A/N- Confession. I am recreating the tournament tasks so that it's not the same old thing and because in the story it makes sense. And I have zero ideas for what the tasks could be. So if you readers have any ideas, send them to me and you get a shoutout if I use them. I need three tasks and I think they need to incorporate Fire, Air, Water, and Earth. Those were the tasks covered in canon and I want the same sort of format in that style.
As for this chapter, well we get up to the evening before the Halloween feast, some relationship and personal growth for many characters, I rewrote some history because an idea struck me, and banter. I like banter.
The second evening Harry was able to make it out and into the forest much easier and once his transformations were done he felt far better. Though that maybe had more to do with getting a full night's sleep again instead of a few hours than anything else. September ended with Harry telling the rest of the quidditch team about his desire to leave the team and instead be a commentator. Angelina's predictions were pretty accurate. The girls were all very understanding, the twins related to his feeling bullied by Oliver, and Lee was delighted he wanted to be a commentator. Lee had then spent hours with Harry and Dean talking about the finer points of commentating, much to the amusement of the rest of the team and Hermione and Seamus.
Telling the rest of Gryffindor had Harry being targeted with some verbal abuse until the Weasley twins proudly boasted that Harry was the new quidditch commentator and Lee was training him. That soothed most people, though a few still muttered about Harry's 'traitorous' actions. Quietly and nowhere near Hermione. Ron was of course the most vocal, though he quieted when Seamus loudly observed that Ron seemed to have taken over the mantle of bully from Malfoy. Being compared to Malfoy was a disturbing thought to Ron and all the fourth years knew that. The redhead was much quieter after that.
One day before Potions class Draco pulled Harry aside and thanked him for talking to Sirius. Draco would be living with Sirius that summer so long as he stayed at Hogwarts until then and behaved himself. The glee on Draco's face at the mere mention of not living with the Weasleys anymore was surprising but good to see. It gave Harry hope that Draco could actually change.
Draco's life had a dramatic change when Pansy received a letter early in October in which her father informed her that he'd broken the betrothal contract between Draco and Pansy. It was a tearful Pansy who read the letter before running out of the hall crying. Draco read the letter and felt his stomach sink. He glanced up and saw Harry and Hermione at the Gryffindor table laughing about something. They didn't have a betrothal contract. They were happy together. Draco wasn't clueless about the non-magical world. He knew marriage contracts were nearly non-existent in the non-magical world and it was considered a very dated and bad tradition.
Draco made his decision and ran out of the hall after Pansy, finding her up on the fourth floor near a window wiping her eyes. "Pansy?"
"D-Draco?" She looked up at him, "Go away. You're not my betrothed anymore. We can't see each other now."
"Sure we can," he said. "I'd just be your boyfriend instead of your betrothed."
She shook her head, "No we can't! Daddy was very clear. I'm not supposed to have anything to do with you. I'll just have to wait until Daddy finds a new husband for me."
Draco walked away from her feeling rejected. Pansy was only with him because he was her betrothed; not because she liked him. He really liked her. He felt betrayed.
After two weeks of very frequent sex Hermione felt the Veela's presence in her mind calm down. Not that she minded what they had to do to achieve that calmness; nor did Harry. He was often seen with a big grin on his face and Dean and Seamus would tease him about it, although they didn't know about the couple sneaking off and shagging.
When it came to quidditch Harry had a replacement after a short search. Colin Creevey got the role which had Harry groaning. Colin had never stopped being an annoying fan, and the money from the basilisk being given to him had only increased Colin's awe regarding Harry. On the plus side Colin could afford a fast broom and got himself a Nimbus 2002, the most recent model. Harry spent many evenings out on the pitch teaching Colin, more than he thought were necessary but Hermione rewarded his patience with the boy and that soothed his irritation. Colin had the right build for a seeker, at least, and Harry definitely no longer did. It was nearly time for him to transform again when his sessions with Colin finally ended. Angelina had declared him ready to train with the team.
Harry's October transformations fortunately happened before Halloween; they also happened right before the arrival of the two schools for the Tri-Wizard Tournament. On October 30th a slightly tired (but done with his transformations for the month) Harry stood with his friends and girlfriend as they all gathered outside of Hogwarts to watch the arrivals of Durmstrang and Beauxbatons. "How will they all get here?"
"I don't know but I'm sure it will be spectacular. This is their chance to show off and try and intimidate the competition," Hermione said.
At that moment a huge carriage flew down onto the lawn, pulled by six huge winged horses. They looked like something a giant would ride. "Those are some big horses," Seamus said. Those around him nodded in agreement.
The carriage was not alone. There were two other carriages behind it as they landed in the courtyard. The door opened and an incredibly large woman exited first. Behind her came a stream of girls in blue robes. Hermione leaned into Harry instinctually and she knew a Veela was among the visitors. She was subconsciously marking her territory. Harry wrapped his arm around her, "Cold?"
"A bit," she said, leaning into him. Harry pulled her against him. He knew Hermione could cast a subtle warming charm. Veela were rare but there were many of them in southern France and the area around the Mediterranean according to Hermione's Veela book from Apollo. Beauxbatons was in France and that at least one went to the school was to be expected. That meant the Veela was trying to mark Harry as Hermione's, which he was definitely okay with.
Dumbledore greeted the headmistress, Madame Maxime, and the Beauxbatons contingent entered the castle. Harry frowned, "Why do they get to go inside while we freeze?"
"Oh come on Harry. Hermione won't let you freeze," Seamus said. Harry stuck his tongue out at his friend as Hermione moved closer to him.
"He's just jealous he only has Dean to snuggle up to," Hermione responded, making Harry laugh.
"Hermione you know I could do better than Seamus!" Dean protested.
Harry just shook his head and wrapped his other arm around Hermione before whispering into her ear, "What do I do to get a warming charm?"
"I can think of a few things," she responded. "None suitable to do in public though."
"Do you accept an I.O.U.?"
"For you yes," she said, subtly casting the warming spell on Harry. He smiled as he felt it take effect. It was quite cold that night and the wind was particularly biting. Harry had also noticed that after his transformations he was more sensitive to cold; Hermione teased him that he missed the fur. Harry thought it had to do waking up naked in the forest in the middle of Scotland in autumn. Either way, a warming spell from his mate made it all better.
They didn't have long to wait for Durmstrang. A large ship emerged from the Black Lake and Hermione could hear people expressing awe about the emerging ship. To her mind it was very similar to a toilet flushing and in her Ancient Runes course they'd learned about magical pirates like Blackbeard who had used runes to escape capture from various naval forces. The ship looked like a pirate's ship and she was certain it used the same runes. "I bet the Giant Squid isn't pleased," Harry said.
"They didn't actually go up through the lake," Hermione said. "It's an old rune pirates used. When activated it creates a whirlpool that vanishes the ship and the ship can then re-emerge in another location."
Harry looked at her, "How do you know where it will go?"
"A second rune that when activated pulls the ship to a pre-determined location; similar to how a portkey works," she answered.
"I am sometimes amazed at just how much knowledge you have," Harry whispered into her ear. "Then I get all impressed and a little turned on about it."
"We could try redecorating," she mumbled into his shoulder, knowing full well Harry's keen hearing would pick up her words. Harry grinned at the thought of the Room turning into a library for them to shag in. He definitely could feel the wolf's approval and if Hermione's light shudder was any indication the Veela approved too.
Durmstrang wore blood red robes and all looked very irritated. Harry wondered if traveling by that ship wasn't exactly smooth sailing; some of the boys looked quite green. "Beauxbatons brought all girls and Durmstrang brought all boys," Dean pointed out.
"They probably only chose their best students and Durmstrang has always been male-dominated and Beauxbatons more female-dominated," Seamus said, sounding eerily like Hermione in tone. Dean snorted. Seamus looked at him, "What?"
"You were channeling Hermione when you said that," Dean answered.
Harry was rather amused watching Seamus protest that to Dean. He looked at the Durmstrang students. He recognized Marko and Anton from the broom race at the World Cup. They both looked irritated. Krum was the easiest to find. The headmaster who was called Karkaroff was fawning all over him. "I think that's what people might have expected Professor Dumbledore to be like to me," Harry said to Hermione.
"That doesn't seem to be in his character," she said.
The line of Durmstrang students suddenly stopped. Harry turned his head to see that a very serious looking Rufus Scrimgeour was standing in front of Karkaroff blocking the doors into the school, "Igor Karkaroff. You will make yourself available for questioning this evening."
"I am a guest here and headmaster of Durmstrang," Karkaroff glared, "For what am I being questioned?"
"Knowledge of a plot to bring Tom Marvolo Riddle, also known as Lord Voldemort, back to power," Scrimgeour said, grabbing the man's sleeve and yanking it up to reveal the Dark Mark. "I don't care if you turned on your master to save your hide. I'm not letting you into this castle without questioning you about your knowledge of recent events involving Barty Crouch Jr. and Peter Pettigrew."
Karkaroff looked at Dumbledore, "Albus! Do something!"
"Every person in this castle who has had a connection to Tom Riddle has been questioned, Igor. Even those who taught him. You are no different. The students in my care trust me and the professors here to protect them. Their parents trust us to protect them. Twice in the past three years we have failed them. There will not be a third time." Harry smiled. The Dumbledore who was speaking was the Dumbledore who had taken on Death Eaters at the World Cup. Harry was a big fan of that Dumbledore.
Karkaroff visibly wilted in front of Rufus, nodding his acquiescence of the terms. Harry was pretty impressed with both Rufus and Dumbledore; they weren't bending. He liked this side of Dumbledore. Durmstrang entered the school and then the Hogwarts students filed in. Harry let Hermione go ahead of him, smiling when she held onto his hand and pulled him along behind her.
Dumbledore stood at the head table, "To our guests from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang, welcome. Shortly before the school year began we uncovered a plot to resurrect Tom Marvolo Riddle, better known as Lord Voldemort. Peter Pettigrew and whatever remains of Voldemort remain at large, but the plot was stopped. The plot involved getting Harry Potter entered into the Tri-Wizard Tournament through the agent Barty Crouch Jr. who was disguised as Alastor Moody. I quickly recognized that Alastor was not himself when he arrived here and I contacted the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Through our swift action we were able to learn the details of their plot. Consequently the tournament will have added precautions and every teacher in this school, including myself and Rufus Scrimgeour, has been questioned with Veritaserum. Tonight as we speak the Department of Magical Law Enforcement has embarked on a mission along with the Department of Mysteries to find and capture Pettigrew and Riddle. Every individual taking part in this has been thoroughly vetted. By the end of the evening I believe that the two people responsible for the deaths of the Potters will be captured and finally be held responsible for their actions."
Harry felt Hermione squeeze his hand and he returned it. Rufus had told them about it earlier and sworn them to secrecy. Harry still felt nervous, though. Voldemort was really, really good at escaping. And he knew the aurors weren't incompetent but Voldemort was dangerous whether he was a weird disembodied form or otherwise. Dumbledore continued, "Because of the plot we have completely changed the tasks for the tournament and there will be added protections on the Goblet of Fire. Rufus, if you could let our guests into the school," Rufus stood and walked out of the hall.
When he returned it was with eight armed goblins with a ninth walking in the middle with a box in his arms. The box was placed on a pedestal and the goblin opened it to reveal a goblet that was gold and jeweled. Dumbledore walked around the staff table and tapped the goblet. It lit on fire with green flames and he spoke, "Gringotts has been guarding the goblet and at the request of myself and the Ministry; goblin wards were added to it to prevent anyone underage entering and anyone underage's name being submitted. I added my own spells to it as well but I will certainly sleep easier knowing that the goblins have assisted us in protecting those of you too young and inexperienced to compete from entering or being entered without your knowledge." Harry definitely liked the sound of that. He had zero interest in the tournament. He and the boys had looked it up and decided quickly that it was a mystery why they'd even brought the thing back. It sounded highly dangerous and had obviously been ended for a reason. Bringing it back seemed like an odd decision since there was still a strong element of danger; they were limiting the ages of the participants for a reason after all.
The headmaster sat back down, "Those looking to enter the tournament will place their names on a piece of paper and submit it to the Goblet of Fire between the end of dinner and shortly before tomorrow's Halloween feast. Those who submit must understand that the contract is binding. Once you enter you cannot change your mind. Be certain in your decision to enter. One student from each school will be chosen as a Champion and the winner of the tournament will receive 1000 galleons." There were plenty of murmurs when the prize was announced. Dumbledore nodded his head, "Yes I know it's a large sum. Now then, let's enjoy dinner!"
With that food appeared on the tables and people settled in to eat and talk about the tournament. Durmstrang was sitting at the Slytherin table and Beauxbatons at the Ravenclaw table. "The Beauxbatons girls are really beautiful," Seamus said. Dean flicked him on the ear, "Ow!"
"Quit staring or they'll think you're a creep."
"Hogwarts has better looking girls," Harry said, distracting the boys and making Seamus make gagging noises until Hermione twirled her wand in her fingers. He promptly hid behind Dean. "Real Gryffindor there Seamus."
"Your girlfriend can be terrifying mate," Seamus responded.
Harry looked at Hermione, "Hermione please don't frighten Seamus."
"I suppose I can behave," she said, tucking her wand away. "But you're spoiling my fun." Dean laughed.
After their plates were full talk turned to the tournament. "Wonder who will enter," Seamus said. Harry and Hermione nodded at his words, though they were busy pondering who among the guests was a Veela.
Hermione wasn't sure who the Veela was of the new visitors but if she could recognize their presence, they could recognize hers. That was a problem. They needed a plan. She felt herself start to panic at the thought of being 'exposed' as Veela and had to take a deep breath to calm herself down. Harry was better at calming her down but they couldn't talk about this newest problem quite yet.
Having never actually met another Veela, she wasn't sure how that interaction would go. She did know that they wouldn't go after the mate of another Veela but that didn't exactly soothe her worries. She was worried about being outed as a Veela. She and Harry had agreed keeping quiet about it as long as they could was the best plan. They needed to stay below the radar, or as close as they could to it anyway, so that Harry being a werewolf would go undetected.
Harry ate dinner trying to work out how they could identify who the Veela from Beauxbatons was…it always felt like they just worked one problem out and a new one promptly fell in their lap. That was exhausting. Was it too much to ask to have one danger-free, low-key year at Hogwarts? He and Hermione had full plates without the added stress of life-threatening situations and whatnot.
That thought drifted back to the tournament and the hopefully impending capture of Voldemort. He couldn't be positive about it. Halloween was tomorrow and every Halloween something horrible had happened. Hermione attacked by a troll, the Basilisk being released, Sirius attacking the boys' dorm to get Pettigrew…he was certain that somehow Voldemort would escape and his name would still somehow make it into the goblet. He just hoped he wasn't chosen.
Hermione was certain she knew Harry's concerns but he didn't seem to be showing any hint that he was worried. She was impressed with his Occlumency control; Harry was usually obvious when he was worried, especially to her. She leaned into him, "You okay?"
"Just looking forward to Pettigrew being brought to justice," Harry said, forcing himself to smile. Hermione rubbed his back in support. "You know me too well."
"How about you look at tomorrow as the anniversary of the two of us becoming friends and not as a bad day?"
Harry smiled. But for that troll he'd not have become friends with Hermione. And if they weren't friends they'd never have become a couple; hell, Harry probably wouldn't have even survived that first year at Hogwarts. "I'm still nervous."
"That's what divine favors are for," she whispered into his ear. Harry smiled. Apollo had said he owed Hermione. He was surprised she'd use such an amazing opportunity on him and immediately felt quite unworthy of it. She could have asked for anything, literally anything, and she instead wasted it on him.
When dinner ended Harry and Hermione headed to the library to finish up their homework; it wasn't until after curfew that they managed to break away and up to their Room. Once inside Harry looked at her, "You shouldn't have done that Hermione."
"Done what?" She asked, confused.
"Used up a favor owed to you by a god on me! It's…it's not that important. I'm not that important," Harry rubbed his face, "you should have saved it for something more."
Hermione stared at him for a few moments before speaking, "You mean more important than catching the worst despot since Grindelwald? More important than someone who orchestrated rapes, murders, and tortures for fun? Not to mention the countless crimes he committed directly, of course," Hermione took his hands in hers, "this is the same man who made my boyfriend an orphan. A boyfriend who has always felt unworthy of love and affection and has an almost overwhelming need to prove his worth to people. Who is so afraid he'll upset me he's quick to agree with me even when I'm wrong."
"You're never wrong," Harry automatically said.
She gave a small smile as she stepped closer to him, "A boyfriend who doesn't think that I could ever love him or need him as much as he loves and needs me. A boyfriend who doesn't understand how angry I get at Dumbledore, Sirius, Lupin, Pettigrew, and Voldemort for what they did to him. Harry it hurts me that you think that my love for you is so easily pulled away or vanquished," he moved to speak but she kept talking, "it isn't. And you're about to apologize to me and I don't want to hear it. I don't want an apology for the way you've been conditioned to behave and live. I don't want an apology for your belief that you love me and need me more than I need and love you. I don't want an apology for you thinking I wasted my favor on Voldemort." She covered his mouth when he moved to speak again, "I do want an apology, though, for you ever thinking that you're not worth my time and resources. You, Harry Potter, are always worth it. And for me you always will be."
She moved her hand away from his mouth and Harry kissed her, "I love you Hermione Granger. Not least of which because you can kick me in the arse when I need it, be it physically or verbally." She tilted her head to look at him and he nodded, "And I'm sorry that I said that I'm not worth you using your favor. It was yours to use and catching Voldemort is a worthy cause."
"Thank you," she said before yanking him to her and kissing him, "I believe you owe me."
"You collecting now?"
"Of course," she smiled, kissing him sweetly, "we're alone now."
"That is very true," Harry nodded. "So what, pray tell, do I owe you for that warming charm?"
"I've quite enjoyed the fact that my boyfriend is a Parselmouth before but not nearly for as long as I would have liked," she pressed against him, "I think that's a suitable favor don't you?"
Harry really enjoyed the images that popped into his head of a nude Hermione screaming his name. "Here in the bedroom or should we make it a library?"
"You want me screaming in the library because I always shush you," she smirked. "I think tonight we use the bedroom. Maybe tomorrow we could use the library?" He liked the sound of that and kissed his girlfriend in answer.
-Earlier that evening during Hogwarts' dinner-
Apollo had been surprised at his young Veela's request, but he would adhere to it. He would not be letting Voldemort or Pettigrew escape. Or let them injure any aurors. A few calls into some friends and Riddle Manor was surrounded by Hades, Ares, Apollo, and Aphrodite. "We could kill him," Ares suggested.
Hades rolled his eyes, "Have you forgotten about the horcruxes?"
"Like you couldn't call his soul pieces to you in an instant," Ares retorted, "I wasn't aware the god of the dead was so weak."
Aphrodite stepped between them before Hades could respond, "Apollo what do you want us to do?"
"He needs to be captured by the humans," Apollo answered.
"I wouldn't mind making it easier for them to kill he who thinks he can cheat death," Hades growled. "No one cheats death. I always get them in the end."
Aphrodite frowned, "But doesn't that violate the wishes of Zeus?" Angering the lord of Olympus did not appeal to her in the least.
Ares looked at Apollo, "The Veela's wish was specific or broad?"
The patron of Veela tilted his head as he remembered her wish, "She wished for them to be captured and that I make sure justice is done."
"So we could take out the horcruxes," Ares reasoned. "In the name of making sure justice is done."
"But how do we explain our presence without announcing our presence?"
Silence fell before Apollo spoke, "We could lead the humans to the horcruxes. We could speak without being seen. Hades thanking them for returning a soul to him would certainly be enough."
"Most British wizards and witches ignore our presence," Ares frowned.
"My Veela doesn't. Her werewolf mate doesn't. He's prayed to me as well."
"Why you?"
"Artemis deals with wild animals; werewolves are not wild. Besides I'm known for my affections for wolves, ravens, crows, snakes, and more. The lad is a Parselmouth. Most fear snakes. I do not."
"And his patronus is the wolf."
"His wolf in physical form apart from him," Apollo responded. "I don't mind him praying to me. The lad needs people to listen and support him other than his mate and I'm happy to assist."
"So Apollo gives them visions of horcruxes," Aphrodite said. They always got sidetracked.
"I will make it safe for them to claim them," Ares said. "And easier to destroy them as well."
"I claim the soul and remind them that we are still around, just quieter than we have been in the past," Hades said.
"And I protect the humans destroying horcruxes and capturing those two in there," Aphrodite said. "That sounds like the best course of action."
"Can I kill the snake?" Ares asked.
"Aphrodite how do you put up with him?" Hades asked.
"I take off my clothes," she answered. "After that he does what I want."
"Cupid's arrows are annoying like that," Ares muttered. Hades smirked.
"If all of you are able to behave let's make sure the two in there are captured. As for the snake, I don't care. It isn't a horcrux but I do not doubt he would make it one. Make it quick and painless."
Ares rolled his eyes. Apollo's affection for snakes and whatnot was weird. But he'd obey the god's request if only because the god was letting him kill. Ares was the god of war for a reason. He very much enjoyed killing.