Harry spotted the other champions once he stepped into the great hall. The good mood was trying to hang on, but the encounter with Hermione was starting to sour it. Honestly, he was a little disappointed in himself. There were probably other ways to handle her. As much as he hated to admit it, he missed her.
He needed some positive interactions to even it out.
Harry joined the other three champions. Cedric and Krum were sitting on the same side of the table leaving the open spot by Fleur. Harry sat next to her, giving the trio a polite smile in greeting. Words were a bad idea since they all seemed to be busy.
Fleur froze. She stared at him. Her pupils dilated. She didn't stop looking at him until he had finished his food. Harry tried to ignore it. With her sitting right beside him it took some effort.
"You've had sex." She whispered, leaning in so only he could hear.
Harry blushed. As covertly as he could, Harry sniffed himself. There wasn't a lingering smell of sex on him. He was starting to wonder about how different Veela were to witches and wizards. He idly took a peek at her plate, trying to see what she was eating. There was an untouched egg in its shell and a slice of ham.
He nodded.
"My allure, it does not tempt you." Fleur slipped into French. Her words came faster. "I thought you were interested in wizards, like your redheaded friend and Victor."
Victor looked up at the mention of his name.
"I prefer the company of women." Harry replied, also in French.
She looked over at Cedric. Even though he hid it well, the Hufflepuff was still affected. He had a slight blush to his cheeks, and he was doing everything he could not to look at Fleur. Cedric was resisting it, but not immune.
"Please keep that quiet." Victor spoke up. "I am not ashamed, but the world is not kind."
"Of course." Harry nodded. "It is not mine to share."
"Yes." Fleur nodded. "I appreciate your company."
"Thank you." Victor relaxed.
"I still don't speak French." Cedric deadpanned.
"Have you found a date for the Yule Ball?" Harry asked.
"I've asked Cho Chang." Cedric smiled at him. "She's the Ravenclaw Seeker."
"She's good." Harry admitted. "Is she planning on going pro?"
"I think we all want to." Cedric chuckled. "Did you ask someone?"
"Parvati Patil." Harry replied. "She's in Gryffindor. Her twin sister is in Ravenclaw."
"Yes." Victor added. "Have date. Girl from school."
Harry looked expectantly at Fleur.
"No." She sighed. "I have been asked by many boys. Those that can speak when I am close anyway."
"Damn." Harry thought for a moment. Oddly enough, Ron would have been an option this time around. "I can't think of anyone to suggest. I know a few you would want to avoid."
"I probably know them already." Fleur stated dryly.
The conversation stalled.
"I've got class." Cedric hopped up.
"I should go as well." Fleur stood; she shot a look to Harry.
"Allow me to escort you to your carriage?" Harry asked.
"Will your girlfriend be jealous?" Fleur asked.
"She's not my girlfriend." Harry shook his head as he stood. "We get along well together."
She paused for a moment.
"Merci." Fleur inclined her head.
Victor stood without speaking and strolled away. Harry couldn't help but smile. Most people saw Krum as standoffish and cold, in reality he was just liked his privacy. That and he wasn't confident in his English.
Harry offered his arm to Fleur, which she took, before they headed to the carriage.
"How are you able to resist me?" Fleur asked.
"No clue." Harry replied.
They continued on in silence for a bit.
"Did you figure out the egg?" Harry asked.
"It is a riddle." Fleur sighed. "Whatever the answer, it will have to do with the lake."
"Figured that part out once it started screaming in Mer-mish." Harry scoffed. "Not sure they thought that one through. The crowd will just be watching the water. Plus, the lake is cold all year."
"Wonderful." Fleur shook her head. "I hate swimming."
"Isn't France famous for its beaches?" Harry asked.
"Splashing around in the water is not the same as swimming." Fleur countered. "I prefer a pool that I can see the bottom."
"Fair enough." Harry nodded. "I would happily invite you to swim, if I had a pool."
Fleur studied him for a moment. "Are you flirting with me?"
"A little." Harry smiled at her.
"I am a Veela." Fleur stated.
"I figured that out, yes." Harry nodded.
"Only those not attracted to women can resist us." Fleur continued. "That or those exceptionally powerful."
"Do you want to know a secret?" Harry whispered, leaning closer to her.
Fleur nodded.
"I'm very powerful." Harry said in mock-severity.
"Clearly." Fleur rolled her eyes.
Harry looked back at the castle. They were far enough away for any sort of magic to be overlooked. The Forbidden Forest was absolutely saturated with ambient energy. Any detection charms or devices would have a hard time distinguishing the source of any fluctuations.
He sighed, letting his shield drop just for a moment. Fleur rocked in place as his magic washed over her. She stared at him wide-eyed.
"How?" Fleur blinked a few times, trying to catch up with the information she just learned.
Harry held a finger up to his lips. "Shh. It's a secret."
Fleur stumbled as they began to walk again. Harry slipped an arm around her waist to provide support.
"Are there male and female Veela?" Harry asked.
"No." Fleur shook her head. "Veela are only female. Any offspring will be female as well."
"Are wizards the only men that Veela are compatible with?" Harry asked.
"No." Fleur shook her head. "We are not exactly human, nor are we creatures. However, we are able to… mingle with either. Within reason as any child will be Veela."
Fleur regained her feet, but made no movement to remove his arm.
"Do all Veela have blue eyes?" Harry asked.
"Yes." Fleur answered. "Why?"
They came to a stop in front of the carriage.
"I was just wondering if there could be a Veela with green eyes." He gave her a roguish smile before walking away.