chapter 38

Much to Hope's chagrin Professor Snape actually decided to teach his classes appropriately as did 'Professor Moody', so they avoided Freya's ire. Thankfully all the students seemed to finally have received the message Lady Emrys was enforcing and stopped overtly bullying everyone, once they saw the effects of someone breaking a stipulation made by losing a Wizarding Duel.

Marietta Edgecombe attempted to curse Luna while Freya was nowhere to be seen but before she could even cast a spell, there was a gut-wrenching scream that tore itself from her throat. The Raveclaw's wand shattered into small wooden fragments as a bright light, that everyone associated with the Ravenclaw girls' magic, was ripped out of her before shooting off into the sky and disappearing into the ether.

Since Miss Edgecombe no longer has any magic she was banished from Hogwarts castle. Dumbledore had tried to speak reason into Heir Emrys, about no longer Duelling the students as having their magic ripped out of their bodies was inhumane.

To which Freya mentioned simply. "If you did your job in the first place. I wouldn't be here. So this is on you Dumbledore. Not me. So don't blame this on me."

"You are just a child! You don't know what you are doing. So listen to someone more experienced and stop this madness!"

Freya chuckled at the elderly man. "Oh Dumbledore. If I'm a child, then you are a baby." Freya's face hardened into something much more brutal as she released her magic in waves, causing everyone to shudder in fear as the magic coming from Heir Emrys was physically holding them in place.

"One of the names that appeared on my Inheritance test performed by the Goblins announced me as 'The Immortal Viking Witch'." Freya was able to state this with full conviction as Hope gave her aunt the Elixir of Life from the extract of the Philosopher's Stone Nicolas had entrusted her with after her first school year, allowing Freya to keep her pseudo-immortality until they were able to make their way back home.

"I am over 1,000 years old, Albus." Freya droned out as if she was explaining what 2 plus 2 is, but they weren't listening.

If anyone in the room could move, Hope imagines that every person's jaw would be on the ground in shock, instead she watched as everyone gained saucers for eyes with how wide they opened at Freya's revelation.

"Your ignorance and lack of action is going to get someone killed. If you had the entire school working together, rather than separating them into 4 houses based on a specific trait that has been infringed upon before arrival. Maybe you wouldn't have this problem!"

"Everyone who comes to this school learns in the first 10 minutes, that Gryffindor is good and Slytherin is evil."

Freya throws her hands up in disbelief before shaking her head, "No! For the love of God! Each student has the potential to be whatever they wish to be but for some unknown reason it's: Slytherin, evil and ambitious, Gryffindor, good and courageous, Ravenclaw, smart but socially awkward, while Hufflepuff is loyal but for some reason cowards?"

"I've only been here for a week and I can tell you right now that this assumption is completely crap. I've met some true Slytherins who are cunning, smart, courageous and loyal. I see the same results in Ravenclaw, Gryffindor and Hufflepuff, although I will admit I see more Hufflepuffs with all traits then the rest of the Houses, as they accept everyone and learn from them. If anything, the Hufflepuffs are possibly the best House to be sorted into because they can achieve their full potential, while the other three are stuck believing that they are the superior Houses." Freya ranted before having Myrddin flame her off somewhere to calm down.

Hope pursed her lips together so tight that she wouldn't utter a word, otherwise she would be right beside her aunt, agreeing with every single word she said.

"Wow… That was intense." Fleur muttered under her breath as she was leaning her chin on Hope's shoulder.

"She has a point though. I had those same expectations as I entered the school. I was worried when I saw you wearing green, but I knew you before I saw you in Slytherin colours, so I decided to ignore the warnings. Talk to you. Best choice I've made while I've been here." Fleur continued with a pleased smile.

"It's a good thing you did. Otherwise getting to know Daphne and I would be very difficult." Hope replied quietly as she turned her head slightly to look directly into the closest silver eye to her, "I'll see you in an hour for the Wand Weighing?"

Fleur hummed, "Are you still bringing your Ravenclaw friend, Luna?" Hope nodded at the name signalling that the other girl got it correct, "So you want her to write our stories for the Tri-Wizard Tournament?"

"Yep. I'm so over Rita Skeeter." Hope mentioned with a deadpan glare as Fleur just nodded softly, understanding Hope's hesitance. The journalist has been slandering Hope's Lady Emrys title for weeks now, since the Quidditch World Cup, when she saved her life as well as her sister's.

"That's fair. What makes you think Skeeter will be the one covering the Tournament?" Fleur asked in curiosity but saw that Hope's eye twitched at the mere mention of the woman's name.

Hope began to grumble, "Who else would it be?" As she walked away to her first class of the day leaving a befuddled Fleur behind.

Since the beginning of the Tri-Wizard Tournament, Hope has chosen to partner up with Harry for Potions, since Snape's been effectively neutered by Heir Emrys' threat as well as the other students. But mostly because Ron Weasley has been making life difficult for Harry ever since his name was spat out by the Goblet.

Calling him a cheater and some other words which caused him to almost Duel Freya, but Harry chose to intercede on his behalf and cancelled the Duel, as Harry stated that he forgave Ron for his comments.

Although right after Harry saved Ron from duelling Freya he proceeded to call Harry names while Freya arched an eyebrow at Harry in question. But the Boy-Who-Lived shook his head at Heir Emrys solemnly as he walked away.

Hermione became a silent party in the whole fiasco between her two friends. Hope found her in the Library one day and asked knowingly. "I'm assuming you've learned how difficult it is not to interfere now?" Sitting down next to the brainy Gryffindor as she sighed.

"It's exhausting!" Hermione complained as she slammed her head down onto crossed arms, resting on the table.

Hope nodded in agreement. "You know that one day, you may be forced to pick a side between Harry and Ron?"

Hermione looked terrified at the thought as a glazed look coated her eyes, causing Hope's inner wolf to growl as she just knew that the other girl had either been spelled or potioned.

"You would want me to pick Harry, right? Because everyone picks Harry." Hermione huffed obnoxiously similar to what Hope expected Molly Weasley to sound like.

Hope kept her emotions in check and decided to answer neutrally so the potion wouldn't be forced to come into full effect on the Gryffindor girl. "Don't worry about it, Hermione. It's not something you have to worry about at this stage."

However Hermione just continued as if Hope never even spoke. "Ronald wouldn't last on his own. I have to help him."

Hope clenched her jaw and grounded her teeth together. "I have to go. I'll talk to you later."

That was three days ago and Hope informed her aunt who was able to pull the young witch aside later that day and take her to the Infirmary to have Flushing Potions given to her, to cancel out any existing potions on the girl.

Madam Pomfrey learned a while ago not to argue with Heir Emrys and did as requested, although she was shocked when the young girl shot to the bathroom off to the side to throw up into the toilet bowl as the Flushing Potions did their job.

"Who could have done such a thing?" Madam Pomfrey questioned with a disheartened and tired sigh.

"Normally I would say whoever the potions were keyed to would be your culprit. But that would be Ronald Weasley and I've watched him in Potions before. The boy has trouble making acceptable potions without Hermione's help. So it couldn't have been him." Freya commented with a thoughtful look.

"The other option is one of his family members. Bill and Charlie would be in the clear as they aren't around. As much as the twins are pranksters and excellent potions makers, they aren't cruel like this, so I'd rule them out as well. From what I hear about Percy he's too law abiding to do this. I'm hoping to God the youngest Weasley doesn't know how to make a love potion since that's taught in year 7. Mr Weasley is too fascinated by Muggles and Muggleborns to interfere with one's love life. So that leaves Mrs Weasley." Freya speculated before facing Madam Pomfrey with a calculating gaze.

"Who do you think it was, Poppy?"

Madam Pomfrey sputtered as she took in all the information Freya provided and looked down at the ground in disgust as her mind also came to the same conclusion. "Mrs Weasley would have the knowledge to make love potions. It's widely known that she used one on her husband before marriage. So it wouldn't be a huge leap to make that assumption."

The Healer turned to face Heir Emrys and asked regretfully. "What will you do?"

"Unfortunately there is nothing I can do at this time. I can only be responsible for the people within the castle. However I will be writing to Madam Bones with my concerns and hopefully she'll follow up." Freya mentioned as she left Madam Pomfrey to her own devices with a thankful smile.

"Thank you for making the right choice today Poppy. I'm glad I can count on you in the future."

Hermione eventually made her way back out to Madam Pomfrey with a pale face and looked around for Freya, "Where did Heir Emrys go?" The young Gryffindor asked with a frown.

Madam Pomfrey regarded the girl with a pitying look. "To make sure this never happens to you again, I imagine."

Poppy noticed the girls' large buck teeth and gave a small smile. "While you're here, would you like me to shrink those buck teeth and straighten them for you?"

Hermione looked surprised at the offer as a large smile appeared on her face. "You can do that?"

"Of course. Although normally, the student has to make the request. But I have a feeling Heir Emrys would have offered this on your behalf if she didn't leave." Madam Pomfrey mentioned with a delightful smile before she heard footsteps approaching and looked over to the entrance along with Hermione as Freya popped her head back in.

"Oh and Madam Pomfrey? Could you shrink Hermione's front teeth? I don't think Muggleborns are aware that they can request that." Freya called out.

The Healer nodded. "Sure. I actually just offered that suggestion to Miss Granger."

"Wonderful!" Freya almost left but her hand gripped the doorframe and pulled herself back with a frown on her face.

"While you're at it, perhaps you should offer Witches Monthly Potions to all witches above the age of 13?" Before turning to face Hermione, "Did you know that there is a potion to take away period pain?"

Hermione blinked and shook her head before looking over to the Healer who was groaning in embarrassment. "I'll get right on that."

Before muttering to herself as she went to the cupboards for the potions. "How the hell could I forget something like that?"

Although Hermione still sat next to Ron in Potions, she wasn't actually helping the boy, instead she just took over for the entire lesson as she subconsciously thought about what Hope mentioned in the Library, about making a choice.

Hope worked quietly with Harry as she whispered to him why these ingredients were used and the amount required for the Potion. Harry nodded along eagerly as he listened to Hope teach him and create perfect potions each lesson, which had Snape sneering something fierce but marked them as Outstandings to avoid Heir Emrys' wrath if he was to give an incorrect mark to the students.

The two Tri-Wizard Champions were just bottling up another perfect potion of a Babbling Beverage as Colin Creevey knocked on the door and called Harry out for the Weighing of the Wands. Harry's eyes narrowed as he regarded Hope but she just shook her head in exasperation as she popped the cork into the vial and packed up her desk along with Harry.

Both of the students left the Potions class about 10 minutes early but Colin kept speaking to Harry in a near obsessive manner which Hope slowed down so she wouldn't have to be associated with the rapid speaking boy.

Harry peered back and mouthed, 'Save me?'

Hope smiled with mirth in her eyes before she slowed down next to a door with spring water, grass clippings and cherry blossoms to knock on the door, causing Harry to stop and back up with a confused Colin, who was stunned speechless as they made an unscheduled stop to the Archimancy classroom.

Professor Vector opened the door with a confused expression on her face. "Miss Mikaelson? What brings you here?"

Hope counted to three in her mind as she made the request to borrow Luna for the Weighing of the Wands nearly a week ago to Professors Dumbledore, Snape and McGonnagall, however the last one mentioned that Hope had to speak to her Head of House to which Hope hummed in contemptment.

"I was hoping to borrow Luna to write articles for the Weighing of the Wands?" Hope requested with a pleading expression.

The elderly woman looked over to the 3rd year Ravenclaw and sighed. "That's why you finished early today, isn't it dear?"

"Yes Professor. Hope asked me last week if I could cover the Tournament for the Quibbler and I accepted. Professor Flitwick had given his verbal permission as he's been unable to get a spare moment to write a note due to all the Duels that need to be officiated." Luna explained as she stood up grabbing her folder as she walked to the door.

"Very well. But please, next time provide a note?" The two girls nodded at the Professor before exiting the room and catching up with Harry and Colin.

"You're a journalist?" Harry asked, attempting to make conversation as they made their way to the antechamber.

Luna smiled pleasantly as she glanced over to Harry. "Oh yes. My daddy and I write a magazine with puzzles and creature information in it. However I couldn't pass up an opportunity to write about something as popular as the Tri-Wizard Tournament as I'm afraid the Wrackspurts will try to confuse the readers."

Harry blinked before looking over to Hope with a questioning gaze.

Hope smiled at him. "You'll understand when we get there and I hope you'll offer an article to Luna later."

"I'll think about it?" Harry replied cautiously with a frown.

When the two boys and two girls entered the room, Harry was immediately snatched up by Rita Skeeter and shoved into a cupboard without a single word being said, while Colin pouted and walked out, after completing his task.

Hope felt Harry's magic flare at the position he found himself in. Back in a cupboard. His magic shot out waves of help which even Fleur noticed and frowned. Hope walked over to the cupboard door with her wand in hand and threw open the door before casting a silent stupify at the annoying blonde woman.

"Come on out Harry." Hope motioned for him as she held the door open wide.

Harry looked down at the ground where the woman was with both concern and contempt in his eyes. "We can't just leave her there."

"I'm not. I'll revennerate her after you hop out. She had no right to do that. She has to ask your permission first before she is able to write about you." Hope explained with a glare at the unconscious witch.

"Miss Mikaelson is right." Viktor mentioned from the side with his arms crossed in front of him. "Ms Skeeter should not have grabbed you like that, nor taken away your freedom of speech. It's incredibly rude and bad mannered in journalism."

"Oh." Harry muttered as he stepped out of the cupboard.

"Hey Luna?" The pale blonde girl hummed in response, "Do you mind if you write my articles for the Tournament?"

"Of course. It would be my pleasure." The younger girl stated with a dreamy smile on her face.

Fleur cleared her throat lightly after Harry was finished speaking, "Luna may I also request if you can write my articles for the Tournament?"

The young seer clapped her hands in excitement. "I would be honoured to write for you as well Fleur." Luna turned to face Viktor in the corner, "Would you also allow me to write for you as well Mr Krum? Or would you like to stay with Ms Skeeter?"

Viktor thought about this for a moment before giving a small nod. "However, I would like to see how the Daily Prophet goes. So I'll give an article to both papers." Viktor negotiated with the young Ravenclaw.

Luna nodded happily. "I have no complaints. Thank you very much Mr Krum. Would you prefer doing two separate interviews or would you like me to sit in on the Daily Prophet interview?"

"Just sit in, if that's okay with you?" Krum suggested.

Hope just grinned at the outcome as she cast revennerate on Ms Skeeter just as Freya entered the room. "Should I ask?"

All the students shook their heads as Skeeter pulled herself off the ground and was about to yell at the Hogwarts Champion, but caught sight of the elusive Heir Emrys and giggled uncontrollably. "Heir Emrys. I have some questions for you and your Head of House, Lady Emrys." The woman announced as she tried to pull Freya away.

Freya yanked her arm out of Rita's grip, "No." The older woman declared clearly, shocking the journalist.

"But you have to! It's my right as a journalist!" Rita screamed at Freya who began to glare at the woman.

All five students have witnessed this look multiple times over the past couple of weeks and backed off together, standing along the sides of the room. Heir Emrys tapped her staff on the ground once and sealed the woman's mouth shut much to her surprisingly noisy displeasure.

"Being a journalist does not give you the right to do whatever you want. I suggest you speak to your editor, learn the rules and follow them. Otherwise I'm going to make life very difficult for the Daily Prophet and you can be rest assured, knowing that this would all be your fault." Freya threatened the other woman, before moving right in front of her face.

"Do I make myself explicitly clear?"

The woman nodded her head erratically in agreement and Freya removed her silencing spell. "Good. I'm glad we had this conversation."

Rita stayed remarkably silent as the Champions quietly conversed with one another for the next ten minutes or so until all the Headmasters arrived along with Ludo Bagman, Barty Crouch Sr and Garrick Ollivander, the wandmaker from Diagon Alley.

Freya leaned against a desk as she listened in to the conversation on her nieces request as she was worried that Dumbledore would try something stupid and illegal. Which Freya was beginning to believe, as he had them wait for another arrival. Cedric Diggory walked into the room with confusion clearly written across his face.

"Wonderful! Now that all our Champions have arrived we can begin." Dumbledore announced while Madam Maxine and Headmaster Karkaroff started to complain.

Cedric looked completely out of his element and looked over to Hope mouthing 'sorry' to her, Hope gave a half-hearted smile mouthing 'I know' back.

Freya groaned loudly, drawing attention to herself as the Headmasters didn't notice her. "Mr Diggory, I know you had nothing to do with this mix up. So would you mind returning to class?" Cedric nodded as he turned on his heel and left without a word.

Freya returned her attention back to the participants and their Headmasters. "There we go. Now we are back down to the four chosen Champions. Mr Potter, considering you are also younger than the rest of your competitors and illegally had your name entered against your will. I had called an emergency Wizengamot session last night and by majority vote we believe that since you are technically placed under a forged school you are not under the obligations of Hogwarts while in this Tournament. Meaning you are allowed to visit Hogwarts, Beauxbatons or Durmstrang professors for help if you so require it."

The reactions from the Headmasters and Ministry officials were absolutely priceless and none of them were able to make a sound. While Viktor, Fleur Hope and Luna all nodded in agreement to the condition created as they all believed that it made sense.

"However, Miss Mikaelson. Since you deliberately placed your own name into the Goblet of Fire these privileges do not extend to you."

Hope gave an understanding smile to her aunt. "That's fair."

Heir Emrys turned to face the wand maker. "Mr Ollivander? If you could start the proceedings that would be greatly appreciated."

"Of course…" The wand maker replied subconsciously as he gazed longingly at the staff Freya was holding until he looked up and saw an arched eyebrow raised at him.

"Sorry. I apologise. I just never thought I would see Merlin's Staff. It truly is a marvelous creation." Ollivander murmured in fascination.

"Wait? What?" Dumbledore sputtered as he took another look at the staff being wielded by Heir Emrys while Ms Skeeter looked hungrily at the staff as her Quick-Quotes Quill began jotting down notes.

Freya gave an entirely unimpressed look towards Dumbledore. "Who else would the Staff of Merlin belong to other than a member of the House of Emrys?" She sassily retorted with a roll of her eyes.

"A descendant of Merlin obviously." Barty Crouch Sr replied and held out his hand, "You should turn that staff over to the proper authorities right away."

Freya furrowed her brows at the man and scoffed. "Hell no. You are not getting my staff which King Ragnok literally watched me name Hirdman, as it transformed in my grasp. Also how can you not know that the House of Emrys are descendants of Merlin?"

The entire room bar Hope, Fleur, Luna and Harry, all quickly turned to Freya in shock. Hope couldn't stop herself from doing a facepalm and groaning under her breath about the lack of education in the wizarding world.

Everyone turned to look at Hope at the loud slapping sound while Fleur and Luna were squeezing their lips together tightly, trying not to laugh at Hope's exasperated look.

Harry looked back and forth between the two groups before asking, "Hang on. Are you telling me that only a small handful of people know that the members of House Emrys are actually descendants of Merlin? Really?"

"Harry, my boy. House Emrys has nothing to do with Merlin. Do not worry yourself over it." Dumbledore replied with a dismissive wave of his hand.

Harry glared at the Headmaster momentarily as he recalled all the ways Dumbledore has hindered him throughout life.

Hope was impressed by the stoic face that Harry was able to adopt quickly and wondered if he was studying Occlumency as he countered Dumbledore, "Professor."

Gaining Dumbledore's surprised attention as he wasn't expecting Harry to speak back to him. "Hermione and I grew up in the muggle world and one of the subjects that they teach in school is history, even fictional history. Or more specifically Camelot. One of the most curious things we learn is that Merlin isn't his birth name. His name is Myrddin Emrys."

The room became utterly silent except for the scratch of quill against paper from the floating lime green Quick-Quotes Quill. Hope looked at all the completely flabbergasted expressions before her left eye twitched in undeniable disbelief.

Freya however looked proud at the young Gryffindor boy. "Well done Mr Potter. If I could give out points I would probably give you 100." Freya praised Harry.

"My Lady and I were waiting for someone to be able to admit that. Although we were expecting someone to figure it out faster than 3 years. But better late than never, I guess."

Harry threw his hands up in exasperation. "How did none of the adults get this?"

Harry remarked before seeing Fleur and backtracked slightly. "Except you Miss Delacour, I apologise for accidentally grouping you with the rest of the people in the room, as well as Mr Krum."

Krum gave a single nod of acceptance as he didn't know but as soon as he heard the information, he readily admitted that it made sense.

Harry turned back to Professor Dumbledore and asked, "I mean, I've never met Lady Emrys but she has a flair for stating the obvious."

Hope gave Harry an appraising but slightly affronted look, staying silent as she wanted to know how many hints Harry used to make the connection.

Harry held up a finger and began counting. "The most obvious hint she gave was her Phoenix. She named him Mryddin."

Freya chuckled to herself as she mentally called the midnight Phoenix to her side. He landed on the older Emrys' shoulder before giving a low bow. Harry rolled his eyes lightly at the theatrics while all the occupants in the room over 20 stared at the bird in perplexity.

Harry met Hope's eyes and gave a small smile. Hope tilted her head in question and Harry gave a tiny nod as his answer. Hope almost scoffed aloud in amusement once Harry non-verbally confirmed he knew she was Lady Emrys.

Freya noticed this and smirked at the boy. "Well, would you look at that? I told you that there were students in each House that represented all the school traits. Thank you Mr Potter, for not allowing me to lose faith in all of wizard-kind."

"You're welcome." Harry replied with a slight blush and a shy smile before he turned to face the Headmaster again.

"Two. I've heard in the Daily Prophet that Lady Emrys has been making waves with the Magical Communities, which is something that is documented in the history books as being something Merlin did."

Harry looked around the room and was going to ask Madam Maxine but recalled that she had no idea about Lady Emrys, a light bulb went off in his mind as he turned to face Fleur. "Miss Delacour? Are you able to tell us what Lady Emrys has provided for the Magical Community since her first appearance?"

Fleur arched an eyebrow but answered as requested as she was finding the entire scene amusing. "Sure, Mr Potter." She answered politely.

"In the past 3 years she has donated a mass amount of gold to the communities to help replenish their lands, while during Wizengamot sessions she left King Ragnok of the Goblin Nation in charge of her minor decisions, but for the Bills that require her attention she usually accepts anything to do with strengthening the Magical Communities."

Fleur gives a side glance to Hope for a moment as she smiles quickly at her before facing Freya. "Lady Emrys has already been named an ally to the Goblin Nation, which is potentially the most difficult faction to get approval from. Although she hasn't made any appearance to the rest of the Magical Community, we all have the current mindset to hear her out."

"I'm sure my Head of House would be pleased to learn that information." Freya commented back with a friendly smile.

Harry started speaking again. "I could name more reasons but I think I'll keep those to myself." As he recalled, Hope removed the Horcrux from his scar which had practically faded away completely now. As well as the ease at which she controls her magic, the knowledge she has and the strength of which she is able to feed her privacy wards.

Mr Ollivander cleared his throat awkwardly.

"Uh, well yes. As interesting as this lesson of political history has been. Perhaps I should start the Wand Weighing now?" The wandmaker suggests cautiously to the Headmasters and they nod as do the Ministry officials.

"Very well. May I look at your wand Miss Lovegood so I can show the Champions what a Wand Weighing is?" The elderly man asked as he held out a frail hand.

Dumbledore just realised that there was an additional student in the room and questioned the girl as she pulled out her wand from behind her ear and handed it over to the wandmaker. "Miss Lovegood? What are you doing out of class?"

Luna smiled up at the Hogwarts Headmaster. "Oh. Hope has requested my presence so I can write her article for the Quibbler. We had sent you letters but you must have lost them. So I informed my Head of House and he said I could accompany Hope if I had finished my work before I left as I have a study period now."

Skeeter was about to scream and shout at the 3rd year Ravenclaw but before she could even start, the elder Mikaelson snapped her fingers quietly, "Silencio." The woman murmured with a shake of her head.

"Just stop." Freya remarked as she shook her head in frustration before resting her head in her free hand while Myrddin also shook his head in disappointment. "Professor Dumbledore. Luna has every right to be here, so stop trying to find ways to piss me off without actually doing enough to break the school charter so I can't offer you a Duel. So for the love of God, please continue Mr Ollivander."

"Right…" Ollivander began slowly, cautiously as he turned the wand over in his hands.

"Miss Lovegood's wand is 13 and ¼ inches, bendy. It has a Unicorn Hair core and the wood is from an Oak tree. This wand is overly friendly, while it's more based in a spiritual nature, it's strengths lie in Charms while it has trouble producing Dark Arts jinx's." The wandmaker gave a light wave of the wand, activating a silent lumos charm for a moment before cancelling it and handing it back to the young girl.

"Your wand seems to be flooded with magic. You must take excellent care of your wand."

"Thank you, sir." Luna replied as she accepted her wand back with a smile, "I try."

"Alright. Shall we begin with… Mr Krum?" Ollivander suggested and the older contestant shrugged before moving forward to hand over his wand.

"Ah! A Gregorovitch creation! Some of the strongest wands to ever grace us. 10 ¼ inches, quite rigid however. Hmm… Dragon Heartstring core and made from Hornbeam wood." Ollivander held the wand above his head and called out, "Vermillious." Shooting out red coloured sparks from the wand for a few seconds before handing the wand back to its owner.

Fleur was next to be called up as she hesitantly handed over her wand. "Oh! How extraordinary!"

The elderly man looked up in amazement at the young woman. "Is the wand core a Veela Hair?"

"Si." Fleur admitted proudly as she straightened her back, "From my grandmother."

Ollivander was turning the wand over in his hands as he started speaking. "I've never had the pleasure of working with Veela Hair. Perhaps, with your permission, I could harvest a few strands for myself?"

Hope, Freya and Fleur all had incredulous looks on their faces at the request. Hope and Freya shared a meaningful glance as they knew the chaos that could be created with a few strands of hair, especially in spells used in curses.

"Non…" Fleur drew out with a frown on her face.

The wandmaker just clicked his tongue sorrowfully, "Ah, such a shame."

He gave a small flick of his wrist, "Orchideous." A bouquet of flowers bloomed from the tip of Fleur's wand. "9 and a half inches, inflexible. Made from Rosewood and the core of a Veela Hair making the wand temperamental on who is able to wield it."

Fleur retrieved her wand from the wandmaker with a displeased look on her face. Unsurprisingly Hope and Freya's faces both echoed the Veela's expression, although Harry and Viktor also had visible frowns on their faces at the description the wandmaker gave as an equally backhanded comment.

"Mr Potter?" Harry moved forward at his name being called and handing over his wand. "I remember the day I matched you with this wand. 11 inches, nice and supple. Made from Holly and has a core of a Phoenix Tail Feather, donated by Professor Dumbledore's own Phoenix Fawkes."

Another thrill was heard in the distance before the red and gold Phoenix made his appearance, but instead of perching himself on Dumbledore. He flew over and landed on Harry as he flinched slightly as the bird made his way over to him.

"Oh… Hello Fawkes. How are you today?" Harry murmured to the classically coloured Phoenix.

The fiery Phoenix thrilled quietly as he cozied himself into the crook of Harry's neck and shoulder as he gave discreet glares to Myrddin who fluffed up his feathers before he started to clean himself, ignoring the other Phoenix.

Fawkes gave another cry, causing Harry's wand to sing in tandem with his peaceful tune. The entire room sighed at the sound as all their worries faded away.

"Thank you Fawkes, for your lovely song." Dumbledore cleared his throat.

"I guess this concludes the Weighing Ceremony. We will have our Champions compete in a test of courage in 10 days time, on the 24th of November. Thankfully we already have your tasks waiting, somewhere hidden." Dumbledore tried to rush out so he could disqualify Miss Mikaelson and have her stripped of her magic.

"Hold your horses Dumbledore." Freya called out in annoyance while Myrddin swquaked out at the indigence of the Headmaster's blatant disregard of his familiar's well-being.

"There is still Miss Mikaelson left. No matter how much you wish that it wasn't the case. She's still a part of this Tournament. So stop writing her off before I kill you for the sake of my sanity."

Hope's eyes widened at the very distinct threat. Everyone else shivered as they felt Freya's magic become all composing and suffocating, Hope momentarily flared her own magic so her aunt would feel it.

The Mikaelson women locked eyes as Hope pleaded silently with her frustrated aunt. Freya pulled her magic back slowly, tentatively as if she's still ready to fight at a moment's notice.

"You know… Dumbledore just announced that the creatures for the First Task are already here. I could actually reveal myself as Lady Emrys." Hope thought to the midnight Phoenix which Freya also heard through the familiar bond.

"Do it. I'm getting sick and tired of dealing with Dumbledore and his shit. Also you can start making your appearance to the Heads of House. Amelia, Augusta, Sebastian and Andromeda, Sirius Black's cousin all want to speak to you about Sirius's trial." Freya replied with a literal roll of her eyes.

"Fine. I'll also have to speak to Harry in private as well to discuss Sirius." Hope moaned.

An honourable male voice made an appearance in the mental conversation, "May I have the honours?"

Hope shrugged as she held out her wand to Mr Ollivander, "Go ahead." "Go ahead." She also said aloud.

"Sure. After watching Hope's memories I have a feeling you're going to make this spectacular… Are you also going to mention you are a Tribrid?" Freya asked her niece.

"Nah. I want to be able to tell the people I trust… For now." Hope answered her aunt.

"You know I'm kind of curious what wand you ended up with, considering your sensitivity to magic." Ollivander replied almost absentmindedly as he tried to pick up the wand but recoiled at the overwhelming power coming from the stick of wood.

"Wha-- What in Merlin's name?" He muttered in an array of fear.

"What's wrong Garrick? Is there dark magic coming from Miss Mikaelson's wand?" Dumbledore asked, although surprisingly this question was in curiosity as he had already performed every identifying spell known, trying to find out why anyone who touches that wand has an adverse reaction to it.

"Wha--." Garrick turned to Dumbledore as the question just occurred to him, "Oh. No. There isn't any dark magic." Mr Ollivander goes to pick up the wand again and gasps at the threatening piece of wood.

Hope lowered her arm back down to her side and stopped wishing to hide her Head of House ring for the Legendary House Emrys.

"Love?" Hope telepathically thought to her Mate who hummed in response, "Turns out the Dragons are already here at the school. So I'm no longer going to hide my Emrys heritage any longer. Do you want me to announce your connection to my Legendary House?"

"Wow… This is earlier than I expected for you to come clean. But no. I want to do it on my own terms… Which is for you to publicly ask me to the Yule Ball this year." Daphne answered with a mental smirk.

"Deal."

When Hope focused back into the antechamber, she noticed that the entire room was watching the interaction between her wand and Mr Ollivander with inquisitive eyes.

"Very curious." Ollivander murmured as he looked up to meet Hope's gaze, "Let's see… 12 inches, unbreakable."

The wandmaker examined the wand from all angles before continuing, "The wood is from White Oak. Very peculiar considering White Oak has never been used in a wand before, it's incredibly difficult to master. But since I've never had to describe White Oak before, its wielder generally has an impulsive temper but is loyal, courageous and always holds its fidelity to its owner."

Mr Ollivander hummed to himself as he tried to discern the core in the wand before realising that there was a dual-core bound by another ingredient he couldn't quite figure out at this time. So he started with the cores, "No wonder you were so hard to match." Ollivander mentioned in amazement as he looked at Hope.

"A dual-core of Werewolf Tail Fur and a Phoenix Tail Feather. Normally these items should not be able to be melded together in a core. The cores together show a leader willing to do whatever it takes to protect the ones they love."

Hope shared a discreet glance with Freya who was smugly smiling back at her niece as she listened to the description Ollivander gave about her niece, practically hammering the nail on its head every time with how accurate the representation was.

Hope rolled her eyes at her aunt before she gave her attention back to the wandmaker who was frowning at the wand. "Hmm… A blood binding agent… I would have never considered combining these blood types. Witch, Vampire and Werewolf blood as a binding agent."

There were so many confused faces all looking at Hope as if she would answer the question but she stayed silent.

Garrick was rolling the wand between his fingers one last time before handing it back to Hope, "The wand is in excellent condition, it has a hunger for Duelling but otherwise has no weaknesses. Truly remarkable. Would you mind casting a quick spell through your wand as I'm fairly certain if anyone else tries to use that wand, it would not end well for them."

Myrddin let out his own thrill of noise, just like Fawkes did, but instead of a smooth melody that came from Harry's wand, Hope's wand breathed out warmth and comfort that only a Phoenix could create. The room simultaneously sighed as they felt the raw power coming from the wand in Hope's hand before the piece of wood gave a loud thrill that echoed Myrddin's.

The black Phoenix flew off Freya's shoulder and perched himself regally on Hope's right shoulder with a smug expression.

"Really Myrddin? You made the entire room sing. Was that completely necessary?" Hope asked the bird on her shoulder with a playful glare.

Myrddin shook out his black feathers as he chose to ignore Hope's question much to her annoyance.

"Why did I get a Phoenix again, Aunt Freya?" Hope asked casually to the shock of everyone in the room.

Freya considered her niece for a moment before replying. "I thought Myrddin found you within 5 minutes of you releasing your magic in the woods?"

"He did." Hope replied with a laugh as Myrddin huffed on his familiar's shoulder.

"You! You are Lady Emrys!?" Karkaroff exploded in anger.

Hope nodded with a smile plastered on her face, "Yep." She replied with a nonchalant shrug.

"That's outrageous! You should be ashamed of your lies---." The former Death Eater stopped speaking as Hope held out her right hand, showing the bulky silver ring with a bold silver triskelion on a sea-blue background. The Emrys Head of House ring.

"Headmaster Karkaroff. I'm hoping you recall that I am the Slytherin Protector. Just like my Aunt Freya, I am able to offer Wizarding Duels to anyone who breaks the rules at the school. However, unlike my aunt, I am able to challenge anyone who insults me. So be mindful of your words Karkaroff or maybe you'll end up like the Death Eaters who tried to cause a riot at the Quidditch World Cup." Hope mentioned with an unbridled grin as she glared at the older man.

Karkaroff flinched violently as he backed away from the 4th year Slytherin girl.

Dumbledore stepped forward without fear. "Miss Mikaelson."

"Lady Emrys." Hope corrects the older wizard with an arched eyebrow.

Dumbledore ignores the correction as he continues, "If this is true then I must demand that you remove the wards placed on the school at once and remove," He points his thumb at Freya, "Her from the premises immediately."

Hope scoffed once before bursting out in laughter at the demand, Freya shook her head in exasperation as she glanced at Luna, Harry and Fleur.

"You three know that's never going to happen right?" She whispered to the 3 students. All three of them nodded in agreement.

Once Hope was able to stop laughing she regarded Dumbledore's serious expression. "Oh, you're serious." Hope remarked sarcastically.

"No." Lady Emrys answered in a deadpan expression before moving to stand next to the Quibbler's journalist.

"Luna? Perhaps we should do my interview after the photos are taken. Like I mentioned earlier. You are the only writer who can interview me."

"And me." Freya added from beside her, "I trust that you'll do right by my family. I can't say the same for Ms Skeeter, considering her articles against my niece earlier this year."

The blonde hair woman shrieked as the Emrys family had formally informed Luna that they will only have their interviews by Miss Lovegood published in the Quibbler. Rita screamed her case and legal rights at Hope who was cringing at the screeching noise coming from Skeeter's mouth.

After gazing at the rest of the competitors Hope asked them again to get a rise out of the Daily Prophet journalist. "So do the rest of you wish to have your interviews done by Ms Skeeter?"

"OF COURSE THEY DO! I'M A CERTIFIED JOURNALIST UNLIKE THAT SCRAP OF WASTED SPACE!" The blonde woman shouted hysterically.

Harry and Luna cringed outwardly at the insult the glass-rimmed woman yelled at Luna but Hope just slowly turned her head to Ms Skeeter as Freya chuckled darkly. "Oh, that was a mistake."

"Rita Skeeter." Hope began so tonelessly that fear actually crept into the blonde journalist's heart. "You will either leave right now or I will challenge you to a Wizard's Duel for insulting someone who has been brought under my protection for a full year now and don't try to deny it. Everyone knows that Myrddin was here under my instruction to protect the students but he always sticks by Luna more than anyone else. Luna even admitted the first time Myrddin showed up that she was under Lady Emrys' protection. My protection."

"For your sake you should leave to live another day." Freya mentioned from the side with her arms crossed over her chest.

"As the Head of a Legendary House, Hope can stipulate the rules of the Duel, meaning she can make the Duel to the death and she can't be discredited for it." Freya included one of the Mikaelson family smirks as Rita's eyes widened as she looked between the two Emrys women.

Luna sighed in annoyance. "How many times do I need to say I don't want anyone to die for simply insulting me?"

Hope's facial muscles relaxed as she looked at Luna. "Probably a lot more. I just wish everyone would simply learn to stop insulting you. That would be the easiest solution."

Hope turned back to Ms Skeeter. "So what is your decision? Leave? Or to be crushed like a bug?" Hope smirked at the last word and Rita paled at the implication.

Rita mumbled under her breath as she walked out of the room. Before Ms Skeeter could retrieve her Quick-Quotes Quill that was still scribbling away in the air, Hope snapped her fingers and ignited the quill and parchment turning them practically into ash instantly.

Skeeter jumped in shock before glancing behind her to see Hope with her hand up, signalling that she was the one to destroy her notes.

Hope looked around the room and finally regarded the photographer in the corner.

"You!" The Tribrid called out, causing the man to stand to full height in a matter of seconds, "Are you the photographer for the Daily Prophet?"

The man nodded quickly in worry. "Yes Ma'am… Miss Mikaelson… Lady?" He answered as he nervously started spitting out the names the powerful girl would like to hear.

Hope sighed and looked at her aunt. "You're the one who announced yourself. So Lady Emrys it is." Freya pointed out to her niece in Norwegian.

Hope sighed and turned back to the photographer. "Lady Emrys is fine. What's your name?" Hope asked more calmly than before, hoping to allow the man to settle his nerves around her.

The man took a shaky breath before answering, "Bozo. My Lady."

"Hmm, Bozo. Would you be willing to share some of your photos with Miss Lovegood? In exchange, I'll allow you to give a short exert in the Daily Prophet. To announce my status as Lady Emrys and to provide the details you learned during the Weighing of the Wands."

The photographer nodded his head in agreement, knowing that his boss and editor would be absolutely furious if he didn't get the scoop of the century, possibly the millennium. So he agreed immediately.

"Wonderful." Hope replied as she clapped her hands together.

Bozo the photographer had the Champions stand alone to start with to take a profile photo of each competitor, so he could attach a quick review of the events from today to each contestant without discrediting any of the Champions as he's sure Rita would have done.

He asked them to stand in a group shot, Champions sitting down on the chairs with their respective Headmasters behind them, the order going from oldest to youngest.

So Viktor was on the far left with Fleur beside him, Hope sat in between Fleur and Harry as she whispered something into Fleur's ear causing the older girl to laugh pleasantly. The boys on either side of the girls smiled at the interaction and Bozo was able to catch that image with his own smile on his face.

The last photograph Bozo requested from the Champions was going to be of the 4 Champions only, but he was having trouble figuring out how to position them without upsetting any of the contestants. Luna came up next to the photographer and suggested ordering them with the two taller competitors on the outside, bracketing the two smaller students.

All the Champions agreed to the set up but Luna asked them if they would prefer to be placed boy-girl-boy-girl or boy-boy-girl-girl. The Champions looked between each other and Fleur and Viktor separated themselves, leaving room for Harry and Hope to fit in between them.

Hope and Harry glanced at one another, instead of speaking Harry moved next to Viktor, well aware that Hope and Fleur are close friends, possibly more, but it wasn't his place to ask, especially after he made an ass of himself last time he tried to bring up Hope's relationship.

The newly revealed Lady Emrys smiled at Harry before moving into her spot between Fleur and Harry again. Hope brought her right arm up to sling over Harry's shoulder while she slithered her left arm around Fleur's waist.

Fleur gazed down at Hope in question as a smile crossed her face. "What? I want one picture to celebrate this moment. I like you three. You're fun. Besides by the look on my aunt's face she wants a picture to prove that I made friends."

The other Champions turned to face Freya as she nodded her head in agreement. "Keelin won't believe it without evidence. So hurry up. I need my proof." The older woman mentioned with a smile.

Hope rolled her eyes while the other three competitors laughed at Hope's misfortune. "Yeah, yeah. Now huddle in and smile. That means you too Viktor. None of this half-hearted crap."

Viktor chuckled as a rare smile graced his face and Harry tossed his arms up to hang limply on Hope and Viktor's shoulder as he gave a wide grin.

The coppery auburn haired girl didn't even need to see the photo Bozo just took to know that this photo would be her favourite. "Do you mind if I get a copy of that one? Actually, can you get a copy for all four of us?" Hope asked and the man nodded his head.