I do not own anything. I'm just translating. The characters belong to the great J.K. Rowling. The story belongs to the amazing Brigi. Her e-mail: tbwtpbe [et]

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THE BOY WITH THE PIERCING BLUE EYES

Chapter 34 – The heritage (part 1)

Harry ran toward McGonagall's office with a parchment in his hand while Hedwig flew behind him hooting angrily.

The bird surprised her owner while the boy was having a snowball fight in the yard. The letter came from his girlfriend along with a French man's who's English was a little rough. They both asked him to talk to the headmaster about the details of their arrival.

Harry had no idea of how the girl and the two wizards were going to make it to the castle. The wizards could always Apparate or use brooms or the Knight Bus, though the latter was not the way to sightsee as foreigners. The bus wasn't really a passenger friendly vehicle...

But what about the girl...? Will she even see the castle as it is, or will she only recognize it as an old ruin? Harry had no idea how Muggles saw the area though his friends tried explaining it to him several times.

He stopped in front of the door of his Head of House's office, took a big breath and knocked.

"Enter!" he heard

"Good afternoon, Professor," he greeted.

He saw the woman looking up from the parchments sitting in front of her and Harry had a suspicion those were the Transfiguration tests from last time.

"Come in, Potter!"

"Professor... I got an owl... from my guest."

The woman barely visibly raised an eyebrow.

"And from those coming with her... and... they asked me to talk to the headmaster..."

"I see. Come, Potter!" McGonagall ordered and stood up from her comfortable chair.

Harry tried not falling behind, but even as a sixth year student he had trouble keeping up with the woman.

"Professor..." Harry tried. "How often do Hogwarts students have guests over during the holiday?"

"Not really often, but it happens from time to time."

Harry let out a long breath. He was happy for not being a special case this time.

"This year, we'll have more guests who decided to spend Christmas at the castle," McGonagall continued. "You remember that sick girl from Slytherin? Professor Snape told me the other day that her mother and a nurse are going to stay here for the holidays. They don't think it's a good idea to travel with the girl just yet..."

"Poor girl..." Harry muttered not really knowing what to say.

"And of course, the teachers can have guests. Nymphadora Tonks will arrive soon."

"Really?" Harry's face brightened for the first time since they started talking. He could imagine how happy Remus was going to be.

"Is there anyone else coming from the Order?"

McGonagall stopped abruptly and looked at the boy sternly.

"Don't let me hear you talking about the Order of the Phoenix in broad daylight so loudly again!" she hissed. "Every word could jeopardize out existence!"

"I'm sorry..."

"You should be! Now come!" She started walking again.

Soon, they arrived in front of the stone statue guarding the entrance of the headmaster's office. McGonagall cleared her throat.

"Earwax!"

The statues stepped aside and the stairs appeared behind them.

"Go on!"

"Thank you, professor." Harry nodded to the leaving woman.

He stepped on the first stair and gathered his strength before going up. Before knocking, he thought back to how long it was since he last went to Dumbledore's office.

He was a bit nervous as the headmaster invited him in soon.

"Enter!"

"Good afternoon, Professor Dumbledore."

"Harry. Come, sit down, please."

"Professor... I got a letter from my guest... and she wrote..."

"I know what she wrote," the headmaster smiled under his long beard. "I also got a letter from them. Just now..." he stroked Fawkes' head.

"They said that you'll be informing me about everything..."

Dumbledore stood from his chair and walked to the bookcase.

"Harry, you have to know that this is a risky journey. And by inviting her here you put Miss Salboux in great danger... not to mention yourself."

His glasses shined as he turned to the boy.

"Miss Salboux could be used against you. Your attraction to her is... obvious. Whatever happens with her will influence you. I think this is a weapon in the hands of our enemies that makes our work difficult."

"I know."

"And I'm sure you know that all these things I told Sirius Black when the Order of the Phoenix was called back together again."

Harry gulped. Yes, Sirius must have been in a similar situation because of him... and how he ended up... Harry couldn't die though. He had a job to do. But... will he have to choose between his responsibility and his girlfriend?

"Don't torture yourself with questions like these now," Dumbledore placed his hand on the boy's shoulder. "Your reason for coming here is something else now..." he smiled." Miss Salboux and her two escorts will be arriving on next Thursday. From the airport they will go to the King's Cross Station and the Hogwarts Express will bring them to the station in Hogsmeade. You'll have permission to go to the town and escort them back to the castle. For this permission you'll have to go to your Head of House.

He stopped talking.

"Do you have... any question?" he asked with a smile since Harry was sitting there like he was waiting for further instructions.

"Excuse me? No, I don't..."

"Then you may go."

"Thank you, sir..."

"You only, Potter!" McGonagall snapped. "Don't make me repeat that!" She added when she saw the boy's big pleading eyes. "The students can't leave the castle unless it is a Hogsmeade weekend or holiday time! Only on special occasions like..."

"But this is a special occasion!" Harry tried but it fell on death ears.

"...like illness or, Merlin help us, death..."

Harry looked positively disappointed. The professor picked up a parchment and wrote something with her quill.

"Here's your permission, Potter! Give it to Mr. Filch on Thursday afternoon and he will let you go to the station in Hogsmeade. And one last time, this permission only applies to you. Professor Lupin will be your escort.

"Great!"

"We're done here," The professor held out the parchment.

Her gaze held every question she wanted to ask. Curious. Curious about the girl who made the chosen one plan this all. She wanted to see the girl, since Snape told the Order about what he saw. Those eyes and the missing magic. Will the Salem witches resurface again in English land?

"Thank you," The boy left the office and looked at the parchment one last time before folding it and placing it in his pocket.

"Are you nervous?" Remus touched Harry's shoulder.

The boy was standing at the stairs as he waited for the professor. He was watching his friends and classmates playing in the snow. Some tried building snow men - though they looked more like trolls - while others had snowball fights. Though most of them were skating on the lake.

"Very." Harry admitted.

Remus' smile always held some warmth and love in it that made him calm down no matter what he felt previously and it help this time too.

"Don't be. Everything will be okay form now on. Shall we go?"

Harry only nodded and started walking though he almost fell over.

"It's slippery..."

Lupin tried not to fall as he followed.

"That happens... Come!"

"We probably look like penguins now..." Harry chuckled. "Have you ever seen penguins, Remus?"

"Once. They are very cute. I visited a Muggle zoo with your father and Sirius once. Great place. Hagrid would love it..."

Harry could easily imagine the half-giant running from cage to cage and couldn't stop himself from smiling.

When they reached the gates of the school ground they shook themselves like wet dogs and laughed.

"And..." Remus said continuing walking. "Is everything okay... with you two?"

"As in... Marie and me?" Harry was a bit surprised by that question.

Lupin only hummed seeming to be in a good mood.

"Everything's... fine."

"Then why do you seem worried?"

"The thing is... I don't know where we'll be... sleeping."

Remus laughed but Harry didn't think he was making fun of him, though that didn't make his embarrassment go away.

"She'll most probably be able to come to the Gryffindor common room... and if she sleeps in the girls' room... well, then Hermione... will be in the way. But she can't stay with us either, because then Ron would be in the way... so I really don't know how things will work out..."

"Is that all?" the professor smiled.

"Is that all?" Harry asked disappointed. "It's easy for someone who has his own room... Can I put a silencing charm on a bed?"

"Oh Merlin, how many times have I heard that question already?!" Remus looked up with a smile. "I'm afraid you can't." He patted his student's shoulder who almost slipped because of that.

"I see..." he nodded sadly then looked up with a mischievous smile." It's a little... weird talking about this stuff with you..."

"Why? It's between us!" Lupin looked around.

He saw no one in the falling snow near them.

From a branch a few snowflakes fell on the man's nose who shook his head at that. He looked like a happy puppy going out after being held captive for a long time.

"But I... I've never talked to anyone about this kind of thing."

"Well," Remus stopped. "You can always come to me. Of course only if you are willing to accept a silly old man's advice."

"Sure!" Harry exclaimed. Glancing at the professor, the man looked like a half-buried scarecrow standing in the snow. He was so thin that even Harry found it unhealthy - he himself starved a lot before. "Plus you're not old... or silly..." he added quietly.

"Not to mention, I doubt your Uncle Vernon would have answered your questions about becoming a man..."

"Indeed..."

"Why didn't you ask us when you had problems in the past? I mean Sirius or me."

"I tried..." Harry admitted. "But it wasn't easy." He remembered last Christmas when he really needed advice regarding Cho. "I didn't want to be disrespectful or anything..."

The man seemed to understand why he hesitated. The boy had a really strong bond with Sirius while he himself stayed in the background. Harry needed time to get over the death of his godfather and to open up a little.

"You're not..."

They reached the gates of the station in Hogsmeade. There the road was covered by thick ice making it impossible to just walk through.

"Are you ready?" The professor stood like he was about to sprint.

"For what? Remus, you want to slide down this?

Lupin only nodded.

"Of course I understand if you're scared..."

"Scared?! Me?!" Harry laughed. "But what about you? Aren't you too... weak for this?" He became serious again.

"I'm okay. Let's go!" He pushed himself.

Harry- thanks to his reflexes- followed him immediately. They both tried staying on their feet and while Remus managed to land in a pile of fresh snow, Harry slid farther and stopped while bending over.

"I won," he said with a triumphant smile.

"Is everything okay? Then let's go. The train will be shortly..."

"How did she get to the platform?" Harry asked.

"Oh, that's not a problem. The Muggles can't enter the platform simply because they don't know of its existence. As soon as someone tells them where to look for it, they'll find it. Think about all the students whose parents are both Muggles."

"And what happens when a Muggle incidentally finds it? Like a drunk..."

"A drunk..." Remus repeated.

"... wants to lean on the wall and falls through it:"

"Well, that would be interesting," Lupin agreed as he imagined the King's Cross station with a pair of legs sticking out of the wall. "I don't think that happens too often. Regarding Marie, I'm sure her escorts found the way."

Harry silently watched the wizard wearing blue and red robes coming out of the station while rubbing his hands. He looked at his watch then at the distance searching for the train.

"Lucky, she can come with this train. I didn't know that it runs in the middle of the school year..."

"It works like a regular Muggle train. A bit less frequently. The people in this town don't really travel. And with the Knight Bus, brooms and Apparating, not many people chose this way of transportation. Tonks used it a couple of times. She said it fills her with nostalgia. It's like she's still a student at Hogwarts..."

Harry, however, barely heard him. He kept watching the rails. Somewhere... on these rails... his girlfriend is coming. So why was he so afraid of seeing her?

The horn of the train got him out of his thoughts. He flinched and shivered a little.

"It's almost here." Lupin tried to calm him.

He only nodded while getting rid of the snow on his coat. The train finally stopped at the station and a few doors opened to let wizards and witches with heavy bags get off. One of the women fell on her butt at the icy road while her bag opened and quills and parchments flew everywhere. She was trying to gather his stuff while shouting at the nearby people to help.

In the chaos, Harry felt like he was in a huge crowd. He became more and more nervous as he looked around and saw the last door open. A man with dark green robes got off first and turned back to help someone off. A graceful, white gloved hand came into view to accept the offered help. With her other hand she rearranged her skirt and long coat so as not to step on them.

As she stepped on the ground she looked around a bit nervous. From her beautiful long hair and shining eyes Harry recognized Marie instantly. He felt warmth returning to him and his heart started beating wildly. He took a few uncertain steps towards her but the girl started running to him and hugged him suddenly.

It felt good that he didn't have to be the one to make the first step; that the girl took it upon her to do it. This way, it was a lot easier...

"Marie" his voice hitched. "I missed you so much..." He squeezed her tightly.

"I missed you too!"

"I'm so sorry!" Harry kissed her forehead. "I didn't want to lie... but I couldn't tell you..."

"It's okay." She smiled.

"I couldn't tell you..." Harry muttered and hid his face in the girl's long hair so no one could see his tears.

Marie smiled and held him closer. She noticed Remus standing behind the boy watching them calmly.

"Harry," she whispered.

The boy finally released her. Marie pointed towards the professor a bit embarrassed.

"Oh, yes." Harry coughed. "Marie, this is Professor Remus Lupin."

"Nice to meet you," the shook hands.

"He... teaches at the school. He's also my uncle." He smiled. "Foster uncle."

He was proud and happy to finally introduce the girl to Remus. The man asked her how the journey went and how she felt, Harry only watched them quietly. He felt himself getting filled with energy just by holding the girl's hand in his...

"Your escorts?" the professor looked behind.

"Oh, dear!" Marie exclaimed. "Mon Dieu, I almost forgot about them!"

She saw the short haired Gilles conjuring Marie's bags and looked at the still open door. A black glove clad hand appeared just like Marie's before and Gills grabbed it and pulled the owner down roughly. Jules almost fell on his nose.

"Behave! We're not at home!"

"Calm down! I was only joking! Why are you so nervous?"

"We are guests here! We should behave!"

"Gilles! Jules!" The girl ran to them.

She dragged Harry with her while Remus followed them.

"Yes, little Miss?" The brothers asked in union.

"I want to introduce you my boyfriend, Harry Potter!"

Harry looked at the two men curiously. When he heard that they were looking after his girlfriend he panicked a little. Two men... near the girl... he felt threatened and feared that Marie will be tempted and leave him. So he looked at them with eyes that most would make most Occlumes jealous.

It was obvious that Gilles was a little nervous as his face paled. His appearance was impeccable, and his clothes were so elegant and special that he never saw any English wizard wear. His sea-blue eyes however, showed how anxious he was.

"Gilles La Berre. Nice to meet you," he shook Harry's hand. Most people found the boy strange though he couldn't tell why they felt that way. Not until he was face-to-face with him. The boy's emerald green eyes were so beautiful and resolute that he thought it would be futile to go against him.

Jules, feeling a little left out, flicked his long hair over his shoulder which made Marie chuckle. She had time to get to know them and she knew that the elder La Berre couldn't handle being ignored. He liked attention... and brought attention to himself. Wherever they were; plane, station, in a crowd, he was always visible. His beautiful chestnut colored brown hair made even women envisions, his face portrayed natural wildness.

"And he's my brother, Jules La Berre", Gilles introduced him.

"Nice to meet you," Harry smiled mysteriously. "Thank you for taking care of Marie and bringing her here safely."

He looked up because Remus put his hand on his shoulder. He also introduced himself and told them that he was a teacher in the castle and they were welcomed to stay. After that they relayed Dumbledore's message to go meet him in his office.

"Castle?" the girl asked. "You're studying in a castle?!"

Even Jules hummed in appreciation.

"I think you'll love it." Harry took hold of her hand. When they started walking she suddenly stopped.

"Our bags!"

"They are on their way to the castle!" The wizard in red and blue robes said.

They began their journey to the castle while the wind blew harshly.

Jules looked at Remus curiously. The young teacher's face was filled with scars which he noticed right when they had introduced themselves. How could a peaceful, calm person like him get injures like this? He couldn't help but ask.

"Before leaving France, we didn't hear anything about a battle here. How did you get those injuries?"

"Oh, there was nothing significant happening. I caused these scars myself."

Marie stepped a little closer to Harry as she listened to the adults talking.

"You caused... yourself?" Gilles asked.

"Yes. I think," Remus sighed. "... it's best if you know that I'm a werewolf."

The two French men stopped suddenly.

"What does that mean?" Marie whispered to Harry who only squeezed her hand a little.

"A real..."

"...werewolf?"

"But isn't this..."

"...dangerous?"

"Not at all," Harry said a bit louder than necessary. His face was not friendly at all. He wasn't going to let these fools brand Remus as dangerous. "Remus Lupin is the best and the most conscientious teacher in this school and everyone loves him. He has every right to be here and teach just like everybody else."

While Gilles looked at the snow apologetically, Jules seemed offended and regarded the young Potter doubtfully. He felt like he was in a cheap western movie while the two faced each other and the wind blew. But Harry wouldn't let go.

"An Auror has nothing to fear in the presence of a werewolf who had never hurt anyone."

He knew that his words were like snake poison in the elder La Berre's system because he paled first then started blushing. He didn't have to see into his mind to know from his eyes that he thought of him as a little kid everyone talks about and nothing else?

"Naive child," he said with an arrogant smile. "Naturally, you don't know much about being an Auror. Better be safe than sorry. Even the smartest ones know this."

A muscle twitched at the corner of Harry's mouth.

"Didn't Marie tell you? I'm aiming to be an Auror too."

"Must have slipped her mind. That will be a dark day for us all," he coughed to mask his words.

Gilles glared at him after elbowing him.

"Stop it," he hissed.

"Oh, really?" Harry retorted.

Remus found him similar to his father for not the first time that day. He was very grateful for standing up to him without being asked and very proud that he didn't let himself be shut off though he knew that stopping this conversation won't be easy.

"I have a little experience," Harry added. "Though when you also meet Voldemort, give him my best wishes."

Hearing the name the two hissed and the boy noted how they shivered with satisfaction. A smile appeared on his face.

However, for Jules it was hard to force a grimace.

"Isn't it lovely? In a dangerous situation you'll know that you need more than a sharp tongue."

"I already had to live through dangerous situations as a student. But I can see that you didn't. That's why you only got a job as a body guard..."

Remus hid his face so they won't notice him chuckling and Marie bit her lip to keep from laughing out loud. Gilles almost begged with his eyes for his brother to stop however the other was so furious at Harry's insolence that he couldn't stop.

"Bo-body guard? I'll carve another little lightning scar on your forehead you ungrateful, cocky brat!"

"Mustard-eater!" Harry wanted to step closer but Remus stopped him.

"Okay, okay, enough of this," He said, still smiling.

Gilles had it worse, because his brother was taller than him but he managed to hold him back.

"What did you say?" Jules shouted.

"Stop it! Let me apologize for his behavior," Gilles looked at Remus in embarrassment.

"It's okay." The man shrugged in a good mood. "It's never boring with Harry around either... Let's just go."

The rest of the journey to the castle was silent. Marie walked really close to Harry, sometimes kissing his face to make him calm down a little. After the sixth kiss from the girl, Harry finally relaxed a little and responded to her. Encircling his hand around her waist they walked and slipped sometimes on the icy road.

When they could finally see the castle with its snow covered towers their breath hitched. While Harry and Remus also stopped for a moment to admire the beautiful scenery the brothers forgot the banter with Harry for a moment to enjoy the moment. The Beauxbatons Academy where they both studied was nowhere near this captivating.

"I can't find words," Gilles admitted with a smile. Looking to his right he saw his brother staring at the building with open mouth. With his finger he touched his chin which made him shake his head and look more intelligent but he still had time to look thankful.

"I've never seen anything like this," Marie said.

"So you can see it?" Harry asked excitedly.

"Yeah. Why?"

"Well... because Muggles can't see it."

"Then... why can I see it? I don't think I'm any different from other people..."

"Maybe Dumbledore knows the answer," Remus tried to urge them.

In the yard they were greeted by the noisy students. The last lessons were finally over and they wanted to play one last time before going home for the holidays. Harry looked for his friends and saw Rowena building a nice snowman with Ginny and Hermione while Lavender and the Patil twins helped out. The sixth year boys formed small groups and were having a snowball fight. When they saw Harry, they waved happily then resumed their game.

Snape was waiting at the stairs and seemed cold. He was looking at Rowena who said goodbye to the girls and started towards him.

When Marie saw him, he ran to the teacher.

"Professor Snape... you too?"

The Potions Master greeted the girl then shrugged.

"I'm sorry we had to pretend," he admitted though only his smile seemed apologetic.

He shook hands with the two guests and saw the look of defiant resentment on Harry's face when he turned to Jules.

"What?" he asked quietly.

The boy looked at the older La Berre pointedly and continued pouting. Snape shook his head and let them walk into the castle.

They shook their clothes to get rid of the snow and while Remus talked to the brothers about the details, Marie and Harry warmed their hands at the nearby torch.

"Harry," the professor came up to them. "The headmaster asked us to lead the guests to his office but he wishes to talk to them in private. We'll have to wait outside."

The boy nodded but wasn't happy with the news.