Skating Away Chapter Ten

Harry wasn't happy about the seating arrangements when they were all in the hall. Ginny sat with Dean and wasn't close enough to be able to talk to her. It didn't appear that she wanted to talk with him anyway. It seems like no one else was in a very talkative mood either, not even Hermione or Luna.

Once the meal was over and the opening day speech was over, Harry left by himself since everyone was so quiet. He hurried up the stairs to beat the first years and most everyone else. He knew where he wanted to sit to try and get Ginny to talk to him.

The rest of his friends entered and found a place to sit, to watch the first years get their talk from the Prefect that led them upstairs. Harry wasn't interested in them though. He was waiting for Ginny and Dean to enter the dorm, which they hadn't done yet.

Sitting by himself got Hermione and Luna's interest, so they walked over to him and sat on either side of him to try and talk to him. Luna started the talk, "Harry, we saw Ginny and Dean stop outside the entry. They should be in shortly. In the mean time, we need to talk later about your other problem."

Hermione interrupted Luna there, "I don't know what Luna is talking about, but you have to see that Ginny and Dean are getting along great and she isn't ready to end it with him yet. Maybe you should try dating someone else until she comes around to your way of thinking."

"I know what Luna means and I will talk with her later, but as for your option, no thank you. Ginny may not see it, but we do have a bond and I wish I could get her to see that I am not trying to take her childhood away, or her making friends with others. I just want her to understand why I am thinking like I am. I'm trying to get her to see that there is no one else for me. I know she is scared of what the bond could do to us and she isn't ready for that type of commitment. I just don't want to see her get hurt or her hurt anyone else, like Dean, if our bond becomes more than what it is right now." that was when the entry opened and Dean and Ginny walked in. Harry saw they weren't holding hands and they were not even talking. However, they were close and they both went to the same spot in front of the fireplace.

Dean leaned down to Ginny when she took a seat, said something to her and then went to the chess board and sat to play a game with Ron. Harry took the chance to approach her and ask her to talk to him. Ginny looked over to Dean and saw him watching Ron make his opening move, and got up and walked with Harry. Harry took her to the empty class room and helped her with her seat and sat down across from her so he wouldn't upset her.

Ginny began to get upset when Harry didn't say anything and was ready to open up on him, when Harry began, "Sorry Ginny. I was trying to think of how to start this. Look, Ginny, I know you don't want to talk about our bond, but please hear me out. I don't want to take your childhood from you, but I don't want you to get hurt or you hurt someone else because we found a way to strengthen the bond by accident. I know you don't believe this, but something as simple as helping you up from a seat, or from a fall could do it. A simple hug or a thank you kiss could do it. I just want you to understand how simple it is to complete it and not even try to do it. Does Dean even know we share a bond?"

Ginny held her head down while she answered Harry, "I don't know, I haven't told him, but Ron may have. Harry, Dean and I had a talk before we entered the common room and I told him I wasn't looking for anything long term and I definitely wasn't looking for a one night stand, if that was what he was thinking. I told him I just wanted to enjoy my school years without be obligated to anyone in particular. This means you as well Harry. Why can't you see that we have our whole life ahead of us to make our choices."

"Ginny, my mum felt that way in school, but when she saw people coming up missing, while still in school, she saw where their whole life may be a very short one. Sirius lost his brother while he was still in school. She lost a dear friend because of Remus trying to protect her from what he was. She left school to go to school on the continent. We are facing that same situation now. Look at Draco, Tracey, Daphne and Blaise. All of them are afraid of being in the same house with known children of Death Eaters. Neville lost his mum and dad to them. I'm being hunted by them because of a stupid prophecy. Your family are being called blood traitors by these same people. Yes, we all want to live our lives like the children we are, but we can't."

Ginny listened to what Harry said, and it brought tears to her eyes. She knew everything he said was true, but she didn't want to live that way. She felt by giving in to Harry's wishes, she was giving up her dreams of being a child, growing up normal and carefree. Ginny didn't see where Dean had walked down the staircase and stopped to hear what she had to say. It was probably good for him to hear it, because it let him know where he stood with Ginny. He wanted to continue dating Ginny and hope it would come to them becoming a pair. What he heard from her told him differently.

"Look Harry, I know what you mean, but I am not ready for a commitment and I am going to be telling Dean the same thing. I'm looking to enjoy my school years like a normal girl and maybe start looking for commitment in my fifth year, but not before. Life is too short. I'll probably finish the year with Dean and then take a break from dating until my fifth year. Maybe it will be you and maybe not, but even if it is, it does not mean I will be ready to complete the bond. That is probably why we won't be dating then. I don't want to take any chances." That was when she heard Dean clearing his throat.

"I don't think we will be dating up until the end of the year Ginny. I think we should end it now and get on with our lives. You should listen to Harry and take up his offer. You said life is too short, well, you're right, it is, and to know there is someone there that loves you and wishes to spend the rest of his life with you is something you should not pass up on. I was ready to ask you for a commitment and now I know it would have been a waste of time. Good luck with what ever you choose for yourself, Ginny." and Dean walked back upstairs. Harry followed him, leaving Ginny there by herself. Ginny stayed for a few minutes to decide what she wanted to do. It wasn't there for her though. She just went to bed after trying hard to see what she could make of her future.

Dean wasn't the only one to hear the little talk. Luna walked out from behind the tapestry in the classroom. She knew it was time for her to have another talk with Harry and this time it wouldn't be to scold him for failing his return. She told Harry that he was failing in some parts of his return, but the truth of the mater was, he was doing it all right. Luna didn't expect Ginny to be so stubborn this time around. The first time around, the Ginny she knew would have been tickled to have this Harry with her. What changed in her, Luna didn't know. She sat down and went into her trance and notified her superiors of what was going on. That was when she was told her assignment was over and for her spirit to return home. Luna would be left with one final message for Harry.

The following morning, Harry left early for breakfast so he could have a cuppa before eating to think about his current status. He was failing in his return and didn't know why. He had tried to get Ginny to see things his way, but she just wasn't having any of it.

He was still sipping his cuppa, when Luna joined him before Hermione was there. It was never like that before this as Hermione was always one of the first ones out of her dorm and waiting for the rest to go to breakfast. "Good morning Harry. You're here awful early for breakfast."

"I needed a cuppa before eating, to get me started. Had to do a lot of thinking and this was the best time and the quietest time to do it. So, why are you here so early?"

"Because I had to talk to you, and like you said, this is the best time to do anything in private. Harry, this is the last time I will be talking to you as your council. I have been told that you have done more than what has been asked of you and you have passed it all. They are aware of the trouble you are having with Ginny, and know it is not your fault. I have been relieved of my duty and I am returning to my superiors. Good Luck Harry, with Ginny. We don't know why she is doing what she is, but stay strong with you conviction and things will work out OK." and Harry saw Luna's eyes blink a few times and she was once again back with him. "Good morning Harry, how are you, and do you know how I got down here?"

Harry laughed as he told her, "I think you walked down here Luna, at least that was how you entered the hall."

"Hmm, strange, I don't remember the walk. Oh well, hope they serve breakfast soon, I'm starved. Oh there is something else I wanted to talk to you about. Let's see know, what was it? Oh poo, I can't remember. Oh well, it must not have been important. Oh good, here comes breakfast." and she took a plate from the stack and filled her plate, like Harry did.

The twins were down next, with Lee and Hermione. George took a seat next to Luna and Fred next to Hermione. Lee waited for Angelina. While filling his plate Fred asked Harry, "Hey Harry, what do you think our chances are of becoming a champion?"

"A champion for what, Fred?"

"Uhhh, Harry, the Tri-Wizard Tournament. The one Professor Dumbledore talked about last night."

"He did? I must have been thinking about something else. I don't know anything about it, so I can't tell you, sorry."

"We just thought to give it a try using our aging potion. It's kind of new and we can't think of a better test than the tournament." George answered while Fred filled his plate.

Before anyone else said anything, Hermione said her thoughts on the matter, "If anything goes wrong with it, don't look to me for help. I think it's a stupid idea that's going to get one of them hurt. Of course if anything does happen, I will be the first one there to give them support. They don't call me old softie for nothing."

Fred about choked when he heard this, "Now who would be silly enough to call you call such a thing. I thought they called you Bookie?" He was pulling scrambled eggs from his hair for the rest of the meal, and into first class.

Once the meal was finished and everyone left for their classes, Harry and Hermione talked on their way to their own class. "Harry, do you think something's going to happen during the tournament? I think it kind of weird to be having something like this after what happened at the game a couple of weeks ago."

"After the easy time we had of it last year, Hermione, I'd almost bet on it being a bad year. I don't know what they could do to it, but I would be surprised if if it didn't involve controlling someone. I would almost bet that there will be a Death Eater here in some capacity, to do some damage."

Hermione shuddered as she answered, "My thoughts exactly, Harry. It's too much of a chance to pass up on, and I think Professor Dumbledore feels the same way. If he doesn't, then someone should point to this to get his attention." They ended it there as Charms Class was about to start.

Skating Away-}

Voldemort was ready for the school year to start and has his man, Barty, in position to set them into action. It had been planned for months now, since he escaped from prison and it was ready to come into play. His only problem was the students he had for information. He was beginning to regret killing off the Malfoys as Draco was a much smarter person to use as a spy rather than Parkinson, Crabbe or Goyle. He never could get Greengrass, Davis or Zabini for this purpose. He was starting to see mistakes he made earlier and he hoped they wouldn't be a bother later. He would never admit to his mistakes to his followers, but he was sure they saw them but would never speak out about them.

He was still angry over the loss at the World Cup and the discipline he handed out because of it. He still hadn't been able to replace those he lost. The Ministry was making it very difficult for him by watching all the places his followers frequented and used to recruit new men. That and the new men he already has were not well trained and he also felt that there was something off with them, like there was a spy amongst them. He had been watching them closely, but if there was one, he or she was very good at hiding the intention.

He wasn't expecting anything from Barty until the drawing of the names for the tournament champions so he had to wait for a month before he started to cause trouble outside of school to get the Aurors looking elsewhere besides the school for any deceit.

For now he kept things quiet, so as not to cause any reason for increased security anywhere, but especially not the school. He needed it quiet so that Barty could work without suspicion. There were things needed done before the other schools made it to Hogwarts.

Patience had always been a strong point for Voldemort, but since the Potter incident, he showed a severe lack of it. Young Potter had continually been a thorn in his side and has shown where he has received more help from students such as Greengrass, Davis, Zabini and Malfoy. Then there was his connection with the Weasleys, the bookworm named Granger, and the seer, Lovegood. This was the one he feared the most because she could see the plans he made and alert Dumbledore.

Still, there was nothing he could do, but wait. He could not even try to take out any of Potter's allies because it would alert Dumbledore that something was planned and he would take stronger precautions.

Skating Away-}

The first two months of school went by fast and it was not time for the arrival of the two schools.

Harry could not believe that Luna was no longer an evaluator for who ever it was that sent him back. It was so strange watching it happen. Sitting there telling him about it, then it was like she was just waking up and didn't know how she got to the great hall for breakfast.

Ginny was no longer with Dean and was not looking for anyone else, but still would not listen to Harry about the bond. She never told Harry this, but she knew deep down she couldn't avoid it, but had to prolong it for as long as she could, because she didn't really want to be committed to a relationship so early in life. She couldn't understand why Harry, or anyone else wanted this unless they were six or seventh year students. Fred and George with Hermione and Luna she totally could not understand because of their different personalities. Lee and Angelina was another one. Angelina was a top student and top player, while Lee was just like the twins and didn't take anything seriously. Ginny even thought it might be the school to cause all this.

It was before dinner that the first arrival took place and when the students saw Dumbledore, McGonagall and Hagrid leave through the front doors, the students followed them out to see the who it was arriving. They saw nothing at first, not knowing which way they would come, but they saw Dumbledore look up and everyone followed him, to see eight white Pegasus stallions pulling a huge coach across the sky. It landed a bit away from the crowd and the first one off the coach was a female giant, but she was nothing like what you expect for a giant to look like. She walked with a grace and style that befitted a princess. She approached Dumbledore and McGonagall and was welcomed by them both. Her name was Olympe Maxime, but she was announced as Madam Maxime. Following her were the students and they were as graceful as Madam Maxime and leading them was a young lady that had most of the male students at Hogwarts falling over themselves.

Her name was Fleur Delacour and she watched as the students fell, except for a handful near the entrance to the castle. Seven young men stood tall as she entered the school. She even ran her hand across the cheek of one, but he didn't respond to her touch. They entered the Great Hall and took seats at the Ravenclaw table. Fleur watched the seven take a seat at the far table to the right and near the front of the table.

They had been settled for only fifteen minutes when Durmstrang entered the Hall like an invading army, marching in rank, led by none other than Viktor Krum, seeker for the Bulgarian Quidditch team. They also went to the left and sat with the Slytherin house. Once seated, they all turned their heads to the Professors table to wait for the first words.

Professor Dumbledore stood to say his welcoming speech and now all heads were turned in that direction. As the Professor spoke, Harry felt it in his neck that someone was watching him, or at least the team. He looked around and saw it was the beautiful french girl that led the others in. He didn't know what she found so interesting about them, but she never took her eyes off them. Ginny saw Harry staring at someone across the room and saw it was the french girl. She saw it wasn't him being attracted to her, but was curious about something. She nudged Luna and said, "I know, I see it too. I also feel something is different about her, but I can't put my finger on it. Did you see the way the guys acted when she entered the school, except for the members of our team."

"Ya, acting like the idiots they are. Wonder why out team didn't react that way as well?"

Hermione gave her thoughts to the cause, "You know, I have been reading up on magical creatures and came across one called a Veela. They have the power to control men's feelings, if they are not in a relationship already. Do you think she may be a Veela?"

Ginny answered this, "Hermione, you really are way too smart to be in fourth year. You should be a Professor. I think you hit it the first time. She has to be a Veela. So, why is she staring at our team? Wait a minute, didn't you say unless they were in a relationship?"

"Yes, why?"

"No reason, but thank you Hermione. You just told me I have been wrong all this time. But I still have to keep him waiting for a while."

"If you're talking about Harry then just to let you know, I don't like what you're doing to him Ginny. He has been respectful of your wishes and has done everything he told you he would, and still you won't listen to him. Why are you trying to hurt him so badly?"

Now Ginny's anger was raised, "You think so little of me that you think I'm trying to hurt Harry? Doesn't anyone see what I'm trying to say? You, for instance. You're fourteen years old and act like you're twenty or more. Are you ready to marry Fred if he asks you?"

"WHAT? No, of course not. Why would you even think that. Oh, just to let you know, I'm fifteen."

"OH MY! Please forgive my ignorance, Miss Adult. That one year means everything, doesn't it. You are now able to think and act like a grown up. You do realize that only a male may be considered an adult, but only if he becomes the head of house. Women aren't considered an adult until eighteen."

"What are you driving at Ginny? What has age got to do with anything?"

"You can't see what you're leading towards? If you and Fred stay together throughout school, you will end up being married and you would never know what could have been? Are you content on knowing you are going to marry Fred in say six or seven years?"

"OK Ginny, first of all, it is my business who I wish to be with. Second, I don't see a line at my door, trying to date me. And finally, I happen to love your idiot brother and look forward to our time together. If you think this is wrong, then I don't want to be right. You have someone who is kind, loving, caring and smart, who adores you. Why play with his emotions? At least agree to go on a date with him."

"I may, but it won't mean I'm ready to commit to the bond he wants us to share. If it comes about, it will be at my own choosing, not his. I will be the one to decide when the time is right." and Ginny turned and left Hermione standing there.

For the next day, things were hectic around the school as students were entering their name in the Goblet, or trying to trick it by accepting his or her name in it. Fred, George and Lee had already been turned away twice. Lee gave up after the last one, but the twins were going to try it one more time. They ended up in the hospital wing, fighting off the aging potion they took. Madam Pomfrey wasn't too pleased about it either. They did make it back for the drawing of the names and they sat in front so they wouldn't miss anything. Hermione, Luna and Ginny sat in the back with Harry, Draco and Neville. Their interest in the drawing was minimal.

There was a mad rush to enter the last few names into the Goblet and then every one was seated and they waited for the Head Masters to enter the room for the drawing.

All of a sudden, the room went quiet and the lights dimmed, while the fire in the Goblet began to blaze. Then the doors opened and the Heads made their way to the Goblet for the drawing. The three heads looked around the room to see where everyone was sitting, and was pleased to see the three schools intermingled and getting along good with the others. It looked like a good start to the Tri-Wizard Tournament.

Professor Dumbledore opened the tournament with a short speech and then turned to Madam Maxime. She also gave a short speech, then went to the Goblet and flicked her wand and the first name came out of the flames, "Viktor Krum, Durmstrang is our first champion." and she joined Viktor at the entry to the champions room. Ivan Karkarov went to the Goblet without a speech and did like Madam Maxime did and drew the next name, "Cedric Diggory, Hogwarts." and he joined Cedric with the other two.

Now it was Albus' time to draw and he just waved his hand over the flame and the name flew out of the Goblet and into his hand, "Fleur Delacour, Beauxbatons." and he waited as she walked up to him. They were about ready to leave, when the Goblet flared up one more time and Albus was able to pick the slip out of the air. He read the name on the sheet and called out, "Harry Potter, no affiliation." and he waited for Harry at the Goblet, while Fleur went to the others.

Harry sat in his seat, not quite understanding what was going on. He never entered his name into the tournament and had no intention of competing until now. Hermione pushed him in the back to get him going and he walked slowly up to the Professor. Albus grabbed him by the shoulders and sternly asked, "Harry, did you enter your name into the Goblet?"

"No sir. I had no idea my name was entered. It wasn't me."

Albus kept his hand on Harry's shoulder as they walked up to the rest of the champions and Heads. Karkarov was complaining about why Hogwarts had two entries and Maxime was complaining about Harry's age. He was three years under the restriction.

The three heads got together and were joined by the Ministry representative, who was Arthur Weasley and his son Percy. Arthur listened while the three heads argued about Harry's eligibility and the second name from Hogwarts. They talked about the no affiliation addition to his name and what it meant. Then Arthur interrupted them, "I'm sorry to have to say this, but Harry's name was drawn from the Goblet and even with his age being too young, he is under a legal contract governed by the ICW. It was written to keep people from entering then backing out. It strictly states that if you entered into the tournament and your name was drawn, then you have to compete. There is no age restriction on the drawing because if your name is retained by the Goblet, it is legal for the name to be drawn. There are no exceptions to this rule. I'm sorry Harry, but you have to compete."

"But I never entered my name into the Goblet, Mr. Weasley. Someone else entered it without my authorization."

"The rules do not state how the name is entered, Harry, just that if your name is drawn, you compete."

"Isn't there anything I can do about it, if I don't wish to compete? I don't have any rights concerning this?"

"Yes, you can refuse to compete, but by doing so, you must give up your magic. Trust me, this is not what you want to do, as it is quite painful and permanent. You will never perform magic again."

"Where is the fairness in that? I did not enter my name into the Goblet and I will take any test to prove this. I do not wish to give up my magic, but I also do not want to compete."

"I'm afraid you can't have both Harry. It's your magic or your cooperation in the tournament. Which is it to be? Please think hard on this Harry, as we need an answer by midnight or your choice is taken away and you will lose your magic, since your last statement was you will not compete." Arthur was visibly hurt as he said that last statement.

"Then please excuse me as I still have four hours to think about it. I must talk to my friends about this. I will tell you, no matter what I decide, there will be changes to this ridiculous rule. No one should be made to do anything against their will, especially if there is danger involved." and he walked off, leaving the other champions and their Heads talking among themselves. The Heads did not believe Harry walked off and the champions congratulated Harry on his stand, but hoping he would accept the challenge and not give up his magic.

Harry went back to the dorm and sat there in front of the fire, thinking about his choices. He was soon joined by his entire team, including the non Gryffindor members. Harry looked for the one he needed to talk to and spotted her in the back, "Susan, can I speak to you please?" she walked to the front and Harry had her take a seat. "Can they really take my magic from me, Susan? For something I had no control over?"

"All I can tell you is that no one has ever tested whether they can or not concerning the tournament, Harry. No one has ever challenged the ruling and if you're going to ask me what it takes to remove a person's magic, I can only go by what my Aunt tells me and that it is more painful than anyone could imagine." and Susan put her hand on Harry's shoulder and held there for comfort.

She then got up and was replaced by Hermione, Luna and Ginny. Luna started the talk, "Harry, what ever you decide, it has to come from your heart, and not your guts. Think about losing something you have that could make your life so different if you miss it."

Harry looked at Ginny when he said, "I have already felt that, Luna. What's one more loss. Hermione, what do you think I should do?"

"Compete, without a doubt. You will have the help of all of us here, Harry. Without your magic, you will have to leave Hogwarts and never return."

"Ginny, what do you think I should do?"

"What your heart tells you Harry. No one here can understand what your heart is telling you. And Harry, I think I know what it is telling you, and do you know what? I think it's right. I think you should go with it." and Ginny gave him the first kiss ever from her.