(Gilderoy Lockhart)
After escorting Fleur safely out of the maze, I finally returned her to her family.
Or, more accurately...
I handed her over.
The young woman had been remarkably clingy ever since I'd rescued her from the manticore, and despite my repeated assurances that I wasn't going anywhere, she had apparently decided that remaining within arm's reach of me was the safest possible course of action.
I couldn't say I entirely blamed her.
Being hunted by a manticore tended to have that effect on people.
Still, I was beginning to suspect she had become a little too comfortable.
The moment we reached the stands, a tall wizard immediately approached us.
"Professor Lockhart."
The man extended his hand.
I shook it.
"Sebastian Delacour. Fleur's father."
He gestured toward the elegant witch standing beside him, she looked like an older version of Fleur.
"My wife, Apolline."
Apolline offered me a grateful smile before looking toward Fleur, who immediately hurried over to her.
"Maman!"
"Oh, ma chérie..."
Apolline embraced her daughter tightly, checking her from head to toe.
Beside her stood a much younger girl with long blonde hair and striking blue eyes.
"And this is my youngest daughter, Gabrielle."
The little girl stared up at me with enormous curiosity.
I smiled. "Pleasure to meet you, Miss Delacour."
Gabrielle continued staring.
I raised an eyebrow. "...Have I got something on my face?"
She shook her head. "You're the man who fought the manticore."
"Ah."
I straightened proudly. "Yes. That would be me."
Gabrielle's eyes widened. "You're very brave."
I placed a hand over my heart. "I try to do my best."
Fleur immediately spoke from behind her mother. "Professor Lockhart saved my life twice already."
Her voice was quieter now.
The amusement had disappeared from her expression.
Sebastian's face became serious. "I know."
He looked at me. "We all saw what happened."
He extended his hand once more. "Thank you."
I shook it. "Really, Mr Delacour. It was nothing."
Sebastian raised an eyebrow. "Nothing?"
I waved dismissively. "Just a weak manticore."
The wizard's eyebrow twitched. "A weak manticore?"
"Yes." I shrugged. "Rather disappointing, really."
Sebastian stared at me. "Professor, it generally takes an entire group of highly trained wizards to subdue a manticore."
"Really?" I looked thoughtful. "Well, perhaps they should try harder."
Sebastian's expression suggested that he wasn't entirely certain whether I was joking.
I smiled. "Regardless, I'm glad your daughter is safe."
The older wizard's expression softened. "If you ever find yourself in France, Professor Lockhart, my family would be honoured to host you."
"That's very kind of you." I smiled warmly.
"Although I must warn you, I am quite difficult to impress."
Sebastian chuckled. "I'll keep that in mind."
I gave him a polite nod before finally returning to my seat.
Fleur watched me leave.
I could feel her eyes following me all the way back.
Unfortunately… My wives noticed as well.
The moment I sat down, Tonks leaned toward me.
"So..."
I glanced at her. "Yes?"
She smiled mischievously. "Are you planning to add a fourth wife?"
I nearly choked. "What?"
Tonks gestured toward Fleur, who was still looking in our direction. "She seems rather fond of you."
"That's absurd."
I looked toward the Delacour family and Fleur immediately looked away.
I narrowed my eyes. "...Alright, I can see where you're coming from."
Tonks snorted.
I turned toward her. "There's no need to worry, I already have more than enough to handle with the three of you."
I pointed toward the children. "Not to mention those two little devils who require my complete attention."
At that moment, Gienah looked up from Tonks' lap.
Her hair immediately turned bright red.
I frowned. "See? She's already plotting something."
Gienah smiled innocently.
Rosmerta glanced at our daughter. "She's definitely yours."
"Excuse me?"
"That innocent expression."
Rosmerta nodded knowingly. "That's exactly what you look like before doing something ridiculous."
"I have never…"
Aurora cleared her throat and I stopped what I was about to say.
She was staring at me rather intensely.
"...What?"
"That wasn't a no."
I blinked. "Excuse me?"
"You didn't actually say you wouldn't marry Fleur."
I stared at her gaping.
Tonks immediately began laughing. "She's got you there."
"Don't encourage her."
Aurora's eyes narrowed. "Well?"
I raised both hands. "Fine!"
I looked between my three wives. "I promise I will not take another wife."
Aurora continued staring.
I sighed. "Happy now?"
She huffed. "Hmph."
Then she turned her attention back toward the maze.
I stared at her back.
"...Was that supposed to be reassuring?"
Tonks patted my arm. "You'll get used to it."
"I've been together with her for years."
"Then you should know better."
I decided that silence was the wisest response.
Finally, I relaxed into my seat and placed an arm behind Rosmerta.
She had been watching the entire exchange with an amused smile.
I glanced at her. "You could have helped, you know."
Rosmerta raised an eyebrow. "Helped with what?"
"Defended me."
"Against Aurora?"
"Yes."
Rosmerta's smile widened. "And why would I do that?"
"Because I'm your husband."
"Exactly." She leaned comfortably against my arm.
"Which means I know you well enough to enjoy watching you suffer."
I stared at her in disbelief. "You're all terrible."
"Yet you married us."
"That keeps coming up."
Rosmerta laughed softly.
I narrowed my eyes. "Wait."
She looked at me.
"You knew I was going to be ambushed?"
"I suspected." She nodded.
"And you didn't warn me?"
Rosmerta's smile became positively wicked. "I didn't want to ruin the fun."
I stared at her.
Then I looked toward my other wives.
Tonks was grinning, while Aurora was pretending not to listen.
I slowly leaned back into my seat. "...I have made a terrible mistake."
Rosmerta patted my arm. "Three terrible mistakes, technically."
I looked at my three wives.
Then at my two children.
Then toward the maze, where the remaining champions were still fighting for victory.
I sighed. "At least I know where I stand."
Tonks smiled. "Do you?"
"No." I paused. "...But I'm beginning to suspect I'm outnumbered."
Rosmerta laughed.
And, despite everything...
I couldn't help smiling.
Yes, I was definitely outnumbered. But I couldn't say I minded terribly much.
…