There Was A Girl

A Kiss Heard Around the World

A Kiss Heard Around the World

Fleur Delacour walked back through the crowd in the Great Hall to rejoin the other Champions. "Your mother and sister leave?" Hermione asked.

"They used the Floo to reach the train station," Fleur replied. "I want to thank you all. They say my sister was in no danger. But I am grateful that you did not leave her in the lake. She… she is my heart." She sniffled. Cedric handed her a handkerchief from his pocket. She nodded her thanks and wiped her face, "I will return this." She tucked it into her own pocket. "So one of you will be victorious in this."

"Personally I just hope we all survive this," Cedric replied.

People who'd begun gathering around them fell silent.

The Castle looked down into the Hall. The four champions stood in a rough circle, Harry shoulder to shoulder with Cedric and Viktor, across from Fleur. Harry had Hermione embraced in front of him. Beth Diggory blinked rapidly and touched her son's back. Amos frowned. Draco stood behind Harry between Seamus and Dean, Lucius and Narcissa behind them. Pansy made her way to his side. Neville and Luna stood behind Fleur along with Aggie facing Harry. Remus stood between Severus and Sirius, the latter two finally looking at each other with something other than hatred. Ever increasing circles of people gathering. Governors, professors, and students. The Ministry officials still huddled together in the front of the room.

Fate smiled. Castle opened the front doors, wide and inviting.

Dumbledore whirled in surprise.

A very loud clop-clop-clop echoed through the now silent Hall. Backlit from the main hall, a Centaur moved into the doorway. He stood tall and proud, hair and tail dancing in the self-created breeze. "I am Magorian, Leader of the Centaurs of the Dark Forest."

Dumbledore began to push through the crowd, "Magorian. To what do we owe this honor…?"

The Centaur ignored him, "We seek audience with Lord and Lady Potter. The Magic Light of their bonding has circled the world; alerting all to this wondrous occasion. We've come to congratulate them and offer gifts."

"We?" Crouch Sr. asked.

"Lord Potter," Magorian called, "The Castle Hogwarts has granted us access. Will you meet with us? And others?"

Lucius leaned into his ear and whispered, "Say yes."

Sirius grabbed his arm, "You have no right to stand as counsel to my godson!"

"Sirius please," Harry hissed. "How do I respond Lord Malfoy?"

"Just say yes. Loudly"

"YES!" Harry called with a confidence he did not feel. The Centaur nodded and stepped away. Harry glanced back to where Sirius, Remus, Severus and Lucius all stood. "What do I do?"

"You want to take this Lord Black?" Lucius asked smugly.

"Sirius," Remus said gently, "Malfoy is a much more appropriate choice in this matter." He met Lucius' gaze. "We won't go far."

Lucius nodded and stepped in front of Harry, as he spoke he was straightening Harry's tie and robes. "I don't know who is coming in. But stand tall. Make eye contact with whomever is speaking to you. Keep your chin up, shoulders square. If someone bows, bow in return. Maya you should curtsy if bowed to. Accept all gifts; we'll arrange a table behind you. I'll stand behind you if anything else comes up." He then quickly straightened his own clothing though Harry couldn't see so much as a hair out of place. "What a day."

"Harry," Dumbledore walked over with Crouch Jr. limping behind in his Moody disguise. "You will need advisors. Professor Moody and I will stand with you."