The Junior And The Prefect.

Chapter Nine: Tricky Spells And Burns.

Monday morning came way too fast, only a day until I have to face dragons; Cedric Diggory doesn't know anything about them yet, because I haven't been able to get him alone and the only idea I have on beating dragons s from Sirius.
'A simple spell', he says, but Hermione and I had been researching all day yesterday and we didn't come across any simple spells to defeat dragons with!
I poke at my bacon before deciding that I'm probably not going to get anything else down and push my plate away.
Hermione and I stand to head towards the greenhouses for our Herbology lesson; Cedric stands and leaves to get to his own class.
'Hermione, I'll see you in the greenhouse,' I'll have to tell him now, I've got no choice. 'Go on, I'll catch you up.'
'Harry, you'll be late, the bell's about to ring –'
'I'll catch you up, okay?'

I rush out of the Great Hall and chase after Cedric; of course he's surrounded by other Hufflepuffs again.
The group is walking towards the Charms corridor.
I pull out my wand and point it at Cedric's bag.
'Diffindo!'
Cedric's bag splits open, spilling out, parchment, quills, books and a few bottles of ink.
Cedric bends down, looking annoyed. 'Don't bother, tell Flitwick I'm coming, go on…'
His friends leave him and walk ahead; Cedric and I are once again, left in an empty corridor alone.
I walk over to him, and he looks up, brushing hair out of his face.
'Hi,' he says, picking up his now, ink splattered copy of A Guide to Advanced Transfiguration. 'My bag just split… brand new and all…'
I blush slightly. 'Cedric,' I frown at him, now isn't the time to get all embarrassed or feel bad for ruining his bag – 'the first task is dragons.'
'What?' Cedric looks up, dropping a bottle of ink, I bend down to help him.
'Dragons, they've got four, one for each of us, and we've got to get past them.'
Cedric's eyebrows raise, fear evident in his eyes.
'Are you sure?' he whispers.
'Dead sure, I've seen them,' I pick up a few quills.
'But how did you find out? We're not supposed to know…'
'Never mind,' I look around, I hope no one is listening in… 'But I'm not the only one who knows. Fleur and Krum will know by now – Maxime and Kakaroff both saw the dragons too.'
Cedric stands up, his arms full of his belongings, ink staining the sleeves of his robes; he eyes me suspiciously, looking a little hurt as if I made it up to scare him.
'Why are you telling me?'
A blush graces my cheeks. 'It's just… fair, isn't it? We all know now… we're on an even footing, aren't we?'
Cedric frowns slightly and I open my mouth to say more, but a familiar clunking is heard behind me and I close my eyes. Just my luck… I balance the rest of his belongings in his arms and hold his shoulders.
'Just believe me, okay?'
I turn around to see Professor Moody standing there, his usual scowl on his face, both eyes surveyed me.
'Diggory, off you go.'
I glance at Cedric, and even though he didn't really seem to believe me, he gave me a sympathetic smile before leaving.
'Er – Professor, I'm supposed to be in Herbology –'
'Never mind that, Potter. In my office, please…'
I follow the limping man to his room; maybe he'll punish me, by turning me into a ferret like he had done with Malfoy; it'll certainly help me get past the dragons…
Professor Moody closes the door behind me and turns; both his eyes on me once again.
'That was a very decent thing you just did, Potter.'
Well I certainly wasn't expecting that.
'Sit down,' said Professor Moody, and I obey quickly.
I look around the room, inspecting everything; I've been here in two different years. My second year, when it had belonged to Lockhart and the walls were decorated with his own portraits, and again in my third year, when Remus lived in it.
Back then it usually contained a variety of different creatures that the class would study, but now, dark and mysterious objects were scattered around the room.
'Like my Dark detectors, do you?' Professor Moody brought me out of my thoughts.
'What's that?' I ask, pointing at what looks like a great big squiggly golden aerial.
'Secrecy Sensor. Vibrates when it detects concealment and lies… no use here, of course, too much interference – students in every direction lying about why they haven't done their homework. Been humming ever since I got here. I had to disable my Sneakoscope because it wouldn't stop whistling. It's extra-sensitive, picks up stuff about a mile around. Of course, it could be picking up on more than kids' stuff.'
My eyes land on a large mirror, but instead of reflecting the room, it held shadowy, blurred figures beneath its silvery surface.
'And what's that mirror for?'
'Oh, that's my Foe-Glass. See them out there, skulking around? I'm not really in trouble until I see the whites of their eyes. That's when I open my trunk.'
Laughing; he points at a large trunk with seven keyholes under the window.
'So… found out about the dragons, have you?'
I stiffen, I knew this was coming.
'It's alright,' Professor Moody sits with a groan and stretches out his wooden leg. 'Cheating's a traditional part of the Triwizard Tournament and always has been.'
'I didn't cheat.'
Professor Moody grins. 'I wasn't accusing you, laddie. I've been telling Dumbledore from the start, he can be as high-minded as he likes, but you can bet old Kakaroff and Maxime won't be. They'll have told their champions everything they can. They want to win. They want to beat Dumbledore. They'd like to prove he's only human.'
Professor Moody laughed again. 'So… got any ideas how you're going to get past the dragon yet?'
'No.'
'Well, I'm not going to tell you. I don't show favoritism, me, I'm just going to give you some good, general advice. And the first bit is – play to your strengths.'
I frown. 'I haven't got any.'
'Excuse me,' growled Professor Moody, 'you've got strengths if I say you've got them. Think now. What are you best at?'
I frown a bit more, thinking. What am I best at? Well, the only thing I can think of is –
'Quidditch, and a fat lot of help –'
'That's right,' Professor Moody fixes me with a hard stare. 'You're a damn good flier, from what I've heard.'
'Yeah, but… I'm not allowed a broom, I've only got my wand –'
'My second piece of general advice,' said Professor Moody loudly, interrupting me, 'is to use a simple spell which will enable you to get what you need.'
I blink. What do I need?
'Come on, boy… put them together… it's not that difficult…'
I frown… oh! I'm a good flier, I need to pass the dragon through the air, so I need my Firebolt. So that means I have to use a Summoning Charm!
I grin up at Professor Moody, he reaches over and claps me on the shoulder.
'Better get to class now, Potter,' he grins back at me.

o~O~o~O~o~O~o

I rush into greenhouse three ten minutes later, apologize to Professor Sprout and stand beside Hermione.
'Hermione – I need you to help me.'
Hermione's eyes bulge. 'What d'you think I've been trying to do, Harry?'
'Hermione, I need to you learn how to do a Summoning Charm properly by tomorrow afternoon.'

o~O~o~O~o~O~o

Hermione and I practiced the Summoning Charm every chance we got. I only just mastered it by two o'clock this morning. I only hope that I'm not too tired when up against the dragon now.
Professor McGonagall escorts me down to the grounds; she stops me and places a hand on my shoulder.
'Now, don't panic, just keep a cool head… we've got wizards on hand to control the situation if it gets out of hand… the main thing is just do your best and nobody will think any the worse of you… are you all right?
I nod. 'Yes… yes, I'm fine.'
We continue walking towards where the dragons are waiting; we stop again, this time in front of a great tent on the edge of the forest.
'You're to go in here with the other champions, and wait for your turn, Potter. Mr. Bagman is in there… he'll be telling you the – the procedure… good luck!'
There's fear evident in her eyes as she stares at me.
'Thanks,' I say a little feebly, not really feeling the effects that the words 'good luck' are supposed to impose.
Professor McGonagall turns quickly and leaves.
I enter the tent; Fleur Delacour is sitting in a corner on a low wooden stool, not looking as composed as she usually does. Viktor Krum looks as moody as ever and Cedric Diggory's pacing; he stops to smile nervously at me, I return the smile with difficulty. It just seems like a very stupid situation to smile in.
'Harry! Good-oh!' cried Mr. Bagman eagerly. 'Come in, come in, make yourself at home!' this also seemed like a very stupid thing to say; but of course, we're not supposed to know about the first task.
'Well, now we're all here – time to fill you in!' Mr. Bagman smiled brightly. 'When the audience has assembled, I'm going to be offering each of you this bag,' – he holds up a small, purple silk sack and shakes it – 'from which you will each select a small model of the thing you are about to face! There are different – er – varieties, you see. And I have to tell you something else too… ah yes… your task is to collect the golden egg!'
Cedric gave a short not in acknowledgement, but nobody else did anything.
It feels like a seconds only past when the sound of feet and laughter fill the air.
'Ladies first,' said Mr. Bagman smiling and holding out the bag to Fleur.
She reaches out a shaking hand, puts it inside the bag and draws out a tiny, perfect model of a dragon – the Welsh Green, with number 'two' around its neck.
Krum pulls out the scarlet Chinese Fireball with the number 'three' around its neck.
Cedric receives the blueish-grey Swedish Short-Snout with the number 'one'.
That leaves me with the Hungarian Horntail and the number 'four'. Brilliant.
'Well, there you are! You have each pulled out the dragon you will face, and the numbers refer to the order in which you are to take on the dragons, do you see? Now, I'm going to have to leave you in a moment, because I'm commentating. Mr. Diggory, you're first, just go out into the enclosure when you hear a whistle, all right? Now… Harry… could I have a quick word? Outside?'
'Er… yes,' I follow him out of the tent and behind a few trees.
'Feeling all right, Harry? Anything I can get you?'
'What? I – no, nothing.'
'Got a plan?' Mr. Bagman lowers his voice a great deal. 'Because I don't mind sharing a few pointers, if you'd like them, you know – I mean,' he glances around and leans in closer. 'You're the underdog, Harry… anything I can do to help…'
'No,' I say quickly, 'no – I – I've decided what I'm going to do, thanks.'
'Nobody would know, Harry,' Mr. Bagman winks.
'No, I'm fine,' I really need to stop telling people that… 'I've got a plan worked out, I –' a whistle blows, interrupting me.
'Good Lord, I've got to run!' Mr. Bagman rushes off.
I head back to the tent in time to see a very green Cedric Diggory emerge from it.
I place my hands on his shoulder and he faces me, but doesn't really seem to see me; fear is etched into his face,
'Good luck, Cedric,' my voice wavers, and Cedric nods, swallowing hard, he pulls away from mw and heads towards the enclose.
I take Fleur's seat, seeing as she took to retracing Cedric's pacing steps and Krum just stared at the floor.
The crowd whooped loudly outside as Cedric obviously entered the enclosure.
'Here we have the Hufflepuff, Hogwarts champion, Cedric Diggory! All the champions have to do for the first task is get past the dragon and capture the golden egg on the dragons nest! Lucky Mr. Diggory gets to be the first champion out on the field and he shall be up against the Swedish Short-Snout!'
There were loud cheers and gasps amongst the crowd; before it was drowned out by a dragon roaring.
'Oh, excellent move,' called Mr. Bagman, 'Oooh, narrow miss there, very narrow! I wonder what he's going to do next! This is very exciting! A brilliant competitor! Oh!' the crowd gasps and I stand to my feet, staring at the entrance of the tent; my heart pounds dangerously against my chest. What just happened?
'He's taking risks, this one!' I sit back down, and tap my floor nervously against the floor, what is going on out there?
A loud 'awww' flows through the crowd.
'Clever move – pity it didn't work!' commented Mr. Bagman.
Fifteen minutes pass and there's a loud roar from the crowd.
'very good indeed!' Mr. Bagman screams over the crowd. 'And now the marks from the judges!'
There were a few cheers and boos from the crowd, but Mr. bagman didn't read out the results.
'One down, three to go!' Another whistle sounds.
'Miss Delacour, if you please!'

Fleur was shaking from head to foot, with her head held high, she exits the tent; Krum and I sit in silence.
'Now, we have the beautiful, Fleur Delacour, the Beauxbatons champion, she'll be facing the Welsh Green. I have to say this dragon looks a little friendlier than the last one, but then again, looks can be deceiving!' Mr. Bagman seemed to be thoroughly enjoying himself.
'A wonderful start on Miss Delacour's –' there was a painful 'ooo' through the crowd. '- Oh… Never mind, never mind.'
The crowd gasps. 'Oh, I'm not sure that was wise! Not wise at all!' I stare at the entrance of the tent again.
'Not very friendly!' a loud screech and a rumbling thump echoes. 'Oh… nearly! Try again, love!'
A loud crash. 'Careful now!' the crowd yells out.
'Good Lord, I thought she'd had it then!'
Ten minutes later and the crowd erupt with applause and cheers.
'Well done, Miss Delacour, very well done! Give a hand people! I'd go get that cleaned up now if I were you… Now, what do the judges think?'
There was more clapping. 'I like the look of those scores!' the third whistle is piped out and Krum exits the tent, I stiffen in my seat. I'm next… I think I'm going to be sick…
'And here comes Mr. Krum! Our Durmstrang champion, we should expect great things from this young man. His dragon's the Chinese Firebolt! This dragon has a very nasty fire breath, not that I really needed to tell you, I'm sure you would have guessed by the name.'
The crowd cheers loudly.
'And he's getting straight into it! He must have thought a strategy through while waiting!'
My heart pounds faster, threatening to jump out of my throat and my fingers tingle; it's only been a few minutes and Krum sounds like he's going to be the fastest time.
'Very daring!' cries Mr. Bagman excitedly, a powerful shriek shushes the crowd. 'Ooo! He'll lose points for that, I'm sure!' a gasp. 'That's some nerve he's showing – and – yes, he's got the egg!'
Applause breaks out and I stand, my legs wobbling dangerously.
The final whistle shrills and I take a deep breath.
'And here is the final and youngest champion, Harry Potter from Hogwarts! The odds seem against this young lad, being paired up against the most ferocious of the dragons! The Hungarian Horntail!'
I swallow hard. You have to concentrate Harry… I point my wand high in the air.
'What's he going to do?' shouts Mr. Bagman.
'Accio Firebolt!' I scream.
'Ah, a Summoning Charm! Interesting choice! But I'm not sure that it worked, nor, and I sure a broom will do the youngest champion any good!'
I try to drown out Mr. Bagman's words, straining my ears for the sound of my broomstick.
The Hungarian Horntail growls menacingly and then I hear it; the distinct whoosh of a broom piercing the air.
I turn to see the Firebolt fly over the trees and dive down to stop in mid-air beside me.
'Would you look at that!' screams Mr. Bagman, as I mount and kick off the ground.
As soon as I feel the wind rush by me, it seems to have taken my fear along with it.
I fly high above the Horntail and stop; looking down for the golden egg, as if in search for the golden snitch.
This is going to be easier than I thought!
I dive low as the Horntail's head follows me, her cheeks bulge dramatically and a huge jet of fire explodes from her jaws.
I swerve out of the way easily.
'Great Scott, he can fly! Are you watching this, Mr. Krum?' called Mr. Bagman as the crowd shrieked and gasped.
I circle the Horntail's head, in hopes of making her dizzy.
Her cheek's bulge again and I dive low in an attempt to escape the fire; but her tail collides with my shoulder, grazing it and tearing my robes into ribbons.
The Horntail certainly seems reluctant to move away from her post above the nest of eggs.
I need to make her seem threatened so that she leaves.
I fly swiftly, this way and that, her neck swaying, she roars impatiently and attempts to hit me with another shot of flames.
She glares at me and unfold her large wings; flapping them, she rears herself up, claws outstretched I dive under them before she can figure out what's going on I snatch the golden egg from her nest and soar past her hind legs and tail.
'Look at that!' Mr. Bagman cries. 'Will you look at that! Our youngest champion is quickest to get his egg! Well, this is going to shorten the odds on Mr. Potter!'
I zip through the air and above the crowd, the Hungarian Horntail cries weakly and I land beside Professor's McGonagall, Moody and Hagrid; they're smiling.
Professor McGonagall claps her hands excitedly. 'That was excellent, Potter!' she then points a shaking hand at my shoulder. 'You'll need to see Madame Pomfrey before the judges give out your score… over there, she's had to mop up Diggory already…'
'Yeh did it, Harry!' Hagrid said hoarsely, 'yeh did it! An' agains' the Horntail an' all, an' yeh know Charlie said that was the wors' –'
'Thanks, Hagrid,' I say loudly, interrupting him before he had a chance to let slip that he had shown me the dragons.
Professor Moody's blue eye seemed to be dancing in its socket. 'Nice and easy does the trick, Potter,' he growled.
'Right then, Potter, the first-aid tent, please…' Professor McGonagall smiled, pointing towards a tent.
I walk over to the enclosure, panting still from the thrill.
'Dragons!' Madame Pomfrey looked disgusted as she ushered me inside. She sat me down and examines my shoulder closely.
'Last year Dementor's, this year dragons, what are they going to bring into this school next? You're very lucky… this is quite shallow… it'll need cleaning before I heal it up though…'
She dabs a smoking purple liquid to my cut and pokes the wound with her wand, healing it instantly.
'Now, just sit quietly for a minute – sit! And then you can go,' she bustles out of the tent, muttering furiously to herself.
Cedric Diggory leans across his bed and smiles at me; he has a burn on his arm and cheek.
'I've been listening… sounds like you did brilliant, Harry,' he scratches the back of his head with a bandaged hand. 'Thanks, for telling me about the dragons, I owe you,' he blushes and Madame Pomfrey re-enters.
'How does it feel now, Diggory?'
I get to my feet and head towards the door to leave, but, I'm almost bowled over by Hermione and Ron.
'Harry, you were brilliant! You were amazing! You really were!' Hermione squeaks, looking stressed.
Ron's as white as a ghost. 'Harry, whoever put your name in that Goblet – I – I reckon they're trying to do you in!'
'Caught on have you? Took you long enough,' I frown at him Hermione looks nervous and Ron opens his mouth, blushing.
I sigh. 'It's okay,' I smile at him. 'Forget it.'
Ron shakes his head, guilt etched into his face. 'No, I shouldn't've –'
'Forget it.'
Ron grins and I grin back.
Hermione bursts into tears.
'There's nothing to cry about!' I say a little shocked at the sudden water works.
'You two are so stupid!' she cried louder and jumps on us in an awkward hug before running out crying harder still.
'Barking,' Ron shakes his head. 'Harry, c'mon, they'll be putting up your scores…'

I honestly couldn't care less about the scores now.
I survived against a nesting dragon, have my best mate back and I feel more alive than I've ever felt in a long time!
It certainly does seem like my life is finally getting back on track.
Things will be a lot easier now that Ron and I are talking again, I know that whatever comes my way in the Tournament now will feel like nothing with my two best friends by my side.

A/N.
Wow! Nice and long! Thanks for the reviews! They really do complete my day!!
One or two reviews and I'll get the next two chapters up.
Love Mister Jackkkk. ^_^