Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. That is all JKR's territory.

Chapter 1

A fourteen year old Harry Potter wandered somewhat aimlessly around the numerous hallways of France's Beauxbaton School of Magic. His mentor and adoptive father, Geralt Rivers, was busy in the middle of a meeting with Madame Olympe Maxime, the headmistress of the school. Harry wasn't wandering the halls alone though, his recently freed godfather, Sirius Black, had taken to travelling with the two Witchers, partially to stay around the godson he had let down, and partially to stay as far away from the swarming Dementors that were hunting him. Staying in his animagus form of a large Grim, Sirius would follow Harry everywhere he went (partially to keep the boy out of trouble, and partially to encourage him to push his luck just that bit further that would end up getting him into trouble).

"So Snuffles, do you think that Geralt will take up Madame Maxime's offer?" Harry asked the dog following him, using his specific codename to avoid anyone discovering him. "I mean, this offer seems far too good to be true, especially after that last run in with the Irish Elves."

The Grim nodded in agreement. He clearly remembered what had happened when they had been in Ireland only three months ago and also didn't want to repeat the incident that occurred then. Granted that was a common issue with those elves, it really made him miss that terrible house elf of his mother's, Kreacher.

As the two continued wandering the halls, Harry was surprised at how quiet the school was in general. Granted he had only been to two of the smaller and lesser known magic schools, as well as Durmstrang, he had never been in such a quiet building. It was fairly unnerving and he hoped he wouldn't have to spend too much time here.

Coming to a stop in front of the potions classroom, Harry took a deep breath and opened the door. Geralt had gotten him the chance to visit the potions lab of the school from Madame Maxime and Harry was not going to waste this chance. Granted as he stepped in, it was just before a third year class.

"Good morning, Mr. Rivers, correct?" the teacher asked. "It is a pleasure to have you join my class today. I've been told you've developed a great interest in potions."

"Yes, Mademoiselle...?" Harry began, his mind blanching on the teacher's name.

"Oh, sorry, I'm Mademoiselle Pendragon" the woman said kindly. "So, you're the Witcher in training?"

"Yeah, I'm nearly a full one. Well, at least I've nearly finished the transition of my magical core into that of a Witcher" Harry answered, immediately feeling at ease with this teacher.

"That's good for you" the woman said with a smile. "Now, I hope you don't mind that you were only able to make it into a third year class, especially with your rumoured skills, but I thought it would be great if you could help explain some of the finer points to a few struggling students?"

Harry's eyes lit up as he was asked and he readily agreed. Allowing himself to be shown a seat to take, he got settled and awaited the start of the class, Sirius laying down right next to him. After five minutes, the first few students started to trickle into the classroom. It was clear that more girls attended this school than boys when the majority of those coming in wore the light blue outfit of for the female members of the school. It wasn't long afterwards that the entirety of the class was there and Harry spotted a familiar blonde from among the crowd.

"So Gabrielle is in this year? She never mentioned it before...granted she didn't mention her age either" Harry mumbled to Sirius as he stroked his head.

Sirius seemed to agree with the boy; however before he could do anything, Mademoiselle Pendragon stood up and started the class.

"Harry" Gabrielle Delacour called out after the class, leaping at him and wrapping her arms around his waist.

"Hello Gabby" Harry began as he briefly returned the hug. "It's great to see you. How are you and Fleur?"

Gabrielle didn't say anything as she squeezed Harry tighter. It wasn't until Sirius barked at her that she let go and her face was numerous shades of scarlet.

"Sorry, I'm just so excited to have you here. By the way, why are you here?" the thirteen year old asked.

"Geralt was given a request by Madame Maxime. I don't know what it's about, but hopefully it will be a less stressful job then the last one we did" Harry told her.

"Oh, at lunch, you must find me and we'll talk all about that. I want to know exactly what went on" Gabrielle said excitedly, though she was trying her hardest to sound like a well trained young lady.

Harry chuckled at that and gave her a bow and a promise that he would make sure that Geralt didn't leave till after he had a chance to speak with her in depth. After saying that, an excited Gabrielle ran down the hallway towards her next class.

Harry was about to go back to the Headmistress' office when Mademoiselle Pendragon stopped him.

"Mr. Rivers, would you like to sit in on another few classes. You were such a great help at this one, that I really want you to be here for the seventh and fifth year classes" she said, a gentle smile on her face.

Harry's eyes were wide with excitement at the request. Agreeing readily, he returned to the classroom for the next classes.

It was lunchtime before Harry managed to get a break. Letting out a sigh of relief he walked down towards the great hall (as Mademoiselle Pendragon had given him the directions) and was about to enter when he felt someone's arms wrap around him.

"Harry, how have you been?" a female voice asked as Harry let out a small yelp.

"Fine, just don't sneak up on me like that Fleur. Geralt will have my head in training for the next two months if he realised you managed that" Harry pleaded teasingly.

"Well, if you don't want me around, I could always leave you alone with Gabrielle" Fleur told him, releasing her grip and starting to leave.

"Wait, don't leave alone with her. I have to discuss my most recent job, I already promised her, but I don't want her to go all fangirl on me...not again" Harry begged as Fleur began walking away. "I'm truly sorry. I love your presence, hell I adore it, just don't leave me alone with your sister."

This stopped Fleur, and chuckling, the seventh year student walked back to Harry and placed a quick kiss on his cheek.

"Good, now let's go meet up with Gabrielle. I too want to hear about this last job of yours, especially since you didn't write to us at all."

Harry smiled as he walked back into the great hall.

"Thank you, Madame Maxime for employing my services. We shall remain at the school at get to know some of the possible champions so they won't be as uncomfortable with us being around them when we head to Hogwarts" Geralt said politely.

His meeting with the Half-Giant Headmistress of Beauxbatons had not gone as well as he had hoped. She was a stubborn woman who was always trying to make everything work to her advantage. It was a very irritating, yet also an endearing trait, but when it came to her practically asking the Witchers to help the school champion cheat, everything nearly fell apart.

However, that was now in the past as Geralt made his way to get some food. They had agreed to allow the Witchers to watch over the champion, but cheating was not going to occur in the slightest. It was a hard fought for position, but in the end they finally managed to work everything out.

For that reason, Geralt was now free to wander the school as he searched for his adopted son (and his student). Making his way down to the main floor, he knew he had found Harry when he caught sight of the two Delacour girls.

"Good afternoon you three" he called out, startling Fleur and Gabrielle. "It's a pleasure to see you two here today."

"You know we attend this school. So, what are you talking about?" the younger girl asked with a teasing smile.

"I'm terribly sorry, but I forgot for a moment that you had grown up, young lady" Geralt stated specifically to irritate the young blonde.

Fleur had to stifle her early giggles and attempt to remain as passive and cool as possible while Geralt and Gabrielle teased one another. Ever since their parents had introduced them to the two Witchers, Gabrielle had treated Geralt like an Uncle and a part of her family. Fleur was a bit less trusting that way, but the older man was making his way to that same point for her.

Harry on the other hand had to bite his hand in an attempt to prevent his laughter. His adoptive father and Gabrielle could go for hours if left alone and it was starting to look like that would be the case as students passed them by with nervous looks on their faces as Gabrielle started to turn red.

"Geralt, I think you've picked on her enough today" Harry said as soon as he felt the room heating up. "I believe you're going to cause her to blow if you don't stop."

Geralt smirked as Harry spoke and immediately shut up. Walking away from the fuming Veela, he beckoned for Harry to follow him into the next room. Harry, obliging his mentor, excused himself and followed after the man.

Upon entering the classroom, Geralt motioned towards a seat and Harry subsequently filled it. Staring began between the two men after that and it took five minutes before Geralt spoke.

"We're to be joining the seventh year Beauxbatons students on their trip to Hogwarts for the Triwizard Tournament. You and I are going to be a form of security for the champion of the school" Geralt stated as he continued to watch for Harry's reaction.

"Madame Maxime asked us to cheat for her, didn't she?" Harry asked after a few moments. "It's the only reasonable explanation, seeing as you're still quite frustrated with the whole event. I mean you never provoke Gabby that much."

Geralt smiled wryly as Harry spoke. His apprentice was doing well in his observation skills. It was a great start and would prove to be quite useful once he had his full powers.

"Exactly, now, she still believes that we will provide assistance for the champion of this school, but I want to make it clear here and now. We shall not interfere with the tournament itself. We are security for the champion and that is it."

Harry nodded in understanding. He would rather not get on Geralt's bad side, and it was wrong to cheat your way through a tournament of this level. In response to Harry's acknowledgement, Sirius reverted from his canine form and sat down at the table as well.

"So how are you going to split up the security detail? I mean, Harry and I could easily watch over the champion while you watch over the others, or are we going to set this up differently?" Sirius questioned as he settled into his seat.

"No, I was actually thinking along the same lines as you" Geralt replied. "It would be best for you two, who are less intimidating then me, to stay near the champion. He or she will be a lot more comfortable with someone closer to their age. At least that was how it worked the last time we were on security detail."

Nervous chuckles trickled out of Harry and Sirius as they reflected on that event. It wasn't a pretty sight and it was quite irritating. Especially since they were hired to protect one of the nastiest and ugliest witches in Britain (at least while she was in Spain two summers ago). Harry had ended up with a stalker and was still trying to make sure her owls couldn't reach him. That wasn't even to include the fact that upon meeting the girl, most of those who had been hired to kidnap her wanted nothing to do with the job. Subsequently, this left Harry alone far too often with the witch.

"So, we'll just make sure that Harry doesn't cause them to fall in love with him. At least as long as it isn't that wonderful Delacour girl" Sirius stated with a smirk.

"I don't like her in that way" Harry tried to defend himself, but knew upon seeing the two smirking adults that there was no way he could win. "Alright fine, but if it's anyone else, Snuffles here will have to deal with them."

Sirius started laughing lightly as Harry finished. Turning to look at Geralt, the other man was also chuckling slightly at the young man. Letting out an irritated sigh, Harry turned around and proceeded to exit the room. Laughter followed behind him as he stepped out.

In the weeks leading up to the departure from Beauxbatons, Harry continued to appear within the potions class and he was soon being looked to for just as much assistance as the regular teacher (at least from the first through third years). It had proven to be a very fruitful way for him to spend his time as they day for their departure drew closer. His training with Geralt and Sirius also took up a lot of his time as they became comfortable with the French School's grounds.

However, when it came time for them to depart alongside the possible Beauxbatons champions, Harry was very nervous. This was the first time he would be back in England, the first time he would be at the school his birth parents attended. Taking a deep breath, he struggled to calm his nerves. Sirius must have noticed Harry's apprehension as he (in his animagus form) pushed his nose into one of the boy's hands, encouraging him to go forwards. Following the insistence of his Godfather, Harry made his way to the front of the group, standing tall alongside Geralt.

"Now, remember the rules. Don't do anything stupid, don't flirt with any of the Hogwarts girls...you're not ready to start acting like me in some aspects, and don't you dare even think about interrupting me when I have wards around my door" Geralt whispered, a small smirk on his face.

"So, I pretty much obey every rule except for the first one...in other words, I just ignore everything you just said?" Harry asked mischievously, a crooked smile on his face.

"Exactly, now here comes our ride" Geralt replied with a smile. Harry was truly starting to understand exactly what it meant to be his apprentice.

"Everyone please board the carriage in a single file line" Madame Maxime ordered as the gathered students entered the recently arrived carriage.

Following her instructions, Harry fell into a position beside Geralt as they watched the students and faculty board the carriage. Catching sight of Fleur further down the line, Harry gave her a quick nod of acknowledgement which was subsequently returned with a smile. Feeling fairly settled after that, the two men and the grim boarded after the others had, closing the doors behind them.

The trip to Hogwarts was uneventful. No one really talked to the two Witchers; however Sirius did get a lot more attention than was absolutely necessary. Numerous times throughout the trip Harry and Geralt would make snide and sarcastic comments about the animagus as he accepted all the attention. The lack of conversation towards the hired guards allowed them to just observe. An action that Geralt had forced Harry to take part in as soon as he turned seven, allowing him to play a role in all missions. They needed to know all they could about these students without getting to personal. It was never good for a Witcher to get personal with someone they were supposed to protect, or someone they were attempting to heal.

Nearly four hours after they had taken off though, the magnificent castle of Hogwarts was visible to the numerous students aboard the carriage. Harry took a moment to look out the window at the sight and felt his nerves flare up once again. He was nearing the school his birth parents attended. The school he would have attended if it had not been for Geralt adopting him. Feeling his eyes begin to focus again behind his glasses, Harry could make out numerous shapes on the field below, it looked as if the entirety of the school was awaiting their arrival.

With a soft crashing sound, the carriage came to a stop on the field outside the castle. In a couple of swift movements, the two Witchers had already opened the door and prepared it for the school's exit.

As they did this, Harry felt like someone was keeping a close eye on him and shuddered slightly. It wasn't due to malicious intent, just, well, the intensity of the stare he felt was very unnerving and unsettling. Like they were trying to discover who or what exactly he was.

Turning around Harry realised that it was Albus Dumbledore, the Headmaster of Hogwarts. Preventing a shiver from the thought of having been seen through already, he was thankfully saved by Geralt assisting Madame Maxime down the steps.

'She's got us working like servants' Harry thought bitterly as he watched the large woman walk up to Dumbledore. 'I think it's a form of punishment for not agreeing to help her cheat.'

Smirking at that thought, Harry was soon brought back to reality with the feel of a wet nose on his hand. Turning his attention to the front, he realised that he and Geralt were being introduced.

"These here are the two bodyguards I have brought with us" Madame Maxime said. "I would like to introduce to you Geralt Rivers and his apprentice Harrison Rivers."

Dumbledore's eyes widened upon hearing the names and Harry had a strong feeling that he knew who he was. Letting out an irritated groan, the boy stepped forwards alongside his adoptive father.

"It is our pleasure to be here on the grounds of Hogwarts. Not many of our kind have ever been allowed to see within its halls" Geralt began. "I hope you will not find us too distracting as we conduct our jobs."

Harry gave his agreement to Geralt's statement, marking the formal beginning of their assignment. Dumbledore seemed to acknowledge their statements and beckoned for the entirety of Beauxbatons to enter into the school.

Nervously, Harry followed after the others as they proceeded into the school. He had no idea what to expect once he made it through those doors.

End Chapter 1

A/N: Okay, so here is chapter 1 of the story. I'm still testing the waters so this may not be my best writing ever (yet), but I am working to that point. As is clear due to this chapter, Harry has an interest in potions and already knows the Delacours. So, I did say that I wasn't revealing a pairing yet, but as many of the readers who have read my other stories (you know who you are), they would know that I don't always (rarely) keep to those statements. I have a tendency to let my imagination flow...and that's why I am a writer in the first place. Anyways, this chapter was hard as I was trying to figure out a decent way to get Harry to Hogwarts, I tried four different variations before settling on this one as it allowed for me to build a storyline that I am going to feel proud of. Now, with my final exams for grade school coming to an end, I will be moving my computer out of the family office and into my own room, so updates should come more frequently. Oh and if you notice that I have not updated in a while, that would be due to the fact that I have been distracted by another story I plan on writing. Ideas keep bouncing through my head, but I'm going to try to get a good chunk of this story done before I move on to starting another. I hope to be in this fandom for a while at the least, I've even contemplated starting a new profile specifically for my new choices in fandoms (if anyone wants to let me know if that would be a good idea or not, please PM me or leave a review with your opinion). So, I hope you enjoyed this chapter and I will speak to you all again in the next one. Please leave a review if it suits you and until next time,

Nanashi Wanderer

P.S. Okay, so I believe I've already made it clear that this is AU, but if I haven't...this is an AU story. I will explain in later chapters why Harry is already friends with the Delacours and why Sirius is travelling with them, but for now, just remember that this is AU. Okay then, thanks for your understanding and until next time,

Nanashi Wanderer