CHAPTER 16: THE UNSETTLING MESSAGE"
The weather was excellent above Lamballe, perfect for outdoor activities. A stifling heat had settled over the French moors, drying up the riverbeds and the endless fields of wheat and corn, as well as the trees in the forests, whose roots had longed for rain. Forest fires were already breaking out across France due to the scorching summer. Fortunately, the nearby corons forest surrounding the Lamballe castle was not suffering from this drought, offering a lush and enchanting landscape to travelers. The beech and elm stretches provided the charms of western France, but the local wildlife remained elusive for now, taking shelter in burrows and treetops to avoid the pack of barking dogs deep in the forest, searching for an easy prey. Several English setters were diligently seeking a perfect target for their master, barking loudly to frighten the pursued animal. A few riders followed closely, trying not to lose sight of their hunting dogs.
Among them, an eleven-year-old boy with shoulder-length hair and an aristocratic demeanor led the group. Dressed in white canvas pants, black knee-high polished boots, and a long brown riding coat with a large canvas bag slung over his shoulder, the young man seemed particularly delighted by this expedition. His face, which he had long since learned to keep emotionless, perfectly betrayed the joy he felt, much to the chagrin of his companions who struggled to keep up with him.
"Monseigneur!" one of them called out as they ventured through the forest, guided by the barking dogs some tens of meters ahead. "It's dangerous to venture so deep into this forest! You could get injured by a fall, and this far from the castle, it's unlikely we could provide you with proper and prompt medical care!"
"Come now, Antoine, are you afraid?" his lord teased, briefly turning his head toward him. "I'm quite disappointed by your timidity, my friend! Don't you enjoy taking risks? What would life be without a few obstacles?"
"But madame would never forgive us if any harm came to you!" protested the one who usually served as his coachman. "I implore you, Monseigneur, exercise some moderation!"
However, Harry, as he was known, was not swayed by their pleas. Swept up in the excitement of the hunt, he even quickened his pace to avoid falling behind his dogs.
"What a stubborn young man," muttered his coachman, shaking his head. "It's only during hunting parties that he loses all sense of responsibility and the customary precautions."
"Let him enjoy this little activity, Antoine," advised Philippe Delacour, galloping alongside. "It's so much more pleasant to see him like this than with his nose buried in a book. At times, this boy seems so mature for his age that I feel like I'm dealing with an adult. It's fortunate that we can see for ourselves that he retains a little innocence and playfulness within him!"
The other companions nodded in agreement, and even Antoine resigned himself to the fact. Seeing his young lord so carefree was so rare that they should savor it. After all, their master was gradually becoming an adult, and if it weren't for the marriage contract, he would already be old enough to marry or at least court young ladies, older or younger.
Harry, on the other hand, wasn't concerned about such matters, wholly focused on his wild ride through the woods in pursuit of the fox he'd been chasing for minutes. Celebrating his eleventh birthday by galloping through the forest was a peculiar way, but such activities had become commonplace for him. The timid and frail little boy from three years ago had completely disappeared, replaced by a lively young man with an unprecedented level of confidence. The taunts and humiliations by James were nothing more than a distant memory, a part of his past that he had almost forgotten and locked deep in his mind, like Pandora's box that he dared not open.
The new Harry, or rather Gabriel, now commanded respect from everyone he met, and his charisma earned him much praise from his family and the castle's servants alike. Those who were unaware of his history attributed it to the pride and honor that came from his connection to the Bourbon family through the late Prince of Lamballe. Some even saw in him the makings of a monarch.
Diligent, cultured, and educated, Harry was a highly intelligent young man who was interested in all magical and Muggle sciences. From philosophical theses by Voltaire to the dramas of Pierre Corneille, from scientific advances by d'Alembert in physics to the fortification works of Marquis de Vauban, he delved into a wide range of subjects. Even recent discoveries by the Montgolfier brothers on using hot air to fly a balloon fascinated him, although wizards had conquered the skies long ago. However, complex topics did not intimidate him, and his brain seemed to have become an inexhaustible well of knowledge.
Harry brought pride to his loved ones, especially Marie-Louise, who never ceased to sing his praises. Harry was the boy she had always hoped for, and her teachings played a significant role. All her human values were instilled in him, molding him into a polite, respectful, courageous, and distinguished young man, honoring both branches of his heritage, at least on his birth certificate.
Religion had also instilled other values in him, such as piety towards God, as well as selflessness for others, generosity, and caring for the less fortunate. Each action and decision he took was always intended to serve his own interests and those of others, to satisfy as many as possible. As a devout Christian, Harry was careful not to do anything that went against his religion and scrupulously followed the teachings of the Bible, justifying each of his actions through it.
Even his behavior towards his closest family members had evolved, particularly among the female gender. All the women who met him would agree that he was "the most romantic and charming young man" they had the privilege of meeting, and his character was the opposite of the former Prince of Lamballe's seductive nature. However, Daphné was the only one who truly enjoyed this aspect of his personality, and displays of affection had long since become a part of their relationship.
"Monseigneur! It seems the dogs have found your prey!" one of his servants warned as the barking and growling had intensified within seconds.
In less than thirty seconds, everyone arrived at the scene where a brutal confrontation had unfolded between the English setters and the unfortunate fox, which didn't stand a chance against them. The poor creature lay on the ground, its neck twisted and torn, with a substantial amount of blood flowing from it. The dogs continued to bark as Harry dismounted from his horse, a magnificent small Charolais with a black coat given to him for his tenth birthday, to meticulously examine his hunting trophy.
"Mother will be delighted with the gift I'm going to give her," he commented, carefully touching the fox's bushy tail. "We could make a beautiful hat out of this... Is there a furrier in Lamballe we should inquire with, or should I reach out directly to our suppliers in Saint-Denis?"
The others shrugged, not knowing how to respond. Fashion was the least of their concerns, and transforming the fur of a wild fox into a hat was equally insignificant. One of them chose to resolve the matter by gently tucking the fox's tail into his bag, all the while with the dogs' angry barking, indicating their desire to play with the poor creature.
"Truly, this hunting party is quite entertaining, but I can't help but wonder why Mother insisted on my participation," sighed Harry, rolling his eyes.
Philippe and Antoine exchanged brief glances before turning away from each other, both with a slightly amused smile. In truth, Harry was the only one unaware of the events unfolding at the castle. A grand celebration was taking place deep in the forest to commemorate his eleventh birthday. The English considered it an ordinary day, albeit one in which they typically gave their children more gifts when possible.
For French wizards, especially among the prominent noble families, the eleventh birthday held a different significance. It marked a child's transition to adulthood, or at least the first step towards it. The child was no longer considered as such but as a young adult, now capable of making their own decisions without being answerable to a third party. To celebrate this, a grand gathering was organized, featuring the most prestigious families in France and prominent members of the wizarding community. Some Muggles could also attend, but only with Marie-Louise's permission. As a result, a few Bourbons were able to participate in this ceremony, along with all the castle's servants. The only one still missing from this celebration was the person it was all about, who remained unaware of what was happening a few kilometers away.
"If only Daphné could have joined me, it would have been even more enjoyable," he grumbled, expressing his annoyance at his fiancée's aversion to this pastime, which she found repugnant and cruel. "I'm convinced that something is being kept from me," he added as he mounted his horse again, "but I can't quite put my finger on this strange mystery."
Then, thoughtfully, he added more to himself than to others, "Perhaps it has something to do with the Muggle authorities. Those rascals will never leave us in peace now that they're aware of our return to this country, especially my existence..."
Each person avoided meeting his gaze, although deep down, they were all very pleased with the way their mistress's and friend's lives had turned around since Harry's arrival. Marie-Louise had indeed managed to make significant changes, and their situation had improved a lot in the past two years. The most significant development was undoubtedly the dropping of all charges brought against her by the French state. Initially, it was far from guaranteed, even though the risk of a capital sentence was lower than before. One year to the day after Harry's arrival in Lamballe, Marie-Louise had finally decided to face the French justice system to clear her name and honor, and, most importantly, to enable her son to live an ordinary life without the constant need to hide at home.
It all began with a simple letter sent to the Minister of Justice at that time, Charles Joseph Lambrechts, which marked the start of this judicial turnaround, allowing the reopening of the case that implicated her in several affairs where her name appeared. The man was quite accommodating with her and readily agreed to correspond with her by letter until she could provide enough evidence on her part to prove her good faith and innocence. Despite her strong determination, it was quite challenging for her to counter the accusations of treason and conspiracy against France and its highest authorities, and to assert that she had absolutely no knowledge of any potential plans by the king and queen to disrupt the revolution and reclaim their throne. After a few months, the case was reopened, and a trial was already on the agenda. Marie-Louise willingly went to Paris to submit to the authorities and show that she was prepared to accept any judgments rendered against her.
However, the Muggles, who were obviously unaware of her magical preparations, had no idea of her actions. She had taken precautions and created a double of herself, capable of acting and thinking independently, thanks to a simple straw and many complex spells. The twin knew everything that would be useful to make a convincing case in front of the judges, telling them whatever they wished to hear. The double, imprisoned in the palace of the city, allowed Marie-Louise to remain safe in her castle, without facing her persecutors or risking a death sentence at the end of the trial.
The trial, by the way, was a major event in France, as Muggles greatly appreciated these moments when a member of the nobility was dragged before the judges to receive the punishment they deserved. People didn't look any further than the tip of their nose, and for them, being wealthy during a time of crisis and having associated with the high and mighty of the world was a sacrilege that deserved exemplary punishment.
However, they were in for a surprise. Harry's mother, or rather her clone, was very convincing in her defense and even agreed to provide all the information they desired, even though most of it was false. She even renounced her principles and swore allegiance to the new republican government, although behind the scenes, she used her influence and money to win her case and favor with the tribunal. During the trial, she also announced the existence of her son and the reason why she was so eager to be rehabilitated.
Harry followed the proceedings, quietly seated in the courtroom with his mother and disguised, just like her, to attend peacefully. Even though the woman facing the judges was not his real mother, the words she used to talk about him deeply touched him. The twin of Marie-Louise put so much fervor, passion, and love into her plea that he believed, listening to her, that she had known him since his birth and was genuinely the woman who had raised him, so he couldn't hide anything from her because she knew even his deepest secrets.
Her defense seemed to move the judges, who, after a month of proceedings, acquitted her for lack of evidence. Besides, the country's political situation was too unstable to care about an old case dating back several years. Nonetheless, the thousands of documents that changed hands greatly influenced this decision.
Marie-Louise had no qualms about corrupting some judges, knowing that everything in this world functioned with money, and buying a man's word was as easy as buying a loaf of bread.
The case was closed at that point, and not a single person appealed the tribunal's decision to challenge the judgment. In short, she, just like Louise-Elisabeth a few weeks later, was free and could now move about the roads of France without any worries.
"We will finally have the opportunity to show you Paris, Gabriel..." she had announced after leaving the courtroom.
The city, however, had nothing very interesting to offer, apart from a few splendid palaces like the Tuileries, the Luxembourg, and the Louvre. Several major construction projects were underway, including the enlargement of an avenue called Champs-Élysées, which had previously been the haunt of brigands and bandits terrorizing the city's residents, to turn it into one of the main streets in the city. The Bastille was finally being demolished, leaving a reminder of the start of the French Revolution, which had begun eleven years ago and resulted in thousands of lives brutally ending since then, through its scattered stones.
The current government had also decided to build several apartment buildings to accommodate an ever-growing Parisian population. Meanwhile, dozens of churches and convents were being demolished to make way for hastily constructed housing developments, tarnishing the city's image. Yes, Paris was undergoing significant changes, the overall mix was not very reassuring for the French population. Compared to London, Paris was pale in comparison, quite ironic for a capital that aimed to be powerful and modern.
But the visit to the capital also allowed them to officially update Harry's status and enroll him definitively as a French citizen.
Officially, according to his birth certificate, the baptismal register of the clergy, and the civil register, Harry was now Gabriel Louis-Victor Alexandre de Bourbon, the son of the late Louis-Alexandre de Bourbon, from whom he had inherited his titles, and Marie-Louise de Savoie. However, unofficially, Harry preferred that people refer to him by his mother's name, especially as being related to a Bourbon was not well-received by the Muggle population in those times.
Le jeune Louis XVII avait indeed suffered greatly, and the Parisians had stopped at nothing to destroy this family, no matter the age of its representatives. The heir to the throne had disappeared five years ago at the tender age of ten, following a long illness, but there were whispers that hunger, thirst, and ill-treatment were the actual causes of his death. It was a devastating blow to the monarchists who had lost one of the last official members of the Bourbon lineage, especially one so close to the throne. Harry, too, could potentially lay claim to this position, but the line of succession was so long, and there were so many candidates that he was unlikely to ever ascend to the throne. In any case, Marie-Louise would never take the risk of subjecting him to the same treatment as the heir to the throne. It was better to keep a low profile and openly support the cause of the republic, even if it was against her own will, to ensure her son's safety.
"I'm starting to feel exhausted," he said, stretching his arms. "It's only early afternoon, but I think I can indulge in a well-deserved nap. I'll take this opportunity to inquire about Aunt Elisabeth's absence this morning. I hope nothing unfortunate has happened to her; it would sadden me to know she's unwell on my birthday..."
Suddenly, a strange noise, similar to a whistle, was heard, quickly followed by the sound of a loud explosion, audible for several kilometers. A reddish flash lit up the sky, and everyone turned their heads in the direction of this strange appearance. The luminous ball burst into a multitude of small red points, and Harry, as well as the rest of the group, realized at that moment that someone was setting off fireworks.
"Good Lord, what is this all about?" he exclaimed, looking at the last traces of the fireworks disappearing from the sky.
"Perhaps someone has forgotten that the 14th of July has passed more than two weeks ago, Your Grace," Antoine supposed with a discreet wink to the accompanying men. "Unfortunately, some people do not have the same sense of time as we do..."
"Well, that rascal should have asked a much wiser person than himself to guide him on today's date. And, what a strange idea to use fireworks in the middle of the forest. Doesn't he know that he could cause a thousand troubles to these poor trees? A forest fire can happen so quickly in this heat... Mother would be so angry to see her domain reduced to ashes by a man's foolishness. Gentlemen, let's postpone this hunting expedition, I beg of you. I do not like to be disturbed in this manner during my enjoyment, and I shall immediately express my opinion to this boor."
His tone was without question, and although no trace of anger was visible on his face, Antoine, who had some knowledge of occlumency, was well aware that his young lord was furious internally. The idea of using fireworks to notify them that the festivities could begin and that Marie-Louise's son was required was not as good as it seemed, especially when one knew how attached the boy was to his estate.
"François, take the dogs back to the castle. We will no longer need them. And make sure to secure the fox," he added to the man who had picked up the fox's body.
The entire group set off, this time with a clear destination and at a trot to save the horses. Harry led the group, completely uninterested in his surroundings and with only one goal: to search for, and possibly capture, the interloper. In any case, with the noise the dogs had made earlier and the sound of the fireworks, the chances of finding other game were almost non-existent. Fortunately, their small investigation in the forest led them to a path that was entirely clear on both sides and that would take them directly to the artificial lake located in the center of the Forest of Coron.
"The bold one!" Harry exclaimed, heading towards the area where the troublemaker was supposed to be. "Daring to venture into this place! It must be a wizard, then, unless the Muggle-repelling charms no longer work!"
Only about a hundred meters separated him from the mysterious fireworks creator, and in less than two minutes, the gate that would grant them access to the lake and the adjoining clearing came into view. At that moment, Harry had no fear or anxiety about confronting an intruder he knew nothing about. The man could be armed or even insane, but Harry didn't think about it. He was too busy thinking about the conversation he would have with the intruder.
However, as he approached his target, Harry began to hear what sounded like conversations, dozens of them. Once he had passed the last tree and the iron gate that marked this peaceful haven, his field of vision was the most astonishing he had seen in a long time.
"I never expected this," he stammered, eyes wide. "My eyes must be playing tricks on me, or perhaps I'm caught in an illusion, but it seems that our little troublemaker had his reasons to bring us here after all..."
His followers chuckled joyfully at his comment, pleased that the surprise had worked. There was every reason to be astonished, and even they were surprised by the beauty of the place and the decorations made for the occasion. The party that was originally intended to be an intimate gathering had attracted around a hundred people from various backgrounds, all of whom had one thing in common: they were all related, in one way or another, to the De Savoie family. Attending the 11th birthday of Marie-Louise's son was a celebration that none wanted to miss. Many people were present, both family members, from uncles and aunts to cousins, and friends, acquaintances, and numerous Lamballe residents. The castle's servants were also in attendance, and even though Harry knew only a slight majority of them, he was still touched by the evident desire of everyone to come and celebrate in his company. The 11th birthday was the occasion to hold grand celebrations, reuniting all the close ones, and for this purpose, Marie-Louise had gone all out. It was easy to wonder if a piece of paradise had fallen to Earth given the pristine setting.
The decoration itself was rather simple, with round tables adorned with white tablecloths on which lay dozens of silver utensils. White chairs were arranged around the tables, and all the tables were placed in such a way that a dance floor could be seen in the center. An orchestra composed of numerous musicians was placed on a small stage and had already started playing a few tunes to entertain the guests. Strange garlands made of leaves and flowers, as well as long white veils, were placed all around the clearing and among the tree branches, and dozens of tiny fairies flitted among the guests, occasionally tossing a sprinkle of sparkling powder in their path. Harry also noticed, without any difficulty, a larger table set apart from the others at the end of the dance floor, and his intuition told him that this was likely the table reserved for family members. All of this organization and the intent to keep him in the dark could only have one purpose, which he understood easily: to celebrate his birthday.
"So, this was it, wasn't it?" he argued with his fellow hunters. "I assume you were in on it. Well, I can only bow to so much mystery; you got me!"
"Madam made us promise not to tell you," Antoine admitted with a smile. "You know your mother, Your Grace. Everything has to be absolutely perfect; otherwise, we would have been punished for our clumsiness!"
However, Antoine rolled his eyes and shook his head in dismay at the unamused looks of the men around him.
"All right, she would have only scolded us verbally," he grumbled. "You really have no sense of humor, my friends!"
"We do have a sense of humor, but we didn't understand when to laugh, Antoine," Philippe asserted. "Your sense of humor is so strange sometimes, I still wonder how Marthe can laugh at your antics..."
"I hope your unborn child doesn't inherit your sense of humor, my friend," Harry added, amidst the laughter of the others. "Well, gentlemen, let's not keep them waiting any longer!"
Continuing to lead the group, Harry was the first to approach the dozens of people joyfully chatting a few meters away. He quickly spotted his mother, slightly apart from the others and engrossed in conversation with Louise-Elisabeth, who was the first person he would encounter on his path. Their presence was soon discovered, and a chorus of "Aaaah" and "Happy Birthday, Gabriel/Your Grace" followed him all the way to his mother. But it didn't matter; Harry had eyes only for Marie-Louise, this woman who put so much effort into making him happy and who, once again, had surprised him for a special occasion without him even realizing it.
Once he was close enough, Harry eagerly dismounted his horse to thank her properly, and everyone could admire the grin that spread from ear to ear on his face for the occasion.
"Oh, mother, you shouldn't have!" he exclaimed cheerfully, wrapping his arms around her waist. "It must have taken you so long to organize this!"
"Only half a day, really," she admitted, absently stroking her son's hair. "The invitations are the only part that took up most of my time, but as you can see, they all found their recipients."
"You should have warned me; I would have dressed for the occasion," he said, looking ruefully at his coat. "I'm dressed like a pauper on my birthday..."
"But we wouldn't have had the element of surprise if it had been done that way. And don't worry about how you're dressed; you look just fine. I wished you a happy birthday this morning, but once again, happy birthday, Gabriel!"
"Thank you, mother," he mumbled in his dress before releasing her from his embrace. "Thank you all," he added to the other people surrounding him, especially to his aunt, whom he thanked in the same way as he did Marie-Louise.
The Greengrasses were the next to be thanked, and the young Astoria and Daphne practically pounced on him to celebrate his birthday. Although surprised by this burst of joy, Harry held them close for a long time, at least long enough for his future sister-in-law to ask him to let her go because she was having trouble breathing. The parents of the two sisters, on the other hand, were much more reserved, although the sentiment was there all the same.
The rest of the interactions were much less enjoyable, even though he didn't show it. Greeting the guests was, of course, obligatory, but doing so for about a hundred people, some of whom he didn't know, was comparable to running several kilometers in the countryside—exhausting. Amidst the various greetings and pleasantries, he could barely have a longer conversation with Daphne and her family, let alone his aunt, who had also put in the effort to organize the party.
However, he was delighted to see some familiar faces, such as his aunt Marie-Adelaide, who was pleasant company when it came to theater and literature, or Louis Xavier de France, a kind of distant uncle always grumbling about the youth of today and their debauched ways. With a glass of wine constantly in hand, this man was not the best role model either, and his table manners left much to be desired, especially when presented with a plump, juicy poultry. But this uncle was also a shrewd strategist and a skilled politician who had found in Harry a very attentive and diligent pupil. The image they presented to the others, in any case, was that of a grandfather educating his grandson and teaching him the ways of life, much as Charlus did with the old Harry.
Less pleasant guests were also in attendance, including some Muggles who clearly regarded the wizards around them as pests and falsely believed they meant them harm. These people were narrow-minded and only seemed to appreciate Harry's family for their prestigious name and fortune, much like the many guests at James' parties for Matthew. Their presence was most likely due to the opportunity to have a private conversation with Marie-Louise, but she avoided them as best as she could, engaging in conversations with others instead. Thankfully, they were only a handful, no more than five according to Harry, or else his birthday celebration would have been dampened by their presence. Harry himself quickly cut short his conversations with them, only lingering to thank them for their presence and asking if they weren't bored, and then making a swift exit when an opportunity presented itself, typically by imitating his mother and changing his conversation partner like changing shirts.
"Gabriel," his mother asked, approaching him after half an hour of handshakes and courtesies, "could you please follow me? I'd like to introduce you to someone..."
"Oh, of course, Mother," he agreed before turning to the elderly couple he had been talking to. "I'm sorry, but it seems duty is calling me. I hope we'll have another chance to chat. Have a pleasant afternoon!"
Led by his mother through the dense crowd, Harry came across a small group of men in military uniform, and the only one he recognized was Philippe Delacour. They all proudly wore their uniforms, and Harry noticed that each of them wore a distinctive French cavalry uniform composed of a dolman with five rows of square yellow braids over a midnight blue jacket and a police cap of the same color. Sabers and Arson's pistols were attached to their waists, as if they feared that even on this festive day, an attack could come without warning.
One man, in particular, stood out slightly from the group with his bicorne hat adorned with a cockade in the colors of France and the numerous decorations on his chest and shoulders. Of them all, he was undoubtedly the most imposing, exuding an air of charisma, and despite his young age, the military personnel surrounding him seemed to hold him in deep respect, as evidenced by the almost intimidated glances they threw at him from time to time. Yet, this man didn't seem particularly threatening despite his stern and authoritative appearance. Perhaps it was the sideburns on his cheeks, which he allowed to grow, that made everyone keep their distance so as not to offend him. Even Harry couldn't take his eyes off him, as if drawn inexorably by his aura of power.
"Ah, Marie-Louise!" Philippe exclaimed upon seeing her approach. "I was wondering when I would have the immense privilege of greeting you."
"Oh, you didn't have to wait long to have the opportunity, my dear," she replied as he kissed her hand. "Gentlemen, I don't believe I've had the opportunity to meet you yet," she added, turning to the other men, who promptly removed their hats as a sign of respect. "I assume you've come as companions for your superior?"
"Yes, ma'am, but also for the great privilege of being able to see the famous Princess of Lamballe, whom we've heard so much praise about," one of them replied, respectfully bowing.
Marie-Louise simply thanked them with a polite smile before turning to the enigmatic man who had not yet uttered a word in her presence. He looked at her with a neutral, almost indifferent expression, as if he was either unaffected by her presence or hiding his emotions remarkably well. There was nothing in his gaze to suggest that he was pleased to be able to converse with her.
"Lieutenant Colonel Pajol, I am honored that you had the kindness to accept my invitation," she said, extending her hand, which he also kissed. "I understood from Philippe that you might not have had the chance to attend due to the recent campaigns you've undertaken on behalf of the First Consul..."
"I am but a humble servant of Monsieur Bonaparte," he replied coldly. "Our consul does not currently require my services, but I volunteer as soon as he seeks my presence by his side. The war is still at our doorstep, and serving my country is the only obligation to which I willingly submit."
"That is most admirable of you," Marie-Louise said, placing an arm around Harry's shoulders. "Gentlemen, I would like to introduce my son, Gabriel de Bourbon, for whom this party was organized."
Each of them scrutinized Harry in various ways, mostly out of curiosity. The Lieutenant Colonel stared at Harry, his eyes locked onto his as if trying to probe his mind. In fact, Harry immediately felt that his Occlumency shields were being tested by this sudden intrusion, but they were far too powerful for Pajol, who quickly gave up. His gaze then changed ever so slightly, and Harry even thought he saw a hint of a smile on his face. Had he just been tested? What a strange way to make someone's acquaintance, at any rate.
"I've heard a lot about you, young sir," the Lieutenant Colonel said, continuing to fix his gaze on Harry. "Philippe spoke highly of you, affirming that you are a young man full of surprises."
Seeing the confusion in Harry's eyes, his mother quickly answered the unspoken question he was pondering, particularly about how Philippe had been able to talk about him to a man whose existence he didn't even know.
"Gabriel, Lieutenant Colonel Pajol is in charge of the 4th Hussar Regiment, in which you will soon attend the school. He is, in a way, your superior but also your director, responsible for your military education."
"Delighted to meet you, sir," Harry replied, trying to appear sincere.
In truth, the man was quite intimidating, and his deep and dry voice made Harry more inclined to run away rather than stay in his company and risk making a misstep that could displease him.
"I look forward to learning from you and your experiences in the various conflicts you've been part of," he continued. "It is an honor for me to have the opportunity to fight alongside you..."
"Motivation and a thirst for learning, how interesting..." his future director mused in a tone almost friendly. "But war is not a game, young man. Many of your comrades will die by your side, and you could just as well fall to enemy bullets during a cavalry charge. It will be on the battlefield that you will learn the art of war best, not from books or by emulating another. Remember that if you want to go far in your military career."
"Yes, sir," Harry replied, pushing aside the small voice in his head that assured him that with his mother's training, he had a better chance of surviving than anyone else. "I'm looking forward to entering your school. I hope to do you proud."
"We shall see in due time," he said, nodding briefly, then turned away from him and his mother in a manner that seemed to dismiss them with a wave of his hand.
Both of them were stung by this rather disrespectful way of leaving them, but they did their best not to show it. Harry still didn't know what to think of this Lieutenant, even though his contemptuous behavior toward him and his mother was very displeasing. Only the future could tell, but he felt that friction might exist between him and this man. Preferring not to show his discomfort, Harry offered his arm to his mother to continue their greetings with other people who were much more likely to be friendly towards them and, by doing so, pushed the rather confusing encounter from their minds.
"Don't let that man intimidate you," his mother advised nonetheless. "This lieutenant bears a hatred for the nobility and the privileges we enjoyed before 1789. Prove to him that a gentleman can be just as effective as he is on a battlefield, and that will already be a great victory for you."
"I had no intention of being walked over, Mother," he replied sincerely. "But this man will be my superior, and it might not be wise to be on his bad side at the moment. I will strive to be diligent in my school and military activities to show him that I am not what he thinks I am."
His mother simply nodded her head before introducing herself to another group of guests, with Harry closely following in this endeavor. This is what he did for most of the next hour. The party was now in full swing, and Harry could no longer even count the number of hands he had shaken, the ones he had kissed, the number of ladies he had had to partner with for wonderful dances played by the orchestra. Even the number of presents he received escaped him, but he didn't care. Even if he hadn't received a single gift from his guests, the mere fact that they were with him for his birthday was worth all the gifts in the world. Having Daphné by his side, who had joined him in the meantime, and continually seeing her smile at him, was by far what he appreciated most on this day. In her company, he decided to move away slightly from the crowd for a peaceful walk around the lake, occasionally greeting the few men who chose to fish rather than dance with their wives to avoid making a fool of themselves, and the few children he had become close to, with Fleur and Gabrielle in the lead.
"What a wonderful day," Daphné whispered as she gazed thoughtfully ahead, once they had left the Delacour sisters lounging beneath the great oak tree. "Marie-Louise really put a lot of effort into organizing a splendid party for your eleventh birthday. Your brother would be seething with anger if he saw this."
"Are you kidding? James organizes equally sumptuous birthday parties for his son, even if most of the guests don't come out of the goodness of their hearts, but rather to be seen alongside the Boy-Who-Lived."
"That's exactly what sets this party apart from your former father's. There, everything reeked of hypocrisy and deceit, and the smiles on your father's guests were so fake that I'm still amazed he himself didn't realize it. People were only there out of curiosity and for obscure reasons, usually revolving around your family's money, and they didn't really care about the reason for their presence. But here, you can sense without even needing Legilimancy that the guests have come solely for the simple pleasure of being together, meeting new people, and above all, celebrating your eleventh birthday. Nobody is pretending, and everyone is genuinely delighted to be in your company and that of your mother. People here are sincere in their ways and in their interactions with you, and they don't see you as a rich boy from a good family but simply as an eleven-year-old boy growing a year older."
Daphné turned to him, a bright smile on her face, and to everyone's surprise, her fiancée planted her lips on his in a tender kiss that lasted a few seconds, a kiss he returned, of course. For now, this kind of public affection and display came down to that, each having finally understood what their roles as husband and wife were all about, and Daphné was overjoyed every day to greet her future husband with a simple kiss to start the day off right, even if it still seemed more like a game to her. Both loved each other with a strong and genuine love now, and taking their cues from the adults around them, they simply put into practice the displays of affection that adults showed each other. Although they were initially uncomfortable with kissing each other, it was a whole different story today, and this gesture had become as usual as washing or having breakfast with the rest of the family. The young couple was finally getting their bearings, but marriage could still wait.
"There is so much love here, and everyone can feel it, which makes you feel so good," she said to cut short her explanation. "This place is filled with healthy and soothing emotions that make you want to stay and make yourself comfortable without worrying about the ups and downs of our lives."
"You spend way too much time with Aunt Elisabeth, in my opinion," Harry said with a teasing smile. "Or you read way too many romance novels..."
"You're mean," she chided him, giving him a playful tap on the shoulder. "I'm just trying to make the most of everything your aunt teaches me, and you still find a way to criticize me for it. It's really interesting to be able to analyze people's emotions and study them to form our own opinions about the situations we find ourselves in..."
"And what do you feel right now?" he asked, looking at a small group of swans swimming peacefully on the lake.
"A feeling of completeness that you can't find anywhere else," she said with a blissful smile.
Harry himself smiled, feeling exactly the same way when he was here. It was as if a spell of happiness had been cast over the entire surface of this clearing, a spell that provided such a strong sense of comfort and well-being to everyone walking in this remote part of the forest. Few people felt nothing when they came here, and conversely, many people could spend the whole day here idling around the lake. Fairy tales may be imaginary, but this magical place seemed to prove otherwise at times.
On their way, Harry came across a rosebush already blooming with countless red roses just waiting to be picked, and almost immediately, another small smile spread across his face.
"What a strange idea to plant a rosebush in this place," Daphné said as she approached it. "It's all alone, and there are no other bushes nearby..."
"We planted it last year with Antoine and Marthe," Harry explained to her as he caressed one of the still-closed roses. "Roses have various meanings, but they all come down to one point: Love. They were also associated with the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite, just like Venus was for the Romans. Some stories even say that originally, they were white, but Cupid accidentally spilled wine on this flower to give it its beautiful color. I wanted to express my affection for my mother by this gesture, conveying everything I felt for her. I don't need to tell you that she appreciated my gesture when she found out..."
With a gesture, Harry cut the rose he had been caressing to pick it up with his fingertips and show it to Daphné. She watched him, curious about what he had in mind. Her fiancé closed his eyes quickly, and immediately, the initially closed flower suddenly opened to reveal its beautiful, brilliant red petals in the sunlight. This sight amazed her, just like Harry's talent for using his magic in such a romantic way, but the show didn't stop there: The rose suddenly changed and lost its bright crimson hue for a pure white.
"The white rose: Symbol of pure, complete love that signifies unconditional love that is given eternally to the person we desire," Harry recited as he opened his eyes.
"Since when do you know the meanings of flowers?" she asked, slightly taken aback by his words.
"For a few years now. My mom was already teaching me when I still lived with her, but my mother supplemented my knowledge through her herbology textbooks. Learning the language of flowers is a knowledge that is lost, but it can help us avoid many uncomfortable situations: It would be silly, for example, for me to give a person I like gladioli, at least if I forget to remove their leaves because they symbolize death, or even gorse, which symbolizes anger. I could even communicate only by using flowers if I wanted to, each one having a particular meaning, and that would allow my interlocutor to know what I'm thinking without even having to say a word."
The flower he held suddenly shrank to fit easily in the palm of his hand. With a gesture, he levitated it towards Daphné's hair, into which a strand was also moving to wrap itself around the stem and tie it in place. His fiancée let him do it, deeply moved by his tender and affectionate gestures. In her opinion, few boys could be as romantic and sensitive as Harry, and every day that passed confirmed it. Her fiancé was head and shoulders above the rest, like a different being who didn't act like his peers, and she wouldn't trade him for anything in the world.
"For the most beautiful of roses," he whispered with a smile.
"Thank you," Daphné murmured shyly, blushing.
"Gabriel!" a voice suddenly exclaimed behind them.
He didn't need to turn around to know who the person was who had interrupted this little moment of intimacy, especially when he felt two little arms wrap around his waist and a lot of blonde hair briefly entered his field of vision.
"Gabrielle," he greeted her without turning around. "Weren't you with your sister when we left you earlier?"
"Yes, but she was invited to dance by a man in uniform, and she left me all alone," she replied in a small, frail voice. "And I wanted to see what you and Queenie were doing!"
Even though Daphné didn't show it, the nickname Gabrielle used to mention her annoyed her a little. Fleur had started calling her that shortly after her arrival at Lamballe, and although both of them more or less liked each other, some jealousy persisted in the Frenchwoman, who blamed Daphné for being Harry's betrothed rather than her. In a way, a caprice, and Fleur had in some sense taken revenge by nicknaming her rival due to her tendency to constantly monopolize Harry and be cold towards any girl who approached him. Gabrielle, on the other hand, just liked to call Daphné that without any ulterior motive: She liked it, and she found it much prettier than the name of Harry's fiancée.
"I want a flower too!" she exclaimed, pointing at the rosebush.
"Well, I won't stop you from taking one, mademoiselle," he said, leaning towards her once she had let him go.
"No! I want you to do it like with Queenie!" Gabrielle insisted, putting her hands on her hips. "I want someone to give me a flower because they love me!"
"Have you forgotten the magic word, Gaby? You know we can't have what we want if we're not polite to the person we're asking something from..."
"Please! Please, Gabriel! Say yes! Say yes!"
Amused by her antics, Harry agreed to grant her request and began doing the same thing he did with Daphné, except the flower he attached in Gabrielle's hair was a salmon pink color.
"I am but your humble servant, mademoiselle, and this flower symbolizes all the beauty and magnificence of the young lady to whom I offer it. May you flourish as much as this charming flower..."
Gabrielle hopped up and down, delighted with the gift Harry gave her, and without further ado, she hugged Harry again. While enjoying her embrace, the little girl turned her head slightly towards Daphné, and, to Daphné's surprise, simply stuck out her tongue at her before letting go of Harry and acting like nothing had happened.
"We should go back to the others. Your mom might worry when she notices your absence, and she might think you fell into the lake," Harry suggested, not noticing his fiancée's sulking look. An accident can happen quickly here, and she might think you fell into the lake."
The little Delacour girl readily accepted his suggestion and wasted no time taking Harry's hand. With her other hand, she grabbed Daphné's hand without even considering the fact that she had taunted her just a few seconds earlier. Daphné was once again surprised by her behavior but quickly regained her composure by attributing Gabrielle's bipolar personality to the innocence of childhood. This girl, however, was so strange at times that she felt like two entities were hiding in this little fragile body... Maybe she would become a mini-Fleur over time, and that unexciting prospect made her gulp.
"...And so, when we arrived in this little clearing, the fox was lying on the ground, killed by the dogs!" her fiancé recounted without noticing Daphné's discomfort.
"But... What did the fox look like?" Gabrielle asked him nervously. "Was it big? With big teeth? Did it breathe fire?"
"Did it... What? But a fox doesn't breathe fire!"
"But it eats little girls and old ladies, so why couldn't it do that?!" she insisted firmly, frowning. "Mommy told me that last time when she read Little Red Riding Hood!"
Harry briefly wondered if Gabrielle had really understood the story or if Mrs. Delacour had deliberately replaced the wolf in the story with a fox. Nevertheless, he was in a fix now.
"That one didn't breathe fire, but it tried to eat all the dogs!" he quickly invented. "In fact, a few days ago, it tried to eat me while I was walking here, but I skillfully avoided its attacks! I even wounded it on one leg, and since then, it couldn't use that leg. Faced with my dogs, it had no chance, but we had to get rid of it anyway because it was becoming a danger to this region."
"You're so brave, Gabriel!" Gabrielle enthused, convinced that he was telling the truth. "You're like the woodsman who saved Little Red Riding Hood, a hero!"
"I just did my duty as a gentleman," he affirmed, smiling proudly.
"Charles Perrault would surely be proud of you too," Daphné added sarcastically, rolling her eyes. "What a story, it seems so unreal, like a children's tale!"
Harry had the decency to look sheepish, while Gabrielle didn't grasp the obvious sarcasm in Daphné's words to bring him back to reality. Instead, she thought that Daphné, too, was marveling at her fiancé's courage, which made her even more exuberant for the entire journey back to the birthday party.
The party had not stopped following their departure, and the guests continued to chat happily or dance when they were not busy with the delicious appetizers provided. No one seemed to have noticed their absence, not even Daphné's parents, who were engaging in baroque dance or Gabrielle's parents, who, as Philippe had announced earlier, were relaxing peacefully under a tree, heartily enjoying some snacks. Their daughter didn't waste a moment to join them, her rumbling belly speaking for itself in a cacophony of grumbling that made her blush with embarrassment.
Soon, however, the time for the actual meal arrived, and all the guests were invited to take their seats at the tables. Harry, of course, shared the table he assumed to be his and his family's, and in no time, he was surrounded by all the people he loved. Lily, Rosie, and Remus were the only ones missing, but it was just a matter of time before he would see them. However, he didn't have the pleasure of thinking about them because his mother, sitting next to him, suddenly grabbed everyone's attention by clinking one of her utensils against her crystal glass, evidently to kick off a ceremonial speech.
"My dear friends, allow me to thank you for your presence among us and for this special occasion. I wouldn't have believed that when I sent out invitations to all of you a few weeks ago, you would all accept without exception, for which I am deeply grateful. As you know, unless you are unfamiliar with the customs of the magical world, the eleventh birthday is a very special moment that marks the first step of a child into adulthood, a transitional phase where the child gradually leaves the tender age of childhood to become the man or woman they should be in the future."
His mother paused for a few seconds, during which she met his gaze and gave him a reassuring smile, placing her hand on his shoulder.
"My son Gabriel now reaches this age, and I can't hide from you that it pains me to see my little prince grow up. However, the wheel of time cannot be stopped, and old age, although a merciless enemy, is common to us all, and we cannot escape it. But for now, it's not the time to ponder the vagaries of life but to simply enjoy this beautiful day to come together and strengthen the bonds that connect us, whether they are friendly or familial. This day is also my son's, and I would like it to be as wonderful as possible. I would like to start this by raising my glass to you, Gabriel. May you have a beautiful and long life, rich in adventure and enriching for your future political and military career, bringing honor to your family and the centuries of traditions that have made us who we are today. May you also live a perfect love affair with your beloved, a life filled with love and passion in her company, which I wish you from the bottom of my heart. But don't rush the steps too quickly, my dear; I don't feel ready to become a grandmother yet."
Many bursts of laughter accompanied her words, while Harry and Daphné blushed profusely. Even occlumency and their control over their magical bond couldn't do much to prevent the embarrassment that immediately overwhelmed them.
"To Gabriel!" his mother loudly declared, raising her glass.
"To Gabriel!" the guests echoed in unison before drinking heartily from their cups.
Silently, and once everyone had finished their drinks, Harry was invited by his mother to give a brief speech to the guests gathered all around him. Standing up from his chair was surprisingly daunting for him, as stress and anxiety made him feel ten times his usual weight, but he managed to stand tall and proud in front of his audience. Despite a dry throat and hundreds of sentences swirling around in his head, he struggled to find his voice.
"Dear guests," he said after a few seconds of silence, "I also thank you for coming to celebrate my eleventh birthday with me and my loved ones. It deeply touches me, far more than you can imagine. The simple fact of being in the company of people dear to me and of great importance to me is worth much more than all the gifts that this good old Earth could offer me. However, I won't bore you with a long speech, so I'll keep it short and simply wish you all bon appétit!"
"Those are the most sensible and pertinent words I've heard today!" Louis Xavier remarked when delicious dishes appeared on his table, which he promptly began to pile onto his plate. "Let's eat, my friends!"
His behavior further relaxed the atmosphere of this anniversary, and it was amidst the clinking of silverware and laughter that the dinner began. The appetizers had already satisfied many appetites, but everyone still joined in the meal, complimenting the brave Giuseppe for his delicious cuisine. Harry himself pledged to thank his chef for his efforts, especially as preparing a meal for a hundred people when you were not a wizard was quite an achievement.
Time passed inexorably for everyone, and nothing seemed to disturb this successful celebration for the moment. At least, that's what Harry believed until he saw a rider appear in the distance, galloping his horse as if his life depended on it. Although this sudden appearance initially surprised him, he eventually disregarded it and continued the dance he had started with his partner, Daphné. But after a couple of minutes, seeing that the man, whom he recognized as one of the castle's servants, was engaged in a hurried conversation with his mother, curiosity began to replace disinterest. Whatever their topic of discussion, it was evidently very serious, especially if Marie-Louise paled considerably, despite the Ceruse powder already giving her a porcelain complexion. His mother seemed to have seen a ghost, and for a moment, he thought she might faint.
Concerned for her health, Harry was already taking a step towards her, leaving his partner behind, but he immediately stopped when he saw his mother doing the same, approaching him.
"What's going on?" His fiancée asked when she noticed he had stopped dancing.
"I don't know," he replied, furrowing his brows slightly, "but I think we'll find out very soon."
Daphné was tempted to ask him to be clearer in his words, but the imposing figure of his mother immediately answered her questions. Like Harry, she noticed the worry and palpable anxiety on his usually constantly smiling and joyful face. Something was apparently amiss, and even without Legilimency, she could understand it.
"Gabriel, I... We need to return to the castle...", she began, her voice nervous, which was unusual for her.
"For what reason, mother?" He inquired, wondering about her sudden behavior. "Are you unwell? You look so pale... Perhaps I should fetch some water for you..."
"Please, my dear," she said, taking his hand. "We don't have time for that. I must inquire into a matter of the utmost importance, and your presence is required by my side..."
Harry obediently went along, and after a final farewell kiss to his fiancée, he accompanied his mother among the guests for the second time that day. However, the reason was entirely different, and the likelihood of her introducing him to another group of army officers was minimal. No, the reason prompting her to want his presence beside her and her strange behavior gave him the feeling that something very suspicious was afoot, something that apparently did not please his mother to put her in such a state, and he was determined to get to the bottom of this matter.
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