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Chapter Text

Harry sat next to Ron at the Gryffindor table at the Welcoming Feast. Professor McGonagall led the new first years into the hall and down past them to the Head table. Colin waved to a very wet looking boy who beamed proudly.

"Colin! Colin! I fell in!" Harry chuckled slightly at the sight. Ron was bemoaning about the wait for food and Hermione kept shushing him to hear what was going on up front from opposite them. The Sorting hat was as old and gross looking as ever but after four years Harry felt it had grown on him.

Once the new students had quieted down the Hat split at the rim and began to sing,

A thousand years or more ago
When I was newly sewn,
There lived four wizards of renown,
Whose names are still well known:

Bold Gryffindor, from wild moor,
Fair Ravenclaw, from glen,
Sweet Hufflepuff, from valley broad,
Shrewd Slytherin, from fen.

They shared a wish, a hope, a dream,
They hatched a daring plan
To educate young sorcerers
Thus Hogwarts School began.

Now each of these four founders
Formed their own house, for each
Did value different virtues
In the ones they had to teach.

By Gryffindor, the bravest were
Prized far beyond the rest;
For Ravenclaw, the cleverest
Would always be the best;

For Hufflepuff, hard workers were
Most worthy of admission;
And power-hungry Slytherin
Loved those of great ambition.

While still alive they did divide
Their favourites from the throng,
Yet how to pick the worthy ones
When they were dead and gone?

Twas Gryffindor who found the way,
He whipped me off his head
The founders put some brains in me
So I could choose instead!

Now slip me snug about your ears,
I've never yet been wrong,
I'll have a look inside your mind
And tell where you belong!*

Harry joined in with the applause and waited out the sorting. Gryffindor gained Dennis Creevey, Colin's little brother, Nigel Wolpert, Jimmy Peakes, Natalie McDonald, and several other Gryffindors. Professor Dumbledore rose from his chair to begin the feast when the doors opened and several adults walked in, Lucius Malfoy leading them.

Dumbledore looked confused for a moment before his usual twinkle took pride of place.

"Lucius, members of the Board what can I do for you? Is this a conversation best had in my office?" Lucius took a quick look at his son and then Severus who raised an eyebrow.

"No Headmaster, we've been asked to attend this years feast as witnesses. The time has arrived, he wishes to choose his new students," Dumbledore took in a breath. A joyous feeling entering his soul at the thought of that man once again walking this schools halls. The Board members joined the Head table, it magically extending and adding new chairs for the guests. Albus removed himself from his chair  to one next to his wife Minerva. Lucius next Severus who held his hand under the table, stroking his thumb over pale knuckles.

Harry  was confused and by the looks of things so was Hermione. Ron however had gasped loudly and began vibrating. He watched the doors like a hawk. Blue eyes wide and excited.

"Ron? What's wrong?" Harry asked, Hermione watched Ron with distaste but curiosity also. Harry followed his eyes and watched the doors also, the entire hall was silent so the sound of footsteps echoed in from the hall.

click

click

click

click

click

click

The steps stopped outside the doors. A beat passed and then...they opened.

Harry felt the breath leave his lungs. In the door way was quite possibly the most handsome man Harry had ever seen, He had thick, wavy hair. Harry couldn't pin down the colour, the locks looked black at one point, then blue and purple. At one point they were red. A deep, dark crimson. It was beautiful. His eyes were golden. Not like Remus's nearing a full moon but like...magic. There wasn't any other word to describe them, the gold danced around the iris, like shifting sand. His skin was like snow, beautifully white and pale. He was tall, and slim. He wore a long, black coat over an emerald green, silk shirt. Black trousers, and a pair of black dragon hide boot. 

"Oh man this is awesome!" Ron said, head craning to see the new comer. "Whose he gonna pick?" Harry frowned,
"What you onna bout?" Ron grinned at Harry and Hermione.
"That person right there? That's King Lucian, he's quite literally the oldest, most powerful wizard in this room right now," Ron was bouncing slightly in his seat, it reminded Harry of when he saw Victor Krum at the World Cup.

Hermione looked closer at the man, having read about the royal family from different history books. She could feel this man's magic from where she was sat, she felt her heart flutter when he smiled at the room.

"Okay so what's the King doing here?" Harry asked, still reeling slightly. Ron started fumbling around in his pockets, after a minute he pulled out a brown leather bound book. Unshrinking it he opened the book.

"Every so often The King visits different magical schools, or villages or the like and chooses students. The number is never set, sometimes he chooses six, other times he only chose one but these students spend four years learning from him. Anything they want, most of these  guys are legends. Here this is a list of previous students he had. Umm...Merlin was one, the Hogwarts Founders. Um Dumbledore was one too. Cor he kept that quiet! Oh!"

Harry leaned over him. "What?"

"Harry, your Mum was one," Harry frowned looking at the page not believing it. But sure enough, Lilly Evens was scrawled in pretty cursive writing, right about Severus Snape.

"Oh," Hermione then butted in.

"So how does he choose? Is it best grades? Or are students recommended by teachers?" She badgered pushing at Ron to get the book. Ron fended her off though.

"'Mione, quit it. I saved up for this your gonna wreck it," Hermione just snorted.

"Then give it to me Ron, we both know I'll probably be getting it I just want to know on  what merits I'll be receiving it on,"

Ron closed the book and shrunk it  back to fit in his pockets. "No Hermione we don't know you'll get chosen, because his reasons for choosing are never disclosed! Now stop it! Man you're annoying sometimes," Hermione sat back at that, eyes wide with hurt. She looked at Harry for support but only met blank green eyes. She huffed and turned to face the front ignoring her  so called best friends.

How could he not choose her? She was top in everything except Potions and that was obviously favoritism, and DADA, which she still didn't understand.

By now Lucian had reached the head table and was being embraced by Albus.

"Hello Albus. I trust you've been looking after everything here well enough," the mans  voice was calm, silky smooth and soft.
"Always Master Lucian. You know my wife Minerva," Minerva stood at that and received a hug also.

"Like I could ever forget my students. Congratulations to you both. And to you also Severus and Lucius," Both men graced their old teacher with small smiles filled with warmth.

"I have four this year. We ready?" All the teachers nodded and Lucian turned to face the students. "Hello ladies and gentlemen. Some of you might already know  why I  am here. Others maybe not. Let me clear everything up for you. My name is Lucian Lycan. I am here at Hogwarts to choose four of you to come and study with me at my  home for the next four years. I'll walk among you and hand my chosen four white envelopes, you will be my students. I ask that after the feast these four stay for a moment to ask any questions they like and vise versa,"  Lucian left the dais and began his walk. Nobody was chosen from Ravenclaw much to many's dismay, nor Hufflepuff. Though  Cedric Diggory did  get a hair ruffle that left him beaming. Slytherin was next, he walked behind the students, with his hand raised over their heads.

Draco felt queasy. Both his parents had been ex-students of the King and they always spoke highly of their time there and of this man. Part  of him really wanted to be picked, while another didn't. He didn't want the same life of  his dads. He wanted to be him. Draco. That's all. He hadn't realized the King had stopped behind him until something white obscured his vision.

"For you, little dragon," his voice said into Draco's ear. With shaky hands Draco took the envelope and turned it over. There in golden script was his name. He cast his eyes to his parents to see Lucius puff  his chest out proudly and Severus give him a sly smile.

"Thank you," Lucian smiled at how nervous the boy was. He pressed a kiss to the top of Draco's head before moving on. He made eye contact with a boy with purple eyes and dark chocolate skin.

Plucking another envelope from the air he presented  Blaise Zabini with his invite. Then walked over to the Gryffindor table. He walked straight over to a  small blond boy. A little on the chubby side, obviously having trouble loosing the baby fat and terrified eyes.

"Mr Longbottom. I could think of no-one more deserving then you," Neville flushed hotly and almost passed out but Ginny's reassuring hand on his shoulder grounded him. He took the gift and nodded his thanks, unable to speak.

Lucian gave another smile before walking down a few spaces and standing just behind Hermione. His eyes locked on Harry.

"Miss Granger, could you move aside please," Hermoine hadn't been silent in the choosing, only Ron's swift  kick and Lavenders hands holding her down stopped her from screaming in indignation at Malfoy and Zabini. Neville being picked was a joke! And now she was completely bypassed again? For Harry?! No way!

"WHAT! WHY ARE YOU PICKING HIM! WHY NOT ME!? I'M THE SMARTEST WITCH THIS SCHOOL HAS EVER SEEN. YOU SHOULD BE CHOOSING ME!" Lucian looked away from Harry to stare at the girl. The entire hall gasped, the purebloods and wizarding raised half-bloods scowled at the girl who seemed oblivious to all their glares.

"Miss Granger, I asked you to move aside. Now do so," Hermione shrank back at his cold tone. His eyes had turned to golden bars, blank and icy. The girl moved down the bench avoiding everyone's gaze, feeling their distaste for  her actions. Lucian returned his eyes to Harry, the colour now  thawed to a liquid state. Harry gulped, the pixies in his belly turning into a frenzy of nausea and excitement.

"Harry...you do look like your mother don't you," Lucian sighed. Sitting down on the bench he reached out a hand to trail the tips of his fingers over Harry's sharp cheek bones. Drawing back he handed Harry the last white envelope and smiled. "I do hope to see you again Harry,"  with that Lucian stood from the table, leveled Hermione with another cool look that had her shrinking even further into her seat and walked back to the head table.

Chapter Text

The rest of dinner went by relatively smoothly after that. Hermione hadn't spoken since her scolding and nobody attempted to speak to her either. Ron was gushing about Harry's invite, which surprised Harry slightly. Ron could be rather jealous about Harry's fame, (like being the only survivor of your families murder is something to be jealous of) but this time he bragged about Harry being chosen.

"Knew he'd choose you mate. To bad about the Slytherins though, but hey Nev's with you and you might to be able to do something about that Malfoy thing you have," Harry blushed, looking around to make sure no-one was listening.

"Ron!" he hissed, his so-called 'best friend' just laughed and nudged Harry lightly.

"Ah you know what I'm talking about! However, I have to admit I am a little bit jealous of you mate,"

They spent the rest of dinner ribbing each other. The staff table was jovial, with their new addition. The King spent most of his time catching up with Severus and Lucius.

"I must say my boy I was upset not to receive an invite to your wedding. I trust you got my gift though?" he asked, eyes twinkling. Lucius nodded, while Severus took a sip of his wine.

"Yes, it was most appreciated Master. And I do apologies, apparently our wedding planner neglected many of the intended guests," Lucian winked at them. 

"Your son is the image of you though Lucius, I hope to see you in him soon Severus,"

The Welcome Feast ended shortly after and the prefects lead their 1st years to their new common rooms. The 2nd to 7th years followed shortly after. Harry, Neville, Draco and Blaise remained.

Harry can feel his stomach revolting against him. Standing in front of this man. With those deep eyes and warm smile pointed at him. This couldn't be real. Lucian stood in front of the boys.

"I can't explain how excited I am to begin this journey with you. Now I'll explain the full arrangement of this. Until October the 31st you'll still be here at Hogwarts, making any preparations you need, informing guardians and such, there's also something happening over the next year that you should be apart of. When we start this adventure of ours you'll move to Lycan Castle with me, note there might be some of my old students milling about but don't mind them too much. You will take the normal lessons you do here but with me instead, each of you will pick a specialty and will be taught the specifics and how to master this craft. With my guidance you will be the top of any field you choose, you will be allowed to visit your friends on the weekends, provided all homework or extra work I assign is completed. At Yule you will be returned here for the 24th, 25th until the 3rd of January. Any questions so far?"

All the boys shook their heads. Lucian smiled again.

"Good, now you can invite friends or family to the castle during the holidays if you wish. Summers will be spent half with your families and half with me. Now you must understand I will be hard with you. This is an opportunity to prove yourself to me and everyone else in the wizarding world. It will be difficult, you'll wish you'd never agreed to this. But you'll benefit greatly from it. I'll also be here for the next two months so don't be afraid to approach me with anything. Now, off to bed with you,"

Harry took Neville's lead and bowed to their king. Blaise waited for Draco who rushed to speak to his parents.

Lucius ruffled his son's hair and Severus held his close.

"We're proud of you Draco. You'll do great things," he whispered into the younger blonds ear.

"I love you," Draco chocked. He wiped the tears that had gathered in his eyes and breathed deep before joining Blaise on their walk back to the Slytherin dorms.

Chapter Text

When Harry and Neville walked into the Gryffindor Common room they were met with roaring cheers. Everyone congratulated them on their new apprenticeships. The twins hugged Harry tight and Ron brought over plates of food they'd snuck up from the kitchens. The only one not celebrating was Hermione who was currently sulking in the corner after her telling off from the king. 

She hated that she wasn't picked. What was wrong with her? She had perfect grades, was best friends with the Boy-Who-Lived and was liked by all the teachers. How the hell did Neville 'the-almost-squib' get chosen over her?!

The rest of Gryffindors had been giving her the cold shoulder. Not that that was anything new, her intelligence intimidated them. And even Ron was ignoring her! 

"Hey Hermione!" Harry said, appearing through the crowd with two plates and a beaming smile. He offered one to her but she refused. 

"Oh, come on 'Mione! Eat something, you hardly did at the feast," she stood up fuming and rounded on the boy.

"No thank you. I hardly wish to eat something from a party that wasn't sanctioned by the professors, that could loose us hundreds of points. A party that is only being held because some pureblood chose four very incorrect and stupid students to teach pureblood bigotry. Harry Potter if you don't turn that position down then we with never be friends ever again!" she shrieked. Harry stood in front of her stunned and hurt beyond belief. His best friend thought he was stupid? 

They hadn't realized that the room had gone silent until Ron stepped in front of Harry. 

"Well, guess this it the end of things then Granger. Because I think I speak for everyone here when I say Harry and Neville deserve to be chosen by the King. They are smart, kind and brave. They don't put up with anyone's bullying and have never said a bad word against anyone here. Unlike you. Harry is my best friend, and yes, I'll be the first one to admit that sometimes I'm jealous of Harry's money and fame but then I remember how he retained those names. And it hurts me to think I could feel that way. Right now Harry needs friends, not jealous know-it-all's who don't know how to be a proper friend, goodnight Granger." he finished, Harry gaped at his friend and blinked tears away from his eyes. 

Hermione's face had turned very red and she huffed before shooting Harry a dark look and storming off up stairs to her room. 

"Thank you Ron," Harry whispered. 

"No problem," he grinned back. 

The party resumed in full pace for about another two hours before Professor McGonagal ushered them all to bed with a fond smile. 

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Breakfast was a lazy affair the next morning. Gryffindor still slightly hungover from their party but Harry had never felt better. Especially when golden eyes winked at him from the head table. 

Dumbledore rose when everyone was settled and breakfast eaten. 

"Ladies and Gentlemen, settle down settle down. Now, after last nights excitement I neglected to mention the secret we've been keeping. This year Hogwarts is to host the tri-wizard tournament!" gasps and murmurs rose up at this proclamation. Dumbledore waved his hands and the room grew silent again. 

"Now, after much delegation it has been decided that no-one under the age of seventeen may enter. This is a dangerous tournament children, not for the faint of heart. On the twenty-eighth of October two other magical schools will be joining us, on the thirty-first the champions will be chosen. Good look to all," 

After that Lucian stood and addressed the room. 

"Just to say good morning to you all and until the thirty-first Myself and my new students will still be milling about, them attending classes, me interrupting classes," Many laughed at that, "But also, my chosen four, your apprenticeship with me will negate this tournament, while you are unable to enter yourselves, anyone thinking if sneaking their way in will be disappointed," with that he sat down and the students dispersed. 

Chapter Text

Harry found himself more excited and happy then he remembered himself being. Sirius had sent him a congratulatory letter that morning which showered most of Gryffindor in streamers and confetti and he shouted how proud of Harry both he and Remus were. Remus chiming in that he was sure Lilly would have been chuffed to bits, making tears fill Harry's eyes for a moment before he blinked them away. 

After that he found himself enjoying and paying more attention to his classes, trying to live up to the expectations the King would probably have of them. Ron it seems was trying as well, what with them not speaking to Hermione all that much. They both helped each other with essays and research so much that they were now scraping O's and solid E's instead of the abysmal A's they were getting before. Lucian had sent him a wink and proud grin when he saw them both beaming over their Charms essays. Remus had sent him a letter about his rising grades and Harry wsa determined to keep it up. Ron too after Mrs Weasley wrote how happy she was that he seemed to be taking his studies seriously.

Harry also felt he was getting closer to his Gryffindor friends, Dean and Seamus were his dorm mates but they didn't really talk all that much before but now without Hermione's constant nagging he found they had quite a bit in common. He and Seamus were hardcore Twisted sister fans, a muggle band that Seamus knew about because of his muggle dad. And Dean like football which only Harry could really talk about with him. Neville was always the shy boy who was a little bit clumsy but without Hermione's huffing at him Harry found himself enjoying the other boys company.

The Gryffindor girls also seemed more approachable. Whereas before Hermione would say how they would ignore her or they didn't like her very much so he and Ron would ignore them. Turns out there was a lot of things Hermione didn't tell them the truth about. Lavender, while slight boy and gossip obsessed, was rather good at transfiguration and she and Ron got on rather well. It helped that Ron thought she was very pretty. 

The twins had taken to following the King around trying to prank him. Instead they found more Hogwarts secret passageways then even the Marauders had found. Lucian rather admired how tenacious the boys were and would often spend a few moments talking with them, encouraging their trickster streak and dreams. 

Harry was perusing the library shelves looking for a book on toxins and fungi for a potions essay Professor Snape had set. He'd tried really hard after being named apprentice to bring up his grades in potions, and get along better with Draco as they would be spending more time together than not and in doing so he and Snape had reached an equilibrium of sorts. They didn't speak but Snape also didn't degrade Harry like he used to, marking his work higher then he would have done. 

Harry hit something hard and bounced back slightly. Turning green eyes met quick silver and a shiver ran up Harry's spine. He'd bumped into Draco, the very boy he was just thinking about, a blush ran up his face and Harry muttered a small sorry before looking for an escape. 

"It's okay, Potter," Draco ran his eyes up and down Harry's form. As he'd done many times before over the years, Harry's blush was very fetching on the boy, almost as fetching as the red flush he would get when Draco riled him up. "Hey now, no need to run off. We'll be spending a lot of time together soon, so we should start getting used to being in each others presence. What book are you looking for?" 

Harry bit his lip unsure of the proposal. It could be a trick but Draco seemed sincere and they would be living together for quite some time, so it couldn't help.

"Um Graggles, Toxins and Drewberry's: Fungi features. For our potions essay," Draco nodded and searched the shelves. Pulling the books free he led Harry to his table near the back of the Library. Neither boy was aware of golden eyes watching them in amusement.

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What most of Hogwarts of unaware of was the bushy haired witch huddled in an abandoned classroom reading an old looking text. The book in her eyes gave her a deep sense of satisfaction, with this she could prove her worth and been seen as more than just another muggle-born. People would have to listen to her when she won, which she no doubt would. 

That stupid King would have to apologise to her and admit he was wrong before giving her an invitation to learn from him, she might even demand he revoke his other invitations.

Hermione Granger would be youngest Tri-wizard tournament champion the world has ever seen, she'd make sure of that. 

Chapter Text

Harry kept to his strict schedule for the next several weeks. Allowing him to land in the top ten for they're year with Ron not far behind him. Hermione hadn't been around much after their fight in the common room. No-one really knew where she went or what she was doing, nor did many of them care. As long as she turned up for class and handed in her homework the professors didn't seem to mind what she did in her spare time.

But Harry did worry about her. While what she had said hurt deeply, Hermione was his first friend at Hogwarts, they'd been through a lot together so every so often, when Ron wasn't around he'd check his father's map and look for her. She always stayed in the same room on the first floor and it was a normal classroom so he figured he didn't have much to worry about in regards to her safety.

The 28th was only a few days away and the school was a buzz with activity. The teachers making sure there was enough accommodation for the guests, houselves cooking and cleaning, students were commissioned to put on a performance to welcome the students. The King was also enchanting parts of the castle with beautiful decorations to make Hogwarts really stand out to the new arrivals.

Harry hurried along the corridor towards his charms class, almost ten minuets late. He'd been researching ward charms in the library and lost track of time for a moment, it was only when Ms Pince shooed him off to class that he saw how late he was. He'd almost made it to the charms corridor when someone grabbed his arm and pulled him into an alcove. He tried to cry out but a hand went over his mouth and he found himself pressed against a firm chest and an arm wrap around his waist. A familiar cologne filled his nose and he made a confused noise into the hand. 

"Shh, it's alright Potter. Just me," that familiar drawl wafted over Harry's ear making him shiver. "Just thought we could have a little get to know you session. Don't worry about charms, Flitwick excused us both on research grounds," Draco's lips caressed his ear as he spoke, making Harry's knees weak. The prick had to know what he was doing to Harry, this was obviously some sort of trick to humiliate him. But when Draco's hand trailed up his torso and back down to stroke his leg all thoughts fled his mind. 

"That's it Harry.....just enjoy yourself," 

"HARRY!" The shout had Harry jumping up before he hit the ground with a groan. Blinking his eyes awake he met Ron's smug smirk and glared. 

"Don't look at me like that. You'll be late for breakfast. Better take care of that before we get there though," his blue eyes looked pointedly at Harry's crotch and back up before smirking and leaving the dorm room. Harry's face flushed bright red when he realised he'd had a wet dream about Dra-Malfoy, Malfoy, Malfoy not Draco. Rubbing a hand over his face he ignored the urge to press down on the bulge and pretend it was Malfoys. 

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Meanwhile, Draco awoke with a smirk. He buried the book, 'Dreamscapes' under his pillow and ran a hand down his chest to his cock. Sending Potter his own wet dreams was a stroke of genius. He'd get to connect to the other boy in their dreams and act out any fantasy he wanted. As long as Harry was receptive to his advances. If he started to protest then the dream would break. He'd half expected the boy to fight back when he had him pinned but instead the Gryffindor had melted into his touch. 

He thought back to the boys perfect arse pressed against his cock and groaned. His hand gripped himself firmly and stroked. Harry's groans against his palm, soft skin against his hands. Green eyes darkened in want, all traits he wanted in reality. He bit back a growl and felt himself fall of the edge as his cock pulsed in his hand. A quick cleaning charm and he got up from the bed to head for a shower. 

One day. Soon, he'd have Harry Potter begging for him. In every way.

Chapter Text

A Royal Invitation  

Harry and Ron were headed towards the Great Hall the morning of the 28 th , hoping for a quick breakfast before the professors herded them towards the main entrance so they could welcome the challenging schools. They stopped when Lucian stepped out from a side entrance and smiled warmly at the pair.   

“Harry, and Ronald. How was your evening?” he asked, Harry felt his face flush when he thought of the run of exotic dreams he’d been having over Dra-Malfoy, Malfoy dammit!   

“It was fine, did some homework played chess,” Harry replied even as his face heated. Lucian cocked an eyebrow at the sight, making Harry flush even harder.   

“And you, Ronald?” Lucian asked, turning his head towards the redhead.    

“Oh, uh yeah, okay. Just homework and chess like Harry. Though Harry seemed to have better dreams then me,” he teased. Harry glared at his friend. Lucian merely smiled knowingly and winked at the younger boy.   

“Well, I think we all suffer from such pleasant dreams at one time or another. Harry, I wanted to steal you away before the guests arrive. As you are one of my apprentices, you’ll be standing with me alongside your peers so I wanted you to have a small trinket to establish your claim before the other school,” Harry looked at the King and then Ron who grinned and nodded.   

“Go ahead, I’ll stand with Seamus and Dean. Tell me about it later,” he ordered before bowing quickly to Lucian and running into the Great Hall.   

“A loyal friend that one dear Harry, don’t let him get away,” Lucian commented. “Now then, with me Master Potter,” Lucian guided the raven-haired boy back through the antechamber and let him join Neville, Blaise and Draco.   

“Now we’re all gathered. I would like to present you all with this pendant,” the king walked over to a table that held a deep mahogany chest. He opened the lid and withdrew a necklace, hanging from the silver chain was a dragon. With its teeth bared and amethyst eyes it held Harry’s attention absolutely.   

“As you are now my students, you will stand with me as we greet our guests and wear these pendants. They’ll tell everyone in attendance that your mine,” he stated, handing out the necklaces to the group.  

Harry looked at the pendant. Running his thumb over the dragon, he smiled. He quickly clasped the chain around his neck and smoothed down his robes, straightening his shirt and trying to flatten his hair. Neville shuffled next to him nervously.  

“You okay?” Harry asked his friend.  

“I’m just nervous. Everyone will be watching us, and I’m still not sure why I was picked. I’m not exactly a strong wizard, nor am I that smart,” Harry quickly interrupted the other boy.  

“Hey, none of that is true. You’re smart, the best at Herbology, your loyal and kind. I’m sure the King chose you because you have more to give then you realise,”  

Chapter Text

Lucian stood tall on the front step of Hogwarts, watching Beauxbatons carriage approach from the sky. His apprentices lined up smartly in front of him. The Abraxans held themselves firm and noble, riding the wind with their large, powerful wing before they hit the ground with a large THUD! Trotting forward they came to a stop in front of the Hogwarts students. Several gasped and stepped back to avoid being run over by the golden carriage, once it settled a step was conjured and placed in front of the door which opened to reveal a very large woman. Lucian placed his hands, on Harry and Blaize’s shoulders leaning in to speak to the four quietly.

“Now, I want you to watch closely. This carriage has a special kind of magic and I want you to try and figure out what it is. You have two days,” he stood straight and scanned over the group around him. Dumbledore greeted the Headmistress kindly and directed her towards the King.

Maxine’s eyes widened, taking in the most powerful wizard in Britain. She’d never personally met the man, not many people had outside of his apprentices despite his title and importance, but he gave off an inviting aura far removed from anything she ever imagined. With gentle eyes and a warm smile.

“Madam,” he tilted his head in greeting. “Please meet my newest apprentices. Heirs: Longbottom, Malfoy, Potter, and Zabini,” he introduced. The giantess gave the group a bow, who returned it with a deeper one in reverence to her position.

“The pleasure is mine, Your Highness, it is delightful to know you are taking up apprentices once again,” Lucian chuckled in agreement.

“I thought so too. I have set my new students a little task, they are to identify the magic used for your wonderful carriage and report it back to me. Perhaps you might allow them an interview, when you have the time, of course, give them a few hints,” Maxime shared the mischievous look in the smaller man's eyes and agreed.

“Of course, they will be more than welcome to ask questions of me and my students,” with that she swept into the castle to escape the chill.

Silence reigned for several moments, broken only by hushed whispers from excited students that were quickly quieted by the professors. Harry began to feel the nerves that had settled begin to bubble in his stomach again. Looking at his companions he noticed Neville begin to look a little green around the gills again, Lucian noticed also and whispered something in the boys’ ear that had some normal colour returning to his face.

The two Slytherin boys didn’t look all that fazed. Years of pedigree and posturing from their families made situations like this easily dealt with. Harry tried to copy their straight backs and shoulders. Head forward, chin up and face blank. It didn’t feel right though so he returned to his natural posture.

Lucian had to hide his giggle in his fist at the act. He ruffled Harry’s messy locks fondly.

“Don’t put on such airs. For one most people born in the aristocratic world can see through it and another, being true to yourself makes a man from a boy,” Harry turned these words over in his head as large groups of French students, both male and female, clad in satin blue uniforms sashayed after their headmistress. He knew he shouldn’t hide behind any kind of mask, but he still felt inadequate in the face of his more…aristocratic and graceful peers.

It wasn’t long before another gasp went through the gathered students. Lucian tried hard to keep the pleasant smile on his face, it wouldn’t do to offend the Durmstrung Headmaster after all, but it wasn’t easy. Though he was impressed by the craftsmanship of their ship.

There were only three people on the Earth he truly loathed, the Dark Lord Grindelwald who left a trail of destruction, misery and death in his short term of terror. Dolores Umbridge, a ministry woman who proposed more and more bills with every breath she took to discriminate against creatures, muggle-borns and those of creature descent. The number of people who supported those bills, both Light faction and Dark faction, made his teeth gnash and he felt grateful for his position at times that allowed him to veto certain legislatures. The third was Igor Karkaroff.

A slimy man if ever there was one. He hunched over with his fluffed cloak making him look like an emaciated bat, long, crooked fingers clutched a student’s shoulder tightly, as he made sweeping motions to have the boy brought inside. Yellowed teeth simpered from a thin, oily mouth and beady eyes swept the castle.

“Yes, Yes Igor we will all go inside momentarily. First, let me introduce His Royal Highness, Lucian Lycan,” Albus held a hand out to Lucian and the King nodded ever so slightly to the other man.

“Thank you Albus, Karkaroff,” he greeted stonily. Karkaroff paled to a sickly pale and wavered slightly on his feet but managed a half-bow that had everybody stiffening in outrage. When one was presented with a Witch or Wizard of Royal ranking you gave a full bow or low curtsey. Albus’s eyes lost their twinkle and he ushered the new school into the Castle with less warmth than he’d had when they arrived. The Hogwarts students followed.

“I have it!” Neville cried. He then blushed and tried to retract his head into his neck like a tortoise before realising he couldn’t physically do that. Lucian regained his pleasant and warm demeanour and gave him an encouraging smile.

“Yes Neville, go on,” Neville took a deep breath and released it slowly. Locking eyes with Harry he remembered the words the dark-haired boy said to him earlier,

“You’re smart, the best at Herbology, your loyal and kind. I’m sure the King chose you because you have more to give then you realise,” 

“It’s some kind of dimensional expansion charm, with a weight-lightening spell layered over the carriage, alongside the Abraxans it would be able to glide effortlessly through the air. Maybe a notice-me-not charm as well,” By the time he’d finished Neville’s face was bright red, but Lucian was beaming. Blaise looked at the Gryffindor with interest. Longbottom never really pinged on his radar before, but now…seeing him show some actual intelligence? It was actually kind of sexy.

“Well done! Exactly, that type of magic is something you’ll learn in the next couple of years. Its advanced stuff, took me nearly a week to master it,” Lucian was unaware of the awed looks the group directed at him as he lead the way back into the school.

 Dinner was an…experience.  Lucian had a table set out separately for him and his apprentices so they could watch the show. Hogwarts had the Frog choir perform alongside the 7^th year Rune class, bringing to life the story of how their school was formed which garnered thunderous applause from the Hogwarts students but not much energy from Beauxbatons or Durmstrung.

The French students put on a display that Harry thought was a little…fragile. It showcased the Ladies sashaying down the hall, releasing blue butterflies with a breathy sigh as the boys pressed up against their backs for what appeared to be no reason at all, other than to show off some poor excuse of the male protector to the female damsel. But, then again, Harry wasn’t very good at reading into the deeper meanings of things at times.

Like the time he thought Ginny was being possessed by a diary she’s bought because she kept spending hours in a girls bathroom for no reason, but was actually really homesick and talking to Luna in private. Yeah…not good at reading situations at all really.

Durmstrung rang a little clearer to Harry, a performance showing the strength of the students, both male and female. Flips, twists, even firebreathing that left Harry feeling breathy and pumped. He also blushed hotly when a Durmstring boy had given him the once over and smirked at him. He wasn’t sure why.

Draco had glared at the Durmstrung student hotly, he sure knew why.  

Lucian had merely smirked at the display of teenage jealousy and sexual confusion. He then remembered that Harry was fourteen and would need to have the ‘Talk’ soon. He stopped smirking then.

Chapter Text

It was finally the time for the Goblet of Fire to choose the three Triwizard champions. October the 31^st, all day of age students dropped their names into the intimidating torch to the applause and encouragement of their peers.

And Lucian was furious.

It seemed to be going well, Lucian and his apprentices were sat at their table eating what was left of the treats from dinner and talking. Lucian answering their many questions about his work and their apprenticeships. Some of the Durmstrang and Beauxbatons students came over to speak to the King and be introduced to his students, all of them polite and interested. He was pleased to see his students engaging with open minds to different ideas and opinions. When Albus rose from his seat to the Goblet Lucian ushered the students back to their own seats.

“Now the moment you’ve all been waiting for, the Champion Selection!” a hush fell over the Hall as Albus waved his hand over the room dimming the torches. He walked over to the Goblet and laid his hands on the metal. The fire turned red and spat out a piece of paper.

“The Durmstrang champion is…Viktor Krum!” The boy who had checked out Harry before stood receiving thunderous applause from his fellow students. He was tall, with a heavy brow and deep eyes. He shook Albus’ hand and made his way to the chamber beside the Great Hall, the Goblet flared red again and spat out another name.

“The champion of Beauxbatons is Fleur Delacour!” A pretty blonde smiled and separated herself from the flock of pretty students to again shake Albus’ hand and join Krum. Albus caught the final piece of paper and read out Hogwarts’ champion.

“The Hogwarts champion, Cedric Diggory!” Cedric Diggory was a very popular Hufflepuff and one of the favourites for Champion.

“Excellent! We now have our three champions. But in the end, only one will go done in history. Only one will hoist this chalice of champions, this vessel of victory…the Tri-Wizard Cup!” Albus pointed at a covered pedestal and the cloth flew off to reveal the ornate Trophy. Everyone applauded and cheered but Lucian’s attention was drawn towards the Goblet which was suddenly acting up, spewing blue flames and turning bright red and shooting a fourth piece of paper into the air. Lucian rose from his chair, rage burning deep within his chest. Someone had tampered with the goblet.

Albus snatched the paper out of the air and read the name, looking at his King his eyes asked what he should do, Lucian nodded at him to continue.

“Hermione Granger!” Everyone turned to look at the girl to find her smirking smugly before standing and walking towards Albus. He didn’t shake her hand just pointed her towards the anti-chamber.

The teachers all ran after her leaving the other students to gossip amongst themselves. Lucian clicked his fingers and a loud explosion-like noise reverberated around the Hall.

“That is all for tonight. Everyone back to their rooms, my students and I will be leaving tomorrow so I suggest you say your goodbyes and finish packing,” he opened the doors and waved the students out. Harry and Neville stayed behind.

“Hermione isn’t gonna be in too much trouble is she?” Harry asked.

“Miss Granger has broken several school rules and even a law or two to accomplish this. So yes she will be disciplined, but the punishment will not be worth the danger she has placed herself in. Now, off to bed,”

Lucian allowed the teachers to argue with each other and Bartimous Crouch. Granger was still smirking and even sent it towards the King.

“That is enough,” he spoke softly and everyone stilled. “Miss Granger, do you have any idea what you have done?”

“I’m proving to everybody I deserve to be here, to be one of your apprentices, more so than anyone else! When I win you’ll have to publicly acknowledge my talent and offer to teach me,”

“You stupid little girl!” Lucian roared, the lights flickered, and shadows grew in response to the man's anger and Hermione flinched back from him. “There is no possible way I would choose you, now or later on. Think, just think for a moment. Use that big brain you seem so pleased with and imagine the reason every official involved in this process put that age limit on the contest. Think about the numerous of dangerous tasks that every contestant has gone through, has died from. The danger you have now put yourself in. That no-one here can take you out off, of the possibility of you dying, of your parents burying their daughter,” he was breathing very heavily by the time he finished and Hermione had tears in her eyes.

“It won’t be like that. I’m better than all those other people. I'm the smartest witch of a generation,”

“How did you even bypass the security around the goblet?”

“I had one of the school owls drop it in during breakfast so no one would see.”

“You are one girl who is very clever academically. You weren’t the only one, time to grow up now Miss Granger. For the rest of this year, you will be in the public eye, under their scrutiny, subject to the publics opinion of you. You shall also be spending your evenings in the kitchens and weekends with Filch,” Lucian decided. The other teachers nodded their agreement, even McGonagle.

“WHAT, WHY!”

“For disrespecting this contest, your fellow champions and your teachers. Did you honestly think you would get away with such actions?” Hermione looked around the room and tried to find an ally but the teachers all looked grim and the other contestants looked annoyed, Cedric even looked cheated.

“Off to bed Miss Granger, you will be informed later on about the details. For now, the real champions need debriefing,” Lucian dismissed the girl and turned to the other students with a warm smile the three couldn’t help but return feeling the annoyance drain away.

“Congratulations to you all. This is a high honour for you but please, don’t forget the dangers that lie ahead. But I am so proud of you all, you are credits to your schools,” He shook their hands and ignored the tears in both Fleurs and Cedrics eyes.

“Now, I know it's been an exciting evening for you all and there are bound to be celebrations awaiting you so have a good evening,” they all shook his hands again and bowed/curtsied.

Chapter Text

Castle Lumen was beautiful. Resplendent. Exciting. Mysterious. Terrifying. So many things.

Harry stood before the Castle with his jaw on the ground. Far larger than Hogwarts, it seemed almost like a town all its own. Hogwarts had always been this splendid, awe-inspiring place. With the ability to make you feel at home and yet homesick at the same time. Magic danced along her hallways and bathed her students in a maternal embrace. But Castle Lumen blew her right out of the water.

On the morning of November the 1^st Harry, Neville, Draco and Blaise were gathered in the front hall with their luggage and friends to say goodbye. Their teachers all wished them well and their parents made a surprise visit to say goodbye. King Lucian summoned a small group of House-elves and asked them to take the groups belongings to the Castle before holding out a small crest shield.

The portkey whisked them away and dropped them on the shore of a large body of water with an island in the distance. The water was a beautiful clear blue that Harry could see small schools of fish easily. There was a steady flow of foot traffic from muggles around but they all ignored the sudden group. King Lucian winked at Harry before guiding them towards a dock where a boat was waiting for them.

“This feels like first year all over again,” Harry laughed.

“Well. The boat ride for first years was adopted from this one so I can’t argue with that. Watch yourselves now,” Lucian helped them into the boat before climbing in behind them and leaning over the side of the boat to wriggle his fingers in the crystal blue water. The boat jolted slightly before moving smoothly over the water. They sailed for about five minutes before Harry felt like he was passing through a satin curtain and laid eyes on the island.

“What was that?” He asked. Lucian had reclined back against the back of the boat with his head tilted up towards the warm sun.

“The ward magic surrounding my home. The whole island is covered by it to hide us away from the muggle world. They know there is an island across the water but that’s about it. The magic makes them forget any interest they might have in visiting the island,” He answered. Harry returned to looking around the water and made eye contact with Draco who smirked lazily at him before dragging his eyes over Harry’s legs. Harry blushed hotly and averted his gaze.

When the boat arrived at the island dock Lucian ushered the boys out of the boat and along a perfectly carved and maintained walkway. With smooth bannisters, polished boardwalk and wooden arches covered in lush green vines and bright flowers.

“Keep up boys,” Lucian instructed before striding off towards the end of the dock. The boys followed behind and tried to take in as much of the island as they could. Large trees, bushes, and fountains dotted the area and Harry could swear he saw several magical beasts watching them from the foliage.

They rounded a bend and came face to face with Castle Lumen.

“Welcome gentlemen, to your new home. Castle Lumen,”

It truly was magnificent. Harry could feel more than just magic in the air, he felt it in the ground, could hear it through the wind, taste it on his tongue. Like the warmest, yet also the most electric hug he’d ever received. Like a lightning cloud was welcoming him home.

“Come on, I’ll give you the grand tour then let you settle in,”

They started in the Courtyard.

Harry’s breath caught in his throat at the mystical aura around the Courtyard. The wild had been allowed to spread out across the area, climbing over the banisters of the stairs, the handrails, border boxes of rose bushes of every colour, sweet smelling trees hanging over their heads. The middle of the courtyard housed a small pond with a fountain shaped like a fairy pouring water into the pond. Lilly pads, reeds, and water plants decorated the surface while little families of frogs and toads hopped in and out of the pond.

Harry saw small fairies dart through the air, laughing and giggling at the group before flying around Lucian and pulling at his hair and nuzzling his cheeks.

“Hello Ladies. These are our new guests and students, treat them kindly won’t you?” A fairy with green skin and bright blue hair hovered over towards the boys and twirled around them before settling in Draco’s hair. He froze up, and refused to move while the fairy moved locks of his hair about to allow her to nest. Blaise had to turn away to stifle his laughter at the face his friend was making.

“Fayetta, you cannot turn Draco into your perch,” she simply chirped and proceeded to flutter fairy dust over Draco’s hair. “Yeah, she’s not leaving you any time soon,” Lucian shrugged.

“Anyway, this is the main courtyard. Typically expected guests will gather here before we let them in. Feel welcome to use this space when you need it, just respect the space. Oh and don’t drink the pond water. Ganon likes bathing in there,”

“Ganon?” Neville asked. Lucian pointed to Neville's left leg, where a Porlock had suddenly appeared. Neville squeaked and lept away which caused Ganon to freak out and run towards Lucian’s legs and hide behind him.

“Yes. Ganon. He’s a sweetheart really but he will also follow you around when he wants to,” He pat the creatures head who cooed before wandering away.

He lead them from the courtyard into the front hallway. It followed the courtyard theme, with a cobbled stone path leading to a spiral staircase, a small fountain in the centre of the room. A tree seemed to grow straight up through the ceiling and burst out the top with thick branches and leaves. Bowtruckles climbed over the bark and in and out the leaves.

Light shone through arched windows lined across the top of the room, over a gated arch.

“This is the front entrance. The stairs will take you to the living areas, studies, classrooms, the Blue Library, four snug rooms and the staircase to the higher levels. Through the gate, there is the garden area. That includes six greenhouses, three mazes, a vegetable patch, and two flower gardens with a pavilion. Again, you’re welcome to any of these areas. I do recommend and urge you all to get involved with the house-elves regarding maintaining the gardens and veg patch. It’s incredibly rewarding, I spend a good few hours there every couple of days or so,” Neville looked excited to visit the greenhouses right there and then.

Lucian took them to the right of the front hall and down a hallway where the floor changed from the stone to smooth wooden floorboards and vibrant red carpet. It was like Harry had walked into the Gryffindor common room, with red sofas, chairs and ottomans. Small bookcases lined the walls beneath the windows interspaced.

“This is just a regular hallway to the kitchens with a few guest rooms. Feel free to use it,” Lucian took them to a large dark door. He knocked twice before entering.

“This is the kitchen. Gina has full run of this room, always knock before you enter. That’s just good manners, meals are generally between 8 and 9:30 am, 12:30 to 2:00 pm and then dinner is on the table for 6:00 pm. If you’re hungry outside of these times then Gina will gladly put something together for you, she’s very proud of her skills and her fellow elves. Be respectful,” A female house-elf approached the group and bowed to them. She wore a lovely silver dress with an apron tied around her waist.

“Hello, Master Lucian. Is this the new little ones? Too skinny!” She poked and prodded the boys with a bony finger before shoving cakes and biscuits into their hands. Harry bit into a cake and his mouth was filled with the taste of honey and cinnamon. He hummed in delight and wolfed down the rest of the cake.

“Thank you, Gina,” Harry said after swallowing. Gina beamed at him and stuffed more cakes into his hands before scrutinising Lucian and tutting him.

“You leave for two months and come back skinnier than ever! What were those Hogwarts elves feeding you? Skinny skinny skinny,” she poked his legs and stomach, then gave him a cake as well. “Now away with you, lunch will be ready soon,” She shooed the group out of the kitchen.

Lucian took them back down the hallway to the front hall. “Gina will mother you all without remorse so be prepared,”

Lucian took them up the stairs to the first landing.

“This is the Blue Library, please respect the room and the books and we will get along just fine,”

The library was huge! Shelves and shelves and shelves of books. With rolling ladders, a staircase leading to the higher levels with a bridge connecting the bookcases to each other overhead. Hermione would simply die to get a peek of this room. Walking among the shelves was a girl, or rather a young woman, no older than 20 or 25.

“Freya, come and say hello,”

She was beautiful, with creamy skin, golden spun wild hair, amber eyes and pouty pink lips. She climbs down from the bookcase and over to the group. Wearing a cream blouse, dark trousers she looked just like an angel from old gothic novels.

“Hello boys,” her voice was soft too with a gentle tilt. “My name is Freya Scale. Master Lucian visited Beauxbatons when I was 13 and offered me my invitation,”

“Draco Malfoy, Ma’am,”

“Blaise Zabini,”

“Nice to meet you, my name is Neville Longbottom,”

“Harry Potter, Miss” the boys introduced themselves to her cordially.

“Many of my older students still come by and say hello. Miss Freya finished her apprenticeship with me three years ago and I haven’t been able to get rid of her since,” Lucian whispered. Chuckling when Freya levelled a glare on him. “She gained her Mastery in Ancient Runes, Arithmancy, Potions and Alchemy. Currently, Freya is supposed to be in China studying Jade magic with a research team out there,”

Freya huffed petulantly at her old teacher. “I was just popping by to see your new batch is all. And I remembered you had a book on metal and mineral magics,”

Lucian looked up in thought before nodding. “Yes, sixth case back on the left. But it’s written in Persian.”

“I know,” she nodded to the boys and flittered to wear Lucian indicated.

“She’s a handful that’s for sure. You’ll probably run into several of my old students. I’m sure they’ll be more than happy to speak with you on anything you wish,”

Chapter Text

Lucian let the boys wander around the library for a little while, chuckling softly when Draco came back piled high with books while the others only had one or two. He waved his hand and shrank the books.

“I probably should have told you, but you can use magic here. Just be responsible,” He ushered the group from the library and further down the hallway. “There’s three other libraries here but they’re on different floors, for now I’ll show you to your rooms and let you settle in and have the rest of the day to immerse yourselves in the castle,” Lucian led them from the Blue Library and up several flights of stairs. They stopped on a brightly lit corridor with large windows and calm, bright walls. The corridor only had two doors, almost directly opposite each other, both made of solid dark wood.

main hallway

“Now, most of your rooms have the same general layout, bedroom, en suite bathroom, walk in closet, and a study. There’s also a main common room for you all to spend time in together with each other,” Lucian explained. He opened the door on the left and invited the others inside.

“Hope you don’t mind me showing your room off Harry, but I supposed you’d be having these guys in here anyway,” Harry’s eyes were blown wide when he entered. The room was huge. Now Harry had a relatively large room in Grimauld place, he couldn’t complain about having his own space but this was crazy. The room was decorated with warm red curtains, a red rug stretched out beneath a large red bed. Really there was a lot of red. Lucian looked rather sheepish.

“Okay, I may have been a little stereotypical in decorating your rooms. But I’m sure you know the colour change charm if you’d like to spruce things up,” It was rather surreal to see someone with such power actually scratch his cheek nervously.

“Its great. Thank you,” Harry grinned.

 Harrys room

“You’re very welcome, Harry. Now through that door is the bathroom, the House-elves are happy to keep you all stocked in toiletries just let them know of any preferences or health issues or allergies. However, while they are happy to change your sheets and towels, take your laundry and deliver clean laundry back to you, I will not except you leaving your room and bathroom a mess. Don’t leave a mess of clothes over the floor, all dirty clothes, sheets, and towels in the laundry basket. I won’t allow you to take advantage of the service the House-elves provide,” Lucian looked each of them hard in the eye, pushing his point across to them. Harry and Neville stepped over to the bathroom and poked their heads into the en Suite, blinking at the sudden brightness of the room. A round room, with marble counter top stretched along one wall, a round raised tub in the middle of the room with a shower behind it. It was strangely modern in comparison to the rest of the castle.

Harry’s bathroom

“That door will take you to your personal study. An area for your studies, again the same rules apply to this area. Respect it, and we’ll have no problems,” Lucian indicated the door opposite the bathroom. The study was more like the rest of the castle, stone walls, a fireplace, wooden bookshelves, a wooden desk sat beneath a window. Harry was rather overwhelmed by all of this. If he was perfectly honest he was expecting to share a room with either one of the others or a kind of dormitory system like Hogwarts had. Not what could be considered a studio apartment in the Muggle world. (Though, considering the size of the Castle he shouldn’t have been that surprised).

Harry’s study

“Now, Neville you room is also on this corridor. This way,” he led the group to the door on the right and let them inside. Neville gaped. The room was large like Harrys, but with cream walls and dark sheets and rugs. Potted plants with large purple and blue flowers sat beside the large fireplace.

“Have to admit, I took some advice from Professor Sprout and she gave me the address of a Herbologist who sent these over,”

 Neville’s room

Neville’s Bathroom

His bathroom was as modern as Harry’s but with dark marble this time and wood ceiling with an area for a sauna next to the raised tub.

The study was filled with more plants, with green curtains and a mismatch of rugs along the floor. The windows looked out onto the gardens of the Castle, giving an excellent view of the greenhouses.

“I thought you might prefer this side of the Castle,” Lucian commented. “Though, fell free to cover the portraits if you like. They don’t move but it probably is a little weird to have strangers watching you work,”

Neville’s Study

“Now, Blaise next. Just down the hall and to the left,” They followed his instructions, walking up a small flight of four steps to another corridor in the same colouring. Again two doors stood opposite each other but in a smooth cherry wood this time. Opening the door on the right to a room with a lot of light. A large window let in daylight to glide across stone floor to a blue draped bed with golden metal frame work. Blaise inspected the space, making sure his fireplace had a working floo network and the closet was large enough for his things.

Blaise’s room

His bathroom was just as modern again, but with a granite raised tub and a walk in shower hidden around the corner of the room.

Blaise’s bathroom

The study was homely, with many bookshelves lining the walls beside a large portrait of a beautiful woman who smiled invitingly at them.

“That is the-“ Lucian began but was interrupted by Blaise.

“Lady Arabella Frederick!” he gasped.

“Who?” Harry asked, while Lucian looked upon the dark skinned boy consideringly.

“Who?! She’s only the worlds foremost leader on Warding, Runes and Arthmancy! Half of the Alphabets used Lady Arabella invented herself, she wrote the book on Warding, everything from simple locking wards to the complex interlocking Wards used to protect Hogwarts and the Ministry. She’s my idol!” he gushed excitedly. His exuberance caused the woman to blush in her portrait and try to hide her face behind her fan. Lucian laughed at the interaction. Blaise quite literally had hearts in his eyes.

“Of course you are quite correct Blaise. Lady Arabella was my Goddaughter a long time ago, and you reminded me so much of her I thought you might appreciate getting to spend some time with her,”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you Master Zabini. Uncle Lucian has told me quite a bit about you, I look forward to our conversations together,”

Blaise’s study

Lucian had to physically pull Blaise out of his study to finish the tour. Draco waited impatiently for Lucian to unlock his door and let them inside. And he wasn’t disappointed. A beautifully wild looking room with a small sunken fountain right in front of his bed. Vines curled around different pillars while a large motif was carved out of stone behind the bed. A dressing table sat between the two high windows while bookcases dotted about the room.

“This is beautiful your Grace, thank you,” Draco breathed. Then headed towards the bathroom.

 Draco’s room

If Harry’s bathroom was bright it had nothing on Draco’s. The entire room was white marble and glass. With a tub like Blaise’s but a walk in shower like Harry’s it took his breath away.

Draco’s bathroom

The study was exactly how Draco pictured his future study would look. More like a hybrid of a potions lab and a study. A large window that opened outwards to allow a soft breeze into the room. A potions table had a wide array of potions vials, burners, flasks, and a stack of cauldrons of different materials stood next to it. The desk was a safe distance away from the table but close enough that Draco wouldn’t have to go too far to make notes without loosing track of his work.

“Hopefully this will give you some inspiration for your potions work,” Lucian commented. “All ingredients are held in the potion labs downstairs or the greenhouses. Just make a note of what you’ve used so we can remain stocked up on everything,”

A house elf appeared and whispered to Lucian who thanked him.

“Franklyn has moved all your luggage into your rooms, I’ll let you all unpack and get ready. I’ll send Cassandra, my personal elf, to each of you to come to my study and we can get started on working on a study plan for each of you. Neville could we start with you now?” The blond boy swallowed but nodded.

Draco’s study

The group dispersed into their different rooms. Neville followed Lucian back down the stairs and into another study room. Neville gaped at the office. It was on two levels, with several large bookcases on the second floor all crammed full of books, piles of parchment all bound together with ribbons, tomes and folders. Old, new, and obviously very well taken care of.

The ground floor of the study had a thick rub in front of a roaring fireplace, a pair of thickly cushioned chairs framing the fire. A pretty glass table sat between them with healthy green leafy plants spread out across it. Matching the large leafy basket plant next to the desk.

Lucian waved a chair over to the desk and motioned for Neville to take it while he settled into his own behind the desk.

“Now, Neville Longbottom. From your grades up to this point you seem a perfect candidate for a Herbology Mastery. From Professor Sprouts notes you are an outstanding student. However, it seems that you also have an aptitude for Transfiguration going by how sharply your grades have risen since the beginning of this year. Tell me Neville,” Lucian shuffled through a stack of parchment, reading through one and then another. “What do you want to do with your life?” Honey eyes watched the nervous boy kindly.

“Well, my grandmother thinks I should go into the Auror program,”

“Then it’s a good thing I didn’t ask what Augusta Longbottom wants with her life. I asked what you  wanted to do with your life,”

Neville chewed his lip in silence for several moments before stealing his nerve.

“I want to have my own chain of greenhouses, travelling the world and collecting rare and endangered species of plants to save them and breed them. I want to teach others how important plants are to not only the world but to our carrers as wizards. And…” he paused, unsure if he wanted to continue.

“It’s alright Neville, take your time,” Lucian encouraged.

“My mum was an Auror with my dad, but…she was also the one who built the Longbottom greenhouses and we now supply most of Britain and Europe with not only seedlings and plant clipping but potions ingredients as well. I want to carry that legacy on. To make her proud, as much as I can,” Tears had pooled in his eyes and emotion clogged his throat.

Lucian smiled at the young man. You could feel how passionate Neville was about his dreams, something that wasn’t seen as often because of his insecurities and shyness.

“Well then, together you and I will do all we can to make that dream a reality. Obviously, you’ll be keeping up with your regular subjects, transfiguration, potions, Defence against the Dark arts and the like. But I think we’ll up the number of hours you spend of Herbology, and not just replotting plants, but identification, splicing, breeding, conservation on plants as well. I’m going to talk to Yavn’l, she’s the house elf who runs all the greenhouses and ask her to put you on a schedule for helping her out, impress her enough and she might just let you run one of them yourself. Completely by yourself you understand. We’ll also look into getting you some rarer plants to study as well,”

As he spoke Lucian scrawled something on yet another piece of parchment with a deep blue quill, he signed at the bottom with a flourish and turned it over to the young Gryffindor.

“Now, read that schedule over and the contract. I’ve signed in faith that I will provide to you the best education I can. That I will provide to you the resources you need, the atmosphere and environment ideal for you to reach your full potential. Your signature will be your promise to bring your all to this apprenticeship. That you will set out reasonable goals and reach those goals in a timely, and orderly manner. That you will come to me for any assistance you need, that you will try your best to get along with your fellow apprentices. Do you agree to these terms Neville Longbottom?”

Neville looked at the deep blue quill and nodded sharply. Taking it with sure and confident fingers, he signed his name next to Lucians with a chest full of pride and anticipation. Lucian flicked his fingers at a pot of red wax, and it instantly began to melt and bubble ever so slightly. Taking a small silver stamp, he poured a little wax on the parchment and stamped it, leaving behind an indentation of a star surrounded by curled leaves.

“Well, Apprentice Longbottom. I anticipate wonderful things from you,” they shook hands and Lucian bade Neville to return to his room.

Blaise was rearranging the robes in his closet for the fourth time when a female house elf appeared before him. Dressed in a beautiful blue skirt, with a white blouse and blue waist coat. A silky ribbon was perched in front of one of her large ears and a pair of kitten heels decorated her feet.

“Young Master Zabini I am Cassandra, the King has requested your presence for your formal interview. I shall lead you there,” she spoke in a no-nonsense tone and stood ready at his door. Taking a breath Blaise followed Cassandra through the hallways and downstairs to a large office with Lucian sitting behind a desk.

“Thank you, Cassandra. Please take a seat Blaise,” the boy settled in front of the King. The man picked up a folder of parchments.

“Right, Blaise Zabini. Who is Blaise Zabini? From your records your grades have you as a very strong all-rounder, with no real weaknesses. You are consistent with your markings in that you never fail to achieve between 85 to 90% on all assignments. Your professors sing your praises, hard worker, punctual, charming, if a little withdrawn,” Blaise smiled at the compliments from his teachers, he’d worked hard to achieve a good standing with them and his fellow classmates.

“However,” the smile froze on his face. “All of this?” Lucian waved the folder about in the air before dropping it onto the floor. “Is superficial. That,” he pointed at the folder and parchment spilled out across the floor. “Is not the Blaise Zabini I saw in your study upstairs. That Blaise Zabini is not the boy who went gaga over a long dead witch who very few even remember anymore. So, tell me. Who is Blaise Zabini?” Lucian folded his hands together and lent his elbows upon his desk, hands hiding his mouth and looking hard at the boy.

Blaise felt his mouth run dry. He’d spent his entire life crafting the perfect persona. He grew up in the blood thirsty world of Pureblood Aristocracy, he saw the way his mother was treated by others, reputation surrounded by rumours and malicious lies, how could he not create an armour that could deflect any barbs sent at him. He’d spent so long hidden behind that armour, even when he was at home he kept it up. With the different men his mother had courting her it was necessary.

“I, I um,” he stuttered. “I don’t…” Lucian took pity on the boy and summoned a tray of tea, pouring the shaken child a cup.

“It’s okay to not know Blaise. Its perfectly understandable that you wouldn’t have all your ducks in a row so to speak. Most people your age, hell most adults I know don’t. But that’s what youth is for. Exploring those options, making decisions, regretting those decisions. And this apprenticeship will help you to do that, I will help you do that,”

Blaise lowered his eyes from the King. Befuddled and choked. He took a shaky sip of the tea, the taste of raspberry bloomed on his tongue.

“I prefer the fruitier teas, raspberry and passionfruit seemed like your kind of tea,” Lucian explained, taking a piece of parchment and a blue quill to start writing.

“Now, you of course have time to really decide what you want. But alongside your regular classes you had at Hogwarts I’m going to increase the amount of lessons you have in Runes, Arithmancy, and I’m going to include Warding. Maybe you might enjoy it, maybe you don’t. But its still an experience and a skill you can put to use in the future while you figure things out,”

He laid the parchment in front of Blaise after signing the bottom with a flourish.

“Read through the contract, sign the bottom and we can officially begin your apprenticeship,” Blaise read the contract and for the first time since he was very little Blaise felt hope. In himself.

Harry was pinning up pictures of his friends and family on the wall when Cassandra came to take him to Lucian’s office.

Lucian offered him a cup of tea and to sit down.

“Harry. I can’t say I wasn’t excited to have this conversation with you. Your mother was an exceptional witch, especially for one without a wealthy magical family behind her, though don’t think I’m trying to be prejudice or anything. Her strengths lay in Charms and Potions, while yours seem to be Defence and Transfiguration, your grades have really improved since the school year began. Is there a particular path you want to go down Harry?”

“Well, I did think for a while that maybe the Auror program was a good idea. My dad was an Auror, Sirius is one. But…” he chewed his bottom lip for a moment.

“But?” Lucian encouraged.

“In our second year Lockhart started a duelling club, and we watched several of the teachers just…kick ass. And I’m good at duelling, its fun, invigorating, and I liked tutoring my classmates these past few months, teachings fun. But, I can’t decide which I would want to do more,” Harry explained passionately.

“I see. Who said you only had to choose one?” Lucian asked. “Many of your teachers had excellent careers before they went to teach at Hogwarts. Fillius, Professor Flitwick, was a duelling champion. Undefeated for almost twenty years, pretty sure he still holds the record for the longest run of duel wins. Now, what I can do is help you bring up those grades for the Auror program, you need a pretty decent potions score, defence, charms, transfiguration. As for dueling, oviously you'll have one to one training with me on that, but I think i can swing a couple master duelists to drop by once in a while.Don’t worry, by the end of this apprenticeship you’ll be mastering these topics like nobody else, I can assure you of that if nothing else. Also, I can introduce you to teaching materials, let you get a real feel for the profession. Because as much as its important to teach your students, you must also show them how to critically asses the work they do, to encourage them to push boundaries, and how to safely push them. You have a lot of responsibility as a teacher. Though I will tell you a little secret. Lilly had cast her eye upon becoming a teacher during her tenure here, though she ultimately chose to become a Charms Mistress,” Harry’s green eyes widened, he was something of a glutton when it came to information about his parents.

“Indeed. She’d have been perfect for the job obviously, but I think she would have much preferred inventing new spells than teaching them. Now, sign this here and we can begin your Apprenticeship,”

Draco swallowed tightly as he stood before the Kings study. Cassandra was peering up at him in something akin to exasperation.

“What fools these mortals be,” she muttered to herself, though it was loud enough for Draco to hear. She walked behind the blond and gave him a mighty shove, forcing him through the study door. He stumbled forward and almost face planted the thick rug but was thankfully saved from that embarrassment by Lucian’s magic holding him aloft.

“Ah, Draco. Nice of you to drop in,”

On second thought, it might have been better for Draco to eat carpet, maybe he wouldn’t have had to hear that.

“Come, sit sit. Lets talk.” He poured a cup of tea and let Draco compose himself.

“Than you, your Grace,” Draco accepted the cup with grace.

“So, Draco Malfoy. I see you have definity taken after your fathers. A brilliant mind, ambitious, suave. And not afraid to speak your mind, though perhaps a little more tact is needed in some cases. Now, with all of this going for you, here you sit shaken like a leaf in a thunderstorm Surely you now there’s nothing to be nervous about,”

Draco hadn’t even realised he was trembling. But yes, little shakes seemed to travel up his spine and down his arms and legs every few minutes.

“Draco, I want you to know. The fact that I taught your fathers had nothing to do with me choosing you. The fact I taught Harry’s mother had nothing to do with me choosing him either. If I’m being completely candid, I don’t actually choose my students entirely by myself,”

“You don’t…then, how?”

“I am intrinsically linked to the world. My existence is entirely based on the world, and on magic herself. She willed me into being, to act on her behalf. Ruling over the magical world is a privilege that can be taken from me at any point. But I must act as the balance. When the different factions fight or go to war it is my responsibility to bring it to an end. However, it is a draining task. And the little reprieve I get is in teaching. So, with the Lady’s help I head to places where I think I will find exceptional magical talent. And the Lady assists me in choosing my students. Because all the students I choose could, in one way or the other, affect the world around them,”

Draco’s head was spinning trying to take in all the information Lucian was giving him.

“For example, one student of mine was brilliant. I mean, excellent. Magically gifted, intelligent, handsome, charming, you name it. Now, I had no idea who this boy was. He was just an orphan, from a no-name family abandoned at birth. But I knew the moment I laid eyes on that boy that he was going to do great things. However, what those things might have been I couldn’t say at the time. In another life had I not taken him he might have tried stretching his influence across Britain and destroyed himself and others to achieve those goals. Thankfully, Lady Magic insisted on him and instead he now sits as Britain’s greatest Minister for Magic since the Lady Tremain in 1567,”

“No way. Thomas Slytherin?” Draco knew he probably looked like a fool, his mouth dropped open and gapping like a fish but. Wow. To hear that one of his fathers closest friends might have become some overlord instead of the Man who successfully brought about a united Wizengamot in under two years in office, and who had lost an election since was….unreal.

“Yes way. You might even get to see him. He likes to skive off of work and sneak away in this place the lazy thing. But, lets not get off track. We’re here to talk about you. What’s your biggest ambition Draco?”

“To become a Potions Master,” he answered immediately. It had been his only dream since he was a small child, standing next to his Papa’s elbow and watching the man brew.

“That’s all? No other interests. Apart from green eyed, spectacled wizards I mean,” Lucian teased. Chuckling at the slight blush on high cheekbones.

“Not really. I mean, its really the only thing I’ve wanted to do with my life. Sure the other subjects are great and interesting but Potions is a cut above the rest,”

“Then we shall turn you into the best Potions Master Britain has ever seen. Now, you’ll be doing this alongside those inferior subjects but I’ll increase the number of potions lessons you have, while also adding in some one on one tutelage., hopefully, if you keep up with the work load I should be able to assign you a Potions Lab of your own, and you’ll do more independent work. And I’m assigning you some extra reading. Alchemy, and Healing,” he scratched down several titles on a piece of parchment before handing both that and his schedule over to the Blond. “Just sign at the bottom,”

As Draco curved his signature a bell sounded through the study.

“That will be dinner. Have you finished your unpacking?”

“Yes Sir,”

“Then let us head down to dinner. Cassandra will collect the others,”

Chapter Text

It had been a week since Lucian had brought his students home, and he had to admit they might very well be the best apprentices he’s ever had. Each one was far more intelligent than even they themselves realised, already Draco was scribbling potion alterations and recipes into his notebook, Neville had been taken under Yavn’l’s wing quite enthusiastically and was spending hours on end tending to the many magical and mundane plants Lucian had growing. He’d even collaborated with Draco on a new fertilizer for some of Lucian’s more tenacious flora.

It was definitely a brilliant idea to encourage Blaise to study Warding, Arabella reported that he spent most of his free time with his face buried in warding books and scribbling runes down onto parchment, experimenting with simple warding runes and creating small barriers. Arabella took to Blaise better than she ever took to a student.

Harry was still finding his feet but Lucian was confident the boy would wade further into the duelling waters soon. A lot of Harry’s problems came with trying to live up to his parents memories, without having a single clue about how they actually lived. So Lucians’ biggest battle would be to encourage Harry to explore for his own sake.

He entered his own private library, where he kept thousands of personal journals, diaries, and books of rarer topics.

“We have spoken about you hiding away here Thomas,” he chuckled, a dark head of hair peaked out from one of the many bookshelves. Mischievous blue eyes twinkled slightly from a handsome face. Thomas Slytherin, quite possibly the smartest mortal Lucian had ever met, though he was definitely the most cunning. He’d excelled in political discourse, while also being wickedly intelligent at magic. He seemed to understand the intrinsic nature of magic, how it was woven into everything on Earth and beyond.

“Yes, but I seem to have forgotten. You wouldn’t happen to have a moment to teach me Master,” he cheeked. Lucian laughed, he had missed the other man. He was so busy with the Elections coming up, and dealing with the Tri-wizard tournament. Thomas came forward and pressed a gentle kiss to Lucian’s cheek. “How are the latest batch?” he asked.

Lucian walked over to one of the plush green sofas near the fireplace, a wave of his hand had the fire lit, a tray of tea and finger sandwiches laying on the small table in front of the sofa.

“I think they’ll be the greatest students I ever teach,” Lucian confessed, pouring Thomas a cup of his favourite Ginger tea, swirling a spoonful of the blossom honey he knew Thomas secretly enjoyed. “They’ll also more than likely, be my last,”

Thomas laughed, “No they won’t. You say that, but we both know you can’t resist teaching. You’ll see these ones graduate, become Masters and take the world on, maybe go a few decades but you’ll choose more,” he thanked his teacher for the tea and took a sip, enjoying the sweetness on his tongue. Looking up he frowned slightly at the sad look in Lucians eyes. “What is it?”

“You are aware of my nature. How Magic made me for a purpose, that it comes with strain. Thomas, I can no longer bare the pain anymore,”

It was true. Being the catalyst and balance for all of magic placed a tremendous strain on Lucian, he was a being of pure magic holding up pure magic, in the body of a mortal. Like Atlas keeping the sky from crushing the Earth.

“It is time I choose my Heir, and move on,” Thomas all but slammed his cup down onto the tray.

“No! I refuse to believe it. How can you even say that?! You are the King, the greatest Mage to have ever graced the Earth, you can’t just….die!”

“Control yourself Thomas,” Lucian scolded, reminding Thomas of his younger years. “This is not something I relish. But it is happening. You must accept that,” Thomas fell to his knees before the King, grasping his hands tightly and burying his face in them.

“It’s not true. You can’t,” he whispered, kissing talented and powerful palms. Lucian smiled sadly at the other man. He couldn’t say Thomas wasn’t his favourite, and that telling him this news wasn’t going to cause pain, but it is what it is. There is nothing Lucian can do. When the time came, Magic would release him of his greatest burden and Lucian would fade from the world. Return to Magic once and for all.

“I am sorry my darling. Truly,” He bent over Thomas’ shaking form, trying to comfort the best he could.

Chapter Text

Draco slammed his book shut in frustration. It wasn’t working! He’d been trying for days to reconnect to Harry’s dreamscape and he just couldn’t. It was like he was walking through fog.

“I see you’ve been unable to visit young Harry in his dreams,” the king spoke from his doorway. Draco shot up from his floor and stammered.

“I did knock, but you seemed engrossed. I will explain,” Lucian instructed the boy to sit at his desk while Lucian took the stool near his work bench. “You will be unable to traipse through the dreamscapes of anyone on this island. It would be best for you to connect with Harry in reality, from now on,”

Draco avoided looking at his teacher, not wanting him to see the red flush of shame crawling across his cheeks.

“Its difficult to speak on our feelings to those we admire. But influencing their feelings for us is far worse Draco,” Lucian explained kindly, teenagers were rather fragile creatures Lucian had discovered, if you pressed them too harshly they cracked, and those fissures would last a life time.

“But I’m not! That spell only works if both the caster and the recipient both have the same feelings,” Draco protested.

“Yes, but that does not mean it has to be romantic feelings,” the King answered sternly.

Draco reared back surprise written plainly across his face.

“Spells that connect to peoples minds, whether reality or dream, require a connection between the two. Dream walking doesn’t need the recipient to feel attraction to the caster, just an emotion that the two shared. For example, you may have been feeling romantic or sexual towards Harry before casting the spell, but earlier you maybe felt irritated, or hurt, or angry at him. Harry may have felt the same way at the same time. The spell would latch onto that shared connection in that moment and use it to create the bridge needed. Sure what happens in the dreamscape is at the mercy of both participents, but that doesn’t mean either are consenting,” Draco deflated. Hunched into himself tightly.

“But…does that mean…he never felt the same way?” Lucian softened, Draco sounded so small. So lost in his teenaged feelings. Lucian stood from the stool and took the blond into his arms.

“I cannot answer that question for you Draco, only young Harry can. You must be brave,”

Blaise was taking a break from his self-study. Well, he was ordered out of his room by Arabella to ‘get some air and calm himself down’.

It wasn’t his fault he’d managed to figure out the block he was hitting in his warding and may or may not have stayed up all night working on it.

A small shuffle and chuffing noise distracted Blaise from his pouting. Blinking he looked about, somehow he’d walked all the way to the greenhouses without realising. Before him was the greenhouse Neville worked in the most and standing at the door peering inside was the porlock, Ganon. Apparently the porlock had taken a liking to Neville and would subtly follow the boy when he went about his herbology studies. Blaise cleared his throat very softly, as not to scare the timid creature, Ganon peaked to look at the boy and perked up when Blaise offered him a food pellet.

The porlock shuffled closer and let the boy pet him while he munched down on the treat. He made happy snuffling sounds before trotting on his way. Blaise approached the greenhouse and knocked politely on the door, the human inside was just as skittish as the creature watching him after all.

Neville turned from the large green plant he was…grooming? That had to be it, for he was holding one of its large pink petals in one hand and softly brushing it with a comb in with other.

“Oh, Blaise. Hi.” Neville greeting shyly, he’d hardly ever spoken to the Slytherin boy before, or any Slytherin for that matter. Having him in his safe space was a little daunting.

“Good morning. Arabella has thrown me from my own room and ordered I not return for at least an hour, so I thought I’d offer my assistance. If you want it that is,” he explained. Neville blinked for a moment, before grinning shyly and nodding.

“I’d like that. Could you mix the growth potion into that watering can? This Columbian Furthorn is very particular about betting her petal fur brushed,”

‘so that’s what that is’ Blaise thought to himself. He’d never seen a Furthorn in person before, the plant much too rare and expensive for Hogwarts to obtain. It was about seven feet in height, with a thick almost tree-like stem covered in thorn that dripped a special type of sap used in healing potions or anti-aging creams. Its petals came in different colours, but always bright and as the name suggests, furry. Thousands of tiny hairs grew on the petals surface to give it s furlike texture.

“Sure,” he answered and set about preparing the can.

Hermione Granger was in trouble.

The First Task was fast approaching and she had no idea what the obstacle was going to be. None of the other champions were telling her (so much for loyalty and fair play Hufflepuff), the teachers were barely cordial to her and where before would call on her answers in class now just ignored her. Even taking points and assigning detention if she spoke without permission. Her classmates all jeered and laughed at her, more than they ever did before.

None of her house was speaking to her and Hermione was certain she’d never felt more lonely. But she pushed that feeling down, it didn’t matter. Not when she had the chance to prove once and for all that Purebloods weren’t better than Muggleborns. Not in the slightest.

But right now all she had to focus on was what the first task was. And none of her research even narrowed down what it could be.

In past tournaments the first task was always a lead onto the second. Something about the first task was a clue to the second, either she had to retrieve a clue, or the winner of that task was given a clue or something. And it always had a beast element to it. Either they had to fight a beast, get around a beast, tame one, or the like.

So, using that little amount of knowledge, Hermione would somehow have to deal with a creature of some dangerous extent, and retrieve a clue to the second task.

Too bad she had absolutely no skill at Care of Magical Creatures, nor did she know the creature she would be going against.

Lucian rubbed at his temple, he had a very large headache brewing and was loath to take a potion to cure it. His pupils were all tucked into bed sleeping soundly, Arabella had just visited him to gush about how dedicated Blaise was to his craft and to warn that he was more than a little obsessed with perfection on it. His talk with Draco seemed to go down well, and the boy had given Lucian that little dreamwalking book of his own volition before asking if Harry would like to join him for a duel in the practice room, something Harry had readily accepted.

You’d think, with everything going so well in his home he wouldn’t have much to be stressed over.

Except he did.

Ever since he’d informed Thomas about decline the man had taken it upon himself to convince Lucian to stick around. From guilting him to blackmail, to outright begging. And it hurt. It hurt to see his beloved student so upset about this. He knew Thomas had an uneasy relationship with the topic of death but he’d thought they’d worked past it. That he had matured enough to understand nothing lasts forever.

He was pulled from his musing by the fireplace flaring green and Thomas walking into his study, eyes determined and mouth set in a firm line.

“Thomas, if you’re here to fight with me again, please save it,” he sighed. He sat up a little straighter in his seat to address the man. Thomas however simply marched forward and grabbed Lucian’s robe front.

“If you are too obtuse to understand why I am fighting you so hard on this then maybe this will get through to you,” with that he crushed his mouth against Lucians’ in a hot, heavy and desperate kiss. He poured every ounce of respect, awe, adoration, desperation, love, and dispare into the kiss, trying to make the King understand.

Lucian gasped against the onslaught, understanding and seeing Thomas in a whole new light. He lifted a hand and pressed his palm against Thomas’ cheek, urging him to soften the connect, accepting his feelings and offering comfort in his return press of lips. They broke apart softly, both panting into each others faces.

“Oh, Thomas,” Lucian breathed. Really Understanding why the man was trying so hard now.

Chapter Text

The day of the First Task had arrived and Harry was excited to return to Hogwarts and see his friends again. He was also anxious to see Hermione. Sure she had been incredibly rude, cruel, and dismissive of him after the Kings’ Invitations but she was still someone Harry cared about, and this Tournament had killed students before. He had to see, for his own peace of mind, that she was going to be okay.

“Hey,” Draco greeted, approaching Harry at the dock they had arrived on weeks prior. He was wearing the Malfoy Family colours today, a dark sapphire blue with a silver trim and a white Peacock embroidered on the lapel. His blonde hair was left gel-free and touseled, with locks flowing lightly in the gentle breeze.

“Hi,” Harry returned, slightly breathlessly. Draco had changed in his behaviour towards him recently. He was more open, less mocking – though still very teasing- and…Harry would almost say Draco was being fond with him. But that was ridiculous. Just because they were students together underneath the Greatest Wizard of all time doesn’t mean anything.

“Would you like to sit with me during the Task? Or do you wish to sit with your friends? I know you haven’t seen them in a while,”

“Aren’t you going to sit with your friends?” Harry asked, slightly confused by the invitation. Draco looked a little nervous to ask.

“Aside from Blaise, only Theo is someone I would consider a close friend. And he has a girlfriend now, so will probably be sitting with her. I’ll just sit with my Father’s, don’t worry, forget I asked,”

Harry instinctively reached out to grip the sleeve of Draco’s robe. “Would you like to sit with me and my friends?” he blurted out, the words leaving him before he could really think them through. Draco looked between Harry’s hand and Harry’s face, pale cheeks turning ever so slightly pink before ducking his head to hide behind his loose fringe.

“I…I think I’d like that. If they’ll have me,”

Several feet away from the pair Blaise and Neville stood watching, rather unimpressed.

“Merlin that was painful to watch,” Blaise muttered. Neville nodded in agreement, it was really difficult to watch his friend pine away at his ‘Nemesis’ while being completely unaware of his own feelings, or that those feelings were returned in any way.

“I agree completely. Want to sit with me?” he asked the Italian boy. Blaise cocked a crooked smirk, wound his arm around Nevilles’ and laid his palm in the crook of the other boys elbow.

“I was just about to ask you the same thing,”

Meanwhile Lucian was watching his students and feeling rather inept at his own singleness. Who’d have thought the shyest of his students had more confidence to stake his claim than the two more confident ones.

Again, teenagers just highlighting the fact Lucian hasn’t had a date in…well ever really.

Master and Students arrived at Hogwarts 30 minutes before the task was set to start. Minister Thomas met them along side Headmaster Dumbledore, Headmaster Karkaroff, Headmistress Maxine, and their Champions. Cedric was making a concerted effort to keep the disdain for Hermione from his face as he stood next to her. Bartemous Crouch and Ludo Bagman had also joined the group.

Hermione looked rather tired. Her hair was tied back in a tight braid that fell down her back, her Gryffindor sports robe hung slightly on her frame and her eyes had dark bruises beneath them from lack of sleep.

Lucian embraced the Minister, cupping his face and smiling tenderly at the man. Thomas blinked slightly but gave him his own smile in turn. Dumbledore received the King next, kissing his knuckles with a slight bow before hugging the man. Both Karkaroff and Maxine gave their own bows to the King.

“Welcome Your Highness, to you and your Students! Would you please follow us to the Champions tent were the objectives of this task will be explained to the Champions,” Bagman blustered, ushering everyone to the arena. The stands were packed, cheering students from all three schools showing their enthusiasm and pride for their champions. Though, Lucian noticed far more enthusiasm towards Cedric than Hermione. He sent his students up into the stands to mingle with their friends and get a good view. He would be sitting in the judges box, there to spectate and judge, but also reign things in if it got too dangerous for the champions involved. Lucian was all for competition but not at the expense of children’s lives. He entered the tent first and watched silently as Ludo had the champions gather around him and produce a charmed bag.

“Inside this bag are the tokens that you will be facing today. Each one is different but all of them are guarding an object that will tell you the instructions for the second task; A golden egg. Ladies first,” he held the purple silk bag to Fleur who looked at her Headmistress before reaching inside the bag, fishing around for a moment before pulling out a small figurine of a stone lion. It stretched from its crouch, looked about before pouncing on Fleurs fingers, around its neck hung a golden 2. The girl cooed.

“Ah the Shishi…Chinese guardian Lions that were thought to protect buildings from harmful spiritual influences and harmful people that might be a threat. Used in imperial Chinese palaces and tombs, or shrines. Be careful, they may look playful, but they are fiercely protective of their treasures,” Ludo exclaimed. Lucian nodded in agreement. Stone Lions were ferocious if they believed someone might be a harm to the building they guarded. Ludo held the bag to Krum next.

Krum stuck his hand into the bag and immediately yanked it back with a hiss. Curled around his fingers was what appeared to be a blue string, that hissed. Upon opening his hand a figurine of a winged creature stood tall and hissed at the group, head snapping and twisting in the Bulgarians palm, his figurine had a 3 around its neck.

“The Colchian Dragon was a serpent who guarded the Golden Fleece in the War God Ares’ grove at Colchis, believe me it wasn’t easy getting that creature here,” Ludo boasted. Lucian took in Karkaroffs pale pallor and wondered if he had voice how little faith he had in his student to the students themselves.

Cedric was next. In went his hand, and out it came a grey troll, with club accessory and accompanying foul smell.

“Hah, the mountain troll. Known for killing travellers and taking stashes of treasure up into their mountain lairs. Good pick my boy!” the troll was the easiest of all the beasts in that bag, but the one around its neck meant Cedric was going first.

Hermione was left till last. Her hand shook as she reached into the silk, she withdrew a long greenish-blue multi-headed figurine with a slightly confused glint in her eyes. Lucian approached at that point.

“Congratulations Miss Granger, your token is the Hydra…a beast so foul even its breath is poisonous. Be careful young lady, be very, very careful.” Lucian warned. “You wanted to prove yourself, now you can. I just hope it won’t be the last chance you get to do it,”

Hermione couldn’t meet the Kings golden gaze after that. She would be the last to face her beast.

“Once the canon fires you will each enter the arena and collect the golden egg that holds the clue to the next task. You will be ranked by each of us out of ten, I wish you all good luck!” with that the canon fired and Cedric headed for the entrance.

Chapter Text

Cedric entered the arena with a confident air. Alister Moody had been working with him closely on his spell work, so he knew he had a good chance of beating whatever creature he picked. It also didn’t hurt that Hagrid had snuck him into the forbidden forest to see the creatures the Tournament organisers had imported in. Cedric was immensely glad he didn’t get the Hydra, that was a dangerous beast, that several Ministry’s had wanted to hunt into extinction, and would have had the King not stepped in and forbade it. Instead, King Lucian had them rounded up and rehomed to an island off of Greece with spells, enchantments, and wards to keep the beasts in, and anyone without authorisation out.

Cedric headed for a large boulder set in the arena for coverage. The troll was lumbering in the centre of the arena, circling a pile of golden treasure. Atop the heap was what Cedric assumed to be the golden egg. Troll hide was thick, they were harvested for certain types of gloves and robes so cutting curses weren’t going to do the trick here. Blasting curses might work, but that ran the risk of the Troll falling back into the treasure and crushing something, Ludo hadn’t said if they would lose points for that but Cedric wanted to come out of this with as close to a perfect score as he could.

The Trolls club was basically a tree, thick and solid looking. If Cedric got hit with that thing, then he was a goner. However, he watched as the troll lifted the club to swat at a bird, it took the beast effort. Obviously, the club had weight the Troll wasn’t comfortable with, but Cedric could use that. A feather weight charm aimed at the club first, to help Cedric lift it with a levitation charm second, get it a good thirty, fifty feet in the air and cancel both charms so it dropped on top of the Trolls head. A solid plan, but he would have to lure the Troll away from the treasure in case he missed the troll with the club. Cedric looked around the arena and smirked at a medium sized boulder, sending a transfiguration spell at the boulder he turned it into a yellow Labrador that immediately began yapping and jumping about. Cedric felt a little bad about it, until he reminded himself it wasn’t a real dog.

The dog did its job and caught the Trolls attention, it began to lumber after the dog away from the pile a good twenty yards, Cedric snuck towards the treasure aimed at the trolls club and sent his spells. As the club ripped away from the trolls hand it looked confused before following the club upwards and staring at it stupidly. Cedric let the club fall, didn’t wait for it to connect before climbing the hoard and grabbing the egg.

He probably should have made sure his plan worked to perfection all the way to the end because when the club hit the troll it certainly knocked the beast out, but also knocked it backwards. Towards the treasure hoard. Where Cedric was climbing down from. Lucian shot up from his seat ready to stop the troll from crushing the young man. However, Cedric threw himself forward at the last second and the troll just missed him. But when the boy landed, he didn’t move.

Medics flooded the arena alongside several creature handlers who surrounded the troll and immobilised it. Lucian apparated down to the arena and lend a hand to the medics.

“How is he? Did the troll hit him?” he asked, eyes intent on the young man before him. One of the medics scanned Cedric and muttered several healing spells.

“Yes, looks like he accidentally hit his head on a rock when he threw himself forwards. Luckily just a few spells, and potions and he’ll be fine. Few days bed rest just to be on the safe side. Look, he’s already coming around, what a trooper,” the medic praised, and Cedric stirred. Lucian helped the boy sit up and smiled warmly at him.

“Well done Mr Diggory, you have completed the first task. Head with the Healers and you’ll receive your score after your fellow champions have faced their own beasts,” Lucian explained, he conjured a stretcher for the medics and followed them to the healers tent. To make sure Cedric got settled.

Up in the stands Harry, sitting with Ron, Dean, Seamus, Lavender, Parvati, Draco, Neville, Blaise, Theo, and Theo’s girlfriend; and younger girl named Luna, was nervous. That troll was huge! And if all the champions had to face a similar beast than he was really worried for Hermione.

The arena was reset, and the second beast was brought in.

“And now Ladies and Gentlemen! We have the French Princess, the Beauty of Beauxbaton, Fleur Delacour!” Ludo presented from the judges box. The cannon went off and the French lady entered the Arena. She looked around her confused, not seeing her creature. Not until a stone rammed into her side.

“Mistress Delacour must face the Shishi! A Chinese stone lion that is a fierce protector of temples, Chinese palaces, and other buildings. Will Miss Delacour best this beast? Or will she succumb?”

Fleur scrambled back to her feet, dodging the stone beast hot on her tail. While the Shishi was strong it wasn’t fast, nor was it that agile. So Fleur kept it chasing her, making small, rash decisions. Quick ducks, sharp turns, and dives. All to keep the Shishi on its toes, taking notes on its other limitations. Fleur noticed that the closer she got to the large stone table that had the golden egg on the wilder the Shishi got, lashing out at her with huge paws, but if she put several yards between her and the egg then the beast became rather docile, just watching her.

However, being made of stone meant the beast had one weak spot. It’s belly. All Fleur needed to do was get beneath the creature and fire a powerful blasting curse. She ran to the far side of the arena directly opposite the Shishi, paused to catch her breath and grip her wand tight before sprinting forwards. As she reached fifteen feet away from the egg the Shishi roared and launched itself at her, Fleur dropped back into a slide on her knees beneath the Shishi and fired the blasting curse. It landed precisely and showered the French Lady with stone and powder.

The crowed roared in excitement and approval, while Fleur tried to catch her breath and stood to collect her egg. Only for another roar to send shivers up her spine as another Shishi appeared before her over the table.

“Oh! Did I forget to mention that Shishi’s are typically found in pairs? My bad,” Ludo lamented, chuckling at the dark glare Fleur shot him.

She bolted away from the table as quickly as she could, desperate to put more space between them however the Shishi didn’t follow.

“Shishi come in pairs, male and female. Representing the Ying and Yang in Chinese culture, the male Shishi would protect the outside of the structure, while the female protected the inhabitants of the structure they guard, Miss Delacour easily outsmarted the male Shishi but can she defeat the female, whose job is to protect the treasure inside?” Ludo’s voice boomed across the arena.

Lucian watched the young woman analyse her options. She was clearly very intelligent, utilising the male Shishi’s weak underbelly to concentrate her attack. However, the female Shishi wasn’t going to leave that table. She wouldn’t be lured to it nor would she allow Fleur near her either. Personally, Lucian would have used the terrain as cover to get close enough to duplicate the egg, and then summon the actual egg to him. But whether Fleur would do that is another question.

Fleur then did something that completely baffled the King. She sauntered to the beast, emitting a charismatic aura around her. She almost shimmered in a luminescent glow. Lucian laughed lightly before leaning towards Madam Maxine.

“Olympe my dear, how much Veela blood does Miss Delacour have in her?” he asked softly.

“Her grandmother is full Veela, but Fleur is only a quarter-veela your grace,” she replied, a proud tilt to her voice.

“Well she has excellent control of her charm. Not sure it’ll help her here though,” Thomas commented.

“I wouldn’t be so quick to dismiss her my dear,” Lucian scolded lightly. “she has already tricked everyone here,”

Indeed Fleur had. As she stepped closer to the Shishi it obviously decided she was too close as its paw flew out and struck the girl. There were several screams in the crowd as she flew across the arena, only to shatter into tiny glass shards. A sharp whistle sounded from the entrance and looking over Fleur stood triumphantly holding up that egg.

“How?” Thomas asked.

“When she started her Charm spell she also did a human transfiguration and a disalusionment spell. While everyone including the Shishi, was spellbound to watch the fake, Fleur snuck around the back of the Arena and scooped up her prize. Excellent spell casting, I can’t find a single fault, what are you teaching those children at Beauxbaton Olympe?” Lucian explained.

“Perhaps you shall find your next students at my school your Grace,” she quipped, giving her student a polite round of applause.

Again, the tournament organisers entered the arena to subdue the remaining Shishi, and reset the grounds. They left a large tree in the very centre of the arena and placed the golden egg on a thick branch.

“Two down, two to go,” Ludo announced. “Please give a warm welcome to our third Champion, the Bulgarian dark horse, quidditch master, and teenage heart throb, Viktor Krum! And his beast, The Colchian Dragon!” the dragon entered the arena first. Large, blue and long. Almost more serpent than dragon, if it weren’t for the small pair of wings on the dragon back. It had short arms and legs so it slithered more than it walked towards the tree to wind its long body around the tree and stand guard over its treasure; the golden egg.

Krum entered the arena with a confident air and immediately fired a strong blasting curse towards the serpent. It hit the dragons coils and caused it to recoil with a strong hiss before it shot a strong blast of fire at the Bulgarian. Lucian pursed his lips in irritation, this particular Colchian Dragon was one Lucian himself had hatched and raised, an offspring of the legendary Colchian dragon that guarded the golden fleece. This breed of dragon was so territorial that once given anything golden it would kill without hesitation to keep it. Lucian was so not impressed the Krum decided to go the violent route in retrieving his egg.

One fact most people overlooked with beasts, is that they were all susceptible to music. Give them a peaceful lullaby and they’ll fall straight to sleep, had Krum done any type of research after his headmaster helped him sneak into the forest to where they were keeping the creatures, just as Hagrid did for Cedric, just as Maxine did for Fleur. Not sure who helped Granger, or if anyone did.

Thomas snuck a glance at his King, stifled a snicker at the petulant look on his face.

“Something wrong your Grace?” he asked slyly.

“Can’t say I approve of Mr Krums’ tactics for my Dragon,” Karkaroff paled at that news, he turned to assure the King that his student wouldn’t do undue damage to the beast when a high-pitched scream filled the air. Turning back, he swallowed his tongue at the sight of his student attempting to pat out a large bloom of fire on his arm that travelled up his face. However, in his other arm was the egg. Seems he rushed the dragon and used its small arms and legs against it to climb the tree and snatch up the egg.

“Well, I suppose there’s something to be said for sheer stubborn bullheadedness,” Lucian commented before heading back down to the arena to corral his moody serpent.

Thomas watched his King, eyes pinned to the man as he navigated his dragons snarls.

“Stare any harder and you might as well undress him in front of everyone mon ami,” Maxine giggled lightly, chuckling harder when Thomas’ cheeks flushed pink. “Oh, don’t worry, he is a difficult man not to stare at,”

The arena was cleared with Lucian giving his Dragon a replica golden egg to placate it before helping the handlers take it from the arena and then navigating how they would bring the Hydra into the arena safely. Lucian looked up to the judges’ box and beckoned Thomas down to join them.

“My darling, we’re going to try parseltongue on the Hydra, see if we can confuse the heads enough to get it into the arena without any Handlers going missing,” Lucian whispered into the Ministers ear. Thomas stifled the lust filled shiver that ran down his spine at the image of his King speaking Parseltongue, something that was just between the two of them. Of course the King being of Magic would have that talent. Thomas hadn’t come across something Lucian couldn’t do yet.

“Let us begin,” Thomas agreed. The pair approached the Hydra curled in its cage and glaring hotly at them with all seven of its heads.

‘Who dares!” It hissed savagely. Lucian stepped elegantly in front of his ex-student, unwilling to allow him to be unguarded.

“Tis I, King Lucian. I, and my companion Thomas Slytherin, have come to ask you to participate in a challenge for eternal glory,” Lucian hissed back, bowing slightly to the large serpent. Thomas took Lucians lead and bowed down as well. The snake slithered closer in its cage to sniff at the King before seemingly approving of the man.

‘For the King of Magic? We shall converse, though your mates pheromones are distracting,’ the hydra withdrew to hiss at each of its heads while Thomas flushed pink at Lucian’s smirk

“You’re pheromone huh?” Lucian teased.

“Shut up,” Thomas hissed. Lucian laughed and lent into the British Minister for Magic briefly.

“I don’t mind. Flattering really,”

“Seriously, shut up,”

The hydra returned to the pair and the third head, that seemed to be the dominant one, spoke.

‘We have agreed to participate in this challenge. Though we are most displeased to be stolen away from our island and demand compensation in the form of three large bulls. Each.’

“You can’t even eat three small bulls each you cheeky thing!” Lucian scolded them. “One each, after the challenge, and two before you return home,”

‘deal, now what is it you need of us?” the snake asked.

“Your champion is to collect a golden egg from you. We ask that you defend the egg, but try not to maim or kill this champion, she’s a fool hardy young girl too cocky and arrogant. Teach her a lesson, but don’t hurt her,” Thomas looked at his King. He knew how angry Lucian had been by Grangers antics, how worried he was about it, how helpless he felt. Because once you made a contract with Magic, you couldn’t break it. And that was what putting your name in the Goblet of Fire did, it created a binding contract with Magic and Lucian wouldn’t and couldn’t break that.

“Master? Isn’t that a bit too much favouritism?” he asked.

“No, she’s a child. And children make stupid decisions. But they should never make choices that will kill them. Do we have a deal?” Lucian directed the last of his statement to the serpent who tilted its heads before all seven of them nodding solemnly.

‘We shall honour your commands oh King,’

Chapter Text

Hermione entered the arena trembling. She had absolutely no idea how to win this. She’d been racking her brain since pulling the hydra from the bag, but all she remembered from Greek mythology was that she had to avoid cutting the heads off, and avoid breathing in the poisonous breath it released.

Ducking behind a large boulder Hermione ripped part of her robes, folded them twice and tied it around her mouth and nose. Not the most perfect barrier against fumes but it was better than leaving her mouth bare, and she didn’t know the bubble-head charm. Peering around the boulder Hermione surveyed the arena, looking for her opponent.

Unlike the dragon and Shishi, the Hydra was slithering sluggishly across the arena, its golden egg nestled within a small clutch of white eggs in a nest of rocks. The head all swivelled across the place, hissing and snapping. Hermione could chance it and make a run for the nest and snatch the egg. Or she could summon the egg to her.

“Accio egg,” she whispered. Unfortunately the wrong egg came flying at her. Ducking with a squeak the egg smashed into her cover, drawing the Hydra’s attention to her. It came after the girl at lightening speed, Hermione scrambled to escape but a swift turn by the serpent had its tail catching her in the side and sent her hurtling across the arena. She landed with a pained gasp and shaky cough. Her ribs were on fire and catching her breath was proving to be difficult. The Hydra approached and one head leaned in close to sniff her.

Hermione pointed her wand behind her and cast.

“Incendio!” a burst of flame hit the Hydra head and sent it back with a screech. Hermione scrambled to her feet and limped for cover. The Hydra was fast, strong and agile. But didn’t like fire. At all apparently. She could use that. The smell of burning flesh had many of the audience gaging, and Lucian grimace in sympathy for the creature. He’d asked the Hydra not to hurt the girl, but he doubted it would listen now. Not with the burnt face flopping about uselessly.

The Hydra hissed menacingly. Before two head reached around and started chewing at the useless head. Hermione’s jaw dropped as she watched the serpent bite its own head off, and two more grow from the remains. Eight heads now glared hatefully at the girl. She needed to get that egg, and get it now.

The nest was twenty feet away from her at this point, and Hermione knew she couldn’t outrun the creature, even if her ribs weren’t broken. But she could distract it, standing as straight as her ribs would allow Hermione stepped back from the smaller boulder she’d hidden behind and pointed her wand at it.

“Bombada Maxima!” the blasting curse hit the boulder and destroyed it, sending chunks of rock at the serpent, it hissed and shrank back from the debris. Hermione followed that with a shouted, “Pestis Incendium!”

“How does she know that spell!” Lucian roared, watching in horror as a jet of fire came bursting from the witches wand, hot and large, with roaring dragons, serpents and chimeras leaping about. The flame circled the Hydra, licking at its body and heads, making it scream and wail. Hermione cut the connection on her end and raced towards the egg. She ignored everything around her, the screams of the audience as the fiendfyre grew larger and larger, the eggs she crushed beneath her feet. She even ignored the Hydra that managed to escape the flames and come after the girl. Its teeth enclosed on her right leg as her hand closed around the golden egg.

She screamed, pain sliced up her leg hot as molten lava that caused her to lock up and fall to the ground. The Hydra pulled at her, dragging her towards it as the other seven heads raised up and prepared to strike.

A flash of light came from the audience and hit the Hydra, once the light cleared the Hydra was gone and Lucian stood in the arena, drawing the fire towards him. It disappeared into the palm of his hand before he turned to Hermione. The girl had blacked out from the pain but was still curled around the golden egg.

“Stupid girl,” Lucian growled. Waving his hand he fixed her fractured ribs, drew the poison from the bite from her bloodstream and knitted the tear in her thigh. Medics swarmed the grounds and took Hermione away to be further checked out.

“Give the scores,” Lucian ordered before he too swept from the arena, he’d never been so furious in his entire long life. How had a fourteen year old learned that spell? Where  had she learned it? Lucian entered the champions tent to see the other three champions, all in different states of healing but all looking aware.

“Your scored shall be announced shortly. I personally think you all did wonderfully, and are a credit to your institutions. Use this as a learning experience for the task ahead. Miss Granger will join you all later,”

After all was said and done, Fleur ended up in first place with a score of 44 out of 50. Karkaroff being the only one to give a score of 6, and Thomas giving her an eight. Cedric came second with 40, most of his point loss coming from his negligence of his surroundings. Viktor was given 35, Lucian most decidedly unimpressed with his use of violence against the dragon, and Hermione came last with 18, Lucian scoring her a zero.

As the champions gathered around to here their clue for the second task they all looked nervous. With Granger looking the worst.

“Now then Ladies and Gentlemen! The second task. If you though this challenge was formidable than you are in for a large surprise with this next one!” Ludo exclaimed. “Your golden egg holds within it the clue for your next task, you have until February the 20^th to prepare. I wish you all luck!”

Lucian gave the teenagers an encouraging nod before leaving to gather his students who were all talking excitedly about the task. His eyes landed on the small form of Luna Lovegood and felt something stir in his chest.

“Come now students, time for us to return,” Thomas followed his Master and looked the students over. A fine bunch if their professors were to be trusted, all with very bright futures ahead of them. Though the way Lucian looked at the blonde girl was interesting.

“I shall visit you later Your Grace, we have much to speak on,”

Chapter Text

Draco watched eagerly as Harry and Lucian danced across the duelling room, each firing spells at the other. Wednesday evenings were dedicated to Harry’s duelling improvements and Draco liked watching the pair. Harry had not been a bad dueller before, besting many of his peers, but now…Draco was sure Harry would keep Severus on his toes. Lucian ended the duel with a sharp twist of his hand and a yellow jet of light took Harry off his feet.

“Wonderful Harry, you lasted fifteen minutes that time. How are you feeling?” Lucian asked, Harry dusted himself off and stretched, loosening up his aching muscles again.

“Better, it’s getting easier to catch a movement tell now. I can watch your shoulders and hips and know if you’re going to move left or right,”

“Good, however focusing on your opponents’ body can be an easily manipulated crutch,” the King made a move to the left but flicked his hand forward at Harry. Harry went to defend his left side from attack but ended up being hit in the chest with a strong knock-back jinx. “You must remember that magic is a flexible tool. It is not a sword or lance, where it is tied to the laws of physics. Where your body must move a certain way to land a blow. I can be fifty feet from you and still strike, I can lead you on a merry dance across the room before striking. You must be cautious of feints in your opponents, tactics. But that will be another lesson. Now, can you tell me what I did wrong during that duel?” Lucian asked, Harry had expressed an interest in teaching, and he wanted to encourage Harry to pick up on these things.

“I noticed you flourish a lot, more than most of the spells you used needed,” Harry explained, slightly unsure of himself.

“And why is that a bad thing in duelling?”

“Those types of flourishes waste energy and movement. Duels can last a long time and the more unnecessary movements we make the more energy we use, and that can affect how long we last in a fight,”

“And how powerful our spells are,” Lucian finished with a grin. “Excellent Harry, really good. Go on, clean up. A roll of parchment detailing the pros and cons of duelling styles used from the last centuries, by next Wednesday please,” Harry gave a bow and left for his room.

“Draco, I assume you have finished your essay moonstones and redcap fungi if you have time to be spying on your fellow apprentice,” Lucian teased the boy, did he really think Lucian hadn’t noticed Draco watching? Draco ducked down and crept away back to his study to continue his essay.

Had Draco stayed a few moments longer he’d have seen the King sway on his feet and press his hand to his temple. The headaches had been coming on stronger since the First Task. Soon enough, Magic would show him the person who would replace him. Soon.

Thomas floo’d into the castle to see the King. The study was empty, as was Lucians’ private library and sitting room. He didn’t enter the bedroom, that was one place no-one entered. The duelling room was empty, the kitchen, even the gardens. For a moment, Thomas wondered if the King was even home, but he’d seen one of his students entering the greenhouses and Lucian would never leave them alone on the island like that.

Eventually Thomas drifted towards the temple. It was a tall spiral tower hidden by the forests, lanterns lit the pathway with a warm amber glow, and magic sung in the air. Thomas was of two minds when it came to religion. The Muggle religion he’d been subjected to as a child had turned him away from believing in a higher power, and that while he knew magic was a real and tangible thing, as a youth he’d never believed in a Being that bestowed it upon mankind. That was until he met Lucian for the first time.

Watching him walk across the courtyard of Hogwarts school as a fresh 16 year old wizard had ignited a desire within Thomas he’d never felt before. Being chosen as an apprentice had changed his whole world, and Thomas could believe that there truly was a God, for Lucian was the only thing that came close.

Spending an evening sitting in the Temple after a gruelling session was one of his favourite past times as he studied, Lucian would sit and just read aloud some of his favourite, private tombs and Thomas would bathe in the magic around them.

He pushed open the front door and stopped to gaze upon the statue on the foyer. It was a large statue of a woman in a hooded robe holding a torch in one hand, and a tomb in the other. A large dog was lay at her feet and a snake curled its ways around her shoulders. Her face was shrouded in a veil, as most of the statues depicting Lady Magic often were. Thomas bent his head and said a quick prayer for guidance and strength before heading up the spiral staircase.

At the top of the tower was an open space with views that stretched across almost the whole island. Lucian sat on a bench plucking the strings of a lyre in a soft tune, eyes closed and a sad smile on his lips. The tune wasn’t one Thomas was familiar with, and he’d heard plenty over the years as music was something Lucian liked to indulge in, but it did stir emotion in Thomas chest.

“I find evenings like this leave my mind too much freedom to roam,” Lucian whispered into the air, fingers still plucking delicately. “It has been…difficult, these past few days to stay present,” a sigh left the King as he set the instrument to the side and rubbed his temples. Thomas sat beside the man, worry settling into his stomach, Lucian did not look well. He was paler than usual, and his eyes had this glazed sheen to them.

“Master, what can I do?”  he asked, the need to pull the man close heavy on him.

“Well, for one you can stop calling me ‘Master’, I hadn’t been that for several decades now you know,” Lucian chuckled softly.

“I am certain not a single one of your students will stop calling you that,”

“There is not much that can be done my dear. I am coming to the end of my time, it is to be expected,” Thomas shook his head, he refused to believe such an outcome. “I believe I have met the one to replace me, though they are still very young, so very young. It hardly feels fair, I have roamed this world for thousands of years, carrying that weight. They are a child, one who has yet to taste to freedoms of the world they live in, how can I expect them to take on such a burden?” Lucian stood from his seat and leant against a balcony railing.  “It is times like this I wonder, what would a family of my own have looked like?”

That surprised Thomas. Lucian never really expressed an interest in settling down, getting married and having children, at least never to Thomas. Though the idea of Lucian walking around with Thomas’ ring on his finger, and their own child on his hip was enticing.

“Please, Lucian,” the Minister stood behind the King, hands cupping his shoulders. “There has to be something I can do to ease this burden,” the air was charged with something unmentionable. Lucian lent back into the taller mans embrace, head tilted against his shoulder.

“For tonight my dear, allow me to be selfish with you,” Thomas could do nothing more than bend his head and capture the Kings sweet lips, a kiss Lucian returned hungrily. Magic may take his existence, but She could not take this moment, would not take this night from him.

The pair spent the night atop the temple entwined in a moment neither were sure they could find again.

The four students gathered in the ballroom with a mixture of trepidation and anticipation. Lucian had told them over breakfast to dress in the nicer pair of robes laid out on their beds and meet him in the green ballroom but didn’t explain why.

Cassandra entered the ballroom with another House-elf. She wore a cure little siler dress with matching heels, while the other elf, Matthias, wore dark trousers, a dark shirt, and a silver waistcoat. Matthias was Cassandra’s husband and the father of eight elves that also worked at the castle. Harry had seen the male elf cleaning around the castle and bringing Cassandra little bouquets of wild flowers that made her grin and flutter her ears.

“Hi Cassandra, Matthias, what’s going on?” Harry asked. Cassandra giggled but shook her head.

“You’ll see,” with that she and Matthias walked over to the side of the room, whispering to each other and giggling.

Lucian entered the room with a gramophone in his arms. “Students! Excellent, I have great news. As the Yule Ball is coming up soon I thought it would be prudent to have a few dance lessons, just to make sure everyone can take a spin across the floor,” Harry felt the floor drop from beneath his feet. He couldn’t dance. Not even a little bit. His two left feet and left feet facing backwards. He had no rhythm, a poor sense of direction and was far too socially anxious to feel comfortable in this scenario.

“Now, we won’t be learning any complicated dances, just a simple waltz. Cassandra and Matthias have volunteered to show you all,” the house-elves stepped into the middle of the room as Lucian placed the gramophone down and began a song. Cassandra curtsied and Matthias bowed, he took her hand in his and placed the other on her waist. Cassandra placed her hand on his shoulder, the pair began to glide across the floor in an easy rhythm that made them look like they floated. They maintained eye contact and had little smiles on their faces.

“A simple count of three is all you need for this. 1-2-3, 1-2-3, 1-2-3, have faith in the music to guide you. Now if you all could pair up, our two Slytherins choose a Gryffindor if you please and we shall begin,”

Harry couldn’t help his eyes darting to Draco who was already looking at him with an intenseness that made Harry’s tummy flutter.

“Harry?” Blaise approached. “May I be your partner?”