The Lost Prince of Rivendell

~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*Summer 1994*

“Hey, Pup,” Remus said as Harry turned the corner into the alleyway near the station. Harry had, had to wait for the Dursleys to leave before he could come out. Once Vernon drove away, Harry hurried to the meeting place.

“Hey, Remi,” Harry said happily. It was only a few minutes more and he would be back home. Severus had gotten them a one-time portkey to an area right outside the gates. “Ready?”

“Yeah, let’s get out of here. I have the portkey here,” Remus said and pulled a quill out of his robe pocket and held it out for Harry to grab. “Lycanthropy,” Remus said to activate it.

“Lycanthropy?” Harry asked with a smirk when they landed, and he finished orienting himself. Remus rolled his eyes and took Harry’s trunk.

“Your Dad thinks he is funny,” Remus responded. “Now, let’s see this wonderful home of yours.”

“Welcome to Crow Valley Manor,” Harry said the passcode phrase. Remus smiled when the gate came into view for him. Then Harry pushed it open and the two of them headed up the drive to the house.

“This is beautiful,” Remus exclaimed as they approached the front door. It swung open and Lotty was standing in the entryway smiling.

“Welcome Home, Master Harry,” The elf said formally with a bow.

“I am glad to be home, Lotty. This is Remus Lupin he is my Godfather. He will be staying with us for the summer. I wrote ahead to let you know,” Harry answered.

“Yes, Master Harry. Lotty got the letter. All of the preparations that you asked for have been taken care of. This is Seelie he will be Mister Lupin’s personal elf while he is here,” Lotty answered.

The elf in question bowed and then stepped forward and took Remus’ things from him. Then he popped away. Poppy popped in smiling.

“Welcome Home, Master Harry,” Poppy said happily. “Poppy missed you during school. So happy to have you home for the summer.”

“Thank you, Poppy,” Harry said with a smile and then he looked excited. “Did you get my orders? Dad gave me brochures so that I could change the furniture or linen in the room if I wanted. I picked a lot of things and sent a letter.”

“Poppy got all of it,” The elf responded. “Fixed up whole room just the way Master Harry asked.”

“Perfect, thank you. Remus and I are going to take tea in the sitting room down here and then I will give him a tour. Let us know when dinner is ready,” Harry instructed. Then he pulled Remus along to the sitting room. They only had to wait a few minutes before tea was delivered.

They drank their tea and Harry told Remus all about the last bit of school that he missed. He also told him what he made on his exams and that he had gotten top marks for his year again. Then Harry showed Remus the house. Remus’ favorite room was the Library. Harry knew it would be.

“My dad has rules,” Harry told him when they sat down for dinner.

“Oh, please tell me the rules,” Remus asked. He could only imagine the kinds of rules that the dour potion master had insisted on.

“Every meal together when we are home. And after dinner at night, we retire to the sitting room for at least an hour to spend time together. Either playing chess, talking, reading, or whatever as long as we do it together,” Harry told him. Then he blushed. “Oh, and always announce yourself before entering the Lab.”

“The last one seems like there is a story behind it,” Remus inquired. Harry ducked his head and smiled in embarrassment.

“Well, last summer, Dad was brewing something that took a lot of concentration. I wanted to spend some time in there with him, so I snuck in and sat down in one of the chairs to read while he brewed. He didn’t know I was in there and when he got startled, he blew up the potion,” Harry told him. “So now I have to announce myself.”

“I think I can follow those rules,” Remus agreed. The rules were a lot less strict then he thought they would be. “Though, Severus may want to keep your hour after dinner just a private time between the two of you.”

“We will ask him when he comes home next week,” Harry stated instead of denying it. Severus was a private person. Remus could very well be right.

“I will be more than happy to spend the time after dinner with you until he is home though,” Remus offered.

“That would be great. Thank you Remi,” Harry accepted. So, when they were finished eating they headed for the same sitting room they had been in before. They decided to play a few card games and talk about their expectations for the summer.

When they called it a night, Harry headed up to his room with excitement. He hoped it had turned out the way he saw it in his mind when he was picking things out. He was so happy with the way it looked when he pushed open the door.

Three out of four walls were eggshell white. The fourth wall was a light blue/grey. The bed was on that wall. It was a large canopy bed of light wood, the sheer material hanging down was almost midnight blue, and the bedding matched the blue/grey of the wall. Everything in the room was exactly like he had wanted.

There was a large area to the side that was open and not caged-in that was set up for Pretty and Hedwig. They would share an area of the room that was set up just for the two of them. Pretty was going to be too big to take to school with him this next year.

He could no longer hide her in his robes no matter whether she was round his neck or not. She was fully grown now and would get no bigger. Her natural lifespan was anywhere from ten to twenty years. She had also told him that she would probably be able to lay an egg in another year or less.

But it would be dangerous to take her off the property from now on. He was going to take some time this summer to see if he could find glamours or spells that would work on her. Make her smaller when they needed her to be and glamour her so that she looked like a regular snake to anyone else who saw her. Draco, Theo, Hermione, and the twins were helping him research it.

Harry headed for the bathroom to shower and then headed to bed afterwards. He was so happy to be home and in his own bed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“So, what’s the plan today?” Remus asked Harry at breakfast.

“Well, there is no telling what kind of Defense teacher we are going to have next year. I was hoping maybe you could start teaching me the fourth-year curriculum. Sev says that magic doesn’t register here, that I can do as much as I want without getting in trouble,” Harry informed him.

“We can do that, Pup. I would be happy to teach you. Anything other than that?” Remus asked.

“I don’t know maybe some Rune things and of course my homework,” Harry answered. “I plan to do a lot of reading there, are so many books in the library here.”

“Will you spend all of your time here? Or will you visit your friends?” Remus asked him.

“I will visit Draco. Blaise and Theo will go there to visit as well. I can’t bring anyone here. You are literally the only person who knows this place even exists besides myself and Severus,” Harry answered. “Oh, have you heard anything from or about Sirius?”

“Yeah, apparently he found Buckbeak in the woods when he was leaving Hogwarts. He escaped on the Hippogriff and now they are somewhere out of Britain laying low until Peter is interrogated,” Remus informed him.

“You mean ‘if’ Peter is interrogated. I still haven’t heard anything about it other than Dumbledore saying it is being handled,” Harry pointed out.

“Right. For Sirius’ sake I hope Albus does the right thing just this once,” Remus said with a sigh.

Harry hoped so just because he didn’t like the fact that Sirius had been framed for something he didn’t do. But other than that, he didn’t care. Sirius wasn’t someone that he was too eager to get to know. Harry loved Severus and he loved Draco. Sirius hated both of them with a fierce prejudice.

“Yeah,” was all Harry said. “So, how about we explore the library and see what we can find?”

“Sounds good, Pup,” Remus agreed. So, they headed up to the Library and started checking things out. They talked about all kinds of things. Mainly Runes though.

The week went by quickly and slowly. Quickly because he was having fun and learning so many things from Remus, and slowly because he was ready for Severus to be home now.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Severus came home on June 27th. Harry was so happy to have him home and things went on as they had been, but better. Severus joined Remus in teaching Harry the fourth year Defense curriculum. He also started teaching Harry how to properly duel.

“This is so hard, Dad,” Harry said from his place on the floor of the dueling room.

“I know, Child,” Severus agreed. “But you also learned to produce a corporeal Patronus at thirteen. Something that the majority of adult Wixen cannot do. I know that you will be able to do this as well. It will be so important if you find yourself in a duel for your life.”

“Why is it so important to learn now?” Harry asked as he stood up. Severus looked thoughtful for a moment and then he lifted the sleeve of his shirt. Harry had seen his dark mark before. It had been a barely there outline. Now it was filled in just a bit. Still, nearly invisible but changed. More somehow.

“Something is happening with the Dark. I think someone has succeeded in at least bringing the Dark Lord back partially. Less than completely but more than the wraith he was with Quirrell. I need you to be prepared to defend yourself when he returns. His followers will come for you,” Severus informed him.

“Right, ok…I will learn. I will put more effort into learning. I’ll be ready,” Harry insisted. He took a deep breath and got himself into the ready position. “Again, Dad.”

“Clear your mind, Child. You have to master the spell verbally then you will be able to do it non-verbally and even wandlessly. Merely a thought of deflecting. This is a spell of my creation. It will deflect any spell apart from the Unforgivable Curses,” Severus told him again.

“Claudicatio,” Harry said a few times and then he looked at Severus and nodded. Severus once again began throwing mild jinxes and hexes at him. Things that wouldn’t hurt him if they actually hit him. Severus would only do these until Harry was successfully repelling them every time. Then they would move on to slightly more powerful spells.

Severus surprised Harry with a stronger hex and Harry once again found himself sitting on the floor. Harry laughed and then looked up at Severus.

“No fair. I wasn’t ready,” Harry said with a fake pout.

“That was the whole point, Brat,” Severus replied as he pulled Harry to his feet.

“The two of you have been in here for a few hours,” Remus said from the doorway. “I think it is time to call it quits for the day. Come to lunch.”

“You heard the wolf, time to eat,” Severus agreed. “We will practice again tomorrow.”

“Good, I was starving,” Harry said as he darted out of the room.

“How is he doing?” Remus asked as they headed to the dining room at a much slower pace. Severus didn’t know how Harry could have that much energy after the amount of magic they had just done in that room.

“Better than most seventh years to be honest. His magical core and the power behind his spells are phenomenal. If we train him properly he will never be an easy target,” Severus answered honestly.

“Good, he needs every advantage to go up against those that would hurt or use him,” Remus said with a sigh.

“Tomorrow, I want to show you where I keep all of my journals. There are so many spells and potions in them that I have created. Something is stirring, Lupin. If something should happen to me, I need you to keep teaching him. I need you to keep him safe,” Severus said quietly and seriously.

“I won’t let you or him down, Severus. If I have to, I will simply take him and run. I know how to live off the grid, I know how to blend in with muggles. He will be as safe as I can make him,” Remus insisted. Severus nodded.

“I have a bit of news from Albus,” Severus said after a few moments. Remus grunted to let him know that he was listening. “Apparently, Peter Pettigrew escaped Auror custody. I am only just finding out now because the Auror who lost him tried to find him before ever letting anyone know. He told the Head of the DMLE and she chose to send out more Aurors to find him rather than tell Albus right away. It has been a giant mess.”

“Honestly, I can’t say that I am surprised. We knew Albus was up to something. I will write Sirius a letter to let him know,” Remus said with a slight slump to his shoulders.

“I am telling Harry at lunch. I just didn’t want you to be caught by surprise,” Severus explained.

“Thank you for the consideration, Severus,” Remus responded.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Their days went on like that. All meals together every day except when Severus was called away for one reason or another. He had dueling practice with Severus every day after breakfast. Then he would relax and read or talk theories with Remus or Severus. He did all of his homework before his birthday arrived. Remus taught him fourth- and fifth-year Defense curriculum.

Harry spent every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with Draco. The two of them were so happy to be able to be around each other so often. It really was the best summer of Harry’s life. He was so excited when his birthday finally arrived. Harry, Remus, and Severus arrived at the bank first thing in the morning. He would spend most of the day in the bank. He was so excited.

“Aww, Heir Potter. The day we have been waiting for has finally arrived. Come, the King is waiting for us. He will be present for all the transactions taking place today. A ministry official will also be arriving to make sure that everything is legal and by the book so that nothing can be contested later,” Griphook explained as they headed down the hall.

“And they have agreed to take an oath? We do not want them to be able to run straight to Albus or someone else and let them know that Harry is emancipated. We want all of this to be as legal and quiet as possible,” Severus inquired.

“It has already been discussed and taken care of,” Griphook assured them. “You know, if all three Godfathers signed off on this it would be even more legal.”

“We do not yet know if Sirius Black can be trusted. He will not be part of anything until we know,” Harry stated before anyone could say anything else. He didn’t know if he would ever have the relationship that Sirius wanted with him. Severus and Draco were important to him, and he would not compromise his relationship with them for anyone.

Today, Harry was a little nervous as well. They were going to be letting Remus know that he wasn’t just kidnapped. That he wasn’t even from this dimension. Harry was going to start researching everything on alternate dimensions. When it was time for him to leave, Severus was going to go with him. He didn’t think Draco would and that was understandable but also hurt to think about. He didn’t know how Remus would feel about it though.

They entered the office to see Silverfang sitting behind a desk. There was a smaller chair next to his that Griphook sat in after bowing to his King.

“Hello, Little Prince,” Silverfang greeted Harry first.

“Hello, Silverfang. It is good to see you again,” Harry responded. He had already learned that Silverfang was insistent that Harry only address him by name.

“Lord Prince, Mr. Lupin, please come in and take your seats. We all know how impatient the little Princeling has been for this,” Silverfang instructed.

Severus and Remus both bowed before taking their seats on either side of Harry. There was only one chair left and Harry was sure it was for the Ministry official when they arrived.

“First things first, as always, you must all submit to testing to ensure that you are clear of any compulsions or spells,” Griphook stated and placed three pieces of parchment on the desk as well as three needles.

“Five drops,” Griphook instructed.

Harry did his and then handed his needle to Severus to banish the blood before handing it back to Griphook. Remus and Severus did theirs as well before giving the needles back to the Goblin.

They sat and waited the normal amount of time before Griphook looked over the paperwork. He placed all three parchments to the side.

“It looks like everything is in order,” Griphook announced. The King made a gesture with his hand and one of the guards stepped out of the room. “He is going to retrieve the Ministry Official. Madame Bones is the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. She comes in monthly for cleansing to make sure that she is not compromised due to her position. It is why we approached her for this.”

“Well, I guess that is why Albus has never attempted to control her. She doesn’t seem to like him very much,” Severus said with a smile. “It is always nice when things don’t go his way.”

“Yeah, it is,” Remus agreed. Harry could tell that the Werewolf had questions. Knowing Remus, he would wait until they were home to ask them.

There was a knock on the door and the Head of the DMLE was led into the room by the Goblin guard. She took the offered seat after bowing to Silverfang.

“Heir Potter, this is Madame Amelia Bones. She is the Head of the DMLE and will be our ministry witness for you emancipation today,” Silverfang introduced the woman. “Madame Bones, this is Heir Harry Potter. He is in need of your assistance to make sure that everything is legal and uncontestable.”

“Heir Potter, it is very nice to finally meet you. My niece Susan is in your year at Hogwarts she speaks highly of you and your dedication to your school work,” Madame Bones greeted Harry.

“It is nice to meet you as well, Madame Bones. Thank you for coming to help me today and please thank your niece for her kind words,” Harry replied. “These are my Godfathers Remus Lupin and Severus Snape.”

“It is very nice to meet the both of you,” Madame Bones greeted. “Well, at least now I know why you are so dedicated to your studies. You have two Professors as your caretakers.”

“I met Severus for the first time when I was eleven and I met Remus for the first time this year on the way to school. When I met them I had no idea who they were to me. That is part of the reason we are here, Madame Bones. If you have the time we would like to tell you my story so that you can know why we are doing this today,” Harry asked her seriously.

“Of course, I am all yours today. When I was asked to come I made sure to take the day off from work so that I was free for as long as I was needed. I was told this would be a complicated situation,” Madame Bones replied.

“Perfect, then let’s get started,” Griphook insisted.

So, they did. Griphook and Silverfang told their part about before Harry was born and after. Severus and Harry explained his childhood, the abuse he suffered, and all about Albus’ part in everything. Severus showed her all of his scans to back up their story. His inheritance test was shown to her as well. Lily’s will was also shown to her.

“But you have no proof that Albus is the one responsible?” She asked after hearing everything.

“Nothing that can be used against him in court. He has been very careful,” Severus answered her. “I was made his Magical Guardian the summer after first year. So, we got him out of Albus’ control that way at least. But we are afraid of what will happen should Albus find out that he no longer has control of Harry.”

“You think he would have you killed?” Madame Bones asked.

“We do not put anything past him. He resorted to ‘Black Magic’ the night that Harry was kidnapped. The old account manager confirmed it and reported it to the Goblin King. We think he would either have Severus killed or locked away in Azkaban in order to get Harry back under his control,” Remus answered.

“This is why you want him emancipated,” She stated. The three of them nodded.

“If he is legally considered an adult then Albus cannot touch him. We want him protected as much as we can. This is the best we can offer him right now,” Severus informed her. “We had to wait until he was fourteen as per the law. We have no intention of allowing him to care for himself. This is just a legal precaution.”

“Oh, this was attempted before the last school year as well,” Griphook said. He placed a parchment on the table. “We accepted it only to keep Albus from getting suspicious. It isn’t legal or binding in any way, but we let him believe it was a done deal.”

“This is a marriage contract,” Bones said as she was handed the parchment. “This is a ridiculous contract. Giving this girl, Ginerva, all control of everything. She would be head of house and control the money, the estates, and everything else. Why would they do this?”

“He wants Heir Potter under his control. The Weasleys are his most loyal followers. They do anything and everything he tells them to,” Severus answered with a growl. He had been pissed when he had been shown that contract for the first time.

“Well, not all Weasleys,” Harry pointed out. “Fred and George are my friends. As far as I can tell it is only the mother and the youngest two. I don’t know anything about the rest.”

His comment was acknowledged with a nod from Amelia.

“This contract states that they would be handfast or engaged when Harry is fifteen and the girl is fourteen. That in the event that he dies before they can get married, she still gets everything,” Bones exclaimed.

“Yes, it does,” Harry said bitterly. “I think somewhere in all of the plans that he is making, that he doesn’t expect me to live to or past seventeen.”

“That is what it seems like,” Bones agreed. “Thank goodness he doesn’t have the authority to enforce this. It makes me sick to think about this being legal. What would have happened if you hadn’t stepped in to care for him, Severus?”

“We try not to think about that,” Harry answered. “So, will you help? Will you be our Ministry official so that this is all legal and uncontestable?”

“Absolutely, and it will hold more power because of the position that I hold in the Ministry as the Head of Magical Law Enforcement,” Bones agreed.

“Perfect, then let us take care of the paperwork,” Silverfang said happily. Griphook passed over four stacks of parchment for each of them to fill out and sign.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Ok, now that I am officially emancipated, I get to claim my Lordships right?” Harry asked after the long process was finished and Madame Bones had left. She had only been needed for the emancipation part. Everything else could be done without her.

“That is correct, Princeling,” Silverfang answered. “You have an Heirship to claim as well.”

“Oh? I didn’t have one before. Right? Just Potter and Peverell and both of those are Lordships. Or did something from my birth family come up?” Harry asked curiously.

“You did not have one before. You will be Lord of both Potter and Peverell. Your Godfather has made you his heir. So, you will take the Prince Heirship,” Silverfang informed him.

“Are you sure? What if you decide one day to take a wife and have a child? Wouldn’t you want that kid to be your Heir so that your blood inherits it?” Harry asked Severus.

“Silly Brat, you will be the only child I will ever have. You will be the Lord Prince when I am gone or no longer able to uphold my duties,” Severus insisted.

“So, that is why you call him Princeling?” Remus asked. The king laughed and shook his head no.

“I call him Princeling because his true parents are King and Queen. He is Royal. That is why he does not bow or use my title. Only he, among you Wixen will be allowed to address me so casually,” Silverfang answered.

“There are no King and Queen among Wixen. I believe there are a few things that I have yet to be made aware of,” Remus said pointedly to Harry and Severus.

“Well, as you know, our boy was kidnapped and given to the Potters. What you were not aware of, is that Albus used Black Magic and stole him from another dimension. He is not from our world, and we are going to begin our research to find or create a spell/ritual that will return him to his true home,” Severus explained.

“Another dimension? That is quite a truth to hear. I heard rumors of such things of course. It makes my intellectual mind excited at the prospect of learning and researching,” Remus said with a bit of excitement. Then he looked between Severus and Harry as if he had just realized the implication.

“You are not planning on staying in this world if you can find a way to leave,” He stated.

“No, I am not. I want to know where I came from. I want to know my true parents and who I was supposed to be before Dumbledore ruined everything,” Harry agreed. Severus placed a hand on his shoulder and squeezed gently.

“You are going with him,” Remus said with confidence.

“I am,” Severus said simply. “Harry is my son. Maybe not by blood but he is mine all the same. I would not leave him to navigate a new world all on his own. There is nothing keeping me here. I am a spy or traitor depending on who you ask. Beloved by no one except this little troublemaker. Where he goes, I will follow.”

“Of course,” Remus said with a smile. “No one would blame either of you for wanting to be rid of this place. It has done neither of you any favors.”

“No, it certainly hasn’t,” Harry agreed. He was not worried that Remus hadn’t agreed to go with them. It was a lot to take in. It was a big decision. Harry turned back to the Goblins. There were now three ring boxes sitting on the table.

“Isn’t the Peverell name older than the Potter?” Remus asked. “I don’t remember James saying anything about a Peverell Lordship.”

“That is because he did not have the Peverell Lordship. It has been dormant waiting for someone worthy to claim it,” Griphook explained.

“It has been six generations since the Peverell Ring was worn,” Silverfang added.

“And it doesn’t matter to the magic that I am not actually a Potter or a Peverell?” Harry asked curiously.

“No, the magic has decided that you are worthy and so you are. Blood or not,” Griphook responded.

“I love magic,” Harry said with a smile and accepted the first ring box. It was a golden ring that had the Potter family crest engraved on it, with the Potter family motto in Latin across it.

“Novissima Autem Inimica Destruetur Mors,” Harry recited. He looked up at Severus and Remus.

“It means, The last enemy that shall be destroyed is Death,” Severus translated. “It is the Potter family motto.”

“Oh, that’s neat,” Harry responded absently and slid the ring onto his right hand as instructed. There was a pulse of magic and then the ring resized to fit him. He could feel the magic meld with his own and accept him. The next ring box was slid toward him.

It was a beautiful, delicate silver ring with a circle within a triangle with a line down the middle. The Motto was engraved on the inside of the ring.

“Magisters De Mors,” Harry read aloud.

“The Masters of Death,” Silverfang translated. Harry looked up.

“So, both the Potter family and the Peverell family have mottos that reference either mastering or destroying Death? Seems a bit on the nose and a little ironic,” Harry pointed out. Harry slid the ring onto his finger and felt the magic accept and settle in him as well.

“I don’t know about the Peverell family, but the Potters were some of the Lightest Wixen around,” Remus assured him. Harry smiled at him.

That hadn’t been what he was worried about. He wasn’t going to point out that it seemed a bit taunting and now both lines were extinct. They were only active because of Harry, who wasn’t blood related at all or even from this world. Severus patted his hand. Harry smiled up at him. Severus got it.

“Your fourth ring, Princeling,” Silverfang stated and slid the third ring box toward him.

“Fourth?” Remus asked. Harry nodded and pulled on the chain that dangled from his neck.

The silver ring with the blue gem in it. The first ring he had received. The Goblins had examined it and had agreed that the metal was not something from our world and neither was the gem. Which meant it was the one thing he owned that had come from his true home.

“This was my Mothers,” Harry explained. “My birth mother. It isn’t made of any metal from this world and the gem is foreign as well. It is the only item I own from my true home. It has power in it. But we do not know what kind, so I wear it around my neck because it makes my dad feel better.”

“It is a beautiful ring, Pup,” Remus complimented as Harry tucked it back away under his shirt.

Then he accepted the fourth ring. His only Heirship ring. It was made of dark metal and had no crest. Which made sense. It was a line that no one truly knew about. A secret, so a crest would make people curious. Instead, there was a beautiful solid band with Latin engraved inside.

“Nos sumus et semper erimus, custodes in umbra,” Severus recited from memory as he took the ring out of the box and slid it onto Harry’s left hand. “We are and always will be, Watchers in the Shade.”

The magic in this ring was more subtle than the others. It felt like a small shadow of magic had worked its way into his core and settled there to lie in wait. Not showy or overpowering. Simply there like the comforting warmth from a hearth.

They discussed a few more things between them. Mainly the money that had been added to his accounts because of the Basilisk part sales. He had made quite a bit of money for himself and the Goblins. He was also handed two files. One for the Potters and one for the Peverells. They had all of the properties, investments, and other important information about each family.

Remus and Severus agreed to go over them with him and help him make decisions about them. When it was all done, they gathered all of Harry’s paperwork and left the bank. Severus would be taking him over to Draco’s house now so that he could spend a few days with him. The blonde had been insistent that Harry at least spent part of his birthday with him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A very large snake slithers through the underbrush toward a dilapidated old house.

“Bloody kids!,” An old man says as he lights a lantern and heads toward the house as well. The snake follows the man as he creeps into the house and up the stairs. He hears voices and stops to listen.

“How fastidious you’ve become, Wormtail. As I recall, you once called the nearest gutter pipe home. Could it be that the task of nursing me has become wearisome for you?” Came the sound of an angry rasping voice.

The man moved so that he could see through the crack in the door. All the while the snake sat in the shadows and watched him. There was a small ragged, mousy looking man bowing to the side of a large wing backed chair. The old man could not see the speaker sitting in the chair.

“Oh, no. No, no My Lord Voldemort. I only meant…perhaps if we were to do it…without the boy…” Wormtail stammered as he pressed his face to the ground.

“NO! The boy is everything!!!,” The person in the chair, Voldemort exclaimed. “It cannot be done without him. And it WILL be done. Exactly as I said.”

The old man watched as another man walked into view and bowed low before the chair. Then he looked up at the man and grinned, his tongue flicking out to lick his upper lip. The man looked slightly unhinged.

“I will not fail you, My Lord,” the unknown man promised with a near fanatical look in his eyes.

“Good. First gather our comrades. Send them a sign,” Voldemort rasped out sounding pleased.

The snake moved then. It slithered out of the shadows and nearly scared the old man to death when it slowly slithered past him and into the room. The snake curled up around the chair and draped it’s head over the top as if laying against the person in the chair.

“Nagini tells me, the old caretaker is standing outside the door,” Voldemort informed the other two in the room. The old man jumped and attempted to back away, but Wormtail was suddenly there in the doorway with a wand pointed at the man.

“Step aside, Wormtail, so that I may give our guest a proper greeting,” Voldemort instructed. Wormtail did as instructed and then there stood the unknown man holding a horrid looking homunculus creature in his arms. The creature, Voldemort held a wand, grasped in his tiny misshapen hands.

“Avada Kedavra,” He rasped out and then a flash of green sailed toward the old man.

“..rry. HARRY,” Harry jolted awake and looked up into the concerned face of Draco. “What happened? Are you alright?”

“Just a bad dream, Drake. I’m alright,” Harry managed to say without too much of a tremble to his voice. He rubbed his head where his scar was hurting. It wasn’t the first time, but it had been a while since it had bothered him. Each time it had; Voldemort had been involved.

“You were screaming. What in the world were you dreaming about?” Draco said as he crawled into bed with Harry.

“Voldemort,” Harry whispered. “I think he has found another way to come back partially. Something bad is going to happen this year.”

“Are you sure? It could just be a dream,” Draco said hopefully. Harry looked up at his friend and tried to offer comfort. Draco pulled Harry’s hand away from his head. “Don’t rub it, Har.”

“Yeah, maybe so, Drake,” Harry said. Even though it didn’t feel like a normal dream to him. Draco wrapped his arms around Harry and held him.

“You don’t think so though, do you?” Draco asked after a few moments. Harry sighed.

“No, I don’t think so,” Harry answered honestly. If there was one thing about Harry that everyone knew, it was that he was honest.

“You need to let Severus know, and don’t forget to tell him about your scar bothering you,” Draco told him and then he was quiet for a moment before he tightened his arms around Harry. “And…maybe it won’t be…safe…for you to come here anymore.”

As much as neither of them liked that idea, Draco was right. It probably wasn’t safe for Harry to come here anymore. Lucius was a Death Eater. One that had spent some time in Azkaban after the first war.

Draco told Harry all of the things his father had to say about Purebloods and other things. Draco and Dobby, who had been dismissed recently due to something that Lucius wouldn’t speak about, had overheard Lucius talking to someone on a fire call about the Dark Lords return and being ready.

“Well, Severus isn’t home anymore. He has already gone to the school to prepare for the new school year. I will write to him and Remus both to let them know about my dream. Then I will go home after the Quidditch World Cup just like originally planned. We will just see how the school year goes and go from there before we decide whether or not I will come back here,” Harry informed Draco.

“I hope it was just a dream, Har. I don’t want to imagine what the world will be like if he returns to full strength,” Draco admitted. “I … Harry…I don’t want to f..follow, Vol…Voldemort.”

Harry was so proud. That was the first time that Draco had ever used Voldemort instead of saying The Dark Lord. He was also proud that Draco didn’t want to follow in his father’s footsteps. That was a long way away from a boy who would do anything to make his father happy.

“You don’t have to, Drake. If it comes down to it, I have a place that you can hide. A place that no one will ever find you,” Harry told his best friend. “I will keep you safe and far away from the war if that is what you want. I won’t let your father force you to follow a mad man.”

“Thank you, Harry,” Draco said with so much relief in his voice that Harry snuggled closer to the boy. The two of them just lay there together for a few hours. Harry drifted in and out of sleep. He didn’t want to have any more nightmares/visions about Voldemort, so he was a little afraid to fall asleep. Draco seemed to be stressed or overthinking about something as he absently played with Harry’s hair.

“Harry,” Draco spoke finally. Harry ‘hmmed’ to let him know he was listening. “Do you plan on fighting? If Voldemort returns.”

“I will have too, Drake. Neither Voldemort nor Dumbledore will allow me to stay out of it. Voldemort wants me dead, and Dumbledore wants me to kill Voldemort,” Harry answered. “It’s why Remus and Severus are putting so much effort into teaching me to duel and more advanced spells that will help.”

“I…don’t want to hide if a war breaks out,” Draco said in a near whisper. “I want to fight with you. I want you to know that you won’t stand alone, Harry. Even if no one stands with you, I will.”

“Are you sure, Drake? Because I am happy to hide you away somewhere that I know you will be safe from all of it,” Harry told him sincerely.

“I am not a coward. I don’t need to be hidden away like a Princess,” Draco said a bit offended. Harry chuckled and patted Draco before getting out of bed. It was morning now and time to get up.

“No, you are not a coward,” Harry insisted with a smile. “A princess maybe, but not a coward.”

“Oh, shut it, you,” Draco cried out and threw a pillow at Harry. The Seeker easily dodged it and laughed as he headed into the bathroom. He had known Draco wouldn’t hide. Draco was made of softer things than Harry, but he would throw himself in front of an unforgivable to protect Harry.

Harry was going to have to find a place in the castle during the school year for him to teach Draco the things he had learned this summer about dueling. Getting Theo and Blaise involved might be a good thing to. After he figured out where their loyalties would lie during the war. He would just have to see what his dad thought about it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*The Quidditch World Cup*

Harry and Draco were so excited. Lucius had told Draco the day after Harry’s birthday that he had gotten tickets for the World Quidditch Cup. He had also let Draco know that Harry, of course, was going to come with them. He had made sure to get a ticket included for him.

Now, the day had come. They were fixing to catch a portkey to the Stadium. They wouldn’t be staying the night like a lot of others were. Lucius had purchased a portkey that would arrive in time for them to find their seats, and then to leave about forty minutes after.

“Where are our seats, Father?” Draco asked excitedly.

“We have been personally invited to sit with the minister in his box for the game,” Lucius answered as they headed into the stadium.

“This is so exciting. I love the Bulgarian team. Their Seeker is extraordinary,” Harry stated as they began to make their way. He had gotten a subscription to the Quidditch Quarterly in second year. He followed a few of the teams emphatically. Bulgaria was one of them. Krum was a spectacular Seeker. And really young as well.

“Blimey Dad, how far up are we?” Harry and Draco turned at the sound of that voice. Draco and Lucius both sneered and Harry just rolled his eyes at the sight of it. Some things were never going to change. No matter how much growth Draco showed about some things, Weasley would never be one of them.

“Well, put it this way, if it rains…you will be the first to know,” Lucius interrupted. Draco stepped up behind his father and Harry just stood to the side to let them duke it out. He grinned up at Fred and George when they winked at him and waved. The twins would always be his favorite Weasleys.

There was another Weasley with them that Harry hadn’t met before. A man that was taller than Fred and George with long hair pulled back in a ponytail. He had one dragon tooth earring in his ear and was dressed in leather pants and Dragon hide boots with his loose t-shirt.

Harry had to admit he thought that Weasley was kinda hot. Well, if nothing else, Harry learned one thing from this interaction. He did like guys. He had been a little worried about himself when he hadn’t felt any kind attraction to boys or girls in the last year or so. All of his classmates had expressed their preference and had started to find boyfriends or girlfriends.

The older Weasley slung an arm around each twin and leaned over to whisper in their ears. The twins grinned and said something back. Then, the older Weasley looked at Harry with a crooked smile and waved down at him before heading off with the Twins. Harry tried to hide the blush he could feel trying to creep up his cheeks.

He knew he hadn’t succeeded in hiding it when a second unknown redhead grinned down at him and winked. And Merlin, if that one wasn’t hot as well. Harry ducked his head when that one turned and followed his brothers.

“Father, Harry, and I are in the Minister’s box,” Draco was in the process of bragging about during the whole interaction with Fred, George, and the Hot Weasleys. “By personal invitation of Cornelius Fudge himself.”

Lucius smacked his cane across Draco’s chest then. Harry turned and scowled at the man and stepped closer to Draco, who has now trying not to make it obvious that he was rubbing his chest.

“Don’t boast Draco, there’s no need with these people,” Lucius admonished. Then he turned his sneer back up to Authur, Ginerva, and Ronald, who were the only Weasley’s left standing there. “Do enjoy yourself, won’t you? While you can.”

Harry didn’t like the way that sounded at all. It sounded like a threat that included more than just the rain. He shared a look with Draco, which meant that the blonde had picked up on it as well. They followed Lucius as he walked away and kept their mouths shut until they reached the minister’s box.

“Aww, Lucius my friend. Thank you for joining me up here. Sit anywhere you like,” Minister Fudge greeted the man politely. Then he turned to Harry and Draco. “This must be your Heir, Draco. He is a lovely boy, looks just like you. A fine Heir.”

“Yes, this is my Heir. He may look like me, but he is soft like his mother. Could do with a little toughening up. And if he was a little more studious he wouldn’t be fourth in his class,” Lucius said and then turned to find a seat. Harry reached out and gripped Draco’s hand. The man was just too horrible to even allow someone else to compliment his son.

“Harry, Dear Boy. It is so good to see you again. I hear you are doing quite well in school. Top of your class all three years. Congratulations. And fourth in your class is quite the accomplishment as well, Heir Malfoy. I wasn’t even in the top ten and I managed to become Minister. So don’t fret over it. I am glad that you could join us today,” Fudge said happily as he turned back to the two boys.

“Thank you, Minister Fudge. It is good to see you again as well,” Harry replied just as kindly. “Draco and I cannot wait to see the game. He and I are both on the Quidditch team at school you know. He is one of the best Chasers our house has had in a few years. Our captain has bragged about it many times.”

Draco squeezed his hand and Harry squeezed it right back.

“Is that so? That is wonderful. I am sure that the two of you have made your house very proud,” Fudge said in response. Then he patted them both on the shoulder. “Well, let’s find our seats. The game is about to start.”

As Harry and Draco made their way to their seats behind the minister, they were introduced to a few other people. The Bulgarian dignitaries and Ludo Bagman among them.

“Thanks, Harry,” Draco whispered when they settled into their seats.

“Of course, Draco,” Harry responded.

“Oh, and don’t think I didn’t notice the way you blushed when the older Weasels smiled at you,” Draco teased quietly. Harry blushed and lightly punched Draco in the shoulder.

“Hush it,” Harry insisted with a mock glare.

“Our little Harry is growing up and noticing boys,” Draco said with a happy sigh. Just then balloons began to fly, and fireworks were fired off.

“Here come the Irish,” Draco said with excitement. Then five figures in green and white flew through the air on their brooms leaving a colored trail behind them. A glittering leprechaun appeared in the sky and started dancing. It was all so exciting.

“And there is the Bulgarians,” Harry stated with glee. The five players in red came swooping in and one of the players does a trick on his broom before one player in particular is shown on the big screen. Krum, who was then cheered for over and over again until they landed.

The minister for Magic stood up and stepped out onto the balcony. He raised his wand to his throat and cast the sonoras charm.

“Good Evening! It gives me great pleasure to welcome each and every one of you to the final of the 422nd Quidditch World Cup. First we will watch as the mascots take to the field,” Fudge announced.

The Bulgarian Mascots were first. Beautiful Veela, infinitely alluring women, danced on the pitch. Nearly every male was seized by the temptation to show off. Harry thought they were so pretty, but he didn’t feel the need to dive headfirst out of the booth. Like Draco apparently did. Harry had to squeeze Draco’s arm and pinch his ribs to distract him enough not to try and throw himself toward the women.

Harry was glad when they retreated from the field and the Irish took their place. A slew of Leprechauns fly in. They were dancing and cheering. They showered the stands with golden coins. Harry watched as people scrambled to pick it all up. If they only knew that it wouldn’t last. Harry had read about Leprechauns earlier in the month when he first learned he was going to be attending the World Cup.

Harry and Draco watch raptly as the game begins. It was a spectacular game and nothing like the Quidditch they played in school. This was so much more violent and intense. At one point someone had been transfigured into a cat. The game was fast paced and hard to follow but they managed. It ended with Krum beating the Irish Seeker to the snitch.

Bulgaria had captured the snitch but lost the World Cup to the Irish who had beaten them by ten points. Harry and Draco headed out of the box with Lucius behind them. When they finally made it outside among the throngs of excited spectators, Lucius pulled them over to a relatively empty area.

“Here is your portkey. It will activate in thirty minutes at take you back to the house. I have some business to attend to with a few associates. See you in the morning,” Lucius said and then walked away.

“Want to see if we can find a few friends?” Harry asked after Lucius was gone. “We have thirty minutes.”

“Yeah,” Draco agreed. The two of them started weaving in and out of the crowd. They ran into a few classmates but no one that they wanted to spend too much time with. When the thirty minutes was up, they each grasped the portkey and waited for it to activate and whisk them away.

Just as they were being pulled away, Harry and Draco heard screams sound through the night and fires began to spring up as well as spell fire. Something terrible had happened just as they disappeared from the field.

“What was that?” Harry asked when they landed in the foyer. Draco looked up at him shocked.

“I don’t know, Harry. But it didn’t look good,” Draco answered. Narcissa was waiting in the foyer and encouraged both boys to head into the sitting room.

“Come, Dear Ones. Tell me about the game,” She insisted. Draco started by telling her what was happening when they left. Harry didn’t think she seemed surprised or even worried that her husband wasn’t home. It was looking like maybe this had something to do with Voldemort.

Harry and Draco read all about the disaster in the morning paper. Death Eaters had attacked the World Cup. They had attacked Muggleborns mostly and killed the muggles who had owned the field they were camping out in. It was a chaotic riot that ended with the Dark Mark in the air and people afraid that Voldemort may be returning.

“That was the sign, Draco,” Harry said when they were back up in Harry’s room. He was packing his things to go home. He had been staying with Draco for a week and was supposed to go home today, so he would. It wouldn’t be suspicious at all.

“What?” Draco asked him.

“The sign,” Harry said. “From my dream. I told you, Voldemort told that unknown man to call his comrades and send a sign.”

“Oh, and that is Voldemort’s Dark Mark. That has to be the sign he was talking about,” Draco agreed. Harry nodded and finished gathering his things. He would be at home for the rest of the summer. Remus would take him to the train station on the first. He had already done all of his school shopping with Narcissa and Draco two weeks ago.

Harry said goodbye to his best friend as Remus met him at the gate of the manor. Things were changing this year and Harry didn’t think he was quite ready for it. But ready or not things were happening.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“I am going to miss you, Remi. I promise to write at least once a week,” Harry told his Godfather as he hugged him.

“I am going to miss you too, Pup. I am going to try and make it up for your Quidditch games. Just send me a schedule when you find out what it is,” Remus responded.

“All right. I will do that,” Harry agreed.

“Harry, I want you to be careful. Especially, if your dreams and the World Cup are connected. This could be a dangerous year for you. I have half a mind to rent a room in Hogsmeade for the school year. Just so that I can be close to you,” Remus said. Harry could tell he was only half teasing. And considering his track record at the school so far, it probably wouldn’t hurt for Remus to do just that.

“I’ll be careful, Remi. Talk to you soon,” Harry said and then headed for the train. This was the first year he had arrived without Draco. He felt two arms circle his shoulders.

“Hello, Harrykins,” The twins said together.

“Hey, you two,” Harry said happily. They turned him and headed toward their family. Harry tensed up until he realized the two younger Weasleys were not present.

“What are you doing?” Harry asked them.

“Introducing our,” Fred started.

“Big brothers,” George finished.

“This is Bill, our oldest brother,” Fred introduced.

“Bill, this is Our Harrykins,” George added.

“Nice to finally meet you, Harry,” Bill said with a smile. “There are quite a few conflicting opinions about you in our house.”

“Nice to meet you as well,” Harry said with a polite bow. He would not forget his manners just because he was flustered by those pretty blue eyes. “Let me guess, Fred and George adore me, Ginerva is obsessed, and Ronald thinks I am a traitor and the next Dark Lord.”

Harry was quite proud of himself when all four of the older boys started laughing.

“This is Charlie,” Fred said after they settled down.

“Our second oldest brother,” George added.

“The Dragon Tamer in Romania, right?” Harry asked as he shook the older boy’s hand.

“That’s me,” Charlie responded. “I am glad to meet you, finally.”

“Glad to meet you, too. I bet your job is so exciting,” Harry said with a grin. Then he turned to Bill. “You work for Gringotts right? As a Curse Breaker and warder. That takes rune work right?”

“It does,” Bill answered with a smile. “Interested in rune work?”

“Yes,” Harry answered and pulled his journal out of his shoulder bag. It was where he had been keeping all of his rune notes that he had made over the summer. He showed it to the eldest Weasley.

“My Godfather has a Mastery in Runes, and he has been helping me do a lot of self-study this summer. I don’t want to just know the theory though. I want to be able to actually use Runes like Wixen used to,” Harry started to ramble as Bill looked through his journal.

“If you don’t stop him now, he will talk until he misses the train.”

Harry blushed and then turned to smile at Neville and Hermione standing to the side of them. The Weasleys chuckled and Bill handed him back his journal.

“That is very impressive work for someone your age. I would be happy to talk Runes with you. You are more than welcome to write to me,” Bill told him as he tucked his journal away.

“Thank you,” Harry said with a blush.

“All right, Harrykins,” George said with a nudge and pointed.

“We spotted your other half,” Fred added and waved.

“He is waiting for you,” They said together. Harry grinned and said his goodbyes to Bill and Charlie before he left with Fred, George, Hermione, and Neville. When they got to Draco, they boarded the train and found a compartment for them all to sit in. Theo and Blaise joined them before the train took off.

“So, I learned something from my father two days ago,” Draco said with a smirk. “Well, he doesn’t know I learned it from him. I overheard a conversation.”

“Are you going to tell us what it is?” Blaise asked with a laugh. Harry chuckled when Draco frowned at him.

“I know what is going on at the school this year. Harry said that your dad and brother hinted at something after the Cup. I know what it is,” Draco taunted a bit more.

“Quit playing with the peasants Princess,” Harry teased.

“Oi, who is a peasant?” Blaise exclaimed. And just like Harry expected them two, the twins took to the teasing.

“Please, lovely Princess,” George said with an exaggerated bow.

“Honor we peasants with your secrets,” Fred added as he also dipped into the bow.

“Look, what you started. They are never going to stop now,” Draco whined. Harry grinned at him.

“Come on, Draco,” Theo interrupted.

“Fine, The Triwizard Tournament is going to take place for the first time in a century. And Hogwarts is hosting it,” Draco finally told them.

“I don’t know what that is,” Harry responded with confusion.

“It is a tournament that used to take place. There are three schools that compete, and one champion is chosen from each school. They compete in three incredibly dangerous tasks to get a winner,” Draco answered.

“They stopped doing it because people died,” Theo pointed out. “It is really dangerous. I am really surprised they are bringing it back.”

“People died and they are bringing it back?” Hermione exclaimed. “That sounds barbaric.”

“I want every one of you to understand right now that I am not entering into this tournament voluntarily,” Harry said with a tired sigh.

“We will start researching ways to get out of it,” Theo answered.

“You all just assume..” Hermione started and then stopped at the pointed looks she was given. “Yeah, you’re right. I’ll help with the research. Of course, he is going to end up competing.”

“Well, I was already prepared for something bad to happen this year anyway,” Harry said and laid his head over on Draco’s shoulder.

“Why would you be prepared?” Neville asked.

“Because something has happened every year. And this year, he had a bad feeling,” Draco answered for him. They hadn’t told the others about his nightmare yet. He would probably tell Blaise and Theo once they were in their dorm rooms.

“Can we talk about something else now?” Harry asked his friends.

“Of course, we can, Little Brother,” Fred and George said together.

They all made an effort to talk about other things for the rest of the train ride. Fred and George had started their business Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes. They told them about their bet against Bagman and how the man had given them the Leprechaun money and that he owed them.

Hermione and the others talked about their summers and the kinds of things they expected to learn this year.

“Oh, where is Pretty?” Neville asked.

“She is too big to bring with me anymore. She has to stay home now, or we risk getting in trouble. Remus is going to take care of her,” Harry answered a bit sadly. It would be his first year without her since he was eleven. He would miss talking to her.

“Aww, we are going to miss her in the Slytherin common room,” Blaise offered.

“I know, me too,” Harry agreed.

A few hours later, they arrived at the school and headed into the Great Hall to settle in for the sorting ceremony.

“And so now I get to the point that I am most excited about. Unfortunately, we will not be having Quidditch this year,” Dumbledore had to pause due to the cries of outrage and disbelief in the great hall. He raised his hand to silence the room when a man stepped into the room.

He was a bit ragged looking and walked with a cane. He had one peg leg and a magical eye that seemed to move completely separately and independently from his other eye. He looked a bit terrifying and caused quite a stir amongst the students.

He limped to the head table and up to the empty seat next to Hagrid. Dumbledore clapped his hands to gain everyone’s attention. Harry did not turn his attention from the man though. When he sat down he took a swig from a flask in his pocket and then his tongue darted out and across his top lip. Something about it seemed to trigger Harry but he couldn’t quite put his finger on why.

“Well, I guess now would be as good a time as any for me to introduce you to your new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. An ex-Auror, Professor Alistair Moody. Welcome to Hogwarts Professor,” Dumbledore introduced the strange man.

“Now, back to the reason Quidditch has been cancelled. We have the honor of hosting a very exciting event over the coming months, an event that has not been held for over a century. It is my very great pleasure to inform you that the Triwizard Tournament will be taking place at Hogwarts this year,” Dumbledore announced with a flourish.

He waited for the excited noises to die down and then continued to inform them that the tournament would start on Halloween and that the other two schools would be arriving two days before that. Then he continued with other school announcements before he waved his hand and the feast began.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Did you know that there are a slew of House-elves working in the kitchen?” Hermione asked as she approached Harry, Draco, Blaise, and Theo. Neville was trailing behind her.

“Yeah, of course, we did? Who do you supposed does all of the cooking and cleaning around the school?” Draco answered. Hermione looked completely disgusted by the response.

“What do you mean, ‘of course’,” Hermione exclaimed. “Do you know they don’t get paid? That there are no benefits for them?”

“Well, yeah. They don’t want to get paid. This is what they do. They like the work,” Blaise answered. “You would insult them if you tried to pay them.”

“What?” Hermione asked upset. “That’s slavery. They can’t do that.”

“Hermione, you are muggle raised, so I understand why this might not be something that you understand. But the relationship between House-elves and Wixen is, in a way symbiotic. The worst thing you can do is free an elf. They become unstable in their magic and their health,” Theodore explained to Hermione.

“So, they cannot be freed,” Hermione said after a few minutes of thinking about it. “Is there research on it? And just because they cannot be freed doesn’t mean that they cannot be compensated.”

“Listen, Mione, if this is something that you want to champion then go right on ahead. But before you dive headfirst into this, maybe you should actually speak to a few House-elves and see how they feel about it,” Harry asked her to consider.

“Yeah, ok. I will talk to them. Do any of you know where the kitchens are?” Hermione asked. Just then an arm was slung over her shoulder. Fred stood over her and grinned.

“I can show you,” Fred offered. “When you want to go.”

“Oh, thank you,” Hermione said with a smile up at him. “Maybe this weekend?”

“Sure, Mione,” Fred agreed. “It’s a date.”

“It is not a date,” Hermione responded with a laugh. “Now, we all better head to class before we are late.”

So, they all split up and went their separate ways for classes. Harry and the other Slytherins as well as the Gryffindors had Herbology first. It was a good first day back to classes. Harry enjoyed being back in school. Even if he was a little worried about what the year would hold.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Later that evening, after their last class, but before dinner, Harry, Draco, and Hermione were enjoying the evening air when they were interrupted by none other than Ronald Weasley and his little followers.

“Well, if it isn’t the baby Death Eaters. Did your dad and his Death Eater friends have fun rioting at the World Cup?” Weasley taunted. Draco held up the paper he was currently reading.

“Lashing out because your father can’t do his job properly? Skeeter has nothing but horrible things to say about your father’s competence. I doubt he will still have a job after today. Then where will all of you Weasleys live?” Draco countered. Harry just sat back with Hermione while the two of them went at it.

Weasley went a step further and insulted Narcissa which pissed Harry and Draco both off. Harry moved to stand up when Draco shot something nasty back about Mrs. Weasley. Weasley attempted to throw himself at Draco but was restrained by his friends. Just then, Professor Moody happened to walk by.

He asked no questions about who started what, he just immediately assumed that Draco was in the wrong and transfigured him into a ferret. Harry broke free of the grip Hermione had on his arm.

“Stop that,” Harry demanded while Weasley and his friends started laughing uncontrollably. Moody didn’t listen he started laughing as he bounced Draco around and Harry drew his wand and pointed it straight into the professors face.

“Turn. Him. Back,” Harry demanded calmly. Something flashed in Moody’s eyes but before he could say anything else they were interrupted by McGonagall.

“What in Merlin’s name is going on here?” She demanded. “Mr. Potter, lower your wand. You do not threaten a Professor. Severus will be sorely disappointed to hear about this.”

“Professor,” Hermione spoke up when Harry didn’t lower his wand.

“What is it, Ms. Granger?” She answered.

“He is only upset because of what Professor Moody has done to Draco. It is against school rules,” Hermione pointed out.

“And what have you done to Mr. Malfoy?” McGonagall turned to the two Wixen who had yet to break eye contact. The white ferret hoovering to the side of them.

“Teaching him a lesson,” Moody said with a grin as he bounced the ferret. Harry loosened his grip on his wand for better movement. McGonagall gasped and narrowed her eyes.

“Is that a student?” She asked. Moody nodded and bounced Draco again for good measure. Harry took a step forward and felt his face go cold. He felt a hand on his shoulder and looked up to see Severus glaring at Moody.

McGonagall turned Draco back to normal and Severus plucked Harry’s wand from his hand and gently pushed him toward the blonde that was sitting on the ground looking quite out of it. Harry knelt next to Draco and started to fret over him while Severus and McGonagall tore into Moody.

“That is not how we discipline our students, Alastor. You will take points, assign detention, or take them to their head of house to be dealt with,” McGonagall instructed.

“I figured a good sharp shock would be sufficient,” Moody answered without remorse. “That will teach the little ferret not to start fights.”

“But he didn’t,” Hermione interrupted. The three adults turned to her. She pointed at where Weasley and the other two Gryffindor boys were sitting and laughing. “Ronald Weasley started it. Harry, Draco, and I were sitting here minding our own business when they came up and started taunting him. Professor Moody didn’t even ask questions, he just assumed Draco was in the wrong.”

“Is that true?” McGonagall turned to Moody.

“What was I to think when he was standing there calm as you please and Weasley looked ready to commit murder?” Moody pointed out.

“You will give every student the right to explain before dishing out punishments. This will not happen again, or I will make sure you are removed from this school,” Severus threatened. “Get him up, Potter.”

“Yes, Sir,” Harry said politely and made Draco get up.

“To dinner,” Severus said simply, and Harry nodded. Severus handed him his wand as he passed him. He sent one last glare in the direction of Moody who grinned at him. Harry frowned when he once again flicked his tongue out and ran it across his lip before taking a drink from his flask.

There was just something about it that worried Harry.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

“I do not like that man,” Harry exclaimed as they sat down at the dinner table with Blaise and Theo.

“Who?” Blaise asked curiously.

“Moody,” Draco answered with a growl. Harry leaned over and laid his head on his shoulder. “I’m fine, Har.”

“What did he do?” Theo asked. Draco explained what happened to them and then he chuckled and looked at Harry.

“Were you really going to curse a teacher?” Draco asked his best friend.

“Yes,” Harry answered simply with a cold stare up towards the head table.

“You know, most of the time you are this cute happy little thing and then every once in a while you have this look on your face that is quite frightening,” Blaise pointed out.

“Stop glaring at the head table before you set it on fire,” Pansy said as she sat down. “I heard what happened. Are you ok, Drake?”

“He is fine,” Theo answered. “If he wasn’t, do you think Harry would just be glaring at the head table?”

“That’s true,” Pansy responded.

“He is very lucky that Professor Snape showed up when he did,” Harry said quietly. “Let’s talk about something else now, please.”

“Does anyone know what two schools are going to be coming for the Tournament?” Pansy happily steered the conversation another direction. Harry looked at her gratefully as the others immediately began to debate it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Alastor Moody,” The Professor said as he wrote it on the board.

“Ministry Malcontent, and your new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. I’m here because Dumbledore asked me, end of story, goodbye, the end. Any Questions?” Moody didn’t even pause long enough for someone to answer.

“When it comes to the Dark Arts, I believe in a practical approach. But first, which of you can tell me how many unforgivable curses there are?” Moody continued. This time he waited for people to raise their hands. “Potter.” Harry hadn’t even had his hand up.

“Three,” Harry answered in a clipped tone. He had hoped they would have another good Defense Professor, but he was pretty sure that even if Moody was a decent teacher, he wouldn’t enjoy the class.

“And they are so named?” Moody asked.

“Because they are unforgivable,” Harry responded again. He fought not to roll his eyes or let his voice sound too disrespectful.

“The use of any one of them will earn you a one-way ticket to Azkaban,” Moody added. “Now the ministry says you’re too young to see what these curses do. But I say different!” He turned his back to the room and messed with some jars on his desk.

“You need to know what you’re up against, you need to be prepared, you need to find somewhere else to put your chewing gum other than the underside of your desk Mr. Finch-Fletchley!” Moody called out and everyone turned to see the Hufflepuff looking a bit embarrassed to be called out.

“No way, the old codger can see out the back of his head,” Someone else whispered. As if to prove that he absolutely could, Moody threw a piece of chalk behind him and hit the student square in the forehead.

“So, which curse will we see first?” Moody looked around “Malfoy!”

“Sir?” Draco answered.

“Give us a curse,” Moody instructed.

“The Imperious Curse,” Draco offered up. Harry could have sworn he heard someone else whisper that they were sure he had learned it from his father. Harry simply hated everyone honestly.

“Ahh, yes, his father would know all about. Claimed he was under the Imperious during the first war and didn’t follow The Dark Lord willingly. Let’s see why it was a popular claim,” Moody pointed out. He opened a jar on his desk and pulled out a spider. He cast the Imperious.

“Hello, little beauty,” Moody coos at it. Then he uses his wand to send it around the class. “Don’t worry, she is completely harmless.” The entire class was unsettled about what he would do. “But, if she bites…she’s lethal.”

Someone in the class laughed. Terry Boot, Harry thought.

“What are you laughing at?” Moody asked as he turned toward the Hufflepuff. He sent the spider onto Boot’s face.

“Talented isn’t she? What shall I have her do next?” He asked the class he moved her toward the open window. “Make her jump out the window?” He moved her again. This time over a beaker of water. “Drown herself?”

The class watched the spider struggle not to go into the beaker. He released the spider from the curse and gently put her back in her jar.

“Scores of witches and wizards, just like Lucius Malfoy, have claimed they only did You-know-whose bidding under the influence of the Imperious Curse. But here is the rub, how do we sort out the liars?” Moody asked the class. He was quiet for a moment.

“Another…another.. come on, come on. Bones isn’t it? Up,” Moody called out for the next student. Susan Bones stood from her chair. “Next curse.”

“There is the um…The Cruciatus Curse,” Bones named reluctantly. She looked so uncomfortable standing there. Harry had researched her family after meeting Madame Bones. Her mother and father had been tortured with the Cruciatus before they were killed.

“Correct! Correct! Particularly nasty. The torture curse,” Moody says as he pulls another spider from a jar and begins to torture it with the curse. The entire class could hear the squeals coming from the spider and Susan looked especially uncomfortable. Harry was pretty sure that she was only moments away from crying.

“Stop it,” Harry said loud enough to be heard without yelling. Moody didn’t stop. “Can’t you see how much you are bothering her? Stop it,” Harry said more firmly.

Moody stopped the curse and picked up the spider. He waved his hand at Susan who shot Harry a grateful look before hurrying back to her chair. Moody sat the still squealing spider on the desk in front of Harry.

“Perhaps you could give us the last Unforgivable, Mr. Potter,” Moody said and locked eyes with Harry.

“The Killing Curse,” Harry said without flinching or breaking eye contact when Moody casts the spell and the spider disintegrates. Moody breaks eye contact and heads back to the front of the classroom.

“Only one person is known to have survived it. And he sits amongst you,” Moody said a bit more subdued. He didn’t look in Harry’s direction again. But he did pull out that flask and take another swig. The class was dismissed right after that. Harry was happy to be rid of the man.

“Harry, you do know that you aren’t allowed to actually kill Moody right?” Blaise asked him jokingly.

“I don’t know,” Harry answered with a shrug and a particularly vicious look. “I think I could get away with it.”

“At least let him finish out the year and get him away from the school so that it can’t be traced back to you,” Theo advised him.

“Good idea, I will keep that in mind, thanks Theo,” Harry said with a nearly feral grin. “Let’s get to lunch.” Draco laughed and followed behind Harry quickly. He knew the main reason Harry hated Moody was because of what he had done to Draco. Harry was fiercely protective of him. It was one of the reasons Draco would follow him anywhere.

~~~~~~~

Pup,
I was told by the wolf that you had a nightmare, one that caused your scar to hurt. I will be returning to Britain to be closer to you. I would like to actually receive news from you rather than someone else. Please write.
PF

Harry looked down at the letter for the tenth time. He had known that Remus was keeping in touch with Black as much as possible. He just didn’t know he was the topic of conversation. He wondered if Black knew that Pettigrew had escaped and that they had no way of proving his innocence. It was a bit of a risk for him to come back right now.

He put the letter into the fire and made sure that it was completely gone before he moved to his desk. He sat down to write a few letters. One to Remus to let him know what had happened in Defense class and exactly how much he disliked Moody. He told him about the Tournament as well.

The second letter was to Narcissa whom he had promised to write. He may have had no intention of returning to Malfoy Manor, but Narcissa had always been kind to him. His third letter couldn’t really be considered a letter. It was a quickly scrawled note to Sirius about his scar, the tournament, and that he thought it was a bad idea for him to return.

He headed down to the common room after that. Draco and the others were down there working on the little bit of homework they had already been assigned.

“Did you hear what your Ravenclaw is attempting to do?” Pansy asked Harry when he sat down.

“No, what has she done now?” Harry responded as he sat his stuff on the table.

“She is starting something she is calling SPEW. Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare,” Pansy said with a laugh. “Did you know she was trying to champion for the House-Elves?”

“I know she had mentioned something about it. We told her to talk to the elves first,” Harry said with exasperation. It was hard enough for Hermione as a Muggleborn witch. She was only making things harder for herself by doing something like this.

“There is no way she actually talked to them if she is doing this,” Blaise said with a chuckle.

“That or she just ignored what they said to her,” Theo countered. “She does that sometimes when it doesn’t fit with the way she thinks things should be.”

“That is very true,” Harry agreed as he pinched the bridge of his nose. “I will try to talk to her about it again.”

That conversation happened the very next morning. But Harry was not the one who brought it up. Hermione came to him and Draco and practically begged them to back her up. They both refused and she was so upset with them that she walked away and didn’t talk to them for a few days. Harry and Draco felt bad that she was upset but they were not sorry for not encouraging her.

~~~~~~~~~~~
*October 94*

The last eight weeks were a toss up between perfectly normal and a bit crazy. Moody, whom Harry and the others learned was known as Mad-eye Moody, had started using the Imperious Curse on all of them in class. He said it was to help them learn to recognize it and throw it off.

Harry was the only student able to resist the Curse for weeks. Then he was able to completely throw it off within moments of it being cast. About two weeks ago it lost all affect to Harry period. He was told that there were some seventh years who were able to resist it but none in the school were able to completely throw it off like he was.

Hermoine had started leaving hats and scarves and other things for the elves to find to try and ‘free’ them. The elves had stopped going anywhere near Ravenclaw tower and Hermione’s classmates were starting to get very frustrated with her.

Finally, about a week ago she had stopped trying to ‘free’ the elves and instead started to try and get them to admit that they wanted more from their life than to be slaves.

Harry and Draco had started spending Wednesday evenings with Severus together. They were using the evening as a time for practicing spells and dueling like Harry had done over the summer. Harry had not approached Theo or Blaise about it yet. He was waiting to see if they would maybe come to him about things.

Now, it was October 29th and they had all been called to assemble in the Great Hall. Today was the day. The other two schools should finally be arriving. Dumbledore stood at his podium and waited with Ludo Bagman and Bartemius Crouch Sr.

“So, as you well know, Hogwarts has been chosen to host the Legendary Triwizard Tournament. Now for those of you who did not pay attention the first time, the Triwizard Tournament brings together three schools for a series of Magical contests. From each school a single contestant will be selected to compete,” Dumbledore explained to everyone again.

“Probably has to repeat it all since it is about to officially begin with the other schools here,” Draco said as he leaned over toward Harry. The smaller boy nodded.

“Now, let me be clear, if chosen, you stand alone. And trust me when I say these contests are not for the faint hearted. But more of that later, for now please join me in welcoming the lovely ladies of the Beauxbatons’ Academy of Magic and their Headmistress, Madame Maxime,” Dumbledore introduced.

A group of beautiful girls, dressed in pretty blue uniform dresses, danced up the aisle. They smiled, waved, and released butterflies as they went. Behind them strode in a very large woman dressed in nice but gaudy clothing. She was smiling as she slowly made her way to the front where her girls were waiting.

Madame Maxime and the girls all curtsied elegantly as the Hogwarts students applauded them. Maxime moved to stand near Bagman and Crouch and the girls all made their way to the Ravenclaw table to sit down. After the excitement died down just a little, Dumbledore cleared his throat to gain the attention of the Hall again.

“And now, our friends from the North. Please greet the proud sons of Durmstrang and their High Master Igor Karkaroff,” Dumbledore announced.

A group of older boys in uniform near marched into the room brandishing Bo Staffs. They twirled them expertly and with precision. Occasionally, they would stab them into the ground creating sparks. They were much more captivating, in Harry’s opinion. Draco grabbed his arm and discreetly pointed.

“Harry, that’s Viktor Krum,” Draco whispered. Harry looked at the boy that strode into the room next to the High Master. It was in fact Krum.

Once Krum and Karkaroff made it to the front the boys cupped their hands in front of their mouths and blew. Students gasped in awe and surprise when fire spewed from their hands and created a dragon that curled around the air above them before disappearing.

The Great Hall once again erupted in applause. Karkaroff moved over to stand next to Maxime and the Durmstrang boys moved to sit at the Slytherin table. Harry thought Draco and Blaise might have heart palpitations when Krum and one of his friends claimed seats in front of them.

“Your attention please!,” Dumbledore called out to once again get the attention of the Great Hall. “I would like to say a few more words. Eternal Glory, that is what awaits the student who wins the Triwizard Tournament. But to do this, that student must survive three tasks. Three extremely dangerous tasks.”

“Wicked,” The boy next to Krum said with a grin. He shoulder bumped Krum who just smirked before they both turned their heads back to the front.

“For this reason, the ministry has seen fit to impose a new rule. To explain all of this, we have the head of the Department of International Magic Cooperation, Mister Bartimus Crouch,” Dumbledore introduced. The man stepped forward and took Dumbledore’s place at the podium.

“After much deliberation, the ministry has concluded that for their own safety, no student under the age of seventeen shall be allowed to put forth their name for the Triwizard Tournament. This decision is final!” Crouch stated firmly. He seemed completely unbothered by the angry exclamations from the students gathered in the Great Hall. Crouch simply stepped back and let Dumbledore reclaim his place.

“SILENCE,” Dumbledore roared out. He cast a bit of magic over a tower that was sitting to his left. The metal and other material seemed to melt away to reveal a very large, beautiful Goblet that contained a magical blue flame.

“The Goblet of Fire!” Dumbledore announced with a flourish. “Anyone wishing to submit themselves for the tournament, must merely write their name upon a piece of parchment and throw it into the flame before this hour two days hence. Do not do so lightly, if chosen there is no turning back. As from this moment, the Triwizard Tournament has begun.”

Cheers rang out around the room. Once things were calm enough, Dumbledore announced the feast and food began to appear on the tables. There were many dishes on the table that Harry had never seen before.

“It is Shkembe,” Harry looked up confused at the boy next to Krum. “The soup. It is a Bulgarian dish.”

“Oh, thank you,” Harry said with a smile and served himself some. “I am happy to try food from other countries. My name is Harry.”

“Hello, Harry, I am Gregori,” The boy introduced himself.

“Welcome to Hogwarts, Gregori. We are happy to have you,” Harry greeted with a small bow of his head. “This is Draco Malfoy, Blaise Zabini, Theodore Nott, and Pansy Parkinson. Slytherin House is happy to share our meals with you.”

“I hope everyone here is as well-mannered and welcoming as you are,” Gregori stated with a smile. “This is Viktor he doesn’t talk much.”

“Hello, Viktor,” Harry once again gave a smile bow of his head. “Welcome to Hogwarts.”

“Thank you,” Viktor responded with a small bow as well before returning to his food. Harry felt a hand land on his shoulder and looked up to see Marcus Flint smiling.

“I see you have already made the acquaintance of our very own little Seeker,” Marcus said as he sat next to Harry and across from Krum. Viktor looked at him and then back to Marcus.

“I thought you didn’t allow first years to play here?” He responded. Draco laughed and Harry elbowed him.

“Harry is in his fourth year,” Draco said with a laugh.

“You are very small,” Viktor stated. He wasn’t saying it to be rude, he said it as if Harry didn’t know he was smaller than everyone else.

“I know,” Harry said with a pout. “But it makes me fast.”

“Harry is the best Seeker we have had in a decade. I think he could give you decent competition,” Draco bragged. Harry glared at him and then turned back to Viktor.

“He is exaggerating,” Harry insisted. “You are much better than I am.”

“Mr. Potter is being modest,” Marcus said with a laugh. “He doesn’t like the attention.”

“We will have a Seeker’s match. I will see for myself if you deserve the praise,” Viktor stated. Harry went to protest but Draco pinched him.

“He will be happy to do it,” Draco said quickly. Harry glared at him but Draco just shrugged his shoulders.

“What are you doing,” Harry hissed at him. Draco just wrapped an arm around his shoulder.

“I think you can beat him. Then I get to brag that my best friend beat Viktor Krum,” Draco grinned. Gregori chuckled as well as a few others sitting around them.

“It would be quite a thing to be able to brag about,” Blaise agreed. Harry just rolled his eyes and turned back to Gregori. He pointed to another dish that he didn’t know.

“Would you be kind enough to tell me what this one is? I would love to try the new dishes,” Harry said. He was adamantly ignoring the others still laughing and teasing around him.

“Happy to,” Gregori responded. “That is Meshana Skara, a mixed grill of different meats. That one is Moussaka. This one is actually French, Coq Au Vin, it is a chicken dish.”

Gregori continued to explain the different dishes on the table and Harry was grateful that at least one person at the table wasn’t picking at him. He tried a little of everything and was quite full and happy when they were all dismissed to their beds for the night.

Harry was a little concerned when the Durmstrang High Master gave him an unpleasant look as he walked past him. But Moody surprisingly was the one who encouraged Karkaroff to keep moving.

“Was he glaring at you?” Draco asked as the stood next to Harry.

“I think so, though I can’t imagine why,” Harry answered. Theo stood next to him on the other side.

“You need to be careful around him, Harry. He is also a Death Eater. He didn’t claim innocence or Imperious at the end of the war. He ratted out his fellow Death Eaters and gave others up to escape punishment. That is who my father sent me to train with the summer I was in Bulgaria. He is not a good man,” Theo informed them.

“Thanks, Theo. I will be careful,” Harry responded as they headed for their dorm.

~~~~~~~~~~~

The next day, most of the students were found hanging around the assembly room where the Goblet of Fire was sitting. The older kids were seen coming in and out placing their names in the Goblet. It was even funnier to see the younger students try and trick the age line that had been drawn around it.

Harry heard Weasley a few rows over complaining about not being able to enter the competition. He was talking about how he would definitely be attempting to enter in two years. Harry just rolled his eyes.

“What? You don’t want eternal glory?” Gregori said from his spot next to Harry. He had entered his name into the Goblet earlier and had spotted Harry and the others hanging out. He had been sitting with them talking about lessons and things that were the same and different about their schools.

“Absolutely not, I would rather you than me,” Harry answered honestly.

“I would take the eternal glory,” Draco said a wistful sigh.

“Did you forget about the extremely dangerous part? Or the part where they stopped doing it because too many people died from it?” Harry pointed out. “Don’t be silly, Drake. You can earn glory a different way that doesn’t involve certain death.”

“Easy for you to say,” Draco teased. “You are the Harry Potter, you already have eternal glory.”

“Tell you what, the next time a Dark Lord needs killing we will do it together and you can have all of the credit for it,” Harry offered.

“You are the best friend a guy could ask for,” Draco said and slung his arm around Harry. Just then Fred and George came strutting into the room.

“Well, lads we’ve done it,” George said with a grin.

“Cooked it up just this morning,” Fred added. The two of them pulled vials of something out of their robes.

“It’s not going to work,” Hermione said from the row below Harry. Fred and George sat down on either side of her and Fred draped himself around her.

“Oh yeah? And why is that Granger?” Fred asked teasingly.

“You see that?” Hermione asked and pointed to the glowing circle around the Goblet. “That is an age line, Dumbledore himself drew it.”

“So?” Fred asked her with a grin.

“So,” Hermione said in exasperation. “A wizard as powerful as Dumbledore couldn’t possibly be fooled by something as pathetically dimwitted as an Aging Potion.”

“I think that is what makes it so brilliant,” George countered. Then he stood and looked at Fred. “Ready George?”

“Ready Fred,” Fred answered. He stood up next to his brother and the two of them uncorked their vials.

“Bottom’s up,” They said together and downed the potion in one go.

They jumped inside the age line and cheered along with quite a few Gryffindors. They put their names into the Goblet before high fiving each other. They were turning to walk out of the circle when the Goblet flared and spat out their parchments. Then they were also thrown across the floor.

When they stood they were grey-headed and had long grey beards. They stared at each other for a moment before they started to wrestle on the ground.

The room became silent, and the twins stood up quickly when Viktor Krum entered the room. He silently strode forward and put his name into the Goblet. Then he turned to leave and smiled over at Harry who waved and smiled back. Gregori stood and excused himself and headed out of the room with Viktor.

“I think he likes you,” Draco said as soon as Gregori and Viktor were gone.

“Who? Gregori? He is just friendly,” Harry insisted. “He is technically an adult, and I am still a minor.”

“Well, him too. But I meant Krum. And actually, you aren’t,” Draco whispered. Oh, well that was true. Harry gave Draco a look. The blonde just shrugged. “Just saying, it wouldn’t be illegal.”

“Yeah, but they don’t and can’t know that,” Harry pointed out.

“That’s true,” Draco agreed with a huff.

“Come on, you two,” Blaise said as he stood. “It’s time for lunch.”

So, the group of them filed out and headed for the Great Hall to eat. Tomorrow they would find out who the champions were. Harry was excited to know that he wasn’t going to be one of them. The age limit of seventeen meant that he couldn’t be forced to participate.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Harry should have known better. He stared up at Severus in horror when Dumbledore called his name out loud. He didn’t even know how it was possible. Shouldn’t magic have prevented this?

Viktor had been chosen for Durmstrang, Fleur had been chosen for Beauxbatons, and Cedric had been chosen for Hogwarts. All three champions had been named. It was one champion per school. Why was this happening?

“HARRY POTTER,” Dumbledore called again. Harry didn’t move. He was refusing to acknowledge this. There were angry shouts around the Great Hall. ‘Cheater’ was yelled a few times. Harry grasped Draco’s hand and looked to him pleadingly.

“Potter,” Harry looked up at his dad who was keeping his face carefully blank. “Come,” He said simply. Harry nodded and finally let go of Draco’s hand. He stood slowly and tried to make his way calmly to the door where the other champions had disappeared. He paused and looked back up at Severus. “Go on,” He softly encouraged. Harry went through the door.

“What is happening?” Igor demanded. Harry didn’t respond. He was in shock. This shouldn’t have happened. He needed to find a way to get out of this. He barely made it to where the others were standing when Dumbledore, followed by Bagman, Crouch, Moody, and Severus, came striding quickly into the room.

Dumbledore headed straight for him and grasped him tightly by both arms. He shook Harry and Harry tried to pull away. The Headmaster did not release him.

“Harry, did you put your name in the Goblet of fire?” Dumbledore demanded.

“I think you need to let him go,” Severus stated coldly. Dumbledore looked around at the people in the room and then released Harry reluctantly.

“Did you put your name in the Goblet of Fire?” Dumbledore repeated much more calmly.

“No,” Harry stated as he edged closer to Severus.

“Did you ask one of the older students to do it for you?” He demanded. Harry looked at him like he was crazy.

“No, why would I want to enter a competition that has such a high mortality rate that it was banned for a century. I do not have a death wish,” Harry answered calmly.

“Are you absolutely sure?” Dumbledore asked again. Harry was irritated now. He wasn’t a liar and he didn’t like the implication that he was. So, he did the only thing he could think of that would absolutely prove he was telling the truth. He pulled out his wand and pointed it straight up.

“I, Harrison James Potter, swear on my magic that I did not put my name in the Goblet of Fire. I swear on my magic that I did not ask an older student or a teacher to place my name in the Goblet of Fire. I swear on my magic that I, in no way, attempted to get myself as a participant in this Tournament. I ask, if I am lying for Lady Magic to strip me of my magic,” Harry swore.

There was a quickening in the air that felt like a great creature taking a breath. The room filled with a feeling of magic. Harry waited a moment longer and then he shot sparks out of his wand to prove that he was telling the truth. The feeling of pressure in the room did not dissipate, it grew heavier.

Then a cloaked figure appeared in the corner of the room. The person felt like pure magic and was completely covered by a cloak of shimmering gold. No skin showed, no face was visible and the voice when she spoke seemed like it was young and old at the same time. Many voices in one.

“I am, She who was invoked. My child has sworn to speaking only truth and he has done so. He will compete because the Goblet creates a binding contract. However, I am fair in all things. Hogwarts will not have two Champions. Instead, the youngest of you, He who has invoked my name for judgement, will be my Champion.”

There was shocked murmurs throughout the room and Severus placed a calming hand on the small of his back where no one else could see.

“I will offer this one change of rules. Previously, it has been forbidden for Champions to seek help for the tasks. Now, I will allow you one Mentor, an advisor that you may ask questions of or seek help and guidance from. No other help outside of the Champions may be given,”

Harry didn’t relax at all. He was afraid of who he would be given as a mentor. His luck was just so bad sometimes. The Heads of each school though, looked relieved and happy. Dumbledore and Moody both shot Harry a hopeful look. He prayed silently that neither of them would be his. He prayed for Severus.

He felt what could only be described as a gentle caress to his cheek. Though he was not physically touched by her he knew that she had comforted him all the same. He felt himself relax. He would have faith. She had come because of him.

“For Viktor Krum, you will have your High Master Karkaroff. For Fleur Delacour, you will have Madame Maxime. For Cedric Diggory, you will have your Headmaster Albus Dumbledore. And for you, Dear One, Severus Snape. I will not interfere in the competition in any way but know that I am watching.”

Then she was gone. She took the feeling of magic with her, and the room instantly felt lighter. Harry was still pissed off about having to compete, but he knew that if Lady Magic herself said that he had to compete then he would not be able to get out of it.

At least he would have his dad with him. As long as Severus had his back he was going to be ok. He leaned back just a little into Severus’ hand that was still on his back.

“Well, I guess that settles that,” Krum stated.

“I still do not understand how this could have happened. Since he did not enter his name or get someone else to do it, how did it happen? For what purpose,” Maxime asked curiously.

“Perhaps someone entered his name under a fourth school. If that was the case, he would be the only student from this ‘fourth’ school. He would be guaranteed to be entered. Perhaps it is someone’s way of ensuring that he participates, hoping that he will not survive the tasks,” Moody answered with a shrug of his shoulders.

“I would like to point out that you are oddly specific,” Igor insisted. Harry was inclined to agree with the Bulgarian. That was way too specific for a ‘guess’. Harry was going to stick with his original opinion of the man. He didn’t like him.

“The first task will be held on the 24th of November. You have until then to figure out what it is and prepare for it. You may receive assistance figuring it out or preparing for it, however you can receive no help during the actual task. That part must be done alone,” Crouch began to instruct them.

“Lady Magic has given you a mentor. All of them are exceptional reservoirs of information. Take advantage of that. Do your best,” Bagman added.

“Good luck champions,” Crouch offered and then he turned to Dumbledore and the other adults in the room. “Come, we need to address the students to make them aware of what has occurred and what has been decided. Leave your Champion’s here to get acquainted for the time being.”

With that, the seven adults left the room. Harry sat down on the closest chair and buried his face in his hands. He didn’t want to do this. He flinched violently when he felt a heavy hand on his shoulder. The hand immediately pulled back.

“Sorry, little seeker, I did not mean to startle you,” Viktor said quickly.

“It’s fine. Sorry, I have a thing about being touched sometimes,” Harry said quietly. He wanted Severus, Draco, or even Remus. He needed the comfort of someone familiar, someone that he trusted. He was feeling a bit overwhelmed and overstimulated.

“No need to apologize, Little One,” Fleur told him. “I zink we ave proof enough zat you did not do zis.”

“Thank you,” Harry said gratefully.

“Well, at least our Headmasters are not our only source of help,” Cedric offered.

“What do you mean. The Lady literally said that we can seek no other help,” Viktor stated confused.

“She said that we cannot seek any other help outside of the Champions,” Cedric corrected. “Here, she left this behind.” He handed the other Champions a parchment with the words spoken by Lady Magic. Cedric was right. They could help each other.

“It iz a competition. Are you willing to work togezer?” Fleur asked after they had read it.

“Yes, because if we work together, at least up to a point. We can at least maybe make sure none of us is unprepared or loses our lives,” Cedric responded.

“I think that is a good idea,” Viktor agreed. “Though maybe we keep this part to ourselves. I can’t imagine that our headmasters will be very happy that we are helping each other.”

“Agreed,” Harry finally spoke up. “I for one will be more than happy to share information that I learn. I am not too proud to accept help. Nor am I too proud to admit that I am afraid.”

“Of course, you are,” Fleur said. She stepped forward and looked like she wanted to pull him into a hug before she stopped herself. “Poor dear, we volunteered for zis. We want to be ere. You did not. Zat isn’t very fair.”

“No, it isn’t,” Viktor agreed. Just then Severus peeked his head in and stated that they were free to return to the Great Hall and the Halloween Feast. “Come Harry, let us get you back to your very upset blonde.”

“Yeah,” Harry agreed quickly.

Fleur went first, Cedric came next and pulled Harry up to walk beside him. He linked his arm with Harry’s in a show of solidarity and Viktor came at his back. The hall was quiet except for the sound of angry or curious whispers.

Once they reached the tables, Harry expected them all to separate, but they didn’t. Cedric and Fleur joined Harry and Viktor at the Slytherin table. Harry slipped into his seat next to Draco who pulled him close and hugged him tight.

“What are the two of you doing?” A Ravenclaw leaned over and asked.

“Enjoying our dinner,” Cedric responded. The Ravenclaw leaned back to their table and didn’t look satisfied with the answer.

“You don’t have to eat here,” Harry spoke up. “I know that you would rather be celebrating with your friends.”

“Solidarite,” Fleur said with a shrug. Draco whispered in his ear that it meant solidarity.

“Right,” Harry agreed. He was once again grateful for the other three. Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad after all.

“Are you ok, Har?” Draco asked him quietly, once everyone started eating.

“No, but we can talk about it later,” Harry answered honestly. They finished up their meal and Draco along with their other friends worked hard to make sure Harry didn’t retreat into himself. When it was done they said their goodbyes and headed to their dorm.

“Heir Potter,” Harry looked up nervously when Marcus Flint called out to him. He was standing in the center of the common room, the other Prefects stood with him. It looked like the entirety of the House of Slytherin was in attendance.

“Yes,” Harry said as calmly as he could. He figured this was the moment he was shunned or even beaten for causing issues. Draco, Blaise, Pansy, and Theo stood at his back. Draco moved up next to him. Harry was grateful that Draco wasn’t going to leave him to face this alone.

“Dumbledore explained everything that happened in the back room. We just want you to know, that Lady Magic may have chosen you to be her Champion, but you aren’t just her Champion. You are ours. Slytherin House stands with you. No matter what or who turns against you, we will not. We always look after our own,” Marcus informed him.

There were noises of agreement from everyone in the room. Harry looked around and was nearly brought to tears at the show of support. This isn’t what he had expected. Life was never this kind to him.

“Thank you,” Harry managed to whisper out. Draco linked their hands together and Harry squeezed his hand in thanks.

“You are a Slytherin, Harry. That means something,” Pucey responded. “Now, I believe you have had an exceptionally hard evening. Why don’t you go ahead and retire for the night.”

“We won’t celebrate tonight because we know that you did not ask for this. That you are probably afraid and overwhelmed. But we are all here for you,” Marcus added.

Harry nodded and let Draco drag him up to their dorm. Draco sent Harry into the bathroom to shower and change, then he took his own turn in the shower. When he came out, he crawled into bed with Harry instead of going to his own. Harry was grateful and fell asleep surrounded by his best friend and the comfort he offered.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next day, Harry writes two letters. One to Remus and one to Sirius. He let both of them know what had happened the night before with the Tournament. He told them about his name coming out of the Goblet, Lady Magic coming, and his suspicions about Moody.

Harry used Hedwig to send his letter to Remus, but he used a random school owl to send the letter to Sirius. When he is finished sending the letters, he heads straight for Severus’ personal quarters. He can tell just from his small interactions to and from the owlery, that people were already shunning him. This was going to be a hard year.

Severus opened the door wide when Harry knocked on it. As soon as the door closed behind him, Severus found his arms full of his shaking son. He simply stood there and held Harry.

“I don’t want to do this, Dad,” Harry whispered into his chest. Severus carded his fingers through Harry’s hair.

“I know, Child,” Severus responded. “But Lady Magic has granted you a gift. I will get you through this alive and whole at the end.”

“I don’t care whether or not I win,” Harry insisted. “Survival is my only goal.”

“You are going to win. Lady Magic has made you her Champion. Someone entered you into this with the intention of harming you. We will show all of them that you aren’t an easy target. That you are a fighter,” Severus told him confidently. “Do you understand me, Harry? You will win.”

“Yeah, Dad. I will, as long as I have you in my corner,” Harry agreed finally.

“Good boy, Harry. Now, let’s have some tea to settle your nerves,” Severus offered. Harry accepted and the two of them sat together on the couch.

“The other three Champions want us all to help each other. At least to a certain extent,” Harry admitted to Severus. The other three may hide things from their mentors, but Harry would never hide things from his Dad.

“Is that so?” Severus responded.

“Yeah, we know we are in competition with each other, but we have all agreed to help each other enough that all of us are alive at the end,” Harry answered.

“So, the four of you picked up on our Lady’s wording then. Very good,” Severus praised.

“Cedric did,” Harry corrected.

“Ok, the first thing that is going to take place is the Wand Weighing Ceremony. It will take place in two weeks. It isn’t a big deal and you don’t have to do anything. You will simply present your wand to a wand maker of their choosing. He will inspect your wand to make sure that it is in working order and then it will be registered for the competition,” Severus explained to him.

“That doesn’t sound so bad,” Harry responded. Severus gave him a look.

“You will each have an interview with Rita Skeeter. You need to be very careful about the things you say in front of her. She is known for twisting words and telling outright lies. I don’t know why she was even chosen to do this,” Severus admitted.

“Seriously, she has already written so many lies about me already. That isn’t promising at all,” Harry said with a sigh. Severus patted his knee in comfort.

“Did you write to your Godfather?” Severus asked him after a few minutes.

“Yeah, both of them,” Harry told him.

“Good boy. Oh, I was informed this morning that you and the other three champions will not be required to take final exams this year due to the competition,” Severus reluctantly told him.

“What? But I want to take them. I can keep up with my studies, Dad. I know I can. You said not required right?” Harry asked. Severus nodded. “Then I can still take them, right?”

“Yes, Child. You can still take them,” Severus said with a chuckle. “Probably the only student who is upset about not having to take exams.”

“Yeah well, apparently, I was supposed to be a Ravenclaw,” Harry said with a shrug.

“You are exactly where you are supposed to be, Troublemaker Child of mine,” Severus said and ruffled his hair. They sat and talked about a few other things that had nothing to do with the Tournament. Then Severus sent him on his way and Harry headed straight for the common room where he knew his friends would be.

~~~~~~~~

The next two weeks were a bit stressful for Harry. His house was supportive and had his back no matter what, which kept his spirits up. Which he desperately needed. Because other than the other Champions and a handful of others, everyone was either shunning him or actively insulting him.

It probably would have been affecting his grades if he had not had the support of his friends. Draco, Blaise, and Theo were the ones who defended him the most. He never went anywhere alone so that no one had the opportunity to hurt him unawares.

On November 13th, Harry, Draco, and Hermione were walking together after lunch when they ran into a group of Gryffindors. Weasley of course was the center of attention and they seemed to be passing out something to other students.

“Oi, Potter, like the badges we came up with?” Weasley called out. He tossed one over to them and Harry caught it easily. He looked down at the badge in his hand.

Support Cedric Diggory – The Real Hogwarts Champion

That wasn’t so bad. He wasn’t bothered by that. Cedric was technically the only Hogwarts Champion.

“Like them, Potter?” Weasley asked with a grin. “That isn’t all they do. Look.” Then he pressed on his badge. It swirled and the words disappeared to be replaced with two words in bright green.

Potter Stinks

The other students around them started howling with laughter and each of them pressed their badges. Soon POTTER STINKS was shining brightly on nearly every person in the small courtyard. Harry was almost at the end of his rope on what he could handle from the teasing.

These stupid people didn’t understand the types of spells that Harry had been learning over the summer and during his weekly sessions with Severus. He could hurt them all so badly and he was so tempted to do it. The only thing that held him back was the thought of Azkaban and dealing with the Dementors every day. Which, honestly, might have been worth it but, he would miss Draco terribly.

“I have asked my friends not to wear them,” Cedric said suddenly from next to him. “Fleur and Viktor have as well. It is a bit tacky and unsportsmanlike.” He said it loud enough that nearly everyone in the courtyard could hear him.

A few of them actually had the decency to look a bit embarrassed at the admonishment. Harry was so grateful for Cedric in that moment.

“Excuse me?” They turned to see a little Gryffindor. Harry was pretty sure it was Creevy the boy that had been petrified in second year.

“Yes?” Cedric asked him with a smile.

“I was sent to get the two of you. Mr. Bagman needs the you both for photos,” Creevy told them. He pointed them in the direction of the room they were supposed to go to then he took off.

“Guess, I will see you guys later,” Harry told his friends bye.

“Look after him, please,” Draco asked Cedric. “People haven’t exactly been kind.”

“He will be fine with me,” Cedric said with a laugh.

“I can actually take care of myself you know,” Harry said with a roll of his eyes.

“We know,” Theo said with a grin. “But it would be inconvenient for you if you cursed someone.”

“Oh, come on, Cedric,” Harry said with a grin and left. They weren’t wrong. Thanks to Severus Harry now had a pretty nice collection of dark spells that could really hurt someone. It definitely wouldn’t work out in his favor if he cursed someone.

The two of them headed up to the room being used. A blonde woman that Harry didn’t know was already in the room with Fleur, Maxime, Viktor, Igor, Bagman, and Crouch. She saw Cedric and Harry enter the room and perked up. Harry and Cedric headed to where Fleur and Viktor were standing. The blonde followed. She reached out and shook each of their hands.

“I’m Rita Skeeter, I write for the Daily Prophet. But of course, you know that don’t you. It’s you we don’t know, you’re the news. What quirks lurk beneath those rosy cheeks? What mysteries do the muscles mask? Does courage lie beneath those curls? In short, what makes a champion tick? Me, myself, and I want to know. Not to mention my rabid readers. So, who’s feeling up to sharing? Mmm? Shall we start with the youngest? Lovely,” Rita rattled off and never gave anyone the chance to answer.

She reached out to grab Harry’s hand, but he stepped back out of reach. She frowned at him and went to grab him again. Fleur stepped in front of Harry and frowned at her.

“ ‘e iz a minor. You cannot speak to ‘im wizout hiz mentor,” Fleur pointed out. Rita frowned and looked incredibly unhappy.

“Fine, then we will start with you as the only girl among all of the boys,” Rita stated. Fleur followed her to the side of the room with Maxime trailing them.

“Remind me to thank her,” Harry said to Viktor and Cedric.

“We all know that woman’s reputation,” Cedric responded. “It wouldn’t be fair to let you talk to her without Professor Snape.”

“Still, thanks for looking out,” Harry said again. About ten minutes later, Severus and Dumbledore finally arrived. By that time, Viktor was over with Rita Skeeter, Igor was hovering over them. He had already made Rita tear up one parchment and start over. Rita was frustrated and Harry was living for it.

Dumbledore headed straight for her. They seemed to exchange a few words and then all of them headed back to where the others were waiting.

“Alright here we go. This is Garrick Olivander, he is going to be examining your wands to make sure that they are in good working order. They are going to be your most important tool during this competition,” Dumbledore introduced the Wandmaker.

“Let’s have Ms. Delacour first,” Olivander suggested. Fleur stepped forward and handed over her wand. Olivander looked it over and placed it down on a small item in front of him.

“Nine and a half inches, inflexible, made of Rosewood, and containing…dear me,” Olivander said and looked up at Fleur.

“An ‘air from ze ‘ead of a Veela. One of my Grandmuzzer’s,” Fleur finished for him. Olivander nodded and then used her wand to conjure a bouquet of flowers. She was handed her wand back and then Olivander called up Cedric.

“Ah, now this is one of mine, isn’t it? Yes, I remember it well. Containing a single hair from the tail of a particularly fine male unicorn,” Olivander said with obvious preference. “He was seventeen hands high and nearly gored me with his horn after I plucked the hair from his tail.” He paused is it were a fond memory.

“Twelve and a quarter inches…ash…pleasantly springy. It is in fine condition,” Olivander said with pride. Then he used it to conjure silver smoke rings. He smiled brightly and handed the wand back to Cedric. Viktor was next.

“If I am not mistaken, this is a Gregorovitch wand,” Olivander asked.

“That is correct. I was one of the last to purchase a Gregorovitch wand,” Viktor responded.

“Ten and a quarter inches long, made of hornbeam wood, and a Dragon Heartstring core. It is a bit thicker than normal and quite rigid, but well taken care of,” Olivander observed. He used it to cast the Bird-conjuring spell. Then he handed the wand back and Harry stepped forward.

“Ahh, yes,” Ollivander said with his pale eyes gleaming. “Yes, yes, yes, how well I remember.” Harry watched as he spent a lot longer on Harry’s wand than he did the others. “Eleven inches, Holly, and with a Phoenix feather core.” Finally, he made a fountain of wine shoot out of Harry’s wand. Then he handed it back to Harry.

“Perfect condition, Mr. Potter,” Ollivander said with a smile. Harry moved back to his place with the other Champions.

“And now photos,” Bagman said excitedly and waved a photographer forward. “Group shots with the Champions and their mentors, sound good Rita?”

“Yes, to start,” She said and eyed Harry. “Then I want individuals.” Harry absolutely didn’t want to do individuals if her face was anything to go by. He looked up at Severus who had caught the look as well.

They were rearranged over and over again until it was finally decided that Madame Maxime would sit down, and the others would stand around her. Severus seemed just as reluctant to be part of the pictures as Harry was. The one that surprised Harry was Viktor. Harry thought he would be used to stuff like this, but he seemed to be trying to skulk around the back or in shadows.

Finally, they had enough pictures to make Bagman and Rita happy. As soon as they were done, Rita tried to B-line for Harry, but Severus steered him toward the door.

“I believe, Albus, it is time for dinner. It would be unfair to keep the students from their meals,” Severus said as he walked. Rita was just about to open her mouth to protest when Dumbledore grinned and nodded.

“You are absolutely right, Severus,” Dumbledore agreed. “Let the children head down for dinner.”

“Now, Albus, I didn’t get the chance to interview either of your students. I would like to see them after dinner,” Rita demanded. “You do not want them left out of the interview. Hogwarts should be represented.”

“If you will leave a list of the questions that you want answered with me, I will make sure they are answered and owled to you by morning,” Albus insisted. Harry could see that the two of them had beef with each other. He was glad that it was going to work in his favor. He needed to find a way to make sure that nothing he said was taken out of context.

He saw Rita lingering in the doorway as he sat down next to Draco who immediately ruffled his hair and leaned over to ask if he was ok. Gregori sat down on his other side and smiled down at him as he greeted him. Harry was through worrying about anything but his friends and his dinner for right now.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Harry sent out his letter that morning, but it wasn’t to Rita Skeeter. He answered the questions that he was supposed to and then he sent the answers to Griphook and Silverfang. There was a separate letter in there asking either Griphook or a representative from the bank to pay a visit to Skeeter when they gave her his answers.

He was hoping there was a way to do what was required of him and also ensure that Rita had to tell the whole truth. He wanted her threatened with a lawsuit, loss of her job, or anything else they could hit her with if she didn’t do as she was told. He would just have to wait and see.

He was happy to see that Remus had written him back as well. He had done exactly as he said he would. He had rented out a place in Hogsmeade so that he could be close to Harry through all of this. Remus informed Harry that it was another contingency plan that he and Severus had in place in case something happened this year and Harry needed to run.

That night there was another owl waiting for him. He pulled the rolled up letter and saw that it was from Sirius.

Harry,

I can’t say everything that I would like in to in a letter, it’s too risky in case the owl is intercepted. We need to talk face to face. Can you ensure that you are alone by the fire in the Slytherin Common Room at one o’clock in the morning on the 20th of November?

I know better than anyone that you can look after yourself. You dad was so good at looking after himself and others. I know you inherited it from him. And so long as you are around Dumbledore and Moody, I don’t think anyone will be able to hurt you. However, I do agree that someone seems to be having a good try. Entering you in that tournament would have been very risky especially right under Dumbledore’s nose.

Be on the watch, Harry. I still want to hear about anything unusual. Let me know about the 20th of November as quickly as you can.

Sirius

Harry thought he was being pretty stupid. He started out concerned for the right reasons. What if someone had intercepted their letter? He was doing great. Then he signed the dang letter with his name. He was such an idiot. There were so many things in the letter that Harry didn’t like.

He didn’t trust Dumbledore or Moody. He was nothing like James and Sirius didn’t know him well enough to know whether or not he could take care of himself. Harry had a lot of people looking out for him and helping him get through everything.

Harry decided he would talk to Severus first before he told Sirius he would talk with him on a fire call. So, he snagged Draco from the common room.

“Hey, Drake?” Harry called out. The blonde looked up at him from his book.

“Yeah?” Draco answered quickly.

“Will you come with me to see, Snape? I need to talk to him about the Tournament,” Harry lied. He figured that would be the most believable excuse to say out loud.

“Of course, I was only reading for fun. I am all done with my homework,” Draco said with a smile. So, the two of them left the common room and headed for Severus’ personal quarters. Harry needed advice and Severus always had the best.

“Come in,” Severus said when they knocked at his door. The two boys made themselves comfortable and Harry handed Severus the letter.

“It’s from Sirius. I want to see what you think about it before I write him back,” Harry informed him. Severus read the letter over and then handed it to an eager Draco as he thought about it.

“I don’t think he should fire call you in the common room,” Draco said when he was finished reading.

“Agreed,” Harry said. “I didn’t even know that it was connected to the floo network.”

“It is,” Severus answered. “All of the common room fireplaces are connected to the floo but they are locked down and only able to be accessed with a password that only the Headmaster and the Heads of House know. The only way he would be able to call you in the common room is if Albus gave him the password.”

“That isn’t safe,” Harry exclaimed. “That old man never manages to follow the rules. He wants me close to Sirius and Sirius thinks the man is infallible. I don’t trust either of them.”

“I don’t either,” Severus agreed. “That is why you are going to write back and let the Mutt know that he will fire call my personal quarters and he will only talk to you with me present, unless you want to talk to him alone. I will only open the floo for calls and not travel. Then I will be having a conversation with Albus about the password to my common room.”

“Ok, that sounds good. I didn’t want to talk to him alone anyways,” Harry agreed. Draco perked up and looked between the two of them.

“Yes, of course you can come as well. What would Harry be without his other half?” Severus said with a sigh.

“Thank you, Uncle Sev,” Draco said with a happy wiggle. Harry just laughed and then he told Draco and Severus both about the letter he had sent to the Goblins and about the letter he had received from Remus.

“Good idea with getting the Goblins to threaten Skeeter. She will not know that it came from you or who is in control of things for you. She will assume it is a ploy from Dumbledore,” Severus praised him.

“Thanks, Dad,” Harry said with a blush.

“Now, you two get back to your common room and get ready for bed. It has been a long and stressful couple of days. Don’t forget to write you letter back to the Mutt and send it off first thing,” Severus dismissed them.

“Night, Dad,” Harry said and hugged the man tightly.

“Night, Uncle Sev,” Draco said from his place near the door.

Draco, Severus had noticed, was only truly comfortable with being vulnerable with Harry. So, the little green-eyed troublemaker was the only person Draco was affectionate with. Severus didn’t take it personally; he was exactly the same way. Harry was the only person Severus was comfortable allowing close to him or letting his guard down around.

~~~~~~~~~~~

“HARRYKINS,” Harry turned to see Fred and George coming toward him. He smiled and waved at them.

“Hey guys,” Harry greeted. “What are the two of you up to?”

“We have something important,” Fred started.

“That we need to tell you about,” George added.

“It has to do with the tournament,” Fred continued.

“We know what the first task is going to be,” George finished. Harry almost sighed in relief. But then he held up a hand quickly.

“You can’t tell me,” Harry rushed out. They gave him twin looks of confusion. “I am not allowed to have help from anyone but Snape. It’s forbidden.”

“That is ridiculous,” Fred and George said together. Harry gave them a look.

“I know it’s crazy that only Snape can give Me advice. But He can get advice or help from anyone, seems silly doesn’t it,” Harry said pointedly. He would not pass up an opportunity of knowing what was going to happen for the first task. If the twins truly knew something then he definitely wanted to know.

“We see,” They said together.

“Well, we have to get to class,” George stated and tapped Harry on the shoulder.

“See you later, Harrykins,” Fred added. Then the two of them skipped away grinning like lunatics. He was sure that Severus was going to hate him for sending the twins his way but he needed that information.

“What was that about?” Draco asked when he returned to him from talking to the twins.

“They were trying to give me information about the first task. I told them that they couldn’t,” Harry admitted.

“Harry,” Draco exclaimed. He looked at Harry as if he had lost his mind. “Why did you send them away. They could have told me what it was and I could have gone to Severus.”

“Drake, come on,” Harry said with a grin. “Do you really think I didn’t think of that already?” Draco took a deep breath and then laughed.

“Of course, you already thought about it,” Draco agreed. “Sorry for snapping.”

“It’s fine. As far as your snapping goes, that was mild,” Harry teased.

“Oh, hush it, you,” Draco fake pouted. “Are you ready to talk to the Mutt tonight?”

“Not really,” Harry admitted. “I don’t think he is going to be happy that you and Sev are present. He doesn’t like either of you very much and I don’t know how I will react if he insults the two of you.”

“Just be yourself, Har. He is just going to have to learn to love you for who you are and not who he thinks you should be,” Draco assured him.

“Yeah, but if he is Dumbledore’s man, then we have to be careful what we reveal. There are things that we still don’t want the old man to know right now,” Harry pointed out.

“That’s true, but you have always been really good at knowing just what to give away and what to keep to yourself. Plus, Uncle Sev will be there, and he will keep you from saying something that could get us all in trouble,” Draco continued to help him relax.

“Thanks, Drake. You are absolutely right. We got this. There is no reason to be nervous or anxious,” Harry agreed with him and relaxed as they stepped into Charms class.

~~~~~~~~

Later that night, Harry was watching as Severus levitated his couch closer to the fireplace. Severus and Draco took a seat on the couch with a space between them for Harry, but Harry decided he wanted to sit on the floor. So, he did and then leaned back so that he was touched by them on both sides. This would be the first time he had talked to Sirius since that night third year.

At 1:05 am, Sirius’ face appeared in the flames. He was grinning widely at Harry. The smile lasted only as long as it took him to notice Severus and Draco. Harry cleared his throat to draw attention back to himself.

“Hello, Sirius,” Harry greeted the man.

“Hey Pup,” He responded. “Still don’t know why you insisted on the two of them being here. We could have had this conversation alone. We needed to have this conversation alone.”

“Listen, I know that you don’t trust them for your own personal reasons,” Harry said with a frown. “But I trust them. With my life. Do you understand. I know and trust them more than I do you. Get used to them and be kind.”

Sirius didn’t look like he liked that option at all. He scowled for a moment and glared up at the two of them before turning his attention back to Harry and pretending that they didn’t exist.

“I don’t have long,” He started. “I broke into a Wixen home while they were out. I don’t know how long they will be gone though.”

“Alright, so then what was so important that you needed to talk face to face,” Harry asked him.

“There are things that I need to warn you about,” Sirius started.

“What?” Harry asked him as he got comfortable against Severus’ leg.

“Karkaroff, he is a Death Eater. Do you know what that is Harry?” Sirius asked him as if he was a small child.

“Yeah, I know what a Death Eater is. I already knew Karkaroff was a Death Eater,” Harry answered.

“How?” Sirius seemed a bit thrown off.

“Severus told me,” Harry said simply. It hadn’t been Severus, it had been Theo but Harry figured this was simpler. Sirius scowled but refused to look up at Severus.

“He was caught and sent to Azkaban. He was in there at the same time I was. Then he was released,” Sirius continued. “I would bet anything, that was why Dumbledore wanted Moody there this year. So that he could keep an eye on Karkaroff. Moody was the one who put him in Azkaban to begin with.”

“Yeah, he was released because he gave up other Death Eaters,” Harry let the other man know he already knew these things. Another scowl from Sirius. This one was directed at Severus though.

“Well, I can tell you that he isn’t very popular there. He has also been teaching Dark Arts to every student who has passed through Durmstrang since he started there. So, you need to watch out for their Champion as well,” Sirius warned him.

“Viktor and I are friendly. We have nearly every meal together,” Harry pointed out. “But I am already careful around him. I am not stupid or naïve enough to think that he wouldn’t curse me in the competition if he needed to in order to win.”

“All I am saying is that there is a reason he is there and you need to be careful,” Sirius pointed out again.

“So, what you are saying is that you think Karkaroff put my name in the goblet,” Harry deducted. “If he did, he is a very good actor. He seemed genuinely pissed off about my being involved in the tournament.”

“Of course, he is a good actor Harry. He was good enough to convince the Ministry to release him,” Sirius chided as if talking to a child.

“That doesn’t mean he is a good actor, Sirius. It just means that the ministry was willing to release one Death Eater in order to put away many. That has nothing to do with being an actor,” Harry said gently. He didn’t want to set off the easily angered man.

“I have been watching the Daily Prophet,” Sirius said. Apparently, he was just going to ignore Harry when he didn’t agree with him.

“You and everyone else in the world,” Harry said with a roll of his eyes. Severus reached down and ruffled his hair and Draco bumped his leg against Harry’s shoulder in comfort. They both knew how he felt about the Daily Prophet. At least the article about the Wand Weighing and the Champions was actually decent.

Whoever Griphook had sent to Rita had done a great job at getting her to play nice. The only ridiculous thing in there was the rumor that Harry and Draco were an item. It was backed up by a few anonymous students. He was positive one of them was Weasley. But they weren’t upset by it. It wasn’t the first-time people had assumed they were dating.

“-and reading between the lines of that article from last month, Moody was attacked the night before he came to Hogwarts in his home,” Sirius continued as if Harry hadn’t spoken. “I don’t believe it was a false alarm like she claimed. I think someone tried to stop him from getting to Hogwarts. I think they knew their job would be a lot more complicated with Moody there.”

“So, you are absolutely convinced that it is Karkaroff that is trying to kill me. Why? For what purpose?” Harry asked him. He was curious as to his reasoning. Personally, Harry was convinced it was Moody.

“I have been hearing strange things, Pup. It is one of the only advantages of having to lay low. I have to be in seeder places than I am comfortable with,” Sirius started. “The Death Eaters are more active. They showed themselves at the World Cup and set off the Dark Mark. Then someone from the Ministry went missing.”

“Yeah, Bertha Jorkins. What does she have to do with anything,” Harry asked.

“She disappeared from Albania, you know, where the Dark Lord was last rumored to be seen. And as an official, she would know all about the tournament,” Sirius stated.

“So, what you are saying is that Voldemort knew about the tournament beforehand. That’s what you are saying isn’t it? You think Karkaroff is here on his orders,” Harry wanted to make sure he was sure.

I mean if it was true that Jorkins knew about the tournament and had run into Voldemort then it is very possible that Harry had been right all along and something terrible was going to happen this year.

“Yes…No…I don’t know, Harry. Karkaroff doesn’t strike me as the type that would return to the Dark Lord unless he knew that he was powerful enough to keep him safe. But whoever did this, did it for a reason. I cannot help but think of how easy it would be to let you enter the tournament and make it look like your death was an accident,” Sirius said solemnly.

“Well, I am already on guard about all of it,” Harry assured the man. “Besides, I am not alone. Severus, Draco, and my other friends have been doing a great job of keeping me surrounded and safe. I go almost no where alone. We are taking all of the precautions.”

“Yes, well, trust in Dumbledore and Moody, Harry. I trust them far more. They are powerful and on your side,” Sirius nearly spat out. Harry was about to respond when there was a noise and Sirius looked upset.

“I got to go, Pup. The family is back,” He whispered quietly. “Trust Dumbledore and Moody, Pup. Talk later.”

Then he was gone. Harry sighed heavily and leaned back. Draco scooted to the floor next to him and leaned his head on Harry’s shoulder. Severus started carding his fingers through Harry’s hair.

“Talking to him always exhausts me,” Harry said with a sigh.

“I know, Child,” Severus responded calmly. The sound of his voice always helped Harry to calm down.

“He is so set in his ways about who he thinks is trust worthy and will not listen to anything else. I don’t think I want him to know anything of importance about us. I believe he will run straight to Dumbledore about it,” Harry stated finally.

“I agree,” Draco said sleepily.

“I will make sure that the wolf knows as well,” Severus said.

“Thanks Dad,” Harry said and yawned. It was so late.

“Go on, you two. Off to bed. You cannot sleep in my quarters,” Severus said with a chuckle. Draco stood and pulled Harry to his feet.

“Night, Dad,” Harry said and rubbed his eyes.

“Good night, My Harry,” Severus said and kissed the top of his head. “And to you as well, Draco.”

“Yeah, night Uncle Sev,” Draco responded. Then Harry threw the invisibility cloak over them and they quickly headed to the dorm and straight to bed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

“REMUS,” Harry calls excitedly. He lets the wolf envelope him in a hug. He held him tightly.

“Hey, Pup,” Remus said quietly and buried his nose in Harry’s hair. He then rubbed his cheek against Harry’s before he pulled away. Harry wasn’t weirded out or anything. He had read that was how wolves and Werewolves scented pack children.

“Sorry,” Remus said a bit embarrassed. “The moon was full three days ago. My instincts are still more wolf than man right now.”

“It’s ok, Uncle Remi, I don’t mind. I read all about Werewolves after I found out you were one,” Harry replied.

“Well, anyways, I know it is against the rules for you to come back to the house so why don’t I just walk with you a while and then I will leave you to spend time with your friends,” Remus offered.

“Nonsense. I have already told them all that I will be spending the day with you. I see them every day. I missed you,” Harry countered. Remus looked around to see that Harry’s friends had indeed scattered to do their own things. Severus was a chaperone this weekend and he was standing across the street watching them discreetly.

“If you are sure, then of course I want to do that. I have missed you too, Pup,” Remus agreed. “Anywhere in particular you want to go?”

“Well, I need some more parchment and I wanted to check out the bookstore,” Harry responded.

“Sounds good. Let’s head that way and you can tell me about your conversation with Pads,” Remus said. Harry rolled his eyes. “That bad huh?”

“Not really, but he is such a puppet for Dumbledore. It is infuriating. I don’t trust him to have my back over Dumbledore’s,” Harry admitted.

“He does love you, Harry. He just has a lot of issues that he isn’t able to work through maturely,” Remus told him.

“No, Remi, he loves the idea of who he wants me to be. He loves James’ son. He ignores all of the things about me that he doesn’t like. My dad for instance, whenever I say or do anything that has to do with him, he just ignores it. He will not acknowledge that Severus and Draco are important to me,” Harry insisted.

“I am not going to defend him. Sirius has always been childish. He hates Severus or anything that he doesn’t consider completely light. It goes back to the abuse he suffered from his parents,” Remus informed him.

“Being abused isn’t an excuse,” Harry said with a shrug. “I was severely abused, beaten, starved, and nearly died a few times at the hands of my relatives. I would never blindly follow someone the way he does Dumbledore.”

“I know, Pup. Everybody reacts differently to situations. You are a stronger person than he could ever hope to be,” Remus said and ruffled Harry’s hair. “Now, let’s talk about something more pleasant. I want to have a good visit with you.”

“Good idea, Remi,” Harry said with a smile. “How’s Pretty?”

Harry spent the rest of the visit with Remus talking about Pretty, things they had both read, and most embarrassingly for Harry, boys! He told Remus that he found both Bill Weasley, Charlie Weasley, Krum, and Gregori to be attractive. Remus was more than happy to talk about boys with Harry.

“What about Draco?” Remus asked curiously.

“What about him?” Harry asked as they headed for Honeydukes. Remus gave him a look.

“You have clearly discovered that you are attracted boys. You are always with Draco, the two of you have been friends since you were eleven, and he is your person,” Remus listed off.

“My person?” Harry repeated.

“Yeah, the one person who you would turn to for anything. To trust to have your back. The person you share everything with,” Remus explained what he meant.

“Then yeah, Draco is my person, and I love him dearly. But I love him the way I imagine someone loves their brother,” Harry admitted.

“It is very special what the two of you have together. I am glad you have each other,” Remus said. “Oh, they have a new chocolate.”

Harry laughed as Remus made a b-line for the new chocolate display. Remus was so predictable. If it had to do with chocolate then he was completely distracted. Harry made his way slowly around the shop. This was his first Hogsmeade visit ever. He was enjoying everything.

A few hours later, he parted ways with Remus when Severus came to find him and tell him that it was time to return to the school.

“How was your visit?” Severus asked.

“It was great. This was just what I needed. A day with family that didn’t have anything to do with the Tournament,” Harry said with a smile.

“That’s good, Harry. I am glad that you enjoyed your first Hogsmeade weekend,” Severus said sincerely.

“Does everyone think that Draco and I are a couple?” Harry asked after a moment.

“I think that most people do, why?” Severus asked.

“Do you?” Harry wanted to know.

“No, you don’t watch him the way someone watches someone they are in love with. You love him, but it is platonic,” Severus answered.

“You know me so well, don’t you Dad,” Harry said with a grin.

“I like to think I do,” Severus responded. “Come on it is almost time for dinner, and I think I see Draco at the front entrance waiting for you.”

“Thanks for walking back with me, see you later,” Harry said and took off at a quicker walk to get to where Draco was waiting with Blaise and Theo.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Alright, I am here, and I am ready. What are we doing?” Harry asked as he slipped into Severus’ rooms the next night.

“I have information that we can get a good idea about the first task by taking a stroll into the Forbidden Forrest,” Severus answered.

“Really?” Harry said perking up. Severus nodded.

“You will use your cloak and I am going to disillusion myself. Keep hold of my cloak so that I know where you are at all times,” Severus told him.

“Yes, Sir,” Harry said and then slipped under his cloak like he was told to do. He followed Severus out of the room and then up to the entrance hall. He then cast the Disillusionment spell and Harry grasped his cloak.

As they were heading out of the school toward the forest they paused when they saw Hagrid heading into the woods with Madame Maxime. That was curious. Harry and Severus followed them through the woods. The sounds of their large bumbling bodies moving through the trees was a great cover for any sounds that Harry and Severus may have made.

“Where is it you are taking me, Agrid?” Maxime asked with a flirty giggle.

“Yeh’ll enjoy this. Worth seein…trust me,” Hagrid said as they walked. Then he paused for a moment and looked up at the taller woman. “Only…don’ go tellin’ anyone I showed yeh, right? Yeh’re not s’posed ter know.”

“Of course, not,” Maxime said with a flutter of her eyelashes. Harry rolled his eyes. If this had something to do with the first task, then she was definitely going to tell Fleur. Hagrid really was an idiot if he thought she wasn’t going to do anything….

Harry heard something. It sounded like men shouting and then there was a deafening roar that made him nearly panic. What could they have possibly decided to do for the first task that involved a creature that sounded like that.

“Harry,” He felt a slight touch to his hand. He opened his eyes, when had he closed them.

“I…Dad what have they done?” Harry whispered back. He looked around and could tell that Hagrid and Maxime had walked too far away from them to hear them talk.

“I don’t know, Child. Let’s go and see. Are you ok?” Severus whispered back.

“Let’s go,” Harry said instead of answering. Severus didn’t move for a few moments and then he started walking again. He could see a glow through the trees and he didn’t want to think of what it could mean. They finally made it to the tree line and he heard Severus curse. Harry was shocked.

Dragons

There was four of them. So, logically that meant one for each of them. What did they want four teenagers to do against dragons? Fully grown, enormous dragons that were rearing up onto their hind legs, roaring, and spewing torrents of fire into the dark sky.

There were at least thirty wizards around the enclosures. Seven or eight to each dragon they were attempting to control them. Harry heard what sounded like words coming from them. There was no way….was there.

Were dragons related to snakes somehow?

Harry stared up mesmerized into the eyes of the black dragon. It was making a horrible noise, yowling and screaming. But under the noise, Harry could hear the words.

“My nest…my clutch….where are my younglings. Burn them…hurt them. My nest…where…where”

Harry heard nothing else except the Dragons. All of them were screaming or pleading for the same things. Their eggs….these were nesting mothers. Then he was startled by a barrage of spell fire.

The dragons made a few more unhappy noises before teetering dangerously and crashing to the ground. The crash was so resounding that Harry felt it in his bones.

The Wixen hurried to secure their chains and fasten them securely to the ground. Harry vaguely heard Hagrid ask Maxime something but his attention was caught by a wizard that was striding toward the two half-giants. It was Charlie Weasley.

“All right, Hagrid?” Charlie asked the man.

“What breeds do you have here Charlie?” Hagrid asked.

“This black beauty is a Hungarian Horntail, Common Welsh Green just there, the smaller one is a Swedish Short-Snout, and the red one is a Chinese Fireball,” Charlie waited until he thought he was alone with Hagrid. “I didn’t know you were bringing her, Hagrid. The Champions are not supposed to know what’s coming – she is bound to tell her student.”

“I jus thought she’s like ter see em,” Hagrid said as he watched the dragons with rapt attention. “What do the Champions have to do? Fight them?”

“Just get passed them I think,” Charlie answered. “They wanted nesting mothers. I don’t know why. Seems dangerous and stupid to me.” Harry watched as five of Charlie’s coworkers carried a nest of eggs between them. They carefully placed the eggs next to the Horntail. Hagrid let out a moan of longing.

“They are counted Hagrid. I know exactly how many there are so don’t try anything,” Charlie said with a scowl. “How’s Harry? Do you know?” Harry was surprised the redhead was asking.

“Seems fine,” Hagrid said absently. “Don’ talk ter me much. Think it’s cause of those snakes.”

“I just hope he is fine after facing this lot,” Harry heard Charlie say quietly.

Harry felt a tug at the robes he was holding and followed Severus when he moved away and toward the castle. He was pushed to a stop when there was a noise and they watched as Karkaroff made his way silently through the woods toward the dragons.

So, all of the Champions, except Cedric, would know. Harry would make sure that he was told. They had promised to look after each other. He would make sure that everyone knew about the dragons and that they were nesting and then they would all work separately on how to approach the task. They were still competitors after all.

Severus took Harry back to the common room and told him that he wanted to take some time to think about it and that he wanted Harry to think about it as well. Then they would meet up and talk about it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Harry woke up a few days later and was immediately apprehensive. He had spent the last few days with Severus pouring over books that had to do with Dragons. He had told Severus he could understand the Dragons. He was pretty happy about it and wanted Harry to study different ways to approach the situation.

The two of them decided that Harry was probably going to have to steal an egg. They wanted nesting mothers for a reason. So, that stood to reason that the egg was important. Harry practiced summoning charms and even the Conjunctivitis Curse. Severus had pointed out that a Dragon’s eyes were its weakest points.

Severus helped Harry brew a scent removing potion as well as taught him silencing charms. If the Dragon couldn’t see, smell, or hear him then he had a better chance of getting around the Dragon. He was hoping it wouldn’t come to that though. The Dragons were just pawns in this tournament like Harry was. They didn’t choose to be there. Harry didn’t want to cause harm if he didn’t have too.

“Are you ready?” Draco asked from his bed. Harry stopped pacing and looked over at his best friend.

“No, I am terrified,” Harry responded truthfully.

“Because you are going up against a Dragon?” Draco asked finally. He had been dancing around the question for days. Harry hadn’t told anyone what he had seen in the woods. He didn’t want to risk disqualification if his friends offered help. The only people that he had talked to about the first task was Severus and the other Champions.

“Drake,” Harry started…Draco held up his hand and smiled.

“I understand why you didn’t talk to anyone about it. I’m not mad. It’s too late to give you any advice, so you can just say yes,” Draco pointed out.

“Yes, it’s Dragons,” Harry admitted with a slump to his shoulders.

“You can do this, Har. Severus has been helping you so I know you can do this,” Draco assured him confidently.

“Thanks Drake,” Harry said sincerely. Draco put an arm around Harry.

“Let’s go try and eat some Breakfast,” Draco responded and then the two of them headed for the Great Hall. Harry did not eat much breakfast. He just couldn’t stomach it. He was all nerves, and he knew it would only get worse throughout the day.

His day seemed to pass in a blur of classes, and he was so distracted that he didn’t even notice the snide comments or the mean glances that were sent his way. Before he knew it, it was lunch time.

“Harry,” Severus called out and Harry almost jumped out of his skin at the suddenness of it.

“Sorry,” He said quietly as he looked up at his Dad. “What can I do for you, Professor Snape?”

“It is time for the Champions to head down for the first task,” Severus informed him. Harry placed his fork on his plate and stood from his seat.

“You can do this, Harry. You are going to do amazingly. I will be cheering from the first row,” Draco promised and pulled Harry into a tight hug.

“Thanks Drake,” Harry said quietly. Then, he followed Severus out of the Great Hall. Harry was not surprised when Severus pulled him off to the side for a moment alone.

“How are you feeling, Child?” Severus asked him quietly.

“I’m afraid,” Harry admitted. “But I think I can do this.”

“You can do this, Harry. You are prepared, you have everything that you need. I will be close by, I swear I will look after you,” Severus promised him.

“Thanks, Dad,” Harry said gratefully and then hugged Severus tightly before they restarted their trek back toward the area in the forest where they had first seen the dragons. There was a tent erected that was hiding the Dragon’s from view.

“Into the tent, Child. The other Champions are already in there,” Severus instructed. “Just remember to breath and always remain calm. Panic kills, never forget that.”

“I won’t forget,” Harry promised and then he headed into the tent.

When he entered, he spotted Fleur first. She was sitting on a stool in a corner looking quite pale and not very put together. Viktor looked surlier than usual and Cedric was pacing.

“Harry, there you are. Come on in, make yourself at home,” Bagman said from the side of him. Harry nearly scowled at him. How could the man be so chipper when he knew that he was sending teenagers off to essentially do battle with a Dragon?

Harry went to stand near Fleur, who smiled up at him a bit forced. Cedric and Viktor quickly joined them.

“Well, now that you are all here, it is time to fill you in,” Bagman said with a grin. “Once everyone is seated, I will offer each of you this bag. You will each reach in and pull out a small model of the…um… thing that you will be facing.”

Harry would have laughed at the attempt at surprise if he was less nervous. The others looked like they felt about the same as he did.

“Oh, and one more thing, the purpose of you task, is to collect the Golden Egg!” Bagman added as if it were an after thought. Cedric nodded once and then continued to pace. Harry, Fleur, and Viktor just remained as they were, each lost in their own thoughts.

It couldn’t have been even ten minutes later that the sounds of hundreds of pairs of feet could be heard outside the tent heading past them. Each person sounded excited and anticipatory of what was about to happen. It seemed like not even one of them understood that this was dangerous and that someone could get hurt badly or even die. Harry wanted to hex them all and judging by the looks of Viktor and Cedric, they felt the same way.

“Ladies first,” Bagman called out. He was once again smiling and offering the bag to Fleur. Harry thought she might throw up before she seemed to steel herself and reach into the bag. She pulled out a tiny model of the Welsh Green. It had a number 2 around its neck as well.

Viktor was next and he pulled the Chinese Fireball from the bag with a number 3 around its neck. To Harry’s dread, Cedric pulled out the Swedish Short-Snout with the number 1 around its neck. Harry closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He knew what he would pull out. The one Dragon he had prayed not to face.

“Horntail,” Harry whispered as he stared down at the tiny black dragon. It popped out its wings and bared it’s tiny fangs at him. The number 4 swinging around its neck.

“Well, there you are. You each have pulled out the Dragon that you will face and the order in which you will face them,” Bagman announced. Then he informed them that he would have to leave them soon so that he could commentate, and that Cedric should be ready to go when the whistle blew. Then he asked to speak to Harry outside for a moment.

“Feeling alright, Harry?” Bagman asked him in a gentle voice that made Harry look at him curiously. “Anything that I can get for you?”

“Um…no sir. I’m alright,” Harry answered.

“Do you have a plan? I don’t mind sharing a few pointers, if you’d like them,” Bagman said in a near whisper. “You are the underdog here, Harry. Anything I can do to help…”

“No, Sir,” Harry responded respectfully. “Thank you so much, Mr. Bagman for the offer, but I am prepared. I know what I am going to do, Sir.”

“Nobody would know, Harry,” Bagman insisted with a wink.

“Thank you, Sir. But I really am fine,” Harry insisted. There was a whistle and Bagman looked up and excused himself quickly. Harry took a deep breath and headed back into the tent. Harry stepped back when Cedric pushed the tent flaps open and stepped out looking a bit sick.

“Good luck, Cedric. You can do this,” Harry told the other Champion. He wasn’t sure Cedric even heard him as he continued to walk by. Harry didn’t blame him, this was all pretty scary.

Sitting inside the tent was worse than Harry could have imagined. All he could hear was the sounds of the crowd. They gasped, yelled, and screamed, which caused Harry’s imagination to run away with him. Bagman’s commentary made everything so much worse.

Fifteen minutes of torture later, the crowded roared and it could only mean one thing…Cedric had retrieved his egg. Then Bagman called for the judges to give their marks. This was the only thing he didn’t say out loud. A few moments later, the whistle blew again and Fleur was called out.

The process repeated itself and ten minutes later, Fleur had retrieved her egg. Her marks were given and Viktor was called out. Far too quickly, Viktor retrieved his egg. Harry stood and waited. He closed his eyes and concentrated on his own breathing and feel of his heart beating.

He could do this. He would do this. Horntail or not he had a good plan. He felt a gentle brush of magic against him and felt comforted. Lady Magic was watching, just like she said she would. Then the whistle sounded, and Harry stepped through the flaps of the tent and headed toward the sound of the crowd.

Harry looked around as Bagman spoke. There were so many faces, but Harry only wanted to see three. He looked along the first row and was not disappointed. The entire house of Slytherin had sat together. They were all cheering for him. In the front row was Draco, with Blaise and Theo on either side of him. Hermione, Fred, George, and Neville sat on either side of them. Then there was Remus sitting right next to Severus.

He caught sight of a shimmering figure out the corner of his eye. He turned to face it but it was gone. He turned back toward Severus and could once again see the figure in his peripheral. Lady Magic. He would not let her down. He wouldn’t let any of them down.

He turned from them and looked to see the Horntail on the opposite side of the enclosure crouched over a clutch of eggs. The Golden Egg right in the center. He wings were nearly completely unfurled and Harry could hear a steady growl being emitted from her. Her barbed tail swung menacingly behind her. He kept his eyes on the dragon, but he concentrated on the words she was growling out.

“Puny human will not get close to my nest. I will rip and tear and burn you before you get close enough to touch them,” The angry mother stated. Harry took a deep breath and instead of the silencing spell he cast a sonorous.

“Mother,” He called out. The Dragon went still, and the crowd went silent. The Dragon made a snuffling sound and Harry knew he was being scented.

“You do not smell like a hatchling, yet you call me Mother,” She said suspiciously.

“But I am a Hatchling. Just not Dragonborn. I mean you and your nest no harm,” Harry insisted calmly. He did not move closer. He did not want to upset the mother Dragon.

“Lies,” She hissed out. “I have seen what was done to the others. You wish to harm me and steal my clutch.”

“No, Mother, I don’t. There is a false egg in your nest. Look there at the small Golden egg in the center. There is no Hatchling in it. They have tricked you into caring for a false hatchling,” Harry told her. She blew smoke at him and then growled.

“Do not move, Human Hatchling. I will see if what you say is true,” The Dragon threatened. “If you lie, I will eat you.” Then she snapped her jaws at him as if to prove her point.

Harry heard the crowd gasp at the sudden movement. The Dragon paid them no attention as she leaned over her nest and nosed at all of the eggs. Then she growled and spewed fire toward where the tamers were standing and waiting.

“I need the false egg, Mother,” Harry called out to get her attention. “If you let me take it, they will let us both leave. I will even leave my wand here far away from you and your clutch.”

“Leave it, and come to me Human Hatchling,” The Dragon said calmer. Harry sat his wand down and heard the crowd make noises of shock. He ignored whatever commentary Bagman was spewing in the background. Harry cancelled the sonorous first then made his way to the Mother Dragon.

Once he reached the Dragon she wrapped a wing around him and drew him closer to her snout. Harry stayed perfectly still as she smelled him.

“Not a human Hatchling…No…there is magic that hides it…but you are as much human as I am…I can smell your true blood, Fae Child. Where is your nest mother?” Harry was shocked that the Dragon could smell his Creature blood.

“I don’t know. I was stolen from her as a babe. I do not belong here anymore than you do. But I must pretend so they do not try to hurt me,” Harry admitted to the Dragon. She seemed to pull her wings around him tighter.

“I could keep you safe, Fae Child. The Fae have not inhabited this world for many millennia. You do not belong among humans. Their magic will not sustain you properly,” The Mother Dragon insisted. Harry nuzzled her back when she leaned down again.

“As much as I would love that, I cannot. I must stay among them for a little longer and then I will find a way home to my own world. Thank you for wanting to care for me,” Harry said with a hitch in his voice.

Hearing this Dragon offer to care for him because she wanted to keep him safe affected him far more than he thought it should. The Dragon nuzzled him again and then she gently pushed his head aside and nipped him on the neck. He flinched but did not pull away when he felt the fang sink into his neck. There was a rush of magic and then the Dragon nuzzled him one more time before leaning away and moving her wing.

“What was that?” Harry asked as he pulled his hand back and saw the blood.

“A gift, Fae Child. Should you have need of me or one of my kind, we will come to your aid. In this world or any other. If you will not let me take you and keep you safe, then this is the next best thing that I can offer you. Our races have always taken care of each other. Now, take the false egg and go,” The Mother Dragon explained. Harry bowed respectfully and then was surprised with the Mother Dragon used her tail to lift the false egg out of the nest and hand it to him. He took it gratefully.

“Thank you, Mother,” Harry said sincerely. She snorted at him and then curled her wing around the nest. Harry felt her watch him the entire time he was gathering his wand and leaving the arena.

Finally, the sound of the crowd cheering registered in his mind. He had done it. He had retrieved the Golden Egg, and he had not sustained one injury. On top of that, he had an idea of what he was now. Not human at all, she had said…a Fae Child.

He headed straight to the exit of the enclosure where Severus, Remus, and Draco were waiting. He could just see Moody lurking in the shadows looking pleased. He ignored Moody and looked up in relief at Severus and Remus. Remus pulled him into a tight hug.

“That was the single most terrifying thing I have ever had to watch,” Remus whispered into Harry’s hair as he nuzzled him. “You smell like Dragon and Old Magic.”

Harry locked eyes with Severus, still wrapped in Remus’ arms. His dad showed no expression on his face. He wouldn’t, not in front of all these watching people. But Harry could see the pride shining in his eyes.

“The judges will not read your scores until you see Pomfrey and have that looked after,” Severus said and pointed to the junction of Harry’s neck and shoulder were the Dragon had sliced him with her fang.

“I’ll take him,” Draco volunteered quickly. Remus finally released Harry, and the blonde snatched him close and took him toward the tent. “That was terrifying and absolutely brilliant. You are going to have to tell me everything that was said.”

“Yeah, Drake. I will,” Harry promised. “It was pretty cool to be that close to a Dragon though.”

“Close?” Draco said with a laugh. “Harry you ‘talked’ to a Dragon. The tamers looked like they were going to cream their pants. Don’t be surprised if they bombard you with questions or favors.”

“I didn’t even think of that,” Harry said with a groan. The last thing he needed was to have to worry about dodging Dragon tamers.

“Mr. Potter,” Pomfrey called out as he entered the tent. “Come, come, let me see you.”

Draco stood silently beside Harry as Pomfrey looked over his still bleeding cut. He stayed completely silent while the Medi-witch mumbled about Dragons and Dementors. She seemed quite upset by everything. She rubbed an ointment on the cut and then mumbled some more before she placed a bandage over the slowly bleeding wound.

“Unfortunately, I do not know exactly what the Dragon did to you. The wound will not heal. But the bleeding has nearly stopped. There is still so much we don’t know about the magic of Dragons, we will just have to keep an eye on it. I will tell Severus and I know he will keep a good eye on you,” Pomfrey told him and then she dismissed him to have his scores read.

“C’mon,” Draco said and pulled Harry up from the chair he had been forced to sit in. Severus had Harry’s egg because he had thrust the egg into the man’s hands right as Remus was pulling him into his hug.

“Tell, me about the other Champions,” Harry said as they walked. Draco grinned at him.

“You were by far the best and quickest. Cedric transfigured a rock into a dog and the Dragon followed the dog. But halfway through it decided it wanted Cedric instead and he was burned just as he snagged his egg. Fleur put it in some kind of weird trance, and it worked as well but it snorted and blew fire that caught her skirt on fire. Krum did something to the Dragon’s eyes, and it went crazy and trampled on half its eggs. It was kind of awful and they took points away from him for it,” Draco happily gave a quick rundown of what happened.

Harry felt so much lighter and less stressed then he had since his name came out of the Goblet. He had made it through the first task, and he had so much to tell Severus about what the Dragon had said to him. What it had done to him.

Draco left him at the entrance and stood with Remus and Severus while Harry continued on to stand in front of the judges. He didn’t much care what his score was or what place he came in. He was just glad he had made it through.

Madame Maxime gave him a nine though she looked very reluctant to do so. Mr. Crouch also shot a nine into the air. Harry could hear Fred and George yelling from the stands about him deserving all tens. He couldn’t help the smile that spread across his face.

Dumbledore looked at him and winked before shooting up a ten into the air. Bagman followed suit with a proud look on his face. The one that nearly made Harry laugh was when Karkaroff looked smug as he shot a four into the air. He was so obviously trying to rile up Harry and showing favoritism for Viktor. Harry could hear the ‘boos’ and angry shouts from the crowd but he just ignored them.

“That’s 42,” Harry said to himself and was nearly startled by the hand that clasped him on the shoulder. He looked up to see Charlie Weasley looking down at him and beaming happily.

“You beat Krum by two points. That puts you in first place, Harry,” Charlie said with a grin. “You did beautifully. I heard rumors from others that you were a Parselmouth. I didn’t know that it would translate to Dragons. That was absolutely amazing. I have never seen a Horntail so docile.”

“She was only worried about her clutch. I just reassured her that I didn’t want to hurt her or her clutch. I just wanted the false egg. She is quite lovely,” Harry answered with a blush. He liked Charlie. It turned out that he pretty much liked all of the Weasleys. So far he only had issues with the two youngest.

“Brilliant, well I need to run but I would like to have you come down before we leave and have a visit with the Dragons. I think we would all enjoy watching that again,” Charlie offered excitedly.

“Thanks Charlie, I just might do that. Can I bring friends if I do?” Harry asked.

“Of course,” Charlie answered and then he ruffled Harry’s hair before taking off. Harry turned back toward Draco and the others but was stopped by Bagman. He wanted to see all of the Champions together for a few moments and wanted them to bring their eggs. So, Harry retrieved his egg and headed to the Champion’s tent.

He was the first one in the tent, Fleur, Viktor, and Cedric came in together. Cedric had half his face covered in a thick paste. He grinned at Harry.

“That was great, Harry. How did you even think to try and speak to it?” Cedric asked excitedly.

“When I was doing my research, I saw that Dragons and snakes share some of the same DNA. So, I figured it couldn’t hurt to try. I had a backup plan in case it didn’t work but I am really glad that it did,” Harry explained.

“I didn’t know you were a Parseltongue,” Viktor interjected. “That is a very cool ability.”

“Yeah, been able to my whole life. Kept it a secret for a long time,” Harry responded.

“Then a snake threatened his Malfoy. Harry exposed himself to the whole school to keep him safe,” Cedric said with a grin. Harry shrugged and nodded.

“Not much you will not do for him iz there?” Fleur asked.

“There is nothing I wouldn’t do for him. Draco was my first friend,” Harry told them. “He is my closest friend I would burn entire cities to the ground if he asked me to.”

“And yet, you insist there is nothing more between the two of you,” Cedric said with a nervous chuckle. He had almost laughed at Harry’s joke until he looked in the boy's eyes and realized that Harry wasn’t kidding at all. It was a bit unnerving.

Harry just shrugged in response. He wasn’t going to defend his relationship with Draco. Just then Bagman came strolling into the tent.

“Well done, all of you,” Bagman said looking very pleased. “Just a few quick words. You all have a nice long break before the next task. It will take place at half past nine on the morning of February 24th. Look to your eggs, see the hinges where they open? You will need to solve the clue inside the egg in order to find out what will be taking place during the second task. Everyone got it? Good, off you go then.”

Just as Harry exited the tent, he was nearly pounced on by Rita Skeeter who was grinning at him. Harry glared at her and was quickly joined by Draco, Blaise, and Theo.

“Hello, Harry,” she said in a sickly-sweet voice. “Care to give a word? How it felt to face the Dragon? How you felt about the scoring?”

“Sure, give me a list of your questions and I will send you my responses just like last time,” Harry informed her. “I will answer nothing from you in person, especially with that Quick-quotes Quill floating nearby. I won’t have my words paraphrased and taken out of context by you. I will see to it that the other champions answer the same questions and send them in with mine. I expect to see an article about all of us.”

“Of course, I will leave it with your head of house,” Rita said with an unhappy glare. Harry nodded and then the four Slytherins headed straight for the common room. Harry was surprised at the celebration that was waiting when they entered.

It looked as if the entire house of Slytherin was present, which they probably were, but there was also Neville, Fred, George, and Hermione. This was the first time he had seen anyone other than a Slytherin in their common room.

“You lot are a secretive bunch,” Fred said in greeting as he hugged Harry.

“Yeah, Flint made us wear blindfolds before we were allowed to come,” George finished.

“Well, of course he did,” Harry agreed. “We wouldn’t want the two of you figuring out how to get into our common room and wreaking havoc on all of us.”

“Open the egg, Harry,” Draco said after about twenty minutes. “Let us hear the clue.”

The egg was thrust into his hands and Harry grinned at the people around him. He was hefted up on Fred and George’s shoulders and carried to the center of the room where they placed him on a table so everyone could see him.

Harry took a deep breath and then pried the egg open. It immediately began emitting a horrible screeching noise that made him want to cover his ears and check them for bleeding.

“Close it,” George yelled.

“Quickly,” Fred added. Harry was happy to oblige them as he slammed it closed.

“What in Merlin’s balls was that?” A second-year boy cried out. Harry heard an upper year admonish them for their language.

“It sounded like a wailing woman, a banshee,” Flint offered with a flinch. “Perhaps you will have to attempt to get passed one of those.”

“It sounded like someone being tortured,” Neville said hesitantly.

“No, it didn’t,” Theo responded. “Trust me that isn’t the sound someone makes when they are being tortured.” Harry believed him. He knew the kinds of things Theo had grown up around.

“Actually, Heir Potter,” Harry and the others turned at the sound of a seventh-year girl. She was standing next to a window looking out at the Black Lake. There was a few merfolk swimming around the window looking in. “I think it may have something to do with the Black Lake.”

“Why are they staring in here like that?” Draco asked curiously as he and Harry made their way to the window.

“They showed up nearly as soon as you opened the egg,” She answered. Harry couldn’t remember her name. He had never spoken to her before.

“Huh, that’s odd. Perhaps she is right, and it does have something to do with the Black Lake. Talk to Snape about it,” Draco agreed.

“Yeah, for sure,” Harry agreed. The three of them turned when there was shout and then a roar of laughter. There was a giant yellow canary in the center of the room. Moments later it molted and then Neville was standing there laughing.

“Canary Creams, Lovey Snakes,” Fred announced with a flourish.

“Available for seven sickles. Created them ourselves,” George added.

“This is why you were blindfolded,” Draco said with a chuckle.

“What else do you have?” Blaise asked and then the three of them along with a few others huddled together.

The party lasted well into the morning. Hermione left just before curfew so that she didn’t get in trouble. Fred, George, and Neville left about an hour after that. The twins assured Neville that they could get him back to the common room without getting caught. The Slytherins sent their younger years to bed when they left and the older years stayed up until two am when Severus arrived and insisted the party was over.

It was a good start to the tournament for Harry. He was a little more hopeful than he was before and now he also had an idea of where to start looking for the second task. He had months to concentrate on classes and friends. He would take his time working on the clue in the egg. This might not be as bad as he thought it would be.