Chapter 7
Does Dumbledore think he is going to change my mind about what went down before practice?
"I think talking to young Mister Weasley would have been a much better course of action," Dumbledore continues as I sit in front of him, wishing time would go by faster.
Okay, I have entertained him long enough. "You'd think that right?..but then, of course, you'd be wrong. I already talked with him, but he was too egotistical to back down," I reply uncaringly.
"Ron comes from a line of five older brothers. Sometimes acting out gives him the attention he seeks. Being in his brothers' shadows has been tough on him," he defends him. "Although…you were correct in your belief that Mr. Weasley was a tad bit out of line... surely he did not deserve to be physically harmed, regardless of the circumstances... I am not saying you are at fault. However..."
Damn old man, I thought my guardians were being a tad bit harsh on Dumbledore when they spoke of him. He is the master of the Elder wand after all...however, it looks like they were spot on.
"I was teaching him a lesson. A lesson that needed to be physical so it could get through to him," I partially lie.
For all Dumbledore's power in legilimency... he still can't tell that my trained mind is deceiving him. "To continue talking to him would not have worked. If he isn't stopped now...who knows what he could become in the future…"
Dumbledore looks surprised "I hardly doubt...Surely you can see that Mr. Weasley is not capable of..." I cut him off before he can start another long-winded speech.
"Him being weak is all the more cause for concern. He shot a lethal spell at me and didn't even know what it would do. If he thinks he could become more powerful by learning spells that are beyond his control...it will be no time before he starts delving into dark arts. It won't be immediate, but as time goes on you and I both know that is a strong possibility," I tell him.
"Don't you think it should be the faculty's job, as teachers of this school, to monitor..."
I sigh before cutting him off again "With no disrespect to you headmaster, but there are some things that can not be done by mere punishments or detentions...I think after Grindelwald and Voldemort you would know this best...I will not see a peer of mine…" I shudder inside at the mention of 'peer' like that idiot will ever be my peer "…become the next Dark Lord. I lost my parents because one of your students was not put in their place. I will not have anyone else's parents suffer the same fate," I tell him, even if it was a low blow.
Then I see it. It's minor, but I still see the power of the blow I just dealt him.
"Ron thinks he is better than everyone else. He thinks he deserves more than the rest of us for whatever reason. He has an open hostility towards a group of individuals for no reason other than he just doesn't like them… does that remind you of anyone?" I ask him.
He looks like he might be angry if he wasn't so sympathetic. He knows he screwed up and his worry over me being the next dark lord dwindled pretty fast.
"You are aware that he shunned his own sister after she got into Slytherin, right?"
Dumbledore does not have a reply.
"I will do almost all that you ask of me, as a student, Headmaster. However, I will not stop putting people in their places if it means I can prevent another future dark lord from coming to power," I finish as I get up.
It's clear that he is in deep concentration so I go over to his phoenix.
I know I can't fool you for a second, but keep in mind that my intentions are good, even if they are rather self-motivated actions, I share my thoughts with Fawkes.
Fawkes seems to understand and in turn, moves its head forward and I give the phoenix a light pet.
I can feel Dumbledore's eyes are on me.
"Is there anything else you need from me, sir?" I ask him.
"No, I...I think that will be all for now. Thank you, Harry," he tells me.
I turn around and face him, giving a brief pause before I go on.
"Phoenix are great creatures. They're majestic, smart, loyal. They are powerful and associated with fire..." I then look away and portray what I am thinking.
He gives me a curious expression in turn.
"In some aspects... they share many characteristics of dragons...Another fascinating creature, am I right, sir?" I ask him.
It was only for a moment but I think I saw a hint of surprise on his face. He knows what the first task is, but I want him to know we are on the same field, as far as our intel goes.
"They are indeed, Harry," he smiles. "Thank you for your time."
"Thank you, sir," I tell him and make my way out before stopping at the door.
"Professor…" I pause, trying to make a good last impression "One day... I hope to grow up to be as powerful as you... I want to take after you... I want to change the world and make it better... I hope you understand that, sir," I tell him honestly.
"I do, Harry... I am afraid I may be growing too old and I apologize for thinking...let's just say, as long as it remains within reason, I will not be calling for you again," he ends.
I just nod to him in response before making my way out.
As soon as I am out of his viewing wards I give a small shiver.
That took a lot of willpower to keep my mind safe and protected. But now I have to put them back up as I sense him. He is clever and his cloaking abilities are beyond good. However, I believe I am better and I think he already knows it from observing me.
He wanted to hate me in the beginning, but didn't show it openly because I got sorted into his house and stopped him early on.
"You can come out now, professor," I tell the empty hallway.
It takes a couple of seconds, but Snape finally makes his way out of the shadows. He looks slightly impressed but his expression starts to lean more to curiosity. I touch my ear stud and it does the opposite effect and makes white noise so no one can eavesdrop.
"What, pray tell, are you up to, Mr. Potter?" he asks.
I smile in turn.
"Oh come now, professor. If I tell you all my secrets now... what kind of Slytherin would I be?" I laugh.
"You'd be the one who answers their Head of House's questions," he replies quickly, not sharing in my amusement. "Because of you... all my students are unable to answer my questions, and this goes beyond the magic of the common room."
"What can I say? As much as it pains me to say it, it looks like we are becoming like the Hufflepuffs. We're loyal to each other," I tell him.
From his expression, I can tell he likes this even less. "It might be beneficial for you to tell me so I can help you. I have resources that I can share if you share with me as well," he bargains.
"I'll sleep on it, but as of the present moment I'm all set, thank you," I tell him and make my way to leave.
This does not fly with him and I quickly brush aside a mind probe that only makes him more frustrated.
"You don't want to go against me, Potter. It will not be to your advantage," he hisses.
"I think my father would disagree with you. My mother on the other hand...what would she say? I guess I'll never know..." I see him freeze slightly at the mention of her again. Just like that, I got another hit on him.
"Bringing back these childhood memories is putting me in a good mood. So how about this? I'll share with you my Patronus and in turn, you show me yours?"
Yeah, I nailed it. Let's see him reply to that. He looks like he wants to say something but nothing is coming out of his protected mind. I look at him for another moment before turning around.
"Goodnight, professor," I tell him as I walk away, leaving him to think about ever trying to haggle with me again, and he is probably wondering just how I came about that information.
***
I am absentmindedly eating my breakfast, thinking of the best way to break the ice princess's mask, as Theo and Blaise are hashing it out with Draco on just how good he is regarding the new tournament.
The two put it in terms of chess. They are calling me, and I guess Cormac, the King, Angelina, and Cho are the Queen, the flyers are Bishops, the wand holders in the back are the Rooks, and the bo-staff wielders are the Knights. Blaise and Theo are of course calling out Draco and calling him more of a Pawn. It is getting hard not to laugh at their tactics as Draco grows more and more upset.
"Harry. You have seen me in action. Tell them how much I outclass the others," he tells me like me saying anything good about him will quash their antics...I decided to side with them and keep things fun.
"Sorry. As a King, I don't associate with anyone below my ranking...especially a Pawn," I reply with a smile getting smirks and chuckles from my surrounding classmates.
Even Greengrass has a slight grin as Draco disregards what I have said and tries to defend his worth. I begin to make my usual attempts at Daphne when I feel the three presences from behind. My wand slips into my hand from its holster. Conversation drops and my Lieutenants do the same. The others are about to join as well when I sense that there is no need for alarm.
I slip my wand back and motion for the others to do the same. They comply before I turn around on my seat and greet my visitors.
"What can I help you ladies with?" I ask them as they make their way over and stop before me. They were a little surprised that I knew they were coming over to me. The Eagle trio looks cute when they are startled. Hermione steps up while Sue and Padma remain behind her.
"Can we talk to you for a moment, Harry?" she asks me innocently enough.
"Sure," I tell them and they look to move out for privacy. I ain't moving though. I am comfortable where I am. I turn around and motion my head to my surrounding Snakes.
Draco, Blaise, and Theo get up immediately and are followed by Crabbe, Goyle, Pansy, Claire, and Milli. Tracey lingers a second, eyeing the girls and Daphne looks slightly unhappy from having to move but gets up anyway.
I put my hand on the table and hoist myself on the other side. They look impressed as I motion for them to take the vacated seats. With a quick wave of my wand underneath the table, we are all set to talk, safe from unwelcome eyes and ears.
"As much as I do love our small talk, let's skip it and get down to business," I tell them as they take the seats "How can I help you ladies today?"
"Ummm. On the pitch the other day...the spell you used before..." Hermione then pauses, most likely not wanting to offend me. As if I would get offended by someone calling me out on beating up someone who deserved it.
"Are you talking about my conductor shield, my use of basic spells put together, or my speed charm?" I ask.
"Well, I guess all of them," Sue responds.
"But what we are really looking at is the speed charm… you became so fast...it must be a really hard spell to cast as well or else everyone would be doing it," Padma adds as her mind starts to whiz with more questions.
I just nod my head before answering "It is quite hard to pull off, especially on one's body. It’s like your body is burning up calories when in that state, but instead of calories, it’s your magic reserves getting eaten for energy, so you can only use it for a short time unless you want to do considerable damage to your system...but, I have many more, tougher, and harder, spells in my arsenal as well," I vaguely let them know.
They respond with looks of sparked curiosity, interest, and a thirst to hear more. They want to learn more about what I have stored in my brain.
"Could you tell us what else you know...and maybe teach us some as well?" Hermione asks rather boldly. I think she may have some inner lion in her.
"Come on, Hermione. Do you not see the colors on my robes? I wear these colors proudly," I tell them comedically, referring to the Slytherin motto that we use when asked for help.
"The only time you wear the school robes is for classes and meals," Padma laughs.
"Miss Patil, are you spying on me?" I ask with mild acquisition. "Because if you are...I am flattered," I tell her with a grin and her cheeks tinge with pink. I'd bet 10 galleons someone has been speaking with her twin sister about me.
"So you want us to do something for you to consider teaching us?" Sue asks, pushing aside my flirtatious attempt at her housemate.
"Put in Ravenclaw for a reason I see," I reply with a small smile.
Hermione cuts back in and is skeptical before asking "So what can we offer you? Our strength lies in knowledge and from what we have gathered...you are beyond what we could give."
"You are females, are you not?" I ask. This next part is where the real big question is going to be asked that could help or hurt my plans.
"Ummm, yes?" Padma asks, obviously not understanding why I am asking them this.
I lean in slightly and they do as well
"I am of a noble house, well off, and am a normal-looking male correct?"
"Yes," Sue answers curtly, while Padma and Hermione almost laugh.
"So In turn for teaching you three, all I ask for in turn... is favors," I tell them.
"Favors? What kind of favors?" Padma asks.
"Deeply sexual ones," I tell them.
The varying looks on their faces are priceless.
Padma looks shocked and unsure of what to do. Hermione is surprised as well. Sue copies them and goes from looking like a fish out of water to an inaudible stammer.
"Haha! I'm only kidding!" I tell them as relief rushes through their faces.
"However, if you put it on the table I would once again be deeply flattered. You three are freaking gorgeous," I tell them as Padma's blush returns and is joined by Hermione and even Sue.
"All that aside...The thing I would want in return for teaching you is... an alliance."
"An alliance? What for?" Sue asks, the first to respond.
"Oh come on. You are all Eagles. Surely after every 'incident' that has happened at this school over the years, especially this year...when something happens…" I drag out and give them a look. "I am sure you understand what I am talking about," I tell them.
"There have been discussions...and divide... on the topic of safety and the future of Hogwarts...and the magical world," Hermione informs me.
"You ally with me and your families fall under my protection. The house of Potter and all my assets and resources, which for now will be unmentioned due to safety measures and confidentiality, will protect you. These same safety measures and confidentiality will be offered to you if you side with me," I offer them.
Padma thinks for a moment as she contemplates my offer. "And you would have access to our resources as well?"
"Correct. Just like any other alliance, except I like to say we would offer it to each other as opposed to having direct access to it," I answer.
"That seems reasonable," Sue reasons.
"Don't answer me today. Take some time and talk to your families. Also, I know I don't have to say it but, let's keep this confidential till you have made a decision," I add.
Hermione nods her head. "Of course. However, I speak for my own family, so I will take some time to think it over, but I don’t see why I wouldn’t say yes."
"Then I am fairly certain I will be seeing you soon to teach you some advanced magic," I reply quickly.
"We will look forward to it as well... and maybe we can work in something having to do with your first offer too," Padma finishes for them as she gives me a wink.
And here I thought it was Hermione who had the lion in her. Padma must have been hanging out with her sister lately.
"Thanks for stopping by ladies," I grin as they nod and give me smiles in return before they get up and depart. I think Padma left with an extra sway in her hips as well.
I look over to my Slytherin friends to see where they are and when I do so, I see the looks the trio of Eagles is getting from all the females…
Ha! At least I know I am right in my observation. Some days it is just good to be me.
***
"So as far as romantic interests go... that's the end of that. I didn't think it was going to be as much of an issue as it is. Heck, I didn't even think I'd be around here as long as I am. But I guess fate has a different hand it wants to play on me than I anticipated. With that being said, I am still just over par in the grand scheme of things...I do have to visit the Department...not looking forward to it though," I tell them and they just nod in understanding.
I want to ask them the question that has been on my mind, but if I do…I feel like they will respond that my master plans aren't so masterful…However, it seems like they are aware of my very thoughts.
"Don't worry about meeting him...you'll be fine, I am sure of it. And on the other unspoken matter... you are doing what you feel is best in the long term. Unfortunately, we were not as wise as you when we were your age. It was black and white. We wanted to be the good guys through and through," he tells me.
"I too wish we were as smart as you. If we were...maybe things would have turned out differently...I am sorry, honey," she tells me with a sad expression.
"Mum," I tell her, trying to get rid of her sadness. "It was the damn seer who created our problem…and the rat who betrayed you that caused everything. That vermin is a slippery bugger.”
Peter slipped right through our grasp when we found him through a newspaper article. By the time we got to the Weasley’s residence, we observed from a far that Ronald was crying with a bloody finger, begging for his rat to come back.
“You ultimately saved me from Tom, who never should have become what he was…but Dumbledore always thinks he knows best," I tell her, trying to lift her mood.
"He had no family, no one to love him growing up. Then he retraced his family heritage, unconsciously thinking there might be someone out there who missed him, who could love him. However, he figured out his muggle family wanted nothing to do with him. His maternal side, the great line of Slytherin, ended with a horrible man, his crazy son, and a depressed daughter with issues, who the father most likely abused...” I start in the Dark Lord’s defense.
“That daughter gave birth to him and died shortly after his father ran out on them. And of course, don't forget about Tom being abused in the orphanage...With all the talk about love that Dumbledore spouts...I have no clue how he didn't think to surround the heir of Slytherin with people who would love him…I almost feel bad for keeping him from regaining a body…almost," I chuckle at the end.
I shrug my shoulders next. "Who knows, If I wasn't taken in, or if anyone was put in that same predicament...they may not have turned out so differently," I end as I look down at the ring that allows me to talk to the magical shades of my biological parents that Master Ronan got me.
"Everyone always...and I guess still is... under the assumption that he is just a bad, powerful pureblood lunatic. No one ever thought to ask where his origins came from," James tells me.
"If we had known this, we would have been more hesitant about joining Dumbledore and rejecting Voldemort as strongly as we did...but once again...we were so young. We didn't know any better. However, you do know, son. Keep up with your plans and do whatever you feel necessary to fulfill your destiny. The one that you want for yourself. We'll always support you," my biological father replies.
"One hundred percent, no matter what, we will support you…even from beyond the grave," Lily smiles at me, knowing their times have come to a close.
I smile back at them as well.
"Thank you," I reply, looking at them one last time before tapping the stone on my ring and they vanish.
Sighing to myself, I get up from the comfy bed in my deserted dorm room and head to do my nightly hygienic rituals, fully committed to giving both my body and mind an early night’s rest before the rest of my plans commence in the future.
***
Draco, Blaise, the muscle twins, Theo, and myself, make our way up the stands for the first Task.
"Good evening ladies," I smile at the 4th year Slytherin females. They smile politely back and reply the same, although, Tracey is grinning broadly seeing as the only open space on the bench is next to Daphne. The Ice Princess takes one look at me and tries to ignore my presence. I don't make a big deal about it and instead, head two rows up to where Ginny and Astoria are sitting.
"These seats taken?" I ask the two best friends with a sly smile and they seem to brighten up.
Ginny grins before replying, "Yes they are. We tried to keep them warm for you, but it is a bit drafty up here," she starts. "Do you think you could help us warm up?" she asks flirtatiously before the two scootch away from each other a little bit.
"I think we can help," I reply, playing her game as I take a seat in between the two while Draco sits next to Astoria's other side and Blaise takes Ginny's side.
Theo, Crabbe, and Goyle take the unoccupied seats in the row ahead of us before Theo starts a conversation with Tracey.
In doing so the girls have to look back to reply to him and I see the looks they are briefly sending my way, especially when Astoria and Ginny both take one of my arms because a gust of wind had allegedly just passed by, but I have not felt a thing. I even manage to catch Daphne's eye before she quickly looks away.
I don't get a chance to make anything more out of it because the first task of the Triwizard Tournament begins.
Arielle, from Beauxbatons, used a lullaby to almost put her Dragon to sleep but it woke up when she was halfway there. Luckily she had a backup plan and hid behind rocks while the dragon went after her, The dragon didn't see her conjured swarm of falcons till it was too late. Even though it got over half the transfigured birds the one with the golden egg still managed to bring it to her.
Tere conjured an army of different snakes. He transfigured a large snake as well and got it to go after the golden egg. While its snake allies attacked the dragon, which was infuriated by being attacked by all the snakes, it went to the nest and swallowed the golden egg before speeding back to Tere on its belly. It got back before Tere canceled the transfiguration spell. He then broke apart the remaining rock before obtaining the golden egg at the center.
The heads of the school did surprisingly alright.
Dumbledore seemed to zoom around as if he were on a skateboard or something because his bottom half was a blur as he attacked lightly from every direction, I believe he was casting confusing charms at the creature before a long magical sticky whip spurt out of his wand that he used to retrieve the egg at the height of the dragon's confusion.
Madame Olympe conjured several magical chains with long sharp stakes at each of the chains’ ends, that wrapped around her dragon before the stakes dug under the earth's surface. She then cast another spell that increased the weight and strength of the binds. She had to cast powerful shields and dodge her dragon’s erratic fire-breathing attacks but managed to conjure a chain whip, that was attached to her wand, so she could mimic Dumbledore as she used her whip to bring her the golden egg.
Karkaroff used some extremely dark spells at his Dragon's eyes but missed or the Dragon dodged. He did not end up finishing the task. I tried not to laugh as he ran out, or should I say moved as quickly as he could, from the arena as he was pursued by streams of Dragon fire.
Athena Adama was last and we all looked on in amazement as she kept on conjuring rock golems who continued to run at the Hungarian Horntail that was blasting them to pieces. No matter how many got destroyed, she just kept at it with a face that showed that failure was not an option, not a possibility. She was an Adama and she would not let a pesky dragon get in her way.
Finally, a bigger one of her golems managed to grab the dragon by the neck and wrestle it to the ground before five more came running in and dog-piled on top of the beast. She sent a smaller golem to retrieve the golden egg.
We couldn't help but cheer for the powerful and unintimated girl from Durmstrang.
Athena got the egg and smirked as the first task ended.
"She was rather brilliant!" Theo exclaimed first and looked just as mesmerized as the rest of the males in our area, including myself, at her display of magic skills.
Athena is definitely getting attention from the male population in general as well, which is far different than the way the Veelas affect us.
"You got that right," Blaise adds and Draco confirms, as all the girls give a questioning eye to us.
I am about to add to the praise when I just see it before it happens. It was with a mighty roar that the horntail spread its wings, destroying the golems who Athena was no longer trying to control. All hell seems to break loose as the audience screams in fear right after the dragon breaks away from its magical chain.
It doesn't take a genius to guess who it would be coming after first. It only has eyes on the one who stole her egg. Athena sees this and in the last second lunges behind a boulder before dragon fire goes spewing out against the crumbling stone.
Without thinking my wand goes into my hand.
"Flarus Combustious!" I yell as the spell goes soaring into the arena, making direct contact with the dragon's eye sight, before exploding in a shower of bright white light.
As I shield my eyes from my attack, I think of a plan.
Most of the audience goes blind, as well as the dragon, from my spell and I take advantage of this. While they are recovering, I point my want at the arena floor where Athena is. I then jump up and cast my next spell, which is like a gravity pull. It’s actually like a reverse tractor beam since it pulls me quickly to the field as I go soaring through the air before landing next to Athena as her vision is coming back quicker since she was protected by the boulder.
"Run back to safety!" I tell her, trying to take advantage of the dragon’s dilemma, whose eyes are taking longer to recover as it screeches in pain.
I shut it up by firing another spell, this one is meant to stick your opponent’s tongue to the roof of their mouth so they can’t cast verbally. I found out that it also works to stop a dragon from spewing flames.
"What are you doing!?" Athena asks me like I am nuts.
"Don't worry about me! Get to safety!" I tell her before heading forward as a grin plays on my lips. She complies this time as she runs to get out of the arena.
I haven't taken on a dragon yet, but I have always wanted to. I don't want to show off, which won't be as much fun, but I still hope to have a good time as I fire my next spell.
“Donro Shihen!” I cast at the dragon, who tries to fly before getting hit by my sleeping spell.
The spell is not as effective on dragons, so I cast it over and over again before the dragon’s wings slow down. Its whole body slows down next as I keep on casting the spell, while the dragon becomes more and more tired. After casting it over twenty times it finally goes to sleep, but I keep casting in case it decides to wake up from its place on the ground, close to the outer edge of the arena.
By the time I am done, everyone has regained their sight as the dragon handlers finally come rushing into the arena.
"What the hell happened? I was told this dragon was still on the loose. Who did all this?" what I assume to be the head handler asked.
"I did," I reply, unable to stop the smirk on my face.
"How did you do all that!?" asks another.
I turn my head and just look at their faces of astonishment.
"Simple," I tell them as they practically beg me to elaborate with their eyes before I turn around.
"Because I'm freaking Harry Potter," I reply with a devilish grin.