Chapter 41: BeauxbatonsNotes:
Here is the next chapter. A bit different than the usuall but I hope you all like it.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Dora did her best not to squirm as she ate from the plates of the Beauxbatons' Dining Hall among the seventh year students. She was thankful now for her mother's insistence that she learn etiquette, poise and the French language in her youth. All Blacks were supposed to know French and at least try to speak Latin and German after all, as the House had properties in the Continent. While she wasn't born into the family proper, Andromeda still wanted her to be prepared. Dora, for her part, rebelled by purposefully behaving less than lady-like and Andromeda eventually gave up, but not before a lot of the lessons were completed. She still remembered all the lessons and her mother had even helped to prepare her in the last few weeks before the start of the Beauxbatons term. At that time she saw Hazel only in the evenings and it bothered her seeing her partner and girlfriend look so … concerned. It's not like she was going off to war or anything. The moment she stood before the assembled students and was named as the transfer student Neaera d'Éon, Dora finally understood Hazel's concern. She would be here in the Academy, all on her own for almost two months, cementing her identity as the red headed, blue eyed French student from a reclusive family. No backup beyond the support of the Headmistress and that of the girl she was assigned to replace, Fleur Delacour. No comfort from the person that meant the most to her either.
Fleur Delacour was currently sitting beside her, eating her meal slowly as she chatted with her friend before turning around to face Dora. " Have you given thought to taking part in the Triwizard Tournament, d'Éon? I am sure the Headmistress informed you about it upon your arrival. " Tonks drank from the glass of white wine in front of her a small sip before turning to her. " I have. Father's misfortunes in Britain have brought much shame to my family and my mother has requested I take the chance to improve our family's standing as a Champion. " Fleur hummed. "And have you been practicing English for this occasion?" Dora smirked. "I have. Father was interested in expanding his business dealing in Britain and I was to be in charge of mingling with the younger crowd. A bit earlier than planned, but still a welcomed opportunity. I noticed a slight bit of our fair tongue's accent in your English. Would you care to practice with me? I am sure Monsieur Delacour would be pleased to hear that you continue to improve your English." Fleur eyed her carefully and smirked back. "Very well. As we have been assigned to the same dorm room, it should be most helpful. For now, let's finish our meal, oui?" Dora nodded and returned to her meal, being careful of her wine consumption. She didn't want to be drunk enough to make a scene, let alone potentially get yelled at by Hazel when she got home.
As soon as the door to their shared room was closed, Dora wiped out Hazel's wand and sealed it. She knew she had to be careful with it, more than likely switching to her primary wand for the classes, but she needed the safety the wand provided in warding currently. Fleur hummed as she used her wand to test the wards and frowned. "These are … quite strong for charm based wards." Dora sighed in relief as she shifted her body back to normal. She touched the charm on her necklace, feeling its current warm state but finding nothing of concern with it. "My girlfriend is an expert in charm based wards. She spent the last three years teaching me how to cast them." Fleur eyed Dora from head to toe. "I don't believe the Beauxbatons uniform suits your current form." Dora shrugged. "Hey, I am a Hogwarts graduate and proud of it, so I will take that as a compliment. I imagine Monsieur Delacour informed you of everything pertinent?" Fleur nodded. "He did. I am not pleased about surrendering my possible position as Champion." Dora stared at her. "You can add your name in if you want, but don't expect to come out of it alive if chosen. The whole point of my being here is to keep you and every other student alive from the dangers that several rogue elements are planning. Or were Madame Maxime's warnings not clear enough?"
Fleur blushed. The Headmistress had gone out of her way to warn the entire school that the Triwizard Tournament would be exceptionally dangerous and only the most skilled should even consider placing their name. Fleur sighed. "Well, when am I getting to join your training sessions?" Dora stretched her feet after removing her shoes, her toes snapping audibly. She missed her comfortable boots. "At Hogwarts. We have a secure training area and a tutor who is probably going to drive you and me into the ground." Fleur sat on her bed. "This tutor of yours is that rough with their charges?" Dora winced. "Depends on her moods. She is going to be tutoring Harry Potter as well, as his life is in the most danger, so in those moments she will be more polite, but I bet you the moment we arrive, she is going to be quite mad. The day after the selection won't be any different." Fleur was going to ask another question when she and Dora were blinded by a pure white light before a soft shrill filled the room. Dora rubbed her eyes. "Nova, that's you, isn't it? I can hear your laughter in that tone of yours!" Said merry bird flew around the room before landing on Dora's shoulder, presenting her with three letters. Dora blinked as she tried to get the spots out of her eyes before taking the letters. "Thank you, Nova. Care to go do the same to Hazel?"
The bird gave her a look and Dora sighed. "Nevermind, she'd be the one witch that might uncover the secret to providing magical immortal birds with a permanent death." The bird seemed to agree with her before taking off and vanishing in a softer burst of light. Fleur looked from Dora to where the bird was before it vanished. " Was that a Phoenix? " Dora shook her head to clear out her eyes. "Honestly? Not a clue. Headmaster Dumbledore has his own phoenix and it looks nothing like Nova. Hazel refuses to tell me anything about her other than not to piss her off. Teddy simply loves his Familiar and Hazel just lets her get away with just about anything, including pecking her on the head." Fleur blinked. "Wait, wait. Your partner isn't this bird's master, but her son is? How old is he?" Dora opened the letters. "He's twelve." Fleur sighed. "Gabrielle would be so jealous. My soeur is only eleven this year and she will be here next year, so she is just starting to look for a Familiar. I never found mine." Tonks started reading her letters and smiled. Her family was missing her and wishing her the best. Hazel's letter made her pause. "Well, we got some confirmation the First Task being about Creatures but the Second Task has changed from the original design. They can't say more, but they wanted to give me head's up."
Dora blushed at Hazel's more amorous statements before she took the letters and torched them wandlessly, envelopes and all, before vanishing the ash. Fleur looked at her with clear interest. "Not bad, for a non-Veela. Do you have your schedule for classes?" Dora nodded. "I think they are the same as yours. I decided to stick with Alchemy, Dueling and Warding as I never took the courses. Gives me a reason to actually study. The rest I already have my NEWTs for, so it will be more of a refresher." Fleur hummed. "Then we will have plenty of time to get to know each other. Also, word is our Alchemy course this year will have guests coming over to give lessons, meaning it will be quite the treat." Fleur started stripping her clothes off as Dora turned around quickly. "You are, uhm, surprisingly forward." Fleur's voice shifted into a more seductive tone. "Oh, do you find me attractive, Mademoiselle Tonks?" Dora was about to reply "No" when she felt something stop her tongue and her body grew instantly flushed. The feeling vanished in an instance as another magic seemed to chase the feeling out of her, almost violently. Dora stumbled for a moment before turning around, seeing Fleur in her underwear. "Did you try using your Allure on me?"
Fleur blinked. "For a second, yes. Why? Was it unpleasant to you?" Dora felt the magic inside of her almost growl. She shuddered. "Ah, not exactly but I would say never to do that again. It had no real effect." Fleur frowned. "Really? Because you clearly reacted to it." Dora blushed. "Look, I am in a serious monogamous relationship with a woman that I love and who is dangerously territorial." She blinked a second as the magic inside of her seemed to swoon. What the hell was happening with Hazel's magic? "So, for your safety, my sanity and the lives of everyone between here and Hogwarts, never try that again. You are beautiful but I have someone who I consider far more beautiful and I love her." Fleur gave her an almost longing look. "Then you are quite fortunate, Mademoiselle." Dora sighed. "Tonks. You can just call me Tonks and nothing else when we are alone like this." Stepping out of her Beauxbatons uniform, Tonks dressed in her pajamas and tucked in for bed. Two months. She had to make it two months before she returned home, where she could ask Hazel what was up with her magic and then proceed to make up for lost time in the bedroom with her.
-∞-
Dora sat down beside Fleur as the Alchemy Class settled into their seats. She was glad that the course didn't need too much preparation for it, as Alchemy was a slightly more advanced practice than Potions. She took a few pointers from Croaker's Alchemists in tool preparations and alchemical reagents before she signed up for the course. Hazel's none existent skills in Potions, minus the apothecary's worth of vials she carried on her person, made them a bit vulnerable to Potion and Alchemic dangers. Croaker had made sure that despite having to be undercover for months, with only a few moments where she would appear as herself while at Hogwarts, Dora's time wasn't wasted. She and Hazel still had a lot of work to do in order to improve themselves and he was going to focus on that. Fleur's nudge made Dora look up and she watched as the guest Instructor walked through the door. A woman of dark hair and light green eyes walked in, wearing a dark robe, her long sleeves pulled back as she arrived at the front of the class. She slapped her hands together. " Welcome class, to another year of study in Alchemy. I will be taking over from Professor Elric until the end of October, so let's make the most of it. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Perenelle Flamel ."
The entire classroom went silent before it descended into whispers as Dora stared at the woman, forgetting to speak in French. "As in, the co-maker of the Philosopher's Stone?" Perenelle, looking closer to forty rather than six hundred years old, smiled. " Ah, much better said that way. Nicholas always gets so proud when they speak his name in tandem with mine. Yes class, I am one of those Flamels. As Professor Elric has shown, you don't have to make a philosopher stone to be a great Alchemist, it just makes us more long lasting. Today we will cover or reinforce for some of you one of the principle elements of Alchemy; Transmutation. You have all been provided with a copper cup. The class assignment today is to turn the cup before you into one made of bronze. Not as exciting as pure element to element transmutation but still most effective and certainly a faster process than what chemistry allows, with the exception of the larger mass production facilities. The benefit of today's exercise is to show you all how to do transmutation without affecting the shape of the material. Have your ceramic Cauldrons heated up to the temperature as outlined in your text's page 34 and let's get started." Dora and Fleur activated the burner and they began to read the necessary pages.
The Instructor walked around as people started adding the other ingredients into the cauldron, including the reagents and pure water as a solvent before adding the bricks of tin. The Instructor tapped one of the students. " Keep the heat lower, we don't want to melt the cup or the tin. We aren't smiths. The purpose of this exercise is to learn how to make a controlled reaction. Remember, unlike Potions, this exercise will require the active participation of your magic. Now, can anyone tell me the benefits and drawbacks of Transmutation compared to Transfiguration and Conjuration? " Dora raised her hand and waited patiently, as did Fleur. Perenelle pointed at Fleur. " Transfiguration only please ." Fleur nodded. " Transfiguration is considered a similar process, changing one item into another, from animate to inanimate and anything in between. It's drawback against Transmutation is that the change is temporary as the magic eventually fades, returning to the original shape. There are also inconsistencies with the behaviour of the transfigured materials. Transmutation is a permanent change, making it more viable in the long run, with the drawback being a slower and more complicated transformation process." Perenelle nodded and looked at Dora. " And Conjuration?"
Dora focused on Hazel's lessons. "Conjuration is a more magically taxing practice that creates objects or lifeforms out of raw magic. While it has the same drawbacks in inconsistencies with the materials as Transfiguration, greater knowledge of the intended result by the caster can overcome the inconsistencies. Like Transfiguration, the permanence of the conjurations is limited by the caster's skill and magical talent. Transmutation is still a permanent alternative, unless the items conjured are tied to wards that can sustain them independently. Unlike Conjuration, the behaviour of the materials in Transmutation are fully understood from magical and non-magical perspectives." Perenelle nodded. "That is indeed correct. The benefits of Alchemy is that of all the magical practices, it is the most consistent in its results. The same process with any number of practitioners can potentially give identical results, minus the application of magic required to initiate the alchemical process. Now, let's wait for everyone to reach the activation stage before we continue. Make sure you have your conductive rods in your hands before we begin." The students moved further into the process until everyone reached the aforementioned stage. Perenelle stood at the front and with a silent wave of her hand, latin words appeared on the blackboard behind her. "The spell is Aeris et Aere. Hold the rod, allow your magic to fill it like a wand and say the incantation."
The student's did as instructed and a few had to repeat it. Fleur went first and the two waited a minute before pulling out the now bronze cup from the cauldron. Perenelle checked with everyone and nodded. " A bit of practice now. Like all elemental transmutations, even partial ones with alloys, reverse the spell and watch as bronze becomes copper ." Dora took the rod and cast it, careful not to draw on Hazel's magic. " Aere et Aeris. " The cauldron flashed with magic and after a minute they pulled out the copper cup, fully restored. Perenelle leaned back onto the workbench of the Professor. " As you might know, the art of transmutation retains elements of chemistry and science. This means that certain scientific truths remain absolute. For example, as the tin was used in the creation of an alloy, it can not retake its original form when the change is reversed. It remains within the solvent and reagent mix, ready to be used. That's not to say it can't be recovered, it simply won't be like the cup, which retained its shape. Now, please look over page 40 and 41 and your class assignments will be on the preparation of non-water solvents. For now I will show you what neutralizing agents to use to recover the tin into a solid form before the class ends ." Dora jotted as much of the information down before bells heralded the end of the class period.
Fleur looked at Dora with a smile. "Alchemy from one of the legends of the field. Not bad, right?" Dora nodded as they stored away the now cleaned cauldrons and rods. The Professor eyed them both as they prepared to leave. " Ms. d'Éon, a word please ." Fleur nodded as she left as Dora turned to the older, well ancient, woman and bowed her head. "How may I help you, Instructor Flamel?" Privacy wards sprang up quickly and a slight smirk appeared on the older woman's lips. "You needn't worry so much, Ms. Tonks. My husband and I were part of your entry into Beauxbatons. Having permanent seats on the Board of Governors after centuries of sponsorship helps with that regard." Dora smiled back. "A pleasure to meet you and our thanks for your aid." Perenelle waved her hand. "You helped my husband retrieve one of our stones. It is only fair. I also have something for you." She opened a bag on the workstation behind her and pulled out a book. "Your employer wishes to see you complete the NEWT examination for Alchemy. This book will cover the basics of what you have missed and some of the shortcuts we Alchemists follow as we pursue our craft. As you are likely to be selected, you will be exempt from the physical classes once chosen as Champion. Make sure you study for this, in between training, of course."
Dora took the book and stared at the cover. "This is written by you and your husband." Perenelle winked at her. "Well, who else will uncover the secrets of Alchemy the fastest. Alphonse is a good lad, but he is more scientifically minded. Alchemy is the blend of science and magic, much the same as what Artificers uncovered. You need to have a foot in both worlds to grasp it fully. Not an easy feat for anyone not dedicating their lives to the pursuit but my husband and I have had plenty of time." Dora placed the book into her book bag and noticed Perenelle eyeing her carefully. The woman smiled. "You are welcome to see me in the time you have left at Beauxbatons about anything. Anything at all." Dora nodded and turned around, but was stopped by the woman's parting remarks. "Be careful with that magic in your veins, Miss Tonks. Betray its source and you might discover that there are worse things than death. Believe me, my husband and I have seen them. Keep that in mind as you discover more about yourself, and also about the person who sacrificed a bit of their strength to see you returned safely home." Dora turned back, unsure what to say as the wards collapsed. She left without saying a word, thinking about her white haired girlfriend and what exactly Hazel had sacrificed for her safety.
-∞-
" Alright everyone. Gather around. Many of you will be trying out for the Triwizard Tournament and the accompanying Academic Competition. While Hogwarts has no dedicated Dueling course, they will still host a few Dueling matches between our finest, theirs and Durmstrangs. Do not doubt that Durmstrang will have a far less friendly assortment of spells at their disposal. Their reputation may be inflated at times and their Dark Arts course is not as dangerous as other people assume it is, but they are trained to fight and to fight well. Many of the more dangerous Professionals in the Dueling Circuits are theirs, so keep that in mind. I have observed you in the last few weeks and made a decision on who you will have your mock duels with. So please, step forwards when called. Make sure to use the spells you deem necessary. Jinxes and Hexes and minor Curses only. " Dora stood back and watched as the Dueling Instructor paired the students with another of comparable skill and they got to dueling. It surprised her that while the students were definitely better duelists than the ones she saw at Hogwarts at the start of third year, by the end of it most of those in the sixth year category could probably match or even beat the seventh years from Beauxbatons. If Moody built on the success of the Dueling Club she and Hazel ran for a whole year, Hogwarts might take Beauxbatons by surprise, at least skill wise.
"You don't look too impressed." Dora eyed Fleur. She shrugged her shoulders. "My friends trained for quite a while. The standard Dueling skill sets aren't as impressive, even though I probably can be honest and say I was about their level when I first started." Fleur hummed and stood beside her. "Instructor d'Artagnan is a retired Duelist and has coached several people into successful careers after graduation." Dora looked towards the greying wizard with a styled mustache and trimmed beard. "Duels are one thing, fights are another thing entirely. Our tutor may surprise you, but you yourself received some external training. Am I correct?" Fleur blushed. "Veela are heavily targeted by the seedier members of magical society. Father refused to allow me to study here without securing my training, as did the leaders of the conclave my grandmere lives in." Dora looked towards Fleur for a second, gauging her physical state. She was fitter than most witches but nowhere near as fit as Hazel. Dora was sure her own physique was greater. One of Horatio's concerns had been making sure her shift into the d'Éon persona didn't take away her acquired skills and was taken care of by maintaining her own natural body type rather than assuming a new one.
Only differences between the persona and Dora's own form were an increase in her bust size a bit, adjustments to her facial structure and her cosmetic changes. Enough to fool people but not enough to throw off her capabilities. She did have to credit Horatio for the built up in muscle she acquired over the last three years. The Instructor whistled as the last two students finished their duel before calling out the next names. This continued on for half an hour until a final pair of names were called. " Miss d'Éon and Miss Delacour, come forward. " Dora took her position and drew her normal wand. The two shifted their poses and waited, their wands aimed forward. " Begin !" Dora swung her wand and launched a powerful banishing spell, which caught Fleur off guard as her protego barely held up. Following Hazel's own lead, she pushed with stunners, banishers and summoning spells, leaving Fleur surprisingly flat footed under the concentrated barrage. A discreetly cast binding spell performed between the chain of attack spells caught Fleur by surprise before Dora summoned the bindings and stunned her roommate, leaving the Dueling class gobsmacked. The Instructor revived Fleur who woke up with a start.
" That will be all for today. Good job everyone. In the next class I will hand you my evaluations for suggestions on how to improve your form. I suggest you follow them. " Dora stayed behind as the Instructor summoned her, Fleur and her friend, Aimere. " You three showed the most promise. I suggest you practice together. Ms. d'Éon, your chain casting was flawless. I assume you had prior training ." Dora nodded. " Father was a bit of a worrywart and saw to my personal training with his contacts. Though I doubt I will participate in the academic competition, I can help these two learn a few important skills. " The Instructor nodded at her. "Good. Try to get that skill down. Chain casting is considered the prime skill used by Duelists worldwide and it's not so easy to manage. You two do your best to master it. " Fleur's friend waved them goodbye as she had Magical Law in the next period, while Fleur and Dora took a walk outside on the vast grounds. She swore that Beauxbatons looked like it was designed at around the same time as Versailles. The gardens themselves were manicured into various shapes. They reached the large fountain at the center and sat on an open bench.
"You humiliated me." Dora smiled at her. "Which would you prefer? Me or a student at Hogwarts?" Fleur glared. "No students know how to chain spells that well." Dora laughed a little. "Then you can kiss the Dueling section of the Academic Tournament goodbye." Fleur froze. "Non, you can't tell me the students there…" Dora hummed merrily. "Know how to chain cast? Your future tutor taught a few the basics on how to get the chain started. They had it down by the end of the year. The seventh year students graduated and are probably enjoying their time at the Auror Academy. The sixth years are probably testing the technique out further by now. Trust me, Hogwarts won't be as easy to beat in Dueling. They won't be able to match me in power and speed but it might be enough to beat some of your best students." Fleur rubbed her face before sighing. "This is going to be a long year, isn't it?" Dora nodded but became thoughtful. "Yup. And you won't be having to deal with the really dangerous creatures." Fleur looked at her. "They really make you worry, don't they? These Tasks?" Dora sighed. "More worried about my cousin, Harry. He's only fourteen and will be forced to do all this on his own." Fleur lowered her eyes. "I kept thinking about my own pride about this Tournament, but a life will be really at risk, won't it? Someone who isn't ready." Dora looked towards the sky and thought about Hazel, her silence ending the conversation. She knew her partner would protect Harry from anything. She'd make sure he was ready to face the Tasks. Dora just had to be sure she could do the same.
-∞-
"I swear, BM, if something happens at the Castle tonight, you and I are going to have words!" Hazel's statement caused Horatio to be quiet for about a minute. "Noted." Hazel sighed as she looked down from the tall cargo crane, dressed in her Operatives tactical bodysuit, her hair shifted short for the mission. MI5 had gotten another tip about a group of wizards working alongside criminals, this time a terrorist network looking to deal some damage to Britain's shipping lanes. They would be setting up at a warehouse near the Port of Liverpool to attack the same port, so MI5's lead agents actually took Hazel's suggestion from the previous incident and called the DoM ahead of the operation. Hazel rubbed her eyes, feeling a bit weary in the late night hours. Over a month had passed since Dora was stationed in Beauxbatons establishing her cover and Hazel knew she was getting more and more abrasive. Waking up to an empty bed and the constant feeling of dread that settled into her would make anyone irritable. Hazel heard her comm device make a noise before a new voice spoke up. "This is the LA on site. O1, do you read me?" Hazel smirked. The DoM found a way to transmit the communication signals from non-magical systems through theirs. At least this would be handy later on. "O1 reads you loud and clear, LA. At a high vantage point and waiting for your signal."
Hazel heard some background chatter around the lead agent and could see movement down below her of vehicles getting into position surrounding the warehouse and several boats taking similar positions on the waterfront side of it. "The warehouse suspected to house the terrorists is number 13. Engaging now. You may commence your infiltration." Hazel stood up and stretched, pulling down her face mask, before leaning over the edge and going for a freefall from her position on the crane. She shifted into a dark colored seagull halfway down and flew to the roof of the warehouse, spotting a few snipers getting into position. Shifting quickly into her human form, Hazel silently swung her wand at the closest sniper before rapid firing piercing spells at the others. Avoiding the growing puddles of blood from her first kills on site, Hazel sealed the roof access points before lifting her wrist up. "Rooftop is secured. Snipers taken out and access sealed. LA, should I start searching for M targets?" The agent's voice responded quickly, the gunfire that was faintly heard from the roof being much louder from his microphone. "Acknowledged. Begin your intervention. Free to use firearms with lethal accuracy as we have non-certified officers aiding on site." Hazel clicked her tongue and holstered her wand before drawing her pistol. "Roger that."
Using the roof access points she sealed, Hazel moved into the building and with the enchantment attached to her eyes, she searched for any magical signatures. She frowned as she moved deeper into the building when she saw signatures that weren't human shaped, all stacked on the walls or lying flat on the ground within boxes. "O1 to BM and LA, we have non-living M signatures on site." Horatio cursed. "Permission for wandless magic granted. Low visibility spells advised. Spooks will be onsite to aid in investigation." The lead agent sighed. "Agreed. We are taking fire out here, but nothing suspicious or too difficult to handle yet. M targets must be inside. Good hunting, O1." Hazel allowed her eyes to focus purely on the magic around her as she sent her magic into the stone, feeling its reply. Disillusioning herself, Hazel conjured a blade into her offhand and moved through the catwalks, being forced to vanish the blood that kept splattering onto her invisible form as she carved her way through the guards in the upper area. Reaching a longer section, her enchanted eyes spotted the moving magical targets she was looking for. Moving silently from one side of the building to the other, Hazel spotted all the targets. "Six living M signatures. Switching to non-lethal force." Horatio's voice responded. "Acknowledged." Switching her pistol into her offhand to leave her left hand free to cast, Hazel jumped over the railing and landed silently and disillusioned onto the floor.
The criminals barely had a chance to respond as stunners and started taking them out one by one, with bullets blasting holes into the muggles' heads or knees. Of the wizards, only two managed to draw their wands, one wasting his time with a revealing spell as Hazel stunned him before he could make use of it. The other wizard seemed to be smarter as she was caught in a barrage of Reductos. Hazel was forced to raise shields and moved to safer positions, the storage containers and her shield taking the damage from the hexes, as she switched out the magazine of her gun. Seeing an opening, Hazel rushed the wizard who casted curses at her wildly, sliding across the floor with the aid of a thin layer of ice added for greater speed. The wizard's legs were taken out from under him by a few well placed shots before she stunned him as she stood back up from behind him. She then turned her attention to the rest of the interior's security, switching to her pistol and aided by a few wandless and invisible spells, before she continued exchanging gunfire with the criminals. The shots ended as she switched out her fourth magazine, before sliding in the fifth.
After verifying there were no stragglers and that all the people currently with a pulse were properly stunned, Hazel lifted up her wrist. "This is O1. All M targets are down safely, a few with bullet wounds. Permission to aid agents from inside?" The lead agent responded. "Not necessary. We got them surrendering. A few hold outs but nothing serious from outside. Wrap up your targets and get them out. Our agents will be entering the building soon enough. Anything of a magical concern better be gone by then." Horio followed through. "Agreed. Collect our living targets and extract. Spooks will be on site for M item retrieval soon enough with the necessary documentation. MI5 can handle the rest." A quick summoning spell later, followed by lots of conjured bindings, and Hazel was ready, tying a portkey to the bound wizards before grabbing the lines of rope. She sighed after raising her wrist up, seeing the time. At least she could go back to the castle and prepare for the morning patrols. Joy. "O1, ready to extract to the arrival point. Activating portkey. See you on the other side. Tartaros." Hazel and the tied up wizards portkeyed out of the warehouse. By the time the MI5 entered, all they found was a deathly silent warehouse, which seemed to be more terrifying to them.
-∞-
" Alright everyone, well done with today's classwork. Your next class will be on producing Paracelsus' real Alkahest formula. While not the universal solvent he envisioned, it is considered one of the best Alchemic solvents. Remember to bring dragonhide gloves. You don't want this on your skin. The Academy's elves will be prepared to apparate you to the Infirmary. We will also have you work on its counteragent, for everyone's safety. See you all in the next class." The students packed up their books and exited the classroom as Dora felt her stomach fill with nerves. The last few letters from Teddy had made her feel a bit guilty. Hazel wasn't taking their separation well and while she never complained to her son, Teddy could still feel his mom's growing distress. Dora could understand that as she was feeling her own nerves building from being on her own. Beauxbatons was in no way a stressful environment and with Alchemy being her only true new course, she was just focusing on catching up with that course and refining her skills with the rest. But her nights weren't easy. She missed the comfort of her girlfriend's body beside her and she found her dreams a mix of pleasant remembrance and dread. She needed to get a bit of advice. "Instructor Flamel? Can I have a private word with you?"
Perenelle bade her with a gesture and she sat down in one of the seats of the Professor's office. Perenelle sat behind the desk and privacy wards were instantly raised. "You have been distracted this whole month, Miss Tonks." Dora swallowed the lump in her throat. "This assignment has been hard on my girlfriend and myself. I have been feeling anxious and depressed and apparently so has she. This has been the longest we have been apart and while it's nothing compared to a full year or decades, it still feels…" Perenelle gave her a soft smile. "Distressing. Believe me, Miss Tonks, you are not the first nor the last to feel this way. Many successful relationships can fall apart with distance, despite doing everything in your power to save them. Nicholas and I have been together a long time. I can assure you, we had our share of difficulties." She sat back into her chair and had a distant look in her light green eyes. "We knew each other for a bit in our youths but circumstances tore us apart. We met time and again, never clicking in place, until the people around us finally settled down. In the quiet of peace we were able to get past the why we fought and we chose to make something more of our relationship. The problems that plagued us in our early life would come up again and again, but we never lost sight of our promise to each other. So tell me, have you made a commitment to her?"
Dora blushed. "I told her I would stay by her side, no matter what. She is my partner." Perenelle hummed. "A good sentiment and you meant it. But did you prove it? A commitment sealed by words alone is nothing compared to one being proven by actions." Dora blinked and thought for a second. "I… don't know how to do that. By your logic, marriage is not enough and I am not ready for that." Perenelle tapped her hands. "Miss Tonks, anyone of an infinite number of divorcees can tell you marriage is not enough. The vows are not as binding as you might think and even if they were, you cannot force a person to truly love another forever. To prove your commitment is indeed possible, without placing a ring on their finger, but only if you pour your heart into it completely. Not an easy thing." Dora raised her hand and rubbed the locket that Hazel gave her, a motion Perenelle noticed. "Can I see it?" Dora pulled the chain over her head and handed the locket to Perenelle who seemed surprised by it. "When did she give this to you?" Dora smiled at the memory. "About three weeks after we got together. It was my birthday. Why?" Perenelle handed it back. "Your partner seems to be either a student or a practitioner of the Olde Ways. Tell me, do you know what is inside of it?" Seeing Dora shaking her head, Perenelle smiled.
"In the age of the Druids, Promise Token lockets like yours were common. Given at the dawn of a relationship, it signified promise and continuity of feeling between lovers. Two outcomes could come of it. One is that the relationship ends when the givers asks for it back. The other is when the locket breaks, revealing a sapling of a tree within. Care to guess what that means?" Dora thought for a second. "The locket is broken and it can't be returned as it was given. The relationship is finalized." Perenelle nodded. "Indeed. It was enough to be considered a fulfilled betrothal contract among the Druids. The sapling was then planted in the property that was to become their home or among a favored path for the nomadic tribes. The gifting of the object is both a sign of commitment and a prayer that what is shared will endure a lifetime." Dora rubbed the locket affectionately. "Is there something I can give in return? Something showing my own commitment?" Perenelle thought for a second. "In the past two of those lockets were exchanged, but giving one back now would not ease you or your partner's mind. There are a few more complicated alternatives. I know of one that can show a great deal of commitment from you, but the difficulty of it will test your feelings. Are you sure you want to know how much you love her?"
Seeing Dora's nod, Perenelle stood up and pulled her bag towards her. "Do you happen to know what your partner's Patronus is?" Dora thought how best to describe it. "A dragon, but I can't be sure of the breed. It's also odd since it looks like a skeleton." Perenelle's hands froze within her bag and Dora could see her stiffen. "She has suffered much, hasn't she?" Dora frowned. "She has." Pulling out a medium sized crystal, about the size of her hand, Perenelle sat back. "Nicholas told me that she is not of our world. A skeletal dragon Patronus signifies that her life has been one of pain and death, yet duty and love forces her forward, in spite of everything. Does it have a name?" Dora looked at the crystal. "Aithusa." Perenelle placed the crystal down gingerly and Dora saw her rub her eyes, which but for a moment looked as if they were drawn into a memory. She turned to Dora, the eyes still filled with moisture. "An exceptional student then, one that has a good grasp of the Olde Ways and its final days. The item I am suggesting will need to be crafted by a friend of ours but what I need from you now is to take the crystal, think of the feeling of happiness you usually associate with the Patronus charm and fill the crystal with it."
Dora picked up the crystal and closed her eyes. She thought of every moment that she was with Hazel. The comfort she found in her arms as they sat together looking over the waves at the beach, the smiles that spread as they shared a meal together with Teddy, the safety of her back pressed against her own as curses and bullets flew past. She thought of the moments when those green eyes looked at her with a warmth and longing that she knew were reflected in her own, of the burning desire that ran through every inch of her body as they gave up on any semblance of intelligent thought. Her last thought was of waking up to the feel of that warm body pressed up beside her, the content and the certainty that everything was right in the world whenever she woke up with Hazel by her side. She felt her magic flare with the thoughts and feelings until it finally settled into a steady stream. She opened her eyes and winced at the bright light that filled the office before it settled down into a steady glow. Perenelle gave Dora a soft smile. "You may set it down, Miss Tonks." Dora placed the crystal onto the desk and pulled her hand away, yet the feeling of her magic being tied to it remained.
Perenelle pulled out a thick leather pouch and placed the crystal inside. "This will take time to craft, but I believe my friend will have it ready by Christmas Eve. You need not worry about how your magic is reacting to it, as you will feel it balance out. If she is as knowledgeable as I believe her to be, then she will know what this means." Dora stood up. "How much… ?" Perenelle waved her hand at Dora. "My husband brought home an anniversary gift he acquired from your partner worth far more than either the crystal or the craftsmanship that will come with it before it's sent to you. Believe me, this is but a fair exchange. One meaningful gift for another to celebrate the love shared between souls." Dora thanked her and left the office as Perenelle turned around and sighed. She reached over to the window sill and checked on the flowers her husband gave to her two years prior and touched them gently, feeling how they too absorbed some of the magic from the young woman. Perenelle sat back and closed her eyes, thinking of what now seemed but a brief moment of her past. "A Blessing from Another World, huh? May the Triple Goddess bless her with a better life here."
Notes:
So, how was it? Did you catch all the easter eggs and references? There are quite a few if you know what to look for.
Next Chapter?: The Arrival of the Schools and Champion Selection
My Muse was mean to me. She smacked me in the head while showering with the inspiration for the final scene of the final chapter, while there were still four and a half scenes to cover before that. I had to drop everything and write it down fully before I forgot it. So yes, the final moment is written. Now I have to fill in the rest. Progress, sadly, has been slow for the most part. I am hoping that by the next two posts, this story will be written in full, just needing to be edited and posted for you all to read. Until then, I hope you all enjoy yourselves!
Leave a comment, discuss and see you all in three days!
Chapter 42: Arrivals and the Champion SelectionNotes:
Here is the next chapter. Hope you like it.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Dora sighed in relief as Neaera d'Éon's name was called out. She stood up from her seat at the table, bowed softly at the other students in the Dining Hall and made her way to the table that had been established for the Beaubaxton's Delegation. She sat down and looked towards the Headmistress as she read the next name on the list. "Fleur Delacour." Dora clapped politely as her roommate joined her at the table. She looked among the other delegates, taking in the faces of the other students. As the schools would be taking part in an Academic Competition, and not just the Triwizard Tournament, students from fourth year onwards were selected to participate, all being the top scorers from a mock test done just last week and the scores from the year prior. Dora's own mock test was a lot more involved than the rest since she had arrived at the school with no academic history beyond the one the DoM developed based on her skills and previous scores. Her Defence, Dueling, Charms, Potions, and even Transfiguration scores were way higher than when she left Hogwarts. She had to give Hazel a very personal thank you for her scores in Transfigurations. Her partner was the undisputed master conjurer, but Dora was happy that what skills she had learned from her earned her quite a bit more academically.
"Thinking of your lady back home?" Dora blushed as Fleur sat down beside her at the table. "Two months. I have been away from her for two months and I am going crazy with anticipation." Fleur chuckled. "I am sure she has missed you as well. That Nova bird has made quite a few deliveries." Dora nodded just as the Headmistress finished with the list. Maxime waited until everyone was seated before she began. " Congratulations to all our delegates. Tomorrow morning, you embark aboard our Flying Carriage as we make our way to Hogwarts in the Scottish Highlands. Remember to either practice your warming charms or bring warm clothes, as we will be spending the Winter Season there. A reminder to our Delegates that wish to take part in the Triwizard Tournament. As a Champion, you are barred from taking part in the Academic Competition and exempted from physically participating in your classes. You will, however, be required to sit your NEWTs if you are in seventh year, OWLs if you are in fifth year and placement exams for fourth and sixth year students to determine how you continue your education. A final warning. Be careful if you submit your name. This Tournament will test you in ways our Academy isn't necessarily capable of preparing you for. You are risking your health, your education and your life. Think carefully before you submit your name. That is all. Please enjoy your dinner ."
Dora engaged in pleasant conversations around the table as the food appeared on the plates. She noticed quite a few students seemed to be in deep thought, including Fleur's friend. " Second thoughts about submitting your name? " Amie nodded her head at Dora. " The Thousand Galleon reward was tempting but the Headmistress is very clear on the life threatening danger. I am my mother's only child. I… I can't do that to her. " Fleur hugged her friend and the two chatted as Dora thought on those words. It reminded her of Hazel's words to her after she broke down on the first mission. Life was a fleeting thing and dying might seem like it's worth it for the people who fight, but it's never worth it for the survivors. They are the ones left behind to pick up the pieces, forced to live a life in absence of their family and loved ones. She knew that Dumbledore had approached her mother during the war and that she had refused to join his Order. Many of her friends in the Order had criticized her but she never regretted her choice. Andromeda chose to raise her daughter away from the war rather than endanger her life and her family's future. She took a job in the Department of Mysteries that forced her to stay quiet but was less time consuming than working at St. Mungos. All for her.
Hazel was the same. She never went into a fight prepared to die. She always sought how to take the enemy out quickly. The Order of her world called her dangerous and violent. She wasn't, not to Dora's eyes. She used every option available to her to not only win a battle but to minimize her own danger. Sure, she always seemed a little bloodthirsty but she knew the price of sitting back and doing nothing. Hazel suffered greatly for that knowledge. Dora finished eating her meal before she decided to take a walk through the gardens, feeling the light of the moon on her skin. She reached the fountain and stared down into the now still water, seeing the face of the person the Department had invented with the aid of their allies in France. She touched the two necklaces that were around her neck. Hazel had given her so much. The means to fight without losing her balance. A promise of a better life and her wand that surpassed all others. All for Dora to survive the coming Triwizard Tournament intact. Dora felt so guilty. Sure, she gave Hazel her time, her love and the support she needed. She deserved so much more. She looked up at the Moon, her mind settled. Dora held the locket in her hand, feeling it's warmth. When this mission was over, she would make sure to do more for Hazel. Her partner was the best thing to ever happen to her. She would survive to be with her and show her exactly what that meant.
-∞-
"You know, I expected some downgrade from living inside a Carriage. So why do I feel like everything is just as flashy and ostentatious as in the Academy?" Fleur, for once, seemed to agree as they explored the greatly expanded interior of the Carriage. "I would be offended, but you aren't wrong. The records for the creation of the Carriage says it came into existence around the same time as the final reconstruction of the Academy, so I imagine they really wanted to show off. Though the flight enhancements and modifications are all recent additions. The Carriage was designed for travel along the ground, not up in the air." Dora stuck her head into a room and whistled. "Seeing as this is a miniature ballroom, I would have to agree." Fleur looked inside and shook her head at the glass walls and the large chandelier. The two continued on from room to room as the students and staff prepared to leave. They would all be summoned to a forward area where they could have a view of the sights from outside as they flew across the French and British Countrysides. No one was allowed to move while the Carriage was in flight, just in case something unexpected happened. The two eventually arrived at their assigned quarters and deposited their bags. Dora looked out of the window. "Guessing these are enchanted?"
Fleur pulled out a thicker robe, made in the colors and style of Beauxbatons and closed her trunk. "It is. Only area that has a physical window is the door leading out. The staffers will probably be stationed there for security." After they both secured their trunks and Tonks removed her own thicker robe to wear later, the two stepped out of the room and went to do one last sweep. They found Healer Smyth securing the items in the infirmary, several of the classrooms they would be using and the different rooms for the different year groups. To the far back of the Carriage, Dora opened the door and looked around. "I am guessing this is the reason for the lack of a shower or bath in the rooms." She walked a bit deeper into a room that resembled a Greek Bathhouse, white marble columns and light blue tiled floors stretched out surprisingly far. Fleur hummed appreciatively. "Well, it makes sense. It's a lot more efficient to have a single room that needs heavy water enchantments. Easier to keep clean too." Dora sighed in relief as she spotted some covered showers along the far wall. "Well, I suppose so. Hufflepuff has its shared bathrooms too but most of it is showers with privacy screens. Gryffindor is about the same. Ravenclaw and Slytherin have independent showers per dorm, like back at the academy."
A tone echoed through the air and Maxime's voice was heard in the room. " All students and staff, move up to the inflight seating area. We will be taking off for Hogwarts soon ." Leaving their exploration for later, Dora and Fleur arrived at the seating area. The students were already sitting down in the several rows of seats, with Fleur and Dora sitting in the second furthest back row, as the staff were seated behind them. Maxime checked her list and counted the arriving students until she rolled the parchment up. " Very well. Everyone is here. Use the safety straps in case of rapid movements and enjoy the view as shown on the walls. It's a long flight so our staff will be passing around some prepared sandwiches and drinks for everyone ." With that, the tall woman took her own seat and strapped herself in. Dora felt wards and enchantments activate across the entire Carriage and after the Abraxans neighed, everyone felt a tug. The carriage took a spectacular flight around the Academy, turning on both sides so the students could all enjoy it before the view changed to long countryside and large residential areas through the enchanted windows that were made to reflect the outside view. The experience reminded her a bit of the one time her Dad took her and her mom on an airplane to Spain, though the carriage was a lot less noisy and spent a much longer time closer to the ground.
Soon enough the ground outside the window turned to a wide open sea. Fleur visibly shuddered beside her, something Dora noticed. "Not a fan of large bodies of water?" Fleur shook her head. "Veela have never been fond of the water as we are more attuned with wind and fire. I find the beach and rivers pleasant, but large lakes and open ocean are a common fear of us. Not to mention the old treaty between our people and the Merfolk still makes it dangerous for Veela to enter into bodies of water with merfolk villages." Dora hummed. "Stay out of the Black Lake then. There has been a Merfolk village there since as far as we can remember." Fleur shuddered again. "Thanks for the warning." Dora sat back. "What about Centaurs? The Forbidden Forest has a resident herd. Any bad relations with them?" Fleur grew thoughtful for a second, her fear of what was visible outside the window momentarily forgotten. "I don't believe so. The conclaves have independent treaties with each herd close to their borders, so things are pretty normal." Dora sighed in relief. "Good. My friends have been working on improving their relations with the Centaurs near Hogwarts. Really didn't want to see what an angry Centaur herd looked like." Fleur took a look to the side and gripped her seat tighter. Dora shook her head. The ride was going to be longer for a few select people than for others. She rubbed the charms on her bracelet and thought of her family, Harry, Teddy and Hazel. Finally, she was coming home.
-∞-
Harry sighed in relief, as did the entire student body, when a familiar ward activated around them as they stood outside waiting for the arriving students. He saw Dumbledore turn towards Hazel. "Ah, much appreciated, Auror Peverell." Harry could see a bit of tension on Hazel's shoulders but she didn't snap at the old man. "Rather not have Pomfrey yelling at me about letting the students catch a cold just to welcome the schools. She's already not happy about having to be The Primary Healer for this Tournament." Dumbledore nodded. "Quite right." Everyone started chatting among each other as Hazel went about to check the perimeter and the areas that would receive the arriving delegations. She walked up to Dumbledore after doing a closer sweep near the lake. "Durmstrang is here." The students frowned as they looked over the lake until a small boat appeared on the surface just around a bend. The moment it seemed to slow down and weigh anchor, the water around it shot up into the air. The small boat was now the crow's nest of a large sailing vessel, looking to be right out from the Age of Exploration. The ship moved closer until it reached the docks on the edge of the lake before deck hands dropped down and started mooring it. Hazel turned to the Headmaster. "I will go down there and do the first sweep." She left towards the dock, her wand at her side. The deck hands greeted her with a wave and she casted diagnostics and scans on the vessel's exterior.
A tall man appeared on the deck of the vessel, his height seemingly greater with the tall fur hats common in the Eurasian North. "Permission to disembark, Auror?" Hazel raised an eyebrow. "Granted. My apologies if I scan you and all your students on the way down. Ever since the World Cup, the ICW has been concerned over regions with sectarian violence in its international events. It won't take long and you can have your students line up before greeting the Headmaster." A wooden board with steps was pulled out from the ship and secured between the deck and on top of the dock. Headmaster Karkaroff was the first to disembark, his bearded face turned towards Hazel as he examined her. "Acceptable and reasonable. I imagine you will be helping to keep our students safe as well, yes?" Hazel nodded. "We are here for all the students who want to have a safe environment." A familiar face started walking down the ramp, some of the bruises she heard he acquired at the World Cup all but gone now. "And that includes any harmful potions or tainted food. Dealing with unruly fans, however, will require the student's cooperation. I can't beat fangirls with a broom every moment of every day to keep them away from celebrities." The young Bulgarian gave her an understanding smile. "Da, I can deal with some of that myself. I appreciate your concern and efforts for us all, Auror." She waved Victor Krum through after spotting only an enchanted ring on him, one designed to keep him aware of potions in his meals.
Hazel barely finished with the last of the Durmstrang Delegation when the sound of Abraxans and their flapping wings filled the air. Sighing, she made her way to the clearing that had been set aside for them, joining Hagrid as they watched the handlers land the Carriage. "Magnificent creatures, Abraxans." Hazel shrugged. "Personally I prefer your Thestrals. Then again, I am a Peverell. Our tastes in creatures has never been the norm." Hagrid chuckled. "Aye. A shame neither of them seem overly fond of ye." Hazel eyed the giant pegasi and pulled in her magic. The creatures noticeably calmed down as Hagrid went to untie them from the Carriage, with Hazel scanning and checking the drivers before following them to the door. A staffer stepped out and held the door as Madam Maxime exited the Carriage. "Ah, I heard we would be having an Auror inspect us on arrival." Hazel did a quick and silent scan before making way for her. "You are free to gather your students outside. Headmaster Dumbledore and the Hogwarts students are welcoming the Durmstrang arrivals as we speak. A ward has also been placed out here and will follow you into the Great Hall to keep your students warm, in case they didn't want to wear a thick robe while dining. We are working to add wards all along the castle in time for the comfort of all students." Maxime nodded as she passed Hazel. "We appreciate the hospitality. Students, let the Auror inspect you before lining up behind me. "
Scanning the younger years was easy, until she saw Dora and Fleur Delacour walk out of the carriage. She kept an indifferent appearance on her face, despite her desire to kiss her girlfriend. She fed those feelings into her Family Magic, hoping the faint echo would be appreciated. Hazel stood at the back and waved at Maxime who started her students down the path to the Castle. She turned to the staffers of the carriage. "Send your head of staff to the courtyard outside the entrance after the students return. We will go over the security of your charges for the duration of the event. More ICW Aurors will be arriving to help with security in the coming days." Getting their agreements, Hazel walked alongside the Beauxbatons students before standing at attention at the doors of the Great Hall. Space was made among the Ravenclaw and Slytherin Tables for the guests due to the smaller populations of the two houses. Alastor passed by her as he finished escorting and scanning the Goblet in its casket before it was placed outside of the Great Hall. He nodded at her, giving her the all clear. Hazel sighed, looking back towards the students as the outer doors were closed for the Feast.
At the Ravenclaw table, Dora was doing her best not to break her cover. She never expected that seeing Hazel again would cause such a stir in her. The indifferent look had been tolerable when she caught echoes of Hazel and Teddy's true feelings from within Hazel's magic. The warmth from the two and the longing from Hazel had made her heartache lessen considerably as the students waited for Dumbledore to speak. "Welcome Beauxbatons! Welcome Durmstrang! Tonight we unveil within this Hall the impartial judge that will select the Champions from our three schools. A reminder that Champions whose name are selected, regardless if they change their mind due to the dangers involved, must compete. They will not participate in the Academic Competition between the schools or be forced to sit for tests, as their primary focus must be the Tournament. Faculty members won't be able to aid their respective Champions in any direct way, beyond their medical needs. As Champions, you will stand alone as you take on the Three Tasks required to obtain the Triwizard Cup. Now, for our impartial judge." Hazel moved forward and followed Filch as he and a staff member from each of the schools lifted the Casket up to the raised section of the Great Hall, setting it down besides Dumbledore and the Speaker's stand. Once it was secured in place, Hazel placed six wardstone disks on the ground in an array around it and activated them.
Dumbledore eyed Hazel as she stepped to the side, crossing her arms over her chest. He gave her a soft nod before turning to the students and tapping his wand onto the casket. While the students watched as the casket folded into itself until it became a stand for the Goblet of Fire, Hazel's eyes focused on the Elder Wand in his hand. Like the Cloak and the Ring of this world, it failed to react to her presence. Leaving it in his grasp was a danger she wasn't entirely comfortable with, but Dumbledore's own paranoia and care would keep it safe for now. It would be retrieved in time. She looked over the school, giving Harry a warm smile and a nod before tuning into Dumbledore's speech. "The Goblet of Fire was constructed at the dawn of the Triwizard Tournament. In order to submit your name, you must merely write it and the name of your school down on a bit of parchment and toss it into the flames. The wards our Auror has set down are an added layer of security, designed to prevent interference by anyone with the selection process and to prevent people from having others submit their names for them. As of this moment, the Tournament has begun. You have until tomorrow's Dinner Feast to submit your name for consideration. Until then, I ask our students and our guests to please enjoy their meals. Our elves have done a fantastic job preparing meals from the Continent for everyone's pleasure. Now, tuck in."
Hazel walked slowly along the edge of the room once, making sure everything was alright and giving Harry a reassuring tap on his shoulder. The boy turned and smiled at her and she smiled back before continuing on, feeling Teddy's own warmth towards her as she passed the Hufflepuff table. The Slytherins looked at her with weary respect, but the Durmstrang delegates all nodded at her, with Krum looking thankful. Satisfied the students were secure, Hazel came up and sat at the opposite end of the Staff Table from Moody, who kept eyeing Karkaroff wearily. Hagrid and Maxime discussed the care of her school's Abraxans and of the food they would need to be provided with, the mention of whiskey making her almost gag on her drink. Hazel ate her modest sized meal before sitting back, her eyes scanning the Hall. As the meal ended and the Headmasters stood up, she approached the two visiting members. "It is my understanding that your transports include instructors who will be teaching the delegation throughout the year. As soon as the Auror contingent arrives on the 1st of November, I would like permission from you both to inspect and speak to your staff members, just so we have an adequate count of who is staying within the Castle's wardlines at all times." They both nodded and made their way to the tables to escort their students back to their transport for the night. Hazel sighed to herself as the Great Hall started to slowly empty out. One day to go before Harry became her main priority.
-∞-
Slipping out of the Carriage wasn't as easy as Dora would have liked. With the only entrance and exit being the door and apparition and portkeys not working, she had to literally wait by the locked door until someone opened it. She froze a bit when after thirty minutes of waiting someone opened the door. The staffer entered but the door was held open by a familiar slim hand. "Please inform the others as to the restrictions on movement. The day after tomorrow, with sufficient Auror presence, the students and staff will be able to spend longer periods of time outside of the castle. The Prefects will be doing the tour so please tell the students to dress warmly. Not everyone is proficient with warming charms and the warming wards burn out too quickly in their current state." The staffer nodded as Dora slipped past them both. "Of course we will inform them after the morning meal. Remind the Headmaster that our students have the right to choose not to partake in the Morning Feasts, with the exception of the one upon leaving or the ones tied to the Tasks. Good night, Auror." The staffer closed the door and Hazel started walking towards the Castle, a privacy ward activating around her. "Madame Maxime will be giving you access to the door, as the official Auror Guard for the Carriage. You will be able to leave at your own convenience."
Dora sighed. "It's frustrating, you know? I know for a fact my Disillusionment is as good as an Invisibility Cloak now." Hazel smiled at her. "True, but Moody, myself and probably Dumbledore will be able to see you. The magic I gave you, however, should negate the detection of your person on the wards if you so wish, but without my Cloak, it can't hide you from us." Dora frowned. "Then why could you still see me with that Cloak of yours?" A soft touch on Dora's waist made her skin flush. "Because the times you were under the cloak, you didn't move. Even so, you have a piece of my magic, my Family's Magic, inside of you. I can always find Teddy and I will always find you unless you ask me to purge your system." Dora felt the magic in her flair slightly, as if it was unhappy with that thought. "I will remember that." The two trekked silently through the castle until they reached Hazel's Chambers. As soon as she dispelled the disillusionment charm, two people tackled Dora to the ground. Hazel smirked as she walked away as the Invisibility Cloaks were pulled off, revealing the smiling faces of Harry and Teddy. "Welcome back, Tonks." Teddy hugged her harder, speaking after Harry. "Missed you, Dora." Dora tried to glare at Hazel but she decided to just hug the boys back. "Good to be back. Can I get up now?" Harry and Teddy chuckled as they sat up. When she looked at Hazel, she watched as her partner revealed a cake on the table. "Dessert?"
Everyone laughed at the instant growl of her stomach. Sure, she ate at the Feast, but her nerves kept her from eating a lot. Dora sat down between the boys at the table as they asked her between mouthfuls of cheesecake about Beauxbatons and how it was compared to Hogwarts. They also talked about Moody as their Defence professor, which was of big interest to Dora. Hearing that the gruff old man was keeping Hazel's Dueling instructions up and adding to them within the Defence course was great, even if it spelled disaster for Beauxbatons. Fleur might win her year bracket but the rest were going to get pummelled, especially in the fourth year division. Teddy looked to his mom. "You think Madam Maxime will let us get near the Abraxans?" Hazel rubbed his hair. "Sure. I believe Grubbly-Plank will do the same for her classes, but I will see if she can do something similar for the first two years. Having mostly tame Abraxans around here is a rarity and I am sure the others want the chance to see them." Teddy hugged her and Hazel kissed his hair. "Now, I believe it's curfew for both of you. Harry, escort Teddy to the Hufflepuffs and then make your way up. You have your father's map. Avoid Moody while you can." Harry nodded and he and Teddy stood up. Just before they opened the door, Hazel spoke up. "Remember. I have a map too. Don't get distracted." The dual reply of "Bye Mom!" cause her to freeze in place.
Dora smiled as she drank a bit of warm chocolate. "Harry is getting more comfortable around you, I see." Dora's words snapped her out of her momentary pause and she shook her head. "I think he did that with Teddy to mess with me." Dora raised an eyebrow. "Think or hope?" Hazel sighed as she sat down. "Both?" Dora chuckled as Hazel eyed her. "So, how was time being the roommate of a Veela? Anything I should know about?" Dora looked at her in the eyes, expecting to see jealousy. She wasn't expecting to see her being playful. "You… aren't mad or jealous?" Hazel's eyes shifted red and slitted. "Should I be?" Dora shook her head and raised her hands. "Nope! Nothing happened. I mean, she hit me with the Allure before your magic intercepted it but that's it." Hazel's eyes returned to their green shape and coloration. "Good. You get to sleep in my bed and Fleur gets to live for another few hours unharmed. I will, however, need to make our relationship clear to her." Dora swallowed the last of her hot chocolate before setting a mental reminder to talk to Fleur first. The two finished their meals and Dora stripped down until she and Hazel were wrapped in each other's hands. Hazel's hands traced Dora's face before she leaned in and kissed her. Dora's mind melted and the two remained lip locked for several minutes until sleep finally took them. It was good to be home again.
-∞-
"Why did your family post that article, Harry?" Harry sighed as he sat down at the Gryffindor table a bit later than everyone after taking his morning run with Neville and the others, before he started putting food onto his plate. "The one about my signed and sworn statement of intent?" Ron nodded. "Yeah. Why did you go and do that?" Harry took a drink of orange juice, courtesy of some helpful elves in the kitchen, before he turned to Ron. "Because it's the truth? I don't want to be in the tournament, I don't want anyone to think I want to be in the tournament and if someone somehow puts my name into the Goblet, I want it to be clear I had nothing to do with it." He started munching on a slice of toast and he started building himself a breakfast sandwich with the nearby trays of food. "My guardians were worried I would get pulled into it because of everything that tends to happen around me and they got together and we worked out a way to make it clear for everyone else. Whoever puts their name in and gets selected is the rightful Hogwarts Champion. If my name comes out, it's just going to be me getting through the Tournament to the end safely, nothing else." Ron huffed. "You could do it though. I mean, Fred and George just threw their names in, as did Angelina, but you could do it. You're The Boy Who Lived after all." Harry winced and Hermione and Neville glared at Ron, the latter speaking. "Ron, we have talked about this. He hates that name!"
Harry sighed and ignored the goings on as his friends tore Ron a new one. He ate his meal, looking over at the staff table. Dumbledore gave him an imperceptible look. He probably wasn't happy about the article but he had no say in the matter. Ted and the people Hazel worked for wrote that statement to be as detailed and truthful as possible before they checked it with him and he went through the process of making the sworn statement with magic, with the event being witnessed by the Prophet's typical news reporter and photographed, as well as under the careful eyes of Ministry Legal Personnel. The Prophet waited until the unveiling of the Goblet of Fire before publishing the article the following morning, letting out the information on how the Goblet worked as the judge. They were quiet on the security being placed on the Goblet, beyond Hazel's warding to keep anyone from submitting the name of another student. He felt a light tap on his back and turned, smiling at Hazel as she made her way around the room, checking for curses or enchantments that don't belong. Dumbledore's eyes seemed to follow her across the hall, something that Harry noticed. Her round completed, she went and sat down next to Hagrid and Grubbly-Plank, probably asking about Teddy's request.
He remembered what he called her the night prior and blushed a little. He did it as a bit of a tease but if he was honest with himself, Hazel was feeling like what he felt a mother should feel like. She probably knew he was thinking about her like that too as she had been a lot more careful and caring of him since summer. Teddy's own acceptance of it was what made him say the words and he was happy he said them. Though her training sessions were a bit rougher than he would normally like. With the worry over the Triwizard Tournament, Hazel had been teaching him and Teddy how to move and dodge better, how to use spells in a variety of ways and how to think on the fly. It was really exhausting work but it definitely had an effect. He had an easier time casting than ever before and magic felt a lot more natural to him now. He doubted he'd ever be as good as Hazel was in Transfiguration or Conjuration, but he was doing better with hexes and jinxes, as well as charms and especially wards. She also had him reading up on how to avoid, safely interact with or otherwise force your way through creature encounters of a great variety. His Care papers were coming out a lot more as if Hermione was the one who wrote them but he didn't mind. Magical creatures and beings were cool after all.
The rest of the day was quiet at Hogwarts, as the students held their breath. He watched as sixth and seventh year students added their name to the Goblet, as the Weasley Twins and Angelina Johnson of his own house had done earlier. Victor Krum added his name with much fanfare, though many got restrained by a sudden ward popping up that kept them all back while he added his name comfortably. The Quidditch star nodded towards Hazel, which made Harry smile. He watched with worry as Dora, in her Beaubaxtons' cover, placed her name into the cup, followed by a few others of the Beauxbatons delegation. The rest would add their names quietly and without much enthusiasm, as the schools settled down, believing the Champions had already submitted their names. He watched as Teddy, Susan and Hannah pulled Cedric aside, probably warning him about what members of the Coalition knew what was about to happen as the Dinner Feast began. He knew the Bones and Abbotts had approached the Diggorys about joining but the naturally timid Amos Diggory was dragging his feet. As soon as the dessert dishes vanished from the table, Harry felt a warm hand on his shoulder. "I will be here for you, Harry. Whatever happens." He silently gripped Hazel's hand in gratitude as Teddy came over and sat by his side.
Dumbledore and the rest of the Headmasters stood up from the Staff Table and stood together at the Speaker's Stand. "The time is upon us. The Champion Selection will begin shortly. As stated previously, the moment your name exits the Goblet and is read out loud, it constitutes a binding magical contract. The Champions must take part in the Tasks and complete them to the best of their abilities." The burning white flames of the Goblet turned red before a bit of parchment was launched up into the air. Dumbledore caught it and, after inspecting the name, handed it to Karkaroff. The tall man gave a toothy smile. "The Champion for Durmstrang is… Victor Krum." The Hall broke out into applause as Victor stood up from his seat in the Slytherin Table and made his way to the back room at the behest of one of the staffers. The Goblet's flame turned red again and another bit of parchment was launched out. Dumbledore passed it to Madam Maxime, who turned to the students. "The Champion for Beauxbatons is…Neaera d'Éon." Fewer polite claps came after Dora's name came up but she bowed courteously and went to join Krum in the back. The Goblet sent out a third bit of parchment, which, after being verified by the other Headmaster's, Dumbledore read out loud. "The Champion for Hogwarts is … Cedric Diggory."
Harry and Teddy, as well as a large chunk of the student body of Hogwarts, clapped for Cedric as he stood up from the Hufflepuff table and went to the back chamber. Hazel's hand squeezed his shoulder. A few seconds later, as Dumbledore was about to dismiss the students, a fourth bit of parchment was launched into the air before he caught it. The Headmasters read it together silently, Maxime looking quite sad from seeing it, before Dumbledore looked in their direction. "Harry Potter." Hazel's eyes stayed focused on Dumbledore and Karkaroff as she escorted Harry to the back of the Chamber, the student's struck silent. They all knew about the article and the oathsworn document. They knew it wasn't Harry's desire to be in the Tournament. They had no reason to celebrate or berate him. Soon enough, Hazel and Harry were in the back chamber, Dora giving him a sad look. Cedric came over and patted Harry softly on the shoulder. "Sorry you have been dragged into this." Harry patted him back as Krum came forward. "The article was a prelude to this. You knew." Hazel answered for Harry. "We suspected. We didn't want the students or the press to harass him for something he had no control over. They have done that enough for the last thirteen years."
Krum patted Harry's shoulder as well and looked him in the eye. "Then you have my support too, at least in surviving this, yes?" Harry chuckled. "That's the plan." Hazel watched as the Organizers came in along with the Headmasters. Karkaroff gave Harry a measured look. "I must protest that Hogwarts get's two Champions in this Tournament." Hazel nodded. "As is your right, Headmaster, but Harry made his position clear in the paper. If he was forced to participate, he would do so without the support of Hogwarts. Cedric Diggory is the only Hogwarts Champion and Harry will be participating under protest, carrying out the bare minimum required of him to complete the contract. He will not represent Hogwarts." Dumbledore looked a bit displeased but Maxime responded. "Then there is nothing else to say on the matter. I imagine the Aurors will investigate this matter thoroughly." Hazel smiled, her teeth bared. "Of course. Anyone found to have submitted his name will be charged with interfering in a ICW sanctioned event, endangering a minor and attempted murder by proxy. We will handle the investigation and I and Alastor will take the Goblet to be investigated for any alterations or manipulations."
Dumbledore frowned. "The Cup is ICW property. The DMLE doesn't have clearance." Hazel glared at him. "As an ICW certified Auror, I do have the authority. I will be securing a chamber and have the Goblet transferred there before it's returned to the ICW. For now, I believe you have information to share with the Champions?" Ludo Bagman, an organizer and the spokesperson for the Tournament moved up, rubbing his hands excitedly. "Very well. To our four Champions. The First Task will take place on the 22nd of November. You will be summoned to the Arena after Breakfast, so all schools are requested to gather on this date in the Great Hall. To our Champions, you have the following clue as your focus for preparation. In the Arena you will face dangers of every variety, as Nature and its most savage Elements will determine if you are worthy. The wand weighing ceremony will take place a week prior and you will be summoned to participate, the event being overseen by the press. For now, that is all." Hazel held her hand to Harry's back. He looked up to her with a pleading look. Hazel nodded. "Come on. I am sure Teddy is already there waiting for us." Her son had indeed been waiting for them outside of Hazel's Chamber and Dora arrived a few minutes later. Harry fell asleep, worried about the tournament but happy his family was there with him in his time of need.
Notes:
So, how was it? I could have gone with a Harry doesn't participate story, but I sorta already did that with Rhea's story in Blood and Magic. As Harry has his own character arc here, and Dumbledore being manipulative, it felt more appropriate to have him be forced to compete. I adjusted the scene of the Selection to be more balanced, letting three Headmasters play an equal part since it seemed a fairer and likely ceremonial obligation. Other than that I hope you are ready. We will be jumping into the deep end quite quickly.
Next Chapter?:Preparations and the First Task
Not much progress writing wise, as I spent a longer time editing the existing chapters. The heat has been unbearable as always and sleep has been a hard fought battle. It irks me that I end up waking up in four hour intervals. What ever scientist said this was the optimal sleeping schedule should try it themselves. It sucks. Here is hoping I have better news when I post the next chapter.
Leave a comment, discuss and see you all in three days.