Involuntary
Petra should not have been surprised at the number of students wanting to enter the Tri-Wizard tournament. Not with promises of “eternal glory” being touted by the Headmaster himself. Neither should she have been surprised at the number of underage students who thought themselves clever enough to fool the age line placed around the goblet by Albus Dumbledore himself.
Even the brightest of her charms students would find it nigh impossible, and those clever enough to have even the remotest hope were clever enough not to be enticed by notions of fame and fortune; but there were plenty more who possessed just the right amount of intelligence and hubris to try.
The Professors had been put on rotation to oversee proceedings during lunch times and evenings, mostly to ensure that anyone stupid enough to attempt to break the enchantment wouldn’t permanently injure themselves.
She sidles up to Severus, whose turn it was to supervise this evening, though he has chosen to do so from a darkened corner out of sight of the students. It is Thursday, and as the week has gone on, the attempts have become more frequent.
‘Doesn’t this class as entrapment?’ She whispers over his shoulder.
There is a glint in Sev’s eye as he waits like a spider ready to pounce on it’s prey.
‘As if I would waste my time attempting to trick students into breaking the rules.’ He murmurs. ‘They are quite capable of doing that for themselves.’
There is an element of subterfuge around him, and Petra purses her lips, but says no more. Instead she crosses her arms and waits to see what he is up to. Presently the Weasley twins come jogging into the hall looking remarkably confident. There are a few animated words exchanges, then Fred and George pull out two potions vials and swig them back.
‘Severus, what have you done?’ Petra almost growls, but her partner just keeps looking ahead with a light smirk playing across his lips.
The twins step forward across the age line, and Petra raises a brow. Surely Severus could not have actually assisted them in their venture? A cheer goes up from the crowd as Fred and George enter their names into the flames, but after a moment the fire splutters, and rather angrily spits out the smouldering slips of paper.
‘Our favourite Weasleys have been most determined all week to find a way to break through the enchantment.’ Severus drawls, as the twin’s appearance takes on that of two elderly men, and an argument over blame for their predicament ensues. ‘One way or another I knew they would be trying something, and many of the options I heard them discussing would certainly have resulted in severe injury.’ He continues, as the argument turns into a fight. ‘A few small hints dropped at the right moment easily led them to a solution which was enticingly simple, but doomed to failure, without any long lasting consequences.’
Petra huffs a laugh to herself. Clever bastard.
‘Messrs Weasley!’ Snape’s voice booms across the hall, stopping the fight, and silencing everyone else in the hall at the same time. ‘A trip to the hospital wing is in order I believe.’ He intones. ‘Followed by… shall we say two weeks detention? Plus fifty points each.’
‘What?!’ They both exclaim.
‘For disregarding not only a school rule, but attempted fraud I should think it a rather light punishment. Perhaps a little too light.’ Snape squints. ‘Maybe I should reconsider…’
‘No!’ George exclaims. ‘We’ll take the punishment sir.’
‘You’re such a push over.’ Fred grumbles, which nearly starts another argument between the twins.
‘Silence!’ Snape snaps.
The two Gryffindors look hilariously contrite. Two old men with the cowed expressions of a couple of boys chastised by their Professor. It has been a long time since they had been rebuked in that tone by the Potions Master.
Petra shakes her head and laughs as Severus marches them out of the hall. The bastard’s still got it. It takes several moments after his formidable presence has left the room before anyone dare speak a word, and even then the conversations are much subdued. There are a few members of Durmstrang and Beauxbatons hanging around too, who look equally impressed by the stern Professor.
~~
‘Have our resident pranksters quite recovered?’ Petra asks, glancing up from her book as Severus returns to their quarters a little later.
‘Oh they will be alright eventually I should think.’ Severus comments, hanging up his robe.
‘If that potion was what I think it was, there is a simple antidote is there not?’ Petra raises a brow.
‘Ah, but alas, I currently seem to be out of that particular potion, and I find I simply cannot find the time this evening to brew it.’ Severus comments breezily as he slides himself onto the sofa and pulls his partner into his arms.
‘The detentions and points were not enough of a punishment?’ Petra queries.
‘Mmm. I believe a reminder of the consequences of their actions may help to impress upon them the importance of abiding by rules put there for their own safety.’ Severus murmurs as he begins to press kisses to Petra’s neck. ‘The ageing potion will not do them any harm, and I’m sure they can cope with a few wrinkles and grey hairs for a couple of days.’
‘On the other hand.’ Severus murmurs after a moment, pausing his attentions, ‘I suppose I might have a little time spare…’ He pulls away slightly, but Petra pulls him back to her firmly by his lapels.
‘Oh no. You definitely have a previous and most pressing engagement.’ She says.
~~
It is dark when Petra wakes to a low hum of fear buzzing through her core.
She had fallen asleep naked, her body only lightly covered by the corner of the duvet, after a very enthusiastic evening’s activities which had taken them from the sofa, to the table, and finally the bedroom. The chill she feels though is not from the room which has not yet cooled as it does in the early hours of the morning when all the castle’s fires are out. No, she feels cold with trepidation, as if something awful is about to happen.
‘Do you feel that?’ Petra says into the darkness, grasping at her partner’s body beside her. The bed shifts, and Severus sits up as the lanterns begin to glow softly.
‘No. What?’ He frowns, blinking slightly, though it does not take much to wake him, Severus is a very light sleeper.
Petra reaches for her wand, and holds it close to her chest.
‘It felt like Harry’s charm… but…’ She shakes her head. Her wand is not buzzing as it does when he calls, and though the charm also works to alert them if he is in imminent mortal danger, there is something not quite the same about this. And if Severus had not felt it at all…
Suddenly she feels it again, sharper this time, and the gasp from Severus confirms that he had felt it too. He leaps out of bed, throwing on whatever nightshirt is closest at hand and striding from the room. Petra grabs a dressing gown and follows immediately behind. The look which passes between them expresses what they are both thinking; something is not right.
Severus goes for the floo, but Petra simply tightens the tie of the gown and heads out of the door, wand in hand. She had made the right decision apparently, as Minerva’s floo seems to be turned off. It had been quite a trying week for the Head of Gryffindor, as the twins were not the only ones from her house eager to try to get themselves into the tournament by any means necessary, but Severus still growls in frustration. He follows Petra out in time to see her disappearing along the darkened corridor.
She will go straight for Gryffindor tower, he knows, so Severus takes a slower ascent out of the dungeons, casting revealing charms along the way to check for anyone or anything out and about in the castle who should not be.
‘Not another one!’ The Gryffindor portrait squawks at Severus as he arrives outside the common room. ‘This isn’t the Leaky Cauldron! Do you know what time it is? Some of us like to get our beauty sleep you know.’ She intones haughtily with a look which suggests she thinks he could do with rather more of that.
‘Let me in you confounded woman!’ Snape scowls at her.
‘Password?’ The fat lady preens.
‘The password is let me in or I will make Sirius Black seem like a fucking bunny rabbit.’ Severus growls.
The poor woman looks quite distressed, but she acquiesces and Severus strides into the room.
‘Mum?’ Harry rubs his eyes, the remanents of his dream slipping away from him. ‘What’s going on?’ He mumbles as she looks him over, then casts a diagnostic charm. ‘I’m fine.’ He adds, waking up a bit more and seeing the distress on her face.
She spins around and strides over to the other beds, whipping the curtains open, checking underneath the beds, and casting multiple detection charms. Ron and Dean are both woken by the ruckus and mumble groggily.
‘Harry.’ Severus says, striding into the dorm room. ‘Are you alright?’
‘Yeah, fine, what’s…’
Severus turns his own attention on searching the room, eliciting a squeak from Neville as he wakes up to find his once feared Potions Master looming over his bed.
When the search reveals nothing Severus and Petra return to Harry’s bed, still troubled and confused.
‘Back to sleep everyone.’ Severus intones. ‘Harry.’ He indicates for his son to follow them out to the common room.
Petra lights a fire and they sit around on the sofas and armchairs.
‘Let me see the charm necklace.’ Petra holds out a hand.
Harry frowns, but unties it and hands it over.
‘You didn’t press it? You didn’t call?’ Severus questions.
‘No.’ Harry says. ‘I was asleep.’
Severus frowns deeply then.
‘Were you dreaming?’ He questions, reaching out a hand to smooth Harry’s hair away from his forehead.
‘I… I think so… but I can’t remember.’ Harry frowns. ‘It doesn’t hurt.’ He says as Severus’s thumb glides gently over the scar.
‘I can’t find anything wrong with the charm.’ Petra says, lowering her wand from the necklace. ‘But I might re-do the spells just to be sure. I’ll give it back to you tomorrow.’ She says, waiting for Harry’s nod, before placing the necklace in her pocket.
‘Sorry we disturbed you.’ She says, after they have all sat in silence for a moment.
Harry goes back to bed, and Severus and Petra walk back down to the dungeon at a much more leisurely pace than they had left it.
~~~~
‘...you’d think Snape might be a bit less of a grumpy bastard. Did you see the funbags on that? Bet he loves to...’
‘Seamus! That’s disgusting! I’m going to have to obliviate that image from my mind!’
‘What?! It’s not my fault she came in only that thin gown. You could see her nipples through it…’
Harry had caught the end of the conversation as he came back to his dorm from a shower which he had hoped to wake him up a bit after having had a disturbed night. Finnegan’s words however do a much better job, and he storms across the room his adrenalin firing.
‘Shut the fuck up!’ He shouts, pushing Seamus back roughly and shoving his wand in his face.
‘Woah there Harry! No offence mate.’ Seamus exclaims, looking a little frightened.
‘Don’t you dare talk about my mother like that!’
‘Sorry, I was just messin. She’s a bit of alright though you’re mam.’
Harry grasps Seamus’ collar and slams him back into the thankfully soft bed.
‘Alright, leave it Harry, it’s alright.’ Ron tries to soothe and pull Harry off. ‘You’re such a dick Finnegan.’ Ron adds with a scowl over his shoulder as he puts himself between them and tries to calm Harry down.
‘He’s just being an idiot.’ Ron says. ‘It’s just banter.’
Harry releases his grip and backs off, still feeling annoyed, but also a little shocked at how strong and sudden his anger had been. They all get dressed in slightly awkward silence and head down to the hall for breakfast.
The day does not get any better after that, and he’s glad that at least it’s Friday; until he remembers that he won’t be getting a lie in tomorrow thanks to Severus’ strict training regime. Later on in Defence class however he is very grateful for at least one aspect of his training.
~~~~
‘He told you that Dumbledore approved this?’ Severus scowls, as he places his sheathed Tachi on Petra’s mantelpiece. They had just completed their Saturday morning training session and had come back to the cottage to get cleaned up before heading out on a quite different excursion. Harry was telling them about the DADA lesson yesterday in which Moody had been demonstrating the Imperius Curse.
‘Made it sound like it was the Headmaster’s idea.’ Harry shrugs, as his parents look at each other in concern. ‘Maybe… maybe it was a good one though.’ He adds. ‘I mean it does make sense to know what we’re up against.’ Harry is regretting having brought up the subject at all. He had only mentioned the lesson on the Imperio curse because he had wanted to show his parents that he was progressing well with his occlumency practice. It was that which had enabled him to throw off the Imperio. Of course that was not the bit they had chosen to focus on.
‘Oh yes, practical demonstrations of the unforgivable curses on school children.’ Severus drawls. ‘An excellent notion. What’s he going subject you to next? Crucio? Avada Kedavra? And people say I’m the tyrant.’ He glowers.
Petra is silent, perched on the arm of the sofa, deep in thought. Either Albus had told Alastair to Imperio the students, or Moody was lying as well as using unforgivable curses. She isn’t entirely sure she wants to know which one of those options is the truth.
‘Go and get showered.’ Severus tells Harry. ‘Do you want anything to eat before we go?’
‘Are we going to have lunch out?’ Harry asks hopefully.
‘Fine.’ Severus mutters.
Harry grins and runs up the stairs.
‘You could join us later if you like?’ Severus says to Petra, insinuating himself between her knees, and stroking his fingers through her hair.
‘No. Have your father son bonding time.’ Petra mutters absently.
‘It is impressive he managed to throw the curse off.’ Severus comments.
‘Yes.’ Petra brightens, looking up at him. ‘We probably should have told him that shouldn’t we?’ She frowns.
‘Oh I think he knows.’ Severus smirks. ‘But, I’ll mention it later. After shopping, or he might have trouble fitting his head through the shop door.’
‘I must admit I am actually looking forward to seeing what your suit is going to look like.’ Petra confesses, running her palms up his chest before pulling him into a kiss.
They had had a brief and slightly awkward discussion about what they would be wearing for their marriage ceremony, in which Petra had insisted that she would not be wearing a dress of any kind, but promised to make up for it by wearing something jaw dropping for the Yule Ball. Severus had decided he would like to wear something which reflected his heritage, now that he was learning more about his ancestry. They had agreed to both keep their attire fairly simple in design, and stick to mainly black as was normal for them anyway.
Harry returns from his shower, and Severus goes to clean himself up quickly, then the two wizards head out. Petra stretches out on the sofa, content to have a little peace and quiet for once. Perhaps she will go for a fly later, but for now a little midday nap sound like a splendid idea.
~~~~
Students line the tables in the Great Hall, all leaning and twisting to get a view of the Goblet. Though neither large nor overly grand, it seems to take up more space in the room, as it thrums with deep power and old magic. The glow from that shimmering blue fire is almost brighter than the clusters of candles lighting the room.
The Heads of House are arranged around Dumbledore, along with the Heads of the other schools, and senior tournament officials, while the other teachers and tournament staff sit or stand wherever there is space.
Petronella leans against the wall, just willing for the selection to be over so that she can go and perform her Samhain ritual. Still disturbed by the rogue danger signal from Harry’s protection charm, with no obvious reason for it to have triggered, she is hoping that connecting to the ancient magic at midnight might help her to detect any elements of darkness in or around the school.
Severus keeps his expression blank, so as not to give away his inner annoyance and boredom at the evening’s event. It was important to show himself as being close to the Headmaster – something he had been proud to do not so very long ago, but that was now more of a chore than a pleasure. That was partly due to Petra’s influence on him, but also because his respect for the wizard had been dwindling ever since Harry came into his life.
The selection of the champions holds no great surprises. His snakes had listened to his firm advice against entering, most of the Ravenclaws were not interested in such a competition, and as for Gryffindor those currently of age constituted a comparatively mediocre bunch; therefore Cedric Diggory was a logical and worthy choice. As for the other schools, Viktor Krum was clearly blessed with plenty of brawn, and must harbour some hidden brains to have been selected; conversely Fleur Delacour seemed intelligent and presumably had more power than her diminutive frame suggested.
Petra sighs in relief when at last all three champions have been chosen, and she prepares to slip away. Dumbledore had insisted that ALL staff must attend, but she saw no issue with disappearing now she has shown her face for the main event. As she moves away from the wall however, a cold shiver grips her insides, almost exactly like the feeling from the other night. Her eyes meet Severus’ across the hall – he had felt it too then – and they both look quickly to Harry. He appears entirely relaxed and normal, just as before. Petra inspects the faces surrounding him; nothing seems out of place at all.
Then there is a pulse of magic from the cup, and a fourth slip of parchment flies out, as the buzzing in Petra’s core becomes more insistent.
A leaden weight settles in her gut as Dumbledore catches the small piece of paper, a look of shock passing over his features. The weight turns to ice as the Headmaster looks up across the hall directly at her son.
‘Harry Potter.’ Albus almost whispers to a silent hall.
‘Harry Potter.’ Albus repeats, much louder, inciting a ripple of whispers.
Petra breaks herself out of the shock, and after two forced steps, her legs are compelled to run, her heavy cloak billowing behind her as she hurries up the central aisle to the Gryffindor table. She grips Harry’s shoulders, almost pinning him to the bench, as he looks up at her with big green eyes, suddenly seeming much younger again.
‘It can’t be…’ He mutters, shaking his head. ‘I didn’t…’
Several phrases come to mind, and Petra knows that most people would be saying something like “don’t worry” or “it’s a mistake we’ll sort this out”, but not having any idea yet of how this has happened she cannot simply give him empty reassurances. Instead she turns away from those pleading eyes and glares back down the hall.
Severus feels as though he has turned to stone, as a myriad of thoughts and feelings vie for supremacy in his mind. He watches Petra run down the hall, sees Harry’s imploring expression – or is that penitence? Then Minerva shuffles past him, and calls out Harry’s name again.
‘Harry Potter, come forward please.’ She intones.
Severus glares at her cuttingly, though he knows she is only doing her job.
‘We’ll figure this out Severus.’ She murmurs under her breath to him as she moves further past him.
Petra wants to keep Harry there, as if stopping him from stepping forward could turn back time, though immediately she knows there is no point in it.
‘Come on.’ She says, adjusting her grip to his arm, helping him to stand now.
First things first is to get him out of this hall, away from staring eyes, too many of which are accusing. Petra grasps Harry’s hand tightly as they walk up through a sea of gawping faces, all eyes on them. It is her worst nightmare, but she has to be strong, for her son.
Minerva’s concerned expression as she ushers them forward is not at all helpful nor reassuring. Severus is wearing a stern scowl, but his solid presence always give her strength. He walks behind them both, one hand on Harry’s shoulder as they are directed towards where the other champions are waiting.
Arguments erupt within moments of them entering the trophy room, which has been set aside for Tri-Wizard business. Ludo Bagman tries to explain the situation to Karkaroff and Maxime, who are both outraged.
‘Hogwarts is to have two champions?!’ The large and glamorous Headmistress exclaims. ‘How is this fair?’
‘It is not.’ Karkaroff growls. ‘They have double the chances of winning the tournament now! This is blatant cheating.’
Albus enters then and strides directly over to Harry.
‘Did you put your name into the Goblet of Fire Harry?’ Dumbledore utters, his voice even but weighted, insistent.
‘Of course not!’ Severus almost barks. ‘This is clearly either egregious error, ill thought prank, or intentional malice.’
‘Harry?’ Albus prompts, having to almost peer around Severus as he has practically shielded Harry with his body.
‘No sir.’ Harry murmurs, almost wishing he were small enough again to hide in his father’s robes.
‘Not that I like to contradict the lad,’ Ludo Bagman speaks up, ‘But the spells on the Goblet are complex, I don’t believe that anyone other than Potter himself could have entered the name.’
‘Whether that is the case or not, I assure you that my son will not be competing. He is underage, and we do not give our permission.’ Severus insists.
‘Your permission is not required.’ Crouch sneers. ‘The names issued by the Goblet are the chosen Champions, it constitutes a binding magical contract.’
‘Then he shall withdraw, forfeit, or you can disqualify him.’ Petra scowls.
‘Unfortunately it is not that simple.’ Bagman says somewhat apologetically. ‘Disqualification comes with certain consequences…’
At this point everyone starts talking all at once again. As the volume of voices in the echoey chamber rises to a cacophony Petra presses her palms over her ears, pacing back and forth in front of the fireplace. She needs to hold it together. Harry needs her right now and she cannot have a melt down.
‘Enough!’ She suddenly roars, spinning to face the fractious group. Behind her the fire blazes with energy, several logs popping like the crack of a whip.
Silence penetrates as the gathered all stare in shock at the dark clothed form silhouetted against the orange flames. Severus uses the distraction to make their demands.
‘We require copies of the Tri-Wizard rules, along with all information pertaining to the Goblet, and it’s spells.’ He states.
‘Out of the question.’ Minister Crouch snaps.
‘The DMGS has it’s own lawyers who I assure you will look into this matter…’ Bagman says in a slightly more conciliatory tone.
‘Surely all participants are at liberty to at the very least view a copy of the rules and regulations pertaining to their entry into the tournament?’ Severus posits smoothly. ‘A binding magical contract you said? One would suppose that – legally speaking – anyone subject to a contract must be permitted to view the contents of said contract in order that they may not accidentally breach the terms and conditions of such?’ He tilts his head slightly, sparing a quick glance towards Kararoff and Maxime, who immediately speak over each other to demand copies of the contract for their own perusal. Severus smirks slightly to himself, then turns towards Crouch and Bagman with an inquiring look.
‘Er yes well, I suppose…’ Bagman starts, but Crouch cuts him off.
‘The rules are quite clear, and have been stated several times.’ He snaps. ‘The terms made perfectly apparent before contestants entered their names.’
‘But I…’ Harry tries to protest, but Severus squeezes his shoulder firmly.
‘I also wish to inspect the Goblet.’ Petra puts in. ‘To ascertain if the enchantments have been tampered with.’
‘Even if that were possible, any such action must be undertaken by someone licenced by the DMGS.’ Bagman says, seeming rather tired now.
‘But it is not possible.’ Crouch adds. ‘The sole purpose of the Goblet of Fire is to decide upon the champions for the tournament and the enchantments are…’
‘That is not true.’ Petra cuts him off. ‘The Goblet predates the tournament by at least a century, and was originally used to make judgements on all kinds of queries and disputes.’
Severus smirks – so that’s what she’d been reading up on all week – while everyone else looks on in a mixture of surprise and intrigue.
‘The enchantments must have been adjusted over the years in order to accommodate the change in use and therefore have been left open to further corruption from their original intent, so it would indeed be quite possible for someone with the right set of skills to tamper with the spells. And as for being qualified, well if you can produce another practitioner of ancient magic I would be perfectly happy to have them inspect the Goblet.’
‘You would be happy would you!’ Bagman chortles.
‘I do not know who you think you are…’ Crouch scowls.
‘I think I am the only person I know of with the requisite skill set, apart from Albus perhaps.’ Petra states plainly.
‘If it would please all parties,’ Albus interjects in that calm but penetrating tone of his, ‘I would be happy to inspect the Goblet myself for signs of tampering. I’m sure my position as Supreme Mugwhump is enough of a certification of my trustworthiness?’
‘We would find this acceptable.’ Severus states, then turns his most intense glare on Crouch and Bagman. ‘We will expect to receive a copy of the rules within twenty four hours, or I assure you you will be hearing from our lawyers.’ With one hand still firmly gripping Harry’s shoulder he turns and strides for the door, with Petronella at his side.
‘And mine too.’ They hear Karkaroff growl as they exit the room.
‘On this we all seem to be in agreement.’ Maxime speaks with much more grace, but no less determination.
~~
The family walk quickly down to the dungeons in silence, ignoring any students who are still hanging about. No one dares say anything to them, what with Snape looking like he might happily strangle anyone who so much as breathes in their direction. But there are a few looks and whispers, and a strange tension in the castle and it feels as if even the portraits follow their every step.
Once inside his quarters, Severus hangs up his robe, removes his shoes, then turns to his son with a severe expression.
‘Did you enter your name Harry?’ He asks.
‘What?! No!’ Harry exclaims, his anger flaring. ‘I thought you believed me? You told Dumbledore…’
‘I said what needed to be heard, I couldn’t risk you confessing…’ Severus interrupts.
‘Confessing! That was your immediate thought? You assumed I had something to confess to?!’
‘I was considering various possibilities.’ Severus states.
‘Thanks dad. I’m glad this family trust you keep going on about is working out so well. You’re supposed to believe me, even if no one else does!’ Harry runs to his room and slams the door.
‘Well done.’ Petra comments.
‘Fuck off.’ Severus snaps, then rubs his furrowed brow with stiff fingers.
Petra approaches and replaces his rigid hands with her own, smoothing his tension more gently.
‘You still see James in him.’ She says.
Severus glances up.
‘James Potter would most certainly have tried to get himself into that tournament.’ Petra states. ‘Harry – our Harry – would not. He is brave but he is not stupid. Neither does he seek fame or glory.’
Severus wants to deny it, to argue with her, but he knows she’s right.
‘Fuck.’ He mutters, then issues a long sigh, and walks down the hall to Harry’s door.
He rests a hand on the wood and closes his eyes, then knocks gently.
‘Harry. I apologise.’ He says. ‘May I come in?’
There is a muffled word from within, and the door swings open.
Harry is sitting cross legged on his bed, fiddling with his wand. Severus is pleased to see that he must have used a charm to open the door. He closes it softly behind him, then approaches the bed and perches on the end.
‘It was not my intention to doubt you. I simply needed to ask.’ He begins.
‘Why would you think I would do that?’ Harry mumbles.
‘It was not so much a matter of thinking you would, as needing to be sure that you hadn’t.’ Severus sighs, realising that probably doesn’t sound much better. ‘I have had to work hard to master my emotions, particularly in crisis situations. I have trained myself to consider every possible angle to a problem from an objective standpoint. But you have told me that you did not enter your name into the Goblet, and I believe you. Furthermore, I trust that the statement was not a lie of omission, and that you did not have anyone else enter your name for you.’
‘Of course not! I was never interested in it at all!’ Harry exclaims. ‘Ron’s the one who was disappointed about the age restriction. I don’t want to be in any more danger than I already am, and I certainly don’t want to be famous, I never wanted that, I never wanted…’
‘I know Harry, I know.’ Severus interrupts, pulling the now rather distraught teenager into his arms. His son is getting big these days, but he feels like a child again as Severus holds him close, and Harry sobs into his shoulder.
‘You mother and I will find a solution.’ Severus says, stroking Harry’s hair. ‘There must be a way to get you out of this.’ He states more firmly than he believes. But one way or another they will keep him from harm.
When they come back out to the living area, Petra has already spread out parchment and quills on the table, and is scribbling down a list.
Who
How
Why
Severus reads over her shoulder. And after that;
Tri-Wiz rules
Goblet instructions/ spells
Appeal process?
Wizengammot/ ICWNewspapers?
Break Crouch’s legs
Severus smirks at the last and plants a kiss on the top of her head, then sits down to write down his own thoughts.
Half an hour later they all have a foot of notes on the matter, Harry’s being the most optimistic. Or perhaps he just feels uncomfortable about writing down his worst thoughts and accusations.
‘Could it just be a prank?’ He asks hopefully.
Severus and Petra glance at each other. Oh if only that were a real possibility. The most likely sounding explanation is one they have all written down in their own way.
Act of nefarious intent.
Convoluted murder plot?
Someone wants me to get hurt.
‘Thursday night.’ Petra says. ‘That’s when they did it.’
‘You mean when you felt my charm?’ Harry questions.
‘The charm is supposed to alert us when you are in danger, or call us if you press it. I had not imagined it could warn of dangers which were not immediate, but intent is everything.’ She shrugs. ‘And perhaps the Goblet’s own magic…’ She trails off looking thoughtful.
‘Are you staying here tonight or returning to your dorm?’ Severus asks Harry. ‘It is nearly curfew.’
‘Oh. Um…’ It is tempting to stay at home, but what must everyone be thinking? Hermione would probably be worrying a hole in the carpet knowing her, and if he doesn’t go back maybe they’ll all think he’s got something to hide. ‘I should go back.’ He says.
‘Return for breakfast in the morning and we shall decide upon a course of action.’ Severus states.
~~~~~