Looking at the red-faced dazed-eyed Ron, Lucas began to question his decision. Adeline, Hermione, and Harry (due to Lily) are all useful to associate with.
Not only would it help him integrate into the main power circle, it would also make many of his plans much easier to implement.
But he had failed to take Ron's behavior into account.
"Ron, you're incorrigible!" said Hermione, giving him a withering look.
"Well, I think it might be inconvenient after all, let's forget it," said Lucas.
"No! Ron is usually not like that! He's just prone to blurting things out. He would never actually do anything."
"I… I obviously didn't mean it. I was just joking, sort of," Ron said feebly.
An apology containing no actual apology.
At this moment, Harry put a hand on Ron's shoulder, looking at Lucas.
"Lucas, right? I've heard my mother mention you a few times. And you helped Adeline. You don't need to worry about Ron. I can guarantee that."
Lucas shrugged. "I'll take your word for it then."
He turned his attention to Fleur who was walking through the aisle between the long tables, her eyes fixed on the goblet.
The murmur of the crowd faded as Fleur dropped a piece of paper into the Goblet, causing a burst of blue flames to flare up that illuminated her face.
Just then, another entourage arrived, led by Aiden Dumbledore.
Seeing Fleur in front of the Goblet, he also confidently stepped forward, drawing a parchment slip of his own.
As he reached the Goblet, he smiled at Fleur, making a comment to which she scoffed and left, flicking her long straight silver-blonde hair.
A small commotion occurred at the Slytherin table as Malachor Lestrange also stood up, making his way over to drop the slip as well.
Krum naturally followed, eliciting even more cheers, even from the Hogwarts students.
Under the rather forceful encouragement Cedric Diggory was also pushed out, having to join in the fun.
"That seems to be all the champions," Adeline murmured, looking at the crowd.
"There's one more strong contender," said Lucas, looking at the Durmstrang girls group.
A tall girl stepped out. Blonde hair in a thick crown braid that feeds into a long plait down her back, steel-grey eyes calm and merciless.
Her build is pure valkyrie: broad, powerful shoulders, a tight, defined waist, and strong thighs and hips that moved with practiced, predatory grace.
The girl's information flashed through Lucas's mind.
Sigrid Skuldsson. Daughter of Durmstrang Principal Ragnar Skuldsson, who is leading figure in the nordic magical tribe.
Since she is in her sixth year, Fleur had ignored her earlier because of the age limit.
But she is impossible to ignore now that the rules have changes.
"She almost became the youngest winner of the under 19 Dueling Championship last year, only losing to Aiden," said Hermione.
"Yeah, I remember her too!" Ron proclaimed.
Harry smirked. "You said you wanted to be crushed between her thighs."
"Harry!" Ron protested.
Gabrielle tilted her head, looking at Ron like he was a rare animal while the other two girls regarded him with disgust.
"I-I did not!" In his anger, Ron could only trap Harry's head under his armpit, choking him while ruffling his hair to vent his anger.
"Stop! I have dungbombs in my robes! Don't blame me if one goes off."
Looking at Harry, Lucas realized that he is not the same Harry Potter as the one he remembers from the series.
And the reasons are obvious. Growing up under the dursleys and growing up with Lily as his mother and Sirius as his uncle have got to make big changes.
Once Ron let him go, Harry rummaged through his pockets. But instead of dung balls, he produced a slip of paper.
"Harry, no!" Adeline said immediately.
"You can't be serious," said Hermione.
But Harry ignored the two, jumping off his seat. Under everyone's gazes, he swaggered over to the Goblet and threw in his slip as well.
To Lucas's surprise, he actually heard even more cheers for Harry than Cedric Diggory.
"Harry is a local Quidditch star. He has never missed the snitch in the past 3 years." Hermione explained. "And he's incredibly reckless. He has almost died several times," she added, looking rather frustrated.
"And he took on 3 fifth years last sem in a duel and almost won," Ron added. "And there are many other things but you won't believe it."
Harry returned, waving his hand to the audience.
"I still remember your mom strictly forbade you participating," said Hermione looking positively murderous.
"Forget it, Hermione. When has he ever listened? He won't be selected anyway," said Adeline, exasperated.
Harry grinned at Adeline.
"Dorine, how about we make a bet? If I get selected, you have to do one thing I ask."
"I am not agreeing to any of your stupid dares."
…
The first class was Potions.
The group of six made their way over to the Dungeons.
"So this Professor Malfoy, I heard she's only been here for a month?"
"Yeah, Professor Slughorn, our previous professor, finally retired last year so she was selected."
"So, is she any good? I heard Professor Slughorn was a master potioneer who could even create liquid luck. That's a huge pair of shoes to fill."
"She's the worst," said Harry immediately, his expression dark. "I don't understand how Hogwarts's standard could fall so low."
"Her husband was a death eater who is still locked up in prison, and her son is an insufferable twit, among other things," Ron added.
But Lucas was aware that they left out Bellatrix Lestrage. But considering her history with Potters, it was understandable.
"She teaches just fine, though, so you don't need to worry," Hermione added in a low voice as Harry and Ron got separated by the crowd of students.
They filed into the class, with Slytherins already gathered in groups. When Harry entered, the Slytherin started snickering.
"Here comes our Tri-wizard Champion Potter," said a blonde boy with a loose tie in a mocking tone that instantly told Lucas his identity.
"Shut up, Malfoy," said Ron, a very mid response.
"Shut up Malfoy," Draco parroted in a poor imitation of Ron's tone, exaggerating the tremor and shrillness, which drew another round of snickers.
Draco's gaze went to Gabrielle.
"And I see that you have -" he trailed off before he could finish, his eyes turning slightly impulsive.
Many other boys had the same condition. This is actually the main reason why they did not face much conflict at Beauxbatons in the one-month period. This, and keeping a low profile.
Of course, there is no need to keep a low profile now. Lucas's hand had gone into his pouch, but he was regretful to find there was no need.
Just then, with the sound of high heels, Professor Narcissa Malfoy sauntered in, chin high and a straight posture.
She was impeccably dressed in a fashionable cloak with a long slit that reached her mid-thigh, showing her stocking clad shapely leg.
She waved her wand and a recipe appeared on the black.
"Today, we were going to cover the Strengthening Potion. The Strengthening Solution temporarily increases Muscular strength, Physical endurance, Grip force and impact resistance."
Take note that It does not increase speed or reflexes, nor does it enhance your magic.
"Main point, it does not enhance your muscle endurance. If you tear a muscle while under its influence, the potion will not apologize."
While reciting all this, Narcissa had noticed Lucas and Gabrielle, but she hadn't let it interrupt her rhythm.
But now she turned her attention to them.
"And you two are?"
"Lucas Castellin and Gabrielle Delacour, ma'am. We are fourth year Beauxbatons students and we are required to familiarize ourselves with the school and the classes before our professor arranges a time-table for us."
"I'm aware of that. But. Incompetent students are not allowed in my class."
"Tell me, why does the Strengthening potion require sustained heat?" She asked.
"Because Dragon claw binds only under constant thermal activation," Lucas answered without missing a beat.
"What is the purpose of Kneazle sinew?"
"To anchor strength enhancement to muscle fibers."
"Why is ginger added last?"
"It stabilizes circulation without amplifying force."
Lucas answered all three of the questions effortlessly. Ron and Harry looked at him with new eyes, not having expected this.
But Narcissa did not look satisfied at all.
"Miss Delacour, if you remain clueless like this, you will not be able to attend further classes."
It seems that she was able to judge Gabrielle did not know the answers just by her actions.
Gabrielle lowered her head, not saying anything, looking rather pitiful. The boys of the class seemed about ready to riot, even the Slytherins.
"She will catch up soon, Professor," said Lucas, giving Gabrielle a look that said 'still wanna attend classes with me?'
Gabrielle's eyes suddenly showed fighting spirit. "I will catch up, Professor," she declared.
Lucas sighed. Gabrielle was already OWL level in spellwork subjects like Transfiguration, Charms, and DADA.
But she hated theory subjects, so Lucas thought she would give up.
Now it seems no one can stop her from mastering the rest of the subjects as well.
The classes ended with Lucas making a near perfect grade Strengthening Potion, even better than Hermione and Adeline.
A surprising discovery was that Harry had also managed to come up with a great potion, despite looking distracted half the time.
Next they had Defense Against the Dark Arts, taught by professor Snape.
"I never knew anyone could beat our group in Potions," said Ron as they exited the class.
In order to retain his intelligence, he was keep as much distance from Gabrielle as possible while making a point to not look at her.
"I am nowhere near good enough in potions," said Hermione. "I only do well because of tips and tricks Mrs. Potter taught me in passing."
"But it must be great, casually being able to get guidance from Aurora Dumbledore and Mrs. Potter," said Lucas enviously. Of course, his words had a hidden meaning.
"Exactly," Hermione smiled sheepishly. "I still can't believe it sometimes."
"But how are you so good yourself?" Adeline finally asked the main question that everyone was curious about.
Lucas shrugged. "Well, it's mostly due to my circumstances."
"Still all mysterious..." Adeline scoffed.
"Lucas is always experimenting with different magical ingredients in our kitchen. He has blown things up several times," said Gabrielle, exposing him.
"Hey! You're not supposed to say that!"
Gabrielle ran off giggling in her bell-like voice, leaving Lucas to shake his head helplessly.
But inwardly, he wasn't angry at all, knowing that she was helping him answer the question. If Lucas said the same thing himself, it would feel like bragging, especially in front of two girls who clearly work as hard.
"How is she so cute and innocent?" Adeline blurted out, looking at Gabrielle. Just now, the cuteness when she giggled and ran away was too much even for her.
"Well, she's actually younger than us." Lucas casually revealed the reason.
"What? How much younger?"
"Um, let's see, she will be turning 13 soon. She enrolled into Beauxbatons half a year early. So, she's supposed to be in her third year."
"What?! So she's still... 12? Then why is she attending with us?!" Ron blurted out. He actually looked guilty and angry.
"I won't go to any class without Lucas," Gabrielle proclaimed straightforwardly, winding her hands around Lucas's arm. It caused Ron's expression to contort sharply in jealousy before he looked away.
Lucas shrugged helplessly. "As you can see, I don't have a say here."
But Ron's jealous expression only contorted further upon hearing this, suffering another blow. He muttered something like 'as if you'd complain.'
Seeing them, Hermione couldn't seem to help smiling.
"You two seem quite close. I'm really curious - when and how were you adopted?" she asked Lucas, curiosity once again overwhelming her sense of boundaries.
"This…" Lucas didn't know how to answer that.
But he was spared from it as a red haired woman appeared in front them as they turned the corner.
And the woman went straight for Harry, her hand accurately catching his ear. "Harry. James. Potter! What did I say to you?! NO PARTICIPATION!"
Lucas noticed a rolled up sheet of parchment clutched in her other hand, that seemed to have paintings and moving ink blotches.
'The Marauderer's map.'
"Mum! Relax! It's not like I'm actually going to be selected. I just put in my name!"
"Oh, and how do you know that? The Goblet's result can never be absolutely predicted!"
"Mum! Everyone's watching!"
Lily finally seemed to relent, leaving Harry's ear. She sighed, looking tired. "What am I supposed to do about you?"
She turned to Lucas.
"And you. Why did you run away the last time? We still have discussed the details of your compensation."
Lucas scratched his head. "No reason."
"Well, now that you're here, come to our lab as soon as you're free. Hermione, you're responsible for bringing him."
"Leave it to me!" Hermione straightened.
…..