The Light Side
A pillar of flames burst to life, whirling in heatless blue. It only lasted a few moments before fading away, revealing…
Someone in brown robes in a seated position, their head bowed and covered by the hood of their robes. From the general shape of the robes and size, Dumbledore surmised the person to be a young man, possibly someone fresh from school or maybe a bit older than that. It was hard to tell given the enveloping nature of the robes.
Stepping away from the Goblet and towards the newly revealed individual, the Headmaster cleared his throat. “I beg your pardon, but would you mind revealing yourself?”
The seated person rose smoothly without any apparent struggle. Reaching up showed them to have tanned hands that took hold of the hood and folded it back, revealing a younger face with a nest of dark hair, save for a single long braid that dangled down one side of their face. Beneath that tangled mess was a set of emerald green eyes that seemed to regard Albus with an intense curiosity.
For a moment the two merely stared at each other before Albus felt a light touch against his mind, almost like a tentative legilimency probe, though the flavor of the magic was different than he was used to. Not quite the spell he made extensive use of, but close enough for a modicum of concern.
The young man spoke in a soft voice, in a language that the Headmaster could not immediately identify. That was a bit more concerning considering that he was familiar with all of the languages spoken by the ICW, even if he wasn’t fluent in most of them beyond the major European players. Albus withdrew his wand, noticing that those green eyes were immediately locked upon it.
Offering his most grandfatherly smile, Dumbledore made sure to be more showy and elaborate than was necessary for the spell. Feeling it settle between them, he gave a sharp nod before returning his wand to his robes. “I do beg your pardon but I felt a translation charm would avail us much more than trying to spend the time trying to find a common language.”
Seeing that same grandfatherly smile on the young man’s face was a bit disconcerting, though his voice remained as soft as before. “I’ve not felt the force used in that manner before, but there are a lot of things in the force that I am yet aware of. I do thank you for the use of the, charm, did you say? That’s much more convenient than finding us a translator droid, although…” He trailed off as those strangely familiar eyes scanned around the Great Hall. “It does not appear that you have the same level of technology to which I am accustomed. Is your world a part of the Republic?”
Dumbledore suppressed a frown. Though he could understand the words readily enough, he still wasn’t familiar with the feel of them. It definitely wasn’t one of the European languages, that’s for sure, not any asiatic one he might have heard before. “While I am familiar with many notable Republics, I cannot say that we are part of one. We live quite apart from others here.”
The young man shook his head. “Prespace then. Fascinating.” Looking around again at the Great Hall, he seemed to take in everything with an intensity that the Headmaster was unused to seeing in the young. “Do forgive me, where are my manners. I’m Harry Potter, Jedi Apprentice.” He extended his hand.
Reaching forward and gripping the hand, it took half a moment before what was said penetrated. “Excuse me, did you say you were Harry Potter?”
The newly named Potter nodded with a smile. “I did. It seems you’re familiar with the name, though I’m curious as to how, considering I’ve never been to this planet before.”
Albus shook his head then offered the young man a smile. “Harry, my boy, it is so good to see you again!” Gazing into the eyes of Lily in miniature, he sent his own legilimency probe into the boy.
Harry raised his free hand and seemed to swat aside the probe. “I would ask that you not do that again. I do apologize for my earlier attempt as well. I did not know you were a type of primitive force user. It had been my intention to try and learn your language, though that obviously didn’t work.”
The Headmaster shook his head. “It is Magic, my dear boy. Not this force that you call it.” He released Harry’s hand to wave towards the Grand Hall, suddenly aware again of the many people watching their interaction. “Perhaps this is not the best place for our introduction. Let's retire to my office and I’ll explain more. Then you can explain where you have been all this time.”
***
“There is a lot of turmoil in your school, Headmaster Dumbledore. Both students and staff are filled with confusion on what has happened before them. It seems to be in conjunction with anticipation as well. My identity, or supposed identity would also appear to be a factor.”
Harry leaned back in the comfortable chair to regard the man behind the desk, while allowing his senses to drift over the other two people in the room, a man and woman, both human. Both had an intensity about them, focused on him, though they differed in their underlying emotions. The woman had an undercurrent of hope and loss, while the other seemed both frustrated and hostile.
Keeping his focus on the Headmaster, he continued. “It would seem that I have been summoned through some means to your planet and that you have some sort of recognition of me. As I do not recall having met you or visited your planet, I can only surmise that it is from my past that we will find the connection.”
Leaning back and gazing from over some anachronistic glasses, Dumbledore nodded, smiling gently in a manner that reminded Harry of some of the Masters from the Academy. “Indeed, my boy. It is my belief that you are the Harry Potter who went missing some many years ago, disappeared from the care of his relatives. No one is quite sure how long ago he went missing, as the family has been quite uncommunicative, no doubt due to their trauma of losing a precious member of their family.”
Harry could sense the emotions behind the words and while there was no malice, there was a hint of untruth. Where that untruth was contained was not something that he could discern from just this brief interaction and he was unwilling to delve deeper into the mind of someone who was themselves adept in the Jedi Mind Arts, whatever they may call it on their planet.
“From your description, I cannot fault the possible connection. My own past is shrouded in mystery, having been discovered at a young age all alone on a mostly deserted planet, save for a letter written in a language that was not in the database. Once it was translated though, it gave me my name, that of Harry Potter. Since then I have been raised by the Jedi Order and trained in the use of the force, what you call Magic.
“That you have a school for your force users… forgive me, magic users, says many good things about your people. That you then live apart from the other people on your world says other things.” Harry shook his head. “However, it is not my place to judge your ways. Only to understand my place in them. The why and the how of my arrival. I was meditating at the Jedi Temple of Coruscant before I found myself here. The ability to transport someone across interstellar distances is not a technology or force technique known among my people. I would very much like to learn that technique, not only to return home, but to better the lives of all those in the Republic.”
Dumbledore regarded Harry from over his glasses. “But my dear boy, you are home! This is where you belong. Your parents wanted you to attend Hogwarts, to become an upstanding Wizard in your own right. That’s what they gave their lives for.”
Harry cocked his head to the side. While truthful, there was more to that statement that demanded inquiry. “What do you mean they gave their lives for? What happened to my birth parents?”
The woman behind him immediately launched into the story of Voldemort, of the War, and of the Sacrifice that left him as the Boy Who Lived, an icon to their society. The surly man beside her seemed to resist the urge to comment at times, even as an overwhelming sense of guilt welled up within him, especially when talking about his parents. Something to look into at another time perhaps.
Reaching up, Harry ran his finger over where the scar on his forehead used to reside before cosmetic surgery was able to fix it. There had been a report of some kind of force possession within the scar and he wondered if it had been a remnant of whatever force ability had been used to protect him from the terrorist Voldemort.
Turning his attention back to the Headmaster, he leaned forward. “While I am possibly the Harry Potter of your world, I do not in any way consider this world to be my own. I have grown up in the Jedi Order and am quite content with that life.” He held up a hand to forestall the arguments he could feel building. “That is not to say that I reject my heritage, such as it is. I would like to learn about my parents, what they were like. Their lives among your kind. Also, while I am in your establishment I will comport myself in a manner that is respectable. I will learn your ways of the force, even as we study this Goblet that brought me here. I may not be the scholar that some of the Masters are, but I do enjoy learning.”
There was a spike of attention from the man behind him, but no comment. The Headmaster on the other hand, had something to say.
“There is one other matter involving your summoning. You have been contracted to participate in the Tri-Wizard Tournament.”
“A Tournament? What kind and how would I have been enrolled when I just got here?”
Headmaster Dumbledore then proceeded to lay out the workings of the Tournament and what Harry’s role within it would be. He would somehow be a fourth champion in a tournament designed to foster cooperation between the three schools. Since the only one he could be associated with was Hogwarts, that would give them an unfair advantage.
“While I do not believe I can be bound to something with which I have never interacted, I admit to not knowing enough about your use of the force artifacts to contest your beliefs. However, I want it made known that I will be participating as a member of the Jedi Academy. I will not allow whatever circumstances brought me here to interfere with the cooperation between the schools.”
For a moment it felt as if the Headmaster was going to balk at the request before the man sighed and nodded. “Very well. I shall make the announcement first thing in the morning. For now though, I believe we have done enough talking tonight and that you have much to think on. I’ll have one of the house elves bring you a change of clothing to one of the guest rooms. Professor McGonnagall will show you the way.”
***
The room that Harry found himself in was much more lavish than what he was used to, though it did still remind him of the Academy, though made of stone rather than metal. There was a feeling of age to the building that had it alive with the power of the force. It almost spoke to him, whispering of secrets, of incredible things done with the force. He felt a smile grow as he gave the stone wall a fond pat. Perhaps his time here would not be as much of a chore as he originally supposed.
A sudden presence in the room had Harry turning around to find a small creature that looked familiar. It was short, with long ears and nose, dressed in some sort of small sack. With a start he realized it looked like Master Yoda! Was this a relative? Opening himself to the force, he reached out and felt the connection between the small person and the surrounding force.
What a wonderful and nearly overwhelming feeling. The connection was rich and deep. Kneeling down before the being, he reached out a hand to take one of its own. “It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Harry Potter, Jedi Apprentice.”
The being cocked its head to the side for a moment, those large eyes wide before it nodded and took his hand. “Master Potter, you do this old elf an honor. I be the Head Elf, Beek. If you be needing anything, you just ask for Beek and I’ll be here.”
Harry smiled and nodded, giving the tiny hand another small shake before standing and stepping back. “Thank you for your support. I hope we have time later to talk, about this place and about your people. I think you may be related to someone I know and care for greatly.”
The old elf smiled and nodded. “I be looking forward to it.”
***
Harry listened to the Charms Master as he explained to the first years some of the concepts they had been working on. He knew that the review lesson was for his benefit and he nodded at the diminutive man. It was a lot like working with some of the Masters back home and helped him relax in a room that seemed to buzz and hum in the background of his head. It was like being around some of the younglings when they were all training, each one reaching out to the force, only less controlled.
The feeling from the young wizards and witches (as he was asked to call them) was like having tendrils of the force whirling around the room, wildly though without enough power and intent behind them to accomplish anything. It wasn’t until Master Flitwick guided them in direct force manipulation that those tendrils snapped into sharp focus and allowed these young people to accomplish things it would take younglings many more years of training. Some of the charms were even beyond those taught in the early years of training.
Physical manipulation like lifting or moving an object was basic with the force. However, things like creating fire or unlocking simple locks were not things that were taught at the Academy. When Harry concentrated on what was going on, he could almost feel what they were doing. Perhaps when he got his hands on one of the foci he would be able to replicate their way of doing things. For now, all he could do was try and duplicate the effects using his understanding of the force.
Moving closer to some of the students, he engaged them in a lively discussion about precise wand movements, pronunciations, and intent. While these students were too old to have begun training at the Academy, he understood that they had different standards on this world.
They were all still younger than him. His suspected age (as they didn’t know his true date of birth) would put him with the seventh years, though just barely. However, there was no way he was ready to attend classes with those his own age, as he lacked even the fundamentals to understand what they were working on.
First year suited him just fine to begin with.
***
Harry couldn’t resist his eyes going wide and jaw dropping as he witnessed Mistress McGonnagal transform from being a cat. There was nothing like it in the force that he knew of and he couldn’t even make sense of the feelings he had gotten. There was almost a delight in the force and he wasn’t used to assigning emotions to the force. He shouldn’t be able to assign emotions to the force!
For the rest of the lesson, he watched in fascination as one things was changed to another in a plethora of manners. Some intentionally. Most not. The basic matchstick to needle was one thing. But changing inanimate to animate and vice versa was what truly showed the capabilities of this version of the force. He needed to learn that, if only to bring those techniques back to the Academy.
Hanging back after class to talk to the Deputy Headmistress got him a list of books and the directions to the Library for some extra reading to help him understand what was capable with this magical version of the force.
***
Flying was the best thing ever. While at the Academy, Harry had made it a point to study the various sloops and speeders that were available to the younglings growing up. He felt very comfortable as a pilot and was one of the few that could challenge Skywalker in a race. Not that he’d ever won but he had certainly made the racing prodigy work for his wins.
This though, feeling the wind rushing through his hair and tugging at his braid, with only a broom between his legs, was a true rush. It was also the first type of magic that he had been able to master, as it didn’t require the use of a foci, with the broom itself providing the primary impetus.
Flashing through one of a trio of rings set into the stadium, he managed to catch the stern visage of Madam Hooch, who had given him his first lessons before allowing him the opportunity to ‘see what he could do’. Harry wasn’t sure how long ago that had been, though he was certain it was probably hours. Not once had the woman tried to stop him and he was determined to take as much time in the air as he could.
Corkscrewing through another ring, he idly wondered if he would be able to bring some brooms back with him and if other force users would be able to make use of them.
***
“There is no emotion, there is peace. There is no ignorance, there is knowledge. There is no passion, there is serenity. There is no chaos, there is harmony. There is no death, there is the Force.” Harry kneeled in the center of his room at Hogwarts, eyes closed, as he recited the Mantra, centering himself in the Force. There had been so many things shown to him in a short time, ways of using the Force that had never been taught at the Academy, most of which he knew had never even been theorized by the Masters. At least not to his knowledge.
While most of the things he had been learning were easily of the Light side of the Force, what he had been shown today was definitely of the Dark Side. Pain, Mind Control, and Death. Though classified as Unforgivable, they were still known by Wizarding Society and had even been used liberally during their previous war when faced against the Dark Lord Voldemort.
This was one of those times when ignorance might have been better, yet he knew he needed to know of these things. There were likely still people out there who thought nothing of using the Dark Side, of embracing their hatred and chaos. The feelings coming from the Potions Master at times seemed dark, yet the man had a good handle on himself, rarely giving in to public displays of those emotions, at least not around Harry.
Perhaps he needed to talk more about what he was feeling. Reaching out with the Force, he called to Beek and when the aged elf arrived, spoke to him of his concerns.
With a nod, the learned one suggested that Harry meet with a youngling that was said to have a unique perspective of the world.
***
“Hello Harry Potter.”
“Hello Luna Lovegood.”
Harry looked at the young lady and offered her a smile. The feel of her presence in the force was one of lightness and serenity. There was a peace about her, an acceptance of the world as it was and yet there was also a yearning to discover and explore, to learn more about the world.
Walking with the young lady around the edge of the lake, he took a moment to bask in her presence before asking his questions. About the Dark Magic. About the Unforgivables. About Magic in general.
“There is a darkness that exists in all things, Harry Potter. Nothing is purely of the light or dark. It is how we seek out those things that bring us closer to the light that affects how we interact with the world.” Her breath was airy and light even as she danced along the lakeshore.
“Each of us has a path that we follow, but we are not bound to that path. We can wander and explore and learn. I search for those things unseen and unknown.” Reaching up, she tucked a strand of blond hair behind her ear, pausing a moment to caress the earring that resembled some sort of vegetable. “I see things that others cannot because I accept that they are there. That others cannot see them does not make them less real to me.”
Harry nodded slowly as he listened, hands clasped behind him, steps even and measured as he had been taught at the Academy. “How do you tolerate the presence of Darkness?”
Luna offered him a smile. “The Darkness is always there. Usually the Light drowns it out, but that does not make it go away. Knowing of the Darkness does not mean you accept it, just that you accept its existence.”
Skipping ahead of him, she turned around and walked backwards, her silver eyes bright and wide as she looked at him. “You have a special place in the story of the world, Harry Potter. Not just that of the Wizarding World. Else, why would you have been brought here? Surely not just for this tournament. There is more to be known and while dwelling upon the Darkness will not help you understand it, knowing it is there and that you are ready to face it will be important.”
Stopping in front of him, she reached out and pressed one hand against his chest. “Magic. The Force. It is all one. Everything is connected.” A moment later she cocked her head to the side, as if listening to something. “But come along, Harry Potter. There is something that the nargles want us to see in the forest.”
With a bemused smile, Harry followed along behind the child of light.
***
Resting in his room that night, kneeling in meditation, Harry considered the revelations that Luna had brought to him. Her way of viewing the Force was not one he had personally seen before, but he vaguely remembered hearing about those who perceived the Force in different manners. With the way the Wizarding World challenged his original understanding of the Force, perhaps this too was to be part of his growth.
However, it was not philosophy that truly had his attention this night, it was the presence of the dragons in the forest. Four dragons, one for each champion. The creatures were majestic and terrifying in their power. He could feel the Force raging within them, unlike most creatures that seemed to live in harmony with the Force. Dragons had some command of it, bending it to serve their needs. He had never felt anything like it before.
Before returning to his room he had stopped by the library where he ran into Victor Krum, the champion for Durmstrang. Harry had shared his observations about the dragons and Victor had in turn shared the books he had been reading about dragons. Victor said he would share the information with the Beauxbatons champion, while Harry would find Cedric and relay the information to him as well. That way each champion would be prepared for the upcoming event, whatever role the dragons would take.
Hopefully they would not need to fight the dragons. There was an intelligence in those creatures that would not be an enjoyable test. Nothing at the Academy would have prepared him for such an encounter. Still, he would continue to meditate upon and seek guidance through the Force.
***
Harry opened his eyes as he felt the moment of triumph radiating from Cedric. The Hogwarts champion had successfully completed the first task, meaning that only Harry remained. Standing from where he had been kneeling in the middle of the tent, he headed to the doorway, waiting for his chance. He had studied and prepared for this moment and he would trust in the Force to guide him through.
Stepping into the arena at the signal, he immediately focused on the dragon on the other side of the rocky field. Crouched over its nest, the Hungarian Horntail seemed to glare at him. There were a multitude of emotions rolling through that alien mind, but the one that stood out the most was rage. Rage at the world for forcing her to be here, rage at those putting her eggs at risk, and rage at being restrained by the chain around her leg.
Stopping just out of breath range, Harry reached out with the Force, trying to calm the dragon. There was a moment of recognition before the rage returned. With a snarl, the dragon lunged forward, snapping jaws that came nowhere close. Hissing, she settled back over her nest.
Harry cocked his head to the side as he looked at the dragon. He had almost understood that hiss. Was it possible…
Concentrating on the feelings coming from the dragon, he kept that tenuous connection as he hissed back, “I mean you know harm.”
The reaction from the dragon was a slow blink before she shifted around, her entire attention focused on him. Tendrils of the Force seemed to lift and wrap around their connection. “You speak.”
“I do, though your language is not generally known in the greater universe. I have met no other like myself who can speak this language other than the creatures of many worlds.”
Those great eyes seemed to consider him and he could feel the rage dim somewhat, though it never retreated. “Why are you here, Speaker? Why have I been dragged from my home and brought to this land?”
Harry waved up towards the judges' stands. “These people have brought you here as part of a contest. There is a face egg among those in your nest. I am to retrieve it.”
The dragon turned from Harry to the Judges to her nest, eyes narrowing as she took notice of the golden egg nestled among her own. Turning back to him, she hissed, “If you get this egg, will I be returned to my home?”
The young Jedi Apprentice nodded. “Yes, though regardless if I get the egg or not you will still be returned home. This is the only reason you are here.”
“The egg, it is important to the two legs?”
“Only as part of the tournament.”
Reaching into the nest, the dragon took hold of the egg and settled it on a rock slightly away from her nest. Before Harry could move, a stream of fire smashed into the egg, melting it to slag. Her snarl filled the air before she hissed back at him. “I will not be made a spectacle for anyone. Leave me, Speaker.”
Harry looked from the dragon to the slag that was once an egg. With a wave of his hand, he summoned the rock that held the melted remains. Bowing to the dragon, he turned and carried the rock back to the tent.
Before he entered the tent, he set the rock on the ground and drew his wand for the first time in the tournament. This particular spell was not one he was able to do with just his connection to the Force. He needed the foci.
“Repairo”
The golden mass quivered before slowly flowing back together. Harry continued to focus his connection to the Force through the foci, letting the energy surrounding him flow through the foci until the egg was fully reconstituted.
Taking hold of the newly restored golden egg, he held it aloft to the suddenly silent crowd. Just as they burst into cheers, he stepped through the doors of the tent.
***
Harry sighed as he looked at the golden egg sitting on the table. While he had been able to put the egg back together, whatever Force ability that had been attached to it had not been repaired, leaving him with no knowledge of the Second Task. Tapping the egg with one finger, he finally pushed it away before turning and heading out of his room. There was something tugging at his senses, an inkling in the Force that wanted him to go outside.
Walking along the grounds of Hogwarts, he took the time to greet those he met, from all three schools. While some of the students had taken the time to get to know him, most still saw him as some mythical figure, given his status at the Boy-Who-Lived. It was strange being held in such regard by people, a feeling that he felt he didn’t deserve. Whatever had happened to him as a child hadn’t been of his doing, that he was sure of. That no one seemed to acknowledge the sacrifices that his parents had made did not sit well with the displaced Jedi Apprentice.
At least some of the students from the other schools took the time to get to know him, especially those from the other two schools. The students of Durmstrang were happy to discuss combat, their hand to hand abilities giving him a chance to practice the techniques of the Academy while also learning new styles. Those of Beauxbatons were more comfortable with charms and transfigurations, both forms of the Force that continued to intrigue and fascinate Harry as there were no counterparts in his teachings from the Academy.
Following the promptings of the Force, he made his way to the lakeshore, where he encountered some of the Durmstrang students frollicking in the admittedly frigid waters. Chuckling to himself, he shucked his robe (still the only one he had), along with his shirt and pants. Clad only in his breeches, he joined the other youths in the waters, shivering slightly before he got used to it.
The others quickly welcomed him into their play, teaching him about their impromptu game. Time passed quickly, though in the middle of everything Harry noticed Victor emerging from the deeper waters. Making his excuses, he took leave of the group, grabbing up his discarded clothing and using the Force to help him ignore the chill air, made his way over to Krum.
Victor stopped by a pile of clothing at the lakeside, clad similarly to Harry. The two nodded at one another before taking the time to dress. Once they were back in their usual attire, the two started to walk along the shore back towards where the Durmstrang ship was anchored. After a couple of moments of silence, the young Quiddich star looked over at Harry. “So you have figure out the clue as well? Is that why you are here at the lake?”
Harry shook his head. “My egg does not contain the clue. The dragon destroyed whatever magic was contained within and my repairo was not sufficient to restore it. I have an egg that lays quiet and dormant upon my desk.”
Krum frowned. “Then why are you here?”
Harry shrugged. “Something told me I needed to be here at the lake. I trust in the Force to guide me at times.”
The Durmstrang champion simply nodded. “Magic is amazing at times.” He seemed to regard the Jedi Apprentice for another moment before nodding. “You warned me of the dragons. I will warn you of the Second Task. Something will be taken and put on the bottom of the lake. We will have to retrieve it within an hour.”
Turning from Victor to consider the lake, Harry shuddered. While playing in the shallows was fun, it was still chilly and by the time the Second Task occurred, the temperature would be even colder. An hour of that would be enough to stall even the heartiest of soul. Turning back, he nodded. “Thank you, Victor. Should we gather the group together to talk strategies again?”
Victor frowned. “Why? For dragons I understand. They are incredibly dangerous and not to be taken likely. But this is a tournament. We fight to win, yes?”
Harry offered the young man a smile. “Yes, but it is also supposed to foster cooperation, is it not? We did well working together to prepare for the first task. No one got hurt because of it. We should continue to pool our efforts.”
The Quiddich champion gave a quick nod. “Da. You speak sense. My Headmaster does not like my talking to you or the other champions. He wishes me to win but after dragons… I have enough glory and gold. Let us talk to the other champions and hear what they have to say, then I will decide.”
The young Jedi Apprentice offered another smile. “Excellent.”
***
Harry sighed and set aside the ruins of yet another potential lightsaber. There was nothing he could do with the components that he had available to him. He had no means of gaining access to the technology he needed. Not only did the Wizarding world forsake technology in favor of their unique expression of the Force, they actually seemed to shun technology in general. There was no move to integrate or learn from the other members of their world.
Other than Beek and the other House Elves, Harry had no access to the outside world. He wasn’t allowed to leave Hogwarts ground and even if he did, he wasn’t familiar enough with the world to avoid standing out, something that had been pointed out was illegal in the Wizarding World. Their isolation was a fixed expression of their beliefs.
Leaning back in the chair, he reached up to rub the bridge of his nose before taking a calming breath and allowing the Force to flow through him, carrying away his frustration and anxiety. Perhaps he was coming at this from the wrong angle. Instead of using the methods he had been taught at the Academy, he should instead look to embrace the local version of the Force and see if he couldn’t turn those techniques into a way to manifest the symbol of the Jedi.
Calling for Beek, he sat down to talk about where he could find a workshop and if there was anyone he could talk to about artificing.
***
Not for the first time, Harry considered the ramification of Magic and what he could bring back to the Republic. The Come and Go Room was something that was beyond any technology he had ever seen and the implications of what could be done were he to build something like this into one of the Jedi Training Ships would be massive. Especially the massive portion of it. The bigger on the inside thing would allow the ships to hold truly monumental amounts of supplies, allowing them to go longer between ports and to focus on training. Not to mention what it could do for the hospital ships or trade.
While he wasn’t inclined towards being a counselor, he understood the role they would play and how much better off they would be being better supplied. Not to mention the other things he had learned while studying artificing with the older students. None of the three schools focused on such things, but they each had their own practices and books, especially Hogwarts. There was so much knowledge hidden away in the library that hadn’t been touched in years, if not centuries.
The combined group of students from all three schools explored those possibilities, with the Room providing them the tools and sometimes tomes for their studies. Harry felt he was close on finding a way to combine the functions of a lightsaber and wand, allowing him to use his weapons as a foci. He wasn’t quite confident enough to take apart his own wand, but the practice wands that the room provided, not to mention the lost wands that had been recovered by the house elves, went a long way towards that understanding.
Turning to look around the room, Harry smiled at seeing the animated way in which the other students interacted. They were truly following the spirit of cooperation that was one of the stated goals of the tournament. Even the three champions were scattered among the groups that were working together, with students from all three freely intermingling.
Catching the eye of the Beauxbaton champion, he offered her a smile before making his way over. Fluer always had an interesting perspective on their projects. She had admitted to wanting to be an enchanter after graduating and this had let her indulge that desire.
The way she made him feel inside was something he was still getting used to. Normally when he felt this way he could go to one of the Masters and ask for an explanation but none of the teachers here had the same perspective. Perhaps talking with Beek again would help?
***
Harry looked at the Deputy Headmistress in confusion. “A ball?”
Professor McGonnagal nodded. “I’m sure you’ve heard of them, Potter. Even back where you were I’m sure they had dances.”
The displaced Jedi Apprentice nodded slowly. “Well, yes they did, but usually for Senators and the like. The Jedi weren’t invited to those types of events unless they were to be security.”
The pinched look on the Transfiguration Mistress reminded him of one of the Mistresses that handled the library back at the Academy. She never seemed to like people in there, even though it was supposed to be open to all to learn. “As one of the Champions, you will be expected to open the dancing. As such you will require a partner to attend with you. Now, do you have anyone in mind?”
Harry shook his head, even as a couple of faces flashed past his mind. “Would you be able to assign me an escort?”
“Assign you…” The Professor reached up and pinched the bridge of her nose. “Mr. Potter. This is not something that can be assigned to you. It is a rather personal decision and one that should be made from the heart, rather than clinically arranged.”
“Mistress McGonnagal, I do believe that I’ve spoken to you before of the Jedi Creed that I follow?” Upon seeing her nod he continued. “One of the things we’re taught is to avoid attachments, as they can lead to the Dark Side of the Force. Additionally, it is my intention to return to the Republic, so any that became attached to me would be left behind. Those feelings of loss are ones that I wish to avoid and am in fact counseled to avoid.”
“Oh Harry. Attachment is not something to be feared. The greatest heights that a Witch or Wizard can achieve have always been with those they loved surrounding them. Even Hogwarts was founded by four powerful Witches and Wizards working together with their families. Yes, it can and will hurt when you leave them behind, but you’ll also be taking with you the memories and emotions of the good times shared together.”
Reaching over, she rested a hand on his upper arm. “I know that you enjoy your time shared with the study groups you’ve put together. Those types of memories can never lead you down a dark path. Embrace those feelings. Live while you are young.” Giving his arm a gentle pat, she turned away.
“Just find a date, Potter. And if you need to learn how to dance, come to me and I will teach you that as well.”
***
“Ms. Delacour, a moment of your time if you would.”
Fleur looked up as Harry Potter walked over to her table. While she couldn’t sense his emotions in the way that he had explained his own abilities work, she could easily see the nervousness in the usually calm young man. Given the recent announcements, she couldn’t help but offer him a small smile.
“Of course, ‘Arry.”
Watching as he took visible hold of himself only served to deepen her amusement. While her charm never seemed to work on him, perhaps her other, more natural charms had finally managed to penetrate that straight laced exterior of his.
“I have been informed that the Champions for the tournament are required to have a partner, both for the Ball itself and for the involved dances. A person I respect spoke to me about the value of attachments and I find that I would like to be attached to you.”
Such an interesting shade he became and again Fluer watched as he took hold of himself. This time her smile was much wider and she silently urged him on, flaring her allure to see if that could help him. That smile grew deeper at seeing not a single reaction in his eyes other than determination.
“What I mean to say is, Ms. Delacour, would you do me the deep honor of accompanying me to the Yule Ball?” Harry bowed from the waist, though his eyes never left hers.
Reaching out, she gave his cheek a gentle caress.”
“Yes, ‘Arry. I will accompany you.”
The way his face lit up at her acceptance brought a little color to her cheeks. She was looking forward to the Ball.
***
Harry settled into his chair in his room, a bemused expression on his face. The Yule Ball was both more and less than what he was expecting. He had a lot of fun, more than he could recall ever having had in the Academy. There was a free spirit among the participants at the Ball. Most were near to his age and many those he had interacted with in his study groups. The entirety of the Beauxbatons and Durmstrang contingents, some he had never had a chance to meet before. Fleur made sure to introduce him to everyone she knew and he was thankful for her help.
It had been a little overwhelming at times, when he reached out to feel the flow of the Force. All those emotions, amplified by the surrounding Magic, and concentrated on excitement and, much to his embarrassment, arousal. It had been a heady mix, one that threatened to overwhelm him. Fortunately, his date for the evening had understood what he was experiencing, though how he wasn’t sure until they’d taken a walk outside.
Fluer had talked about her nature as a veela, about the allure and dealing with people losing their minds around her. How she enjoyed just being with him without having to worry about his motives. They spent some more time just talking to each other, learning about their pasts. She would talk about being the only veela in school and how much she missed her family, who had always been supportive of her.
Harry talked about the Academy, of growing up only knowing the way of the Jedi. How he had friends and a found family, even if that wasn’t how he had originally thought of them. He’d never known he needed or wanted a family, as the Jedi were all he had ever known or seemed to want. There were no close friendships because those types of attachments were discouraged.
It wasn’t until he had been summoned to Hogwarts that he had learned what friendship was like, having discovered those close relationships with the members of the study group, with the strange, wonderful conversations with Luna, even the closeness he felt with the faculty and their willingness to teach him and tell him about his lost family.
Most recently, the conversation with the Deputy Headmistress about attachments and how those attachments weren’t going to drive him to the Dark Side. That it was okay to feel those emotions, as long as he didn’t let them control him.
During that conversation, Harry had found Fleur’s hands in his, their fingers twined together. They had slid closer on the bench until their sides touched and they were leaning together. Finally, to end the night, she had kissed him, a somewhat lingering touch of the lips that promised more without demanding more. The date had ended there and that led to now, with him sitting in his room wondering just what his oath to the Jedi meant in this situation.
Would he still want to leave this world behind and return to the Republic as he originally planned? Would the pain of losing those relationships, the friends and mentors that had been found her, be enough to drive him to the Dark Side? All that without deepening the newly budding relationship with Fleur?
Looking closely at his emotions, he had to admit that, while painful, he did not see himself giving up. He would be able to learn from these experiences and take that knowledge and apply them to those at the Academy. He would talk to the Masters about relationship and attachment. More importantly, he would not let it affect who he was in the moment.
He would explore things with Fleur, if that was what she wanted. At the same time, he would talk to the Transfiguration Mistress about the nature of relationships, emotions, the Dark Side, and the Jedi Creed as he knew it. He would find those answers.
A few more kisses along the way wouldn’t go amiss as well.
***
Standing on the docks in some borrowed swimwear, Harry was calm and somewhat excited. The training with the other champions had left him feeling as prepared as he could be. Together they had each put together plans that played to their strengths, though Fleur had been the most worried, given her fire inclined nature being dampened by being underwater. Given the cooperative nature of the Tournament, it had been agreed that Harry and Cedric would rally around the young woman. All three would be using the bubblehead charm, unlike Victor who had elected to use a form of self transfiguration. It would allow the Durmstrang champion the advantage in the event, but all meant that he would be encountering any obstacles first. That would allow the other three to support him from behind. Then they would all gather their chosen objects, whatever that may be, and return together.
Sensing unease from Fleur, Harry turned to the Beaxbatons champion with a frown. “What’s wrong?”
After looking around in anxiety some more, Fleur turned to Harry. “My sister wasn’t with my parents to greet me before the Task. They said she wasn’t there when they went to wake her.”
Harry’s frown deepened as a dark thought intruded. Quickly, he motioned to the other two champions. “Are either of you missing people?”
Cedric returned the frown before nodding. “Yeah, Cho wasn’t there to greet me this morning either.”
Victor scowled. “Da. Same with Hermione.”
Turning to the gathered audience, Harry reached out his senses, trying to find those people who had become familiar to him over the months. Each person from the study groups was present in the stands, as were all of the faculty. However, one person appeared to be missing, one who had assured him would be there supporting him.
“Luna’s missing too. I have a bad feeling about this. I think instead of it being something we would miss, it’s someone. They’ve taken someone important to us and hid them on the bottom of the lake.”
For a moment, Harry felt something dark stir inside of him, something primal that sought to destroy that which threatened those close to him. Just before that feeling could get a hold, he felt a light touch on his cheek. Turning into the touch, he saw Fleur looking at him with concern.
“Do not let them get to you, ‘Arry. Do not let your concern for your friend and for ours take hold of you. Be angry with what happened. Be concerned for them, as you should. But let those emotions flow over and through you, until you are stronger for them, rather than controlled by them.”
Harry reached up to cover the hand on his cheek, the frown on his lips slowly fading away until he gave her a resolute nod. “You’re right, Fleur. Emotions exist, for we are not human without them. However, they do not control me. Passion, yet serenity.” Leaning over, he pressed his forehead to hers before stepping back and dropping his hand to his sides and regarding the other two champions.
“This just makes our working together even more important. We know that regular magic is harder to work with underwater, whereas my Force abilities are unhampered. I will take point with Victor and together we will find those important to us. Victor, would we be able to tether ourselves to your transfigured form? I’ll concentrate on making us all lighter and searching for our friends if you can guide us to the center of the lake and the merfolk village there?”
While the champions were discussing their strategies, the Judges were assembling and Ludo Bagman waddled over to give his speech. They ignored the man, other than to confirm what they had learned, that their important people had been placed on the bottom of the lake. They grew even more certain of their plan at hearing the jovial nature of the man. Their people had been taken for entertainment. It was one thing for themselves to be put into danger, as that is what they had signed up for (other than Harry). But to put someone close to them in danger was beyond what they were willing to tolerate for the sake of the Tournament.
After giving the man the cold shoulder and moving into position, they waited for the sound of the cannon, then each cast their spells and jumped into the water. Once in the water, Harry focused on making them each lighter before pointing towards the middle of the lake. Reaching out with the Force, he wrapped a tether around the half shark form of Victor and the powerful young man took off in the indicated direction, easily carrying the other three. They cut through the water quickly, with Harry searching for the minds of their friends, or at least Luna, who was the most familiar to him, though he had at least a passing familiarity with Hermione, having met the girl many times in the Hogwarts Library.
All too soon they arrived at the outskirts of the merfolk village, having only encountered one group of grindilows which were easily dispersed by a burst of the Force. The merfolk were likewise pushed away even as Harry released the tether keeping them all together, allowing each to offer their protections and spells as the group made their way deeper into the village.
As they neared the center of the village, Harry could see four figures tied to a statue, all appearing deep asleep. Two blonds and two brunettes. The four champions quickly made their way to the captives, given them a once over before Cedric made a motion indicating that all four were okay. Harry placed Luna on his back before wrapping her arms around his neck to hold her in place. Glancing at the other three, he noticed they had secured each of their special persons and nodded in satisfaction.
Motioning them to him, used a tendril of the Force to bind them all together, then reached out with his wand to ‘summon’ the docks. There was a moment where the lake seemed to pulse for a moment before the group of eight people suddenly shot through the waters, significantly faster than they descended. A mere matter of moments later had the group breaking the surface and skimming rapidly towards the docks, which seemed to be swaying ominously.
Before the docks could break apart, Harry released his magical hold on them, allowing the group to glide the rest of the way before flying out of the waters to land on the docks. He was extremely grateful that they had practiced just such a maneuver so that he didn’t have to think about getting everyone out. Instead he could focus on Luna and getting her warm. After casting a drying and warming charm, he was distracted by the arrival of Madam Pomfrey, the Health Professional, or Mediwitch as she was called.
Even as Pomfrey was working to check over each of the former hostages, the group of Judges arrived, shooting out a plethora of questions at the champions. Upon seeing that Luna was being taken care of, Harry whirled on the judges, his worry and anger from early rushing up for a moment before he was able to let those emotions wash through him as he’d been encouraged by Fleur.
“Whose idea was it to use hostages?” His eyes seemed to glow as they glared at the Judges.
Dumbledore spoke up before a blustering Ludo could make a sound. “The matter of the tasks was decided before the Tournament even began. It was a collaborative effort, rather than the result of any one person.”
Harry frowned. “So you’re all responsible.”
The Durmstrang Headmaster scowled. “Be quiet, boy! You have no right to question us!”
Turning to face the man, Harry’s frown deepened. He could sense all manner of emotions from the older man, most notable of which was fear and anger. That fear wasn’t directed at the group though, but at something further afield, something that Harry couldn’t identify but which felt familiar somehow. More importantly though, Igor Karkaroff felt himself better than the other people around him and was not shy about showing his disdain towards the other schools. Harry would not tolerate it.
“I have every right to challenge those who would do harm to others, Headmaster Karkaroff. Especially without the consent of those involved. I can already sense the guilt from Headmistress Maxime and even some from Headmaster Dumbledore. You are the only one absent of guilt and only because your other emotions overshadow your senses.”
Before the big man could bluster in return, Harry cut him off. “You put my friend in danger. You put another friend’s sister in danger. And you put two more people in danger, all for a Tournament. For entertainment. Defense of others is one of the most important tenets of the Jedi Order. We are the defenders of peace and justice. What you did today came very close to crossing a line.”
Without waiting for a reply, he whirled around to go check on his friends.
***
“Potter. A moment of your time.”
Harry turned to regard the grizzled features of Alastor Moody, the Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor. The man was considered something of a legend among the other students for his actions during the war against Lord Voldemort and because of that, Harry had given the man a lot of slack, but there had always been something off about him. The emotions never quite matched the way the man behaved, yet he was always professional.
Mentally shaking away those thoughts, he paused as the man stumped over. “Professor Moody. What can I do for you?”
The former Auror looked around for a moment, licked his lips, then turned his attention back to Harry, save for the fake eye which continued to whirl around. “Heard what you said to the judges. Can’t say I blame you. I don’t agree with using hostages. Makes cowards of the lot. That’s not what I’m here for though. You’ve been avoiding me.”
Harry nodded slightly. “It is not that I have been avoiding you, Professor. It is that I have a great number of commitments that take up my time. I know that you have wanted to get together and that you have offered to train me in the fighting techniques of the Wizards. However, I believe that my time is better spent with those study groups that I have already put together. We do spend time on the more combat oriented techniques as well, especially among the upper years.”
The Professor scoffed. “Kids these days don’t know anything about combat. They didn’t live through a war.”
Harry shook his head. “And I don’t anticipate having to deal with a war, either. The galaxy is generally at peace back home and here, your Dark Lord was defeated. You have no real conflict in the Wizarding World.”
Moody licked his lips before scowling. “Was he now? They ever find the body? No one knows what happened that night, when you defeated the Dark Lord.” Turning to stump away, he had one more thing to say over his shoulder. “You ask Albus what he thinks of the Dark Lord. Don’t let him skitter away from you either. He knows more than he’s letting on.”
The displaced Jedi watched the man thump away, a frown on his lips. For months he had felt that the Headmaster was holding something back. Not only in the efforts to study the Goblet of Fire, which were nonexistent except for what Harry himself had been able to accomplish, but in regards to the reasons for his summoning. There was a sense that something else was going on behind those half-moon glasses.
Unfortunately, the Headmaster was basically avoiding Harry outside of the needs of the Tournament and being one of the Judges. None of the requests to meet had been granted and only a single tome on artifacts had been relayed to Harry. Outside of the Tournament, they had only met one time and only briefly, with no attempt by Dumbledore to communicate with Harry before the man hurried on his way to whatever piece of business had him occupied.
Perhaps there was more to Professor Moody’s observations than Harry had previously thought. Looking back over his time at Hogwarts, he had to admit that a number of things didn’t match up. He had just allowed himself to become so occupied with the study groups, talking with Beek, and learning this world’s Force Techniques.
A flick of the wrist brought his wand to hand. Holly and Unicorn hair. Mr. Ollivander had been most interested in the wand selection, as it was one of the fastest that he had ever done. Harry had simply reached out with the Force, allowing it to guide his actions, and summoned a single box. It was the only known time where the wand chosen was the first one selected.
The feel of Magic, of using the Force through the wand, was completely different than just using the Force on its own, or even wandless Magic, what few spells he had managed of that thus far. Even better though, was when he was able to weave the two together, allowing the Force to flow through and guide him, while using the wand to cast the spells. The results were always more powerful, more accurate, more precise to the vision of what he wanted to accomplish.
Replacing the wand back into the wrist holster, Harry turned to walk back towards the classroom set aside for tonight’s study group, a slight smile growing on his lips. Fleur had promised to show him some of the artificing techniques she was studying and to talk to him about their observations about the Goblet of Fire.
***
“I’m sorry, Harry, but I don’t think we’re going to understand enough about the Goblet before it has to be returned to the Goblin Nation. Considering that people have been trying to study it for centuries, that really shouldn’t surprise us.”
Harry sighed and leaned back in the chair in the classroom where the Artifact Group was gathered. Looking around at the collection of students from all three schools, he slowly nodded. “I had hoped we could figure out how I had been summoned and a way home. Preferably a way back and forth, but that really was asking too much. While all things are possible with the Force and Magic, not all of it happens on our time table.”
Straightening in his chair, he gave another nod, this one more resolute. “It looks like I’ll be stuck with all of you for at least the foreseeable future.”
Excited chattering filled the room for the moment before Harry held up his hand. “I want to thank you all for what you have done over these past months. For all the help you have given me. For welcoming me to this world. I realize that you still have no evidence confirming where I have been for nearly the past two decades, other than my abilities with the Force, but in spite of all of that you have all helped and encouraged me, making me feel accepted in what to me was a strange new world. I hope that you all continue to support me as I seek to make my way in this world.”
***
“Mr. Potter, you present us with a unique problem. You see, while you are indeed Harry Potter, you are not The Harry Potter.”
Harry blinked and looked across the desk at the Goblin. “What do you mean by that?”
The Goblin clasped his claws together and looked at Harry from over them. “Every witch and wizard who has been presented to the bank has had their magical signature recorded. We do not have everyone, as not everyone has used the bank, but those who do, who have vaults with us, are recorded. The magical signature for Harry Potter is on file, and while yours is close, there is a slight variance.”
Leaning back, the Goblin continued. “The blood tests that we use show you to be Harry Potter. Yet your magical signature does not match. This has never happened in our history, Mr. Potter. It is either both matching or neither. So now we have to come up with a solution for your unique situation.”
Harry could sense no duplicity within the Goblin so he just nodded. “I suppose that makes sense, given my story. There had been some hope that I was the Harry Potter of this world, somehow sent to the Republic, only to be summoned by the Goblet of Fire. That it has somehow summoned me to a different place than my birth, yet so closely related.” He trailed off for a moment before shaking his head. “While I am familiar with the concept of interdimensional existence, that is only the concept. How would it apply here?”
“That is something we must figure out, Mr. Potter. However, as it stands, we cannot recognize you as the true Potter heir.”
“Then I suppose I shall have to start things off on my own then, though I have nothing of my own with which to start.”
The Goblin leaned forward with a tooth bearing smile. “Then perhaps, given what we know of your abilities, we can work something out together to get you started.”
***
“So, you ‘ave given up on going ‘ome?”
Harry looked across the table at Fleur, raising an eyebrow at her. She regarded him with her own raised blond brow. Shaking his head, he reached over and took her hand in his. “I haven’t given up on going home, just given up on doing so within the original time frame I had given myself. There is no way to do so within the year, at least not without finding a way to keep the Goblet and I don’t have any influence to accomplish that. Instead, I have accepted that I will be here for many years and thus, I am making a life for myself.”
Thinking back on his last talk with the Deputy Headmistress, Harry mentally nodded to himself. “A life for myself that I would like to have you a part of.” He gave her hand a gentle squeeze, offering her a smile as he saw her eyes grow slightly wider. “I don’t have much. In fact, all I have to my name is the robe I’m wearing. But I’ve contracted with the Goblins to teach them the Force. While only one has been found to be Force sensitive and is significantly older than would normally be accepted, and with me not being a Master myself, it is still the start of something. And they are paying me significantly as well.”
Fluer’s fingers tightened around his own for a moment before relaxing. “Do you realize what you are offering to the Goblins? They are forbidden from practicing Magic.”
Harry’s green eyes brightened for a moment before he nodded. “Ah, but the Force isn’t Magic, even though Magic is part of the Force. There is no law against it. And I’ll have an oath from them not to use the Force against Wizards unless they are in danger.”
For a moment it seemed that Fleur was trying to reach into his soul with the way she studied his eyes. He felt that same sense of squirming emotions that she managed to stir within him, that made him feel both excited and anxious at the same time. That made him want to know more about her and grow the attachment that had formed, one that he was no longer afraid would lead him to the Dark Side.
“You are a strange man, ‘Arry Potter.” She leaned across the table, her lips curling into a slight smile. “But I like that about you.” Then she kissed him, long and hard.
When they finally broke apart to breath. “And now, my young Jedi, I will teach you something more about what it means to have me in your life.”
***
A light, airy voice broke through the delightful fog around Harry.
“I am happy for you, Harry Potter. I think she will make you very happy.”
Harry turned a smile on his second favorite blond in this world. “Thank you, Luna. I should have expected you would know as soon as you saw me.”
Luna offered him a smile. “The nargles are dancing around you and only one person does that to your nargles.”
Leaning down, he gave her a hug. “I hope you will stay a part of my life, even when I no longer am required to stay at Hogwarts.”
Tilting her head to the side slightly, she regarded him for a moment before nodding. “If you want me to join your harem, you will need to do it properly and ask my father.”
Harry felt his eyes go crossed for a moment before they widened. “Wha?”
Luna turned and skipped away.
“Luna? Luna! Get back here!”
***
The final task arrived and as Harry had feared, he was no closer to finding a way home than the day he arrived. Looking over the hedges surrounding the maze, he thought about all that he had accomplished in the months that he had been here. He had learned a new way of using the Force, the magic of this world, or at least the beginnings of it. Enough that he was confident he could continue to learn after leaving Hogwarts. He had even found those that could learn the ways of the Jedi, though he did not consider himself a proper teacher. None of his wizarding friends had the capability though. Perhaps in another generation.
More importantly though, he had the beginnings of a life built here. The contract with the Goblins gave him an income and they had already located him an apartment near Diagon Alley so he could easily commute to Gringotts after he left Hogwarts. Looking across at the other champions, he smiled as he saw Fleur waiting patiently for the Task to begin. She caught him looking and returned his smile, before growing somber and prepared once again.
Shaking away the thoughts of the future, he instead focused on the present. The final Task of the Tournament and the last barrier to his freedom from the Goblet’s possible hold on him.
Just last night, the four champions had gathered together and discussed the final event. This one would be a fair competition, one where they each tried their hardest to reach the center of the maze and grab the Tri-Wizard Cup and win the competition. They agreed not to mess with each other and just challenge the maze itself. No hard feelings to whoever won.
Ignoring the speech, Harry waited, until finally the sound of the cannon rang through the air. With a burst of Force Speed, he flashed past the other champions, for once showcasing all the abilities that he had held back over the months. Allowing the Force to guide him, he sped through the maze, eyes practically closed.
Force projection took out most obstacles in his path. He never once drew his wand, instead relying on just the Force to guide him. The hedges blurred around him as he swiftly reached the center of the maze. There, on a pedestal in the middle of a clearing, waited the Cup.
However, just as he was nearing the Cup, a premonition from the Force warned him against touching it. Trusting in his feelings, he stood there studying the cup with the Force, before drawing his wand and using the newfound skills in artificing to get a better read on the object. It didn’t take him long to determine that the Cup had had an additional location added to the portkey magic already present. He couldn’t identify the locations, as he wasn’t yet adept enough with his examinations, but he did know that it was only supposed to take the first person to touch it back to the winner’s circle.
With a sigh, he settled in to wait for the other champions, assuming a meditative pose and drawing comfort and guidance from the Force. The first to arrive was Cedric, who easily listened to Harry’s explanation that something might be wrong with the Cup. The Hogwarts champion felt relaxed and understanding to the young Jedi’s senses. The young man sat himself next to Harry.
A few minutes later saw the arrival of Fleur, who looked the worst for wear. Before Harry could say anything, she called out, “Victor attacked me. There was something wrong with him though, as he did not perform at his best. I managed to stun him, but not before he got in some clear hits.” She waved to wear her attire was torn and bloodied, though the wounds themselves seemed to have been treated.
Rising smoothly to his feet, Harry went over to his significant other and placed a hand on her cheek, opening himself more fully to her emotions. There was worry there, anger, but more importantly, determination. Pressing his forehead to hers, he took a moment to just revel in the feel of her near, before backing up and explaining what he had found about the Cup. She nodded as he finished, agreeing with his decisions.
Suddenly, he felt a spike of intense anger from behind him and turned, wand at ready, as behind him the two other champions flanked him. Harry’s other hand rose up as well, reaching out with the Force to hold the man still who had stumped into the clearing.
“You need to take the Cup, Potter. It’s clear you’re the winner here.”
“Professor Moody, you’re not supposed to be here. You’re supposed to be outside, securing the maze from interference.”
The Defense Professor scowled before shaking his head. “No, I need to be here assuring you take the Cup and doing what needs to be done. Now be a good lad and finish the task.”
Harry shook his head. “The Cup has been messed with and will take whoever touches it somewhere other than the podium. I was merely waiting for the other champions to arrive before sending up sparks.”
Just as Harry was raising his wand to do just that, he had to dodge a stunner from the former Auror. The other two champions split apart and returned fire, though the Professor seemed to easily block and dodge their attacks as well. “Dammit Potter, you’re making this harder on yourself. Take the Cup!”
The emotions rolling through Moody were growing vile as the conflict continued. Reaching out with the Force even as he shot a stunner, Harry pulled on the peg leg, throwing the man off balance enough that a trio of stunners were able to slam into him.
Looking down at the stunned Professor, Harry frowned, then finally raised his wand and shot out the sparks to alert those watching that he needed help. A moment later and several wizards and witches arrived on brooms, many expressing their surprise at finding the Professor knocked out in the clearing. After explaining things to the new arrivals, especially about the Cup, Harry joined his fellow champions as they waited for the Judges to arrive.
***
When Albus arrived, he looked from the unconscious form of his friend to the trio of champions standing slightly away from the Cup. Shaking his head, he enervated his long time friend, after having bound him in conjured ropes.
Moody scowled before licking his lips and turning around to face Harry Potter. “Potter! Take the Cup before it’s too late!”
“Too late for what, Alastor?” Albus looked down at his friend.
The magical eye whirled around to lock onto the Headmaster, though the man’s attention was still on Harry. “Fine! Then I’ll do it myself!”
A wandless banisher sent the Cup crashing towards Harry, only for the young man to banish it right back at the bound man. Both Alastor and the Cup vanished.