The Benefits of Saving Veela- Chapter 50

AN: Casting-

Susan- Natalia Tihomirova

Orina- Hilde Osland

Professor Flitwick dropped to the ground in a heap as the sheer force of Harry’s spell sent him halfway across the room. His wand tumbled across the ground away from him but snapped to Harry’s hand with a simple summoning charm.

“Well done, Harry. Filius is truly a gifted duelist, and you adapted exceptionally.” Dumbledore complimented as he approached his unconscious colleague.

With a wave of his wand, Flitwick stirred. Struggling to his feet, he chuckled as Harry approached and offered him his wand, “Thank you, Mr. Potter… for the wand of course, not for the right and proper trouncing you just gave me.”

“It was interesting dueling you, professor.” Flitwick didn’t fight like Dumbledore. His diminutive stature gave him certain advantages, and he was quicker than Harry ever would’ve imagined. Unfortunately, he lacked the raw power necessary to contend with Harry once he devised a strategy.

“I wholeheartedly agree.” He effused, “I can’t say that I’ve ever had a student who could so thoroughly dismantle me… particularly as a fourth year. Though, it’s fair to say you are the exception rather than the rule.”

“I don’t know.” Harry smiled, “Sue can be a right menace, too.”

“Very true, Mr. Potter,” he tapped himself on the nose, “but so can I. Have you given professional dueling any thought?”

“As much as I enjoy it… no, not really.” He didn’t even know where to begin with regard to pursuing it.

“Well, should it ever interest you, my door is always open to answer any of your questions.” He paused just a moment before snickering to himself, “I must count myself lucky that I never ran into anyone like you in my days on the dueling circuit. I doubt I would’ve been crowned champion if I did. It’s something I often thought of Albus over the years as well.”

Dumbledore acknowledged his own skill enough not to deny it, “Thank you again for your assistance today, Filius. I know the hour was early.”

“I’m no stranger to an early morning,” Flitwick waved him off, “You don’t make it to the professional dueling circuit by waking at noon.”

“Too true, my friend.” The door to the Room revealed itself behind them, “Now if you wouldn’t mind, I need a word with Mr. Potter before we part for the day.”

“Of course, Albus, of course. I find myself in dire need of a shower and more than one salve I think. I hate to bother Poppy, but I’m sure she’ll understand.” With that he made his way toward the door and left the two alone.

“You handled the unexpected quite well, Harry.” Dumbledore said before the door even closed behind the Charms Professor.

“Thank you, sir.” He walked into the Room of Requirement that morning expecting to duel the Headmaster, just as he had been for the last two weeks nearly daily, but instead Flitwick was waiting for him, “But I have to say, I struggle to see the point.”

“Dueling the same opponent repeatedly without variety, particularly one as formidable as me, can be a daunting task.” That felt like a bit of an understatement to Harry. While he felt that he was making headway, he’d yet to win a single tilt against the wizard. For every trick and strategy Harry devised, Dumbledore had an answer, “Filius offered you a new challenge, and allowed you to see your growth as a duelist and a fighter firsthand. Many skilled witches and wizards have lost against him in their day. Defeating him so soundly is nothing short of an achievement.”

The reasoning made sense to Harry, but he had one niggling suspicion, “And do you intend to make this a recurring part of my training?”

“Yes, though your next intended opponent is someone that I would never spring on you without forewarning.” He appreciated that Dumbledore didn’t try to obfuscate his intentions.

“Snape… you want me to fight, Snape.” There was no accusation or even frustration in his voice. After my training in Occlumency, I probably should’ve expected it.

“I do indeed, Harry.” He responded calmly, “My reasoning is much the same as earlier in the year. For all his faults, Severus is a gifted wizard and duelist and without question, his disdain for you is the closest you’ll get to Tom or his loyal Death Eaters. Fighting him will give you an insight I don’t think I’ll be able to achieve.” Harry knew from experience that Dumbledore could be ruthless in a fight, but he doubted he could ever muster the rage and hatred that Snape could.

Much as he hated to admit it, Dumbledore had a point. There was also a not so small part of him that reveled in the idea of getting one over on Snape, again, “Alright, when?”

“I’ll need to discuss it with Severus first, but it will be soon, I assure you.” Looking briefly down to the watch on his wrist, Dumbledore inclined his head, “It appears that we went rather later today than expected, and I have other matters to attend to. Have a good rest of your day, my boy.”

Catching a whiff of himself, Harry didn’t desire to walk through busy corridors in that state. With a quick thought, another room formed just off the training room, “Dobby?”

“Harry Potter sir, what can Dobby do for you?” The ever-excitable elf bounced on the spot.

“Something more mundane than usual,” Harry admitted, “Could you fetch me a spare set of clothes?”

“Of course, Dobby will have them waiting for you.” He popped away just as quickly as he arrived.

Making his way to the shower, he cleaned up quickly and popped out to find a new set of clothes waiting for him as promised. Once he was dressed, he headed out of the Room and toward the enchanted staircase. Just as Dumbledore said, they’d clearly run late. There were some students still filtering down to the Great Hall, but just as many departing.

Heading down, he entered the Great Hall and realized that at least some of the girls had already come and gone. There was one redhead sitting at the Hufflepuff table that grabbed his attention though. Taking a seat next to Susan, he nudged her shoulder, “Seems I’m a bit late today.”

“A bit,” Susan grinned.

“Morning Harry,” Hannah said politely across from him.

“Hannah…”

Before he got the chance to say anything else to the blond girl, Neville approached, “Ready to go?”

“Yep, definitely.” She popped off the bench and took his hand before turning to her friend, “I’ll see you down there!”

Looking around the room, he couldn’t help but notice that even with him being later than usual, things looked rather sparse, “It’s a Hogsmeade day, isn’t it?”

Susan snorted out a laugh, “Most people look forward to them all week, but you hardly even realize they’re happening.” Quietly so that no one else could hear, she added, “I suppose that’s the advantage of being able to sneak down there anytime that you want.”

“Which isn’t that often in all fairness.” He defended himself. At least not since Orina and Anya moved into the castle.

“And yet, still far more often than anyone else in the castle.” She was correct in all fairness.

“So… any plans down in the village?” Harry asked.

“Nothing all that exciting. I need to stop by Scrivenshafts and stock up on ink and parchment. I planned on stopping by Honeydukes to see what Orina baked up today, and then figured I’d head over to Three Broomsticks for some lunch.” She gave him a demure smile, “Why do you ask, handsome?”

Harry smirked, “Oh, I don’t know, I just thought you wouldn’t mind some company.”

Giggling, she couldn’t keep up the little act they had going, “Of course, you’re welcome to come with me any time… and you damn well know it too.”

“Never hurts to ask your girl on a date even when you already have her, Susan.” He informed her sagely.

She quirked an eyebrow at that, “Did you get that advice from Sirius?”

Harry snorted out a laugh, “Are you kidding? I don’t think he ever settled down long enough to come up with that one. He’s great for advice when it comes to getting a girl, but beyond that it’s iffy.”

Realizing that Susan had gone quiet, he turned to find her gazing at him with obvious affection. Not that he didn’t appreciate it, he just wasn’t sure what prompted it, “What is it?”

She shook her head with a fond smile, “Nothing, sometimes I just realize how different things have become in such a short time.” She darted in to kiss him on the cheek, “I can’t help but feel lucky.”

“I get it… I have to remind myself that I’m not dreaming at least once a week.” There were times when it was closer to once a day. Getting up, he offered Susan his hand, “Shall we?”

“You haven’t even eaten anything…”

“Like you said, we’ll stop by the Three Broomsticks later. I can wait.” Despite his efforts that morning, he wasn’t starving, and he didn’t want to make her wait around to head to the village.

“Harry…”

“Oh, alright…” He grabbed a scone from a nearby platter and devoured it with an efficiency that even Ron would respect, “There… now I believe a carriage awaits.”

Conceding, she took his hand and then took his arm. They made their way together out of the castle and toward the gates. The sky above them was overcast, but it didn’t look as though it would last as spots of blue peaked through.

They arrived at the carriages and were joined by Cedric and Cho before departing. They each offered a friendly greeting before taking their seat. The Hufflepuff of the pair pointed out, “I’m surprised it’s just the two of you… usually there’s at least one other girl with you.”

Cho elbowed him in stomach, and he just looked at her confused, “What?”

Not thinking anything of it, as everyone in the school recognized just how close they all had become, Susan replied, “Sue and Padma were working on an Arithmancy assignment, Ginny is helping Luna prepare for the dueling final, Daphne already headed down with Astoria and Tracey, and Fleur is having a day with her sister.”

Most of that was just as much news to him as it was to Cedric and Cho. Cho, still feeling awkward at Cedric’s rather blunt question, waved her hand, “Really, you don’t have to explain. It’s none of our business anyway.”

“It’s really no problem.” Harry assured them, “We know we spend plenty of time together. Makes sense to be curious.”

“Exactly!” Cedric tried to defend himself, only to receive a glare from his girlfriend.

Trying to lighten the mood, Susan asked them, “So what are you two up to today?”

“Oh, we’re going to Madame Pudifoot’s for lunch! I absolutely love it there!” Cho effused. Harry heard from more than one of the gents over the years that the place was a bit of a nightmare, but that some of the girls adored it. From the fond smile Cedric sent toward his girlfriend, Harry was willing to wager that it at least made him happy to make her happy, regardless of his own opinion of the establishment.

“I’ve never been.” Susan admitted, “Is it as good as its reputation?” The rest of the journey to the village passed with the two girls discussing the details of Pudifoot’s. When the carriage came to a halt, they let the older couple get out first before Harry gave Susan a hand down.

She daintily took his hand and gave him a beatific smile. She tried tosound regal as she said, “Thank you, kind sir.” They both chuckled as he offered his arm, and they made their way into the village.

It seemed quite busy, even for a Hogsmeade weekend. But I suppose that’s inevitable when there’s so many extra students about anyway. Their Beauxbatons and Durmstrang guests enjoyed the village just as much, if not more, than their Hogwarts counterparts.

“To Scrivenshaft’s then?”

“Yep.” They knew the store well enough that they didn’t need to peruse. They both restocked on essentials before they headed back to the street and down to Honeydukes. As always, you could smell the deliciousness of the store before you could even see it. People struggled to push through the crowd at the door. It seemed to get busier with each new visit to the village.

They both knew the reason behind the increased business, “You’d think they’d be used to her working here by now… especially since they see her in the school damn near daily.”

Harry shrugged, “I don’t know… I certainly never get tired of seeing any of you ladies. I can’t really blame them, especially when she’s as talented a baker as she is gorgeous.”

“Good point.” About ten people filtered out of the store and allowed them to push their way inside. Some people ate their confections at small tables set up at the sides of the store, while others stood in small groups doing the same. Most of the eyes in the room were turned toward the counter where Mr. Flume along with Orina worked tirelessly.

When they finally got the chance to approach the counter, Orina beamed, “If it isn’t two of my favorite customers!” She leaned over the counter and warned them, “I’m afraid you came in bit late though… we’re running rather low on things already.” From the state of the display case, that was rather obvious.

“Lucky for us, if there’s something we really want, we have a bit of an in with the baker.” Harry winked at the lovely veela.

Orina chuckled at that, “Just means you might have to wait few days before you get it.”

“That a sacrifice I’m willing to make.”

Susan clearly wasn’t of a similar mind as she smacked his shoulder, “Speak for yourself, Potter! We’ll take two of whatever you think is best.”

“Of course, Susie. Coming right up.” She grabbed a paper bag and filled it with two containers of what looked like brownie, “This is kladdkaka, from Sweden. You’ll love it, promise.”

She passed along the treats, as Susan handed her a few sickles. Orina attempted to push them back toward her, but the redhead insisted, “You make us enough free ones, you don’t need to pay for these too.”

Conceding, she opened the till as they waved their goodbyes, “We’ll see you later.” He doubted they’d have any stock left sooner rather than later as a new batch of students funneled in.

“Dovyzhdane, obicum.” She replied in her native tongue before greeting the next customer.

The pair made their way out onto the street, bags in hand, and by unspoken agreement, meandered toward the Three Broomsticks. Going inside of the pub, the place was bustling as expected. The repairs after the attack on Anya and Orina took very little time and it looked as good as new.

They found a table for two tucked away in the corner, and were quickly approached by Madame Rosmerta, “Afternoon, you two, what can I get you?” The woman carried around four mugs while two more floated behind her.

“Two butterbeers, thanks Rosie.”

“Coming right up.” Settling in, Susan tucked herself against his side as they watched the crowd. Cutting her way through the crowd with a practiced ease, Rosmerta returned with their drinks quickly, “Did you want any food, dears?”

“Shepard’s pie for me.” He said.

Susan started to speak, and then paused as she stiffened beside him, “Just… the fish and chips please.”

“Perfect, it’ll be out in just a bit.”

As the vivacious barmaid left them, Harry spoke against Susan’s ear, “Something the matter?”

“No, not at all.” Her response came a little too quickly, almost like she was nervous, “Just… this should be interesting.”

Her cryptic response made a great deal more sense as someone approached their table, “Susan, I was hoping to run into you.” Since the Goblet of Fire was delivered to Hogwarts, Harry only saw Madame Bones from afar, but now, there she was with a warm smile for her niece.

“Auntie! Hello!” Susan stood, and went in to give the woman a hug, “I wasn’t expecting to run into you today. Won’t you sit with us?” Harry stood as well but had the good sense not to go in to hug the woman. In a similar manner to McGonagall, Madame Bones held an undeniable sense of authority even outside of her official capacity.

Taking a seat beside her niece, they both did the same as Amelia explained “As much as I’ve been at Hogwarts this year, we’ve barely had the chance to speak… and I missed you at Christmas. I took the day off and was hoping to surprise you.” He knew from Susan that it was the first time in her memory that she hadn’t spent Christmas with her aunt.

“Well consider me surprised!” She reached over and squeezed his forearm, “You’ve met Harry before.”

“Of course, it’s a pleasure to see you again.”

“Likewise, Amelia.”

“So… how are things at the Department going?” Susan asked her aunt.

“Not that I can tell you everything, but with Fudge gone, funds that have been siphoned away from the department for years are being redistributed. Rufus can be an ornery bugger at times, but he understands what needs to be done.” The two women talked amongst themselves until Rosie arrived with their lunch about little things that only they would understand. He couldn’t help but enjoy getting a glimpse into their relationship.

She’d obviously seen Amelia join them and brought her meal as well, “Everyone enjoy.”

As they dug in, Amelia turned her attention toward him, “I must say, Harry, your performance in both the dueling and main tournament have been nothing sort of exemplary. There’s no doubt that Susan and Daphne were right, you certainly gave Hogwarts the best chance of victory.”

“I haven’t won just yet, but I think I have a fair chance of it at this point.”

“That seems to be something of an understatement. Albus seems to have every confidence in your ability, and I’ve never known him to be wrong about such things.” He found it quite heartwarming that the Headmaster talked about him to his colleagues. He is the closest thing I’ll ever have to a grandfather, so I really shouldn’t be surprised.

“Yes, but even Professor Dumbledore would agree that anyone can be beaten without the proper motivation and focus.”

Amelia nudged her niece in the shoulder, “I can see why you like him.”

“Auntie…” Susan whined.

“Oh, be quiet. It’s my right as your aunt to tease you.” Her attention turned to him then, “It’s probably only right at this point that I ask you what your intentions are with my niece? My understanding of events after the World Cup was that you’re already involved with the two veela you saved.” Thankfully, Harry wasn’t taking a bite at that very moment otherwise he surely would’ve spit it out.

“This really isn’t the place to discuss this.” Susan warned her aunt.

Amelia just waved her off, “Magic is a wonderful thing, Susie. No one’s going to hear one word of this conversation other than us.” He didn’t know if that was because of something she did or because she knew something about the setup of the Three Broomsticks that he didn’t. Regardless, he doubted she would lie to them given her position. It helped that he’d developed enough awareness of magic that he could feel the privacy charms she alluded to. Unwilling to let the matter drop, she asked, “So, Harry?”

Coughing to hide his sudden discomfort, he managed to find a response, “You’re correct, I’m involved with Anya and Orina.”

“And yet my niece is clearly smitten with you and the feeling seems to be mutual.” Amelia observed astutely.

“I’m also… involved with your niece.” Harry tried to put it as gently as possible.

“Really?” She turned to her niece, “You didn’t think to mention this to me in any of your letters?”

Susan blushed under her aunt’s scrutiny, “Seemed like the sort of thing that I should tell you in person.”

“And when did you intend to do that?”

“Eventually… over the summer…” Susan mumbled out.

Best to swallow the potion all at once if this is the direction the conversation is going. Trying to come to her aid, Harry revealed the biggest shocker, “It’s not just the four of us either, Amelia. There’s also Daphne, Sue Li, Padma Patil, Ginny Weasley, and Fleur Delacour.”

He doubted there were many people who experienced the privilege of shocking the Director of the DMLE into complete silence, but he managed it. Susan snickered at her aunt’s dumfounded expression, “What’s the matter, auntie? Kneazle got your tongue?”

Her mouth opened and closed twice before she gathered herself, “This is… you’re not joking are you?”

“No, it’s the truth.”

“Why would you…” She cut herself off and turned to look at her niece, “I don’t understand.”

Harry held Susan’s hand beneath the table as he explained, “It’s a rather long story with certain details that should be explained in true privacy, but the short version of it is that magic is involved… and led to mine and the girls being entwined.”

“That’s…” She just shook her head in disbelief, “Your proclivity for the sensational is incredible, Mr. Potter. Someday, someone is going to write a biography about you, I have no doubt, and it’ll be more unbelievable than any fairytale.”

Harry breathed out a laugh. Considering we live in a world of magic, that really is saying something isn’t it.

“I hope you’re not mad.” Susan said softly.

“Mad? No.” He could feel Susan relax at that simple admission, “We always knew that your relationship would be unconventional as long as you intended to maintain the Bones family name.” At least, unless she found a wizard willing to take on her name, “This isn’t exactly what I expected, but so long as you’re happy, I can’t complain.”

“I am.” She smiled beatifically at Harry.

“Good.” Amelia turned a stern eye toward him, “The ‘shovel talk’ doesn’t seem necessary, but the ‘don’t hurt my niece’ goes without saying, I hope.”

Harry nodded, “I’ll do my level best, Amelia. And when I inevitably make a mistake, I’ll do my best to make it up to her.”

Amelia nudged her niece’s shoulder, “Well, if you’re going to find yourself in a harem, at least it’s with a man with the right sort of mindset.”

“Auntie! It’s not a harem.”

“What else do you call a group of women all tied to the same man? A coven perhaps?”

“You’re insufferable sometimes.” She lamented, hiding behind her hands.

“Which is my right as your aunt.” They quieted briefly then as Rosmerta approached and cleared away their plates, “So, who else have you told then?”

“Not many.” Susan assured her, “Padma’s grandmother knows and so do Fleur’s parents, but it’s not exactly the easiest conversation to start.” There was no real plan of how they were going to tell everyone in the end. Hopefully it happens organically.

Amelia chuckled to herself as she thought on some of the other ladies and their parents, “No and I can’t imagine that you’re looking forward to telling Molly. Lovely woman, but she can be rather loud in the heat of the moment.”

Harry grimaced, “Ginny and I thought it might be best to explain things to Arthur first, help soften the blow, so to speak.”

“That’s probably for the best.” She agreed, “Cyril will be interesting. Given your prominence in society and your future representation on the Wizengamot, he’ll undoubtedly try to influence you. He’s far from an unpleasant man, but he’s always considered how marriage for his daughters could be advantageous for his family. I doubt he ever could’ve imagined it would work out quite so well without any effort on his part.”

“Daphne warned me as much.” And in his own way, Dumbledor offered a similar warning.

The conversation continued, falling to more mundane topics, before Amelia placed payment for lunch on the table, “It was lovely having lunch with you, but I think I’ve kept you long enough.”

“It’s never any bother, auntie! I couldn’t be happier to see you.” Susan pulled her aunt into a warm hug.

“Nor me you.” She pulled back and held her niece at arm’s length before turning her attention toward him, “A pleasure, Harry, I’m sure I’ll be seeing more of you this summer.”

“You most certainly will.” Susan agreed. With that final goodbye, she left the teens behind and made her way out of the pub.

As soon as the door closed behind her, Susan turned to him eyes wide and apologetic, “You need to know, I had no idea that she was going to be here today. I would’ve warned you, I swear.”

He placed his hand over hers, “You don’t need to apologize, Susie. It was nice talking to her… and frankly, she took the news better than I could’ve hoped.”

With a relieved smile, she laced her fingers with his, “True. Who knows… it might go just as well with everyone else?”

Chuckling, Harry pulled her close and kissed her temple, “Now that is wishful thinking.”

All in all, it turned out to be a rather enjoyable, if impromptu, date.

AN: Next up is a new chapter of Taming a Dragon and then Scourge of the Heathen after. You can expect a new poll next week. March just kicked my ass, but things have settled now.

Thanks for reading and hope you enjoyed!