Defending against Draco, Weighing of the Wands and meeting Barty Crouch
Life at Hogwarts was rather unspectacular after Harry received Amelia Bones’ message about the trial on Tuesday. The remainder of the week was spent with lots of work on Harry’s task plans, but he was looking forward to meeting Crouch on Friday too. Yes, the man was at fault for throwing Sirius into prison - probably at least, the end of the war was so chaotic that it could have simply been an oversight from the bureaucrats - but he was a man of honour when it came to House matters. Harry felt conflicted but knew that his support would make things much easier. If Crouch admitted that there was no trial under his command and if he felt obliged to rectify that mistake then, then Amelia would have a strong supporter. Harry would attempt to sway enough members of the light with Amelia and Neville’s gran (Nev was in contact with her), and maybe Lucius Malfoy would do the smart thing and save his family. He was an arse and an awful human being, but from what Harry heard he valued his family. It was not an impossibility for Lucius Malfoy to vote with them.
His plans for the task were coming along nicely. The rune stones - small stones with engraved runes that one could throw or lay down leading to some reaction like a flash of lightning, fire or some illusion - were nearly done, his conjuring and transfiguring for additional distractions were working fine and all the runes on the armour were strengthened again.
On Friday he made his way to Potions, knowing that he would get called away for the Weighing of the Wands, so he intended to inform Professor Snape of that. But before he had that chance, even before Snape showed up, stupid little Draco Malfoy began ridiculing him with his stupid badge. It was neither creative nor very insulting, just plainly stupid.
“Seriously, Malfoy? That’s the best you can come up with?”
Malfoy took a step back, surprised by the mature response and the firm way Potter said that. Both Gryffindors and Slytherins were watching carefully.
“What?”
“Oh come on. That’s not even properly insulting, just a bit of enchantment. The magic isn’t too bad, but I guess it was some older student who made them for you. The idea though… I expected more from you. And wait til your father hears about this.”
The Lions laughed, and even some of the Snakes openly snickered. Draco didn’t take it that well and raised his wand.
“Diffindio!”
Harry had already anticipated that. The rune stone he carried around in his pocket at all times was resting in his hand and the moment Draco began casting he threw it between them. Just the touch of his finger activated it and the second it hit the ground a fluorescent wall of energy appeared between them, causing the spell to dissipate.
“Potter!”
After a moment of shock on Draco’s face he heard Professor Snape’s voice and grinned.
“Yes, Sir?”
“Explain this.”
“It is merely a rune stone with an embedded shield charm. Completely legal and I am allowed to carry and use it at all times by the school rules for self defence.”
“Give me that.”
Harry went to pick it up and the barrier disappeared. Just as he was about to get up, Malfoy cast “Densaugeo” and Harry immediately dropped to the ground.
Hermione shrieked and Harry tossed the rune stone again before turning towards her. She had been hit with the hex and her teeth were growing at a very quick pace.
“Potter! I said give me the stone. That is a dangerous object I am going to confiscate. Do you dunderhead have any idea what could happen if the reflected spell would hit anyone?”
Harry cast a finite at Hermione’s teeth, at least stopping the growth before turning to Snape.
“That is a dissipating barrier and thereby legal. Otherwise Mr Malfoy would have already beheaded himself with his Cutting Curse that he hasn’t been punished for. Besides, it is an heirloom and thus protected by the House Inheritance Act of 1378. Now, I request leave to bring Miss Granger to the Hospital Wing.”
“For what? I don’t see a diff…”
“Don’t finish that sentence, Sir, or I will get Lady Bones to destroy your career and life. This is a class three classified curse demanding immediate treatment, as an expert of both the Dark Arts and Healing should know. I further request you punish Mr Malfoy for his Cutting Curse, the Densaugeo Curse and his ridiculous badge that brings shame to his House or I will go over your head and see that all will be dealt with accordingly. Including you.”
“You brat, you provoked…”
“Mr Potter did not even draw his wand. Mr Malfoy showed off his truly ridiculous badge shaming Slytherin House and the Malfoy Family. Potter in turn pointed out that it is less of a taunt than expected and not even really hurtful. Malfoy then cursed him, accepting the risk of maiming. I know that the Head of the DMLE visited Potter just a few days ago and he is friends with Miss Bones. Getting caught in such an investigation is not on my agenda.”
Everyone looked at Theodore Nott, surprised. Draco appeared to be angry, but Blaise Zabini and Daphne Greengrass just nodded in agreement.
“Sadly he is right, Professor. And I believe House Slytherin will condemn this rather Gryffindorish behaviour - no offence, Potter.”
Snape seemed to hesitate, and for a moment Harry thought he saw the man drop his mask. Maybe he was truly just acting, playing a role among the Death Eaters for Dumbledore. Remus said as much in his letters.
“If you say so, Greengrass. Potter, Hospital Wing with Miss Granger. But return immediately. Draco, my office. The rest in the classroom and read the chapter on Ashwinder Eggs. Yes, Potter?”
“I’m sorry, but before all this chaos I wanted to tell you that I will probably get called away for a stupid Tournament thing. Weighing of the Wands or something. I already complained, but the Headmaster was stubborn. I would gladly prepare today’s potion after hours though.”
Snape sighed.
“My office at seven thirty. Not a second too late. And I will talk to the Headmaster about this.”
Everyone was silent.
Snape hadn’t taken any points, he was mostly polite(ish) towards Potter, cowed at the end and was going to chide Malfoy. And on top of that, some Slytherins took their side.
“Draco, what the hell were you thinking? Those curses can get you a prison sentence.”
“It’s just on the stupid mudblood, and father would keep me safe.”
“The public is behind Potter, and your father told you to stop. And show me those childish buttons now, you idiot.”
After rolling his eyes at the pathetic button, Severus Snape had to endure Draco talking about ‘plausible deniability’ for his father. Merlin be damned, Greengrass was right. Draco was such a Gryffindor. And a stupid one at that.
“Detention. With Filch. If it was any other teacher than me you would be in the Ministry waiting for a hearing.“
“Pff, just because those blood traitors backed the Gryffindors. They’ll pay for…”
“Idiot. There were more Gryffindors, so the witnesses would not have been in your favour. Potter didn’t even draw his wand and just defended. He has a direct line to the DMLE Head. They were acting smart and cunning, you are just brash and… argh.”
Severus shooed Draco out of his office and contemplated drinking something very strong before realising that there was a class to teach. Damn.
Harry opened the doors to the Hospital Wing, only to see Professor Babbling sit there talking with Madam Pomfrey.
“Potter? Again?”
“Poppy, I don’t think it’s him this time. Miss Granger?”
“Malfoy got her with a Densaugeo. I already cast Finite, but she needs your help regardless.”
Poppy Pomfrey was furious and got up to go treat Miss Granger while Professor Babbling asked Harry about what had transpired. She was on the verge of storming out and cursing both Snape and Malfoy, but Harry held her back.
“It won’t do any good. Dumbledore is a fan of unlimited second chances and Snape has his trust. And I could have sworn he dropped his mask for a second there. Don’t get me wrong, he’s a git, but I do believe now that he is playing a role for the Headmaster. Remus told me in one of his letters that Snape became Dumbledore’s spy when I asked him why he hated me that much. Yes, he hates my father’s guts even now but part of it has to be a role. He can’t be nice to me, much the opposite if Dumbledore wants a man in Voldemort’s camp.”
“That doesn’t justify letting him teach here.”
“Oh no, definitely not. But I doubt he would have left that medical emergency untreated. Calling me names, taking Malfoy’s side so the old Malfoy doesn’t doubt him and being a bully with his words, that yes. But afterwards he would have sent Hermione off to the Hospital Wing and Dumbledore would have returned my rune stone.”
Then Harry heard Hermione laugh softly and turned around. Her teeth were back to their normal… oh.
“Don’t think I didn’t notice that. Looking great.”
Both blushed while the adults just looked confused. It took some explaining that Hermione’s front teeth had always been a bit large and her dentist parents weren’t supporting fixing them with magic. When it came to teeth they only trusted themselves and their techniques. But now, while Madam Pomfrey was already at it, Hermione had decided to get them to a more normal length. It had always caused her a bit (Ha, Harry laughed at that. Cause bit… bite? No, not funny? Bad word pun? You could really feel the influence of Sirius Black) of a disturbance, this was not just a cosmetic change.
Just as they were about to head out again, the Headmaster strolled into the Hospital Wing with a smile on his face.
“Harry, my boy, you’re needed for the Weighing of the Wands. Young Mister Creevey did inform me you were no longer in Severus’ class.”
“About that, Headmaster, we need to talk about this altercation. Mister Malfoy…”
“He has already been reprimanded by Severus. The dispute is settled and both young Harry and I have to get going now, Bathsheda.”
He led Harry out of the room while Poppy Pomfrey shouted that she would be coming to his office later that day to explain the severity of the issue. And this was not going to be a nice conversation.
Dumbledore tried questioning Harry about the incident, but he was met with silence and very cold behaviour. Strangely, the Headmaster seemed to be under the assumption that Harry cast a shield charm, and the teen wasn’t about to change that. Why Snape hadn’t told Dumbledore that fact… no idea. Further investigation was required there.
So, as soon as they were with all the other Champions and judges, a woman came up to Harry and introduced herself as Rita Skeeter from the Prophet. Dumbledore was too busy talking with Garrick Ollivander to notice. Thankfully, because that meant Harry could channel his ruthless side and make that woman shut up. He hadn’t heard of her prior to now, but from Cedric’s expression and the woman’s behaviour she seemed like that sort of person to write slander and some nonsensical gossip. He definitely didn’t need that right now.
Harry was stubborn enough to prevent her from dragging him into a broom cupboard - how creepy was that? - but spoke to her in a quiet corner.
“Miss Skeeter, your reputation precedes you and I have no interest in becoming a victim of your sharp quill. The public likes me, the Minister seems happy with me, Amelia Bones is a close friend and I am very unhappy with the organisers of this Tournament for forcing me to compete with a massive risk of dying. Rant about Dumbledore or Bagman as much as you want.”
Rita raised her eyebrows surprised, not even Lucius Malfoy talked to her like that. He just handed her money and didn’t mildly threaten her. Besides, she was very capable of hearing Potter’s unspoken threat.
“Or?”
“Several options. You’re not scarier than a fifty foot Basilisk or nearly one hundred Dementors and a werewolf at a full moon. Or an Acromantula the size of a house. Or Lord Voldemort’s spirit. I survived everything, and if you’re nice you’ll get to hear the stories. Or I can pull the Potter and Black investments out of the Prophet and blame you for the financial hit. Though, I probably have enough shares to simply force your editor into making you jobless. And my good friend Luna tells me that her father Xeno wouldn’t mind the investment and exclusive rights.”
Truth be told, he hadn’t talked to Luna more than a handful times, but it’s not like Rita would know that.
“You’re bluffing.”
“Well, you can either call my bluff or get an interview after the special Wizengamot session on the day of the first task. Not even the Minister knows what that is about.”
Now Rita hesitated. Everything else until now could be a bluff. She didn’t know how much money the Potters had invested and why he believed to have a right to the Black shares (those were massive, Lucius always mentioned that one day they would be in his family). Most of Potter’s mentioned stories seemed to corroborate with the gossip at school and he had seen him talking to Miss Lovegood once.
But the interesting point was that neither the Minister nor Lucius Malfoy knew anything about the upcoming emergency session. Lucius had actually asked her to do some research. But Madam Bones didn’t let anything slip. So it seemed like it was going to be a big thing. So in the end she came to the only logical conclusion. Either she would call the bluff now and get nothing, maybe even lose a lot, or she could win something and lose nothing.
“You’ve got a deal, Mr Potter.”
“It’s not Mr Potter. And for that tidbit of information you won’t slander my friends, especially Hermione Granger, Neville Longbottom and Susan Bones.”
Her eyes darted down on his hands for a second and he was able to see the brief look of confusion on her face before she smiled.
“Oh, you’re gonna be interesting. Deal.”
She turned around and walked towards the other champions, not without exchanging some words with Dumbledore before though (something about a Dingbat, no idea).
The Weighing of the Wands itself was not particularly interesting. Ollivander talked a bit about each wand, Harry was now able to confirm that Fleur was actually (part) Veela like Hermione had assumed and he learned a fair bit about everyone’s wands. Then the Wandmaker tested them before giving them back to the Champions. Luckily he didn’t comment on the twin cores, but he looked at Harry with curiosity and expectation. Overall, it was a brief and boring event, just a formality. But it did give Harry a chance to get something important done. Maybe even two things.
“Mr Ollivander, can I talk to you in private for a moment? It’s of utmost importance.”
“Yes, young man. Where shall we head?”
“Just one second, I need Lord Crouch for a moment.”
Harry turned around and hurried after the former Head of the DMLE, who was already leaving the room. Luckily, Dumbledore was chatting with Karkaroff, so he didn’t notice.
“The House of Potter calls for a meeting with their allies, Lord Crouch.”
Lord Crouch turned around, surprised and shocked, and for a moment Harry saw something flash in his eyes.
“That… oh Merlin, what have I done? Heir… no wait. The Tournament. Lord Potter, I presume?”
Harry nodded.
“Good. I answer your call. Immediately?”
“I just have to talk to Mr Ollivander first… this falls under the secrecy of our alliance of course, but I have a spare heritage wand. I just want to make sure it is safe to use.”
“If the meeting pertains to more than our houses, but rather the light alliance, then you can ask him to join us, for convenience’s sake at least. You don’t want Albus to know of this? Your behaviour at least suggests it. I shall accompany Lord Ollivander out of the castle. Or at least that is what I will say.”
“Thank you. Let’s see… Out of the door, turn right, then to the end of the corridor. Around the corner, the first door on the right. Unoccupied, spacious and far away enough from where students wander around. Nice room.”
Barty Crouch nodded. He seemed mostly alright and, completely opposite to his behaviour at the World Cup, pretty nice. Just a bit confused, as if he had broken free of something bothering him.
Harry entered the room and checked if there was anyone around. Luckily, this was not the case. Next up was reaching for another rune stone in his pockets, touching it and saying “Meeting as soon as you can, the big classroom on the ground floor, opposite of that statue of Circe.” Hermione probably wasn’t in Potions Class, Neville would still be there though, and Susan had a free period.
While waiting for everyone to arrive he flicked his wand a few times, cleaned away the dust and cobwebs before sorting books back into their shelves and placing the chairs properly again. Much more adequate for a meeting now.
Susan arrived first, quickly followed by both Hermione and Neville. Apparently Snape had ended the class earlier because of some important issue. Since Draco was still fuming, Neville assumed that Snape would go talk to Malfoy Senior or something like that.
Just moments later, the door opened again and both Crouch and Ollivander walked in, deep in conversation.
“See Garrick, I told you he meant the old clubroom of the debate club. Just because Dumbledore doesn’t offer that anymore it doesn’t mean it’s no longer there. Oh. Look at that. Is this an official meeting between our houses?”
“I speak for my aunt.”
“And I act with my grandmother’s trust.”
“Wonderful. Lord Potter, you called this meeting. I hope you know how to act now.”
“Yes sir, I had a great mentor, you might know my predecessor Henry. I, Lord Harry James Potter, Lord of House Potter, Marquis de Fleamont and Heir of House Black call this meeting. I call for a meeting with Lord Crouch, Lord Ollivander, Heir Apparent Longbottom and Heiress Presumptive Bones. As my counsellor I welcome Miss Hermione Granger. Do you respond to my call?”
Everyone affirmed. Then Harry turned to Hermione, who in turn gave him the Sirius Black file.
“Lord Crouch, my godfather Sirius has never been tried in front of the Wizengamot and I can provide evidence for his innocence. The session following the first task is meant to clear Lord Black’s name. Lady Bones would like your assistance, and I ask…”
Crouch basically ripped Harry the file out of his hand, skimmed it and sighed.
“Bloody hell. I didn’t know. Honestly. I got the report that he was brought in. Scheduling and overseeing the trials… I’d have to look up which of my deputies had that job. I was mostly coordinating with the Minister, the European Ministries and 10 Downing. It was an ugly time and I delegated many tasks. And just a few days after his capture my son got arrested for that terrible business with Frank and Alice. I was overworked, heartbroken about Barty Junior, my wife was terminally ill, our alliance lost Frank and Alice, I felt guilty… I took time off once it was clear that there was no imminent threat anymore and it was only trials and clean up jobs. I nearly collapsed after Junior’s trial. And so I left. I didn’t set foot into the office again until I got ousted four months later and packed my stuff to move departments. Did I miss this case? Probably. Black’s trial would have been a media spectacle. Did I mess it up? I don’t think so. Delegating jobs was necessary, we had battles, clean ups, trials, investigations and cooperation with muggles and Continental Europe. I didn’t have the chance to review any of the delegated tasks, because by then I had lost my department.”
Harry nodded in understanding, he couldn’t hold Barty Crouch culpable for that.
“You’ll help us fix it then?”
“Absolutely. This is proof enough, and if Amelia already has something planned - I too have a summons already - then I will do all in my power. You’re in contact with him?”
Harry nodded. Sirius was never charged, so he wasn’t conspiring with a criminal, and alliance meetings were confidential.
“Remus Lupin is his Steward. We’re working on taking Voldemort down and trying to keep Dumbledore out of the loop. He’s been trying to be a puppet master in my life. I don’t like that. Had to get Flitwick’s help to get to Gringotts and even find out I have a title and more than a bit of money in a trust vault. That I have an inheritance. Gifts. But that is a story for another time I believe, I still have to endure Snape today since I missed Potions. But Lord Ollivander… could you check this wand please?”
Harry pulled his second wand out of the hidden holster and handed it over.
“Oh. What a beauty, and how famous. Walnut and Phoenix Feather, twelve inch, flexible. Suited for inventors and creative minds, but very able to best everyone in a duel… or a fight. Henry Potter’s wand is a great symbol if you want to show your heritage and appease both sides of the spectrum. Gifted Pureblood with world-famous skills and bloodline talents, brilliant politician and powerful Lord, but at the same time a truly light and fair, very open minded man. Oh and look at that. It works so smoothly. No need to worry about that wand, Lord Potter.”
“Thank you, that is good to hear. And you can keep that file, Lord Crouch. Will we be in contact?”
“Yes, we will. I have to go see Amelia now though. Not just because of that. Your call, or rather the response of my ring… I fear there was some influence on my mind.”
“Oh. Then I shall close this meeting and thank you all.”
Bartemius Crouch hurried out while Garrick Ollivander pulled Neville aside and talked to him about a wand of his own. Apparently the Wandmaker didn’t really agree with Augusta Longbottom’s line of thought and offered to bring a selection of wands with him for the first task. Knowing his parents and grandparents as well as his accomplishments at school (Garrick was meeting several staff members for tea on a regular basis) he could make a few educated guesses.
The others then hurried to the Great Hall to get an early dinner, since Harry had to be at Snape’s office soon and Hermione wanted to get some more studying done. It wasn’t long until the task, and classes weren’t slowing down either. They had a lot of essays and some revisions to do.
Not far away from them they could overhear Ronald ranting about how cowardly Harry was. Apparently he should have duelled Malfoy in the corridor, and - from the sound of it - Snape as well. Thankfully most students had already given up listening to the angry teen. Only few from every house (Slytherin excluded), and especially those in the upper years who wanted to participate themselves were angry at the “attention-seeking Potter” and agreed with Ronald. Some staff members were quite strict with those by now, especially Flitwick, Babbling, Pomfrey and by now Professor Sprout. It was for once good to see that some adults were doing their jobs.
Just a little while later Harry knocked on Professor Snape’s door. He was feeling a bit insecure and wasn’t sure what to think. Snape was an intimidating man with a grudge, but sometimes it really seemed as if the whole thing was nothing more than an act on Dumbledore’s orders. And if this truly was the case, then why not tell Dumbledore the whole truth earlier? All this sounded strange.
“Come in! Don’t dawdle you, you dunderhead.”
Argh. That was going to be a nice evening. Not.