76. Heading back.

Jean and Apolline were relieved to see Fleur returning to her usual self. She was eating properly again, sleeping through the night, and carried herself with the same confidence she once had. The dark circles under her eyes had faded, and the haunted look that had plagued her was finally gone.

Of course, they had discovered who had saved their daughter. The revelation that it had been a mere fourteen-year-old boy had initially stunned them. But after learning more about what he had done, that shock turned into deep respect.

Jean had quietly gathered as much information as he could on Ryan. It was clear that Fleur's obsession with him hadn't faded—it had only grown stronger.

Yet, there was little publicly available about him. He was widely regarded as a prodigy, a student whose talent even Dumbledore spoke highly of. If there was one point of concern, it was the sheer number of women around him. However, each one was remarkable in her own right—top students, exceptionally gifted witches, and seemingly drawn to Ryan just as Fleur was.

Fleur, for her part, had taken full advantage of her correspondence with Yue. Through their letters, she learned everything she could about Ryan—his favorite foods, what he liked to see them wear, his hobbies…

She was like a woman possessed.

Her collection of pictures was steadily growing, each new addition making her heart race. And when Yue had sent her one of Ryan's t-shirts? Fleur had nearly lost her mind. She still slept wrapped in it every night, the faint lingering scent of him filling her senses.

Yue, of course, was fully aware of what she was doing. She was feeding Fleur's addiction, amused by the whole situation. Ryan, however, remained completely oblivious. Yue figured it would be absolutely hilarious when he finally found out. Maybe she'd even get a nice reward for all her efforts?

But for now, it was time for them all to return to school. Fleur would be heading back to Beauxbatons, while Ryan and his group returned to Hogwarts.

Beauxbatons and Durmstrang wouldn't arrive at Hogwarts for the Triwizard Tournament until late October. That left over a month to wait.

Fleur was counting down the days.

As for the tournament itself? She no longer cared about it.

Her real prize was waiting for her at Hogwarts.

---

Hogwarts Express

"You plan to participate in the tournament?" Rachel asked as we settled into the train compartment.

"Yes," I replied without hesitation. I wanted to compete in the Triwizard Tournament.

"How do you plan to get your name into the Goblet?" she asked. They all already knew about the tournament and the Goblet of Fire from reading the books. Since Harry, Hermione, and Luna had yet to arrive, we could talk freely.

"I have a few ideas," I said with a smirk. "Serenity can enter my name for me. If that doesn't work, I'll use a switching spell on Cedric's paper right before he drops it in. And if all else fails, I'll just use the cloak to cross the line and enter myself. If that doesn't get my name called, then I don't know what will."

Rachel nodded. "That should do it."

In the books, Dumbledore had mentioned the possibility of an older student entering Harry. Cedric had also been selected, so swapping his paper with mine should increase my chances. Besides, I doubted there was a ward I couldn't bypass with the cloak.

Before we could discuss anything further, the compartment door slid open, and in skipped Luna, dragging her trunk behind her. The same dreamy smile was on her face as she made a beeline for my lap, giving me a quick kiss before settling in.

"Hello, everyone," she greeted cheerfully, pulling her wand from behind her ear and effortlessly floating her trunk into the luggage rack.

"Hello, Luna," Rachel replied, opening a black portal and pulling out a book.

"How was Sweden?" Yue asked with a smile.

"Oh, it was wonderful! Daddy and I are getting close to finding Crumple-Horned Snorkacks—I can feel it," Luna said, pulling out a copy of The Quibbler from her pocket as she cuddled into me.

Not even a minute later, Hermione appeared, panting slightly as she dragged her trunk into the compartment. "Darn it! She always beats me!"

It had become a little competition between Hermione and Luna to see who could claim my lap for the train ride.

Yue and Rachel didn't mind—they had access to me 24/7.

Hermione pouted but still got a quick kiss before settling into the seat beside us.

As usual, Harry and Ron didn't arrive until the very last minute. Harry had been staying with the Weasleys for the end of summer, and they were notoriously late every time.

"Have you guys heard there's supposed to be some big event this year at Hogwarts?" Harry asked as he settled in.

Hermione, Luna, Harry, and Ron had no idea about the tournament, and we didn't plan to ruin the surprise for them.

"Yep. It's going to be quite fun," I said, smirking as I stroked Luna's hair.

"You know?!" Ron asked excitedly.

"Of course. And no, I won't tell—that takes all the fun out of it."

"Oh, come on, not you too!" Ron groaned. "Percy's been dropping hints all month. Even Bill, Charlie, and Dad know!"

"Sirius wouldn't even tell me," Harry grumbled. Usually, he could get whatever he wanted out of Sirius, but the man had been tight-lipped.

"You'll find out before the end of the night," I said, leaning back with a knowing smile.

It must be torture for Hermione not to know what was going on. I could see her practically bursting at the seam to contain her questions.

Meanwhile I just ignored her subtle probing waiting for the trolley lady so I can fill up my snack supply.