JK Rowling Owns Harry Potter

FASA Owns Earthdawn

Note: All conversations in France are in French unless specified. I may start with Bonjour or oui, but that is the true limit of my knowledge of the most beautiful language on earth. Sorry.

Note, spells verbalized will be in Bold and in Quotations. Spells cast silently will not be Bold and will be between apostrophes.

"Protego!" = Vocalized

'Protego!' = Silent

—CS—

Lavoisier Manor

Thursday, August 9, 2001

4PM

Ron and Susan had stepped out of the manor to collect their thoughts and compare notes. The scene of the battle had been a gore laden and disgusting. Harry was holding nothing back at the end. Ron knew Harry enough to know he must have been desperate to have held so little back. According to the conversations they had heard, the Wards had really messed him up. And no wonder!

Ron had briefly discussed this with his brother, a master curse-breaker. Bill couldn't believe Harry survived. Apparently, the wards were extremely well done and had three ley lines powering them. In fact, the whole house was full of curses and wards. It was as if the manor was the home of a master curse breaker with an extreme case of paranoia. There were even two rooms Bill had refused to enter until he was better rested and had a backup team.

He and Susan were both tired, having been up since their 4AM meeting in London. Davis had come to the scene for a few hours, then left to assist in the interrogation of prisoners. Williamson left with her citing he had done this a hundred times. Ron held his tongue for once. Ron and Susan had been joined by a rotation of French Aurors. They knew how to act at a gruesome crime scene. No doubt the French Aurors could handle any standard crime scene well, but this was more like a battlefield. Closer to what Ron and Susan were used to. There was one DMA agent who went out of her way to introduce herself. She was, apparently, assigned to Harry and wanted to meet his friends. Saul Croaker was working closely with Bill, but Padma had left the scene with Harry, citing a need to keep him calm and out of shock.

Susan poured Ron a cup of coffee, she knew how he took it. Black. She added cream to her own as they breathed deeply, having just removed the bubble head charms.

She looked at her friend and partner, "Appraisal?"

Ron winced and took a sip of his coffee. "Bloody awful. No idea how Harry got out of that house alive. The residue of the curses was awful. You can almost trace Harry's path just by looking for the spots without gore. Also, the group near the staircase were not professionals. They seemed to be in panic mode."

"Agree. This was an odd mix of Wizards and Witches. I actually recognized a few of them from international wanted lists. But many just seemed… I don't know, Normal?"

Ron nodded, then chuckled, "Susan, if you're spending your free time reading wanted communications from the ICW, well, you really need to get out more."

She actually laughed at that. "No kidding! What's a young witch to do on a Friday night, but read about hardened criminals…?"

"All kidding aside. This looks like some kind of recruitment drive. I'd say the Wizards and Witches near the ascending stairs were newbies. Some of their wands showed signs of advanced spell usage and knowledge. Most seemed to be just using what is learned in school. Given the time, most had probably just rolled out of bed."

Susan nodded and labeled them, "Recruits."

Ron nodded. "The ones near the Basement steps, where Harry came from, seemed to know their stuff. Good defensive patterns based on where they fell. Powerful curses too. They seemed to have missed a lot, but they were up against Harry…"

Susan picked up on this, "Deatheaters. Marked Rank and file. Well trained."

Ron nodded again. He liked working with Susan. She was a more aggressive version of Hermione, without all the theory. "Then the ones near the door, well they were a different story. Their wands showed the darkest curses from them. Three were recognized as ICW criminals. Let's call them the 'Inner Circle'."

Susan pursed her lips, "Yeah. They're the ones that kicked Harry around the worst. Except two of them. They seemed to have stumbled through a trap he set. Ron, Harry killed them after they fell. In cold blood…"

Ron took a breath. "Don't go there Susan. Just don't. You and I both know how many times fallen Deatheaters got back up and killed again."

"We can't just look the other way, Ron. We have a responsibility…"

To her credit, she didn't look happy about it. Wait, was she referencing...

"Oh god, not the Umbridge thing again. Please don't go there." Ron had heard enough of that.

"I wasn't going there, Ronald! I just think Harry should have held back. We don't really know if the 'new recruits' had been recruited or not. Harry sure as hell didn't know."

"Harry was fighting for his life. For the lives of the girls he was with. While under the effects of hostile wards! What did you expect him to do, have a debate with his attackers? Ask them their intentions?"

"Fuck you, Ron! You have zero objectivity where 'Saint Harry' is concerned. Yeah, you were a shitty friend in school. Yeah, you screwed up… Well, get over it. We have a job to do and your personal guilt trip is interfering." Susan didn't admit that she was talking to herself as much as Ron. Guilt.

Ron looked away and scowled. Finishing his coffee, he walked back into the manor. Under his breath, he just said, "Fuck you, Bones."

Susan watched her friend walk away. A man she trusted with her life. But he was wrong about Harry. No, Harry is not evil, but he's not a lawman. He's not an Auror. He is more like a damn Vigilante. He needs to be… controlled. but in the back of her mind... a different voice was speaking. It told her to hold him. Protect him. To Care for him and stand beside him. This was the same voice that was infatuated with him in school. the one that tormented her after the ambush she and Hannah planned. No! Susan would be rational, not some starry eyed school girl.

Ron knew Susan was right about this guilt. She might be right about his objectivity, as well. But she was wrong about Harry's tactics. Harry wouldn't just murder people randomly. The first people he took down he did with 'Stunners'. He got lethal when his life depended on it. The Umbridge thing actually bothered him too. He'd have to ask Harry about it some time. Still, no way had Harry done that to Delores Umbridge. He barely knew the woman, and those curses were horrible. He may have hated Umbridge, but that was extreme. And the evidence just doesn't add up.

—CS—

Ministère des Affaires Magiques de la France

Place de Furstemberg

Bureau des Aurors Office

Briefing Room

Thursday, August 9 2001

5PM

Tracey Davis settled back into her chair. She was given a desk and a chair to work from while in France. The call to come had been a surprise, but one she jumped to. Bones would never have recruited her, this had to be a Weasley move. The man was a thick headed GIT, but a good Auror. Probably their best field operative. After a couple of hours at the scene of the battle, (and yes – it was a battle, not a crime), Tracy realized she was adding nothing to the scene investigations. She elected to participate in the interviews. Intimidation and subterfuge. Reading people and determining their underlying motivations. Basically, Slytherin skills. Harry had captured one high level witch. Her interrogation had been illuminating.

This new movement was preying on Muggleborn Witches and Wizards who felt persecuted. Plenty of them out there… They had infiltrated the 'Equal Rights for Muggleborns' aka, the ERM organization and were using it to find the best and the brightest among the bitter and angry. Those who joined up, were promoted and elevated into the radical 'shadow' organization. The 'Usurpers'. Those who refused to become radicalized, or just didn't have it in them, were obliviated and sent back into the ERM face of the organization. It was shocking how many were touched by this group.

The 'Usurpers' even used some form of blood ritual on those who never became radicalized. The ritual had enabled the use of imperious curses from a great distance. The Witch who placed the 'portkey' enchantments on the Beauxbaton pins had been controlled this way. She apparently attended a conference a year ago. She was ambushed after a dinner, stunned, had blood drawn, was obliviated, and then woke up the next morning in her room and enjoyed the conference. She had been an outstanding witch with a bright future. Now, her life was in ruins and she has no recollection of any wrong doing. How many others?

The cannibalism was the tricky piece. Some kind of indoctrination ritual and required of all members of the shadow group. Apparently, all the members of the house had accepted the invitation to the Usurpers. All were prepared to join in the ritual 'feast' that would have claimed the Beauxbaton 'princesses'. Each feast garnered a tattoo. What was it with dark organizations and tattoos? Why not just certificate or a patch to wear? Insane fuckers and their tattoos.

Tracey knew they were finding all kinds of evidence on site. As well as the remains of the Lavoisier family. Only their heads and a child's hand was left. Disgusting. Horrible. The Lavoisier family was a pureblooded as you get. Big supporters of maintaining traditions and the rights of families. Or, more accurately, the rights of pure blooded families. Not evil like Deatheaters, just intent on preserving their influence. And they had paid the price. Horribly. Ironically, their 'half-blood' cousins would now inherit the name and the manor.

The real question was – did they get the Dark Lord? The head of the organization? No. The 'Usurper' was not present. He was out gathering power or followers, or something. He was due to arrive the next day and lead the initiation ceremony for the new recruits. Well, 'ceremony' was a stretch. It was a macabre cannibalistic feast.

Rubbing the left side of her face, Tracey now considered what it meant to be in France. To see Harry Potter again. And her friend, Daphne. Three years ago, Harry saved her bacon with Rowle. He had saved her life from that god-awful curse. Yes, she was blind in her left eye and had to wear a patch, but she was alive. Other than the eye and a few small scars, she was also intact. Tracey had taken the pain and anger of that battle and forged herself into an amazing Auror.

She actually looked forward to seeing Harry. To showing him what she had become. She had regrets about how she and others had treated him in school, but she backed him up when he needed it. She wasn't apologizing for stupid school antics. She was proud of who she was and who she had become. Harry would be too. So would Daphne. And maybe even Lady Black.

Speaking of her old friend. Well, Daphne had not bounced back as well as Tracey had. She still had nightmares. But her friend was pulling herself together and was actually working with Harry Potter. Confronting her fears. Her recent letters seemed… better. More like the old Daphne. Strong. Ice Queen from hell!

While Tracey was decompressing, Audric Berger, the Head of the French Aurors, had approached her. He had a croissant and a cup of coffee. "Ms. Davis, you look like you could use a little refueling."

Tracey looked at the coffee and the flakey and buttery croissant. "Thank you!" She added a bit of sugar to her coffee. The croissant smelled divine. So did the coffee.

Mr. Berger smiled as he saw this young lady so obviously enjoy the snack he had brought her. "I want to thank you personally for your contributions today. You seemed to instinctively focus in on the knowledge the criminals were so eager to protect."

"Thank you. It's really a matter of finding the elements they avoid and try to misdirect us on. Veritaserum is notoriously easy to work around if you know what you are doing. And it helps if your interrogator doesn't know what they're looking for."

Mr. Berger smiled. "Yes. Well, you certainly knew what to look for. As does your superior, Mr. Williamson. Although, I must confess, he seemed more… detached. You seemed more engaging with your questioning. More effective, too. Why is that?"

"Well, I was a Slytherin at Hogwarts. A half-blood Slytherin to boot. That means I got to see the worst in a lot of very intelligent people. Picking apart dark wizards is kind of my thing, what with having to sleep in the same area as them for seven years. Seven developmental years."

The man just smiled politely, "Ah. I'm not familiar with your house system. Were you friends with Harry Potter?"

Tracey smirked a bit. "No. In fact, I used to make a game of sabotaging his potions. He was a Gryffindor and I was a Slytherin. Seems pointless now, but it was important in school. Anyway, I stood by him in the end. That's what that matters." That's what she told herself, anyway.

The man just nodded. "I see. Do you have an impression of the young man? Some are calling him a dark mage…"

Tracey just laughed out loud, "No way is Harry Potter a Dark Lord! Hahahaha. Not a chance. He is the least subversive person you will ever meet. Can't lie or cheat to save his life. I'd love to play poker with him – it'd be like... taking candy from a baby." She considered for a moment, then added, "But don't underestimate him. Almost everyone he ever loved was killed by dark wizards or witches. He doesn't play around with 'evil' doers. He 'Smites' them. And yes, he can be terrifying when he is in his 'Master of Death' mode. But, puppies and kittens will never have to worry about Harry Potter. That's for damn sure."

Mr. Berger seemed to stop smiling at that. "Is it true? Is he really the mythical 'Master of Death'?"

Tracey sat back and took the last bite of her croissant. Swallowing, she just nodded and said, "You bet your sweet ass he is." She said it low and quiet. There was depth there.

Mr. Berger noted the shift in this young lady. He had seen her file and knew she had lost her eye in the final battle against Voldemort. He also knew she was rebellious and headstrong, but very reliable. Whatever had happened to make her so in awe and somewhat afraid of Harry Potter must have been intense.

Despite her rather crass language, he liked this one. Far more than Sr. Auror Williamson. He saw a fire in this young Auror that was sorely lacking on his team. He wanted her. Almost as much as Mme. Bellamy wanted young Harry Potter.

—CS—

Delacour Manor

Friday, August 10 2001

9:00 AM

The entire house was in a panic. Harry had disappeared and so had Gabrielle. Bill knew Harry had a few tricks up his sleeves around moving through the astral plane, but he wasn't giving away Harry's secrets. His alarms had been placed carefully, but he never doubted Harry could avoid them easily. He and Draco were deep in the dog house for falling asleep. Between Fleur and Andromeda, neither man was feeling very proud. The women had been furious. Bill and Draco exchanged a look. Harry Potter, where ever you are, You are gonna pay for this!

Daphne heard something in the back yard. Walking out, she saw Harry and Gabrielle talking. Harry looked both healthy and furious. Gabrielle was trying unsuccessfully to calm him down.

Daphne spoke up in a quiet moment, "Harry? Is that you?"

"Yes. It's me."

Ouch. He is pissed! "So… you seem better. Is something wrong?"

Gabrielle then spoke, "Harry is angry that his wands were taken. He is planning to… go to the DMA and get them." The beautiful young lady was in a state of near panic.

Shite! "Harry, you need to come inside and calm down. Starting a battle with the DMA will not get your wands back."

Harry just smirked, held out his right hand and concentrated. He said something in parseltongue and the air round his hand began to shimmer… eventually, a wand formed. It had wicked barbed thorns running its length. It radiated anger and malice. Power too. Daphne recognized it immediately. It had haunted her for years. The black thorn wand.

"Daphne, you will find that I can be very persuasive." His eyes were glowing. Years later, Daphne would look back at this moment and realize how pivotal it was.

"NO! Harry Potter, you are about to do something just plain stupid! Pull your head out of your self-righteous arse and come inside. Everyone is worried and you are about to go out and embarrass us all."

Harry just stared at her. The ice queen! The woman practically glowed with intensity. He felt like he was seeing her for the first time. She actually cared about him. On top of that, she was… gorgeous.

Harry gave a short but defiant nod, and the three of them went inside. Gabrielle made eye contact with Daphne and mouthed a silent 'Thank You'. Apparently, things almost went completely off the rails.

Going inside, everyone seemed to be in the kitchen. Apparently, Daphne's little speech was loud enough to get everyone's attention. Harry was slowly shifting from anger and outrage to embarrassment. He really was about to march into the DMA, make threats, and demand the return of his wands. He wasn't a teenager anymore. He was the head of multiple houses and he needed to start acting like it. Damn.

Andromeda seemed intense, but controlled when she asked, "So, Harry. Is there something you'd like to say to us?" Obviously, she was looking for an apology. Nope. Not gonna happen. All he did was step outside and heal himself.

"Yes. Yes I do. First of all, nice work on the ribs! They feel very good. A touch tighter when I twist, but better than just about anyone else who's ever fixed me up. You are the absolute best!"

Andromeda coolly responded, "Thank your cousin Draco, he mended most of your ailments."

Harry nodded, "Nice work, Draco! This is why I only let family work on me." All smiles. Not quite sarcasm. Right on the edge.

Draco just leaned his head to the side and said, "Thank you, Harry. I'm… glad your ribs are better…" What the hell? Harry always gets away with this kind of rebellious crap.

Now that Draco was part of Harry's core team, he kind of enjoyed watching everyone else combust over it. The way he used to. Harry refusing to allow anyone else to help him had been noted. Noted by the medical community. He could finally overcome the Deatheater stigma his father, Lucius, had left him. Maybe he could even return to Britain. With Astoria…

Andromeda did that eyebrow thing. "Anything else, son?"

Yeah, she was cracking. Andromeda loved him. "Yes. I have a new apprentice. Gabrielle Delacour has agreed to become my apprentice and learn Elemental magic from me." Pausing for effect, he added "After finishing her NEWTs, of course…"

This was huge. Harry had never accepted an Elementalist Apprentice before. In the magical community, this was the equivalent of winning the lottery without bothering to buy a ticket. Mr. Delacour looked ecstatic. Fleur seemed… less so. Odd.

Bill came over and hugged Gabrielle. "Congratulations! You will be amazed with how much you will learn. Harry has so much knowledge. We all kind of look after each other, too."

Gabrielle beamed, "Thank you, Bill! I'll be his second apprentice, after you. And the things I saw… the raw power of the elements. Have you ever seen the Fire Healing ritual?"

Bill just smiled, "Yeah, I have. But, to me it was just a ritual. The Nethermancy is what spoke to me. We just have different callings. Word to the wise, Harry is not like most 'Masters' in a 'Master – Apprentice' relationship. Just be yourself and ask lots of questions. He loves teaching. He was my first apprentice for curse breaking. I'm so proud he chose you."

"Thank you, Bill!"

They all had a celebratory brunch. Gabrielle was the center of it and made to feel special. She deserved this after the horrible fiasco of the garden event. She showed everyone the Elemental Staff that she had held in the ritual. She described how she felt. It was a nice, nice morning. Thanks to Daphne for keeping Harry from doing something stupid.

Halfway through brunch, Gabrielle made a startling announcement. "Harry, there is something you should know. Years ago, when you saved me in the lake, something happened. You see, Veela magic is different. it acts differently. Especially under stress."

Harry noted that everyone had stopped talking. This seemed serious.

"The stress of being underwater, surrounded by enemies, then the relief of being rescued... well. It created a bond. Between us. My magic now sees you as my mate and unless we are married before I am eighteen, there will be dire consequences."

Harry was stunned. Why was he just now hearing this. He cared deeply about Gabrielle, but marriage? Why had no one told him... He noticed Bill had a frozen look. Fleur had turned away and was focusing on Victoire. Andromeda should have been all over this... but she wasn't. Daphne had her ice queen face on. Then he saw Fleur's shoulders shake. Just a little. Shite! "Hardee-Har-Har!"

The whole table burst into laughter. Damn, they got him. Fleur said, "Harry, my Veela bond wants more bacon. Can you pass it to me? Also, Victoire has a Veela bond too and needs her nappie changed."

Bill just smiled and said, "She totally owned you, Harry. Payback for sneaking out..."

The rest of the brunch was Veela bond this and Veela bond that. Draco was especially enjoying himself. Gabby got him. She got him good.

As the Brunch broke up, Mr. Delacour took Harry aside and sincerely thanked him for saving Gabrielle. Again. They spoke about the apprenticeship and Harry admitted to not really planning it, but the elements seemed to speak to Gabrielle. He apologized for not asking him first, but the older man just waved his apologies off. Harry mentioned having to spend a year in Hogwarts and Gabrielle would likely have to come too, but she'd get her chances to grow and teach.

The whole group went into a large side room and relaxed. It was nice. Astoria and Draco were there. Narcissa had paired up with Andromeda and Appolline Delacour. Daphne soon joined and began talking fashion. Soon Harry's Familiar joined them. Teddy was quickly put on Harry's shoulders and even Catherine appeared and hovered around Harry and Teddy. Life is good.

Padma had been in the background of the room. She approached Harry to discuss giving a statement. "Harry, I have your wands upstairs. You are asked to give a statement before having them returned, but it's really up to you. Honestly, the Elder wand makes me uncomfortable."

"Wait a minute, the wands are here? In this house?" Padma just nodded. "Wow. Remind me to thank Daphne."

Padma narrowed her eyes, "Harry…"

He suddenly looked about twelve years old. Like he just got caught sneaking chocolate frog cards into potions class. "Yeaaaahhh. I almost over-reacted…"

Padma knew what that meant. She just shook her head and muttered, "Oh, Shite." He always used that cute act when he did something like this.

Harry thanked Draco and Andromeda again for the mending. Draco pulled his wand and scanned him. Harry put Teddy down and he ran over to Catherine. Soon they played around Victoire.

Harry started to squirm away, but Draco was insistent. "Hold Still. Yes, we're doing this. Hmmm. The nerves seem to have... regenerated. The lungs are nearly perfectly healed. I'd like to see this ritual sometime, Harry. You are… fine. For a sixteen year old."

Harry just looked at him. "Draco, we were in the same year. I'm twenty one."

"According to my scans, you are biologically sixteen. Look on the bright side, you should grow another inch…" Draco was enjoying this. "You may even be fifteen… no, really. You are an old 15 or a young 16!" And he put on his trademark 'Malfoy' smile.

Andromeda diffused what was about to be a childish argument, "You are a mage, Harry. Mages age differently. Surely you noticed that you were always… smaller than your peers." Ouch.

Draco then spoke up, "No champagne for Harry. Too young! Not legal." And he smirked. Harry so wanted to strike him. Astoria gave Draco a pointed look... and Draco stopped smirking and looked away. Damn, he really does love her.

Bill came over. "OK, Harry. We finally finished going over the manor house you broke out of, but they need you to come down town and answer a few questions. Standard stuff. Ron and Susan will be there. Hey, how did you get your thorn wand?"

Harry nodded. "Yeah. It's tied to me. I might be able to do the same with the Elder wand, but it would be tough. Hmmm. Maybe I could even do the Holly wand. I'd just have to focus on the tears in my system. No idea how to do that, though. The thorn wand is easy – focus on anger and wanting to mess someone up. Speak a little parseltongue... Voila!"

Snapping out of the wand talk, Harry just said, "As for the statement, Padma mentioned it. Pretty standard practice really. I had to fight my way out of that awful place. The wards were brutal." Looking at Bill, he asked a curse breaker question, "How many ley lines?"

Bill winced, "Three. I have no idea how you managed…"

Harry smiled and nodded. "Me neither."

Harry asked Andromeda to send over a lawyer and went upstairs to dress. Pipsey had to bring him his trunk. He elected for casual dress robes. Catherine appeared and picked out his tie. They talked about Paris and Harry offered to show her the Eiffel tower. He'd never actually been. Maybe he could get Teddy and Andromeda to come too. Make an afternoon of it. He really liked Catherine. Silly girl that she is. She filled him with hope.

Coming downstairs, he saw Tracey Davis was there. As was Ron and Susan. Harry realized this was his 'escort' team. Tracey was having her eye looked at by Andromeda – she had treated her after the battle and fixed most of the cosmetic damage. Daphne was with them. Ron was chatting it up with Gabrielle. The allure was affecting him slightly… Harry knew how annoying that was to the Delacour women. Susan was just looking at him. A strange look. She seemed... conflicted.

Susan smiled politely, "You look much better than I would have thought, Harry. We should head in for your de-briefing." Harry just nodded.

Susan was all business. Just like her aunt. Harry never completely forgave Amelia or Susan for tricking him in his fourth year, but holding on to anger only hurt him. Or so his therapist had said. And that was so long ago. Susan stood and fought in the final battle. That earned her a bit f a clean slate. Truthfully, the Bones family paid dearly for their betrayal.*

Padma interrupted, "As soon as Harry's lawyer arrives. Mr. Brun should be here soon. Why not have a cup of coffee, Susan?" Harry sensed something else here. Padma didn't trust Susan. Hmmm.

Ron came over while the two women were talking. "HARRY! Looking good mate! I gotta say, you have definitely not lost your touch…"

Harry laughed. "Personally, I hope I don't have to touch anyone else. That was a close shave."

Ron grinned, "Yep, three ley lines! I never would have believed it. How did you do it?"

Harry just shrugged, "Not easily. Fried my nervous system. Had to do that thing I do with the fire. Same as after the Cruciatus…" Harry was being vague, but he didn't want everyone knowing the details of his ability to use elemental fire to heal himself.

Daphne soon approached. "Harry, Andromeda asked if you could look at Tracey's eye. Do you have a minute?"

Excusing himself, Harry went over to see what Andromeda wanted his opinion on. "Davis. I hear being an Auror agrees with you."

Tracey shrugged, "No complaints, Potter. I hear you don't like cannibals." Daphne and Andromeda both flinched. Yep. Typical Tracey Davis.

"Yeah. Not much." Taking a second for the shock of her question to wear off, "It's the table manners that bother me the most. You know. The term 'finger food' tends to confuse them." There, right back at you Davis!

"Harry!" Andromeda was just looking at him. Oh boy. Not worth it.

"So, what can I help with?" Change the subject fast!

After a brief pause, Andromeda went into work mode, "The eye socket seems unable to take a prosthetic. I suspect it relates to the curse burning out the nerve connections… Do you know of a way to correct this? Something unorthodox? Maybe your fire-trick?

Harry scanned her. He shifted his vision deeper into the astral plane. She could never take a simple prosthesis. A glass eye would keep the skull from collapsing over time… Andromeda wasn't asking about that. She was either hoping his fire healing would work, or she was looking for a blood charm.

Harry ran his hand through his hair, "The fire trick won't work because the nerves aren't just burned up, they're gone. Devoured. And the time since the injury... We have options, but they won't give normal vision. It'll always be a little cloudy. Tracey, has your accuracy been impacted?"

Tracy answered after a moment's thought, "Not too much. Depth perception is poor, but linear accuracy is good." She wasn't joking around now, Harry noticed.

"Let's synch up over the holidays. I think I have an idea. It won't be normal vision, more like 'magic' vision." Harry would have to make something… but what? If it was her dominant side, he might make a targeting eye. But that wouldn't do as much given it was her left eye. For Tracey, an astral eye might be best. He'd have to teach her how to use it though. And find some amber.

Mr. Brun had arrived and was talking to Susan and Ron. Likely setting them straight on how this would go. Harry asked Andromeda if she and Teddy would like to visit the Eiffel tower afterward. Then he had to get ready for his 'auction'. She was all in.

—CS—

Ministère des Affaires Magiques de la France

Place de Furstemberg

Bureau des Aurors Office

Statement Room

Friday, August 10 2001

3:30 PM

Harry had walked Mr. Berger, Mme. Bellamy, Ron, Susan, and Tracey through the battle at Lavoisier Manor. A penseive was brought in allowing Harry to better show the scene. It was shocking to see how quickly it had all happened. How lucky he had gotten. So many lethal curses had narrowly been avoided. Harry usually loved watching the blow by blow after a fight. Seeing where he could improve… But this was different. Those wards had been awful. He almost bought the farm right before they came down. The cannon fodder by the stairs were horribly trained. Had they ever even been in a real fight? Maybe three or four of them knew a little. The rest seemed way out of their league. They still shot some nasty curses at him, though.

They took a brief break afterward. Harry went to check on Andromeda and Teddy. They were being treated like visiting royalty by the French ministry. The Black family still held so much power. After a few minutes with Teddy, Harry went back down to the Auror offices. He was getting a lot of odd looks. Respect and… fear? Nervousness? Well, beats the open animosity he frequently gets in Britain.

—CS—

Susan was preparing herself. She knew the battle scene and she saw Harry's memories. He had sent that astral beast up the staircase without knowing who or what was at the top. He had ruthlessly attacked the new recruits without offering terms for surrender. Yes, he meant well. No, she didn't want him to go to Azkaban. The idea that Harry would be punished made her dizzy and sick. But she had to point this out. Every time she thought about looking the other way, she thought about Umbridge.

Harry had to be accountable to someone. She knew others had felt that way, but were afraid to act on their beliefs. Harry was still a national hero. She would hit him with the hard questions after the break. She knew how to do it. It would likely end her friendship with Ron. Padma too. Possibly others. But she knew it was the right thing to do. The Auror force could work with Harry to better define his allowable activities and behavior. Maybe he would even sign up. But he couldn't just be a vigilante. Could he?

Why was she so conflicted. The thought of pressuring Harry made her actually feel sick. Why did she want to protect him so badly? Was it a compulsion charm? Was Harry subtly using charms to control those around him? That was chilling, but it explained her irrational drive to nurture and protect him. Was he a borderline Dark Lord? A Grey Lord? Was there even such a thing? He had the power. Both magically and politically. Why was she... proud of him? Definitely not natural.

—CS—

When the questions resumed, it was predominantly Mr. Berger and Mme. Bellamy. They asked the standard questions. Mr. Brun had interceded a few times, but nothing major. They really just wanted to know what had happened.

Susan Bones hated herself, but knew it was now or never. "Mr. Potter, I have a few questions…" Unnnn, stomach pain. "Sorry." She sipped her water. Why was she so conflicted?

She started again, "So... when you…unnnnnnn" More pain. She wanted to stop! But she pressed on.

Harry looked concerned. They all did. Ron asked, "Susan, are you OK?"

"Yes… so. When you summoned…. BBBBLLLEEEEEAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!" Susan vomited the content of her stomach along with a lot of blood. Harry leapt back and avoided the worst of it. Most were not so lucky. She couldn't stop vomiting. It was awful.

Mme. Bellamy began barking out orders. "Elevate her head! No, turn it… she might choke. Someone get a doctor."

Harry sent a quick Patronus to Andromeda. He used his Thorn wand, and the Patronus came out looking vicious. Covered in tiny thorns. But it was a Patronus and it would take the message. God, Susan was still vomiting. Wait, her eyes! They were bleeding! He shifted his vision and looked her over… Her pattern was revolting. Merlin! Susan's magical core was turning on itself! What the hell is this? Harry reached out and took her hand. "Hold on Susan! Just hold on..." He noticed her core settle down immediately. Whew.

—CS—

Paris, France

St. Genevieve Hospital

Friday, August 10, 2001

6 PM

Susan Bones was being looked over. She was beyond mortified. She had vomited all over the head of the French Aurors and DMA. She had planned to really grill Harry with questions on his dangerous decisions, but couldn't get the first one out. What the hell happened? It had been horribly painful in addition to the embarrassment.

Lady Black was there reviewing the results. She was one of the best healers in the world and probably the authority on healing curses. Was this a curse?

"Lady Black? Thank you for checking on me. Is it just a stomach infection?"

"No." The woman didn't even look up from the chart. That can't be good.

Susan started to speak, but Lady Black raised one finger, silencing her. After finishing the medical chart, she looked up at Susan. There was no warmth in her eyes.

"Tell me, Lady Bones, when you and your aunt ended the Tier One Alliance with the Potters, did you really read into the terms and penalties?" Susan just paled. Her mouth moved, but no words came out. "No, I didn't think so. Cast a lumos for me."

Susan then cast a weak and flickering light. She had to really focus to get it to stabilize. "Oh, god. No-no-no-no. This can't be."

"I'm afraid it can and it is, Lady Bones. You have violated the terms of the alliance, likely you had planned to do something less than supportive of Lord Potter and your magic turned on you. Am I correct?"

"I… I had planned to ask him some hard questions." Susan was now pale with fear.

"Your ancestors vowed to support and protect the Potter family. You were in the process of breaking that vow. I suspect you broke it seven years ago as well. Then used subterfuge to end the alliance. Am I right? That would explain why today's episode was so incredibly harsh." Seeing her patient suddenly close up, Andromeda added, "Anything you say will have healer – patient confidentiality."

Susan visibly relaxed at that. "Yes. We tricked him into signing the document." Susan then shook her head, "But the Potter Wards and enchantments all failed after the alliance was dissolved. The alliance is ended."

"It is ended on the Potter side. Harry ended it in good faith. The Potters were released from the alliance. You and your aunt did not end it in good faith. Tier One alliances are more than simple paper and bloodquills. Tier One alliances involve family magic. The Bones family betrayed the Potters when you and your aunt tricked him. Harry's motivations were pure, so his magic accepted the end of the alliance. Your motivations were not pure and your family magic has not released itself of the alliance. The Bones family must still honor the alliance even though the Potter magic is no longer bound by it."

"Wait. Will I heal?"

"Yes, Lady Bones. Your magic will heal. Harry apparently took your hand and said something 'supportive'. That was enough to calm your magic. Without his help, you would now be a squib. If it happens again, and Harry isn't there to assist you, you will be a squib." Andromeda was being very professional, but her eyes were like ice. Her son had been tricked in a time of need. Now, the new Lady Bones wants to be above the laws of magic.

"What can I do?"

Andromeda did her single eyebrow raise, "I'd recommend you honor the alliance. Your own family magic appears to be 'over-compensating' for previous betrayals. Toe the line and you should be fine. Cross it, well... don't."

Susan couldn't let herself be under the thumb of another. "If Harry agrees to allow the Bones family to leave the alliance… With full knowledge…" Harry might agree...

"Why on earth would he do that? Do you know that your ancestors pressured the Potters into the alliance? Do you know what it cost them? Their head of family sacrificed his own magic to build your family manor. For a century, they built your weapons and artefacts. Frequently using their own magic to boost them. Now, it's no longer convenient, so you wish to cast it off…"

"I never did that. I never pressured anyone. That was my ancestors!"

"Yes. And they used the power they squeezed from the Potter family to carve a powerful political position for themselves. The Bones family, small as it now is, still has much power and wealth. You are still benefitting from what the Potters gave. Be smart, Lady Bones. Support and protect Lord Potter. You really have no choice."

With that, Lady Black left Susan Bones alone with her thoughts.

She remembered something her Aunt had once said, 'That's the trouble with Tier One Alliances, they tend to stick!'

—CS—

Delacour Manor

Friday, August 10 2001

9:00 PM

Fleur was trying to stress the importance of Gabrielle decision to her. "Gabrielle, are you sure you want this? Harry is at a point where he can tip either way… He cares for you, I can see that. He thinks you are beautiful, and why wouldn't he? But if he takes you as an apprentice, he will not date you. For the next three years you will be his pupil. No romance."

Gabrielle stopped and considered what she was hearing. "Oui, Fleur. You know I like Harry, but the magic he shared with me… it made my heart sing. I have never felt so alive and… and… it sings to me."

"Even if it means you cannot be with Harry? One year at Beauxbatons, Two years as an apprentice, then maybe. But that's three years. what if he finds another. And he very well might!" Seeing the pain that was crossing her sister's face, Fleur softened her approach. "I only want to see you happy my sweet sister. I think you could be very happy with Harry."

"I do too. I care deeply for Harry. I do. He has saved me twice now. He never treats me like… like wizards so often do. Even when I know he notices me. But, I love the elements more, Fleur. I can't describe it. It's a calling." Fleur just hugged her sister.

And there it was. Fleur now knew the window was closing. Harry would still be her little brother, but he would, in all likelihood, never be her brother in law. Still she could love them both, no matter who they end up with. Hopefully, not Ginny.

Downstairs, Daphne was frantically looking for Lady Black. Something about a cougar and a lamb. Draco's laughter drowned out anything else that could be heard.**

—CS—

Paris France

L'Savoureux Restaurant

Friday, August 10

11:57 PM

NOTE: This scene works best if you are familiar with Ellen Barkin in Oceans 13. If you are not familiar with the character, google it. You tube it. Ellen Barkin, Oceans 13. Chasseuse Coquin is based on that character. You'll thank me.

Harry had gone to the auction as planned. The bidding was setting records. It went back and forth for thirty minutes. All was good, because Harry knew the DMA was supposed to fix the auction, so he could help scout the catacombs. An attractive middle aged woman named Chasseuse Coquin had won the bid. Harry looked over at Daphne and noticed she seemed a bit nervous. She was probably just worried about him. At least, that's what he had thought. At the time. Now he knew better.

The last three hours had been horrible. Apparently, the plans to use this 'auction' as a means of establishing an alibi while scouting the catacombs was abandoned. Nobody told him! Could the DMA do anything right? When he suggested the catacombs, she said something about skulls and being kinky. At every turn, Harry had the woman on him. She was dangerous in a way he had never experienced. SO aggressive. Her hands were all over him. He was checking all his drinks and food for potions or 'additives'. Harry had used his celebrity status to get into numerous clubs and restaurants. Keep her moving. Never stay in one place. This was just like combat. You stop moving, you get tagged! He had no intention of having this woman 'tag' him.

They were in the best restaurant Harry could think of, L'Savoureux. Jean Chopin had made space for them. He had also read the scene well enough to make sure Harry had constant interruptions. His date had excused herself and gone to freshen up. Harry considered just bolting. But, the woman had paid so much money! What on earth was he going to do? If he had any of the twin's candy, he could fake a sickness… no. His core was too powerful for that to work on him now. Something. Anything.

—CS—

Paris France

L'Savoureux Restaurant

The ladies Room

Chasseuse Coquin was applying her trademark lipstick. Deep and dark red. It was called 'Sinful Witch' and Chasseuse knew it had applied perfectly to her. Harry Potter was everything she had hoped for. Young, wealthy, athletic, and most of all, innocent! Well, not after tonight. She had her plan. He was putty in her hands. He would take her home. He'd come in, reluctantly. She'd slowly make her move, prey on his kindness, then close the deal. He was worth every galleon she had paid. She leaned forward and lightly kissed the mirror, leaving a trace of her lipstick. Her mark.

She stared into her reflection and said in a lusty tone, "Chasseuse, it's time to devour that boy!"

She turned to leave, but the door was locked. "What…?"

A voice behind her simple said, "Chasseuse Coquin, I'd like to have a word with you. Woman to Woman."

She turned and locked eyes with the most terrifying thing she had ever seen. Horrifying. Her blood turned to ice and her hands started to shake. "L-L-L-Lady Black…"

—CS—

Ten minutes later, Harry's date returned. She looked tired. Her lipstick was lighter than before. Maybe she had gotten sick! Oh, thank Merlin. Harry stood and held her chair for her.

"Harry, dear, perhaps we can have a nice dessert, a cup of coffee and call it a night. This has been wonderful, but I'm afraid the excitement may be too much for me…"

"Oh. Well, the coffee here is exceptional. And the Crème Brûlée is amazing."

The next thirty minutes was nice. Harry felt like he got to know the woman. She had been a model in her youth and had lived quite the fast life. Harry admitted to having a difficult childhood.

While he didn't admit to any real abuse, Chasseuse was no fool, it was clear in the topics he avoided. Once she got over her intense fear of Lady Black, she realized that Harry Potter was a bit too innocent for her. Abused orphans may be a bit more than she could live with. You have to draw lines. Preferably lines that don't result in your being cursed horrifically.

They took a nice carriage ride back to Coquin Manor. He walked her to the door and was rewarded with a kiss on the cheek. Thank god. Harry was a bit worried he change of pace was all an act to get him into a compromising position.

Walking back to the carriage, he noted that life was good. A lot of money was raised for some obscure set of fountains or statues, his family was happy and healthy, he would just sit back and enjoy the ride back. As the carriage began to move, he relaxed, looked up at the stars and did something he almost never did. He began very softly singing. He sung a song his mother used to sing him when he slept: You light up my life, by Debbie Boone.

He didn't know all the words, but no one was around. Just the driver. no one would tease him. He would just repeat the words he did know. If need be, he could fill in the blanks with a little humming. Who cares, really. Harry knew he was no singer. What was it Ron had once said? 'Cats sounded better when they're forced into a shower.' But he was happy. After a few minutes of softly singing, he heard the most beautiful voice he had ever heard. Singing with him. It was unbelievable. Magical. The driver had joined in and she was amazing. Harry just let himself listen to her. Then, she slowly turned around and made eye contact.

She was unbelievably beautiful. Perfect features. Stunning in every way. Her hair was pure white and her skin, dark and dusky. He recognized her immediately. The woman from his first night in Paris. At the restaurant opening. The unknown Nethermancer that had been watching him. He had forgotten her. Harry had a wand in each hand in a blink of an eye. She was still singing, somehow Harry took that as a sign that she meant no harm. And it was so beautiful. His heart ached as he listened to her. As she hit the last note, Harry realized she had triggered a portkey. The whole damn carriage.

And they were gone.

—CS—

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NOTES:

I finally got 'the Dance of Death' out of neutral and driving on the right path again.

*The Potter/Bones Alliance and the Susan-Hannah ambush is detailed in the Dance of Death, chapters 14 and 15. The full effects are seen in this story. Basically, Susan screwed up. Sometimes you can't just walk away from your mistakes.

**Daphne had heard of Chasseuse Coquin. She alerted Andromeda to Harry's situation. Draco had heard of her too and laughed for ten minutes. Until Astoria made him stop.

Gabrielle made her choice. She'll still be around, making people jealous. But until she becomes at least a 'Journeyman' there will be no pairings.

Daphne came through for Harry a couple times in this chapter. Keep in mind, her job was supposed to officially start when Harry got back from France. Oh, Well. Harry has really begun to take notice of her.

There have been lots of updates over the last few weeks. Now that I am back at work, things will slow down. Hopefully, those of you following have enjoyed the updates.