Wayfaring Stranger

The schools were due to arrive in minutes. Lily was by my side snuggling into me for warmth. Around us the other students cast various warming charms or pulled their wool robes closer. In the distance I spotted ten abraxans drawing a powder blue carriage and smiled. Beauxbatons admittedly had style when they traveled eye watering color schemes aside. 

"Look! In the sky."

The students around us gasped as the carriage drew closer before touching down with a slight skid in the Hogwarts grounds. We were just a few feet away from the castle's entrance so the French would have no trouble finding their way. The blue carriage began to expand, turning into a modestly sized duplex and I grinned at the magic I was seeing. The books hadn't gone into much details on the other schools so seeing everything first hand was satisfying. 

Everyone waited for the Durmstrang ship and were equally awed at its arrival. It was an interesting bit of magic. The ship supposedly was able to teleport to any body of water as long as it was deep enough and could function like a submarine. Once the slavic school arrived everyone walked back to the castle to begin the introductions. Back inside the Great Hall, Dumbledore drew everyone's attention and began his speech. It was a lot like the one in the movie. Though the man was much more animated and friendly now that he wasn't juggling so many jobs.

"More of that later. For now please join me in welcoming the lovely ladies of the Beauxbatons Academy of Magic."

The French students were as haughty as they were portrayed in the movies. Though you could sense that they had been told to act this way from the many discreet glances they shot as they walked past and into the castle. I felt a magical pull and my eyes flew to the most recognizable woman in the Triwizard tournament. Fleur Delacour, I felt Lily tense next to me as the veela passed us by. Briefly her eyes met mine and I caught her flush slightly. 

"Who the hell was that?" Lily hissed next to me after the French students had gone into the castle. 

"That was Fleur, she's a veela or quarter veela if there is such a thing."

"Why am I all hot and bothered? I thought they only attracted men?" 

I was slightly surprised at this revelation. "Their allure only works on those who would normally be attracted to them. Men or women, it doesn't matter. Are you saying that her allure affected you?"

"What? No, or at least I don't think so? I've never been a witches witch so I wouldn't know." 

"A witches witch?"

"A lesbian! Merlin you just had to make me say it."

I grinned at her. "I wouldn't mind watching you two." 

"Prat!" She punched my arm. 

"I'm just being honest, Lils. As long as it's not another man I don't mind watching you play." 

"Oh that's real chivalrous of you. Now be quiet. Durmstrang is next." 

"And now our friends from the north! Please greet the proud sons of Durmstrang!" 

Like in the movies the paramilitaritic school walked in all serious waving staves and performing acrobatics. Viktor Krum stormed in next to Karkaroff. Dumbledore greeted the man that looked like a knockoff Rasputin before Durmstrang students sat at the Slytherin table. 

Dumbledore stood back up and was prepared to make an announcement. Potentially to tell the Hogwarts students to sing that god awful song. I looked at James and Remus who nodded. Lily grabbed my arm before I could stand. 

"What are you doing! Don't embarrass our school." 

"Oh hush love, it'll be fine. I'll show them how to make a proper entrance. Prongs, Moony, on my signal." 

The two Marauders grinned, Peter gulped when he realized what we were about to do. Vela and Lily both rolled their eyes. 

"Ah forgive me Headmaster if I could have a moment?" 

The hall quieted down and my smile grew wider. I could spot Bellatrix and Narcissa looking with quirked lips. Dumbledore looked at me and smiled, having seemingly guessed my intentions. I could also see McGonagall about to stand up but was held back with a look from Albus. 

"Not at all my boy. Make us proud." 

I nodded, "Right… welcome everyone. I admit the Beauxbatons and Durmstrang performances were impressive, but in the spirit of friendly rivalry let's show them what we can do?" The students cheered loudly, drowning out all the other noises. I smiled before summoning my wand to my hand. 

James and Remus cast their spells the second they saw my wand come out. The Great Hall darkened till only a few candles remained lit. With a wave of my wand a flaming representation of each house's mascot flew out and drew patterns streaking across the enchanted ceiling. Students gasped in awe at the spectacle but I wasn't done yet. Another wave caused the animals to merge into a giant dragon that flew around the hall lighting all the candles and torches back up. As the dragon flew closer to the head table it exploded into flames before spelling out, 'Welcome to Hogwarts' in giant flaming letters. With a casual flick the letters dissipated and I grinned at everyone before apparating back to my seat with a loud crack. 

Cheers broke out, the rival schools clapped at the impromptu show. At the head table Dumbledore was smiling widely while clapping. McGonagall hid a small smile while Flitwick's eyes betrayed his interest that charms I used.

"You just had to pull the apparating stunt." 

"What? I think it was a nice touch."

"A nice touch? You just used that to show off." 

"Lily, come on. I used it to show off my school pride." 

"Don't 'Lily, come on' me. Now the other schools are going to think we're all progedies." 

"Are you not?"

"That's besides the point you pra-" 

I silenced her with a kiss, James wolf whistled and yelled when Lily sent a stinging hex at his leg. Vela snickered at him. Breaking the kiss Lily glared at me with no heat. 

"That doesn't mean you're forgiven mister."

"What did I do?! Was showing off really that bad?" 

"No! You know what I mean." She glanced at the French students sitting at the Ravenclaw table. 

"Fine, I'll make it up to you." 

An evil smile worked its way onto her face. "Oh, I know you will."