Chapter 361: Hogwarts Girls

Disclaimer: Harry Potter and all of its characters belong to J.K. Rowling. I own nothing but the original characters I create.

"Dialogue"

'Thoughts'

-Author notes-

Chapter 361: Hogwarts Girls

Things only got worse the next day.

"I don't understand… I thought that…" Ginny looked at Harry with tear-filled eyes.

Harry, on the other hand, was already starting to look forward to his next great adventure.

'I wonder what it would be… maybe a large meadow with a wooden cabin where I can relax for all eternity…'

"I thought there was something between us," Ginny continued. "You even gave me that wonderful gift…" She clutched at the golden broom pendant around her neck.

Harry knew this was his fault. His misguided attempt to compensate for someone who no longer existed had led this version of Ginny to get the wrong idea.

"I'm very sorry, Ginny. The last thing I ever wanted was to hurt you. But not telling you the truth now would only make things worse later."

He couldn't let her hold on to false hopes, so he needed to be clear.

"I'll always be your friend, but nothing more."

"I…" Ginny's voice cracked before she turned and ran, tears streaming down her face.

"That went well…" Harry muttered to himself.

Things only got worse when his sister came to find him an hour later and scolded him for how he had handled Ginny.

"How could you say that to her? I thought you liked her!" Lyra exclaimed.

Harry wanted to tell her that things wouldn't have gone this badly if it wasn't for her meddling in the first place, but he decided to stay quiet. Part of him felt like he deserved the scolding.

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While leaning against the first-floor balcony railing and pondering his situation, Harry spotted a group of boys leaving the castle, deep in conversation.

It was the not-so-golden trio, Ron, Seamus, and Neville.

'At least things are getting better for someone,' Harry thought as he watched them.

After the first task, Neville's standing among the students had greatly improved. Many had gained a newfound respect for him, and the sheer danger of the task had made more students believe he hadn't put his name in the Goblet of Fire.

That included Ron Weasley, who hadn't even waited a full day before apologizing to Neville and asking to be friends again. Seamus, who had never been angry with Neville and had just followed Ron's lead, apologized as well when Ron did.

Neville, though hesitant at first, eventually forgave them. He missed his friends too much to hold a grudge.

Harry thought Neville was being an idiot but chose not to say anything. This was Neville's business, after all, even if Harry would have chosen differently.

None of them noticed Harry's presence on the balcony as they continued on their way out of the castle. Perhaps they were heading to the lake, judging by the direction they were walking.

Harry then heard footsteps approaching and turned around.

It was unusual for students to come here at this time of year, as the balconies were completely open to the elements and the castle was quite cold.

"Greetings, Mister Potter. I've been looking for you," came a voice.

"Mmm? You have?" Harry asked, confused as to why Fleur Delacour would be looking for him.

He didn't recall exchanging more than a sentence or two with her since the year had started. It was also rare to see her alone...this might have been the first time he had seen the French champion by herself.

At least, that's what it seemed. On closer inspection, he detected traces of two more individuals lurking behind the nearby wall. No doubt the two girls who usually accompanied her everywhere.

"And what can I do for you?" Harry asked.

"I saw your incredible performance that day…" Fleur said, stepping a little closer.

For a brief moment, Harry thought she had figured out the truth about him. But then he realized she was likely talking about something else.

"You mean that squabble at the Three Broomsticks?" he asked.

"Of course, what else? From what I've heard, you rarely show your prowess during classes. Although some strange rumors are coming from the Slytherins."

Harry shrugged. "Miss Umbridge won't even allow us to have our wands on the table during class. If I actually cast a spell in her presence, she'd go crazy… though it may be a bit too late for that."

Fleur chuckled. "Yes, I believe it is. Very unfortunate, what happened to her. The mind can be so fragile."

"You still haven't told me why you were looking for me," Harry said.

"What's the rush?" Fleur moved closer, now only a few feet away. She made a suggestive gesture and placed a hand on his chest. "I've been looking for a powerful wizard to take to the Yule Ball…"

As she looked into his eyes, Harry felt something brushing against his Occlumency shields.

'She's using the allure on me?' Harry wondered. He wasn't sure if she was doing it on purpose or not. As far as he remembered, Fleur didn't have much control over her Veela side at this stage of her life.

Not that it would affect him. Or that she would have time for anything.

He suddenly felt a very familiar magical signature approaching, heading straight for him.

They both heard the voices of two girls outside trying to stop someone.

"Move."

Fleur turned around, visibly annoyed by the interruption. "What is going on now?"

After hearing the yelps of pain from outside, the culprit made her entrance.

"How did you find me?" Harry asked, a grin forming on his face.

Daphne smirked. "I have my ways."

Her smile quickly disappeared when she noticed Fleur.

"And now, Miss Delacour… do you mind taking your hands off him?"

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