Chapter 25. The Champion.

The motives of the death eaters ' activity were deeply incomprehensible to me. Why was this action organized at all? Showing the UK Ministry of Magic's inability to provide security is a direct consequence of this attack, but what's next? It can be assumed that the ministry will increase the budget of the aurors, there will be any personnel changes, the population will lose confidence in their security. But all these are small things that will not give the organizers anything significant. The confidence of ordinary people can be undermined at any time by more useful actions. According to the canonical history, at a certain point, Voldemort and his gang simply took the ministry by storm, without any unnecessary measures of intimidation. Personnel changes will be exactly from place to place, as long as Dumbledore and Fudge are in their places, nothing will change significantly. However, the minister has already started his own game, and the reshuffle may be necessary for him. In general, all these cases are very murky, so you can think that this action was authorized by the minister himself.

On the first of September, out of habit, I arrived at the platform with a fractional number in advance. I got on the train and waited. I liked to look at the incoming magicians with their children, to assess the characters, to see the prospects.

Of course, the prospects in the light of the impending scam were all very vague, but I was assessing the potential of young magicians rather than seeing the future.

My own magic had already reached a level that allowed me to see magic directly, without any instruments. Before that, I had tried to change my eyes with magic in some way to gain this ability. As many popadants simply direct energy into the eyes with the desire to see magic, I tried to repeat this trick and almost went blind. Realizing that with living organisms, such tricks can be crippling, I decided to postpone the cruel medical experiments indefinitely. Fortunately, my vision has returned. Later, while studying alchemy and advanced potions, I learned that there is such a thing as oversaturation with magic and a lot of effects and consequences associated with it.

My magical vision was only about ten percent vision. To a greater extent, this sense of magic concerned the sense of smell, hello potions, and intuition. Intuitions — this is because there was no way to accurately determine these sensations.

As for my vision, I saw a vague haze near magically saturated objects. For artifactory of detail and subtlety of vision is not enough, it was necessary to use additional devices.

Cedric arrived on the platform with his father. It was obvious that the younger Diggory was burdened by the company of his ancestor. His father greeted all his acquaintances loudly, beckoning them to come over, and then began to praise Cedric. Although some of the praise was well-deserved, Cedric clearly did not like the attention, so he tried to get on the train as soon as possible.

In the compartment, I met Cedric with a phrase laced with a fair amount of sarcasm.

"What, great Cedric Diggory —" I smiled, " are you tired of listening to odes of praise in your honor?"

"Father can be a little obtrusive," Cedric smiled back, extending his hand to say hello. The gesture is not very common among Englishmen, and especially wizards. "My father's enthusiasm for me is exhausting. He started praising me especially when I was able to beat Potter in Quidditch, catch the Snitch. He doesn't care that Potter was attacked by dementors and dropped out of the fight. The game was not stopped, so everything is fair.

After greeting each other and shaking hands, we looked out the window. But a minute later, Cedric's father spied him in the car and began to say loudly to everyone: "This is my son" - and pointed at the window with his finger.

Slowly, Cedric began to move farther into the compartment, away from the window so that he could not be seen from the platform. I was amused by his actions. At first, even Cedric wanted to take offense at my amusement at the whole situation, but he quickly stopped sulking and laughed too.

Together we discussed the events after the championship final and why someone might need it. Cedric was as open-minded as I was. My only version with Cornelius Fudge's own playing didn't seem convincing, but it was just the only one. We have postponed this topic due to our ignorance of all the political trends in Albion. To pour from empty to empty without a detailed understanding of the situation did not make sense.

"There's a Triwizard Tournament going on at the school this year," Cedric said. "My father told me that. I'm going to participate.

"I'm sorry, Cedric —" I said with a sly smile, " but as long as Arrakis Blair is in school, you'll only be second."

"The rules of the tournament will change a little," the younger Diggory said. — In the past, young wizards often died at the tournament, so it was stopped altogether for a long time. It was now decided to resume the tournament, but limit participation to adult wizards only. I will be seventeen in September and I will be able to participate.

"I don't want to upset you, friend," I said, " but I'm a grown wizard, too.

"How?"

In answer to Cedric's question, I handed him my master's ring, which I now carried in my pocket. Cedric, looking lost, took the ring and turned it over, examining it.

"I see," he said in a low voice, returning the ring.

"Don't worry," I said, trying to reassure my friend. — You're still a good student and a great friend, and you'll be less tired of Mr. Amos ' enthusiasm."

Cedric only laughed at my clumsy encouragement.

— I have something to tell you, too, " I said, making a conspiratorial gesture. — You know my father was acquitted, don't you?"

"Yes," said Cedric, — the whole of Britain to date.

"Well," I continued, " he refused to accept the line, but he helped me become Black. Now, I am Arrakis Sirius Black.

"Really?" Cedric asked, surprised. "Are you the Black Heir now?"

"My father remains the heir, — I said. — I'm next in line to inherit." Moreover, in order to become a lord, I will need to confirm my right to inherit through the ministry. But, by magic, I'm Black now, no one can dispute that. "Do you think," I asked, " that I should enter the tournament under the name Black or under the old one?"

"A difficult question," Cedric mused. — It all depends on what goals you want to achieve. A tournament is the best way to make a name for yourself. The event will be widely covered in the press, and you will be immediately known not only in the UK, but also in France, Germany, and Eastern Europe. An ordinary wizard with an unknown last name will be forgotten immediately after the tournament, regardless of whether he wins the tournament or not, and if it is Black, then he will be remembered for a long time.

I nodded my head, making a decision. Although there were some negative aspects of my disclosure, there were more positive ones.

There was a distribution. There was a feast. Then, through the storm and rain, in flashes of lightning and thunder, Moody appeared. He looked them all over with his mad eye and took a sip of something from the flask. Right, "Donnerwetter" in the flesh.

"Professor Moody will be teaching Defense against the Dark Arts this year," the headmaster said.

Dumbledore further announced that there would be no Quidditch faculty competitions this year, but a Triwizard Tournament would be held at Hogwarts. Immediately I broke off many that only adult wizards of the sixth and seventh year will be able to participate. The Weasley twins were very upset, but they still hoped to find a way to participate in the tournament.

The study started. I didn't really need it, but I was still going to all the classes and doing the general tasks. True, potions and charms were held for me according to their own program. Flitwick had long engaged me in extracurricular activities as an assistant and an example of a model student. Snape did the same, but he became more exploitative, and he also hired people to do the rough work. It was partly understandable, because my training at Flitwick was already over, but I was still addicted to potions. At least, that's what Snape thought.

At one of the classes, Snape asked me to stay late after class. Classes at Hogwarts were already in their second week, but Snape never spent a single individual class with me, waiting for the end of the contract.

"Mr. Blair," Snape began when we were alone in the classroom, " your training contract is coming to an end. Unfortunately, you are not yet ready to receive the title of master. Would you like to extend your contract?

"Thank you for your science, Professor Snape — "I said formally and formally. "Under the contract, I have no complaints against you, Professor," I said, although there were complaints, but I did not intend to express them. — But I do not intend to extend the contract for another year.

— But why?" Snape asked, surprised. "You're almost ready!"

— There's a Triwizard Tournament going on at Hogwarts this year, and I intend to participate, " I explained. — I don't think I'll have time to do potions, either." The champion is required to participate in various events that are not a mandatory part of the tournament, such as interviews, photo shoots, or attendance at significant ministerial events.

"You don't pass by age, — Snape snapped.

"I'm already a master of enchantment, Professor —" I retorted.

Snape grimaced, already realizing that the promising student was leaving him. The title of apprentice already made it possible to pass the master's exam without a supervisor. Snape will still get a "plus", but not as fat as it could be.

"Mordred is with you, Blair," Snape said, barely able to contain himself, " no fee or contract required, just finish the job to the end.

I opened my mouth to protest, but Snape, sensing my resistance, wouldn't let me get a word in.

"Just give me a little time to prepare the commission," the potions master said. — I will try to choose the time of the exam in my free time. It's a pity, of course, that the Christmas holidays will be busy.

"Yes, yes," I said, " there are balls and receptions everywhere at this time. It is hardly possible to collect a commission at all at such a time.

— So you agree?" The professor asked.

"Yes," I said, " I agree." Since it won't cost anything more than what I paid for, I won't say no.

Snape was clearly going to charge me for another year of training at his own rate. You can't say that he's a hooch, because his rate corresponded to the ministerial rate for studying at Hogwarts, but this rate can not be called honest. The fee corresponded to the rate of study in the best Muggle higher education institutions. I suspect that he would have quietly prepared me for the winter exam, since I am already virtually ready, would have received my payment and the honors due from the ministry and the guild, while continuing to dump some of his potion-making work on me. I broke some of his plans, but he still hoped to implement some of them.

Having resolved the issue with Snape, I stopped going to many classes, there was nothing interesting for me. No, no, I still took the charm classes out of respect for Flitwick, and I took the potions classes, not too brazenly, but the others…

My absenteeism had its consequences. Once I was caught" by the elbow " in the corridor by Professor McGonagall.

"Mr. Blair," Minerva began, " you have completely stopped attending my classes. You may hope to become a champion of Hogwarts and get the right to attend classes freely, but what happens if someone else becomes the champion? Then you may have some difficulties in my exam.

Minerva spoke calmly, but there was a hint of menace in her voice. Yes, yes, she promised me problems on her exam.

"Professor McGonagall," I said, stretching my vowels lazily in the Malfoy style, " I already have the right to attend classes freely — I'm a master of enchantment, you should have known that by now. In addition, I have individual training with Professor Snape, and in the winter he promised me to collect a commission for passing the exam for the master potion maker. Well, in conclusion, I am ready to pass any exam in your subject, even for a master.

"Even if it's exactly as you said," McGonagall insisted, " I still require you to attend my classes." Your actions undermine discipline!

"Don't be angry," I said to the professor, who was beginning to lose her composure. — I deeply do not understand the essence of your claims, because I do not break any rules, I am the best in school in terms of academic performance, and I am simply not interested in the lessons.

"But, Mr. Blair," the Dean of Gryffindor tried another argument, " you're setting a bad example for the other students.

"I can't be responsible for others, Professor. Try to make an announcement about me, tell me why I don't attend classes. I think that many people will understand, and the discipline will remain at a high level. As for malicious violators, my absenteeism does not affect them in any way, " I concluded the conversation, turning my back and leaving.

The next day, the director called me to his office. The office was no different from what I'd seen before, except that the appliances on the shelves were quieter than the last time. The director, as usual, was dressed in a provocative-looking robe, blue with stars.

After inviting me to sit down and pouring the tea, the professor began to say, " Minerva complained about you."

There was no reproach or pressure in his words, but there was no excuse in his words, just a simple statement of fact.

— I understand that you are not interested in general classes, - the director sighed. - It would be possible to organize individual classes.

The director made the suggestion without much conviction, coldly, just to start a dialogue.

"Headmaster Dumbledore," I said to the old man. — I've tried asking Professor McGonagall for private lessons, but she's very reluctant to take first-and second-year students, especially if they're not from Gryffindor. Now, I don't really need this training. Now I have another teacher. In addition, this move will not solve the problem of attending general classes. Knowing Professor McGonagall, she would insist on visiting even more than before.

"Hmm..." the director chuckled. — Can you really pass the master's exam already?"

"Sir, did you get the dagger I sent you for Potter?" I answered the question with a question.

"Really," the director smiled, — what am I talking about?" It's all so obvious.

— I don't have a master's job ready, "I continued," but your experience in fire transfiguration is not enough for one master's title.

"I once dreamed of a student like you, Arrakis," said Dumbledore, looking at me with warmth and sadness. "Tom Riddle seemed like a good option to me, but it didn't go the way I wanted it to. There were certain hopes for Henrietta Potter, but her thirst for knowledge was not so great. There were other students, such as Minerva McGonagall, but her adherence to the rules and strict academicism does not allow fantasy to give birth to real magic. You are my best student, and if chance permits, you can become the best minister of magic of all time.

"With all due respect, sir —" I said with a stifled laugh, " I'd rather have Granger as Minister of Magic." And I'll take over as headmaster of Hogwarts when you retire.

The director laughed when he heard my plans for the future.

"That's not a bad plan, either," Albus said, " but we still need to do something about these mandatory classes." I don't want to hurt Minerva, but I don't want to force you, either... After a moment's thought, the headmaster said, " Let's do this: I'll give you the title of apprentice in transfiguration, which will remove all questions from Professor McGonagall." I'll talk to her separately. I don't think she's going to keep asking you to attend all your classes. In any case, after the start of the tournament, you will be treated in a special way.

— You're so sure I'll be a Hogwarts champion?" I asked.

— Do you doubt it?" Dumbledore pretended to be surprised. And then he added seriously, " You are, without a doubt, the best student at Hogwarts, next in terms of knowledge, skills and strength is your friend Cedric Diggory, well, then the picture does not look so clear. Next on the list can be four students at once.

— I'm going to participate in the tournament under my family name, " I informed the director.

"Yes," said Dumbledore, " Sirius told me you were part of the Black family. I hope you don't become as arrogant as you are…

"Malfoy?" I suggested an example.

"Like other well — born wizards," the headmaster corrected me.

— Like Malfoy, I definitely won't, " I insisted. — My hair is dark."

Dumbledore, as promised, gave me the title of Transfigurator's apprentice the very next day. Everything is as it should be with registration in the ministry. He patted me on the shoulder and said:

— You're a very handy student. I don't have to worry about you getting the material wrong or making any mistakes that could have been avoided. I have absolutely no need to waste my time on your training or material resources. The only thing I want to tell you and warn you against: try not to end up in a dead end when you pass through my path. Find a way out of this situation. The balance that has developed between the two worlds cannot be maintained forever. One day, you'll have to find a way to solve the brewing problem. The main thing is not to be too late.

Dumbledore's parting words puzzled me a little. Such a question as he raised is not so easy to solve. He knew it, too. I had more pressing concerns right now. First of all, there will be a tournament soon. That's what I'll be thinking about for now.

I don't know when the delegations of other schools arrived in Kanon, but here they arrived at the end of September. The students met the delegations in the great hall during the dinner. First, after Dumbledore's announcement, the French girls came in. Scattering the petals of flowers and conjured butterflies with birds in different directions. In their blue fitted robes, they had a greater impact on the male students of Hogwarts. After the passage, they sat down at the Ravenclaw table. Then the Durmstrang men came in solemnly, striking the floor with their staffs and scattering sparks. Acrobatic tricks and fire streams had a greater impact on the female part of Hogwarts students. After the passage, they sat down at the Slytherin table.

Dumbledore announced that the Goblet of Fire would be set up in the main hall during breakfast tomorrow, which would determine the champion from each school. Blah, blah, blah, throw papers with your names in it, they can participate... and so on.

I was preoccupied with Fleur. She tried hard not to look in my direction and pretended that I didn't exist. At first, I tried to attract her attention by waving my hand, which caused misunderstanding on the part of my fellow students and looked simply stupid. Then, in a state of suppressed anger, I simply went to her myself.

"Fleur," I said to the Frenchwoman, " we need to talk."

"Arrakis —" she said flatly, " we'll talk later, of course. Now is not the best time.

I wanted to grab her and push her against the wall, get answers immediately.

"Okay," I said, noticing that my magic was already beginning to steam off of me.

I went to my seat and sat down, trying to put all thoughts out of my head. The fact that I was approaching Fleur was seen by everyone, well, maybe only from behind the Slytherin table it was difficult to see what was going on at the Ravenclaw table. While I was waiting for the end of the dinner, I repeatedly caught a mocking look from students of all faculties. Well, yes, what else can you think? The Vail magic had melted the boy's brain.

I tossed and turned all night, trying to banish bad thoughts. As a result, he came to breakfast not having had enough sleep and with a rumpled face. Dumbledore took a Goblet of Fire from a wooden box and placed it on a specially placed pedestal.

"The Goblet of Fire will remain here until the next breakfast, when the school champions will be announced," the headmaster announced. Well, and then, as in the text, he broadcast his blah-blah-blah.

I didn't want to listen to the director, I wanted to leave the great hall and go to sleep. My anger at Fleur hadn't gone away at all, but I was just tired from a sleepless night. After thinking about all the options ten times, I came to a simple fact, Fleur lost interest in me. From this fact, by deduction, it appeared that she had some substitute. Her whole demeanor indicated that she was simply delaying an unpleasant conversation until a convenient moment. Such a moment could be my breakdown, if I said something rude to her or behaved in some way as rude, wrong and ugly. Then it would be enough to say: "Oh, that's what you are?! It's all over between us!"

However, I overcame my anger and decided not to go into a fever. First, still nothing is clear, secondly, even in the original story, as far as I remember, Fleur, it ran from parents to Weasley, but didn't marry him for all rules and canons. Well, for a snack, if it does not grow together, then it is not necessary. The heir of the Black family will be able to choose another bride.

I threw my name into the cup after lunch, much to the surprise of the Weasley twins, who were trying to think of a way to circumvent the protection.

- How...

- Do you have…

— Did it work?" They said, continuing their sentences one after the other.

— To your question just answer — I held out my hand, showing a ring master spells. — Master of enchantment is recognized by the Ministry of Magic UK adult wizard, regardless of age.

"Ma-a-a-ster, — one of the Weasleys said, sounding frustrated.

Not listening to any more of the Weasleys ' ideas, I hurried away, intending to suffer a little more. Although my emotions had already subsided a little and I had determined my future behavior, nevertheless, my head was still a mess.

At dinner, one of the French women sat down with me, well, like a Frenchwoman, more like a Spaniard. Her face was familiar, but I couldn't remember her name. All through dinner she popped me about different news in the Sarbacane and made some vague hints without saying anything specific. I was really interested when the question came to Fleur.

"Madame Maxime refused to appoint Fleur head of Carom for this year last school year without giving any reason," the girl chattered, " but for some reason Fleur wasn't offended. It was only later, in September of this year, that we learned that a delegation from our school was going to Hogwarts for the Triwizard Tournament, and Fleur knew even then, so she wasn't offended.

I spent the entire meal tending to this chatterbox at the table, trying to keep up a polite conversation, and after dinner, when I started to get ready to go to the living room, I noticed that my new "friend" also quickly began to get ready. Realizing that she wanted to tell me something tete-a-tete, I gave her the opportunity to turn into one of the niches that are full of all the corridors of Hogwarts.

"Mademoiselle," I called softly to the stranger, who had lost sight of me. — I'm ashamed to say I don't remember your name, " I admitted, not really feeling ashamed. The girl was not with my faculty and not my club, to know all the girls Sambalina I don't have.

"Janet Alvaris, half-breed," the girl said. We were not particularly familiar Sarbacane. You've spent most of your attention on Fleur, " Alvaris chided me. And it is in Sarbacane girls are no worse than this polewali.

Janet was making a clear reference to herself, and it was obvious from the way she lifted her chin, straightened her hair, and puffed out her chest. The girl was attractive, but I didn't care about her display right now. Although there was a desire to take revenge on Fleur for the pain that she causes me with her behavior.

— I thought you were going to tell me something — " I suggested, getting to the point.

"Yes, it's about Fleur," chatterbox said. — Rumor has it that her parents are plotting a marriage with some old French magician. He's either fifty years old or sixty already. I don't know much, but you'd better forget that stupid Fleur, Blair.

"Thank you for the information, Janet —" I said dryly, and hurried away. I wanted to hit someone, or at least yell at someone.

So the situation has become more clear. Henry, what are you doing? We were communicating normally. Everything was fine. Now it only remains to find out what Fleur herself thinks about all this.

The next day, after breakfast, no one left, everyone was waiting for"dessert". Finally, after a little more than an hour, Dumbledore appeared with the headmasters of the other schools. No deviations from the canon, except for my name, were expected. Well, that's how it went.

"This is the moment everyone has been waiting for," said Headmaster Dumbledore. - Election of champions!

Dumbledore raised his hands to the goblet and froze for a moment. Finally, the fire in the goblet changed color and a piece of parchment with the first name on it flew out.

"The Durmstrang champion is Viktor Krum!"

There was a round of applause. Krum received very sincere congratulations from the representatives of his school. Karkaroff shouted something bold and stupid at the same time.

The next thing to fly out of the cup was a round blue piece of paper, which had been folded into a triangle, judging by the lines of the fold.

— Champion of Beauxbatons, — declared the Director following the winner selection, is Fleur Delacour!

The applause was no less than to cram, but the smiles on the faces of many girls of Beauxbatons looked stiffly. Dumbledore greeted the girl with a handshake and invited her to the champions ' room.

My leaf flew out of the cup next.

"The Hogwarts champion is Arrakis Black!"

"Black?" Did he say Black? — in different ways, it was heard from everywhere.

I had no choice but to get up and follow the other champions. Ravenclaw's desk was the first to recover. The faculty, though belatedly, began to congratulate me very sincerely.

I didn't see the Goblet of Fire reveal Henrietta Potter's name, but I was already in the champions ' room with the rest of the chosen ones.

My first and brightest anger at Fleur had already subsided a little, so it was even a little funny how she tried to ignore me and not even look in my direction. I don't seem to be there.

"Like a Muggle under a spell," I said softly, but Fleur heard me.

— Did you say something?" "What is it?" she asked me.

— I'm saying you're acting like a Muggle under an anti-Muggle spell, " I said clearly and loudly. — I don't seem to be there, except that your eyes are always carefully avoiding me."

Krum did not interfere in the heated exchange.

Fleur looked at me directly, indicating that she wasn't avoiding me.

— What do you want from me, Mr. Blair?" Fleur asked, with a very natural air of outraged innocence.

I looked the Frenchwoman up and down with the air of a seasoned appraiser, which confused Fleur a little.

"Perhaps, mademoiselle, that's all right, — I said at last. — If you don't want to talk to me, then I shouldn't be intrusive."

After all, can't she explain everything to me herself? Not long ago, she wrote to me that she loved me, and now she pretends that she does not know me, as if it was I who was marrying by agreement of my parents, and not her. Of course, it was a pity to watch the collapse of his dream. Yes, yes, it is dreams - I have already fantasized for myself. It was a shame that I was so easily exchanged for someone else. It was painful to know that some old Frenchman was going to get Fleur. But I can get over it.

"Tell me, Uncle, it's not for nothing, is it?"

Moscow, burned by fire,

Given to a Frenchman?

I didn't want to give it back.

Fleur and I were glaring at each other when Potter came into the room. She didn't even have time to say anything, but the voices of the arguing directors and other people followed her, and then you could see them firsthand.

Karkaroff threatened to file a protest for violating the rules, Madame Maxim supported him, referring to the fact that two champions were put up from Hogwarts. Dumbledore also attacked Henrietta, finding out the circumstances of her participation in the selection of champions. Naturally, Potter didn't know anything.

"It's up to you, Barty," the director said, giving the initiative to the responsible ministry representative.

"The rules are immutable," Crouch said. "The decision of the Goblet of Fire is a binding magic contract. Miss Potter has no choice. As of today, she is the champion and participant of the tournament.

Srach did not end there, but lost most of the heat of passion. Everyone understood that nothing could be changed, but they continued to be outraged by inertia. When the passions lowered the temperature to an acceptable level, some rules were explained to us: None of the teachers should help, fair competition, blah-blah-blah… Let the deadly battle begin. Well, something like that.

— Why are they picking on you?" I said to Potter as we were dismissed to the drawing rooms. — For you it is immediately evident that you didn't put my name in the goblet.

The question didn't require an answer, but Potter said,

" But someone did, didn't they?"

"Denying it is like not accepting the obvious," I confirmed her thoughts. — Someone really wants you to participate in the tournament. Be careful…

My native faculty greeted me with friendly congratulations. Flitwick was very proud of me. Many people already knew that I had become a master of enchantment and had little doubt that I would become a champion. But they were much more interested in my new name than they were congratulating me on my championship.

"Yes," I said. — I'm Black now.

Almost everyone had to say a similar phrase separately without telling anything in particular. I didn't want to betray secrets. Suddenly, my authority in the faculty skyrocketed. The captain of the Quidditch team in the absence of competition this year was not listed at all. The unspoken authority of our Attwood course compared to the representative of the name Black looked pale, and the champion is an indicator. However, I did not try to use my increased authority in any way. The only thing that my support, which I had informally shown to Chang and Lovegood, was now completely unnecessary, was that my shadow was enough to extinguish any conflict and smooth out any friction within the faculty.

From the unpleasant: Malfoy began to release products aimed at insulting a student of Hogwarts, which I did not like very much. If I wasn't Black, I wouldn't have bothered with Malfoy, but now I could safely approach him as an equal.

"Mr. Malfoy, can I talk to you for a minute?" I stopped the blond boy in the narrow corridor.

"Black?" - how something scared responded Malfoy, that even wanted to issue something like "let the mobile drive". "What do you want?" "What is it?" he asked, a little more boldly, even defiantly.

"Mr. Malfoy, your feud with Henrietta Potter, for whatever reason, is your own business, — I said formally. — The fact that you're spreading this stuff — "I said, pointing at the badge on Malfoy's chest," doesn't describe Hogwarts in the best way. I would like to remind you that you also study at this school. The sooner you stop handing out these badges, the less ashamed you will be later, when you understand the essence of your actions. Thanks for your attention.

Malfoy turned pale, red, and blotchy, but he didn't say anything. And the next day, the badges were gone.

Yes, the attitude towards me has changed. It would seem that only two letters have changed in the last name, "ir" to "ck", and what difference does it make? The purebloods look with respect and even some hidden pride, the girls smile, even the ice queen of Slytherin, the unforgettable Daphne Greengrass, smiled once. Bletchley looks upset, like he's chewing shit. But it was Fleur who pleased them most.

"Arrakis, can I talk to you for a second?" Fleur stopped me in the corridor as I was walking down from another breakfast.

I'd already heard a lot of gossip about Fleur in the past couple of days, how she'd flirted with the boys after I'd left, and walked arm in arm with them at the "Arrakis, can I talk to you for a second?" Fleur stopped me in the corridor as I was walking down from another breakfast.

I'd already heard a lot of gossip about Fleur in the past couple of days, how she'd flirted with the boys after I'd left, and walked arm in arm with them at the Charmbaton. Not everything was true, and I didn't believe everything. But what Janet had said was definitely true.

Immediately, I did not interfere with Fleur with shit and pour contempt on her. After all, I really liked her for her looks, her character, and her intelligence; her eyes, her smile, her voice, her smell, I liked her completely. I still wanted to explain myself, to find out everything to the end, so that she would say her own word about what was happening.

I took her by the elbow and led her to my favorite place, the rescue room.

"We're going in circles," the Frenchwoman said.

I didn't listen to her complaints and objections.

The door that appeared in the wall surprised the champion of Sharmbaton a lot. Without waiting for her to question me, I shoved her through the door and followed her in.

— This is the help-out room — one of the wonders of the old Hogwarts magic, — I explained. — It takes the desired shape. The entrance, according to legend, can appear anywhere in Hogwarts, but I found it only here.

After explaining the magic room, I sat down in a chair. The room, at my request, had the appearance of a cozy living room, a convenient place for conversation. Fleur remained standing, not daring to start a conversation.

— The magic of Hogwarts is amazing, ' she began with an extraneous theme.

"No doubt, — I said. — If you don't want to talk, maybe you shouldn't.".

"I must —" Fleur looked at me sadly. — The way I behaved is wrong. I should have told you myself, it would have been better.

I nodded my head, confirming her words. Indeed, it would be better not to wait for the gossip to spread, but to tell everything yourself. However, I also noticed that she did not apologize.

"My father has arranged for me to marry some wizard," Fleur said, making up her mind. - My mother was against it. She's still against it, but her father insisted.

Fleur paused, waiting for my reaction as if it were a verdict.

— Why did Henry do that?" I asked the question. — I thought your family liked me, and he didn't mind our relationship."

— I don't know why, " the girl replied, still standing in front of me like a guilty person, her hands clasped in front of her. — He got into some bad trouble, or it was old debts. Don't know. They had a long argument with my mother before my father confronted me.

"Sit down," I said to Fleur, pointing to a chair.

She sat down on the edge and waited for my "verdict".

— If you want to be with me, and all your strange behavior is connected only with your father's decision — - I began to announce the decision — - then there is only one way out for you...

- What? Fleur asked.

"Escape!" I said, as soon as I hit him.

"No, no, no," Fleur said, shaking her head, not wanting to make that decision. — You can't do that. This can cause harm to the father.

"Maybe," I said, looking at Fleur, who had already jumped up again and was pacing the room. "It's your choice." Something will have to be sacrificed. You can sacrifice the relationship we might have had, or…

I didn't finish the sentence. It looked like she was going to say no, but I knew that in the canonical story, she'd run off to the Weasleys. Or, how did it all happen?

"You don't have to answer right now," I said, trying to calm Fleur by getting up from the chair and catching her in my arms. — I think that until the end of the tournament you will remain a free girl. Henry will marry you off later.

Fleur didn't actively try to pull away from me, but I didn't let go until she gave up. Tears welled up in her eyes. Shuddering, she buried her face in my chest and lay still. When Fleur had calmed down completely, I opened my arms and held her face in my hands, looking into her tear-stained, swollen eyes.

I gave Fleur a quick kiss and hugged her again.

After standing there for a little longer, I offered to leave the rescue room. We agreed to pause on the option of friendly relations, almost friendly.

I don't know if I would have been able to keep what little peace I still had if I hadn't known the canonical history. It would seem that I have some experience of my former life, the memory of my ancestors, and the very sad story of Dumbledore. With such knowledge and experience, some love experiences should have lost their brightness. But no. Just hold a match, it'll light up right away. Maybe it's my magic that's to blame.

However, for the resolution of this whole situation, I gave myself a satisfactory answer. He did not descend to the state of a rag, alternately pouring out nasty things, and then begging for forgiveness for this, which was greatly helped by experience, even if borrowed. I didn't trample on her feelings when she was ready to talk, even though I wanted to hurt her in return. I extinguished the conflict and offered a way out, even if it has not yet been accepted.

If I didn't know the canon, I would think that everything is going to break, that my chances are getting smaller every day. Inevitably, I would start to get nervous and weird, and in general, I would refuse to wait. Who had Henry asked her to marry? As soon as she sees her fiance, she'll run away. I'm objectively better than the Weasleys, and we haven't known each other for a couple of days. . Not everything was true, and I didn't believe everything. But what Janet had said was definitely true.

Immediately, I did not interfere with Fleur with shit and pour contempt on her. After all, I really liked her for her looks, her character, and her intelligence; her eyes, her smile, her voice, her smell, I liked her completely. I still wanted to explain myself, to find out everything to the end, so that she would say her own word about what was happening.

I took her by the elbow and led her to my favorite place, the rescue room.

"We're going in circles," the Frenchwoman said.

I didn't listen to her complaints and objections.

The door that appeared in the wall surprised the champion of "Arrakis, can I talk to you for a second?" Fleur stopped me in the corridor as I was walking down from another breakfast.