The Family that Chooses You

Chapter 112: French Delight, Past Fright

Harry just managed to keep his balance despite the heavy landing from the international Portkey.  He stumbled but did not fall over.  Sirius fell heavily, landing on his rear and he groaned out loud.  "Ugh, international Portkeys are rough," he said.  He looked up at Harry with a jaundiced eye.  "How'd you manage to stay up?"

Harry swayed a little in place.  "Seeker reflexes maybe?"

"Makes sense I guess."  Sirius accepted a hand and rose.  "At least we made it.  You can take that thing off now if you want."

Harry pulled off the cap, letting his unruly mop go free.  When he and Sirius arrived at the Ministry of Magic in England, Sirius had given him a Muggle ballcap to hide his hair and scar.  It worked perfectly, letting Harry walk about without being bothered by anyone.  He looked around with interest at the space.

They landed in a very decorative looking area.  Marble pillars decorated with moving carvings dotted the area.  Statues in the walls moved and talked to one another and passing people.  The paintings were even more elaborate than the ones at Hogwarts or the English Ministry.  Everything was shades of purple and gold with the French colors of red, blue, and white providing accent coloration.

Sirius led Harry to a high counter where a witch in a light blue uniform waited.  "Hello.  Sirius Black with Harry Potter," Sirius said in passable French.

"Hello, welcome to France Mr. Black and Mr. Potter," the witch replied in accented but perfectly understandable English.  "We have been expecting you."

"Ah excellent, that's a relief.  It's always nice to be expected, especially for a good reason."  He winked roguishly at her.

She rolled her eyes.  "Did I say it was for a good reason?" she asked in an overly polite tone.  "You are here representing the English Ministry, yes?"

"No that would be Harry," Sirius said smoothly.  "I'm just here to see the sights and experience the culture."

Harry blinked at his godfather before turning to the witch.  "I guess I am the representative.  Bonjour, je m'appelle Harry Potter.  C'est un plaisir de vous rencontrer."

She smiled brilliantly.  "Tellement charmant!  It is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Potter.  Monsieur Delacour has spoken very highly of you."

"And he didn't of me?" Sirius asked, aggrieved.

"Oh he spoke of you," she said placidly.  "Spoke of many things.  If you two would follow me please."  She led them down a series of hallways and stopped outside of an office.  "Please, he is waiting for you."

Sirius and Harry entered and a smiling Sebastian waved from his desk, finishing a document.  "Good to see you my friends," he greeted warmly.  He approached them, shaking their hands.  "How was your trip?"

"Not bad, got a direct Portkey and it's as rough as ever."  Sirius hiked a thumb over his shoulder.  "I don't think she likes me."

"Oh, pay her no mind.  Elaine has a poor opinion of most Englishmen, especially those that work for the Ministry."

"Not the best person to work for your department then."

"Ah but she is very good at her job and her attitude keeps the worst of your Ministry people at bay."

Sirius snorted.  "Fair, but why was she so nice to Harry then?"

"Because my daughters have been very vocal about their friend coming to visit and he is a very pleasant gentleman."  He winked at Harry who flushed.  "Besides, I may have told Elaine what to possibly expect from you."

"Spreading lies about me?!"

"Lies?  No.  Just the unvarnished truth like that time you and I visited Paris and the Rue Magique, especially Mademoiselle Fontaine's."