Duncan Who?
That night was a chaotic mess. None of the other students, outside his friend group and Cedric, believed Jason or Hari’s claims of innocence. The training Hari started last year intensified under Jason’s watchful eye. It now included dueling sessions, with Jason insisting that Hari needed to be able to defend himself, especially since someone seemed to be targeting him.
Hari sighed as he ran to his afternoon class, only to be stopped in his path by one of the Durmstrang students. He wasn’t someone he knew; granted, he only knew Viktor.
The tall boy had a stare that made Hari's hair stand on end. His eyes were deep and unblinking. The grip he had on Hari’s arm was crushing, and the pulsing sensation added to Hari's unease.
“Can I help you?” Hari asked, unnerved by the desperate look in the teen’s eyes.
The boy’s head jerked to the side as if he was fighting something. “N-no Hari.”
The pulsing grip continued.
“Mr. Potter! Have you met my new assistant?” A German man walked up to them, his grey hair slicked back, black eyes carrying a knowing gaze. “This is Duncan, he is learning to be a medic under my tutelage. I apologize for the inconvenience. Duncan, let go.” The German smiled at the teen.
Duncan gave one last squeeze before letting go. “G-good d-d-day.” Duncan was yanked away by the chilling medic.
Hari hurried off to class, his mind racing. Who is Duncan, and why did he seem so desperate?
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The curly-haired teen followed his older brother into a room where all the champions were gathering. Fleur Delacour was almost painfully beautiful, rumored to be part Veela. Viktor Krum was a seeker for a professional Quidditch team, and Cedric was also a seeker.
Hari giggled a bit, drawing curious looks from the other champions. “I just realized most of us are seekers here.”
Fleur gave him a small smirk. “Seekers? I’d have thought one of you would be a Beater at least,” she said, her gaze lingering on Viktor.
“You two are seekers? We might have a competition in the future to see who can catch the most Snitches, yes?” Viktor, though intimidating, seemed excited at the prospect.
“T-that would be amazing, yes!” Cedric smiled warmly, reminding the boys of Dick.
Jason leaned against a table as the champions were arranged for a photo. The photographer looked rather unamused to be there, much less with the overly done-up blonde standing next to him.
“Well now, aren't we the charismatic quartet!” She stared at the champions hungrily, a gossip journalist no doubt. Jason had seen her type before. “Hello, everyone. I'm Rita Skeeter, and I write for the Daily Prophet—but you all know that, don't you? It's you we don't know.” She circled them like they were prey. “What quirks lurk beneath the rosy cheeks? What mysteries do the muscles mask? Does courage lie beneath the 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? Shall we start with the youngest? Lovely.” The vile woman attempted to grab Hari, only for him to duck away.
“I am a minor. I will not be having any interview without Lord Black or Mr. Wayne here,” Hari stated firmly.
Jason smirked, carefully walking behind the woman as she continued to try and grab his little brother. “Come now, it's just a small interview. Everyone is craving to know the boy, the myth, the legend. We can step over he—”
Jason’s hand dwarfed her shoulder, his height giving him an advantage as he towered over her. “Leave him alone.”
Rita was not a woman easily discouraged, but even she could sense the danger radiating from Jason.
Viktor, a reasonable man who disliked seeing children in uncomfortable situations, much less by an adult, spoke up. “I’ll interview with you.”
“As will I,” Fleur offered, smiling charmingly, though her eyes were narrowed dangerously.
Cedric was more bashful. “I’ll go after Fleur then. Hari, why don’t you and Jason skedaddle after the Minister speaks with us? Anything comes up, I’ll let you know.”
“Thank you, Cedric. Viktor, Fleur,” Hari smiled gratefully, knowing Jason was one step away from violence most days.
Rita looked spitefully at the contestants before the headmasters, Moody, and the Minister walked in. The air was thick with tension.
Crouch started to speak. “Courage in the face of the unknown is essential for any wizard. If one cannot defeat the devil he imagines, he surely cannot hope to defeat the devil itself. Therefore, you will be told nothing of what awaits you. You will, however, have two weapons upon which to rely: Your wand and your wits. On behalf of the Ministry of Magic, I wish each of you good luck.”
Jason snorted. “Have you contacted Bruce or Lord Black yet?”
“Y-yes, young man. We informed them this morning.”
“Dinner will at least be a show,” Jason mumbled as he motioned for Hari to follow him.
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Jason didn’t lie when he said dinner would be interesting. Hari was enjoying his soup when the Great Hall doors swung open with gusto.
“HOW DARE YOU!” Dick seethed, striding forward with an entourage behind him.
Sirius was decked out head to toe in regal clothing, undoubtedly at Lupin’s insistence. Remus, looking exceptionally better in both health and clothing, followed closely. Bruce trailed behind Dick, ready to grab him if necessary. Alfred walked step-in-step with Roy, each wearing a look of fury more withering than the last.
“HOW DARE YOU SEND A CHILD INTO A COMPETITION!” Dick lunged at Dumbledore, only for Roy and Bruce to grab him, lifting him off the ground and covering his mouth.
Jason snickered at his older brother. “Look at his little legs flail about.”
Hermione hit him in the chest.
“Sorry about this. Richard is passionate, to say the least. Do you have somewhere we can speak?” Bruce’s calm but fake voice sent a chill down the children’s spines.
“Master Timothy, come here please,” Alfred called as Dumbledore led Bruce, Sirius, Remus, and the Minister out the side door.
Once Tim was within reach, Alfred practically shoved him into Dick’s arms before following the others out.
“Hi, Dick.”
Dick’s venom quickly melted. “Hi, Timmy. I hear you’re in Slytherin. Are you having fun there?”
“Yes! Their rooms are underneath the lake. Sometimes I can see mermaids swim by.”
“DICK, ROY!” Jason shouted, waving them over.
Roy kept a firm grasp on Dick’s upper arm until he was seated. “Hey, love.” Jason greeted him with a peck. “Hey, boo.”
“I’m Surprised Sirius is so calm.” Hari added, having time to get to know his godfather over the course summer. He was rather short-tempered.
Roy smirked, “We gave him a sedative.”
“That makes more sense. In anycase it’s wonderful to see you!”