Champions

Curiosity and the cat

Minerva McGonagall was not an easy woman to shock, but when she left the Headmaster's office, her head was spinning. She had never known Albus to stoop to such a level. And why would he try to stand in the way of the marriage, anyway?

It made no sense!

Minerva liked the side of the Beauxbatons Champion that she'd seen since that dreadful Task, and wholeheartedly approved of their relationship given the circumstances. She was bringing out a playful side in Potter that hadn't been there before, and it was a breath of fresh air. He was more confident, too, as his recent interactions with Albus were showing, and she could only see it as a good thing.

Her curiosity over the situation was burning within. The only valid point that Albus made – and it was a major one, to be sure – was the issue of the Dursleys. She had railed against those awful people for years, and she had no doubt that they would be fully capable of leaving the girl to her fate. So how had they managed to get permission?

"Would one of you mind telling me what is going on?" she asked in a hushed tone as they made their way down the corridor.

Sebastian Delacour was an intimidating man when he wanted to be, but the glance he gave her at the question was more speculative than anything. Before he could say anything, though, Harry spoke up, sounding inordinately tired and angry. And it was no wonder if this was what he was dealing with.

"Will you fill her in please, sir?" he requested quietly of his father-in-law. "I don't think I can handle it right now."

Fleur wrapped her arms around him from behind and squeezed him gently. It was another thing she had done for him: Minerva had seen his reactions to physical contact, and been disturbed by them, but didn't know what it meant or how to fix it. But this young lady had somehow broken through that barrier, and she suspected it was more important than she knew.

Sebastian moved forward to where Harry had stopped, and exchanged a concerned look with his daughter before leaning down to look him in the eye. "I will, 'Arry," he said gently. "May I tell 'er? As your 'ead of 'ouse she should know, but I won't if you strongly object."

Minerva's brow furrowed at the vague question, her curiosity piqued, but she remained silent. Harry turned and met her gaze with one of startling intensity, searching for something nameless, before he finally turned back to Sebastian and wordlessly nodded. Sebastian then placed a hand on his shoulder – which he actually accepted, to Minerva's shock – and squeezed gently as his gaze shifted to his daughter. "Take care of 'im, chérie," he urged.

"You know zat I will, Papa," she returned softly. And then she whispered something to Fawkes, and all three vanished in a puff of flame. Even though she'd seen Fawkes do that many times over the years, it was still an impressive sight.

"I suggest you make arrangements for your classes, Madame," said Sebastian seriously. "This will take some time."

Minerva was not about to pass up the opportunity. She quickly agreed to meet him at Chateau Delacour and ran to talk to Filius; the spritely Charms professor was a good friend, and would not betray her trust, even to Dumbledore. Her classes settled, she then flooed out to her destination. She arrived in the entryway of the Chateau to find Madame Delacour waiting for her.

"Bonjour, Professor McGonagall," she greeted with a concerned frown.

"Please, call me Minerva," said McGonagall. She wanted to smile at the kind woman, but she couldn't bring herself to do so given the serious nature of the situation.

"Zen Arienne and Sebastian will do," offered Arienne as she beckoned for Minerva to follow. "Sebastian 'as just arrived, and 'e is getting what 'e needs to show you."