Harry stood at the edge of the arena, his breath harsh and quick. The crowd gawked at him like a piece of meat. Looked at him like he was nothing but their play thing. The wizarding world had some fucked up morals that was for sure. Making a fourteen year old boy fight in a tournament for seventeen year olds?

And yeah.

There was a dragon.

Harry stepped into the arena. His heart pounding a million times a minute, his words catching in his throat. Remember the plan Harry. Remember the plan. What's your skill? Flying. Accio the broomstick. You've been practising the spell for weeks now.

The words just wouldn't leave his mouth.

Accio.

Accio.

Accio!

He couldn't say it. Couldn't focus. He was going to die. Oh god the dragon just breathed fire and-

STAY AWAY FROM MY CHILDREN!

Harry stared.

Dragons spoke parstletongue.

New plan Harry. New plan.

Mighty dragon I bid you no harm.

The audience gasped.

Fuck 'em. If the only way to survive was using a dark skill then he sure as hell was going to use a dark skill!

The dragon faltered. Tipped its head to the side in curiosity.

You speak the serpents tongue, puny human?

Harry nodded.

And I bring your eggs no harm.

Then what do you want?

Harry paused.

One of your eggs is a fake. The golden one. They-

Harry pointed to the judges table.

-want me to get it.

You do not seem happy about that, tiny hisser.

Harry bowed his head for a moment.

That I am not.

The dragon paused. No longer seeing Harry as a threat.

Why do they do this?

Harry chuckled darkly.

The wizards are silly. This is a tournament, which I was entered in against my will, and have to compete in. If I do not my magic will be stripped from me. I do not want to take your egg, great dragon, even if it is a fake.

The dragon paused.

And why should I help you? Why should I trust you? How do I know you are not lying about my egg and your motives?

Harry exclaimed.

Check the egg! It is golden. If you wish for a show of trust I can close my eyes while you do so. I will not take advantage.

Close your eyes, young one, and I shall look at them.

Harry closed his eyes and the dragon looked behind her at her eggs. She did notice that one of them looked foreign and wrong. She turned back to the small human.

You are correct. My egg is a fake.

Harry opened his eyes.

Will you give it to me?

Why? Why should I help you? Why should I trust a wizard when I have been chained my entire life? Whether trapped on an island with potions or chained in an arena forced to fight to protect my most valuable things.

Harry bowed his head again.

You have no reason to trust me, wise dragon. But you should also know that I am trapped as well. I did not chose this fate, and I have been forced to do this. But. Seeing as you have already lived through much I would happily turn and walk away.

The dragon seemed to think.

I do not like you humans. You have done nothing but terrorise me. But this egg behind me is rotten, and you seem to have... not evil intentions. I shall give you the tainted egg on one condition.

And what would that be?

You make sure my other eggs go unharmed in the future.

Harry nodded.

I swear to do so wise dragon.

The dragon snarled,

Swear a wizards promise.

Harry nodded again.

I swear on my life and my magic to protect your eggs from harm as much as I am able. So I say it. So mote it be.

A bright flash filled the arena and the dragon sighed a deep haunted sigh.

The egg was passed over.

Good luck, tiny hisser, let our paths cross again.