Harry 47

by dpking555

all

Sebastian Delacour resisted the urge to shudder as he stared into the cold, hard black eyes of his guest. There was no emotion in those black orbs; no love, no hate. Nothing. And for a man who prided himself in reading people , it was a very disconcerting thing indeed. The French Minister of Magic wet his lips before speaking.

"I will assume that you know why I have summoned you here ?"

The boy, blinked at him. To his chagrin, Sebastian found himself looking away from the impassive gaze. It was like staring into a cold black void, and seemed to suck in all the warmth from the room. Then the boy nodded, and the Minister released the breath he had inadvertently been holding.

"It has only been 5 months since my election as Minister of Magic," Sebastian guessed, correctly, that his guest's continued silence meant for him to continue, "and already I find myself slandered by the pure blood conservatives within the party. I am married to a Veela, you see, and the blood-purists in our government are quite literally screaming their heads off. They consider my wife to be a beast, not even human, and to see a minister elected into office championing the rights of her kind is something they will not abide. They cannot do me any harm politically, for the rumors they spread are just that. Rumors. And the population thankfully holds no such bigoted bias. But I am afraid for my family."

The boy's face remained blank, but Sebastian could see he was digesting the information at a record pace.

"Just a week ago, an assassination attempt at my manor cost me the lives of 11 aurors and several of my household staff," the Minister paused, remembering the bloody scene he arrived home to, "Thankfully, my wife and two daughters were out that day, or I fear I would be speaking to you as a widower. The blood-purists in our ministry have only a small following, yet they are all powerful men with connections. They may deny it, but I do not doubt for a minute that the attempt on my family's lives was made by them."

"And that is where I come in," the boy said. This time, Sebastian did shudder. The voice was like the face, toneless and utterly without emotion.

"Yes. I will be honest with you. If Hogwarts was not hosting the Triwizard Tournament, an event my eldest daughter wishes dearly to compete in, your services would not be needed. I have more than enough protection here in France, but that protection is limited to my daughter if she is to go to England."

"Simply convince your daughter not to go."

Sebastian smiled slightly at his guest's suggestion.

"My eldest has inherited the stubbornness of her mother, to an exact degree almost, and I am afraid any insinuations I might make to her regarding the subject will be met with a… unpleasant temper."

To this, the boy just shrugged, and the silence resumed.

"Yes, well," Sebastian continued uncomfortably, "I have seen your credentials, and I must say I am impressed. But I do find myself curious how a wizard your age could bring down notorious criminals famed for their use of the Dark Arts."

"I was the better fighter.

Sebastian let the boy's statement hang, hoping for more, but he was soon disappointed. The boy just stared at him, and the Minister realized those 5 words were the only explanation he was going to get.

"I see," Sebastian halted before moving onto what he hoped would be the last part of the negotiation, "You understand the predicament I am in. I have always prided myself in being a man capable of protecting his family, but with the resources the blood-purists have at their disposal, I fear for my daughter's safety outside France's borders."

"England has blood-purists of its own," came the toneless reply, "I have dealt with them before."

"And no doubt you have seen what they are capable of should their bigotry be unleashed."

Another nod.

"It is my hope," Sebastian tread carefully, "that we can come to an agreement, a contract if you will, for you to provide protection to my daughter for her trip to Hogwarts and back. Of course, you will be rewarded for your efforts with a substantial payment from my own vaults."

"And the public?" the Minister marveled at the boy's cunning, "They would not shun you for your choice of a bodyguard? They are a fickle lot after all."

"I would gladly suffer through the recriminations of the public for the safety of my family."

"Then you are a better father than most," a gesture of respect, the first since the conversation had started, and Sebastian dared to hope the deal might come through.

"However," the boy's tone had turned clipped and business-like, "I must ask you of a certain condition before I accept the contract."

"The money I can give to you when you accept-"

His guest raised a hand to stop him. Sebastian found himself angered by the boy while at the same time respecting his courage and guts . He was the Minister of Magic of France, with the power of an entire wizarding country at his hands, and the boy was talking to him as though he were his equal! Sebastian allowed himself to smile inwardly. Were it any other being speaking to him in such a manner, magical or non, he would have assumed arrogance. But here, the boy's demeanor radiated not superiority, but confidence. As though if nothing in the world could stop him. A worthy trait indeed.

"Money is not the issue. I will accept payment when my task is completed to my contractor's satisfaction. What I require from you, Minister, is a promise."

Sebastian swallowed.

"A promise for what?"

For the first time, the boy smiled; a cold, cruel smirk that did not reach his eyes.

"A promise that I may use whatever is necessary to destroy those who would infringe on your daughter's honor." simply put I want the authority to kill maim or torture anyone in the process of protecting your daughter with no legal consequences. If that's all the same to you we have an agreement . We have an accord will you join my family for dinner so we may properly prep your backstory .

3 hours later ...

That was surprisingly easier than I thought it was going to be "Apolline fawns over you. But what surprises me is Fleur. She was watching you throughout dinner. Scrutinizing, for a lack of a better word."

During dinner she was trying to get her allure to work on me Bayard noticed Sebastian's alarmed look, and smiled thinly, "Relax. You are my contractor and she is my client. That is all there is."

"Very professional," Sebastian commented.

"If I was not, then you would not have hired me."

"True, true," the older man mused, "But the act you put up in front of my family was disturbingly convincing… If it was an act."

"It was," hadrian confirmed without emotion, "It always works better if the clients I am to protect think well of me. They"Never know that deep down, you are an emotionless husk devoid of feeling," Sebastian suggested. The boy stared at him with those Souless black eyes,

Don't worry about it I'm pretty good to my mask I'll protect your daughter and complete my contract then hopefully you never have to see me again. Compliments the boy spoke with reassured Sebastian that his daughter would be safe.

Who is your new companion?" Fleur shot her friend an irritable look."A distant cousin. One I have never known before."

Claire nodded knowingly and moved to match the half-Veela's pace.

"I did not realize your father was in the practice of hiring teenage bodyguards," the red-haired witch turned again to look at the boy in question, "Though he is quite easy on the eyes," Claire waggled her eyebrows suggestively, "Have you tried the allure on him?"

"Yes," Fleur snapped, "And he was immune. A dozen steps later and Fleur realized Claire was no longer in step with her. She looked back to see her friend staring at her with mouth wide open.

"What?"

"Don't you see?" Claire gushed as she ran up, "You found someone who isn't attracted only to your allure! Isn't that something you've always wanted? And he's even your bodyguard! Ooooh, this is like one of those muggle soap operas I've been watching! I'm so happy for you Fleur!"

Fleur sighed and shook her head.

"You are impossible Claire. He is younger than me. Just a boy. And I have not yet confirmed that he is my bodyguard."

"That's even better! You know it's always the silent bodyguard type that gets the girl in the end. He's going to woo you with his stoic dedication, and then there will be a fight scene where he gets all bloodied up, and you have to go to his side and help heal him and then he looks up into your eyes and sees true love and the two of you live happily ever after!"

Fleur blinked.

"I cannot believe Claire, that you have put all of that into a single sentence."

Claire just smiled .

"I doubt, however," Fleur continued, "That your interpretation of the future events will work for me. Again. He is just a boy. So what if he can fight off the allure? There will be others in time."

"Age isn't an issue in love," her friend said indignantly, "So what if is a few years younger? When the two of you grow old together will his age matter then?"

Fleur pressed her lips together.

"I do not know him, Claire. He is just a stranger. Someone my father wanted me to meet. Leave it be."

Claire sighed.

"Alright then, Fleur. But I think you will be missing out. The boy is handsome in his own way and I think there will be girls chasing him before the month is done."

"If he plays with so many girls, then I will know he is not the man for me," Fleur declared, ending the discussion forcibly.

The two proceeded to talk about other things as they walked the scenic route towards Beauxbatons Academy of Magic.If it is anything the French value above all else, it is beauty, and Beauxbatons is a testament to this simple fact. The palace lacks the dour atmosphere of the other European schools of magic with its bright and cheerful backdrop. The path I walk on is a winding road to the front gates, and I would be lying if I said the scene was not breathtaking.

Fleur walks in front of me with her friend, chatting amicably away.

A large hand encompasses my shoulder and jerks me from my reverie. The instinct to turn and draw my wand is instantaneous. I have to fight it down. Instead, I merely turn my head and gaze up.

"Madam Maxime," I say cordially.

The Headmistress of Beauxbatons looks down at me regally and steers me away from the groups of walking students. I do not protest at this. The strength in the hand that grips on my shoulder deters any thought of struggle.

"It is unusual," Maxime begins, "For a transfer student to be accepted into Beauxbatons. We are a school that caters to the best young men and women France has to offer. You are decidedly not in either category."

I keep silent as we walk, and soon we come to an alcove of trees situated well beyond the ears of students.

"So imagine my surprise, that a few days ago, I received a letter from Sebastian, with Ministry Approval no less, for an order to transfer a young wizard called Hadrian Uchiha into my school. Were Sebastian not a dear friend of mine, this order I would have refused."

"Well, ma'am," I respond, "I'm glad that you accepted."

"The truth, Mister Uchiha ," she brushes away my thanks, and glares at me, "I would like to know why Sebastian is in such a hurry to have you inducted into Beauxbatons."

There are some instances where lying is a benefit to the client and the contractor. This is not one of them.

"The attack on the Delacour Mansion," I state simply.

Maxime's eyes widen at this, before narrowing almost immediately.

"And he hired a mere boy to protect his daughter?"

"Appearances can be deceiving ma'am."

"So they can," the headmistress says as she scrutinizes me, "But I still have my doubts."

"Do you trust Sebastian?" my sudden question catches her by surprise.

"I do. He is an honorable man. One of the few out there."

"Then you should trust his choice."

The hand lifts from my shoulder. I rub the spot absentmindedly.

"I trust his choice. I do not trust you."

"You are not the only one," I reply, thinking of Fleur.

Maxime shakes her head resignedly.

"We will get nowhere with this. Trust issues aside Mister uchiha , what are your intentions coming to this school?"

"To protect," I respond curtly.

"Your intentions to Miss Delacour?"

"To serve."

"And your intentions should her life be in danger?"

"To die."

Madam Maxime regards me with something akin to respect in her eyes.

"Not many bodyguards possess the same loyalty to their clients as you, Mister uchiha. Most go on to stab their clients in the back for the promise of more money."

"Then it appears that Sebastian should be trusted with his decision."

The headmistress smiles.

"Welcome to Beauxbatons Academy of Magic, Mister Uchiha."

it was several hours later that Hadrian found himself in the Great Hall eating lunch. Hadrian was eating lunch with fleur . Fleur was talking with some of her friends when a blonde boy walked up to her . Hello Delacour after I win the Tri-Wizard tournament maybe I'll take you behind to Manor for some alone time. Fleur was not pleased with his arrogance or his assumption that she was just some cheap whore Montague I wouldn't spend time with you with your last male on the planet and from what the rumors say you're not much of a male at all. Watch your mouth you Veela whore!" Montague went to pull his want to curse Fleur.

Fleur moved for her wand but something, or someone, was much faster.

A blur of silver. A dull thud. luke Montague slowly looked from Fleur to the knife that now pinned his cloak to the table.

"Oh dear," came a voice from Fleur's left and breaking the silence that had settled, "It appears that my hand slipped."

Hadrian smiled, his face friendly and apologetic. But his eyes. Harder than chips of ice.

Trembling, luke wrestled with the eating utensil that was embedded in the table, but all he succeeded in doing was tearing the fabric from his sleeve. At the same time, Hadrian moved from his seat and stood, the friendly expression still on his face.

"You will have to pardon me," the black-eyed boy said smoothly, "My hands have a slight problem you see. They tend to do… unpleasant… things to those without intelligence ."

Luke puffed up his chest and glared at Hadrian, the knife forgotten.

"How dare you insult me that way!"

"Insult?" Hadrian spread his arms wide and adopted a look of innocence, then Montague how would you like me to insult you I take requests Hadrian said with a smirk

"I am the heir of a noble house! You will show me the respect I am due as a pureblooded wizard!"

"I do not show respect to inbred fools who cannot keep their mouths shut."

"You dare!" hissed luke sputtering with rage.

"I would like to leave you with a parting thought, Montague," Hadrian cocked his head to one side, "But I'm afraid you would have no place to put it."

A wave of snickering spread throughout the hall and the nobleman clenched his wand angrily. Fleur reckoned if the pureblood's face turned any redder, he'd look like a tomato . Hadrian turned back to his table.

With a sneer, Montague raised his wand and pointed it to his opponents back.

"Montague drew his wand first he began to cast his spell but within a second Hadrian was turned around and fired a spell from his wand and Luke was on the floor passed out it was unbelievable.

Half an hour later Hadrian found himself in the middle the headmistress office . Tell me mister Uchiha why should I not expel you for assaulting a student in front of the whole school because there is no law, even in school, that prevents a wizard from defending himself. Furthermore, if Montague is truly a pureblood, he will possess a most insufferable streak of pride. His father may ask why he was expelled, but to admit to being defeated by a transfer student so easily is something he will not do. Lastly, even if Montague decide to press the issue, his father would not allow it. A politician's son attacking another student? The press will have a field day."

"All that is true," the headmistress conceded, "Any other reasons?"

"Yes ma'am. Montague is a bitch."

Maxime tries to hide her snort of laughter by coughing, but fails.

"That is also true, Mister uchiha ," then the smile disappears, replaced by sadness, "It shouldn't have happened, you know. The scene with luke. He was such a promising boy when he attended his first class. Bright and eager to learn. Polite too. But the years he spent in his father's company. They poisoned him. Augustin Montague is a man you would not like to meet in public. His belief in the old ways borders on fanaticism."

"The old have a duty to teach the young," I respond, "But so often they teach the wrong things."

"Very insightful of you," Maxime sighs heavily, and a moment of silence elapses between the two of us. For a moment, the headmistress looks tired, weak almost. Then it is gone, replaced by her regal bearing once more. And it is with her stately mask locked in place that she next speaks to me.

"Tell me, Hadrian, do you not fear the implications of dueling Mister Montague?"

"No, ma'am."

"His father has a fair amount of reputation with our Ministry."

"Yes, ma'am."

"The Montagues are a wealthy family. They can be the source of many problems for you in the future."

"Understood ma'am."

Maxime gives me an incredulous look.

"And you are not afraid of that?"

"No, ma'am."

"Would you mind explaining?"

I shrug.

"If Montague's father is anything like him, then it will be useless to fear. There are many people like them. Arrogant. Conceited. Willing to act based on emotion instead of logic. Whatever they can throw at me, be them threats or attacks, I can hurl back with equal, if not greater force."

Madam Maxime leans back into her chair.

"Then what do you fear, Mister uchiha?

"I fear those that hide in the shadows, ma'am."

"Hide in the shadows?"

"Men who play to their strengths. Men who lurk behind a veneer of civility, hiding the darkness in their souls. Men who are content to wait as their plot unfolds and their pawns die left and right. These are the men I fear, Madam Maxime."

"Men like you?"

I smile at that, and Maxime winces at my expression.

"Yes, ma'am."

Mulwerk, Nathaniel!"

She dared to hope. Pleaded to the Fates.

"Ravenclaw!"

Begged the heavens for this one chance.

"Patterson, Henry!"

Just one. To make things right again.

"Gryffindor!"

Please let him come back soon.

"Pilkins, Samantha!"

To see him safely by her side.

"Hufflepuff!"

Please. Please. Please!

"Rowry, Arthur!"

Disappointment. It washed over her and threatened to drown her in its lapping waves. Dumbledore placed a comforting hand over her own. It did nothing but stir the guilt into a frenzied storm.

Lily Potter dabbed at the corners of her eyes with her handkerchief. Another year would pass without Harry. Another year without news of her lost son.

It hurt to see all these new students here, while not a single one possessed that unruly mop of black hair and those emerald green eyes. Lily had held onto the hope that maybe a Hogwarts letter would find its way to Harry, someway, somehow. That was the main reason she had accepted the position as the professor for Muggle Studies. In the hopes of seeing one day a happy Harry striding down the Great Hall to meet the family that had never forgotten him.

It was a dream of hers. James would laugh as he embraced his son, mirror images of one another. rose would come bounding from the Gryffindor table with an eager smile on her face. The siblings would grasp each other in a fierce hug, and rose would regale Harry with her tales of Hogwarts. And her? She would stand back and watch happily as the family was reunited, whole and complete once again.

It was a dream of hers, but now, as the sixth year passed without word or sight of Harry, it seemed that the dream would never become reality.

Lily Potter wiped the last few tears from her eyes and straightened into her seat. The students must not see her like this.

Perhaps next year.

Perhaps.

What's wrong Rose?" Hermione, always the perspective one, asked across the Gryffindor table.

"It's nothing," the Girl-Who-Lived replied, tearing her gaze away from her mother to look at her friend, "It's just my mum. She always gets this way after the Sorting Ceremony."

Ron stopped shoveling food into his mouth and looked up from his plate.

"Is she still hoping your brother will come back? Even after all these years?"

rose nodded sadly, and picked at her mashed potatoes with her fork.

"She never gave up hope. I don't think she ever will."

"But Rose, it's been six years!" Hermione exclaimed, "If Harry was alive, he'd come back before then right?"

"I don't know," the Gryffindor ran a hand through her brown hair, "To be honest, if I was Harry, I wouldn't want to come back."

"What do you mean?"

"We were jerks to him, Hermione. Me, my dad, and my mum."

The bushy haired bookworm gasped.

"Your parents didn't hit him did they?"

"No! Nothing like that!" Rose said hastily, "We just kinda ignored him. Like he didn't exist."

"That's awful!"

"You didn't know rose before First Year Hermione," Ron added, "I did. Met her with my family when I was seven. sHe was a prat."

"Ronald!"

"No, Hermione, it's true," rose sighed, "I was an idiot back then. Spoiled like no other. Caught in the hype of being the Girl-Who-Lived. My parents too. I don't really know how, but we just gradually pushed Harry away. I think we just considered the three of us as a family and left Harry out. It took him leaving to realize what arseholes we've been."

"Well didn't you go out and look for him?"

"We did," rose expression grew pained, "But we didn't even know when he left. Dumbledore was the one to find out Harry was missing.

"I remember that," Ron said as he chewed on his steak, "The Headmaster flooed in to the Burrow and asked my mum and dad to help look. Bill and Charlie went too."

"They looked all over, but they never found him," rose shook his head, "Time went on without news from Harry. My dad lost hope after the first year. He just finally gave up. Never been the same since. My mum hasn't though. That's why she took the job here at Hogwarts. She thinks Harry might show up one day to be Sorted."

"What about you Rose? Have you given up hope?"

The Girl-Who-Lived looked pensive, and then sighed again.

"I want him back, Hermione. I really really do. But at the same time, I don't."

Ron gave him an incredulous look.

"Why not?"

"I think he will be bitter. Harry that is. I know I would be. I don't think he'll get along with us if he came back. I don't blame him. Merlin, after the way we've treated him, he's more likely to befriend the Malfoys than us. But it's my mum that I'm worried about. I don't think her heart can take it, if Harry decides he wants nothing to do with her."

"But you're Harry's family right?" Hermione furrowed her brows, "Even if hates you at first, he'll come around in the end?"

"And that's what I'm afraid of,"

Rose shot one last look at the staff table where Lily sat, "I don't think my mum can live on if she knows Harry hates her."

Feeling slightly childish, but also strangely elated, Fleur Delacour accepted the offered hand and shook it firmly.

. Back in France

Fleur walked up to Hadrian I wanted to thank you for defending me against Montague. What are friends for Miss Delacour . Oh we're friends now are we Fleur asked? Hadrian replied if you wish Miss Delacour

"But now that we are friends," Fleur continued, "you must tell me about your life."

"Ahhh. Become my friend to learn about my past eh? That's very cunning of you Miss Delacour."

"Friends learn about each other, Hadrian. Or are you insinuating we are not friends?"

"Not be friends with a beautiful girl? What am I? Crazy?" Fleur just glared at him, "Hmph. Alright. Fine. It is a long story, though," Hadrian seemed thoughtful, and then smiled, "So I'll try to cut out all the boring parts. Parents never paid any attention to me. My sister was a celebrity. I was just the castoff. So I upped and left. Lived off the streets. Already knew magic by then and without adults to supervise me, I was free to… experiment… with my abilities. Found work. A few years later, I'm here, contracted to defend a beautiful girl," a wink came with the smile, but Fleur ignored it.

"There are holes in your story," the half-Veela pointed out, "Many, many holes."

"All the holes are boring parts, I'm afraid."

"And no doubt important parts as well," Fleur shot back.

"You asked for a quick description of my life, not a biography."

"But your description is just unbelievable!"

"Is it?" the boy smiled winningly at her.

"Yes! It is! Neglectful parents I might believe, but running away and surviving for this long? You should've been no older than eight or nine!"

"I had help."

"And experimenting with magic? How could you have done that at such a young age?"

"The help gave me some more help."

"And a job? You are not old enough to be employed anywhere in the Wizarding World!"

"The help that gave me some more help proved to be especially helpful in this regard."

"You are being deliberately infuriating, aren't you?" Fleur snapped.

"Miss Delacour," the charming smiled refused to fade, "I am a bodyguard. It is my job to be infuriating."

Fleur sent a jolt of her allure at him. Half in curiosity and half in anger.

Hadrian features slackened, and his body relaxed. His mouth parted slightly and a glazed look appeared in his eyes. Fleur blinked. And then blinked again. She was sure that he had been immune at the manor. But now, the boy looked worse off than Montague! The half-Veela swallowed bitter disappointment. She had hoped that this friend would last. And if she was being truthful with herself, she had hoped he would last more than any other. Perhaps the immunity had come from a potion. It didn't matter now. Now that she knew.

"You will go away and never speak of this conversation again," Fleur tried not to look sad as she ordered.

"I will go away and say that Fleur Delacour believes I am the handsomest man alive."

She started.

"I didn't say that!"

"Yes you did," the boy droned in a listless tone.

"I told you to go away and never mention this conversation!"

"You told me to go into the deepest part of the forest and cut down the tallest tree I find with a herring."

And then she caught the glint of mischief in those emerald eyes. She couldn't help herself. She laughed.

The glazed expression disappeared from Hadrian face instantly.

"Do I get a reward for making you laugh?"

"You are a very interesting person, Hadrian," Fleur answered, and the smile that she gave him was warm enough to melt an ice giant's heart, "I think I will like being friends with you."

The Beauxbatons carriage was a marvelous product of wizarding ingenuity. It was a relic from the old days, when muggles still relied on horse for transport and wars were fought with musket and lead. Built to be near impenetrable, with layered charms that made the strongest winds feel like a slight bump in the road. And thus, most of the Beauxbatons contingent was asleep, quartered in their own rooms, undisturbed by the howling gales that whipped outside.

Fleur covered her mouth with her hand to stifle a yawn. It was late. Very late. The quarter-Veela looked blearily across the carriage's expanded commons. Claire was with her, looking on with interest as Hadrain gestured animatedly to a bemused Aimeric.

"What are they talking about?" Fleur's question caused Claire to turn in her seat.

Spell theory. They've been talking for hours," the French witch shook her head, "Mostly Bayard though. He's trying to explain it to Aimeric, but from the snippets I've been hearing, it's quite complicated."

"How long till we arrive at Hogwarts?"

"Not in a few hours, I'm afraid," Claire chuckled at her friend's dark mutterings, and nudged the half-Veela, "So Fleur, any other thoughts regarding Bayard?"

Fleur shook her head gracefully.

"He is too young for me."

"Hmm," Claire pursued her lips, "You know, I hear quite a few girls have asked him out already."

Fleur tried to look uninterested but failed.

"Jacqueline was talking about how he turned down her offer the other day. I have never seen a girl so exhilarated and disappointed at the same time."

"He is too young for me," Fleur said again, more firmly this time.

But not for Jaqueline? She's only a year behind you Fleur."

"It is the principle of the matter. And besides, hadrian has been a very good friend to me these past few days. I do not want to lose that. He is also my bodyguard. There is nothing that can happen between us."

"You never know, Fleur. It might happen. Better to try now and then discover that there is something only to find he is already in the arms of another witch."

Fleur was surprised she felt the tiniest stab of jealousy. It shouldn't be there. Hadrain was a bodyguard. He would be gone in a year. Forgotten as an interesting man but just that in Fleur Delacour's life. But still, the jealousy was there, a complexity that Fleur was not sure she could understand.

Claire smiled knowingly at her friend's troubled expression.

"I do not think we will be a suitable match," Fleur said after a moment of thought.

"You will never know until you try."

"I do not even know what he is like."

"He's charming, likeable, attractive, and funny. Now you know what he is like."

"Why are you pushing me towards him, Claire?" Fleur glowered at her friend, "You've never been this persistent about a boy before."

"Yes, because they were just boys, Fleur," Claire sighed at the half-Veela's confused expression, "But, Hadrian. He is more than that. There is something more to him. I don't know what it is, but I can feel it. He's just not just another pretty face. Beauxbatons has plenty of those. He is… different."

Different does not always mean good," Fleur pointed out.

"No, it doesn't, but so far, in hAdrian case, different does mean good. He is immune to your allure. He doesn't gawk and gape at you. You can be happy, sad, or even angry at him and he'll return those emotions, not just look at you with drool hanging from his mouth. Being smart, funny, and attractive is just the icing on the cake."

There are others who can fight off the allure. I've met them before," Fleur argued.

"But completely? There are boys in Beauxbatons who can also fight off some of your allure, Aimeric being one," Claire gestured to the handsome pureblood still in conversation with Hadrian "But they become like any other if your pour all your strength into it."

"I sent all my allure at him when he was at the mansion," the half-Veela admitted, "He shrugged it off and told me we would be late to dinner."

"There!" Claire declared triumphantly, "He's the perfect match for you."

"It's not just the allure," Fleur shook her head, "You can't just say we're a match because he's immune to the allure. There has to be something else."

Love?" Claire asked.

Fleur nodded.

"Something like that."

"But love doesn't just appear like that, Fleur," her friend explained patiently, "It just doesn't magically link two people together. Most love is gradual. Slow. You just can't suddenly find it."

"And you think I will find love in. Hadrian ?" the half-Veela asked, almost challengingly.

Claire gave her a sympathetic look.

"No. I don't. But he's a good starting place as any.

Lily Potter was running for the Great Hall. She needed to be there for the welcoming of the Beauxbatons and Durmstrang students. From the applause she had heard earlier, it was apparent that the delegates from one of the schools had already arrived. The Muggle Studies professor cursed her moment of weakness. The pained look James had given her after she mentioned Harry was heartbreaking, and it wore heavily on her conscience.

Another round of applause, closer this time, and Lily's run became a full pelt sprint. She could just imagine the disapproving glare the Deputy Headmistress would send her.

She rounded the corner, saw the light blue uniforms of Beauxbatons students seating themselves at the Ravenclaw table, and skid to a halt, nearly running over a student in the process.

Gathering her wits about her, Lily smiled apologetically at the boy, who was wearing Beauxbatons robes.

"I'm so sorry-"

The boy peered back at her with emerald orbs, so eerily familiar, and Lily's apology died in her mouth, replaced with a single word.

"Harry?"

Harry?"

"Harry? I-Is that you?" the woman whispers again.

I turn to see green eyes peering at me. The long strands of red hair. She looks older now. Worn.

Memories surface. Threatening to cloud my mind.

No. Not again. Never again.

l. My face twists upwards into a confused smile. I steady my voice.

"I am sorry, ma'am," , , "But I believe you are looking for someone else."

"No… No… You look like him," the woman's grasp on my sleeve is like steel, "So like him."

"Ma'am," it is so hard to keep this smile, so damn hard, "I must protest. You are looking for someone else."

She does not let go, and I see her eyes hold unshed tears.

Lily!" another voice from the past, another memory clawing at my sanity, "Lily! What's wrong!"

My hand shakes. Hidden in its sleeve. Itching for the wand holstered by my side.

The man has rushed over to the woman's side and is peering from her to me with a bewildered expression on his weathered face.

"What's wrong Lily!"

"James! He looks just like him! Just like our Harry!"

The man turns to me, and his eyes widen behind his glasses.

"H-Harry?" he whispers.

I am not Harry," , "My name is Hadrian Uchiha. A student of Beauxbatons."

Reality seems to crash on the man. He holds his wife away, who now truly is crying.

"Come on Lils. It can't be Harry. Black eyes. He might look like him, but it's not our Harry."

I nearly burst out laughing at this rich irony.

"I know it's him, James! I just know it's him!" the woman is saying, but her shoulders are slumped, defeated.

"It's alright Lily, it's alright," the man says softly to the woman, comforting her. He then turns to me with an remorseful look, "I'm very sorry… Hadrian was it?" I nod and he continues, "It's just that you look like our lost son, and my wife thought he had come back."

"You must have loved him very much,"

"We did," the man smiles sadly, "But we realized it too late."

What kept you?" Fleur snapped in French. She was annoyed. Very much so. The entire Ravenclaw table, the boys at least, were staring at her in wide-eyed wonder.

Hadrian slid smoothly in the seat she saved him, and smiled back before replying back in English.

"Complications. Apparently I have a passing resemblance to that woman's long lost son," the boy nodded his head in the direction of a red-haired witch seated at the staff table. Fleur just glared at him, as though blaming him for the attention she was getting.

"Professor Potter?" a pretty witch with curly brown hair asked, "She's our Muggle Studies professor. She's really good, but sometimes she gets depressed."

"There's a story to it you know," an Asian girl that sat across from Fleur added, "Has to do with the Girl-Who-Lived's twin brother."

"A fascinating story, I'm sure," Hadrian waggled his eyebrows, "But before this story continues, I must ask for the pleasure of knowing your names."

Both witches smiled. Fleur frowned. Claire, sitting by her, hid her smile in her hand. "I'm Cho Chang," the Asian witch nodded, "And this is my friend, Marietta Edgecombe."

"Delighted Hadrian," inclined his head respectfully, before giving both girls his undivided attention, "And now, the story?" "Well, you know how the dark lord attacked the Potters, right?" Marietta began, "and how rose Potter stoped the Killing Curse? Well Rose had a twin, and he survived that night as well. From what I hear, after the whole thing died down, the Potters began strutting around Diagon Alley liked they owned the place. Of course, it was only with the Girl-Who-Lived in tow. They were never seen with their son."

Apparently they neglected Rose's twin," Cho said in place for her friend, "The twin ran away from home and the Daily Prophet dedicated an entire month of subscriptions on how the Potters mistreated their son."

"Yeah. It was a shock," spoke another girl to Cho's left, who seemed to blush as Hadrian attention switched to her, "I mean, my parents thought the Potters were heroes, and then they do something so terrible. A lot of other families felt the same way."

"And what happened to the twin?" the boy asked, concern etched across his features.

"We don't know," Marietta shrugged, her curly locks bouncing, "There was a big search all over England. The Prophet was reporting on it daily, but they never did find him."

That's what they want you to believe," the same girl as before said mysteriously, "There are other theories to what happened to the Potter twin."

"And they are?"

The girl blushed again, a deeper shade of crimson, as the boy smiled charmingly at her before stuttering a reply. Fleur's scowl went by unnoticed.

"Well, my parents think that maybe he was taken by dark wizards, and trained to be the next Dark Lord."

"Yes, well," Marietta sniffed, "We all know what your parents are like, Mandy. They're only slightly less crazy than Looney's." "Hey!" "Mari!" Cho nudged her friend who huffed in response, "I'm sorry Mandy. You know how she is," turning the Asian witch shot an apologetic look to a blonde girl who had been staring off into space,

What is the British Ministry's position on the twin's disappearance?" Hadrian asked, and Fleur noticed with interest that the boy seemed to be pressing the conversation.

Marietta's face brightened visibly at the question.

"The official position is that he's dead," the witch said somberly, her words carrying an authoritative air, "He disappeared when he was eight, and the consensus is that no one could have survived for that long at such a young age. It is sad, really. I would have liked to meet him."

Hadrian smiled winningly at Marietta, and Fleur scowled again, not knowing why.

"Maybe you've already met him," the boy winked, "Maybe he's hidden himself from view all this time. Maybe he's disguised as just another student," Hadrian leaned forward, and caused Marietta to blush at the closeness, "Maybe he's me."

The surrounding witches, the wizards's focus still undividedly on Fleur, sat silent for a minute, before breaking into laughter.

"That was a good joke, Mister…"

" Hadrian Uchiha, Miss Edgecombe. Please just call me Hadrian."

Fleur's scowl deepened. Claire rolled her eyes and jabbed her elbow in her friend's side. Fleur grimaced, but soon replaced it with a charming smile of her own.

"Zis place iz very different from France," her voice was a melodious song that seemed to even affect Hadrian. The boy gave her an appraising look, and Fleur found herself wishing it lasted longer, "I like its atmosphere."

"Hogwarts is the best place in Europe to get a magical education," a Ravenclaw boy, an older student, boasted to her, before offering her his hand, "Roger Davies by the way. A pleasure to meet you."

Fleur sent him a jolt of her allure in response. The boy's eyes became blank and his face creased into a foolish grin.

"Nice to meet you, Roger," Fleur took the hand, and willed the boy away. The Ravenclaw immediately focused on his own plate, the foolish grin still in place. The girl next to Roger glowered at her, which Fleur matched with a stony gaze.

Claire sent Fleur a knowing look. So did Hadrian which surprised her. Her bodyguard winked before launching himself back into the conversation, steering the Ravenclaws's attention away from the half-Veela. It was an oddly compassionate gesture.

Claire gave her another look, one that seemed to say "told you so". Fleur ignored it.

Time would tell.

Fleur Delacour had been in Hogwarts for only two days, and already she yearned for home. It was not the climate or the atmosphere. No, a little cold would not stop the daughter of Sebastian Delacour. It wasn't the paltry selection of food either. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner consisted of the same basic ingredients. Meat. Vegetables. Fruit. Pumpkin Juice. The English seemed to have little imagination with their meals. But all that was tolerable. What was not were the stares.

The half-Veela scowled as a Hogwarts sixth year walked head-long into a wall, all the while staring at her. The boy gave a goofy grin as he realized she was looking at him and Fleur hurriedly turned her attention elsewhere, lest the sixth year think she had some ulterior motive. Nearly every boy she had encountered so far in her rush to get to classes had turned slack-jawed in her presence. It was ridiculous.

Claire strode confidently by her friend's side with a bemused Aimeric tagging along slightly behind.

"You should not blame them Fleur," Claire spoke up as they navigated past the fallen sixth year, "They are not used to your allure."

Fleur's response was a string of dark mutterings about English, pigs, and a gutter. Aimeric coughed to hide his laughter.

"Come now, Fleur," the pureblood said after he recovered, "Many boys gave you the same looks when you first attended Beauxbatons."

Yes, but unlike the students at Hogwarts, they had a semblance of self-control," Fleur spat as the trio rounded a corner.

"Still angry over this morning?" Claire asked sympathetically.

This morning. Angry was not a word to describe it. As she had sat down in the Great Hall to eat, a blonde-haired boy leading two students with a resemblance to trolls had slinked over from the Slytherin table and had without invitation, sat across from her. The boy, whose name Fleur did not and did not want to remember, had spent a good fifteen minutes rambling about his family's high standings in British magical society, a topic that the half-Veela couldn't give two shits about. The urge to stand up and sit somewhere else had been particularly strong, and it was only through Fleur's sense of politeness that she did not do so. At the end, the boy had swept Fleur's unwilling hand to his lips and kissed it.

Fleur ground her teeth at the memory.

Claire noticed and couldn't help but pour salt into the injury.

"I do believe the best part was at the end."

Aimeric chuckled, and adopted the superior smirk the boy had worn throughout the conversation.

"I believe, Miss Delacour, we will be having quite a few meetings in the future, most likely at my family manor," the pureblood mimicked, much to Claire's delight and Fleur's fury.

"You should have sent him away with your allure," Claire nudged her.

"I tried," Fleur grounded out, "And he was affected. But he stayed there and kept on talking."

Aimeric raised an eyebrow

"I do believe that we have found someone more conceited than Montague."

" Hadrian should have knocked him flying," Claire declared.

"He arrived too late," Aimeric nodded sadly.

"Where is Hadrian ? He sat down to eat and then was gone."

"He left with Marietta," Fleur snarled.

Aimeric blinked in surprise at the venom in her tone, while Claire just smiled.

"And did this… Marietta… do something to insult you?" asked hesitantly.

"Yes, she did," Claire answered for her, "She took Hadrian away."

"What does that have to do with anything?" Aimeric's face had turned confused.

Claire was about to reply when Fleur cut her off.

"Nothing, Aimeric. Don't listen to Claire's gossip," the half-Veela struggled with her anger. Her bodyguard had said a hurried goodbye before the Hogwarts witch ensnared his arm and lead him out of the Great Hall. The jealousy had returned then, stronger than before, and that bothered Fleur.

Hadrian was an anomaly. An inconsistency in her life that she could not figure out. He was charming, smart, and good-looking, and Fleur had no doubt in her mind he would grow up to be a fine man. But he was also a bodyguard, a boy her father hired to ensure her safety. Their relationship was and could only be strictly professional. Any compassion he showed her was because he was paid to do so, and that rankled badly with the half-Veela. If she one day did began to like him, or even love him, she would never be sure if the emotions he returned were real. Not as her bodyguard at least.

And then there was his age. Claire had been right. Age should not matter, but Fleur could not help but think differently. Hadrian was mature, more so than some men she had encountered, but he was still only fourteen, while she had already entered the first steps of womanhood. Women didn't like boys. It was wrong, and no matter how Fleur tried, she could only see Bayard as that. A boy. Not a man.

Still. She felt like she was missing something. Like a lost opportunity. And it was driving her crazy.

Morning brought much oddity to the Great Hall

the gates to the Great Hall suddenly blasted open, and Fleur, along with much of the student population, craned their necks to see the commotion. The two British auror captains, James and Sirius, if the half-Veela remembered correctly, were arguing heatedly with another figure, clad in silver battle robes. The uniform of the French Magical Law Department. At their heels were two more figures, one slim and dainty, the other broad-chested and lumbering, both wearing the same silver robes. The procession stopped at the Ravenclaw table, and Fleur realized with alarm that the reason for their argument was her.

"You do not have jurisdiction on English soil," James swept a hand through his hair agitatedly, and Sirius growled in agreement beside him. "It is not your jurisdiction that we need," the lead French auror replied, and turned to Fleur. He was a handsome, regal man with shining black eyes, "Miss Delacour. You must come with us. Somezing horrible haz happened." "What?" the half-Veela rose, a sudden feeling of panic overtaking her, "What haz happened?" "Your father," the auror said sadly, "There waz another attack on the manor. Your family waz zere zis time. The Ministry fears for your zafety, and has zent uz to retrieve you."

She heard the faint murmurings of sympathy around her, but paid them no heed.

my father," she swallowed, "iz he alright?"

"yes, zankfully. but the rest of your family… ze youngest…"

"non," fleur breathed, "gabrielle…"

"you have to come with us at once, miss delacour."

fleur nodded numbly, and rose from her seat. the auror raised a hand to take her arm.

"you know," Hadrian voice broke the silence, "if you wanted to kidnap her, you could have at least done better with the disguises."

all eyes turned to stare at the boy.

"kidnap?" the auror looked confused, "you are miztaken."

yes, kidnap Hadrian," twirled a fork in his fingers, a thin smile on his face, "you really didn't think no one would recognize this farce you call your plan, did you?"

"i would be affronted, zir, and would challenge your claims if time waz not a necessity. we are ze personnel of the ze french ministry. ze magical department of law enforcement.""yes, aurors," the boy nodded back, "and judging by your uniform, you are an auror lieutenant "what does zat have to do with anyzing?"

"in england, auror lieutenants command squads of twenty. in fance, they command squads of fifteen. why have you brought only three?"

the auror tensed. james and sirius frowned, and then realization dawned upon their faces. their wands were out in a flash, and pointed to the lead auror. fleur took a step back in fear. the auror's face had gone from businesslike to hateful, and before anyone could move a finger, the man lunged and grasped tight her arm. fleur felt the familiar tug of an activating portkey and gasped as the world swirled around her.

The two British aurors were slow to respond, but respond they did, and Victor found himself the target of two furious wands.

The Russian shrugged off the discomfort from the boy, and grinned back at the Englishmen. His hand lifted the chain around his neck, and displayed the pendant to the hall.

"Cast at me, and I vill be gone in an instant," he sneered.

The two aurors stopped, and growled.

"Portkeys," Victor drawled, "Wonderful things," turning, he glared at the boy, and spat in his direction, "You are the reaper? Your reputation will be destroyed once dis gets out."

The boy's smile grew. He stood up. The Russian's hand immediately hovered over the pendant.

"Sit down. I am in control here."

The boy didn't sit down and merely cocked his head to one side.

"What is your name?"

I am Victor dehlikov, and I will be known to be the one to have finally bested reaper

"You are gloating probably not the best idea

"Of course I am. I have von."

In retrospect, Victor shouldn't have blinked. Things wouldn't have changed, but at least he could have seen what was coming.

Hadrian moved too fast for anyone to see one second he was behind the Ravenclaw table the next he had a hold of Victor by the throat and then they were gone in the squirrel of the port key.

They were in a forest. That was her first impression. Fleur spotted the remnants of a camp, dirtied, tattered tents sprung haphazardly about, and empty bottles of Firewhiskey scattered around the ground.

Fleur stumbled into the clearing, her mind reeling. Immediately, rough hands grabbed her, lingering over her breasts and making her skin crawl. Fleur struggled wildly, and swung her arm in a viscous slap. She was rewarded by a snarl of pain, and her accoster stepped back, rubbing his cheek.

"You're a tough little slut, aren't you?" the man sported a wild, uncombed beard, and his eyes held a tinge of madness within, "I'll make you scream for that."

The half-Veela reached for her wand, but more hands grabbed her and Fleur found herself helpless. Fear came, and Fleur was ashamed for feeling it.

"Once Victor gets here," the same man she had slapped was saying, "We'll start, and we'll have some fun with you."

"Never had me a Veela before," another man leered at her, before tracing the outline of her lips with a dirtied finger. "And don't you try that allure thing on us, or she will make you wish you hadn't been born." Fleur shot a hopeful look towards the only woman in the group, but her hopes were dashed when the silver-dressed witch refused to meet her gaze.

"Gentlemen," the fake auror's aristocratic drawl came from behind the half-Veela, "Our mission haz been accomplished. You will have your bounty when ze girl has been suitably broken."

The fear turned into terror, and Fleur fought in her captors' grip. It was a futile struggle, and the half-Veela felt bile rising in her throat as unclean hands moved again for her chest.

"Please. Refrain from touching the girl."

Victor!" the Frenchman snarled, "What iz ze meaning of zis?"

The Russian gave no reply, and like the knight, just stood there, his face hidden from view.

"What iz going on? What happened to ze boy?"

"Oh, I assure you," the voice that replied was distinctively not Victor, "He's quite alright"

The man fell, mouth open, like a puppet with its strings cut, and in his place, the boy with unruly black hair stood, sword dripping with the Russian's blood.(think ichigo's original sword from bleach) Fleur screamed into her captor's hand. The Frenchman cried out and dragged the girl back. The mercenaries quickly stepped forward to shield their employer. Wands were raised. The boy took no notice of the robed men and directed his attention to Fleur.

"Are you alright, Miss Delacour?"

The girl shook her head vigorously, . The Frenchman growled, and clutched her tighter.

"If you try anything," his wand pressed against Fleur's neck, "I will not hesitate to kill her."

The boy, reaper, smiled. It was a cold, haunted smirk. With no emotion. His eyes flash red and seem to have a spinning design in them. It made him look almost like a devil. He brandished his wand and incanted.

"Accio Fleur Delacour."

The Frenchman sneered and tightened his hold.

"If you zink that zuch a weak spell-" and then he stopped talking, for Fleur Delacour was suddenly no longer there.

"Miss Delacour," reaper spoke mildly to the shaken girl in his arms, "Do be careful next time."

The girl was about to say something when the boy deposited a shining medallion in her palm. The Russian's portkey, . And then the girl is gone, teleported back to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

"Portkeys," the boy smiles as he regards the stunned mercenaries, "Wonderful things."

This is an interesting place the lot of you have picked," reapers words were friendly, though his eyes remained hard as stone. "Well warded. Unnoticeable. Even by wizards. One would think you were going to do something… unforgiveable… here."

All the men in the contingent cringed.

Hadrian was able to catch one of the mercenaries eyes and used genjutsu To read the memories of the last few minutes. Hadrian was not pleased.

Ok then "You see, I was merely going to kill you. But now. Now that I know what the lot of you wanted to do to my client, I am going to have to do something else." You'll let us go?" one of the more naive members of their band asked hopefully.

"Oh I'm still going to kill you," the boy's smile like death itself, "I'm just going to have to kill you much more painfully."

Fleur felt the world spinning to a stop around her. She opened her eyes to see the Great Hall of Hogwarts and felt blessed relief spreading throughout her body. Before she could so much as move, a brown-haired cannonball careened into her.

"Oh Fleur!" Claire was babbling in French, tears spilling down her cheeks, "Are you alright? Are you hurt? I was so worried! You're not hurt are you? I was late coming from the carriage and couldn't help you! I wasn't there for you Fleur! Oh I'm so sorry!"

The half-Veela teetered unsteadily and held her friend close. She saw Aimeric walking towards them, emotions warring on his face.

"Those bastards… If I find those bastards…"

Fleur didn't hear the rest. Her headmistress had placed a heavy hand on her shoulder, and she looked up to see concern radiating from Madam Maxime's eyes.

"Are you alright, Miss Delacour?"

She saw the rest of the hall staring at her with wide, frightened eyes, saw the squads of British aurors that now had been called into the school, saw the Hogwarts professors regarding her with stern, worried gazes.

And then it hit her who just had saved her, and her numbness went away, replaced by fire.

"Hadrian!" Fleur gasped out, and grasped tight Maxime's robes, "Hadrian's still out there!"

The first wizard to die is a skinny, mustached man with a fat, bulbous nose. There is no warning. No sign. No indication that the fight was supposed to begin. Reaper thunders into the group from the front, and separates the man into head and body. Blood spurts, freshly released, and covers the stunned bounty hunters with blood.

That is enough to shock the mercenaries out of their ,Stupor and they scatter to avoid the reaper they are not fast enough,

One mercenary launched a silent Diffindo and a powered up Bombarda towards the reaper . , both spells seemed to Bounce-Off Reaper's blade, the Diffindo carving a deep gouge into the ground and the Bombarda detonating in a trees destroying them. The Merc turned his head just in time to see another man go down, a smoking crater in his chest.

Reaper casted, Wandlessly moving fluidly, never stopping, seemingly unmindful of the bright beams of magic that spat and hissed around him. There was never the shimmering glow of a Protego. Reapers defense was movement, a blur of motions that made him almost impossible to target.

Not that the mercenaries were in lack of trying. Their constant barrage of spells was rearranging the forest floor, but none connected with the Reaper.

Reaper ducked a borderline dark curse, and slashed his hand towards the ground. A pulsating burst of magic slammed into the earth, and in response, the dirt and loam convulsed as though if alive. Two wizards, one of whom who had sent the curse, were suddenly accosted by dozens of earthen spikes of hardened soil and stone reaching and grasping. One wizard managed to stumble back into safety. The other was not so lucky, and wailed as the spikes clutched tight to his limbs. They dragged him into the ground, forcing him waist deep into the churned dirt, before a massive, twisted thing rose from the earth. Swiftly, it formed into a chain, many times larger and heavier than the constructs before. The Mercenaries watched, stunned, as the chain clutched tight its binds to form a gigantic chain ball And then it came down, like a hammer, and pulverized the trapped wizard into a bloody paste.

The boy turned, ducking under the sickly green of a Killing Curse, and incinerated the caster with a jet of black fire from his mangekio sharingan. Reaper sidestepped a Bludgeoning Curse, sent two Severing Charms back-to-back in the span it took for a human to blink, and detached both arms from his target. The bounty hunter screamed, and staggered back, twin arcs of blood spilling from his shoulders. The boy's Reducto smashed into his chest a second later, and a flopping, battered body rolled to a stop at the Frenchman's feet as I see the Frenchman I place my hands on his cheeks, softly, almost comfortingly. He is an average man, with average looks. With beard stubble underneath his chin. Blonde colored hair. His eyes dart in their sockets, desperate to escape. I wonder if he has a wife to support. Or perhaps children to feed.

"D.Devil…" he slurs through blood-flecked lips, "devil…"

"Thank you," I say to him, and my hands jerk. The ugly crack of snapping bone follows, and the body slumps, limp and lifeless, "for the compliment."

I push the corpse away and am greeted with the sight of the last three. One is the Frenchman, the fake auror, and his wand is pointed towards me in a shaking hand. Another is a woman, with red hair. The last one is a bounty hunter. British, maybe. The man is white with fear.

3 more to kill if you guys don't mind I think I'm going to end this quickly I have things to do Hadrian said this his eyes once again into his eternal Mangekyou Sharingan

Reaper then formed his susanoo

He used it to crush them with in instant showing them the true meaning of despair. The susanoo drew its blade in with 1 slash of the sword all three of the mercenaries were dead Hadrian then used kamui to teleport away back to Hogwarts The potions professor smirked as he glanced around the room. They were in the Headmaster's Office, with all the Heads of House in attendance. There was McGonagall, looking stern as usual. Sprout was wringing her hands nervously as she watched the proceedings. Flitwick was wearing at thoughtful look. And Dumbledore? The old man was staring at Hadrian with an intensity that made Snape recoil. Only once had he seen such a look from the aged wizard, and that was when he had come to the Headmaster with Voldemort's plan to attack the Potters. Snape shivered. That was a memory he did not want to recall. Yet, at the same time, he found himself curious.The boy had been quick. Almost too quick for the naked eye to see. Certainly, too quick for his fellow students to see. , he had grabbed the wizard's portkey. And then he was gone, whisked away along with the man. There had not even been time for the blood to spray. But Snape had seen it, and the potions professor was sure Dumbledore had as well. Which begged the question why. Why Dumbledore allowed Hadrian to remain at Hogwarts. The old man was lenient on many things but killing was not one of them.

It was a curious puzzle, and Snape doubted he would solve it by himself.The potions master continued his survey of the room. There was the French witch that had been kidnapped, her face tightly controlled, but thick with emotion. Her headmistress, a giant of a woman with regal features stood behind her, a large hand over the girl's shoulder. Karakoff was here too, though it was probably for nothing good. Igor was a slimy, conniving bastard, and Snape was sure that whatever was repeated here today would soon be in the ears of Durmstrang's potential champions. Hadrian stood in the middle of the room, face friendly, eyes alert. James and Sirius paced around him, interrogating the boy to best of their abilities. Which wasn't much. Every question they shot at him was returned with an answer that seemed to be useful, but was in the end, utterly uninformative. Both auror captains had been at it for twenty minutes, and so far they had gotten the boy to admit his name, age, and his favorite color.

Snape snickered. That had derailed the conversation for quite a while. "All we want to know," James rubbed his forehead tiredly, "Is what happened to the others. Miss Delacour tells us there was quite a few. "And as I keep telling you, I incapacitated them." the boy replied, and Snape crowed inwardly at Potter's exasperated sigh, "All of them. "If you incapacitated them, then where are their bodies?" Sirius growled from the boy's left, watching him like a guard dog, "They should be bound in ropes, or stunned. "I incapacitated them in a permanent manner," hadrian smiled. Snape shuddered. No man, be he child or adult should ever be able to smile like that."So you admit you killed them?" Sirius with a triumphant expression on his face.Before hadrian could reply, the French witch leapt to his defense, outrage visible on every line of her body."How dare you slander Hadrian like zis! If it hadn't been for him, zen… zen… I wouldn't be here. Zhose men said zey were going to break me! "The professors wore equal masks of revulsion, and both Potter and Black stopped pacing to turn to the girl. Miss Delacour," James began, "I know he saved you, but you have to understand that he may be potentially dangerous. "At this, the boy's eyes flashed, red for a split second and his posture changed ever so slightly. Snape sneered. None had noticed, save him. "Dangerous! Non!" the girl was enraged, and slipped habitually into French as she cursed at the aurors, He saved my life, and I don't accept it for him to be slandered in such a way! Tell zem Madam Maxime! I can't stand for zis!"The giant headmistress nodded at her student's words.I cannot believe zat your aurors will mock and deride zis boy for saving his charge," Maxime glowered at the two men in question, and Snape chuckled at their expressions. This would be definitely something to save for his pensieve, "In France, Hadrian would have been honored and praised for hiz valor. I zee that England haz no zuch outlook. "That's not true ma'am," Sirius was speaking now, but the Heir of Black looked uncomfortable, "We appreciate Mister Hadrian efforts, and thank him for it, but we need to ask him these questions."Iz zat so? Zhen why haz your questioning been more like an interrogation?" Maxime turned her glare to the headmaster, "I do not understand Dumbley-door why you allow zis to continue. Hadrian haz been misaligned badly, and I will not stand for zis miscarriage of justice. "Perhaps James and Sirius," Dumbledore said pensively, "It would be best to let the matter drop. Hadrian has performed exceptionally; this you must admit."

Perhaps James and Sirius," Dumbledore said pensively, "It would be best to let the matter drop. Hadrian has performed exceptionally; this you must admit."

Albus," James sighed, "We don't want to do this anymore than you do, but we need to know what happened. The band might have connections elsewhere, and that may lead to students being in danger at Hogwarts."

"A danger that I assure you has been neutralized," Hadrian glanced up at the two red-robed men, " if the aurors assigned to our protection were not remiss in their duties, then this danger would never have materialized. "Both men stiffened at the insult. "We take our jobs very seriously," Potter lectured solemnly, "And the aurors guarding the Tournament are our best. "Then tell me, how did those three get in?" the boy wore an innocent expression, but every word from his mouth was barbed, "Two of them couldn't even speak French. Did you even check their credentials? "We did," Black's face was pained, "And everything looked fine. "Looked fine? And it never occurred to you that the documents were forged? That delegating a single auror under your command to check in with the Ministry's International Division or even the French Embassy for an explanation would have revealed the farce for what it was? "Both Sirius and James looked embarrassed.

Now, now," Dumbledore broke in before the two aurors could be further humiliated, "Sirius and James performed admirably under trying circumstances. I do not doubt for a moment that we are well protected by them."

"Which is why Miss Delacour was kidnapped from under their very noses," hadrian said "Well protected indeed."

Nevertheless," Dumbledore said mildly, "I have the utmost confidence in our aurors. Just as I have the utmost confidence in you, Mister Uchiha."

The boy nodded and dropped the subject. The potions professor was disappointed. He had hoped for more humiliation for his childhood enemies.

"I believe, James," the old wizard turned to Potter, eyes twinkling, "that our group discussion has come to an end."

Snape snorted. Only in Albus Dumbledore's mind could an interrogation remotely match with 'group discussion'.

"Yes, of course Albus," James nodded and turned to leave. Sirius grasped his sleeve tightly and stopped him.

"Before we go," Black said smoothly, "Perhaps Mr. Uchiha would allow us to take a look at his wand? To perform the Prior Incantato? It is standard Ministry procedure after all."

Snape rolled his eyes. Aurors weren't allowed to perform wand-checks without direct approval from their higher-ups in the Ministry. Black's audacity hadn't lessened with age it seemed. The man was lying, and against well-known regulation at that. McGonagall's nostrils flared, and Snape stepped back from his fellow Head of House. The deputy headmistress was a stickler to the rules, and having one violated so badly in front of her was sure to incur her wrath. Dumbledore also looked disquieted, and Snape was sure either him or McGonagall would come to the boy's defense. "Of course," Hadrian said, and the potions professor stared at him in shock.

Stupid, stupid boy! Snape grimaced inwardly as Black snatched the boy's offered wand as though it was gold. Sirius blinked, hesitated, and weighed the wand in his hand.

Hadrian handed over his wand it was 13 in made of black palm wood

Your power of deduction astounds me," the boy replied dryly.

Sirius ignored the jibe, and waved his own wand, incanting the words.

"Prior Incantato."

Nothing came out.

"Prior Incantato," the heir of Black tried again.

Nothing.

Snape's brows rose. He had expected a collection of curses and spells to materialize. If not of the dark variety, then certainly everyday charms that no wizard or witch could do without. How curious. Sirius handed the wand back to its owner, a mixture of shame and anger warring on his face. "Perhaps you will believe me now," hadrian stated simply, and pocketed his wand in a smooth, fluid motion. Black glowered at the boy, and then wheeled on his feet, and stormed out of the office. James glanced apologetically around the room and turned to the boy.

"I'm sorry about all of this," Potter said awkwardly, "But it was necessary. I'm sure you understand."

"Of course," the boy smiled.

James nodded, and took one last look around the room before following Black through the door."Well," Dumbledore clapped his hands together, "That certainly was a wonderful meeting. But alas, all good things must come to an end. Professors, if you would return to your students? I'm sure they would be delighted to know that classes will be cancelled for today."

She found him by the lakeside, perched on an outcrop of rock, watching the setting sun. He rose as she approached, the charming smile and warm eyes affixed to his face.

"Miss Delacour," Hadrian nodded to her.

Fleur swallowed the lump in her throat and moved to stand beside him.

"Thank you…" she hesitated, not knowing what else to say.

"Your thanks is appreciated, but unnecessary," the boy inclined his head towards her, "I am merely doing what the contract bids me to do."

"Still. It was brave of you to come for me. I… I was terrified. I was terrified no one would come."

Hadrian's expression changed in an instant, and concern radiated from his face.

"Miss Delacour," he said softly, "I would travel into the very depths of Hell for you. "Fleur felt her heartbeat faster. It was a lie, she knew, for when the year ended and the contract expired, her bodyguard would be gone and with him whatever promises he made to her. Still, the boy's statement calmed her, made her feel better, and the half-Veela wondered why.

A moment of silence reigned between the two, a comfortable stillness that Fleur did not want to break.

"How did you know they weren't aurors?" she asked after a while.

"I didn't," Hadrian replied cheerfully, his earlier solemnity gone.

"You… didn't?" Fleur repeated incredulously.

"Nope."

"But I remember you saying that auror captains commanded squads, and the fake auror," the half-Veela shuddered at the memory of the man clutching her with his wand pressed tight against her neck, "brought only two others with him."

"They do," the boy chuckled, and turned from her to stare at the lake, "But they could have left the rest of the squad at the castle gates. I believe that is the standard procedure of most wizarding ministries when tasked with retrieving important personnel."

Fleur was stunned. Hadrian noticed her expression and smiled.

I'm not omnipotent, Miss Delacour. I didn't know if they were real aurors or not."

"What would have happened if they were real?" she breathed, "Aurors that is."

Hmm. I supposed I would have embarrassed myself in front of hundreds of students and made a very nasty impression on the employees of the French Ministry."

"How can you say that?" Fleur was amazed at the boy's daring, "How can you face the rest of the school after? Aren't you afraid they will make fun of you?"

"Your safety is paramount, Miss Delacour. If that means I should weather the students's ridicule for the rest of the year, then so be it."

Fleur felt it again. That faint hammering in her heart. She tried to ignore it.

"So… you just guessed?"

"Yup," the boy grinned at her, "We were lucky though. The man was not experienced at bluffing. He was afraid he'd compromised and made a mess of the situation."

"And what would have happened if he was experienced at bluffing," Fleur asked, a thousand different scenarios playing in her head, all of them ending badly for her.

Hadrian laid a gentle hand on her arm, and the half-Veela instinctively drew closer to him.

"If you are afraid of what would have happened to you," he spoke quietly, black irises peering into her own, "Don't be. I would have come anyways. I am not omnipotent, but I am the best there is."

From any other man, Fleur would have thought he was boasting. But from Hadrian, it seemed like the truth, a promise almost, and she let herself be comforted.

"There will be rumors," she stated, blinking at him, "You know that right?"

Yes. Some of the students will think the worst of you, for what you did in the Great Hall."

"I doubt it," Hadrian cocked his head to one side, a gesture that Fleur found strangely endearing, "I was fast. Unless it said students have unnaturally sharp eyes, they would have saw nothing but me being whisked away by the portkey."

But that will make the rumors even worse," the half-Veela said softly, "I have experienced them before. The mind will make up things in lieu of the facts when there are none," she paused and stared sadly at the boy, "Sometimes, I think imagination is a terrible thing for humans to have."

The boy shrugged and brushed his hand through his hair. "The rumors are just that. Rumors. If they cannot hurt you, then there is little I have to fear."

"But they will say that you have done horrendous things to my captors, even though they deserved it. Maybe even killed them. And you will be ignored by the student body. They will fear you."

"And do you fear me, Miss Delacour?" the boy regarded her with an innocent smile.

"No," Fleur said stoically, "No. I do not. You are Hadrian My friend. What you did to those… scum… Whatever you did… They didn't deserve anything less. The others may be afraid, but I am not. You had to do what you had to do."And what if I told you I did kill them," Hadrian stepped forward and Fleur stepped back, automatically, eyes wide, "And what if I told you that not only did I kill them, but I enjoyed killing them. Would you fear me then, Fleur Delacour?" The half-Veela felt her heart pounding. Felt her throat constrict. Felt the fear of staring into a potential killer's face. The boy's smile seemed to grow wider.

I would…" she began, then amended her statement hastily, "I would be afraid of you, but I also know you wouldn't harm me. Or anyone in the school."

"And you know this because?"

"Because you are Hadrian."

The words left her mouth faster than she could think of them. That made her feel very foolish."Because I am me," the boy repeated, traced every word so slowly that it made Fleur shiver, "You are more correct than you think, Miss Delacour," he paused, thoughtful, and looked at her again, "Fear is good. Fear is healthy. Fear begets caution and caution begets survival. Always fear, Miss Delacour, but never allow it to claim you."

"I don't fear you," she whispered, "I don't think I ever will."

Hadrian just smiled at her, and Fleur knew her hidden meaning had wormed past his guard without acknowledgment."But I did feel helpless," she continued, "When they captured me. I felt so alone. So abandoned. I couldn't even do anything."

"It was an unpredictable situation" the boy responded, "

"But you would have," the half-Veela challenged.

Black eyes regarded her. Then the boy nodded.

"I would have."

"Then teach me."

Her bodyguard froze, then turned.

"I assure you, Miss Delacour, that as long as I am here, you are safe. I have never let a client come to harm, and I won't let you."

"But what if you aren't here? What happens when you're contract expires at the end of the year?"

Hadrian sighed

I don't ever want to feel that helpless again," Fleur gritted her teeth, "I need to be strong. To protect me and my family. I need to be strong like you."

"You don't want to be like me," he said softly.There was a hidden meaning behind those words that she couldn't discern. Just like how her's had passed by him. But Fleur pushed on.

"Why not? You are strong. You are powerful. You can do wandless magic. Teach me.""Strength comes with a price," Hadrian replied, "Power even more so. All these things don't come free. And sometimes, the price is something you don't ever want to give up. it may even cost you your humanity."

Fleur swallowed.

"I will do whatever it takes to protect my family."

"How noble," he stated and turned away.

This time the silence was uncomfortable, and Fleur yearned to be away from the stifling stillness. Then the boy turned back, the charming smile back in place, and the half-Veela felt her worries drain away. "I can't teach you everything," hadrian began, "But I can teach you the basics. Meet me here in 2 days. In the morning," black eyes watched her carefully, "You won't be able to do what I do, but you will last in a fight."

That's all I want," Fleur said gratefully.

The boy nodded curtly and turned back to staring at the lake. Fleur had the feeling she had been dismissed, but instead of feeling angry, she felt saddened. Like something was missing. The half-Veela stepped closer, until her shoulder was nearly touching Hadrian's. The sun was still setting, and she watched with the boy as it lowered itself in the distant horizon.

Strangely, it felt right.

Morning came, and Fleur Delacour began her hunt for her mate

It had been an almost instantaneous thing, after yesterday's events, for her mind to link Hadrian as her mate. She should have seen it coming. The most important quality every Veela searched for in a man, being immune to the allure, had been known to her ever since she met him. . Fleur had liked what she saw, but she had been hesitant. He was, after all, only a boy.

But last night changed everything. It was not the fact that he saved her life. She would have been grateful, but that would have been it. No. It was the conversation, when she had poured out her fears to him and he had returned the gesture with compassion.

Any sense of him being just a child was gone now. . He was young, certainly, but the impression she had first received at the manor, when she had first seen the unruly black hair and dark brooding eyes was gone.

Fleur stepped into the Great Hall. The chatter dimmed slightly, and Fleur realized that many eyes were on her. She ignored them all. The half-Veela made a beeline for the Ravenclaw table, where Hadrian was talking with Aimeric. She slid gracefully into the seat beside him, delighting in his presence. Her bodyguard turned to her and smiled the same smile he always wore when near her.

Fleur swallowed.

Veela were sexual creatures. Passionate and obsessive in behavior to their mates. The Veela hunted for mates, bond-partners in a sense, and the act of injuring a mate was near sacrilegious to their minds. And also unlike Sirens and Succubi, who bonded, forcefully, men to their wills, Veela bonded to their mates. It was a self-sacrificial act, for a Veela when pledging her love to man was in essence giving up her freedom in return for love. And sometimes, said affection was never returned. The bonding was one way, and there had been instances in the past when a mate would not accept the bond, then the Veela become obsessed and become depressed desiring only for their mates affection

Fleur felt a physical need to hurt cho chang as she brushed her hand lightly over Hadrian's. The boy had only been passing a plate of toast to the pretty Ravenclaw.

The urge both relieved and terrified her.

Fleur glanced away in frustration as Cho continued to flirt, with Hadrian.

This was supposed to happen. It was the first phase of the Hunt. Scoping out the prey and its surroundings. Lions did it when they hunted the numerous herbivores of the African Serengeti. Wolves did it when they prowled around potential game. Even bears, hulking, lumbering beasts that they were, scoped out their prey first before going in for the kill. For a Veela, it was nearly the same. But whereas predators sought out the weakness in their prey, Veela sought out the weakness in other predators. Or in other words, girls. To be more specific, human girls. And there certainly were a a lot human girls surrounding Hadrian.

Fleur grimaced inwardly as she noticed just how much of Hogwart's female population was staring at her bodyguard. A part of her found the change in her mind scary. A day ago and she would have barely frowned. Now, she was counting heads and wondering what it would take to persuade the girls away from her mate. But then again, this was to be expected. The Hunt demanded that she scrutinize her opposition, find out every flaw and fault for her to exploit, and keep them away from a potential mate.

Fleur was glad then she merely possessed half of her ancestry. A pure Veela would have changed into her avian form and started hurling fireballs by now!

The half-Veela turned to her bodyguard. he smiled at her. Fleur tried to smile back. She failed miserably. Her cheeks started to heat up. Her mind began to wander. Her face began to slacken into a dreamy expression. Fleur hastily tore her gaze away. She was Fleur Delacour! Eldest daughter of the French Minister of Magic! Potential Champion of Beauxbatons! Not some love-sick little girl!

Miss Delacour?" Hadrian leaned in closer, worried about her strange behavior, "Are you alright?""I am fine," she replied quickly, and her bodyguard nodded slowly, "It is nothing." But it was something. It was not love. Not yet at least. But it was something. Something alluring and intoxicating made her want to bask in the boy's attention.

Fleur had told herself it wasn't a date. Had ingrained it in her head that all hadrian was going to do was show her how to defend herself. It was strictly professional, what was going to happen today, and Fleur had made sure to drill that into her mind.

Which is of course why she had spent an hour in front of the mirror getting ready.

The half-Veela huffed to herself as she walked into the carriage's commons. It was a magically enlarged place, with sets of comfy sofas for lounging and round, lavishly adorned tables for studying. It had no fireplace. , The Beauxbatons carriage was heated by a complicated set of warming charms. Fleur wondered briefly if the Durmstrang ship that was in the Hogwarts Lake possessed the same warming charms.

Fleur took a look around. The commons was thankfully empty. If the half-Veela was lying to herself, she would have said she had gone to bed early last night and set an alarm to wake herself this morning. That was the proper explanation she was prepared to give for anyone awake at this ungodly hour. The truth of the matter was that she had tossed and turned all night, the whole time willing the minutes pass faster. She had been anticipating this for the past few days and though it was only lessons on defense, she was looking forward to spending time with Hadrian, alone.

The past couple of days had played hell on her mind. The rumors had been more beneficial to her mate than harmful, and the rounds around the school had painted hadrian as a shining knight that had rescued a maiden in distress. Which of course, he was. But he was her knight, and no one else's. Her Veela instincts had been raging as girls from all different houses came over to fawn over his bravery. And that was only in the mornings, at the Ravenclaw table. Fleur shuddered to think of the amount of attention he was getting in the hallways and classrooms. The only good that came out of this was that the rumors had also painted him as intimidating, and since Hadrian constantly sat next to or was close to her, no other boys had the balls to hit on her Fleur pulled back a strand of loose hair. She wore Combat robes, used for dueling, were clad over her lithe body. They were tighter than normal clothes, and that suited her just fine as it allowed Hadrian a glimpse of the attractive figure underneath.She exited the carriage and made sure to shut the door as silently as possible. Trying to sneak out without being notified. The morning air was refreshing as it was cold, and the half-Veela shivered slightly. Good as dueling robes were for showing the figure, they failed quite hard at containing warmth. She was early, and she took the time to enjoy the feeling of fresh wind blowing into her face. Besides, it would not do to rush to meet the boy. Her father had come from an ancient, pureblooded family, and though Sebastian abhorred the views adopted by the supremacists, he still had made sure his daughters understood the tradition that came from being in his household. Manners and etiquette was something Sebastian held to the highest regard, and something he expected from both his eldest and youngest. Fleur was the daughter of a lord of a noble house, and thus, she was expected to act the part. It would not do to simply leap and bound towards her, the boy calling his name all the way. She had to act Lady-like.

Her thoughts regarding customs were driven to the back of her mind when she finally caught sight of hadrian.

Like her, the boy wasn't wearing his uniform. But unlike her, his choice of attire was not wizardly. He had gone "Muggle", for the lack of a better term.

Blue jeans and a black shirt hid his body from view, but Fleur did get a good look at his bare arms. They were lean and hard, devoid of the faintest traces of fat. But unlike bodybuilders, whose muscles bulged outwards and were rather unseemly in the half-Veela's opinion, her bodyguard's musculature was more akin to a swimmer's. Strong, but not overly so.

Fleur thought she could see scar tissue across both arms. But that did not take away from her mate's image. Indeed, it added to it. Hadrian possessed the body of a soldier, and that made him all the more alluring.

The smile that had crept onto her face suddenly faltered.

The boy was talking to someone. More importantly, that someone was female. A black-haired witch. With porcelain features and blue-colored eyes.

The smile disappeared completely. Replaced by an expression of utmost fury.Fleur stomped towards her bodyguard, her Veela aura flaring with barely contained rage"Why iz she here!" Fleur spat in English as she approached, to make sure the woman understood.Emma is my apprentice (think emma Frost from X-Men evolution)"I have agreed to let Emma train with us" Hadrian replied evenly, and Fleur had to give him credit for not flinching. Veela were beautiful when content. They were terrifying when angry, ""Fleur… the half-Veela growled low in her throat as the blonde witch spoke, "… Miss Delacour, I understand your not being pleased with me joining you and master for training. Emma looked uncomfortable, and Fleur exulted in her discomfort, "

Fleur fumed. Hadrian was not budging on the issue.

"If you inzist on her being here," the half-Veela grounded out, "I will not fight your decision. But I still disagree with it."

"Excellent," the smile on her bodyguard's face seemed to brighten exponentially, and Fleur felt a hot flush creeping along her neck, "We can begin immediately then."

Hadrian stared at the two expectantly.

"Come on," the boy gestured, "Show me what you've got."

Fleur looked hesitantly at her wand. It was Emma that asked the question for the both of them.

"How do you want us to start?"

"How you would usually begin a duel," Hadrian replied, "Think if you were in a fight. What would be the first step you would take?"

Fleur immediately casted a Protego, and felt her heart swell with pride as a dome of protective magics shimmered into existence before her. Her interest was never in dueling, but as the child of a patrician family, the art of sparring with magic was imprinted on her anyway. The Delacours had a wealthy history of producing fine duelists, and Sebastian had made sure that his daughters were well-taught if not well-motivated. Fleur's teacher had been a crusty old wizard whose temperament had forever bordered between nasty and downright hostile. But he had been effective, and the half-Veela could count on many spells and curses to use in her repertoire.

Beside her, Emma produced a Protego with a wave of her wand, and Fleur tried hard not to feel delighted when the shield looked slightly less coherent than her own. In the back of her mind, the half-Veela knew she was being childish and even vindictive to the busty blonde witch. The woman was beautiful. The woman was and would be consistently close to Hadrian. That made her a threat. Her Veela instincts compelled her to neutralize said threat, through competition. Fleur desperately wanted to prove to her mate that she was better looking, a better student, better everything than the woman beside her.

If Hadrian was impressed, he certainly didn't show it. The boy frowned, ever so slightly, and Fleur wondered if she had done something wrong.

Just as she was about to go over a mental summary of the Shield Charm, Hadrian flicked his hand in their direction.

Emma cried out in surprise as her magical shield shattered.

Fleur had no time to marvel at her bodyguard's speed or even time to gloat over Emma's undignified defeat. The boy's wand turned to her, and Fleur felt a sudden fear welling up from inside her. Her conjured Protego glowed an alarming shade of red, the only warning she got, before Hadrian's spell hit her with all its destructive force.

The Shield Charm was designed to deflect if not absorb all spells, with some notable exceptions such as the Killing Curse. Of course, the power of the Protego relied in the magical strength of its user. Powerful wizards like Sebastian were near impervious while the shimmering barrier was in front of them. Average wizards produced Protegos that were less tangible, less coherent and thus less capable of protecting their users. Fleur's shield had been almost perfect in shape and consistency, a testament to her above average magical prowess and the long hours she had been forced to spend with her draconian dueling instructor.

All of that didn't matter. The boy's, curse, , blasted against her shield with all the finesse of a charging bull in a China shop. Fleur felt for the briefest of seconds, the morbid sensation of being crushed by a massive, squeezing force before her Protego collapsed in an almighty rush of magical energies. The gleaming barrier exploded, outwards and away, turned into a thousand unsalvageable pieces, and then dissipated into the morning air. The magical backlash was immense, and the half-Veela felt a searing pain stabbing into her mind.

"Petrifacts Totalus," Hadrian said, and Fleur quickly joined Emma on the wet grass, stiff as a board. "Congratulations, both of you," the boy walked towards the two petrified women, "If this had been real combat, real fighting, the two of you would be dead, and I would have emerged unscathed."

Hadrian stopped when he was between their bodies, and the half-Veela had to crane her neck to see him. The smile was still on his face, as it always was, but the voice grown stern.

"Lesson Number One," he said, "Never defend in the opening stages of a fight."

The boy flicked his hand over the two, and Fleur felt an immediate relief in her limbs. She hesitantly stood up, a question on her lips. Once more, it was Emma that asked it for the both of them. "Why?"

Because it immediately puts you on the defensive for the whole fight you can't maneuver you can't fire back there just trying to get past your guard if you immediately start firing as soon as it starts they're on the defensive they have to worry about you hitting them in Your Arsenal of spells . You should never cast to Shield in a fight it locks you in one position and your Shields are easy to break your best defense is movement make sure you aren't hit if you're constantly moving.Hadrain said

that is not possible," Fleur stated, "Spells travel too fast to be dodged. You will be lucky to avoid even one."

"Want to bet?"

The half-Veela blinked in surprise.

"Bet?"

"Yes. I bet you that I can avoid every spell you can throw at me."

Fleur stared at the boy.

"You are letting us hit you with our spells just to prove a point?"

"I am," her bodyguard smiled cheerily back, "But you won't hit me."

The way Hadrian said it made Fleur's face flush. His confidence was equally attractive as it was infuriating. The half-Veela both wanted to bask in it and break it.

Fleur sneaked a glance in Emma's direction and noticed the blonde witch looked uneasy, as though if dreading what was to come. That made her feel slightly less assured. But surely, what Hadrian was suggesting, that movement alone was the best defense, could not be true?

The boy, meanwhile, stood steady and relaxed. With his wand in his pocket

She adopted a duelist's stance, legs slightly apart, wand out and ready to cast. Emma did the same, but her stance was much less formal. Fleur didn't care. She just wanted to wipe the silly grin off Hadrian's face.

With a faint growl she sent a wordless Stunning Spell jetting from her wand. The beam of bright red light crossed the distance between the boy and her in a blink of an eye, and Fleur was sure it would connect. It didn't. At the last possible second, Hadrian's eyes flashed red and twisted his torso, and the Stupefy sped harmlessly past his chest.

Fleur stared.

Another flash of red from beside her told the half-Veela that Emma was trying the same thing. This time, the Stupefy was aimed for her bodyguard's head. The spell careened towards Hadrian at a fast pace. The boy merely cocked his head to one side, and the beam that was sent towards his face merely gazed past his cheek.Fleur cast every spell in her considerable arsenal, some more than twice. Hadrian dodged them all. It was irritating. She had never felt this frustrated in her life. In all her mock duels her opponents had casted back, conjured things that she could hit, and behaved as wizards ought to behave. Hadrian was random. Completely and unpredictable. She just couldn't hit him. Fleur shot a look at her temporary partner. Emma had long ago given up, and instead had went for wide range blasting spells The half-Veela swallowed. She had been trained in dueling with wands. Dueling with fists was an entirely different matter.

Ten yards away from the two and the boy began speeding up. Emma moved to intercept him, her sword brandished high. Hadrian spun away as the blasting curse descended, and hit a tree destroying it, moved back into striking range. A light slap from one hand deprived Emma of her wand while the other lunged to grasp the hilt. Then in one smooth motion the boy stomped painfully on her feet, and jabbed her twice in the stomach.

Fleur had blinked twice in the span it took for the events to occur. By the third blink, Emma was rolling on the ground in pain. The boy turned to her.

The half-Veela's face drained of all color.

Stupefy. Incarcerous. Petrificus Totalus. She sent in rapid succession.

Her bodyguard wove past the Stunning Spell, ducked under the thick ropes that flew to bind him, and spun on his heel to avoid the Full Body-Bind Curse. And then he was in front of her, smile bright on his handsome face.

with a quick rush of movement and a chop Fleur was down to the ground unable to move Always expect the unexpected, Miss Delacour. That is Lesson Number Two. Leave nothing to chance. No matter how impossible it might seem. It can save your life one day. "Lesson Number Three," Hadrian smiled as he loomed above her, "Never believe your foe has been bested unless they're dead. He just might have enough strength left to defy you." The Goblet of Fire was such a simple looking thing to be the decider of the Triwizard Tournament. At least, that's what it seemed like to Fleur Delacour. The word 'goblet' meant a chalice to the half-Veela's mind, an exquisite, expensive thing of invaluable worth that held equally invaluable fluids. Such as the Elixir of Life, for example. The Goblet of Fire, in comparison, was a cup. A giant, heavy cup half the size of a grown man, but a cup nevertheless. Its body looked like it had been cut from a block of wood, and its insides hollowed out by the craftsman to hold whatever contents was deemed necessary at the time. Engravings had been made into wooden surface, arcane syllables that Fleur held no hope of ever understanding. Still, the engravings served to make the goblet appear more mysterious, more cryptic to the eye, something that the half-Veela was grateful for.

Fleur stepped back and watched as the paper containing her name was consumed in a flash of purple fire.

Inwardly, the half-Veela felt a bit guilty at having placed her name in the goblet so late into the year. All of her Beauxbatons friends had already done so. Aimeric had placed his the day the goblet was unveiled. Claire had followed a day later. She had placed hers the day before the selection of the Champions was to begin.

The time she spent with the boy, now that he was training her, and added to her classes, had pushed any thoughts of the Triwizard Tournament to the back of her mind. It was an ironic thing for the half-Veela to have forgotten, and Fleur was a tad afraid that her friends would think less of her for it.

Fleur turned to walk away, and was met by a brown-haired witch sporting an impish grin.

"Finally decided to toss your name into the cup, eh?" Claire said haughtily in French, but Fleur could see the amusement twinkling in her friend's eyes, "You must have gotten fat and lazy from eating all this English food. "Her fears vanished in a flash.

The half-Veela put on the best aristocratic face she could muster, and sniffed just as haughtily."You should know, Claire. I've seen you stuffing food down your throat every breakfast, lunch, and dinner. "Claire snorted, tried to look affronted, failed, and broke into giggles. Behind her, Hadrian and Aimeric strode a short distance away,

Fleur frowned slightly."It iz not much to look at, iz it?" Aimeric inclined his head towards the Goblet of Fire as he approached, "It zeems a little plain to be zuch an important artifact."

Fleur agreed with him.

"Well, isn't it zupposed to be really old?" Claire asked, "I would think whoever made it forged it from the best materials at ze time."

"It's a little more complicated than that," Hadrian pointed to the goblet's side, "Wood channels magic better than most materials. That's why our wands are made from wood. Whoever made the Goblet of Fire wanted to pool a lot of magical energy. If they had chosen gold, silver, or Merlin forbid, steel, the magic would have dissipated over time."

"Zat actually makes a lot of sense," Aimeric rubbed his chin thoughtfully, "You would zink that ze crafter zat made it would want ze goblet to last."

The boy smiled.

"More or less."

Fleur tried hard not to look excited. She really did, but the air of enthusiasm that had settled over the Great Hall was contagious. It was the Champion's Feast, after all, where who would represent their respective schools would finally be determined. Hogwarts had been decorated heavily for the affair, and the halls were bursting with banners of the four houses as well as the emblems of the guest schools. The festive mood that had lingered all morning had only grown stronger as the day wore on. Now, with evening steadily encroaching, the excitement had reached a fever pitch.

Seated at the Ravenclaw table, Fleur was in the middle of the festive storm. She heard loud laughter, proud boasts, and excited chatter, all coming together to form a cacophony of noise. Roger Davis was bragging to a gaggle of third years on the deeds he would do if he was selected as champion. Cho Chang and Marietta Edgecombe were giggling. And this was from the house that was usually quiet and reserved. The tumult they made was a pale comparison to the tempest of sound that came from the Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs.

The Beauxbatons students, in contrast, were silent and subdued. They talked quietly amongst themselves, but rarely did they raise their voice. That did not mean they weren't thrilled, however. The half-Veela could see the excitement dancing in her classmates' eyes.

The Slytherins were the only ones that seemed to be completely quiet. Fleur's gaze flickered over to their table to see those that were talking were doing so in hunched circles. The rest just stared at the Goblet of Fire that rested on a raised dais in front of the staff table. The Durmstrang contingent that sat with them did not look at all unnerved by their hosts' unnatural silence. In fact, they seemed to fit right in, with their dour faces and sullen attitudes.

As her eyes travelled down the Slytherin table, they stopped and narrowed when a blonde boy smiled winningly at her. She recalled him as the idiot with the two lackeys that had tried to court her earlier in the year. His name escaped her, and Fleur did not try too hard to remember it. He was one of those fools that believed she could be moved by money and riches. The half-Veela's gaze swept over the rest of the Slytherins and smirked inwardly when she noticed the boy's smile had become an ugly scowl at being ignored.

It just reinforced the fact that not all men were noble as her father. Or Hadrian for that matter.

Fleur's face had grown from excited to impassive as she watched the Slytherins. Now, as she thought about her bodyguard, her face became flushed.

Training with Hadrian had proved to be a challenging affair. The boy was a remorseless teacher. Spells she shot at him he rebounded with the intent to injure. Curses that flew from her wand were returned with equal vigor and greater power. Jinxes and hexes, small but useful tools in the duelist's arsenal, were dispelled by a flick of his wand and then turned back to haunt her. And that was only when he decided to remain at range.

It was when he decided that close combat was more suitable for the occasion that then the half-Veela truly knew pain. The handsome face smiling that charming smile, all the while blurring in movements nearly too fast to see. And the hands. Jabbing towards her vulnerable body, slapping aside her hasty wand motions, and weaving past her pitiful attempts to defend herself.

Fleur shuddered. She had many fears in her childhood, some that she still held on to, but none so completely terrified her more than Hadrian closing the distance.

In spite of this, Fleur found herself thriving under the brutal regimen. She had always been one to push herself beyond everyone else's expectations. Her Veela heritage had gifted her with an appearance that was almost otherworldly in magnificence. Men saw a breathtakingly beautiful woman when they looked at her. Women saw a breathtakingly beautiful woman that wanted their men. But that was the problem. They never saw beyond her beauty. Never took the time to know what made her Fleur Delacour.

She wanted to prove them wrong. To show that she was more than just a pretty face. It was why she had come with the hopes of participating in the Triwizard Tournament. To prove to the world that there was skill behind her beauty. And so, she had thrived.Every time Hadrian sent her to the ground in an undignified heap, she picked herself back up. Every time her bodyguard blasted apart her Protego, she would conjure a new one. And every time the boy charged at her with the intent to melee, she would attempt a desperate defense before falling and getting back up again. She had come to the sessions expecting sweet words and roses, but had instead received sweat and tears.

And she wouldn't have it any other way.Fleur was content. With the way the boy taught her. With her improving, albeit slow progress. The only thing that would make her more content was if those training sessions belonged to her and her alone.Fleur scowled slightly as she glanced back. The target of her displeasure met her gaze for a moment and then looked elsewhere. The witch's body did not mirror the motion.Emma stood behind her as she hovered protectively behind the half-Veela. The busty blonde woman looked out of place amongst the tables filled with chattering students, with her heavy combat robes and statuesque air. Fleur caught more than a few curious stares focusing on the bounty hunter, though not all of them contained the same innocence. Many of the boys that had once looked at her like she was some sort of prize to be won were now gazing in open admiration at the blonde witch. The half-Veela could see why. The woman's hair was shiny gold color , and when added to her exquisite features and porcelain-like skin, made her nice to look upon.

Just focus on the tournament," he whispered Fleur nodded dumbly.

Hadrian went back to staring at the goblet, and the galf-Veela copied the action, just in time to see it spew out a piece of crumpled paper amid a flare of purplish flames. The clamor in the Great Hall abruptly died, and eager gazes fixed themselves to the garishly dressed frame of Albus Dumbledore. The old headmaster's eyes twinkled as he straightened out the parchment to read. Some of the students who had the misfortune of being seated at the very end of the hall were standing up to see who the first champion would be.

"Viktor Krum."

A wave of drumming noises came from the Slytherin side of the Great Hall as the Durmstrang contingent pounded their fists into the table. Their new champion, a tall, sallow young man with dark hair and narrow, glaring eyes stood up from his seat. Fleur recognized him from some quidditch posters she had seen before. Some of the Beauxbatons students were diehard fans of the sport, and a few had pasted giant moving pictures of their favorite stars in their rooms in the carriage. The half-Veela was not one of those few. She had no liking for quidditch, much to her father's disappointment. Neither did Gabrielle, for that matter, and Sebastian had always lamented that he had no sons to play the sport with. Fleur smiled slightly at the memory. For all his political mongering, Sebastian Delacour was a father first and foremost.

Krum walked past the still celebrating forms of his cohorts and made his way to the Champion's Room at the end of the Great Hall. Fleur noted that for all his supposed grace while on a broomstick, the Durmstrang champion seemed clumsy on land. It looked like he was almost waddling when he walked.

"Krum eh?" Claire said to Aimeric from the opposite side of the table, "I hear he knows a nasty set of curses. He could be tough competition."

"The Goblet of Fire will only choose ze best. I welcome the chance to test my skills against him."

"The Triwizard Tournament has not had a duel between champions as an event for some two hundred years," Hadrian's eyes were still on the goblet as he spoke, "Chances are you won't see that set of curses anytime soon."

Hush," a boy in Beauxbatons uniform reprimanded mildly, "Ze goblet is going to choose ze next champion!"

Fleur immediately snapped her head towards the front of the hall, where Dumbledore was waiting patiently for the next slip of paper. He didn't have to wait long. A loud bang and the Goblet of Fire lit up again in magical flames. The old wizard reached out towards the dangling parchment and pulled it out of the air. Fleur squinted her eyes. Was it hers? The headmaster smiled benignly at the silence.

"Fleur Delacour."

At once the Ravenclaw table all turned to look at her. The quarter-Veela felt her face flush from the attention. The Beauxbatons contingent, Claire, Aimeric, and Hadrian included, rose from their seats and started applauding. Fleur rose as well, though a bit jerkily. The half-Veela smiled back. The rest of the Ravenclaws followed by the rest of the Great Hall.

The ovation she was receiving was supposed to be music to her ears. It was not. Instead, Fleur felt a sudden pang of apprehension well up in her breast. She was now the Champion of Beauxbatons, and with that title came great responsibilities. The rest of her classmates was now rooting for her and hoping she would bring honor and glory to France. Her headmistress, a woman who had been both a close family friend and a personal one as well, would be expecting the best from her. Claire, Aimeric, even Hadrian, would be watching her, cheering for her as the tournament wore on.

What if she failed? A knot of fear formed in the half-Veela's stomach. What if she failed them? There was supposed to be three tasks to the tournament. What if she messed up on one? Or even worse, on all three? Would they still be her friends? Would they treat her the same way as before? It was a nauseating thought, and Fleur soon found her mind clouded by doubt.

For a moment, the half-Veela regretted being named champion.

A warm presence touched her hand, and she instinctively drew closer to it, seeking its comfort. The half-Veela turned to see her bodyguard smiling at her, his fingers once again wrapped around her own. "Do not fear Miss Delacour," he leaned in close to whisper, "Do not falter. Your friends are with you."

Albus turned his attention back to the Goblet of Fire, which had started shaking again on the raised dais. A flare of flames lit along the goblet's edges and soon after, a folded piece of parchment spat from its rimmed mouth. Dumbledore reached out serenely and unfolded it. The Headmaster beamed.

"Cedric Diggory," he said.

The Hufflepuff table exploded into cheers. The newly-chosen Hogwarts champion rose from his seat, a shocked grin on his face. The seventh year's fellow students pounded his back and slapped his shoulders. Some were even dancing with joy. Back at the staff table, Sprout was dabbing at her eyes with a handkerchief McGonagall had lent her. Both women looked proud.

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled. It was good to see a champion come from Hufflepuff. The house had been misaligned in the past as a place for the lazy and the apathetic. It was no small secret that many of the first years held high aspirations to be placed in Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, or even Slytherin, but none wanted to be in Hufflepuff. It was a prestige issue, Albus guessed. Gryffindor produced brave and courageous heroes. Ravenclaw sponsored some of the best scholars in the wizarding world. Slytherin spawned men and women of ambition who rose to great heights of political power. Hufflepuff really had no noteworthy attributes to its name, besides loyalty, and that to many people, meant lackeys. It was not true of course, but Dumbledore had long ago learned that the perception of the masses was a hard thing to change. Perhaps the choosing of Cedric as champion would be the catalyst of that change.

Cedric gave a rather shaky smile to the rest of his table before walking jerkily towards the Champion's Room. Dumbledore didn't blame him. The boy must be feeling as though the entire world was on his shoulders. Not only was he carrying Hogwart's hopes with him, but Hufflepuff's as well.

The Hogwarts Champion disappeared from view and Dumbledore clapped his hands together.

"Excellent," he said cheerily, "Well, we now have our three champions. I am sure I can count upon all of you to give those who have been selected every ounce of support you can muster. We-"

A bang-like noise erupted from the Goblet of Fire. Albus turned to the magical artifact, momentarily confused.

The unthinkable happened.

The Goblet of Fire flashed, spewing out a gout of brilliant blue fire. Dumbledore's reaction was quick, even in his shocked state. The aged headmaster's hand shot out and grasped the piece of parchment that had suddenly materialized. The Great Hall had grown silent in the meantime. Every eye seemed to stare at the Goblet of Fire. For good reason. It had just chosen a fourth champion.

He unfolded the parchment with trembling hands. The old wizard dreaded whose name would appear. Pleaded to the Fates that it wasn't going to be who he thought it would be. Rose Potter after being nudged by Hermione Rose went into the corridor with the other champions

The Goblet of Fire flashed and parchment came flying out Dumbledore caught the parchment and read the name and his blood ran cold Harry Potter Dumbledore thought the young Potter are ran away years ago and died because he never received an automatic Hogwarts letter now the boy was alive and if you didn't compete he'd lose his magic Dumbledore begin to frantically search around the Great Hall with his eyes. Suddenly Hadrian stood up from the Ravenclaw table and began to walk towards the chamber madam Maxine asked mr. Uchiha what are you doing going to the chamber what does it look like?

see that Maxime's face has turned pale. I see Dumbledore beside her looking old and scared. I see McGonagall beside him holding her hand over her chest and taking great, steadying gasps. I see Lily looking ready to faint. James gripping the staff table so hard that the wood strains. Sirius beside him staring back at me in horror. Snape looking particularly venomous. A sea of faces. All with the same expressions. Shock. Horror. Fear. And everything in between.

"To the Champion's Room," I say and turn away.Fleur Delacour was in a rare happy mood when she entered the Champion's Room. It was relatively dark, with the only source of light coming from the few torches that were affixed to the stone walls. There were no places to sit, and the only other occupant in the room, Viktor Krum, was forced to stand, back slouched against the wall. Overall, it was a rather unwelcome atmosphere that Fleur walked into, but she could have cared less.

The half-Veela smiled cheerfully at the Durmstrang champion and received a growl of acknowledgement in return. The quidditch star didn't seem to want to talk so Fleur strode to a wall opposite his and leaned back, content to be lost in her thoughts about a certain black-eyed boy. A dull roar sounded from beyond the room not long after, and tore her from her daydreaming.

"Ze last champion has been selected," she said softly.

Krum grunted in response.

The door opened, and a ruggedly handsome boy strode in, smiling nervously.

"Hello," the boy looked slightly shocked about the whole thing, "I'm Cedric Diggory. Hogwart's champion."

"Cedric," Fleur nodded politely.

Krum growled something monosyllabic.

"Er… hi," Cedric said back, "It's going to be an honor competing against the two of you."I feel ze same way," the quarter-Veela answered, "It will be an honor to compete against ze champions of Hogwarts and Durmstrang."

"Yes," was Krum's entire contribution to the conversation.In the meantime, the dull roar that had been steadily growing in volume had halted for some reason, replaced by an eerie quiet. Fleur didn't think much of it. Most likely the professors had called for silence. The three champions stood awhile in the dim room, and all too quickly the silence that had settled became awkward.

"Aren't the tournament officials supposed to be coming in here?" Cedric looked a little unsure of himself, "To congratulate us?"

"I was assuming zat as well."

Krum just scowled at his feet.

"Maybe there was a fourth champion," Cedric joked.

The door slammed open. All three champions jumped. A girl with fiery red hair and they recognize her as the girl who lived . Rose Potter entered the chamber and sat by the fireplace waiting then A boy emerged, stepping methodically into the room, lips a tight line of displeasure.

Fleur stared.

Is something the matter?" Cedric spoke up, eyeing the newcomer curiously, "Did they want us to come ou-"

The boy's eyes flashed. Fire smoldered behind the black pupils, burning, all-consuming rage, and Cedric's question died on his lips.

"Hadrian?" Fleur breathed.The piercing glare turned back to her, and the hapf-Veela swallowed nervously. Then the boy inclined his head, ever so slightly.

"W-What?" she gasped at her bodyguard, "How… How did zis happen?"

"You're about to find out."

The door to the Champion's Room opened with a bang, and a woman, wild-eyed and desperate, surged in. Fleur recognized the red hair immediately. Lily Potter, Hogwart's Muggle Studies professor. The woman stood there for a minute, rooted to the spot, her eyes roaming over those in the room before focusing on one particular boy.

"H-Harry?" she whispered, as though afraid the boy would disappear if she spoke too loud, "Harry? Is that you? Is that really you?"Fleur blinked in astonishment. Her bodyguard did not respond and instead just looked coldly back. Lily gave a cry of joy and sorrow mixed together and rushed forward, arms held out to embrace the boy. The half-Veela hastily stepped back. She had no wish to be in front of the woman's crazed charge.

At the last second, bare feet away from those outstretched arms, the boy's eyes narrowed. He flung his own arm outwards and away, and a wall of sand formed

Lily ran full tilt into the wall of sand. The woman cried out in pain. She stumbled back,

"Harry?" Lily breathed.

The boy stared back.

"Get away from me."

The woman shrank back at the words, and Fleur knew instinctively that what Hadrian had said hurt far more than the impact had done.

The door slammed open again, this time revealing a handsome man with messy black hair and hazel eyes. One of the auror captains. Husband to Lily Potter. James, if Fleur recalled correctly.

"Lily!" the man ground to a halt when he saw his wife on the ground , "Harry!" he shouted when he saw the boy behind the sand shield, "Lily!" he cried out again when he realized that the wall was responsible for his wife's state of distress

James!" Lily sobbed as her husband embraced her, "It's really him! It's really, really him!"

"Harry?" the man turned from soothing his wife, "Son?"

The boy's eyes flashed red threateningly

"I," Hadrian's voice in comparison was perfectly composed, perfectly even, "have not been your son for a very long time, James."

The auror captain's eyes widened, and Lily all but sank in his arms.

"What do you mean?" James stumbled over the words, "You're Harry aren't you? You're our son! "Perhaps you have misunderstood," the boy said smoothly, his features schooled permanently into a smiling mask, "Allow me to elucidate what I have said into something even your simple mind can understand," Hadrian bared his teeth. The smile grew wider, "I am not your son. I have never been your son. And I certainly do not want to be your son."

Lily gave a wail of misery.

He hates us James!" she cried into her husband's shoulder, "He hates us!"

Before the auror could respond, the Gryffindor girl began to speak.

"Harry!" he called out, "Merlin, is that really you Harry? It's me, Rose!".

"And now the circle has become complete," Hadrian continued to smile, but Fleur could see the bitterness behind his eyes.

"Harry! What's wrong!" Rose stood hovering near her parents, looking torn between wanting to stay with them and getting to the boy behind the shield.

"It is quite clear to me what is wrong… sister."

The way Hadrian's tone had turned from cool to mocking at the last word made Rose flinch and look away.I missed you so much Harry I can't wait now you can come to Hogwarts and you can live at the house with us I'm so happy I miss you so much I'm sorry for treating you badly.

It was amusing to see you wallow in your guilt," Hadrian replied evenly, "even if it is fake. You should consider being an actress Rose. I was almost convinced." Both James and Lily looked at the boy hopefully. Fleur felt a stab of pity for them, even if she didn't fully understand the situation. Her bodyguard closed his eyes, his face turned peaceful, and for a moment, the half-Veela thought he was going to forgive them. And then the eyes snapped open, and within them, the rage continued to burn.

all three Potters recoiled, as though physically struck. They didn't get the chance to reply. The door to the Champion's Room opened again, slowly this time, and Fleur turned to see Albus Dumbledore striding in. The Headmaster had looked delighted when he was calling names from the goblet. Now, he just looked old. Following him came the half-Veela's own headmistress, who had to stoop to get in. Madam Maxime nodded sadly to her before turning her attention to the boy. Behind the tall woman, a host of faces angled in, professors and officials of the tournament, all wearing the same stunned looks.

Fleur wanted to curse them all. They were staring at her bodyguard like he was some exhibition, some sort of weird, unusual thing up for display.

"Simply marvelous!" everyone turned to stare at the portly figure of Ludo Bagman, "Simply magnificent!" the former quidditch player exclaimed, "To think, that the Goblet of Fire would pick not three, but five champions! The very idea is astounding!" the man beamed a bright happy smile, completely out of place among the room full of serious stares, "Oh the Prophet will just eat this up! The girl who lived and her long lost twin brother, driven from his family by grief and despair, hidden among the public to bide his time, now revealed by the goblet for all to see. It reminds me of the time I played with the Wasps in my beginning season!"

Fleur wondered for a moment if the man was an idiot."Ludo. I believe now is not the time for your talking a pale looking man with a thin mustache said sternly. He looked like a born politician, a hard-faced one who would refuse to budge on any issue. Someone Sebastian would have loved to deal with, "We have a very serious matter on our hands."

"Now, now Barty," Bagman spoke airily, "Brighten up a little eh? Today should be a day of celebration! The wayward son has finally come back to Magical Britain's Number One Family! The press will have a riot!" the man turned to Hadrian, not at all fazed by the glare he was being given, "Harry, was it? Do you play quidditch? Rose is a fine seeker for the Gryffindor team! Perhaps you'll become rivals eh? Find your siblings love while up in the air with a broom between your legs! It's the stuff of legends I say! Why, it reminds me of the time I met this Swedish fellow while playing at the World's Cup! It was-"

"Ludo," Dumbledore said mildly, "Perhaps it would be best for you to remain silent at the moment."

man choked down the words he was about to utter. Fleur marveled at the sway the seemingly weak and frail headmaster of Hogwarts still held over Britain's magical population. He was a well-known wizard in France, Germany, and maybe even the rest of the world, but here, in his homeland, it seemed that whatever Albus Dumbledore said was taken to be gospel. The quarter-Veela didn't know if that was good or bad.

"Y-Yes," Bagman stammered, "Of course Albus."

The aged wizard turned to her bodyguard, and gesture to the sand wall

"Is this really necessary, Harry?"

The boy gazed back evenly.

"That would depend, Headmaster," he inclined his head towards the Potters, "Will you keep them away from me?"

Lily made a noise that sounded like a mixture of a gasp and a whimper. The Potter men just looked stricken.

Dumbledore sighed.

"If that is what it will take."Dumbledore said on the inside his mind was racing with the Potter air back things could go bad.

Hadrian nodded. A wave of his hand and the barrier disappeared with one final, threatening hiss. Lily immediately broke free from her husband's hug and made to run for the boy.

"Lily."

The woman halted in her tracks and turned tearfully to the old headmaster.

But Albus…"

"Please."

The Muggles Studies professor shoulders drooped, and she despondently made her way back into her husband's embrace.

"A wandless Earth elemental wall," the man called Barty spoke up, "Silently casted too. That's an impressive work of magic, boy."

Fleur inwardly scoffed. Wait until you see him in a duel."Thank you," her bodyguard replied politely, and turned back to staring at Dumbledore.

"Harry," the old headmaster began, "I'm truly sorry that this has happened…"

"Did you put my name into the cup, Dumbledore?"

Fleur gasped. The boy's audacity shocked her. He was fourteen years old, barely a teen, and he had the gall to speak so crudely, so bluntly to a renowned and powerful wizard as Albus Dumbledore. Judging from the expressions of those around her, the half-Veela could see they were equally as"How dare you!" a man with a hooked nose and greasy black hair was the first to break the silence. Snape. Fleur frowned. She didn't like how the potions professor taught, and the way he would browbeat those students not naturally talented at the subject irked her to no end, "The Headmaster has no need to answer anything you ask!"

"Severus," Dumbledore said in the same tone he had used with Lily.

"Headmaster! Just because he is a Potter spawn doesn't mean you have to bend backwards to accommodate-"

"Severus. Please."

'Snape growled out something inaudible, but remained silent. The half-Veela noted that both James and Rose were glaring at the professor with something very close to hatred. It seemed that there was bad blood between them.

Dumbledore turned back to the boy,

"I did not put your name into the cup, Harry."Both wizards, young and old, locked gazes for a moment.

We'll see," her bodyguard said after a while, and broke the connection.

""Well?" a new voice broke in, "Aren't you going to ask them how he got into the tournament?" Karkaroff's face looked like a wolf that had just found a lost lamb, "The boy must have wormed in somehow."

"There Potter,s" Snape spat, "No doubt he just wanted the fame and glory."

Had Fleur been a full Veela, she was sure she would have turned into an avian and started hurling fireballs at the two men. And even if she had not, then it looked like James and Rose would have done something in her place. The Gryffindor's face had grown red with anger, while her father was now in turn being restrained by Lily as he tried to get at Snape.

"There is no need for that Igor," Dumbledore said serenely, "Because I do not believe Harry or Rose put there names into the cup."

"What!" Karkaroff snapped his head in the headmaster's direction, "You cannot be serious, Dumbledore! How else would these children be named as a champion? He must have cheated the goblet somehow!"

"Igor…"

"This was supposed to be a tournament of goodwill among our schools! But what happens as soon as the goblet is lit? Beauxbatons and Hogwarts receives two champions! Where is the sense of goodwill in that, Dumbledore? When two schools gets more champions than the other!"

"Headmaster Karkaroff," Madam Maxime's regal voice interrupted, "Hadrian and young Rose are under the age limit zat Dumbley-door has set up. Zis you must admit. He could not have entered ze tournament by himself."

"It does not matter how there names were pulled from the cup," Karkaroff replied glibly, "The fact remains that somehow Beauxbatons and Hogwarts have gotten two champions. It is not exactly reasonable for one school to have the same number of champions as the other two combined. Something must be done in the spirit of fairness."

At this, Maxime fell silent and regarded Hadrian with a pensive look.

"What do you suggest, Igor?" Dumbledore asked.

"Relight the goblet," the Durmstrang headmaster had developed a superior, smug air, and Fleur found herself disliking the man immensely, "That is the best way. If the other schools can have two champions, than Durmstrang deserves two as well."

Impossible," Barty frowned slightly as he spoke, "The Goblet of Fire cannot be relit until the next tournament begins."

"Indeed," Dumbledore added in, "As Mr. Crouch has said, as long as this tournament is in progress, the goblet will remain unlit until another one is begun."

"Then light it forcibly!" Karkaroff scoffed, "I don't care how you do it! As long as it's done so the schools can have the same number of champions!"

"I've always thought you were a cowardly fool, Karkaroff," a man with a patchwork of scars across his face said nastily. Alastor Moody, Fleur realized. Defense of the Dark Arts teacher. The scarred former auror directed his stare at the Durmstrang headmaster, but his magical eye remained riveted on the impassive form of Hadrian "what, with you joining the Death Eaters. But you still sometimes manage to surprise me with your idiocy," Moody grinned as Karkaroff flinched under his gaze, "The Goblet of Fire cannot be lighted. If you want to force it to light, you're welcome to try. You'll just kill your own champion in the process."

"What?" Karkaroff sputtered.

"The Goblet of Fire is backed by ancient magic," Moody growled, "Once it produces your name, you have to compete. If you somehow find a way to force it to light, it will assume another tournament has begun."

"So what?" the Durmstrang teacher sneered back, "Let another tournament begin then-"

"If another tournament begins, then the goblet will deem the contracts of the original champions to be violated, since they haven't competed in any tasks," Moody spat and Karkaroff's mouth snapped shut, "And in case you were living in a hole for the past few weeks, that means they'll lose their magic," the grizzled auror bared his teeth into another terrifying grin, "I heard it's a real painful way to go. Losing your magic that is."

Fleur nodded stoically to herself. She had been warned of this by Madam Maxime, as had all the Beauxbatons students. It was the one bad thing that marred the tournament. Losing your magic if you backed out. The half-Veela did not think it would affect her. She had no reason to forfeit, after all. The other two champions, Viktor and Cedric, looked equally as stoic; no doubt they too had been warned by their respective headmasters.

"I don't like this, Albus," Moody turned to Dumbledore, "Only a powerful Confundus Charm could've made the goblet spit out a fourth name."

"A theory I agree with," the old wizard sighed, "Though the motive I do not know."

Does it matter?" every head turned to Bayard, who had remained silent while the officials talked, "Their motive?""What do you mean Harry?" Dumbledore blinked in surprise, "You don't want to know why your name was put into the goblet?"

"Motive means nothing to me," her bodyguard returned, "Because when I find whoever put my name into the cup, I will kill them

Fleur told herself the immense chill that she suddenly felt along her Spain was due to the temperature in the room, and not from the boy's words. Moody let out a harsh bark of laughter.

"Big words for a child," the auror turned professor grinned, "You've got guts, lad, but don't think that'll save you on the battlefield. I reckon you'll be puking your guts out after your first fight."

Hadrian stared levelly back with his sharingan activated and the grizzled man's grin faltered a bit."Alastor Moody," the boy said slowly, pronouncing every syllable deliberately, "I know you. Britain's most renowned auror. Filled half the cells of Azkaban with Death Eaters. Killed men with Unforgiveables when they resisted. You have seen Death. Some might even say you have lived with it," the rage that had once burned like a violent fire in those crimson orbs was now colder than a rampaging snowstorm, "But I wonder, is there more to the rumors? Have you really seen Death, Moody? Do you see it in the eyes of the man you are about to kill? Have you seen it embrace the dying in its welcoming arms? The look on its face when blood and fire consumes all?" the boy smiled, "Do you really know Death, Alastor Moody?"because if you ever call me a Potter again I'll show you deathThe ex-auror had stopped grinning. The silence that stretched out for a long moment was made more pronounced by the horrified gazes being directed towards the boy.

"You're insane," the unwelcome voice of Karkaroff broke in, "What sort of madness are you talking about? Death? Blood? Fire? Insanity," the haggard looking man began to laugh. It sounded shrill and afraid to Fleur's ears, "The second Beauxbatons champion is a lunatic."

Both the half-Veela and her headmistress growled at that. Maxime looked ready to scold her Durmstrang counterpart when Hadrian spoke again.

Karkaroff. Do us all a favor," the boy said mildly, "Shut the fuck up before I kill you .

Fleur gasped again. Her headmistress looked equally as shocked at this blatant show of disrespect. Dumbledore did not seem happy that Harry was willing to threaten to kill people. Snape's gaze had turned from venomous to measuring, and Krum, the person who should be most insulted at her bodyguard's statements was… smiling? The Durmstrang Champion looked openly amused and was staring at Bayard with something very close to respect.

"You… You dare…" Karkaroff's face was white with rage.

Hadrian merely leveled a glare at the man. The half-Veela shivered. She knew that glare. It was the type important men used on lesser men. The type that stopped inferior men in their tracks and sent them into a quivering wreck. She had seen her father use it on his political opponents and had seen them wilt under the stern gaze. The one Hadrian was using was a magnitude more terrifying only enhanced by his glowing sharingan

Karkaroff's protests died into a faint, rasping gurgle. The boy smiled.

"Thank you," he said disarmingly and turned back to Dumbledore, "I am going to assume you wish to see me in your office. To explain to them?"

The aged wizard nodded.

Again, the two wizards locked gazes. This time, it was Dumbledore that looked away.

"So be it," Hadrian said softly.

"Thank you, Harry," Dumbledore said before turning to the rest of the room, "I do believe it is getting very late. It has been a day of excitement for us all, and I think it would be a good idea for our new champions to rest. I am sure their friends wish to congratulate them on their achievements."

excellent idea, Albus," Professor McGonagall sounded rather hours "Mr. Diggory?"

The Hogwarts champion nodded numbly, looking shell-shocked. As he walked towards the door, Cedric gave her bodyguard a suspicious look, which earned him a glare from Fleur in return.

"Viktor," Karkaroff tried his best to look superior. It was a rather pitiful attempt, as the man refused to look Hadrian in the eye, "We are leaving."

Krum's smile disappeared, replaced by his usual scowl. He strode past the boy, stopped, and turned.

"Viktor…" Krum ignored his headmaster's warning.

"You vill be good opponent," the quidditch star jabbed a finger in her bodyguard's direction, "I look forward to see you perform the tasks."

Hadrian inclined his head slightly at this gesture of respect.

Krum flashed him a competitive grin and then stomped for the doorway. The tournament officials and professors did too, muttering amongst themselves. Very soon, all that was left was Fleur, her headmistress, Dumbledore, the Potters, and McGonagall. And of course, Hadrian.

"Miss Delacour?" Madam Maxime raised a single eyebrow.

The half-Veela gazed back, and hoped her headmistress would understand. She apparently did. The giant woman nodded stiffly and then bent her head to exit the room.

"I will see you shortly, Harry," Dumbledore said solemnly when Madam Maxime left.

Her bodyguard ignored him and directed another hostile glare at the Potters. They all looked away in shame.

"Albus…" Lily whispered.

"You will get your explanation in time, Lily," the old wizard returned, and walked for the door. The Potters followed hesitantly, and cast longing glances back into the room before they disappeared completely through the doorway. And then, it was just Fleur and the boy.

The two stood in awkward silence for a while.

"So it is now Harry is it?" she said in French.

It's Hadrian Hadrian Uchiha I gave up on the Potter family years ago" the boy replied smoothly.

The half-Veela frowned

" Fleur stared at her bodyguard hopefully, "But I know one thing," she swallowed, "I want to know.""You… want to know?" Hadrian repeated, looking mildly surprised.

"Yes. I do."

"And why do you want to know, Miss Delacour?"

"I just do," it was a lame reason, and Fleur knew it. The boy merely cocked an eyebrow.

"You do understand that if you were to know, your perceptions of me might change."

"Yes. But it won't. My perception of you won't change."

Why not?"

Fleur matched her bodyguard's stare evenly.

"Because some feelings never change.

Why are they here?" were the first words Harry Potter uttered when he entered the Headmaster's office.

Dumbledore's eyes flickered towards the other figures in the room besides the Potters. Moody, Snape, Minerva. Sirius appeared unusually solemn, and had placed a firm hand over James's shoulder. Flitwick looked excited and was squeaking something into Sprout's ear who was looking lost and to the old wizard's mild surprise, angry.

"For the very same reason Miss Delacour is here, I assume."

The Beauxbatons witch flushed slightly at the attention, and despite the situation, Albus smiled slightly. If only this was under different circumstances.

"Fair enough," was the simple response.

Hadrian stalked to a halt, face a mask of calm ease.

"I see that my dear sister has declined to participate in this affair," the emerald eyes settled unblinkingly over James and Lily. It was Lily that answered.

"We… We didn't want Rose to hear this…"

"I am not surprised," the boy drawled, "The two of you have always kept her from the slightest of dangers. I have always wondered just how far you are willing to go to spoil him."

"We haven't spoiled her!" James looked momentarily flustered. Then, his eyes met Harry's, and the auror captain deflated like a balloon, "We haven't spoiled her for a long time," he whispered.

"Only when I was there, I see," Harry smiled. All the adult in the room except Moody shifted uncomfortably.

"Have… Have you been well, Harry?"

Seriously let's get this out of the way don't call me Harry my name is Hadrian Uchiha

Lily blinked in surprise.

"Why did you change your name?

I changed it because I had no desire to be a Potter anymore'" Lily stared down in embarrassment and sadness. Harry grinned ferally. "Very well. I will answer your question. I have been well, Lily," the grin disappeared, "No thanks to you."

Lily stifled a sob.

"Harry," James began hesitantly, "You shouldn't speak to her that way. She's your mother."

One I don't have mother" two my name is Hadrian" the boy returned without a shred of doubt, "I have no father. I have no sister"

James's face contorted into a grimace of anguish. Sirius's grip on his shoulder became painfully tight. Dumbledore sighed sadly.

"Perhaps, Harry, an explanation is in order?

Harry smiled coldly.

"Is this going to be another interrogation, Headmaster?"

Now, it was Sirius's turn to look pained.

"No, of course not," Albus amended, "But still, there is a story to be told, and I think we would all like to hear it. It is up to you, Harry. Perhaps start from the beginning?"

Harry merely stared back.Albus was about to say something when Lily interrupted.

"Please, Harry. Tell me why you left."

The boy regarded his mother for a moment

I believe I told you my name is hadrian" and I think you already know the answer to that question."

"I do…" Lily was trying hard not to cry, and was biting her lip to do so, "I do. But I need to hear it from you."

"If that is what you wish," Harry smiled but his eyes darkened, "I left because I hated you, all

The woman staggered back as though struck, and it was only because of James's intervention that she did not fall to the floor.

"You don't mean that!" the auror's voice was panicked as he held his wife, "Tell me you don't mean that!""I meant every word, James. . I hate you. I hate your wife. And I hate Rose."

Both Flitwick and Sprout stifled gasps. McGonagall was looking grim. Moody continued to scowl. Sirius was clenching his fists now that James had moved to support Lily. And Snape. Dumbledore frowned. Snape looked confused. . All these responses failed to match Lily's however ,the Muggles Studies professor burst into tears.

"Why?" James breathed as he stared wide-eyed at his son

Why? Harry continued to smile, "You, more than any other, should know the reason why. You praised Rose for everything he did, no matter how small it was. No matter how insignificant the task, it was always 'great job Rose' or 'you make me proud Rose. Rose could have walked down the stairs and you would praise her as though she won an Order of Merlin. I wonder James, did you ever think that perhaps Rose was not your only child? That perhaps, you had another, sitting in the shadows, hoping to be acknowledged? That just a single word, a single look even, would mean the world to him?", "But you didn't. You could spend hours on end talking about quidditch with Rose, but you couldn't spare a single glance for Harry. Well, you've had your chance. That boy waiting in the shadows is gone now. Dead now .

The auror captain looked sick to his core. Beside him, Lily stopped crying when Hadrian's eyes found her."And you, Lily," the boy's face was still locked into a smiling mask, "The supposedly perfect mother. Everyone called you that. And I agree. You were the perfect mother. To Rose. But not to me. . You doted on her while I watched. You cared for her while I stared from the shadows. You hugged and coddled her every chance you got while I sat alone. . Whenever Rose was in your sight. They disgusted me. Do you know why Lily?" the woman shook her head numbly, "Because I knew that you would never look at me the same way. They sickened me because no matter what I did, I would never be equal to the great Rose in your eyes. If you had taken a single moment to look away, perhaps you would have discovered a lonely boy looking back at you, waiting for just a single sign of acknowledgement. And perhaps things would have been different. But I doubt it. I really do. Now, it no longer matters. The boy who longed for your attention is dead. Instead of him, I am here, and I can tell you without a doubt he won't ever be coming back."

LILLY whimpered

"Harry…" she whispered beseechingly and stretched out a trembling hand towards the boy.

Harry stared at the hand as though it was something revolting.

"I am not the boy you think you know."

Lily's arm fell limply to her side. She looked almost catatonic.

"Please, Harry, don't hurt them anymore."

The boy's gaze turned slowly to the speaker. Sirius flinched but did not look away.

"Sirius," Harry pronounced the name slowly, "You and Remus were perhaps the only ones besides the Headmaster to treat me as I ought to have been treated. For that, I hold you in the highest of regard. But your assertion disappoints me. Their pain is nothing but a dull ache compared to what I have gone through. I am not surprised, though. You are friends with them, and so you feel you must defend them. Your loyalty is praiseworthy. Your blindness, however, is not.""I'm not blind to what they did!" Sirius protested, "I stayed away them for a long time, Harry! But no matter what, they're still my friends! I've forgiven them-" the man suddenly looked ill.

"And I have not," Harry returned smoothly, and Dumbledore marveled at how quickly the boy had backed the auror into a corner, "Is there anything else, Sirius?"

The man looked down and did not reply. Albus sighed again before speaking.

"Harry, Shirley like to go back to your family Dumbledore said

The black eyes swiveled from Sirius to stare at Dumbledore instead.

"I decided to leave. I intend never to go back."

Dumbledore's eyebrows quirked upwards. And looked concerned.

The boy looked at his captivated audience. He smiled ruthlessly.I left and I trained myself to the best of my abilities and now I'm one of the strongest merks out there.McGonagall gasped. Sirius made a faint growling noise in his throat. Dumbledore felt his cheeks grow red in anger.Both Potters were in a mess. Their shoulders were slumped. Their heads hung low. They wore looks of utter dejection, looks of people who had lost all hope. Dumbledore began thinking of ways to benefit him or turn around the situation.

"What happened next, Harry?" the old wizard asked.

"My name is Hadrian and if you call me Harry again I'm going to hurt you. To answer your question I left," the boy saw the disbelieving stares he was being given and smiled back in return, "Yes. I left that house with nothing but the clothes on my back."

"How did you survive?" Sirius breathed. "I almost didn't," Harry replied and said nothing more.

"You're not going to tell us? "The boy regarded him coolly.

"I only agreed to explain why I left. What happened after is not part of the bargain."

Clever boy," Moody spoke for the first time, "Not telling us the important parts eh? How do we know you didn't do something dangerous when you were gone? You could've learned some Dark Arts and come back looking for revenge. How do we know we can trust you?"

"Alastor," Dumbledore scolded, "Now is not the time-"

"No, Dumbledore," Harry held out a hand for silence, "He's right. The twin brother to the Girl-Who-Lived magically appears when his name comes out of the Goblet of Fire. The very idea is outlandish. Impossible, even. He has every right to be suspicious. How can you trust me? After all, I just said I hated them," the boy gestured to the Potters, "The answer to your question, Moody, is that you can't. You can't trust me.

"That's right lad!" Moody barked, "Your words are meaningless. Show me your deeds instead and I'll be satisfied," the Defense of the Dark Arts teacher turned to Dumbledore, "Albus, if we can use Veritaserum on him-"

"No!" everyone turned to James, who was directing an angry glare towards Moody, "You can't use that on my son! I won't let you use that on my son!"

"The boy could very well be a murderer, Albus! We can't take that chance!" "A murderer?" Harry sounded amused, "Is that what you think of me? I am curious. If I am a murderer, what does that make you, Alastor Moody? A murderer as well?"

"I am no murderer!" Moody spat.

Of coure not," the boy returned smoothly, "My mistake. You only kill people who try to defend themselves."

"You take that back!"

"No, I don't think I will," Harry's voice turned cold in an instant and when he took a step towards Moody, the man stepped back, unease across his scarred face, "You see, Moody. I am unlike the others. I am different from them. Murderers give into their hate. Killers allow their hate to rule them. I am neither. My hate is my weapon it gives me strength I use it I don't let it use me. Whereas others might bow to their emotions, I will won't bow. I am in control here, ," the boy grinned, "And besides, if I really wanted revenge, none of you would be able to stop me."Hadrian said his sharingan flaring.

Harry turned slowly to Dumbledore as the rest of the room stood in stunned silence.

"Are we done here, Headmaster?"

Albus sighed.

"Yes. I daresay we are, Hadrian."

"Then I believe this affair has been concluded."

The boy spun on his heel and headed for the door. Lily gave a small gasp and tore free from James's arms.

"Wait, Harry! We… We love you!"

The boy stopped dead in his tracks. Hadrian reads his hand and shot a pulse of wind magic at Lily making her hit the wall

"Six years ago, and I would have done anything to hear those words. Now…" Harry turned towards them, his face an emotionless mask, you disgusts me."

And then he strode through the door.

Fleur walked quietly alongside her bodyguard as they navigated through the twists and turns that were Hogwarts' corridors. The silence between them was strained and heavy, and the half-Veela was desperately wracking her brain for a way to break the suffocating stillness. Hadrian did it for her.

"If you are not at the training session tomorrow, I will understand."

Fleur was so stunned by her bodyguard's words that she momentarily ground to a halt. The boy continued on for a few steps before noticing, and turned back, an expression of puzzlement on his face.

"Miss Delacour?"

She closed the gap in a second and stood in front of him, her Veela aura radiating with anger.

"What did you say to me?" she hissed.

Most men would have been terrified of an enraged Veela bearing down on them. Hadrian didn't even flinch.

"I said, Miss Delacour, that if you are not at the training session tomorrow, I will understand."

She wanted to slap him.

And you think I will do that to you? Just abandon you because of what I heard today?"

The boy smiled charmingly at her. For the first time since meeting him, Fleur noticed how fake it looked.

"Most women would."

The half-Veela felt her sudden anger dissipate. Washed away and replaced by grim determination.

"I am not most women, Mister Uchiha."

The boy's lips twitched at her play of words. Fleur was sure it had been the beginning of a real smile, and not a fake one like he was currently wearing.

"Things will be different," he said simply.

"They will be. I will have to call you Harry from now on instead of Hadrian."

She smiled when her bodyguard gave her an exasperated look.

That was not what I meant. Things are going to be different between you and me. You know my history now, and even if you deny it, I know it has changed your perception of me." also call me Hadrian

"Yes," Fleur said gently, "You told me that same story back at Beauxbatons. I didn't believe it then. I thought it was a lie."

"All lies have some form of truth to them, Miss Delacour," the boy replied sternly, "Mine just happened to be more of the latter than the former."

"Still, you are wrong," the half-Veela watched her bodyguard closely, "About me thinking differently. You are still the same in my eyes."

Hadrian gave her another fake smile.

"I know you are trying to cheer me up, Miss Delacour, and I appreciate the effort. But-"

Are you the same boy that saved me from those bounty hunters?" Fleur continued on.

"I am .

Are you the same boy that has been teaching me how to defend myself each and every morning?"

Miss Delacour-"

"Then nothing has changed," she replied quietly.

The boy looked at her, stared at her in a measuring way, and Fleur welcomed it. There will be differences," he repeated. "Not in the way I think of you,"

"And what do you think of me?" her bodyguard challenged.

"Do you really want to know?"

"Yes."

Fleur placed a hand firmly on both his cheeks. Hadrian blinked in surprise. He was about to say something when Fleur dragged him in close, and kissed him long and hard. If Fleur had a word to describe it, it would be passionate. She could taste him, savor him, and in return he could feel the heavy arousal that was her allure. Their lips pressed against one another for what seemed like an eternity. And then she broke it, panting slightly, face a brilliant shade of crimson. Her bodyguard looked stunned, truly, honestly stunned, and the half-Veela caught a glimpse of the boy that lay hidden behind the mask.

Fleur smiled softly. That is what I think of you, Harry James Potter." Or should I say Hadrian Uchiha

Morning did not bring the training Fleur had expected. Instead of hours of spellwork and duels Last night…" he paused, and fell silent. Fleur did not blame him. Her impulsive side had acted before her brain could rein it in, and she had kissed him as a result. It had been an embarrassing moment for her, especially when the boy made no more attempts at conversation for the remainder of the night. To say that the walk to the carriage had been awkward was putting it lightly. Still, she did not regret what she did, and had Fate given her another chance, she would have done exactly the same thing, albeit a bit more passionately, "Last night was interesting."

Fleur smiled slightly.

"But it was also a moment of weakness. For the both of us."

Her smile waned.

"What do you mean?" she asked in French.

"I mean that yesterday shouldn't have happened," he saw her hurt look and hastily corrected himself, "Not that I'm complaining… Look… I'm not very good at returning these emotions. It's just that I don't think things would have happened the way they happened if the goblet didn't choose my name. And I think it would be the best if we pretended they didn't happen."

"You don't understand," she said to him, blushing slightly, "It wouldn't have mattered if you were chosen as champion or not," she swallowed, "I like you."

The boy sighed."I know, Miss Delacour."

That shocked her. But more than that, it puzzled her.

"If you know, why are you trying to dissuade me?"

"I don't care for you like the way you think I care for you. I am trying to dissuade you because I do not want to hurt you."

"The fact that you are trying just means that you do care for me," she returned.

"The contract," the boy replied, "It is because of the contract. I care because of the contract."

"I don't believe you," Fleur said firmly.

"What will it take for you to believe me?"

"Say it. Look me in the eyes and say it."

The boy's eyes locked into her own. Fleur stared back, refusing to budge a single inch.

"I care for you, Miss Delacour, only because of the contract. I am here for the gold, and that is the only reason. When the year ends, I will be gone, and you will never see me again."

At the very last word, her bodyguard's eyes flickered slightly away. It was a sign of uncertainty, hidden well behind the emerald orbs. To the half-Veela, it was enough. Fleur smiled triumphantly back.

"Liar."

"I tried. I tried to save you from the pain, but if you wish to take this path, then I will not stop you."

One of his hands clenched into a fist. And then it relaxed, fingers splaying out again. Fleur could see red marks in the palm, where the fingernails had dug deep.

"What you ask of me, Miss Delacour, I cannot give," her bodyguard began.

"You will not give up," the half-Veela corrected.

No. I cannot give," the boy smiled thinly at her confused expression, "You do not understand. I don't expect you to understand. Hate is the only thing I can feel with any certainty. More than that, Hate and rage is what defines me. It's what gives me purpose, and without it, I am lost., Miss Delacour, and to part with it is to part with a piece of my soul."

Her bodyguard was right. She didn't understand, but that did not deter her one bit.

"You do not have to give up your rage, Harry. But you can feel other things as well. I will teach you. "You will teach me?" Harry sounded incredulous, "How will you teach me?"

The half-Veela blushed and looked down. It was obvious to anyone that she had not thought that one through.

Give up, Miss Delacour. It is a fool's hope."

Fleur snapped her head back in the boy's direction.

"You would have me forget everything, Hadrian?" she growled angrily, "Forget that you saved me back in that forest? Ignore you for the rest of the year?"

"If that is what it takes," her bodyguard said casually.

"No. I won't do that," Fleur glared fiercely at the boy, "I will never do something like that."

Her bodyguard fell silent, and took the time to regard her closely. The black pupils bore into her, and she fought the urge to look away. The smile came back, though it was bitter.

"What you are asking of me," the boy said slowly, "is impossible. You want me to open up to you but know that is something I have never done before. You want me to give affection to you, to like you back, but understand that what little affection I knew before I ran away I have almost completely forgotten. These are not lies, Miss Delacour. I have been deprived of these things long ago, and I am not sure I can gain them back. I'm not sure if I even want them back."

"I know," Fleur answered softly, "But I still want to try."

"Why do you still want to try?"

It was a good question. And she had an equally good answer. She just hoped it would be enough to convince the boy she liked. "Because I know that you're in there, Hadrian. The real you. Behind the walls that you've built around yourself. I know why you've built them. I can even sympathize. But staying behind those walls won't solve anything. I'll drag you out, kicking and screaming if I have to . Hadrian turned to look at her. He wasn't smiling anymore And what if there is nothing hidden behind those walls? What if you finally batter them down, and discover that there was nothing there in the first place? What would you do then?"

Fleur opened her mouth for a rebuttal. The boy held out a hand to silence her.

"There is a very good chance, Miss Delacour, that despite your best attempts, your efforts will be in vain. There is a very good chance that despite whatever you have done, through the sweat and blood and tears you have shed, that there will be nothing to reward you at the finish. This path you wish to take is admirable, and I thank you for trying. But you must know that at the end, when things matter most, there is a possibility that the dreams you held dear for so long to your heart will be proven to be naught but hollow ashes," the boy closed his eyes and paused. When he opened them again the smile was back on his face, "There is a chance, Miss Delacour, that there will be no happy ending to this story."

Fleur nodded and accepted the words. It was a terrifying thought, what her bodyguard had just said. For what Veela wanted above all else from their mates was affection. To hold and be held in turn. To love and be loved. The fact that the boy couldn't do these things would have driven full-blooded Veela away, immune to the allure or not. But Fleur wasn't a full-blooded Veela, and though her magical side shied away from committing to him, her human side did not.

"Well…" Fleur blushed again, "Well, I'll just have to try my hardest, won't I? To reach that happy ending."

The boy stared at her. Then the corners of his smile twitched slightly.

"You are perhaps the most stubborn client I have ever had to deal with," he said, a trace of amusement lingering across his face, "I don't know if that's good or not.

"I think," she replied, "it is a good thing for the both of us."

The amusement faded. He looked serious once more Harry… does that mean…"

Harry shifted uncomfortably. He averted his face, but Fleur was sure she caught a tinge of embarrassment crossing the boy's cheek.

"Don't get me wrong, Miss Delacour. I still think what you are trying to do will amount to nothing. I'm just preventing you from hounding me in the future."

Fleur hid her smile behind her hand. Inwardly, her heart sang with joy.

"Well, if that is the case, are you prepared for your first lesson?"

Her bodyguard turned to look at her.

"What lesson?"

"I'm going to teach you, remember? How to feel other emotions."

"So now the teacher has become the student?" Hadrian chuckled, "Very well. If you think it will work. What's the first lesson, Miss Delacour?"

The half-Veela withdrew her hand so her bodyguard could see her smile.

"Your first lesson," she said, "is to start calling me Fleur."

The boy smiled back. This time, it didn't look fake.

"I think I can do that."

as I leave the Great Hall for the restroom 3 of them block my path. 3 boys dressed in Slytherin robes. One is the obvious ringleader. I can tell from his posture. The way he wears his pride around him like a cloak. The way he stands there, head held high and features schooled into an expression of aloof scorn. Behind him are two other boys, though they look more like to trolls. Lackeys, no doubt.

I think they are trying to threaten me. I can't tell because they are doing a shitty job of it.

"So you're the fifth champion," the leader sneers, "You're not much to look at."

"I should hope not," my reply is automatic, because I don't swing that way.

The boy's face turns a brilliant shade of red."W-Watch what you say to me! I'm Draco Malfoy!"

"Never heard of you."

The boy's face turns even redder."The Malfoys are an ancient and noble family-" he begins no doubt what is going to be a long and boring rant.

"I don't care."Draco sputters in midsentence."You don't care?" the boy's expression is almost comical, "You should care! We're the most powerful family in magical Britain!" Draco's eyes narrows, "But then again you're a Potter," his face turns haughty, "It's a shame really. The Potters were a pureblooded family of the highest esteem. Until your father married a mudblood."

He expects me to be angry. I am not.

"Yes," I say back, "My father married a woman born to non-magical parents. What is your point?"Draco stares at me as though I've grown two heads.

"Your father married a mudblood," the boy deliberately emphasizes the last word. He stares again when I smile.

"You make a very dull conservationist, Malfoy, with your knack of stating the obvious."

Behind him, the two trolls crack their knuckles threateningly. I nearly break out laughing. This is what they think will intimidate me? Overweight grade school bullies who have yet to see the spill of blood? I would not have believed it were it not the fact that these two look dead serious. One of them is even trying to stand taller, believing height alone will be enough to scare me.

Watch your tone with me," Draco has adopted an arrogant expression, as though if the two fools behind him are actually capable of saving him, "I am your superior. My blood is purer than yours."

"If that is what you think," I say, voice still polite, even though on the inside I am laughing my ass off, "Now if you will excuse me, I have better things to do."

I attempt to move past them. The Slytherins mirror my movement, and once more I find them obstructing my path.

"I'm not done with you," Draco growls in what he no doubt thinks is a menacing tone.

I smile.

"You have made a mistake, Malfoy. You, in your ignorance, in your stupidity, are trying to prevent me from reaching my objective. That was a mistake, Malfoy and the only reason why I have not hurt you is because you are still child. I will allow you two more mistakes before I am forced to hurt you .

"Shut up!" the boy snarls, "You're just a lowly half-blood! I don't know what that Veela sees in you! I am much better! I'm richer, better-looking. You're just a no-good, dirty cheater! I'll make her see the truth! I'll take her away from you!"

Suddenly things aren't so funny anymore.

Malfoy takes my scowl to be a scowl of someone who has had the truth dragged from him. He sneers victoriously.You cheated your way into the tournament! It's obvious to everyone here! And once she finds out, she'll ditch you and come to me! I have the wealth! My father is the richest wizard in Britain! I have the looks too! She'll come running to me!"

"Fleur," I say truthfully, "is not that type of woman."

"And you would know!" the boy growls out, "I bet she just opened her legs to you just for practice!"

My jealousy fades. The smile comes back.

"You have made your second mistake, Malfoy. You may insult me all you want. You may even throw swear words on my family and my ancestors. But to insult the one I am to protect… that I will not abide. One more mistake, Malfoy. I will allow you one more mistake."

My words seem to anger him even more.

You have no right to speak to me like that! You're lower than me! You are nothing!" the boy rants, "I don't know why she wants a nothing like you, but I'll make her see that you are nothing! I'll make everyone see you're nothing! Goyle!" he snaps with a leer, show Potter his place.

One of the trolls charges for me, his idiotic . At three steps away he launches a heavy-handed blow towards my face .I catch the fist in my palm. The boy's eyes widen in surprise.

"This," I say, "was your third mistake, Malfoy."

And then I squeeze. The sound of bones cracking follows. Goyle screams in pain. I squeeze harder. I feel a jolt as my magic travels in my blood, surging into my hand . Raw, power is what leaks from my fingertips. The boy's screams turn into a high-pitched squeal. No longer am I breaking his bones."Goyle!" the second boy roars out and runs forward to take a swing at me.

I release the boy. Goyle is still squealing, clutching at the mangled hand. He will have to have the school nurse regrow all the bones. I hear the process is most painful. A pity. I was hoping to permanently cripple him.

Crabbe's fist rushes for my face. I tilt my head slightly, so the punch flies past. My head. The brute gives a muffled exclamation of surprise. His fist connects with nothing but empty air, and I am already behind him.I smash him to the ground with a kick to the back of his leg, forcing his knees to collide against the hard floor. Another pair of cracking sounds. Broken kneecaps. Not a good way to start the morning. One of my hands plants itself firmly on his shoulder breaking the arm that was throwing the punch.

The boy looks down at his ruined arm, dangling listlessly like dead rubber, and begins wailing. Madam Promfrey will have to be especially careful with this one. Connecting an arm bone back into its socket is a meticulous and painful affair, even with the aid of magic. Not to mention his shattered knees.

Both boys are screaming now,

Goyle has sunk to his knees as well, tears of pain running down his cheeks as he cradles his mangled hand. I splay my fingers and grab his hair. I do the same to Crabbe. I smash their heads together. Knocking them out. I drop them with a dull thud.

I turn to Malfoy and notice his wand is pointing to me. His hand trembles he looks like he's going to piss himself at any moment. He is in the middle of his incantation.I move forward. A lifetime of battling has taught me how to use my speed. My hand catches Malfoy's throat before he can utter the last syllable and begin to choke him. Whatever curse he was aiming at me fizzles at the tip of his wand and dies. The boy's eyes bulge outwards. Fear dances in his eyes. As he desperately tries to breathe.

You have no right to speak to me like that! You're lower than me! You are nothing!" the boy rants, "I don't know why she wants a nothing like you, but I'll make her see that you are nothing! I'll make everyone see you're nothing! Goyle!" he snaps with a leer, show Potter his place.

One of the trolls charges for me, his idiotic . At three steps away he launches a heavy-handed blow towards my face .

I catch the fist in my palm. The boy's eyes widen in surprise.

"This," I say, "was your third mistake, Malfoy."

And then I squeeze. The sound of bones cracking follows. Goyle screams in pain. I squeeze harder. I feel a jolt as my magic travels in my blood, surging into my hand . Raw, power is what leaks from my fingertips. The boy's screams turn into a high-pitched squeal. No longer am I breaking his bones.

"Goyle!" the second boy roars out and runs forward to take a swing at me.I release the boy. Goyle is still squealing, clutching at the mangled hand. He will have to have the school nurse regrow all the bones. I hear the process is most painful. A pity. I was hoping to permanently cripple him.

Crabbe's fist rushes for my face. I tilt my head slightly, so the punch flies past. My head. The brute gives a muffled exclamation of surprise. His fist connects with nothing but empty air, and I am already behind him.I smash him to the ground with a kick to the back of his leg, forcing his knees to collide against the hard floor. Another pair of cracking sounds. Broken kneecaps. Not a good way to start the morning. One of my hands plants itself firmly on his shoulder breaking the arm that was throwing the punch.

The boy looks down at his ruined arm, dangling listlessly like dead rubber, and begins wailing. Madam Promfrey will have to be especially careful with this one. Connecting an arm bone back into its socket is a meticulous and painful affair, even with the aid of magic. Not to mention his shattered knees.

Both boys are screaming now,

Goyle has sunk to his knees as well, tears of pain running down his cheeks as he cradles his mangled hand. I splay my fingers and grab his hair. I do the same to Crabbe. I smash their heads together. Knocking them out. I drop them with a dull thud.

I turn to Malfoy and notice his wand is pointing to me. His hand trembles he looks like he's going to piss himself at any moment. He is in the middle of his incantation.

I move forward. A lifetime of battling has taught me how to use my speed. My hand catches Malfoy's throat before he can utter the last syllable and begin to choke him. Whatever curse he was aiming at me fizzles at the tip of his wand and dies. The boy's eyes bulge outwards. Fear dances in his eyes. As he desperately tries to breathe.

I will say this once, Malfoy, and you are going to listen well," he fights my grip, but his attempts are futile, "You are scum. You are trash. You are nothing," I watch his eyes light up with rage, "I have seen men like you before. All the same. Proud, arrogant, conceited. Men who would willingly bring misery to others to get what they want. These men are the ones I do not regret ending. In fact, I look forward to ending them."

My fingers tighten, constricting his throat. The anger in his eyes vanish, replaced by fear in a heartbeat. Fucking Coward.

"If this were a battlefield," I whisper to him, "your blood would already be dripping from my hand."

I release him, and he stumbles back, pawing at his sore throat.

"You bastard, Potter!" "When my father hears of this-"

"Your father isn't here to protect you," I say simply, "And even if he were, I doubt that he will pose a challenge to me.

"Hah! You can't last against my father!" "You're just a dirty half-blood!"

"A dirty half-blood that just knocked out your two bodyguards . A dirty half-blood that held your worthless life in his hands. A dirty half-blood that that could kill you at any point in time with no difficulty with an honest to God smile on his face.

Malfoy pales.

You can't threaten me! I can tell the professors! I can tell my head of house!"

"Yes," I smile, "You go do that, Malfoy. Run along with your tail tucked behind your legs like the dog you are. Tell them how how the dirty half blood just beat the shit out of your two bodyguards with no effort. How I held your life in the palm of my hand and I could kill you at any point in time assuming you can get away from me to tell them cuz I could end you right now and no one would ever find your body. Malfoy pales even further.

"You bastard!"

brush past him. He shrinks back as our shoulders touch.

"Oh, and next time, Malfoy," I say over my shoulder, "Bring an army. At least they will be a challenge to me."

Rose Potter nervously brushed a hand through her messy red hair as she waited. Most times, the action would have relaxed her. Now, it served only to agitate her more.

Both Lily and James had been a mess once they returned from Dumbledore's office. Rose had seen them this miserable only once before, and that had been when they discovered Harry had disappeared. Now, the process was repeating all over again. Back then, she had only been eight years old, and there was nothing she could do but watch as his parents descended into the despair. But now, with Harry here, there was a chance that could be avoided.

All she had to do was get his brother to accept them back. And then everything would be all right again. Many would call her way of thinking delusion. Rose preferred to call it hope.

The target of her worries rounded the corner, alone as Rose suspected he would be. Harry had a habit of keeping to himself at night. This, to the Gryffindor's eternal shame, he had learned about in her childhood and did nothing about. Those black eyes had always peered at her from the stairs, wistful and longing as she was fawned upon by their parents. Those same eyes stared at her now, not a single speck of emotion in the dark orbs.Rose took a hesitant step forward when Harry came to a halt.

"Hadrian," she began.

Why are you here, Rose?" there was no greeting from the boy, no acknowledgment or gesture of respect, just a curt question."Mum and dad told me what happened last night," Rose swallowed nervously, "You don't… You don't really mean all that do you?"I meant every word.

"You're just angry with us," Rose was desperately trying to convince herself, "You're just angry at us for being stupid. And I can agree with that. But the anger will fade. It has to. And then everything will be alright again. Right, Hadrian?""Is that what you really think?"

Rose felt herself freeze from those cold words.

Hadrian, you really mean what you said?"

Yes," came the simple response.

"But what about mum and dad?" the girl stared beseechingly at the boy's face, "What about Sirius and Remus? What about Dumbledore?""What about them?"

"Y-You don't care?"

"No."

"What about me?"The boy stared back.

"What about you?""I'm your sister, Harry!"And what hadrian said

"You don't feel anything? For me? For our parents?"

Harry blinked."Is this the reason why you are here, Rose?"

The Gryffindor shook her head desperately.

"Harry, you have to listen to me! What you're doing isn't good for you! You have to come back to us! We'll help you heal!"

"I don't need you to help me heal.""Yes you do damn it! I'm your sister and-"

"No," the boy interrupted, "You are not my sister."

"W-What? What do you mean-"

"Perhaps I was did not make myself clear last night," "Let me make myself very clear."

The boy step forward

"I hate you Rose," the smile had turned into a grin, "Yes, I hate our parents for their stupidity and neglect. I hate Black and Lupine."Why?" Rose croaked out.

Because you could've changed things, but you didn't. You could've made them see, Rose, see me for who I am. But instead, you lorded it over me like I was some common peasant. Every time they gave you a present, you came up into my room and paraded it in front of me. Every time they praised you for just being you, you made sure to rub my nose in it afterwards. Every time they hurt me, you twisted the blade in the wound. Made me miserable Rose, worse than James and Lily ever could." I was just a kid, Harry." Rose whispered, knowing it was a futile defense.That is no excuse," Harry hissed back, and the Gryffindor looked down in humiliation.

I would have done those things because you are my sister, Girl-Who-Lived, or not. I would have done those things because the same blood flows in our veins and the same courage beats in our hearts. I would have done those things because I loved you and respected you as a brother should."

Because that is what siblings are for."

"I was just a kid…" the Gryffindor repeated, trying to draw strength from the words.

I don't care, Hadrian said.

There was a tradition to the Triwizard Tournament, a long-lasting custom almost as old as the tournament itself. It was called the Weighing of the Wands, implemented long ago to prevent champions from imbuing their wands with dark magics to gain an unfair advantage in the completion. Over the centuries, as the tournament became less and less dangerous, this tradition changed as well, becoming less practical and more ceremonial. And so, the four champions of the Triwizard Tournament stood outside of the thick wooden doors, waiting for their wands to be judged by the most famous wandmaker in magical Britain.

Viktor Krum leaned against the stone wall, silent, brooding, and the other champions kept away from him, wary of the heavy atmosphere that surrounded the Chosen of Durmstrang.

Cedric Diggory stood the nearest to the door, his handsome features twisted into a bemused expression. Being selected as champion was still raw and heavy on his mind, and though he had shed the initial fear, there was still much riding on his shoulders. Rose sat in the chair next to Cedric stealing glances out of the corner of her eye at her brother. Fleur Delacour sat waiting on a nearby bench. She was the only one that was smiling. It was clear why. A boy sat next to her, black-haired and black-eyed, not close enough to suggest anything intimate, but close enough to prevent others from being intimate with her. The door opened, and the champions stopped whatever they were doing. Krum was the first one in, scowling as his footsteps took him through the entrance. Cedric was next, looking back uncertainly before going in. Then came Rose following after .Fleur and her Hadrian were the last, the two moving in together. Waiting for them were a row of seats, clearly meant for them. At the room's corner, an old man sat, features weathered and crinkly. His white hair was a stark contrast to the black suit he wore, and the way he carried himself spoke of a refined elegance that was not normal with age. Standing a few feet away was a woman, talking animatedly with a man with an outdated camera. She was gesturing, pointing, and the man was nodding so fast that his head resembled a bobblehead doll. Her choice of attire was curiously garish, consisting of a bright green dress that looked like it was made from leather. The heavy spectacles she wore, covered with rhinestones, didn't help either. The woman turned as the champions walked in and smiled a provocative smile.

It appears, Ludo, that our esteemed champions have arrived," she remarked.

"Yes, yes!" Bagman was rocking back and forth on the balls of his feet, obviously excited, "Welcome, champions, to the Weighing of the Wands! If the five of you will have a seat, we can commence with the ceremony!"

4 of the champions found their way to the chairs and sat down. One did not and regarded the other occupants of the room. "What are you doing here?" Hadrian said.

"Auror duties, son," James Potter smiled uneasily back, "Sirius is here as well. We're here to guard the champions. "The boy's gaze shifted to the second auror, who gave a him wave. His eyes roamed between the two and focused on the woman that was standing slightly behind James, almost hidden by her husband's tall frame.

"And her?"

The auror captain pushed his glasses further up the bridge of his nose.

"She's here because she wants to be here, Harry," he said softly.

There was a moment of silence. And then the boy spoke.

"Professors," he smiled innocently, "are prohibited from attending the Weighing of the Wands. They are a biased party, who may use the information about the champions' wands to aid their own school's champion. It may be for the best, James, if she were to leave. In the fairness of the competition."

"Harry…" Lily murmured painfully.

She wants to be here," James said again, sterner this time.

"You are not a judge of this competition. You hold no authority over the tournament yourself. She should be leave whether she wants to be here or not."

"James," Lily whispered hesitantly, "Perhaps it would be the best if I-"

"No Lils," her husband said firmly, "You're staying," the auror captain turned to his son, "This operation is under my command, and under my command I can deem it necessary if someone stays or not.

Hadrian regarded him with a look that bordered close to mocking,

"I'm surprised, James. You're not trying to hide abusing your auror powers? What ever happened to the blustering fool I knew so well?"

The auror winced.

"That man has been dead for a while," he said quietly, and then paused to look earnestly back at the boy, "And he won't be back again. I'm not trying to hide anything from you, Harry. Not anymore."

The boy smiled again.

"How noble," he said simply.

All three adults cringed. Hadrian continued to stare at them, and would most likely have persisted for a long while when a soft voice called for him from the back.

Hadrian" Fleur said again, her eyes on the boy's back. The way she said it meant support, comfort, and in response, her mate smile twitched at the corners.

Hadrian turned from his parents with methodical slowness and made his way towards the half-Veela's side. He sat down looked away. None missed the way Fleur's hand immediately settled over the boy's. None also missed that the boy did not shirk from her touch.

Lily looked jealous."Well, now that's all settled," the woman with the beetle glasses said winningly, "Let us start, shall we?"

" Right," Bagman had been staring slack jawed. The woman's words brought him out of his stupor and the former quidditch star got back on task.

"Ah yes!" Bagman exclaimed, "And to think I had nearly forgotten!" the portly man chuckled at his own joke and then stopped when he realized no one else was laughing, "Well then… Where were we? Right. The enchanting witch you see before you is none other than Rita Skeeter! Known for the few articles she has written for the Daily Prophet!"

Well," Rita's words for Ludo, though her eyes lingered on Harry, "perhaps more than a few." yes," Bagman said cheerily, "And up next we have Garrick Ollivander, Britain's very best wandmaker! He'll be the one judging your wands, so make sure you've polished them well!"

The wizened man sitting in the corner nodded solemnly.

"It will be an honor."

The rest of the room expected Bagman to introduce the man with the camera next. Instead, he took a step towards the door.

If that is everything," Bagman said cheerfully, "I will be leaving.

Bagman laughed again, though it sounded rather feeble in comparison to the last time.

Ludo waved at the occupants of the room, "I'll see you all at the First Task. Good luck to you champions, and may the best man or woman win!"The former quidditch star was out the door faster than anyone can blink.The Weighing can truly begin now said Rita. Mr. Ollivander?" The old wandmaker stood up from his seat with a small nod and made his way to the front of the room, where the single table resided. In the meantime, Rita had produced a quill from her purse, white-feathered and clearly enchanted. The writing implement hovered over her palm before floating to her shoulder where it lingered like a tamed hawk.

Uhumph," Ollivander cleared his throat loudly .

Excellent," the wandmaker stood behind the table, eyes unblinking as he stared at his audience, "Now who will be the first?"

"I vill."

Viktor Krum rose from his seat and stalked towards the front of the room. He presented his wand to the old wizard who took it gingerly from the Durmstrang champion's hand.

"Ahhh. One of Gregorovitch's creations, I see. Ten and a quarter inch. Hornbeam wood with a dragon heartstring for a core. Very rigid, as is his style. Thicker than most as well. But that is to be expected. Gregorovitch crafts his wands to be sturdier when used. More reliable in a way, though it lacks the elegance and finesse I am used to."Ollivander shifted his grip so that he held the wand by its haft. He flicked it once and a loud booming sound, like that of a cannon, erupted from the tip. Everyone blinked at the display and then looked back, to the back of the room, where a circular scorch mark had been burned into the wall.The wandmaker smiled."A very eager wand, you have here, Mr. Krum. Good for dueling. Used offensively and it will have few others in its league.""Thank you," Viktor said, and took the offered wand back. He made his way back to row of seats and sat down without a second look towards his fellow champions.

"Next?" Ollivander gestured.

Cedric Diggory rose unsteadily and walked for the table. The Hufflepuff smiled shakily as he presented his wand to the wizened man.

"Very good, Mr. Diggory," Ollivander commented and ran a finger across the wand's gleaming surface, "Do you polish your wand frequently?"

"Every other day," Cedric smiled again, with more confidence this time.

"Excellent. One should always polish his or her wand at every opportunity," at the wandmaker's words,"It is the very basics of wand care, and polishing it at least once a week will prolong your wand's lifetime Thank you, sir," the Hogwarts champion beamed.Hmm. This one is one of mine. Twelve and a quarter inch. Ash wood and a string of hair from the tail of a unicorn. Ah yes. I remember this wand well. You were just starting Hogwarts when Amos brought you into my shop. It took us a few tries to find one just right for you. The wand chooses the wizard after all."

Ollivander dipped the wand in a vertical, cutting motion, and the bright, golden hue of a perfectly casted Protego appeared, shining a shimmering light that danced towards the corners of the room.

"Unicorns are a compassionate species," the old man remarked, "And thus, this wand is kindly in nature. It excels at defensive spells and all sorts of charms. Powerful in its own way, but highly dependent on how the owner chooses to use it. I hope, Mr. Diggory, you are never in a situation where you have to betray your wand's true nature."

Cedric nodded in acceptance.

"Thank you, sir," he said and walked back towards his seat.

"Next?"

Fleur Delacour stood up regally and made her way up front. Ollivander delicately picked the wand up from the half-Veela's palm and held it closely to his face.

"The maker of this wand escapes me," he admitted after a while, "Custom made, I presume?"

Yes," the girl replied, "It was made for me when I was little."

"I see. Nine and a half inches. Rosewood, I believe. And the core is…" the wandmaker's eyes flickered briefly, "… a strand of Veela hair?"

Yes" Fleur said again, "One of my grandmother's.

"Irregular, but useable," Ollivander tapped the wand against the table and in response a bouquet of roses sprang from the wooden surface. Two more taps, and the entire table was covered with the red flowers."Whoever made this wand knew there craft well. Very stiff. Inflexible, almost. But it has to be. The choice of core is volatile, emotional in a way, and as a result requires a sturdier vessel than most," the wandmaker gave the girl an inquisitive stare, "What you have here is a very passionate wand, Miss Delacour. Though I suspect you already know that."

"I do," Fleur smiled. Good. Always know your wand like the back of your hand. As it is, your wand excels at nothing, but fails at nothing as well. A jack of all trades, master of none sort of thing. Of course that can all change. Custom made wands are like that. Changing in tune to its wielder's emotions," a ghost of a smile flitted over the man's crinkled face, "It just depends on how you feel."

The half-Veela blushed.

"thank you," she said and walked back towards her seat with wand in hand.

"Next?"

Rose Potter stood up and strode for the table. And handed her wand over to ollivander my my I remember this wand as though it was yesterday ollivander said. 11 in Long made of holly with a phoenix feather core nice and supple it could do with a Polish though. At this Rose blushed. Ollivander handed her wand back and asked for the next champion

Now Mr. Uchiha He said to Harry and gestured for his wand. Harry let out a small sigh before he took his and out and handed it to Olivander."Be careful with it" Hadrian said, not particularly happy with handing the old man his wand.

"Don't worry, I will" Olivander smiled before he began checking the wand "I don't remember selling you this wand, where did you get it from?" I got it from a custom wand maker. The wand is actually made of black palm Olivander noted "very old black palm as well, much more powerful than regular. Hmm... thirteen inches...it's also very rigid...the cores...hmm...the core appears to be a feather, one I believe is a thunderbird feather, basilisk venom.

Impressive" Olivander nodded as he waved the wand and red sparks flew into the air "very impressive" He said as he handed it back to Harry.

"Are we done now?" Harry asked hopefully.

"Nearly Mr. Uchiha Bagman smiled "we have a reporter here, we just need to conduct a small interview" "Not so small" The woman in green smiled as she walked over "Rita Skeeter, reporter for the daily prophet" She introduced herself "Mr. Uchiha She turned to Hadrian perhaps you'd like to accompany me. I'm going to have to decline Miss.skeeter. and with that Hadrian walked out of the room .

Hadrian and Fleur sat in the tri-wizard champions tent with the other champions, they were all currently waiting for the first task to start. Fleur knew what it was thanks to her headmistress, she told Hadrian about it but he already knew because Hagrid had told him. Say what you want about Hagrid but the dude has a pure heart. The pair already knew that Krum knew thanks to his headmaster, so it seemed like Cedric and Rose were the only ones who didn't know. Hadrian had spent a total of a minute wondering if he should tell Cedric, he weighed the pro's and cons of it.

Cons: If Cedric told on him then he could get in trouble but he didn't care about getting in trouble so that didn't matter. Cedric now stood a better chance in the tournament, but he didn't care about the tournament so that didn't matter.

Pros: Cedric is popular in Hufflepuff .also if Cedric dies then Hadrian doesn't have to feel bad because he actually helped.

In the end Hadrian told the Hufflepuff who was very grateful. Hadrian didn't even bother to tell Rose cuz he figured Black or Potter or Dumbledore would.

Hadrian was currently wearing black dragon hide boots and trousers, along with a black shirt and that was it. Harry was not willing to wear a robe when he knew he could potentially be fighting a dangerous creature and was not going to get bitten because he tripped on one.

"Hello everyone" Rita Skeeter walked in with her camera man, the camera man saw Harry Potter or Hadrian Uchiha he was about to take a picture when Rita placed a hand on his arm, signalling him not to. She then smiled and walked forwards as Hadrian sat up "I was wondering if I could just get a few pictures and words before the task" She smiled at all of them.

"You are not supposed to be here" Krum said "this tent is for champions only".

"Yes" Rita looked at Krum, almost as if she was sizing him up.

"Greetings" Dumbledore said as he walked in along with Barty Crouch and the other school heads plus Ludo Bagman.

Now" Dumbledore said to the champions "firstly I want to let you all know that there have been a change to the tournament, we now possess these" Dumbledore held up a round piece of glass "this is an enchanted mirror, it is unbreakable, able to turn invisible and charmed to follow you around during the tasks, everything they see can be viewed on other mirrors. Several have been placed around various places so that the audience are able to view the task and I have been informed that they are also connected to mirrors that are set up in Diagon Alley and at the ministry."

Barty Crouch Senior began explaining the task and how they had to retrieve a golden egg from a nesting dragon. Cedric Rose and Fleur looked a bit pale, despite knowing about the dragons, Krum looked the same as always while Hadrian looked like he was resisting the urge to insult everyone in the tent, and he was, he desperately wanted to insult everyone...except Fleur...but everyone else was fair game. Hadrian does not like idiots or kiss asses.

Nearly two hours later Hadrian was sent out to compete, the other champions had competed and Fleur was currently winning. Hadrian walked out into the stadium, the seats were all full of people. He noticed the judge's tower where the three school heads along with Barty Crouch senior and Ludo Bagman were sitting. Hadrian took a second to look at the area, it was made up of stone and rocks, obviously meaning to replicate the dragon's habitat.

Hadrian then took a second to look at the dragon, it was massive and covered in spikes, a very deadly species of dragon known as the Hungarian horntail. A species of dragon known for being wild and dangerous. Hadrian noticed the enchanted mirrors as well and saw his face on them, he shook his head to clear his mind.

Hadrian calmly walked forward, the dragon locked eyes with him and shot out a burst of fire that speeded towards Him, Hadrian raised his foot and kicked the fire (dragonhide boots Fireproof), causing it to disappear, the dragon shot another blast, Hadrian kicked it with his other foot, the dragon shot a third and fourth. Hadrian dodged both of the blast, when a fifth one struck him Dead Center Mass. The dragon kept pouring out deadly and vicious flames from his mouth and covered Hadrian in them.

Many people gasped and were in complete and utter shock at the way that the boy was so easily killed. James and Lily screamed out in fear and loss. Dumbledore didn't know how to react, not only was his reputation at an all time low . With the Potter air coming back and showing nothing but hate towards himself and The potters .wait a sec, what's happening?

The stands had fallen silent. Safe in the protective dome of magic, the students of the three schools sat in nail-biting tension, some gripping the edges of their seats, others clinging to their friends. Every eye was glued to the magical screen,

The Hungarian Horntail, a massive, looming monster of spiked spines and killing intent, stode there breathing it's deadly fire. The dragon handlers, over two dozen in all, we're on site and ready to stop the dragon if it went on a rampage.

The magical screen recorded the battle at an unimaginable pace, chronicling the smallest elements of the fight and transmitting them to be viewed in front of the stands. Details that the human eye would miss at first glance; the shifting colors on the Horntail's crest, the number of knobbed scales that lined the area around its eyes. All were transmitted to the magical screen and magnified in smaller, clearer displays to the sides and bottom.

The crowd watched in stunned shock as the dragon started breathing it's deadly fire at the boy .All of them had screamed when the first blast of fire tore from its gaping jaws.

Now, there was nothing to cheer about. It had dawned upon those in the stands that the boy was dead.Harry!" James yelled hoarsely from the judge's box. His frenzied steps took him past the Delacours who were white as ghosts, past Amos and Selene Diggory who were gaping at screen, past the Bulgarian delegation, who were all staring at the scene before them in wide-eyed wonder, past the Hogwarts professors who were watching from their seats in stunned disbelief. He reached the edge of the box, prepared to vault over the ledge, realized that the shield was still in place, and spun around.

"The shield, Dumbledore!" the man panted, "Lower the shield!"

The aged headmaster did not reply at first. His face was utterly serene. The twinkle in his eyes had long disappeared It took another panicked "Albus!" from James for him to respond.

"I will not, James."

The auror captain's expression was one of incredulous disbelief.

"Damn it, Dumbledore! Harry's being hurt! I have to help him!"

The old wizard's gaze flickered from the screen to the auror.

"I will not, James," he repeated, "The shield must not fall."

James crossed the distance between them in three quick strides. There was a panicked anger glowering from his countenance, a wrath that promised merciless retribution to those who sought to stop him. He leaned in close so that his next few words were hissed into the headmaster's face."That's my son out there, Albus," he whispered fiercely.And those are the sons and daughters of the rest of magical Britain."Dumbledore replied.

James's response was to draw his wand. Lily gasped. The rest of the occupants in the box paled."Let down the shield, Dumbledore," the man growled. His eyes resembled those of a caged animal"I won't ask you again."

"James!" McGonagall cried out in admonishment.

The auror ignored her and leveled his wand at Dumbledore.

"Lower the shield, Albus."

The old wizard's face remained impassive, but his eyes closed.

"Think for a moment, James, of what you are doing," Dumbledore spoke "There are children in the stands. As soon as you hit me with a spell, the shield protecting them will collapse. And as soon as the dragon overpowers Harry, it will seek to rampage across the field, where the stands are. There will be many deaths on your hands if the dragon reaches the children without the shield's protection."

"My son won't die if you give me a chance to help him," the man's voice cracked painfully.

"Be reasonable, James. There is an entire squad of dragon handlers out there, on the field ready to subdue the Horntail. If they can't help Harry, how can you?"

The auror glared at Dumbledore, went back to staring at the screen, and then returned his gaze to the aged headmaster."Give me a chance, Albus," James's voice had lost its angry edge, but the desperation was still there, "Let me help him. Just this once. Please."

The old wizard stared at the pleading man sadly.

"I wish I could, James. But I cannot. There is a chance that as soon as I end the shield, the dragon will kill Harry and charge towards the stands. I will not be able to cast a second shield in time to stop it. Many innocents will die. That must not be allowed to happen."

"It's a risk, but damn it, it's worth it! Don't deny me this chance, Albus! I've got to help him!"

"There is nothing you can do, James," Dumbledore said firmly, "If you go out there, at best you will delay the inevitable. At worst you will throw your life away and the lives of all those protected by the shield.

Laughter.

Laughter was what the crowd heard, everyone watched as the dragon stopped shooting and the flames dies down. Hadrian was slowly revealed in the flames surrounded by a Ghostly red rib cage he was laughing his head off, his laughter was crazy, not at all sane and incredibly unnerving.

Hadrian stood laughing, not caring about how he looked to others or their reactions, his body shook with joy as the ghostly bones disappeared, he stood there for several minutes before he eventually decided it was time to stop. He walked towards the dragon who prepared to fire again. "Greetings" Hadrian said in parsletounge, causing the dragon to stop, if people could see Hadrian's face then they would see the complete look of relief as he definitely did not know if the dragon would be able to understand parsletounge."A speaker?" The dragon asked.

"Indeed noble fire breather" Hadrian nodded I come here to ask you for one of your eggs"

"You will not take my eggs two legs!" The dragon hissed and raised it's wings threateningly.

"I do not intend to take your eggs" Harry said calmly "though I would like to take the fake egg they've placed in your nest"

"Fake egg?" The dragon asked as it lowered it's wings and inspected it's eggs, it began sniffing them, it's nose eventually reached the gold one and rested on it for several minutes "It's a fake!" It growled.

"I know" Hadrian said apologetically "I apologies' but I will die if I do not retrieve the fake or at least attempt to, I do not wish to fight with you nor harm your eggs. May I please have the fake?"

"Take it" The dragon said and nudged it towards Him, Hadrian slowly walked forward and picked it up.

"Thank you noble dragon" Hadrian nodded to it before he began walking off when he noticed that the crowd was looking at him "What?!" He demanded "If one of you weak-willed pussies wants to fight a dragon then have at it!." Hadrian calmly walked towards the tent.In the Judge's Box, James stuttered out three stunned words."What just happened?" When Hadrian got in the school nurse immediately rushed towards him and began performing diagnostic charms, she seemed a bit disappointed when she Realized that he wasn't hurt at all. Fleur greeted him with a hug, Cedric with a nod while Krum just looked disappointed that Hadrian wasn't hurt. Rose was still passed out on the gurney. Apparently during Roses match Rose tried to outfly the dragon on her broom her broom got caught on fire and she hit the castle wall pretty hard and passed out.

3 days later at the Ravenclaw table for breakfastThe headmaster has an important announcement to make."Dumbledore's eyes twinkled brightly as he stood."Thank you, Minerva," the old wizard said bemusedly."Students, the First Task has come and gone, and with it some unexpected happenings"Now we must look forward to the rest of the tournament and the school year. The Second Task will occur in late February. For clues of the Task's contents, the champions are advised to pay close attention to the golden egg they retrieved from their respective dragons, "Now. On to the last part of this announcement," the aged headmaster beamed, "It is the tradition of every Triwizard Tournament to hold a ball in honor of the champions. This tournament will be no different. Thus, I am pleased to announce that Hogwarts will host the Yule Ball this upcoming December."

Almost instantly, a wave of giggling spread throughout the Great Hall, all from the girls. The boys just looked horrified.Of course there will be some rules that will be implemented for the safety of students," Dumbledore continued, "There will be adult supervisors, in attendance. Alcohol is strictly forbidden in any form in the ballroom. Participants of the ball will be checked to prevent spiking of the drinks," the old wizard gazed amusedly at the Gryffindor table, where Fred and George did their best to look innocent, "Finally, third year students and below are forbidden to attend."

The wave of giggling quickly succumbed to a chorus of groans when a significant portion of Hogwarts's female population realized they couldn't go. Dumbledore chuckled.

"An amendment to that last rule is that third years can go if they are asked by a fourth year student and above. That is all," the old wizard finished and sat back down.

Sighs of relief this time, followed by excited murmurs.

"For those of you who are worried about your dancing skills," the clamor died temporarily when McGonagall spoke up, "I will be holding lessons in the future to show those who cannot dance, how to dance," the deputy headmistress glared when a few groans broke out from the boys, "Attendance is not required."

Over by the Ravenclaw table, Harry turned to Fleur. He opened his mouth. The half-Veela immediately placed a finger over his lips to silence him.

"Yes, I will go to the ball with you. Yes, I will expect a date sometime before the ball. And yes, I will expect you to look your finest when you come to pick me up."

Hadrain blinked. He turned to Aimeric and Clare, who stared back at him in amusement. He closed his mouth. The boy nodded, then turned to Emma who, had stayed motionless throughout the whole affair. The apprentice rolled her eyes at him. The boy nodded again and turned back to Fleur.

"Right," was the only thing he managed to say.

Clare let out a low whistle.

"Well. That was fast."

Fleur's face flushed slightly .Aimeric chuckled and was about to add a witty comment of his own when Hadrian gave him an icy glare and he thought better of it.

Hadrain was soon brought out of his thoughts when he realised someone had approached the group, he looked up to see Ronald Weasley had wondered over for some reason, this ought to be good."Uh...ummh...hi...uh..." Ron said, in the form of a greeting.

Fleur looked up at the boy . couldn't they all see that she was trying to have lunch with her mate and hee friends? It was getting really tiring to constantly refuse all these boys. Looking at the stuttering red head she remembered this to be that drooling boy from the world cup, what was his name? Ryan or Ronald or something like that. The last time she had saw him he drooled constantly and now he thought he had a chance? Especially when her mate was here?

"I...uh...I was just...um...I was wondering...wondering if you..." Ron stammered and Fleur's annoyance rose, couldn't he see she was eating? She had better things to do then watch Englishmen speak English worse than the French. "Well...I was just wondering if...you know? The dance...if you would like to go with me...and uh...""I do not dance with little boys" Fleur sniffed "besides I would like a date that can speak and not drool all night. Also in case you don't know, I am going with Hadrian." Fleur emphasised the point by wrapping her arm around Hadrain's, this caused several approaching boys to stop and Ron to look like he was just informed that magic existed"But...but..." Ron began stuttering again, Hadrian and Fleur turned to each other and through an unspoken conversation had decided what to do next. The Hadrian turned to Ron, his eyes began two morph into his sharingan. He glared at Ron, who quite quickly backed away and ran off. He turned to the other boys that wanted to approach and glared at them, they all gulped and backed away.

Soon it was time for the ball, Hadrian was currently waiting outside the hall, Krum and Cedric Diggory were there. Cedric had Cho Chang for his date, Hadrian supposed the two made a good couple, neither bothered him much. Cedric was wearing black robes and Cho was wearing a white floral dress that was a nod to her Chinese heritage. Hadrian and Krum were currently waiting for their dates to arrive, both didn't look at each other. Hadrian because Krum's constant scowling was beginning to annoy him.

Krum was wearing a red jacket with a fur cloak hanging from one shoulder, Harry meanwhile had chosen to go with a simple black suit. He figured it looked better on him than the robes and that he was more able to move in these than the robes.

Soon their dates arrived, Krum's date was Hermione Granger of all people. Hermione Granger was currently wearing a pink dress and had done her no-longer-bushy hair up in a bun a lot of preparation to make herself look good. Fleur was wearing a stunning silver dress that ended at her ankles but possessed a cut that allowed her right leg to be exposed if she wished to expose it, her beautiful hair was let lose and cascaded down her shoulders, her blue eyes were bright as a smile appeared on her lips. She almost seemed to glide towards Hadrian, who for once in his life felt speechless.

Harry was looking at her, and felt many things: desire, happiness, pride. When had he started feeling so strongly about Fleur? Why did he decide to start liking this, for lack of a better term, goddess that was walking towards him? He knew he liked her but this...this was different His eyes were locked on her, after looking her up and down a couple of times they had decided to lock on her face, alternating between her soft lips, the small blush on her cheeks and those beautiful, blue eyes. If you was honest he'd say Emma had a better figure But Fleur was prettier. Fleur walked up to Harry, she had put a long time into looking good tonight, and it appeared to be working. Of course she always looked good, but she wanted to look better tonight, look better for him. She had put on some light make up, not enough to be classified as 'too much', just the right amount of make up to look natural. Her mother had sent her the money for the dress, it seemed like Hadrian liked it judging by the expression on his face.

It excited her, Hadrian had always been calm and cool, always in control. The allure had never bothered him, so she knew that his current actions were not because of her allure. His eyes were not glazed over, they were just focused on her. He looked at her body for a bit, before his eyes became locked on her face and she used all of her strength to keep her blush at a minimum. He looked at her with such intensity that she couldn't help but feel like she had done something either very wrong or very right.

She walked up to him and stopped right in front of him, his jaw tightened and his lips got closer together, it looked like he was holding his breath. "Hadrian?" She spoke softly, his eyes widened slightly before he shook his head slightly, apparently returning to reality. It amazed her how she managed to get such a reaction from him.

you look beautiful" Hadrian said, she must really be doing something to him. "Really, I mean it." "Thank you" She smiled and looped an arm around his and kissed him on the cheek, he didn't blush but he did look at her more wide eyed.

Rose came down wearing a very pretty red dress with gold trim really showing off the Gryffindor Pride she was accompanied by her date Ron Weasley who is wearing a Gastly burgundy set up dress robes.

Once everyone was assembled Professor McGonagall announced everyone in the ball began. Soon the champions were called to dance, the boys took the girls hands and guided them towards the centre of the room. Soon the music started and the couples began dancing, Cho and Cedric were alright and showed they had practised before. Krum and Granger needed a bit work.

Hadrian had put one hand around Fleur's waist and held her hand in the other, she held his hand with one hand and placed the other around his neck. When they danced they didn't pay attention to the music or the steps, which was funny seeing as they were actually pretty good thanks to spending time practising before the ball, they just gazed at each other.

He looked at her, taking in every detail of her face. His hands reminded him of her perfect body while he looked at her like she was a dream, every detail of her face was burned into his eyes. The perfect skin, the small dimples when she smiled, how her face was perfectly symmetrical and how she looked very much like a goddess in human form.

Everyone around them was focused on Hadrian and Fleur, even the other champions while they danced, the intensity between the two was outshining any of the dancing. Eventually the music stopped, the other champions let go of their partners and walked off. Hadrian and Fleur had simply stopped, eventually they lowered their arms, though they were still holding hands. Hadrian looked at Fleur like a puzzle he just couldn't solve. She gave him a dazzling smile and a quick kiss on the lips before pulling him off the dance stage. Hadrian managed to avoid James ,Lily and Dumbledore most of the night he was cornered at one point by Lily that tried to ask him about his date and his Christmas plans hoping that he would come visit them for the holidays Hadrian declined and walked off ignoring them and with that the night came to a close.

On the day of the second task Hadrain's eyes snapped open as he woke up and immediately felt wrong. Something was wrong, it wasn't wrong yesterday, he had just said goodbye to Fleur who went off to visit her family that had arrived that night, he was supposed to meet them today.

Hadrian!" Fleur's voice called, he turned just in time for her to catch him with a hug Hadrian! I can't find Gabrielle! She was supposed to stay with me while my parents stayed at Hogsmeade and I can't find her now!

All I know is if I don't get them back soon then I will be hurting a lot of people!" Harry vowed "Come on let's find her.

"Wait Hadrian, the second task, it's happening soon""Screw the task!"

Hadrian if we don't do it then we'll lose our magic and that won't benefit anyone."

"Fine" Hadrian growled, he knew he was being emotional and erratic but he couldn't help it."we'll do the bloody task and...no..." Realisation hit Harry "no they wouldn't do that"

"Hadrian?"

"Fleur remember the riddle we worked out from the egg! The one that said we had an hour to get back what we'll miss the most! They took Gabrielle for the fucking task!"

"They what?!" Fleur roared as realization hit her. "I'm going to kill them!"

"Not if I get them first!" Soon Hadrian and Fleur arrived at the second task, they stood at the dock on the lake, the audience were watching from the crowd stands while the judges had their own tower. Krum and Cedric wore swimming trunks and vests, red for Krum and yellow for Cedric. Rose wore a red one piece swimsuit . Fleur wore a white one piece swimsuit and if the situation wasn't so serious then Hadrian probably would have spent a lot of time complimenting how she looked in it. Hadrian himself had also worn black swim trunks. The mirrors were also operational meaning the audience nearby along with people all over magical Britain could hear and see everything

"Fleur" Hadrian whispered to Fleur "I have an idea to help get her.

"Trust me Fleur, it'll be fine. Trust me" He said, Fleur eventually nodded and agreed.

"Any questions?" Ludo Bagman's magically amplified voice asked after he had explained the task where the champions had to go into the lake and rescue a hostage each.

"I have one" Hadrain said out loud after magically amplifying his own voice "who chose our hostages and who was responsible for putting them in the lake?" Hadrian asked, his voice sounding very innocent.

"Well..." Bagman adopted a thinking pose "the judges decided the champions, as for who put them in I think it was either them or somebody they had told to do it"

"Thank you" Hadrian gave a smile, to Bagman it appeared to be a normal smile but definitely not to the other judges.

"Brilliant, now let the task begin!" Bagman shouted cheerfully.

The other champions were ready but before they could do anything Hadrain's hands suddenly lit up and caught black fire, Hadrian aimed his hands at the base of the judges tower and flames shot out of his hand and began burning the base.

"What are you doing?!" Bagman shrieked.

"Mr Potter stop that!" Barty Crouch senior said as the tower began shaking."The tower is going to collapse!" Madam Maxime, the Beuaxbaton headmistress, screamed.

"Stop the boy!" Karkaroff, the Drumstrang headmaster, demanded.

"Mr Potter!" Dumbledore yelled, power flowing through his voice "You will stop this right..." Dumbledore was cut off by another big shake.

"What are you doing?!" Krum demanded, he aimed his wand at Hadrian only for it to fly out of his hand and land far away, his eyes widened as he turned to Fleur who had aimed her wand at him. Eventually Hadrian stopped sending fire at the base, the wooden poles were now burning and seconds away from crumbling. Harry waved his arm several times, sending high powered gusts of wind at the top of the tower, eventually the tower began tilting and soon it along with the judges landed in the lake.

Everyone looked at Hadrian with awe, amazement and fear while Fleur just had a very satisfied smirk on her face.

"Well Fleur" Hadrian turned to her "we have a task to win" he then waved his wand several times and touch the tip to the lake service and it began to freeze a path of ice to the center of the lake . "After you milady" Hadrian gestured towards the path. Fleur smiled and began to walk.

"We're here, they're down below"

"You are sure?" Fleur asked.

"Positive" Hadrian nodded as he cast a bubblehead charm on himself while Fleur cast one on herself. He and Fleur then jumped into the water and began swimming down, eventually they reached the hostages that happened to be tied to a rock. Cho Chang and Hermione Granger were there, Gabrielle was also there. Harry saw Emma.

Hadrian and Fleur quickly got Gabrielle and Emma and took them up, as soon as they surfaced Gabrielle and Emma woke up while Fleur checked over her sister. How are you Emma? hadrian asked. I'm sorry Master Dumbledore stunned me from behind Emma said rather disappointing herself.

It's all right Emma "the next time somebody tries to take you away...I will kill them" Hadrian promised, Fleur and Gabrielle who were listening to the conversation saw Hadrain's face, they couldn't help but believe him.

Soon all four had gotten back to the shore, Krum ,Diggory and Rose were gone, both were currently in the lake, trying to find their hostages. The crowd began cheering as they got back, Fleur and Gabrielle were immediately engulfed in a hug by their parents. Harry smiled as he watched Emma try herself off his smile suddenly disappeared when he saw Dumbledore using his wand to dry himself and his fellow judges.Harry growled and shot a lightning blast at Dumbledore, catching the man by surprise, the blast zapped his wand hand and his wand causing the headmaster to scream in pain and everyone else to gasp as they now looked at what looked like it was going to be a murder. Hadrian then walked towards Dumbledore and hit him with a body bind.

The old man fell to the floor, Dumbledore's hand was burnt, he looked at his wand and his eyes widened when he saw the elder wand was burnt on the floor. Maybe it could still be salvaged, maybe it would still work. Any hopes for it still working were sent out the window when Harry crushed it under his foot.

It's not nice, feeling like you lost something" Harry said as he glanced around, daring someone to do something to stop him. It appeared that nobody was willing, either that or they were still in shock. Hadrian knelt down by Dumbledore and grabbed the man by his beard and pulled him so he could talk face to face. "I don't care about many things...so you shouldn't try and take away any of the very few things I do. You tried to take away Emma you're lucky you're still breathing old man Hadrian said with sharingan glowing in rage.

You stunned her and dropped her off at the bottom of a lake for a stupid tournament, that's pissed me off more than anything else this year. The only reason I am not killing you right now is because Emma and Gabrielle hasn't been injured and because I got enough problems without having your lackeys and fan clubs after me. But you had better listen up and you had better listen up good..." Hadrian voice sounded demonic and spoke to Dumbledore, allowing everyone to hear his next words leave me my apprentice and my clients alone or I will kill you before Voldemort does.

Dumbledore paled, shock wasn't a good enough word to describe what he was feeling. He knew Harry cared for the girl but not this much, . He couldn't punish Harry, Harry wasn't a student at Hogwarts The law couldn't help him either as Harry was being protected by the French minister for magic.

Harry punched Dumbledore in the face, then flicked his wand, sending the older man into the lake, he then turned to a gaping James and Lily Potter and professor McGonagall.

"Rescue him" he said "or don't, that's entirely up to you"

He turned and walked off to the Delacour family, the Delacour's looked at each other before instantly agreeing without words that they were going to just ignore what happened.

"Hadrian!" Gabrielle happily wrapped her arms around him in what would have been a bone crushing hug if she had more strength. "Thank you for saving me!"

"You're welcome Princess" Hadrian hugged her back "nobody takes away the people I care about, and I care about you""Thank you Hadrian" Gabrielle smiled as she hugged him.

Thank you Hadrian" Fleur kissed him on the cheek.

"I take it the two of you are a happy couple" Appolline Delacour smiled at them.

Yes mama Fleur said. Blair was on cloud nine in for the rest of the night after they all left and went back to the carriage.

Soon it was the day of the third task, Krum and Cedric had opted to go for trousers, shoes and a shirt. Fleur went for a silver tracksuit and trainers, it was lose and allowed movement. Rose had opted for a red and gold tracksuit with the Gryffindor Crest on it . Hadrian meanwhile had gone for the same clothes he wore in the first task. Their task at the moment was to make their way through a maze to the centre where they had to grab the tri-wizard cup.

Cedric went first as he had a combined higher score than the rest, Krum went second and Fleur went third then Rose went forth with Hadrian going last. For some reason he got zero points in the second task, he wasn't entirely sure why, but it's not like he cared.The invisible mirrors followed Hadrian since he got into the maze, since entering he had got through a few traps like grabbing vines and quicksand before he managed to locate Rose. Rose then began to follow Hadrian as they made there way through the maze, eventually they got to the centre. In front of them, on a pedestal was the tri-wizard cup.

"There it is" Rose said, gesturing to the cup.

she was about to make her way over there when Krum and Cedric arrived at the exact same time, with Fleur not far behind the 2 saw the cup but didn't get too far as Hadrian had stunned the two of them before they can react. "Go on" Hadrian said to Fleur while he still had his wand in his hand. Fleur nodded and went to grab the cup, a second later she was stunned by Rose as she grabbed the cup she was portkeyed to the entrance of the maze and everyone cheered for her

Hadrian let out a sigh, this whole mess was over. It pissed him off that Rose stunned fleur but oh well It also reminded him that the year was nearly over, and he could leave England and never have to return., He walked forwards and aimed his wand at Fleur and revived her.

"You cost me my victory!" Krum growled

And your point is Hadrian said.

"You little..."

People all around the wizarding world were watching with horror as they saw the Girl-who-live get portkeyed away. The only reason anyone managed to stay silent was the fact that mirrors followed after her as they could go from place to place the same way a wizard would apparate and they were soon going to see her again. Eventually the screen showed a rather horrifying image, one that would be on people's minds for a long time.

Rose Potter was tied to a gravestone, In front of her was Peter Pettigrew and several masked death eaters along with a boiling cauldron. Eventually the death eaters deemed the cauldron ready and tipped it out, smoke filled the air, everyone watched out of a morbid fascination.

Eventually something rose just as the smoke disappeared, it was a man...or at least the shape of a man. It had pale, milk coloured skin, boney fingers. It had no hair, no nose but did have nostrils and it had red eyes. In short, it looked like an abomination.

"Wormtail" It said "robe me" it ordered. Wormtail quickly got out a pair of robes and began robing the creature just as the death eaters fell to their knees.

"Master!" They all said as they kneeled down. Everyone quickly realised that if death eaters were bowing and calling it master then that meant that this abomination was in fact Voldemort, the worst dark lord of all time. Any emotions related to shock, disbelief and fear immediately sky rocketed.

Voldemort took in a deep breath as he looked at his new body, he could feel his toes, shoulders, arms, hands and everything. This new body was brilliant, perfect, designed to be perfect. Skin that was better than a regular humans, much like the rest of his body it was much stronger and durable. He opened his palm and his wand flew into his hand, causing a smile to appear on his snake like face. Very few things caused Voldemort enjoyment like the feeling of magic coursing through his veins.

He saw his death eaters, he then saw Peter Pettigrew/Wormtail on his knees and clutching the stump where his hand used to be before he cut it off for the ritual. Voldemort waved his wand over the stump and soon it was replaced with a silver hand. Oh! T...thank you my lord!" Peter exclaimed upon seeing it "it is better than I deserve" That much we agree on" Voldemort sneered at him "but Voldemort rewards his followers." Voldemort then turned to the other death eaters. "arise" He ordered. The death eaters nodded and slowly stood up.

Silence.

Everyone was silent for several moments, the death eaters had begun to get nervous, had they somehow angered their lord? Eventually the silence was broken by none other than Voldemort himself" How nice to see you all" He said silkily "After thirteen years I can finally stand and address you all properly, though I do wonder why it's taken me thirteen years to do so. It seems to me that it could have easily happened a lot sooner, if not for the fact that you all seemed happy enough to just sit back and hide in the shadows. It's such a shame that Wormtail here is more loyal to me than most of you. He not only escaped Azkaban itself, but also managed to track me down and restore me to my rightful power. Th...thank you my lord" Wormtail spoke "I am really..." He was cut off when Voldemort flicked his wand and sent him flying against a gravestone.

"Do not interrupt" Voldemort said in a voice that one could use if they were discussing the weather, he then turned to the others "I can only assume you thought I was gone, defeated by a mere infant."

"My Lord, we are sorry!" One death eater, Avery, rushed down and kneeled before Voldemort.

"Crucio" Voldemort said lazily, striking him with the torture curse, amazing everyone with the ease at which he used it. "Get up, I do not care for your excuses. As far as I'm concerned you all have years to make up for. But today, I shall be merciful, after all I have more important fish to fry." Voldemort turned and looked at Rose. "Rose Potter, the girl-who-lived" He said softly before he walked forward and stopped right in front of her.

I'm disappointed wormtail I wanted Harry Potter not Rose Potter Harry was the one that defeated me after all. All the Death Eaters in the graveyard stopped and stared what do the dark lord had just said back at Hogwarts everyone that was watching it on the mirrors couldn't believe what they just heard Rose Potter didn't defeat the dark lord it was her twin brother. James and Lily we're in complete shock they neglected Harry so they could train Rose it broke apart their family. Now to learn that they were wrong and tore apart their family for nothing it was breaking their hearts. Dumbledore was freaking out how we had Rose Potter been captured by Voldemort but it turns out she didn't defeat him 13 years ago it was her brother that did . To make things worse Hadrian flat-out heated his parents and Dumbledore himself so you wouldn't take orders from him .

Back at the graveyard

As Voldemort stood there talking to Rose I'm telling her all about how her whole life's been a lie.

Rose screamed out you have to be lying has tears dripped down her face. Why would I lie Voldemort said. The Death Eaters began to laugh until they all felt a chill go down your spine as they heard someone say I thought you'd be taller . Everyone with their heads to the side and saw Hadrian there with his arms crossed waiting a smirk on his face.

So you are not interested in playing the hero Harry?" Voldemort asked with amusement.

First of all it's hadrian in second"Do I look like a hero to you?" Harry asked, raising an eyebrow.

"No" Voldemort said softly "no, I suppose you don't. From the stories I've heard, you don't act like one either. To be fair I just don't like being told what to do and Dumbledore is an idiot Hadrian said . Dumbledore always was manipulative.

"I know right!" Harry said in agreement "He's a manipulative old bastard, I really don't see why everyone treats him like he's perfect.

"Indeed" Voldemort nodded.

"Plus there's that stupid twinkle thing he does with his eyes" Hadrian added with a roll of his eyes.

People across the country found themselves in an odd state as they watched the boy banter with the dark lord as the two mutually began discussing what they hated about Albus Dumbledore, they weren't really sure if they should be terrified or laugh at the comments the two made. Dumbledore was not very happy at the moment. the biggest was the fact that Voldemort had returned. Luckily it was on screen so he didn't need to waste time convincing people of his return. Now he just had to work out how the situation ended up with both Voldemort, Rose and Harry .

Hadrian then turned to Voldemort "as for you, you also realise that everyone is watching, don't you?"

"Of course" Voldemort replied "everyone knows now. They know I am back, and now they will cower in fear, those who celebrated my demise will run and scream as I bring this world into a new age, a better age."

"Cool Hadrian said dryly "so how does this work?" Hadrian asked as he mentally analysed the situation while Voldemort began talking.

Currently Rose was tied to a gravestone, he could probably burn through the ropes but he knows that the second he does the others will try and attack him and Rose. He'd rather not have multiple deadly spells flying at them.

There were at least seven death eaters plus Pettigrew, if he managed to escape with Rose then he'd hopefully be able to kill them all with one high powered Amaterasu, though he didn't know how likely that was. On the one hand they're just minions, on the other hand they're likely to be at least somewhat trained. Best chance was to catch them off guard. In hand to hand combat they would be easy to beet he wasn't sure how skilled or powerful they were. Then there was Voldemort, the dark lord, scariest wizard of all time.

He had no doubt that the man had earned his reputation, it was idiotic to not view the man as a danger, though Hadrian didn't know the full extent of his powers. There were many rumors about Voldemort and his capabilities, Hadrian didn't know for sure which ones were true and which weren't, so for now Voldemort was the highest threat. Harry hoped that the man was just an overrated and above average wizard but he knew that was unlikely.

Currently he was in a grave yard, he had gravestones all around him which could be used offensively and defensively, there was earth under his feet which he could manipulate, he had his fire, air and lightning elemental powers, he couldn't manipulate water unless he made some with his wand . The only other weapons he could think of were his body, and mind. There was also the darkness which was good if he needed to hide.

The biggest problem at the moment was the fact that he was outnumbered, if he took any of them on one on one he had a much better chance of winning or at least surviving. It was then that he realised something...he wasn't dead.

Voldemort was a feared name, so it made sense that the man behind the name made people fear him. Hadrian was also the one who 'defeated' Voldemort, he was a constant reminder of Voldemort's failure. He suspected that Voldemort intended to remind people why he was so feared, this was good, it meant that Hadrian would be able to stall.

"Tell me something" Hadrian said after ignoring whatever it was that Voldemort said "have you ever wanted something but at the same time you don't want it because you're scared it won't live up to expectations?"

"What are you talking about?" Voldemort asked, he would have raised an eyebrow if he had one.

"You see, whenever I hear about you I hear about a powerful and feared wizard. You see, when I die I want it to be dying a warriors death. you...you're different from the sheep. You're Voldemort, most feared dark lord of all time. You've been made aware of my actions at the world cup, you've been told how many people I kill. Personally I think this is an opportunity, the mercenary Reaper vs the dark lord. Voldemort vs Hadrian Uchiha. What do you say? Up for a duel?"

"Hmm" Voldemort looked at Hadrian with an amused expression "do you truly believe you will beat me?"

"I truly believe that I have a better chance than most, if I can beat you or not is to be determined. I have heard stories about you but I don't know if you're underrated or overrated. Besides, I'll take some pride knowing it took Lord Voldemort himself to end me."

"You are stalling" Voldemort hissed, he stared Hadrian in the face "I know you are stalling...but I never back down from a challenge. You shall have your duel" Voldemort stepped back. He took a few more steps back and spoke, keeping his eyes on Harry as he did. Nobody interfere The boy is mine Voldemort said.

Hadrian walked a little bit away from Voldemort and the gravestone, creating distance between himself, Rose and the death eaters, Voldemort. Wormtail walked up to Hadrian Hadrian looked at the balding, fat man with big teeth. Wormtail clearly feared him, Hadrian was a well known mercenary.

Hadrian smiled as he pulled out his wand, he then made a slashing motion and Wormtail fell to his knees, clutching his bleeding neck. This single action caused everyone in the graveyard, except for Voldemort to aim their wands at Harry while disturbing plenty of viewers. What he pisses me off" Harry said as he examined his wand, ignoring Wormtail's hand on his legs as the traitor placed his other hand on his bleeding neck while choking. "Relax" Harry said to the others "I don't intend to harm you, just Voldemort and this little traitor. Honestly, I'm doing you a favour."

"H...Harry..." Wormtail choked.

"Ah, right" Harry aimed his wand at Wormtail and shot a piercing curse directly through his chest, right where his heart is supposed to be. Wormtail fell to the floor and Hadrian hit him with two more piercing curses "Rest in peace Wormtail...or don't...I don't really care." Hadrian turned to Voldemort "Shall we?" He asked.

"If you're ready" Voldemort said as the two raised their wands, the audience watching from the screens could easily feel the tension. This wasn't just a duel between a young boy and an experienced wizard. This was Voldemort, dark lord vs Hadrian Uchiha Reaper the deadly mercenary. Those in the actual graveyard could feel the tension, they also felt some danger by being nearby. The dark lord was known for power and destruction and Hadrian was known for the same, his fight in the forest proved that.

Voldemort stared at Hadrian with narrowed eyes, he had no doubt that he would win, he was Lord Voldemort after all. However he had no doubt that the boy would be a challenge, he certainly had a lot of magical power if the stories he heard were true. He also had no doubt that the boy had the correct mindset needed to win, the boy would easily kill if he got the chance. He had heard how the boy threw piercing and elemental attacks without a care in the world, he had also heard how he slaughtered the entire group in the forest. Yes, Voldemort would win but this wouldn't be as easy as dealing with a usual wizard.

Hadrian stared right back at Voldemort, he wasn't going to kid himself, he knew he'd likely end up getting hurt. The goal here was to survive, it was just like any other fight, hurt the other guy more than they hurt you. If Hadrian beat Voldemort then he wasn't sure what would happen, perhaps the death eaters would attack him or perhaps they would run.

Hadrian was also tempted to just shoot as much flames and lightning as possible, but he had to control himself. Going all out with the elements would waste his energy and if Voldemort somehow managed to survive it then he would be tired and dealing with Voldemort, death eaters.

Silence continued for a little while longer, the anxiety and fear of those watching had increased and kept increasing until one of them made thee first move. Eventually one of them did.

Hadrian activated his sharingan and then flicked his wand, throwing Peter's body straight at Voldemort. Voldemort easily flicked his own wand, sending the body flying away and having it land behind the death eaters. Voldemort then quickly tilted his head to one side to avoid a piercing curse, before he put up a shield spell to block two cutters.

"Impressive" Voldemort said "but not good enough" Voldemort quickly fired a torture curse at Hadrian, Hadrian ducked the torture curse then side stepped the cutting curse that followed it. He then blocked the second cutting curse and ducked under the piercing curse that followed up. "Come on Potter, surely you can do better than that"

"A man only interested in the climax" Harry tutted his teeth before sending three cutting curses at Voldemort "you must have been a real hit with the ladies" he said right before Voldemort blocked all three "though I saw your body when it came out, I'm surprised that you decided to remove Voldemort junior."

"I have no need for pathetic things such as physical urges" Voldemort replied just as he sent three blue spells at Harry who dodged all three "this body is designed to be perfect, to get rid of anything unnecessary."

"I would've thought that a dick would have been one of the more necessary things to have but then again you never really had balls to begin with .Harry commented right before sending a disarming spell followed by a body bind and a stunner.

"Come now Potter" Voldemort laughed, having easily blocked the combination "such a basic trick, disarm then body bind and stun, surely you can do better than that."

"Of course I can, but I finally get to have a good fight, I want to make it last." Harry replied after dodging a yellow acidic spell and returning fire with the same spell.

Understandable" Voldemort blocked the spell and fired a killing curse at Harry who slammed his hand to the ground and made a rock wall form to block it, the curse hit the rock Hadrian then sent the rock flying at Voldemort who easily destroyed it. "I also struggle finding a challenge, most are too scared to face me and those few that are brave enough lack the strength and skill. I do hope you don't disappoint me Harry"

"Likewise" Hadrian grinned, he shot a bone breaker at Voldemort the same time Voldemort shot a coma curse, the two spells crashed against each other in mid-air, Hadrian followed through with a fireball he shot out of his mouth. He then stomped his foot on the ground, causing a ball made of the Earth beneath him to rise up into the air, Harry then slammed the ball with his free hand and it shot towards Voldemort. Voldemort dodged the the fireball, his red eyes widened when he saw the rock flying towards him. He quickly destroyed it when he saw a fire ball coming towards him, he cast a shield that blocked the fireball. He then shot chains out of his wands that flew towards Hadrian Hadrian quickly destroyed the chains then went on the offensive. He shot two stunners at Voldemort, if they hit then great but if they didn't then they would serve their purpose as a distraction.

Hadrian started by sending a flock of Crows at Voldemort, they would annoy him and distract him. A rope shot out of Harry's wand while Voldemort was dealing with the stunners and birds, the rope grabbed onto a gravestone behind Voldemort, Hadrian pulled the rope hard and the gravestone flew towards Voldemort. Hadrian then released the rope and cast a banishing spell followed by a cutting spell.

Voldemort had just managed to get rid of the birds when he instinctively felt something was wrong, the feeling was increased when he saw rope coming out from Harry Potter's wand, he turned back just in time to see a gravestone flying towards him. He ducked under the gravestone but when he stood back up the gravestone was hit with a banishing curse that caused it to quickly change directions and slam into him.

Voldemort flew backwards with the gravestone on his chest, he saw a spell coming, he thought it was a cutting curse bit decided that he didn't want to get hit even if it wasn't. He managed to turn his head just in time to avoid the cutting curse hitting him directly in the face, though it did manage to graze the right side of his face. Leaving a small cut on his cheek.

Voldemort landed on his back, the gravestone on him. Many people were left in absolute shock, not only was Hadrian duelling Voldemort but he had also managed to get the first hit and first blood.

Voldemort quickly waved his wand and sent the gravestone flying towards Hadrian. Hadrian destroyed the gravestone midair and caused a ton of dust to appear, Voldemort rolled out of the way just as several spells shot through the dust cloud and towards him. He got to his knees just as the cut healed itself, he blocked a spell but allowed the force of the spell to push him backwards and used the momentum to push himself back on to his feet. Unnecessary but it helped save energy.

Impressive" Voldemort said just as he blocked a flame blast and shot four spells at Hadrian, one aimed at his feet and one at either side plus one above should he jump.

"Thanks" Hadrian said just as he did a corkscrew flip to avoid the spells and it worked as the worst he got was a cutting curse that only managed to make a small cut on the lower back of his shirt. Hadrian replied by jabbing his wand at Voldemort and sending a ice blade right at him, he did this several more times. Voldemort vanished the first blade then blocked the rest, he spun them around and sent them back at Hadrian. Hadrian ducked down and avoided them all., He shot of a bone breaker at Voldemort followed by a bright light from his wand.

Voldemort blocked the bone breaker and was about to respond with his own spells when a bright light blinded him, he heard the sound of something coming towards him and put up a shield, unfortunately it managed to get past his shield and pierce through his left shoulder. Voldemort roared and fired a high powered explosive curse that struck the ground under Hadrian's feet, Hadrian tried to roll out of the way but the ground exploding sent him backwards and he landed on his back.

He had just managed to cough when he saw a green spell fly towards him, realising that this was the killing curse he quickly jumped up and the spell flew under him as he did so. Another killing curse flew towards him, Harry rolled under it then jumped to his feet as he dodged a third before he ducked a fourth. A fifth was coming when Hadrian aimed his wand and shot a crow out, the bird flew right into the killing curse and died instantly, Hadrian quickly banished the body at Voldemort's face before shooting a ice spike at him.

Voldemort got rid of the body easily before blocking the ice spike, he took that moment to remove the ice blade from his shoulder, that would take longer to heal than the small cut. Voldemort sent three cutting curses followed up with a torture curse. Hadrian jumped in the air then landed with his feet stomping the ground, a wall made of earth shot out of the ground and took the spells. Hadrian then pushed the wall and it charged towards Voldemort.

Voldemort quickly destroyed the wall then sent the rubble at Hadrian . Hadrian made a shield that blocked the rubble, he then fired a piercing curse at Voldemort. Voldemort blocked the curse then sent his own piercing curse at him, followed with a blood boiling curse. Hadrian rolled backwards to avoid the spells and shot several stunners until he was able to get back to his feet, once he was standing again he fired a Ice Spike and fireball.

Voldemort dodged the first one and blocked the second, he was about to send his own spell when he saw a familiar green spell charging towards him. He quickly conjured some marble that blocked the spell, he then banished the marvel at Hadrian. Hadrian extended his free hand and a blast of wind shot out and slowed down the marble long enough for Hadrian to banish it back to its creator.

Voldemort got rid of the marble and immediately fired a torture curse followed up by an imperius curse and then a killing curse. Hadrian slammed his hand to the ground and made an earth wall the first spell damaged it, the second spell damaged it some more and the third spell destroyed it. Hadrian instantly responded with an organ liquifying curse followed by a piercing curse and a killing curse. "My, my" Voldemort said after blocking the first two and dodging the third "you certainly know how to play" he finished by firing a spell designed to choke the victim.

"I play to win" Hadrian said as he ducked under the spell "admit it, you're enjoying this" Hadrian said just as he fired off an eye gouging curse at Voldemort followed with a knockback jink and a stunner, not effective against the dark lord but do their job in stalling and distracting and if they managed to hit then physical damage would be on the list.

"I must confess, I am enjoying this" Voldemort admitted, easily blocking Hadrian's spells. "You and me share quite a few things in common."

"Oh, do tell" Hadrian said in an intrigued voice just as he dodged a knife that would have pierced through his eyes. "Where to begin" Voldemort mused as he blocked another of Hadrian's spells "we're both talented, we were both handsome young men"

Hmm" Voldemort sent a bone breaker at Harry who dodged it "as I was saying, we're also powerful. Far above our fellow students, we're also both speak parsletounge. A truly rare gift."

"True" Hadrian conceded as he returned fire.

"Why fight Harry?" Voldemort said as he blocked the spell "We both know that Dumbledore is not the right person to lead the magical world"

"And I suppose you are" Hadrian said as he blocked a purple spell from Voldemort.

"Who else?" Voldemort smiled and sent a skin shredding curse that clashed against Hadrian's heart rupturing curse. "So join me Harry? We are both wizards of great power, at my side you wouldn't be just an average school student, you can be my second in charge."

"That's tempting" Hadrian said honestly.

"Join me Harry" Voldemort continued speaking just as he batted away another spell "together we could be great, at my side you can do whatever it you want."

"That is honestly tempting" Hadrian admitted just as a cutting curse grazed his left shoulder, but he ignored the pain as it was only a small cut "however I can't, partly because I won't admit to joining you in front of all of wizarding Britain, partly because the old goat won't leave me alone now that you revealed Rose didn't defeat you and and mostly because (you're a daft cunt") Harry added the last bit with a hint of humor in his voice.

You're a fool just like your idiot father and your mudblood mother Voldemort said.

Voldemort sneered at him "

"You...you shouldn't say that word." Hadrian said with a short and quick laugh just as he casually blocked a yellow spell from Voldemort.

"What mudblood?" Voldemort asked casually, he was then forced back when he had to block a powerful and black spell from Hadrian.

"Say mudblood...one more time" Hadrian said in a slow yet dangerous voice with a touch of warning "I dare you...say it...one more time"

"Your mother was a mudblood..." Voldemort didn't get to say much more as Hadrian roared and aimed his hand at Voldemort.

Amaterasu shot out of Harry's hand and charged toward Voldemort who widened his eyes as the black flames from hell took the form of a dragon and flew towards him. Voldemort quickly built up some power then slashed his wand, getting rid of the flames, something that took him more effort than with fiendfire. Just as the flames disappeared he heard another roar. He looked up just in time to see Harry Potter in the air, his right fist pulled back and a look of pure anger on his face.

Voldemort jumped back in time to dodge the first punch when Hadrian hit him with a left body shot followed by a right hook to the face, Hadrian then followed through with a right hook to Voldemort's stomach before he repeated the same thing with his face. Voldemort powered through the pain and tried to shoot a spell at Hadrian, Hadrian pushed his arm away, causing the spell to fly off and hit a gravestone. Hadrian kneed Voldemort in the ribs that had been exposed by pushing his arm away, he then spun around and elbowed Voldemort in the face and followed up with a jumping knee to the jaw.

Voldemort staggered backwards and tried to fire off a spell at Hadrian, Hadrian ducked under Voldemort's arm and elbowed him on the inside of one leg before using his other elbow to hit him on the inside of the other leg. He then pushed up to his feet, Hadrian used his left hand to grab Voldemort's wrist and point his wand away from him and used his right arm to hit Voldemort with multiple forearm strikes to the face and neck, Voldemort tried to use his free hand to push Hadrian away but Hadrian countered by grabbing it with his own free hand and then started kneeing Voldemort repeatedly in the ribs.

Voldemort was unpleasantly surprised to realise that Hadrian punched harder than the average person his age, it was even more unpleasant when Hadrian punched him in the shoulder that hadn't yet completely healed from the knife. Voldemort made a quick decision and fired a spell which hit the nearby ground, causing it to explode, the explosion knocked both Hadrian and Voldemort to the ground.

Both suffered from being suddenly thrown onto the ground, Voldemort was able to create some distance and stand to his feet before he aimed his wand at Hadrian, Hadrian kicked up to his feet and kicked Voldemort's arm so his wand moved and he was fortunately able to do it in time to avoid a killing curse. Hadrian hit him with a palm strike under the chin then grabbed Voldemort by the waist before he kicked his leg to lower the man, he then intentionally fell backwards and pulled Voldemort with him, causing Voldemort to land on the upper half of his back. You know I could give less of a fuck what you have to say about Lily Potter I just don't like the word mudblood my apprentice is a muggle born witch so when you were anyone else uses that word it tends to piss me off. Hadrian said.

Voldemort tried to aim his wand at Hadrian while on the floor but found his attack countered by Hadrian redirecting his arm away and elbowing him in the face. Voldemort rolled away and stood to his feet at the same time as Hadrian, Hadrian rushed towards him, ducking under the killing curse that Voldemort fired. He then redirected Voldemort's arm once again before jumping up and kneeing Voldemort under the chin, he grabbed Voldemort in mid-air and pulled the both of them down to the floor.

The two ended up with Hadrian putting Voldemort's wand arm in an arm bar, Voldemort tried to fire a few spells at Hadrian even in this lock but Hadrian did his best to make sure that the wand was pointed away from him. Voldemort began struggling just as his wand lit up green, he was stronger than Hadrian and began moving his hand so his wand would aim at Hadrian. Hadrian quickly slapped the wand out of Voldemort's arm and increased the pressure on the lock, yet Voldemort's arm wouldn't break.

Voldemort growled and pushed himself to his feet, he stood up, Hadrian still wrapped around his arm. Hadrian didn't allow himself to stay surprised at Voldemort's strength for longer than a second, he kicked Voldemort in the face and back flipped off of him and onto the floor. He then hit him with a left round house kick to the right ribs, instantly he spun around in the opposite direction and used the same leg to kick Voldemort in the left leg, he span again and jumped in the air before hitting him with a right round house kick to the head.

Voldemort was pushed backwards by the kick, he knew that he needed to create distance as Potter was clearly the better hand to hand combatant. If it wasn't for Voldemort's new body then he likely would have lost by now and become an unconscious body waiting to be killed or taken to the authorities. Probably the former with Potter, he was lucky that he had his horcruxes.

Hadrian continued to attack Voldemort using his hands, feet, elbows, forearms and knees. The death eaters were watching with worried expressions that were hidden behind their masks, they couldn't believe that their lord was losing, especially to muggle hand to hand combat. There was also a worry about what would happen if Harry Potter managed to defeat Voldemort, would he then go after them?

Hadrian hit Voldemort in the stomach with a left punch before striking him in the side with a right hook, he then hit him in the face with a left jab and once again in the body with a right punch. Voldemort, who was by no means a combat expert, tried to push Hadrian away, Hadrian side stepped and grabbed Voldemort's right arm and bent it . Harry then let go of Voldemort's arm and hit him with a spinning kick to the chest that sent him backward, Voldemort landed on his back but quickly rolled on his feet, however he wasn't quick enough to stop Hadrian who caught up to him and continued his physical assault.

Voldemort pulled his arms together, making it look like he was trying to cover up, he then let out a shout as he pushed his arms out, sending a wave of magic that knocked the death eaters down. As for Hadrian it sent him flying backwards, he landed on his back but the momentum kept him going so he rolled several times before stopping right in front of a gravestone. Voldemort wanted so much to take a few seconds to rest but instead he quickly went for his wand, and fired a cruciatus curse just as Hadrian stood up.

The curse hit him dead centre in the chest, shoving him backwards and causing him to smash through the gravestone and land heavily on his back with his whole body feeling like it was in pain. He coughed, because of the pain.

Voldemort took the opportunity to take a few deep breaths, he had to keep Potter a distance away from now on, he would not let him close enough to engage in hand to hand combat. Voldemort was feeling tired and knew he had to end this quickly, while he had increased strength and durability, his new body did not have increased stamina. Everyone was watching him, if he didn't beat Potter by himself then he would not only lose respect amongst his men but he would also lose some of the fear he had spent so long trying to install in the pathetic sheep of the wizarding world. If Potter beat him then they would have hope, and he couldn't allow that. He needed to make an example out of Potter, show the people what happened when someone stood up to him.

Hadrian couched , he got to his knees and was about to stand up when the ground under him exploded and he was went flying backwards and landed behind another gravestone, he coughed again and powered through the pain, he used the gravestone to help himself get up. The gravestone exploded, sending Hadrian flying backwards and crashing into another gravestone. He couldn't hold back the groan that came out of his mouth while his body protested against him moving at all.

A killing curse was sent his way, he barely ducked in time when he saw a spell go behind him and hit the ground, it exploded and he was sent flying in the direction of Voldemort, he landed face first, he tried to stand up but didn't manage it in time as Voldemort fired a cruciatus curse that hit him. Hadrian couldn't stop the scream of pain that erupted out of his mouth as he felt like every part of his body was on fire, Voldemort held the curse up for several seconds before he stopped. Voldemort stood, a short distance away, panting and breathing heavier than he usually did. Hadrian was on this back on the floor, panting and sweating as his body kept twitching. The people of magical Britain were amazed by the fight put up by both of them, they were now also fearing the outcome of the duel.

"Such a shame" Voldemort said once he composed himself "such a shame you wouldn't join me Potter, you would have been my best death eater. I will give you one last chance, pledge your allegiance to me and you shall live."

"Go..." Hadrian coughed "...to hell...nobody...controls me!"

"It seems you still need to learn some respect." Voldemort said before he struck Hadrian with the torture curse again, Hadrian screamed in pain and agony.

Hadrian managed to move his arm and aim it at Voldemort's feet, Voldemort didn't notice, he was too busy enjoying himself as he saw Harry Potter screaming and shaking in pain, a burst of fire shot out of his hands and burnt Voldemort's exposed feet. Voldemort let out a shout of pain as he jumped back and waved his and to stop the burning, he roared in fury at being burnt and aimed his wand at Hadrian. FIENDFiRE!" Voldemort bellowed, wanting to give Potter a taste of his own medicine, causing a massive snake made of fire to engulf Harry Potter.

The death eaters laughed as their master's won, . Potter may have been able to survive dragon flames but it was impossible for him to survive the flames of fiendfyre.

The people of great Britain were horrified to see the boy placed under the cruciatus curse then fall victim to fiendfyre, a truly painful death. Fear overcame them, they realised that if Harry Potter couldn't stop them then that meant that they were doomed. Albus Dumbledore surely couldn't stop him, if he could then he would've done it by now.

Voldemort continued to throw more power into his spell, the death eaters began getting worried.

Voldemort still continued for several seconds before he stopped, the flames were still there and growing, he would vanish them in a second. He just needed to take a break, his body as powerful as it is was not used to casting so much magic. Even so he was still able to get rid of it, something that showed how brilliant he was as regular wizards were unable to control or get rid of FIENDFiRE.

"Potter is dead, He said, "Now, I shall..." Voldemort found himself cut off by a sound he did not expect to hear.

Laughter.

Everyone turned to the flames, the hellfire flames where the laughter originated from when they heard something.

More laughter, not regular laughter, maniacal laughter.

"That's impossible!" One death eater who stood on the left exclaimed. "

"He should have died!" Another replied defensively "They're are limits, he should be dead!" Voldemort screamed and vanished the fire, everyone saw Harry Potter standing inside it a Giant red ghostly warrior with the sword laughing uncontrollably as he looked at Voldemort.

"Please sir, may I have some more?" Harry asked in a small voice between his laughter.

Voldemort let out a primal scream of rage and pulled his wand back, a killing curse on the tip, ready to fire. Hadrian pulled his arms in, then shot them out making the warrior slashes his sword . Voldemort abandoned his spell in favour of shielding, but was still pushed over by the force of the blade, the The death eaters were able to remain standing and unharmed by the shockwave only through their combined shielding.

"Impossible" Malfoy said just as he, the other death eaters and Voldemort stood up. Voldemort heard him and, he aimed his wand at him and fired a killing curse that took the man by surprise. Malfoy slumped and fell to the ground

you want to get all serious and pull out the big guns I think I should too this is my Susanoo otherwise known as Perfect Defense nothing can get through it and I can deal massive damage with it. Hadrian said with his Sharingan blazing I tried to end this earlier with my black flame dragon but it's too new of a technique I didn't have good control over it so you're able to get rid of it this you won't be able to get rid of. At the site of the glowing red giant and Harry Sharingan eyes most of the Death Eaters felt true Terror and fear more fear than they felt further Master Voldemort. Hadrian began to attack with his susanoo killing Death Eaters left and right attacking Voldemort with the sword he went to go slash Voldemort. Voldemort threw up a shield the shock wave knocked back the rest of the Death Eaters and cracked Voldemort Shield the second slash destroyed it. After about 5 minutes of attacking with the susanoo Hadrian lost control of it and it disappeared. Damn Hadrian said. I'm past my time limit with it for the day oh well at least I got most of the Death Eaters either scared or running and Voldemort is in no shape to fight back I'm not much better though. I have to grab Rose and get the fuck out of here. Hadrian thought. Voldemort with breathing heavy he was bleeding he had very little magic left she couldn't lose to Harry Potter with everyone in the world watching it would ruin his reputation. As Voldemort was thinking Hadrian jumped in the air and used a giant Fireball he shot out of his mouth right at Voldemort. It distracted him enough for Hadrian to grab Rose and use kamui to get out he was able to get out to just outside the wards of Hogwarts.

People all around the country watched as the mirrors followed him and soon showed Hadrian and Rose falling from the air, as they neared the ground he aimed his hands at the ground and shot wood vines from his hand which got them to the ground but he was tired so as he gradually kept going lower and lower, people soon saw he was outside of Hogwarts. It made sense seeing as he couldn't apparate into Hogwarts, the only reason the portkeys worked was because the headmaster had altered the ward to allow portkeys for the tournament.

Hadrian kept going down until he was eventually just above the stadium, people screamed and cheered when they saw him. Hadrian eventually got to the ground he fell face first on the floor. Blood spat out of his mouth and he glared at the cheering crowd, he had just escaped Voldemort and didn't need his ears to burst.

Hadrian!" A voice called, Fleur rushed towards him and turned him on to his back "Are you okay?!" She asked, tears dripping down her face.

"I'm fine Fleur" Hadrian said, Fleur cried and pulled him into a hug. Seconds later Hadrain felt another body hug him, judging by the hair he guessed it was Emma..wait said Apolline Delacore

"He will be taken to the hospital wing first and once we're sure he's fine then you can hug the life out of him, if we do it now then we'll just hurt him more!" said Apolline there would be hell to pay for anyone who dares to challenge her. "We should levitate him" Emma said "No" Sebastian Delacore shook his head "that could cause more damage, this is the better option" Sebastian said before slipping one hand under Harry's legs and another under his back and gently picking him up, Fleur grabbed on to his hand that dangled in the air. The group started walking towards the hospital wing, when Dumbledore began walking alongside him. "Harry! Are you alright?!" he asked.

I'd be better if you morons stopped shouting, I am right here" Hadrian complained.

"What do you want Dumbledore?!" Apolline scowled, not in the mood to listen to the old man.

"I have just spoken with the minister" Dumbledore either didn't notice the way Apolline had chosen to speak to him or decided to ignore it "he was tempted to claim everything was fake, but I pointed out to him that nearly the whole country has seen it and the fact that the mirrors have been tested repeatedly. I do not know what he will do now, perhaps he will try to prepare for Voldemort or merely do something to make it look like he is. Cornelius isn't exactly the sort of person suited to lead in a war."

"Idiot" Sebastian muttered, Dumbledore heard him but pretended he didn't.

"Harry, I need to speak to you about..."

"It can wait" Emma interrupted "my master over here is going to go to the hospital wing and rest"

"Now I understand but this is important and..."

"Dumbledore!" Sebastian growled "We are not in the mood"

Mr. Delacore please, I understand but like I said, this is important and..." Dumbledore was interrupted by being blast off his feet and landing on his back.

"Nothing is more important to us than Hadrian's health!" Fleur glared at Dumbledore, wand still in her hand. "My next spell won't be so light! You will stay away until he is healed!" The group continued walking, leaving Dumbledore.

"Fleur" Hadrian said in a small voice.

Yes ?" She turned to him, she wondered if he needed help, at this moment she would give him anything he possibly needed.

That was awesome.

15 minutes later in the infirmary.

"Now people have seen you fight Voldemort, they all know how strong you are. I mean Voldemort himself! Emma said "Didn't win though, did I?" Hadrian sighed.

"Hadrian, many people older than you have fought Voldemort and not even managed to survive." Sebastian said seriously. just hearing his name makes most people cower in fear. The fact that you managed to handle him and escape him plus his death eaters means that..."

No, I'm not upset over that" Harry interrupted "that's just more work for me now. Merlin, I've got to deal with Voldemort. Why can't life be simple?"

"It just isn't" Apolline shrugged "sometimes we get cards we don't want, but we just have to deal with them."

Apolline, you've never played cards in your life" Sebastian couldn't help but point out "pick a better example"

"I get it" Hadrian said while Apolline glared at Sebastian. He then looked at Fleur who was still holding his hand.

"I'm still here" He smiled at her.

"Hadrian She shook her head and leaned down before planting a soft kiss on his lips. Hadrian would you like some a potion to help you heal.

"Not yet" Hadrian shook his had "it tires me out, I need to rest before I manage to heal myself."

"I think rest will be much better for you Sebastian suggested.

"Yes" Apolline agreed. "Go and rest now Hadrian, we will be here when you wake up."

"Fine" Hadrian nodded

"Mr. Uchiha!" Hadrian was interrupted by Madam Pomfrey, the school nurse, who had just arrived. "Stay down! I will check you immediately!"

"Goddamn it" Hadrian groaned.

Hmm" Hadrian slowly opened his eyes, he looked around, he was still in the hospital wing. Last night he had resisted the urge to kill Madam Pomfrey as she spent the last night fussing over him and then trying to force him to drink some potions. Hadrian refused most of them, if he could heal his body then he was not going to waste time drinking horrible tasting potion.

Plus when he healed his body then he was just going to have some useless potions in his body, the only potions he took was one to reduce the effect of the cruciatus curse and help him with the pain. After he had changed into some pajamas he took another potion to help him go sleep.

He leaned up on his elbows and looked around, James and Lilly were sitting on chairs at the end of his bed, Rose sat on a chair to the left.

Hadrian slowly and carefully got out of bed without waking the others, which was difficult seeing as he was still in quite a lot of pain but he managed it. He really wanted to sneak out of there without them noticing so he could avoid talking to them.

it was pretty successful except for the fact that Dumbledore had locked down Hogwarts is wards so he couldn't leave until he talked with Dumbledore. So eventually Hadrian had to go to Dumbledore's office, the others wanted to come with him but Hadrian told them to just stay back and stay ready seeing as he wanted to leave as soon as possible. He figured that Dumbledore wanted to just talk and probably lecture him but he wanted them to be prepared in case the old man decides to try and lock Hadrian up.

Hadrian entered Dumbledore's office and did a quick scan of the room like he always did when he entered the office, but this time he gave it more thought as he might actually need to escape. If things got too much then he could either leave through the window or the door, he'd try the last one if possible but if needs be then he'd go through the first. There was also plenty of objects in the office that can be used as weapons, even if they couldn't then Hadrian could just transfigure them into something.

The room also had limited space which means that Hadrian could be better served to close the distance and go hand to hand, plus Dumbledore had a normal human body unlike Voldemort, making hand to hand a much better option. Hadrian looked at the people inside.

Firstly was Professor Flitwick who was here as part of his role as charms master the other was Professor McGonagall who was here as Deputy head, there was a woman that Hadrian recognised as Amelia Bones, plus a man that Hadrian recognised as Fudge the British minister of magic and the final person was none other than Albus Dumbledore. Hadrian wasn't sure but it was possible for other aurors to be hidden around the room or come up and trap him, legally they can't do anything but he was a bit worried about them forgetting that.

"Ah, Mr Potter" Dumbledore said "please take a seat"

"I'll take a refusal and stand" Hadrian said crossing his arms and glancing back and forth between them all. And it's Mr Uchiha. So are you all going to try something?"

"Try something?" Amelia Bones asked.

Are you going to try and arrest me?" Hadrian asked "Because if you are for all the spells I used during my fight with Voldemort the French Minister gave me a pardon. Also if you're planning to try and kill me then that won't work out well for anyone here."

"Mr Potter, we are not trying to kill you" Fudge reassured him "and you won't be arrested."

Then why am I here?" Harry asked.

"Mr Potter, Voldemort is back" Dumbledore said.

"Really?" Hadrian drawled sarcastically. "I don't see what that has to do with me"

"Mr Uchiha you fought him" Fudge reminded him.

"Yeah, and?" Hadrian shrugged "You all saw what happened on the screens, if you need a witness statement then I will state right now that everything that happened was real. So this is the part where you all go and do your jobs and find him, do us a favour and tell us when you do it."

"You're not going to help?!" Fudge blurted out.

Bitch do I look like an auror?" Hadrian asked. I fought him, that's more than you lot can say. Voldemort is a mess that you lot should have dealt with before I was born, I am not even fifteen plus I have more important things to do.

"Like what?!" Fudge demanded "What could be more important than you-know-who?!"

Now I am not going to waste time with you, I am going to go now. Goodbye." Hadrian turned and began walking away."Mr Potter" Several voices said but he just ignored them and walked out.

Well that could have gone better" Flitwick commented.

Dumbledore also agreed but didn't say anything. The man had a lot of stuff on his mind recently, it had been discovered that the Moody who had taught this year was in fact an imposter and the real Moody was found in a trunk, he was alive but in bad shape. It had been agreed to keep this information private for many reasons. One was the fact that Moody didn't want it known that he was captured, the second was it would cause more fear, the third was it made everyone look bad for not finding out it was an imposter .

Dumbledore's mind went back to watching the fight, he was impressed by Harry's skill. The boy had speed, skill and power. At first Harry used basic spells but he gradually kept getting darker, and then he was using unknown elemental spells and wandless magic the boy had used horrible spells including unforgivables, most of the spells were also very advanced. Dumbledore was wondering where the boy learned them.

A possibility was that Harry learnt it from someone or somewhere else, the boy was very studious and picked up spells quickly according to the other schools staff. Dumbledore knew he didn't learn those dark spells from a schools library.

That's something he had to think about later, for now he had more pressing matters. Voldemort was back and thankfully everyone had seen it so there is no denying his return, this was good as it would mean more assistance in stopping him. He would soon have to get the order back up, he needed a meeting place. Hogwarts wouldn't do, as people would notice if lots of non-students and teachers kept coming in and out. There were several safe houses they could use but they would need to be warded, though if possible then he could use the black family home.

Dumbledore felt the boy needed to be guided now more than ever. With Voldemort back Harry needed the guidance that Dumbledore could provide. Also he needed to get Harry back into the Potter family so he'd have a little more control over the boy. Yes the boy was talented and powerful but he didn't understand Voldemort.

The battle between the two horrified Dumbledore, he expected such dark spells from Voldemort but not from Harry. Even with his fight in the forest Harry had stuck with simple spells like cutting curses and piercing curses and he used a lot of elements, something he had an affinity for. Dumbledore needed to convince Harry that there were better ways of going about it, the casual taking of life was not what was needed to inspire the people. If this continued then more people would start copying it and soon there'd be chaos as everyone tries to kill everyone else. Especially considering Harry was the boy that lived.

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