Beta'ed by Hunter Azrael
Time!" Professor Boddason announced to his students while looking over Harry's shoulder. Harry was currently scribbling away on a massive roll of parchment, and with a flourish, wrote his last word before setting his quill down.
"Thank Merlin," Harry groaned in exasperation and exhaustion, flexing his fingers as he did.
Professor Boddason then waved his wand, almost lazily, summoning the rolls of parchment from his students' desks. Once he'd counted all the exams, ensuring that he had each one, he smiled.
"The rest of the day is yours to do with as you please. Enjoy yourselves!" Professor Boddason announced as the ten students in the 7th year Transfiguration class leapt to their feet in glee. They all swiftly made for the door; eager to be off the ship. The students scattered across the grounds of Hogwarts, glad to have survived a rather daunting exam. Though it was still winter, the Durmstrang students were unbothered by the temperature; their winters were, after all, much harsher than the temperatures experienced in Scotland.
"How'd you do?" Draco asked his family as they joined him on the shore of the lake. Viktor shrugged and nodded.
"Fine," Saiph said with a grin that she fought from turning into chuckles. Harry's hair was currently in disarray from running his hands through it nervously throughout the exam.
"I think I got the properties of conjuring metals right..?" Harry said, trailing off, though his inflection posed his statement as a question. Harry shook his head, "I don't want to think about it anymore."
Draco laughed and Harry shot him the bird.
"I need to go to Hogsmeade and get some things" the young Champion said, turning and giving them a wave without looking.
Draco snorted, "Princess still pissed at him?" He asked Saiph.
Saiph shrugged before giving a mischievous smile, "It's only been a couple days, and she is a veela. He's lucky she didn't try to roast him."
Viktor chuckled causing the other two teens to look at him, "The Singed Champion; can beat an angry fire breathing dragon but not his fireball throwing girlfriend." Saiph and Draco laughed loudly at his words.
Harry wandered around Hogsmeade Village trying to find a gift to go with the chocolate he was planning on buying.
As he now knew all too well, Fleur was still quite livid at him for testing a mere theory against a nesting mother dragon. It had taken him a whole twenty-four hours to figure out why Fleur was upset, and he'd only clued in because Saiph had mercifully taken pity on him. He had been reasonably sure that his plan was going to work; he was no idiot after all (just very well known for being put in life-threatening situations); thus, he was slightly irritated at the silent treatment he was receiving from Fleur.
He knew, however, that this was a battle best avoided. Many lessons from Sirius and his Aunt Narcissa had taught him that it was best to simply apologize and attempt to make it up to his blonde beloved. After all; her reaction was probably the only reason his Aunt hadn't killed him.
Harry groaned as he passed by several stores he would have usually stopped in. He was fairly certain that a gift from Zonko's would get him into more trouble. He kept moving further into the village, finally stopping in front of a Mom 'n' Pop style boutique.
Shrugging, he walked in to find things seemingly haphazardly placed around the small shop room.
"Can I help you, sirs?" Squeaked a voice from behind Harry and he jumped, almost knocking a table over. He turned but saw no one, and his eyes scanned the room until they caught the sight of two long ears. His eyes followed the ears to their roots, landing upon the form of a particularly small house elf.
Harry shook his head, it was no wonder he hadn't heard anyone behind him, the house elf probably just popped in. "Is your owner here?" Harry asked.
"Master was needed at home," The little elf said simply.
"What's your name?" Harry asked with a grin.
"Bob," The house elf said with little fanfare. Harry managed not to laugh but just barely, letting a brief chuckle slip loose. That was the most sensible house elf name he had ever heard.
"Well Bob, I need a gift for a very angry veela," Harry said with a lopsided grin. The elf nodded and turned, moving through the store. Harry raised his eyebrow before following the elf. After a few moments, they'd come to the end of the store. The elf turned and motioned for him to stop; Harry did and watched as the elf disappeared into the back room of the store.
Harry leaned against a nearby table and waited for the elf. He looked over the items on the table, seeing various jewelry and books and strangely enough a collection of muggle lighters with the word 'Zippo' etched into the bottom. Harry's eyes flew up and down the lighters, shining with interest, and he eventually picked up a particularly fascinating model - silver; etched with a dragon on it. As he flipped it open and lit the flame, the elf came back out holding a bucket. Harry looked down in the bucket and burst out laughing, it was full of ice.
"Really?" Harry asked still laughing as he took the bucket from the elf.
"No," The elf said with a small smile before reaching into the bucket and pulling out a necklace that had been resting in the bucket. The necklace was comprised of a thin gold chain and the pendant; a Fleur de Lis, seemed to be made of crystal. Harry reached out and touched it to find that the pendant was actually made of ice, and was freezing cold to the touch.
"You's seemed like you's needed a laugh." He heard the elf say.
"How much do I owe you?" Harry said looking to the elf after taking the necklace in hand. As he spoke he spun hearing footsteps behind him and took in the sight of a scraggly old man in a plaid suit.
"2 galleons and thirteen sickles," The man said in a deep Scottish brogue. "An' three knuts for the lighter."
"Done," Harry said, his eyes lighting up as he pulled out some coins.
"Oh and just so ye're aware, lad; that charm's been enchanted to stay frozen forever. Don't ye worry, the cold'll cease once she puts it 'round her neck." The old man said before taking the coins. Harry nodded as he slipped the lighter into his pocket while the elf handed him a box for the necklace.
"Have a nice day," Harry said as he took off out of the store. He made his way out of Hogsmeade with a jaunty step, passing a few of his classmates who nodded to him before they disappeared into the pub.
A short trek later, Harry was almost at the carriage for Beauxbatons when Hermes landed on his shoulder.
'That'd better be a good present,' Hermes trilled, looking at the box in Harry's hand. 'Last I saw her; she was still smoking at the fingers.'
Harry grinned, replying easily; "She's always smoking."
Hermes head twitched in annoyance, 'I suggest you simply give her the present and forego any form of verbal communication, O' Suave One.'
"I'll take that under advisement," Harry said before stopping at the door to the carriage. He knocked twice before stepping back to wait. Several seconds later, one of the Beauxbatons boys came to the door. The French teen eyed Harry with disdain before closing the carriage door. Harry turned to Hermes who was perched on the top of the carriage. "Should I knock again?" Harry asked his phoenix.
As he spoke the carriage door opened again. He turned fixing a glare on the person coming out but it quickly morphed into a sheepish smile as Fleur stepped out of the carriage.
Her chin was tilted up and she eyed Harry sharply while standing far enough away from him to be out of reach. She refused to speak, and instead adopted a waiting pose. Harry was never one to disappoint and bowed low at the waist with his hand sweeping out in front of him.
"I humbly beg your forgiveness, my Divine Goddess of Fire, and offer you this gift in hopes that you won't roast my arse for my stupidity," Harry said rising from his bow with the gift stretched out and cheeky smile on his face.
Fleur eyed him before huffing and muttering in French, "T'es un con."
Harry grinned genuinely this time, knowing he was off the hook, "Yes, but I'm your idiot." He said holding his hand out for her to take, she did and Harry pulled the beautiful teenager to him. He placed a sweet but short kiss on her lips. "Now I think you should open your present," Harry said handing her a box.
"You realize this sets a precedent don't you?" Fleur said as she ran her fingers across the box.
"Hopefully I won't be annoying you regularly," Harry quipped.
"I'll believe that when I see it." Fleur replied back before kissing him again. Hermes abruptly alit from the carriage with a trill of disgust.
Fleur turned, surprised by trill and then looked at Harry with a questioning gaze. Harry grinned, "Apparently we disgust him with our cuteness." Fleur shook her head as she popped open the box. She gasped at the necklace inside and withdrew it carefully, reaching out to touch it, but stopped, feeling the intense cold emanating from the pendant.
"I've been assured it won't be cold once it is on your neck," Harry said as he took the carved ice and clasped the necklace around the beautiful Veela girl's neck. The cold seemed to stop radiating from the pendant when it was around her neck, true to the shopkeeper's word.
"We'll see if it can withstand veela fire as I'm willing to bet I'll probably piss you off again." The boy said, ribbing himself good naturedly.
Fleur giggled and touched the pendant softly and took his hand leading him away from the carriage. She cast a warming charm on herself before pushing him down to sit under a large tree. Once seated, Harry pulled Fleur down with him, settling her upon his lap. He wrapped his arms around her, causing his hands to settle on her waist. She rested her hands on top of his, playing with his family ring.
"You know I was just scared, right?" She said quietly. "You are the only male who doesn't see a Veela when they look at me." She felt a rumble of laughter in his chest and flicked his hand, "Not just a veela then."
"Damn right," Harry said still laughing lightly. "And I promise not to do anything like that again without telling you first."
Fleur sighed, "That's the best I'm going to get?"
"I was raised by Sirius." Harry barked a laugh that reminded Fleur very strongly of the boy's Godfather.
Fleur laughed at his words before they drifted off into silence, enjoying each other's company.
A few weeks later, Saiph and Fleur were walking through the courtyards of Hogwarts to meet up with the Gryffindor chasing trio. The five girls got along well, sharing a similar sense of humor that one developed only when around chronic pranksters. Fleur and Saiph came around a corner and spotted the three girls easily. Angelina was taller than nearly everyone in the courtyard barring the redheaded twins near them. Fleur raised her hand to wave as she and Saiph moved further into the courtyard. They were nearly to the girls when a smaller teen awkwardly stepped in their way.
He starred at Fleur with a blank look causing Saiph to hide a grin. Saiph had seen the boy, the twins' younger brother, constantly watching her friend and knew the blond girl was likely to put an end to it now.
Fleur stared down at the boy with ice in her eyes. "Yes?" Fleur prompted the boy; her tone causing those who could hear to instinctively move back.
"Wo-wou-would you got to the ball with me?" The boy blurted out in a rush; nearly spitting on Fleur in the process. He looked like an over eager puppy.
"Non," Fleur replied and sidestepped the boy causing Saiph to laugh quietly. The boy looked stunned and then angry.
He tried to grab for Fleur, "Why not," came the near yell but Saiph quickly shut him up by grabbing his hand and twisting it behind his back.
"I don't believe she gave you permission to touch her," Saiph pushed him away not holding in the laughter that came when he stumbled into his two brother's arms.
"Right then, Ronnikins." Fred began. "We need to have a chat with you," George finished. The pair then frog-marched their younger brother away, nodding to the two foreign girls in greeting.
"Why do they always have to try and touch me," Fleur muttered to Saiph.
"No idea," Saiph said still chuckling.
"Well I didn't expect that," Angelina said as Saiph and Fleur finally reached them.
"I don't expect the twins will go easy on him for trying to touch you though," Alicia commented. "They may be pranksters but they wouldn't dare lay their hands on a woman without permission."
"I have visions of Ron ending the day as a canary," Katie said causing the others to share a laugh.
"You think that's funny do you? That'd be just like you, to enjoy another's pain!" A voice shouted out from the side line of the spectacle. They all turned and saw a somewhat chubby boy glaring at Saiph with hatred burning in his eyes.
"Neville?" Katie said with surprise lacing her voice as she looked at the fierce visage of the younger teen's face. She had never seen their normally reticent classmate like this.
"Just like your damn parents. I heard your name during the duel!" He yelled, "Stupify." The curse shot at Saiph who deflected it into a bush.
She saw Fleur move to intervene and waived her off, "No!" Fleur lowered her wand arm as another curse shot at Saiph. Saiph knew who the boy was and had been expecting him to act at some point. Most people at Hogwarts thought the boy did not belong in the house of the brave, but Saiph was learning now that Neville Longbottom most certainly did. The next curse she deflected had enough power to rock her back on her heels.
"Perhaps one of you should get a professor?" Fleur said to the chasers. Alicia quickly took off after her words.
"Fight me or can you only ambush like the filth you're from?!" Neville shouted again as Saiph deflected another curse.
"I am not my parents!" Saiph hissed back at the boy deflecting a slightly harsher hex. She held in her surprise at the curse and continued deflecting curses. She didn't want to chance dodging; the boy most likely would take it badly if his curse hit somebody else. Two more curses shot out at Saiph and one clipped her face. She scowled at her mistake and refocused on the boy. His spells were coming wildly now, as Saiph shielded herself from another curse. Suddenly the boy tensed and fell to the ground Petrified. Saiph turned and saw the formidable looking Head of Gryffindor house.
Saiph put her wand away and stood quietly to the side as the elder witch moved past her and took the boy's wand from his hand. Saiph watched as the Hogwarts professor spoke quietly to the petrified boy before releasing him from her spell. The boy looked angrily at Saiph. "Miss Lestrange, if you would come with me, please." Professor McGonagall's voice rang out through the now silent courtyard. It suddenly dawned on the older Hogwarts students what set the shy boy off. Saiph rolled her eyes before realizing she might as well just confirm their thoughts. She shifted her appearance to her natural form, noticing as even Professor McGonagall stepped away from her.
"Fleur, please bring your uncle over" Saiph said turning to Fleur before she moved closer to the professor and Neville. "I'll stay a few paces back if you don't mind?" She told Professor McGonagall. The Hogwarts professor nodded and took Neville by the collar and led the two students away.
"I'm going to need your help," Fleur said, the stress of the situation causing her to slip into a pronounced French accent as she turned to the chasers, Alicia had reappeared.
"Huh?" They asked turning to Fleur.
"There's no way I can stop Harry, Draco and Viktor from trying to kill your classmate right now," Fleur explained turning on her heel with them following.
"Is she really Bellatrix Lestrange's daughter?" Angelina asked breaking the silence as they crossed the castle grounds.
"You knew she was their cousin," Fleur reminded them. It was quiet for a while before Alicia spoke.
"Yeah but I guess we just didn't think that through."
"Does it change anything?" Fleur asked stopping to stare them down. All three girls learned why Harry Potter, Chainer of Dragons, cowed in the face of the Veela's fiery ire.
"No," Angelina said looking at her two best friends who agreed with her.
"Good – the poor girl's never even met her parents," Fleur said crossly as they came to the Durmstrang ship. "Alright, wait here – remember, just please make sure that they don't get off the ship." Fleur said as she disappeared to the lower decks. Within a minute, the fierce looking Durmstrang Headmaster rapidly exited the underdeck of the ship, and moved swiftly toward the Gryffindor chaser trio.
He paused seeing their stance, which screamed, 'You shall not pass'. He looked back and saw his three star students rushing off the deck. He waved his wand, causing a shimmering blue shield to appear. "That should give you some time to calm them down." He said before taking off at a run. The chasers nodded gratefully and looked back just in time to see Draco bounce off the shield.
Draco growled and turned to Harry, "Break it down!"
"Harry no!" Fleur yelled to him. He froze in the middle of his casting.
"Harry!" This time Viktor growled at him.
"You all knew this was likely to happen.." Fleur tried to say and Harry twitched as he lowered his wand.
"Damn it," Draco swore and threw his own spell at the shield.
It was Angelina, thinking fast, who spoke from the other side, "Draco, if you go after Neville the only thing Hogwarts will call you is a Malfoy." His eyes narrowed to angry slits as he focused on the three chasers in their Gryffindor colors. He dropped his hand and turned to his brother placing his arm around his shoulder and whispering something. Viktor turned and struck out at the ship, driving his fist through the wood, causing the Gryffindor girls and Fleur to wince in unison.
Fleur nodded to the chasers and gave them a wave, mouthing 'thank you.' They nodded and left the three boys to Fleur, wanting to get back and find out what was happening.
"Viktor, she was fine," Fleur said softly from the other side of the shield. "It was just a small scratch."
Viktor shook his head and said quietly, "It's not that. I know better than anyone that Saiph can hold her own against damn near any Hogwarts student. I'm more worried about people's reactions" the usually stoic boy said, betraying his emotions.
Fleur understood that and nodded. "They did finally seem to put it all together." Fleur said, a small frown appearing on her face.
"Well if anyone else tries it can we kick their arse please?" Draco asked.
"Yes," Harry said nodding agreeing with him. Sparks of lightning danced up and down his arms, and Fleur looked at him oddly, "Fleur, this goes beyond anger. Saiph is family, and we protect our own. Longbottom gets a pass this one time, but only because we know that it was misplaced anger at Saiph's parents that drove him to attack their daughter. Anyone else, though, is fair game." The headmaster's barrier then flickered out of existence, and Fleur moved to her boyfriend, wrapping him in a soft embrace in an attempt to calm him somewhat. She could feel the anger of all three boys festering under the surface.
"What happened exactly?" Fleur asked quietly, she had ideas of what it might be, knowing Saiph's parents, but was hesitant to voice them.
"A few years after the war ended the Lestranges and one other person who's name we don't know, broke into the Longbottom house and tortured his parents into insanity. The aurors came but the four attackers escaped."
"Why did they go after the Longbottoms?"
"No one is sure," Harry said with a shrug. They resigned themselves to waiting around for Saiph and their Headmaster to return.
Saiph was led through the halls of Hogwarts and finally stopped outside of a non-descript hall with a gargoyle at one end. No words had been spoken as the trio moved through halls, though the boy was breathing heavily and the Professor seemed to be trying to come up with something. She kept opening and then closing her mouth while glancing at Saiph, mostly.
"Lemon drops," The words came from Professor McGonagall. Saiph whirled to look at the woman. Professor McGonagall caught the girl's curious look and merely nodded to the statue which started to move upwards, revealing a staircase. Saiph noticed that the Longbottom boy looked extremely pale now. "Headmaster Dumbledore is waiting for us," Professor McGonagall supplied. Neville started trudging up the stairs but Saiph stayed put.
"I believe I'll wait for my own Headmaster," Saiph said respectfully, yet the Hogwarts professor still seemed affronted.
"Miss Lestrange that is -" Professor McGonagall started but was cut off by another voice.
"The proper course of action." Headmaster Hardrada's voice came from behind them. Saiph turned and saw him fixing the professor with an intense glare. "Miss Lestrange, are you in need of healing?" He said stopping in front of student looking closely at the cut on her face.
"No sir, it's already closed," Saiph supplied.
"And where is the boy that attacked my student?" Headmaster Hardrada asked, pointedly turning to Professor McGonagall.
The professor pursed her lips in irritation at the tone used by the Durmstrang Headmaster. "Mr. Longbottom has already gone up to Headmaster Dumbledore's office." Hardrada turned and directed Saiph to follow him; she, in turn, was followed by Professor McGonagall.
"Ahh, and here is the other party!" Dumbledore said jovially as the rest of the group came into his office.
"Cut the bullshit, Albus," Hardrada snapped at his fellow Headmaster. Professor McGonagall was silenced from speaking by a glare from Hardrada. "A student of Hogwarts, one of your precious Gryffindors, no less, attacked one of my students unprovoked!"
Saiph had never seen her Headmaster this angry, and half expected to see smoke wafting from between the man's ears.
"She's a Lestrange! That's enough reason." Neville snapped, his anger coming back at the word 'unprovoked'.
Headmaster Hardrada turned his glare on the seething fourth year before turning back to the Hogwarts Headmaster, "And to think you had the nerve to lecture me on my students' fixation on blood status."
Saiph hid her surprise well at her Headmaster's words; it seemed there was a lot more going on between the three schools than mere rivalry.
"The Lestranges deserve to die," Neville mumbled under his breath, but everyone could make out his words.
Saiph snorted, cutting off the reply of any of the teachers, "If you get to them first, I'll send you a fruit basket." Neville looked at her with wide eyes while Hardrada hid a smirk. The Durmstrang Headmaster knew full well the antipathy Saiph had for her parents.
"W-what?" Neville stuttered out.
"I've never even met them," Saiph said before turning to her Headmaster. "Headmaster, as you can see, I didn't actually engage Longbottom in a duel. May I excuse myself? I'd very much like to prevent Draco, Harry, or Viktor going to jail for murdering a misguided fourteen year old." Everyone but the Durmstrang Headmaster looked alarmed at her words.
"Before you go I would like you to know his punishment." Headmaster Hardrada said, gesturing to Dumbledore for an answer.
"He will lose a hundred house points and will serve detention for the next month," Dumbledore said evenly. Neville hung his head but Saiph looked irritated - as did the Durmstrang Headmaster.
"Detention?! I'd be suspended!" Saiph spat vehemently.
"This is not Durmstrang. At Hogwarts, we believe in redemption," Dumbledore said, as though he were explaining something obvious to a five year old. Saiph glared at the man and was about to retort when Headmaster Hardrada cut in.
"Saiph." His voice was sharp and distinct, and his student then knew that she needn't speak any further.
The imposing, scarred man turned to Dumbledore. "There has to be consequence before redemption. I would hope that a man of your age and experience would understand such a simple concept."
At this, Saiph stood from her seat and gave a slight bow to her headmaster before walking out the door. She paused and turned back to survey the room. Finally, she looked directly at Headmaster Dumbledore and smiled; decidedly spiteful.
"Enjoy your visit from my aunt." A loud single laugh was heard from Headmaster Hardrada as the door shut behind Saiph.
"I can't blame him for being angry about what they did, but the little shit still only got detention and a loss of house points, whatever the hell those are!" Saiph fumed as she came aboard the Durmstrang ship. She stormed past her cousins, Fleur, and Viktor without looking; her hands flying in the air as she ranted. "I need to write a letter to Aunt Cissy!" She disappeared below decks.
The four teens shared a look with each other. Harry and Fleur took a step towards shore while Draco spoke, "As her boyfriend you're obligated to calm her down." He said in a hurry and as one, the three took off, leaving Viktor by himself.
Viktor looked to the heavens and took a breath, "Shit." Saiph rarely exploded; like himself and more recently, Harry but when she did it was legendary.
"I can't believe Narcissa sent a howler in front of the whole of Hogwarts," Fleur said with a giggle as Saiph pinned her Veela friend's hair in an elaborate braid. Three days after the incident with the Longbottom boy, Headmaster Dumbledore had assumed he was off the hook as Narcissa never appeared in his office. He was wrong, in the middle of dinner a scarlet letter was flown into him courtesy of Narcissa's owl. Her icy voice reverberated off the walls of Hogwarts Great Hall, rebuking Dumbledore's policies and calling him a goat no less than five times, needless to say the Slytherins enjoyed dinner immensely.
"She never fails to surprise me," Saiph said while grinning at her friend in the mirror. Headmaster Hardrada had given permission for Fleur to get ready for the ball on the Durmstrang ship. Fleur was never more thankful for her uncle's position with Durmstrang; she didn't think getting ready in the carriage would have ended well. "And you're done." Saiph said cheerfully releasing Fleur from her clutches.
"Are we doing your hair?" Fleur asked touching up some eye shadow.
"No I'm going to leave it down for the night," Saiph said as her hair reverted to its natural wavy state, with some red tinges here and there. "So, do you think we've kept them waiting long enough?" Saiph asked with a snicker, looking at the clock on her wall.
"Unfortunately, as a Champion I can't be fashionably late," Fleur said with false abhorrence.
"Too bad - I'm sure Harry would love to irritate Hogwarts further," Saiph laughed as she pulled open her door. The two girls, decked in their finery, made their way to the top deck where Harry and Viktor were waiting for them. Saiph came out onto the deck first and found Viktor coming to meet her.
She smiled at him as he pulled her in for a kiss, "You look beautiful." He gave her a small bow as he pulled back and held out a corsage for her wrist. Unlike the boys, Saiph had been allowed to forgo her formal Durmstrang robes in favor of a ball dress. She was dressed in a dark blue satin one shoulder ball gown that was corseted at the top and flared at the bottom. There were dark ruby beads inlaid in the bodice.
Harry meanwhile was starring stupidly at Fleur and for once the Veela was not put off by the ogling. Harry finally moved his feet forward and presented himself with a bow before taking her hand in his, "Wow." Was all he managed to say but it was enough for Fleur. She looked rather ethereal in the moonlight on the deck of the ship. She was wearing a shimmering silver gown that was more form fitted all the way through, when compared to Saiph's. The gown had two thin straps that were decorated with crystals that formed a floral pattern at the top of her chest.
"Merci," Fleur said with a grin.
"Well, shall we head up to the school?" Saiph asked the other two. They both nodded but didn't turn to look at her, too focused on each other. The foursome took one of the provided carriages to the entrance of Hogwarts where they were met by Draco and his date.
"About time," Draco snarked with a look to Fleur and Saiph.
The reply for either of them was cut off by his date, "You can't rush perfection." She said with a grin that quieted Draco and drew a laugh from the other two girls. The girl in question was only an inch or two shorter than Draco with aristocratic looks, brown hair and light blue eyes.
Draco cleared his throat, "Right. Anyways, Harry, Viktor, Saiph, and Fleur this is Astoria Greengrass, eldest daughter of House Greengrass." He included the girl's family status so his cousin's would know he was rather serious about the girl. "Astoria meet my family; Harry Black-Potter, Head of House Potter and Heir to house Black, and Viktor Black-Krum, my brother, the scion of House Krum." Viktor and Harry each placed a kiss on the girl's offered hand when they were introduced. "and my cousin Saiph Lestrange," he left off her family place, knowing his cousin would most likely pummel him if it was included.
Astoria quirked an eyebrow at the missing title but said nothing.
"Pleasure to meet you," Saiph said giving the girl a small curtsey which was returned with ease.
"And last and definitely least," Draco said smirking at Fleur, "Fleur Delacour, Champion of Beauxbatons and heiress to House Delacour."
Fleur moved forward stepping on Draco's toes rather harshly as she curtseyed to Astoria, "Enchantee de te rencontre." Astoria returned a greeting in French which made Fleur smile at her.
Before anything further could be said Professor McGonagall's voice interrupted them, "Miss Delacour, Mr. Potter, would you please take your places? The rest of you should begin making your way to the ball room." The entrance hall emptied out of students leaving Fleur, Harry, Cedric and his date. The two foreign champions made their way over to the doors of the Great Hall.
"Hello Cedric," Harry and Fleur greeted the Hogwarts Champion with a grin.
"Fleur, Harry, allow me to introduce Cho Chang." Cedric said gesturing to his date. The girl was Asian and rather pretty but not particularly Harry's taste. She was dressed in oriental style dress that matched well with Cedric's traditional English dress robes.
"Pleasure," Fleur said with a bit of tightness, the girl was subtly eyeing Harry.
She was distracted from further irritation by Cedric's next words, "Well Harry you should be happy," he started with a rather mischievous grin. "Apparently they had two extra seats at the head table because the two of you decided to go together. They were scrambling trying to fill them."
Harry grinned, "Makes my heart warm." Fleur grinned at his decidedly pleased look.
"Just like your father," The four teens swiveled to face Professor McGonagall at her words. She was shaking her head but a faint grin was playing at her lips. "Now Mr. Potter and Miss Delacour you will enter first followed by Mr. Diggory and Miss Chang. Walk down the receiving line and up to the head table and stay standing while Headmaster Dumbledore opens the ball." They nodded and Professor McGonagall used her wand to open the Hall doors.
Fleur placed her hand in the crook of Harry's elbow as he led her into the Hall. They made their way to the head table, flanked on either side by the cheering crowd of students. They spotted their friends near the front of the hall, close to the head table. Fleur was looking around the hall with interest taking in the redecorated Great Hall. It had been transformed into a winter wonderland complete with fairies and ice sculptures. Fleur imagined it was the nicest the hall at Hogwarts had ever looked. She was drawn out of her examination of the hall when she felt Harry's body tense. She glanced to him and saw his jaw was set and clenched so hard his muscles were twitching.
"Harry?" She asked quietly.
"Draco's sperm donor is here," Harry bit out the words and forced a smile back on his face. He was trying to maintain a calm façade as he glanced at his family, he knew they had yet to see the Hogwarts governor, for if they had, the hall would probably be covered in blood.
Fleur scanned the head table, her glance running past the familiar faces of the Heads of the three schools, the ministry officials, and on to the three new faces at the table. One looked young and nervous with a shock of red hair that vividly reminded her of the twins. The seats to his left were open while the one nearest to him was filled by a man who looked like an older version of Draco. Upon finally seeing his face, the young Veela nearly stumbled, but righted herself.
The man was dressed in resplendent black robes of velvet and had the palest of pale blond hair that was pulled back with a matching velvet hair tie. He had a blank look on his face that changed to a sneer when he caught Fleur's eyes. Fleur returned the look and Harry's was added to the mix forcing the blond man's gaze to turn elsewhere.
Next to the man Fleur now knew as Lucius Malfoy was an older woman dressed in very traditional robes with the most awful hat the young veela had ever seen. The woman's severe face roved over the champions as they made their way to their seats. Harry led Fleur to the seat next to the redheaded young man that was left open. They remained standing as instructed waiting for Dumbledore to speak.
The rest of the students made their ways to their own tables. Harry could tell the second his family spotted Lucius Malfoy, all the candles at their table flared in response to the accidental magic let off by Draco, Viktor, and Saiph. The rest of the table looked around anxiously trying to ascertain the source of magic. Their search was ended as Dumbledore silenced the crowd and started talking.
"Welcome to the annual Tri-wizard Yule Ball!" His words brought applause from the students and attendees. "Before we begin the celebration I would like to introduce a few people. First, taking the place of the ill Minister Crouch, representing the division of International Magical Cooperation, it is my pleasure to introduce a former Head Boy; Mr. Percy Weasley."
The hall gave him a scattered applause and a few boos, coming from his brothers, no less. Dumbledore smiled, amused by the scene despite his multiple professors' displeasure. "And I am also pleased to announce that we have two of our esteemed Hogwarts Governors attending; Lord Lucius Malfoy." Suddenly the displeasure at the Krum table dawned on its other diners. Harry noticed Headmaster Hardrada's clear look of displeasure, one mirrored by his wife next to him. Harry wasn't sure which Hardrada he was more afraid of at the moment. There was applause for Lucius but mostly from those students in Slytherin House. "And Madam Augusta Longbottom." The severe woman was introduced at last.
"Motherfucker," Harry murmured the oath to Fleur. "He's really asking for it now." He glared at Dumbledore. The old goat looked entirely too pleased with himself. Dumbledore finally took his seat allowing everyone in the hall to sit. He took the menu looked it over and in a loud clear voice spoke into his plate making food appear. The hall filled with noise as people started ordering their food.
"Mr. Potter it's a pleasure to meet you!" Percy Weasley spoke past Fleur and in an excited tone. "We at the Ministry are very glad to have you back in England." Lucius Malfoy snorted but remained silent.
Harry decided for his own sanity he would have to shut the ministry stooge up fast. "Weasley right? The twins must be your brothers." Percy frowned and looked to say something but Harry plowed on, "They have enormous potential in the business world. They've been discussing opening a joke shop with my godfather Sirius. Sirius thinks they could easily turn a profit within weeks of opening and he won't stop raving about the potential for a global product." Percy looked like he swallowed a frog at Harry's words. Fleur, Cedric, and Cho all tried and failed to hide their laughter. It was well known by Hogwarts students that Percy and the twins were frequently at odds.
"So Fleur, how does Hogwarts compare to Beauxbatons?" Cho Chang asked with interest.
"It is much colder," Fleur said only to have Harry give a bark of laughter. Fleur elbowed him and rolled her eyes. Cho and Cedric both looked at Harry wanting an explanation.
"It's positively summery here," Harry said with a laugh. The two Hogwarts students looked at him like he was crazy. "You have no idea how cold it can get up in the mountains."
"Harry," Headmaster Hardrada spoke with a warning.
"Right. Sorry," Harry supplied.
"Come now," Dumbledore cut in. "Is there really still a need for all this secrecy, Rorik?" Madam Hardrada laid her hand on her husband's arm to still him; he had not given Dumbledore permission to use his first name.
"Yes," Hardrada supplied flatly and refused to add more. Madam Longbottom bristled at the insult while Lucius looked amused.
"It's going to be a long night," Harry whispered to Fleur. She nodded her agreement with a small smile.
"Now, for the moment you've all been awaiting," Dumbledore said standing at the head table. At his words the orchestra took their seats for the opening dance of the ball. "Champions, if you would take the floor."
Harry led Fleur out to the middle of the dance floor and gave her a small bow. She smiled at him and he took her waist posed for the music to start. The classical music started up and Harry began, leading Fleur along the dance floor. He was as smooth on the floor as he was on his broom, at least when it came to the traditional dances his aunt had drilled him in. He was rather dreading the rest of the night, but Fleur's smile helped take his mind off it. At a particular beat of the music Harry lifted Fleur into the air gracefully and when he set her down more dancers joined the floor.
When the song ended Harry dipped Fleur before bringing her up and placing a kiss on her lips. Fleur returned it for a few seconds before they broke apart and applauded the orchestra with everyone else. The diminutive Professor Flitwick of Hogwarts that had been conducting came to the front of the stage.
His somewhat squeaky voice quieted the applause, "And now the moment you've actually been waiting for. The Weird Sisters!" A huge roar of approval came from the students as the famous band took the stage. The students rushed close to the stage and became a mass of gyrating and spastic bodies.
"Do you want to keep dancing?" Fleur yelled to Harry so she would be heard. He looked at her eager look and nodded, though she had to pull him along. They were soon joined by Viktor and Saiph and Draco and Astoria. Astoria seemed to be keeping Draco's mind from his natural father being in the room. They danced for a while, awkwardly for Harry, but he managed to pull off a few moves.
They had finally taken a break while the Weird Sister's started up another of their hit songs. The boys moved off to collect punch for their dates. The girls were joined by Angelina and Fred while George wasn't letting Katie off the dance floor.
Suddenly Saiph took Fred by the hand, "Take me for a dance," She pulled him out on to the floor glancing wearily back at where Madam Longbottom had been approaching.
"I would have thought his dancing scared her off," Angelina said with a laugh.
"I think she's more worried about avoiding Neville's grandma," It was Alicia who spoke coming up with her date Lee. She nodded in the direction Saiph had glanced at. The group turned and saw the old woman glare at them before quickly changing directions. They were stopped from saying anything by a loud bang coming from the punch table.
The whole hall turned and even the band paused to see what had happened. Lord Lucius Malfoy was currently sitting on ass about ten feet from Draco who had his wand pointed at the man. Harry and Viktor were no help as they were struggling not to laugh at the English Lord's disheveled look.
"Excuse me," Astoria said to the group and moved to Draco's side quickly. She got to his side and took his wand arm in her hand lowering it. She leaned into him to whisper something to which Draco paused, schooling his face, then nodded. They left the hall and the band started back up taking the focus of the students once again.
"Well there wasn't any blood," Fleur quipped to the group making them laugh. "Now I'm going to get Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum before they curse Malfoy." Her comment drew more laughs. She made her way over to Harry and Viktor as Lucius Malfoy stormed off.
"Enjoy that?" Fleur asked the two.
"He deserved it," Viktor surprised her by answering. "He commented on Draco's date breeding stock."
"Cochon!" Fleur spat after him. Harry smiled and pulled her in for a kiss.
"Want to go for a walk?" Harry asked as he pulled back. Fleur nodded and stole a glass of punch before pointing Saiph out to Viktor.
"Don't do anything I wouldn't do," Viktor called after them with a grin. He got flipped off in response. He was still chuckling as he cut in on Fred and Saiph.
Harry led Fleur through the doors to the Great Hall and made their way out to the courtyard to get some air. They were quiet as they moved and paused as they heard carriage doors opening and slamming shut.
"What is that?" Fleur whispered. Harry and she covertly moved around the corner. Harry snorted at what he saw, the dour Hogwarts potion professor was gleefully interrupting students trying to get some private time.
"Ten points from Ravenclaw Miss Fawcett and ten from Hufflepuff Stebbins," Professor Snape was actually smiling as he spoke. "And your parents will be getting notes," The girl started crying as they ran off.
"I don't think I ever seen Snivellus smile like that," Harry murmured to Fleur deciding to head to the rose gardens, far away from Draco's Godfather.
"Severus!" Harry and Fleur both paused turning back to the potions professor. Lucius Malfoy was striding over to Professor Snape. "We need to discuss this."
"I have said everything I need to on the subject," Severus Snape said rather dismissively.
Lucius looked around spotting no one, he grabbed his sleeve and thrust it up showing off a vivid dark mark, "You cannot ignore this."
"Harry?" Fleur asked quietly.
"His dark mark," Harry guessed in a whisper.
"Unlike you Lucius, I have nothing to be worried about. I have done my duty," Severus snarled quietly. "You should be at home thinking up ways to explain the loss of his money to him instead of bothering with what is not yours." Severus's expression was in stark contrast to the smile previously on his face. Severus stormed off leaving Malfoy pale in the dark. Harry pulled Fleur quickly into a darker alcove as Severus passed.
"Come on let's get out of here," Harry said eager to be away from Lucius Malfoy before he cursed the arrogant man.
"He's marked – b-but, he's a teacher!" Fleur yelled, outraged when they came to the rose gardens.
Harry pulled her too him, her back resting against his chest, "He's a spy. At least that's what we've been told."
"Do you believe it?" Fleur asked picking up on his hesitance.
"Sometimes," Harry said. "But enough about him," Harry grinned. "I have something for you."
"You already got me something," Fleur said turning and giving him a kiss.
"I will never be able to give you enough," Harry said seriously before grinning salaciously, "especially if it gets me kisses." Fleur flicked him playfully.
"Here my lady," Harry said handing her a small package wrapped in a red bow. Fleur eagerly slit the bow and opened the package. Inside were two small tear drop sapphire earrings.
"..'Arry," her accent became more pronounced as she examined the earrings. "I love them." She drew him in for a kiss. It quickly grew heated with Fleur's tongue seeking out Harry's mouth. It seemed never ending until a voice cleared behind them.
They broke apart quickly and both blushed upon seeing who was behind them. Headmaster Hardrada and his wife stood there. Artemisia was smirking at their discomfort while the Headmaster glared at Harry.
"You may be one of my favorite students but, will change very quickly if you do not keep your hands a bit higher." Hardrada barked gruffly. His wife chuckled at Harry's gulp and she swatted her husband playfully.
"There is nothing wrong with them having a bit a fun," Artemisia said with a wink. Fleur blushed again but gave her aunt a smile.
"They can have fun, supervised." Hardrada replied.
Artemisia rolled her eyes, "Gods help Diana." Harry and Fleur chuckled at her words. "Why don't you two get back to the dance? Saiph said something about wanting to do the electric slide?" Artemisia said the name of the dance carefully. Harry and Fleur took the dismissal and started back to the hall arm and arm.
A/N
Okay I'm really sorry it took so long but I've been having some issues with everything, so my brain hasn't really been into writing. Hopefully I'll be faster with the next chapter and hopefully it'll be longer for you.
Also before anyone says anything I made Astoria the older sibling in this story. And no one knows Barty Crouch Jr. is a death eater in this story, yet, lets just say he was masked at the Longbottom household.
Thanks for sticking with me,
AM