"Speech"

'Thoughts'

"French"

$Parseltongue$

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.

Author's Note: Special thanks to androidrainbow, author of Harry Evans's Fabulous Multidimensional Adventure, an amazing Harry Potter/Inheritance Cycle crossover, as well as WaskeHD, author of Trick or Treat! A really enjoyable Harry/Fleur/Andromeda story who both beta'd this chapter.

TWELVE - Fake Bodies and Hogsmeade

It was the Friday before the Hogsmeade weekend when Harry entered the hospital wing. He found Madam Pomfrey along with an old stern looking man who wore a set of clean white and green robes. The pair noticed his entry, with his teacher interrupting their conversation to introduce him. On closer inspection, he noticed the crossed wand and bone of the St. Mungo's emblem on the man's chest.

"Welcome Harry, meet Healer Ambarsan, an old friend of mine."

Harry offered his hand and smiled as he greeted the old man, observing his face whilst doing so. He found that despite his serious countenance, he had the same eyes as the headmaster, penetrating, but with a clear kindness and intelligence.

"Well met, Mr. Potter," replied Healer Ambarsan with a gruff smile. "Always glad to meet an aspiring healer."

"Poppy hasn't taken an apprentice in quite some time, you must have really impressed her," he continued. "I have to say I look forward to seeing you walk the halls of St. Mungo's someday."

Harry felt torn between embarrassment and pride at the praise.

"Don't let it get to your head," scolded his teacher, good naturedly. "I won't have you slacking off now."

Healer Ambarsan chuckled heartily, reminding Harry of Hagrid in a way. "She's a tough teacher, this one. A bit too much like the woman who taught us back when we were in your position."

"Enough of that. Why don't you explain to Harry why you're here instead?"

"Tell me," started the man excitedly. "Do you know what a simulacrum is?"

"Something that represents something else right? Like a drawing or a statue," answered Harry to the best of his knowledge.

"Hmm, you're not wrong," said Healer Ambarsan with a tiny nod. He pulled the curtains of the nearest hospital bed open. Harry saw a man laying under the covers, though he wasn't like any man Harry had ever seen before. He was bald and had the most mundane set of features possible. It was as if you'd taken a mannequin and brought it to life.

"Say, Mr. Potter. How do muggles practice their surgical skills?"

"On… a cadaver-" his eyes widened as he looked at Healer Ambarsan and his teacher in shock, having connected the dots. "It's a simulacrum of a person," he said in awe.

"That's right."

"A perfect simulacrum to be precise, unlike the anatomical models we've been using," said Madam Pomfrey. "Very expensive, highly regulated and from today–" she smiled at her colleague "–on loan to us until the end of your studies– or at least until the hospital needs it again."

"Don't worry about that," grumbled Healer Ambarsan. "The number of healer trainees we get really isn't what they used to be. We have more than enough of these things to spare."

"W- Wow, that's… that's amazing Ma'am, Sir. Thank you." Harry was stunned, the fact that she'd done this was all the proof needed to show that even when he wasn't around. Madam Pomfrey really took his training seriously. She was pulling out all the stops to help him on his path and he couldn't express just how much that meant to him.

His teacher smiled warmly at him while Healer Ambarsan spoke. "Glad to help, son. Especially If it means another healer out there saving lives." He glanced at the clock on the wall.

"Is that the time already… I ought to get back to the hospital before that whiny gremlin of a head nurse gives me an earful."

Madam Pomfrey laughed. "It's good to hear Miranda still keeps you on your toes."

"Don't remind me…" He sighed. "Well, I'll be seeing you, you really should visit more often."

"I will. Give my best to the wife and kids." He smiled in response to that.

"It was nice meeting you Harry."

"Likewise, Sir. Thank you again for the-"

Healer Ambarsan waved away his thanks with a smile. "You're welcome."

Once he'd left. Madam Pomfrey gestured towards the bed with the featureless body. "Come, I'll show you how it works."

Harry eagerly followed her, excited by how much of a help having one of these to work with seemed like it was going to be.

His teacher lifted the covers off the featureless body, revealing its torso. It was the same as with its face, not a single uniqueness or blemish present. Uniform to the point of being creepy. Madam Pomfrey pointed her wand at the centre of its chest and hit it with a cutting curse. Blood immediately began pouring out the wound. "Take note Harry," said the Matron, drawing his attention to her. "It is as close to a real person as is possible. Left as it is, it will bleed out and though I use the term, die, remember it is not alive. It's merely a construct."

Harry nodded seriously. Once the body had stilled, the flow of blood slowed as its heart no longer pumped. Madam Pomfrey placed her wand at the centre of its forehead.

"What makes them so useful to healers, is this."

"Iterum Incipi"

Harry watched in morbid amazement as the blood flowed back into the cut on its chest, as if time was being reversed. Once it was all inside again, the wound sealed and moments later, its heart began beating before it gasped a horrible sounding gulp of air.

"T- That was incredible!"

The Matron nodded, smiling at his excitement. "Get your wand out. We can start with today's lesson."

"Ma'am, is it possible for us to go over the spell for clearing water from the lungs?"

Madam Pomfrey looked at him in surprise. "What brought this on?"

"The second task, it's going to be underwater…"

His teacher appeared irritated, but clearly not directed at him. "Dragons, now this," she mumbled angrily before she huffed.

"Very well, I take it you've familiarized yourself with the theory?"

"Yes, Ma'am," he said confidently.

"Incantation?"

"Expellere Aquam, with your wand pointed towards their chest."

"Demonstrate it for me," said Madam Pomfrey before raising her wand and pointing at the simulacrum's mouth, filling it with water. A horrible choking sound mixed with a gurgle filled the hospital wing.

Harry immediately took aim, his wand focused on the centre of its chest, willing the water to leave its lungs.

"Expellere Aquam!"

Reddish water exploded from its mouth with enough force to have it rain down on them. Harry startled and stepped back, nearly tripping over his feet. Madam Pomfrey on the other hand stayed composed, having expected the possibility of the outcome. A gagging sound came from the simulacrum as blood trickled out of the side of its mouth. Harry watched stunned as his teacher reset it.

Madam Pomfrey cast a few cleaning charms around the bed and on them before she spoke calmly.

"Where did you go wrong?"

Harry snapped out of his stupor. "I- I overpowered it- Must have damaged the lungs…" He guessed before running a hand over his face.

She nodded. "This is actually quite a common occurrence amongst trainee healers. The water expelling charm takes a surprisingly low amount of power to cast, which makes it incredibly easy for the caster to overdo it.

Once the simulacrum had been reset, she instructed him to take aim again, but to relax and guide water out instead.

Harry sat down at the Gryffindor table for dinner after a quick shower and change of clothes. He'd wanted to eat in the Great Hall, the simulacrum made for awkward company.

"Hi Harry," greeted Neville looking up. The shy boy was eating with his nose in a book.

Harry nodded in return as he grabbed a plate. "Neville."

"What are you reading?" he asked, surprised to find the other boy so avidly reading something during a mealtime. You'd expect it from Hermione, but not Neville.

"Oh," startled Neville slightly. "Professor Moody lent it to me. It's a book on Herbology- said it was something Professor Lupin left behind."

Harry was surprised at that, he didn't think Remus was someone who would have left behind anything, let alone a book.

"Is it any good?"

"It's great, but a bit niche, focuses a lot on water plants."

"Ha… Well, if there's anything I should watch out for, an underwater Devil's Snare or something, let me know."

Neville appeared perplexed, prompting him to explain.

"The second task is taking place in the lake. Have to retrieve something from the Mermaids in under an hour or it's gone forever…"

The other boy's eyes widened. "Blimey Harry, I'm glad I'm not you. How are you planning to breathe underwater? Bubblehead charm? Gillyweed?"

"Gillyweed? What's that?"

Neville flipped through the book, stopping once he found the page he was looking for, he spun the book around and slid it across the table.

Harry found an illustration taking up most of the page. It looked like a clump of greenish, slimy rat's tails. He read the associated description, skimming over what seemed to be useless information until he found the reason for Neville's mentioning of it.

Gillyweed, when ingested, allows the consumer to temporarily breathe underwater along with gaining amphibian characteristics.

The book continued with explanations of other uses, derivatives, necessary storage conditions, dosage, notable potions which contained it and such.

"This is brilliant Neville! Do you know where I can get some of this!?"

The other boy shied away at Harry's excitement but was proud to have been able to help. "You could probably order some from the Noltie's in Diagon Alley, or maybe Dogweed and Deathcap in Hogsmeade could get it for you. They're more expensive than Noltie's though."

"Thanks, this helps a lot," said Harry. He was about to return the book to Neville when he felt someone sit down beside him. He turned to look and found it to be Hermione, who smiled at him as she placed her bag down on her other side.

"Hey beautiful," greeted Harry cheerfully along with a kiss to her lips that had her beaming.

"Wait, wait, aren't you with the French champion Harry?" accused Neville as he looked back and forth between the two of them,

"I am."

"He is."

"But you just kissed Hermione?"

"I did."

"He did."

Neville's mouth opened and closed repeatedly as he failed to understand what was going on. Harry and Hermione both found the situation highly amusing and laughed before they decided to have mercy on his poor mind.

"All three of us are in a relationship, myself, Fleur, and Hermione," explained Harry with a smile at the end towards his girlfriend at his side.

"Tha- That's… Congrats- Who are you taking to the ball?"

"Harry and Fleur will go together, I'll go alone or with someone as a friend and then just join them once the opening dance and meal are over," answered Hermione.

Neville looked down for a moment before facing them again. "Wou- Would you be willing to go with me then?" he asked timidly of Hermione before glancing at Harry, seemingly to make sure his intentions weren't misunderstood.

Hermione and Harry met each other's eyes, coming to a silent agreement, she faced Neville again. "As friends of course, but don't you have someone you'd rather take instead?"

The shy boy glanced up for a moment towards the group of girls sitting together and blushed lightly. He paused before answering disappointedly. "I wanted to ask Lavender, but I- I couldn't do it… It's too late now. She's already going with Seamus…"

"Then as long as you're alright with being around us for the evening, then sure, I'll go with you," said Hermione.

Neville let out the breath he'd been holding, relieved that the matter of a date for the ball was settled, he wasn't interested in any of the other girls romantically.

"You like Lavender?" asked Harry, wondering when this started.

Neville blushed again before he nodded. "She's really pretty, and confident and she's always happy…" he trailed off.

"We'll just have to get her to notice you then," stated Hermione seriously.

Harry had an idea. "Neville, how would you like to join us when we train?"

"You mean for the tournament?"

"That's right. But in general, too."

Neville appeared thoughtful for a moment before answering. "I wouldn't want to get in the way…"

Despite the reluctance in his tone, Harry could tell that he really did want to join them. It was his insecurities holding him back.

"Don't worry about that."

"Are you sure it's alright?" asked Neville, a slight tinge of hopefulness present in his voice.

"We're sure," answered Hermione. She smiled at Harry having already caught onto his reason for inviting Neville.

"I wouldn't have offered if I wasn't okay with it," Harry grinned

He had just begun to wonder where Ron and Fleur were, when the pair entered the Great Hall, with Fleur patting a dumbstruck looking Ron hard on the back. Upon noticing them, they made their way over. Ron found his way to the spot beside Neville and just sat there.

Hermione moved her bag to the floor in order to make place for Fleur. She smiled thankfully and stopped to kiss Harry before sitting down and kissing Hermione as well. None of them noticed the penetratingly curious stares directed their way from the girls sitting further up the table, it was especially focused on the bookworm amongst them.

"What's wrong with Ron?" asked Harry worriedly.

The older girl giggled as she began to recant the story.

Fleur walked through the castle's stone passageways on her way to the Great Hall for lunch. Nearing one of the many courtyards, she was surprised to stumble upon Ron who was sneakily peering into the courtyard from behind one of the columns.

Curious to see what or who he was observing. She snuck up behind him and peered over his shoulder and followed his line of sight, finding a pretty, but more in a cute sort of way, girl with shoulder length brown hair and blue eyes.

"Who is zat?"

Her sudden question startled the redhead who yelped, almost alerting the girl, and would have, had Ron not grabbed Fleur and ducked behind the column.

"Bloody hell! Don't sneak up on a bloke like that!" He shout-whispered.

Fleur found his reaction amusing and continued prodding him for answers.

"Sooo, who is ze girl?"

Ron blushed, trying to avoid her eyes. Realizing that he was not going to get out of this without answering, he sighed and explained.

"That's Fay Dunbar…"

"Ohhh, are you going to ask 'er to ze ball?"

"Are you mad!?"

Fleur glared at him, half for the insinuation, the other for his low self-image.

"Non, and you will not be leaving 'ere until you ask 'er to ze ball."

Ron wilted as he glanced between Fleur and the other girl. Fleur wondered if he's realized that he has been in her company and has been able to keep his composure extremely well so far.

"I can't do that…" He struggled.

"Non, you can do it. 'Arry told me about ze times you went with 'im. Spiders! Ze chamber! If you can be brave zhen, you can be brave now. So go out zhere and ask 'er to ze ball."

She stared him in the eye. "You don't want to make me mad…"

Ron was torn between a rock and a hard place. On one side an angry Veela, and he remembered the Bulgarian cheerleaders at the world cup. On the other side, the girl he fancied.

He looked back and forth between Fleur and the courtyard several times as he fought an internal battle. Eventually, a decision was made. He spared one last glance at Fleur, hoping for a bit of mercy, finding none. He sighed mournfully, grit his teeth, and began making his way to the girl on the bench.

Fleur meanwhile took his previous position and began observing as she peaked around the column. She watched as the girl, Fay, looked up from the Quidditch magazine she was reading.

The redhead fidgeted in place before discreetly seeking Fleur out of the corner of his eye in one final plea. The blonde offered him a thumbs up for luck.

She watched as Ron said something before turning as red as his hair. There was a moment of quiet between the two before the girl smiled and nodded. She said a few more sentences, before leaving the courtyard, and Ron, who stood as frozen as a statue.

Once she was out of sight, Fleur made her way over to him and poked him on the arm. Ron turned to her slowly and whispered something far too quietly for her to hear.

"Quoi?"

His lips trembled and his voice quivered as he spoke louder.

"She said yes…"

"Fay Dunbar, huh?" Harry's tone was curious with a hint of teasing.

Ron nodded slowly, still in shock.

Hermione mentally paired her friend with Fay and had to conclude, they'd actually work. Fay was fun and easy going, not to mention cute. She had a lot in common with Ron, though not as lazy as he could be, she was not overly hard working, but not a slacker either. They both shared a love for quidditch that bordered on fanaticism, and come to think of it, she'd even seen Fay amongst the little group Ron spends time with these days when not around them.

While Neville roused Ron from his stupor. Hermione nudged Fleur slightly with her leg. The blonde turned and eyed her questioningly. Hermione's eyes were filled with pride as she whispered a heartfelt thank you to her girlfriend for helping their friend. Fleur blushed under her gaze and hid the little smile that formed, which grew when Harry kissed the side of her head.

Harry and Fleur trailed some distance behind a group of Beauxbatons students as they made for the carriage. Harry watched his girlfriend who had a frown on her face as she thought deeply. He'd asked her opinion on the Gillyweed.

"Non, I don't zhink it will work for me."

"Hmm? Why's that?"

"Veela 'ave to be very careful with magics zat make physical changes, zey don't last as long and some can cause complications if we change while still affected. I could use it if it was in a safe place."

Harry, though disappointed, nodded understandingly. "But with the second task likely being as dangerous as the first, the chances of you going through the change is higher than usual."

"Oui. I zhink you should try it, but I will stick with ze bubble'ead charm. It will be ze safest for me."

Harry frowned in response. "I don't like that it can be popped though…"

Fleur shrugged. "It's ze best option." She snuggled up closer to him and slipped her arm through his while leaning against his side. "You'll just 'ave to make sure I don't drown."

Hermione stepped into her dorm room and was very creeped out to find all of her roommates staring at her. She paused, unsure whether or not she should make a run for it.

"Close the door." Lavender's voice was more serious than Hermione had ever heard before.

She shifted her weight. "Don't even think about it," said Parvati.

Hermione stilled and reluctantly closed the door. She felt a boding sense of doom as it clicked shut.

"Sit." Fay pointed towards her bed. Hermione sighed and took her spot in what was beginning to feel like a trial.

Once seated, the bookworm looked around her room. "What's all this about?" she asked, slightly peeved.

Lavender stared her right in the eye and leaned forward. "Are you in a relationship with both Harry and the French champion?" Her voice was even, chillingly so. Goosebumps ran up Hermione's arms.

"Uhm… maybe?" she squirmed, while trying to avoid their penetrating stares.

Hermione's roommates turned to each and nodded before facing the bookworm again. Lavender, clearly the ringleader of this makeshift interrogation, began. "Details. Now."

"And leave nothing out, we want dates, who kissed who, where'd it happen, how'd it happen," listed Parvati as Lavender nodded repeatedly.

"But that's private…"

"Come oooon. You can't keep us in the dark here," Fay begged, the atmosphere lightening considerably.

"Fine," relented Hermione, slightly amused. "But I'm not telling you everything." She directed sternly at all three girls.

Lavender nodded in acceptance while Parvati opened her mouth to protest, her attempt was stopped by Fay throwing a pillow her way.

Hermione began speaking as the others immediately huddled closer.

"Are you sure about this?" asked Ron as he held up the dress robes, torn between wanting to put them back on account of the price, but also desperately wanting them. Especially now that he'd managed to ask Fay to the ball.

"I'm sure. Look, I've got the money, and I'd rather spend it on the people I care about than hoard it. That includes you mate."

"Thanks, Harry."

"You're welcome, Ron. Now let's get done here. We have one more stop before meeting the girls at the Three Broomsticks. They're probably still busy cleaning out Honeydukes…"

Harry and Ron left Gladrags, with Ron's new robes neatly packaged. "Where next?" asked Ron.

"Dogweed's," answered Harry, pointing to a thankfully nearby building. The drab moss green exterior with its big windows fogged up from the cold. A sign in dull gold lettering across the front read 'Dogweed and Deathcap'.

Ron groaned. "I hate those places…"

"Wait outside then, or go to Zonko's, or something," Harry laughed "Shouldn't be long."

He pushed open the greying hardwood door and entered the store. He could understand Ron's dislike of such places. The inside was stuffy and very humid. It felt a lot like a greenhouse. It also stank. The herbology greenhouses at Hogwarts always had a bit of an earthy musty smell, but then again, they weren't nearly as tightly packed as this place. Nor did they keep some of the rarer plants this store advertised.

He was surprised to see Professor Snape storming his way through the narrow aisle.

"Potter!" snarled the man.

Harry stiffened, on guard, and confused at the sudden aggressiveness.

"Couldn't get enough from my stores!" Snape glared, now in his face. Harry met his eyes without flinching.

"I don't know what you're talking about!"

"Don't act stupid. You and your friends have been letting your sticky little fingers rummage through my stores. Lacewing Flies, boomslang skin, knotgrass… I'll find out why you've been brewing-

"-Poly" interrupted Harry, his eyes widening in surprise. His mind racing at the possibilities. Someone had been using Polyjuice Potion and likely within the castle. But who? And were they the one to enter him into the tournament.

-juice potion…" Snape continued to stare into his eyes, before without another word, he turned and left the store, his cloak billowing out behind him.

"What the hell…" mumbled Harry. He pushed the incident to the back of his mind for now and went in search of some assistance.

Harry eventually, after dodging a weird plant that tried to reach for him, found a middle-aged man with a bit of a scruffy beard and some dirt on his cheek, wearing a very dirty heavy apron. The man was behind a small counter at the back, its surface littered with jars and plant trimmings.

"Can I help ye laddie?" said the man, his voice betraying a surprising amount of cheerfulness for his appearance.

"Oh- yes, sorry. I'm looking for gillyweed?"

"How much ye lookin' fer?"

Harry frowned in thought for a moment before answering. "Enough for an hour underwater, as well as some extra to try out."

"Freshwater?"

Harry nodded.

"Gunna need th' lot then."

Ron looked up as the bell tinkered. "Got what you came for? Saw Snape come out right after you went in and head to the castle. Looked right pissed he did, what was that about?"

Harry held up the little bag with his gillyweed. "Come on, I'll tell you all about it when we meet the girls."

The Three Broomsticks was packed. Thankfully Hermione and Fleur had managed to get a table for them. Despite the crowdedness of the place, and Harry being someone who generally preferred the quiet. He found he enjoyed the atmosphere.

Harry scowled as he saw Roger Davies leaning over Fleur before spitting out something rude and pushing his way back to wherever his friends waited. The Ravenclaw should count himself lucky, he couldn't see it standing so close to the table. But Harry saw Hermione's wand in her hand under the table and pointed towards the older boy. Had he tried something, she'd have cursed him in an instant.

"Merlin's beard, she's scary at times…" whispered Ron from beside him, having seen the same.

"She's brilliant," said Harry, his mood brightening at Ron's comment.

"You're mental too," added his friend to Harry's amusement.

The pair arrived at the table. "What was that about?" asked Harry, kissing Hermione who smiled at their arrival.

"Just some Cochon," said Fleur with a hint of venom still present in her tone before she leaned in to kiss him as well.

Harry deepened the kiss before separating, leaving Fleur flushed and Ron blushing on the side, while Hermione smirked, her eyes carrying a hint of promise.

He noticed Davies glaring hatefully at him from a distant table. "What did he want?" he asked, gesturing to the Ravenclaw who turned away upon realizing their attention on him.

"Came to ask Fleur to the ball…" answered Hermione. "He got upset when she said she was taken, said some pretty rude words before he left."

"I am used to it," added Fleur with a shrug.

"You shouldn't have to be."

"-sides, he's always been a tosser that one," said Ron, speaking up for the first time to comment on Davies.

"Harry don't," Hermione warned.

"Don't what?"

"I know that look. You're planning something."

"I'm not going to do anything…" he feigned innocence. A light tap on his shin had him glance at Ron who kicked him. A miniscule nod and subtle mouthing of a few words were enough.

"I want in."

"And even if I was," he continued with a grin. "You'd hardly be one to talk. I'm fairly sure Draco's nose is still crooked."

Harry hid his smirk and carried on as if nothing had occurred. Neither Harry nor Ron noticed Fleur who noticed their exchange and hid her smile. She's a big girl and could handle her own fights, but she wouldn't mind seeing whatever Harry and Ron decided to do.

They were interrupted when Madam Rosmerta swept in to take their orders. "You look quite a bit more like Lily without those glasses," she smiled. "Careful," she added to Fleur with a small laugh. "These three are troublemakers from what I've heard."

"We protest that statement," defended Harry mirthfully.

"And who says I am not," smirked Fleur as met the older woman's eyes before looking at the others around the table. "Besides, a bit of trouble keeps things exciting."

"Were you able to get the Gillyweed?" asked Hermione once Madam Rosmerta had left.

"Plus extra," Harry nodded. "Interesting thing happened while I was there though," he said quietly. The others leaned in, curious.

"Ran into Snape-

"-Professor Sna-" began Hermione in reflex, before stopping herself. "Sorry, continue Harry."

"He accused me—us, of stealing from his stores. We obviously didn't, but that's not the most important bit."

"What was taken?" asked Fleur.

"He only mentioned some. Lacewing flies, Boomslang skin-."

"—Polyjuice Potion." Hermione whispered aloud.

"Someone at ze castle is an imposter?" Fleur glanced around shiftily, wondering if said imposter was present.

"You think whoever this person is, they're the one who entered your name into the cup?" asked Ron.

"I'd bet my Firebolt on it."

"This is bad Harry," whispered Hermione frightfully. The three focused on her. "It means whoever is doing this, and it could be anyone, is walking around the school undiscovered… It was one thing to suspect a student or staff member of tampering with the cup. But with this—It could be anyone, worse, it could be someone who isn't even supposed to be in the castle…"

The group chilled, realising the seriousness of the situation.

"I don't think they're gone either…" said Ron gravely. "Whoever it is, they could have entered your name and then just left right. But it's been months now, doubt Snape would take this long to bring it up if it happened earlier in the year. They must have run out of their own supply and only recently resorted to stealing from Snape."

"—I'll speak to Professor Dumbledore about it. For now, try not to be out on your own if possible."

They quieted when Rosmerta approached with their food. "Let's try and enjoy the rest of the day," said Harry. "It won't help stressing about things now."

They ate while discussing more light-hearted topics. Even bringing up dance lessons–to Ron's horror. Though he'd tried to wiggle himself out of it, he'd eventually relented and agreed, not wanting to embarrass Fay.

Fleur, to her surprise, found the food to her liking. She'd ordered the garlic herb roast chicken with vegetables.

"Try this," Harry offered, pushing his plate towards her. He was glad that she was enjoying the food. Hermione, who'd ordered the same as Harry, watched on fondly while Ron sighed, despite knowing that they'd never ask him to leave. He felt as if he was intruding a bit.

Fleur cut a small piece from his fried fish. He could see the surprise in her eyes. "Zis is good too."

Once they'd finished eating, the group relaxed with a butterbeer each. Ron eventually excused himself to join Seamus and Dean.

"Fleur?" asked Harry, as they strolled around Hogsmeade.

"Oui, chéri?"

"Is that all from Honeydukes?" he pointed at the carrier bag in her hand. It was filled to the brim and he could see bits of a Honeydukes finest label.

"…Non."

Hermione covered her mouth as she giggled. "She's lying. That's all chocolate."

"Some is for Gabrielle!" Fleur denied, her cheeks taking on a rosy hue.

Harry wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her closer to his side. "You don't have to justify it. We won't judge you." He teased as she pouted.

"…But some really is for Gabrielle…" she whispered pitifully.

Harry and Hermione laughed at her put out expression.

"We know it is," said the younger girl while Harry placed a kiss on Fleur's cheek, before leaning up to do the same.

"And you are certain of this?" Professor Dumbledore said as he stood. "Why have you not come to me sooner?" he questioned, his tone was steady, but angry.

Severus Snape flinched slightly. "I thought it was Potter and his friends."

"You would risk the lives of the students on a childhood grudge?" Dumbledore asked dangerously. "Your animosity and inability to look past his parentage blinds you Severus. Harry is not his father and it's time you learnt this."

Snape tried to argue but Professor Dumbledore quelled it with a glare.

"-Regardless," continued the old man before moving to the cabinet and leaning over a stone bowl, a swirling liquid within, giving off an eerie light. "This news is troubling…"

"You have an idea as to whom it may be Headmaster?"

Dumbledore raised his wand and placed it against his head. He drew out a long wispy white thread and lowered it into the basin.

"I have a suspicion."

Snape moved closer and in the surface of the shimmering liquid, saw the article from several months prior, the face of Alastor Moody plastered across it.

END CHAPTER TWELVE