Characters and locations from the world of Harry Potter are the property of J.K. Rowling. (My original characters just get to play there.)
Chapter 3 - Dances of Chaos
Spells began to fly around the room, at first just from the strangers until the shock and surprise wore off the guests and the Aurors working security. James reacted quickly once the shock had passed, getting Mrs. Potter under cover down on the floor and casting Protego Duo in order to shield the two of them. He had kept his wand with him out of habit and was now glad he did, although he was sure he'd be lectured about being underage and casting spells outside of school. James tried to keep an eye on the shadowy figures as best he could without presenting them a target. It looked like they were trying to converge on where James had last seen Lord Krum, the Bulgarian ambassador.
"Stay down," James whispered to Mrs. Potter, "I've cast a shield charm on you. You'll be fine if you don't move."
The woman nodded and moved under the nearest table. James added another shield charm and began to look for a better protective position for himself. A masked form passed his field of vision; he silently cast Stupify and successfully hit the wizard. The stranger crumpled to the floor, apparently unnoticed; James cast Petrificus Totalus to make sure they stayed down. Another dark figure raced past, but this one he recognized as an Auror from the embassy security detail. Many other guests were huddled under the tables like he and Mrs. Potter but it looked like a fair few had escaped the ballroom. The sounds of many small wizard duels fill the cavernous ballroom, spells zipping back and forth, but they still seemed clustered near where the dignitaries would have been mingling. Chancing a peek, James had a quick look to see if his parents were safe. He didn't catch any glimpse of his Mum or Da but he did see Mr. Potter dueling as part of the defenders, clearly the best dueler who was not an Auror.
A third shadow flickered in the corner of his eye. James turned and saw another of the masked assailants with a raised wand. James quickly raised a shield and deflected a wicked purple curse that shattered a wine glass. He thought about retaliating but the man kept firing curse after curse leaving James hard pressed to keep deflecting them, his left arm a blur. In a move of desperation, he angled his shield to deflect the next curse right back at the assailant. It was another of the wicked purple ones and he had succeeded; the curse rebounded and hit the man in his shoulder, opening a large gash almost down to the bone. As the man flinched from the excruciating pain James was able to hit the attacker with a Stupify. James didn't blanch at the wound, it was exactly what he'd be training to treat; he wasn't expecting to have caused the injury though, however indirectly. Keeping his wits about him, he cast a quick spell to bind the wound. It would be nothing more than first aid though; that gash would need a St Mungo's healer to truly fix it right.
"Accio wand."
James couldn't petrify the wounded man as there was too great a chance he would bleed to death if he did, even with the bandage, but he could still protect people by relieving him of his wand. It felt like a tree branch, certainly nothing you would find at Ollivanders. Tucking it into his belt, James continued to search for any sign of his parents. Slowly moving around, James felt splinters as a curse hits the table he's moving by. Diving for the next table he threw up a Protego as another curse barely missed behind him.
"McCrea!"
James thought he recognized the voice. "That you Griffin?"
She quickly moved to where James had taken cover. "You need to keep your head down young man. You're making my job that much more difficult, especially if I don't immediately recognize that head as yours!"
"Believe me, that's been what I've trying to do. Were your people able to get my parents out of here?"
"Yes, we got them out, but we have to protect all the guests, not just the Ambassador."
"How many of these sassenachs crashed the party?"
"At least a dozen. Another reason for you to keep your head down."
"So you know, Mrs. Potter is taking cover here among the tables. I cast shield charms on her and told her to stay put. I petrified one of the assailants and caused another to take himself out. Here's the wand of that second chap." He removed that wand from his belt and passed it to the Auror.
"Gregorovich."
"Pardon?"
"This wand was made by Gregorovich, so we know the man you took this from wasn't a British or American wizard."
"What are they after?" James asked the Auror.
"We won't know for sure unless we can capture one and interrogate them, but I think they're trying to get Lord Krum."
"Aye, these interlopers seemed to all be heading to where I remember last seeing the Krums."
Griffin nodded, checked if the area was clear, and moved toward the sound of battle at the other end of the immense room. James peered over the table edge to watch the action from a distance but the action was moving closer to him. He saw an attacker curse one of the ministry Aurors and run towards where James was hiding. The man saw James's head and fired a Stupify, which James easily blocked. The man was desperate though and continued firing multiple curses but James' shield charm was up to the task, protecting the young man as if the assailant was throwing a wadded piece of paper. But the man left him no openings to counter jinx; James only had time to block the next incoming curse. But James had also forced the man to concentrate on breaking through the shield charms if he wanted to escape. The distraction allowed a defender to stun the man from behind. A glance let James know it was Fleamont Potter that cast the quick Stupify.
"The embassy security staff almost have these ruffians rounded up, so it seemed like a good time to look for my wife."
"I had her hide down under the tables near here and I have her well shielded."
"That's a relief," the worried spouse said. "And those were some pretty strong shields you were casting too, young man. Very impressive."
"Thank you, sir. Mr. Ollivander said my wand would be especially good for defensive magic."
"Really? And why would he say that?"
James held his wand up for Fleamont to see. "Rowan wood."
"And Phoenix core, if I'm not mistaken."
"Yes. Also thirteen inches long and, this is the part of the description that always makes me chuckle, surprisingly swishy." James gave his wand a quick flourish. "I remember how I know you now. You were the champion dueler at Hogwarts; made a couple of the older boys in my house look pretty silly when I was a first year."
"By that time I was fairly well fed up with people making fun of my name so I wasn't going to let a couple of nasty blokes off lightly."
"Aye," James said with a chuckle, "they certainly had it coming to them. And they had started it too so you were well within your rights to defend yourself."
"Fleamont!"
Both men turned to see Mrs. Potter running towards them. Fleamont caught his wife up in a tight hug.
"Euphrenia my love. I thought In would never see you again."
"I was perfectly safe thanks to the Ambassador's son."
They couple hugged for several minutes before releasing and turning to the increasingly embarrassed boy. Euphrenia took tight hold of his shoulders before speaking. "Thank you. If we ever have a son, we will be naming him James."
This made the young McCrea blush. "Thank you ma'am, but I'm sure the Aurors had much more to do with your safety than I did."
"I'd like to know how an underage wizard was any help in this situation." The three Brits quickly looked toward the new voice. It was the MACUSA Secretary of State flanked by a pair of scary looking Aurors from her government. "Why do you have a wand outside of school young man?"
"Children in England may keep possession of their wands year round, Seraphina." It was James's father walking quickly towards the group. "And since the British Embassy and its grounds are considered English soil, my son has broken no laws, especially considering that no Muggles were present and his spell casting would absolutely be allowed under the life threatening situation exception in the British Restrictions on Underage Magic."
"And the lad would have diplomatic immunity anyway," James's mother added, hurrying to catch up with her husband. Her Scottish burr was very strong, a clear sign his Mum was agitated.
"Very well," the Amercan said, "but I must request that young Mr. McCrea leave his wand here if decides to sight see in the city before school, as it is United States magical law that underage witches and wizards leave their wands at Ilvermorny during all school breaks. And his wand will need to be registered with us, also United States law."
The Ambassador looked sternly at the MACUSA official before nodding imperceptibly. "Yes, I can have Griffin send that information to your office in the morning."
"Thank you, Ambassador; I should take my leave now. Please let my office know if there is anything the U.S. government can do to assist you with the aftermath of tonight's unpleasantries."
As the government officials began shaking hands a man began screaming in Bulgarian, the anger clear through the foreign words. The group turned to see Lord Krum spit on a captured assailant. The McCreas looked at each other before moving toward the Bulgarian diplomat, the Americans close behind.
"What seems to be the problem, Sir?" Griffin asked the man.
"I am not believing this petty fool, this useless vorthless bureaucrat vould even think it vas good idea to attack me at major state function!" The man's accent thickened with his anger. A maniacal look crossed his face before he leapt at the prisoner and ripped his shirt at the left shoulder. The move exposed a strange tattoo just below the man's collar bone. It looked like a triangle enclosing a circle, both split down the middle. (1)
Lord Krum spat at the man again before muttering a single word.
"I beg your pardon Ambassador Krum, but that was not a Bulgarian vulgarity," Griffin said. "Could you repeat what you said a little louder please?"
"I said 'Grindelvald'. It is the name of the vizard these svine are vorking for. He has caused much hardship in Bulgaria but has constantly eluded our grasp. Ve believe he is hiding in Germany, possibly right under the nose of that firebrand Muggle Chancellor there as a behind the scenes advisor."
"Would you be wanting to make a formal extradition claim for these men, Lord Krum?" Ambassador McCrea asked his counterpart.
"Bah! You and Seraphina may fight over them. I vould vish for immediate death for these traitors! Now let me find my son."
"Your son was taken to our secure area downstairs with a number of the other high ranking guest, Lord Krum; he is perfectly safe," Griffin said.
"This could have been bad if these men had gotten to Lord Krum," James said, "and worse if they had gotten Vassil too."
"Hmm. That is an interesting motive," Griffin said. "Killing the high ranking wizarding families could throw that country into chaos."
"Since you kindly reminded me that this is considered British soil, you may have the honor of dealing with these criminals," the American woman said. "None of my people were hurt so we really don't have a dog in this fight."
"That settles it," Ambassador McCrea said, "Griffin, take these men into custody and get the injured medical attention. Looks like the party's over."
James and his parents made their way up to the residence floor of the embassy, closely followed by two of Griffin's Aurors. It was a surreal ending to what had been a nice evening, albeit one geared more to the adults. He had a wistful expression as he realized he never did find the niece of the Swedish ambassador.
"Well, I don't know about you my love, but with all the excitement I will be needing another shower and a glass of fire whiskey. I've heard the embassy has some very rare years of Nithercotts in stock," James's father said while looking at his Mum.
"Aye, they would stock the good stuff," she replied with a twinkle, "and all single malts too!"
"I don't suppose I'd be allowed a sip?" James asked hopefully.
"Did you forget you're still underage?" His father said.
"My bairn was certainly quite the man tonight," his Mum interjected, "and he's certainly earned a wee sip. It's not like we'd be giving him the bottle now William." She crossed her arms, a signal that the debate between his parents was over.
"Fine," his father said with a tone that acknowledged defeat, "but just a wee glass and no more than two fingers. Are we clear on that?"
"Crystal clear, Da." James couldn't suppress his grin; tonight seemed to be his coming of age even if he wasn't seventeen yet.
His parents both gave him a good night hug when they reached his rooms before heading further down the hall to their own suite. James walked in, got undressed from his formal wear and slowly got into an old but comfortable pair of pajamas. As he moved out of the bedroom to the sitting area of his quarters, he saw a glass of shimmering brown liquid on the table next to the high backed reading chair, the aroma of alcohol wafting through the room. Sitting in that comfy stuffed chair, James grabbed the glass and hesitantly brought it up to his lips, the scent of the liquor becoming more complex as it got closer to his nose. Not one to be too cautious, he shrugged and took a small sip. The sensation as he swallowed was that of gulping down a glowing ember from the fireplace as he started to sweat and imagine steam jetting out of his ears as if he had eaten a handful of pepper imps. The initial burning soon died down and a pleasant warmth flooded the rest of his body. Another sip stirred that ember again, but his body was now used to the fiery sensation and more of the pleasant feeling spread throughout his muscles. He had not even realized how much they had been aching, especially his wand arm. Two more sips and he had drained the glass, the fire whiskey relaxing him to the point of sleepiness. Moving back to the bedroom, James crawled into bed and was soon dozing peacefully, his mind contemplating the strange tattoo of the assailant, trying to puzzle out its significance.
The morning brought a calmness to the embassy. The damage from last night's attack had been cleaned up and repaired and the staff bustled about on their usual tasks. James quickly showered and dressed before heading down to the informal dining area for breakfast. His parents had made it down before him, but not by much, since it looked like they had only gotten coffee so far.
"Well laddie," his Mum spoke, "seems you handled you liquor fine enough."
"It was just what I needed," James replied, "I slept so soundly last night."
"But don't think you'll be making a habit of that," his Da chided. "That was a special occasion."
"Yes, Da," James said with a roll of his eyes, which set the whole family to a bout of laughter.
The talk around the breakfast table was light, but James could tell his parents were a little concerned about last night's attack on a foreign dignitary and he was sure Griifin or someone on her staff had sent a report back home to the Ministry before the last shard of glass was cleaned up. There was a lot to go over and his Da would certainly have a busy first day. Unfortunately, James would have nothing to do even if the dance had ended as scheduled without incident. There was nothing he was required to do before school started.
"It seems your Da will be tied up in Floo calls all day," his Mum said, "so it might be nice for the two of us to go into the city. Maybe Griffin could scare us up a guide to the sights of New York, wizarding or Muggle."
"That sounds wonderful," James said, "I was worried I'd be cooped up here until term started." His Mum's tone was light but he could tell she was very worried and needing a guide was the perfect pretext to request a bodyguard for their excursion.
After speaking with Griffin, it was decided this first trip would be to wizarding sights, specifically the New York equivalent to Diagon Alley. They would need to stop there to exchange their British galleons for American dragots and later for American Muggle money. Then they could explore further afield in the city. Dressing in their more casual wizarding outfits, James and his Mum met in the main study with an Auror named Benson, the man selected as their escort.
"Right Ma'am," Benson began, "We'll be Flooing to Devlin's, a British style pub similar to the Leaky Cauldron. There will be direct access to the plaza from there."
Stepping in turn through the green flames, James walked into an establishment that was certainly in the style of a proper British pub but was too bright, quite unlike the Leaky Cauldron. To be fair, the Cauldron had a few centuries head start on this place, so the patina of age was much more pronounced. Following the Auror to the exit, James and his Mum were surprised at the number and height of the buildings here, each housing a particular kind of shop and each holding dozens if not hundreds of shops.
"Makes the Alley look like a small country fair," his Mum whispered.
"That is does," James replied.
"Stay close," Beson said, "it will be a little bit of a walk to the bank."
Moving in what James believed to be an easterly direction, Benson led the trio several blocks towards what was clearly a financial hot bed. Entering the front door, he noticed that there was a branch of Gringots but also what seemed to be the national wizarding banks of several nations.
"This is amazing," James gasped.
"New York is one of the great cities of the world," Benson said. "People from every nation come here for business or a new life. Wizard and Muggle."
"So how do they keep Muggles from discovering this?" Olivia asked. "It's hard enough for the Ministry to keep Diagon Alley out of sight."
"The MACUSA people have round the clock staff keeping up the anti-Muggle charms and making sure the local No-Maj don't stumble in," Benson said, "Well, here's the Gringots branch. Not sure how busy they'll be."
"No-Maj?"
"It's what the Americans call Muggles."
"One of the many differences we'll need to get used to, Mum."
"I suppose so laddie," Olivia said. "Right. I think we should be fine exchanging two hundred and fifty galleons for now. We don't be needing your father lecturing us about wasting money."
The exchange rate was favorable for the McCreas today, one and one fifth dragots to the galleon, so the pair had three hundred dragots jingling in Mrs. McCrea's money bag as they left Gringots. Now they just needed to figure out where to start their shopping expedition. He hadn't received a supplies list for school yet, but James suspected he'd need new robes for Ilvermorny. It would be weird not wearing the green and silver of Slytherin. His mother agreed, commenting that they'd also need to get a look at American wizarding fashion.
"Any excuse for a new robe, Mum?"
"Hush lad. You know it's my one vice."
"The fashion district is over this way, Ma'am." Benson pointed to the left, towards an area with several brightly coloured buildings that looked more like sculptures than structures.
"Oh my. There stands the potential for much trouble."
"Only if you insist on buying everything you discover mum."
"Then we'll be getting your school robes first. Your Da will not say I've not taken care to your needs."
They found the shop specializing in academic wear and saw youngsters of all ages trying different styles of robes. It took a while for James and his Mum to find the counter for Ilvermorny. The bored clerk asked James for his house, in order to get the correct color trim.
"Slytherin," James said out of habit.
"Slithering? You trying to be funny kid? That's not an Ilvermorny house!"
"Sorry sir," his Mum said, "my bairn is a transfer student. There's not been sorting yet."
"Hmm. I'll have to see what we've got in stock. We usually only carry the generic robes in the smaller sizes. You know, for eleven year olds."
"Well surely your tailors aren't so poor that they couldn't do a simple re-sizing now?" Mum asked.
"Oh, don't worry. We do custom jobs. I just want to see if we've got anything off the rack first. You about a forty-four regular robe kid?"
"Yes sir. I do believe that's right."
"Just what I thought. Nothing bigger than a thirty-two in stock. Ok. I'll take your measurements and we'll get cracking. How many robe sets you looking at?"
"Well won't we need to wait until James gets sorted?"
"Nah lady. These beginner robes get transferred to the proper house colors after the kids get sorted."
"Sounds like what happened at Hogwarts first year Mum."
"Then I believe four shall suffice. We can always get more at holiday break."
"Will you be using our same day service or are we delivering them in a couple of days when the order is complete?"
"Could you have my son's robes delivered to the British Embassy when you've completed them?"
"Sure thing lady. Hey, you weren't there last night when all the fighting went down, were you?"
"Aye, we were," Mrs. McCrea said cautiously. "It was a terrible fright."
"Yes it was."
James turned with a start. Neither he nor his Mum had noticed the young girl who had walked up to the counter. He realized it was the niece of the Danish Ambassador.
"Aye, lass," Olivia said. "You're Ambassador Borland's niece, are you not?"
"Yes Ma'am. My name is Tora and I was having a wonderful time at the party until those men came."
"Yes, rotten luck there," James said. "Those brigands stole the show before I had a chance to ask you to dance."
Tora gave him a shy smile and James blushed; he had inadvertently revealed his crush to the object of his crush.
"You'll have a chance next week, dearie," his Mum said. "The Danish embassy will be holding a ball next week in honor of their Muggle king's birthday." She had a knowing smile on her face.
"I hope you will be coming with your parents," Tora said. She leaned in closer and said, "I would like to collect on that dance." Her shyness was gone, replaced with a flirtatious grin. "We can talk about Ilvermorny as well if you wish."
"You'll be there too?" asked James. "What year are you."
"I will be a sixth year as well," she said. "And also studying to be a mediwizard. But I have been there since first year; my father became Ambassador when I was ten."
"We will be happy to see you again next week Miss Tora," James's Mum said. "Say, if you don't have any other errands, maybe you can trot about with us as we explore?" That caused her son to blush a deeper red.
"I will ask my mother if I may join you; she may even want to, what do the Americans say, 'tag along'."
"Splendid," Olivia said. James had a sinking feeling this would be turning into a ladies shopping trip.
The rest of the day was not as bad as James had feared and he wound up enjoying himself. It was good for his mother as well, as she was begining to make friends with the wives of other dignitaries in diplomatic circles. Their new friends had a wealth of knowledge about the shopping area, called Gossamer Boulevard, and they knew the out of the way spots that only the local wizards would frequent. Tora had a wonderfully dry sense of humor and could deliver any number of one-liners with a straight face. James was the butt of a few of her jokes but Tora flashed a mischievous grin to show it was only friendly teasing. She was perfect in James's eyes and he was crushing on her even harder by the time they had to part company. Olivia smiled a hidden grin, knowing full well her son's long term dating plans just had a giant spanner thrown in the works.
James was excited and energetic over the week they had to wait until the Danish royal celebration. It wasn't any activities that were keeping him busy but the rapidly changing thoughts he kept having about Tora: Was she a good dancer? Was it proper to bring her a small gift, like a corsage? Was she a good kisser? Would she kiss back if he did try to kiss her? He had been like an adult and focused on his career and studies until he had met Tora but now James was feeling nervous like any other teenage boy for his first crush.
Please don't let me make an arse of myself at the ball. This was James's final thought as he started getting his dress robes on, much more nervous than he had been the night of the Welcoming Ball. That event seemed years ago now. He did decide that a corsage was appropriate for Tora, although he was taking a chance getting her one of white tulips. At least it was a subtle choice, quite different than roses, which would pretty much shout 'I love you' to those versed in the language of flowers. James wasn't that besotted a teen to think it was true love at this early stage of their relationship but he was definitely hoping things would turn serious in the near future. Of course he didn't know how protective her uncle would be, possibly ready with a curse if he thought James was not good enough for Tora or not treating her well. He had no control over that last scenario, only the chance to make a good first impression.
Remembering the harsh words of the MACUSA president, James again tucked his wand into the drawer of his nightstand as he had the day of their shopping trip. He would clearly be off British soil when he left the embassy with his parents and didn't need the aggravation of running afoul of American wizarding laws. One last adjustment of his bow tie and James headed down to meet his parents in the study to Floo over.
"A wrist corsage. Very good choice."
"Thanks Da."
"Not trying too hard to impress the lass, are ya?" Olivia chimed in.
"No Mum. It's just polite to bring a gift for the host."
"Hmm, considering that the host is the Danish embassy as a whole, I ken you'll need a lot more corsages."
"You're Mum is only teasing lad. That lass of yours will be enamored of your gift."
"I'm just hoping she'll not be laughing in my face when I present it to her."
The Danish Floo room looked like any other study James was familiar with; he almost wondered if there was an agreed upon standard for how official buildings had to be designed. Walking just behind his parents he followed the steam of witches and wizards arriving for the celebration, cleaning his neck for a glimpse of Tora. His father hadn't said whether there would be a formal receiving line but James had taken it as a certainty that there would be. Sure enough, the line slowed at the entrance to the ball room as the protocol officers acted like the bouncers of a night club, controlling the flow of the line of guests. The line moved fairly quickly and soon James and his parents had gotten to the Danish Ambassador but Tora was not standing next to him. A much older woman was there, her arm interlocking with the Ambassador's.
"William. Olivia. Welcome to our celebration. May I introduce my wife Olga? As you remember, she was too ill to attend your welcoming feast."
"Thank you for inviting us tonight, Gustav," William said, "although I suspect Olga didn't miss much last week. You remember our son, James?"
"I do indeed. My niece has been speaking often of you this week young man and you have apparently won over Ingrid, my sister. She is very protective of Tora."
James blushed slightly with a small grin. "I am glad to know that. Tora's mum had spent most of our shopping excursion talking to my own Mum."
"And such a wonderful woman Ingrid is Ambassador," Olivia said. "It will be a good thing to see her again tonight."
"Indeed. Well, I believe we have satisfied the requirements of protocol. Go my friends and enjoy the evening!"
Gustav clapped William's shoulder with a hearty laugh and released the McCreas to the sights, sounds, and smells of the party, cleary not as stuffy and staid as a typical state function. Champaign was flowing for those of age, butterbeer for those who were younger, and it looked like hard liquor was being served at a bar in the far corner. Waiters circulated through the crowd bearing trays of canapes and hors d'oeuvres and other delights concocted by the house elves of the Danish staff. But the confection to the left of the head table held everyone's attention. The official birthday cake for the celebration had seven layers and five gigantic candles. The flames must have been magical because James didn't see any wax dripping down the bodies of the candles. Then to his surprise, jets of sparks shot out of the candle tips, glittering and lighting up the whole ceiling. The crystals in the chandeliers reflected the fire of the candles throughout the room, adding to the festive atmosphere. He was so caught up viewing the scenery that James did not notice Tora sidle up to him.
"They are beautiful, are they not James?"
"Almost as beautiful as you," he said automatically, a grin on his face, still looking at the decorations around the ballroom. Then the impact of what he had said and to whom hit him and he blushed a deep red. "That was out loud, wasn't it?"
"Yes it was. You are so cute when you are nervous."
James looked at Tora and saw a twinkle in her eyes and a slight blushing her cheeks. He wondered if that was because nobody had called her beautiful before but he realized she had probably been called that many times in her life; she blushed because he had called her beautiful.
"Oi, where are my manners. I have something for you." James opened his small box and presented the corsage to Tora.
"That is very pretty James. Thank you." She smiled, blushed again, and held her arm out for James to put the corsage on her wrist. "Are you ready to have that dance now?"
"Absolutely."
She took his extended arm and the young couple moved towards the large dance floor, gliding easily to the lively waltz that was playing, whirling around as if they were professional dancers. They stayed partnered for the next several songs, flowing with a grace few teenagers possessed. It was a disappointment when someone finally tapped James on the shoulder and cut in but the look Tora gave him let James know the last dance would be his alone.
"Come lad.'Tis not the time to be a wallflower."
James had been going to get a drink but his Mum had dragged him back to the dance floor. He had danced with his mother before at parties but this time was different. He was nearly an adult so Olivia felt no need to hold back as she might have when her son was young. She whirled James around with the energy he had seen her and his Da dance with, her pure talent guiding the both of them through ever more complex steps. James was game to keep up but he didn't quite have the same stamina of his parents; after the fourth song, he had to put his hand up and call for a break.
"I forget you're still a bairn," his Mum said playfully, "but mark my words, there'll come a day when 'tis me begging off for a rest from the dancing."
"I guess you were always taking it easy on me when I was a wee lad?"
"And now you're ready, especially since you have a lass to keep entertained."
"That was amazing James," Tora said. "Were you holding back with me before?"
"Nae, 'twas all my Mum. Could'a been a professional, she could."
"James!" Olivia exclaimed with a playful slap at his shoulder. "Tis your Da I expect the flattery from, not you."
"Who's the flatterer?" The trio looked to see James's Da.
"Bout time ya got back," Olivia said in mock annoyance. "This wee bairn could barely make it through four songs before he was ready to collapse. Now quit lollygagging and escort me back to the dance floor."
"Aye dear," William said with a straight face. Before he was dragged off by his Mum, Da leaned over and whispered to James, "Always keep 'em happy." He gave James a wink then caught up with his energetic wife.
"Your parents are quite a wonderful match."
"Aye, they are. I hope I'll have a marriage like theirs when it's time for me to settle down."
"Just having a fling or two until then?" Tora's voice had taken a hard edge.
"Far from it," he said. "I never pictured myself getting married until after I was a full fledged mediwizard. But I also never thought I'd meet a wonderful girl before then too."
"We would be students, not monks, when we did our residencies James." Her tone had changed to hopeful and she trailed a finger down James's jawline.
"Tora Svendotter! What are you doing with that English boy? He looks like a mud-blood lover and a milk drinker to boot!"
James head snapped to see an old and gnarled man making his way toward the two teens. He was clearly not in his prime but he still had an air of danger about him, a warrior not quite gone to seed. James could now see a slew of military decorations on the man's jacket and enough braiding to suggest he is, or was, a field marshal. A wizard like that would have more than a few curses in his arsenal and most would be guaranteed to be deadly.
"So. Uncle has let you out of your kennel?"
"You should not disrespect your elders, dear. Especially the ones with the power to block you from receiving one kroner of the family fortune."
"I must apologize for my Grandfather, James, since you will never get one from him directly."
"Is this how we have raised you? You are a pureblood and an heiress; please start acting like one!"
That comment raised James's dander, a mistake when ever you dealt with a Scotsman. "Well, Sir, the McCrea clan may not be considered part of that snobby 'Sacred Twenty-Eight' in Britain, but I ken our blood's just as pure as any old wizarding family." He punctuated the statement with a snort.
"Good. You have spirit boy. I was worried you would be a typical milquetoast Englishman."
"You would be dealing with a Scot, sir." James straightened to his full height.
"You might just be a good match for our Tora then." The elderly wizard put his hand on James's arm and drew him close with a surprising strength. "But if you break her heart your parents will never find your corpse. Do I make myself clear?"
"Crystal." It took all James's self control not to flinch or to start a fight, but he would not back down.
"Then I expect you to act like the gentleman you appear to be." He turned to his granddaughter. "Enjoy the party."
The two teens watched the old man saunter to the bar serving hard liquor, no doubt to get a tumbler of vodka.
"Grandfather really does love me. I can't stand the pureblood propaganda though."
"Not much different in Britain, I suppose. Most of the old, wealthy families there still think we're living in the Victorian era but it's not eighteen eighty anymore!"
"You did impress Grandfather. Most suitors have withered and ran when they first met him."
"Other suitors?" It was James's turn to have a hard expression.
"Please. You must realize that as girl in an old, wealthy family, there are no shortage of people who are trying to arrange a political marriage between their sons and myself. Luckily I am not the eldest heir nor are my parents living in the past, so I have an outside chance of marrying for love." Tora gave a small chuckle. "Sometimes I think my family tells Grandfather to be a watchdog for my honor, the better to scare away, how do you British say, the gits?"
James let out a hearty laugh. If he wasn't in love with Tora before, he certain was now. "I hope you do find love Tora. Life is unbearable without it."
"I think I am closer than I would have ever thought to being in love." The look James saw in her eyes told him she was very close indeed.
"Shall we get back out to the dance floor then, my sweet?" James had never used a pet name before and wasn't sure how she would react. But if the encounter with her grandfather had taught him anything, it was he needed to be bold around her and her family. He was rewarded with a dazzling smile when she took his arm and led him back towards the dancing.
The party flowed with the energy of lively music and the young couple twirled and waltzed for a couple of hours, barely taking a break for cold drinks to soothe their thirst. Eventually Tora pulled James off the dance floor and informed him she was going to powder her nose. James also thought it was a good time to 'see a man about a horse', as his father would say. Heading down the hallway to the Men's water closet, he didn't take notice of four young adults following him down the hall and James had no way of knowing they were not also only there to use the water closet. One stayed outside the facilities as a lookout while the remaining three moved to surround James. The leader grabbed James's shoulder and spun him around.
"Stay away from Tora."
"Her Grandfather already gave me the evil eye gents." James said.
"The old fool was only testing you. We are telling you that Tora is not yours to have." The leader hissed.
"Not according to her." James looked for an opening but the ruffians had the exit blocked.
"She will be made to have a traditional arranged marriage, and it will not be to a smarmy Englishman."
"Sassenachs! I'm a Scotsman, not a bloody English fop. And you'll not be telling me who I can or canna date. D'ya ken?" James anger rose, despite being outnumbered. "You need three of you brigands to give me that message?"
"No. This is our message."
The lead ruffian took a round house swing with his right fist. James ducked and jabbed the first attacker twice in the face, stunning him enough for James to push him into one of the other thugs. Unfortunately, that left him open for the third thug to grab him by the waist and tackle James into the sinks. Thinking quickly, James grabbed the head of that attacker and slammed it into the closest sink, stunning him enough to let go. James untangled his legs from the man's grip and stepped into the center of the room to get space to maneuver. Good thing these gits aren't too organized. The first one of the original two to rise up charged blindly at James instead of waiting to attack in a coordinated way. That would give James the advantage if he could deal with each one at a time. This time he side stepped and pushed that ruffian into one of the toilet stalls. This left one one more to take care of, but this was the one who started this fight. He would not be easy to finish off. Smarter than his compatriots, he did not make a second blind charge at James but took the time to test James's defenses with a series of quick jabs. None connected but they give the attacker a sense of James's speed and agility. James had to figure a way to get past him before either of the others got back in the brawl. In desperation, James lowered his shoulder and drove it into the man's stomach, like he was making a tackle in the Muggle game of rugby. He succeeded in knocking the wind out of the thug and pushed him to the side away from the exit. Before he could open the door, it flung open into the water closet, a fourth ruffians pointing a gnarled tree like wand in James's face. The new attacker flicked the wand and James felt his whole body go stiff. Wonderful. Petrificus Totalus.
"Fools! Why were you wasting time with fisticuffs? You should have hurt him with a curse and be done with it!"
Another flick of the man's wand and James felt every nerve in his body erupt in fiery pain, as if he had touched a high voltage line. The man ended the pain for a few heartbeats before cursing James again. The excruciating pain made it difficult for James to think but he realized the young man must have been using the Cruciatus curse. But being magically bound, the only reaction James could show was a trail of tears out of his left eye. The door guard hit James one last time with the Cruciatus curse and beckoned his mates to follow him out of the Men's water closet as they were beginning to rise and regain their composure. The two weakest ones came over to James and kicked him sharply in the ribs. They exited the water closet and left James under the effects of the Body Bind Curse. He would have winced, if possible; it felt as if at least one of his ribs was broken. Who knew how long he would be on the floor until someone discovered him?
Thankfully it was less than fifteen minutes before another guest stumbled in, clearly drunk, and tripped over James's prone form.
"Oi. What are you doing on the floor young man? Sneak too much fire whiskey?"
The man poked at James with the tip of his shoe and realized that the young wizard was not passed out but frozen in place. Too drunk to effectively use his wand, but not so drunk as to attempt it, he stagger back to the ballroom to find an Auror or embassy staff member. A few minutes more and the man was back with a pair of serious looking men in Danish staff livery. One cast Finite to release James while the other checked James for injuries. He gasped as the Mediwizard pressed along his chest, making the chance he had a broken rib a reality. They conjured a stretcher and levitated James onto it. Before the Mediwizard moved the stretcher, the first man leaned over and asked James if he had seen who had done this to him. James nodded his head but winced when he tried to breathe, his injured ribs were preventing him from speaking. James thought he heard his parents' voices coming down the service hall and tried to raise his head but the effort was too much. His head dropped back down to the stretcher as he began to lose consciousness.
Author's note:
(1) The tattoo is the symbol for the Deathly Hallows of course.
Again, edits made to Seraphina's office.