บท 4: The Start of the Tournament
October 3, 1997
Paris, France
Apolline was humming as her pen raced across the paper. To most, people saw her as Madam Apolline Delacour, the trophy wife to her husband, mother to two daughters of unparalleled beauty and a woman who adhered to the old ways and 'tended house'.
She was anything but that. Though, those trappings did serve her purposes when needed.
The matron of the Delacour line, with two other of her sisters married into it, was a shrewd woman when she needed to be. She did not allow the vulture like media in Europe to print fanciful stories or slander against her family or those they protected.
For months now, she had systematically gone after many publishers for their 'misjudgment' in using the name of Harry Potter. Why his godfather had not, she was not sure, but when Harry became family, his name would be cleaned up, and he would collect the royalties due to him. She knew Gabrielle had been obsessed with the boy since she could read, and Apolline had foolishly indulged her daughter, not realizing that the boy had not had any say in what had been said or written.
After seeing how smitten Gabrielle was after Fleur's wedding, she had quietly probed her sources about Harry Potter. In the two days she had observed him, she had liked him as well.
He was kind, driven, a gentleman to Gabrielle and her whole family without asking or even feeling like he expected anything in return - something that was not common for the sake of being who they were. Most wanted something when they interacted with a Delacour-, but even she felt there was something deeper. She didn't miss the way he scanned a room when he entered, or that she felt like he was sizing everyone up. At the wedding there had been an easy feel to him. He had been happy to be among the people there, and even relaxed, but he had been very tense the second he walked into the dinner she had organized when President Hepper had asked her. It led her to think there was something else to him.
The way he brushed off the accolades for making Head Boy, how furtive he had been in answering questions at the dinner or the way he avoided some questions about his life before his fourth-year had unsettled her.
So, Apolline Delacour did as she always did. She dug.
At first it was that motherly instinct. Gabrielle had idolized the boy much of her life. Then, after last summer, she changed. It had been rather odd when she suddenly tossed everything that was about Harry Potter.
She had hoped her little golden bird had finally grown up.
Seeing her reaction to meeting the boy had dashed those hopes. It was unmistakable the instant attraction her daughter had, or the fact he felt the same.
At first, it saddened her. The poor boy had done like so many others had and fallen for the allure. She had seen many boys and men do as such. But as they talked and he came to the table, it was obvious that his thoughts were still clear, he did not fawn over her like one would if they had been caught in their allure and he had talked and even engaged in easy conversation.
That intrigued her, having only met a few dozen people in her lifetime to truly be able to just ignore the allure. It had her wondering.
Her wondering had dug up some very troubling things.
Harry had grown up with Muggle relatives. That explained the ease at which he steered Gabrielle around that world in August.
He had also been abused by such relatives. Something that angered her when one of her investigators had dug up the court transcripts. At least they were in jail for a long time.
Next, the stories of the boy's first few years at Hogwarts were very troubling. Rumors had it he had killed a teacher, then almost killed a girl, and finally had killed a man in his third year. They were all very disturbing, but they were rumors, and she did not trust rumors.
The rumors were at such odds with the boy she had seen. One thing veela-blood could tell was a disingenuous platitude or statement. Not once had Harry ever given her any inclination he was not who he presented himself as.
Then there was the disastrous dinner.
Apolline still wanted to roast that American hag and everyone around her. To abuse the Delacour's hospitality to ambush a seventeen-year-old boy who was there by invitation was inexcusable. It was to be a night of no politics. Alain and her had hosted many dinners like that and she thought it would be a treat for a boy who may never get to see people like that. Though, his heritage placed his house high in British politics.
It had also been a foolish test on her part. She had wanted to see how he could handle being among such dignitaries should Gabrielle want to claim him. Alain had let her know his unhappiness with her. He had wanted a quiet dinner to get to know Harry. They had gotten that, but not before the damage was done.
Harry had forgiven the too easily.
Harry had also protected Gabrielle.
That was something that many would not have done. And the power that had come off of him and the raw magic he had at his control... Mon Dieu, she had seen witches and wizards five times his age try that and hurt themselves. Instead, he had a control over it that was not expected, especially for his age.
Then, the next day, she gave him the speech she had given to a few Fleur had chasing her before she found William. Instead of being nervous or fidgety or trying to find the first excuse to run, he was pensive.
She had kept a close eye on him all night.
When Gabrielle had come on stage, the wonder and joy on his face was for her daughter. Not for Gabrielle's beauty or the sexual nature she knew most boys and men felt for a Veela-blood. Non. It had been that of a young man that wanted her daughter for all she was.
The enigma that was Harry Potter, the boy her daughter had chosen, had grown.
It wasn't until Renee had visited her about a month ago that she found some of the truths. Seigneur Black had confessed some of Harry's youth and had asked Renee to talk to herself and Alain. It had been a shock to find out that many of the rumors were not rumors. There was more too it though.
For years now, the man had been coming to the continent every summer. For Harry, it was a fun time to explore and see the sights of her homeland, and the somewhat boring time of getting to know his extended family in France.
What Seigneur Black had not told Harry was that he was coming to the continent every year to build support. Things in Great Britain were not as nice as they appeared. There was corruption. Many of the most powerful families had been severely shaken, first in the Blood Wars of Voldemort, and then after the capture of Peter Pettigrew and the realization of how anyone that had been marked by that madman had received their marks.
Much of that instability had crept over their borders as many looked to avoid Azkaban. Those that once held the reigns of power were now forced to operate in the shadows and the stain was not being contained in the British Isles, like it had been for decades.
Where it was relatively calm and peaceful there, it was not so elsewhere.
It disturbed her.
It disturbed her that all these things came back to Harry Potter. A boy made famous for something he had no control over: the murder of his parents.
As she pondered it, she knew the veela-blood in her family would not find mates that were dangerous to them. But that did not mean there were not dangers that would find them.
One of those dangers right now was the media. It was the reason she had drafted a few letters of request for meetings. The six largest papers in Europe, including the Daily Prophet of Brittan, would not refuse her requests. Not if they did not want to deal with a very determine Apolline Delacour when upset for being ignored.
A soft knock came at her door.
"Come in," she called out.
The door opened and their head house elf, Remy, came in. The unmistakable white owl of Harry Potter on the elf's arm. "Madam, Hedwig has come with a letter for you and she will not let us take it."
She saw a few bandages on the poor elf's hands. Giving the bird an admonishing look, she got back a regal preen as though to say Hedwig was not repentant. "Bring her to my desk and then you may go."
"Yes, madam," the elf said.
When the white owl was on her desk, she took the large letter from her leg. "You shall not hurt my family in the future. Is that understood?"
The owl looked at her before finally ducking its head. She was a regal owl and did not like to admit her own faults. Apolline shook her head and hefted the letter. It was hard and heavy for a letter.
Opening it, she was very curious when a mirror came out and that it did not show her reflection. She felt the magic in it though. It was warm, kind and had a great power to it.
She put the mirror down and took up the letter.
-o-
Madam Delacour,
I do hope you do not mind me writing to you, but I was hoping you and Gentilhomme Delacour might accept this gift for your kindness over the summer.
This mirror is a communication mirror. I do not know how far it will work, but I have been able to talk with Gabrielle while she is at Beauxbatons from Hogwarts. I admit I copied it from one my father made and I am still trying to understand some of it.
For now, you will possess one of four such mirrors. It will be able to contact the others simply by touching it and calling out their names. The mirror you call will vibrate and will not activate on the other end until it is touched and given the reply 'activate'.
Gabrielle, my godfather Sirius, you and myself have them. When I have the time, I do plan to give one to Bill and Fleur, as well as a few to my other friends.
I do hope you like it and would like to thank you again for your hospitality over the summer.
Sincerely,
Scion Harry Potter
P.S.- I have enclosed a copy of Gabrielle's schedule if you didn't have it
-o-
Her eyebrows were into her hairline. She looked at the mirror. If what he said was true, that was no small feat, even if he did not design it himself. Just to be able to determine how it was made and copy it was impressive.
She picked it up, examining the mirror.
The man Gabrielle had found was a very impressive enigma.
She tapped the front and said, "Gabrielle Delacour," knowing her daughter did not have classes on Tuesday afternoons.
Waiting patiently, she looked back down at the letter. Why the boy felt he owed them was ridiculous. She still felt guilty and embarrassed about that dinner. It was also worth more than she could give if he cared for her daughter like this already.
"Maman! Oh, you got it! Harry will be so pleased to know," her bubbly daughter excitedly greeted her. "I will have to tell him later if you do not."
Apolline smiled at the large smile on her daughter's face. "Yes. Only just opened the letter. You may tell him thank you if you wish. Why is there a bruise on your face?"
Gabrielle's smile didn't falter. "David got in a lucky shot last night in our duelling practice. I have the cream and it should be healed by tomorrow."
Apolline couldn't stop from shaking her head. "You are still determined to enter?"
"Yes, maman. It will look good when I apply to the ICW next year," Gabrielle replied.
"Just be careful, my golden bird. I would not think Harry would like you not going if you were hurt too much," Apolline informed her younger daughter.
Gabrielle flushed some. "Non, maman."
When they finally said their goodbyes some ten minutes later and Gabrielle's face vanished, Apolline looked at the mirror. To say she was impressed would be an understatement. She knew many that would pay hundreds, if not more, of galleons for something like this, let alone to just have it gifted to her as though it was just a bauble.
After looking at it for a few minutes, she tapped it again. "Seigneur Black."
Her eyes widened when a silvery-blonde hair woman came into view with a sheet held up to her neck. "Aunt Apolline!" her niece said in surprise.
"Oh, shite. The bastard sent her one without telling me?"
"She can hear you, non?" Renee shot back as the mirror went dark. She was pretty sure it had been dropped.
"Bugger."
She held the even expression on her face as best she could. She knew Renee had stayed in London and had quit her job in the apothecary she had been working in since graduation almost a decade back, but she had not expected that at almost two in the afternoon to see Renee in only a sheet. Then again, she remembered her early days with Alain.
The mirror lit up again and a man in his later thirties appeared. "Madam Delacour, so good to see you again. I see my godson got you one of the mirrors he said he was making?"
"Yes. Would it be better for us to talk later?"
The man ran a hand through his messy hair. "Ah, we can talk now if you like. I had actually sent your husband a request to meet on November second."
"Yes. Renee said you wished to talk. Alain should be back by seven this evening. Will that be a good time you can be presentable?"
The man gave a roguish smirk. "I will make sure your niece is more presentable by then, Madam Delacour."
"ME MORE PRESENTABLE!" Renee yelled in French from somewhere close. The man started to laugh as the mirror went blank again.
She let out her own laugh. She would need to contact Athena. There was going to be a wedding in the near future and she was sure her sister might like some help. She had a feeling there may be two weddings in the not-so-distant future. A thought that brought a smile to her face, as young as her Gabrielle was.
-oOo-
October 28, 1997
Hogwarts, Scotland
Gabrielle looked out the window as the coach flew over some low mountains, trees and the occasional muggle house or small village. They were getting close to Hogwarts. She could feel it. Her foot was tapping on the floor as she watched the ground flow by a few hundred meters below.
David put a hand on her knee to stop her foot. "Madam Maxime will not be pleased if you wear a hole in the floor," he teased her.
She waved a hand at him. "It is enchanted. I will not wear a hole," she snarkily replied.
David chuckled. Around them there were twenty-one other students. Twenty-three of them had chosen to come this year. Even if only one of them would be champion, it was worth it to study abroad if you did not get chosen. Until recently, she had not doubted she would be champion. Now that they were almost to Hogwarts, she felt nervous. Gabrielle had little doubt Harry would be chosen. Would she be deemed skilled enough to stand at his side and compete against him?
"Your boyfriend is not going to reject you," David told her as the coach turned and suddenly she could see a huge castle on a high bluff over a lake. Her breath caught for a moment. It was not as beautiful as the palace of Beauxbatons, but it was impressive. As she looked at the castle, her eyes were drawn to the front lawn. Even from this distance she felt his magic and had a flush pass through her.
Madam Maxime stepped through the curtains that separated the driver from their seats. The rest of the carriage had been magically enchanted and enlarged to provide rooms, classrooms and two lounge areas. While in flight, Madam Maxime had insisted they stay up front and try to stay in their seats due to the way the carriage moved around.
Their very tall and large Headmistress cast her wand at her windswept hair and it straightened out. "We shall be landing momentarily. When we do, David and Thomas, I would like you to be the footmen tonight. Then you shall line up in two lines and wait while I greet Dumblydore. We shall show them some class."
"Yes, Madam Maxime," they all echoed.
"Do not forget to cast your warming charm. Harry said it has been rather chill the last week," Gabrielle warned her friend.
David nodded and spoke out. "Madame Maxime, should we cast warming charms over us? I hear it may be cold."
The woman gave him a smile and nodded. "A very good idea."
Gabrielle shook her head. "Kiss up," she whispered.
David just shrugged. "It keeps extra points coming, otherwise I would never be able to stay close to your grades."
Gabrielle chuckled at her friend and looked out the window again. They were now on the other side of the lake, flying low over the forest. Her eyes drifted to the students outside the school and to the center of the crowd. She made out a few figures from this distance. Most importantly, she knew where Harry was. She would have to find a few private minutes with him somehow as soon as she could.
When the carriage spun around, she lost sight of him and started to tap her foot again. David rolled his eyes and shook his head.
It felt like an eternity for the carriage to give a violent bump and jerk, causing Madam Maxime to grab one of the metal poles. When they lined up, David and Thomas helped her down. Thomas was a tall sandy hair boy of obvious Spanish decent. She lined up at the front of the line. Madame Maxime had insisted that they line up by class ranking, making her front and center, joined by David as Madam Maxime moved to greet a tall, aged man with a long white beard and hair, twinkling blue-eyes and a tall, pointed hat. She found the dark purple robes and gold embroidery rather garish.
Gabrielle didn't look at them long. Her eyes had found the green eyes of Harry, who was standing with two other professors. She snapped out of her reverie when she heard her name. "...Ms. Delacour is one of our most promising and I am sure she would not mind a conversation with your Head Boy and Girl to plan an event for students to mingle with your upper years."
She quirked an eye, not having been told about anything like this.
"Splendid, Olympe. Mr. Potter and Ms. Granger should be up to the task. Now, it appears a few of your students are not liking the Scottish fall weather. You can go in with Professor Flitwick."
"T'ank you, Dumlydore," Madam Maxime replied. Gabrielle silently giggled at the butchering of the Headmaster's name.
She followed Madam Maxime, upset at the fools that did not take David's advice because it shortened the time she could look at her green-eyed boy. Harry was looking at her and inclined his head. A flush went through her and she almost broke rank to run into his arms. A nudge from David had her looking forward. She swore she felt Harry's eyes on her as they walked away.
Where Beauxbatons was reminiscent of a Seventeen-hundreds palace, this was a castle. Lots of grey and dark stone, exposed wooden beams, carved stone gargoyles and other creatures, suits of armor... everything an old castle would be like. The enchantment of the ceiling in the dining hall was rather magnificent though. She wished Beauxbatons dining hall was the same. The moving frescoes were very nice, but she liked this better.
She also liked it better that she could see Harry, who had sat at the head of the table two over from her. They had sat at the table indicated, but she would be sitting with Harry as much as she could. Hermione waved to her and Gabrielle gave her a big smile and waved back before Dumblydore called for their attention. Reluctantly she looked away from the tall boy who looked even broader of shoulder than two months ago and with eyes that brought out a warmth in her, chasing away any chill there might be in the old castle.
"I would like to open the feast by offering a hardy Hogwarts welcome to our guests from Beauxbatons Academy of Magic and the Durmstrang Institute," Headmaster Dumblydore... she had to start saying Dumbledore or she was going to slip at some point. There was a huge amount of applause that lasted a good minute or more before Dumblydore - she was not going to get that out of her head now- raised his hand and moved them to indicate silence. "Yes. It is exciting that Hogwarts is hosting the Triwizard Tournament this year. Tomorrow night after dinner, the tournament cup will be lit and it will burn red for twenty-four hours. Anyone of age that wishes to compete shall submit their names and about eight on Halloween night the champions shall be chosen."
There was an excited electricity that passed through the hall.
"Now, more details shall come tomorrow. For now, kip kip."
The tables suddenly filled with food. It was much different than having dozens of house elves taking the food to the tables. Harry flashed her a smile before he turned to the people he was sitting with. Her insides fluttered. It was torture to be so close to him after two months and not to be able to go to him.
David nudged her. "You have a lot of admirers," he said in a serious tone.
She sighed. She had been so focused on Harry, she had honestly not realized how many of the students were looking at her. Many were hit by the girls next to them or she saw an argument or two happening with obvious gestures towards her. When David got her attention again, she saw Harry and a few others had stood. They were walking around the hall and crouching down to talk or whisper to the boys. One tried to argue with Harry but the arguments seemed to die quickly when Harry just glared at the boy. She had a small smirk come over her face and she tried to focus on her meal. Within about ten minutes, most the gawkers had settled.
David leaned in. "You did not do justice to how hot he is. Mon Dieu, Gabrielle. He may be more handsome than you."
She shot her friends a nasty glare, shaking her hair over her head. "I am not handsome and you stay away, David Renault. There are lots of other good looking boys here."
David fanned his face in an affected way. "You are correct. They are boys, non? That is a man. If you decide you don't like him, I will take him."
"I swear, David, if you were not my friend," she replied angrily.
David laughed before settling. "I am serious, Gabi. You did not do him justice. Did you see how with just a few glares the others ignored your allure? I didn't think that possible."
She looked up and around. There were still those that were looking her way, but it was not as many, or they were doing so out of the corner of their eyes. Harry and the others that helped him had made it far more bearable. She looked around more, the ones she had seen Harry talk to where actually eating and talking with their friends or looking anywhere but at her. A small smile came over her face. "I tried to tell you."
"You did not. You were trying to keep him all to yourself, do not lie to me," David scolded her.
"Do you blame me? Madison and Marissa want him and they only met him that one day. I know the type of guy you like and he is it. He is also my Harry," she whispered rather possessively.
David shook his head. "You better claim him then. I see more than a few eyes on him as well."
Her brow furrowed. She did notice a few girls watching him. She frowned when she caught more than a dozen eyes on him. It made her uncomfortable at the thoughts that went through her head. She knew some of her feelings was the veela in her, the other was that she was finding herself jealous. She never thought she would be that way, but his green eyes brought out things in her she had no reference for.
Close to the end of dinner, Harry and Hermione went up to the Head table and talked with an older woman with green robes and a wide brim witches' hat. The wire spectacles and stern face had Gabrielle thinking she was a hard task master and disciplinarian.
They were still talking with the Professor when dinner was over, she stood with the rest of her school and waited for Madam Maxime to come over. They had been told they should be escorted the first few days. As she straightened out her skirt, his presence got closer. "Evening, Ms. Delacour," Harry's voice greeted her. Oh, it was so much better hearing it in person.
She straightened up. "Good evening, Monsieur Potter." When he bowed she smirked. He was being rather formal at the moment.
"Is that Harry Potter," Esme said across from them.
"Oui, mademoiselle, I am Harry Potter. I have been asked to give you a tour in the morning and thought it best to introduce myself," Harry fluidly responded.
Esme flushed a little, obviously not expecting him to know French. It was better than when she met him. Much better actually. "We would be much appreciative of such a tour, Seigneur Potter," Gabrielle responded for them. David cleared his throat. "May I introduce those around me? This is David Renault, Esme Dubois, Katherine Munoz, Rene Montresor and Thomas Willet. I will make sure to introduce the rest in the morning."
Harry bowed again. "I look forward to it. Ms. Delacour, would you mind me escorting you to your carriage this evening? There is something I would like to discuss."
Her eyes left his for a moment to see Madam Maxime. "I would like your escort." She couldn't keep the smile off her face.
"What is this about an escort?" the surprising soft voice of Madam Maxime enquired.
Harry turned, still standing tall. He gave the woman a slight bow. "Good evening, Headmistress Maxime. Harry Potter at your service. I was just asking Ms. Delacour if I could have a little bit of her time this evening. I give you my word she shall be escorted back at whatever time is her curfew."
The woman looked at him critically. "I am not sure that is wise on the first night here."
"Madam Maxime, Seigneur Potter and I do know each other and his word is good," she replied. She would not be denied sometime with Harry. Not when she had been waiting over two months.
The large woman gave Harry a critical eye as she heard the mutters behind her. David was right. She needed to claim him as soon as she could. "You give your word to have her back by nine-thirty, Seigneur Potter?"
"I do, Headmistress."
She nodded and soon she found herself alone in the large hall with Harry as the last of the students and professors left. He held out his arm. "Come on, mon petit ballerina."
It felt so right to slip her arm around his. "I have missed you," she told him in a low voice.
"I have missed you too. You want a tour or to find somewhere private?"
"Moi 'ave you after two months and you want to give moi a tour?"
He chuckled and nodded. "I have my Head Boy rooms if you want, otherwise we can just find an alcove."
Her arm tightened around him. "If you are saying you want to find a place to kiss, it better be better than some alcove."
He laughed this time and led her through the castle. He gave her a small tour as they passed through the halls and up staircases to a large tower that had numerous moving staircases in the center of it. He stopped before a wooden door. "And here is a broom closet, very good for kissing."
He had been a gentleman up to this point. "I am not going to be found in some broom closet with you, Harry Potter!" She admitted anywhere sounded good at the moment, but she had some dignity she was not willing to compromise on yet.
He gave her that roguish smirk he had adopted lately in their mirror calls. "Orion's Bow," he said and opened the door. She was about to protest when she saw a stone corridor. "If you open this door without a password you find a broom closet. Otherwise, you can find Hermione and I down here. A perk of being Head Boy."
"Oh. Can I get in 'hen I want," she asked.
"That would be why I showed you."
He took her hand now and led her into a small circular landing with a set of stairs. "Those lead to the Gryffindor Common room. I'll ask Professor McGonagall tomorrow if you are allowed into the House common rooms. And this is my rooms."
"You should try to speak English as much as possible," Gabrielle told him.
"I just thought French would be better," Harry told her, putting his hand behind his neck. They walked into a small room that curved with the towers. It had two chairs before a fire with a small table to one side, a writing desk next to the door and opposite the hearth and a small bookcase. She smirked to see her letters on the wall. It was one of the few things that really made the room his. Otherwise everything was neat and tidy.
"You like t'e letters t'at much?"
He gave her a shy smile. "I looked forward to every one."
"'W'at is t'rough t'at door?"
"My bedroom and a small private bathroom," he told her.
She moved in a little closer to him, the heat in her body building to be this close and alone. "I shall 'ave to come 'ere again so you can s'ow me."
His smirk drove a hot heat through her. "Well, I wasn't exactly expecting to get you into my bedroom that quickly."
She scoffed at him and hit his arm. "Harry Potter! I am not that type of woman!"
He still smirked. "I just meant to give you a tour. Though, I wouldn't mind if you were the type of woman to give me a kiss?"
She huffed again, but her body betrayed her and she moved into his arms, her hands going to his face and feeling a thrill as his hands found her hips before their lips had met. It was a soft, chase kiss the first time their lips met. The second time, he pressed his lips against her in a firmer manner. The third time found her tongue slipping out of her mouth to tackle Harry's and she wasn't sure how long it was before they separated again.
All she knew when Harry finally pulled away and put his forehead on hers was that her chest was heaving as she gasped for air. They had pressed each other's bodies as close as they could. She also felt a thrill that his hands had wrapped around her waist and were resting just above her bottom. "Why did you stop?" was the only thing that came to her mind.
He was breathing as hard as her. "You need to be back to the carriage in twenty minutes and I didn't think Madam Maxime would be happy to see you in this state."
She pulled back slightly feeling momentarily lost in his green eyes. "Pardon? What?"
He chuckled. "Uhm, I think I rumbled your clothes a little."
She blinked and looked down. She was still crushing herself against him. It was obvious that her nicely pressed uniform was not that at the moment. There was the quick thought she didn't care, then she thought of her Headmistress and her parents. Gabrielle should act the Champion. She pecked him again. Then a few more times for good measure before finally taking her hands out of his hair and her arms off his shoulder. His hair was usually messy, but it was more so now. It was a look she found extremely attractive.
"Yes. Madam Maxime may place restrictions should I come back like t'is," she agreed with Harry and started to brush her blouse and uniform down.
"I would not want restrictions," Harry commented.
"Nor would I." She looked up at Harry. She didn't want to go, but it wasn't like she wouldn't see him tomorrow.
Harry straightened out his robes and then held out his arm. "I should escort you back."
She smiled, her breathing finally settling. "You should."
He chuckled. She tried to remember exactly how to get back to the Head Boy apartment as they walked back through the castle, but she found herself a little hazy on the details. Her mind was still back in the rooms she had reluctantly left, her nose was full of the scent she found slightly intoxicating tonight and her body felt the lingering heat from his hands on her. He had not touched her anywhere inappropriate, but the feelings it had elicited where leaving her in a hormone induced haze that had her wanting more.
When they entered the cold night air, a shiver passed through her. Harry took out his wand. A second later it felt like the midday Mediterranean sun was on her. The shiver this time was for the warmth. "Do I need to make it warmer?" Harry asked.
"No. Eet is perfait," she replied, moving in a little closer.
It was about five minutes before she was do back when they stopped before the carriage. "I will see you tomorrow?"
"I better. You are to give a tour," she reminded him.
"I didn't forget. After breakfast. Uhm, if you want, you and everyone are welcome to sit at the Gryffindor table too. Or, uhm, I could join you," Harry said, sounding a little uncertain. This small amount of vulnerability was endearing.
"We 'ave been told to sit wit' each ot'er until after the 'alloween feast. Would you join me?"
His smile was broad. "Of course. Until then, ma petit ballerine," He told her, taking her hand and kissing it. She wasn't having any of that and went up on her toes to give him a short, sweet kiss on the lips.
"Until tomorrow, mon petit ami," she told him.
"Boyfriend, huh? Only if you are my girlfriend," he replied.
She kissed him again and backed away quickly when the door to the carriage opened. Harry turned and looked up at Madame Maxime. He gave a small polite bow. "Madame Maxime, I have returned Ms. Delacour at the time appointed."
The woman looked down at him. "So eet appears. I thank you for your punctuality, Seigneur Potter. Time to get in for the night, Mademoiselle Delacour."
"Oui, madame. In the morning, Seigneur Potter?" It was hard not to swoon as he took her hand again and kissed it before Madame Maxime.
"Until the morning. Sleep well."
Harry turned and walked back up towards the castle. She followed him with her eyes until Madam Maxime cleared her throat. "He was a gentleman?"
"He is always a gentleman," she replied with a smile on her face, still looking where he blended into the night.
The woman gave her a small smile. With a nod of her head the Headmistress ordered, "Get in. We shall head to breakfast at eight and Seigneur Potter and Mademoiselle Granger shall give us a tour. Durmstrang has refused the tour."
"Oui, Headmistress."
Gabrielle walked in, went to her room and shut the door. Her heart was pounding to think of the way Harry had kissed her and her fingers touched her lips. Leaning against the door, she smiled.
-oOo-
October 30, 1997
Hogwarts, Scotland
Ron sat with his head on his hand and looking across the Great Hall. "You think I could borrow Hedwig to get some Chudley Cannon tickets? They play in two weekends from now," Ron asked him. Harry followed Ron's eyes and was happy to see him staring about halfway down the table at Lisa. He had caught Ron a few times looking a little wistfully at Gabrielle.
"If she lets you," Harry told him.
Hermione snorted. "I think she will want the exercise. With Gabrielle here now, she won't be flying as much."
"Not my fault that all my friends are here," Harry retorted.
"So, you putting your name in," Ron asked for the tenth time today.
"You know I am," Harry affirmed.
Ron nodded. He had been on the fence for weeks. "I think I will too. Do you know who else?"
Harry shrugged. "No clue."
Parvati was sitting across from them and stopped talking to Lavender. "I heard Malfoy, Zabini and Nott from Slytherin. Corner and Li from Ravenclaw. Bones, Entwhistle and Jones from Hufflepuff. You, Harry, Colin and Fay from Gryffindor. Not sure if anyone else."
Ron snorted. "Like Malfoy would ever be picked."
"Leave him be. He hasn't bothered us in a long time," Hermione told him.
"Not since his father went into hiding," Ron said smugly.
"Just let him be," Harry told Ron. "I really don't want to start anything this year."
Harry looked over at the Ravenclaw table, feeling like someone was watching him. He quickly found Gabrielle's eyes and smiled. They had sat together at breakfast and lunch, Harry meeting her best friend David and having a good time. He had spent most of the day with her, until he had to go to double transfiguration in the afternoon. He gave her a smirk, thinking of the twenty minutes he had been able to steal with her. She had not wanted to find a hidden alcove, but hadn't complained when he pulled her into one. It was twenty minutes of snogging and he still felt lightheaded from it.
"Hhhaaarrrryyyy," Hermione said, waving a hand before his face.
He shook his head, a slight blush coming to his face at her knowing smirk. Parvati and Lavender were looking in the direction he had been staring. "Don't tell me you have been taken by her too," Lavender sighed, sounding disappointed in him.
Ron chuckled. "If you count snogging her and dating her taken in, then he is."
Harry hadn't kept it secret, but he hadn't said anything outside of Hermione and Ron either. Dean might be the only other one to know Harry had seen her from the wedding, but he hadn't said a word.
Lavender and Parvati both snapped around, their faces with huge grins and the look that they just got the juiciest gossip of the year. "You are dating the veela?" Lavender put to him.
"Her name is Gabrielle and she does not like people singling her out like that," he said a little defensively.
Lavender held up her hand. "I wasn't trying to offend you. I just thought you had been taken in by her appeal and looks."
"Well, he has, hasn't he? How did you meet and you are really dating her?" Parvati pressed.
He noticed a few faces from their table and the Hufflepuffs turning to the louder excited tones of the girls.
"Parv and Lav, just let it go," Hermione tried to tell them.
"Let this go? Harry Potter, the best-looking guy in Hogwarts, is dating a girl from Beauxbatons, who is absolutely gorgeous, and you want us to just let this go?" Lavender asked incredulously. "Anyone Harry dates is big news, especially since he hasn't dated much."
"Lavender," Harry called to get her attention. "Ms. Delacour and I are dating. I know it will get around, but I really don't want people making a big deal out of it and I don't want our private lives broadcast everywhere. Please just keep quiet as much as you can."
Lavender and Parvati looked at him. After a moment, Lavender nodded. "What do you want us to say?" she asked in a quieter tone. "You know people are going to talk and from what we hear, she is the favored one to be champion for Beauxbatons, and if you put your name in then there is no doubt you will be for Hogwarts."
Everyone looked to him. He sighed. "Gabrielle and I met over the summer. We are dating. I am not affected by her veela traits. Gabrielle is a very nice and pleasant young woman and I like her. That should be enough."
Both girls nodded after a moment. "Sure, Harry," Parvati replied. "Oh, I need to talk to Padma after dinner."
"I will talk with Susan and Hannah," Lavender told her best mate.
He shook his head, hoping he had just given enough to the largest gossips in the school and to keep the rumor mill low.
Hermione leaned into him, "You know this will be in the Prophet by Saturday if either of you are named Champion," Hermione told him.
"Sirius has said that he and Apolline already have a news release ready if that happens. Apolline is very conscious of their appearance," Harry whispered back.
"I thought you hated all this attention. Why date Gabrielle," Ron enquired.
"Because I like her," Harry responded.
Ron nodded. "Lavender is right, she is gorgeous."
"Eyes on your own girl," Harry told Ron.
"He isn't wrong," Hermione pointed out.
Harry huffed and Hermione gave him a cheeky grin while Ron got a slightly glassed over expression looking towards Gabrielle. "You have your own," Harry whispered.
"Oh, Lisa is very pretty," Ron said, sounding distracted. Hermione just flushed, knowing Harry had been whispering to her. Luna was a very pretty girl, as was Lisa. Neither of them were on the same scale at Gabrielle, but he might be a little biased. Well, maybe more than a little.
When the desserts appeared, the hall grew quiet to see Dumbledore stand. Tonight, there were a dozen or more dignitaries or Ministry workers at a smaller table next to the Head Table. Everyone turned to see Dumbledore.
"If I could just have a few minutes of your time," he said in a voice that carried throughout the hall. "Tonight we play host to representatives from Beauxbatons, Durmstrang, the French and British Ministries, some ICW representatives and of course the men and woman responsible for bringing the Tri-Wizard Tournament back to Hogwarts. It has been almost a hundred years since Hogwarts last hosted this prestigious event and I would like to say it is an honor to host it."
There was some applause. Dumbledore gave his trademark grandfatherly smile.
"Now, before we start the opening ceremony and lite the cup at eight o'clock, I would like to introduced the organizers. Junior representative, Percy Weasley, and Senior representative and Head for the Department of Magical Cooperation for Great Britain, Rebecca Ross." The familiar redhead stood at the side table while a woman in her later forties stood at the Head Table. She was in finely made robes of deep purple with blue eyes, dark hair and deep red lipstick. She looked to be a typical politician.
"The French representative, Mr. Pierre Rosendel." A man in a finely cut suit with a bow tie and a thin mustache stood and raised his hand.
"The ICW representative for Magical Cooperation, Mr. Hans Sorenson." A tall blonde man with a barrel chest and muscular stood up next to Mr. Rosendel.
"And finally, Ludo Bagman, Head of Magical Games for Great Britain." A blond man with a rugged looking face, a build that spoke of a former athlete that had gone to seed, and a huge smile.
"These representatives and the Headmasters and Headmistress of the schools present shall be the judges for this tournament. To do so, we shall lite the Goblet of Fire together, and then the potential Champions shall have until eight tomorrow evening to put their names in. Shortly after eight o'clock, the goblet will choose the champions and the tournament shall begin."
There was a round of excited clapping and noise.
"Yes, it is very exciting," Dumbledore agreed as the noise died down. "Before we light the goblet and our potential champions put their names in, I would like to give a warning. This tournament is prestigious, and it has a thousand galleon prize to the winner, but it should not be entered lightly. There will be challenges. We strive to not make it as deadly as some past tournament have been, but the Goblet is the ultimate decider for each event and as such, chooses the events based on the skills of the champions, striving to push them to their limits, and possibly beyond. Because of this, I would ask you to seriously consider what you are doing."
Dumbledore looked around the hall.
"I would also remind you the goblet will only consider those to be of-age by current Wizengamot law and this is a magically binding contract. If chosen, you will be required to start and complete in each event to your utmost best unless you are incapable of doing so. If you do not, the cup will exact a price. It would not be anything truly bad or permanent, but it could be as bad as having your magic bound for a year or so. Most times it is far less than that."
Ron looked a little pale at the last, and the excited murmurs were more shocked or uneasy now.
"With that behind us now, if you would, the Goblet of Fire shall be brought out and we judges shall light the flames," Dumbledore said cheerily.
Two of the men at the small table got up and walked behind the head table. The hall was full of noise that got more excited as the men lifted a large ornate wooden box and brought it around to a table Dumbledore had conjoured. The eight judges moved to join Dumbledore in the front of the hall. When Dumbledore touched the top of the wooden box, the hall fell silent. It folded in on itself into the base and exposed a wooden goblet that would have fit nicely in Hagrid's hand.
The eight judges held out their wands and a small stream of magic connected the wand and the goblet, instantly lighting a green flame in the cup at the top of the goblet. "The goblet is lit. Those that wish to enter may do so," Dumbledore said with a smile and the hall burst into chatter. As one, the Durmstrang boys stood and everyone quieted down to see them march up and one by one enter their names on a slip of paper. The fire licked at their fingertips, not leaving a trace and flared a bright green as it accepted each name.
Harry studied them all. Most looked to be muscular and fit. As though they did a lot of physical exercise or sports, besides magic. A scruff or start of a beard were on many faces, most of their hair was dark and their eyes as well. There were two blonde boys and one with sandy coloured hair. Two stood out to Harry after watching them when he could today.
The first was a tall boy, even taller than Harry, with a narrow face, dark brown hair, beady dark eyes and a large nose. Harry could tell the boy had a good two or three stone weight on him in muscle. Dimitri Nowak was what someone had told him when he asked around.
The second boy was shorter, with more of a barrel chest, dirty blonde hair, light hazel eyes, a square jaw and an expression as though everyone was below him. Lavender had heard one of the Durmstrang boys call him Sorenson, but no one knew his full name. There was something about him that set the hackles on Harry off. Maybe it was the way the boy looked at Gabrielle as he passed. There was an expression that he didn't like and that had Gabrielle sticking her chin up.
There was some clapping and cheering as the last of the Durmstrang boys put their names in and walked out the hall.
Durmstrang had set the standard, and neither of the other Schools would be put out like that.
Harry stood, as did Ron, Fay and Dean. Harry was surprised by that. Down the table, Colin and another sixth-year girl stood. Harry walked up and stopped a good twenty feet from the goblet as the Beauxbatons students had stood and approached the cup. Most of the Hogwarts students lines up behind him, but Malfoy and Nott went right up. Malfoy gave a disdainful look to him and the Beauxbatons students and they both put slips in. Harry narrowed his eyes at the rather rude display, but didn't say anything as ten others lined up behind him.
He motioned for the Beauxbatons students to go. He watched as the fire flared bright green and Gabrielle and her friend, David, were the last in line. From what he understood, Gabrielle and David were the top picks. He was hoping he would get picked and be able to go up against Gabrielle. There was far more to her than he had gotten to know so far and if he was beat, he would prefer it be someone with skill.
When Gabrielle put her name in, she flashed him a broad smile before looking as though nothing could bother her. He followed her swaying bottom as she walked away. Harry stepped up and put his name in. The flames were warm, but that was it. The cup took his name and flared the green it had for the others.
As Head Boy, he then stood to the side and ensured all the others put their names in and all was well.
When everyone was finished and the hall emptied, Harry was one of the last ones out. He came out into the entry hall to find Gabrielle and David standing off to the side. A few boys were trying to talk with Gabrielle and she was looking annoyed. David had his wand out and looked to be threatening them. As Harry came up, his own wand was out. "What is going on here," Harry asked in a dangerous voice.
Four fifth-year Ravenclaw boys turned. "Stay out of this. We were here first," one of them stated before he saw Harry.
"We are just trying to figure out which one of us is brighter so Delacour here can decide which one of us she is going out with," a dark skin boy said looking up to Harry in a challenging manner.
The other two were about to say something and then clamped their mouths shut at Harry's stormy expression.
"Is that so, Tibbles? If you are so bright, then tell me what Ms. Delacour's favorite colour is?"
"Obviously blue. It would go with her eyes."
Harry raised an eyebrow, obviously unimpressed. Her favorite color was lavender, as he knew.
"And did you deduce that from any meaningful conversation or other observation?"
The other three boys took a step back. Tibbles was too cocksure to notice the way there was a ball of light gathering at the tip of Harry's wand or the thunderous look to him.
"I don't need to talk to her. I can just tell. Besides, veela don't really talk. They are just good..." Tibbles didn't say anything else as Harry's wand jammed into the boy's neck and the ball of magic spread out, making the boys skin red.
"I know that there were conversations about treating our guests in an appropriate way. As Head Boy, I ensure all Prefects had this conversation with their houses. Do you remember that talk?"
Tibbles eyes were wide and for once he realized that he was in trouble. After a moment, Tibbles nodded.
"And do you remember what was said if you were not polite to our guests?"
Tibbles swallowed, the magic on his neck making it hard to do so. "W-ww-wwee would lose House points and get detention," he said after a moment.
Harry nodded. "For the first time and second. On the third you will be talking with your Head-of-House and the Headmaster, sooner if I choose. Now, apologize to Ms. Delacour and Mr. Renault for being rude," Harry told him. He stepped back, taking his wand away from Tibble's neck, who rubbed it.
The boy was looking at him a little scared. "I'm sorry, Ms. Delacour and..."
"Mr. Renault," Harry told him.
"Mr. Renault."
"You aren't supposed to use magic in the halls," Tasker stated behind Renault.
Harry nodded his head. "A lapse of judgement on my part and I will report myself to Professor McGonagall. In the meantime, consider this your one and only warning. Next time it will be straight to Professor Flitwick and most likely the Headmaster. Now, I think Ms. Delacour can make up her own mind on who she may be dating or not. Is that not correct, Ms. Delacour?"
Harry was keeping an eye on the boys as Gabrielle was looking at him.
"Oui. I can, and 'arry Potter is my boyfriend," she said defiantly to the four Ravenclaw boys.
All four of them looked some type of outraged, scared and incredulous. "Potter! You don't even know him," Tasker shouted.
"Leetle do you 'now, leetle boy," David snarked.
Harry held up his hand. "I do not see that being any of your business, Tasker. Now, go, before I change my mind."
They weren't even out of earshot before they heard them griping about Potter getting everything. If only they knew.
"'Arry?" Gabrielle got his attention.
Harry let out a breath and ran a hand over his neck. He turned to her, "I am sorry. I know you can handle it yourself. It… when I saw them… the look on your face…," he spluttered some.
David looked at him. "Mon dieu. If Gabrielle doesn't kiss you silly, I will."
Gabrielle's sort of upset face went as bright red as Harry's. "David!"
Harry, not sure what to say, just said, "Uhm, thanks, but I like Gabrielle over you."
David laughed at their expressions. "If you ever change your mind, I'll be waiting."
"David! Go wait out in the courtyard!"
David laughed again, winked at Gabrielle and shrugged as he passed Harry.
When he walked out the open doors, Harry looked at his girlfriend. Merlin, he hoped she was still his girlfriend. He hadn't meant to react like that. "I didn't mean..."
He stopped as Gabrielle looked at him and took a step towards him. "I am not upset with you, Harry. I think it was rather, let's say restrained. I have seen papa react worse when maman, Fleur or I were treated like that. I am just upset with those boys. Are you in trouble?"
"Probably. We have strict rules on magic in the hallways and I have been really harping on the prefects to report it if they can't stop it. It would be rather hypocritical of me not to report myself."
She gave him a small smile and looked around. When she was sure no one was around, she stepped forward, wrapped her arms around his waist and gave him a sweet lingering kiss. "Do not get in too much trouble. You promised to take me into Hogsmeade this weekend."
He wrapped his arms around her to hug her. "I will take you. I did promise."
She giggled a little. "Hopefully they will learn to leave me alone. I do not want you getting into trouble over me."
Harry hugged her tighter before letting go. "You are worth getting in trouble for."
She eyed him. "Not if it keeps you from me."
He nodded, pecked her lips and then had to excuse himself. He was pretty sure Tasker would report him to Flitwick. If he got to McGonagall first, he may be able to avoid too much trouble.
When he knocked on Professor McGonagall's door, it was getting close to nine. He could probably have waited until the morning, but felt it better to inform her now. When the door opened, she greeted him in a night overcoat, her hat off and a look of 'this better be good' on her face. "Evening, Potter. What are you doing disturbing me at this time of the night?"
He stood tall and held his head up and shoulders back. "I need to report myself, Professor."
She eyed him for a moment. "Come in. No need doing this in the hallway."
He stepped into her private rooms, and into her sitting room. It was decently large with a fireplace, a sofa, a few chairs, a large desk she obviously used for school and other work, some portraits, bookcases and a few display cases. It was the third time he had been in this room. "This better be severe enough to warrant me considering taking away your Head Boy badge to disturb me this time of night."
"I hope not, Professor. I must report myself for using magic in the hallways," Harry told her.
She didn't look impressed. "Unless you started a duel and sent someone to the hospital, I don't want to hear it."
"I did use magic, enough to leave a slight burn on Nathan Taskers neck that will probably need to be looked at by Madam Pomfrey."
Her lips pursed as she looked at him. "This is unusual that you would do as such in the last few years. May I ask what caused you to do as such?"
"Tasker and a few others were pestering Ms. Delacour and Mr. Renault from Beauxbatons. I overreacted, but I don't think they will disrespect them or any of our guests anymore. I have warned them if they are caught again they will go straight to Professor Flitwick and Headmaster Dumbledore."
She still looked a little stormy. "What were they doing to Ms. Delacour and Mr. Renault?"
"It is immaterial. It will not happen again, but I broke the rules in trying to enforce the rules," Harry told her.
"Why?"
Harry let out a breath. "Ms. Delacour is my girlfriend and veela-blood. She has chosen me her mate," Harry told her.
Understanding lit in her eyes. "I see. Has this been disclosed to anyone else?"
"My godfather, one of Gabrielle's cousins, Hermione Granger and her parents know. I am unsure who else may," Harry told her.
Professor McGonagall looked at him for a few before indicating a seat by the fire. "Please sit for a few, Potter."
When he did, she offered him a cup of tea from a service set on a side table. "Help yourself." Harry politely refused and she took hers, stirring it for a few before speaking again. "You are sure she has chosen you her mate?"
Harry dropped his hard facade. "Her mother is pretty sure, so is Gabrielle. We have decided to see how things playout, so we had not wanted to announce anything. I wanted to report myself tonight because I am finding myself, ah, rather protective of her."
McGonagall nodded sagely. "I bet you are. Has she shown the same tendencies yet?"
He sighed. "I don't really know. We haven't had a lot of time to spend together since she came yesterday. I also know word of us dating will be public, probably by breakfast tomorrow."
"I see. Are you alright with me telling the staff of this? It does not excuse your actions, but does explain it."
"I don't want excuses. You named me Head Boy and I should act as such," Harry protested.
"A decision I am not regretful for, Potter. It takes courage and strong moral fiber to report yourself like this. Is there a reason you and the Delacours are not going public with this? I understand when a veela-blood chooses a mate, that is of great significance to them. I also thought it was tantamount to a betrothal or proposal."
Harry flushed a little. "If we are both named Champions, that might raise the ire or suspicions of some, to have two champions betrothed to each other. Plus, we just don't want to yet. Gabrielle and I have not spent a lot of time around each other and we just want to be normal teens for a while," Harry reasoned.
She gave him a knowing smile. "I understand, Potter, but you are not normal teens. Especially if you are named Champions. I will let the other Professors know. You shall not have a repeat, unless she is honestly threatened. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Professor."
McGonagall nodded. "Good. Now let me have my peace for the rest of the evening."
Harry smirked. "Sorry for disturbing you, Professor."
She just shook her head. "It is alright, Potter. You aren't the first Potter to do so. Though, this is one of the more enjoyable interruptions."
He got up and when he got to the door, she called for him. "Yes, Professor?"
She looked up towards him. "If you want most to stop bothering her, you should make it known you are both with each other. Just not at the tip of a wand, please."
Harry chuckled. "Yes, Professor."
"Oh, and not like what your father did."
He quirked an eyebrow. "What did my father do?"
She smirked. "I think your godfather or Remus can tell you. There were many entertaining incidents over the years."
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