Chapter 18

"I'm sorry Dolores, but my hands are tied. Dumbledore has a Defense professor. And he's a pureblood from a solid family. I have no reason to petition for the boy's removal. I heard he was nearly elected Head Boy, except for the unfortunate fight with a teacher. Understandable considering what happened with the boy's uncles."

"But this is so important, Cornelius! Don't you see! We must make sure that this goes well. International cooperation and all."

"I know. Crouch and Bagman were fighting over who got to be the judge for the tasks. I have the perfect solution. You be the judge for the ministry."

The panicky woman stopped her pacing, and looked ready to kiss Fudge.

He recoiled a bit, and called for tea.

"That's perfect, Minister. And I graciously accept your invitation. For the position and for tea."

"Good, good. It's all set." Cornelius Fudge just wanted the woman out of his hair – and his office!

**OO**

The delegation from Ecole Merlin arrived just before Beauxbatons. The flight of Hippogriffs actually slowed down to escort the carriage part of the way but was waved on by the Headmistress.

They swung in low over the lake, the wingtips just touching the water. They pulled up high again, and then split off in pairs to swoop and land in front of the castle.

Harry and Charles waited until last, knowing that Harry Potter's presence was not expected here after all of the attempts to get this event closed down.

Monseigneur Brown, in his plainest, most modest of tunics, bowed to Dumbledore. The man's Order of Merlin demanded that, even if the man's actions over the past decade and a half were suspect.

The Headmaster had gloves on his hands, and offered no embrace, no formal greeting. He merely nodded, and gestured for the group to go inside.

Rebecca Flores scowled at that, as did Professor McGonagall. The headmaster hadn't even said hello to his former deputy of over forty years!

The wizard seemed to not notice Harry there at all, even though Harry felt his eyes on him later.

The day was clear, if cooler here in Scotland, and the group waited for Beauxbatons to dismount.

"You did not warn us it would be so cold, Dumbleydore!" The tall woman complained. Regulus rolled his eyes behind her back as Dumbledore went and bowed over the woman's hand. She towered over him, and he could hear the crowd murmuring 'creature' 'giantess' 'monster' from the Hogwarts students.

"Allow my students to escort yours in." Monseigneur Brown offered.

Beauxbatons had brought a dozen girls, so each one eagerly took the arm of an escort, a beautiful blonde picking Harry to walk with.

"Do you mind, Monsieur Potter? My sister is a huge fan." The girl said in French.

"Not at all Mademoiselle. But you have me at a disadvantage. May I know your name?" Harry said, taking off his charmed warmed cloak, and putting it over the shivering girl. Others saw this action and copied it. It was, after all, much warmer on the ground than it had been in the air.

"Fleur Delacour."

She knew that he hadn't forgotten. It was just a dance for the students. Gabrielle's letters had indeed started to include Fleur's. Harry didn't write volumes, but they exchanged ideas, and debated magical innovations. Harry tried to avoid French politics, though.

They had come through the main entry, and were now standing near the doors to the Great Hall. Harry led the group to the Antechamber, memories threatening to overwhelm him. The room was smaller than he remembered, but still big enough for the two dozen students.

Harry bowed and hovered his lips over but did not kiss her hand.

"It is an honor to meet you, Mademoiselle Delacour. I invite you to use my first name Harry."

"Oui, I am Fleur." She dropped an elegant curtsey.

Harry called for Hogwarts elves, and several popped in.

"Chairs and warm drinks, please. Thank you for your service."

There was a brief spat who was going to serve the Heir, but it got sorted out. The comfortable chair that was brought to Harry was made into a two-seater with a wink from the Delacour witch, and she patted the seat next to her. He declined with a bow, and transfigured it into a minor throne. Not as elegant or elaborate as Professora McG, but very nice.

She pouted cutely, but he was not going to flirt with the witch!

Harry did offer her an appetizer from the plate that had been put in his hand. He played the attentive knight to the hilt, nothing he wouldn't do for the octogenarian Queen Elenore.

An elf brought another nice chair for Harry with only a small frown at the girl in the Heir's chair, and he decided not to fight elves all night, and perforce, sat.

"What do you think of Ecole Merlin?" Fleur asked him. "Would I like it there?"

"I do not know what branches of magic you enjoy, but if you want to pursue potions, transfigurations, or any sort of battle magic, it is absolutely top notch. It's the only school I know of that offer flying lessons on brooms and hippogriffs. Though, with Kettleburn's retirement, perhaps that will change.

Hagrid had complained to Harry that while he was supposed to only cover a few lessons last year 'until a new teacher was found', Hagrid taught Magical Creatures all year. When Harry offered to send him ICW lesson plans, the poor man didn't know what he was talking about!

Several of the other boys around nodded as his assessment of their school in Rome. Though with far too much drool for squires of the Order. There was a bit of non-verbal discipline going on behind Beauxbatons back.

A tall pale professor came in, saw Harry and wanted to scowl, but kept his sneer to a minimum.

"The welcoming feast will be served in the Great Hall shortly. Please, come and take your seats."

Harry nodded. "Professor Snape. What table are we sitting at?"

"Anywhere you like." The man bit off any rebuke, but Harry could see he was having trouble.

He offered his arm to Fleur and the group lined up to parade into the Great Hall, Fleur and Harry leading the way.

**OO**

Fred and George were waiting. Large bets had been taken, and a lot was riding on the next few minutes.

Fleur had been directed by her Headmistress to sit with Ravenclaw, so he found a familiar face, introduced them, and helped her to sit down.

After wishing her 'Bon Appetit', Harry then proceeded to the Gryffindor table as several friends were waving him over. He strode over to the trio of red-heads. He greeted each one as a long-lost family member with manly embracing. He then was waved to a seat with a good view of the expanded Head Table. The headmasters and headmistress were not yet there but all of the Hogwarts professors were.

Harry had barely sat when he was up, the sword of Gryffindor in his hand, striding to the head table. He never heard the twins shouting with glee, or the clink of gold being dug out of pockets.

He was too focused on the rat-faced man sitting in the transfiguration professor's chair!

What was Peter Pettigrew doing here?!

Percy rose from his seat at the high table and strode to meet him. Hands empty and out in the sign of surrender.

"Sir Harry! Please stop! He was paroled! He is authorized to be here."

Pettigrew tried to blather something. "Sorry! So sorry!" But with his teeth chattering in fear, it wasn't very clear.

"He served what? Two years! For getting my parents killed! One year for each! How is that justice?" Harry shouted. He pointed the famous sword at the man now cowering under the head table. "I could have asked for the death penalty! I begged for mercy for this?"

"Put one toe out of line around me Death Eater, and you can explain your deeds to St. Peter!"

Harry's magic was flaring so much that the sconces around the hall flared with his loud exhaling breath.

"Harry! I'm so sorry! I thought that you knew! I would have said!" Percy claimed, trying to drag the knight back to Gryffindor.

"What was that about your parents, Sir Harry? I have not 'eard this tale?" Fleur asked a now quieting hall.

"That man was best friends with my godfather and my father. My godfather was sent to prison, sentenced to life in Azkaban without a trial. My father was killed by Voldemort. This rat! This man betrayed my parents to his Dark Lord. Many treasures from my home remain missing. Did you steal from your friends while their bodies cooled, Pettigrew? Thief! All of my mother's jewelry, House Potter heirlooms? I know that Lucius didn't get them, there was only cash in that vault when I was eleven. After my ten-year is over, I will challenge you for any treasure you hold. Betrayer."

Harry shook off Percy's grab, and stalked back to Gryffindor.

"I do not blame you, Cousin Percy. You couldn't have known."

Pettigrew called out "I'm so sorry! No, I didn't take anything! I swear! I would never!"

Harry turned, and pointed his sword at the sniveling man, and he broke off speaking.

"So nice to know that he is only a murderer, not a murderer and a thief like Malfoy." Harry said angrily under his breath.

The blond ponce at the Slytherin table shifted, but did not loudly denounce Potter as Harry expected. Too bad, he'd like a fight right now, preferably non-verbal.

Harry noticed that all of the Weasleys were dressed much better than when they were younger. Percy clearly had shared the wealth secretly given, and a small part of that made Harry happy. Seeing that Death Eater at the High Table was not in the travel brochure.

"I will need your cloak and help to get back after the feast, Sir Harry." Fleur said, clearly worried for him. Hermione worried for him like that. He looked to the squires with them, and Millicent. They were all nodding.

"We would be happy to escort you," Harry said, and bowed to the girl, grateful that she had helped him control his temper.

Harry knew that Hermione would be in danger and was glad that she wasn't there. However, he wished she was just then! He needed one of her hugs right now. He'd be calling her on the mirror just as soon as possible.

Harry looked at the empty gold plate and bowed his head, closed his eyes, and prayed for guidance of the best path. An hourglass image shown briefly to him, an image he had seen before. It didn't mean he needed to time it. It meant that he needed to wait.

Show patience.

Neville scooted over and patted his back. He too was glaring up at the head table. Snape had terrified them when they were younger, and now he had friends!

Taking deep cleansing breaths, he looked up when he sensed movement at the head table. Percy was clearly uncomfortable, and was likely worried that Harry would blame him. Where he did not.

The school heads finally trooped in. The Headmaster of Durmstrang was sporting a black eye, and Monseigneur Brown seemed to be sporting bruised knuckles. The Headmistress of Beauxbatons' eyes were twinkling to put Dumbledore to shame. As for the great man himself? He looked tired, stressed, and ill. Not good.

When Ecole Merlin's head saw who was sitting at the high table, he stalked away, and went to sit with his students.

"I thought that you fought such, not broke bread with them. I will not eat with this, this group. This company. Not one, not two, Three death eaters here. This is a school, Albus. A school.

Monseigneur Brown went to his students, sat, and turned his plate over. Harry did the same immediately, and was happy to see each apprentice and squire follow suit. But when all of Gryffindor copied them, the man nodded.

"I will have food prepared for us. The tents are already set up. Any who do not wish to eat here are invited to the Ecole Merlin compound. Our fare will be much simpler. Blessings will be said, we don't mean offense, but this is our way. I warn you to not try to enter the compound unless you have the best of feelings towards the other students. The wards are intent based."

Neville took the opportunity to invite Daphne Greengrass to dinner. While they had been exchanging letters, they hadn't seen each other in some time. Their glances at each other had been very sweet. Daphne seemed to appreciate the changes in Neville, and he in her.

Fleur got up from her seat. She looked at the head table in disdain.

"Sir Harry, is there not room for me with you?"

As for the Head Table, Dumbledore glared at Harry for a brief moment, tried to make some kind of gesture, but Harry ignored it.

Harry looked to the Monseigneur Brown who nodded. "Of course. You and your friends would be welcome."

The students from Ecole Merlin offered their arms to the people who had stood with them and went to enjoy a much better feast together.

Leaving behind two seething Headmasters, one marked for death, the other marked to cause it.

**OO**

During the shouting and commotion, a witch snuck into the castle. But not just any witch.

A Necromancer. Her clothes were designed with a special hood that disguised the wearer. The field in which she worked had one time been held in high regard, but the last two centuries had seen such persecution that few dared to pursue it.

She held a map, a special one, that led her to a secret passage that had collapsed long ago.

There she found her quarry and pulled her wand. A silent spell was cast at the non-ghost, non-living creature.

"Peeves the Poltergeist. I am here to banish you!" The witch intoned in a low, frightening voice.

Peeves tried to pull away. He tugged frantically first on one leg, then the other. After a time, he gave up and burst into tears.

"Please! Please don't banish poor Peevies! I'll do anything! Please!" The poltergeist begged.

"Anything?" The witch asked, looking disdainful. "What could you do! I bet you can't even prank anyone."

"Anything! Peevy is good at pranks. Yes, he is."

"Well, I think I might be able to be talked into not banishing you. For a fee."

"Peeves sorry, but he has no gold!" The poor being wept.

"Gold? No, I want something different than gold. I want to cause chaos in the Ministry of Magic. Tell me, Peeves, have you ever possessed anything?"

She brought out a simulacrum. A good one. It had neutral features, but could become someone with polyjuice potion.

Peeves, hoping to prove himself, dived into the being. He performed several jumps and actions. Upon her command, he returned.

"I need to make sure that you're safe. I promise to bring you back if this hurts you. I swear on my magic."

She told him the test, and he dived back into the simulacrum. "Avada Kedavra!"

Peeves bounced out of the 'dead' test subject. "Tickles! Do it again!"

"Excellent. Excellent! Good to know you'll be safe. Here's what I want you to do..."

**OO**

Ecole Merlin had set up their encampment near the Beauxbatons carriage. No knight would allow innocent women to not be protected if there was a clear and present danger to them.

Harry shook his head, happy to be back under protective wards, but feeling a very strong sense of that clear and present danger!

He had to keep in mind that he was here for two missions. One was to help free the slaves, the downtrodden British citizens who were clearly not well represented in the Wizengamot. Whose leaders clearly held evil to be good, and good evil. This would not be finished by Halloween, but they hoped to get a foundation laid for future help.

The second was hopefully to be accomplished soon. That goal was to banish Voldemort. Forever.

Something had to be done, or build a wall around the island, and at least contain the pathogen.

Dinner may have been different than what they had been expecting but the company was excellent. Monseigneur Brown intended to be host, but the elves had already prepared more than enough food, and just served it there.

The administrator was relieved to find out that all meals could be shared here in the dining tent, which made it far safer.

Well, at least safer for the professors and visiting administrators with the 'interesting' tattoos.

The guest students asked questions about their schools, their field trips, even their sports teams. Hearing about the hippogriff racing and obstacle courses had several students saying they would petition Madam Maxine for some kind of interschool competition that wasn't potentially lethal.

The French students eventually left. Even though it was less than twenty meters, they still escorted the ladies back to their carriage.

There was debate of a guard being posted. Harry wondered if Fluffy was still around. He was saddened to hear that the Cerberus had been returned to the unusual man who had loaned him to Hagrid to begin with. Monseigneur Brown declined to set up a guard rotation at the moment, but warned students that a very good detention was now available to him for trouble-making.

The dreaded midnight-to-four shift.

For now, ward stones were used with a caterwauling ward. Anyone crossing the line would wake the company. Even in animagus form.

Monseigneur Brown changed after the rest of the students went to bed. 'Cousin Regulus', the laid-back persona he wore at school with his staff, showed up to rant about what was going on at Hogwarts. Harry had known that the man had attended, even sorted Slytherin, but heard new stories tonight. Stories that the headmaster might later regret telling. Of course, all of the other students had gone to bed, it was just the adults and Harry at table.

Minerva McGonagall was truly beside herself. "I couldn't stay three years ago, but to have that, that, rat! That as my replacement! It makes me ashamed to have left.

Filius Flitwick had shown up early in their meal, and described the Headmaster as aloof and distant.

"Harry, I know that I championed you then, but I have to ask that you champion me now. I have had more than one odd incident so far this week, and it's just the first week of class. Racist graffiti left on my office door. When you leave, may I leave with you? Like Minerva, my contract is long expired. I can put in my notice, but I would rather just quietly leave. I don't want to give them warning."

Harry looked to his administrator, then back to Flitwick. "Please let me know if you need any resources to move, I have elves here, but the rest is up to Headmaster Brown.

"Of course! My dear friend! Of course! We've never had a separate charms teacher, though Minerva has done a fine job teaching the students some of your work. We usually rely on people here like Dame Rebecca who had your fine tuition." the Monseigneur stated, truly happy to offer him a place.

"Oh yes, I remember you, my dear. A fine Ravenclaw, and brave too. You were excellent at charms, but it was Minerva's classes especially where you shone. Well, that and flying. We never lost at quidditch when you were here."

"Does the ICW know about Peter Pettigrew? I'm quite sure he was responsible for the dozen muggles killed in addition to the Potters." Regulus asked.

"That wasn't a crime he was charged with. Pettigrew pleaded guilty, and went to Azkaban.

"Dumbledore recently petitioned the government for help. Pleaded with the Wizengamot. Pleaded with them for more money for a better staff. When that was denied, he begged for Pettigrew to be released. Said how talented Peter was in transfiguration. A rare talent to become an animagus. Only a handful registered over the years. Same deal as Snape. Twenty-year contact for Hogwarts for a pittance, to be returned to Azkaban if he didn't measure up or did anything wrong." Flitwick spat. "He truly is very sorry about the Potters. I worry about him being murdered by Snape. You should have seen Severus' face when he showed up the first day!

Harry nodded. "Sir Hector and I know that he meant it when he said he was sorry. He was showing Godly sorrow for sin."

Sir Hector couldn't stop being the mentor. "I think that it is time for bed. You did a lot of magic today, impressive magic."

The boy yawned. "Good night all. I need to call the Knight Commander and inform him of the situation right now. Headmaster Brown, I think I would like an escort to Hogsmeade tomorrow to go to the chocolate shop there. I want to get away from the school. I nearly killed in cold blood tonight. If Percy hadn't stopped me, I would have."

Sir Hector shook his head. "No, you were going to capture him, or challenge him, but you would not have just killed him. I know you too well, my friend. You wouldn't."

Harry stopped and thought about arguing, but he was just too tired. He was pretty sure he would have killed. Bless Percy the Prefect. Well, Percy the Professor now.

"That is a very intense young man." Dame Rebecca said.

She had not been with Harry a lot, except for charms and transfigurations before Professor McG showed up. She knew he was a hard worker, but hadn't really met him. Now, she was getting to know him as a person much more in the last few hours than ever before. But such it always was on missions.

Under stress, people were monsters or heroes, as they choose, and everyone had seen him search for a higher power's help in his breaking moment. And everyone had their breaking point.

**OO**

The secretary never once sniffed or treated Dan Granger with anything other than respect. She had offered Italian coffee or a nice tea blend, and then went to her duties.

The Minister of Magic for Italy came out of his office, a red robed man clearly staying inside the door.

"Captain Granger. My apologies for the delay. Thank you so much for waiting. No interruptions, Paulina, please, unless it's a national emergency."

The woman nodded, and settled down to her work as the people convened in the office.

"Captain Dan Granger, this is Auror Michael Bruno. We have received a very credible threat, and wanted to warn you. Warn your family." The man looked concerned and angry.

"Your house in Britain that is nothing more than cardboard and magic was burned down last night. A message was left floating. Only magical people could see it. This was sent via friends, but nothing official has been received from Britain. Not yet."

He handed the paper over.

"I suggest you move your family into the Ecole Merlin's compound, and share this message with your Prime Minister or whoever you like in the muggle government. I can assign an auror as bodyguard if you need to go in person, but I suggest not entering anywhere the UK is controlled by the British Ministry of Magic. Note, Ireland is separate, and might be willing to listen.

Dan took the offered message with a feeling of tread. It read:

'You're next! You will be tortured and killed. You are animals that are nothing more than sport. The queen's days are numbered as well. She and her family will die a painful death. A new ruler is coming, and scum like you aren't welcome here anymore.'

Captain Granger looked up. "Well, I am glad we left there. Italy has been very welcoming."

"You are welcome here. These terrorists are not! People like them will be contained to England. They step on toe in Ireland, France or anywhere in Europe, and they are going to face a fighting force that is well-trained, and unforgiving." The minister stated.

"What about the royalty? Does this mean the Italian Queen of Magic or Elizabeth II? Dan asked.

"Or the Queen of the Veela" Auror Bruno muttered. "Without a name, it could mean any of several dozen queens, princesses, empresses, etc."

The minister's scowl was downright scary, and Dan had seen Harry Potter truly angry. "Captain, we'll take care of the magical nobility. Can you warn the muggles?"

Dan agreed, and after brieft pleasantries, activated his portkey home.

He had a baby to protect, along with his wife, and others.

"Daisy! Please pack us up as quickly as possible. Where did that tent go? Emma! We're going to the school right now, and need to warn people."

Dan Granger had a feeling that they were missing something, but he didn't know what.

**OO**

The pureblooded boy sneered at the shop while his minder went to talk business with the manager.

"I hear that you take care of problems. For a small consideration."

A bag of coins was put in his hands. By the weight, it was a half-thousand, a princely sum of money.

"And just what service could a green-grocer do for you?"

"The boy didn't get his letter. He needs a job, far from home, that a squib can do. Perhaps garden vegetables."

"Or feed animals." The manager suggested.

"Exactly."

"Alright, but I expect that this transaction will be kept quiet. And I'll need another hundred for expenses."

"Done."

The minder left the store, leaving a confused boy behind.

"Wait until my mother hears about this!" The boy shouted.

The werewolf only smiled before taking the boy by the arm to walk into the Forbidden Forest.

**OO**

Augusta Longbottom looked at the legal notice and sighed. It was basically an eviction notice on the manor house.

She was still on the Board of Governors and had been a dissenting vote about this blasted tournament. How dare Dumbledore endanger the students again! Worse, the new legislation that she and Zora Zabini were working on hadn't passed yet. If it didn't pass soon, she would lose everything.

So odd how her brother's mistress was her only hope. At least they had had a little girl, even if her existence wasn't widely known.

Zora Zabini becoming Regent of House Longbottom and sharing her manor was so much better than Augusta's other choices.

And clearly, Madam Zabini had unique ways of getting rid of unwanted men. And Augusta's so-called grandson was at the head of the Unwanted list.

**OO**

After breakfast, Fleur asked Harry to escort her for a walk. Harry nodded, knowing that others would be keeping an eye open for trouble. He wanted to take this chance to clear the air between them. She seemed to have forgotten about Hermione.

They walked down to the lake.

"Harry, I wanted to ask you a favor, if I could. There's going to be a ball. I know that it hasn't be announced yet, but I found out about it. It is going to be held the Saturday after the last task."

The veela licked her lips and tilted her head.

"Please, will you escort me? I don't want to accompany some imbecilic boy."

"What? Aren't your dress robes drool-proof?" Harry teased, but had to tell her the truth. "I am a knight, and I am under orders. I was told that we were leaving straight after the last task. In fact, I was ordered not to tarry in this country. Dumbledore invited us to Hogwarts, but you should have seen all of the letters that were sent to the High Command telling us how they really felt about knights being in Britain.

"If any of us do anything that offends the Wizengamot, I can guarantee that there won't be a second invite. And me just breathing offends that lot. You heard they took away the Potter seat."

Fleur laughed. "Well, if I can get it approved for you to stay, would you?"

Harry looked at the girl and realized that she was beaming her allure full volume at him. It was warm, and he could see another slipping into that warmth. But he had Oaths. Oaths that he had shared with the Lord.

Oaths that he had shared with a girl. A special girl.

Gently by firmly Harry stated: "Fleur, I have told you before. I'm betrothed. Happily betrothed, to a girl that I love deeply. I don't want there to be any misunderstanding here. My heart is taken, and that is final.

"I'm sorry Fleur. I would not want to embarrass either of us. Thank you for your invitation, but the answer is no. I offer you my protection, but if you wish another escort, I would be happy to ask one of the other knights."

Fleur shook her head no, clearly wiping tears from her eyes as she ran back to the Beauxbatons carriage.

Harry hadn't meant to hurt her feelings, but he couldn't give her what she was looking for either.

Fleur would be anyone else's ideal princess. His princess, the girl that owned his heart, was locked in a tower in Italy.

Harry pictured Hermione in a window, doing some kind of gentle art, and watching various training.

'Stay safe, my betrothed. You are very loved.'

Harry watched over the upset girl until she was inside, then went to report to Charles.

**OO**

The Tournament organizers had agreed to allow Ecole Merlin to display the flight trials for knights.

Then someone got the bright idea to include those trials as a task. Despite the objections of the sponsor, who were rightly concerned for the safety of students not ready for such a challenge!

As a result, the first task had one event for Hogwarts, Durmstrang, and Beauxbatons students, and three events for Ecole Merlin.

The event that they all shared had two courses, with contestants choosing which to fly against. One was fairly mild with static targets, no training dummies that aimed at you, or any difficult obstacles.

The one that was part of Harry's flight test had a far more rigorous course. It had spells coming from training dummies, and during Harry's course only, would include live casting from 'helpful' knights. It would include moving and static targets with negative points for hitting a non-combatant.

In other words, it was Harry's dream course, and at least one contestant's nightmare.

The participants could choose either one, but the harder one had more points to obtain. The shorter and easier course would be safer but have limited points.

Some Hogwarts students complained about Ecole Merlin having an advantage, but all of the visiting schools had submitted task ideas, and each school except Hogwarts was responsible for one task.

Ecole Merlin's had gotten permission by the Ministry of Magic's Sports and Games to have Harry's riding trials here. The fact that it was Harry Potter's flight contest made it a popular event and tickets were being sold at a premium.

It was a good thing that Andromeda Tonks got that contract signed in advance!

All of the schools could practice for three days before the event, with course time being shared.

For the task, the participants could choose any method of flight they wanted. One woman, dressed horribly in pink and looking like a toad sneered at Fleur and said that she had to use a device, not fly herself. Of course, Fleur was used to such insults, and didn't react except to brush her perfect hair back.

Harry was very tempted to cast a hair-loss charm on the woman, but didn't. He was a knight now, and above such juvenile pranks.

He'd get the twins to do it later.

**OO**

The headmaster for Ecole Merlin had not intended to stay. He had planned on getting everything set up and then leaving. Coming back only for the tasks. With the change in flight trials, he could not be the judge. Thankfully that man offered to score the Tournament task as well.

The situation had upset that plan in an instant, and he had communicated such to Persephone Malone, formerly Smith, who had recently married a knight just retired from his first ten-year service.

While Jack decided what to do next as a career, he was happy to play substitute professor while the others were gone to Hogwarts, and his wife played Deputy Headmistress.

She had just gotten back from dealing with another discipline issue of the newest student, her older daughter in tow.

"Hi Jack! It's so frustrating! Kyle Rosier thinks that the world revolves around him!" Juliette Smith told her mother and new stepfather. "He expects everyone to cow-tow to him, and he claims that he's going to go to Hogwarts. Since now that he has proof that he can do magic!"

As one of her responsibilities as potions apprentice, Juliette had told all of the new cohort that they had to have magic to grow magical plants, and brew potions.

There was a brief test, and they all were allowed in. Including Kyle. He barely made it, but he had enough for plants and most potions.

"Wait until that boy tries for a spell. He might have enough power for a weak lumos. Maybe. But he's far too low on the Merlin scale for Hogwarts. This isn't helping him to adapt to his new situation." The girl finished.

"Didn't he understand that his parents set him up to be murdered?" Jack asked. He was grateful to Remus Lupin, he was, and might take a position in England eventually with him just to help the underground movement that was starting.

"That's the thing! He thinks that squibs should be 'put down' he said. But now he thinks that it was just all a big mistake! And he's really rude about it."

Persephone shook her head. "Maybe resetting the transfiguration pits, and watching the other students do more powerful magic will help him accept his limitations. At least he won't be throwing harmful spells at the muggleborn and orphans."

Sarah wandered in at that point, giving both adults a sweet hug. "I have to go help with flying lessons, Dad. Wanna come?"

Jack beamed. He had suffered an injury similar to the headmaster's, and couldn't provide viable seed to father children of his own. Being accepted by these girls and being called father helped him in ways they couldn't know. He and Persephone had spoken about it. She was content with her two girls, but wouldn't say no to adopting a couple of boys to round out the family either.

Just as long as they were older! She had a clear 'no-nappies' rule.

Jack took the child's offered hand, and gave his wife a kiss.

"Kyle has only been here a short time. Hopefully he'll see this for the opportunity that it is."

"Maybe Remus should have chased him a bit, and allowed one of the knights to rescue him."

That thought earned her another sweet kiss.

"Next time. Okay, my girls. One of you should be flying, and the other brewing. Let's see. Oh, yes. Sarah, to the cauldrons!"

"Daddy! Yuck! No way! That's Jul's job." Sarah whinged.

"And no way am I getting near any feathered fiends! The only use of feathers and dung in my life is potions and plants. In that order!" Juliette declared.

The happy family went to their various tasks, smiling, and joyful to be close. In more ways than one.

**OO**

The blond wizard softly approached the witch as she finished her run well behind the students of Ecole Merlin.

"I wanted to apologize." Blue eyes met, and Fleur saw the sincerity there. "I actually think that you are more than beautiful. You are so magical. It feels, I don't know. Wonderful. Familiar."

She looked at him and smiled. No need to make enemies unnecessarily.

"Fleur Delacour" she extended her hand for a kiss.

"Draco Malfoy." The boy bowed, and kissed it, holding the kiss a little longer than socially acceptable, and met her eyes at the end.

He desired her deeply, but then suddenly the visage changed. The eyes flashed red for a moment.

Without another word, the boy turned and ran.

"That was odd." The girl said, turning to her carriage for a shower and change of clothes. And she smiled a little smile. Well, if Harry didn't want to be her prince, fine. There were others who might make a smart political match.

And the boy was almost as handsome as she was beautiful.