Chapter Ten: An Unexpected Visitor

Harry turned a corner, showing the way to the grounds. "So, the grounds were famous for a couple of battles during the first century of the school's history. Godric Gryffindor famously fought against a group of Christian Muggleborn wizards who tried to burn Hogwarts to the ground."

Fleur frowned as she listened to him. "Ze Order of ze Cross." She said sadly. "Zey were sick individuals."

Harry nodded. He'd read up on some of the important things in the school's history before the schools came. "The Order of the Cross decided to purge magic from their lives. Some of the legends say that they magically severed their magical cores from their bodies." He gestured to a large stone structure. "This is the tomb of their leader, who was actually an apprentice of Godric himself." He turned to the guests. "Our guests from Durmstrang would know him as Alexander Maxanoff."

Several of the Durmstrang students moved closer to the stone. "This is his resting place?" One asked in perfect English.

Harry nodded. "Godric laid him to rest here as a sign of respect. He cared about his old student a lot more than he let on." He moved aside, allowing them to pay their respects to the legendary warrior.

Viktor Krum stared at Harry. "You studied all of this just to help us?"

Harry nodded slightly. "I didn't only do it for you. My girlfriend is a history nut and I thought it would be nice if I could hold a conversation with her about this stuff." He frowned. "I didn't know you were still a student."

Krum nodded. "I received my Quidditch contract at the age of sixteen. It's a three year deal with a chance for becoming Captain when I'm older."

Harry thought about that for a moment. "I'd love to play competitive Quidditch as a Pro Player, but I'm not that good. I'm a Seeker, but I've lost a match or two."

Krum chuckled darkly. "Take it from me, there's no joy in Professional Quidditch. I can't remember the last time I actually played for fun. Nowadays all I can do is just play professional games or annoying training sessions." He explained.

Harry frowned. "Tell you what, did you bring your broom with you?"

Krum nodded. "I need to fly all the time, keeps me fresh. Why?"

Harry smirked. "I can't help but wonder what it'd be like to play against a professional Seeker. We should schedule a friendly between Gryffindor and Durmstrang when we get a chance."

Krum laughed softly. "Don't get ahead of yourself, Potter." He slapped Harry's shoulder gently. "It'll be a hard match for your little team."

Harry bit the inside of his cheek. "Ok. I think that just became a challenge." He growled out slightly. "We'll definitely be having a match."

Krum chuckled again. "Organise a time and place for it and we'll play." He agreed, holding out his hand.

Harry shook his hand, walking to the next part of the tour. "This is the Forbidden Forest, it's been part of Hogwarts grounds since the early 12th century."

-HS-

Tony sighed as he tried to remove the cotton balls from his favourite shirt for the fifth time. "I'm going to kill that little shit." He mumbled to himself, throwing it into the laundry basket again.

Jarvis smirked slightly as he took the shirt. "I'll have it cotton free in no time." He walked out of the room, making his way to the Gryffindor Common Room. The new design had worked out rather swimmingly in his opinion. The old wallpaper had been replaced with a lovely white wallpaper fitted with a red and gold border in order to fit in with the Gryffindor motif. Leather recliners and sofas were added to fit in with the modern designs.

He disapproved of the large television and variety of gaming consoles that Tony had purchased for the Common Rooms, it simply filled the children's head with nonsense. He approached Harry's bed, collecting his dirty clothes to wash. It seemed the students of Gryffindor House had appreciated the fact that Jarvis worked hard for their new Common Room.

He whistled as he worked, smiling at some of the students as he went about his day. The castle seemed to be inviting to him. He spotted Harry doing the tour for the visiting schools and smiled, the lad had really come out of his shell a lot since being taken under the butler's wing.

He placed the clothes into the washing machine, fixing the load into place. He made his way to Lily's room, smiling at her. "How are you today, Mrs Stark?"

Lily grinned at him. "Edwin Jarvis, why are you getting formal with me?" She chuckled softly, sitting up with no sense of grace.

Jarvis chuckled. "I was just thinking of the old days, working for Howard and Maria. Being busy every hour of the day and having an immense sense of purpose." He said softly, fixing a pillow behind her back. "How's that?"

Lily smiled. "That's perfect, Mr Jarvis." She whispered, yawning slightly. "I don't know what came over me this morning, but I just couldn't be bothered to get up."

Jarvis chuckled softly. "I believe it's just the boredom that comes with any form of leave. I was bored out of my wits when my dear Anna died. Those six months were just torture for me."

Lily sighed. "I suppose so. I've been so busy everyday since Tony hired me that I've never really had a vacation."

Jarvis nodded at that. "You should consider a nice weekend away then." He suggested, fixing a light knitted blanket over her legs.

Lily shook her head. "I can't travel magically or by plane since I'm in my third trimester. Not to mention a car trip would be bloody impossible with my bladder at the moment." She said softly, massaging her stomach gently. "How's Harry's tour going?"

Jarvis chuckled. "Mr Potter has been giving riveting tales about the history of the castle and showing them all the different spots."

Lily smiled, closing the book she was reading. "Could I trouble you for a cup of tea please, Mr Jarvis?"

Jarvis nodded. "You really need to act like I'm a butler, Lily."

Lily chuckled softly. "I grew up butler free, Jarvis. I'd love a cuppa when you've got time though."

Jarvis chuckled heartily as he left the room, shaking his head. Nearly fourteen years of working with Lily and he still couldn't understand her.

-HS-

The weeks passed quickly once the foreign students came for the Tri-Wizard Tournament. Harry had spent a decent amount of time with all of the students, though Viktor and Fleur seemed to gravitate towards him. He didn't mind it though, they weren't interested in his fame or his wealth. Krum just spoke to him about Quidditch while Fleur had found a good friend in Hermione, who had a similar eye for Parisian fashion and culture.

It had quickly approached Halloween day and all of Harry's friends were extremely worried. It seemed like he wasn't going to the feast, which they could understand. The anniversary of his father and godmother's death had always been a hard day for him. Hermione had looked around for him all day, and eventually went towards the lake, seeing Harry skipping stones around the Black Lake. She stood back from him, watching him closely. He didn't seem to care about the bad weather, as he continued to skip stones.

He sat down on the grass eventually, turning to her. "You breath really loud." He chuckled weakly.

Hermione sat beside him, playing with the grass. "I've been looking for you for three bloody hours now." She chuckled back, trying to steady her breathing.

He played with some of the stones, tossing one into the lake. "I just wanted to relax before the Feast."

She reached for his hand, smiling softly at her boyfriend. "I didn't think you were going to go to the Feast." She whispered softly, staring into his eyes.

He shrugged. "It's Mum's last night in the castle and I promised her that I'd turn up for the Selection of the Champions." He explained, playing with her hand. "It'll be the last time I see her until Christmas."

Hermione frowned. "Oh yeah..." She moved closer to him. While he wouldn't admit it out loud, she knew that he was going to miss his mother. She could see the wall Harry placed around himself slowly breaking away thanks to Lily's help.

He sighed. "Shit happens. I know she's promising some of the older students a chance at a child minding course once she has the baby."

She nodded. "How about we head inside? It looks like it's about to pour down."

He stood up, helping her up before heading to the castle with her. He didn't talk as they walked, preferring to just listen to Hermione talk about her planned trip to Paris in the summer to go shopping with Fleur. He couldn't believe how much his beautiful Hermione knew about the fashion scene in Paris, though it seemed there was a lot he didn't know about her. "What's your favourite colour?" He blurted out randomly.

Hermione raised her eyebrow at his random question. "Periwinkle blue." She said softly. "What's yours?"

He smiled. "Jade green. What's your most hated food?"

She thought for a second. "Beets. Yours?"

"Fish." He wrapped his arm around her. "What's your favourite sweet?"

"Turkish Delight." She said immediately. "Rose flavour, not lemon." She clarified, smiling at him. The two continued to play the game, eventually walking into the Common Room.

Ron rolled his eyes as he saw the two snogging in the corner. He chuckled to himself as he pointed his wand at them. "Aquamenti!" He smirked, soaking them in water.

Hermione squealed as she water hit her. "Ronald Weasley!" She jumped up.

Harry was about to stop her, until he noticed that her skirt had slid down slightly. He wrapped his jacket around her waist, whispering into her ear.

Hermione turned beet red, sitting down as fast as she could. She pointed her wand at Ron, casting a quick spell at him.

Ron dodged it, laughing. "Come on, you know you can't keep snogging all the time!" He sat near them, casting the drying spell on both of them.

Harry shook his hair like a wet dog. He frowned at him. "I'm going to get you back for this later." He laughed softly.

Ron smirked slightly. "I'll kick your ass, Potter." He teased.

Harry walked over, slapping him with a glove. "Pistols at dawn!" He declared.

Ron laughed. "So be it good sir." He replied in a snobby tone.

Hermione couldn't help but laugh at the two idiots she loved to have near her. "Come on boys, no pistols."

Harry kissed her forehead. "You got it, babe."

Hermione smiled gently. After the 'Mione' incident she was worried about any nickname that Harry gave her. She wrapped her arms around him. "And thank you my brave sir, you defended my honour."

Harry smiled, holding onto her. He saw Ron trying not to frown and reluctantly let go of Hermione. He didn't want to fall out with Ron over a relationship. "When's the Feast start?"

Ron checked the time. "Another hour." He said, watching Dean and Seamus playing a game. "Football looks boring."

Dean frowned. "You're looking for a ass kicking there, Ron. Want to know the difference between Chudley Cannons and Manchester United?" He turned his head. "My team has actually won games." He smirked.

Harry laughed, holding onto his stomach. "Never insult a footie fan, Ron. They're batshit crazy."

Dean chuckled. "Coming from a fellow United supporter, I'll let that one go."

Harry moved closer. "I've got winner."

"Not a problem." Seamus said, cursing as he lost again. "He's hard to beat."

Harry took the controller. "Perfect. I've an hour to kill." He chuckled.

-HS-

Hermione smiled at Harry as he sat with his mother and Tony. He seemed to be in a funk, though Lily was keeping him talking about random things and about his schoolwork. She didn't want to butt in on the conversation between them.

She watched him as he placed his fork down. He was tearing up. She'd never seen Harry cry openly about things before. He kept his pain bottled up, but it was apparent that he was feeling the pain today. "Harry?"

He smiled over at her, giving her a teary wink. "I'm fine, Mione." He whispered.

Hermione was about to say something about using a shortened version of her name, but it was obvious that he just wanted comfort. She kissed his cheek, allowing it to go this time. "Well it's nearly done now. They're announcing the champions now."

Harry wiped his eyes, nodding as he turned to the Goblet of Fire. "My money's on Cedric Diggory for Hogwarts Champion."

"Well only about ten students entered from Hogwarts." Lily pointed out. "Cedric is the frontrunner though."

Harry saw the lights dim, smiling to himself. The electricity grid had been a huge hit with the students and teachers. Even Snape seemed to enjoy the videos on potion making that Lily had commissioned. The fact that Horace Slughorn himself was the star made them entertaining to watch. He watched in fascination as the Goblet turned a shimmering array of colours and spat out the first piece of paper.

"The Champion for Beauxbatons is, Miss Fleur Delacour." Dumbledore announced.

The French students cheered loudly as the stunning Veela student made her way to the podium. The Goblet spat out the second paper once she closed the door.

"The Durmstrang Champion is, Viktor Krum!" Dumbledore called out.

Viktor stood with a hearty grin as he shook Dumbledore's hand, making his way into the same room as Fleur.

All the Hogwarts students waited with baited breath as the final piece of paper flew from the Goblet. "The Champion of Hogwarts is, Cedric Diggory!" Dumbledore smiled. He'd wagered a small sum of money against Filius that the charismatic Hufflepuff would be the Hogwarts Champion.

Cedric stood to thunderous applause from the students of Hogwarts, except most of the Slytherins as usual, who wouldn't lower themselves to such childish actions.

"And there we have it. The Champions have been chosen and shall be briefed on the first tas-" Dumbledore stared at the Goblet as it erupted violently with another scrap of paper. He caught it in his hand, his face paling as he spoke the name. "Harry Potter." He said weakly, staring at the young man.

Harry frowned, trying to stay in his seat. It couldn't be happening. He made sure to avoid the fucking Goblet as much as possible to ensure he couldn't get involved in the tournament. "I didn't...I didn't put my name in the Goblet!" He shouted, struggling to keep his breath steady.

Dumbledore observed the room. It seemed like many of the students didn't believe him. Harry had only began to come out of his shell and he could already see the boy trying to retreat back into himself. "Would you swear on your magic?" He asked politely.

Harry nodded, raising his wand. "I, Harry Potter, heir apparent of House Potter and House Black, do hereby swear on my magic that I did not put my name in the Goblet of Fire, nor did I ask another student to do it for me, so mote it be." He cast a quick Patronus to show he still had his magic. "All of you know me..." He said softly, his hand shaking as he spoke. "I don't want fame or glory...I just want to be normal. I refuse to compete."

Lily watched as Barty Crouch stood up and walked over to Dumbledore. "May I remind you Dumbledore that the Goblet forms a binding contract as soon as the name is expelled." He sighed. "I'm sorry Mr Potter, but if you do not compete, you will lose your magic."

Harry grit his teeth. "Fine...but I'm not the Hogwarts Champion." He said firmly. "To keep the competition fair, I am leaving Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry until the start of my fifth year." He tore the Gryffindor crest from his uniform, placing it on the table. "My mother brought a caravan here when she came. My godfather and uncle can oversee my education and most of all, the reputation of the schools can remain...fair..." He refused to look at any of his classmates. He removed his jumper and tie, placing his school cloak on top of them. "I hope that the schools have no objection to this..?"

Dumbledore turned to the two other heads of school and began discussing the idea. "We find it acceptable, Mr Potter. May I ask the name of your educational institution?"

Harry smirked to himself. "Prongs Academy of Magic and Prankery." He said cheekily. He turned around, watching Ron and Hermione. Both seemed to be smiling, though he could see a pained expression on both of their faces. "We've two openings, if you can spare Mr Weasley and Miss Granger." He added.

Dumbledore chuckled heartily. "I'm sure we can spare the two to a foreign exchange program. After all, your institution is classed as American."

Harry smiled at the Headmaster. "Thank you, Professor Dumbledore."

Lily frowned, standing up. "This is ridiculous! My son is fourteen years old, he is not fucking competing in this tournament!" She shouted, tears falling down her cheeks as she turned to the staff table. "Harry is nowhere near as skilled in N.E.W.T level spells as the other three are."

Barty sighed. "I'm sorry, Mrs Stark, but the rules on this matter are clear...if Harry doesn't compete, he will lose his magic."

Lily gripped her stomach in pain as her breathing hitched. "Oh shit...not now..." She felt fluids flowing down her thighs.

Tony's eyes widened. "Oh crap. The baby's coming." He took a deep breath. "We need a doctor!"

Madam Pomfrey walked over to them as fast as possible. "How far along is she?"

Harry jumped over the table. "She's not due until next month! She's four weeks early..." He said sadly. "She couldn't be having the baby yet..."

Madam Pomfrey turned to him. "Don't you worry about your mother, Mr Potter. Thirty years of working here I've not lost one bloody baby." She transfigured one of the benches into a stretcher. "Lily, lay down and we'll get you to the Hospital Wing." She said gently. "Mr Stark, Mr Potter, you'd better come along too."

-HS-

Harry paced back and forth between the entrance to the Hospital Wing and the stairs, gripping his hair. "This is all my fault..." He said, trying to control his breathing.

Jarvis watched him closely, sighing softly. "That's not true, Harry. How could this possibly have been your fault?"

Harry frowned. "I should have refused to compete."

"You would have lost your magic." Jarvis reminded him.

Harry clenched his fist. "Fuck my magic!" He shouted. "My magic isn't worth my mother and her baby potentially dying!" He rubbed his eyes. "I only got her back...this isn't fair."

Jarvis sat the boy down, placing his arm around him. "Now listen here. Your mother is a strong woman. I've watched her for years as she tried to adapt to life without you. She is not going to die." He said with conviction. "Neither is your brother or sister." He promised him.

Harry chuckled bitterly. "My past dictates differently." He closed his eyes. He wasn't a religious person, in fact the idea of any deity seemed bullshit to him, but he still said a prayer, hoping that his mother and sibling would be fine. 'Please dad...please help her.'

Tony walked out of the room, wiping his forehead as he made his way over to Harry and Jarvis. He knelt down to Harry, smiling softly. "Your mom's fine, kid. And you've a semi-healthy baby sister."

"Semi-healthy?" He asked curiously.

"Her lungs are a little under formed, but Madam Pomfrey told me that she's preparing a potion that'll help her lungs develop. Until then, she's in an incubator." Tony looked to Jarvis. "She picked a name. Maria. Maria Daisy Stark."

Jarvis smiled widely. "I never thought I'd see the day when you become a father." He chuckled. "Your father would be proud of this day."

Tony scoffed. "He'd be finished the bottle of scotch by now." He smirked slightly. "Come on kid, Lils wants a picture."

Harry nodded, walking into the Hospital Wing. He spotted the small incubator before anything else. His mother was cooing to the glass, her eyes drooping slightly. He stopped at the bed, trying to think of something to say.

She turned to him, smiling. "Come here, sweetheart." She took his hand, sitting him beside her. "Meet your brother, Maria." She said softly, placing his hand on the glass.

Harry's breath caught in his throat as he took in the sight of the new born baby. She had little tufts of red hair, with her eyes closed he couldn't tell the colour, but he knew baby eyes were blue at first. "Hi Maria. I guess I'm your big brother...you sure picked a dramatic entrance. I guess you're too much like your dad." He whispered, feeling a tear come to his eye.

Lily smiled, moving closer to the incubator with him and Tony for a photograph. She kissed the men in her life goodnight, returning to the bed for a long needed rest. She couldn't believe the day she had. One thought flooded her mind, would her son live or die?