More Than Just a Pretty Face
Fleur Delacour is a character better known for her loftiness and beauty than her accomplishments and acts of humanity. I took what I believe to be Fleur’s top five best moments in the Harry Potter novels in the hope of reminding everyone that, though she is a bit annoying at times to both the reader and the Weasley women, Fleur deserves a lot more recognition than she gets.
TOP 5 FLEUR DELACOUR MOMENTS
5. Getting Picked for the Triwizard Tournament
Fleur being chosen for the Triwizard Tournament in Goblet of Fire is something that is commonly overlooked. Out of all the of-age delegates from Beauxbatons Academy of Magic, both male and female, Fleur was thought to be the best choice for a competition that tests bravery, intelligence, and magical ability.
4. Praising Harry When He Saved Gabrielle
Even though she is known by Ginny and Hermione for her snobbish behavior, after the second task of the Triwizard Tournament (again in GoF), Fleur shows us for the first time how selfless she can be. Not only does she genuinely acclaim Harry for “saving” her sister Gabrielle and acknowledges the altruism of his actions, but once the points are awarded she also claims that she deserved “zero points” for not rescuing her sister herself, revealing that Fleur is capable of shaming herself as well as others.
3. Letting the Trio Stay at Shell Cottage
In Deathly Hallows, Harry feels guilty about how much danger he, Ron, and Hermione are putting Bill and Fleur in by staying at Shell Cottage. When he apologizes to Fleur for all the trouble, she insists, “Arry, you saved my sister’s life. I do not forget.” She is still so grateful and loyal to Harry for his act of bravery that took place three years prior and is willing to sacrifice her and Bill’s personal safety by agreeing that Shell Cottage could be used as a safe house.
2. Participating in the Battle of Seven Potters
Another act of bravery that we see from Fleur was at the very beginning of Deathly Hallows when she voluntarily took part in the dangerous process of moving Harry from Privet Drive to The Burrow. She risked her life for the safety of others, which should not be something that is overlooked.
1. Her Loyalty and Love for Bill
Fleur’s most shining moment was at the end of Half-Blood Prince when she proved her loyalty to Bill Weasley, her fiancé. Werewolf Fenrir Greyback permanently scarred Bill at the Battle of the Astronomy Tower, leaving his face not only scarred but also somewhat deformed. When Molly Weasley remarked on how Fleur would surely no longer wish to marry Bill because of his appearance, Fleur was offended and famously stated,
What do I care how he looks? I am good-looking enough for both of us, I theenk! All these scars show is zat my husband is brave!
Fleur and Molly then made up, but the real importance of this moment was that it was the pinnacle of Fleur’s character development; she showed everyone that she wasn’t all about materialistic values and looks and that she would no doubt stay in love with her fiancé, no matter what he looked like. This may not be a big “act of loyalty” to characters that don’t care as much about outward appearances, but this is a big step for someone who is known in three books mainly by her beauty. Because Fleur is so proud of her own good looks, others forget that that is not all that matters to her in the world.
What do you think? Has this changed your opinion of Fleur? Or do you still believe that she is not worthy of praise? Let me know in the comments below!
