79. Joy.

The only reason Fleur stopped kissing Ryan was due to the clearing of Madame Maxime's throat, her amused yet exasperated gaze fixed on the couple. If it had been up to Fleur, she would have dragged Ryan off to her bedroom to truly claim him, but she knew the timing wasn't right—yet.

Reluctantly, Fleur pulled away, though her arms remained wrapped possessively around Ryan's waist. She turned to face her headmistress, who was giving her a pointed look.

"Mademoiselle Delacour," Maxime said, folding her arms. "Perhaps you could save such displays for a more… private setting?"

Fleur huffed but didn't let go of Ryan. "Non. I have waited months for this." She shot Yue a sly smirk before looking back at Ryan, her blue eyes burning with a mix of love and Veela instincts. "I will not be letting him go anytime soon."

Ryan groaned. "I feel like I should be worried."

"You should be," Rachel quipped.

Yue giggled. "Oh, you definitely should be."

Madame Maxime sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose before addressing Dumbledore, who was watching the scene unfold with a twinkle in his eyes. "I suppose this is what you meant when you said Beauxbatons and Hogwarts would be getting along very well this year?"

Dumbledore chuckled, his voice warm with humor. "I did have a feeling there would be some… warm reunions."

Ryan rubbed his temple, a grin tugging at his lips despite himself. "This is my life now, isn't it?"

Fleur smiled sweetly at him, her grip tightening just a bit more. "Oui, mon amour. Forever."

Ryan's stomach dropped slightly as he realized just how literal 'forever' was where Veela were concerned.

Dumbledore, observing the interaction with a mix of amusement and understanding, cleared his throat. "Ryan, my boy," he said, his eyes sparkling. "It seems Fleur has decided that your company is, indeed, quite essential this evening."

Fleur smiled up at Ryan, her arms tightening around him. Ryan gave a half-hearted chuckle, realizing he wasn't going anywhere anytime soon.

"Perhaps," Dumbledore continued, his tone playful, "you could help me with a small task? We wouldn't want our esteemed guests to freeze outside in the cold."

Ryan raised an eyebrow. "And what task might that be?"

"Ah, simply escorting the rest of the guests inside so they can warm up. I believe it would be a fitting responsibility for someone so… well-attended," Dumbledore added with a knowing glance at Fleur, who seemed perfectly content in her position at his side.

Ryan sighed, though a hint of gratitude flickered in his eyes. "I guess I can do that... as long as Fleur doesn't mind being attached for a little longer."

Fleur leaned up and pressed a kiss to his cheek, smiling as she did. "Non, I do not mind. I will go wherever you go, mon amour."

Ryan let out a defeated chuckle as he turned back to Dumbledore. "Well, looks like I don't have much of a choice, do I?"

"Not in the slightest," Dumbledore replied, amusement never leaving his face. "The guests are waiting, Ryan. I'm sure you'll do wonderfully."

With that, Ryan led the way, Fleur still firmly at his side. As they made their way toward the entrance, Dumbledore turned to observe the sky, awaiting the arrival of the Durmstrang party.

---

Ryan and the rest of the group didn't make it more than a few feet before a sound was heard.

A sudden rumbling vibrated through the air, from the Great Lake. The surface of the water rippled unnaturally, and then, just as quickly, a large shape began to emerge from beneath the depths, glistening under the moonlight. It was a ship—but not like any ordinary vessel. The Durmstrang ship was an ancient magical craft that traveled beneath the water's surface, hidden from sight, only to rise from the water when it was needed.

As the water cascaded down its weathered hull, the ship broke free of the surface, its massive structure creaking as it slowly rose. The vessel was imposing, made of dark wood with iron accents that gleamed in the light, its sails billowing as they unfurled. Lanterns hanging from the sides of the ship cast an eerie glow across the night air, adding to the mystical aura that surrounded it.

With a final push, the ship fully emerged, its massive prow cutting through the water as it docked with precision. A few figures appeared on the deck, wrapped in thick furs to combat the chill, their eyes sharp and watchful as they prepared to disembark. The crew worked with practiced efficiency, tying the boat securely to the dock before stepping aside to allow the students to exit.

At the front of the procession, Igor Karkaroff, the headmaster of Durmstrang, stood tall and composed. His cold blue eyes swept the crowd before he fixed them on Dumbledore, his lips curling into a tight smile.

"Headmaster Dumbledore," Karkaroff said in a low, measured voice. "It is a pleasure to finally arrive at Hogwarts."

Dumbledore, ever the gracious host, gave a warm smile in return and stepped forward to greet him. "Ah, Igor, welcome to Hogwarts. We are honored to have Durmstrang join us this year. Please, come inside and warm up."

Karkaroff's eyes flicked briefly toward the group of students near the entrance. His gaze lingered on Ryan for a moment, taking note of Fleur still attached to him with a possessiveness that spoke volumes. He raised an eyebrow but said nothing, his expression cool and unreadable.

"We shall see how warm it truly is inside, won't we?" Karkaroff remarked, his tone carrying a subtle challenge.

Dumbledore's smile never faltered as he replied, "The warmth of Hogwarts has always been inviting, I assure you."

With that, the Durmstrang delegation began making their way toward the castle doors, Karkaroff leading the way with his students following in tow. The night was far from over, and Ryan had the distinct feeling that things were about to get much more... interesting.