A/N: Alright, bear with me because this will be a slightly longer note. First off, sorry for not updating but there are three good reasons for this. 1) Went to a martial arts tournament two weeks ago which completely consumed my life, so no writing. 2) Ended up injuring my knee at the tournament and was laid up for a few days. 3) And most important…my computer is FUBAR and in the shop right now.

Thank you to everyone who reviewed the last chapter! And I apologize for not responding to your reviews (See reasons above) but I promise to do better this time around. Also to my two (or three) French reviewers, thank you for pointing out my mistakes. It's been a while since I've studied or spoken French so if I do write another section like that I will more than likely be taking you guys up on your offers.

I should be able to put up at least one, maybe two more chapters if I'm lucky before the end of the year. But seeing as how this is the holiday season, not making any promises.

And lastly, just a big thank you to my two beta readers HowInMadHowie and Dunstan Xenon. Thank you guys so much for your continued help!

Chapter 10

Skidding across the cold floor of the training room, Ahsoka's body came to a painful and abrupt stop as she impacted the far wall. Unfortunately for her own sake, she couldn't complain about her current predicament. After all…it'd been her idea in the first place. She'd wanted to better understand the Sith, or rather understand how to fight against. Her only experience fighting against the Sith had been against Ventress. And while skilled, Ventress was still just an Acolyte according to Master Nox, not a Sith Lord. She'd never actually fought directly against Dooku. And she wanted to learn. To that, she'd asked Master Nox to train her the same way she would train a Sith Apprentice.

Which was why she was now currently curled up in the fetal position, her body wracked with convulsions after suffering from a particularly strong bout of Force lightning. The only upside to this situation was that Master Nox insisted that these lessons be done in private. Which meant that she was the only one to witness Ahsoka's pitiful performance. "Is that the best that you've got Ahsoka? I must say…I am thoroughly disappointed. After several weeks…I expected quite a bit more improvement from you than what you've shown me so far."

Gritting her teeth, Ahsoka forced herself up onto her feet, her lightsaber held weekly in her right hand as her left barely kept hold of her wand. Across from her, Master Nox was standing still with her lightsaber deactivated while using her wand to itch at her temple. Training with a Sith was so…different than what she was used too. With the Jedi, they were taught Forms in large groups and encouraged to practice with one another. Compliments were regular and criticisms light. But while training with Master Nox…there was no encouragement. And the criticisms were much more pointed and usually delivered with a stinging strike from a lightsaber or a Force-slash-magic based attack that left her groaning on the floor.

"So you've decided for another bout huh? Why don't you just be a good little girl and just stay down?"

With a yell, Ahsoka threw herself across the distance separating the two of them and swung widely. Master Nox didn't even seem to be trying, which infuriated Ahsoka even more, as she effortlessly dodged each of her swings. Her attack came to an end when Nox jumped back while slashing her wand across her body. Ahsoka tried to bring up a magical shield like Sirius had taught her, but in her state what she produced was so weak that Nox's spell sliced right through it like paper before slamming into Ahsoka and sending her back across the room.

"You're unbalanced Ahsoka." Nox sighed. "Fighting with the dark side doesn't mean letting your anger take control. But that is only part of your problem. Right now you're afraid."

"I'm…I'm not afraid." Ahsoka groaned as she spit out a wad of blood from the corner of her mouth.

"Yes you are." Nox chided. "Every move you make screams of fear Ahsoka. You're afraid to use the dark side while fighting because you're afraid that you'll lose yourself. You're afraid to press your attack against me because you're afraid that I'll counter you. You're strikes are hesitant because you're afraid that you're going to kill me if you don't pull back. And you're learning with me now because you're afraid that if you don't understand the Sith than your friends will die."

Retracting her wand back into its holster, Master Nox held her blade horizontally across her body.

"When you use the dark side, you don't fear it and you don't let it control you. You control it." The air around Nox wavered and darkened.

"When you press your attack. You don't let them counter you." The darkened air turned to wisp of black energy that started rolling off of Nox.

"When you protect someone you care about. You don't let them die." A chill descended through the air making Ahsoka shiver as the waves of dark energy surrounding Nox became even more pronounced.

"And when you strike at your enemy…you kill them." A wave of pure Force energy pulsed outwards from Nox making Ahsoka cover her eyes with her arm as she stagger backwards in an effort to keep her footing.

Risking a peek over her arm Ahsoka felt her heart skip a beat. Master Nox was almost…glowing. The air around her was…distorted. Creating a dark glowing aura around the Grand Master of the Guardian Order. "Can you see it child? This…this is my sheer resolve to kill you. This is what it means to fight a true Sith. And this is what you must achieve if you are to succeed."

Swallowing hard, Ahsoka held her blade in front of her as she closed her eyes. 'Don't fear the darkness. Control it. She will not counter me. I will kill her.'

Ahsoka felt something stir within her. It was…it was unlike anything she'd ever felt. It was like the bottom of the vast well of the Force that was within her dropped out and she was falling deep. She was cold. Scared. And then as quick as the feelings came, they were gone. And she was on the floor of the training room. Master Nox was on her knees next to her, her face unreadable…but the arms that were around her shoulders were warm and gentle.

"You went too fast child." Master Nox told her. "I should've expected this. The same thing happened to Ashara the first time she truly touched the dark side."

Still shivering, Ahsoka leaned into Master Nox, forgetting for the moment just who she was. "I felt so…cold. Dark. Alone."

"That is what happens when those who've been trapped in the light for so long get their first taste of the darkness." Master Nox answered. "Stay too long in one side or the other, and trying to find balance becomes difficult. It took me almost a year of isolation to actually come to terms with the blinding light of the light side of the Force. That is why I've insisted on training my son and apprentices on both sides ever the since the start of their training. It makes coming to terms with both sides much easier."

Nodding, Ahsoka froze once more as where she was currently lying finally dawned on her. "I'm sorry Master Nox!" She shouted as she rushed to her feet, a mistake on her part as she immediately felt lightheaded and would've fallen once more had Master Nox not been there to brace her.

"Think nothing of it Ahsoka." Master Nox said, holding her steady. "You made a tremendous leap today. And I'm impressed. Now accessing the dark side will be easier for you and in time it will come as naturally to you as the light does."

Despite the current cold within her, Ahsoka couldn't help but swell with pride at her slight praise. Master Nox hardly ever praised her, or any of them for that matter. So to actually receive praise from her was nice. "Thank you, Master Nox."

Nodding to her, Master Nox looked off to the side. "You can come in now Winky."

With a slight crack, the small house elf Winky appeared just off to the side of Ahsoka and Master Nox. "Winky has news, Mistress Nox." Winky said politely with a slight bow. "Master Remus will be arriving in two hours Mistress. And Missy Ahsokie, little Missy Nat be worried about you."

"Thank you Winky." Ahsoka smiled as the elf glowed. "I'll go and see her," taking a step forward, Ahsoka stumbled and bit and had to stop to brace herself before she fell face first onto the floor. "As soon as I can get feeling back into most of my extremities that is."

"Take your time Ahsoka." Master Nox said before turning back towards Winky. "Has dinner been prepared?"

"Yes Mistress." Winky nodded enthusiastically. "Winky been cooking all day! Winky loves the challenge of cooking so many different foods for Mistress and guests! And Winky made up new rooms for Master Remus and the newcomers."

The reminder that Remus wasn't returning alone made Ahsoka freeze up momentarily. She'd knew exactly who was coming back with Remus, he'd informed them all as soon as they'd started their trek back to Earth. 'Master Kenobi. Master Ti. Padawan Maris Brood. Skyguy's son. And…Rex As well as two other Clone troopers.'

In truth, her feelings on the matter were pulling her in so many directions that she honestly didn't know what to feel. On one hand she was excited to see Master Kenobi again. He'd been...well not really like a father figure to her. But definitely like a favorite uncle to her. But then he'd also been part of the same council that'd thrown her out of the Order in the first place. Then there was Master Ti. And while she might've not known the Togruta Master personally, she did respect her if for no other reason than they were the same race. But again, she too was part of the council along with Master Yoda and Kenobi.

Then there was Skyguy's son. And she really didn't know how to feel about him. Would he look like Skyguy or Padme? She wanted to meet him, hold him and take care of him. But would she even be able too? Would she see a child, the son of Anakin and Padme, two people she respected more than anyone else in the galaxy? Or would she see the son of Darth Vader. The man responsible for hunting down and destroying the Jedi Order?

Then there was Rex and the others. Despite Remus's assurances that the clones were on their side and that they would explain what exactly happened at the end of the war that caused all of the Clones to turn against the Jedi, she still wasn't sure about him. And that tore at her heart. Rex had saved her life more times than she cared to count during the war. How could she doubt him like this?

Feeling a hand on her shoulder, Ahsoka looked up into the green eyes of Master Nox. "You're strong Ahsoka. And you have nothing to fear or be ashamed of. It is them that should be nervous about meeting you once more. Not the other way around."

Ahsoka felt herself smile involuntarily at Master Nox's words. Ever since Remus had contacted them with a passenger list, she'd spent many hours talking with both Master Nox and Master Yoda as she tried to sort out her feelings. While Master Yoda always leaned towards her forgiving everyone, Master Nox wasn't. It was in fact that Jedi that needed her forgiveness. Not the other way around. And she wasn't sure if Master Nox had talked with them, but soon after that conversation both Master Secura, despite having no part in what happened, and Master Yoda had asked for her forgiveness for what happened when she'd been expelled from the Jedi Order.

"Winky." Master Nox called out, startling Ahsoka out of her thoughts. "Please take Ahsoka back up to her room and help her get cleaned up. I doubt she wants to meet our new guests looking like this."

It was only then that Ahsoka actually looked down at herself. Her clothes were torn in so many places she was actually amazed that they were still hanging onto her body. Black bruises covered most of her exposed skin which was also littered with small cuts and dried blood. 'Force…she really didn't hold back. But for some reason…I don't really feel that bad. Just a little sore and cold that's it.'

"Yes Mistress Nox!" Winky nodded before holding out her hand for Ahsoka to take. "Winky will take you straight aways Missy Ahsokie."

Taking hold of Winky's hand, Ahsoka had just a moment to brace herself before she felt her body rapidly being sucked through a tunnel of the Force. Less than a split second later the sensations ended as the duo appeared in the middle of Ahsoka's room. "Will you be needing Winky for anything else Missy Ahsokie?" Winky asked with a bright smile.

"Actually, if you could tell Nat that I'm here I would greatly appreciate it." Ahsoka said, patting the elf on the shoulder as she nodded vigorously. "You've been a big help to me. Thank you."

"Winky is proud to serve, Missy Ahsokie!" Winky smiled before snapping her fingers and disappearing.

Smiling at the elf's antics, Ahsoka stripped of what was left of her clothes and simply threw them right into the trash bin. They were beyond saving anyway. Walking into her small bathroom, she found a small vial of some sort on the vanity with a note that said, 'For Missy Ahsokies Ouchies.'

'Winky never misses a thing.' Ahsoka smirked as she took up the vial and began applying its contents to her many injuries.

Once she was fully healed, Ahsoka looked at herself in the mirror. Despite being healed, she was still a mess. But instead of heading into her shower, she picked up her wand and after taking a deep breath pointed it at herself. "Scourgify."

The spell, taught to her by Sirius, was not necessarily pleasant as it felt like a dozen soapy sponges were running all over her body simultaneously. But she couldn't deny its usefulness. Within seconds of casting the spell she was completely clean from head to toe as if she'd been soaking in the shower for hours. 'It's faster than taking a shower that's for sure.'

After double checking to make sure that she got every spot, Ahsoka walked back into her bedroom and found a set of clothes that were almost identical to the outfit that she'd grown so accustomed to at the end of the Clone Wars. 'Winky…she really takes too good of care of us sometimes.'

She'd just barely managed to get her outfit on when the door to her room slid open and a small green blur slammed into her chest. "Are you alright Master?"

"I'm fine Nat." Ahsoka answered, lightly returning Nat's hug. "Master Nox was just a little more…aggressive in our training session today."

Pulling back from her, Nat looked up at her with her big dark eyes. "Master Nox can be scary at times."

Ahsoka couldn't help the slight chuckle that escaped her. "Yes she can." And knowing Master Nox, such a comment would probably be taken as a compliment rather than an insult. "But she is extremely wise and powerful. Even if her teaching methods are quite a bit different than what is considered to be normal. So always pay attention to what she has to teach you."

"Yes Master." Nat agreed enthusiastically.

"Good." Ahsoka smiled.

Nat was such a wonderful apprentice. Attentive and always willing to listen to her and accepting criticism without complaint. In short…the exact opposite of how Ahsoka had been when she was a youngling and even when she'd been a Padawan under Sky-guy. As they stood there staring at one another, Ahsoka blinked as she felt a ripple of the Force pulse through her. 'What…what was…Harry? Did…did something happen to Harry? No. Can't be. I must've just imagined it.'

"Master? Are you alright?"

"Yes." Ahsoka nodded, trying to shake of the feeling of wrongness. 'No. Harry's fine. I was just imagining that.' "I'm fine. So…are you ready to meet some more Jedi Masters?"

"Uh-huh!" Nat grinned, nodding her head.

"Well alright then." Ahsoka said holding out her hand. "Then grab hold."

Taking a hold of Nat's hand, Ahsoka closed her eyes. A few weeks prior, Sirius and Amelia had taken the entire weekend off in order to train the five new arrivals how to apparate. It…hadn't been a pleasant experience as Ahsoka ended up getting splinched. Lucky it wasn't too serious…but it still hurt. But after that one little mistake she'd gotten the hang of apparating and now was taking advantage of just about every opportunity she could find to use it.

'Destination. Determination. Deliberation.' With a quick turn, Ahsoka felt Nat's hand tighten as the two of them passed through the ether of the Force only to emerge a moment later in entrance hall of the Temple. "I really don't like that Master." Nat grumbled, her hand still clutched tightly in Ahsoka's.

While Ahsoka did agree that apparation was not the most comfortable means of travel, it was the quickest and most convenient. And in a Temple the size of this one, almost essential otherwise they would be spending most of the day walking from one place to the other.

Realizing that they were the only ones in the entrance hall, Ahsoka let go of Nat's hand and faced off against her. "We still have some time until Master Lupin and the others arrive," she said while drawing her lightsaber. "How about a quick lesson my apprentice?"

Grinning widely, Nat reached down to her own belt and pulled out her own lightsaber. Ahsoka had to fight against her naturally tendency to scoff as the red blade came to life in the small girl's hands. 'Unfortunately, despite how deep the Force is ingrained into this world, it still lacks kyber crystals. And until we find a nearby planet that has some, we are stuck using synthed crystals in the interim.'

Standing side by side with her apprentice, Ahsoka began running through the basics of Form I. Despite only just still learning the form, Ahsoka could already tell that little Nat would be a natural with Form I. Much like her fellow Nautolan Master Fisto. Her movements were not nearly as refined the late Jedi Master's, but Ahsoka hoped that one day young Nat would be just as skilled as him.

Once they'd each gone through the Form twice, Ahsoka used her wand to create two blindfolds which were then placed around both of their eyes before they continued on. Moving in tandem, the two worked their way through the sequences of Shii-Cho at least a dozen times. The only sound in the entrance hall the passing of their lightsabers and the sounds of their feet moving across the floor. As they came to the end of their last time through, their silence was broken by a slow steady clapping coming from behind them.

"Well done," Master Secura applauded as she stood up straight from the pillar she'd been leaning against and walked towards them. "You're a natural with a lightsaber little one. And you Ahsoka…you seem to have found another niche in teaching. Well done."

Ahsoka felt a swell of pride in her chest. She rarely, if ever, received compliments from any Jedi, well Guardian, other than her previous Master. It was always 'Ahsoka that's wrong!' Or 'Ahsoka you need to be more mindful'. So hearing a compliment like that, and from a former Jedi Master, felt good.

"Thank you Master Secura." Ahsoka said with a slight bow with Nat mimicking her.

As they righted themselves, Ahsoka flushed as she finally noticed that they'd garnered quite an audience. In fact…all of former Jedi and Master Nox were watching them. Both Master Mareks were watching with grins on their faces. Mallie was holding a still sleeping Galen in her arms while Kento had a white loth-cat perched on his shoulder. The little creature, despite knowing that it was Master Yoda, still made her laugh quietly whenever she saw it. Which was quite frequent as Master Yoda almost seemed to prefer to be in his animagus form more often than not.

Of all of the Jedi Master's, it'd always been Master Yoda that concerned her. Her concern though wasn't because he'd been the Grandmaster of the Jedi. No. Her concern mainly came from the fact that Master Yoda always seemed so…sad. Before the Clone Wars the little Grandmaster had always seemed so full of life. Frequently joking with his fellow Jedi and the mentor that every youngling wanted to be taught by. But once the war started…his friendly disposition all but disappeared, replaced by a constant weariness that seemed to get worse and worse the longer the war dragged on. But now, here on this world, Master Yoda almost seemed to have found a new lease on life.

Jumping off Kento's shoulder, the loth-cat morphed mid-air, transforming back into Master Yoda's physical form before it touched the ground. "Yes yes…impressive you both are." Master Yoda smiled as he hobbled over to them before pointing his walking stick at Nat. "Widen your feet, you must. Good base, you have not. Fall easily, you will."

Nat quickly nodded before taking up her normal fighting stance, to which Master Yoda immediately responded by using his cane to tap her legs slightly further apart. "Still time to grow, your apprentice has." Master Yoda noted. "Compensate for this while teaching, you must."

Nodding, Ahsoka watched attentively as Master Yoda instructed her apprentice, and by extension herself. Say what one would about the aging Jedi Master, but there was no better teacher in the whole of the galaxy. "They're here." Master Nox announced suddenly, drawing attention to herself as she pocketed the small handheld mirror that she'd been holding. "Let us go and greet our new arrivals shall we?"

Falling in line beside Master Nox, Ahsoka couldn't help but notice that she seemed…off. "Master Nox?" Ahsoka said lowly as they walked. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine." Nox answered quickly.

Licking her lips, Ahsoka decided to press her luck. "Is…is there something wrong with Harry?"

Master Nox walk halted momentarily, but it was so subtle that the only reason Ahsoka even noticed in the first place was because she was paying such close attention to the older woman. "I don't know." Nox answered, her face betraying nothing. "But I trust my son to handle anything that might be thrown at him."

Nodding to herself, Ahsoka looked up at the red skyline as their small group made their way out onto the landing platform. Their timing was impeccable, as soon as they reached the middle of the platform a small ship became visible on the horizon, growing steadily larger the closer it got to them before coming to a stop directly above their heads. Once the ship had settled down on the platform, the rear hatch opened and Ahsoka felt her breath catch in her throat as she saw several of her friends that she'd already resigned to never see again.

Master Nox stepped forward as the new arrivals, led by Remus, made their way down the loading ramp and onto the landing platform. "Remus," Nox greeted with with a slight bowing of her head. "It is good to see you again. I've grown more than slightly tired of trying to keep that mangy mutt in line while you've been gallivanting around the galaxy."

"Sorry for the trouble," Remus smiled. "Got a little side tracked, but it was worth it."

"That I can see." Master Nox nodded before shifting her attention to the new arrivals. "Master Obi-Wan Kenobi. Master Shaak Ti. Padawan Maris Brood. Captain Rex. Commanders Wolffe and Gregor. Welcome to Earth." Just as Nox finished greeting the new arrivals two more familiar faces stepped out of the ship,"Ah I was wondering if you two were coming out."

"Thank you...Master Nox." Obi-Wan responded, bowing slightly with Master Ti and the young Zabrak following suit. "Remus and Aela told us your story madam. And I must thank you…if not for you…then we might have all truly have perished."

"I'm sure some of you would've survived." Master Nox responded with a grin. "You Jedi are far more resilient than you give yourselves credit for."

Obi-Wan nodded, seemingly not quite sure if he should be offended or not, before moving to look at the rest of them. When his eyes landed on Ahsoka, she felt her lungs freeze. There was such…sadness in his eyes. It didn't even register in her mind that she was moving until she was standing just in front of Master Kenobi with only a pace between the two of them. "Ahsoka." Master Kenobi greeted her. "I'm so happy to hear that you're safe."

"You too…Master." Ahsoka responded before lunging forward and wrapping her arms around him.

She felt Master Kenobi stiffen, and for a moment she was worried that she'd made a mistake. But then his arms rose up and encircled her as well. No words were spoken between the two. None were needed. All that was needed was the comfort that they were drawing from one another. "I'm truly glad that you're safe Ahsoka." Master Kenobi said pulling back from her. "And if I may say so…from what I've heard from Remus it sounds like you've started to thrive in this place."

"Thank you Master." Ahsoka smiled. "No offense to you and the Jedi, but I honestly believe I've learned more about the Force through the magic of this world than I did in the Jedi while I was a youngling."

One of Master Kenobi's eyebrows arched at that. "Perhaps if you had actually attended or stayed awake in your classes like you were supposed to, then you would've learned more."

"Maybe," Ahsoka smiled back before turning her attention to the three clones standing just behind and off to the side of Master Kenobi.

"Commander Tano." Captain Rex saluted her.

Not even bothering to respond, Ahsoka simply walked forward and embraced Rex as well. "It's good to see you Rex."

Just like with Master Kenobi, it took Rex a while to respond to her action. "It's good to see you as well Commander." Rex finally responded as he lightly returned her hug for a moment before she stepped away from him.

Beside her, both Master Kenobi and Ti were greeting Master Yoda and Secura. But Ahsoka's eyes were drawn to Aela. Or more specifically the small bundle that Aela was carrying in her arms. Swallowing past the lump that'd formed in her throat, Ahsoka stepped up to Aela. "May I?" She asked, nodding down towards the small bundle in her arms.

"Of course." Aela smiled before passing off the infant to her.

Pulling back on the blanket slightly, Ahsoka stared down at the infant in her hands. 'Force…he's a spitting image of Sky-guy. Only slightly…softer. Like Padme.' She thought as she stared down at the infant. 'And he's powerful. Force…he'll probably be able to give even Harry a run for his credits when he's fully trained.'

As if sensing that he was being watched, the baby started fidgeting in her arms as two blue eyes opened and stared up at her. "Well hello there little Luke." She said smiling. "I'm…your Aunt Ahsoka."

Luke stared at her for a while longer. Then he let out a wide yawn and closed his eyes once more. "Well…" Ahsoka laughed before handing Luke back off to Aela, albeit reluctantly. "So much for first impressions right?"

"Don't fret Ahsoka." Aela laughed. "Luke didn't get much sleep recently. I'm sure once he's fully conscious he'll fall in love with you."

Smiling, Ahsoka turned back around and started to mentally prepare herself for the rest of what was to come. But before the greeting could go any further, they were interrupted by a loud crack as Winky appeared.

"Ah! Don't let thems hurts Winky Mistress Nox!" Winky cried as she dove behind Master Nox as both Master Kenobi and Ti drew their lightsabers and all three clones drew their blasters in response to her sudden and unexpected arrival.

"Stand down." Master Nox said sharply at the two Jedi Masters and three troopers, her tone leaving no room for argument. "This is Winky. The caretaker of the Temple you could say."

Everyone lowered their weapons, slowly. "Are you alright Winky?" Ahsoka asked as she knelt down next to the little elf.

Winky nodded, then her eyes widened. "Mistress Nox! Master Harry needs you!"

Ahsoka felt her stomach drop to her feet with those few words. 'Oh no…'

Master Nox's brow furrowed as she stared down at Winky, the Jedi around her completely forgotten. "What happened?"

"Winky does not know Mistress." Winky said as she pulled a small mirror out from within her clothes and handing it over to Nox. "But Master Harry bes calling you!"

Taking the mirror into her hand, Ahsoka felt her heart thud in her chest as Master Nox activated the connection. 'Please be alright Harry.'

Pushing his plate away from him, Harry stared around at the Great Hall of Hogwarts. The Professors had certainly outdone themselves this year with the decorations. Carved pumpkins alighted with candies floated throughout the hall while conjured bats constantly flew back and forth overhead, diving every now and them to nap a piece of candy out of the hands of the students.

The walls were decorated with orange and black ribbons and banners. Even the ghosts of Hogwarts were in on the festivities, jumping out from the walls or floating up in the middle of the tables trying to scare the students, or at the very least try to get a laugh out of them.

But despite the decorations and entertainment, few were actually truly paying attention to their surroundings as everyone had their eyes focused on the burning goblet that was standing tall at the front of the Great Hall. Ever since the feast dismissed the night before, every member of Beauxbatons and Durmstrang that'd made the voyage to Hogwarts had put their name into the fire, as well as most of the sixth and nearly every seventh year in Hogwarts had put their names in as well. Of course, they weren't the only ones to try, and those that were not technically able to participate learned the hard way that Dumbledore hadn't been lying about his protections the night before either.

Dumbledore had indeed erected an age line around the goblet as well as a host of other enchantments which had been overseen by the Headmaster and Headmistress of Durmstrang and Beauxbatons. And there was also a professor from Hogwarts standing vigil next to the goblet at all times. A few students had tried to test the defenses by standing just outside the age line and tossing a wad of paper at the goblet, but each time it'd been intercepted by the professor on duty or it'd simply burst into flames well before it reached the goblet.

The only ones brave, or rather stupid, enough to try and cross the line were Fred and George Weasley. Harry had to give them credit, they thought of everything. They'd brewed an aging potion just long enough to supposedly age them a few months so that they would be considered "of age". And then they waited until it was Professor Moody's turn to guard the goblet. Although 'guard' was a rather loose term considering all the Professor did was sit back and laugh at the students who tried to cheat their way in. So when Fred and George showed up, he did nothing as the twins drank the potion and jumped over the line. Apparently, not even Madam Pomfrey had been able to remove the snow white beards that'd appeared on their faces after they'd been thrown forcibly away from the goblet.

Once all of the students had had their fill and the plates disappeared from the tables, Dumbledore rose from his seat once again and smiled. "Ladies and gentlemen…it is now time for the choosing of the champions for the Triwizard Tournament!"

The entire hall quieted as the fire within the goblet rose up almost as if out of excitement. If he hadn't been paying attention carefully he would've missed it. But as the flames started to die down a single piece of only semi-scorched parchment floated out of the flames and into Dumbledore's waiting hand. "The champion from Beauxbatons is…Mademoiselle Fleur Delacour!"

Everyone in the hall applauded as the blonde French beauty rose from her seat with her head high in the air before marching towards the front of the hall. Turning towards Ron, Harry held out an open hand. Grumbling, Ron fished out a sickle from his pocket, stared at it for a moment and dropped it into Harry's hand. "How did you know?"

Twirling the coin between his fingers, Harry smiled. "That's for me to know and you to find out Ron."

Fleur, after shaking the hand of the Beauxbatons' Headmistress turned and disappeared down a stairway just behind the teachers table. As soon as she was out of sight, the goblet flared to life once again. "And the champion from Hogwarts," Dumbledore announced as he grabbed the floating piece of paper out of the air. "Is…Cedric Diggory!"

The applause was almost deafening as the seventh year Hufflepuff rose from his seat and awkwardly waved at the students. Harry clapped as well, as he now had a true reason to actually pay close attention to the tournament. Ever since his second year, his mother had bade him to find worthy witches and wizards that could aid them in their cause. Cedric had been on his short list for a long time. Now with him entered into the tournament, Harry would be able to more properly assess his skills and level of power.

As Cedric passed by Dumbledore, pausing only long enough to shake Professor Sprout's hand, the goblet came to life for a third time. Reaching out with a quickness the defied his age, Dumbledore snatched the last piece of paper out of the air. "And our last champion. From Durmstrang…Viktor Krum!"

Again the Hall erupted in applause as the Quidditch star from Durmstrang rose to his feet and marched forward to join his fellow champions. At the head table, Karkaroff rose from his seat and roughly embraced his school's champion before ushering him towards the back stairwell where the other two champions waited.

"The choosing of the champions has now come to a close." Dumbledore announced once Krum was out of view. "The first task shall be in two weeks outside at the-"

The goblet roared to life once again as a single piece of paper floated out from the flames. As Dumbledore confusingly reached out towards the paper, Harry felt a sinking feeling in his gut as a wave of magic settled over him. 'What? What is…oh hell no. My luck cannot be that bad.'

Opening the piece of paper, Dumbledore turned white as a ghost. "Harry Potter."

The instant his name passed through Dumbledore's lips, the wave of magic he felt over himself slammed home. All around the hall the students of the three schools started whispering loudly to one another as they all turned to look at him. "Harry Potter." Dumbledore repeated. "You have been chosen…as a champion to compete in the Triwizard Tournament."

Sparing a quick glance at his friends, all of whom looked just as confused as he felt, Harry rose to his feet and cleared his throat. "You must be mistaken Headmaster." Harry said loudly so that the entire hall could hear him.

"There is no mistake Harry," Dumbledore said back, "Please, come and join your fellow champions and we will-"

Instead, Harry snapped his wrist off to the side and drew his wand before holding it point up in front of his face. "I, Harry James Potter, do hereby swear on my life and magic that I did not place my name into goblet of fire nor did I ask anyone else to place my name into the goblet of fire. So mote it be." Harry felt another wave of magic settle over him, and he could've sworn he glowed slightly as the magical oath settled over him. "Lumos!"

The end of his wand lit up brightly and he held the spell for nearly a full minute before cancelling the spell with 'nox'. "As you can see Headmaster," Harry said, facing off against eh stunned faces of the students and Professors. "By this oath you can see that I did not place my name into the goblet. Nor do I have any wish to participate in this ri-"

His words were drowned out as he let out a cry of agony as he doubled over and collapsed against the table. It was as if his very magic was revolting against what he was saying. He'd never felt anything like it before, not even the pain his mother induced when she trained him in the dark side could compare to what he was feeling at that moment.

As quick as the pain came, it passed. And Harry was left gasping as he tried to blink the black spots out of his eyes. When he could finally see once again he found that Dumbledore was next to him and his fellow Gryffindors had created a ring around him with Ron, Hermione and Ginny being the closest. "You mustn't say that Harry." Dumbledore said sadly. "The moment your name came out of the goblet a pact was formed. You must compete…or you will lose your magic. Now please. Head down to your fellow champions while we try and sort out what happened."

Nodding, Harry spared his friends a look that told them he would be okay before marching with his head held high towards the head table. He could hear more than a few harsh whispers coming from the students behind him, he paid none of them any mind. He knew the truth. His friends knew the truth. It didn't matter if the rest of them choose to believe the truth or not.

Walking down the dimly lit stairs, Harry was doing everything he could to keep himself in check as he came upon the small room that housed the three Champions. Cedric was the first to look up as Harry entered the room, his face going from excited and nervous to confused in the space of heartbeat. "Harry?" He said, garnering the attention of the other two champions. "Do they want us to come back up to the hall?"

"No." Harry said shaking his head.

"Then what are you doing here?" Fleur asked, the friendly persona she'd shown him yesterday gone and replaced by one of suspicion.

"Apparently someone is trying to kill me again this year," he said, making sure he met each of the champions in the eye before continuing. "And they've entered my name into this blasted tournament. So…I'm the fourth champion of this year's Triwizard Tournament."

Hearing at least a dozen heavy footfalls coming down the stairs behind him, Harry moved off to the side of the room just as all of the Dumbledore, Karkaroff, Maxime, Bagman and Crouch came into the room. "Totally unacceptable Dumbledore!" Madam Maxime was shouted as soon as they were in the room with the champions. "Hogwarts cannot have two champions!"

Dumbledore completely ignored the towering Headmistress of Beauxbatons as he made a straight line for Harry. "Tell me that you didn't do it Harry." He almost pleaded. "Tell me that you didn't put your name in the goblet."

"I didn't Headmaster," Harry responded coldly. "And in case it just slipped all of your minds, just a few moments ago I swore an oath on my life and magic saying that I did not put my name into contention nor did I ask anyone else to do so for me."

"You're obviously lying!" Karkaroff snarled. "Your name came out of the Goblet! You must've put it in there!"

Harry didn't even fight the temptation to roll his eyes at the man. "Alright then…let's review the facts shall we? First, the goblet choose three champions before spitting out my name. Which should've been a red flag to anyone with a brain. Second, no one in the school had any idea how the champions would be selected until less than twenty-four hours ago. Third, the goblet was warded by all three of you and kept under constant watch by the Ministry and the Professors of this school. So in order for me to get my name in there, I would've had to do something to the goblet to name four champions instead of three. Plus get by the wards laid down by you three, and I would've had to get past the Professors guarding the goblet. Then to top it all off, I would've had to figure out how to lie my way through a magical oath. And all in less than twenty-four hours. I'm good…but I'm humble enough to admit that I'm not that good."

"Kid's got a point Karkaroff." Moody's rough voice echoed down the stairs as the scarred former Auror limped into the room, followed closely by Snape.

Standing upright, Dumbledore turned towards Moody. "Alastor. Severus. What have you been able to find out?"

"Mostly that the kid hit the nail on the head." Moody grumbled. "Someone enchanted the goblet so that there would be four schools instead of just three. Although how the bloody hell they managed that will take a lot more studying."

"So he did not put his name in the goblet." Viktor Krum grumbled. "Why would someone want you in the tournament?"

"Well, considering there have been at least five attempts on my life since I was born, two of which have occurred at this very school, I would say the reason why someone would want me in the tournament would be fairly obvious." Harry countered. "Hell, I can name five people off the top of my head that want to see me dead. Two of whom are in this very room. Snape and Karkaroff. Perhaps we should be asking these two Death Eaters why they entered my name into the tournament."

Harry could've sworn that he heard Snape's teeth grinding and Karkaroff turned white before going bright red before taking a step towards him. "How dare you accuse me you little shi-"

Karkaroff came to an abrupt stop, his hand reaching into the folds of his robe, as Harry's wand appeared right between the Headmaster's eyes. "My mother had me memorize the name of every Death Eater that managed to escape justice during the last war. And how they got off." Harry growled. "You didn't even have the courage to face the consequences of your actions after the war. Instead you started singing like a bird trying to weasel your way out of Azkaban. So what was the plan Karkaroff? Try to kill the boy-who-lived so that you might earn a reprieve from your fellow Death Eaters?"

"That's enough Harry." Dumbledore said, his voice dripping with magic as he laid a hand on Harry's outstretched arm. "You've made your point my boy. And no one here believes that you willingly put your name into the goblet. So put your wand away."

Turning his head, Harry saw that just about everyone in the room had their wands drawn even though they weren't pointing them at either Harry or Karkaroff. Letting his wand fall back into his sleeve, Harry stepped away from the Headmaster's and back towards the back wall.

"Thank you Harry." Dumbledore smiled before his face hardened once again. "And you Karkaroff, will never try to pull your wand on one of my students again. Am I understood?"

For just a moment, Harry once again saw wizard behind the mask. The same wizard that he saw last year. The same wizard that defeated Grindelwald and who inspire such fear within Voldemort. 'No wonder mother never wanted to cross Dumbledore. When he's actually flexing his magic just being in his presence is taxing.'

"Of course Dumbledore." Karkaroff coughed as he whipped at the light sheen of sweat on his brow.

"Splendid." Dumbledore clapped merely as he slipped back into his normal grandfather like role once again. "Now then, as we can all agree that Harry's entry into this tournament was not his wish, the question becomes what should we do now."

"Unfortunately, there is nothing to be done Dumbledore." Bagman said sadly, although Harry could just barely pick up a trace of excitement radiating off the man. "Harry will have to compete with the rest of the champions or risk the consequences."

"If Hogwarts is to have two champions, then I demand that Beauxbatons and Durmstrang receive the same honor." Maxime demanded.

"That's impossible." Crouch said stepping forward. "The only way to choose a champion for the Triwizard Tournament is through the goblet of fire. And the goblet will not reignite until the next tournament. No. For good or ill, these four before us are the chosen champions of the Triwizard Tournament."

An uneasy silence settled over the room as Crouch's words sunk in. "Well then," Ludo Bagman coughed. "Now that we have that all settled we can move onto the reason why you are all here. The first task shall take place in two weeks. The three, excuse me, four of you shall be tasked with retrieving a certain item. Now it is imperative that you retrieve said item as it will have a clue as to the second task. Now while the four of you will have near unrestricted access to Hogwarts' library, you will be unable to receive special instruction from any of your professors. Any questions? No. Good. Well then, off you four go! We officials have some reorganizing to do before the first task is to take place."

Not even bothering to wait, Harry turned on his heel and marched back up the stairs and out into the Great Hall. The Hall was completely empty as he strode through and out the main doors. Just as he was starting to head up the stairs a voice from behind pulled him up short. "Harry! Wait up a second."

Turning in place, Harry found Cedric jogging to catch up with him. "What is it Cedric?"

Coming to a stop at the base of the stairs, Cedric stared up at him. "I just wanted to let you know that I don't think that you entered your name into the tournament Harry." He said, somewhat surprising Harry. "And I'll make sure that everyone in the school knows that as well."

"Thanks Cedric," Harry smiled in spite of himself. "That means a lot coming from you."

"No problem Harry." Cedric smiled before clapping him on the shoulder. "Now…I know that we're not supposed to get help from the Professors or anything like that. But they didn't say anything about us helping out one another. So, if you ever want to study together just let me know."

"I'd like that Cedric." Harry nodded back as the older boy stepped away from him.

"Good." Cedric nodded before waving him off. "Now go off and celebrate with your house. If you Gryff's are anything like us Puff's, I'm sure that there is one hell of a party waiting for you back in your common room."

"Oh without a doubt." Harry laughed. "Good night Cedric."

"Night Harry."

As Harry watched the older boy walk away, he couldn't help but shake his head. Cedric was just about everything you wanted in a leader. He was fairly powerful magically and he was consistently among the top five students for his year. He was also charismatic and the fact that he wasn't hard on the eyes definitely helped him as well. But despite all of his positive qualities, he had a glaring problem. He was too nice. And in a tournament like this, that could spell his downfall.

'Cedric would be a huge boon for us if we could convince him to side with the Guardians. Even if he doesn't become a Knight or a Master there could still be a place for him.' Harry thought as he made his way towards the Gryffindor common room. 'He's pureblood from a well-known family. Damn. Now on top of trying to make it through this tournament in one piece I have to make sure that Cedric does as well. Why the hell can't I just have one normal year at school?'

True to Cedric's prediction, the moment Harry entered the Gryffindor common room he was met with a wave of applause as just about every member of his house was waiting for him to arrive. At the head of which where the Weasley twins who, before he could do anything, dragged him through the entrance and hefted him up onto his shoulders all the while shouting, "Hail to the Champion!"

After several embarrassing moments, Harry finally managed to get the twins to set him down. The moment his feet touched the floor a cup of butterbeer was shoved into his hands and he was assaulted with a seemingly never ending stream of questions. "How did you do it Harry?" Being the most common of the questions.

Finally having enough of it, Harry drew his wand and let off a low grade cannon blast charm over his head. "I'm sorry to disappoint you all, but I did not enter my name into the tournament. And at the moment the Professors are unsure as to how my name got entered, but they are working on trying to figure it out." Pausing, he made sure to scan over all of his fellow Gryffindors before continuing. "Cedric should be the one that you are all cheering for, for he was the one who was truly chosen as Hogwarts Champion. And while I do still intend to do my best in this tournament, please give him your utmost support as well."

After his little speech was over and done with, Harry secluded himself into one of the corners of the common room with only Hermione, Ginny and Ron for company while the rest of their house continued to party. Albeit in a far more subdued atmosphere than when he first entered.

Roughly an hour later the party had pretty much wound down to only a few sixth and seventh years who were participating in a game of drinking exploding snap with a bottle of firewhiskey that'd somehow been smuggled into the dorms. "I think that's enough for one night." Harry said, rising to his feet, startling Ginny awake who'd been leaning into him slightly as she napped. "We should all get to bed…and I've got a call to make."

Once back in the safety of his bed, Harry reached under his mattress and pulled out a small handheld mirror. Holding the mirror up to eye level, he spoke in a clear voice. "Mother."

The mirror stayed blank for some time, and when the connection was finally made it wasn't to who he was expecting. "Master Harry!" Winky gushed. "Winky sorry for answering…but Mistress Nox is greeting the new arrivals."

'Of course…I forgot that Remus was due to be back today.' "That's alright Winky." Harry said, hoping to head off another crying fit from the elf. "I need you to get my mother fast Winky. Something…something bad has happened."

WInky's large eyes grew even larger as she nodded her head vigourusly. "Winky understands! Winky be going to Mistress Nox right now!"

A minute or so later, the surface of the mirror to ripple and be replaced by the image of his mother. "Harry. What happened? I felt…something shift in the Force involving you. Ahsoka did as well."

Harry wasn't necessarily surprised by this. Well, he wasn't surprised that his mother felt whatever had happened to him when his name came out of the goblet. He was surprised that Ahsoka had felt it as well, but that was something that could be pondered at a later time.

"Mother…something really bad happened." Harry began before taking a deep breath. "Somehow my name was entered into the selection for the Triwizard Tournament. I'm now the fourth Champion…and there is a bind on my magic. If I don't compete, I will die."

His mother's face hardened like stone in the mirror and he could've sworn that the edges of her irises started to turn a bright shade of yellow. Never a good sign. "I will be there tomorrow first thing in the morning my son. I promise you. Whoever has done this will pay with their life."

Sitting in the Hufflepuff common room, Cedric was enjoying his fourth bottle of butterbeer as his house mates partied around him. Despite the jovial atmosphere and the fact that the party was being thrown in his honor, Cedric was having a hard time actually enjoying himself as Harry's forced entry into the tournament weighed heavily on his mind. 'He's only a kid. A fourth year. This tournament was known to be extremely dangerous and required no less than a NEWT level understanding in all forms of magic. How do they expect him to keep up?' He'd resolved himself to keeping an eye on Harry and helping him whenever he could. 'I am a Hufflepuff after all. And if there is one thing that we are known for it is our loyalty.'

"Do not speak of what you do not know Smith!" a cold voice snapped Cedric of his musing.

'And speaking of loyalty.'

Across the common room, Susan Bones was squared off against Zacharias Smith with Hannah Abbott at her side. The empty bottle in both of their hands and the fact that Smith was drenched from head to toe spoke to how far their current argument had escalated.

"I'm only saying what we all already know Bones." Smith growled back as he wiped his face with the sleeve of his robe. "Your precious little friend somehow managed to con his way into this tournament, to steal all the honor for himself. He's nothing more than an attention seeking prat and you just don't want to admit it."

Cedric nearly missed a step as the candles in the common room and even the fire in the fireplace flickered for the briefest of moments. 'Is- is it getting colder in here? What is– no. Just my imagination.'

"Harry did not enter his name into the Goblet of Fire." Cedric said loudly, making sure he had everyone's attention. He should've done this the moment he stepped into the common room, but he was a little too caught up in the celebration. 'Better late than never I guess.'

"Surely you don't believe him Cedric?" Someone called out from the crowd. "He's trying to steal your glory for himself!"

"No he isn't. He didn't enter his name into the Goblet." Cedric repeated. "He gave a oath on his life and magic that he didn't. His magic accepted the oath and he still lives and can still use magic. Anyone who understands even the basics of magic should know that that means he spoke the truth. Not only that, but Headmaster Dumbledore and Professor Moody both agree that someone else entered his name into the Goblet. So, if any of you have a good reason as to why the Headmaster, Professor Moody and magic itself is lying for Harry's sake I would dearly love to hear it."

Wisely enough, no one spoke up. Even Smith seemed thoroughly chastised. "No one? Good. Now, and I'm ashamed to have to do this, but I feel that I must remind all of you that we are Hufflepuffs. You all value hard work and loyalty above all else otherwise you wouldn't be in this house. And as for Harry 'stealing' my glory. He's not. He made it abundantly clear that he wanted nothing to do with this tournament, to the point where he almost died!" Looking around, he made sure he had everyone's attention. "Hufflepuff loyalty isn't isolated to just our house. We are loyal to all of our fellow students. So I hope that all of you will support and stay loyal to Harry, just as you are all supporting me right now."

Many of his fellow housemates stared down at their feet as they shifted them back and forth. As for Susan, she was giving him a shy smile that made her look far too cute in his opinion. 'Fourth year Cedric! She's a bloody fourth year!'

"Right," Cedric coughed awkwardly stepping away from everyone. "Well…I want you all to keep on partying. But I'm going to bed. I've only got two weeks until the first task and need to devote as much time as I can to the library. See you all in the morning."

Walking up to his dorm room, Cedric had to shake his head more than once as he tried to get the image of Susan smiling at him out of his head. 'Maybe fourth year isn't too young…'

Sitting in the plush chair within her room, Fleur Delacour stared absentmindedly at the book in her lap. With the first task of the Triwizard Tournament being only two weeks away, she knew that she needed to study every moment she could. But at the moment she couldn't concentrate on anything other than what had just transpired just a few hours prior.

'Four champions…one of whom is a mere boy.' She thought to herself before shaking her head. 'No. Not a boy. Harry Potter may be many things…but a boy he is certainly not.'

When Harry first descended into the champion's room, her thoughts had mirrored those of her fellow champions. That Harry had been sent down to retrieve them. But when he announced that he'd been chosen as a champion her thoughts had immediately went down a different, much darker path. The whole reason that she'd even wanted to take part in this ridiculous tournament was to prove that she wasn't just a pair of tits with no brain in her skull. And in waltzed Harry Potter, one of the most renown wizards in the wizarding world despite his age, and announced that he was competing as well. The nerve of the man! He already had enough fame as it was and now here he was trying to take away her chance to prove herself!

She could feel her veela half clawing to get out and immolate the boy where he stood! But before she could the Headmasters and her own Headmistress arrived and she was forced to try and control herself. The conversation with the Heads of the schools that followed made her completely reevaluate her thoughts though. Upon having his name called Harry had stood up in front of all the students and swore an oath on both his life and magic, a fact confirmed by Madam Maxime, that he had not placed his name in the goblet nor had he asked anyone too.

Then if that wasn't bad enough, Harry had gone through a list of why it would've been impossible for him to enter himself even if he'd wanted too. By the time he'd finished his speech she actually felt ashamed for jumping to her prior conclusion that he was just trying to garner more fame for himself. She actually felt pity for the boy…for all of five seconds. Any pity she might've had for him was gone the moment he pulled his wand on Headmaster Karkaroff, replaced by an insurmountable amount of respect.

Here he was, a boy, no, a man of fourteen and he was facing down a wizard who was over twice his age! And he wasn't even batting an eye at the situation! And if that wasn't enough…the sheer amount of power that was radiating off of him…it was more than slightly distracting. Her veela side had shifted its tune as Harry went from a threat and an upstart…to a potential mate. She hadn't even realized that she'd drawn her wand until she felt herself moving towards Karkaroff. Thank magic that Madam Maxime was there to stop her before she made a complete fool of herself.

Hearing the door to her room opening, Fleur looked up as Madam Maxime walked in. "Fleur." Her half-giant Headmistress greeted her.

"Madam Maxime," Fleur greeted back as she got up. "How was the meeting with the other Headmasters and the representatives from the British Ministry?"

"Pointless." Madam Maxime nearly spat. "There is no way to remove Harry Potter from the tournament without killing him at worst or risking permanent damage to his magical abilities at best. And there is no way for either Beauxbatons nor Durmstrang to enter a second champion either. So we will simply have to adjust our plans accordingly."

"Of course Headmistress." Fleur agreed, nodding her head.

Nodding, Madam Maxime conjured an oversized armchair across from Fleur before sitting down. "You're biggest challenge will be Viktor Krum. His flying skills are far beyond anyone else's. And I doubt that Karkaroff has held back at all in training the boy either. He'll have more than one or two nasty tricks up his sleeve."

Staring at her Headmistress, Fleur slowly shook her head. "With respect Headmistress, I must disagree. Krum will not be my biggest advisory in this tournament."

One of Madam Maxime's eyebrows rose as she regarded her. "Surely you do not think that the Diggory boy will be your biggest threat? While his school records are indeed impressive, as we both saw tonight he is soft. He does not have the will to win a competition like this."

"No." She said shaking her head. The Diggory boy seemed, but like Madam Maxime said that trait would prove to be disadvantageous to him in this type of competition. "Harry Potter will be my biggest threat this year."

"Harry Potter?" Madam Maxime repeated leaning back. "The boy is several years younger than you my dear. And while I'll admit that he has potential, especially with the way he stood up to Karkaroff, it will still be years before he is at your level."

"I beg to differ Madam Maxime," Fleur countered. "Harry's magic is very well refined. And the way he holds himself speaks volumes as well. He's already at my level. And if I'm being perfectly honest Headmistress, he might even be slightly beyond me. Although where he got his training is beyond me. From what I've seen so far…it certainly wasn't at this school."

Madam Maxime stood silently evaluating her for several minutes before nodding her head. "Good. I was worried that you wouldn't see the boy as a threat and therefore dismiss him out of hand."

"I assure you Headmistress, there is no chance of that." There was no way that her veela nature would let her forget about a wizard of Harry's caliber. "And I promise you. I shall not let our school down in this tournament."

Walking down to breakfast the next morning with Hermione, Ginny and Ron, it took all of his effort not to smile, or cringe, about the impending storm that was about to rain down on Hogwarts. "Alright Harry," Hermione said softly as the four of them stepped off the last stair and onto the ground floor. "What's going on in that head of yours?"

"What do you mean?" Harry asked.

"You're good at hiding things Harry, but remember I'm your apprentice." Ginny scoffed. "And I know that you're hiding something. So spill."

Smirking slightly, he glanced over his shoulder at his friends. "All I'll say is this. Make sure that you have a good seat."

Before any of his friends could figure out his statement, they came upon the doors to the Great Hall just as Daphne and Tracey appeared at the opposite end of the hall. As he saw them, Harry couldn't help but frown. Daphne had been acting aloof for the past few days as she barely acknowledged any of them. Even Tracey was having trouble getting through to her lifelong friend. In fact, the only one she seemed to even interact with was Luna, and that was only because Luna was her apprentice.

As they drew closer to one another just down the hall from the Great Hall, Harry opened his mouth to greet her, only to have the words die on his lips as Daphne leaned into him and embraced him lightly. Her actions were so contrary to her normal behavior as of late that he almost didn't even realize she'd slipped a piece of paper into the inner lining of his robes until her hand was back out. "Read it as soon as you get the chance." She whispered before pulling away from him and turning around and heading into the Hall.

Now even more confused, Harry followed after her into the hall. The Great Hall was almost completely packed as it was nearly the end of breakfast and at the head table were all three Heads of the schools, the professors of Hogwarts and Barty Crouch and Ludo Bagman. The moment his presence became known, every conversation in the hall stopped as everyone turned to stare at him. 'Of course.' Harry sighed. 'I knew that this was going to happen.'

As he walked down the length of the tables, Harry became even more confused. He expected some level of hostility, and the Slytherin's certainly didn't disappoint as more than a few threw a couple of sharp words his way. But what did surprise him was the fact that the Slytherin's were the only ones. None of the Gryffindors nor the Ravenclaws said anything. And while he did receive a fair number of cross looks from the Hufflepuffs, they all kept their words to themselves. 'Huh…maybe my little speech last night actually worked.'

Once he and his friends had taken their seats, the conversations in the hall picked up once again as everyone returned to their own little worlds. After scooping a small amount of food onto his plate, Harry reached into his robes and pulled out the small note that Daphne had slipped him. "What's that?" Ginny asked lowly enough so that they were the only two who could hear her.

"Something Daphne slipped me out in the hall." He whispered back as he tried to discreetly open and read the note.

'Harry – Be mindful of yourself this year. A fair majority of the Slytherins, led by the blonde prick himself, are trying to come up with any number of ways to sabotage you this year. Even going so far as to attempt to make you fail to appear to a task. Also, be wary of-'

Feeling a familiar presence wash over him, Harry looked up just as Ginny, Ron and Hermione all looked up as well. "Show time." Harry smirked as he turned towards the open doors.

The entire hall quieted as some of the students began shiver involuntarily. Up at the head table Dumbledore's brow furrowed as he rose from his seat and stared at the doors. Slowly, the sound of heels clicking against the stone floor began to echo as all conversations in the hall slowly came to an end.

"-assure you Madam! We are doing everything we can! Please understand that we at the Ministry are-"

A collective gasp went through the hall as Harry's mother stepped into the hall with the bumbling Minister of Magic pleading next to her. A step behind them was Madam Bones and Sirius.

Harry nearly shook his head in mirth as he saw his mother. She had certainly spared no expense as she was wearing the same type of outfit that she did when they assaulted the Dauntless in order to save Ahsoka. "You're assurances ring hollow Minister." His mother growled as she continued to walk down the rows of students, completely ignoring the awestruck looks she was receiving from the students in the Great Hall.

"Good Merlin." He heard Seamus whisper to Dean. "Major WILS alert! She just made the top of my 'Witches I'd Like to Shag' list!"

"I hear you." Dean whispered back, as a few of the boys near to them nodded. "But…who is she?"

Rising to his feet, Harry spared his two dorm mates a cold glare before turning towards his mother. "Mother." He greeted, making most of the hall gasped as he bent his head slightly.

"Harry." His mother greeted him back before reaching out and laying a hand along his jawline. "Are you alright my son?"

His mother rarely showed him much physical affection, so the few times she did he reveled in it. Even if he was standing in the midst of all of his fellow classmates. "I'm alright mother."

"Madam Nox." Dumbledore's grandfather-like voice called out, making the two of them break contact and turn towards the Headmaster who'd managed to cross half the distance between them and the head table. "I expected you to at least call, but I must admit that I hadn't expected to see you so soon after the Prophet was sent out."

That was the only reason why his mother hadn't come earlier. She wanted to wait until the Daily Prophet, which told of his entry into the tournament on the front page, was already delivered. Less chance of the old man finding out they had a means of communication other than Hedwig.

"And why would I hesitate Headmaster?" His mother asked, the edges of her green eyes tinting slightly yellow for the briefest of moments before reverting. "This is the second time that my son's life has been placed in danger under your watch."

A low rumble started up in the hall as all of the students began whispering to one another. Despite the whispers though, Dumbledore remained completely neutral. "I understand your concern Madam Nox. Believe me, I share them as well. But perhaps this would be a conversation best held in privacy of my office."

"Of course." His mother nodded. "But the other champions and their respective school leaders should accompany us as well. After all, this conversation concerns them as well. And the Ministry officials will be coming as well. And Auror Moody, as I suspect he will have more than one theory to add."

Dumbledore looked like he wanted to argue, but seeing as they were in such a public setting he obviously decided against it. "Of course. Headmaster Karkaroff. Headmistress Maxime. Would you please collect your champions and follow us to my office. Minister, Mr. Crouch and Mr. Bagman if you will please follow us. Cedric my boy, come along as well."

It took a minute, but soon enough Dumbledore was leading all of them down the corridors of Hogwarts with Moody tagging along after them as well. As they walked, Harry concentrated on his mental link with his mother so he could discreetly pass on the information to her that Daphne had given him.

'Are you sure my son?'

'Daphne is mother. And I trust her.'

Before his mother could respond, Dumbledore led them into a dead-end hallway with a gargoyle statue at the end. As they walked, the gargoyle moved on its own, rising upwards and revealing the winding stairway that led up into the Headmaster's office. The stairway could only be taken one at a time, but the office at end was more than spacious enough for all of them to spread out.

"Now that we are all here," Dumbledore sighed tiredly as he stepped around behind his desk and sank down into his seat. "We can begin."

"Yes," Nox nodded as she glared at those who were supposed to be in charge of the tournament. "Perhaps you can explain how my son was illegally entered into a tournament as a fourth participant when there were only supposed to be three."

"Alastor has been examining the goblet since the incident last night." Dumbledore explained while waving towards the Defense Professor. "Alastor, would you please report your findings."

"It was bloody masterpiece," Moody grumbled as he took out his hip flask and took a quick pull. "Whoever did this knew what they were doing. They used multiple confundus charms to temporarily overwrite the runic array of the goblet. Because of that, the goblet thought that it was choosing for four schools instead of three. And Potter here was the only name entered under the fourth school. Like I said…bloody work of art."

And what of Mr. Potter's reaction when he rejected his position?" Amelia asked while glaring at the three Headmasters. "It was my understanding that the tying of one's life to the tournament was removed from the goblet."

"It was." Madam Maxime nodded. "Whoever altered the goblet to add Mr. Potter must've removed the block we placed on that stipulation as well."

"Excuse me," Cedric mumbled, his face going steadily paler. "Are you telling us…that if for some reason we can't participate in a task then we will…die? I thought you all just said that to keep the younger years from trying to enter!"

"I'm afraid so Cedric." Dumbledore confirmed sadly. "But rest assured, we will be making sure that all four of you are able to compete in the assigned tasks."

"Your assurances have rung rather hollow as of late Dumbledore." Nox growled before shaking her head. "But since you all have failed so spectacularly in this matter, I'm going to take advantage of it."

"Madam Nox?" Fudge stuttered, no doubt suddenly fearful for his job. Understandable seeing as how he needed this tournament to go smoothly to try and save face after the attack last year by the dementors on Hogsmeade.

"One stipulation of this tournament was that only those of age could compete, correct?" Nox asked rhetorically. "Therefore I expect my son to be declared of age and emancipated by the end of the day. And the trace on his wand is to be removed as well."

Fudge looked like they swallowed something incredibly sour. But in the end they had no choice and Fudge reluctantly nodded. "As you say."

"Good." His mother nodded before turning to Dumbledore. "Also, as my son has neither the experience nor training of these three," Harry almost blew it by laughing at that. "He will be allowed to Floo home every Friday after he is done with his classes and return every Sunday evening. I will be arranging private tutors during these days to further his education beyond what is taught here at Hogwarts."

This time it was Dumbledore's turn to look like he'd eaten something distasteful. "I'm afraid that I can't do that Madam Nox. Despite his soon-to-be status, he is still a student without his OWLs and therefore must remain at Hogwarts save for the holidays."

Nox didn't even hesitate before turning back towards Moody. "Tell me, Mr. Moody. As my son was not entered under Hogwarts, which school was he entered under?"

Moody stared at her curiously for a moment before laughing out loud. "I'm afraid she's got you on this one Albus." Moody laughed. "The school he was entered didn't have a name."

"And why should that matter?" Karkaroff scoffed.

"Because if this stipulation isn't met," Nox said glaring at Dumbledore. "Then I shall withdraw my son from Hogwarts and enter him into the school he was entered into the Tournament under. And seeing as how that school doesn't have a name…I can make one up. I imagine that it would be quite the headline. 'Minister and Chief Warlock's Incompetence Causes Boy-Who-Lived to Leave Magical Britain'. Quite the scandal."

"Harry will be able to leave for private studying over the weekend Madam Nox." Minister Fudge said quickly before Dumbledore could get a word in edgewise. "I'll even write up and educational decree for it if need be."

All eyes turned towards Dumbledore, who in turn sighed dejectedly. "You have me in a corner Madam Nox. Very well…I will allow Harry to Floo home every weekend for private studying. But only Harry. His friends must stay in school."

"Of course," his mother nodded with a smile. "Now tell me. What is being done to catch the one who entered my son into the tournament?"

"We are currently questioning everyone who had access to the goblet before it was transferred to Hogwarts." Crouch answered. "As well as anyone who might wish to see harm come to young Mr. Potter. But unfortunately it will take some time before we learn anything of note."

"I see," his mother sighed, shifting her body slightly. "Then I guess it once again falls to me to clean up the mess."

Snapping her wand into her wand, his mother slashed it across her body. There was a single cry of alarm before a body slammed heavily against the wall of the office. Flicking her wand back towards her person, the body then flew across the room before sliding on the floor and coming to a stop as Nox planted her foot against the neck of Barty Crouch Sr.

The moment his mother started moving, Harry drew his own wand and turned so he was back to back with his mother ready to defend her. Sirius had also moved, drawing his own wand and standing with them. But it looked as if they needn't have even bothered as by the time his mother had Crouch under her heel, the only ones who even managed to react in time were Moody and Dumbledore. Who both were on their feet and had their wands drawn and pointed at the two of them.

Waving her wand over the struggling Crouch under her heel, his wand a small flask floated up from within his robe and into her open hand. Popping the top on the flask, his mother took a single whiff before closing it once more and tossing it over to Moody. "I believe I captured your culprit."

Catching the flask with one hand, Moody kept his wand trained on the three of them as he popped the top and took a sniff. The moment he did his eyes widened and he moved his wand from them to Crouch. "Polyjuice." He cursed. "Bloody bastard was under our nose this whole time."

The moment Moody moved his wand, every other wand in the room shifted from Harry and his mother to the man under her heel. "When was the last time he drank anything?" Amelia asked staring at Dumbledore.

"Just a few moments ago at breakfast." The Headmaster answered while glaring down at the man. "I'll send for Severus to bring us the reversal potion. But it will take some time for-"

"There's no need." His mother countered with a slight smirk. "There is a much simpler, not to mention much more satisfying, way to reverse the potion."

Lifting her foot, she brought it back down hard right into the imposters gut. The imposter immediately doubled up and curled into the fetal position before throwing up everything that'd been in his stomach. Once he stopped, his body started convulsing as his physical features began to shift. "See?" His mother said, smiling at the horror-stricken faces in the room. "Much simpler."

The only one who hadn't been disturbed by the display, besides Harry, Sirius and Amelia, had been Moody. The old Auror merely watched before laughing. "Bloody hell I like this one." His laughter died however as the man on the floor stopped convulsing. He still looked somewhat the same, but he was at least twenty or more years younger than Crouch. "Barty bloody Crouch Jr." Moody growled.

"That's impossible!" Fudge gasped, staring down at the man. "He's– he's dead! He died in Azkaban years ago!"

"Well, seeing as how he's currently lying in a puddle of his own vomit before us, apparently he didn't." His mother said shaking her head and stomping her foot down onto Crouch Jr's back to keep him from moving.

"I believe it is time for our champions to depart." Dumbledore said stepping around his desk. "They need not be present for this."

"With respect Headmaster," Cedric said quickly, surprising everyone. "This man…this Death Eater who's supposed to be dead. Went through a lot of trouble to enter Harry into this tournament and to keep him in it. I believe that all of us, Fleur, Viktor and myself, deserve to know why."

Both Fleur and Viktor nodded in agreement. Dumbledore stared hard at the three older champions, but none of them budged. "Very well," Dumbledore sighed after realizing they weren't going to leave. "Madam Bones. May I suggest that you send someone over to the Crouch Estate? If his son was impersonating him, I fear that Barty Sr. is in great peril."

"Hehe…you're too late old man." Crouch Jr. cackled, freezing everyone in place. "The moment I was discovered…my father died. Quick and painless. Far more than that old bastard deserved. But I paid him back for turning on me all those years ago. Hehehe…yes…he paid…"

Using her foot to flip the man over onto his back, his mother conjured a rather uncomfortable looking chair before banishing Crouch into it. As soon as his body touched the chair multiple straps extended from the back before wrapping around his body as if they had a mind of its own. "Don't you think that is a little…excessive Madam Nox?" Fudge asked nervously as his eyes flickered back and forth between the bound Crouch and Harry's mother.

"Surely you're not denying a mother her due are you Minister?" Nox asked sweetly. "After all…this is the same man who entered my son into a dangerous tournament against his will."

"Perhaps it would be for the best if I took over from here Madam Nox." Amelia said stepping forward. "A formal interrogation and trial will be conducted later. But for the sake of the law I must insist on taking the lead on the questioning from here on out."

Nox glared at Amelia, but Harry knew that it was just an act. His mother and Amelia were hardly ever at odds with one another unless it was planned that way. "Very well," Nox conceded, stepping back so that Amelia could take her place.

Once she was standing before the bound man, Sirius and Moody stepped up so both men were flanking her. Harry had to admit, the three did present a pretty imposing picture. "Now, Mr. Crouch." Amelia began. "Let us begin by you-"

"This is all pointless." Crouch Jr. laughed. "You want to know why I entered Harry into the tournament? Then let me tell you. I entered him in for the sake of my Master."

"He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is dead!" Fudge shouted, his face going extremely pale at the implication.

Throwing his head back, Crouch let off a crackling laugh. "My Master is the most powerful Dark Lord since the time of Morgana! He has mastered death itself. And by the end of this tournament his greatest nemesis Harry Potter will be dead. And my Master will have his vengeance! And he will bring me back to serve at his side once more! And all those who dared to turn their backs on him or stand against him will feel his wrath!"

Harry felt a slight warning from the Force as Crouch clicked his teeth together hard. His mother was the only one to react to the motion as she shouldered past Amelia and the others. "Don't let him swallow!" She shouted as she grabbed his head and tried to pry open his jaw.

Her actions proved futile however as Crouch started convulsing in his chair while white foam started to seep out of his mouth. Within a few seconds it was over and Barty Crouch Jr. was dead.

"Shit." Nox cursed as she stepped away from the corpse.

"W-what? What happened?" Fudge stammered, holding a hand to his mouth as he started to look more than slightly queasy.

"Poison." Moody grumbled, pushing the dead man's head back. "You see this with deeply imbedded muggle spies. They'll usually have fake tooth or something that's filled with poison. Should they be captured they break the container and release the poison to kill themselves in order to prevent them from revealing any information. Crude. But effective."

The entire office was cast in silence as they all stared at the dead man. "He believed that the Dark Lord is still alive." Madam Maxime said, breaking the silence as she turned towards Dumbledore and Fudge. "Why? And why has the French Ministry not been made aware of such developments?"

"He isn't alive!" Fudge nearly shouted. "He died thirteen years ago and that is the end of it!"

"Magic is a wonderful and mysterious thing Minister." Dumbledore said sagely. "As much as we know about magic, there is just as much that we don't and even more than has been forgotten. Perhaps, it would be best to err on the side of caution in this case."

Fudge went completely red. "You-Know-Who is dead!"

"His body was never actually recovered from the scene of his demise Minister." Amelia countered. "Perhaps the Headmaster is right and it would be best to err on the side of caution in this case. If we tread carefully we can even do this without raising public suspicion."

Harry rolled his eyes as Dumbledore, Maxime, Amelia and Fudge entered a four way argument as they all but ignored everyone else in the room. Looking across the office, Harry took careful note of Karkaroff. The ex-Death Eater looked like someone had just walked over his grave. Which considering the things Harry heard he did to avoid Azkaban, mainly by ratting out of his fellow Death Eaters, he could understand why the man would be nervous. 'Still. I'm going to need to try and keep an eye on him this year; even more so now that it's been confirmed that Voldemort is the mastermind behind all of this.'

"-no! I refuse to listen to this!" Fudge nearly screamed. "He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is dead! Tomorrow in the paper the story will be told that one of his followers escaped Azkaban and entered Harry into the tournament to try and get revenge for his Master. That is all! Anyone, and I mean anyone who says that You-Know-Who is behind this will be indicted form inciting a riot! And that is the end of it!"

"The man is a complete and utter fool." Harry heard his mother's voice in his head.

"Perhaps it would be for the best if we were to take him out and place Amelia in as the Minister of Magic sooner than we thought." Harry thought back draw a feeling of surprise from his mother. "He's moving from a pain in the ass to a liability. Refusing to even think of erring on the side of caution makes him unworthy of being Minister of Magic."

"You're right of course my son." She sent back. "This will be his last term in office. Come next summer he will be removed. One way or another."

"Very well then Minister Fudge." Madam Maxime growled, drawing herself up to her full height. "But I will be informing the French Ministry of these developments. And I guarantee that they be expecting answers. Come Fleur."

Fleur managed to spare him one last encouraging nod before she followed after her Headmistress. Karkaroff and Krum were right behind the two of them. Surprisingly, or perhaps not so surprisingly, Karkaroff remained silent. Once the foreign students and their Headmaster and Headmistress were out of the office, Fudge turned towards Dumbledore. "You will not be informing any of your students beyond these two about what happened here today. If you do then I will issue an educational decree removing you from your position."

Dumbledore sighed but nodded nonetheless. "As you wish Minister. But I do hope that you will reconsider your stance before it is too late for us all."

"There is nothing to reconsider." Fudge growled before turning to Amelia. "Madam Bones. Collect the body for disposal at the Ministry. And for Merlin's sake shrink it down or something. I want this whole mess kept under wraps. We've already had two breakouts from Azkaban. If people learn that someone else had broken out years ago then the people will lose faith in our ability to protect them."

Without waiting to see if his orders were being followed or not, Fudge marched over to the fireplace, threw a handful of Floo powder into it, and was walking through the green flames before they were even fully developed. "Well," Sirius sighed shaking his head. "That probably could've gone over better. Need any help with the body Amelia?"

"Thank you for volunteering Sirius." Amelia said over her shoulder while still staring at the fireplace the Minister had disappeared through. "Shrink it and pocket it and bring it down the coroner's office. I have paperwork that I need to get too."

"Right, wait– what?" Sirius gaped as Amelia activated the Floo and marched through without a second look back.

"Hehe, serves ya right lad." Moody chuckled as he pulled out his wand and waved it at Crouch, who shifted into a small chess piece. "Now I'd get your arse moving lad. Amelia's not one you want on your bad side."

"Don't I know it." Sirius grumbled as he picked up the chess piece and made his way towards the Floo. "See you soon Harry." He threw over his shoulder before walking through the still active Floo after Amelia.

Now with it just being the five of them, Dumbledore sighed and made his way back to his chair. "Alastor. Will you please see Mr. Diggory back down to the Great Hall? I need to have a word with Harry and his…mother."

"Sure Albus." Moody nodded before motioning for Cedric. "Come on lad. I must say, you handled yourself well back there. You drew your wand when it was appropriate and he didn't balk too much when Crouch Jr there offed himself."

Once Cedric and Moody were out of the office, Dumbledore motioned for Harry and his mother to take a seat across from him. "Please, sit. I can see that you both have questions."

"What's he playing at mother?"

"More than likely he's fishing to try and find out what we know." His mother answered back as she took one of the offered seats. "I want you to lead off this conversation Harry. Ask him if he thinks Voldemort is alive first and if he's figured out just how Voldemort managed to cheat death."

"Yes sir I do." Harry nodded while taking the other seat. "Crouch…he said that he entered my name into the tournament on behalf of his Master. I– I know he's still alive sir because I saw his wrath in my first year. I guess…I want to know how he's still alive sir."

"Ah," Dumbledore sighed, leaning back in his seat. "As to that Harry…I'm afraid that I cannot say for certain. As I told Minister Fudge, there is much magic in the world. Most of which we have no hope of comprehending."

"He's lying." His mother told him, not that he needed her too. "He knows something, he's just afraid to admit it."

"Or maybe he honestly doesn't know." Harry thought back.

"Possibly. But if that were the case then I fear that we would have another problem on our hands. Because that would mean that Dumbledore is not as clever as we'd hoped. And while he might not have any true place in our future…I would still like to use him as an ally against Voldemort."

Licking his lips, Harry met Dumbledore's gaze head on, almost daring the old Headmaster to try and probe his mind. "Why me sir?" He asked. "Why is Voldemort constantly targeting me?"

Sighing once again, Dumbledore's eyes flickered momentarily back and forth between Harry and his mother before settling once again on Harry. "I'm afraid Harry…" Dumbledore started before hesitating obviously thinking of how to answer his question. "There was a prophecy Harry. Made just before you were born. It foretold of the fall of the Dark Lord at the hands of a child that would be born at the end of the seven month to those who'd thrice defied him."

Harry was actually kind of shocked that Dumbledore admitted it. And judging by what he was feeling through the bond with his mother, she was surprised as well. Not shocked. But she definitely wasn't expecting it. "Now whether or not this prophecy is true or not, or whether it even pertains to Voldemort doesn't matter. What does matter is that Voldemort believes that it does. And that is why he went after you and your parents all those years ago Harry."

"We'd like to see the prophecy." His mother said quickly, drawing Dumbledore's gaze to her. "Prophecies are fickle things. They can be interpreted a hundred different ways without ever being interpreted correctly. But I feel that once we see the prophecy in full we might be able to glean an insight into Voldemort's mind and we could better prepare Harry for what is to come."

Harry was more than slightly amazed at the way his mother backed Dumbledore into a corner. Dumbledore couldn't outright deny their request as it was actually reasonable. "Nicely done mother."

"Of course son. This isn't my first time manipulating old fools. I had the Dark Council wrapped around my fingers within days of taking my seat on it."

Eyes flickering back and forth between the two of them, Harry almost felt bad as he watched Dumbledore wilt in front of them. "I'm afraid that that is no longer possible." Dumbledore sighed. "A day after the prophecy was made, it was agreed upon by the Minister of Magic and myself that it would be best if no copy were to remain in the Hall of Prophecies. And the sphere containing the prophecy was destroyed."

"I see." His mother nodded, before narrowing her eyes at Dumbledore. "Then tell us how it is that Voldemort came to know of this prophecy? Seeing as how you know of its existence and some of its contents I take it that you are the one that heard it. And a seer does not remember the contents of their own prophecies. And while I am reasonably sure that you wouldn't divulge the contents after admitting to going through a lot of trouble to destroy the only hard copy…that leaves only one other explanation."

Taking off his glasses, Dumbledore rubbed tiredly at his eyes. "To my utmost shame, I fear that I share some of the blame. The prophecy was spoken to me in a hotel room without prompt and caught me completely unaware. Unfortunately…a Death Eater just happened to see me in the street and followed me. It was this same Death Eater who heard part of prophecy and reported it back to Voldemort."

Harry felt his hands tightening into fists as the candles in the room flickered ever so slightly. "Who was it?"

Dumbledore actually seemed somewhat startled by his reaction. "What good would it do you to know my boy? It is in the past."

Harry's fists were squeezed so tightly that he felt his nails puncturing his palms. "Because if this Death Eater isn't already in Azkaban…then I'm going to hunt them down and kill them."

"Violence begets violence my boy." Dumbledore lectured, staring over the rim of his glasses.

Slamming his hands against the arms of his chair, Harry shot to his feet and glared at Dumbledore. One of those responsible for the death of his parents was almost his. And like hell was he going to let this chance slip away from him. "And all that evil needs to flourish is for good men to do nothing. Who. Told. Voldemort."

A high pitched cry echoed from above them as a red and gold mass of feathers settled down onto the desk between Harry and Dumbledore. The phoenix took one look at Harry, then swiveled his head back towards Dumbledore before turning back to Harry. As it did, the bird began to sing. And as it sung Harry felt his anger and frustrations slowly leaving him as the magic of the phoenix song did its work. "Cheeky bird." Harry growled, dropping back into his seat with a much clearer head.

"Fawkes is even more upset with me at the moment my boy." Dumbledore sighed. Then as if to prove his point, Fawkes scooted across the desk closer towards Harry. "In time I will tell you all Harry. But not today."

"Then I believe that is all for today." His mother said rising to her feet. "Come Harry. We have training to get too."

"Harry cannot leave." Dumbledore said rising to his feet.

"Yes he can." His mother countered back while motioning for him to join her. "In case it slipped your mind, today is Saturday. And the Minister himself said that I am allowed to take Harry back to his home during the weekend to train."

Dumbledore frowned. "He still has the trace on his wand."

"Then we'll be stopping at Ollivander's first then." His mother shot back while grabbing a fist full of floo powder and saying 'Grimmauld Place' before tossing the powder into the fireplace. "He'll be back on Sunday." She announced before making her way towards the green fire.

"Madam Nox." Dumbledore called out, halting the two of them in their tracks. "I am not your enemy here. I am only trying to do what is best for Harry."

"As am I Dumbledore." His mother shot back. "The only difference is…I actually love my son. And will do anything to ensure that he lives to see tomorrow. Come on Harry, after hearing about this whole debacle yesterday I lined up a whole slew of new teachers for you. I'm sure that you're going to enjoy their lessons."