Mother of Mine, Sweet Child of Thee

June brought the school year closer to an end and with it the last task of the Tri-wizard tournament. The last task was for the contestants to navigate a large maze to the centre where there was a cup. The first to take hold of it would be crowned the winner. However the contestants would face various obstacles as they went through the maze and as such there was not much information on what exactly they would encounter. No specific spell or curse could be practiced so Fleur and Harry decided just to keep practicing the spells they were covering with Blackbird.

The day of the tournament came entirely too quickly for the contestants who were more apprehensive than they had been throughout the whole tournament. Hermione and her friends had an extremely bad feeling about the final task which was the base of their anxiety. They believed that if he-who-shall-not-be-named was to return it would most probably be today and they felt entirely unprepared for that to happen.

"You find each other and you stick together!" Hermione said for the third time that afternoon, no one knew if she was reminding Harry and Fleur or trying to reassure herself.

"Oui we know mon amour, we find eachozer" Fleur agreed quickly.

"Course mione" Harry nodded "and we will grasp the cup at the same time so that if anything happens we will have each others backs" he continued squeezing his bestfriends shoulder in comfort.

"Andy and Dora should be outside now why don't you go find them while we get changed" Harry suggested softly. He knew that if allowed to stay with them much longer Hermione would drive herself crazy with worrying over every little detail.

"Okay, you have your bracelet on don't you Fleur?" She quizzed her blonde, pulling her into a hug before planting a brief kiss on the Veela's lips.

"Oui I do but mon amour do not think for un moment zat counts az a first kiss hmm?" The Veela teased gently as she kissed Hermione's cheek, laughing gently and pushing the brunette towards Harry as the brunette rolled her eyes at her.

"Stay safe" She whispered to Harry. "Always" he replied hugging her tightly before wrapping an arm around Fleurs shoulder as they watched Hermione exit the contestants tent.

"For her sake I hope she is wrong about this" Harry whispered.

"I 'ope so too 'arry, she 'as already been through entirely to much" Fleur replied patting his shoulder as she moved into her own changing room.

-----

When Hermione found Dora and Andromeda they were sitting in the Contestants family box, a seat between them saved for Hermione. She smiled up at her friends who were all sitting in a line the row behind the family box and was relieved when they all nodded and smiled in acknowledgement.

"Hi" she said as she hugged her oldest soulmate and then her aunt before taking her seat between them.

"Hi love" Dora replied taking the brunettes hand.

"Hi babygirl, I am going to have to wrap my magic around yours for the evening" Andromeda whispered as she leaned in close. "Narcissa is here and it looks like she is headed this way which means she will be sitting close enough to sense your magic. It should not be uncomfortable for you but it will feel weird" Her aunt explained softly. Hermione nodded and gasped softly as she felt her aunts magic wrap around her.

It wasn't an unpleasant feeling but felt strangely intimate and safe, as if she was being embraced by her aunt rather than having her magic covered by another's.

"It feels like a hug" she giggled quietly as she looked at her aunt. "I can imagine it does" Andromeda replied, smiling at her niece as she gently tucked a lock of the little brunettes hair behind her ear.

Andromeda was right about Narcissa, the blonde witch sat directly behind Hermion and the brunette could feel the eyes piercing the back of her head.

'Aunt Meda' she thought opening her mind and reaching out to her aunt.

'I wondered how long it would take you to work out we could do that' Andromeda thought back.

'Aunt Cissa is sitting right behind me glaring at my head' Hermione informed her and Andromeda could hear the slight panic in her thoughts.

'It's alright, she will be wondering why she can't sense your magic anymore and wi be curious as how you know us and what family we have in the competition to be sitting in the family box.' Andromeda reassured before slinging her arm around the brunette and pulling her closer.

"Harry will do fine love, stop your fretting" Andromeda said loudly, deliberately ensuring that Narcissa would hear her.

"But you know how forgetful he can be Andy, He is going to forget he can use magic and end up running about like a headless chicken" Hermione replied, catching on quickly to what her aunt was doing.

"Don't insult chickens in such away mione" Nymphadora Laughed, changing her face to look like a chicken, smiling when both Hermione and Andromeda laughed loudly.

"I would like to welcome you to the finally of this years Tri-wizard tournament" Dumbledore called, getting the attention of the audience as everyone settled down into their seats.

"Now this year has not been without It's challenges but I am proud of each amd every one of our students for the way they have handled themselves" he said as he winked at Hermione.

"It gives me great pleasure to introduce to you our four contestants. For Drumstrang I give you Victor Krum" Dumbledore paused to allow the audience to react, Hermione smirked slightly when Victor recieved only a quiet round of applause, most of who clapped she noticed were from Slytherin though curiously she noted that Draco Malfoy was not among those clapping for the brute.

"For Baubaxton I give you Fleur Delacour" He paused again as the crowed went wild, whistling, cheering and clapping. Notably among the loudest was Hermione, Andromeda and Nymphadora, along with all of Hermione's friends.

"For Hogwarts I give you Cedric Diggory"
Again Cedric had the crowd going wild with Hermione leading the cheering.

"And also for Hogwarts I give you Harry Potter" at this Hermione with the entirety of Blackbird and Andromeda stood and cheered loudly as they clapped and the crowd followed. Narcissa startled slightly when the brunette infront of her jumped to her feet, uncertain as to why her first instinct was to steady the slightly shaky girl. She dismissed the thought quickly and replaced the frown on her face with her usual scowl, afraid even here to show any sign of emotion.

Once the crowd had settled again Albus Dumbledore started the count down and everyone laughed when Filch set the cannon of two seconds early. The contestants rushed into their own entrances to the maze, turning to see the hedge close behind them, seeling them into the maze.

Remembering what they had practiced Fleur let out a string of gold sparks into the air forming the letter F for all to see and waited a moment to see Harry launch gold sparks a gold H forming in the sky two rows to her left. To Harry and Fleurs surprise, Cedric was next to copy the gesture and they saw the gold C form one row to Harry's left.

Rushing forward Fleur took the first left she could, aware that they had agreed that Harry would stay still and let Fleur as the older and more experienced one of the two come to him. Running quickly Fleur made it to the end of Harry's row in no time, smiling at Cedric who appeared meteres infront of her.

"I'm assuming by that display that something is wrong and you feel like we need to go this together?" Cedric questioned the Veela.

"Oui, 'ermione feels like zero is somezing wrong wiv zee cup, she advises we stick togezer, you are welcome to stick wiv us too" Fleur replied as Harry joined them.

"If it's come from Hermione then I trust you, I've learned that the little witch is entirely to intelligent and perceptive to ignore any warning she gives" Cedric replied politely.

"You got that right, she advises we all touch the cup together that way if it is a trap we have each others back. If it is a trap you and Fleur quickly cast a disillusionment charm on yourself and stay by the cup. It is likely a ploy by you know who amd I will get back to yous as soon as I can" Harry replied, offering his hand to Cedric.

"Consider it done now lets get moving" Cedric replied kindly.

The trio took off down the next right the found aware that they had to keep moving forward.

"Has anyone seen Krum, he wasn't looking so good before this" Cedric questioned.

"No but his behaviour does not give me good vibes, I have a feeling he is in on whatever is happening or he would have reacted like you did to the sparks we sent up" Harry replied.

"Makes sense, now duck" Cedric called as he cast a knock back jinx at the bogart that flew at Harry's head.

"Thanks mate" harry murmured as they picked up speed again.

The night continued in the same pattern with the trio working together to tackle any obstacles they encountered and moving slowly but surely towards the centre of the maze.

On the outside Hermione was extremely grateful that her soul mate and best friend had listened to her and done as she had asked and found each other.

"Karkarov does not look too pleased with Harry, Fleur and Cedric" Hermione said to her Aunt.

"He doesn't does he" Andromeda replied.

"They say he isn't a nice person, probably trying to work out what team work is and how it works" Nymphadora laughed.

"Look there's Krum, he looks rather haggard and entirely like he is losing the battle with that hedge" Dora said as she pointed out the Drumstrang contestant.

Sure enough Hermione saw Victor fall flat casting red sparks in the air as he was pulled under the hedge.

"He's out of the competition" Hermione informed them. "The red sparks is a distress signal, asking the judges to remove them from the maze"

As Hermione finished her explanation Karkarov appeared with Krum hanging off his arm. They couldn't hear what was being said but it was clear to the onlookers that Karkarov was lecturing Krum rather severely. Hermione swore she saw the Drumstrang contestant wipe tears from his face but she wasn't cruel enough to comment.

Back in the maze the remaining contestants had just arrived at the centre and could see the gold champions cup gleaming brightly in the lit centre.

"Okay cast the charms before we touch it on my count" Harry took charge, smiling as the other two contestants did as he asked.

"Please out a hand each on my shoulder so I know where you both are, its kinda freaky knowing you are there but not being able to see you" Harry laughed nervously.

"Of course mate" Cedric laughed placing his hand on Harry's right shoulder.

"Okay" Fleur replied simply placing her hand on his left shoulder.

"On three" Harry said quietly.

"One"

"Two"

"Three" at the same time all three contestants grabbed hold of the cup and startled slightly as they were apperated against their will.

They landed with a thud in a graveyard that none if them recognised.

"H..h..harry p.p..p.potter, we meet a..ag...again" stuttered none other than Peter Pettigrew.

"Stick to the plan" Harry whispered before standing on his feet and facing the traitor.

"Pettigrew" He spat aiming his wand at the man however before he could fire a spell he was knocked into a stone statue that moved to hold him still.

"Not today Potter" called a cold voice from infront of Harry.

"Malfoy, I should have guessed" Harry called, deliberately naming him so his friends would hear.

"Too bad you didn't Potter or you may have survived the night" Lucious Malfoy taunted.

The next ten minutes passed in a blur for Harry and the next thing he was aware of was Voldemort materialising out of a couldren.

"Harry, how very nice to meet you again" he hissed and Harry cringed at his snakelike appearance.

"I see you are as unappealing as ever" Harry mocked, sneering at the, could he be called a man? He wondered.

"Are you ready to die?" Voldemort asked him condescendingly.

"Are you that much of a coward you are going to kill an unarmed and pinned 15 year old?" Harry deadpanned.

"At least have the decency to allow me to try and defend myself, let me down from this and let me pick up my wand" Harry demanded, defiantly.

"Very well, it makes no difference to me whether you are armed or not, I can still kill you regardlesssss" the snakelike man hissed, flicking his wand and laughing as Harry fell forward on his knees. Reaching out for his wand.

He stood slowly amd had to quickly cast a pretego to shield himself from the curse that flew from Voldemorts wand. He slowly walked sideways as if he was making to circle around the dark man until he was directly infront of where he knew Fluer and Cedric were hiding.

Fleir and Cedric on their part saw what Harry was doing and slowly brought themselves closer to his back, getting ready to touch him with the cup and activate it to take them back to Hogwarts.

"Now!!" Fleur called loudly cancelling the disillusionment charm and firing a knock back jinx at the other two men who were not engaged in a battle with Harry, casting them back and away from the centre of the cemetery.

"You'll have to activate Harry" Fleur called as she amd cedric held on to the cup and cast shields around themselves and Harry, providing the youngest contestant to make it back to them.

"Portus" Harry said loudly as he grabbed the cup. Transporting the three champions back to Hogwarts. They landed in a heap outside the maze, infront of the crowd.

As the fanfair and cheering erupted Hermione was the first to notice the blood seeping out of Cedrics arm.

"Get Madame Pomfrey" she shouted loudly as she rushed forward and down the steps towards the champions. She arrived beside them just in time to catch Cedric as he fell. Dizzy from blood loss. Hermione guided him to the ground, ensuring he did not hurt himself as she tore his t-shirt sleeve of so she could see the wound on his arm.

"What Happened?" She asked him as she cast a quick cleansing charm to clean and sterilise the deep gash that ran down his forearm.

"Sectumsempra" He whispered as he fought to remain conscious.

Hermione nodded before drawing her wand.

"Vulnera Sanentur" she whispered, aiming her wand at the gash. She was relieved as she watched the wound slowly start to stitch itself back up.

"You're going to be fine Cedric" She said softly as she moved the hair out of his face. "It might scar and Madame Pomfrey will sti need to check you over and probably administer a few potions but ive managed to heal the worst of it" she said, raising her voice as she noticed Madame Pomfrey make her way over to them quickly.

"If I didn't know better Miss Granger I would say you are gunning for my job" the healer teased lightly as she knelt beside the brunette.

"Never Madame Pomfrey, I couldn't even begin to match your skill" Hermione said genuinely as she smiled at her before standing up and looking at Harry and Fleur. Fleur had burried herself in Nymphadora's arms as Harry stood shaking terribly and looking awfully pale.

"What is is Harry" Hermione asked apprehensively.

"Voldemorts back" he whispered before shouting "VOLDEMORTS BACK! HE'S BACK" loudly.

The stadium fell silent as the judges rushed forward. The other Professors standing and ushering the audience out of the arena, sending the students back to the castle.

"Are you sure Harry" Dumbledore asked.

"He's back, Harry is right we saw it" Cedric called from his position still on the ground, his Father at his side.

"Madame Pomfrey please escort Mr Diggory and his Father to the hospital wing" Albus instructed.

"I'd like the rest of you to make your way back to the castle please" he continued as he looked between the remaining students.

"Miss Granger I suggest you and your friends go and check in with your Grandmother. She is bound to be going insane with worry with you not being back inside the castle yet" he told her and smiled briefly when the teen rolled her eyes good naturedly.

Hermione guided Harry as Nymphadora Guided Fleur back towards were Andromeda, Neville, Luna and Ginny were standing. She did not fail to see her aunt Narcissa lingering in the background, watching her curiously.

"We need to go see Professor McGonagall" she said loudly. Hoping the others would realise they were not free to talk and had an audience.

"Of course" Andromeda said loudly. "Let me see you all into the castle so I can assure your safety" she nodded gesturing for the group of teens to start moving. She stuck close to Hermione as she wrapped her magic back around the young brunette so as to conceal her magical signature as they walked past Narcissa. She nodded minutely in acknowledgement as she passed her sister and smiled inwardly when Narcissa nodded ever so slightly back.

----

When they reached Minerva's chambers Hermione and Nymphadora sat Harry and Fleur on the sofa, wrapping them both in a blanket (Fleur was obviously wrapped in Hermione's green blanket) and made the two champions a cup of sweet tea.

"Come on Harry, you need to drink this, it will help with the shock. You as well Fleur" Hermione instructed softly as her and Nymphadora knelt infront of them and started removing the duo's footwear.

"The rest of you go into the other rooms and get changed into a set of pajamas please. I have laid out a set for each of you on the bed in my guest room. Neville I suggest you use the guest room toilet" Minerva instructed as she watched Hermione and Tonks tend to the two visibly shocked contestants.

As they sipped their tea Hermion transfigured their clothes into pajamas and cast a scourgify on them both before moving behind Fleur and summoning a hair brush. She took to gently teasing out the tangles and braiding the Veela's soft blonde hair to keep it back from her face.

"Thank you Hermione" Harry whispered after a while, smiling a little at his bestfriend.

"You do not need to thank me Harry, just focus on yourself right now. You need to finish your tea and go to sleep" she replied tenderly before she transfigured herself and Nymphadora's clothes into pajamas as well.

"She needs us both close tonight" she whispered at Dora's questioning look. Tonks nodded before sitting beside Fleur and pulling the blonde against her gently.

----

The next morning saw everyone awake before six, all keen on learning what happened and coming up with some sort of plan. After Harry and Fleur had explained everything to them, Blackbird all took a collective deep breath.

"So it's starting then?" Ginny said. It was more of a statement than a question but Harry nodded anyway.

"He will need to gather his forces before he tries anything so we likely have a few months before he tries anything. He will be hiding out until then" Hermione said grimly.

"Hermione's right" Andromeda said "he won't make a move until he is certain that he has enough supporters to cover any loses to his forces" she explained.

"Vat do ve do in ze mean time, Ve cannot simply sit around doing nothing" Amelia said. Her and Apoline had arrived ten minutes prior after receiving a floo call from Minerva requesting their presence.

"We train" Hermione said simply. "We need to train ourselves but we could use some help from you all?" Hermione said as she looked between the Veela elders, her aunt and her Grandmother.

"Of course love, we meet over summer. We will train you in everything we know" Andromeda replied. The other adults nodding their agreement.

"Harry where are you staying this summer?" Hermione questioned.

"At the Burrow, now Ron isn't there Molly has given me his room" he replied.

"Neville, Luna will you be able to get away from home?" She asked them.

"My gran won't mind if I tell her I am meeting friends" Neville informed her.

"Daddy won't mind, he probably won't notice much either. He has been a little laxidasical since mama passed" Luna chirped, rather upbeat.

"Okay, then that's the plan. Watch out for the arrival of owls once we work out time and place. We keep in touch, keep the communication up between us. I'm going to look for a way for us to communicate without relying on owls, we never know when and if they are going to be intercepted" Hermione said.

"We will win this" Nymphadora said determinedly.

"Together" Fleur added.

"Always" called the rest of Blackbird in unison.