Chapter 47

Chapter 47

FLEUR DELACOUR

Fleur felt her feet touch the ground once again, and she opened her eyes to find herself standing in front of a double-story house. A very familiar double-story house, and she looked to the side and found Edward looking at her with a huge smile on his face, his glamor gone from his face, and those eyes had returned to the irregular amethyst eyes she had fallen in love with all those years ago.

She felt his hand reach for hers as he tilted his head.

"Come on, let's go in," he said and began to lead her in. She smiled as she followed him. There was a rush to his steps as he opened the door and led her inside. And the familiar thrum of his magic wrapping around hers eased her anxiety as she walked through those dark wooden doors.

He was talking slowly, trying to keep the conversation going, but she hadn't missed how his gaze lingered on her form, how his eyes lit up as he stared at her. Fleur entered the house, and the dark mahogany doors closed behind her.

She noticed how the house had changed from the time she had seen it last. The kitchen was filled with dishes and cups, clean and dirty. And the disarrayed cushions on the sofa were an indication of a rather chatty gathering. As her eyes scanned the house, she didn't miss how his eyes had been scanning her, nearly glued to her as he continued to look at her. And had it been any other person, she would have found the gaze annoying, yet it wasn't just anyone.

Her eyes finally landed on him, and her heart raced as their eyes met. And she found herself getting lost in those purple orbs, missing the words coming out of his mouth. She felt her magic sift as she glanced into those eyes, and she could also feel his racing pulse from the way he held her hand. His heart was racing much like yours as he continued to speak.

"I am on the second floor, but we have an empty room on the ground floor. I can have your stuff settle…." but she had had enough, and she took a step forward, closing the distance between them, and she pushed herself up her toes, and she saw his eyes widen, but before he could say anything, her lips were on his, her hands tussling with the short black locks of his head as she felt the very magic in the air rustle at their conjoining.

It took a moment for him to react, but his wanton desires that he had kept under control got the better of him in that instant as she felt herself getting pulled closer to him, his arms dropping her luggage with a thud as they wrapped themselves around her waist and pulled herself into him.

She felt a metallic taste in her mouth and noticed how she had bit his lip in her passion, yet he didn't seem to mind as they just stood there enveloped in each other's warmth. Their very magic settled into a majestic harmony.

"Haaa Haaaa…." She huffed for breath as they separated, and instantly her very self desired to be joined with him again. A streak of blood traced down his chin, yet it didn't bother them. He seemed oblivious to the pain as his eyes hungered for her. No words needed to be said, for in that moment, they had said what even words could not.

And this time, it was he who initiated their conjoining. And she felt herself getting pulled up in his arms as her toes left the ground as he gently pulled her towards himself. And then she was pushed up onto the sofa back, and she didn't miss how her hands were on his coat, taking it off.

And as his arms landed on her shoulder. Both of them were lost in the moment when suddenly they were interrupted.

CRACK.

THUD. THUD. THUD.

It was the sound of someone falling from a set of stairs. And her eyes widened as her heart skipped a beat. Edward was the first to react, his body reacting instinctively as he whipped out his wand and turned away from her. His back covered her protectively as he looked at the staircase.

"Ouchhhhh!" came the pained shout. In a very familiar voice, she saw the tension deflate between herself and Edward as a person's heart finally appeared above the staircase boundary. And the glint in those eyes and the blush on those rosy cheeks made her look down in embarrassment as Edward rolled his eyes.

"I am going to kill you, Amy!" he screamed, and despite the anger and frustration in his voice they, she and the intruder both knew that he would never do that. The blonde girl had an apologetic look on her face as she winced in pain.

"I am sorry. But what were you doing, going at it like animals in the lounge? At least use a room!" Edward's friend complained as she stood up, her steps still shaky as she stepped into the lounge. Then, she saw those glinting orbs land on her.

"Hi, Fleur. I am sorry for all this. But I was in a hurry to leave for my office and was just surprised," Amy apologized to her and thought she was furious at the girl. She could only nod.

"It's okay. Are you fine? You fell down pretty hard," she asked the girl and straightened out her dress as she walked towards the girl, who was still limping.

"Ahh, it's nothing. Just a sprain. It will be fine," replied Amy, and her eyes then moved to Edward, who had put away his wand and had joined her. "I have to leave, and I am already late. And then you two can finally have the house to yourself," she said, winking at her and Edward. And Fleur felt flush in embarrassment.

"I will always wonder how someone like you managed to get a job. Get out of here, you minx. You are already late," Edward scolded her as he pointed at the door. Amy nodded, picked up her bag, and walked towards the door.

"Ohh! And please don't break the sofa in your passionate reunion!" and with that, the girl closed the doors behind her, leaving her alone with Edward.

"Haaaaa!" Edward huffed as he leaned on the kitchen top.

"I am sorry for all this. I should have known that she would be here…" but she waved away his apology.

"It's ok," she cut him off as their eyes met again.

"Why don't we continue the rest in your room, just to avoid any other such interruptions," she teased him and saw his eyes widen. And he broke out into a small laugh, and then before she could react, she felt herself getting lifted off of her seat as his arms whipped around her.

"As you command, my lady!"

0000

ALBUS DUMBLEDORE

Albus Dumbledore sat in his chair, thinking about the proposition he had just heard. He looked at the young man in front of him and saw his unwavering gaze focused on him.

"Are you sure about this? I still remain hesitant about giving a wand to Gellert. But may I ask why you want to duel him?" he questioned the young man in front of him. Edward Wright's time spent with Gellert had sharpened the boy. Albus had sat in their latest session and had been blown away.

The results had exceeded his expectation, and seeing the way young Edward cast and used his magic reminded him of a younger Gellert. Though, it wasn't a complete replica, for there were times he would see a shadow of his own self in the boy.

"I think it would be a good test to measure myself against him. After all, he is perhaps the only person apart from you who could duel Voldemort to a standstill, and I want to know whether I am ready or not." The man replied, and Albus knew the young man enough to know that it wasn't the whole truth, but it was reason enough.

"Well, if this means so much to you, then let me assure you that you are. I have taught Tom myself and have faced him numerous times, and from what I saw yesterday, I can assure you that you are," Dumbledore replied with a smile, and he was right. The Edward sitting in front of him could duel Tom to a standstill. And if Severus' reports about changes in the man's behavior were true, then there was even a chance that Edward might even be able to kill the man.

Edward's lips thinned at his words. And he could see his mind racing.

"You say that, but I don't feel much different than I did previously. I know I have improved, but how can I be sure? And I don't think I can risk not being sure of being able to tackle him," and Albus understood what he meant.

He had been informed of the arrival of his young apprentice, and he knew that Edward shared a special bond with Miss Delacour. He also knew how he held himself responsible for their kidnapping by Voldemort a year ago.

And he smiled as he saw the blossoming of such young love in front of him, and he was reminded of another young couple. One from his own Halls and found it ironic that even now, the greatest obstacle in Tom's path was the very love he had never found or understood.

"Let me tell you something, Mr. Wright," Dumbledore began as he stood up. And walked up to the window at his back, and the encompassing Hogwarts grounds eased his senses.

"One can never truly be ready to face someone of Tom's level. It's impossible. The skills and repertoire of people like you, me, Tom, and even Gellert are such that when we duel, it is less about the knowledge and spells we know. But rather about what's in here," he said as he pointed to the heart. The young man frowned at his words, and he elaborated.

"Tom wishes for destruction and devastation. He is selfish and wishes to have the world at his feet. These desires of suppression drive his magic," he said, and then he smiled.

"You wish to protect those you love, and as long as your desire remains purer and stronger than his desire of damnation. You will be able to face him toe to toe," he replied, and the young man still remained frowning.

"Though, I will grant you your wish as well. I will give Gellert his wand as long as he agrees to an unbreakable vow," he finished and saw Mr. Wright's eyes widen before he nodded.

"Thank you for this, professor," and Albus nodded as well.

"Then I believe our business is concluded. I will contact you with the details about your duel. And I do hope you are ready for the ceremony tomorrow!" he added, and the young man winced yet still nodded as he left his seat and left his office, leaving him alone once more.

Though, he was not alone for long as he felt the Gargoyle turn once more before the doors to his office opened once more as another of his staff members entered the room.

"I have grave news, Dumbledore," came the voice of the youngest potions master of Britain. And he sighed as he turned to face Severus.

"What has happened, Severus?" he questioned.

"Before coming here, I met Draco. And it seems the Dark Lord has granted him and other young students his mark," and Dumbledore's heart sank as he heard those words.

The Dark Mark. He had studied the mark extensively and was aware of what Tom demanded to grant that mark. And if these young students had that mark, then it could only mean one thing.

His emotions were complicated as he heard those words. He felt pity for those young wizards and witches who had been led astray, and his magic roared in a fury at Tom for putting such innocent souls through such torment.

"Thank you for bringing this to me, Severus!"

0000

HARRY POTTER

BRITAIN'S YOUNGEST ORDER OF MERLIN HOLDER- EDWARD WRIGHT

by MIKE ROSS

In an elaborate ceremony yesterday, the Minster of Magic awarded MR. Edward Wright, with his Order of Merlin, Second class, for his services to the magical community. It is amongst the several awards that young Mr. Wright is set to achieve for combating and neutralizing the threat of Fenrir Greyback.

The ceremony was attended by the Headmaster of Hogwarts, Albus Dumbledore, who made a surprise announcement of having hired the young wizard as Professor of Duelling for the school. The news isn't surprising given that Mr. Wright has been to the finals of the International Duelling championship twice, even lifting the trophy once. Coincidentally, this year's champion Miss Fleur Delacour was also present in the ceremony, further fuelling the rumors of her romantic entanglement with Mr. Wright himself.

Our survey of the community showed that most students were excited about the new elective course. Mr. Wright remained hesitant about commenting on his appointment and was rather tight-lipped about his plans as an educator, though his presence in the faculty is a nice addition for…

And Harry stopped reading as he heard the door to the basement getting open. He put down the paper and looked up, and found Professor Tonks walking in. The basement had been converted into a training area, and she had been helping him learn to duel over the Summer. Harry had just finished a training session, and the room was quite disheveled, with a bunch of broken wooden dummies lying around and other equipment streaked everywhere.

"Hi, Professor," Harry said as the DADA professor joined him.

"How many times have I told you not to call me a professor at home," she replied with a frown. And Harry smiled, knowing that his words would have made her react like that.

"Sirius was quite clear in his instructions. He said he would not stand any disrespect to our beloved DADA professor," Harry replied and saw her groan.

"I am gonna kill that mutt," she whispered quietly as she picked up the newspaper. And saw her expression change.

"Ohh, so he finally made the announcement; well, that's good," she said as she skimmed through the headlines. Harry frowned as he thought about his new professor. He had never been close with Edward; that honor belonged to Hermione. And from what she had told him, he was a beast, dueling. He had seen the way the papers spoke of him and found it all quite surprising.

"Can I ask you something Professor?" he began and saw her frown.

"Only if you stop calling me that," she said with a smile motioning for him to continue.

"Have you dueled Edward?" he questioned and saw her nod excitedly.

"I have many times. Actually. And I am proud to say that I might be the only person in the world with more wins than losses against him." And his eyes widened as he heard those words. Tonks had a proud look on her face.

"Then you are better than him," he asked, part confused, part excited.

"Well, I was in my final year, and he was in his second or third when we began to duel over the weekends. I was able to beat him a couple of times, but by the end of the year, it was difficult for me to catch up with him," she said, surprising him. And Harry was blown away by that. He was aware of just how good her grades were in Hogwarts and what it took to become an Auror. And he was beating a seventh year as a second year. She saw his surprise and nodded.

"Yeah, he was that good. The department even tried to recruit him to become an Auror, but he refused, saying that he would consider it," she told him. And Harry gulped, finally realizing the gap between him and him.

"But don't worry about him. You are pretty good as well. Much better than I was at your age, but still very good. So, what do you say to a bit of a practice duel? I have been stuck dealing with course planning all day; it will be good to loosen up," she said, standing up. Knowing that he will not say no.

"Ok, then, but first, we have to clean up this mess you have made," she said, and he saw her deflate as she saw the sheer volume of destruction in front of her.

"On second thought, we should leave it be. It will be good practice for dueling in complicated terrain."

0000

As always, you can read ahead and support me on Pa-tre -0n. Your support makes it possible for me to write. So, if possible, have a look and consider dropping a couple of sickles for support. It would mean a lot to me.

www.Patre 0n.com/Drkest

Thanks for reading!