Welcome to Circle of Flames! This is an AU story taking place during the end of the Goblet of Fire, and straying into the Alternate Universe from the get-go. There will be no intentional character bashing in this story, however it will portray certain characters in a manipulative, damaging light, while placing the light on certain character flaws, so if you don't like seeing Albus Dumbledore in any other way than the pinacle of light and goodness, this probably won't be your cup of tea. I currently have no beta, so I apologize for any mistakes you might find. I am American, and while I will attempt not to let that bleed through my writing, you're more than likely to find words lacking an extra letter. I apologize for that, however I have been spelling 'color' without a 'u' since pre-kindergarten, so -shrug- habits die hard.
Disclaimer: I hold no claim over any character, plot, creature, or anything else you might recognize. I have manufactured certain events within J.K. Rowling's fictional world for pure entertainment, and am receiving no profit from this story. Nothing you recognize belongs to me.
Harry stared at the ceiling above him, not wanting to think. Unfortunately that was all he could do at the moment. Had it really been only twenty-four hours ago that Harry was on top of the world, tied for the lead in the Tri-Wizard Tournament, the cup in his eyesight, eternal glory in his grasp. Now the world was falling to pieces around him, and certain people were insisting on acting like nothing was wrong. Of course, Minister Fudge was obviously the main concern at the moment, but Harry couldn't help but harbor some resentment for Headmaster Dumbledore as well.
He wasn't quite sure where this frustration had stemmed from, however he was fairly sure it began the moment Dumbledore had told him he would be forced to return to the Dursley's yet again. After everything he had experienced over the past few years, it still was not enough, he had still not proved himself to the old man. He had screwed up, he had let Cedric die, and now he was being punished for it.
Absentmindedly stroking Padfoot's black fur, Harry found himself speaking to his godfather, taking comfrot in the fact that he knew Sirius couldn't answer back in this form. He could just speak his mind and not fear the blank or condescending looks he typically received from Ron and Hermione respectively.
"Why do I screw everything up Padfoot?" His godfather's head rose slightly from his position on Harry's stomach as Harry spoke directly to him. "Everything I try to do falls apart. I didn't want Cedric to die. I didn't want this to happen, but it was me who told Cedric to take the cup with me. Cedric didn't want to, he wanted me to just take the damn thing. Why did this have to happen? It's my fault he's dead. Maybe Dumbledore is right. Maybe it's best I go back to the Dursley's. I deserve them. I can't even spend time with the Weasley's without ruining things for them. Everyone around me is in danger, aren't they? I'm damaged Sirius, damaged goods. Dumbledore is just trying to spare my feelings."
By this point Harry was so deep inside his own dark thoughts and self loathing that he didn't even realize how Sirius was bristling and growling at his side. Tears were streaming down Harry's face by this point, but Harry took no notice, simply burying his face into his pillow and drifting off into a disturbing nightmare filled with cold high pitched laughs, and piercing blue eyes that declared they knew best for him.
Sirius, for his part was furious. His body was trembling with rage as his godson drifted off to sleep. He had gotten a glimpse into Harry's thoughts, and he did not like the way the boy thought. He seemed to have been raised to think that he was always the one to blame, and that he should simply serve as a scapegoat to the wizarding world, a notion that Fudge seemed to have reinforced this evening, so short a time after Harry had been through such a great ordeal.
Try though he might to deny it, Fudge would eventually be faced with the fact that Voldemort had risen from the ashes, and was intent on spreading havoc throughout the Wizarding World once again. And Sirius' fourteen year old godson had dueled the Dark Lord and won. Harry Potter was becoming a man, one that both his parents would be extremely proud of. However Sirius was concerned for what his godson was lacking, and it honestly seemed to be a lot.
Harry seemed to have no knowledge of who he truly was as the Potter heir. He didn't seem to know about any of the old customs, or even of their existence. Sirius had been shocked to discover that Harry had enrolled in Divination of all subjects, and had no guidance otherwise. Rita Skeeter had been allowed to run her mouth about the private, personal life of a Noble Lord, underage or not, and had faced no retribution. In fact her articles had sold even better, not only because of Harry's reputation as 'The Boy Who Lived', but because he was a Noble Lord, who's lives were so often kept private.
The Azkaban escapee bowed his head in shame. He knew if James and Lily were here, they would be devastated. His happy-go-lucky best friend would be enraged, his face stony as he dealt with the repercussions of what had befallen his son. Lily would have sobbed, knowing that her son could not even be left alone to enjoy his life, without nosy reporters butting in and providing their input. Sirius had failed his deceased friends, and he had failed their son in more ways than one. His recklessness had landed him in Azkaban for twelve years, unable to care for Harry as he should have. However everything would change now. Never again would he let Harry be mistreated like he had been.
Dumbledore.
Sirius growled just thinking of the old man. The Hogwarts Headmaster professed to have Harry's best interests at heart, but nothing he had done thus far had proved that. Sirius didn't buy into any of the crap Crouch had spouted about Harry being forced to participate in the Tournament by way of a binding magical contract. Harry was not yet of age, therefore his legal guardian would have had to consent to his participation. As Harry Potter's legal magical guardian, Dumbledore must have agreed, knowing that it would endanger Harry, knowing that someone was looking to kill him.
A lot of things were not adding up in Sirius' head. Dumbledore had known Alastor Moody for years, yet he had not had suspicions about who was teaching his students until tonight? Not even when the paranoid retired Auror had asked to personally place the Tri-Wizard Cup in the center of the maze. That sounded out of character to Sirius, who had been personally trained by the man after leaving Hogwarts. And then there was the fact that no one had noticed Crouch Jr. cast an Imperius curse on the Durmstrang Champion? The variables were not arranging themselves into an equation in Sirius' mind, however the one constant seemed to be Albus Dumbledore, who never wanted others to know what he did. He liked to have all the cards in his hand, and his hand alone, and much to Sirius' anger, Harry was always his ace in a hole.
Unable to simply sit there any longer, Sirius transformed back into his human self, and began pacing the length of Harry's bed. Things needed to change, and they had to do so quickly. The Second Wizarding War was looming upon them, and Voldemort's rebirth had been the shot heard round the world. However it seemed as thought the Minister of Magic would do his best to ensure that it was heard by as few people as possible. Sirius was sure that if he were proved innocent, his influence in Wizarding Society, combined with Harry's would be able to stop that tirade in its tracks. Of course, that was assuming that Sirius even was proved innocent, which was a different battle entirely to fight.
Of course that left Sirius with another problem, concerning Harry's care. No matter what Dumbledore said, returning to the Dursley's was not an option for his godson. Sirius refused to allow it. The Headmaster had never cared to reveal why it was of utmost importance, but Sirius had deduced that it had something to do with blood wards. However he knew the wards which guarded Harry at the Dursley's could never be as strong as the ancient ones which guarded any one of the Potter's numerous properties, or even the more recently acquired ones, which James and Lily had purchased. James had been able to replicate some of the ancient protections, and the Marauders had added their own, as had Lily, who was to be quite feared when wielding a wand.
Sirius supposed he could simply grab Harry and take him to one of those estates, but that would raise attention. He wouldn't put it past Dumbledore to let it slip to the Ministry about Sirius' involvement with the whole affair. Besides, as much as Sirius disliked the old man, he wouldn't keep Harry from returning to Hogwarts in September, and he knew that once removed from his sight, he would never be able to get to Harry again.
The man continued his pacing, letting out an occasional growl of frustration. This was a mess, and he wasn't completely sure how to fix it. The problem was Harry's life was at the center of all of this, and Sirius couldn't afford to mess things up for his godson even more than they already were.
Suddenly the curtains were pulled aside, and Sirius reacted instinctively drawing his wand and pointing it at the beautiful young woman, cursing himself as he realized he should have transformed into his Animagus.
"Who are you? What do you want?" Sirius growled out, already planning on Obliviating the young woman.
"I mean no 'arm Sirius Black. I am Fleur, ze Beauxbatons Champion, of ze French Noble Family ze Delacours." The blonde stated calmly, unperturbed by the wand aimed at her face. Sirius kept his face impassive, but he was impressed. This young lady was clearly well versed in the Ancient Customs, and had a certain charm about her, that Sirius was sure had nothing to do with her obvious Veela heritage. However his mind picked up on something she said, and his grip on his wand tightened.
"How do you know my name?" He shot out, prepared to subdue her if necessary. Seeing that he was on edge, Fleur gently reached for her wand, and when Sirius took a step forward, she held it out to him, the point of the wand facing towards her. Sirius took it gently, nodding his thanks towards the blonde, but not letting his guard down. She could have another wand after all. He had learned never to underestimate someone.
"Even in France you are known." Fleur stated, her face calm. "We are allies with Great Britain after all, your escape was widely publicized. 'Owever your arrest was a source of much controversy in my country. To give a life sentence in France, one must have been interrogated zoroughly with Veritaserum, and if ze potion is in question zere are other ways to get 'ze answers. Many people in my country questioned ze truth of your crimes. I 'ave seen ze way you are looking at 'Arry, and I do not believe you wish 'im any 'arm."
Sirius was floored by the girl's faith in him. She had never met him before, nor had she ever heard his side of the story, yet she believed him so completely. It made him wonder if more people suspected his innocence than he was originally allowed to believe. At least in France it seemed that he might have a few allies that were not in Albus Dumbledore's pocket.
"Thank you Lady Delacour, I am grateful for your trust. I in no way mean to be rude, however what business do you wish to have with my godson? I assume it was Harry you came to see."
The blonde flushed slightly, and Sirius smirked, realizing that she might have been hoping to see someone else as well, though Sirius wasn't really sure who that someone would be. Tossing her hair slightly and raising her chin, which Sirius recognized as a defensive position.
"You are welcome Lord Black. And I did wish to visit with 'Arry. I had approached Dumbledore about allowing 'im to visit my 'ome in Paris. I 'ave befriended 'im, and well I 'ave to admit I was surprised with our interactions. As ze 'eir of ze Noble 'Ouse of Potter, I 'ad assumed zat 'e would be familiar with ze Ancient Customs. I 'ad 'oped zat we could possibly 'elp educate 'im, but Dumbledore refused, insisting zat Harry spend time with 'is relatives all summer."
Sirius sighed and let out a breath of frustrated air. "I am slowly becoming well aware of just how ignorant Harry is to his birthright. He doesn't even know about the Ancient Customs, he just automatically assumes all traditions are rooted in Pureblood bigotry. I am trying to figure out a way to teach him about it, but Dumbledore is being impossible as I'm sure you've realized. I think he's manipulating Harry for his own purposes."
Seeing the flash in the young lady's eyes only reinforced Sirius that neither women, nor Veela were creatures that should ever be messed with.
"'E is doing what? 'Ow dare 'e attempt to use ze Potter 'eir? Ze Boy 'Oo Lived nonetheless! Zis is simply-" By this point Fleur broke off and began ranting in her native tongue. Sirius smirked, as he understood basic French, or at least the curse words, and privately he agreed that Dumbledore deserved everything the part Veela was verbally throwing at him. However he needed to head her off before she got too far. Her offer had sparked an interest in Sirius, and he wanted to explore it further.
"While I am inclined to agree with your opinions on Professor Dumbledore, I would like to talk to you about your offer." Sirius said, and the fire seemed to die in the French Champion's eyes.
"Yes. As I said, I would like it very much should 'Arry come to visit in France. My younger sister I know would like to profess 'er gratitude, as 'Arry did save 'er zis year. 'Owever ze Potters were always respected as an influential family in France, and I do believe 'is mother came from ze Evans family?" Seeing Sirius nod in confusion, she continued. "Zey were influential among ze muggles. 'Arry seems to 'ave a foot in two worlds for most of 'is life. I would be 'onored to 'elp 'im explore zem. Also, I am sure zat 'e would benefit from understanding Wizarding Society, as well as seeing Magical Paris. I 'ave 'eard zat for zose 'oo 'ave not seen it before it is quite...magical."
Sirius smirked with her, and nodded. "Did you explain all of this to Dumbledore? The benefits far outweigh the cons. Voldemort would never look for Harry in France. Not to mention Harry will be turning fifteen this year, he should be preparing to come out into Society."
Fleur shrugged. "I tried to explain, but 'e would not let me. I was confused, but what you 'ave told me makes much sense. 'e always did seem to 'ave an unusual interest in 'Arry."
The Marauder glanced at his godson who was lying still on his hospital wing bed, frowning in his sleep. He never should have let Harry out of his sight. Sirius would never forgive himself for letting his grief consume himself that night, for it very well might have cost Harry his childhood. His parents had already been ripped from him because of Voldemort, but it seemed that his happiness had been stolen from him because of Sirius' inability to see past his love of James and Lily.
Sirius knew that he had a lot to atone for with his godson, however he was not the only one. He would not allow Albus Dumbledore to continue ruining Harry's life for his own twisted purposes.
"As the godfather of Harry Potter, and the rightful guardian of the Potter inheritance, I accept the request of Lady Delacour." Sirius spoke formally, and several sparks erupted from his wand at his words. Fleur grinned at him beautifully, and Sirus found himself smiling back. He was making a change, he was doing things for the better.
"Thank you for your generous offer Lady Dealcour." Sirius said charmingly, pleased with himself when she flushed at his smooth speech. "However it might take some time to get things straightened out. Albus Dumbledore is no longer in charge of Harry's life, however he might not take the news so well. Also, I would like to be able to spend some time with him, learning more about him, becoming a bigger part of his life, like I should have from the beginning."
Fleur nodded in understanding. "Of course. 'e is your godson after all. And you too are most welcome at my family's 'ome Lord Black. I zank you for your acceptance and your treatment of ze matter." From her miffed tone of voice, Sirius surmised that she had been extremely displeased with Dumbledore's dismissal of her request. He knew that while Dumbledore-like several Wizarding families in Britain-might disregard the Ancient Customs, however most of France still lived by them. Fleur must have seen it as an incredible insult, when Dumbledore refused to even consider her offer. It would have been taken as a slight against her family, and their ability to care for the Boy Who Lived.
Curtsying slightly, Fleur sent a soft caring look at Harry, before sweeping out of the room with a grace that was absolutely stunning. For a moment Sirius stared after her, wondering if she had ulterior motives for inviting Harry to her home, however he quickly dismissed the thought. He knew that Harry would be approaching the age when girls would be more noticeable and appealing to him, however he didn't see anything occurring between him and Fleur. Sure she was certainly feisty, a trait Harry was sure to chase if he was anything like his father, however Fleur and Harry didn't seem to click in Sirius' mind. He was sure Harry would find the right girl for himself, and Sirius wouldn't hesitate to offer his help. From now on, he would be doing everything he could to ensure that Harry's life was everything he deserved it to be.
But for now, all Harry needed was for him to be there when he woke up, so transforming into his Animagus form, Sirius resumed his spot on Harry's bed, laying his head down on Harry's chest, vowing to change his godson's life for the better.
I hoped you enjoyed the prequel to Circle of Flames! This first chapter is a little on the short side, however this is just introducing the story, and setting up the current conflict. All chapters after this should be longer. I do have a question for any readers, and that is concerning Fleur's accent. Would you rather me write it out, as J.K. Rowling did in the books, or would you prefer me to simply write her dialogue the same as I would Sirius? I do not have a problem with either, though I know it gives some people a headache trying to read the French accent, while others get frustrated and say it is 'OOC' of Fleur to say 'that' instead of 'zat'. I am willing to do whichever the majority of reader's prefer, though keep in mind that writing her accent is a little more time consuming, and I am more likely to make slip-ups. Reviews are appreciated, constructive criticism is welcome, flames are amusing, and every read is appreciated.