Author's Note
So a couple of questions have come up and I'm gonna address them now. This is NOT slash.
Maybe the fact that Apollo mentions Bill a lot has hinted at that, but they are only friends and neither are gay.
That being said, romance is not remotely important to me, so pairings won't be a major factor in this story, except that I'll probably change most of the canon relationships.
Secondly, on the trip to France. Even before the Dragonfly was built, Apollo was intending on taking the students on trips because muggle schools do it and he liked the idea of it.
France was chosen for two reasons. It is the closest country that has a major magical school to Britain so that's why firstly.The other reason is, he wants to fish.
For information that is. I mentioned why in a previous chapter I think? He was suspicious of the rumoured close collaboration between Barty Crouch and Dumbledore.
While Dumbledore respects Crouch, he disapproved of his brutal methods and therefore rarely associated with him.The fact that they were seen together made Apollo suspicious.
Finally, I never explicitly stated this, but in the Hogwarts letters that were sent to students, instead of the usual permission slip for Hogsmeade that the older students get, a permission slip for a trip to Beaubaxtons was sent instead.
Based on a loophole, Apollo didn't need Ministry approval, only parental. Anyway enjoy guys.
Many of my students were gaping like country bumpkins at the grandeur of Beaubaxtons, much to the scorn and amusement of the locals and the disdain of many of the Slytherins.
Like the new arrangement at Hogwarts, many smaller, round tables dotted the Banqueting Hall.
At the prompting of Madame Maxime, the Hogwarts students began to split up and take their seats at any available table.
The staff had more than one table to sit at as well. I was shown to the only rectangular table in the Hall which was on a dais.
I was given the seat of honour, on the left hand side of Madame Maxime. Once we took our seats, everyone else followed.
The next hour was spent with course after course of the best French cuisine they had to offer.
To my amusement, many of my students turned up their noses at many of the meals that were served.
To my surprise, there was actual music in the air. A dozen different instruments, enchanted to produce music.
I thought it was ridiculously over the top, especially considering that the bulk of their guests were teenagers.
Then again, this could actually be how they usually spend their meals, I'm not sure.
Eventually though, the meal had to end. My students were escorted back to the Dragonfly, wherein the interior had been changed to its sleeper configuration.
Not that I believed that any students were actually going to sleep now. The Professors that accompanied me would patrol the halls though and ensure that they don't cause too much mischief.
I had no such respite however. Madame Maxime led me to her office and there she fully explained what they had planned for us.
It was tedious and she kept me on my toes. I didn't get the chance to question her however. I decided to leave that to tomorrow, when both of us would be fresh and fully rested.
She had a knowing look in her eyes. Turns out that she's far more canny than I gave her credit for.
As I walked through Beaubaxtons on my way to the Dragonfly, I saw that many of the older French students were still wandering the halls.
More than a few gave me interested glances. I snorted internally. Teenagers it seems are the same everywhere. Precious little but immediate satisfaction running through their minds.
Later on, I fell asleep fast. Maybe it was the crisp, clean air or perhaps the change in pace and scenery, but I slept very well.
I woke up fully rested and wandered the grounds until a Patronus came to me and informed me that all the Hogwarts students were showered and dressed.
I led them to the Banqueting Hall once again and I had a lovely continental breakfast and some rich coffee.
Once breakfast was concluded, the Hogwarts students were split up by year and then given tours of this school by their age mates.
The staff and I were escorted by the Deputy Headmaster of Beaubaxtons, Jean-Pierre Le Roux and shown the splendour of our host school.
Splendour being his words, but not inaccurate. In the light of day, my thoughts of the previous day were confirmed.
This place isn't what I'd consider appropriate for children to learn in. It's very distracting. Then again, it could be my own bias.
Gold, crystal and various semi precious stones adorned the pillars, ceilings and scrollwork.
The only place I was personally impressed by, was their menagerie. They do have a forest, but unlike the Forbidden Forest at Hogwarts, this one was young and inviting.
Most of the magical creatures that the students interacted with, were housed in their menagerie.
An enormous structure with intricate cages of delicate designs. They weren't simple muggle zoo cages however.
The interiors were enormous and they perfectly matched the native habitats of the animals held within. All without affecting the outside of the enclosure. The work of a Master Enchanter.
Or rather, Enchantress. Perenelle Flamel to be exact, who created the menagerie about three centuries ago.
The only person who was as interested as I was in this marvel, was Hagrid. For different reasons though.
The spellwork was what interested me. Hagrid was more interested in the animals. Fortunately for us, there were no truly dangerous creatures here.
To his disappointment. There were however Abraxans. Massive winged horses the size of elephants, that could pull an enormous amount of weight.
I heard the Beaubaxtons Game Keeper say to Hagrid that they only drank single malt whisky. Somehow, that didn't surprise me in the slightest.
I'm glad that I brought the younger staff. We spent a few hours walking around and enjoying the sights. We even tried a few of the fruits grown at the school in orchards.
We were told that regardless of the season, the temperature of the orchards was kept the same with the help of magic.
Thus, the school actually grew its own produce. Their Herbology class, actually dealt with all of it. In that respect alone, the way the French were taught the subject, was superior to our own.
After the insightful morning, we returned to the school proper and had lunch. A three course meal this time.
After the admittedly delicious creme brulee dessert, I finally managed to get Madame Maxime to spare me an hour of her time, where we could talk, Headmaster to Headmistress.
Her office was splendid and it offered what was no doubt the best view of the grounds.
As we sat, a pair of delicate tea cups appeared beside us and a selection of French pastries.
" I've said it before Madame, but I feel it must be said again. This school is magnificent. The light of day shining on the white walls confirms this. "
She gave a throaty laugh. Which drew my attention to the necklace of fine opals which adorned her neck.
" Oui, zat much has always been true, Monsieur Lovegood. Zis school is my pride and joy. I ave tried to continue ze good work of my forbears. "
" Zat being said, I do not think you came here just to admire the sights no? " I couldn't suppress my lips twitching as I fought a smile.
" You're right Madame. To be honest, I wanted to pick your brain, as it were. There is something brewing and I haven't been able to find out much. "
" All I know so far is that it involves the Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards, Albus Dumbledore and the Head of International Magical Cooperation of the British Ministry of Magic, Bartemius Crouch. "
" A strange and somewhat alarming pairing, considering their history and personalities. " As I was speaking, I was watching her face closely.
Thus, I saw something flicker in her eyes as I mentioned the men. When I finished speaking, the office was bathed in silence.
The only sound to be heard was the dampened cheers and roars of the students of our schools.
Students that were currently engaged in a game of Quidditch. I sighed internally. What a task that was! Creating an all Hogwarts team composed of all the Houses.
It was not to be however. I knew that to keep the peace, I couldn't allow either a Gryffindor or a Slytherin to captain the Hogwarts team.
I was a Ravenclaw myself and so to make sure I didn't appear biased, I chose a Hufflepuff as captain. Cedric Diggory who actually was the Hufflepuff captain.
That caused it's own issues though. The Slytherins refused to serve under a Hufflepuff and so therefore the team representing Hogwarts was only composed of three of the Houses.
For their pettiness, I punished the entire Slytherin team with a detention, which they will serve as soon as we get back to Hogwarts.
A throat clearing brings my mind back to the present. The other occupant of the room looks slightly uncomfortable. Suddenly, she sighs.
" Oui, Headmaster Lovegood, you were right to be suspicious. The French Ministry is involved, as is another European Ministry. "
" They are trying to bring back ze Triwizard Tournament for next year. " I was sure I had misheard her, but her expression remained unchanged.
Horror suffused me. The Triwizard Tournament! Those fools! People have died in it!
There was a reason that it was cancelled! No wonder it's being kept quiet. I would never have agreed to it!
How it's happening though is what troubles me. I'm the Headmaster of Hogwarts, so how is it possible that they can do this without my consent?
It was a troubling thought. Any peace the trip to France brought me is gone now. I'll definitely have to try and stop this whole business, but I don't have any idea as to how.
Unfortunately, Maxime proved either unwilling or unable to tell me more. I was betting on the latter. She seemed somewhat disturbed by my surprise.
It's very likely that at this point, she only knows the bare minimum. Which means that even if she wanted to, there's nothing she could tell me.
I was disappointed, but I was better off than I was before. Now I know what's going on.
I need to speak with Madam Bones. She's the highest ranking person that I'm personally acquainted with.
For a moment, I considered consulting with Mr Weasley, to get him to speak to his Ministry contacts, but I can't chance it. I can't risk being stymied any further and it's for the best if those that are planning all of this don't know that I'm aware.
This year is shaping up to be full of unpleasant surprises. First the business with Sirius Black escaping and the Dementors being around and now this folly as well.
Our meeting wraps up soon after that, as my mind is miles away. Unfortunately, I don't get the chance for much introspection.
A swan Patronus appears before me. " Headmaster, hurry to the Beaubaxtons Quidditch Pitch immediately. " I sigh loudly and then rush off.
When I get there however, it's not just tension that's in the air. There's amusement as well. The cause of it is a couple of Hogwarts Seventh Year boys who look like they've been cursed in interesting ways.
The culprit appears to be one of the older Beaubaxtons students. An extraordinarily beautiful girl, with silvery blonde hair.
I blinked and then tightened my Occlumency shields. That girl has to be part veela.
Her beauty is almost unnatural. Unfortunately, I can guess exactly what happened here.
I'm right. I'm told the entire sequence of events. How the boys came upon her departing the stands.
Their clumsy attempts at flirting and when that failed, they became aggressive. The fact that she easily dealt with them doesn't negate what happened.
Fortunately for them, they didn't get the chance to try anything else. Nor did it seem like they wanted to assault her.
That was in her own words, which relieved me slightly. Their pride was hurt and so they raised their voices, which she took as a threat and responded accordingly.
I looked at the girl, Fleur Delacour, who stared at me with a cold expression.
" Miss Delacour, as the Headmaster of Hogwarts, I'd like to apologize for the conduct of my students. You can rest assured that they will be punished. "
" I don't want you to take their actions as representative of all of my countrymen though, so in recompense, please accept this as a token of apology. "
With a flick of my wrist, my wand appears in my hand. I take a deep breath and then channel my will through my wand and with a few deft flicks, bring my imagination to life.
I conjure a bouquet of flowers made of pure silver. It's not mere metal however. The flowers are alive. A faint glow is emitting from the petals as well.
Her stony expression softened a bit as I spoke and her eyes widened in wonder as she beheld my creation.
There were gasps as well from the onlookers. In the crowd, I could see Bill rolling his eyes.
I suppressed a smile. I can't be faulted for being proud of my skills. I know for a fact that nobody here today is capable of this kind of magic.
She offered me a brilliant smile then and I saw the dazed expression on the faces of many of the boys.
She accepted the gift and after a brief bob of the head, she left. The crowd slowly disperses, but more than a few of the older students looked at me with thinly disguised awe and some envy.
I fixed my stare on the culprits then. They looked ashamed and embarrassed. " I'll deal with you when we return to Hogwarts. "
That's all I said before I dismissed them. Bill walked up to me then and I groaned at his commiserating look.
We then made our way to the Beaubaxtons library and spent the few hours before dinner going through as much of the books as we could.
Later on, dinner is just as delicious as it was the previous night. It's when the dessert is served, that's things get interesting.
A murmur of surprise spreads among a few of the French students, but the reason why isn't immediately clear.
I look around the Banqueting Hall and after spotting the devilish smirks on the faces of Fred and George, I can't suppress my groan. Seconds later, dozens of the Beaubaxtons students turn into canaries. Pandemonium ensues.