Chapter Four: Hogwarts And the Funeral

Hermione Granger smiled when she saw her friend James walking toward her, her smile fading when she saw he looked sad. She stopped him from boarding the train and tried to look in his eyes, "Tell me what's wrong James."

James sighed heavily, his sadness showing in his eyes, "Auntie Bella died over summer vacation. We are having the funeral in October at our place in Hogsmeade. You and Luna are invited as my guests if you want to come. I'd like for you to be there for me.

Hermione gave him a hug, "Of course I'll be there James, if Dumbledore allows us off the grounds. I know she didn't like me because of my parents, but I know how much she meant to you. Let me know the exact date and I'll be there with you the entire time."

James gave her a slight smile, trying to be his old self again, "I may need you to keep your promise soon. I was supposed to be your Patron of Honor, and you are supposed to be my Best Woman. Well I may be getting married soon, and you are my Best Woman."

Hermione's eyes went wide, "You are getting married? You're only fifteen. What happened to cause this?"

James shrugged, "I saved a family of veela at the World Cup. I ended up imprinting on them. I had to choose one to bond with to free the others. We are now bonded, married in the eyes of the fey and magic. I told her that we could have a wedding as well for our friends and family. Her family is gathering soon, so I want to invite Luna to be my Groomswoman and you to be my Best Woman. You are my only friends."

Hermione smiled at him, "Of course I'll be your Best Woman. Do I have to wear a tux or can I wear a dress?"

James smirked, "Wear what you are comfortable in. I'm dressing comfortable, why shouldn't you. Now let's find Luna, I want to tell her the plan as well."

They found the compartment with Luna sitting inside with her boyfriend Neville Longbottom. They both were reading copies of the Quibbler, although Neville's was a few month's back. James sat across from them, with Hermione sitting beside him. Luna looked up with a smile, "James, how have you been this summer? I read about the Order of Merlin and the Ordre des Templiers, Daddy was there, but never got the interview."

James looked shocked, "I would have definitely given him the interview. Tell him to meet me in Hogsmeade one weekend and he can have the interview." He then leaned forward and stage whispered to Luna so Neville could hear also, "Do you want to see them?"

Luna's eyes went wider if that was possible and nodded vigorously, "Yes, I would like that very much James."

Neville looked over as he showed everyone the ring on his finger, "This ring is the Ordre des Templiers. England calls it the Templar Order." He pulled out the amulet, "This amulet is the Order of Merlin First Class. I'm the first to be awarded both honors." He then sat back, tucking the amulet back into his shirt, "Auntie Bella died this summer as well. The funeral is some time in October."

Hermione nudged him slightly, getting his attention, "What about the other thing you wanted to talk to her about? The thing you wanted to ask her?"

James nodded when he finally remembered what she was talking about, "Luna, would you like to be my Groomswoman for my wedding? Hermione already agreed to be my Best Woman. Sorry Neville, but I only want two people with me, and Hermione and Luna are my best friends."

Neville waved him off, "Just let me attend and dance with Luna and I'll be fine. I'm afraid I'd mess things up if I were invited to stand with you."

James grinned, "Of course you are invited Neville, you are the boyfriend of my Groomswoman if she accepts my offer. I hope you do Luna, I don't think I can do it without you there. I need both my best friends with me."

Luna gave him one of her dreamy smiles and nodded, "Of course I'll do that for you. I agreed long ago, and I wouldn't go back on my word. What can I wear?"

James grinned, "Semi-formal. I'm wearing something similar to what I wore at the ceremony. Maybe in black this time."

Luna nodded, "I got something that fits. Thank you for thinking of me James. I'll do my best not to embarrass you."

James suddenly felt something in his head, and he heard Fleur's voice, (James, can you hear me? If you can just think of what you are going to say, you don't have to say it out loud.)

James closed his eyes as he concentrated, (Fleur, how are we doing this? Is this something from the bond?)

He could hear Fleur giggling in his mind, (Yes, this is the bond. I'm glad it finally works, I've been trying for what seems like forever. How are you feeling?) James tried to send his feelings to her, and he guessed he did when he heard her cry slightly, (I'm sorry James. I know this is hard on you. I've felt loss, I know how it can feel. I wish I could make you feel better.)

James smiled slightly, (I have my Best Woman and my Groomswoman already picked out. So you can plan the wedding for sometime soon if you want.)

Fleur felt overjoyed, James feeling all her excitement and joy. Fleur pulled back from his mind, causing James to open his eyes. Hermione was looking at him with concern, "You okay James? You sort of zoned out there for a minute."

James shrugged, "It's the bond. Fleur was talking to me in my mind. She's happy about the wedding."

A picture of a beautiful white dress filled his mind, Fleur's voice sounding happy once again, (How about this dress? I've wanted it since I was a little girl. You can wear anything you want, but I've always wanted this dress.)

James closed his eyes once again, reaching out with his mind, (Could I wear something similar to what I wore to the award ceremony? Except it would be black with a white tie.)

Fleur sent back a picture of her smiling, (That's perfect James. I...care about you. I want you happy and comfortable. I have a surprise for you, but I can't tell you right now. I think you'll like it, or at least I hope you do.)

James sent her a smile back, (Anything you have for me will make me happy. I care about you as well. You hesitated though, what were you going to say?)

Fleur seemed to radiate worry, her voice uncertain when she next spoke, (I don't know if we are ready for that yet. I don't want to scare you away. You are too important to me for me to screw it up with something you aren't not ready for, even if I want to tell you so badly."

James sent calming thought through the bond, (Whenever you are ready, you can tell me. If it is what I think it is, I'd rather hear it in person anyway. Maybe by then I can say it as well. I know what I feel, and it feels like I do, but I want to see you before I say it.)

Fleur sent feelings to James to show how she felt without saying it. James returned the feelings with his own, opening his eye just in time for them to change into their school robes. Luna and Neville had to wear school uniforms with their robes, but Sirius petitioned for James to were normal clothes under his robes, something that was allowed if you petitioned within enough time. Once everyone was dressed, the four talked about school until the train arrived at the station.

James reached up and pet one of the thestrals before climbing into the carriage with his three friends. Hermione frowned, "I wish I could see them."

Luna frowned, "You can only see them if you have seen death. You have to watch as someone dies. It isn't pleasant."

Hermione nodded as she bit her lip as she thought about the problem before her, "I can see how that would be a bad thing. How can you guys see them then? If you have to see death, who died in your life to allow you to see thestrals?"

Luna got a sad smile on her face as memories came back to her, "My mother, when I was nine. She was experimenting with a spell and it rebounded, killing her. I saw everything, since she was watching me at the time."

James smirked, "Everyone knows my story. My mom and James Potter died before my eyes when I was just a young boy."

Hermione rolled her eyes, "I wasn't asking the Great Harry Potter for his origin story, I was asking James Black. Have you seen death before?"

James shook his head, "Not since I became James Black. But Harry Potter has, and that's affected me greatly."

They exited the carriage and walked into the castle, sitting at their House Tables, Neville giving Luna a kiss before they parted. James wasn't wearing his glasses and didn't have his glamour up. It had dropped during Defense Against the Dark Arts class last year, so everyone knew what he looked like now. Dumbledore stood to quiet the Great Hall after the first years were sorted.

After the normal announcements that came with the start of a new year, he remained standing, "There will be no quidditch this year, instead there will be an event that hasn't taken place in many decades. The TriWizard Tournament will be taking place this year between Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang. The other two schools will be arriving at the end of October with candidates for Champion. For now, tuck in."

Food appeared on the tables, with students filling plates with their favorite foods. James grabbed a steak, a pork chop, and a chicken breast and started to eat. Again he finished before the others because of his speed. He talked to Hermione and Neville about their summers while trying to fend off his own sadness about what happened. James stood and walked to the Gryffindor Tower before the others, not wanting to remain behind while the rest were eating. He found his bunk and crawled in, covering himself and drifting off to sleep.

Line Break

James was outside with the rest of Hogwarts, awaiting the arrival of the other two schools. He hadn't heard from Fleur in days, and he feared what that would mean bad things for them. Last time they talked, James had been busy with other things and wasn't paying attention. He thought she was angry at him, and after many tries to reach her to apologize and explain, he worried she didn't want him anymore.

Durmstrang was first to appear, their pirate ship rising from the Black Lake. The students followed their Headmaster off the boat, his most prized student with him. Dumbledore had done the same, asking for James to stand with him while they waited. James heard whispers about Viktor Krum, the student standing beside the Durmstrang Headmaster. Krum held out his hand, his heavy bulgarian accent hard to tell what he was trying to saying until James became accustom to it, "Hello, my name Viktor Krum. Nice to meet you."

James accepted the hand, "Hey. My name is James Black, although some know me as Harry Potter."

Krum nodded, "James is fine. I prefer not the fame or politics that belong to a name, just the person it belongs to."

James grinned at him, pulling back from the friendly embrace, "I like that Viktor. I'd like us to be friends."

James was drawn out of his thoughts when a giant carriage arrived, pulled by a team of giant winged horses. The carriage landed with a crash, skidding across the grass and digging deep trenches. The door opened and a young boy stepped out with a golden step stool. A giant of a woman emerged from the carriage and waited for her prized student to exit as well. Fleur stepped out beside the giant woman. She smiled as they approached Dumbledore, taking James' hand and looking into his eyes, "I love you, James Black. I wanted to tell you, but Madam Maxine asked that I surprise you. I'm not mad at you, I love you with all my heart. You are the only one for me."

James met her eyes, and felt her love through the bond they had. He smiled slightly, pulling her towards him, "I love you Fleur Delacour. I hope to be the man you think me to be."

Fleur hugged him tightly when she heard those words, feeling the love he said he felt while sharing hers. They were interrupted by a clearing of someone's throat. Dumbledore smiled at them in his grandfatherly way, a twinkle in his eye. He had never been able to read James, his mental barriers too strong for the subtle way he worked, but maybe this woman will be able to shed some light into the stygian boy.

Madam Maxine stepped forward, her french accent seeming to be altered with some other accent that was hard to place, "Dumbledore, let the couple have their time together. They have been separated for some time, unable to talk because of me. I trust that they won't do anything they might regret at this time. Have faith in your student Albus." She then looked at the Durmstrang Headmaster, "Karkaroff, it had been some time since I have seen you. How have you been?"

The Headmasters and Headmistress talked amongst themselves as they walked into Hogwarts, leaving Krum with James and Fleur. James had to activate his menace before Krum's eyes returned to normal and he regained his mind. He gave James a slight nod, "Thanks for that. I wasn't sure I could overcome it myself."

The other students from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang followed the students from Hogwarts inside, Fleur holding James back as the others passed them. She held him close, kissing his cheek, "I missed you James. It feels like years, but has only been a few months. It felt like a part of me was missing, like I wasn't whole anymore."

James nodded, "I know what you mean. I thought it was just me missing Auntie Bella, but it was you. My heart felt weaker from your absence. What are we going to do when you graduate?"

Fleur smiled, "I buy a place in Hogsmeade, and see you on weekends and vacations. It isn't ideal, but we can make it work. I love you, and I'm never letting you go."

James looked back at the school, "Come on, they are probably waiting for us inside. It's almost time for dinner anyway." Fleur walked in holding James' hand, noticing her school sitting with the Ravenclaw House. She looked at James, who shrugged, looking up at the table with the Leaders of the three schools. Madam Maxine gave them a slight nod, Fleur smiling wide as she followed James to the Gryffindor table. James sat down and motioned to Hermione, "This is Hermione Granger, she's my best friend here at Hogwarts, and going to be the Best Woman at the wedding."

Fleur gave her a polite smile, but envy was in her eyes as she shook Hermione's hand, "Hello. So you were invited to the wedding as the Best Woman? Isn't that usually a man's job?"

Hermione felt the envy, and tried to alleviate the concern without drawing James' attention, "Usually, but you know James better than I do it seems. He's never been one to follow the normal path of anything. So I accepted his offer. I don't know if I'm going to wear a dress yet, or a suit. It's a tough decision. James said whatever I'm comfortable in."

Fleur nodded, "Yes, I know how he's going to dress for the wedding. I have made allowances for many thing when it comes to James. He is important to me and my family."

James squeezed Fleur's hand under the table, "Calm down Fleur, she's my friend, only my friend. Hermione, tell her so she understands that you have no feelings for me that way."

Hermione leaned in so only James and Fleur could hear, "I don't like boys. I actually have a girlfriend. I'll introduce you later."

A set of red headed twins sat on either side of Hermione, looking at Fleur with mischievous grins. One leaned forward with his voice low like he was telling her a secret, "So you're the wife of James here? Do you have any cousins, a sister maybe, anyone around the age of sixteen for a couple of guys that know how to have a good time?"

Fleur laughed, "I have a younger sister, but she is only eleven, I have distant cousins, but I think they are taken already. I can find out if you are truly curious. Some are veela, while some are just witches. Will that be okay?"

The other twin nodded vigorously, "Yeah, that would be great. I'm Fred by the way, Fred Weasley. This here is my brother George."

The one identified as George pointed at James, "Watch that one. He's tricky. No one knows all his secrets, and he only talks to Hermione here, and Loony Lovegood." James glared at him, and George held up his hands in surrender, "I didn't mean it. It slipped out."

James took in a deep breath and slowly let it out, "It's nothing Fred. Just watch yourself from now on. No one picks on my friends in front of me and gets away with it. I won't be so forgiving next time."

Fleur squeezed his hand to try and calm him, "It's fine James. He said he was sorry, and I'm sure it won't happen again." She suddenly looked at the boy in front of her, "I thought you were George. Why did he call you Fred?"

James chuckled, "They try that on everyone the first time. They still haven't figured out how I know them apart."

Fleur smirked, "It's their scent, isn't it? Your heightened senses can tell the difference no matter who they say they are?"

The one outed as Fred gasped, "You would use your stygian abilities to tell us apart? I feel violated in the worst way." He then got a twinkle in his eyes, "What do we smell like exactly?"

James shrugged, "It's hard to explain, just different from each other. I can tell the difference because of it. So yeah, I know which one is which because of your scent. There is the answer to the secret you have been after for so long."

Fleur smiled shyly, "I'm sorry James. I didn't mean to reveal that to them. I was just excited to know something about you that others don't know."

James kissed her cheek, "It's okay. I know you didn't mean to. Fred and George tend to bring out that side of everyone they talk to."

Dumbledore stood before the students gathered and raised his hands for silence, "It is time to identify the choosing of the Champions of the Schools. To allow for equal footing, I have chosen to use an ancient artifact to draw the names for us. You have until dinner tomorrow to enter your names into the Goblet of Fire." A chest was brought in by Filch, and Dumbledore waved a hand over it to reveal the goblet inside. A bright blue fire burned in the cup, radiating no warmth. Dumbledore looked back over the students, "There will be an age line drawn around the Goblet to keep out those under the legal age of seventeen. Only those in their final year are allowed to enter. No amount of complaining and bribery will change our minds."

James watched the twins with scowls on their faces. George looked at Fred and spoke in a low voice, "Good thing we thought something like this would happen. Our preparations are complete."

James shook his head, "You can have at it. This year will be a quiet one for me. I'm going to make sure everyone knows I don't want to be in this tournament. I'm heading into Hogsmeade for Auntie Bella's funeral. I'll be staying until tomorrow's dinner."

Fleur nodded, "Me too. I just have something to do really quick." She walked up to the Goblet of Fire and entered her name, the blue flame changing to a warm pink before shifting back to blue.

The door to the Great Hall opened and Sirius stepped inside, "I've come for my Pup. You agreed Dumbledore. I'll have him back tomorrow."

Dumbledore nodded and James followed Sirius out of the castle. They reached the gates just as Fleur caught up to them, "Madam Maxine agreed to let me leave with you since I already entered my name. Hermione said she couldn't come, but she would tell Luna what happened." They walked down to Hogsmeade, to a large house that was a little away from the rest of the village. James immediately went to his room, exhausted from the day. He put on a record and climbed into his bed, Fleur standing in his doorway a few minutes later. She slowly walked forward, now wearing basketball shorts and a loose short sleeved shirt. She sat on the edge of the bed, "I was wondering if it was possible if I could…"

James threw back the covers, allowing her into bed with him. She she snuggled into him, his arm went around her. He whispered in her ear as she finally stopped moving, "Nothing is going to happen. Not until the wedding. You are welcome to sleep if you want, but don't expect anything."

Fleur pulled his hand to her mouth and kissed it, "That's fine James. I'm not here to force anything with you. I just want you, however I can get it at the time. Let's go to sleep, we'll talk more in the morning.

Line Break

Fleur was surprised at how much of her family were here for a funeral of a woman they didn't know. Her Grandmere was here, as well as her Grandpere, both dressed appropriately in black. Fleur approached her grandparents, speaking in French hoping most wouldn't understand them, "When did you get in? Last I heard you were on vacation in the Bahamas."

Her Grandmere smiled at her, "You know we wouldn't miss your wedding. You Maman told us about this funeral, and we thought we could meet this man that ensnared you. Is it true he's immune to the allure?"

Fleur smiled at she looked around for James, "Yes Grandmere, he is immune. Maman and myself projected at him and he showed no signs of enthrallment. His menace masks the allure completely when we are in contact with him as well"

The woman raised an eyebrow, "Menace? Is he a stygian? You bonded with a stygian? A fey hadn't bonded with a stygian in many centuries. It's almost unheard of. Does your Maman know he's a stygian?"

Fleur nodded, feeling ashamed at how her Grandmere was acting in public. She saw James talking with the man he called Moony, "I'll go get him Grandmere. Please, don't embarrass me."

She approached James just as he finished with Moony, "James, my Grandmere wishes to meet you. I warn you, she is kind of biased when it comes to the stygian races. Please, don't let her ruin how you see me and Maman. We both love you, no matter what Grandmere says."

James followed her to a woman with a scowl on her face. James bowed low, kissing her knuckles before pulling back, "It is a pleasure to meet you. My name is James Black, but you may know me as Harry Potter."

The woman leveled him with a glare, stepping away, "You are a stygian. I suppose that means you want a harem? Is Fleur just a collection piece for you, a trophy to show that you got yourself a veela?"

James took in a deep breath and slowly let it out, his temper threatening to rise, "Stygian are known for harems, but not all require one. I am happy with just Fleur. That's why I agreed to a wedding instead of stopping with just the bond. I will never find someone as great as Fleur to accept me as I am. It was done long ago, but I am damaged goods. Fleur accepts me for who I am, and I love that about her. I don't want anyone else, just her."

The elder woman stepped forward, her expression still hard to read. She suddenly pulled James into a hug, "It is the job of family to worry about the younger generation. Fleur deserves the love of someone who wouldn't divide it between others. You were right, stygian races are known for harems, but I am glade you don't require on yourself"

James introduced the elderly couple to Sirius and Remus, as well as his cousins Andromeda and Nymphadora. Apolline and Gabrielle were surprised that James had a werewolf for an Uncle. Gabrielle had hours of fun watching Nymphadora morph her face into that of animals and other things. Sirius thanked the Delacour's for coming, even the grandparents, enjoying the family they were building for James. Soon James and Fleur had to return to Hogwarts for the Halloween Feats an the revealing of the Champions. Sirius told James to be prepared for whatever could happen, fearing another dangerous year for James.