Hey everyone, just wanted to apologize for the wait on this story, and all my other stories. The only thing I can say is its finals week for me here at college, so I'm rather busy and could barely get this story out. I say all this so you know that another chapter will probably not be coming to you until the weekend after next.
I hope you enjoy this chapter all. Thank you.
Calimocho- I'm glad you enjoy long chapters. Though sometimes it can take a bit to get them out, I think longer is much better. And don't worry, kids for them will be coming. Sssshhh..
Geetac- Thank you. I hope you enjoy this chapter as well.
HP-DG-SB-NR-AG-HA-TD-RR-AJ- (Such a long name to type.) And the next chapter is here. I hope you enjoy.
WeverCode- It's not over, but a sequel may happen. IDK yet.
Lunaz- Thank you, I hope you continue to enjoy it.
Vi38- Thank you.
Dogman999- Thank you. I hope I have.
Amata0221- Thank you. And yes, she def was.
FreeTraderBeowolf- Thank you. I hope you continue to enjoy this story.
Zephry of the Shadows- Thank you. I'm glad you like it. The next chapter is here, and I hope you love it.
Guest- Thank you.
god of all- Thank you. I shall.
LyokoDragon15- Thank you. I tried to be at least a little different and exciting. I plan to keep it that way and do many surprising, or at the least rarely used things. Thank you once again. Here's the next chapter.
Penny is wise- Thank you. Enjoy this one.
Desdelor97- Thank you. I plan too. Enjoy the chapter.
Ob1292- Thank you. Enjoy this chapter, and see for yourself.
Dashuria-Embel- Thank you. More Haphne on the way. I promise. Enjoy the chapter.
Rb2312- Thank you. Just keep reading and you will. This chapter doesn't really delve into it. We've still got some things to set up first. But do not worry. It will all be happening.
Sassy973- Thank you.
LCB- Indeed. Indeed.
Chapter 4
He hadn't thought this through well. Sure it was the middle of the day when she called. He'd assumed that maybe she just wanted to see him, as her calling of his name hadn't sounded like she was in trouble as he'd learned from his other times. So he hadn't bothered with a mask or anything else. If someone saw him who wasn't supposed to he could just fade away without a name were they a teacher, or Obliviate them should they be a student.
Yet when he arrived to find himself standing on the Slytherin table in the Hogwarts Great Hall, everyone in the school and then some seemingly present. He knew he was in trouble. "Shit.
/-/-/
Severus' cover had almost been blown when Harry's name was called from the fourth slip of paper. His whispered curse being luckily unheard by those near him. But he couldn't help the shout of surprise and worry that escaped his lips when Harry suddenly appeared on the table in front of Daphne. A fact he hoped many wouldn't notice. They still needed Daphne's family to appear neutral, at least for a little longer till they took the final steps to cement their newest group that was opposing both Voldemort, and Dumbledore.
The families involved, either regularly meeting with them, or secretly joined were a good sized, and diverse group. The core and leaders of this new group were the Black's, Potter's, once Harry took over, the Longbottoms, Zabini's, Snape himself, the Bones, and the Greengrasses. Then they had the final families that were either considering joining, had joined, or were waiting for the groups unveiling. Consisting of the Abbots, Patils, a few of the Weasley's without their parents knowledge, their only link to the muggle world, the Grangers, as well as the Lovegoods, Finnigans, Thomas', Woods, the Bulstrodes, Clearwaters, and the Tonks family.
For everything to run smoothly, the connection between the Greengrasses, and the Potters must remain quiet.
With a quick tap on his ring upon his own gem followed by two taps upon the Diamond representing Harry, those two gems began lighting up and flashing upon everyone else's ring or bracelet signaling that Harry had been revealed and he was with Severus. They needed to get here soon. At least Sirius and Amelia, especially before Dumbledore could get some alone time with him.
/-/-/
Dumbledore's eyes shot open with pleasure when Harry appeared. He'd known someone had messed with the cup, he hadn't known who, but he had found out for what reason. There'd been talk among the Death Eater's that Harry had been seen, and even dueled with one of them. Or at least someone who could have been him.
It was lucky for Dumbledore they'd decided to meet in his brother's pub and the paintings he had there as spies had heard their talking of Harry maybe being seen. So he'd allowed it to happen. Hoping to finally find Harry who'd been hidden from him ever since disappearing from the Dursley's home. The perfect place to groom a hero from, or a sacrificial lamb.
His assumption had always been, and still was that Sirius had the child. He'd had no idea how. But he was sure, especially when he'd gone through with adopting Harry and taking over the Potter affairs even though the boy was still considered missing. He'd adopted a child shortly after marrying Amelia, or so he'd been told as the child had only appeared once in public during a Wizengamot meeting that he'd been absent from.
Their excuse when approached upon it, was a brother for Harry once they found him.
Then there'd been talk of a skilled boy under the last name of Evans competing in several dueling tournaments, but he wasn't able to visit any of these as he was needed at the school during two of them, and the final one he was in the yearly week long summit of the ICW were they discussed all current laws, and anything happening of concern within the magical communities around the world.
And all pictures of the boy in papers were from a distance when he was dueling as he and his guardian had refused to do up close pictures with his face open. The only picture they'd gotten was because of the rules of the Youth dueling tournament that the top five spots would be photographed, with a small biography to be put into the newest Chocolate Frog Cards, based upon up and coming wizards and witches. They'd still tried getting out of it, until the boy's teacher, the recently famous Hit-Wizard Istus who had claimed the training of the boy, had come forward having convinced the Evans boy's guardian to allow one picture together with his own mask on, and a mask for the boy. So the picture had been taken, but a mask covered the upper half of his face, preventing the sight of any sort of scar, or even the trademark Potter hair.
It had taken thirty two chocolate frogs to finally find one of the cards for the boy, and it had ended with him being no closer to where Harry could be. There was no information on where to find the Evans boy, nor who his guardian was. His only tie was Istus, who was equally, if not more so shrouded in mystery. All part of his charm and fame was that unknown factor. And now he had an apprentice who may one day join him, and if rumors were true, had for a few missions facing beasts.
But now, here Harry stood. On table in the hall, appearing from nowhere as if from a legend of myth. His scar on show for the world. Though it must be said, was much better looking than when he'd been young and Dumbledore had taken him to the Dursley's. Not faded enough to be missed, but not the angry red it had been after weeks of being treated after the attack.
Strapped to his right forearm was a strange looking wand, his eyes bright, a power seeming to be waiting there. Along with surprise, fear, and worry as he took in where he was. As if he'd found himself not where he was expecting to be.
Dumbledore knew he needed to seize the situation before someone appeared to take Harry away from Dumbledore. This was his chance to get the boy alone. But he needed to hurry through the rules and the drama about to unfold at a fourth champion, and the appearance of Harry Potter.
The silver lining he had was that there was no one, not even Sirius, who could get here anytime soon, especially if he didn't allow anyone to leave Hogwarts to let the news out until later tonight. After he'd made sure that the, no doubt 'traumatized boy-who-lived', was fine and really him.
/-/-/
"SILENCE!"
Dumbledore's enhanced voice shouted, ending the sudden noise that erupted in the hall at the arrival of the boy.
"It seems that finally our great hero has returned. Welcome back Harry Potter. Come here now my boy, that's right off the table. Now follow Professor McGonagall to this back room, that way you aren't too rushed by your, no doubt, numerous fans. We'll be in there in a moment to discuss what's happened, and maybe find out where you've been all these years. That's right, no worries. Would the other champions follow him into the room that's been prepare. Yes, yes. Thank you Minerva. Now would everyone else, please calm down, from the most recent occurrences I assure you that Mr. Potter will be staying with us for, at the very least the tournament. You will get plenty of time then to talk and chase him down later. Though I hope you strive to respect his privacy, as I'm sure he is rather confused and wondering what is occurring right now as well." Dumbledore finished with a glint in his grandfatherly eyes, plans already unraveling in his mind for friends to set Harry up with, and perhaps a potential enemy to push him towards the light. Yes. It would be a rather easy thing to do. That Nott boy was rather nasty in particular. Dumbledore had prevented his being expelled just for the shaping of a Hero. If Harry had not been found this year, he'd have begun the tenuous duty of shaping the Longbottom boy. Which would be rather difficult with his parents' being around. But a few well-placed charms would take care of that.
It was as he was turning to leave he felt the wards stir as two old students returned. One in particular Dumbledore was hoping would not show up today. "Black." Dumbledore muttered before turning to his best shield against the damned dog. His bane as it were. "Severus, it seems we have guests. Please greet them and show them into my office. I shall be with the champions and then Potter for a little while. Keep them there if you would."
"I shall do my best." Severus replied, turning and walking away, his robes floating out behind him as if some intangible wind was moving it only for him.
Though Severus had not taught the way Dumbledore had thought he would, he was considered one of the strictest in the school. Second only to Professor McGonagall perhaps. He'd straightened out the Slytherin's, turning them once more into a respectable house. It had worried Dumbledore that he wouldn't have anyone to set against Harry once Dumbledore found him. Because no matter how well hidden, Dumbledore was going to find him, no one could hide from him forever.
But a different Severus than expected or not, one thing was for sure. Sirius and he could not stand each other. So Severus could keep Sirius away for at least a few hours.
/-/-/
Severus arrived at the double door entrance to Hogwarts where a loud knocking was heard, the door moving with each strike of the fist.
"Quiet dog, can't you be silent for once in your life!" He shouted upon opening the door, a glowering Sirius, along with his worried wife, and two reporters in the door, but as Severus looked deeper he into Sirius' eyes he saw fear there with the anger. "I will be taking you to Dumbledore's office, he's busy with the newly chosen champions and a recently arrived visitor. The famous Mr. Potter has finally deemed us worthy of his presence no less than an hour ago. He's also been chosen as a champion, fancy that. I'm sure he'll claim he didn't do it, and this is some Death Eater plot, but we all know he's a seeking attention brat like his father. I'm sure you're here to claim him now that he's finally shown himself. Am I right dog? He was just a moment shown into a room with the other champions, Dumbledore will be joining them soon. Now let us get going so that you may get to Dumbledore sooner or later." Severus' face was in a frozen sneer, though as Sirius watched and listened, he saw in his eyes and heard in his voice the same fear and thoughts that were in his own.
Thankfully they'd planned on Harry appearing at Hogwarts since he was little and fading to whoever he wanted. Fearful he'd try getting to McGonagall who was, and still is, under Dumbledore's potions and charms. The amount she'd been put under, including several Oblivations required a special potion from the Goblins, using their knowledge and what Lily had discovered and made. It was finally set to be fully finished, tested, and ready in another month.
Through Severus' mocking Sirius now knew the situation and what had happened since Harry appeared. "Well then lead on Snivellus."
/-/-/
As Harry entered the room, slightly in shock at what was occurring. He had no idea what sort of tournament they were talking about, but that didn't worry him too much. He was always up for a challenge. And this sounded both dangerous and fun. He realized by observing the other champions, that he was, at the very least, a year younger than they were. But he was confident as far as spells went he wasn't too far behind. They all might have more power than him, of that he was sure. He could feel their cores somewhat, and because of their maturing at 17, they were for the moment stronger than he.
He almost instantly recognized Fleur, but upon seeing her he'd given a quick shake of his head and she'd imperceptibly nodded back. She'd stay silent for now. Next he recognized Victor Krum, one of the best seekers in Quidditch currently. Even though Harry was still a fan of the Montrose Magpies, he and his father both had a healthy respect of the Bulgarian Seeker. He was an excellent player.
Finally his eyes settled upon the third youth in the room, Cedric Diggory. He knew little of the boy himself. All he did know is his parents were ardent supporters of Dumbledore and could see no wrong with him.
Next to fall under the gaze of the missing Savior was a man Harry knew as Mad-eye Moody. He'd never met him personally as Sirius wasn't sure if he'd tell Dumbledore or not. They'd been waiting to reach out to him about Harry. But Harry had heard plenty of stories of the man from his father, Mother and Nym.
One of the best Auror's ever to live. Taking out more dark wizards, Death Eaters and the like than any other Auror.
As he thought over his knowledge about the scarred and one eyed man, the door to the room opened as in strode Dumbledore, Madame Maxine, Igor Karkaroff, and Barty Crouch Senior.
Quickly going through what he knew of each of them, which was little except for Crouch Senior. He turned his attention warily to the oldest man in the room, striding towards him, a grandfatherly smile upon his aged face as he approached.
"Harry my boy. It's good to finally have you here at Hogwarts where you belong. These halls have gone too long without a Potter in them my boy. I'll prepare you a room in Gryffindor almost immediately. Now before we discuss anything further, let me inform you as to what has happened as I'm sure you're quiet confused, having been called here." Dumbledore began, hardly letting Harry get a word in otherwise, as he put his arms around Harry and guiding him to a seat that he cleaned off and fluffed with a few waves of his wand.
Harry felt immediately more relaxed once sitting in the chair, turning his attention to the nice man before him who was explaining what the Tri-Wizard Tournament was and how Harry had been entered, and must now compete. Or risk losing his magic, and perhaps even life.
Harry realized that this man was being rather honest with him, it was nice.
"Now Harry, let me introduce you to the lovely Miss Fleur, this strapping young man is Cedric Diggory, I'm sure he can show you around Hogwarts after this meeting. And finally this strong young man is Victor Krum, quiet the Quidditch player I've heard." Dumbledore introduced, missing the look of worry that was in Fleur's eyes as she watched Harry, seeing the way his eyes had gone out of focus, a dopey smile appearing on his face.
And though from her time with Harry after the French Tournament, she knew that of course he smiled, but it was never this… open of a smile, it looked like his mind was rather blank. It worried her. Where was his father, Lord Black?
As if her thoughts had summoned him the doors blew open, Sirius and Amelia striding in through doors, behind him stood Xenophillius Lovegood with a quill and paper out, and another young man they recognized as Peter Eugene Fellinger, a reporter for the Daily Prophet.
"Good, Harry you're hear. We were wondering where you disappeared off too. Come we need to make a quick statement about where you've been to the papers so everyone knows what's been happening in your life. We'll have to apologize for hiding you from the world for so long as well. Come now." Sirius commanded, striding into the room as if he owned it, Amelia beside him. Looking ever part the beautiful Lady Black, as well as head of the DMLE.
"But… Sirius I like it here. Dumbledore was about to ask me some questions." Harry said, eyes unfocused as he spoke.
Sirius' eyes darkened so fast he seemed to lose his pupils as his magic flared, Black flames erupting from his body and licking the air around him. "Harry. Come here. Now."
His voice seemed to shake Harry for a moment as he began to stand before his eyes became unfocused again and he sat back down. "But Sirius…" He began.
"It was a good effort Dumbledore, but he hasn't ever called me Sirius in his life. It's always been Padfoot or Dad. Father every once in a while." Sirius darkly said as he strode forward towards Harry, everyone backing away from Sirius. None having realized he was this powerful, as he'd been hiding his strength from the masses. He'd finally reached his peak in power till he had his next maturing's at the age of Seventy, One hundred Twenty, and Two hundred. His current power level was on par with Dumbledore's right before his seventy year maturing. Part of Dumbledores enormous power was his age and how many maturing's he'd been able to go through.
Dumbledore himself was impressed with the power pouring off the Lord Black, but he was not one to be intimidated. As he stepped in front of Sirius and between him and Harry. "This is a wonderful show of your newfound strength Sirius my boy. But do not forget who is the Headmaster and most powerful one here. I've many years of spells over you. I'd suggest you turn off this light show." Dumbledore gently spoke, though his eyes showed the danger Sirius was in should he not stand down.
"That may be true, but I have the full repertoire of the Black family Grimiore, and all the family magic. Including the Potter's Grimiore and all their spells that don't require me to be of blood. So I've at least a few spells you don't know. And I was only Sirius to you during my time as a student, and during the war. You may refer to me as Lord Black now, if you please." Sirius said, hardly cowed by the man before him as he once again tried walking to Harry as Dumbledore stepped in front of him again.
The two reporter's quills were scratching away, trying to capture everything that was said, they were as shocked as the others in the room at the apparent hostilities between the leader of the light, and who many thought was one of his followers, having been a member of the Order of the Phoenix. Dumbledore's well known unit that fought against Voldemort.
At Sirius' words, Dumbledore let his magic escape, his magic showing in the way of a purple mist, spreading out from his body. "Sirius my boy. You seem to have taken a turn for the worse, did those few days in Azkaban change you so?"
It was then Lady Black decided to make herself known, as her own magic erupted at being separated from her child, and something having been done to him. A swirling vortex of red sprang to life around her, the outer parts of her red vortex, mixing with the black flames of her husbands, becoming reminiscent of their sons magic, whose form was a mixture of their own magic.
Something James had explained as Harry's magic claiming them as His parents. It recognized they were his mother and father, so it modeled itself after their magic. Something Harry didn't know, but was a constant thing of pride for Sirius and Amelia once James had explained to them why Harry's magic showed itself as a mixture of theirs in its green flaming vortex.
"Dumbledore, you will move out of my husband and mine's way to our child, who we've raised since almost the day Sirius was released. And if you don't, I'll arrest you here and now and put you away for a few nights to think over what's occurring right now." Amelia threatened, reminding everyone in the room she wasn't only Lady Black, but head of the DMLE and one of the best Aurors since Mad-Eye.
"Of course, my apologies Amelia." Dumbledore said, his magic disappearing as Sirius' own also vanished. "I didn't know these facts of course. I merely wish to ensure nothing bad happens to Harry. Don't want him disappearing for another fifteen years." He put away the knowledge that Sirius and Amelia had indeed raised Harry. His mind racing for a way to deal with this, especially what was about to occur as they found the charms he'd put on the chair to effect Harry once he was sitting. "If you would please, just for the boy's safety. Sirius what was the prank you pulled upon Severus that nearly cost him his life?"
Sirius glared, as Snape put on a fierce gaze toward Sirius, doing his best to appear as the Headmaster would assume he'd be. "We took him to the shrieking shack."
"Very well then. Off you go." Dumbledore spoke, a glint in his eye as he moved away from Harry so they could get closer.
Sirius and Amelia hurried to Harry's chair, Sirius searching the chair for any spells, or charms. Finding some calming, and cheering charms placed on the back of the chair, Charms he discreetly banished, ending their effect on his child.
Harry's magic erupted the moment he was in his right mind, having realized what occurred the moment he was free. The green swirling vortex of Green Flames surprising everyone in the room as to the boy's power, even Dumbledore himself being surprised for a moment.
"Who!?" The question erupted from his lips as his magic flared, pushing everyone but his parents and Dumbledore away from him. His parents, as his magic recognized them as such, and Dumbledore by sheer strength.
Amelia stepped forward, hugging her son tight as she whispered in his ear, his magic almost immediately stopping as she finished talking, visibly calming. Dumbledore watched with trepidation as a mask slip in place over the boy. His emotions disappearing from his face and eyes, a calm look taking over as a mask slid in place. A mask very reminisce of a certain Ice-queen in the school Dumbledore had attempted to talk to many times throughout her years at the school.
"I apologize everyone. It's just a shock to be here, especially as it was not my initial purpose to be here. Forgive me for that display. I'm, as you already know, Harry Potter, heir to the Potter, Peverell, and Gryffindor names and bloodlines. It's a pleasure to meet you all. Victor, Cedric, Madame Delacour." Harry spoke to each in turn, shaking the men's hands, and kissing Fleur's, causing a giggle as he continued treating her like they'd never met. "Now, Headmaster, if you'd be so kind as to re-explain what this tournament I've been dragged into is. Without the charms as well, I'm perfectly calm as it is." Harry finished with a glare to the Headmaster, who had the decency to blush.
"Indeed, I shall right away then. You've been entered as, a before now, unheard of fourth champion in a tournament that for centuries has been between Hogwarts, Durmstang, and Beauxbatons. It has always been three competitors, against three tasks. The winner earning glory, and often a cash prize. It had been cancelled after a… particularly nasty tournament, ending in several deaths."
"So why has it been continues?" Amelia demanded, interrupting Dumbledore before he could continue, her eyes boring into his.
"Well my dear Amelia, we thought it a good idea, as well as a way for the children to make new friends, and strengthen international relations."
"It's Lady Black Headmaster, and I think that's a rubbish reason to restart this tournament. Why not make your own, or a new one. Versus this. I know the history of this event, and I do not agree with its restarting." Sirius spoke, his dark tone causing shudders to run down many in the room's spines.
"I hope you will be doing all you can to discover my sons forced entry into this tournament?"
"Of course Am—Lady Black. I shall do everything in my power, in fact our new DADA teacher Mad-eye, as you already know, shall look into it immediately. And what better man to do so, than he?"
"He shall suffice. But should nothing be coming up, I shall be doing it myself, along with my husband and a team of Aurors. And you will not interfere. Understood?"
"Of course Lady Black. But I must say, that I have the utmost faith in him my dear."
"Indeed…"
"Now, come along Harry my boy, we shall get you a room set up in Gryffindor, I have some lovely people I'd like you to meet." Dumbledore began with a jovial tune, steering Harry away from his parents and the reporters.
"Gryffindor? I did now know our son had been sorted? Nor that he was a student of Hogwarts. Why then, to Gryffindor?"
"Well… I uh… he said he was of Gryffindor's line, I thought it appropriate…"
"I'm sure you did. Harry my boy, would you like a sorting, or perhaps would you like a private chamber here?" Sirius spoke, turning to his son and leaving a blushing and slightly annoyed Headmaster to his right.
"A private dorm would be welcome."
"Indeed. Can that be arranged Headmaster? Perhaps after this bloody tournament my son shall decide he'd like to attend Hogwarts. I've taught him most of what I could for now, so it would be fine for him to do so. But we shall wait some time for him to decide, of course."
"Of course. Yes, we most certainly can get him a room. Minerva, if you'd be so kind as to show young Mr. Potter to a room, near Gryffindor tower should be fine."
"I'd actually prefer one near the dungeons, if that's alright sir…" Harry interrupted, keeping his gaze away from his parents and godfather who were giving him a look at being anywhere near Daphne when they didn't need it discovered yet.
"Well… If you would like so, then… that shall be fine. Severus, would you be so kind." Dumbledore spoke, worried the boy would rather be in the Dungeons.
"Of course. Come along, Potter." He sneered at the boy, his own eyes twinkling as Harry struggled to hide a smile at Severus' act in the room.
/-/-/
As Harry and Snape strode down the hall, to all the world it looked as if they were just walking. But underneath the wards Severus had wandlessly placed around them, a heated discussion was taking place.
"You could have ruined our plans with that hair brained comment. You know the Greengrasses involvement with the Potters must remain secret for now. Can you not wait four weeks boy? You've already waited this many years, what's a few more days?"
"I don't care. I'm going to be nearby to protect her, and I'd rather not be where he wants me to be. The opposite of that is the best place. And no one's going to figure anything out, stop worrying."
"Oh the pain of being your godfather." Severus finished with an exasperated sigh as he smirked at his godson.
"Oh shut it, you know you love me."
"That may be. Doesn't mean I won't hex you for sass in class. You'd better behave, or I'll make an example out of you." Severus warned, his wand appearing in his hand as he smiled.
"Try it, I'll send you flat on your ass."
"Indeed?"
"OW!" Harry shouted, the stinging hex shooting from Severus' other hand, Harry's attention focused upon his wand hand instead.
"One day you'll learn to watch both hands." Severus laughed as he continued walking, Harry itching his side where he was hit.
They arrived in short order before a painting of a meadow with a Griffin, Stag, Wolf, and Grim all playing in a field.
"This looks like…"
"Yes, this is a painting your birth mother, Lily painted herself, and one not loyal to Dumbledore. In fact, most in this hallway aren't. We knew you'd eventually come here, whether by Dumbledore's machinations, your own wanting to go here and just plain being a dunderhead, or perhaps just finishing your training and being allowed to come. We also knew you'd want to be as close to Her as you could. So we began slowly preparing this hall for it. It was easy to convince Dumbledore to make a hallway dedicated to your mother, though it was a struggle to make it in the dungeons, until we said it might get the Slytherin's to lighten up about Muggle-born, and Half-Bloods." Severus explained, Harry now looking up and down the hallway at the many painting up and down the hallway.
"Are they all Lily's?"
"No, only this one on the door, she hadn't painted many magical ones. The rest were painted by your mother and we just told Dumbledore they were painted by Lily and left in the family vault."
Harry began to see what he meant, as there were snakes in some, and in another was with all the Animagus forms of the inner circle of his parents group. Even Severus'.
"The password for your dorm is simple. I shall say it once, don't forget it. It's Occultum."
"Hidden? A good one I suppose." Harry smirked, walking up to door that had appeared behind the now open painting.
Entering the room, he found a simple living room done in Green, Red, and Black, the colors of his and his parent's magic, with accents of blue in a few places, mirroring Daphne's magic. Two doors, on either side of the room to the left and right from the entrance, one leading to a bathroom for guests, the other to his own room, and private bathroom. Complete with bath, shower, sink, and a chute that went to the laundry room he assumed. Lastly in the actual bedroom was a four poster bed, a book shelf, and a dresser for clothing, finished off with a desk in the corner.
"This looks great. Thanks. I'm guessing I'll have to show up to breakfast tomorrow then? What table should I sit at? I can assume with Daphne isn't an option."
"You would be correct in that assumption. With any of the champions would be acceptable. Unless young Mr. Victor continues to sit with Slytherin, then you should wait at least two meals before doing so. Sit with each champion at least once before that." Severus spoke, turning to head out the door. "Now I must return to the others, there's no telling what your father is up to. Sleep well Harry. And prepare yourself, you've not really tasted your fame fully yet. Just bits of it here and there from the tournaments. Tomorrow, well the veil is off. Good luck."
"Thanks Severus. I'll see you tomorrow then."
/-/-/
Severus arrived at the Headmaster's office, hearing Sirius' Amelia's, and Dumbledore's voices coming from within.
Speaking the password and entering he heard words that shook him to the bone.
"Fine! Fine. You've a deal."
"What! Pray tell, it going on here?" Severus questioned, entering the room with a sweep, his question aimed at Dumbledore.
"I've merely made a deal with the Blacks here about how the school shall be run, and Harry's involvement in it. Harry is to be sorted, he shall be able to stay in his room, or the dormitory, or both for all I care. As long as he spends time in the commons room of his house, he shall attend classes with his chosen house. As well as all students that are involved with Harry are still scholastically under my control. Such as, for example, should someone have a problem with Mr. Potter, they will not interfere in what I deem their punishment, in other words, no forcing me to expel a student should they have a disagreement with the young boy. But Harry shall remain fully under their control and influence. In exchange, I shall be giving them information on who may have entered the boy, and things that have been occurring that they, and their little group they think I know nothing about, have learned."
At Dumbledore's admittance of knowing something of their group, Severus almost blew his cover, then realizing should the headmaster know that Severus was involved, he'd have said something. He continued on with is part. "How shall you hold them to this once they get the information?"
"We will be making an oath to each other, I shall go first, and then they will follow. Afterwards, I will reveal my knowledge. Our deal shall go for a year, I will keep exchanging knowledge with them as long as it involves their son, all other knowledge is my own to share or not share. We would like you to be the witness to our oath."
"Fine. I suppose I can allow it, even for a dog." Snape sneered, pulling out his wand and stepping forward and placing his wand out as Dumbledore gripped arms with Sirius, while Amelia put her hand over Sirius' on the back side.
Dumbledore began, "I swear to share all knowledge directly involving Harry Potter that I know, or will learn, with his parents, as well as the knowledge I currently contain on who might have entered Harry Potter into the tournament with Sirius and Amelia Black. As long as they uphold their end of the oath, so mote it be."
Together Sirius, and Amelia began, "We, Lord and Lady Black, swear to keep Harry Potter our son in school at Hogwarts for at least a year, and allow Dumbledore to take care of any problems our son may have with other students, or any of his friendships with other students. As long as he uphold his end of the oat, so mote it be."
With a flash Severus' wand lit up from where it was placed, as magical veins had grown over their arms, connecting them slowly before disappearing with the flash.
"Now Dumbledore, what do you know?"
"I'm sure you know that Harry has been out without you at least once. In this outing, he found himself facing off against a former Death Eater, a Mr. Lord Nott, and a few others as they were attacking two students. The boy left a calling card though. He used a curse that only the Potter's have been known to use. And ancient blood magic as it were. He probably didn't even realize he'd used it, as it's known as a defensive magic for children. It took Lord Nott till just this past summer to track down which family the spell was known for. He had to go back to a duel between his thrice great grandfather, and Harry's fourth great grandfather, where the man used this same spell, and Nott's father recorded its use as it surprised the man, and was part of the reason for Nott's losing of the duel. An unlucky coincidence I'm sure. As it were, I could neither find out where the duel took place, nor who the two students were he'd been protecting."
"Damn it." Sirius swore, anger and pride over rehearing of his son's heroic tendencies occurring as his wife began thinking of punishments for her son in getting exposed to Death Eaters. Especially Nott.
"Indeed. Now if I may ask your leave. I wish to talk with my colleague here before getting some sleep. It's been a rather busy day."
"As you wish then. Headmaster." Sirius acquiesced, nodding once before heading out the door, Amelia on his arm as they did so.
As soon as they were out of the room, Dumbledore turned to one of his most trusted servants. "So tell me Severus, what do you think of the boy?"
"Though he may be the spitting image of his father, I think him more akin to his mother. Though he is still rather arrogant. I shall withhold judgment until I can test him myself in a class setting." Severus answered dutifully, and exactly the way Dumbledore would be expecting based on how he'd been teaching and changing the Slytherin house.
"Truly? That is rather surprising, I'd always guessed his father's traits would be more prevalent, especially with his being raised by Sirius. Perhaps I should keep a closer eye on the boy. Did you by chance place any listening wards or charms while in the room?"
"I did not, as I'm not aware of the child's knowledge, if he were to recognize what I was casting it could be disastrous. Unlike you, I cannot cast charms and such while also cleaning a chair." He intoned dryly.
"True, though since Sirius caught on the moment he entered the room, it was a rather wasted effort." Dumbledore bitterly commented, upset at the how the meeting in the champion room had gone. "Ah well. Get some sleep Severus. I can already tell that tomorrow will be a busy day.
"Agreed. Goodnight Headmaster." Severus nodded once before exiting the room.
/-/-/
Harry woke early that morning, a note on his dresser from Severus telling him all that was to occur and to be down for breakfast on time that morning.
He arrived at breakfast late, the hall full with students from all three schools eating, and speaking amongst themselves. Though all their talking and eating ended the moment he opened the doors and walked into the room. Every pair of eyes, from teacher to student upon him as he walked.
"Ah, Mr. Potter. So good of you to join us. Come on up here Harry. Your parents have agreed to let you attend this year at Hogwarts, and to be sorted into a house and everything. Though it will be absolutely fine for you to stay in your private room after being sorted if you wish. All I ask is that you spend plenty of time in the common room of your house, so you may get to know those of your house and what they stand for." Dumbledore spoke with a glimmer in his eyes as he gazed down at Harry, the entire Great Hall still silent and watching as Minerva entered the room with the sorting hat in her hands.
"Here you are Mr. Potter. Go ahead and put it on."
"Thank you Professor." Taking the Hat from McGonagall, but before he put it on he felt a familiar presence pushing at his mind. That of his godfather.
Opening his Occlumency shields he felt Severus in his mind, placing a memory of him and Sirius' discussion late last night after their meeting with Dumbledore.
/-/-/
"Tell Harry before he's sorted that he can go wherever he wishes. But that we would prefer it if he were somewhere other than Slytherin. Because of the possible complications with him being near Daphne. But, in the end it's up to him. Most of our plans are basically cemented, he being sorted there shouldn't effect it much. We will have everything solidified in one months' time. After that he can be open with his relationship with Daphne. If anything happens before that, it will be alright, just tell him not to be stupid. If he must protect her and gets caught. Fine. Otherwise please be careful. And to piss off the old geezer for me."
"Also, Severus that we agree that should Dumbledore try to put another charm, or other such personality altering spell upon Harry, that you're to reveal yourself as part of our group immediately to protect Harry. Dumbledore can't get rid of you now, especially since he put himself out there to get you this job. It'll look bad, so he's in a corner. And your position will be solidified even more so once news of how you've been training the boy-who-lived in Occlumency and potions in the second part of this story. We'll leave out the other training. But both Lovegood, and Fellinger will be printing the story in the papers today, with a second section to come out that will list everyone who helped train and care for Harry. You, the Zabini's, Narcissa, Andromeda, and the Greengrasses are on that list." Amelia finished.
He received a slight nod from Severus as he lifted the hat to finally put it upon his head as the memory finished.
/-/-/
"Why hello Mr. Potter. So good of you to finally come. I've been waiting." The voice that spoke in his mind was a kind voice.
"Hello Hat. I've dreamed of the day I'd finally get to put you on." Harry excitedly responded, the hat chuckling as indeed he found the dreams of Harry being sorted. Almost each one into a different house for different reasons.
"I'd tell you all the reasons you'd be good in any of the houses, or that the Headmaster would prefer you in Gryffindor. Even tried bribing me to do so. But I can see from your mind, that though all the houses are appealing to you for various reasons, Slytherin is where you wish to go. All because of a certain blonde. Am I correct?"
Harry could feel himself blushing underneath the hat, "Yes Sir. And please don't tell Dumbledore about her. Please?"
"Of course not my boy. The Headmaster may think he runs Hogwarts. But the spells the Founder placed have been, and will always be stronger than any he could make. He shall not learn a word of what I've seen young man. Now everyone is waiting. Rather impatiently I might add." The hat finished with a sigh of frustration. "Now let us see what the world thinks of you my boy."
"SLYTHERIN!"
Everything was silent for a full minute before applause erupted from the Slytherin table, Draco and Blaise leading the charge, as Neville and Hermione and the twins at Gryffindor, and the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff tables clapped and cheered as well, while the Gryffindor table morosely clapped, upset at not getting the Boy-Who-lived.
The only group not clapping that Harry noticed, was a group near the end of the Slytherin table, consisting of Theodore Nott and his group. Harry also noticed several individuals among the Hufflepuff, and Ravenclaw tables not clapping. Recognizing a few as children of suspected, and known Death Eaters. The rest, he having no clue as to their name, nor their background, but nonetheless, filing their faces away in his mind if they seemed genuinely angry at him being there and sorted.
Walking with a smile he headed straight towards his group of friends, taking a seat next to Draco and shaking his hand. The world knowing that Narcissa and Draco were living in the Black home was general knowledge, so knowing that he and Draco were friends, along with Blaise would not come as a huge surprise now that people knew he'd been with Sirius and training in case of any reoccurrence of Voldemort or some other dark wizard.
Daphne and Tracey sat across from Harry, Draco, and Blaise. Almost directly across from Harry, with whom she shared a quick smile before her mask fell back into place and she calmly gazed around the room. Storing away the looks upon all the professors at their table.
Dumbledore's slightly worried, yet thoughtful look, Severus' pleased look, one he quickly hid. Professor McGonagall's worried and anxious look. Flitwick's look of disappointment at Harry not being in his own house, a look mirrored by Pomona Sprout. The other professor's looks being split between curiosity and worry.
Harry himself, just went about getting himself a plate of food ready, pointedly ignoring Dumbledore's attempts to get his attention from the head table.
/-/-/
As Harry prepared to leave, Professor McGonagall stepped up for a word. "Mr. Potter, will you be staying in your private dorm, or would you prefer to stay with your dorm mates? As well as here is a schedule for you."
"I think for now Professor I would like to stay in the private room. It will make it easier to prepare for the tournament. But perhaps after, I'll stay in the dorm."
"That will be fine. I shall inform the Headmaster. And Harry—excuse me, Mr. Potter. Should you need anything, or like to speak with me, feel free to stop by my office or classroom, the door is always open to you young man."
"Thank you Professor. Have a good day. I shall be seeing you in class." Harry finished with a smile, glancing at the schedule in his hand, and liking what was upon it. Seemed his mother had messaged the Professor telling her to put Harry in Runes, and Arithmancy. Two classes he would be sharing with Daphne.
Though no one in their group needed it. Their private tutoring, with both their parents and the group, or with private tutors hired by their parents. They had to keep up appearances. Hence they found themselves in classes they didn't need.
Watching her walk away, Harry barely suppressed his desire to jump, only his training with Lady Zabini and Narcissa helping him keep his cool, as a small hand slid into his front picket, leaving what felt like a small note in it.
Meet me in your room during the break before potions. D.G.
A smile lit up his face before quickly disappearing as Harry began his walk to his room to see if his books and school supplies he'd need had been delivered, as Snape's letter to him had said they would. Whistling a tune as he walked, still fighting the smile that wished to erupt on his face.
/-/-/
Harry arrived slightly late to his first class of the day. Charms with Professor Flitwick, so upon his knocking upon the door, and entering. Everything occurring in the room stopped as he entered, all eyes upon him.
"Um… Hello everyone, I'm Harry Potter…"
"Indeed. Come, come. Have a seat there next to Draco, seems there's an open seat there today. Yes, yes. It's an honor to have you here young man. Come, sit. Sit." The excitable professor began, ushering Harry into the room, whispering erupting as Harry walked past.
Harry took his seat next to a smirking Draco who nodded once before turning to face the professor who was still excitedly gazing at Harry. "Yes professor?"
"Oh! Sorry for staring. Now I know, as does everyone present, that you've been training for most of your life in hiding with Sirius and a few others, who will be revealed at a later date. But I was curious if you would allow an old man his change to test you? Let's see where your knowledge is shall we? I read you entered a few tournaments and would like to offer you a chance to duel with me?"
Harry smiled internally, this school was going to be more fun than he'd originally thought. Flitwick was a champion dueler, and was one of the few in the world who could go toe to toe with Dumbledore and have a chance of winning. Based purely upon the fact he could use goblin magic that Dumbledore did not have access too, and was known to be considerably faster than Dumbledore in casting.
"Professor, it would be an honor." Harry smirked, stepping down from his seat as everyone cleared out the center of the room, giving them plenty of room to move about.
"Now Harry, I shall not move from this spot for now. Give you a good chance. Throw everything you've got at me. Let's see what you've learned and been taught. Everyone else, be taking notes on the charms he uses, as well as I use. Ready my boy?" The Professor finished, turning to Harry after he quickly transfigured his current outfit into his dueling robes.
"One moment sir." Harry said, sending a smirk and wink towards Draco it seemed. Though Draco knew it was actually to the girl standing behind him, completely overlooked as she wore her ice queen façade, though her eyes betrayed her annoyance at his cavalier behavior.
Harry quickly stripped off his new Slytherin robes, and then his shirt, standing only in the pair of jeans he was wearing. Every girl in the room suddenly finding it hard not to stare at Harry's toned chest and abs. Groans of annoyance erupting from Draco and Blaise.
"Ladies, please. They look just as good." Harry added, throwing his robes and shirt to Draco and Blaise, causing several of the looks Harry had been getting to transfer to the two boys, both smiling while shooting a glare at Harry. None in their group missing the death glares all three were receiving from specific females of their group.
With a final smirk Harry turned, "I'm ready now professor."
With a chuckle the Professor assumed his starting stance, as Harry did the same. Harry's mirroring Snape's stance, a fact that only a few in the room knew, including Professor Flitwick, who stored that knowledge away as he prepared shield Harry's first attack.
Harry's thoughts were running rampant as he decided how to open this dance. He had two options that he liked the most. Start slow and build from there, or start with a bang, and show everyone in the room who the strongest one there was. Start a name for himself early on. Just as his dad and birth father had in their first days' of Hogwarts. He decided on the latter.
Flitwick's shield cracked when the first stunner erupted from Harry's wand, silently cast as it flew quickly across the room, leaving everyone gaping as Flitwick's surprised eyes traveled from the crack in his shield, to where Harry had been moments ago. The boy moving like a flash to the right.
"Professor, unless you wish this duel to end a tad early, I would move from that spot." Harry jovially mocked, casting two more stunners that proceeded to crack the professor's shield in two different places.
"Indeed it seems I must. Impressive Harry. But not impressive enough." Flitwick happily responded, excited with these turn of events as he began his own assault, rapidly casting four stunners with a tripping jinx hidden within, two stunners crashing against his shield as he dodged the other two, only to be hit as he ran with the tripping jinx.
Instead of falling down, he rolled with it, coming right back up on his feet, and upping the casting by once again, silently sending several cutting curses at Flitwick. Who, with only mild surprise at this point, blocked and returned fire, adding a minor bludgeoning curse as well.
Everyone in the room watched spell bound as the curses and jinx's they were using became more and more advanced, some not even recognizing the type of spell that was cast. Only Draco and Daphne truly keeping up with everything, even Daphne being surprised by some.
It all ended as suddenly the earth beneath the professor, who'd been dancing around the room with Harry the past ten minutes, the explosion knocking him to the ground as Harry smiled, having quickly drawn those runes in the floor during the moment in their duel when he'd covered the room in fog, clouding the professor and everyone's in the rooms view for a few moments.
His cheering was cut short as suddenly a spell bounced off an unseen mirror that had been transfigured behind him by a 'missed' spell, the spell hitting him and ripping his wand from his hand and into the hands of the laughing and rumpled professor.
"Well done! Well done! That was marvelous, you did very good Mr. Potter. I'm impressed. I haven't had to worry about runic writing on the ground since semi-finals of the first championship I won. Well done indeed. You might have had me had you been more conscious of your surroundings behind you, and perhaps some more power. Though that shall hardly be a problem after your seventeen year maturing I do believe. Thank you for that marvelous match. Class is dismissed everyone, I would like all your notes on this duel our next class period, along with a full list of the spells you knew, and didn't know. Thank you. Class dismissed."
Harry, sweat dripping from his body, having had to really push it in his duel, smiled and walked over to Draco and Blaise, who were both smiling as well.
"Good show there. You did pretty well. But you and I both know he was going easy on you." Draco commented, throwing Harry his shirt after he quickly dried his sweat and quickly accio'd his deodorant and some cologne from his room.
"I know. But I did make him work. I'm not the only one sweating." Harry commented, pointing towards the professor, who had some sweat gathered upon his brow, and the sides of his face, a smile still planted upon his face.
"That may be, but you've still got a few years before you'll be besting him in any all-out duels." Blaise chipped in, throwing Harry his robe with a snort. "And don't think we've forgotten before the duel. The girls are not happy. Specifically the queen." Blaise said, smirking as Harry blanched for a second before smirking it off.
"Well, her highness can speak to me of it should there be anything to say. It's her subject I'd be worried about." Harry replied, causing both boys to groan in unison as they agreed.
Since their second year of school, when Daphne had officially earned her title as the Ice Queen of Hogwarts, turning away any boys who sought her attention, sometimes with force. Only being found in the presence of Draco, Blaise, and Neville, along with Susan Bones, Tracey Davis, Hermione Granger, and recently Luna Lovegood, and her younger sister. And because of this, they'd referred to Harry as the King, the boys of the group were his subjects, and the girls were Daphne's. It was their running joke.
Unknown to their parents. They all had plans for the school. The joke of royalty had grown. They planned, in their last two years to rule the school. Harry and Daphne would eventually be king and queen. With Draco and Tracey as the Prince and Princess of Slytherin, Hermione and Neville as Prince and Princess of Gryffindor. Susan as Princess of Hufflepuff, the boy undecided, as well as who for Ravenclaw also undecided.
With a final goodbye to Professor Flitwick, they left the room, heading towards lunch before their break began before potions.
/-/-/
Harry arrived at his room, whispering the password before entering with a smile on his face. So far, Hogwarts was pretty fun.
He'd no sooner tossed his bag on the table when he felt soft, slender hands around his shoulders throw him down onto the couch as a body straddled him, lips finding his as suddenly Daphne appeared atop him, her disillusionment spell being cancelled.
"Good to — see you too love." Harry said between kisses, smiling as she just nodded while kissing him. Finally letting up and just laying her head on his chest as she cuddled up atop him on the couch.
"I've waited five long years to do that."
"Agreed." Harry said, smiling more as he began running his fingers through her hair.
"I just… I'm annoyed I have to wait another month before being with you publicly it's so… aggravating. God! I mean… I know why we have to. But still, couldn't they work around us being together?"
"I know babe. I agree. But, it's all we've got, so we just have to go with it for now. One month. Surely we can make it one month?"
/-/-/
Harry was going insane. A week had passed since he'd started attending Hogwarts and been entered into the Tournament, and they would not leave him alone.
It had started day two of his time there, partially having to do with his stunt in Charms, partially because of his fame. He now had a group of followers, a fan club that wouldn't leave him alone. On top of that, he had several girls who could not understand why he didn't want to hang out with them alone, or 'meet them in a cupboard' or many other things. Some causing the boy to blush from some of the older kids, and his peers, at what they'd like to do in the cupboard.
While he was getting annoyed with all the attention from specific females in the school. Namely Ginny Weasely, Fay Dunbar, and Lavender Brown. Those three continued to corner him, often in questionable clothing beneath their robes.
And what made it worse was Daphne was often around when it happened, and she could do nothing about it. Their parents had simply told Harry and her to 'deal' with it and wait for another week.
But she'd sent a message to Harry to meet in his room during their break, something they'd done at least once a day since he'd first gotten to school. She had an idea, and knew he wouldn't be opposed to it. And best of all, is it wouldn't jeopardize their parent's plans, while still solving their own.
/-/-/
Harry walked in to the Great Hall that night without his robes, wearing only jeans and a tank top, proudly sporting the three new hickeys on his neck and chest. Gossip erupting almost immediately as people began trying to figure out who the secret girl of Harry's might be.
Ginny was seen storming from the room, as Lavender glared at every girl she thought responsible for this encroachment. Fay merely morosely looking down at her food, avoiding the emerald eyed boy who sat down between Draco and Blaise. Everyone but a certain potions instructor missing the smug look upon the Ice Queen as her back was to everyone but those on the far side of the Slytherin table.
The Headmaster himself was rather enraptured by the purple splotches of skin on Harry's neck and chest himself. Standing from his seat and walking towards Harry, his eyes twinkling and grandfatherly smile upon his face.
"Harry my boy. It seems you've finally chosen a girl here. Would you be so kind as to telling an old man who has taken your fancy. And quiet a fancy it seems to be." Dumbledore chuckled. Waiting for Harry to spill the beans.
"I'm sorry Headmaster, but I fail to see how that is any of your knowledge." Harry commented, trying to return to his food as Dumbledore stared on.
"Now, now. Come, everyone here must be curious. Let us know. Come now. The reporters will be dying to find out, and right another article. Especially Witches Weekly, you're already number one on their bachelor's list." Dumbledore said, a chuckle escaping from him as many girls nodded eagerly and several of even the Slytherins around Harry began pestering him to say who'd given him those marks.
"Headmaster, I shall say this once more. It is not your concern, when I decide to reveal who happens to hold my affections. I shall. No sooner, and no later. Thank you." Harry politely said, turning for a moment into the pureblood he was, his own mask slipping into place as he spoke.
"Quiet right my boy. I apologize for my forwardness. Continue eating." Dumbledore spoke, his thoughts raging as he tried to figure out who it could be, as he was sure none of the girls that he'd tried steering towards Harry had succeeded.
With thoughts of who the mystery girl was raging in many heads, dinner continue without another hitch.
/-/-/