Disclaimer - I own nothing, just playing around in the awesome sandbox JK left us
An- Alpha version so please be aware that there may be some typos and grammatical errors.
Chapter 13 - A Migratory Bird
When Daphne opened her eyes she was greeted only by darkness. The last thing she remembered was an intense feeling of pity and annoyance. She wondered why she even cared, Pansy was nothing to her.
From there her thoughts turned to how much time had passed, it could have been days or weeks and she wouldn't have known the difference. She could smell the food that had been set on the bedside table for her. The room was cold, the embers in the fireplace had exhausted itself and underneath the sheets of her bed, the silk fabric of her nightdress clung to her.
After devouring everything laid out for with ravenous speed and downing the glass of water, Daphne sat up panting for air.
"Caelum," She breathed slowly, feeling hardwood floor beneath her feet and soft fur brushing against her legs. "you didn't have to wait for me."
The black cat beneath her mewed softly. She gave a long sigh, sorely tempted to set her head back down.
Her body felt weak and her head pounded. Ignoring the tremors in her legs she stood and with Caelum steps ahead of her she went to the door. Her hand reached for the cool brass handle and she pushed down.
Using the nearest wall to support her she stepped out onto the landing. She couldn't help the hoarse laughter that escaped her, echoing through the large empty estate.
Soapy hands ran down one thigh leisurely, raising a long supple leg Fleur paled scalding water to rinse. She watched unfazed as always when her skin did not burn or blemish from the searing hot bath water.
At daybreak she had awoken to the noise of Rachelle leaving for a rigorous day of Quidditch practice. As Fleur laid there she found she could not return to the embrace of sleep. In her isolated dorm room that Sunday morning she wrote two letters for home and made a start on greeting cards for the season. Still when she finished she had only killed twenty minutes. Choosing to relax, Fleur spent the next hour bathing herself.
Momentarily her gaze shifted to the golden egg leaning against the silver tap hanging over her toes.
Of course she knew it was merish as soon as she heard it scream, she had listened to the songs of mermaids more times than she could count. So that had only left one thing left to do - solve the riddle. The song had told her she was going to be robbed of something, that it would be hidden by the merpeople she suspected dwelled in the lake and that she had an hour to find it.
While letting herself sink up to her nose Fleur took her time thinking over what she could do about the second task. Breathing underwater was easy, a simple bubblehead charm would be sufficient, she had used it often before when swimming. Still though she knew that there would be many other obstacles in her way. She tried not to let it bother her, but she knew she'd have the disadvantage in this task. Thanks to belonging to one of the two Veela subfamilies, her magic was weaker when performed underwater.
What really troubled her however was the number creatures she may find in those dark murky depths. Fleur really doubted they called it an ominous name like the Black Lake for nothing.
She rose up out of the bubbles of her bath and after drying herself, pinning her hair, she dressed and wrapped herself in her warmest winter cloak. Raising her fur hood Fleur decided to leave the thought of the task behind her along with the sanctuary of the carriage.
She crossed the grounds, quite enamoured with the snow covered fells as she came to the steps of the owlery. She could see from the empty nests and crooks that many still hadn't returned from their nightly hunt.
Above her she heard scuffling and the loud cawing of birds.
"Is someone zere?" She asked.
There was no answer. But that did nothing to change the fact the silence of the morning had been unnaturally broken.
Fleur smiled to herself and climbed to the second floor, but still found no one.
She stood still for a moment before she laid laid eyes on a set of ladders in the corner, she was curious to see whether she was wrong or not. When she reached the top she saw the boy with black hair sat on the open window ledge, surrounded by crows.
"'Arry I am wounded zat you would ignore me." She smiled smugly. The loft floor was little more than a ledge of rickety wooden planks that creaked under her feet.
"I'm definitely starting to think you have a sixth sense or something." Looking up from his book he greeted her with a smile, unbothered by the screaming of mass of black feathers that fled her presence.
It was her first time really seeing him without his school uniform, other than his own winter cloak his clothes were torn and didn't fit. He had a look of wildness about him, as if he had been dragged through a forest backwards and unwillingly.
"Call it a 'appy coincidence. So, are you here to feed ze crows?" She asked with mild curiosity doing her best to ignore his unkempt appearance.
Harry held up his leather bound book. "Not quite, work unfortunately. Normally I'd be in the library with Hermione but Krum keeps showing up. And with him every other girl... Just getting my private hours in where I can."
Fleur frowned a little and thought to the many boys that had bothered her since they had all been informed of the ball. "May I ask why ze need to work in private - or is it ze task perhaps?"
"Draco and I haven't gotten very far with the egg yet. This is something of new project set by my esteemed headmaster. Of all things a diary… Mad old goat." He almost muttered to himself.
"A journal?" Even more curious, Fleur came and sat next to him on the ledge. There was no glass in the window, giving them a perfect view of the surrounding white peaks, jagged and cruel against the blue adolescent sky.
"Ha. Like I'm ever going to write my thoughts and feelings down in a book. I'm not the type, instead I sort of started drawing. I suppose I have history of magic to blame for that. I never get any work done in that lesson even if i'm not asleep." Harry scratched the back of his head and smiled uneasily.
"And what have you gotten so far?" She asked with polite interest.
Harry smile fell a little. "Nothing good."
Sunlight caught his glasses, blinding her for a short moment. In that second Fleur thought that there was something odd in the way he said that.
Harry guessed as much and quickly redirected the conversation. "So you're here to send a letter?"
"Mm. One each for my family back home. Zis will my first Noël without zem. Or rather their first without me… Although my little sister Gabrielle will be most envious zat I 'ave met you, she is something of a fan, she 'as read all your adventure books." Fleur teased him.
That reminded Harry that he really needed to sue those authors and publishers.
"You know, rather than using one of the school's owls, you could borrow mine if you'd like." Harry whistled and Hedwig swooped down to his outstretched arm, looking at him affectionately.
"She is beautiful." Fleur whispered.
Hedwig pushed her chest out and stretched her snowy wings proudly.
"Don't encourage her," Harry laughed and rubbed the bridge on his nose before grinning at the annoyed look Hedwig sent him. "this is Hedwig."
And this intelligent too, I think we have much in common Hedwig. Fleur thought and looked up from the owl's amber stare.
"Is zis okay?" she asked. "France is a long way in winter and will you not need 'er to send letters of your own?"
"There isn't really anyone I need to contact right now, not with her anyway. She has been longing for good flight, it's put her in quite the bad mood lately. You'd be doing me a huge favour." As if to back his story up Hedwig gave another loud hoot and nipped his hand lightly.
"If she wishes to 'elp, oui I would be 'appy to, but why is it you don't wish to use her?" Fleur watched the bird, interested in the close bond was between the owl and her master.
"It's incase my mail is being watched, though I suppose in this weather she isn't as easily spotted because she is so pretty." Hedwig hooted again like she was agreeing and stuck out her leg for Fleur to attach her letters.
Fleur grimaced. "You zink zey are even invading your privacy now?" She said with a spark of anger in her eye. "If zat is ze case your government is being too 'arsh on you. Ze French Ministry would never let a citizen be treated as such, I may 'ave to talk with my father about zeir conduct."
Harry watched as the snowy owl beat her wings and took off out of the window, leaving the two champions alone.
"Well this... it isn't exactly to do with the tournament. I mean it probably hasn't helped matters, it's a little complicated."
Fleur gave him an unconvinced look. "'Arry anyone who says zat something is complicated is most likely avoiding telling ze truth."
Harry laughed again. "Well, truth is always a very complicated thing because everyone has their own version of it. And don't they all just add up?" His voice was cynical and harsh. "Alright Fleur, I'm assuming you've probably heard of Sirius Black?"
In all honesty he realised staying quiet was pointless, if he wanted his voice heard he really would have to start telling it how it was.
So Harry told Fleur about Pettigrew's betrayal and how he framed his godfather. He spoke calmly, looking straight out onto the grounds as he told her the story about the marauders, about Remus being a werewolf and Pettigrew a rat for lack of a better word. Then he went on a tangent about Draco, Hagrid and Buckbeak - avoiding the subject of the time turner because that was a whole other level of crazy he didn't want to pile up on someone. And he told her how at the end Fudge and Snape royally screwed Sirius as to not lose face and admit to their own mistakes.
And he definitely didn't want to admit he was paranoid Dumbledore knew exactly what would happen in the end, and did nothing to stop it just like he had done to an extent every year.
"So I wouldn't exactly be adverse to the idea of you speaking to your father about how things are done in our country." Harry finished speaking. He understood it could be a lot to process, but for a longer time than he expected Fleur stayed silent. "You don't believe me do you?"
Fleur stood and faced him with a determined look she took his hands. "I zink you are many zings 'Arry but not a liar."
A raven caught in a storm, that is what Fleur thought of him. It had become clear to her now, with as much freedom the skies could provide he could not escape the turmoil trapping him. Fly as he might, fight as he might, there was no way out of the tournament or the path he had been set on.
Fleur recoiled when she realised how close her face had gotten to his and quickly released Harry's hands from her grasp. She sensed some tension within him still.
"Not when it counts. Or so I like to think anyway." He coughed.
Harry relaxed, not aware that he had been holding his breath. He hadn't expected Fleur's opinion of him to matter so much, but it did, it was strangely reassuring.
"Zat is what matters, hm? Now 'ave you eaten breakfast yet?" Fleur asked "You are so slim, you need to stop skipping meals 'Arry, it is not good to neglect taking care of yourself."
Harry grinned "I don't skip meals that often… but you are right, I guess. And now you mention it I am hungry."
"Bon," The witch gave him a dazzling smile. "we can go to ze 'all and break fast together." She smiled.
"Sounds good to me. What are your plans for today?"
Fleur thought for a moment. "Well, Rachelle will be with ze quidditch team practicing most of ze morning, so I zink I will do ze same. Zen studying zis afternoon, we arranged to meet in ze library later."
"Practice?" Harry gave her an uncertain look until it hit him. "Oh, you're the only champion in the duelling tournament right?"
"Oui," Fleur nodded "duelling is a much more practical and dignified sport zan flying around chasing balls, no?" She teased.
"You can say that but I'd argue that both duelling and quidditch are violent by nature, not dignified."
Fleur's smile turned to a mischievous grin."You can only say zat because you 'ave not seen me duel."
"You haven't seen me play quidditch either, you may not have heard but I am pretty good."
Fleur saw the playful flicker in his eyes. "Mm I 'ave heard, Rachelle 'as been spying on your practices, while I 'ave not seen for myself, other than in ze task zat is. Rachelle is more zan a little concerned. I zink in time we shall just have to prove each other wrong."
Harry laughed, "Just like the first task then?"
Fleur chewed her tongue but could feel her skin glowing again. "You seem in 'igh spirits zis morning." She noted, it was nice change from the embittered Harry she had met before the first task.
"I suppose it's company I'm in." Harry was surprised so see her cheeks flush with colour. "Hey Fleur," he said with an after thought.
The silver haired witch turned to face him, "Yes?"
"Do you think I could ask for another favour?"
"Of course 'Arry,"
He really did like the way she said his name like that. Harry quickly shook his head of those wandering thoughts. "Would you have me as a sparring partner today? I have nothing else on, so..."
Fleur watched as he glanced down to the ground. "Are you sure you can 'andle it? I never go easy on an opponent." She challenged him with a raised eyebrow, one hand holding her hip.
"If you let me I'd like to try at least, I am still starting out so I could use the practice. You're probably aware I have an unofficial match the same night, right? It's suppose to take part at half time. I really could use the help, maybe learn a couple of things."
Fleur liked his humility despite the competitive streak had unwittingly shown her. "Zen I accept, I would be 'appy to 'elp you. I am sure it will be a learning experience for me also."
"Thanks," Harry stood and gave her an honest smile, his mood improving considerably by the minute. "so, to the great hall then?" He picked up his bag and slipped his book inside.
"Oui," Fleur answered turning from Harry and completely missing him checking the Marauder's map.
She was about to descend from the ladders to second floor when Harry stopped her. "Wait a moment. Someone I'd rather avoid is coming up." He whispered and Fleur gave him a curious look.
Harry just placed a finger to his mouth, vanished the ladders and crouched down peering over the ledge to the second floor.
"Not up here either," a disappointed voice could be heard.
Lisa Turpin circled idly as Parvati, Padma and Lavender waited by the steps. "Are you sure he isn't still in the dormitories sleeping in like a normal person?"
"Since his fight with Ron he doesn't spend anytime in Gryffindor tower more than he has to. It is a safe bet that he isn't sleeping in." Parvarti answered.
"This is a lost cause Lisa." Padma muttered, it was still too early in her opinion.
"If he likes you he will ask you won't he?" Lavender yawned.
"I want to hear it from him, besides he's always been kind of shy right? He might need a little encouragement, and an increase in encounters means an increase in success." Lisa resolved.
"He certainly wasn't shy at the party." Lavender grinned. "I bet you regret running out on him now don't you?"
"Dutch courage, everyone had a little to drink that night…" The Ravenclaw answered with a blush. "I refuse to believe he'd go with a Slytherin, this is Potter we're talking about."
"It's just a rumour that started because Tracey started sitting with them occasionally." Padma said. "You can always just ask her yourself."
Lisa glowered. "I know you two are sort of friends but I wouldn't believe her no matter what answer she gave me."
"You're being a little too suspicious, she isn't like the other snakes." Padma looked at the floor.
"Alright, let me just check the quidditch pitch, he may scoping out the competition. If he is not there either I'll leave it for now. Sorry for dragging you all out here with me." Lisa sighed again and the group of girls left.
Hearing them descend down the stone steps and the vanishing chatter, Harry let out a breath of relief.
"Always ze talk of ze school. Hm?" Fleur grinned at him after they had climbed down ladders she conjured for them.
"Yeah, but I'm used to it now. I only have myself to blame for that one. What about you? I bet your hand for the ball is in higher demand than mine is."
The silver haired witch nodded wearily. "Oui, eight offers to take me to ze ball so far, I suspect zere are still more to come. Yourself?"
"Just the one thankfully, not that others aren't trying. You give anyone a yes yet?"
"Oliver and I decided to go together as friends last night. Zere isn't really a boy here zat I like enough to take. Zey will only get ze wrong idea." She huffed indignantly.
"That is... a little sad don't you think?" Harry said quietly as they stepped out into the open air.
"I am part Veela 'Arry, I know how my presence can affect others, I am used to it now also." She repeated his words with a gentle smile. She appreciated the fact he could somewhat sympathise with her, it was welcome rarity. "Even you who is very strong willed still feel it sometimes, no?"
"Yeah, although not as strongly as I did before." Harry answered slightly embarrassed, avoiding her gaze.
"I do not mind if it is you." Fleur stopped herself. "What I mean to say is, I feel zat it I feel when you are looking at me it is not because of my presence but rather myself. Does zat make sense?" She asked him with uncertainty.
She really hated that she didn't know how to express the fact she could see his look was not ignorant and misty eyed or a lecherous stare but one that was genuine. She hoped he had understood that.
"I - yeah, it does… I think." Harry's throat had turned dry and he could feel heat rising to his cheeks. "So, Oliver… I don't suppose this is some kind of arrangement to help make Selwyn envious?" A half hearted grin replaced the chagrin line his lips had made.
Fleur smiled, relieved. Though she realised she may have embarrassed him a little too much with her frankness. She barely even noticed how they were now walking the grounds with snow underfoot.
Still, he had picked up her and Oliver's plot with ease. "Something like zat, how do you say…" she paused with a furrowed brow as she tried to find the right words.
"Mutual benefit?" Harry offered.
"Mm, mutual." She repeated carefully, some words still escaped her even now. "Now at least I can let ze other boys down easily, still zey will probably take it personally, perhaps even trying to deny ze truth and choose not beleive I already 'ave a date. It will continue to be rather annoying until after Yule and even after. But zat cannot be 'elped."
"I guess it can't really can it?" Harry gave a sad smile and cast his gaze up at the castle towering above them.
It was late into the morning when Astoria Greengrass could be found humming happily on her bed, completely alone in her dormitory. Carefully, with small deft hands, she pinned another butterfly into her collection. Technically it was hibernation season, but the greenhouses provided enough warmth that many chose not to remain dormant. The pastime kept her hands busy allowing her to focus and clear her mind.
Astoria closed the glass case and admired her newest addition with sweet indulgence. She felt the still lifeless creatures to be just vibrant when preserved in death, perhaps even more so than when they were alive. Now she could look upon them at any time she wished and had no fear of them withering and losing the gifts nature had bestowed upon them.
She liked pretty things like the other girls her age, but many had often made fun of her strange and often obsessive fascination. The reason being the girl's hobby did not stretch to just collecting butterflies, the younger Greengrass also possessed a large selection of other insects and poisonous plants. If asked she would most likely say that the purple flowers of belladonna were her most treasured by far. While her wardrobe was almost entirely black those glass cases held a world of colour.
The young witch sat up from her silk sheets and carefully slotted the glass case underneath her bed with the others. On the table of drawers beside her she even had a tank for her very own familiar.
Her companion had been with her as far as her memory could recall. Nephila was an attractive Orbweaver the young witch had named after the greek word for a love of spinning. With a body that was inky black with orange markings on her back and legs, Nephila often reminded Astoria of a tigress. And true to her namesake, Nephila spun the most handsome webs.
Astoria slid the lid off the tank and allowed her to climb out. Spiders were not really permitted as pets at Hogwarts because of a past conflict with a student unknown to her, but exceptions had been made for her case. Despite the fact they were bound together though appearances still had to be kept for Nephila's safety and so she was not allowed free range of the school at all times.
The raven haired girl let the spider crawl up her arm, now long used to the tickling sensation. At first the apparition had been no larger than a fingernail, years had passed and the familiar had now grown so large she could sit comfortably in the palm of Astoria's hand. The common fear of spiders had not left the familiar with many admirers and her size frightened every one of Astoria's twelve roommates.
Still the others rarely noticed when Nephila was missing from her glass prison. Instead unbeknownst to many, she sat hidden inside the sleeve of Astoria's robe or in a dark corner of her school bag. This was the cause of the knowing smile she often wore that made so many wonder what secrets she possessed.
It was a welcome surprise, as she sat back down on her bed with a book, when the silver locket around her neck began to grow warm. It was an unassuming trinket at first glance with a simple insignia of the Greengrass crest engraved upon it. Astoria smiled to herself and unlinked the chain around her neck.
She flicked open the tiny clasp, revealing a small painting of herself and Daphne inside. The lockets were a matching pair that had been made for them as Christmas presents during Daphne's first year, the year Astoria had felt most alone.
"You are awake, how are you feeling?" She asked, not bothering to close her curtains for privacy.
"I am quite well." The portrait of Daphne answered her, her soft voice was warm mirroring the real one which was so far away.
"Are you certain? You're aren't downplaying anything?" Astoria said with earnest.
"Please, you know there is no need to fuss. I've grown quiet accustomed to this part."
"Sorry, I just worry... I should be at home with you. Is father there at least?"
Even though she no longer lived with her sister and father, to Astoria the Greengrass Estate would always be home.
"No, he was gone before I awoke, working most likely. It is just me and the servants here."
"He didn't even wait to check on you?" Astoria's voice turned sharp in anger.
"Don't be like that he is a busy man. The healers did their job he must do his, no need for him to wait around on my part."
"How cold of him, you shouldn't be alone right now." The younger sister pouted.
Daphne sighed with content. "What did I just say about fussing?" She chastised playfully. "I can manage just fine on my own. Now, how are things at Hogwarts? Is Tracey alright?"
"She is fine, I've been keeping a close eye on her. She has taken to Potter's table at meals, but staying out of trouble in the common room, never straying too far from Blaise, Theo or myself. You should know though, she asked Potter the ball."
"She did?" Daphne's voice was for once full of surprise. "She didn't even wait for Blaise to ask her?"
"I don't really know what is happening between those two but she definitely asked him. She is scheming something."
"Most likely, could be that she is acting out to get Blaise' attention. No matter." Daphne dismissed. "What about yourself Tori?"
"I'm fine, everything has been... normal." Astoria said, knowing she had spoken too quickly and lingered too long as soon as she finished.
She could sense her sister's eyes narrowing on the other side of the portrait.
"No dreams still?"
"Just one." Astoria paused. "I was underwater... I could breath easily but as I rose to the surface I saw you, you were swimming away from me. I tried to stop you, there was something in the water with us, lurking just beyond in the dark. I don't want to be too hopeful but I think they're beginning to settle back in." Astoria said quietly.
"I'm sure we'll both feel better if that is the case. No need to worry, I know what that dream was about." Daphne reassured her.
"You do?"
"Yes, I will tell you in a moment and it will begin to make sense. First what of Draco?"
Astoria's eyes widened a little. "We've chatted a little..."
"I guessed as much, try not to get too involved with him." Daphne said gently. "It will still be a while until I'm ready to return, in that time I have a task to ask of you and Tracey."
"Queenie?"
"The egg will need to be opened underwater, you need to tell Harry and Draco as soon as you can, will you do this for them?"
"Of course," Astoria looked up to the doorway warily. "does this have anything to with why Caelum wasn't around this morning?"
"He greeted me first thing but should be with you again at Hogwarts shortly." Daphne answered. "Best not dwell on the details Tori, you know I'd hate to reveal my sources. I haven't been idle since I awoke." Daphne said lightly.
Astoria's brow furrowed, she knew the smirk that came with that tone. "You should be resting."
"I've been unconscious for three days and three nights, I've rested more than enough. I'll be with you again soon."
Astoria nodded sadly and felt her locket grow cold again.
The raven witch looked down to the spider sat in her lap. "Nephila, could you find out where Draco is for me?"
The spider clicked her two front pincers in response before dropping to the floor on a single silver thread.
"Thank you," Astoria said while watching the familiar climb up the door frame of the dormitory and disappear through the gap at the top.
Harry was on the floor panting again for the fifth time.
Dignified? What part of this is dignified?
He had brought her to the unused classroom on the sixth floor where he and Hermione practiced duelling and summoning charms before the first task.
"Those damn flames again, they are getting annoying." Harry complained subconsciously rubbing the dragon burn on his upper arm. He was certain his arse was now so sore it had turned completely purple.
He looked up at the victorious smug grin Fleur was wearing. She had beaten him consecutively four times in a row now. While he had only beaten her once, still that gave him a little hope.
Fleur held out her hand to help him up and Harry took it gladly. "Again?"
Harry's eyes sharpened with focus. "Again." He answered.
They stood once more a distant apart, eyes locked on the other. Harry made the first move, summoning three snakes at time and sending them soaring through the air towards the part Veela.
Wordlessly she slashed her wand incinerating all three before they could even reach her. She had only just sent out a stunner towards him when he countered it by turning their ashes into three pillars of stone.
The red spell splashed against the one in the centre ineffectively.
"Bombarda!" She heard him shout.
Quickly she raised a shield, the pillars exploding into rubble and dust in her direction. She quickly moved back ready for him to come at her from the side.
She had learned how much he liked to move around, unlike most wizards who tended to be rather static. Harry was quite the opposite, using his knowledge of tactics to create diversions, to keep her guessing how he was going to attack and where from.
She saw movement to the left, so Fleur cast a torrent to the right. She grimaced as she saw Harry roll under it and dodge the flame whip she followed up with immediately after.
"Zephyrus!"
Fleur hissed as tears flooded her eyes, the gust of wind sent the smoke of the now growing flames at her, effectively creating smoke screen between them.
He had used many tricks similar to that, and she suspected he had many more up his sleeve. He used the lack of visibility and speed to his benefit. And nor was he above playing a little dirty, which she liked very much.
When she had lost to him the one time. It had been because she had underestimated him and the sheer power behind his spells. She didn't realise it at first but the bright lights should have been an indicator to just how strong they were.
During that duel they had been locked in a succession of cutting hexes that was more akin to a muggle sword fight than a magical duel. She wasn't aware when she cast a shield that his stunner would break it in one hit. The shock of that left her wide open for his incoming disarming spell.
No, I will not let that happen again. You are good but you are not that good mon cher.
Since then she switched to deflection charms, which worked against that edge and forced him to fight back on her terms.
With another flick of her wand she banished the dark billowing smoke while covering half her face with her free arm. Harry was still moving and began a continuation of bludgeoners.
With a grimace Fleur ran in the opposite direction, deflecting some and causing him to turn his body slightly to keep his wand on her. Just as he did she cast a black ice charm on the floor in attempt to restrict his movement. She had expected him to stop in his tracks or jump back but instead he dived to his knees, sliding across the ice effortlessly.
Two bolts of scarlet were released at the same time, flying closely past each other.
Seeing his blinding arc of light hurtling towards her, Fleur instantly knew what she had done wrong and she knew what was about to happen. In her self assured confidence she had had forgotten to do one thing. Adjust her aim just a little lower.
Her stunner soared right above his head as she felt his magic hit her abdomen, painlessly winding her. Her wand flew straight into his hand. Harry may have been the one of the floor again but this time she had lost.
Harry rose from his knees, his torn jeans revealing bloody grazes, he was out of breath but grinning.
She hadn't admitted it yet, but his instincts and fighting capability were nothing to scoff at. He really had given her a very difficult time, several of their duels had lasted longer than five minutes. This surprised her since he told her he had very little experience compared to herself and she had been duelling competitively for several years now.
"Much better," She announced as Harry handed her wand back to her. "You are learning fast. It is most frightening."
"Thanks, for a second there I thought it was over for me. Not that it wasn't satisfying seeing your face when the moment you realised I had gotten the better of you." He gave her a wry smile. "I won't let it go to my head, I know I can't rely on my opponents to make mistakes."
It was only a small miscalculation on her part, he knew full well it was only chance that the duel hadn't been a draw.
"Quite right but no need to sell yourself short 'Arry."
"Alright. I've decided I'm going to be betting on you in this tournament, you'll have Selwyn beat I'm sure."
Fleur's smile widened. "You are not so bad yourself, who is it zat taught you to duel like zis? You 'ardly fight like an amateur."
"Professor Moody gave us a crash course in Defence, but you can thank the detentions I had with my head of house the past couple of weeks. Everyday everyone thought she was giving me lines, that was not the case. By no means did that mean it was easy, she was running me more ragged than you were. No breaks."
What are they trying to do with me really, technically its not help with the task so it's fine? Harry wondered Or are they just trying to get me ready as quick as they can?
"So zat is it, and must be why you use transfiguration so well. You adapt and strategise much better zan most wizards I 'ave faced." She praised him.
Harry looked up. "I think I'd have a better time if I could counter your spells quicker, your silent casting something hard to anticipate, throws me off completely."
"Would you like to learn 'ow it is done?" Fleur asked with a tilt of her head. "Make zings a little more interesting if we spar again hm?"
Fleur could accept that it was a distinct advantage in her favour and she sort of wanted to see him do well. Even if that meant he surpassed her at some point, still she hoped that was a way off yet.
Harry appeared a little unsure. "You think I can do it?"
"You are most certainly at ze level needed in terms of strength." Fleur answered his hesitation. "I zink it best to start with one spell. Is zere any you feel especially confident with?"
Harry didn't really have to think. "If I had to pick just one, probably expelliarmus. I could probably cast that in my sleep at this point."
Fleur nodded, it was a very basic but most effective spell in a duel and a good one to start with. For many wizards losing their wand was far more humiliating than simply being stunned. "Zen it is decided zen." She smiled at him.
Harry attempted to straighten out his unruly black hair. "Would you mind if we did this another time? I'm exhausted from all that running and casting, and Hermione will probably be worrying where I've disappeared to again as it is."
"Not at all, time seems to have gotten ze better of us." Fleur paused for a moment. "You and 'Ermione are both very close aren't you?"
"You only just noticed now?" Harry smiled wryly.
"Very funny 'Arry. I ask because I cannot help but see zat she is very pretty, but you do not zink of her romantically... I was surprised aren't going to ze ball together. Why is zat?" Fleur wondered out loud.
Harry snorted. "She's my true north and I'd be lost without her, more likely I'd be dead without her... But she is as good as my sister. Besides it may have escaped your notice before, but my life is far too complicated without thinking about things like romance." Harry was slightly confused by the peculiar question. But Fleur seemed relieved to hear that though.
"Zen she will not mind if I join you in ze library while I wait for Rachelle?"
Harry scratched his chin. Hermione hadn't been Fleur's biggest fan at first, but she had certainly warmed up to her having spent enough time together at meal times. And Fleur always made an effort to be friendly, it was hard it ignore that. "I really doubt it, shall we go then?"
"Wait 'Arry."
"Let me guess, first lunch?"
"Correct. We should restore all zat energy we just spent. Studying on an empty stomach is no good."
Harry began to laugh, even bending down over himself to hold his knees.
Fleur raised a brow, responding with an unimpressed expression. She momentarily slipped into her native tongue. "Qu'est-ce qu ce'st?"
Harry could guess what she had meant to say. "Sorry, you just really reminded me of her just then, Hermione that is."
"Well, it is clear zat she cares for you zen."
"Oh? Does that mean you care for me too?" Harry grinned mischievously.
Before Harry could see Fleur's alabaster skin begin to flush she huffed and abruptly exited the classroom.
"I'll take that as a yes." Fleur heard him say on her way out.
Merde, zis boy.
Instead of going down to the Great Hall, Harry led Fleur to kitchens to stop by and say hello to his favourite and rather eccentric house elf.
"So what is Beauxbatons like compared to Hogwarts?" Harry asked after taking a bite of steak and ale pie, watching the witch as she dipped bread into her soup.
"Well, some zings are ze same, other zings are different. Ze school is a palace rather than a castle but we are in ze mountains also. We take in students at age ten, rather zan eleven, and our O.W.L equivalent is taken by sixth years, rather than fifth."
"But you're still the same age when you take them though?" Harry inquired and Fleur nodded. "So effectively you get an extra year of education, when do you get your wands?"
"Second year. First year is purely theory and er.. aptitude."
"I see. What else?"
"Timetables for example are not ze same, we start earlier, breakfast is at 'alf six, we 'ave core subjects from seven to eleven. Zen we have a long break for lunch instead of free periods. After two o'lock we zen 'ave our optional subjects and for zings zat are... like quidditch and other sports or activities. Is it extracurricular?"
Harry nodded ignoring the house elves scurrying about them, from what he could tell Fleur's English was incredibly further along than Hermione's French.
"Zen zere are the things you do not 'ave zat we do. Our school is surrounded by gardens, beautiful water fountains and sculptures. Our lake is smaller but in winter we use it to skate and all year round we 'ave hot springs." Fleur politely took the goblet pushed towards her by Dobby.
"Sounds nice," Harry mused putting his empty plate to the side. "very fairytale like."
"True, everyone at beauxbatons is very proud, perhaps a little too proud. I know now students are ze same anywhere, and zere are far more zan 'Ogwarts 'as. We do not 'ave houses. Dormitories are separated by sex, zen by year and classes are put together based on academic result."
"Like muggles do?"
"Do zey do zat?" Fleur asked.
"Yeah, I don't know if we ever did that here. It probably works better that way, if people who are more advanced are put together then each group can get help from teachers better suited to their ability."
Harry remained silent for a while after he had mused that thought. Simply put, there weren't really enough students at Hogwarts to do that, at least not in his year.
"Are you ready to go?" Fleur asked drawing him out of his thoughts.
"Yeah, you?"
"Mm." She nodded, picking up her cloak and sliding off the tabletop she had been perched on.
"Thanks Dobby." Harry said loudly to the elf hard at work.
"Merci pour le repas." Fleur bid the other elves with a wave and the two left together for the library.
When they found themselves among the stacks of books Harry glanced around a little tense, as if he was about to be pounced upon by someone hiding behind the shelves. Sensing his unease Fleur quickly picked out an advanced defence book that had directions on nonverbal casting and a book on potions before they searched for Hermione.
The girl in question was sat in an empty booth accompanied by a large number of books as could be expected of her. Harry took his place opposite.
"Good afternoon." Fleur greeted the bushy haired witch warmly and slid in next to Harry. Hermione barely hummed in response.
"Thanks," Harry said without thinking.
The other champion could only give him curious glance. "Did I do something?"
"No, not really." Harry smiled to himself.
Hermione briefly looked up from her neatly organised work station. "You boxed him into the corner making him less approachable to those who may want to borrow him."
"Tch. Tell everyone how I think why don't you?" Harry muttered and began to busy himself with one of the Arithmancy books he picked up from Hermione's pile.
"Still worrying about zat?" Fleur shook her head with a smirk. "You zink I will make zat much of a difference?"
"With it being you it definitely makes a difference." Hermione informed her while fiddling with her quill.
"What's the saying? A good defence is a good offence. And nothing is more offensive to opposite sex than surrounding yourself with girls more beautiful and intelligent than they are." Harry said while idley looking out a frosted fogged up window.
Hermione rolled her eyes from behind the textbook in front of her.
Harry noticed she was a little more stoic than usual. He wondered if it was because she had only just missed out on being put on the Academics team. Coming seventh out of all the students who were all fifth year and above had still been quite a disappointment for her. No amount of praise was going to change the fact she was a perfectionist at heart and hated to lose.
"Hermione are you okay?" He asked with a sideways glance. His eyes narrowed as he saw her grip tremble slightly, he could just about see from behind her book that her normally caramel cheeks were faintly coloured with pink.
"Of course." She answered quickly.
"You're blushing, did something happen?"
"It is a normal reaction for a girl to blush when called both beautiful and intelligent in ze same sentence is it not?" Fleur suggested as if it was obvious.
"Maybe, but tone and context Fleur, you aren't blushing though you did so quiet beautifully earlier, many times." He smirked as Fleur closed her mouth in surprise. "So Hermione, what are you hiding?"
Harry's green eyes were aflame with interest, bearing into the muggleborn witch. Hermione's gaze shifted away, avoiding eye contact with him completely.
"There it is." Harry followed her line of sight, which only led towards the library entrance. He doubted Madam Pince had anything to do with his best friend's behavior. Whatever was bothering Hermione was most probably long gone. As he turned his head back to face her he scanned the room to be sure. But there was nothing really out of the ordinary from what he could tell.
"Alright," Hermione relented with a small voice and put her book down. "something did happen. But I'm not supposed to tell anyone, so can you please just.. not?" Harry tilted his head in a doglike manner. "You'll know in time, I promise."
Harry leaned back. "I suppose I can do that for you." Though he did nothing to hide the disappointment in his voice.
Hermione let out a relieved breath before looking at them both carefully and critically. "You two came here together?" She asked as if she had only just noticed.
"We did." Fleur nodded, crossing her legs and resting her chin on one hand.
"What were you up to?" The bushy haired witch gave an inquisitive stare.
"Fleur and I were duelling." Harry answered. "I figured I could do with some more experience before Christmas Eve arrives."
"Good idea Harry, and how did he do?" Hermione turned to Fleur.
"'E 'as lots of potential."
"She is being nice, Fleur wiped the floor with me. It hurts to even sit down." Harry admitted with a wince to emphasise his point. The french champion smirked at that. "I will want a rematch. Once you've taught me nonverbal casting I think I'll fare much better."
"Non-verbal casting is NEWT level work Harry." Hermione noted, not that she was doubting his ability.
Harry shrugged. "So is a patronus charm and I've fully mastered that now, haven't I?"
While Hermione nodded Fleur turned to him in surprise. "You've mastered it?"
Of course he had already told her this earlier that morning, but she had gotten so caught up in the tale at the time she had all but forgotten.
Hermione rested her quill down on the table. "Not just a shield either. A fully corporeal patronus, I saw it myself."
"Inouï," Fleur murmured. "What form does it take?" Her eyes shone brightly at him.
"A stag." Harry said, feeling colour rising to his own cheeks again.
"Can I see it? No, will you teach me?"
Harry found it very hard to resist her, especially with her blue pleading stare. "I guess… Alright, if you're teaching me silent casting I can try teaching you how to cast a corporeal patronus. I can't make any guarantees though." Harry conceded.
At that moment, Hermione leant over the table, knocking down several books in the process, in order to whisper something into Harry's ear.
"What? No, definitely not going to happen." Harry shook his head violently as Hermione sat back down.
"Why not?"
"Because." He answered.
"If you won't ask her then I will." Hermione rolled her eyes exasperatedly and turned to the other witch. "Fleur seeing as you two have decided to help each other out, do you think you can assist him further by teaching Harry how to dance? He is stubborn and asking doesn't come easy to him, you seem to be an exception in that case. I'm sure you can understand." Hermione then smirked directly at Harry.
Fleur grinned in response. "If necessary, I don't see a problem. But 'as your professor not already given you all lessons yesterday?"
"She did, Harry was my partner and I can't even begin to tell you how bruised my feet still are."
Harry glared at her. "Way to sell it Hermione."
A bell like laugh escaped Fleur. "Well, we can't 'ave zat now, it would not be fair on 'Arry's date would it?"
Just then Rachelle appeared at the table, as Fleur had promised. Her nose was red from the cold and her hair still damp from her recent shower.
"What would not be fair?" She asked taking the seat next to Hermione.
"Harry's lack of rhythm and inability to move in time to music." Hermione answered picking her book back up.
"Ah, ze infamous two left feet. I 'ave had my share of zat problem before." Rachelle leaned in with a sympathetic voice.
"Hermione zinks I should give 'im lessons, what do you zink Rachelle?"
"Fleur is a natural. You will not find a better dancer in ze school, I can assure you." She took delight in revealing.
"See, I am most qualified." A faint smile appeared on Fleur's lips as she unpinned her hair, letting it fall down in perfect silver waves and hit Harry in the face.
He gave her a scowl. "Fine, fine. But you'll be the one to regret this though, not me." He promised.
"It seems I 'ave been warned." Fleur said playfully to her roommate and friend.
"Most unusual, other boys would be leaping at ze chance." She grinned right back.
After they had spent the afternoon studying quite diligently, Harry helped Hermione put all their books back before they readied to depart for an early dinner.
"Scarhead." Harry heard his fellow champion calling for his attention.
Draco stood leaning on the corridor wall with Tracey, evidently they had been waiting for him.
"Malfoy." Harry greeted tonelessly.
"You're going to need to come with us, Granger too." Tracey said seriously.
Harry and Hermione both shared an uncertain look.
"We'll catch up later, looks like this might be important." The raven haired wizard turned to Fleur and Rachelle.
Fleur nodded and with a quick farewell went on with Rachelle.
Draco had already turned and began to walk in the direction of the stairs down to the dungeons.
"What is this about Tracey?" Harry asked the auburn witch.
"We'll explain later, this concerns the second task so better we wait until we are far enough from Delacour. We don't want her listening in." Draco said without bothering to turn around.
"You figured out what the screaming is?" Harry asked catching up to the Slytherin.
"No but that is what we'll be doing." Draco replied as the came to the shortcut which led to a narrow stairway.
"Just where are we going?" Hermione whispered to Tracey.
"Don't worry we're not far now." She smiled as they descended into the darkness.
The steps down took a long time to climb, at the very bottom they made a turn and Draco stopped in front of a doorway.
Harry paused and squinted to read the plaque upon the door, in elegant writing upon it were the words 'Occult Club'.
"Daphne said she was joking when she told me about there being an Occult Club." Harry mused.
"Well, it is sort of an inside joke the whole school is one giant occult club when you think about it." Tracey answered taking a key from her pocket and twirling it around her finger. "Really it's just a front, Daphne put it together as means to have a private study room, we like to use it instead of working in the library or common room. This is strictly top secret though, got it?"
"Sure whatever you say." Harry muttered.
The door swung open and the group of four entered. As Draco took the first step the torches around the room lit up.
The club room was comfortably small but not cramped, it had one large rectangular table in the center, several bookcases lined the walls as well as sofa's and armchairs by a single fireplace burning only with glowing coals. If Harry had to guess he'd say they were situated somewhere far beneath the library.
He noticed immediately that they were not alone, in an armchair in the darkest corner a small girl with raven hair stroking a black cat laid in her lap. He was immediately met with it's curious green eyes and her hard stare.
Well that's not creepy at all. He thought, watching as Tracey fluttered over to the girl's side and sitting herself on the armrest.
"No Tweedledee and Tweedledum?" Harry wondered out loud, making both Hermione and Tracey snort with laughter.
"I have no clue what you are on about." Draco took a seat by the table, which had a large tank of water resting on it. "Blaise come out already."
"Seems you've caught a break Potter." A smooth mellow voice came from behind.
Harry turned around to see Blaise Zabini stood behind Hermione, his smile lit up in the dim light as he closed the door behind them. "Do you have the egg on you?"
"It's somewhere safe." Harry answered tensely. Yeah, not super creepy at all.
"We will be needing it." Draco said resting his chin on one hand and playing with a galleon in his other.
"Alright, Hermione?" Harry fought to keep the annoyance out of his voice, he really could have been doing with knowing they'd need it before they came all the way down to the dungeons.
"She stays." The little girl in the corner said coldly.
Harry's eyes narrowed at her and held her gaze. He didn't like how she had melted in with the shadows. Harry's eyes traveled between Tracey and the girl.
So this is the sister.
"You think I'm about to leave my muggleborn best friend in a room full of Slytherins, in the dungeons?" Harry said with venomous rhetoric. "Good one."
"Hey we don't all hate muggleborns." Tracey piped up with a hurt look.
"Sorry Tracey, let me rephrase." Harry folded his arms. "You think I am going to leave her in here with Malfoy, a group of Slytherins I don't really know, in the dungeons?"
"She stays. I want a word with her without your presence." Astoria's large blue eyes bore into him.
"We're not planning on doing anything to her, you have my word Harry." Tracey stood up and went over to Hermione, taking her hand and dragging her with her back to Astoria's side.
"Malfoy?" Harry looked at the other with dead seriousness.
"Just hurry up Potter. This overprotective brother act is making my stomach turn."
Hermione turned to look at Astoria with her wand resting in the crook of her arm. "Harry, it's fine." She was intrigued to say the least.
With a scowl Harry turned his back on them and stalked out, the door groaned loudly as it closed behind him.
"What did you wish to tell me?" Hermione asked pacing in front of the younger witch.
"Nothing, that was simply a test to see if he trusted us with your well being." Astoria smirked taking out a galleon and handing it to Tracey.
Draco wordlessly tossed his own galleon at the auburn witch, who almost didn't catch it.
"He's is stubborn but needless to say he passed." Blaise noted.
"Thank you very much, now you too Blaise. Cough it up." Tracey demanded with an outstretched hand.
"It seems I left it in the dormitory, what a shame." Blaise grinned and held up his empty hands as if feigning innocence to some accusation.
"Looks like I'll have to get it myself later." Tracey quipped.
"You will not be doing that." Draco said shortly.
Tracey rolled her eyes. "I want my galleon. I have shoes I need to buy for the ball."
"You bet on this?" Hermione sat down and shook her head with disbelief.
"Of course, it keeps things interesting. And it's the easiest way to prove when you are right about something, this one goes to Tracey." Blaise leant back from the table. "So what's with the water tank?"
It was Draco who answered. "Oh I don't know Blaise, could it be that we'll be opening the egg underwater?"
The abandoned cottage Sirius and Remus had discovered was an unexpected find in the vast wilderness. If you could even call it a cottage, it was more of a hovel than anything else in Sirius' opinion. The bare stone walls were almost crumbling, parts of the roof had needed fixing and there was no plumbing either. Still it was a far sight better than the cell he had been confined to for over the past decade.
Both he and Remus had conjured the necessary furniture they would need for the duration their stay. Bringing food for the journey hadn't been necessary, after all hunting was a natural part of life for a werewolf with little income and the surrounding forest provided plenty of opportunity. But it was without a doubt a disturbing place. The trees outside were thick and tangled, while the canopy obstructed most of the day light. Even the air was heavy and saturated with magic reminding them both of nights spent roaming the forbidden forest in days long since past.
"Another dead end." Remus said crossing off another area of forest from the map with a clawed nail. With the full moon approaching that week he had been growing increasingly agitated. "Those rats had better be right about this being Peter's trail." He growled looking at the other circled areas of forest that they had yet to cover.
"Well, I was baring my teeth and giving them my scary face, they were far too frightened to lie. Besides you could sense the same foulness in the air when we arrived in this forest. Something evil came through here Mooney, we are definitely in the right place." Sirius jumped up from the bed he had been lazing on and grasped his friend's shoulder.
With a sigh Remus folded his arms and leaned against the old bare walls. It was always unsettling for Sirius to be the level headed one when the beast inside him began to surface. And with no wolfsbane potion it was only going to get worse.
"Perhaps we are looking at this the wrong way." The werewolf thought outlook. "They've moved on from this place. We probably won't even find a trace of a body, but I can't see a shade and Peter dragging a corpse around either."
"I think Albus feels the same. Voldemort is smart, wherever he is right now he will have positioned himself somewhere closer to Hogwarts… But he is also arrogant and will doubt anyone will come here looking for her remains. If Bertha is dead, and Voldemort weak and barely human like Harry says, he's in no shape for necromancy. He will have had Wormtail dispose of the body." Sirius summarised going over to Buckbeak curled in the corner and ruffling the feathers on his head.
"It's likely he had him kill her too as a test of loyalty." Remus glowered out of the window.
"Wormtail is far from the most accomplished Death Eater, I doubt the coward has the stomach for it unless it is to save his own skin."
A dark look fell over the werewolf's face.
"We've already underestimated him enough." Remus had to keep himself from barking at Sirius. "Who knows what he is capable of anymore."
Sirius nodded thoughtfully. Remus was right about that, they had underestimated Peter enough. "If we pick up any traces of dark residual magic we can be sure that's what has happened. Damn Albus and his optimism, thinking we'll even find a body or evidence of her murder is foolish. The smallest hint of blood, a bone, hell even a scorch mark will be all the confirmation I need-"
"-so we can get back to Britain?" Remus finished with a crooked smile.
"Which is where we should be right now instead of chasing ghosts." Sirius answered shortly.
It may well have been Dumbledore had given them this task to keep them away and to lower the chances of Sirius being caught.
Remus was in agreement, he too would feel much better if they were back in Britain. "He'll be fine Padfoot, Harry is strong and resourceful just like Lily and James, and with the first task over he should be safe again for a time at least."
"I just wish I knew what the endgame was… I really hate being in the dark like this Mooney, going in blind and with Albus using Harry as bait, it feels so wrong - I hate it."
However Remus was no longer paying attention. He held up a hand to silence his friend, sniffing the air he listened carefully. "You hear that?"
Sirius suddenly stood still and alert. "Someone's approaching. I'd say thirty meters down the path, female by her- wait... I know that scent."
"Me too. Though I can't recall from where You better transform just in case."
Sirius had already turned into his bear sized black dog form before Remus could finish suggesting it. Buckbeak had even raised his head as he awoke from his slumber.
Soon after a knock came from the door. Sirius growled leaping back onto the bed.
"Who's there?" Remus called out in a loud voice. Though he was slightly confused, anyone remotely hostile wouldn't have announced themselves, unless it was either a ruse or they were just that confident.
"A friend of a friend. I assume I am speaking to a Mr Lupin?" It was female voice, recognisable from decades past but still he could not place a face to it.
Remus flicked his wand opening the door, keeping it raised at the woman before him. "That's correct."
She was cloaked in a very dark blue robe, the shadow beneath her hood hiding most of her face. Everything but a pair of dark lips.
"Lower your wand wolf, I'm not here to harm or detain you." She said stepping forward confidently, a broom held in hand.
Remus looked her up and down suspiciously. The broom looked handcrafted and ornate compared to any commercial issue and would most likely only answered to her.
Sirius let out another low growl. At first glance from his size she assumed he was a full blooded wolf, one that was born of two werewolves on a full moon, but the shape of his head and tail gave him away.
What an abnormally large dog. She thought with an internal smile. Her eyes continued glancing around the hut, seeing the map pinned to the wall, two beds and by the fire two large orange eyes of a distrustful Buckbeak.
"A werewolf, a grim and a hippogriff in a hovel. Sounds like opening line of a bad joke." She said lightly, a real smile now gracing her lips.
"Your robes, you're a dog of the ICW." Remus observed, still wary of the mysterious woman. "I do hope I'm not a wanted man."
"Not by any governments that I am aware of. But you did cross borders from Italy illegally. Normally protocol would be to deport you back to London and let the Ministry deal with you accordingly, but you I imagine you have valid travel passes. Perks of being one of the lapdogs of the Chief Mugwump yourself I suppose… Fortunately even if that weren't the case technically I am off duty and very far from my post." She answered, her free hand traced a line line on the wooden table in the centre of the room.
"You've been tracking me that long?" Remus knew it would be pointless to ask her identity or where her post even was.
"Not quite, I have a contact in Rome who alerted me when you came through customs. I followed your movements popping up here and there east until Bari. I'm guessing that's where you picked up the hippogriff and crossed the Adriatic Sea to Tirana, am I correct?"
Alarm bells began to ring then. If anything in the hut was going to tie him to Sirius, it was the presence of the escaped hippogriff.
"You're very good." Remus admitted with a kind smile and remaining cool.
"I may not have werewolf senses but I take pride in my work. Afterall it's my job to be the best. Not a bad hideout this shack, in the middle of a desolate forest, far from any populated areas. But it is still a week away from the new moon. So, wolf, what could you possibly doing out here in Albania when your ministry still thinks you are in Italy?" The witch tapped her chin. "Does discreetly looking for missing persons pay well?"
"It provides me enough to live on and more I can assure you." Remus was getting tired of dancing around, but remained polite. "I don't suppose you dropped by for a chat just out of curiosity, especially not when it comes to a simple werewolf such as myself."
"No, I come with a message from a mutual friend." The woman pulled out a letter and handed it him before going over to Sirius. "Is this your dog?" She asked setting her broom down while stroking his black shaggy fur. Sirius remained to tense but allowed her to carry on petting him.
"No, I'm looking after him for a friend." The werewolf felt a chill run through him as he read the name the letter was addressed to.
"I see, and what is his name?" She smiled fondly, still looking into Sirius' eyes as if she could see right through him.
"Snuffles." Was all Remus could say, still frozen in place.
The woman stood up straight. "Very well then, I'm sure you're busy so I won't keep you from your work any longer. I only came to deliver a message anyway. Happy hunting wolf."
Both friends watched her leave listening carefully as she popped out of existence to god knew where. Remus placed the letter on the nearby table and sat down suddenly feeling very tired.
Sirius reverted back to his human form and checked the window. "You were right about one thing, we should have put up a few wards against humans." He tried to jest.
"Wouldn't have mattered." Remus muttered, linking his fingers and resting his chin upon them. "I'm sure you know exactly who that was by now."
The escaped convict sat in the other empty chair. "Oh yes, I got a good look at her face beneath that hood. Never thought I'd be seeing her again… You think she figured out it was me?"
"It's hard to say, intelligence agents like to think they know everything. I certainly think she suspects so now. You'll have to be extra careful when returning. She's seen Buckbeak so you may have to avoid the skies above the channel."
"I'll go via Oslo to Scotland, Buckbeak and I should be able stow away on a muggle ship easily enough. So, who is the letter from?" Sirius waved it off as if it was matter of little consequence.
"You tell me, it's addressed to you." The werewolf answered pushing the wax sealed parchment to Sirius.
Astoria watched the others unmoved from her armchair. Harry and Draco were stood looking over the egg, the lights trapped inside the glass illuminating the water in the tank. They had listened to the song several times now and systematically broken down each of the clues with ease.
"Looks like Daph was right." Tracey whispered in her ear.
Why did I see myself and Daphne though? Astoria wondered. Are we to be hostages, trick the champions into thinking they will lose something material when in reality lives will be at stake?
It made sense though, the clue was vague and it went without saying that people were far more valuable than objects. And above else the competition was supposed to be entertaining so doing so would certainly add an extra element of danger.
So is it to be myself for Draco and Daphne for Potter? She shook her head, that was impossible.
She considered the possibility it had not been her eyes she had been looking through in that dream. No one could think she was that important to Draco, and Daphne had only really gotten to know Harry for a month.
It was far more likely that the Granger girl would be his hostage if that was to be the case. If it what was said was true it could be life threatening. But that was only supposed to be for the champions and most of the time the entry contract meant they signed up for those rules of their own volition.
"Looks that way." Astoria finally said back to the auburn witch.
She decided to keep that trail of thought to herself, it wouldn't do well to needlessly worry either of the champions.
Caelum raised his head to look at her as she tickled him behind the ear. She would have to ask Daphne. Where she had gotten her information was a mystery but not all that surprising. Perhaps if she was inclined Astoria could write a letter to their father. He would most definitely know the details concerning the tournament.
She looked on as Draco and Harry talked among themselves quietly.
"You want us to work on our methods separately?" Harry repeated.
"We have plenty of time to prepare, it seems in the last task the more methods of magic used awarded more points. If we do it this each our own way we get higher marks possibly giving us a further edge in the third task." Draco theorised quite logically.
Harry nodded. "Makes sense, it'll also prove we're not just copying each other. Somethings we will need work on together though, mainly defence spells against grindylows and kelpies, who knows what else, research will need doing."
"Alright, let's meetup next thursday if your free, we'll brainstorm." Draco said seriously.
"Works for me. One thing though Malfoy, was this all Daphne?" Harry asked.
"How did you guess?"
"Her sister. That and the fact she is the only one not present, yet somehow I feel we are all here by her design."
"Nervous?" Draco couldn't help the bitter smile.
"You wish." Harry narrowed his gaze. "Next thursday then." He and Draco both nodded at another.
Harry stood straight and looked at Astoria dead in the eye. "Send Daphne my thanks will you?"
"You can give them to her yourself when she is better. I'm no one's messenger." Astoria said cooly and then whispered something into Tracey's ear, making her giggle.
"Don't worry I'll pass it on." Tracey said cheerfully giving Astoria a nudge in the ribs with her elbow.
"I have something of yours to return actually." Harry pulled out a book and handed it over to the young witch.
Astoria arched a single eyebrow. "Daphne gave this to you?"
"Yeah, we'll be off now." With a grimace Harry turned to Hermione who was now waiting by the door.
"Later Potter and you Granger." Blaise called out with a lazy wave of his hand.
"Looks like we're going to be very busy over Christmas." Harry said slinging his cloak over one arm stepping into the dungeon corridor.
"Indeed." Hermione replied following him out of the Occult Club room and shutting the door closed behind them. "What do you think?"
"I feel like the more I try and get away the more they seem to want to pull me back in."
Hermione laughed. "Are we talking about the snakes or Daphne?"
"Right now, they are for better or worse one in the same" Harry cracked a single finger. "At least she pulled her weight, I don't think Malfoy or I would have been able to figure out the egg on our own, we'd have been stumped for months."
Why did it have to be the black lake though? It isn't like I ever learnt how to swim… He thought darkly as they took the dark narrow staircase back to the first floor.
"How could she possibly though? I mean she isn't even here..."
"Draco more or less confirmed it for me." Harry answered her. His thoughts turned to the green eyed cat. It had a certain presence, something supernatural. Even now it felt like it's eyes were on him.
Her familiar maybe? She never really denied it... could be she has been spying on the other champions, or maybe she just knows someone who knows about the things going on in the ministry... Harry's head swam with thoughts, that girl really loved to give him a headache.
"Astoria, the silent girl in there with the cat, is Daphne's little sister. I'll bet she, Tracey and Blaise were there on her behalf seeing as she can't be here herself." He cracked another bone in his finger. "I think I'm starting to see what Draco is talking about now. I don't know which scares me more."
AN- So first of all thanks for not flaming me for the last chapter. I thought I might get a little heat but you were all really cool and positive which was really nice.
Ok so this chapter idk a few things are going on. Fleur was hard to get inside of, if anyone is french and knows of any mistakes please tell me. like the "mon cherie" part, as i understand because 'Harry' = cherie, he is the masculine noun so the possessive should also be male? or should the possessive be feminine because Fleur is female? "ma cherie" I'm sorry I really am no good.
Also just wanted to say I'm rather happy with Rowlings recent additional pieces about U.S magic users. I really needed the info about the mecusa and scourers etc for future reference especially when i reveal more about the Greengrass family history cause I've already made some allusions to a Greengrass presence in the united states
Fateburn glad you like Tracey she is very fun to write, but she will not be involved in the pairing with Harry as far as I have planned. Like me she is a hardcore Haphne shipper.
Even if it is just a small criticism I take everything on board and love to hear all your thoughts, so please do leave a review! And I will see you all next time.