Disclaimer: I don't own -Man or Harry Potter.

Chapter 10 – Dragons

As usual, it was late evening when the last of the exorcists entered their private quarters.

"You're going to see Hagrid in an hour," Reever told them. "So don't get too comfortable." Kanda shrugged and entered the dojo. He wasn't going to go to sleep anyway, not with Harry's meeting with a known criminal at one o'clock that morning – he just hoped that whatever Hagrid wanted wouldn't take too long.

"Want to spar?" Lavi asked, unusually taking a break from his extensive research. Kanda shrugged in a manner Lavi knew to interpret as 'yes'. Putting aside their Innocence, they stripped down to the basic gear underneath their uniforms and squared off before launching themselves at the other. Kanda always had the advantage in this sort of spar. His strength and speed far surpassed the junior Bookman's, meaning that the only think he could rely on was his single eye and higher intelligence, but even that wasn't any real advantage – Kanda had been fighting since he was born and so had a tactical mind to rival Lavi's. As usual, neither of them pulled their punches and both noticed a definite reduction in their abilities. Their all-day assignments left them with very little time to train and while Kanda could meditate late at night, he got scolded for training because it kept the others awake.

Allen and Lenalee spent the time talking, as they usually did. They would have sparred, but there was only one dojo and Lavi and Kanda were making use of it. The slight language barrier that they had to deal with when spending time with their respective champions was easily overcome, especially for the well-travelled exorcists (especially Allen), but they did enjoy being able to speak fluent English to each other at the end of the day. Reever often joined in, but tonight he was reading instead – despite not having access to anything like the equipment at the Black Order, he spent a lot of time doing research just to fill his time. This was something Lavi sometimes helped with, as Reever was currently comparing magic and Innocence. They were obviously similar, but definitely not the same thing and Reever was trying to see if there was anything the wizards did when controlling their magic that could be beneficial to exorcists, particularly equipment-types, due to the similarities of requiring a medium (wand or various form the Innocence was shaped into). Klaud had little interest in this, as her Innocence was technically parasitic and therefore as long as she had full control of Lau Jimin, she was in full control of her Innocence.

Reading the lesson plans for the rest of the term, she sighed at the amount of time she was required to spend with those horrendous Blast-Ended Skrewts, but after Hagrid had explained that they would be used in the third task, she understood why it was necessary. She found it ironic that Harry was rearing something he would have to face at some point. Unlike the four younger exorcists, she and Reever already knew all the details for the four tasks, courtesy of Professor Dumbledore, and as such did not need to go and see the dragons. Because of this, Reever had decided against going, because if something happened he was the only one incapable of defending himself. Sometimes he wondered why Komui had selected him when he was utterly useless. Probably to get him out of the way so he couldn't nag him. Too bad Johnny and Tapp were under orders to continue ensuring that their Chief didn't slack off for the year.

"Go get those two," Klaud said to Allen and Lenalee half an hour later, indicating the dojo door. "We'll need to leave soon and they need to look respectable. We don't want them causing a panic because they look like they've been in a fight." The teenagers nodded and Lenalee bravely opened the door just in time to see Lavi get sent flying into the opposing wall. He was covered in bumps and bruises, but that was to be expected when sparring with Kanda. Kanda himself was in better shape, but he too showed signs of the spar, although they would be healed before they had to leave.

Seeing the two about to re-engage, Allen sent out Crown Clown to separate them.

"Time to get cleaned up," he said as they glared at him. "General Klaud's orders." Both made to stand down as they were released. Even Kanda was aware that she was their superior – being a general made it very obvious – and both knew better than to argue, otherwise they'd have to face Lau Jimin. They left the room and headed to their bathrooms in order to freshen up before slipping their uniforms on again. Re-entering the common area, Lavi immediately went to assist Reever in his research while Lenalee attempted to draw Kanda into a conversation. Allen's presence didn't help and the Japanese stayed stubbornly quiet, only speaking when the alternative was an upset Lenalee, which was far more hassle than he cared to deal with.

"Why are we meeting with Hagrid?" Allen asked the room. Reever chuckled but otherwise stayed silent. "General Klaud?"

"It's a surprise," she said. It was obvious that she was enjoying knowing something they didn't. "Don't worry, it shouldn't hurt you. If you behave." The last remark was sent Kanda's way, who looked affronted that she would even suggest that he'd do something to jeopardise his mission.

"As long as it doesn't take too long," he grunted. He'd told her and Reever about Harry's meeting that night as they had agreed that he should be present. "Also, Harry is meeting Hagrid tonight at the same time as us, using his invisibility cloak." Reever smirked.

"He's your responsibility," he said. "Just make sure he doesn't get too close."

"That actually ties in quite nicely," Klaud added. "You can escort him back to the common room from there and so be certain not to miss the meeting." Kanda huffed, still not happy with his charge roaming around at night.

"It's time you left," Reever added, looking at his watch. "You don't want to be late." Double-checking that they had everything they needed, the five exorcists left and headed down to Hagrid's hut. Kanda quickly picked up on Harry's distinctive aura, confirming his presence to the others.

"Warn me before you leave," he growled at the space where Harry stood, sheltered under his cloak. Hagrid blushed.

"We won't tell anyone," Klaud assured him. "Cheating's traditional, from what I've heard. Just stay hidden and not too far from Kanda."

"How?" Harry's voice sounded, making most of the company jump.

"Yu's special like that," Lavi explained, ducking as Kanda threw a half-hearted punch his way. "Not Mugen? You're getting soft," he teased. Lenalee quickly intervened before Mugen really was drawn.

"What are you showing us?" she asked. Hagrid's worried face gave way to a massive grin.

"You'll 'ave ta wait an' see!" he said joyfully. "It's a sigh' worth seeing, tha's for sure." Klaud concealed a smile at the man's enthusiasm. Not many people were that eager to meet four angry, nesting, female dragons.

"Let's go," Kanda said, not wanting to waste any more time than necessary. If Harry felt pushed for time then there was no guarantee that he'd inform Kanda before running off. Hagrid didn't need any more prompting and led the way into the Forbidden Forest. The meeting with Madam Maxime en route wasn't surprising to anyone except Harry, although it led to Allen considering breaking the rules to warn Krum, seeing as he would be representing the only school that didn't know. A presence behind him quelled that idea – in the shadows Karkaroff was tailing them.

A roar and flare of what was unmistakeably dragons caught their attention and Kanda and Lavi instinctively reached for their weapons, while Lenalee and Allen tensed in preparation to activate. Nodding in approval at their reflexes, Klaud told them to stand down. Four impressively large dragons were easily visible, contained as they were, and wizards were scurrying round as they tried to find a way to calm them. In the end, they resorted to spells that knocked the dragons out, much to the relief of all the exorcists, although Kanda and Klaud would never admit it. They looked far more dangerous than akuma, despite the lack of instantly-fatal poison (they hoped).

One of the wizards in attendance walked up to them.

"Charlie Weasley," he said, offering a hand. Lavi was first to take it, noting the calloused palms. Allen, Lenalee and Klaud responded similarly, while Kanda offered a nod of recognition, which Charlie accepted. "What's she doing here?" he asked Hagrid, looking at Madam Maxime, who had gone for a closer look.

"Jus' though' she would like ta see 'em," Hagrid shrugged.

"Real romantic date there, Hagrid," Charlie sighed. "I've got them counted," he added as he noticed Hagrid's interest in the various eggs. Hagrid tried to look innocent, but failed.

"I am not teaching the students how to handle dragon hatchlings," Klaud said firmly. "I wouldn't even teach that at Rosecross Academy to my most skilled students for fear of getting them killed."

"What breeds have you got here?" Lavi asked, warily eyeing a particularly dangerous looking one.

"Well that one's a Hungarian Horntail," Charlie explained, following his line of sight. "Nastiest one of the lot, I'd say. Don't envy the champion that has to face this one; its back end's nearly as dangerous as its front – look." He indicated the numerous spines on her tail.

Harry gulped silently.

"That red one's a Chinese Fireball," Charlie continued. "Then there's the Welsh Green and the Swedish Short Snout." He indicated each dragon as he named the species. "Not sure why they wanted nesting mothers, but they were quite specific."

"So what do they have to do?" Lenalee asked. Charlie shrugged.

"I don't know. My best guess is that they've got to get past them," he admitted. Lavi surveyed them intently, focusing on the emphasis on nesting mothers.

A slight tug on Kanda's sleeve caught the Japanese's attention. A quick, inconspicuous motion to Klaud and he silently headed back to the castle, steering Harry around Karkaroff when he realised that their auras were headed straight for each other. Neither spoke all the way up to the Gryffindor Common Room. Peeves appeared briefly, but one look at Kanda and he turned tail. The poltergeist had learnt the hard way that Innocence worked on him, courtesy of a Kaichu Ichigen from Kanda himself. Since then he had left all the exorcists well alone. Kanda gave the password to the Fat Lady, who didn't seem surprised to see him entering the Common Room that late at night, and entered immediately after Harry. Hermione was waiting for them, slightly surprised to see Kanda arriving with Harry, but quickly surmised that he must have gone to see Hagrid with Harry as well. It made sense, after all, Kanda had been present when Hagrid had requested his presence. She obviously wanted to talk, but Kanda sent her upstairs with a look. Questions could wait.

At one o'clock exactly the fire crackled and a head appeared, causing Kanda to half-draw Mugen before Harry gasped "Sirius!"

"Hello, Harry," the man said, keeping a wary eye on Kanda and his sword, which had returned to its sheath although Kanda still kept hold of the hilt. "How are you doing?"

Immediately, Harry launched into a description of his entire time since the Tournament had begun, laying bare all his emotions and how Ron had abandoned him, along with the rest of the school. Kanda only half listened, more intent on scrutinising one Sirius Black, and keeping guard for anything that was headed in their direction. The despair was plain to hear when Harry finally told Sirius about the dragons. Kanda noticed that Sirius was more interested in other warnings, before moving on to the topic of the dragons.

"Karkaroff was in Azkaban with me before he negotiated with the Ministry for his release – he was a Death Eater," he said urgently. Kanda turned to look at him. He'd heard the term before but wasn't sure on the details. "You know what that is, don't you?"

"Yes, but-"

"No," Kanda interrupted. "Tell me."

"They were Voldemort's supporters in the last war," Sirius summarised quickly. "It's likely that at least some of their number are still active and want Harry dead in retribution for his defeat fourteen years ago." Kanda nodded in understanding before looking at Harry. "Continue."

"Are you saying Karkaroff put my name in the Goblet?" Harry asked. "Because he seemed furious about it."

"We all know he's a good actor," Sirius pointed out. "He got himself released from Azkaban, didn't he?"

"He hasn't shown any ill will towards anyone," Kanda said. "Moyashi would have reported it."

"Moy-"

"Allen Walker," Harry explained hurriedly. "Krum's guard." Sirius shrugged.

"Still, keep an eye on him," he said. "And even if it wasn't Karkaroff, it could easily be someone else that wants you dead, Harry."

"Seems like a great plan from where I'm standing," Harry said bleakly. "All they'll have to do is sit back and watch the dragons do it for them."

"Right, these dragons," Sirius said urgently. "There is a way – don't be tempted to stun them; it takes half a dozen wizards to take one down-"

"Yeah, I saw," Harry said.

"But there's a simple way," Sirius continued. "Just-"

"Go," Kanda cut him off. "Someone's coming." Harry turned to the stairs to see a shadow descending. A small 'pop' indicated Sirius' departure as the person came into view. It was Ron.

"What are you two doing down here at this time of night?" the youngest Weasley boy asked, spying Kanda with him.

"What's it to you?" Harry snapped back. Having seen who it was, Kanda had relinquished his grip on Mugen, but was more than willing to draw it if necessary.

"I- Nothing. I'm off to bed," Ron mumbled.

"Just thought you'd come nosing around, did you?" Harry shouted, making Kanda narrow his eyes at his young charge.

"Sorry about that," Ron said, reddening slightly. "I should have known you'd have wanted to practise for your next interview in peace."

In a fit of rage, Harry grabbed one of the Creeveys' stash of modified POTTER REALLY STINKS badges and hurled it at him, hitting him square on the forehead.

"There you go," he spat. "Something for you to wear on Tuesday. You might even have a scar now if you're lucky. That's what you want, isn't it?" Without waiting for a response, he brushed past the taller boy and stormed off to bed. Ron stayed frozen at the foot of the stairs, facing Kanda, who scoffed in annoyance before heading back to the exorcists' quarters.

"Well?" Klaud asked him.

"This Sirius Black seems trustworthy," Kanda said. "There was no malice in his aura." He turned to Allen. "He said that Karkaroff was a Death Eater – one of Voldemort's supporters. Keep an eye on him." The younger boy nodded in understanding. It wouldn't be too difficult to do, seeing as the man liked to stick to Krum like glue.

"All the champions bar Cedric are bound to know by now," Lavi said thoughtfully. "If he asks me for help, I'll tell him. It's only fair." No-one argued with his logic. If the rest of the champions could have an inside source, it was only fair if Cedric had one as well, even if he chose not to use it.

"Anyway," Reever said. "Now that Kanda's back, I can tell you more about the task. Only the judges know precisely what is entailed, and as one of them I'm privy to that information."

"Do they have to steal something?" Lavi asked. "It's the only reason I can think of that you would need nesting mothers as opposed to any other dragons." Kanda noticed a pile of books on dragons open by the redhead. Reever smiled.

"Correct," he said. "A golden egg will be placed amongst the clutch of real eggs and they need to retrieve it, preferably without causing any damage to the real ones, or themselves."

"You will be waiting with your respective champion within the designated tent," Klaud said. "When they are called into the arena you will wait outside of the tent, with the wizards that are on standby in case the dragons get out of hand. Needless to say, you may only intervene if akuma or – God forbid – Noah appear. Anything to do with the task itself you are to leave to the wizards. They won't let the champion die. After the champion has completed or withdrawn from the task, accompany them to wherever they go, whether it be the medical tent or the stands. Do not allow them to remain in the arena once they've dealt with their dragon."

The four exorcists nodded in understanding. They were to protect against outside influences, not help within the task.

"I suggest you all get some sleep," Cloud added. "As of tomorrow the champions will be training hard to counter the dragons and you still have your duties to commence."

"That includes you, Lavi," Reever said. "I can research by myself tonight."

"You should sleep, too," Lenalee said disapprovingly. "We're not at the Order anymore – you don't need to pull all-nighters while we're here." Reever looked sheepish.

"Old habits die hard, I guess," he said. "I suppose I can try and get some sleep for one. The House Elves don't make coffee the way you do, Lenalee!" The girl sighed and bade them goodnight. One by one, everyone else filtered off into their own rooms until only the two adults were left.

"They're doing well," Klaud said.

"I'm impressed with Kanda," Reever admitted. "I'm amazed he's only drawn Mugen once so far." Cloud smiled while Lau Jimin chattered from her shoulder.

"I have classes to teach tomorrow," she said. "I trust you'll listen to Lenalee and actually get some sleep tonight?" He smiled at her.

"I'm about to turn in," he admitted. "Goodnight, General Klaud, Lau Jimin."

"Goodnight, Reever."

Sorry this one's significantly shorter than last chapter, but if I went into too much detail over Harry then it would have ended up too long. This ties up the loose ends where Harry does a few more things when he finds out that the others won't (i.e. talk to Sirius). Next chapter will be the start of the champions preparing to deal with the dragons, which I'll probably split into two so it's not rushed, and will lead straight up to the task.

Replies to Guest reviews:

Skorm: I don't speak Spanish (never studied it) so I had to resort to Google Translate, as you probably expected. I'm aware that I'm focusing more on Harry and while I'm trying not to, it's easier to write because the whole book is from his PoV so there's usually more for me to say (which is why I've been asking for help concerning the other Champions' downtimes so I can rectify the imbalance). Thanks for the review!

ghostmistwho: I know you're not a Guest, but I couldn't reply via PM because you've got it disabled. I'm just seeing how the chapters flow at the moment. Glad you liked the chapter! Thanks for the review!

Thanks for reading and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year (in case I can't update again before then)!

Tsari