Hey, everyone! Mystery Critic here, back at you with chapter twenty-two! I loved writing the last chapter so much, and this chapter will begin making mentions of how the Gods take part in the story. Also, as I said in the last author's note, this will not be a crossover with the Gods of any of the pantheons. Now for the good news, we hit 2,000 followers! I want to thank every one of you for helping me hit this milestone! I am blown away by the support you all show, and every last one of you is the absolute best! As for the disclaimer, I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the rights affiliated with it. Anywho, with the disclaimer out of the way, there's nothing else to say. Grab your hot chocolate, grab your Licorice Snaps, and enjoy chapter twenty-two of Ma Fleur!

Chapter 22

Italics – French

Pulling Harry aside as they walk out of the tent, Dumbledore applauds the young man personally; "Harry, my boy," He says, patting his shoulder. "Congratulations for an amazing run at the first task. The magic you displayed was simply awe-inspiring!"

"Thank you, sir," Harry says, smiling up at the Headmaster. "While I can't teach you the spells, I can show them to you again later, if you'd like."

"That would be an incredible opportunity, my boy." He says, turning to gesture for them to walk. "Would you join me for a few short minutes, Harry? My Snuffles was cleared and I find it's the best time to talk."

Taking the hint, he nods at the old wizard before turning back to Fleur. "I'll tell you when I get back if that's okay." He says, giving her a pleading look.

"I suppose it's fine." She agrees reluctantly, turning back towards the path out of the forest. "I'll see you back at the apartment."

"Thank you so much, Fleur." He says, turning back to the patiently waiting Dumbledore. "Well, sir, shall we?"

"Indeed we shall, Harry." He answers, walking slowly with him. "You know, it's quite rude to speak another language in front of someone else. Especially when they speak it fluently. You never know who might have taken the time to learn another language, my boy."

"My apologies, sir." Harry blushes, rubbing the back of his neck. "So, I guess you already know that I'm going to Sirius' trial on the fifth?"

"Yes, I do." He confirms simply.

"I take it you want to try and convince me to not go?" Harry says sardonically, his features hardening.

"On the contrary, Harry." Dumbledore smiles, completely ignoring Harry's annoyance. "I'd like to be the one to accompany you to and from Hogwarts."

Stunned into silence, Harry stares at Dumbledore in complete disbelief, causing him to chuckle. "It's not nice to stare, Harry."

"Sorry about that, sir, but you want to take me?" He asks slowly, trying to make sense of the situation. "Sorry if I'm a bit skeptical, Professor, but your track record would kind of say otherwise."

"Yes, I agree completely." He says, looking away in chagrin before taking a deep breath and looking back at the young man. "I meant what I said about trying to make up for it, Harry. It's one of the reasons why I want to take you. I'm not trying to butter you up, and if you'd rather go there with Jacques, I will not try and argue with you."

"Okay," He says after taking a moment to observe the professor. "I'll go with you to the Ministry. Once we're there, you can join me and Jacques at the trial, then take me back."

"Jacques and me, Harry." Dumbledore corrects, earning a mirthful glare from Harry. "What are you glaring at me for? Proper grammar is important, Harry."

"I take it that telling you to kiss my arse wouldn't be proper?" He shoots back with a smirk.

"It's not proper etiquette, but it is proper grammar." He says, patting Harry on the back. "I would dare say it's a start, my boy."

"Piss off." He responds, shaking his head with a chuckle. "Alright, Professor. I'll see you Monday morning. Would nine be alright with you? We could leave right after breakfast."

"That sounds perfect, Harry." He says, smiling for a moment before his face turns stoic. "Harry, there is one other thing."

"Explaining how I did all of that could take a while, Professor." He says apologetically. "I am understandably tired, sir. Could we have this conversation tomorrow?"

"Heavens, I didn't mean right now!" He corrects quickly, waving his hands from side to side. "You just finished battling a dragon, Harry. Please, get some rest before your partner fries both of us."

"Thank you, Professor." He nods, turning around to walk away. After a moment's thought, he turns around with a mischievous grin on his face. "Professor, would you like to see something wicked?"

"I would love to, my boy." He says excitedly, clasping his hands in front of him.

"See you tomorrow after lunch, Headmaster," Harry says before waving goodbye to his headmaster as he disappears in a flash of light from right in front of him. Dumbledore gapes at the spot where his student was just standing, opening and closing his mouth like a fish.

~Fleur~

Appearing in front of Fleur from out of thin air at the end of the bed, she jumps up with a shriek. Smirking at his girlfriend's terror at his prank, he throws his arms out to the side and strikes a pose. "Tada!"

"You scared me, you ass!" She snaps, turning away and crossing her arms indignantly.

"Come on, Fleur." He whines, hopping onto the bed and crawling over to her. "It was just a prank. I mean, look at who my dad was. Look at who my godfather is! I have to carry on their legacy, after all!"

"Does that include getting your butt kicked by your significant other?" She huffs, turning to glare at her boyfriend.

"Well not necessarily, but..." He says under his breath, backing up slowly.

"I thought so." She smirks and turns back towards him, placing a kiss on his nose. "Speaking of getting your butt kicked..."

"Well, while I can't say I approve of your methods," A voice calls out from behind Harry, causing his head to whip around. "I can say without a doubt I am very proud of you."

"Maman!" Running up to her, Harry wraps his arms around her waist and picks her up, spinning her around to the delight of everyone. Setting her down after a moment, he hugs her tightly, reveling in the happiness of having her hold him back. "I missed you so much, maman."

"I missed you too, sweetie." She says, holding her boy just as tightly. Pulling away from his grip, she looks down at him sternly. "However, if you EVER punch a dragon again, I will ground you for a year. Understand?"

"Yes, maman." He says, nodding quickly. Spotting two other people walk into the room, Harry's smile widens even further. "Gabby, dad!"

"Harry!" Gabby shrieks, rushing forward into Harry's open arms. Spinning her around, she squeals and giggles in delight. "I missed you so much, big brother!"

"I missed you too, Gabby." He says, nuzzling his nose against his little sister's. Looking over at Jacques, Harry sets Gabby down and walks up to Jacques, both of them pulling each other into a hug. "Hey, dad. How have things been?"

"Oh, I see." He says, ruffling Harry's hair. "I'm not good enough to miss?"

"No, not really," Harry smirks, nudging his shoulder against his dad's.

"Well, I missed you." He says before whispering in his son's ear. "Punching that dragon was amazing. You have to teach me how to do that."

"Don't worry, I will." He says. Extending his hand towards the closet, a sparkling baby blue gift bag flies out and into his outstretched hand. "Who's ready for presents?"

"You knew we were coming?" Apolline asks, raising an eyebrow at her daughter.

"Don't blame her." Harry chuckles, pulling out three shrunken boxes. Waving his hand over them, they expand back to full size before one of the presents fly in front of each of the Delacour's. "It was pretty obvious you'd show up. Like you'd miss either of our runs at any of the tasks."

Ripping into her first present, Gabby gasps in amazement at the small crystal finch in her hands. "It's beautiful, Harry..."

"You're still the prettiest little bird in the room." He says, waving his hand over the bird. It turns a lighter shade of blue, the tips of the wings turn golden and its beak darkens to a dark shade of green. Shaking its body, the finch hops in her hand, looking from side to side before flitting out of her hand. Squealing in delight, Gabby jumps up and runs around the large living room, chasing after the animated crystal bird.

"Harry, how in the world did you get this?!" Appoline screams, drawing everyone's attention as she holds out the quidditch jersey. "It's signed by the Aiden Lynch!"

"Well, when I went to Hogsmeade to get your presents, Lynch was there." He explains, delighted at her shock. "I bumped into him, we were talking for a few minutes, and I asked him for a favor. He was more than happy to sign it for you."

Wrapping her arms around her son in a bone-crushing hug, Appoline yells her thanks repeatedly. After settling down, she pulls the jersey over her dress and stares at it in the mirror. Fleur opens her box and gasps loudly, staring at the necklace as she holds it delicately in her hand. A simple silver chain with a small teardrop ruby in the pendant.

"Harry, it's beautiful..." She breathes out, transfixed at the jewelry. "Will you put it on for me?"

Nodding, he stands up with a smile and walks over to her. Taking it from her, he drapes it around her neck after she holds her hair out of the way. As he locks the clasp in place, she stares into the mirror for a moment before turning around and capturing his lips in a searing kiss.

"I take it you like it?" He jokes, waggling his eyebrows.

"Very much so, Harry." She sighs, nuzzling her cheek against his. "I love it so much. How did you know I would like it?"

"Sapphires match your eyes, but I wanted something that would stand out." He explains, lacing his fingers in hers. "Diamonds seemed overplayed and too flashy to fit you right. Same thing with a bunch of jewels on one necklace. Emeralds might have worked, and I've been told my eye color is emerald green. I thought you might like it, but then I saw this necklace. Simple in its elegance, and a small fire that explodes in its outer and inner beauty at the same time. It just looked like it was the fire I see in you."

"Harry, that's beautiful..." She gasps, tears streaming down her eyes. Wiping her eyes, she wraps her arms around his neck and kisses him again, sighing happily against his lips.

Chuckling at his their antics, Jacques nods his thanks to Harry after the kiss before smiling warmly as he looks inside his box. Pulling out a red mug with yellow letters spelling "Number One Dad" painted on it, little doodles painted around the rest.

"I already had gifts for maman, Fleur, and Gabby, but I couldn't find anything that you might like," He explains quietly, looking up at Jacques nervously. "so... I figured I'd make something. I hope you like it."

Setting the mug down, he stands up and walks over to Harry, pulling him into a tight embrace. "I love it, son." He says, happiness overtaking him as Harry hugs him back. "You couldn't have given me a more amazing gift."

"Thank you for the amazing gifts, Harry," Apolline says, hugging him tightly and placing a kiss on his forehead. "We love you so much, Harry, and we all are so happy you're part of our family."

Looking around and seeing the thought echoed on all of the expressions of love and happiness in his family, Harry wipes away the tears forming in his eyes and smiles brightly. "I love you all, too."

~Fleur~

Knocking on the door to the office of the Headmaster the next morning, Harry hears Dumbledore call out to him. "Come in, Harry."

"In return for telling you what I'm about to, you HAVE to teach me how you always know who's at your door." Harry insists to the delight of Dumbledore, his laugh echoing off the walls. "What's so funny, Headmaster?"

"You are the only one who's asked how I do that." He explains, wiping tears of mirth from his eyes. "Everyone always just assumes it's just something I can do or some bizarre form of ancient magic. In all actuality, it's just a monitoring charm stretched into a line at the bottom of the stairs. Someone walks over it and it sends an image to the globe here on my desk."

"Oh, that's just cruel, Professor," Harry says, tutting in faux disappointment. "Fooling naive, innocent little students like that? Bad form, sir. Bad form indeed."

"Forgive me, old friend." Dumbledore shoots back, mock shame on his face as he pretends to cry into his hand. After a moment, they stare at each other before bursting into laughter. "Thank you, Harry. It's not often I get the chance to laugh like that."

"My pleasure, sir," Harry says, smirking at his headmaster. "I've heard laughter is the best medicine, sir. If we keep doing this, I might be able to avoid Pomfrey for a few hours!"

"Harry, my boy?"

"Yes, sir?"

"Now who's the poor, naive student?"

Turning away with a grumble, Harry crosses his arm and throws up a two-fingered salute that's quickly becoming his favorite retort. Dumbledore starts chuckling once more, pushing a bowl of his favorite candy forward.

"Lemon drop?"

"Thank you, sir." He says, taking one out and popping it into his mouth. Smiling at the sour taste, Dumbledore follows suit.

"Now, about this magic displayed yesterday," He says, lacing his fingers together and placing his chin on top of his hands. "I take it that they aren't just family magics, are they?"

"No, sir. This isn't just some powerful wandless magic, either." He says, placing his hand on top of the headmaster's desk. Smoke seeps out from under the sides of Harry's palm for a few moments before he pulls it away. A runic symbol burned into the wood lays in front of them, causing Dumbledore's eyes to widen. "Harry, that is very dark magic!"

Sighing, Harry shakes his head before meeting the wizard's eyes and speaking firmly. "Why, sir?" He asks. "Why is it dark magic? Is it because the Ministry says so? Is it because it's not inherently Light magic?"

"Harry, Soul Magic is banned for a reason!" He pleads, hoping to get through to him. "It's dangerous, and who knows what could happen if something goes wrong?"

"If that's the case, why isn't the Patronus Charm banned?" Harry asks calmly, watching Dumbledore's brow furrow in confusion. "Professor, the Patronus Charm isn't powered by happiness. Happiness is just emotion manifested. It's powered by the soul, sir. The happiness is just what's used to protect against the despair projected by Dementors."

"Harry, how do you know this?"

"Professor, look closely at the power rune in the center of that array," He says, gesturing to the runic thread in front of them. "Do you recognize it?"

"That's... That's Merlin's Battle Insignia!"

"Correct, Professor." He says, placing his hand next to the rune and swiping it over the rune slowly, burning it away and into his palm. Shuddering slightly in pain, he looks down at his palm before it disappears.

"See, right there!" Dumbledore says, pointing at his palm. "How can anything that painful be good?"

Raising an eyebrow at the subpar attempt at logic, Harry shakes his head. "Professor, by that logic, exercise isn't good." He explains, seeing him slump in defeat. "Professor, Merlin believed that there is no such thing as Light or Dark magic, only the intent behind the magic. Sure I'm not perfect, but I'm far from evil. The Unforgivable Curses, Fiendfyre, and other such forms of Dark Arts, they are Dark spells, but they're not Dark Magic, sir. They were invented by someone, invented to hurt, twisted to destroy."

"So, I suppose you have a reason for showing me that insignia?"

"Merlin was Grey, sir," Harry says simply before delving deeper in. "He believed that there are some lines one shouldn't cross. However, if it was in the name of protecting the innocent, then destroy them by any means necessary."

"You speak as if you know him, Harry..."

"That's because I do, Headmaster," Harry says, standing up and walking behind the chair. Closing his eyes, Harry claps his hands together before spreading them open, an orb of white light flashing in between his palms. The orb lowers to the ground and spreads out into a runic circle, light flashing from inside as the room begins to rumble. Slowly, a staff rises from the ground into Harry's outstretched hand. "Professor Dumbledore, I present to you Merlin's Staff."

Rising from his chair, Dumbledore rushes over in front of Harry, gawking at the staff with fascination.

"Harry, this is amazing!" He exclaims, reaching out before pulling his hands back in embarrassment. "I apologize, Harry. May I hold it, perhaps take a closer look?"

"Only if you allow me to take a closer look at the Elder Wand." He responds with a smirk.

"Harry, how...?" Seeing Harry look at him with a look that screams 'really, old man?' causes Dumbledore to cough abashedly and pull his wand from within his robes. "Right, silly question. Here you are."

Trading the pieces of wood, Dumbledore and Harry spend the next few minutes going over the magical foci with apt captivation. Trading them back, they sit down and Dumbledore breathes out a heavy sigh.

"Thank you, Harry." He smiles, placing another lemon drop in his mouth. "So, how in the world did you meet Merlin?"

"Well, after I was finished with the goblins, Merlin visited me in my dreams." He says, smirking at the memory. "The first thing I learned was that Merlin can be a childish arse. Second, the Gods are really brutal teachers."

Flashback, several weeks into Harry's Dream Training

Shimmering into existence in his dream, Harry feels the hairs on the back of his neck stand. Jumping to the side immediately, Harry dodges a blast of lightning that strikes right where he was just standing.

"Excellent dodge, boy!" A booming voice calls out from behind him. Spinning around, Harry crouches down into a fighting stance before his eyes widen at the sight before him. Over a dozen people standing in front of him, imposing and powerful people with raw magic pouring out of them.

"Who the hell are these people, Merlin?" Harry asks, standing up straight but keeping his guard up.

"Harry, it's not wise to swear at the Gods." Following the voice, Harry's eyes lock on a haunting beauty in a long, flowing dress, her eyes pitch black with a thin white slit through the middle. Stepping forward, she curls her finger under Harry's chin and lifts his face and grabs it by his cheeks before speaking firmly. "You will show us the proper respect, am I understood?"

Nodding silently at the imposing figure, Harry backs up slowly as she releases his cheeks.

"Splendid." She says, seemingly pleased. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Babd, one of The Mórrígan, Goddess of War, The Phantom Queen. I will be teaching you battle tactics, several forms of martial arts, and how to stay alive by ripping your enemies spines out."

"Um, that last part sounds a little..."

"Fun?" She finishes, grinning excitedly. "You're right, it is."

"I was going to say psychotically unnecessary, but fun works." He mutters, turning towards a god who steps forward. "You're the one who shot lightning at me, right?"

"That I am, boy!" The god declares proudly, pounding his spear onto the ground. Looking at the god's armor closely, Harry notices several tools adorning his belt. "Some fine reflexes you have. You felt the bolt coming, didn't you?"

"Yeah, I did," Harry answers, sticking his hand out. Clasping each other's forearms, they shake each other in the warrior's greeting. Harry gives the God a grin to the confusion of the deity before Harry ducks out of the way at the last second, a blasting curse conjured by Merlin slamming into his chest and sending him flying back. "Nice shot, Merlin!"

"Thank you, lad," Merlin says, chuckling as the blonde-haired deity stands up with a groan. "I've been wanting to get him for centuries."

Walking up to Harry, the deity glares at him for a moment before bursting into laughter. "I like this one!" He booms, clapping Harry on the back and causing him to nearly fall from the force. "I can't wait to train you. I'm Lugh, a Storm God, and master crafter. I'll be teaching you about weaponry, smithing, crafting, and a few other sundry things. I hope to see you do great things, boy!"

"I'll try not to disappoint." He replies.

"I'll believe that when I see it." Another God scoffs, catching Harry's gaze. Enormous purple wings lay folded along his back, nearly reaching the floor. "What? You're a mortal. Ananke and her bitchy daughters want us to teach you so you can kill that asshole, Riddle. It doesn't mean you'll be able to learn any of the Magicka we have to offer. They're called the Magic of the Gods for a reason, you know."

"The chipper one is Boreas, God of the North Wind," Lugh says, rolling his eyes at his fellow God's attitude. "along with a few others here, he's going to be teaching you elemental type Magicka. Any questions?"

"Why me?"

"Why not you?" Merlin counters, placing his hand on Harry's shoulder. "You've beaten him before, we're just giving you the means to keep doing so. We're giving you the means to eventually live your life without him breathing down your neck. I'd take the gift, Harry. I highly doubt you're going to be able to defeat him otherwise."

Taking a moment to think, Harry nods to the joy of Merlin. "Good choice, lad!" He says, looking out across the assembled deities. "Now, let's see. What's first?"

Flashback end

"That's amazing, Harry." Dumbledore breaths in fascination. "You learned from the Gods themselves... Is there anything you can teach me?"

"Just some things I know about wandless magic, sir." He explains apologetically. "Only the Gods can teach their Magicka to others."

"I understand, Harry." He says in slight disappointment. "Well, thank you for telling me this. It's given me a lot to think about. Have a good night, Harry."

"Have a good night, sir."

~Fleur~

Miles away in Little Hangleton, an old rundown manor sits atop a hill overlooking the village. Inside the manor, a snake slithers into a room and up to a chair. It slides into the seat and coils protectively around a small, decrepit-looking baby-like thing.

"Lucius, get in here!" The voice yells out hoarsely.

"You summoned me, my lord?" Lucius says, bowing down at the foot of the chair before standing up and backing away.

"Yes, I did." The baby-like thing says. "Was it done?"

"Yes, my lord," Lucius replies with a bow of his head. "I had my house elf put Potter's name into the goblet and make sure he was chosen."

"Very good, Lucius." It rasps, sighing shakily in pain. "Summon your elf here."

Calling the elf into the room, it slumps to the ground almost instantly as a green light strikes it upon it popping in.

"No loose ends." He explains coldly, not giving the elf a second glance before waving towards the body. "Nagini, feed."

Slithering over to the corpse of the murdered elf, Nagini slowly swallows it.

"I am quite pleased you were able to succeed where Barty failed, Lucius," Voldemort says. "It is most unfortunate Barty was killed in his mission, but there is little point dwelling on it now. You have succeeded in your task, Lucius. Now, fetch me Wormtail. It's time to milk Nagini."

"I live to serve, my lord." Bowing low, Lucius leaves the room as Nagini wraps herself back around Voldemort's decaying form.

"We will have him, Nagini," Voldemort says, shivering as he nestles closer to the snake. "We will have him and I will be out of this enraging useless form. Soon, my sweet Nagini. Soon..."

Well, everyone! There's chapter twenty-two! A little shorter than usual, but it's still a decent amount in my opinion. I hope you have all been enjoying reading, and I hope that more and more people start to enjoy this story, too. Thank you all so much once again for the support! It makes me overjoyed to see it all. Constructive criticism is always welcome, flames will be used to blast you away. As always, read, review, and spread this story like wildfire! This is Mystery Critic, signing off.