Disclaimer: Imagine a world where I owned Harry Potter and was a renowned author and philanthropist like JK Rowling. Yeah, I can't see it either; because it doesn't exist, JKR owns it all, not me.

"No no Potter! You need picture yourself fading into the background while you cast the disillusionment charm to maximize its effectiveness." Moody growled as he stomped over to a half visible Harry Potter.

Moody cracked a small grin before he once again demonstrated the proper wand movement and disillusioned himself. Harry released the incomplete spell he had been under and tried it once again. Harry flicked his wand before he tapped his wand on his head and felt a cold feeling flow down his body. Upon finishing he looked down and for the first time all day, his lower body was finally disillusioned.

Moody grunted before he said, "Aye that's the trick Potter. Now you need to keep practicing that for the first task. I managed to ask a friend at the ministry if they knew anything about it, and all they told me is that they shipped in four dragons from Romania. Dragons are adept at picking out motion and heat, so if you can trick it to see whatever you want then you'll be able to do as you please with it. Practice those three spells and you should manage just fine. Remember Potter, CONSTANT VIGILANCE"

Harry managed a weak nod before running back to the Gryffindor common room, which since his selection had been firmly divided between those supporting Ron, and those supporting Harry and Hermione. It had been a harrowing two weeks for Harry, between training with Moody, classes, abuse from Malfoy and the other Slytherins, and a couple of sessions with Hermione on S.P.H.E.R.E and animagus protocol.

Harry walked in past the Fat Lady, who had made a point of bemoaning her little Gryffindor being forced into the ghastly tournament every time Harry exited or entered, and he immediately spotted Hermione hard at work on her Arithmancy homework. Harry sat down heavily on the floor by her feet and with an amused glance she asked, "How did the session with Professor Moody go?"

Running a hand through his unkempt hair he replied, "I learned some wicked useful charms for stealth. Apparently one of them is something Moody himself came up with during the first war with Voldemort."

Hermione gazed down at Harry with a piecing look before she smiled slightly and asked, "What else did he tell you Harry?"

Harry jerked his head back to Hermione before he sighed and replied, "He um, told me what I'll be dealing with for the first task."

Hermione frowned and asked, "But isn't that cheating?"

Harry took his glasses off before he looked away and said, "Not if I tell the other champion's too."

Hermione gave Harry a shrewd smile before she asked, "How are you going to inform them?"

Harry placed his glasses back on before he gave her a lop-sided smile and said, "I figured Hedwig could drop off three letters later tonight."

Hermione nodded before her brow furrowed and she leaned close enough to whisper, "What is the first task Harry?"

Harry leaned closer and their hot breath mingled for a moment before he whispered, "Professor Moody told me they are shipping in dragons from Romania."

Hermione roared, "Dragons!"

Harry winced as his ears rang painfully before Hermione's expression cleared and she looked at her friend wincing in pain before she contritely said, "Sorry about that Harry."

Harry nodded slowly before he smiled slightly and with a twinkle in his eyes said, "Oh well I guess they all probably heard it now. I guess I won't need to visit Hedwig after all."

Hermione rolled her eyes before she socked Harry in the shoulder and sleepily murmured, "You look tired Harry and no History of Magic doesn't count as nap time."

Harry smiled sheepishly before he rose to his feet and said, "Yeah, need my beauty sleep if I have to deal with Malfoy and his insufferable pratitude."

Hermione raised an amused eyebrow before she asked, "Pratitide?"

Harry shrugged before he winked and said, "You need to get some sleep too, especially if we are going to practice everything this weekend."

Hermione nodded and then asked, "Are you going to the owlery?"

Harry nodded before he said, "Yeah, I have a couple of other letters to send out to Remus and Padfoot." Hermione merely nodded she smiled inside as Harry had been sending more letters to both men, alternating between Hedwig and school owls to make sure that his letters weren't intercepted, she for one was happy that Harry was allowing more people into his heart and life. As far as she was concerned if anyone deserved that it was Harry.

Harry grabbed some parchment and scribbled down three letters to the other champions before he checked his pocket for the letters to the Marauders. Content that everything that needed to be written down was Harry marched out of the common room and out to the owlery before curfew struck.

Harry grabbed three separate school owls and sent his letters off to the other champions before he walked over to Hedwig's roost and rubbed the feathers on her head gently before she finally nipped at his fingers affectionately. Harry smiled at his friend before he asked, "Hedwig I need you to take these letters to Remus and he can send out the other letter to Snuffles ok?"

Hedwig puffed out her feathers in a show of indignation before Harry smiled and brushed her feathers one last time before he said, "Thanks girl." Harry tied the letter to Hedwig's leg before she took off out the closest window and into the night sky towards Cambridge. The letters were short but both had noteworthy messages in them.

Moony,

Hermione was thrilled to hear that we could have a tutor this summer, although she scared me when she pulled out her study schedule for OWL's. As I mentioned in my last letter, Professor Moody has been teaching me all kinds of great defense spells for the tournament and as he calls it the war in the wings.

I am writing you to ask if you wanted to come to Hogwarts and watch the first task with Hermione in the staff and guests section. If you do send a letter to Professor Dumbledore asking for a guest pass and mention I asked for it. I'd ask Padfoot, but well you understand the issues that would cause.

Harry

Padfoot,

Yes I know, I still haven't managed to ask her, some bloody Gryffindor I am. But, I swear if I survive the first task I'll tell her. I think she kind of knows anyways, but as you said in the letter, girls still want to hear the words.

I'm working hard for the tournament and I think I am going to surprise everyone. Even if someone entered me in the tournament to kill me, I'm going to show them what happens when you mess with a Potter. You know, it's funny when I think about it. Before I met you, I never really had any idea about my parents other than my Dad playing Quidditch and that I look like my dad but have my mum's eyes. I don't know it just hurts less than it used to. I'll write you again sometime soon.

Harry

The next morning classes went by quickly and as Harry and Hermione were exiting the Charms classroom and heading down the corridor Malfoy and his two cronies rounding the other end of the corridor before he yelled out, "Hey Potter, check out this nifty new badge I got. Some Hufflepuff was handing them outside of the Transfiguration classroom."

Harry sighed and turned just to get whatever Malfoy had to show out of the way, so he could coast through the rest of the day.

Malfoy smirked he pulled out his robes around the pin and said, "You see here Potter; even if you've fooled the ministry the students still know the truth."

Harry glanced at the badge and it said Support Cedric Diggory the Only Hogwarts Champion. Harry turned to Hermione and shrugged not having an issue with the message before Malfoy tapped the badge with his wand and the message shifted to Potter Stinks.

Once again Harry shrugged and turned around to continue in the direction to the great hall. Harry had an idea his apathy would be enough to ignite Malfoy and when he heard Malfoy snarl, "Densaugeo."

Harry instinctively grabbed Hermione and protected her with his back as he felt the spell hit him squarely in the back. He frowned as he glanced down and could see his front teeth as they had been elongated to a comical length.

Hermione spun around and glared at Harry before she saw his teeth and with a sigh said in a strange tone, "Oh Harry, lets get you to the hospital wing. It won't do any good to report this because it is our word against his. I'm sure Madam Pomfrey can fix you up in a moment."

Upon reaching the hospital wing Hermione called out, "Madam Pomfrey, we need your help please."

A moment later the matronly head of the hospital wing bustled out of her office before she grimaced as she saw Harry and Hermione before she asked, "Oh I see you've both been hit by a spell of some sort." She eyed Harry carefully before she nodded to herself and ordered Harry to a chair before she flicked her wand and resized his teeth back to their original size. Madam Pomfrey looked at Hermione and said, "It looks like you were only glanced by the spell Ms. Granger. I assume you want it fixed just the same as Mr. Potter though?"

Hermione blinked before she nodded and sat down in a chair as Madam Pomfrey shrunk the two front teeth that had caused her nearly as much scorn in her grade school years as her bookworm tendencies. Pleased with the final result Madam Pomfrey eyed the pair speculatively before she said, "Mr. Potter I have no doubts that you will be in my care enough the remainder of the year thanks to that ghastly tournament, perhaps you can be careful in the times between?"

Harry smiled sheepishly before he nodded and said, "I'll try Madam Pomfrey."

The older witch nodded and briskly said, "See that you do Mr. Potter."

Upon exiting the hospital wing Harry casually said, "You weren't hit by that spell Hermione."

Hermione flushed slightly but nodded and said, "I know, but it's just I know my front teeth were enormous and I couldn't pass up the chance to have them fixed."

Harry smiled slightly before he reached out and grasped Hermione's shoulders squaring her with him before he asked, "Could you smile for me?"

Hermione was startled by the question but managed a shy smile showing off her new teeth before he said, "I always thought you had a nice smile Hermione, but I have to admit it is even more beautiful now." Hermione flushed and appeared too flustered to answer as Harry smirked before turning away in walking towards the great hall intent on getting some lunch before it was too late.

After lunch they entered the potions classroom and to their satisfaction Malfoy groaned upon seeing the Gryffindor duo. Hermione made no move to show her teeth had been fixed as well, before Snape began to lecture on antidotes to certain poisons. Just as Snape made a move to flip the blackboard and reveal the potion that need be completed for class a knock on the door startled everyone.

Snape rolled his eyes heavenward before he said, "Come in."

Colin Creevy nervously poked his head into the room leaving his body behind the door as a means of protection from Snape before he stuttered, "P-professor Snape, Harry is wanted in the headmaster's office for the weighing of the wands."

Snape scowled but nodded before he turned to Harry and said, "I want two feet on antidotes next class to make up for your missed potion Potter."

Harry sighed and grabbed his bag before he nodded to Hermione and slowly exited the classroom even catching Ron looking at him almost wistfully as he left. Harry closed the door behind him and the entire walk to the headmaster's office Harry did a quick polishing job on his wand as he thought about what the meaning of Ron's look could mean.

As Harry reached the hallway leading to the gargoyle protecting Dumbledore's office he spotted Ludo Bagman waiting for something anxiously. Harry warily walked up to the man and asked, "Mr. Bagman, are you ok?"

Bagman snapped his head towards the voice before a wide smile covered his face and he said, "Ah it is now. I was wondering if I could have a word before I accompany you to the weighing of the wands."

Harry nodded slowly as he backed up half a step and assumed a wider defensive base just as Moody had taught him. Bagman released a deep breath before he said, "I am going to be honest with you, erm Harry. I have gotten myself into a bit of trouble and I believe you might be the only one who can help me."

Harry arched his eyebrow and asked, "How is that Mr. Bagman?"

Ludo ran a hand through his salt and pepper hair before he replied, "I've fallen into a spot of debt with the goblins you see, and well to get out of it I've bet a lot of money I don't have on you winning the tournament because you are giving the best return."

Harry frowned and began to shake his head before Bagman pleaded, "I've got a unique perspective on the tournament because of my position within the ministry. I could perhaps give you an idea of what you might be facing in the first task to help guarantee my investment?"

Harry's eyes narrowed and he replied, "Mr. Bagman, I don't believe in cheating and I certainly won't cheat to support your habit. If I win, which I highly doubt, it will be on my terms without any more aid then I've already received from Professor Moody." Harry shook his head at Bagman before he walked past the gargoyle that was awaiting the completion of the party already up in the office.

Harry cautiously entered the headmaster's office and immediately he noticed the looks of gratitude the other three champions were giving him, for sharing his foreknowledge of the first task the previous night. A new strange pair of presences were a bizarre looking witch with horned glasses in a strange leopard print muggle get up and a photographer whose face was hidden behind the hood on an old style camera of some sort.

The woman immediately stormed over to Harry and grabbed at his arm but Harry pulled away leaving her grasping for air. After a moment she composed herself and with a sickly sweet smile said, "Mr. Potter, I'm Rita Skeeter for the Daily Prophet. I was wondering if I could have a word with you following the weighing of the wands and the traditional champion's photo."

Harry eyed her skeptically before he nodded and said, "Only for a couple of questions and seeing as how I have no experience with the press I request that the headmaster be present." Rita's face contorted into a very sour expression before she nodded and walked back to her photographer just as Dumbledore, Crouch, and an old man Harry remembered from his first foray onto Diagon Alley, Mr. Ollivander.

Dumbledore smiled genially at the assembled group before he said, "Ah very good, everyone has already arrived. Welcome every one to the ceremonial weighing of the wands. When Mr. Ollivander requests your wand please hand it over so he can give his official word on it."

Dumbledore gestured the champion's to four arranged chairs before Mr. Ollivander gazed at Harry and said, "Mr. Potter's wand if you please."

Harry passed his wand to Ollivander carefully and the old wizard ran his hands over the smooth holly surface before he flicked it and conjured a flute before he filled it champagne and took a sip. Nodding to himself Ollivander vanished the flute and said, "Ah a beautifully crafted wand. It was always one of my favorites before you matched it Mr. Potter. It shall serve you well in your future endeavors." Harry nodded as he took his wand back sliding it up his sleeve and into his self made wand holster.

Krum was next and Ollivander made an offhanded remark about his dragon heartstring core, before he moved on to Fleur who had a Veela hair for her core. Cedric was last and he had a Vinewood wand with a hippogriff hair for its core. Only after Ollivander finished did Harry realize that the old wizard made no mention of the core in his wand, but realizing there was probably a reason for it Harry didn't bother to question the omission.

Upon finishing the 'weighing' Skeeter's sidekick took several different pictures of the four champions before they were dismissed. Rita stopped Harry as he went to leave before she turned to Dumbledore and said, "Headmaster would you care to watch as I interview Mr. Potter. He was understandably nervous for what will be the first of many interviews I'm sure."

Dumbledore nodded as Harry sat down in a chair in front if the headmaster's desk, and Rita sitting next to him before she pulled a quill and said, "Ok Mr. Potter, I only have a few questions for you so take your time when answering."

Harry nodded and she flicked her wand before a quill and pad of paper emerged from her handbag before she straightened her glasses and asked, "What do you think of your entry into the tri-wizard tournament?"

Harry frowned and replied, "I was unwillingly entered into the tournament and my primary concern now that I've been entered is surviving." Rita' quill wrote many more words than Harry uttered so he leaned over the pad and frowned before he shook his head and said, "I didn't say any of what your quill has taken down Ms. Skeeter. I refuse to be misquoted in order to help you sell newspapers. I mean your quill wrote down that I was crying openly as I thought of my parents and the life I missed out on because of their death."

Dumbledore's eyes were dancing with mirth as he said, "I'm afraid I have to concur with Mr. Potter, Rita. If you can not properly quote Harry, I must insist the interview come to an end."

Rita scowled before she nodded and pulled another quill and pad from her purse and said, "Could you please answer again Mr. Potter?" Harry nodded and he realized suddenly he was extremely happy that he had requested Dumbledore's presence.

The next morning the great hall was buzzing from the sensational cover story in the daily prophet.

Harry Potter: The-Boy-Who-Lived. Tragic hero or great pretender?

By: Rita Skeeter

I had the pleasure of interviewing Harry Potter after the traditional weighing of the wands for the tri-wizard tournament. Mr. Potter was very forthcoming but extremely secretive in his answers especially when dealing with his parents and his entry into the tri-wizard tournament.

Mr. Potter grew very uncomfortable when broached with questions of his parents, which I find puzzling because as an orphan one would think he would want his parents remembered for who they were. Additionally, when asked of his entry into the tri-wizard tournament Potter grew belligerent and forced Albus Dumbledore to end the questioning.

Are these the actions of the tragic hero or the actions of an attention seeking spoiled child, who has grown accustomed to getting his way even in the presence of a wizard as great as Albus Dumbledore? Only time will tell.

The next week and a half passed quickly, far too quickly for Harry's wishes as Rita Skeeter's article had brought about a very mixed bag of responses although the majority of the wizarding world still seemed to side with Harry based upon the few letters he had received. Harry had gotten a prompt response from Remus indicating he would be happy to attend the tournament and also indicated he had an additional guest he was sure Harry would be happy to see.

Noon on the 24th had come and Harry was quietly eating lunch at the Gryffindor table even though everyone else was buzzing in excitement over having no afternoon classes, and being able to watch the first task of the tri-wizard tournament. Hermione was blubbering about something, and with a rueful smile Harry understood that it had more to do with her anxiety about the task he was about to undertake than anything else.

Another interesting note was when Hermione brought it to Harry's attention that Viktor Krum had started infringing upon her territory more and more frequently as he did nothing more than watch her study and do research. Hermione had been frank as she said, "It is bloody creepy, and that's all it is Harry." This was no mean feat considering Hermione never cursed, so Harry had promised to talk to Krum about it in the champion's tent before the first task.

So many different spells and scenarios flashed through Harry's head that he took one more swig of pumpkin juice before he turned to Hermione and said, "I'm heading down to the champion's tent early. Remus should be in the guest stands soon if you want someone to talk to." Hermione jumped up and gave Harry a tight hug before sitting back down near tears as Ginny tried to console her.

As Harry exited the great hall Ron groaned as he lamented over how he was going to apologize for being a prat over the whole tournament thing. It had eventually come down to being hexed by both of the twins to force him to see reason, but not that he had seen the light he had no clue how to fix the rift he had created between himself and the other two members of the trio.

By the time Harry had reached the champion's tent and changed into his official tri-wizard champion uniform, the tent had slowly began to fill up and Harry spotted Krum alone in the opposite corner so he decided it was time to have a chat with the enigmatic Bulgarian.

"Hello Viktor." Harry said conversationally as he grabbed a chair and spun it around to sit across from the seeker.

Krum looked strangely embarrassed and he replied, "Hello Harry. Vhat can I help you vith?"

Harry frowned and replied, "My best friend Hermione said you've been watching her in the library. She admitted that it was distracting and more than a little bit creepy. She asked me to discuss this with you, and to politely ask you to stop."

Krum frowned but nodded and asked, "Is there someving else you vish to tell me?"

Harry smiled slightly before he said, "See the thing is Viktor, I haven't even told Hermione this, but we have such a unique relationship that I've admitted to myself recently that I have more than a passing interest in her. She has definitely hinted her interest in me as well, so I was just asking from one bloke to another to give her some space because she deserves better than to be stared at."

Krum's shoulders sagged but he nodded resignedly and said, "Herm-ninny is very special girl va?"

Harry nodded his understanding before he took his wire rimmed glasses and replaced them with a pair of glasses Hermione charmed to match his prescription. It had been one of Harry's more pleasant surprises the previous night when Hermione had given him a pair of Oakley sunglasses that were more sturdy and reliable for the heavy contact of the tournament than his trusty wire rimmed specs.

After acclimating himself to the new glasses for a moment Harry replied, "She is special Viktor. Any bloke would be so lucky as to have someone like Hermione in their lives. If you are content with being her friend then by all means. But don't try to play games with either of us, because anyone that hurts Hermione isn't on the top of my Christmas Card List." Krum looked very confused but Harry continued, "Anyways good luck today, and Merlin willing all of us make it out of this tournament in good health."

Krum cracked a genuine smile and said, "You are good friend to Herm-ninny and excellent vizard Harry. I vish you the best of luck in the tournament." Harry smiled and reached out with his hand giving a firm handshake to Viktor before he went back to his own respective corner to wait for the next word of their task.

As Harry sat down and took deep calming breaths to prepare he heard a soft voice outside of the tent call out, "Psst Harry, are you there?"

Harry smiled and reached over to the small divider that served as an exit near his corner to reveal Hermione, who was bundled up much like she would be for a late fall Quidditch match. Hermione jumped into Harry wrapping her arms tightly around his waist and burying her face in his chest clutching at him desperately. Harry soothed her whispering soft noises into her ear, which was an interesting switch considering he was the one about to face a dragon. Finally settled down she pulled away and said, "You better not get hurt out there Harry Potter, or that dragon will be the least of your worries."

Harry put his arms on her shoulders pushing her out to arms length before he said, "I've got a plan already, and I'll tweak it to match the task. You might even see a spell or two that you taught me."

Hermione smiled weakly before she leaned in and gave Harry a quick peck on the lips before she pulled away. Her eyes lit up and she added, "Oh and Professor Lupin brought a certain grim you've made an acquaintance with. Of course everyone was trying to get him to send the grim away but Professor Lupin and the headmaster wouldn't budge."

Harry nodded and said, "Tell both of them I said thanks for showing up, and with any luck they can visit me in the medical tent after the task." Hermione nodded slowly before she gave Harry one last hug before waving as she darted back out of the tent towards the guest stands.

A few minutes after Hermione had left, the three headmasters, Moody, Ludo Bagman, and Barty Crouch entered the tent apparently to brief the tri-wizard contestants on what the first task would entail. Each of the champions formed a circle around Barty Crouch as their respective sponsors stood next to them in a show of support before Crouch pulled a bad from the pocket of his robes and said, "Champions, the first task will be a test of your magical ability and courage. In this bag we have the objects of contention for the first task. Since Mr. Potter is an unwilling participant he earns first pick in the draw and first in the order of competitors. If you would reach in and grab one thing out of the bag Mr. Potter."

Harry nodded and reached into the bag as he felt around before he pulled out a small object and opened his palm to reveal a dragon he immediately recognized as a Chinese Fireball or more commonly known as the Liondragon. Krum went next and grimaced as he pulled out a Hungarian Horntail, which happened to be the nastiest breed of dragon known to wizards. Fleur drew a Swedish Short-Snout, which while relatively tame for dragon standards didn't appear to ease the green complexion she had been sporting since entering the tent. Cedric picked last and drew a Welsh Green, one of the native dragons to the isles.

Crouch folded the bag and placed it back into his pocket before he said, "Very well, Mr. Potter will be going first with Chinese Fireball, Ms. Delacoer will be going second with the Swedish Short-Snout, Mr. Diggory third with the Welsh Green, and Mr. Krum will be going fourth due to the volatile nature of the horntail he has drawn." Crouch removed his bowler hat before he continued, "Your task will be to procure a golden egg that is on the nest of the dragon you have drawn. You will be judged upon your magical skill and time required to complete the task. If you should fail to complete the task you will be awarded no points but a golden egg will be given to you. The golden egg has the clue necessary to prepare for the second task, which will be held in February. Good luck to all of the champions and may Merlin bring you to safety."

Hermione, Remus, and Sirius in his animagus form were up in the guest/staff stands as Ludo Bagman's voice broke over the magical loud speakers installed in the stadium specially built for the first task. The man announced, "The contestant's orders and draw of their opponents for the first task have been completed. Today's task will involve each champion confronting a dragon and attempting to get a specific egg from the nest of the dragon by clever usage of magic. Mr. Potter has drawn a Chinese Fireball dragon and will be competing first. Ms. Delacoer has drawn a Swedish Short-Snout and will be going second. Mr. Diggory has drawn a Welsh Green and will be going third. Mr. Krum has drawn a Hungarian Horntail." The Durmstrang stands groaned collectively as Bagman continued, "and he will he the last champion competing. Five judges have been set aside to score the competitors and the maximum score possible will be fifty."

A moment later a voice bellowed over the loud speaker, "Dragon tenders to the field, Chinese Fireball tenders to the field."

The Chinese Fireball was slowly dragged out onto the field constructed for the contest, and by dragon standards it appeared to be reasonably mild. Hermione understood that any dragon would be extremely fierce when protecting a nest and the fact that like its namesake the fireball released massive fireballs unlike other dragons who released streams of fire. Hermione let out a silent prayer as a nest of real dragon eggs were placed on the field and a golden egg was placed in the midst. Remus could only pat Hermione's shoulder as he watched the young witch grow greener and greener with dread and anxiety.

Finally, Bagman's voice once again sounded over the field as he said, "Mr. Potter please report to the field for your turn."

A moment later Harry hesitantly walked out onto the field as he had an obstructed view of the field and he couldn't see where the dragon had taken its place near the nest. The crowd grew silent as Harry waved his wand and perfectly cast the disillusionment charm just as Moody had taught him. His wand still visible Harry cast silencing charms on his feet as Bagman called out, "Mr. Potter is attempting to evade the dragon by using a complex combination of stealth and silencing charms."

Harry meanwhile had gritted his teeth as he came into view of the dragon prepared to enter into the second part of his plan he alone had constructed. The task had matched his plans almost better than he had expected and managing a silent gulp that no one saw Harry conjured several blue bell flames much like the ones Hermione had conjured in her first year. Harry levitated the flames into a half circle around the area of the Fireball, which began to snort smoke as the flames agitated its reptilian vision skewed to motion and heat. The crowd had finally begun to pick up on what Harry was doing and cheers and murmurs rippled throughout the crowd.

Hermione had pressed her fingernails into her face anxiously awaiting Harry's next move, she felt a small measure of pride at using her blue bell flames as a distraction even though it was overwhelmed by her worry for Harry.

Harry conjured one last flame and floated off to the Fireball's right as finally began his movements towards the nest. Harry flicked his wand causing the flame to dance until it received the mother dragon's full attention as a threat to her eggs. Harry climbed up the mass of jangled rocks before he reached the nest and watched as the Fireball snapped its mouth at the flame barely missing it. Harry grabbed the golden egg and the crowd went crazy until the Fireball snapped its attention back at Harry finally noticing the wand slashing about controlling the flame.

Hermione gasped as the Fireball released a massive flame at Harry he finally became visible and barely avoided the brunt of the fire. Harry ran into a dead sprint despite the fact that his uniform had managed to catch fire and barely managed to dodge one last fireball as the dragon roared louder than the crowd as Harry reached the safety of the medical tent as almost everyone broke into uproarious applause at the expert job done by the youngest champion.

Ron's grimace of earlier multiplied as he realized that he never could have done anywhere near the job Harry had, despite the fact that Harry had no interest in the notoriety his performance would bring in addition to his other fame. Ron noticed movement from the staff stand as Hermione, Professor Lupin, and a grim that had left quite an impression on his leg the previous year nearly sprinted down the steps and headed off to the medical tent to check on Harry. Ron knew that now wasn't the time to talk to Harry, so he bit his tongue and ran a hand through his hair in frustration hoping that moment would come soon.

As soon as Harry and his uniform which was aflame had entered the medical tent the fire was placed out and his uniform top stripped away to treat the minor burns he had accumulated from the Fireball's only successful attack. Madam Pomfrey was applying some salve when Hermione, Remus, and Padfoot ran into the tent and marched up to Harry looking very concerned as he winced as his burns were treated.

Hermione managed a small blush before she asked, "Harry, how are you feeling?"

Madam Pomfrey answered for him, "Ms. Granger, your friend has managed to get away with a minimal amount of damage I am happy to admit. I would be so lucky as to have similar results for the other champions."

Harry chuckled painfully before he said, "Well, that went pretty well I'd say." Hermione looked like she desperately wanted some physical reassurance that he was indeed fine so she settled for a peck on his cheek in lieu of an appropriate hugging position.

Remus smiled and said, "That was a very inventive use of the disillusionment charm Harry, it definitely is something Alastor would think of."

Harry's brow furrowed before he asked, "You know Professor Moody Pro-Remus?"

Remus smiled and said, "I worked alongside him for several months during the first war. But, I believe that is a story better told at a different time. I believe you can probably put your uniform back on so we can watch as your score is posted."

Harry nodded as he gingerly slid the magical material back onto his back as Padfoot ran up to his legs and Harry leaned down as the marauder gave him a slobbery lick to his face bringing forth a broad smile and a laugh from Harry, which warmed Remus and Hermione's hearts.

After watching Harry receive 48 out of a possible 50 (Karkaroff the Durmstrang headmaster had given Harry an 8 to go along with the others 10's) the rest of the task went considerably less event free as Fleur was severely burned on her non-wand hand, Cedric managed to have his hair catch fire and a couple of broken ribs, and Krum got off the worst as the Horntail lived up to its reputation as it handed him a broken arm and a deep gash on his side after he was struck by the beast's barbed tail. It had come as a hug surprise to everyone when Harry was staked to a ten point lead over Krum and Cedric and a twelve point lead over Fleur after the first task. Few if any people were putting any value into Malfoy's boos and now the printed words of one Rita Skeeter.

Ron's opportunity presented itself at the conclusion of Harry's victory party for winning the first task in the Gryffindor common room. The derisive atmosphere that had existed since Harry's name had been drawn from the goblet gone in a festive show of support for Gryffindor's own personal champion.

The party had dwindled down as Hermione still was hovering protectively over Harry; daring any flirty girls to get near the boy she had staked a personal claim to long ago. Ron who had been quietly thinking in the far corner of the room finally approached the pair who eyed his cautiously before he said, "Harry, I reckon not even you're crazy enough to enter your name into the goblet." Harry didn't respond which unnerved Ron some so he continued, "I was a prat about the whole thing mate, and I'm sorry about everything before the goblet and after it."

Harry sighed and said, "Ron, I can't accept your apology until you actually figure out what you should be apologizing for. I don't hate you or anything mate, but you've broken faith with me and it will take some time and work to earn it back."

Ron's ears tinged with red in frustration at Harry's cryptic replies before he nodded and said, "I reckon you've given me plenty to think about mate. Congratulations by the way, you were brilliant mate."

As Ron walked away Harry smiled at Hermione, finally feeling some of the burden of his row with Ron lighten as they began the long path to return their friendship to its original state.

A/N: Well a lot happening this chapter and I hope you liked the diversions from canon and the completely scrambled version of the first task.

Next chapter will be up sometime next week after a weekend of working on my other stories and fattening myself on turkey and stuffing. I imagine we'll have Ms. Rita Skeeter making her presence known much more firmly than before in the coming chapter, Ron continues down the road to redemption although there will be speed bumps along the way. We have the announcement of the Yule Ball and an unsurprising turn of events.

Thanks to all of my great reviewers and as always thanks for reading.