Not Again!
The third task.
Harry Marched onto the pitch..The walls of the maze waiting for him. He would follow the same path he did before. But this time he would take the cup alone.
The maze was exactly as he remembered it. He went through quickly. Got to the cup before Fluer Had a chance to scream.
When he landed in the graveyard...He quietly called Dobby...Being a few minutes earlier than they expected him...He threw the dragon dung he carried into the cauldron...then willing added his own blood. He told Dobby to bring the others just out of sight. Dobby Popped away as Wormtail Walked out carrying The thing that was to be Voldemort. "Hit the Boy"
Harry Put up a shield but Played at being hit. He allowed him self to be chained to riddles fathers head stone. He looked into the grave yard and saw Dobby Bring the minister Madame Bones and Remus just out of sight. Wormtail started the ritual As he did before. Dobby Came behind the headstone and released the chains.
After Wormtail cut off his hand and dropped it in the cauldron it started Spewing sparks. Voldemorts body began to form. The cauldron dissolved. Harry hit wormtail with a stunner and Dobby removed him to the castle. Voldemort Stood before Harry Naked And his body not completely Formed. The Thing that was Voldemort turned To face his greatest Enemy.
"Harry Potter...It's time you Die!" Harry pulled Voldemorts Yew wand from his pocket. "Looking for this Tommy Boy..." Harry raised his wand. "Sectumsempra!" The Head Of Voldemort rolled away. Harry took the Fang from his pocket And drove it between his eyes. The piece of Voldemiorts Soul screamed...and Disapated. His snake Nagini Was there also Harry summoned the snake and drove the fang into it. He walked over conjured a bag Put Toms head in it and walked over to the Minister. "Minister Fudge, I hope you enjoyed the show. Peter Petigrew Is waiting in the castle dungeons. This shade of Voldemort is Dead...I could use your assistance to clear my Godfathers name. I'm going to get my parents will In the morning. It will also prove Sirius is innocent." You saw what happened here tonight..along with Madame bones. No sweeping it under the rug this time. Rita...You can come out now.!" A beetle Flew off Madame Bones Hair and transformed into Rita Skeeter. "Rita, You will report all this honestly will you not?" I happen to know I own 60% Of the Prophet If want you job I want 100% Honest reporting!"
He looked at Madame Bones. "Madame Bones I know I can depend on you to do the right thing."
"Lets get to the cup, Time to return to Hogwarts!"
they all grabbed the cup and returned to Hogwarts.
When they arrived. No one could believe all that were holding the cup. Harry was clearly the champion. The others had all fallen within the maze, and were awaiting the champion.
Dumbledore Was without words when the group appeared. He had expected Harry to be dead or injured. He arrived in perfect health looking as if he had just had a walk in the park. The Champion presentation went off as planned...Until Dobby Popped in with Wormtail on center stage. Harry turned to the Minister. "Minister Fudge, I give you before all these witnesses the betrayer of my parents, The Murderer of 13 Muggles and the death eater Petter Petigrew. Please see that my Godfather Sirius Blacks name is cleared by morning."
Fudge was planning to sweep Petigrew under the rug. Harry knew from the last time line, he would never admit such an egregious error.
"This Will be done will it not Minister?"
Harry stood looking in the ministers eyes and waited.
Fudge looked like a deer in the headlights. The sweat poured off him even though the night was cold.
Dumbledore interrupted. "Harry this must be investigated!" Harry looked straight at the professor, "Who cast the charm on my parents Home professor...You Did!" So professor who was the secret keeper...you and I both Know!"
The professor was also looking stunned. "Don't Lie Professor...I'm getting my parents will read tomorrow...My parents listed the secret keeper..is that why you sealed it so no one would know?
Ritas Green quill was writing a mile a minute. The people in the stands were mesmerized. No one had ever stood up to the headmaster like this. Harry Knew it was his only chance. He had to put it all out in public. Dumbledore wanted none of it. "Harry could we discuss this in my office?" The hate in Harry's eyes was so hot you could feel it in the stands. "No Professor...not only do I want the answers to these questions...all the people in these stands do too! No platitudes...No Greater Good...just the truth.. A true leader of the light should never fear the truth!" Harry waited unmoving, unflinching. Madame Bones was the one who spoke. "Yes Dumbledore, We all would like the truth...NOW!" Something Harry did not know was Amelia Bones was engaged to Sirius and never once believed he was guilty.
They all stood waiting..the crowd was silent. You could have heard a pin drop.
Fudge was in heaven he could pass the whole mess onto Dumbledore. He was thinking his carrier was ruined yet the boy just saved him. He was the only one breathing a sigh of relief.
Dumbledores eyes had lost there famous twinkle, He was trying to think of what to say.
"Yes, Harry I was the one that cast the charm. It was Petigrew that was the secret keeper...the only one that could have betrayed your parents."
Dumbledore looked defeated...the crowds were calling for his head. At that moment the fake Moody came on stage and tried to lead Harry away. Harry still had his wand in his had stuck it in his side and stunned him. Moody Fell to the stage. Harry's shot ropes around him holding him in place. Madame Bones looked at Harry...she knew he must have a reason for this. "Harry, what's the meaning of this?"
"Wait a few minutes director, and check the flask he's been drinking from." Harry said with a grin.
Amelia took the flask put it to her nose. "Pollyjuice potion, Who is it?
Harry looked at her, "We found the real Moody locked in a trunk in the DADA office today. Half starved in bad shape. I knew this was an impostor. Lets see what he changes into."
They waited about five minutes until the change began. The man's skin started to bubble his body began to change shape until lieing before them was Barty Crouch Junior.
Fudge and Madame Bones were shocked to say the least. It was worse when he opened his mouth.
"HE'S Back...VOLDEMORT IS BACK!"
Harry laughed out loud...totally startling Crouch.
"Sorry Barty...He was back for about two minutes."
Dobby handed Harry the sack. "Here is a little present for you." Harry Pulled out Voldemorts head and dropped it in Barty's lap. "I killed him again, The dumb tosser never knows when to quit. I WILL ALWAYS BEAT THE FOOL!"
Barty started trying to break free, "I'll kill you Potter. I'll Kill..."Amelia Stunned him again. The people in the stands were stunned. The quiet was almost unbearable. Harry stood at the center of the podium. "I Believe there is a banquet awaiting us all in the great hall...Considering what has happened tonight I think we have all the more reason to celebrate. I KNOW I DO! I will see you all there!"
Harry turned and left the stadium. The two Weasleys that Harry always knew he could trust Sided him. "Way to go"
"Harry"
"What away"
"To finish"
"The tournament!"
Harry Sighed, "Are you two still planning on opening a joke shop?"
The two pranksters jumped in unison.
"OF COURSE HARRY!"
Harry Handed them the bag of gold he received for winning the tournament.
"I want to be your first investor...will this help?"
The twins were speechless. "I just want 20% of the shop. I hope that's enough to get you started...we are going to need a few good laughs in the near future."
The Two smiled, "30% and your money is no good in the shop!
Harry smiled, "Deal!"
The party in the great hall went on for hours.
Hermione came up to Harry, "Can we talk about all this now?" she whispered in his ear.
Harry looked at her. I have just the place come on.
They snuck out the side entrance and moved towards the seventh floor. "Harry...where are we going?"
"Just hold on Hermione you'll see."
she hadn't realized Harry had been holding her hand the entire way. It felt natural like the hands belonged together.
When they reached the seventh floor..Harry began pacing back and forth, on the third trip a door appeared. Harry reached out grabbed Hermione's hand and dragged her in as the door disappeared.
The room was beautiful, A love seat that was white with a floral design stitched into the fabric, with a solid glass coffee table in front of it. A small warm fireplace with the fire merrily dancing within. Book selves along the back wall filled with books. Flowers on the coffee table that smelled fantastic.
He told Hermione about the Voldemort dreams...how he had kept them to himself. That in them he had learned Professor Dumbledore had a spy in the school if he told anyone, It would get back to Voldemort. Then everything that Happened. After all this Hermione finally spoke.
"Why didn't you trust Dumbledore?"
Harry looked down at his feet...and began the explanation. Every Betrail Every instance that he had not listened, all of it. By the time he finished Steam was coming out of Hermione's ears. Harry then called for Dobby. "What Can Dobby Be's doing for Master Harry and his Grangy?
Harry smiled at his little friend. "Could you get us a snack and Two cold Butterbeers, And thank you so much for all your help today Dobby."
As soon as Dobby popped away Hermione turned on Harry.
"HARRY JAMES POTTER...What do you think you're doing enslaving that poor elf!?"
Harry just smiled. "I think I'll let Dobby explain it."
Just then the excited little elf popped into the room.
"Here is you'se snack and butterbeers sir."
Harry Looked at Dobby, "Dobby my friend, could you explain a house elf bond to Hermione and what it does for both parties."
Dobby smiled. "Miss Grangy...House elves need to bond with a wizard family, with out it we looses our magic and our lives. So we serve our masters, so we can live!
Hermione still wasn't satisfied. "But what families like the Malfoy's that mistreat you?"
Dobby smiled we's get lucky like me and get help from the great Harry Potter!"
Hermione was still pushing it. "Your not dead Dobby you have been free for almost two years."
Dobby started crying. "Dobby is a bad elf, He bonded with Harry Potter as soon as old nasty master freed him." He said as he walked to trhe wall to start punishing himself.
Harry screamed. "DOBBY STOP!, You will not punish yourself for staying alive...you are more my friend than my servant. I'm happy you chose to bond with me of your own accord. Now one question are there any free elves in the castle?"
Theirs be's Winky...Mr crouch gived her clothes...she be here but drinking all the time...me thinks she is close to death!"
Harry got completely serious..."Can you bring her here Dobby, right now! In fact give us five minutes."
As soon as Dobby popped away Harry turned to Hermione. "I want you to bond with Winky."
Hermione's face turned blood red. "I will not have a slave Harry!"
Harry looked in her eyes. "She is a disgraced house elf. No pure blood family will have her, would you want her to die or live and be happy?"
If you wont I will and have her guarding you all summer. Would you rather have her happy and helping and taking care of your family?
Hermione crossed her arms, but tear escaped her eye. "She would really die with out a family?"
Harry knew he'd won. "Yes she would, we all want happiness and I know you will not abuse her."
Hermione was smiling as the two elves popped in the room. Winky was not to steady on her feet, but she stood with as much dignity as she could.
Hermione spoke to her kindly and asked her.
"Winky," taking the elves small hand in hers, "Would you like to be my house Elf?"
Winky looked at Hermione with awe. "You woulds want a bad house elf, that disgraced her master?"
Hermione Looked at the poor little elf she was so much more frail than she was at the world cup.
"You did not disgrace your master, he disgraced himself. He used you as a scape goat. Then threw you away. If you want to be my elf I'd be happy to have such a loyal elf join my family!"
Winky began to perk up. "How do we bond Winky?"
Winky was smiling. "You'se place your hand on my head and say I take Winky ans my house Elf!"
Hermione did so and a blue light enveloped them both, Winky seemed to stand straighter and looked much more healthy.
"Thank you'se Mistress, I will be extra good house elf for you!"
Hermione looked at Winky. "Ok, first go get cleaned up. I want you to make yourself a pretty uniform. In Griffindor colors. My parents would not like that tea towel." Harry looked at Dobby. "That's a good idea Dobby, Here are a few galleons. Go get what ever the two of you need. These are not clothes but uniforms to wear proudly as you represent good familys and are a part of them."
Harry smiled at the elves. "Now off you two, I need to have a private talk with Hermione."
When the elves left Harry was looking at the floor, and Hermione was looking at him not having any idea what was coming.
Harry was stuttering through what he wanted to say.
"Ahhhh...Her..Hermione, UM, I don't know how..umm you feel about me. But I have found my...found my self Fancying you. I was wondering If Maybe, its ok if you don't want to...if you would be my Girlfriend?
Hermione was blown away...never in her wildest dreams did she think Harry would ever want her. She had to ask. "You...you want me to be your girlfriend,
why me Harry?"
Harry was shuffling his feet he looked in her eyes.
You are smart, beautiful, funny, you are the best most loyal person in the world. It's more like, how could I... ever choose any one else?"
Hermione Just looked in his eyes. "I Have one more question, Harry James Potter. How can you say those words and not kiss me? Of course I'll be your Girlfriend!" She pulled Harry into the most searing kiss that he had ever known. A light shown around them. It penetrated them And the whole castle shook. When the new couple finally need air They pulled apart panting. "I wasn't sure I'd be good enough for you Hermione." I've been in Love with you since second year!"