Chapter Text
From The-Boy-Who-Live to
The-Man-Looking-For-Love
A Rita Skeeter Exclusive
Good morning my fellow witches and wizards. I am sure you are all dying to hear this news and I, Rita Skeeter, have been given the exclusive opportunity to announce the news.
With the one-year anniversary of the end of the Second Wizarding War, it appears that the one and only, Lord Harry James Potter-Black, is holding a special event on the anniversary. From a young boy without parents to one of the most eligible bachelors in England, we all heard or saw the many positive changes Lord Potter-Black, and his family made.
Lord Potter-Black announces that he is hosting a dueling competition for his hand in marriage! You read that right ladies and gentlemen. The savior of the wizarding world is allowing any man or woman, he isn’t picky, to compete for a chance to marry him.
The event is sponsored by Weasleys Wizarding Wheezes. On page four is the official sign-up sheet with all the necessary requirements for the duel. All entries must be submitted no later than April 1 st . During the month of April, participants will be interviewed and chosen from there to compete during the anniversary of the end of the war.
For the moment, there is no news about where the duel will take place, but I am assured that ticket sales will begin two weeks before the event is to take place. Tickets are limited and for anyone wondering about seeing such an event, I have more news. Thanks to Veela Inc., there will be a live broadcast for fans to watch. This comes with an added bonus of announcing that Veela Inc., is preparing to broadcast the next Quidditch World Cup. On the same day ticket sales open, Veela Inc., will announce how to buy tickets to see the duel from your very own home.
Weasleys Wizarding Wheezes would like everyone to know that all proceeds are going to the United Wizard and Muggle Foundation to help all families still struggling to recuperate from the war, as well as the Hogwarts Muggleborn Fund to help give students the money to pay for schoolbooks, robes, wands, and more.
“We want the first anniversary to be memorable,” Mr. Fred Weasley told us when asked why they set the duel for that day. “Yes, we lost people that day, but we saved a lot more lives by coming together for the good of all. Before the duel takes place, we are going to have a moment of silence and remembrance for those who fell during the war.”
“It also gives us a chance for the world to see how much the Muggle world can improve our own,” Mr. George Weasley adds in. “Far too long have we been unable to watch the Quidditch World Cup unless you knew someone, and the Dueling Tournaments will be getting a boost to their viewership. Not to mention the number of jobs created by Veela Inc. taking on the financial burden of bringing us into the modern world. Many of these things wouldn’t have been possible if it weren’t for us coming together to end the war.”
“Although, it was a collective effort to get Harry to agree to this duel but when we swore that all the money would go to helping others, he was finally on board.”
“We hope this adds some levity to a trying time for all of us and reminds us we need to take the good with the bad. We scouted some help to get through the interviews since my brother and I will be submitting our names. I can assure all of you the process isn’t in our hands, we just paid the people to look it over and if you know anything about the Black Sisters, you know they can’t be paid off!”
I can’t help but agree with the Weasley brothers. It's a wonderful way to give back to the community and show the world we can achieve more by working together. Mark your calendars, because we are going to witness our first ever dueling competition available to the entire world.
“I can’t believe you all got me to agree to this,” Harry grumbled as he fixed his hair in the mirror.
“It’s for a good cause,” Draco reminded him as he swatted his hands from his hair.
Harry didn’t fight him as he fixed his hair.
“You’re going to have a lot of fun,” Narcissa told him. “It’s a friendly competition and you know Andy won’t to let it get out of hand.”
“We talked about this for months. Don’t worry, it’s all handled,” Hermione grinned. “Now, I’m going to find Fleur, she said her cousins should have arrived by now.”
“Do you think one will win?” Harry questioned.
“Yes,” the room said together.
“Never underestimate a Veela,” Hermione teased as she headed out of the room specifically created for Harry to wait in.
Narcissa chose some Black property for the stadium’s construction. It took weeks to finish this masterpiece and was available for future Quidditch World Cups.
Hermione could hear people heading to their seats and spotted a few aurors milling around for security. Minister Shacklebolt requested it, despite Harry having contracted with Gringotts to get goblin soldiers to provide security.
As she made her way out onto the grounds where the one hundred participants were waiting, she spotted Fleur with the other Veela who attended. An enormous smile broke on her face as she made her way to her fiancé. Their wedding was in three short months, and she couldn’t wait.
Fleur turned to wrap her in a hug when she was close enough. Their bond hummed between them.
“I’m glad to see you made it,” Hermione said when she turned to face the nine Veela.
They grinned at her, looking pleased with themselves.
“As if we would miss this,” Amy teased.
“We still think it’s between Solana and Chiara,” Melody added as she bumped Chiara’s shoulder. The brunette made a face and shrugged. Chiara was soft-spoken for a Veela but powerful.
Hermione adored the Veela, who often argued with her just as fiercely as Fleur did. Solana, with her golden-blonde hair and soft smile, was outspoken and brash. Fleur used to get into trouble with Solana when they were younger. To this day, Maxime refused to have them at the school at the same time.
“Then why did you all show up?” Fleur questioned.
“Why not?” Marie shot back.
“We heard about the red head Apolline is fond of, wanted a chance to get a good look at her,” Vega jumped in.
“You’re all going to meet Ginny at the wedding,” Hermione pointed out. “We aren’t introducing you here.”
A few of the Veela pouted.
“Nope, this is for Harry, not Ginny.”
“They’re both gorgeous. Who cares?” Solana remarked.
“Which reminds me, I have to get ready to do the introduction,” Hermione grumbled. “I never should have agreed to this.”
“He’s your best friend, it’ll be fine,” Fleur reminded her as she gave her a quick kiss. “I’ll be up in a minute.”
“Good luck, ladies. I’ll see you next month.”
“Bye, Hermione,” the Veela said together.
“You got damn lucky, Delacour,” Emma teased.
“Oh, I know. She is wonderful. Where is, Maman and Gabi?”
“They went to the seats reserved for them by Narcissa,” Talia pointed to a box set aside for family.
Fleur looked in the direction, smiling when she spotted her family. Gabi had shot up during the time Fleur was gone and she still hated being apart from her for those two years, even if it was six for her. It was important to her to have time with her sister. Gabi was happy Fleur came back, and she got to meet Hermione. By the time they returned, their families were closer than ever. It took several days to convince them to postpone the wedding for a year. They wanted time with everyone before adding the strain of a wedding on them.
“There she is,” Vega stage whispered as she pointed to the other side of the stadium.
The other Veela craned their necks to get a look at who Vega was pointing to. Fleur laughed when she spotted Hermione chatting with Ginny. The red head had no idea she was the center of scrutiny from several Veela. She was in the middle of a very spirited conversation with Hermione, both laughing at the other. Fleur felt her chest swell with love at seeing Hermione so carefree. Their time through the Veil had left scars. They were both prone to nightmares, and Hermione had random bursts of accidental magic.
“She’s a tall drink of water,” Emma’s voice was full of desire.
“I can see why Apolline thought she should be trained,” Chiara said in a neutral tone. “I see her magic from here.”
“You can?” Fleur asked in surprise.
Chiara just nodded.
“Beautiful, her hair is like fire,” Katerina added her thoughts to the group.
“I’d duel for her hand,” Elin jumped in.
“Hermione will hex you if you overwhelm the poor girl,” Fleur reminded them. “Now, go get ready. We don’t want them disqualifying you for being late.”
With goodbyes and well-wishes given, Fleur headed for the box Hermione and Ginny were in. Sirius and Remus caught her just before entering.
“You look good,” Fleur teased Sirius.
“That’s what happens when you’re happy,” Sirius grinned as he took Remus’ hand. “It doesn’t hurt to see everyone fighting over my son.”
“He’s got a lot of good options. Hermione, Andromeda, and Narcissa were not kind when they dug through the applications. They only wanted the best for him.”
“My cousins do nothing by half when it comes to Harry.”
“Why should they?” Remus asked. “They adore him as much as Draco and Tonks, and you know how Narcissa felt when Draco brought Blaise home.”
“Harry said she just about fainted,” Fleur chuckled. “Draco was worried she was mad, but it was because she thought he would take longer to admit he was gay.”
“How is Harry holding up?” Sirius asked.
“He’s nervous or that’s what Hermione told me. Draco, Narcissa, and Neville are with him right now.”
“Fleur,” Ginny called, her face surprisingly red.
“What’s wrong with you?” Sirius questioned.
Hermione was doing her best to cover up her laughter, but her eyes glinted with humor.
“Nothing is wrong,” Ginny shot back too quickly. “I just happened to notice I’m being watched.”
“Being watched by who?” Remus asked, his voice full of worry.
“Nothing bad,” Hermione waved him off. “She spotted the Veela contenders, they are eyeing her like she’s the next one they’re fight over.”
Fleur snorted, Sirius laughed, and Remus shook his head.
“I told you it would happen,” Fleur reminded her.
“Yes, four years ago! How do they even know about me?” Ginny demanded.
“Maman.”
Ginny groaned. “I swear, your mother is going to let them hunt me for sport.”
“Oh, don’t say that out loud,” Fleur jumped to cover her mouth. “Maman can and will hear you. The last person who volunteered for the hunt...well...we didn’t see them for two weeks once the Veela caught them.”
“What does that mean?” Ginny screeched.
“It means they were fucking,” Hermione drawled, a wicked smile on her face.
Ginny gaped at her friend, still surprised at Hermione’s boldness.
Sirius let out a whistle.
“Did they survive?”
“Of course, a Veela would never kill a partner. Hunts are far more intense than a soul binding. It’s primal. So, yes, they fucked for two weeks, which is the time it takes for a hunt bond to settle. Their daughter is gorgeous, though.”
Ginny squeaked, eyes wide.
“You’re joking, right? Hermione, tell me she’s joking.”
“Fleur doesn’t joke about Veela mating. Remember when you said we had a weird Veela mating ritual? There are several mating rituals.” Hermione explained.
“How many?”
“Well,” Fleur started, tilting her head as she thought about it. “You have the typical soul binding, then you have our soul mate bond, but that happens once every five hundred years. We just told you about the Hunt bond. There is the Veela bond, which is used under duress when a marked partner is on the verge of death and a Veela breaks their core and infuses it into the partner. Very dangerous and turns that person into a Veela. That one can only be used on female partners, though. You have the Tempest bond which is for enemies turned lovers. That one hasn’t been used since we managed peace between us and the other magical beings though. It was used to end wars by binding their souls and washing away the violence between the warring groups. Often used to strengthen political ties since we will not hand a Veela over to the enemy to die.”
“Don’t forget the Conqueror Bond,” Hermione added.
Fleur grinned, nodding along.
“How could I forget that one? Grand-mere used that on her wife. The Conquerors bond is used when several suitors fight for the hand of a Veela. They all must be marked, of course, but the winner of the duel fights the Veela. Whoever wins that seals the bond. It’s just as intense as the Hunt bond, and you won’t see the pair for weeks.”
“What the fuck?” Ginny squeaked. “You really have all that?”
“Of course, we are an ancient race, times change. Humans have a few rituals, but I don’t believe they have the same level of intensity ours do,” Fleur said with a shrug.
“I’m not even sure where to begin with that.”
“Then you should be careful what you say around Apolline,” Hermione reminded her. “Fleur wasn’t joking, because she will ask if you want to be hunted.”
“She looks like she is going to pass out,” Remus chuckled.
Narcissa arrived just in time to save Ginny from learning any more about Veela.
“He’s ready,” Narcissa told them.
“Ready?” Fleur asked Hermione, who only nodded.
Hermione gave them a smile before moving to the end of the box so that everyone in the stadium could see her. Casting the Sonorous charm she prepared for her opening speech.
“Welcome,” Hermione’s voice carried throughout the stadium, settling the crowd who were ready for the action to start. “I am Hermione Granger, long time best friend of Lord Potter-Black. We want to thank you all for coming out today and for all those watching at home. Before we get started, let me all introduce you to the man of the hour. My best friend, the man I can always count on, and one of the best people I’ve had the privilege of meeting, Harry James Potter-Black.”
The stadium erupted into applause as Harry entered the box to stand next to Hermione. He gave her a hug before turning to wave at everyone.
“Thank you for coming out today to watch as these brave witches and wizards fight for my hand,” Harry said to the crowd. “I, honestly, wasn’t expecting such a huge turnout. When my friends brought the idea to me, I thought they were joking. I’m humble enough to admit that I didn’t believe so many people would want to be here today. Jokes on me. Eight years ago, I returned to the Wizarding World. To a place that felt familiar and unfamiliar. With all the highs and lows of life. Today, I stand here not as The-Boy-Who-Lived or the hero of Wizarding Britain, but as a man who had the good fortune to see our world come together to take down evil. We mark the anniversary of the end of a war. A war that lasted too long and took the lives of many we loved. Before we get to the competition, I’d like to thank all of you for your contributions to the war, and to remember those we lost.”
As his words faded, a large display lit up the sky. A token of the work Colin and Dennis had done in the last year. Everyone could see a visual display of the faces of those who were lost. A hush fell over the stadium as everyone watched. It was a heartfelt moment shared by many.
When it finished, Harry nodded to Hermione as he stepped back.
“We were able to bring all of this together thanks to Weasleys Wizarding Wheezes, Gringotts, and Veela Inc. These companies contributed heavily to the building of this stadium. This competition is divided into categories. The first two rounds are to lower the numbers of overall competitors. Would the one hundred competitors please enter?”
There was a large mixture of men and women who lined up on the marks they could see, facing Harry’s box. The crowd cheered and chanted names of their favorites.
“Welcome. You were all designated a number. If your number turns green, that means you are in the first group. If your number turns orange, you are in the second group. Each battle will continue until eight people from each group are standing. Then we move onto the tournament style competition. The rules are simple, don’t get hit. When you are hit, you will be removed from the field. Good luck to everyone!”
Everyone watched as the screen filled with the numbers of all those chosen to fight in the first group. The others were quick to exit the field and held in the waiting area. Since each group would face something different, it didn’t bother them to let the others see.
All remaining contestants began moving around the field as a gigantic clock appeared, counting down until the duel started. It started with thirty seconds. At fifteen seconds, the crowd let out a surprised gasp as the field began changing. Gone was the flat surface as rocky terrain rose. Contestants scrambled as the ground beneath them changed. A loud buzz sounded when the clock hit zero.
Contestants scrambled away from each other, spells shooting through the air. A shield kept the spells from hitting any of the spectators who cheered on the group. Several people were pulled out of the competition within seconds. The large board ‘x’ing out their pictures when they were removed.
“Damn, Andy has outdone herself,” Harry whistled from his seat next to Hermione.
“Tonks came up with that,” Fleur explained. “She did something similar when she went through auror training.”
“Ted added the mechanics,” Hermione added. “Narcissa and Andy laid the spell work.”
Harry chuckled. “Sounds like Cissa. She never trusts Andy to do anything alone.”
“Sisters are like that.” Hermione said as she looked at Fleur, who grinned.
“Is that...Viktor Krum?”
“He had a great interview.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“You asked us not to tell you who entered the competition.” Fleur reminded him.
“Holy shit, that’s Luna!”
Luna was spotted on the edge of the field, her wand moving with speed and accuracy as she knocked out competitors.
“She’s wicked with her wand.”
“Never underestimate that one,” Hermione said knowingly.
The crowd got louder as the numbers began to dwindle from fifty to thirty until only eight remained. Applause rang as the field shifted back to its flat surface. The contenders gave quick bows before heading to their box. Once the countdown started for group two, everyone wondered what kind of field they would get. It turned into a miniature forest. Trees were smaller than normal so that the field of view wasn’t obstructed but acted as barriers if needed.
“Damn, that looked like it hurt,” Harry grunted as two contestants got trapped in a spell someone had left. It had launched them into a couple of trees before they disappeared from the field.
“It is a competition,” Hermione reminded him. “We have Healers on standby and it’s warded to keep people from serious injury.”
This group ended the round much faster, the eight eyeing each other. It was clear they were in it to win. Hermione was quick to return to announce.
“Congratulations to our sixteen finalists!” Applause followed her words. “I hate to do this to you but your next event is about to start. For this next round you are going to be paired up with another competitor. This is a timed trial event. Please, step behind the yellow line.”
The sixteen contestants moved behind the line. Once they were safely on the other side, the field changed. A large obstacle course took over the field.
“This is about speed, accuracy, and skill,” Hermione explained. “To win this round, you have to finish first. Simple? Not so much. There are certain areas where you will have to dodge attacks coming at you from the side. If you are knocked down, you restart at the current task you were on. Good luck. Our first pairing will be...”
The screen shuffled through pictures of the sixteen contestants. It came to a stop on Fred Weasley versus Viktor Krum. The stadium shook with the cheers from the crowd. Many believed Krum had the advantage as a professional Quidditch player, but a lot of Hogwarts students knew just how clever Fred was.
Viktor and Fred headed to their starting points. Each of the sixteen finalists wore matching uniforms. Black pants and black tank tops, with their names printed on the back in gold letters. The atmosphere was tense, eager for the competition to gear up. As the clock counted down, everyone held their breath.
When the buzz sounded, they were off. Scaling a series of walls with increasing height, they moved onto jumping across floating platforms suspended over cold water. The first spells shot out on this obstacle, almost knocking Fred from his platform. They made quick work of it and moved onto knocking down several walls built in different materials with varying levels of protection on them. A net led up to a higher platform where they had to find their way down to the lower platform. Dummies appeared in front of them as they dashed through a corridor. Viktor took a shot from one dummy that sent him back to the beginning.
People cried out when Fred gained distance from Viktor. Fred moved onto the next task which required going through fifty boxes to find five keys to unlock the series of locks on the door. This portion was designed to slow down contestants and force them to physically open boxes without magic. It was clear Fred was getting frustrated as he tossed boxes aside. Viktor grabbed two keys before Fred found one. By the time Fred found his second key, Viktor threw open his door first. Only to fall into a tank of water. Viktor took a deep breathe as he dove down to move from one opening to the next, coming up to breath when he needed it. Cheers rang out when Fred dove straight into the water without hesitation. He was faster than anyone thought he was and managed to conjure a bubblehead charm underwater.
“Damn, you’d think Viktor would have done the same thing,” Fleur whistled.
“He didn’t even use it when he did the tournament,” Hermione pointed out.
“That’s right, you were his greatest treasure,” Harry teased.
“He was sweet.”
“Did you want to marry him, then?” Fleur asked.
Hermione rolled her eyes.
“No, if wanted to date him, I would have done it back then instead of spending all my time with you.”
“I think Fleur still would have gotten your attention from him,” Harry remarked. “You weren’t all that into him at the time, anyway. After your fight, you left him without saying anything.”
“I apologized for that! He’s a good friend and you’re right, I wasn’t interested like that.”
Fred was the first out of the water, heading for the last obstacle, Viktor right on his heels. This was the fastest portion of the event. They would need to jump over a wall to duck under a bar, followed by two more. Next came crawling through a tunnel, to jump over a ditch, onto a zig zagging balancing beam, and finally an all-out sprint uphill to the finish line. This portion also had multiple spells being fired and no cover.
Despite the few precious seconds Fred had on Viktor, he was forced to the beginning when a spell caught him in the leg. Viktor made it through the first part before getting hit as he dove for the tunnel. Both men were forced back twice more before gaining some ground. They hit the balance beam at the same time but Viktor’s foot slipped in his rush to get ahead. Fred tripped when he jumped down, narrowly missing getting hit by a spell. He grunted in pain, favoring his left ankle as he did his best to push through the pain to rush up the hill. Viktor leapt off the beam, rushing after Fred. The crowd’s cheers warned Fred that Viktor was coming for him. He forced himself to run through the pain.
Everyone watched as the two men headed for the finish line, crossing so close together that no one knew who won at first. It took a minute before Fred was declared the winner and a replay showed he got his foot across the line first.
The applause was deafening as Viktor gave Fred a big hug, a smile on his usually serious face. From that point, each group came forward to compete. A Canadian named Amelia went against an American named Cassie. The competition had been fierce but Amelia eked out the win. Two of the Veela came next. Chiara and Talia went all-out on the course. Talia got hit by a spell just at the end which gave Chiara the advantage she needed to beat her. Luna made a great showing against a South African named Marquis, who ended up disqualified when he skipped a task.
An Italian woman named Aria went against a Veela, Solana. It was clear the two knew each other as they joked before the match began. Solana beat her by a full task. Pansy and Daphne made a showing of flirting with Harry in his box, getting a lot of cheers from the crowd for it. Pansy took the win when Daphne couldn’t seem to get across the balance beam. Marie and Vega, the last two Veela who got into this round, took the course faster than the others. Their race was just as close as Fred and Viktor’s, which ended in Vega declared victor. The last pairing was an Australian witch named Courtney opposite George. While Courtney led the race for a large portion, George got lucky when she got stuck at an task.
After a quick break, which gave the competitors time to eat and take potions for the final event. Hermione announced the next groups were competing in a version of Capture the Flag. Each contestant was allowed four dummies to help distract or capture the flag. First to the flag or entire team taken down would win.
Pansy faced off against Solana. The Veela looked smug on her side of the field. Buildings rose, with a ‘complex’ that held the flag at the top, one red, and one green. During the thirty-second countdown, each person could situate their dummies in strategic points or have them follow a specific path.
When the clock counted down, they were off. Pansy made use of her dummies by creating funnel points to draw fire. She sprinted through the course. On the opposite side, Solana left all her fighters at the flag point and went on her own. It was clear whose strategy was paying off. With her skills, Solana made quick work of the fighters Pansy left to catch her off guard. Pansy, to her shock, found Solana’s fighters moving in different battle patterns to defend the flag.
In the end, Solana captured the flag.
Vega competed against George. Instead of going for the flag, Vega went right for George, catching the man off guard and knocking him out of the competition before dispatching his fighters once he fell. Her win had been swift and deliberate. Fred was next to take on Amelia. Somehow, the two wound up in a duel in the middle of the field. Amelia lost when one of Fred’s fighters captured the flag while she was distracted. Chiara looked concerned when she faced off against Luna. This was the one pairing Hermione looked forward to watching. Luna used a fog spell, which made it almost impossible for others to work in. However, it didn’t seem to faze Chiara, whose eyes burned a glorious silver as she worked her way through the field. There were few differences between each design for the field. It was those changes that Chiara used to her advantage. She set traps for Luna, who dismantled them, not realizing that she gave away her position every time. Chiara got to the flag before Luna got close to her compound by forcing Luna to fight her dummies when she dismantled a trap.
It didn’t surprise Fleur or Hermione that three of the finalists were Veela, Harry just shook his head.
“Looks like you’re joining the club,” Hermione teased as she clapped him on the shoulder.
“Next is Ginny, right?” Harry shot Ginny a look.
Ginny scoffed and rolled her eyes at their teasing.
“As if.”
“Be careful, I saw Maman watching you earlier,” Fleur told her.
“My money is Chiara,” Sirius said as he hugged Harry’s shoulders.
“Mine too,” Narcissa drawled.
“I don’t know, Solana is strong,” Remus added.
“He’ll end up with a Veela either way, but I have to give it to Fred, for getting this far. These women came to win.”
“Why didn’t you compete?” Draco questioned as he turned to look at Ginny.
“Ew, sorry,” Ginny yelped. “I love you, Harry but you’re like a brother.”
The others laughed.
“Don’t worry, Ginny, I’m not offended. It just gives Apolline more reason to bring you around the clans.”
“Don’t joke about that!”
“Scared?” Hermione teased. “It’s been a long time since they had a Hunt.”
“Nope, back to this duel for Harry. We don’t need to worry about me.”
Hermione returned to announce the final showdowns. Fred went against Chiara while Vega took on Solana.
Vega and Solana faced off first. The cheers were loud, and bets went on throughout the stadium. Hermione caught a good look at Apolline, who was smirking outright, as if she knew this was going to happen. She figured her mother-in-law knew more than most and she wasn’t about to bet against her.
Their duel was fierce. Neither pulled punches and they went all out. Fleur commented about it, explaining that they were first cousins and rivals their whole life. It was common among Veela to duel, and they had their own tournaments amongst the clans. By the end of the duel, Solana was left standing, and the field was decimated.
This meant that a break was called to fix the damage from the duel. Narcissa left the box to assist Andy and Ted with the repairs. During the downtime, Dennis showed a highlight reel of the competition so far. In a spark of inspiration, he added a kiss cam to everyone’s amusement.
With the repairs completed, Fred took on Chiara. Many people hoped Fred would take the win, but more people believed Chiara would surprise them. When Fred fired spells, Chiara danced out of the way, reserving her energy for later. Chiara’s tactics changed as soon as Fred showed visible signs of frustration. Then she sent her own spells back at him. Caught off-guard, Fred scrambled to get away from her spells. Most were aimed at his feet to keep him moving. He never saw the trap coming. Chiara worked the trap in-between distracting him. When his foot hit the spell, it was over. Fred lost his wand and was covered in feathers.
“We’ve reached the end of the competition,” Hermione announced to the excited crowd. “It’s been a hard-fought battle amongst our competitors, and they put on a fantastic show for us. I am sure many of you have won a bit of extra money betting on the sides. Now, we’ve reached the finale. Solana and Chiara have shown their skills, and we are going to push them a little bit more. For the penultimate duel, they will fight on a platform. This isn’t just any old platform. At random intervals, the platform will change terrain. If they are knocked off the platform they lose. Finalists, prepare for your last duel of the night.”
Solana and Chiara took their marked positions, and everyone watched as the platform rose. It wasn’t too high so everyone could get a good view of the event and those that couldn’t see, had the screens to help them.
By now, both women were low on energy, many doubting it would be a long fight. Anticipation rolled through the crowd as they faced off. Neither woman showed any emotions as they stared the other down.
“They’ve been dueling for years,” Fleur commented. “They are evenly matched. It will come down to who trips the other one up first.”
“Then it’s going to be quite the show,” Narcissa said with a nod.
The others nodded in agreement, and Harry tried not to let his nerves show. All the contestants knew if a connection never formed, they would part ways. Still, he hoped he might find a connection with whoever won today.
As the clock began its countdown, all eyes glued to the platform. When the buzzer sounded, they were off. Spells flashed through the air with speed unlike anything most attendees had ever seen. Even with visuals, Solana and Chiara were impossible to see through the web of spells the women sent. Spectators half rose from their seats to distinguish either finalist. For those on the platform, they could make out the women. Their magical training gave them an edge.
“Oh, damn,” Ginny said in awe.
“That’s just the start,” Fleur told her. “Yep, I saw that coming.”
At Fleur’s words, the crowd gasped as a figure shot off the platform, landing on the padded ground beneath. It took a moment before anyone could distinguish which woman fell.
Solana groaned as she picked herself up. She glared up at Chiara as the platform descended. Chiara was smirking at Solana.
“You should have seen that coming,” Chiara teased.
“A schoolyard spell,” Solana snapped.
“Never underestimate magic.”
With a shake of her head, Solana stepped forward to wrap Chiara in a hug as the stadium cheered.
“Congratulations,” Harry said as he approached the two women. “That was an impressive duel.”
“Thank you,” Chiara responded with a shy smile.
“I let her get a spell behind me,” Solana shrugged.
“I appreciate that so many came out today. Apolline always told me that a Veela would win.”
The two women grinned.
“We do things like this for fun,” Chiara admitted. “We’re competitive.”
“If you’d come with me, I think Hermione is waiting to make the last announcement,” Harry held out his arm.
Solana pushed Chiara forward, who swatted at the other woman, before looping her arm with Harry’s. He led her back to the platform, where Fleur shot her a wink.
“Congratulations, Chiara, for winning today,” Hermione announced, an amused smile on her face. “Harry?”
Harry stepped forward.
“Thank you, everyone, for coming out today. I hope we didn’t disappoint in providing entertainment. A special thanks to Weasleys Wizarding Wheezes, Gringotts, and Veela Inc., for their support in today’s events. To all contestants, thank you for coming out. It has been my pleasure to host such an event and to honor those who fell at the hands of Tom Riddle. As we all continue to strive to provide a better life for those we love, never forget that we are stronger together.”
*********************************************************************
“I thought you were already married,” Ginny complained as she adjusted her dress.
“I am married,” Hermione told her. “Which is why we aren’t holding a ceremony. Instead, we are doing a celebration of our soul bond.”
“Which includes?”
“Showing off our magic. Apolline felt it would make a bigger impact if we showed off our lightning gift that Soleil gave us.”
“I could have sworn you said it was a wedding.”
“It is, sort of. Why are you complaining? I’m already nervous enough.”
“Why are you nervous?” Emily Granger asked when she entered her daughter’s dressing room. “You’re married, what is there to be nervous about?”
“Apolline wants us to create something with our lightning. Something we’ve never tried.”
“You’ll be fine. Now, quit messing with your hair. It took me hours to get right.”
Hermione smiled, stepping forward to hug her mother.
“Thank you.”
“Always. I believe it’s time to go.”
Hermione nodded, following her mum and Ginny outside. Friends and family gathered for their magical show. Her worries faded when she spotted Fleur heading towards her. They wore matching white dresses with dark blue accents.
“Mon amour,” Fleur greeted as she kissed Hermione’s cheek.
“Hello, love,” Hermione grinned up at her.
“Are we ready to wow them with our magic?”
“If we must.”
Apolline cleared her throat, ending their conversation.
“Welcome, family and friends,” Apolline said. “We are here today to honor the union between Hermione Granger and Fleur Delacour. Since they are already married, instead of going through a long ceremony, they have decided to celebrate their marriage in true Veela fashion. With a show of magical prowess gained through hard work, love, and understanding. Despite the two years we missed with them, Soleil was kind enough to return them to us. Thank you all for coming out to celebrate a bright, wonderful future between the happy couple.”
Hermione and Fleur turned towards the platform the clan had created for them. Fleur linked her fingers with Hermione’s as they gathered their magic. The surrounding air shimmered before their magic became visible to the gathered crowd. It twisted and twirled around them in a show of gold, blue, and silver colors. When the magic had built enough to use, Fleur turned to pull Hermione into a deep kiss. As their lips touched, thunder boomed as a crack of lightning lit the sky. Hermione sank into the kiss, power and love flowing through her veins.
Even after a year of being on this plane, they still found it easier to use their lightning when they were wrapped around each other. Cheers and whistles rose from their family and friends. Fleur broke the kiss, a loving smile on her face. It took a minute for them to look away from the other to see what they had made.
On the once empty platform, now stood a glass statue of Soleil. Bursts of lightning still moved through the statue as if it was alive. Soleil was depicted with full wings and a hand held out as if reaching for her Veela. It was a breathtaking image.
“Well, that’s a high honor,” Soleil appeared before the assembled group.
Many people shouted in surprise, while the Veela dipped into a low bow.
“It does this old heart good to see my Veela doing well and full of love.”
“Came here to show off?” Fleur teased.
“Always. I’m also here to bless my children. After all, it’s been five hundred years since a soul bond has taken place.”
“Because you set it up like that.” Hermione snarked.
“I did, yes. Which is why I came here myself to remind you that your time helping me isn’t over yet.”
Fleur and Hermione groaned.
“Don’t complain. I could have sent you off as soon as you returned. I gave you some time with family.” Soleil reminded them.
“What is it this time?” Hermione questioned.
“Glad you asked, you see, it’s time to return Veela to their glory. All my children deserve to have their full powers back.” Soleil’s eyes took in each of her children. She smiled at each one, the look of pride on her face hard to miss. “You two must cross the Veil —”
“You can’t send them back there,” Ginny argued.
“They just got back,” Harry jumped in.
Soleil held up her hand.
“Not the same one.”
“There are more?” George questioned.
“Yes, and I don’t have a lot of time to explain.”
“Then you should have talked to us on our own,” Hermione snapped.
“You must cross the Veil on Veela land and restore power back to Veela. To do that, you must traverse to the top of Mount Veela, and go through the ritual you find waiting for you.”
“That’s it?” Fleur questioned.
“Your quest has its dangers but nothing you can’t handle,” Soleil shrugged.
“Just great, now—” Hermione’s words cut off when two figures appeared next to Soleil.
“Who the hell are you?” Ginny asked unable to stop herself.
The two figures looked at Ginny with raised eyebrows. Soleil huffed, glaring at them.
“I’d like to introduce you all to Fate and Destiny,” Soleil pointed to each one. “It appears they are here to make your lives harder.”
“So, you’re the assholes who fucked with me,” Hermione growled.
“We were doing what was necessary,” Destiny remarked, their face devoid of emotion. “It needed to be done for you to reach your full potential.”
“You mean you forced me to fight to save the woman I love over and over?”
“The quests are not something we control,” Fate admitted. “The Veil does that.”
“She was never going to die,” Destiny added.
“Oh, fuck you.”
“I’m not surprised that Soleil picked you. She never had much taste with her god touched.”
Before anyone could stop her, Hermione punched Destiny in the face. Destiny hit the ground, a look of surprise on their face. Fate, wide-eyed, moved behind a smirking Soleil in case they were next.
“You dare?” Destiny snapped.
“Your damn right I do!” Hermione yelled. “How dare you act like what I went through wasn’t pure hell. You have no idea how hard it was to not only fear we wouldn’t leave but if Fleur would have died because I failed. I don’t give a damn if you’re some all-powerful being, it doesn’t give you a right to be an asshole. We may be mortal, but we have feelings. I suggest you remember that the next time you want to fuck up someone’s life.”
Fleur stepped forward, wrapping her arms around Hermione to pull her away from Destiny.
“She’s right,” Soleil drawled. “You shouldn’t talk down to them when you need them for something.”
Destiny grumbled as they got to their feet, glaring at the Veela God as if it was her fault.
“We came because we need to explain why you were sent through the Veil,” Fate cut in. They looked uncomfortable and a little afraid of Hermione. “You see, you were touched by us because we are in the middle of a convergence.”
“Which is?” Fleur asked.
“It’s a point in time where certain people are destined to change fate. A convergence is rare, but there were events set into motion that rippled to this moment. During a convergence, each task must be accomplished at one time. Fleur and Hermione are the catalyst of the convergence.”
“Wait, are you here to tell us they aren’t the only ones?” Ginny questioned.
“There are two other lines that must be started at the same time,” Destiny explained. “Master of Death and Star Warrior must cross through the Veil to fulfill their part of the convergence.”
Harry took a step back, right into Narcissa, who hugged him. Everyone traded looks because no one knew who ‘Star Warrior’ was referring to.
“Harry is the Master of Death. He has been called by Death to right a wrong that only he can accomplish. His path was set for him when Tom chose him for the prophecy.”
Everyone groaned, knowing how much it had fucked up Harry’s life already.
“Who's the other?” Hermione asked.
“Ah, that would be Ginny,” Fate pointed to her. “Your god gifted you with the power to rebalance magic.”
“What god?” Ginny asked. “Rebalance magic?”
“You’ll learn more through the Veil,” Destiny cut off her questions. “We are here to inform you that if anyone fails, you all fail.”
“You really want to get punched again.”
Destiny popped away.
Fate rubbed their forehead.
“We deserve that. Still, you are needed for the convergence. There is no running from what must happen. The longer it takes, the harder it will be to accomplish your tasks.” Fate disappeared after Destiny.
“Don’t look at me,” Soleil put her hands up. “I had nothing to do with all that .”
“You started it,” Hermione argued.
“No, I explained when you ended up in the Veil that they did this to you, not me. Well, we can blame Death and whatever god the Weasley family has.”
“We don’t have a god,” Ginny argued.
“Well, that’s not entirely true,” Arthur spoke up for the first time, all eyes on him. “We just don’t talk about her often.”
“Are you kidding me?”
“Uh, no. I just never saw a reason to talk about her since she hasn’t shown interest in us for...seven generations...oh.”
“Yes, when the last female Weasley was born,” Ginny ground out.
“Well, there goes the celebration,” Apolline sighed. “We should regroup later and talk about this. For now, we should continue the party before it all goes sideways.”
A few people agreed and the group dispersed.
“Is this necessary?” Fleur asked Soleil.
“It appears so,” Soleil remarked. “If it makes you feel any better, I didn’t know why they picked you.”
“No, it doesn’t.”
“Don’t worry, if I thought you’d fail, I wouldn’t have picked you.”
“The others?”
“That...it’s not up to me.”
Hermione turned to look at Harry, who was in a quiet conversation with Chiara, her face full of worry. Ginny was arguing with Arthur, Fred and George, listening to what was being said.
“I guess, we should expect the unexpected by now,” Hermione said with a sigh. “All we can do is move forward.”
“Together,” Fleur promised, kissing her forehead.