a boy suffering all the usual pangs of adolescence, writes Rita Skeeter. Deprived of love since the tragic demise of his parents, fourteen-year-old Harry Potter thought he had found solace in his steady girlfriend at Hogwarts, Muggleborn Hermione Granger. Little did he know that he would shortly be suffering yet another emotional blow in a life already littered with personal loss.

Miss Granger, a plain but ambitious girl, seems to have a taste for famous wizards that Harry alone cannot satisfy. Since the arrival at Hogwarts of Viktor Krum,Bulgarian Seeker and hero of the last World Quidditch Cup, Miss Granger has been toying with both boys' affections. Krum, who is openly smitten with the devious Miss Granger, has already invited her to visit him in Bulgaria over the summer holidays, and insists that he has "never felt this way about any other girl". However, it might not be Miss Granger's doubtful natural charms that have captured these unfortunate boys' interest.

"She's really ugly" says Pansy Parkinson, a pretty and vivacious fourth-year student, "but she'd be well up to making a Love Potion, she's quite brainy. I think that's how she's doing it."

Love Potions are, of course, banned at Hogwarts, and no doubt Albus Dumbledore will want to investigate these claims. In the meantime, Harry Potter's well-wishers must hope that, next time, he bestows his heart on a worthier candidate.

"I told you!" Ron hissed at Hermione as she stared down at the article. "I told you not to annoy Rita Skeeter! She's made you out to be some sort of...of scarlet woman!"

Hermione stopped looking angry and snorted with laughter. "Scarlet woman?" she repeated, shaking with suppressed giggles as she looked around at Ron.

"It's what my mum calls them," Ron muttered, his ears going red.

"Are you alright love?" Harry asked.

"Yes, just annoyed. You know this is only the example of what she's going to write when our bond comes out don't you?" Hermione replied. "But I want to know how she knew what Krum said to me. It was right after he pulled me from the lake and before I started getting worried about you."

"She wasn't there?"

"No. Not unless she was under an invisibility cloak."

"Don't let it bother you."

"I shouldn't but I really wished there was a way to get back at her."

"I'm sure you'll think of something. Maybe Fleur will have an idea. Did you see what she did to Draco?"

"No.." Hermione started then after Harry explained it she exclaimed. "SHE DIDN'T?"

Harry and Hermione glanced over at the Slytherin table where Draco, Pansy and several other Slytherins where all holding up copies of the magazine looking at them in glee. As Harry stared at the Slytherins he saw a strange expression of pain and concentration appeared on Malfoy's face. The blond ferret stood up and bolted for the Great Hall doors. As he paused to open the doors his last control was lost and a stream of brown liquid poured out of from under his robes.

By now everyone in the Great Hall had their attention on the blond headed Slytherin, as he struggled out the doors. As his head disappeared from view, the Hall heard the unmistakable voice of Filtch.

"FILTH..DISGUSTING FILTH EVERYWHERE. I'VE HAD ENOUGH.." The rest was lost as the doors closed but the laughter was ringing throughout the Hall.

"Fleur, that was great," Harry thought, but before he could do anything else an oily voice came from behind him.

"Potter, what did you do to Malfoy?" Snape hissed dangerously.

Harry turned and glared at the greasy haired potion's professor. "Even though he called my friend a mudblood, my girlfriend and her sister something worse and gloated over a highly liable article, I did not do anything to the ferret."

"Ten points from Gryffindor and I think a detention is in order Potter for insulting a fellow student."

"Ten points? What about Malfoy? Are you going to punish him for insulting Hermione, Gabrielle and Fleur?"

"Malfoy is none of your concern Potter!" Snape replied as his lip curled, "Tuesday night at seven for your detention."

"But it is my concern Severus," Albus Dumbledore said as he and Remus Lupin had strolled up during the exchange between Harry and Professor Snape. "How will you be punishing young Mr. Malfoy?"

"Headmaster," Severus Snape started. "There is no proof outside of Potter and his friends that Malfoy insulted anyone."

Dumbledore looked at the students around him, "Do any of you disagree with Mr. Potter's allegations against Mr. Malfoy?"

"Sir, I followed Draco over here because I expected him to insult Fleur and her sister," Cedric said. "He first called Hermione a mudblood and then made an extremely insulting remark about Veelas," Around the table all the heads were nodding in agreement.

"There you go Severus, the witnesses include a Hufflepuff and two French citizens," Dumbledore said. "So I think you assigned ten points for the insult by Mr. Potter, so in fairness that would be thirty points from Mr. Malfoy? And three detentions? I think those detentions can be served with Mr. Filch. Please inform him at your earliest opportunity."

"What about what Potter did to Mr. Malfoy?" Severus said. "He was staring at him when it happened. I know he did it."

"Oh, I'm sorry," The Headmaster turned to Harry. "Mr. Potter did you do anything to Mr. Malfoy in retaliation for the insults?"

Harry looked at the Headmaster. "Sir, I returned the insult by calling him a ferret, but I did not cast any spell upon Malfoy. You are more than welcome to check my wand. As for why I was looking at him, I was glaring at him since he is propagating the libel article Rita Skeeter wrote in this magazine," He nodded at the magazine in front of Hermione. "The whole Slytherin table was laughing at us."

"Severus, will you take Mr. Potter's word, or will you need to check his wand?" Dumbledore asked.

Severus just glared at Harry for several long seconds before, with a billowing of his robes, he turned and stalked away.

"I didn't mean to get you in trouble 'Arry."

"Are you kidding?" Harry thought. "You were brilliant, a three for one punishment for Malfoy and public humiliation. Don't worry about my punishment, I'm used to detentions with Snape."

"Now that that matter is settled Harry," Dumbledore said, "Remus is here to see you, and needs your assistance in getting him where he needs to be. He's going to be babysitting your dog for a while."

By now though, Harry was out of his seat, "It's good to see you again Professor Lupin," He said.

"I'm not your professor anymore Harry. I'm your godfather's and I hope your friend. I think Moony or Remus will be just fine," Lupin replied, and then he turned to the students surrounding Harry, "And that goes for all of you, though I don't think I have met you two," He said to Fleur and Gabrielle.

"Pro..Moony, I would like you to meet Gabrielle and Fleur Delacour," Harry said. "Fleur is the Beauxbatons Triwizard champion and Gabrielle is her sister and my girlfriend."

Remus eyes went from the Delacours to Harry immediately. "Girlfriend you say? Well I look forward to hearing all about the young woman. I now recognize Fleur. Her picture was in the Daily Prophet along with yours about the tournament."

"But you know they left out the real Hogwart's champion, Cedric Diggory," Harry said, nodding to the older Hufflepuff.

"Yes," Lupin said and then turning to Cedric, "Congratulations, I understand you're doing quite well."

"Thank you sir, just trying to keep up with Harry," Cedric replied causing Harry to look down at his shoes.

"Harry," Professor Dumbledore started, "I have several things to take care of, can I trust you to get Remus to where he needs to go?"

"Yes sir, we were going to run into Hogsmeade right after breakfast, but we can delay that."

"Ah, speaking of Hogsmeade, could you postpone your trip until later in the afternoon perhaps. I have something I would like you to pick up for me," Dumbledore said. "It won't be available until around dinnertime though. If you wait to go toward late evening it would be highly helpful."

Harry looked at his bond mates, who all nodded. "Yes sir. We can do that."

"Excellent. Come see me before you leave then and I'll explain what I need you to do," Dumbledore said and turned and strolled up to the head table.

"Harry, you know you're going to have to tell Professor Lupin about us don't you?" Hermione thought. "He's going to the Chamber and he will need to know why Fleur and Gabrielle know about Sirius."

"Fleur, Gabrielle, Hermione just pointed out that Lupin will need to know about us, since he will be down in the Chamber with Sirius and will be inquisitive on why you know of him." Harry said.

"Okay 'Arry," Fleur answered. "E was part of ze thing wiz Sirius wasn't 'e?"

"Yes," Harry replied. "He was also our Defense teacher last year, and a good friend of my father and Sirius."

"Ron," Harry continued out loud as he turned back to his friend. "After breakfast I need to take care of something for Professor Lupin. Are you up to studying with us later, maybe right after lunch, and that means if Fleur wishes to join us she will be there."

"Yeah…maybe," Ron replied and with a sullen look, got up from the table and started walking away.

"I guess I need to go talk to him," Harry said to the women around him.

Hermione put her hand on his arm. "Not yet. Let him think about it for a while. See what he decides before you talk to him."

Harry looked at her, then nodded and sat back down and finished breakfast.

Twenty minutes later they were all walking into Moaning Myrtle's bathroom. Remus had been puzzled when Fleur and Gabrielle joined them, but accepted Harry's promise that everything would be explained.

"Oh 'Arry, I want to try it zis time," Fleur said.

"You sure?" Harry asked.

"Yes, ze more of us who can do it, ze better," She said.

Harry thought of himself opening the chamber as Fleur concentrated. After a few seconds of thinking Fleur said "§Open§", that is what Harry heard at least. The rest only heard her hissing.

As the section of wall sunk out of sight, Lupin stared at Fleur, "You're a parseltongue?"

Fleur smiled, "Non. I just 'ave an excellent teacher," As she looked over at Harry. "My teacher is very 'andsome as well."

"But I didn't think parseltongue could be taught," Remus responded.

"It can't," Harry replied and then smiled at his old Professor's confused look. "Moony, let's head downstairs and if you can promise to keep a secret, we'll tell you what's going on."

"Harry, I hope you know you can trust me without even asking," Remus replied. "Just don't tell me anything that would put me in conflict with Sirius or in a position where I can't protect you."

Harry looked at the man in front of him and nodded before started down the steps.

Remus studied James' son. Harry seemed to be happier and more open than he was last year. "Maybe it was the dementors last year, but it still seems like there's something more," Remus lit his wand and followed up in the rear once all the ladies had followed Harry. A few minutes later they were at the entrance to the Chamber.

"Do you want to try Gabrielle?" Harry asked and again smiled at the look of confusion on Lupin's face.

"Non, 'Arry, anozer time I will," She replied.

Harry pulled her into a hug. "Are you okay?"

"I'll be fine," Gabrielle replied. She looked up at Harry and then gave him a peck on the lips. "Thank you."

"Anything for you," He replied.

Harry turned and looking at the emerald eyed snakes that protected the Chamber and hissed "§Open§."

As they entered they found Sirius had conjured himself a bed near the entrance and as evident by the light snoring, was still sleeping.

"I presume this Chamber is soundproof?" Remus whispered.

"Oh definitely," Harry replied guessing what was going to happen.

Remus pointed his wand at his throat and whispered "Sonorus," He winked at the others and mimicked putting their fingers in their ears. The he walked over to the sleeping Padfoot and with his magically magnified voice he gave a howl.

Sirius leapt from the bed looking in every direction at once as he clambered for his wand. Remus turned his wand back on himself and a loudly whispered "Quietus" and his voice was back to normal.

"You mangy werewolf," Sirius snarled. "I had a nice dream going of being pampered by….." his voice trailed off as he saw Harry and his bond mates laughing.

"Glad you're settling in Sirius," Harry finally said. "Shall we change the name from Chamber of Secrets, to Sirius' Slumber house?"

"Very funny pup," Sirius replied and turning back to his old friend and giving him a hug. "How've you been Moony."

Remus didn't reply because he had finally realized what the giant wall of poisonous green that was on the other side of the Chamber was. Dumbledore's words came back to him, "I want you to imagine facing the thing you're going to see with just that in your hand. Then remember he was only twelve and didn't have his wand at the time," Remus stumbled over to the Basilisk and just stared at it.

Sirius walked over to his friend, "I wouldn't want to face it. Give me Moody, two aurors and a couple of dementors anytime over fighting one of those."

"True," Lupin agreed, "But what about the Basilisk or Lily after James' Bachelor party?"

"With the hangovers we had?" Sirius replied remembering that morning well. "Basilisk would have been much much quieter. Though I thought from the look in Lily's eyes we were going to die."

Remus turned back to Harry and noticed all three young women had moved much closer to Harry. "I guess everyone has already told you how impressive this was, so I won't bother repeating words already spoken. Are you alright being down here?"

He watched Harry's eyes flicker to the Basilisk and around the Chamber. Harry finally said, "I'm fine."

"So can you tell me your secret now?"

Harry looked at his three bond mates, and then turned back to Remus. "It's only going to be a secret until the summer," He nodded to the table and chairs that were still there from the previous evening. "Have a seat."

Remus stared at the chair and then over at Sirius who had a blank expression on his face but the old twinkle was in his eyes. Not as bright as it had been in school, but much better than the almost dead eyes Sirius had the previous year, "Good to see that coming back. I'm glad Azkaban hadn't driven it completely out of him," He thought. Remus strolled over and sat down and he looked up at the young gentleman still standing there.

"I feel like I'm telling my own father this time," Harry thought, and then to Remus. "Shall I start this off by giving my old Defense teacher a quiz? Moony, looking at Gabrielle and Fleur, what can you tell me about them?"

Remus studied the two young ladies, "Both are extremely attractive young women, silvery-blonde hair, perfect complexion and carry themselves with exceptional grace. I would be very surprised to find they did not have some Veela in their parentage."

Harry turned to Hermione, "Shall we give him an O?"

"Most definitely Harry," Hermione replied. "He was our best Defense teacher."

Harry turned back to Remus who was smiling, "Their Grandmother is Veela," Then to Fleur and Gabrielle, "Am I going to like your Grandmother?"

"As long as you don't get 'er angry you will," Fleur replied then seeing the expression change on Harry's face. "Don't worry, she'll love you."

"Do you mind me quizzing Remus like this?"

"No, of course not. It is zat part of us zat you are explaining."

Remus was trying to remember all the customs and powers of a Veela that might be at the bottom of this secret that his friend's son held, but he couldn't think of any. Harry was obviously not under the influence of their allure.

"Next question then, what unique custom can the Veela employ when it comes to love?" Harry asked.

Remus again delved into sparse knowledge the sixth year textbook they had used imparted and nothing came to mind about Veelas and love. "I don't know Harry, I covered Veelas in the sixth year class but the textbook didn't give much information since they are mostly on the continent."

Harry looked at Hermione "Well that explains why I didn't hear of them until the World Cup. We hadn't covered them yet," Then back to Remus, "Okay, I'll stop with the questions. Moony, Veelas can initiate a bond between themselves and a chosen person made of love," Harry wrapped his arms around Gabrielle's waist. "Their term for this is naming their bondmate. If accepted, the bond creates a permanent magical connection between the Veela and their chosen bondmate."

Remus looked at Harry and Gabrielle. "So you're Gabrielle's bondmate?"

Gabrielle turned around and putting her arms around Harry the two of them kissed. Harry's eyes finally left hers and he looked over at Remus, "Yes. I am Gabrielle's bondmate," Then Harry walked over to Fleur and stared into her eyes.

"You tease," Fleur thought through a smile. Their lips came together and they enjoyed a few seconds of a kiss. Looking back at Remus once it ended, "And Fleur is my bondmate as well."

Remus's jaw was opening and closing as he tried to figure out what to say. Finally after a few attempts, "Both?" was all that materialized.

Sirius was enjoying the look on his friend's face, but he knew the jaw was going to hit the floor soon.

Finally Remus regained his voice. "Dumbledore mentioned you had saved the Beauxbatons Champion and her hostage's lives, is that what led to…" the sentence was left hanging as a question.

"It's not a life debt Remus, it is a bond of love."

"I'm sorry, I wasn't implying anything. I'm just not familiar with this bond," Remus said. "If you're happy with it Harry, of course I'm happy for you."

Harry was about to reply, when Remus performed a perfect lead in. Moony had turned to Hermione, "You know I would have sworn you and Harry would get together someday. The way you always looked out for each other."

Hermione grinned, "Well you never know how things will turn out do you?" She walked over to Harry who was still standing next to Fleur. She looked at her older bond sister. "Do you mind if I borrow Harry for a minute?"

"Oh please do, 'Ermione," Fleur said smiling.

Remus's jaw dropped and had no chance of recovering anytime in the near future when Hermione and Harry engaged in a kiss similar to the first deep kiss they had shared. It was many seconds later when the two of them finally parted. Harry looked over at the Marauder. "Oh Moony, I think you're familiar with Hermione, my last bondmate."

Sirius couldn't contain himself as he howled out in laughter at the look of his old friend's face. Finally the werewolf looked up and smiled. "Okay you got me. That was a good joke."

"Sirius is only laughing at your expression Remus," Harry said. "It's no joke. I am the bondmate of all three of these ladies. They are my family."

"How…I mean…well…you said it was a Veela bond and Hermione obviously isn't Veela. Unless I missed something. I mean I thought she was muggleborn."

Harry and the three ladies launched into a description of what happened in the second task and all that led up to the bonding and how Hermione had joined. Harry was even willing to describe some of the things the Dursleys did to him.

"You were correct Prof..Remus," Hermione said. "Harry and I have always looked out for each other, and now we will all look out for each other. Fleur and Gabrielle are my sisters."

They explained to Remus their reason for wanting to keep the bond secret, and who currently knew about it and the discussions continued until Remus hit on the last thing.

"How did Fleur open the Chamber upstairs?" He asked Harry. "You agreed that parseltongue could not be taught, but she said you were her teacher."

Harry smiled at Fleur, "You want to explain this one?"

Fleur nodded and started "Ze Veela bond is a connection of ze 'eart and ze minds," She explained. "We can feel 'Arry's emotions and 'ear or understand what 'e is thinking."

"You can read each others minds?" Remus asked sitting up quickly.

"Thoughts," Harry answered. "I can't pull a memory from her without her thinking about it."

"And emotions," Fleur said. "I know if 'Arry is sad or 'appy. But we found out if 'Arry thinks about doing something, we can feel ze memory, experience it even. So 'Arry remembers opening ze Chamber and we can feel exactly what 'e did and duplicate it."

"So you can learn parseltongue?" Remus said.

"We can only duplicate ze sounds and actions. To us we are still 'issing and really not understanding what we are saying," Fleur explained. "We can't talk to snakes but we can open ze Chamber."

"We better get back upstairs now," Harry said. "It's probably about lunchtime and I want to see about Ron."

Sirius put his arm around his old friend. "Are you planning on sharing my humble abode?"

"Yes, I guess I can keep you company."

"Well make sure you conjure yourself a chamberpot, there's no bathroom down here."

"What have you been doing?" Remus asked.

"Well it's a lot easier to use the bathroom as a dog and then banish it later," Sirius said. "Besides it's a unique kind of fun to hike up your leg and piss on old Salazar over there," And he pointed at the statute of the fourth founder who had created the Chamber. A foot of the statue had a wet shine about it in contrast to the surrounding dusty rock.

At that everyone started laughing.