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(P).(A).(T).(R).(E).(O).(N)
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"So, mon cher fils, is zis why you insisted zat I come tonight?" asked Caterine, turning a curious look on Sebastian.
"Yes, Maman," he nodded. "There are two announcements that I wish to make before we eat tonight. One should truly be Fleur's, but I believe that she will prefer if I make it for 'er?"
Fleur blushed. "S'il vous plaît," she nodded, giving Harry a nervous glance.
Harry shrank back in his seat, already having a good idea of what was about to happen. His only consolation was that Caterine was the only one in the room who didn't know what was going on. Gabrielle didn't count; he somehow didn't find her all that intimidating, and it was amusing to watch her expressions as her mother translated for her.
His cheeks started to heat yet again as Sebastian rose to his feet. If there was one thing he hated in life, it was being the center of attention, and he had a bad feeling that he was going to be exactly that in a few seconds. He had a strong urge to crawl under the table and hide, or maybe have one of the elves pop him out of the room...
Sebastian gave him a sympathetic look, and then he spoke. "Before I begin," he said seriously, "I do not want anyone asking questions of 'Arry on this first part. The reasons for this are not pleasant, and they are 'is to tell. Do not pressure 'im."
Harry winced, but nevertheless watched as Sebastian's gaze met each woman's in turn. Arienne obviously already knew; the sadness in her eyes, and the sympathy that shone on her face, said it all. Fleur and Caterine, however, were another matter entirely; they both looked puzzled. Harry was actually surprised that Sebastian hadn't told Fleur, at least.
"Due to another matter that I will cover shortly," he continued after impressing his will upon them, "I 'ad occasion to investigate 'Arry's living conditions, and found them to be less than ideal. Arienne and I 'ave therefore agreed to take custody. As of several days ago, 'Arry is a part of our family."
Fleur was shocked, and turned to Harry, already opening her mouth to ask the obvious question – but then she seemed to remember what her father had said, and abruptly closed it again. She frowned worriedly at him, but he shook his head at her; he imagined that he would probably tell her someday – she was to be his wife – but that day was most likely a long way off. Caterine, on the other hand, looked completely stunned, and didn't know what to say.
"Welcome to ze family, 'Arry," smiled Arienne, drawing his attention to her. "We know zis will be an adjustment for you, and zat you will not be used to 'ow we act wiz each ozzer, but we will do our best to make you comfortable."
Harry embarrassedly bobbed his head in her direction. "Thank you, ma'am," he said quietly.
"Arienne, 'Arry," she corrected gently. "You will get used to it."
Caterine piped up next, finally having recovered from her shock. "Yes, 'Arry, welcome," she smiled. Then she raised an eyebrow and shot Sebastian a brief but suspicious look. "I do 'ope zat ze arrangement meets wiz your approval?"
Harry nodded and smiled weakly at her. "Yes, ma'am," he said quietly. "It means a lot to me, it's just–" He paused to close his eyes for a moment to steady his emotions. "It's a lot to take in right now," he finished.
Harry could feel Fleur's concerned gaze still lingering on him, her eyes still full of questions, and Caterine was not far behind. He hoped he wouldn't have to get into it; his past was not something he enjoyed talking about. In all honesty, he would rather put it behind him and never look back!
That said, their concern, and Arienne and Sebastian's sympathy, brought a warmth to him that he could not recall ever feeling before. Having grown up with the Dursleys, he knew the difference between feigned interest and honest caring, and it was the latter that he was seeing now! It almost brought a tear to his eye, but he somehow managed to fight his emotions back, albeit with great difficulty.
"We are a fair family," said Sebastian after a moment. "You will learn the rules as you go, and I am sure that you will not be disappointed. Fleur can take you on a tour of the Chateau later so you will be able to find your way around."
Again, Harry simply nodded, and graced Fleur with a brief smile, which she returned. He had a feeling that her concern for him would remain until she either learned the truth or managed to forget about it – and that thought did not settle him at all.
"The other announcement," continued Sebastian, "is equally as momentous, if not more so since it involves two members of the family." Turning to Caterine with an amused glint in his eye, he asked her, "I believe you thought that Fleur would date an average boy first?"
Caterine snorted in amusement. "'E is only one of ze most famous wizards in ze world, mon fils," she smirked. "You cannot blame me for my surprise!"
Harry blushed again, and Sebastian chuckled in amusement. "Indeed he is, Maman," he smiled, "but do I 'ave a story to tell you."
"Oh?" she asked with genuine curiosity.
"Indeed," he nodded. "You see, the Second Task of that awful Tournament 'ad an interesting consequence."
Caterine's surprised gaze moved to Fleur, who shifted uneasily in her seat. Harry had an odd desire to reach out and take her hand, but refrained; he wasn't certain whether or not she would appreciate it. At least Sebastian continued before she could get too much more uncomfortable...
"They did not report all of what happened in the lake," he said, his tone suddenly turning grave. "You see, Maman, Fleur was attacked by a large pack of grindylows, and 'Arry 'ere came upon 'er by chance and saved 'er life. In light of 'er veela 'eritage, 'e as also agreed to take 'er 'and in marriage so that the debt may be satisfied."
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Enjoying the fanfic and hungry for more?
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(P).(A).(T).(R).(E).(O).(N)
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