Fleur raised her wand in a smooth, confident motion, her eyes narrowed slightly in concentration. The wooden table in front of them shivered for a moment before twisting and changing form. A loud squeal filled the room as the table transformed into a small pig, which immediately started trotting around and snorting loudly.
Fleur smiled triumphantly. She gave her wand a sharp flick, and the pig twisted mid-step, shimmering and settling back into the form of a perfectly ordinary table. All of it, done nonverbally.
Severus's eyebrow lifted slightly. "Impressive," he said calmly.
Fleur beamed at him. "Merci," she said. "I 'ave practéesing."
"The practice shows," Severus replied. He glanced at her with a hint of approval. "Your control is improving."
"It eez because of your advice," Fleur said proudly.
Severus gave a short nod. "I'm pleased to hear that."
Fleur's expression immediately turned serious. "But you 'ave not taught me anyzing new yet."
Severus's gaze sharpened slightly. The girl was hell bent on learning something new from him. He had been teaching her to have better control of her magic and spells, and to excel in her basics. But she always dragged the topic about not learning something new in the end. "And what exactly are you expecting me to teach you?"
"Zomething powerful," Fleur said with a determined look. "We're ze same age, oui you're much better zan me. I do not want to remain… zecond."
Severus studied her carefully. She wasn't boasting. It was pure determination in her eyes. Fleur Delacour was proud, that much was clear. Even though she was skilled in magic, the gap between them was obvious to her — and it unsettled her.
He sighed. "Magic is not a competition, Fleur."
Fleur's expression darkened immediately. "It iz not a compeetition, but it matterz," she said quietly. "I do not want to appeear weak."
Severus's eyes softened slightly. He understood the feeling all too well. He had once felt the same — the need to prove himself, to rise above the expectations that others had set for him.
He studied her for a long moment before speaking. "If I teach you something powerful," he said quietly, "are you prepared for the consequences?"
Fleur hesitated. "What do you mean?"
"There are spells," Severus said, his voice low, "that can devastate your opponent. Spells designed to injure, to maim… or worse."
Fleur paled slightly.
"I can show you such spells," Severus continued seriously, "but they are not meant for casual use. They are meant for life-or-death situations. Are you ready for that responsibility?"
Fleur's lips parted slightly. Her throat worked as she swallowed. "I… I am not sure."
Severus's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. He could see the flicker of doubt in her eyes — the internal conflict. He decided to ease the tension. Perhaps, he had overdone it. But then again, what he said wasn't wrong. There were so much more to magic, something teenagers didn't understand yet. There were consequences for actions. Most people learn that lesson later in life.
"Perhaps I should start with something less dangerous," he said.
Fleur's shoulders relaxed slightly. "Oui…."
Severus gave her a thin smile. "Watch closely."
He raised his wand and aimed it at her. Perhaps, something non harmful but also useful at a duel.
Fleur blinked. "What are you doing?"
"Demonstrating."
"Demonstrating what—?"
"Levicorpus."
Before Fleur could react, her feet lifted off the floor. She let out a surprised yelp as she was hoisted into the air by her ankle. Her wand slipped from her grasp and clattered to the floor.
"Severus!" Fleur shrieked.
Severus's eyes widened in surprise — he hadn't expected the spell to work so effectively on her. Fleur hung upside down, her long silver-blonde hair cascading toward the floor. Her blue dress slid down her thighs, and Severus's gaze was immediately drawn to the smooth expanse of her pale legs — and the flash of white lace beneath her dress. Merlin! The sight was alone to entice his hormones furiously.
His cheeks darkened slightly.
He immediately ended the spell. Fleur dropped onto the bed with an unceremonious thump.
Fleur sat up, her face flushed with a mixture of embarrassment and anger. "What… was… zat?"
Severus cleared his throat. "That was Levicorpus," he said calmly. "A spell designed to suspend your opponent in the air."
"You could 'ave warned me!" Fleur snapped, her cheeks still pink from embarrassment and shane.
"My apologies," Severus said seriously. He had really overdone it. He had once that spell used on him. What was he thinking? It didn't need to be demonstrated on another person. Certainly not a girl wearing frock, dress or gown. "Consider it a practical lesson."
Fleur glared at him, her eyes still flashing with indignation and something else. He dwelved into her surface thoughts. He could sense the shame and embarassment. There was some anger, but there was also a passive feeling of fun. A playfulness in her mind from his actions. That was weird.
Severus's lips curled into a small smirk as he decided to play on that feeling of playfulness. "Of course," he said dryly, "if you wish to punish me for the accidental… exposure… I suppose I wouldn't blame you."
Fleur's mouth parted in disbelief. "Expozure?"
Severus's gaze darkened slightly with amusement. Time to divert the topic into the realm of danger. "It's not every day one is treated to such… a beautiful sight."
Fleur's eyes widened. A deep pink spread across her cheeks. "You— you—" Severus could sense that she found the compliment guiltily well. Apparently, his compliment evoked a sense of joy in her mind as he found her features attractive.
Severus gave a slow, almost lazy smile. "I meant no offense."
"You— you are impossible!" Fleur said, her face still flushed.
Severus chuckled softly. "Perhaps." The girl's mind was odd. Though, he knew better than that to dwell on it currently.
Fleur turned back toward him, still visibly flustered. "You owe me for zat," she said haughtily all of a sudden.
Severus raised an eyebrow. "Do I?"
"Oui," Fleur said. "You owe me a spell. A proper spell."
Severus's smile faded slightly. "Very well. Next time."
Fleur's lips parted. "Next time?"
"If you are interested," Severus said, "I'll show you more. Though perhaps next time, I'll choose a spell that doesn't require… repositioning."
Fleur's eyes narrowed dangerously.
"You 'ad better," she muttered.
Severus inclined his head. "As you wish.".
Fleur's eyes narrowed slightly. "Oui. Eet better not be anozer levitation spell," she said warningly.
Severus's lips curled faintly. As if she could do anything against him. "No. This one is… different."
Fleur's expression sharpened with interest. "Different 'ow?"
Severus raised his wand. "Watch closely."
With a precise flick of his wrist, he pointed his wand at the ground beneath the bed. Fleur instinctively leaned back, her eyes widening.
"Terram vorago."
For a moment, nothing happened. Then, slowly, the floor beneath the bed began to ripple like water disturbed by a pebble. The wooden planks darkened, twisting unnaturally as if something was bubbling beneath the surface. A wet sucking sound filled the room.
Fleur's eyes widened as the bed began to sink into the floor. The legs disappeared first, swallowed whole as though the ground itself had become alive. The bedframe followed, tilting slightly as it was pulled down.
Severus watched impassively as the mattress dipped, sinking at a visible rate. The headboard vanished last, leaving only the jagged edge of the floor, which still rippled faintly like disturbed water.
Fleur slowly rose from the chair, her hand covering her mouth. "Mon Dieu…"
Severus lowered his wand. The floor slowly reformed itself, solidifying as if nothing had happened. The bed also slowly emerged out of the ground.
"What was zat?" Fleur asked breathlessly.
"A swamp conjuration spell," Severus replied. "It transforms the ground into a bog or swamp-like substance. Anything caught in it sinks rapidly — much faster than a natural swamp."
Fleur's mouth parted. "Fazter… 'ow fazt?"
"A person would sink to their neck within ten seconds," Severus said calmly. "Of course, their face would remain above the surface so they could breathe."
Fleur's eyes flashed. "Zat… is terrifying."
Severus's lips curled faintly. "Effective, though."
Fleur took a step toward him, her eyes still wide. "And… zere is anozer version?"
Severus's gaze darkened. "Yes."
"What does it do?"
"The second variant," Severus said, "pulls the target into the ground immediately. No gradual sinking — just an instantaneous drop to the neck level."
Fleur's eyebrows shot up. "Zen… zat is ze better version."
"Not necessarily."
"Why not?"
Severus's gaze sharpened slightly. "Because the second variant is far more magically taxing. It drains your magic significantly, even for a brief casting. In a prolonged duel, it could cost you."
Fleur frowned instantly. "But in a duel, a quicker version would 'ave more advantage, no?"
Severus's eyes narrowed slightly. "Possibly. But you aren't ready for that level of magic yet."
Fleur's expression tightened. "Zen teach me."
"No."
Fleur's mouth parted. "Why not?"
Severus's expression remained impassive. "Because you're not ready."
Fleur's blue eyes flashed with frustration. "I can 'andle it."
"You think so?" Severus said coolly. Clearly, the girl overestimated her skills. This was the spell, he had used to trap a dragon. It taxed a lot. Did the girl really think that she could just do the spell on a whim? "What happens if you miscast it? You might bury someone completely. Or yourself."
Fleur's expression darkened, but Severus saw the flicker of uncertainty in her eyes. She was proud, but not foolish.
Fleur sighed. "Zen when will you teach me?"
Severus's gaze glinted. "Perhaps after you win the Triwizard Tournament. This variant was the one, I used to trap the dragon. The magical drain will be too much for you."
Fleur scowled at his words. Clearly, his words had hurt her fickle pride. "Zat is unfair."
Severus shrugged. "Life is unfair."
Fleur's jaw tightened. "And if I loze?"
"Then you'll have proven you weren't ready."
Fleur's eyes narrowed dangerously as she looked frustrated with his reply. Unfortunately for her, he wasn't going to budge anywhere with the decision. "You're impozzible."
"So I've been told."
Fleur's glare softened slightly. After a moment, she sighed and sat down on the edge of the bed. "You're fruztrating."
"So I've also been told."
Fleur huffed. "Zen… can you at least tell me how you used it on ze dragon?"
Severus's eyes sharpened slightly. "I used the second version — one which creates the bog and the suction simultaneously. The dragon's mass worked against it. The heavier the target, the quicker the spell works."
Fleur's lips parted. "Zat… waz nize." She suddenly sighed, rubbing her temple. "Fine. But… you will teach me ze second variant after ze Tournament?"
"Perhaps," Severus replied softly. Maybe, he would share that spell someday. Perhaps, if she asked on a good day where he was happy, he might even give the spell. But that was clearly impossible. His life was already shit. This new life was a clear slate and even this was becoming boring to his mind. "If you survive."
Fleur's gaze sharpened as she heard the stipulation. "I weel."
Severus's mouth curled faintly. "Good."
Fleur's expression softened. "You know… I 'ave never met someone like you."
"Likewise."
Fleur smiled slightly. "You 'ave more faith in me zan most."
"Don't mistake faith for practicality," Severus replied practically. "If you die in the second task, this conversation will have been a waste of time."
Fleur's eyes sparkled mischievously. "Zen I suppose I 'ave to survive."
Fleur idly twisted a strand of silver-blonde hair around her finger.
"Tomorrow ees my last day," Fleur said softly.
Severus glanced at her. He had known, of course. Fourteen days had passed since her injury, and the Healers had already confirmed that she was well enough to be discharged. Tomorrow, she would leave St. Mungo's and head to Hogwarts. He had known this was coming, but it was still… strange to think about.
"I know," he said simply.
Fleur smiled faintly. "I 'ave been 'ere for two weeks. It feels… strange to leave."
"You'll be back in familiar territory soon enough." He replied calmly. Being with her friends would be better for her then. She could socialize better with them.
"Oui," Fleur murmured. "But…"
Severus raised an eyebrow. "But?" What was this but now?
Fleur hesitated, her eyes flicking toward her hands. "May, I send letterz?"
Severus's brow furrowed. He considered the question for a moment. Correspondence could be useful — a way to stay informed about Hogwarts, about the Tournament. And Fleur was perceptive, more than most of her peers. He would be able to glean valuable insights from her observations. Information was always a win.
"Yes," he replied finally with a smile. "You can write to me."
Fleur's face lit up with a bright smile. Fleur's smile lingered. She hesitated for a moment, then tilted her head slightly. "Will you… mizz mee?"
"Perhaps." Severus replied softly. In truth, he won't miss her. Perhaps a little. He would miss tutoring someone after his shift ended. The task was hectic and taxing but it was a relief. The benefit of only learning more about this world's history and subtle differences was an added benefit.
Fleur's eyes gleamed with curiosity now. "Perhapz?"
"I might miss teaching someone," Severus said, though he knew it wasn't the truth. Teaching was tedious at best, irritating at worst — but Fleur had been different. Quick to learn, quick to adapt. Surprisingly clever. Still, it didn't mean that he liked teaching.
Fleur studied him for a moment, then suddenly bit her lip. "Zere is… one more thing."
Severus's expression sharpened. "What is it?"
Fleur's cheeks flushed slightly. "Zere will be a Yulee Ball."
Severus's gaze narrowed slightly. Of course, there will be. As a champion, she was bound to attend it and start the dance. "Yes?"
Fleur's eyes dropped to her hands. "I was wondering if… if you would—" She faltered, then took a breath and forced herself to look at him. "If you would come wiz me."
Severus's brows lifted in surprise and shock. A simple scan of her surface thoughts showed that she genuinely wanted him to attend with her. Apparently, she admired his presence, knowledge and looks. She desired him, he realised all of a sudden. "You want me to be your date?"
Fleur's cheeks turned pink. "Oui. If… if you are not buzy."
Severus's mind sharpened instantly. He could sense her anticipation, the nervous energy beneath her calm exterior. She genuinely wanted him to say yes — which was surprising.
When had that happened?
He immediately considered the implications. It didn't seem entirely appropriate. Fleur was seventeen — though so was he, technically. But mentally, he was thirty-eight. Accompanying her to a school ball felt… inappropriate.
But there were advantages. The Yule Ball would provide an excellent opportunity to assess Hogwarts's political atmosphere. He could observe Dumbledore, gauge Harry Potter, and identify potential threats. The Tournament itself was no doubt a delicate political tool — and if he was there, he could position himself advantageously.
And, if he was honest, the idea of seeing Fleur at the ball, with her striking beauty and natural grace, was not unpleasant.
Fleur's expression had turned hesitant, almost worried as the silence stretched between them.
"Well?" she asked softly.
Severus exhaled slowly. "Yes."
Fleur's eyes widened. "Oui?"
"Yes," Severus said calmly.
Fleur squealed in delight. Before he could react, she flung her arms around his neck and hugged him. Severus's expression softened slightly. He could understand that. Being defined by one's blood, by something beyond one's control — yes, he understood that very well.
"I suppose I'm flattered," he said dryly. Fleur giggled at his remark.
Severus studied her for a moment before teasing her mischievously. "And what exactly is my compensation for this sacrifice?" If he was going to get the chance, it didn't matter to overthink it. Fleur had given him a much anticipated opportunity. To be in direct vicinity with so much potential players was a crucial opportunity. Something he couldn't miss. Better act teasing so that it sounded natural.
Fleur's cheeks turned pink. "Compenzation?"
Severus's smirk deepened. "Yes. Surely, escorting a beautiful witch to a ball warrants some kind of payment."
Fleur's blush darkened. "Zat… depends."
"On?"
Fleur leaned in slightly. "'Ow well you dance."
Severus chuckled softly. "I suppose we'll find out, then."
Fleur's eyes gleamed. "I suppose we will."
Severus glanced at the clock. "I should go."
Fleur nodded slowly. She hesitated for a moment, then stepped toward him and — to his surprise — wrapped her arms around him again.
"Thank you," she whispered.
Severus's hands lingered at her back before he carefully pulled away. "You're welcome."
Fleur's eyes were bright as she smiled at him. "I will see you at ze ball, zen."
Severus's smirk returned. "Or sooner, if you break the rules."
Fleur's eyes flashed mischievously at ghat. "I will not break ze rules."
"That would be a first," Severus muttered.
Fleur laughed and to his surprise kissed him on check. Her warm lips lingered there for a moment as she blushed after pulling back. She refused to even meet his eyes. "Goodnight, Severus."
Severus inclined his head as he found the gesture childish and awkward. Well, no point in embarassing her further. "Goodnight, Miss Delacour."
As he turned toward the door, he heard her soft laugh behind him. He really had mucked up things, even if they were great advantages.