The rest of the month of January dragged on slowly as the Potters and their friends focused on their studies for school, as well as additional research into the horcruxes. The Prophet held little news that could give a clue about what Voldemort and his followers were up to. It appeared that the harsh winter was keeping them indoors as much as the students.
Despite Hermione's best efforts with all the reference material she was given, she was no closer to finding an answer to the horcrux problem. Luna also seemed frustrated when her father reported that the family archives didn't have any information on soul magic. Harry was feeling a bit down about the efforts as a whole when he was summoned to the headmaster's office one day. Hermione had been studying with him and decided to come along as well. When they reached the office, they were surprised to find that Dumbledore was not alone. Sitting across from him was Bill Weasley. As soon as they entered, Bill turned and stood up to greet them. The look on his face was hard to read, it was serious but tinged with something else.
"Harry, Hermione, I have some potential news for you on the hunt for horcrux knowledge. I know Albus is curious as well. Will you consent to his presence while we talk?"
"Sure Bill. Restricting information has only caused issues for us in the past."
Dumbledore gave the faintest nod as he recognized the subtle jibe at himself. Bill nodded and took his seat as Harry and Hermione took two chairs for themselves.
"Alright, I received permission for personal research within the goblin archives. My senior was curious as to why, but when I mentioned it was House Potter business, he allowed it without further explanation. The goblins hold your family in deep regard Harry. I can't tell you how unusual this is. Anyway, the archives are massive and I've been busy for the past couple months using whatever time I have to search them. Thankfully, they're well categorized or it would take me years. A couple days ago I came across a small reference to a soul magic device used by a sorcerer 827 years ago. It wasn't called a horcrux specifically, but I believe from the descriptions that it was much the same. This text I found the reference in is written in an ancient dialect of the goblin language. I daresay I am one of only a handful who can read it, and probably the only wizard. As part of my work in the vaults of Egypt, goblin based languages became my specialty. Anyway, I digress. The reference noted that the sorcerer and his soul magic were defeated with the 'singular abilities of the matriarch of the veela'. That's all it says. I know it's not much, but I've been thinking over the past couple days and have an idea."
Bill stopped and sipped a glass of water that had appeared at his elbow and then continued.
"Harry, you remember Fleur Delacour from the tournament I'm sure. As you are probably aware, she is one quarter veela. Her grandmother is full veela. Well, Fleur is working at Gringotts and I have been tutoring her on English. Over the past few months we've grown quite...close. I think it may be helpful to pursue the veela connection and I think Fleur and her family would be a good start. The veela are mysterious creatures of unique magic who guard their secrets closely. Perhaps having a family member who can intercede for you will help. I am aware that it would mean bringing Fleur and her family into your confidence. I have met Jean-Louis and Appoline Delacour and they are fine people. Jean-Louis is the director of the Bureau de Magie's International Cooperation department. They could potentially be excellent allies in France."
Harry took a minute to ponder everything Bill had told him and heard Hermione's musings overlaid with his own thoughts. He supposed that pursuing any direction was necessary. This was the first lead they had outside Dumbledore's research. It couldn't hurt to talk to the Delacours and see what he thought of them. Hermione seemed to think similar, a cautious but friendly approach. He was about to speak when Dumbledore cleared his throat and added another thought.
"Harry, I would strongly urge you to consider this. Having friends in France could be quite helpful for any upcoming battle. During the first war, Voldemort gathered soldiers from several countries on the continent. Also, the giants that came to his side came from a colony in the south of France."
Harry nodded and then turned back to Bill.
"Bill, first thank you for the time you've spent researching. I think I want to at least meet with the Delacours. Can you arrange that?"
"Sure, that shouldn't be a problem. I'll send you a note when it's set."
The Potters talked with the headmaster and Bill for a couple more minutes and then thanked them both before leaving to return to their apartment. The following morning, an owl arrived with a brief note:
Lord Potter,
All is arranged. Meet Saturday at 11, Gringotts.
-WW
The initials caught Harry for a minute, but then he realized that Bill would of course be William. Combined with the vague note, even if the owl was intercepted, it wouldn't mean much to anyone else. Anyway, they had their appointment with the Delacours and Harry briefly wondered what Fleur's parents would be like.
The rest of the week passed by quickly as the allies struggled to keep up with their coursework and continue their extra defense practice. Professor Lupin's class was unsurprisingly one of their best and they were learning the practical side to defensive magic. It wasn't all about shields and curses. You also had to be fit and alert, ready to dodge and block if necessary. The brief exercises that they had time for in class were expanded on during their extra studies. In addition, he and Hermione decided to take up running to build their stamina. When the snow drifts grew to high for even melting charms, they devised a route through the castle that equated to five kilometers and could be done in circuits. Their usual study group joined them each morning, although Ron was none too happy about it. Only Luna's insistence and her surprising muggle running uniform made him decide that the exercises weren't all bad. Fred and George took to joining them, although they preferred to continue the rest of their studies with their classmates, including their girlfriends Angie and Katie. Harry once tried to figure out which girl was dating which twin. He thought Angie was dating Fred and Katie was dating George, but then he could have sworn he saw Angie and George together in a side alcove. Maybe he was mistaken. Or maybe not. The twins said they shared everything. That brought to mind an image he didn't want of his four teammates which he quickly tried to banish.
Saturday arrived and the Potters spent their usual lazy Saturday morning by themselves in their apartment before proceeding to floo to Gringotts shortly before eleven. When they arrived, Bill was waiting. He was dressed in his best robes and nodded when he saw that they both wore their official House Potter robes. He stepped over as soon as they arrived.
"Thanks for being prompt. I have a portkey that leaves in four minutes for France. Taking a floo that far isn't recommended and we don't want to drop out of the wrong fireplace. We'll be having lunch with the Delacours and you'll have a chance to talk and get to know them. Fleur is there already, her sister's birthday was yesterday."
Harry nodded and they chatted idly about classes and OWL year. When the portkey began to glow, they all reached for it and were soon whirling away to France. They landed a couple minutes later in an impressive foyer of what must have been a castle. The entire room was lined in marble with elaborate columns and expensive art on the walls. A house elf in a miniature suit with a crest on the lapel greeted them and gestured for them to follow. The elf led them down a long hall lined with more art and then turned left as they entered what appeared to be a large parlor. The room was decorated tastefully in blues and creams and, while all the furniture and artwork looked quite expensive, the overall feel of the room was warm and welcoming. As they entered, a man stood and stepped forward to greet them. Before he could, a small blond missile tackled Harry and began to barrage him with rapid French. Hermione was trying not to laugh at her flustered husband, who was trying to pry the girl off long enough to say hello.
Well, it looks like Gabrielle hasn't forgotten her rescuer.
Apparently.
Harry was saved when Jean-Louis stepped forward and admonished his daughter in barely accented English.
"Gabrielle! Let the man breathe. And where did your manners go? Flying out the window?"
"Pardon papa…"
With her father staring at her, the young girl realized her error and switched to halting English.
"Apologies Lord Potter. It is good to see you well."
"It's good to see you Gabrielle, and happy birthday a day late."
Harry then turned to the girl's father, who held his hand out. Harry accepted the handshake readily. Jean-Louis Delacour was a large man, built in a manner that suggested he once played a sport. His light brown hair was tinged with grey and his blue eyes sparked with intelligence as he sized up the young lord.
"May I extend a more formal welcome to you and your lady Lord Potter. I am Jean-Louis Delacour and welcome to Chateau Delacour. May I present my wife, Apolline…"
A stunningly beautiful woman who looked like a slightly older version of Fleur stepped forward and greeted them both.
"And, of course you are acquainted with our daughters, Fleur and Gabrielle…"
Fleur stepped forward to lightly peck them each on a cheek and welcome them. Gabrielle had calmed and gave a formal welcome with a brief curtsy. Jean-Louis gestured to the nearby seating area and they all went to find seats. Apolline informed them that lunch would be ready shortly. In the meantime, they talked casually about their studies and Harry's recent foray into politics and securing Sirius' release. Jean-Louis had some interesting insights on the working of the Wizengamot and it was obvious that he was an astute politician. Of course, to reach his position at the Bureau, he would have to be. When an elf popped in to inform them that lunch was ready, Harry rose and took Hermione's hand as they followed their hosts. As they walked, he conferred with his wife.
So far my feelings are good. They're obviously wealthy, but they don't put up a front like a lot of English purebloods.
I agree dear. I like the fact that they don't seem to be poking around for personal information. They're quite welcoming.
They reached the large, formal dining room and were soon enjoying an elaborate French lunch that was served in three courses. As the talk continued, the Delacours talked about some of their hereditary family businesses and Hermione managed to direct the conversation to their business dealings during the last war. The Delacours were an old family with a lot of small to controlling interests in a number of businesses. One of their specialties though was dealing in unusual gems and minerals used for runic configurations, which intrigued Hermione greatly. It soon became apparent that the last war hadn't left France untouched, as Apolline discussed the downfall of a couple prominent families. Her disgust was obvious as she felt they had brought it on themselves. As dessert finished, Harry felt comfortable enough to cautiously broach a bit of the subject that had brought them to the Delacour home. He set his napkin aside and focused on Jean-Louis.
"That was delicious Jean-Louis, merci beaucoup. Now, I know you are wondering the reason why I am here. I'm sure you suspect it has something to do with my report of the Dark Lord's return and you are correct. I come for a couple reasons. First, I wish to forge friendships here on the continent for the sake of sharing intelligence. My second reason is more complicated. I need certain knowledge that I believe the veela can assist me with. Before I tell you more, I need to know if the veela would even consider helping me?"
This last question was directed at Apolline as Harry's gaze switched to her. She seemed momentarily surprised and then took a moment as her eyes bore into Harry. He didn't feel her pushing at his blocks, but there was something else in that gaze. It must have been something in the veela magic. He felt as if he was being assessed. After a moment, Apolline gave a tentative nod.
"Lord Potter, the sisterhood may indeed help you if it means the end of the Dark Lord. His rise to power again threatens us much like it did last time. We will never bow to any man and, during the first war, the Dark Lord captured a couple of veela, hoping to harness their power. He tried to ransom them in exchange for the support of the sisterhood for his plans. When the support was refused, those that were captured were…used…and then disposed of. His return has been a concern since you reported what happened at the end of the tournament. Your Ministry may not believe, but the sisterhood felt the shift in the power of the winds, an ill omen for all."
"Madam Delacour, I assure you that the information I seek will be pivotal to the Dark Lord's downfall. There is a good chance that he may only be able to be killed with the help and knowledge of the veela. I can't say more to any not aligned with my house and cause. Would you be able to speak on my behalf to your sisterhood?"
"Possibly. My sisters are wary of outsiders, especially foreign wizards for obvious reasons. It would be helpful if I could give them more details."
Apolline traded a look with her husband and Jean-Louis gave a slight nod and then turned back to Harry.
"Lord Potter, I believe it is time to speak clearly among friends, which I believe I can count you as. The Delacours have always stood in the light and I have been assisting with certain efforts within the Bureau to aid our colleagues at the Ministry with recent information requests. They may not be willing to acknowledge what is coming, but I have heard enough in discreet rumors and whisperings to lend credence to what you say. And, with the Dark Lord's return, the path of this family is certain. My wife and her people would be brought under the dominion of the Death Eaters if they regain control and I cannot allow that. Not to mention the impact on the general populace of magical France. I am aware that several houses have sought alliances with you recently. If you were to offer, I would accept an alliance for House Delacour, provided that we are in agreement to not be called to arms or to be asked to work against the good of France."
Harry pondered briefly as his eyes locked on Jean-Louis. He believed the man in a way deep down that he couldn't describe, but he thought might be called instinct by some. There was some risk here, but he thought it was minimal. Certainly he had risked more in the past. He touched Hermione briefly for her opinion.
I agree my love. Everything I have read on the Delacours has been for the side of the light. They have a long history in this country. Almost as long as the Potters in England.
With Hermione's agreement, Harry made up his mind and smiled slightly.
"Alright Jean-Louis, I can agree to that. Shall we?"
Harry drew his wand and held it in his palm, as did Jean-Louis.
"I, Harry James Potter do hereby offer a formal alliance between House Delacour and the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter. This alliance shall be for the support of each house against the dark forces that are currently gaining power, but shall not include a call to arms or any request that shall bring harm to France. What say you?"
"I, Jean-Louis David Alain Delacour, do hereby accept an alliance between House Delacour and the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter with the terms as outlined by Lord Potter. So mote it be."
With the usual flash of light, House Potter completed another alliance and Harry allowed his grin to widen.
"Thank you Jean-Louis. Now I may speak in greater detail about what we face. Do you wish for your family to be present during this difficult discussion?"
Jean-Louis turned to his wife and daughters and his gaze settled on Gabrielle.
"Gabrielle, please go to your rooms. You are not of age and these should not be your concerns. Neese, please accompany my daughter and remain with her in her rooms until I summon her again." (French)
Gabrielle looked quite upset, but Jean-Louis quieted her complaint quickly and she and the house elf left the room. Once they had a few moments to be well gone, Jean-Louis turned back to Harry and nodded. Harry took a deep breath and drew strength from Hermione's hand in his as he began to tell of the prophecy and the horcruxes, ending with the one that was lodged in his scar. Then he told of the results of Bill's research. As he continued, the Delacours all grew more pale and Apolline's mouth drew into a tight line. Once he finished, it was she that spoke first.
"Alright Lord Potter, your need is obvious and I can understand that time is essential. I will travel to my sisters in the morning and speak with the matriarch. It will be up to her to determine if we can help. I ask your leave that I speak of all this using the veela bond that will prevent my sisters from speaking of it outside of our home."
"You have my leave to speak as you need with your sisters Apolline. Thank you for the quick attention to the matter."
"And, while my wife contacts her sisters, you can be assured that I will be listening for any news that might come from the continent that could give a clue as to the whereabouts of any of these other horrid devices."
"Thank you all. I hope that we can find answers and put an end to Voldemort permanently very soon."
The Potters and Delacours talked for a few more minutes and then Jean-Louis called an elf and had Gabrielle brought back. She wasn't happy, but a glare from her father quickly quelled her. Harry, Hermione and Bill said their goodbyes and took hold of their portkey. Bill gave Fleur a quick kiss and she promised to be back the next day. Then Bill activated the portkey and they were soon back at Gringotts. From there the Potters floo'd to Hogwarts. When they arrived in the headmaster's office, Dumbledore was out and they made their way back to their apartment to collect their books before going to find their friends. Later that evening, Harry sent Hedwig on a route south through Britain to each of his allies to deliver notes with the news of the new alliance. He sealed each with his signet, barring any but the addressee to open the letters.
The next day, while the Potters were busy with more mundane tasks at school, Apolline Delacour said goodbye to her family and floo'd across the country to a small inn in Tournemire in the Cantal region of the Auvergne mountains. From there she waited an hour and caught a local bus up to Le Fau, the closest human village to her destination. Her looks would normally cause heads to turn, but she turned her allure so that it repelled instead of attracted and, combined with a notice-me-not charm, any who had seen her traveling would have been troubled to remember her. She was dressed in cold weather hiker's clothes, looking much like many others who ventured to the region. It would have been faster if she could have apparated at least part of the way, but the veela magic never worked well with apparition and her few attempts when she was younger had all caused splinching. When Fleur had successfully managed to qualify it was only for short distances, but her mother was quite proud of the accomplishment and thought that her diluted veela blood might be the reason. She pondered all this while the bus wound up the mountain to the small village that served as a base for more robust and adventuresome travelers in the mountains.
Upon reaching Le Fau, she carried only a small backpack as she walked up the road out of town. Three kilometers along she left the road in favor of a trail. Another five kilometers saw her take a different trail around a mountain peak. Finally, another four kilometers brought her to the edge of the valley that had been the home of her sisters for a millennia. The trail she had been on had disappeared a couple kilometers before and the charms in the area were meant to repel anyone not of veela blood. Now that she was within sight of the valley, and knowing that any errant hikers would have been left far behind, she transformed into her avian form and flew the additional twelve kilometers quickly down into the valley. As she flew, she breathed the crisp air and looked down on the land that had nurtured her until she had chosen to leave for the city. She had always intended to return, but then she had met Jean-Louis, a singularly incredible wizard who saw her as more than a plaything. His love caused her to forsake her return. Still, whenever she came back, her heart twinged at the sight of her home. She would never leave Jean-Louis, but she missed this place. Her sisterhood had settled here when the first bands of veela spread across Europe. The valley was narrow, with a gentle stream that irrigated the farmlands on the valley floor. The sisters didn't reside in the valley though. Instead they resided in the caves that riddled the steep mountains on three sides. She flew toward the largest of the caves on the west side where the morning sun would warm the matriarch's den. As she landed, she prepared herself for seeing the matriarch for the first time in six years.
Apolline's trip took almost a full day of travel and she had warned Harry that the matriarch may take a while to make her decision, so he refocused on his lessons and the upcoming Gryffindor-Hufflepuff Quidditch match. Hermione continued her own research with Harry helping as he could. As the days passed without word, they tried not to grow anxious. For a time Voldemort and his followers were remaining quiet. That was a bit disturbing, but it would hopefully give them time to find at least one answer to several questions. They talked to Dumbledore regularly and he was cautiously optimistic about the potential veela assistance. In the interim, his focus had been on the ring that he had found and how to destroy it. Along with being a horcrux, it had some additional nasty curse work that made even handling it troublesome. Dumbledore had never actually laid hands on it and now had to figure out how to destroy it. Basilisk venom was a proven method and he had been down to find what was left of the basilisk. Amazingly, it hadn't started to decompose yet and he collected the fangs. The problem though was how to use them on a small and solid object like a ring. Where would you plunge the fang into? When Harry destroyed the diary it was an easy thing, just leather and paper. Using the fang on metal was something else entirely. He and Harry had discussed this before the holiday and a couple of times since, but the answer had yet to be found.
Eight days after visiting France, the Potters were summoned back to the headmaster's office and were hopeful to see Bill or one of the Delacours. Instead, when they entered they were met by Charlie Weasley. He rose and greeted them and Harry could tell he was bursting with news. Dumbledore offered to leave, but Harry thought it would be best if he stayed. Dumbledore nodded and they all sat to hear what had brought Charlie all the way from Romania.
"Harry, I found something that I think will help with the horcruxes. At least with destroying the inanimate ones. I've been checking in with the headmaster and he indicated that is one of the key concerns. We know about basilisk venom and fiendfyre, but of course fiendfyre is ridiculously dangerous and would also set off alarms at the Ministry. I believe I found another way. In the library vaults at the reserve I found a text written in Occitan. I obviously don't speak the old language, but I took note of the title, along with some others in more obscure languages. I asked around and one of the reserve's healers' grandmother is Swiss and specializes in some of the ancient romance languages. I sent the title to her and she translated it as 'Blackest of Black, Magic of the Soul'. Well, obviously when I got that translation of the title, I was excited, but it doesn't help me to read the rest of the book. I actually found this before the holiday and have been working on the problem ever since. After much discussion with the chief of the reserve, I received permission to bring Miya's grandmother to view the book. We had to have her vow on her magic to never use or speak of what she learned. The chief even made it a blood vow. Rather ironic, but I understand his reasons. The old lady's name is Erna and she was quite upset at the required blood vow. She took a couple weeks to think on it, but when I told her it could be important to destroying Voldemort, she conceded. Anyway, she was at the reserve all day yesterday working with me to go over the book. I asked for anything about soul splitting, containers, that sort of thing. I know this is borderline telling her about the horcruxes, but with the blood vow I felt comfortable enough and thought it was important. Anyway, it was all worth it in the end. There is a reference to a sorcerer in the second century who made something similar to a horcrux and it was destroyed by a dragon. Apparently if a dragon breathes a certain type of magical, very hot fire on the object, it will rend the soul loose. To achieve this type of fire, the dragon must chew reticulated massiopyte, particularly found among the Sayan. A bit of geographical research led me to find that the Sayan people originate from the mountainous region of the same name in southern Russia on the border of Mongolia. Following the general directions in the text, I believe the stone comes from the Ergaki region of the range. I've never heard of the stone before and I'm sure it will be difficult to locate, but it may be worth it."
Harry blew out a long breath and thought for a moment, feeling Hermione's thoughts churning as well. It was a great lead, but of course every lead led to a longer path. He supposed he shouldn't be surprised after everything that had happened.
"Wow Charlie, that's an amazing bit of research and a fantastic lead. I'm not thrilled that Erna had to be told as much as she did, but I do understand and it sounds like the vow will protect us. What did she think at the end? I should get her contact information from you to send her a thank you."
"Erna was upset about it all, but understood it was important. She briefly considered asking to be obliviated, but didn't want any of her languages erased. I am certain that she is hoping now to put it behind her and try to forget. As for a thank you, that won't be necessary. I paid her 300 galleons for a consulting fee. She's actually a renowned language specialist and quite sought after."
"I understand. The cost is the least of our concerns, but I will see to it that the money gets back to you. I guess our next task is to locate some of this strange rock. If we do locate some, how much do you think would be needed? I have no idea how much rock a dragon chews to create flame. And will your chief at the reserve allow us to use a dragon for this? Does the type of dragon matter?"
"And now we reach the part where I can be of more help. Once we have the rock, I can help with the dragon. Usually a dragon can produce a small amount of flame with their normal stomach acids. For a more prolonged flame, we use a combustible stone that they chew into a gravel that dissolves in the stomach acid and gives a steady and hot burn over time. For a standard two minute burn, I would estimate five to six kilos. As for the chief, I can arrange an 'experiment' and he won't need additional details. We practice burns regularly with the dragons so we are familiar with their capabilities. As for the type of dragon, I think the best would be a Ukrainian Ironbelly. They flame the hottest. We have two at the reserve. Nasty buggers, but quite impressive at flaming."
"Alright, so the dragon is covered. That leaves us with finding the rock."
Harry was pondering when he heard Hermione mutter mentally in the background.
Love, speak up if you have any ideas. Anything will help right now.
Hermione gave a brief nod to indicate that she understood as she looked up at the three men looking toward her.
"I was just remembering the conversation we had with the Delacours last week. Remember that one of their main businesses is specializing in unusual gems and minerals for runes? Well, stone isn't that different. Maybe they would have a lead."
Harry lit up and reached to kiss his wife. He wanted more than a quick peck, but she pushed him back.
Dear, we have an audience.
Damn, alright. Back to business.
Grinning at his brilliant wife, Harry looked at Dumbledore.
"Headmaster, it seems that I need to make an emergency call to Jean-Louis. It should be about quarter past six, so hopefully he'll be home."
Dumbledore nodded at his floo and Harry got up and went to make the floo call. The first being who appeared was an elf. Recognizing Lord Potter, he popped away to find the master of the house. Harry barely waited thirty seconds before the elf popped back with Jean-Louis in tow.
"Hello Harry. This is a surprise. Hopefully no bad news?"
"Thankfully no. I have a business request for you. I am hoping your gem business can help to locate a type of rare rock. I can't give details from here, but I need thirty to forty kilos of reticulated massiopyte from the Ergaki range of the Sayan mountains of southern Russia. Ever heard of it?"
"Well that's curious, and no, I haven't heard of it. I have contacts in Russia who might be able to help. No one in that area, but we can try. Can you get me a spelling?"
Harry pulled his head out of the fire and asked Charlie for the spelling of the rock and the mountains where the rock supposedly originated. Dumbledore produced a piece of parchment and Charlie scribbled quickly. Harry returned to the fire and sent the parchment through. Jean-Louis grabbed it and looked briefly, scratching his chin.
"Alright Harry, let me make some calls. It may take a while. I look forward to when we can talk in person and I can find out what this is about."
"Thanks Jean-Louis. By the way, any word from Apolline? Is she safe?"
"No word yet. I'm sure she's safe. Her visits home can take a while. Veela sisterhood business that I've learned not to pry about. We'll be in touch."
Harry thanked his friend again and left the fire. He returned to Hermione's side as Charlie stood to leave.
"Well, I have to be going. I'm headed home for dinner as long as I'm in country. My portkey will take me back to the reserve in the morning. At least it seems we are making some progress."
After Charlie left, Harry and Hermione said goodnight to the headmaster and returned to their apartment. They sat and discussed the events of the last week for a few minutes and each were cautiously hopeful that their French connections would yield assistance in both endeavors.