Chapter 11: Wishing
Author Note: Edited
Previously…
"Now for our final champion, who will represent Hogwarts?" Asked Dumbledore with a twinkle in his eyes as he caught the paper." HARRY POTTER!"
The entire great hall went silent for at least 5 seconds all heads turn towards the black haired teen. Harry felt like his heart was about to stop as he felt like a deer caught in the headlights. Clap, Clap, a second clap, three claps, and soon the whole great hall burst into cheers and applause, particularly the Gryffindor.
"GO!" shouted Aveline with a smile as she shoved Harry, who stood up and began to walk towards the smiling headmaster. Each step he took resonating reality back into Harry's mind.
"Congratulations Harry," whispered Dumbledore shaking his hand and pointing towards the trophy room. "We'll be there shortly."
Harry gave a weak smile and walked towards the door at the end of the corridor. The claps and shouts slowly faded with Dumbledore's speech.
"Well there we go… Your three champions"
Harry pushed open the wooden door to the trophy room toe find a dark room lit by a fireplace and a maze of glass cases with perfectly polished trophies inside. Viktor Krum stood by the fireplace looking deep into the fire as if there was something of interest there. The Beauxbaton champion was unseen as Harry casually looked around for her.
"James potter."
Harry whipped his head towards the direction of that melodic voice to find the French Champion looking into a plaque.
"He iz your father, non? Asked Fleur as she tilted her head sideways, hair shifting and blue eyes looking towards the raven-haired teen.
"Yes, a father who I feel like I never met." muttered Harry looking into the fireplace, tearing himself away from those sapphire eyes.
"E loved you, or you wouldn't be ere," said Fleur as she slowly walked towards Harry. Her hands skimmed the glass case, and her eyes flashed from trophy to trophy.
"How so?" asked Harry still staring in the fire
" It takes immenze love to give your life for someone, to make ze decision that it's fine that you will no longer exist, as long az that special someone lives on." Said the beautiful voice as a soft hand clasped over Harry's shoulder.
"Intelligence is a virtue these days." Whispered Harry, as he turned towards the oak doors. Which burst opens a second later flashing in the lights of the torches outside?
"Harry Potter!" cried an exuberant voice filled with childish excitement, as a man with a boyish face grabbed Harry's hand and shook it vigorously.
"Ludo bagman, pleased to meet you! So tell me, how does it feel to be a Triwizard Champion?"
"Wonderful sir," said Harry with a fake smile, the soft hand and the smell of flowers disappeared as soon as the door opened.
"Now, now, Ludo let's not crowd young Harry there are three other champions." Said Dumbledore who appeared next to Harry.
Harry looked around the room and found the other two headmasters with their respected students. Both headmasters where whispering animatedly to their champions as Barty Crouch walked into the room.
"May I have everyone's attention please," said Crouch as he pulled out a piece of parchment.
'Throughout this tournament the three champions from each school will be faced with 3 main tasks and challenges in between. These tasks will test your daring, honor, magical ability, and sheer willpower." Said Crouch and with a slight cough continued on.
"In the past people have died in this tournament, the ministry will be doing everything in our power to keep death from occurring. Both the Aurors and Department of magical games and sports will be on site at each event. Our main goal is to prevent death, but I cannot promise you that you won't feel pain, or suffer extreme agony as the tasks are true tests," said Crouch gravely as his tired eyes flickered to each champion and folded up the parchment.
"Well… Matters aside, May I present to you, your first task!" cried Bagman as his cheerful voice pierced the tense atmosphere, causing a small intake of breath
"The ability to dive into the unknown and face danger head on shall be the champions first task! The first task is on November 24th; you will be armed with nothing but knowledge and your wand. No matter what's out there you will face it head on with nothing but your magical ability!" said Bagman gleefully
"Now, does anyone have any questions?" asked Bagman
Everyone remained silent as the cracks of the fireplace was the only sound audible in the trophy room. Eyes flickered between each person as judgment began to pass whether consciously or unconsciously.
'Well, if nobody has any questions, it's getting quite late so I guess we're done here." Said Bagman with a hint of disappointment at the unenthusiastic champions.
"A splendid idea indeed Ludo." Said Dumbledore as he motioned his hand outwards and everyone began to file out.
Soon Harry found himself walking up to the Gryffindor dormitory deep in thought of what transpired in the trophy room.
"Pain, what do they know about pain?" thought Harry as memories flashed in and out of his mind.
"Diving into the unknown?" I've done it almost every year; guess this year isn't going to be different.
"Magical ability?" Saved me countless times, I trained for this, I'm not going to lose." Thought Harry with a fire sparked in his heart.
"Are you sure? What if you lose? What if you fail? What will the world think of poor little Harry?" said the little voice in Harry's mind
"I won't" Harry told himself as he said the password to the fat lady. Instantly hands shot out and his housemates dragged in Harry.
Cheers and questions bombarded Harry as he was lifted up in the air amidst more cheers and toasts.
'What's the first task Harry?" asked one Gryffindor
"Are you scared?" asked a wide-eyed first year
"Now, now get off the poor man," shouted Ron from the corner of the common room
Soon Harry was let down and the crowd parted still cheering as Ron dragged Harry towards a table.
"Congratulations mate! I knew you could do it!" Said Ron as he handed Harry a bottle of butter beer.
"Now your going to win that tournament and I'm going to win the international cup!" roared Ron as he grasped Harry's back
"There's an international tournament?" asked Harry
"Yeah, after you went into the trophy room Dumbledore announced an international quidditch tournament between the two schools and also an academics one." Said Ron
"Then we got ourselves a good year coming up, don't we?" Said Harry with a smile as he waved at a smiling Hermione across the room.
"I'm going to bed now, you coming?" asked Harry
"Nah, I'm going to enjoy a few more butterbeers and make sure this party doesn't get out of hand." As Ron swerved his bottle and flashed his head boy badge with a proud smile.
"Alright Percy Jr," said Harry as he walked away from a red faced Ron with a smirk
"Harry! How'd it go?" said the familiar voice of his other best friend as she crushed him in a hug
"It was… Interesting," said Harry as he told Hermione about the first task, as he knew Hermione was more concerned about the "details," unlike Ron.
"Well you'll do fine, as long as you keep up with your studies and work." Said Hermione "I'll start up a practice schedule for you and have it for you by tomorrow."
'Hermione! Calm down! I can keep up with my studies just fine and I'll be practicing if Dumbledore if you've forgotten," said Harry as he clasped two hand on her shoulder.
"Oh, Right," muttered Hermione awkwardly "Well you must be tired, go get some rest." Muttered Hermione as she began to walk away
"Hermione wait," as he watched turn around disappointment and hurt showing on her face. "You know I appreciate everything you do for me right?"
"Yeah," said Hermione softly
"Then what's wrong?" asked Harry
"Nothing, it's just I'm tired," said Hermione
"Your worried," whispered Harry looking down
"Of course I'm worried! Every year you face challenges average wizard never face in their lifetimes! And now you go chasing after danger, why?"
"You don't understand," muttered Harry
"Harry Potter.. If I don't understand, than who will?" said Hermione as she folded her arms and stared at him
"I want an identity alright? I want to go in this tournament and show everyone I'm not that weak little boy that has to be saved constantly by Dumbledore. I don't want to be known as the baby that happened to kill Voldemort due to the magic of my mother!" said Harry still looking at the ground
"But your more than that, you defeated Voldemort countless times after, saved Sirius, killed a basilisk, and not mention Dumbledore. You've done more than a few of the wizarding world's legends, what more do you want?" Said Hermione exasperated
"I don't know, I'm not at peace, I'm not happy, I'm still lost," said Harry lamely
"Well your already obligated to compete so I guess there's nothing I can do to help." Said Hermione frustrated
"Just be there for me, it's all I ever ask for," said Harry with a smile
"Just try not to get yourself killed." Laughed Hermione as she and Harry watched Ron chase a group of First years around that hit him with a firework.
Soon Harry was in bed, fresh out of the shower and ready to collapse on his bed and fall asleep. But he opened up his WizNet first and found that he had a new friend request.
"Fleur Delacour Accept or Decline?" Smiling Harry clicked the mouse once and closed his laptop. And then proceed to stare out at the great lake, the familiar feeling of loneliness washing over him.
'I wish I could find someone that truly understands me, the real me" thought Harry as his head hit the pillow and soon he was fast asleep. The alarm clock switches from 11:11 to 11:12.
Fleur walked down the grassy landscape outside of Hogwarts with Madame Maxime towards the Beauxbaton carriage. Her feelings conflicted about the events in the trophy room. She quietly thought over the events to herself as she parted with Madame Maxime at the hallway and went into her room. Aveline was already asleep so Fleur quickly showered and curled up in bed with her laptop. She missed home and Gabrielle and knew the perfect person to vent to.
My Dearest Gabrielle,
How are you? How are mother and father? I hope they spend time with you and don't leave you alone all the day with the house elves. I miss you so much! You must convince father to come to one of the tasks. Especially now, since I'm officially a Triwizard Champion! I feel like I succeeded in what will be a long journey of challenges throughout this year. But I still feel conflicted and worried… I'm determined to win and show the world I'm not a "helpless leetle Veela," but a strong witch as well. I wish it were easy for people to understand that simple fact, and not constantly judge and perceive. I'm scared Gabrielle. I'm scared of losing and failing, I'm scared of being mocked and looked down upon. I want respect, I want them to know me as Fleur Delacour the real one and not the "Ice queen," "politician's daughter," or the daughter of a "celebrity." I want to make an identity for myself that is just I. But my venting and worries aside, I also have to tell you something else, I met a boy! I know, I know, I'm not going to take it fast or go right at him. But he's so intelligent and well known around the school. He just has that badboy attitude and has all the Beauxbaton boys fawning over him. I've talked to him once or twice but I'll let you know more detail soon.
Love,
Fleur Delacour, Your loving Sister
Fleur quickly read over her message and with a smile clicked the send button. Fleur then opened up her WizWeb profile and with a smile replied to a message and also clicked "add as friend," to a certain Harry Potter. Then she closed her laptop and looked out at the great lake in a melancholy mood as loneliness overcame her.
"I wish I could find someone that truly understands me, the real me" thought Fleur as her head hit the pillow and soon she fell asleep. The alarm clock switches from 11:11 to 11:12.
The wind blows softly outside as the leaves change to even more of a burning inferno and falling like early rain….
Harry walked towards the unused classroom a note in his hand. He was slightly annoyed as whatever was so important it needed to interrupt his training it had better be, well important.
As Harry opened the door he was met with a flash of white and a giant camera facing towards him. Still trying to adjust from the shock of the bright light the empty classroom reappeared in his sight. There was a photographer and shrill looking women with a sharp beetlelike face. Also the other two champions where there with their headmasters. And for some reason Mr. Ollivander who was talking animatedly with Dumbledore.
"Rita Skeeter, Daily Prophet, but I'm sure you've heard of me," said the lady with a smile as she extended her hand out.
Deciding to mess with her a little, Harry grabbed her hand and skimmed his lips on it.
"A pleasure to meet you as well, mademoiselle" said Harry with a dazzling smile, causing Rita to blush a splutter and a certain French witch to raise her eyebrow.
"Well.. Um anyways, where here to take some pictures of the champions and also to conduct interviews for the new segment." Spluttered Rita.
"Are you alright, Ms. Skeeter?" said Harry as he placed his hand on her forehead causing Rita to back away
"Yes, yes as fine as I can be, with you in this room," muttered Rita " Pictures, Pictures!" Cried Rita as she gathered the champions and headmasters for multiple shots both together and individually.
"Let's start the interviews," said Rita gleefully as she grabbed Fleur and dragged her into the broom cupboard.
"So tell me, how long do you plan on lasting in this tournament, dear?" asked Rita
"I'm not going to last at all, I'm going to win," said Fleur with annoyance
"Interesting, tell me, do your parents approve of your entrance into this tournament?"
"Of courze, they've alwayz supported me and vill continue to, "said Fleur confidently
"Last question, why did you join this tournament?" asked Rita
"I joined to show the world I'm not just some fragile schoolgirl and more powerful than most wizards. I joined to conquer my fears and try to find peace within myself." Said Fleur
"Love it, absolutely love your responses, well I guess we're done here." Said Rita as exited the broom closet to grab Krum and take him in for his interview.
Fleur went and sat next to Harry who seemed deep in thought staring blankly at the wall.
'Vat are you thinking about?" asked Fleur
"Everything," said Harry
"I zee, are you zinking about me?" asled Fleur with a sly smile, as Harry snapped back into reality.
'What?" said Harry
"You zaid, you where zinking of everyzing, am I not part of everyzing?" asked Fleur tilting her head sideways in a look of confusion.
"I guess," said Harry absentmindedly
"MR. POTTER!" cried Rita "Your turn,"
"Well, this should be fun," smiled Harry as he was able to get a smirk out of Fleur
"So tell me Mr Potter, If your parent's where still alive what would they think of your decision to join this deadly tournament?" asked Rita
"I think they would be proud of me, they would want me to be happy and if this made my happy I'm sure they would have been proud for me to be in this tournament." Said Harry
"Tell me, Mr Potter, Do you plan on wining in this tournament?" Asked Rita
"Wholeheartedly," said Harry
"Last question, why? Why did you want to join such a dangerous tournament that could put your life at risk? Asked Rita
"My life's been at risk countless times ever since I was one. I don't go out to find danger or trouble it finds me. But I want to join this tournament to prove something to myself and all the other people. I want to prove I'm not just a useless figurehead or icon. I want to show them my strengths and abilities. I want to win." Said Harry with fire in his eyes.
"Outstanding!" Said Rita as she led Harry out of the closet.
"We will now commence the weighing of the wands to make sure they are fit for the tournament." Said Dumbledore
Each of the champions shall present their wand to Mr. Ollivander for testing and then you may go on with your daily activities when he is done." Said Dumbledore
"Without further interruption, Garrick," said Dumbledore with a nod
"May I have Mr. Viktor Krum come up please?" asked Ollivander
Krum approached Ollivander and handed him his wand. Ollivander began to examine and run his fingers up and down the wand.
"Hornbeam, 10 and a quarter inches with dragon heartstring, fascinating this is Gregorovitch's work if I'm correct," asked Ollivander
"yes," said Krum with a nod of his head
"INCENDIO," Cried Ollivander as a jet of fire shot out and ceased almost immediately
"Works marvelous, you may go now." Said Ollivander with a smile as he handed Viktor his wand back..
"Ms. Delacour? May you bring your wand up here?" asked Ollivander
"Oui," said Fleur as she approached Ollivander and handed him her wand, and again Ollivander began his examination.
"Rosewood, nine and a half with a veela hair core! Now that's unique but not unsimilar to a certain wizard in this room." Smiled Ollivander who looked straight at Harry.
"ORCHIDEOUS," shout Ollivander and bouquet of flower sprang out of the veela wand, which Ollivander handed to Fleur.
"Your wand is in a fine condition and well cleaned if I might add, you may go now."
Instead of leaving like Krum, Fleur chose to sit back down while Harry went up to Ollivander, mainly because she wanted to talk to Harry more but also she was curious.
"Ah, Mr. Potter we meet again, may I see your wand?" Asked Ollivander
"Both?" whispered Harry
"Of course, better to save me the long trip back just to confirm it again," smiled Ollivander
So Harry whipped out both wands to a few gasps of surprise and handed them to Ollivander. And once again Ollivander began to run his hands over the wands and begin his examination.
"Holly, 11 inch phoenix feather." The twin wands of great good and great evil said Ollivander dramatically.
"AGUAMENTI," cried Ollivander as wine shot out of Harry's wand
"Still as great as the day you bought it, but that is expected coming out of my store," Said Ollivander with a smirk.
"And the second wand
"Rosewood, 11 inches and Veela hair," said Ollivander with a chuckle at Fleur's shocked expression.
"If I'm not mistaken, Mr. potter the Veela hair in your wand actually comes from Ms. Delacour herself." Said Ollivander
"Vat!? It Haz Chozen already?" said Fleur with a look of shock and her faced flushed
"Apparently," said Ollivander "Don't worry it won't have any effect on you when he casts spells."
"AVIS," Cried Ollivander as a flock of birds flew out the veela wand and disappeared in a flash of white.
"Perfect condition and a great wand indeed," said Ollivander with a smile
"I believe we are done here and I do have shop to run, so I'll be heading off" cried Ollivander as he headed towards the exit with Dumbledore and the other two headmasters towards his office.
"So this wand has your hair?" asked Harry
"Oui, maman told me to donate a couple strands of my hair for new wands." said Fleur as she crossed her arms self consciously
"It's probably not a really strong wand is it?" asked Fleur
"It's a wonderful wand, it feels like it had a life of it's own and a personality to It." said Harry "Here hold it," said Harry as he handed her his wand.
Fleur took it in her hand and instantly felt the pulsing of energy throughout the wand. The magic passing through every grain of wood on the wand was coming from her hair. What was even stranger was that each pulse of the wands seemed to match with the beat of her heart. But she wasn't about to let Harry know that. Fleur suddenly felt very proud of herself, seeing that her magic was able to produce such a great wand.
"It's beautiful, just like me," said Fleur with a smirk as she handed the wand back to Harry.
"Sure," said Harry smiling as they walked down the hall
"HARRY!," cried the deep voice of Hagrid
"Funny seein you 'round here, but listen I need you to meet me tonight at 12 I need to show you sumthing and bring your cloak." Said Hagrid
"Alright, I'll see you tonight then." Said Harry as he waved goodbye to Hagrid
"Who iz he?" asked Fleur looking back towards Hagrid
"He's the Hogwarts's gamekeeper and also the person who saved me by bringing me into the magical world."
Authors Note: And that's a wrap! I intended this as a filler but I think it's a little more than that. Next up is going to be the first task! Thank you guys for being so patient with my slow updating! And PLEASE don't forget to REVIEW!