HP : TRIUMPH

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(P).(A).(T).(R).(E).(O).(N)

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Any further words were interrupted as the Weasely family piled in. Somehow the ticket seating was oddly done and Harry ended up with Percy Weasely on his left with an empty seat on his right.

"Percy." Harry greeted cordially.

"Lord Potter-Black." Percy said politely.

"Ah. Noticed my rings." Harry sighed. "You may call me Harry, Percy."

"Thank you." Percy said simply.

The next and final group to enter the top box was the Malfoy Family. Greetings followed down the line which Harry was at the end of. When the blonde family passed by him Lucius paused.

"Lord Potter-Black." He greeted with a smirk.

Harry shot a frown at his mocking tone but stood.

"Lord Malfoy."

They clasped hands and Harry noticed the man's hands linger.

"Lord Potter-Black." Draco said through clenched teeth obviously using all his pureblood training not scowl.

"Heir Malfoy." Harry greeted easily but did not shake his hand.

Narcissa curtseyed slightly and politely.

"Lord Potter Black."

"Lady Malfoy." He murmured, kissing her hand delicately.

She swept off to her seat as soon as she could, Draco followed. The fates must have been messing with him when they sat Lucius in the seat to his right. The blonde gave him a slight smirk that could be taken as polite if Harry hadn't seen the taunting in his eyes. Then the lights above them dimmed and the announcer stepped up to start the world cup. Harry relaxed into his seat to enjoy.

.-.

"Go ahead of me." Harry said softly.

Harold nodded and led the blabbering Dudley from the top box into the crowds of cheering or sulking people who filed from the stadium. Valentine sent him a fleeting look then followed. Xi-Wong frowned and looked reluctant.

"Can you please watch over the Weaselys and Dudley? I'll be fine." Harry said.

The demon glanced at the leaving family of red heads and then gave a curt nod.

"So all the guard dogs are gone?"

Harry rolled his eyes as he turned to face Lucius.

"Malfoy." He greeted.

"Harry." He smirked back.

Harry sent him a glare but said nothing.

"It was an entertaining match." Lucius spoke easily, changing the subject as they both watched the stadium ever so slowly drain of people.

"Yes." Harry agreed. "I believe the Weasely Twins won a large amount of money for their prediction of the outcome."

Lucius gave a chuckle.

"Did you bet anything yourself?" He inquired.

"No." Harry said easily. "You?"

"No. I did not see the point."

Harry, seeing as the stairwell was much clearer, as most had left, headed for the stairs. Lucius walked beside him easily and Harry noted he and Lucius were the only ones in the area. He didn't bat a lash at this observation.

"I always pictured the 'boy-who-lived' becoming an auror for a living." Lucius remarked flippantly gaining Harry's attention. "Not opening a café."

Harry shrugged off the remark.

"I am not the 'boy-who-lived'. I am Harry." He said simply. "And I love to bake."

"You have a talent for it." Lucius said easily.

Harry tilted his head at the compliment. As they reached the exit of the stadium they both paused. For a moment they stayed in the shadows of the exit looking out at the crowded and loud camp. Half were celebrating their teams win and the other half was just partying for the hell of it.

"I see you got the collar removed." Lucius finally said softly.

Harry saw the man's eyes linger on his bare neck were the collar once sat. Harry reached up and felt his throat.

"Yes." He said. "I did."

"And you are sure you do not want the services of my solicitor?"

"…No." Harry shook his head. "The man who put it on me was ignorant of how much damage it could and did do. He did it with my best interests I believe."

"The road to hell is paved with good intentions." Lucius quoted dryly.

"…Do not look back and grieve over the past, for it gone; and do not be troubled about the future, for it has yet to come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful that it will be worth remembering." Harry returned softly.

"I do not believe I have heard that before." Lucius said idly. "And are you implying that you should just forget the wrongs done to you and forgive the man who committed them?"

"It was a muggle author who said it. And no, I'm not implying I should forgive and forget. I'm saying he meant no harm by it and it was a mistake. It is much easier on myself to forget the mistake then have it brought up and dragged out. I shall confront him on it at another date, but for now, I am enjoying the present."

Lucius sighed. Then he held out a hand. Harry took it and the man gave a firm shake.

"I will trust you on this then. For now, I must return to my family."

"And I to mine." Harry smiled.

Lucius paused at the soft smile. Slowly he kissed Harry's hand.

"I should hope you will become an ally and friend of mine Harry."

Harry blushed slightly at the kiss but smiled.

"It seems that hope is becoming much more of a possibility the more I come to understand you Malfoy."

Lucius smiled and then gently let his hand drop before turning and vanishing into the crowd. Harry watched him go before heading for his own camp.

.-.

"Whooo!" Fred grinned widely spinning in a circle.

Harry laughed as the dizzy boy crashed into his twin brother and dragged Ron down with them resulting in a quick tussle. Percy, who sat beside Harry, made an odd expression that on the outside showed disapproval but the sparkle in his eye said longing.

"You could join in if you wanted Percy." Harry said softly.

Percy jerked startled. Then he shook his head.

"It is not befitting of someone my age, or even theirs." He sniffed.

"Live life to its fullest." Harry responded.

Percy just shook his head.

"What book are you reading?" Harry asked seeing he wanted to drop the subject.

"A Guide to the Ministry Of Magic." He said proudly. "I have been given a job there."

"Congratulations."

Percy stilled and looked away. Harry could read the message as plain as day though. No one else had congratulated him.

"You'll do well." Harry continued. "You've got the drive and a good head on your shoulders."

"Thank you." Percy said softly.

Harry pulled a piece of paper over to him and wrote out his cafe's address.

"Stop by there one day." He smiled. "It's a small café that has very good tea. You could even sit there and do paperwork."

Percy examined the address then slipped the paper in his robes.

"Thank you." He repeated.

Harry just offered a smile and stood.

"I think I'll be turning in for the night now." He announced loudly.

'Boo's came from the twins while Ginny gave an odd frown. Arthur nodded with a smile and Percy bid him goodnight. Ron and Hermione gave him soft smiles. Harry headed for his tent and stepped in. Xi-Wong followed and headed for the cot set up in the living room. Harry yawned tiredly and quickly brushed his teeth and changed into some plain black sleeping pants and a white t-shirt. He turned the lamp off and made sure Xi-Wong was fine before moving into his own room.

He practically collapsed on his bed, exhausted from the day's activities. He smothered his face into his pillow and breathed deeply, letting himself relax into the soft mattress. Before he could find sleep though a rustle of cloth signified his door opening. Silence dominated for a moment before his blankets were lifted and a body slid into bed with him. Strong arms circled his waist and pulled him into a strong chest.

Harry buried his face in Valentine's night shirt and smiled softly at the comfort.

"You worried me terribly for a while there poppet." The vampire whispered softly. "I have grown attached to you."

Harry smiled and found consciousness start becoming quite elusive when surrounded by warmth and the familiar presence of Valentine.

.-.

Harry woke to Valentine shifting next to him. He opened his eyes blearily and gazed up confused at the heavily frowning vampire. At that moment Xi-Wong slid into the room. He took a bare second to frown at Valentine then met both their eyes.

"We have a problem."

Harry had his clothes on and his bag over his shoulder in record time. Valentine followed as he sprinted from the tent.

"What's happened?!" He yelled at Arthur Weasely who was running from his tent, the group following him.

"We don't know!" He returned, panicked.

The two eldest Weasely boys, who had arrived late, ran off into the crowd now running about to find out what was going on. Then there was a scream.

"Death Eaters!"Loving the story so far? There's a whole world of magic and mystery waiting for you with over 85+ chapters still to come! By supporting my Patreon.

You not only get early access to new chapters but also exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and special perks just for fans like you.

Join us on this enchanted journey and help shape the future of the tale. Your support makes all the difference—discover more and become part of the adventure today!

http//patreon.com/BLAKE025

(P).(A).(T).(R).(E).(O).(N)

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