A/N: I would first like to introduce myself to all of RavenHeart 101's fans. I am Tathwem Essenuejal, and I will be writing Harry's story line. Having primarily put works on fictionpress, I am not used to seeing so many wonderful and encouraging reviews. I am excited and honored my friend trusted me to collaborate with her and I hope that you find me at least half as entertaining. Thank you to all the reviews. And thanks to a lot of pressure from my co-author, I have the next chapter of the story for you.
Best Wishes,
Tathwem
"Blaine!" Harry cried one more time in vain. Spells swarmed around him as he tried to find his brother. The crowds of people fleeing were flowing against him. But Harry wasn't going to quit until he was with Blaine. There would be no forgiving himself if Blaine were hurt or killed. Still, the dark hair they both shared wouldn't help either of them find each other. Harry muttered under his breath. Damn Blaine's short height! Harry made one last effort to push through the crowd.
Harry was able to identify two familiar faces. Ordering a frizzy haired girl next to him to run was none other than his red-haired best friend. "Ron! Hermione!" Harry shouted at the top of his lungs trying to dash between people. They were making their own dash as Harry tried to close the distance. "Ron! Hermione!" Harry bellowed one more time with all the strength of his voice. At last they turned around.
"Harry!" Ron shouted. "Run, we got to get moving."
Harry made a full on sprint not paying attention for any spells. He stayed low and caught up to Ron and Hermione. "Where's Blaine?" Harry demanded.
"He isn't with you?" Hermione asked gasping as they took cover in the woods.
"We got separated." Harry explained quickly. "I have to go back, I'm not leaving without him."
"Bloody hell mate! No!" Ron protested. "You'll get killed out there!"
"He's my brother Ron!" Harry retorted.
"You'll be doing neither of you two any good going out into that!" Ron pointed to the scene unfolding. A good majority of the tents were on fire. Harry only began to notice all the screaming. The masked men continued on undaunted by any resistance.
"Ron's right Harry," Hermione added. "You could get killed out there. And that does nobody any good."
Harry shook his head. They were both right, but Harry didn't have to like it. His brother could be somewhere out there and if he were to die, Harry's summers with the Dursley's would be all the more miserable. "You're right," Harry forced. "Run."
The woods were dark and did not glow like the camp was. The only sound Harry could hear was the leaves rustling as they ran. "Do we know where we are even going?" Harry asked. "I don't see anyone else going this way."
"Well then open your eyes Potter because it's not like I'm invisible," a gruff voice replied. Harry didn't even need to see the Blonde hair or the smug look on the boy's face to know who was talking.
All three friends stopped running. "What the hell you want Malfoy?" Ron replied between gasps. "I reckon you have a good idea what is going on. Show yourself."
Draco stepped out from behind a tree. "Shut up Weasley. Didn't your father ever teach you anything about manners? It's not polite to assume."
"Well you seemed pretty relaxed for such a riot," Ron shot back.
"Ron he's not worth our time," Hermione urged.
"How dare you say I'm not worth your time you filthy little mudblood," Draco scoffed.
"And I suppose it is us that aren't worthy of your time?" Harry replied.
"Well aren't you getting smarter Potter. As a matter of fact, that is the case. But I suppose I have nothing better to do on a night like this."
"Let's get going," Harry suggested.
"Where's your brother Potter? Is he missing?"
Harry had heard enough from Malfoy and reached into his pocket for his wand. It wasn't there. Scrambling he took Malfoy by the collar before he could react. "Have you seen him?" Harry demanded. "Where the hell is he?"
"Oh, wouldn't you like to know Potter?" Malfoy laughed. "If you must know he's with that Hummel boy. You know? The pathetic one who hasn't gone through puberty yet! What a shame to Slytherin. I wonder if he's really even a boy. I have to say, your brother is worse at picking friends than you."
Harry released Malfoy but kept a cold glare. Harry knew who Malfoy was talking about, but Harry didn't actually know who he was. At least Blaine wasn't alone. Still, the thought of Blaine with some stranger frightened Harry.
"We have to keep moving," Hermione insisted. Her lips quivered with fear.
Harry turned back one more time at Draco then bolted off with Hermione and Ron. The trio were near a clearing when they briefly encountered a bewildered Ludo Bagman. After he disappeared Harry heard something. Someone was approaching who wasn't Ron or Hermione. "Who's there?" Harry shouted.
Ron and Hermione stood ready to draw their wands. They stood still for only a moment. All of a sudden, a voice broke the silence. "Mosmordre!"
The Dark Mark formed in the night sky. Screams of terror could be heard all around. Harry gazed up perplexed. "Hermione? What are people screaming about?"
"That's his mark Harry," Hermione mumbled. "Whenever he killed anyone this mark would appear. It's You-Know-Who's sign Harry. It hasn't appeared in thirteen years."
"The night he kil-" Harry stopped when he saw that they were surrounded by numerous figures. "Get down!" Harry grabbed Ron and Hermione by the arms pulling them down to the ground.
"Stupefy!" The figures shouted in unison. Red lights shot out in different directions when another voice cried out.
"Stop!" Harry recognized the voice immediately as Mr. Weasley. He never appreciated the man more than he did now. "That's my son!" Harry breathed a sigh of relief.
"Harry?" another voice asked from behind the crowd. Another moment of relief.
"Blaine! Are you alright?" Harry asked. Ron grunted in the background. Harry stood up immediately to see Blaine face to face.
"Lucky boy he is," Mr. Weasley sighed pointing behind the group of ministry workers. "That boy over there was dragging him when we found them."
Harry looked up to see a pale blue eyed boy with neatly combed hair. He remembered Malfoy mentioning Blaine with the Hummel boy. "That's Kurt," Blaine added. "If it weren't for him I'd probably be dead."
Harry continued to study Kurt. He didn't trust him. The boy clearly had Slytherin in his blood. Still, he had saved his brother's life. He deserved a "thanks" at least. "Thanks," Harry muttered.
"Oh, it was nothing," Kurt replied. The high pitch tone of his voice annoyed Harry. There was an aura around him that screamed he was better than the rest of the people his age. Everything about Kurt annoyed him. But Blaine was alive and for that he was grateful. Still, Harry knew how friendly Blaine was. He didn't want anybody, especially a Slytherin, exploiting that.
Harry, Blaine, Hermione, and the Weasley's returned home early the next morning. Harry felt exhausted. Between the nightmares of the last few nights and the riot along with the appearance of the Dark Mark the night before would not let him sleep. But he soon noticed he wasn't the only one who didn't sleep well the night before. Mrs. Weasley came running out of the house in her night clothes with her hair a mess. "Oh dears thank goodness you are all safe," she cried. She met with Fred and George first. "I'll never let you two leave me on a sour note like that again."
"Never?" They replied in unison. "You know we will hold you to that one mum," Fred added. "We will remind you every time," George warned.
Mrs. Weasley went around to each of her children and even Harry, Blaine and Hermione. "The Daily Profit is filled with details on the event," Mrs. Weasley ranted. "Rita Skeeter got hold of it."
"That woman is hardly a reporter," Percy chimed in. "You know she's out for the ministry. She's out of context and out of line!"
"I know Percy," Mrs. Weasley replied. "The woman is as daft as a garden gnome. I'm sure your father has had it right about up to his neck with her. She can't even get anyone's name right."
Harry looked over to Ron and Hermione. Ron looked aggravated. Harry wasn't sure if he was just tired or the name of Rita Skeeter set him off a little. Hermione glanced over at Harry and made her way over to Blaine. Harry couldn't catch the whole conversation but they were off to talk about something related to Oscar Wilde.
"Ron," Harry whispered urgently. "I need to tell you something."
"What is it mate?" Ron asked leaning closer.
"Let's talk in the house," Harry suggested.
"I think you should send another letter to Sirius mate," Ron insisted. "Maybe he'll at least be able to identify someone from the dreams. And you'll know he will want to hear exactly what you saw last night. The Dark Mark, the chaos. He's lived through this, and unlike mum, he thinks you are ready to hear these things."
Harry knew Ron was right. He just hated to send his godfather all the bad news. And no doubt Sirius would share it all with Professor Lupin. Not that there was anything wrong with that, but Harry just didn't like so many people worrying for him. Sirius had enough to worry about having to hide from the ministry. Harry was more comfortable that Sirius had Professor Lupin, but that put Lupin in danger too. "Yeah, you're right."
"What'll happen if Voldemort returns?" Ron asked.
"He'll try to kill me and whoever stands in his way," Harry answered. "But remember Ron, all I have to do is touch him and he'll turn to dust."
"You'll have to touch him first," Ron replied.
"To be honest Ron, as long we have Dumbledore, I don't think Voldemort will be able to kill me," Harry replied. He didn't exactly want Dumbledore to have to protect him, but knowing Dumbledore could defend him was comforting. He was the best sorcerer in the world after all. Voldemort, although resentful of Dumbledore, knew he was a powerful wizard.
"For God's sake Ron!" Mrs. Weasley shouted. "Hurry up so we can see how your robe fits."
Harry tried hard to not laugh as Ron stepped out in the hand-me down dress robes that might have been in taste back in the day of Godric Gryffindor. Today, it was quite feminine and Harry wasn't the only one who thought so. Ginny and Hermione began giggling a little.
"I look hideous," Ron protested.
"You can say that again," Ginny agreed.
"Oh please you look fine Ron," Mrs. Weasley protested. "Ginny, don't be making fun of your brother's robe."
Ginny and Hermione faced each other covering their mouths as they contained their giggling fits. Harry managed to discipline himself a little better. "It's better than they make it out to be Ron," Harry said.
"Oh sure," Ron replied raising his arms. "Coming from the boy in the fancy bottle green robes! And I'm sure Blaine has something really nice too."
"Navy blue," Harry admitted.
Ron slammed the door and Harry cringed. The difference in financial standing between Harry and Ron often led to some jealousy, but never had it led to something to this level. Harry would rather have his parents than money. Seeing as his parents left him and Blaine all their money which just sat in a bank for eleven years never being withdrawn.
"He'll be fine," Mrs. Weasley sighed shaking her head. "Why don't we all just go and have some lunch. Run along down stairs."
Harry, Ron, Hermione, Blaine, and the rest of the Weasleys were all dressed in their casual muggle clothing. Everything went as usual. Platform 9 and 3/4 was crowded with students loading animals and luggage onto their train. Parents were giving their last goodbyes as students went off to school and people were hugging the friends they had not seen all summer.
Blaine went off to join David and Wes as Harry Ron and Hermione picked a compartment together. Harry's mind was on an unspecified big event at Hogwarts Bill and Charlie were talking about. Harry was quite certain the last three years had been eventful enough without anything special this year. And with the Death Eaters rioting at an event like the Quidditch World cup, who was to say they wouldn't try to tamper with whatever was at Hogwarts. Last year, nobody had done an act in the name of Voldemort on school grounds. Turns out the Peter Pettigrew had been coming on to the school grounds for a few years. Maybe the school was finally safe.
Just as Harry was about to say something he overheard the voice of Draco Malfoy in the next compartment. "My father almost sent me to Durmstrang. He figured it would be a lot better than sending me to Hogwarts. Durmstrang takes a more… aggressive approach to the Dark Arts. Father says it's a lot better than this pathetic school run by the overrated Albus Dumbledore."
Harry clenched his fist. He was tempted to walk over to Malfoy's compartment. Knowing it was no good Harry relaxed himself. "He'd be better off at Durmstrang," Hermione said.
"The best part of that would be we wouldn't have to hear from him," Ron chimed in. "The way him and his family talk is disgusting. I say I'd much rather him at Durmstrang."
"Where is Durmstrang?" Harry asked.
"Nobody knows," Hermione replied. "Like Hogwarts, its location is hidden so muggles can never find it. Another school that does the same is Beauxbatons Academy. Magic protects all three schools from being discovered by muggles. Not only that, but you can't apparate or disapparate in the grounds."
"Wicked," Ron replied. "So we are the only ones who know how to get to Hogwarts."
"Precisely," Hermione replied.
At last. Harry felt the warmth of home surround him despite the pouring rain and the water balloon assault by Peeves. He was at Hogwarts. And for the first time in two years, he was there for the opening ceremonies. He had been late two years ago, and the year before a dementor attack left him unfit to be present. And he would get to see who got sorted into each house this year. Collin Creevy had been quick to tell Harry that his brother was one of the first years to be sorted.
After the sorting of the first years, the feast began. Dumbledore of course addressed the first years on rules and reminded the upperclassmen of them. It probably wouldn't be a month before he broke some rule. And Dumbledore probably wouldn't be surprised either. Somewhere in the middle of the feast—which Hermione didn't take part in after hearing all of Hogwarts' food was made from the labor of House Elves—Dumbledore had a few more announcements. The first one, caused an uproar among many of the students. Even Harry was sore with the news. There would be no inter-house Quidditch tournament. Quidditch was one of Harry's favorite parts of Hogwarts. Ever since he had first ridden a broomstick, he loved to fly. And the Quidditch pitch had been where Harry shined.
Before Dumbledore could make his second announcement, the doors to the Great Hall opened. A man with a prosthetic leg, a large fake eye obviously given magical powers, and a badly damaged face walked in. When he finally came to the front and joined the other teachers Dumbledore had greeted him and introduced him. "This, ladies and gentlemen, is your new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Moody.
"That's the man dad went out to assist this morning with Mr. Diggory. The famous Auror. Most people call him Mad-Eye Moody," Ron stressed to Harry and Hermione excitedly.
"I wonder why," Harry retorted sarcastically.
"Now," Dumbledore boomed once again. "This year, Hogwarts has been chosen to host the Triwizard tournament. I must warn you, that this tournament will test it's champions in every sick way possible. This is not for the faint of heart. And the winner will be rewarded generously, with eternal glory and one thousand galleons. Joining us, will be Beauxbaton academy, and Durmstrang. They will be staying here at Hogwarts. Make them welcome among us. This inter-school tournament is also meant to promote the making of lasting friendships, peace, and competition."
Every student in the hall was silent. They stared at Dumbledore captivated. Even Harry liked the sound of this competition. Not that he needed more money or fame by any means. But maybe it would help him get the attention of Cho Chang. Ron seemed to be interested in the competition himself. Harry figured one thousand galleons sounded quite appealing to someone who never had much money. To Ron, this competition could probably afford him at least a better dress robe. Only Hermione didn't seem excited. In fact, her face expressed a great deal of concern.
"Due to the danger of this competition, only students who are of seventeen years of age and older are permitted to enter," Dumbledore added much to the chagrin of the students. Fred and George especially seemed to protest the idea. Ron too was furious with the rule. Harry sat back a little disappointed. Maybe it was for the better but still, this was his best chance to actually have some fun this year. How else would Cho see his talents?
"There's a reason for Dumbledore's rule," Hermione butted in. "People have died in this tournament. It's hardly beyond the skill of ordinary witches and wizards. Only the most talented, powerful, and intelligent wizards can win."
"Silence!" Dumbledore ordered as the hall fell silent and tranquil once again. "You are now dismissed from the hall to your Dormitories. Older students considering entering their name into the competition to be Hogwarts' champion, think thoroughly. This is not a decision to take lightly. Prefects, escort the first years to their dormitories, and I wish you all a good night."
"How dangerous is this competition exactly?" Ron asked Hermione. "I mean, it's not like it would be the first time we were in over our experience level in magic. I'd say we are actually pretty qualified."
"What if they put a gigantic spider in one of the tasks?" Hermione asked.
Ron's face went white. Harry didn't laugh, having witnessed Ron's fear for spiders. "It's okay Ron, none of us will have to worry about it," he said shrugging it off.
"Right," Ron replied, his face still pale, like it had when they had met Aragog.
At breakfast, Harry couldn't help but listen in to Fred, George, and Lee Jordan's idea of how to bypass Dumbledore's age line to enter their names for a chance to be Hogwarts' Tri Wizard Champion. Despite Harry's lack of interest in money and fame, he dreamed more about the tournament. Just the danger and trouble of the Tri Wizard Tournament itself attracted Harry. Blaine always called it his weakness. He was always pursuing danger, consciously or subconsciously.
Speaking of Blaine, Harry wondered Blaine's take on the Tri Wizard tournament. Knowing him, he was probably more interested in the fact that there would be two more schools of people here to meet. He was more open than Harry, although not completely open. Blaine never understood why Harry was so particular about whom he was friends with. It was simple in Harry's mind. He was famous, the boy who lived. People were attracted to fame, and he wanted friends who wouldn't care if he was famous or not. He could never be too sure who that would be, but Ron and Hermione most certainly that way.
Harry looked up at the Slytherin table to see Draco Malfoy laughing over an article in the Daily Prophet. "That can't be good," Harry, said to Ron and Hermione nudging Ron's arm.
"Stop paying attention to Malfoy," Ron insisted. "He's always been a foul overconfident 'pure blood.'"
For a moment Harry considered it, until Malfoy looked up and motioned with his head towards Ron. "I think it has something to do with your family," Harry updated.
Ron finally looked back seeing the grin on Malfoy's face. There was no mistaking the grin meant nothing good. Ron's face immediately turned red as he got up from the Gryffindor table. Harry followed quickly behind him. Hermione was not present and had gone off to the library for a more practical approach to boycott house elf labor.
"Well well well," Malfoy cheered. "If it isn't the son of Arnold Weasley himself." Malfoy began to laugh along with Crabbe and Goyle.
"That's not my father's name," Ron retorted bitterly clenching his fists.
"According to this article it is," Malfoy laughed handing the paper over to Ron. "Your father is once again bringing the ministry down."
Harry glanced over Ron's shoulder to look at the article. The article itself didn't catch Harry's attention, but the name of the editor did.
"Oh and I suppose you believe in all of Rita Skeeter's lies like you do your own father's," Ron huffed.
"Don't you dare insult my father Weasley," Malfoy snapped standing up. "I won't tolerate it."
"And I should tolerate your remarks?" Ron asked. "If you leave my family alone I'll leave yours alone."
"Your family is made up of blood traitors!" Malfoy responded. "You deserve to be scum of the Earth."
"Why don't you shove your words somewhere useful Malfoy," Harry taunted butting in to the discussion. "Arguing on the lines of Rita Skeeter most certainly don't help you make a point. It makes you look more like an idiot than you already are."
"Watch yourself Potter," Malfoy learned. "You should be minding your own business."
Harry put his hand on Ron's shoulder. "Let's just go," he urged. "Let him be the idiot he is."
As Harry turned around Malfoy drew his wand pointing it at Harry. Before he could speak a word the wand dropped from his hand and laughter erupted in the Great Hall. Harry turned around to see no sign of Malfoy, but just a ferret. All of a sudden a voice boomed at the table as Professor Moody approached his wand drawn.
"I bet your father would teach you a move like that you coward!" he yelled. "What are you going to do now? Your father can't save you, you little brat! Never attempt to…"
"Professor Moody!" a voice interrupted walking down to the Slytherin table.
"Oh good morning Prof…"
"Is that a student?" Professor McGonagall asked urgently.
"Technically it's a ferret," Moody replied holding a grouchy appearance on his face.
"Surely you know transfiguration is not to be used as a punishment," McGonagall warned. "Maybe this matter would be better handled by Professor Snape.
"Of course Professor," Moody replied. "Consider it done."
With a flick of Professor McGonagall's wand, Draco was transfigured back into his student form. "Bloody shame," Ron chuckled as Professor McGonagall walked away. "He looked much better as a ferret."
Moody grabbed Malfoy by the shoulder and muttered, "Another acquaintance of mine. Professor Snape. Don't think you'll get off easy boy. Threaten me with your father all you want, he's just as easily handled as the dark wizards I've encountered over the years. Your family is made up of a bunch of cowards!"
Harry and Ron exchanged glances smiling. Harry knew one thing was for certain. Professor Moody wasn't the most orthodox of the teachers. He was actually really cool. Only time would tell what lessons he could teach, but Harry was confident this year of Defense Against the Dark Arts would prove to be interesting. "You know Ron," Harry started, "I wouldn't mind seeing Malfoy like that again."
"Neither would I," Ron replied. "But it's a little scary."
"Just don't do anything wrong in his class," Harry suggested.
"Yeah, right," Ron replied.
As they sat back down at the Gryffindor table Harry had figured Fred, George, and Lee had come up with their plan. "Do you think they'll be able to do it?" Ron asked.
"Do what?" Harry replied not entirely sure what Ron was talking about.
"Cross the age line with whatever plan they have."
Harry looked over to the trio of jokers once more and laughed. "I don't think they stand a chance."