Love and Leverage
Chapter 12
"Come on Daphne, Harry won't care what you wear you know." Tracey said impatiently. She was waiting for Daphne to finish getting ready inside Daphne's room. Tapping her foot lightly against the floor she stood by the door.
"I care what I wear." Came the reply from Daphne as she finished putting on her thin trainers which showed the top of her feet. She was wearing tight black jeans and a thin green jumper which hid her bracelet. Her hair was styled to frame her face and she tucked a strand behind her ear, showing off a small sparkling earing.
Tracey smirked at her friend. "Nice colour, I think I've seen that exact shade before.." She said as she pretended to be in thought.
Daphne simply walked past her and lightly hit her arm causing Tracey to jump. Together they exited Daphne's room and made their way along the corridor and towards the exit of the Slytherin corridor. A few heads turned to look at them both, never really dressing up at all before now. "Where are we meeting them again?" Tracey asked.
"Just outside the entrance hall and I still can't believe he invited Granger too."
A sideways look at her friend confirmed Daphne had a semi-hurt look on her face but was hiding it well. Tracey knew Hermione had made a few moves, or had tried too; if Harry wasn't so dense but Daphne was insecure at the best of times with things like this. "Don't worry," She said with a pat on the back. "You've got your super special date afterwards right?" A smirk adorning Tracey's lips confirmed that Daphne was blushing. She couldn't be happier for her friend however.
A few minutes later they arrived at the entrance hall and they made their way outside. A quick look to the right saw Harry laughing as he sat on ab bench flanked by Hermione and Andy. They both walked up to them and Harry stopped laughing as he looked at Daphne. Tracey inwardly smirked as his eyes roamed up and down. "Hey guys, are you ready to-" Harry had started to say but Tracey cut him off. "Aren't you going to say how beautiful Daphne look's Harry? Maybe even a little sexy?" Daphne whirled around on her friend with a death glare as he cheeks started to tint red but no one was more shocked at what came next than herself.
"She does.. Very, beautiful." Harry announced quietly, staring at the floor; not trusting his voice if he looked up at her. Everyone had gone silent at this declaration so Andy decided to break it.
"Well! Now we're all here, we best be off right?" He said jovially.
"Who're you?" Tracey asked with a raised eyebrow as she looked him up and down.
Andy looked a little hurt but soon recovered. "Does no one know me? I've been in this school since your first year.. No matter! Just call me Andy, and I already know you're the famous Tracey Davies." He finished with a little bow that for some reason caused Tracey to blush slightly. Everyone was staring at her until she cleared her throat and grabbed Daphne by the arm and pulled her along the path towards the carriages that would take them to Hogsmeade.
"H-Hey!" Harry shouted as he got up from the bench and ran after the pair, leaving the other two behind to catch up.
"Well aren't they just horribly in love, don't you think Hermione?" Andy said and turned towards Hermione. "Ah-" He noticed the look on her face, she looked hurt. "I didn't know.. You like him too, right?" He asked the brunette.
"Let's get going or they'll leave us behind." She said and put a smile on her face. "Come on!" She said loudly and sped off to catch up to the others.
They all climbed into a carriage and headed off towards Hogsmeade. Harry and Daphne were shoved close together as the carriage buffeted them around as it made its way down the road. Shortly after they arrived in the small village and they disembarked. "Where should we go first?" Harry asked the group.
"Hmm.. Why don't we check out Honeydukes first?" Tracey said to which everyone agreed. They all set off for Honeydukes, which wasn't very far into the village. Andy talked the most, being a new member of the group. Harry still wasn't sure exactly how he came to be here but he was nice to have around. It certainly broke up the boy to girl ratio. He was starting to feel a little weird being the only guy in a group of girls. Sirius would probably curse him if he ever said that where the dog could hear him. They each got a few things from the sweet shop and headed over to the joke shop next. This time Harry and Andy seemed to have the most energy whereas the girls wouldn't stop talking and wondering what something or other tasted like in the sweet shop. The whole time they were in either shop Harry and Daphne kept catching glimpses of each other and smiled before turning away to what they were looking at before. Harry didn't know why it seemed to awkward between them, just the other day they were acting fine and even in close proximity towards each other. He assumed it was because he had basically asked her out on a date, and she agreed.
Harry had written to him mum the day before, explaining that he was bringing a friend over after visiting the village. He had to get permission from Professor. McGonagall as technically the trip into the village was exactly that, the village. Living very close by thought she let it off as an exception, and as Harry's mum would be there she didn't need much convincing.
A couple of hours later after exploring the shops and eating some sweets they all headed into The Three Broomsticks to get a drink and have a bit of a break. Pulling up a few extra chairs at a table they all crammed in and Andy left to order some drinks after Harry gave him some money and saying it was on him.
"Man it feels like forever since I've strolled through the village. It never changes though; they could do with some more shops." Tracey said leaning back in her chair.
"I wish they made the bookshop bigger.."
"Only you would wish for more books Hermione." Said Harry, laughing.
Daphne turned to look at the brunette. "Don't you have enough books Granger?" She said and then jumped in pain as a large shoe kicked her shin from under the table. "I mean, Hermione." She cast a 'you'll be sorry' look at Harry but he simply smiled at her and she quickly softened up and looked back at Hermione.
"Sure, but books are knowledge and for a witch or wizard, knowledge is power. I'm not terribly great with the practical sides of magic so I at least want to be great on the other sides."
She was stopped from saying any more as Andy returned, arms full with drinks. Harry jumped up to help and they handed them all out across the table. "What did I miss?" Andy asked the group.
"Oh not much, just Gran-" Another kick hit Daphne's shin. "Hermione's love for books.." She was glaring daggers at Harry now but he seemed not to care at least. Tracey was watching the interacting with a big grin and decided she couldn't help herself.
"So, what are you two going to do on your date after this at your house?" She asked Harry and Daphne.
Andy did a spit take and sprayed his drink over himself and Hermione coughed as some of her drink went down the wrong hole. "D-date?" Hermione asked as she embarrassingly wiped her mouth. Harry and Daphne didn't say anything so Tracey assumed she had to step in once again. "Oh yeah, they're going back to Harry's house right?" She said to Harry, already knowing the answer and loving the look on their faces. She always did love causing trouble, and even more so if it embarrassed Daphne.
"My mum will be there." Harry said, mostly to Hermione who was still shocked. That seemed to soften her up a little. Andy, who was busy cleaning himself of his own drink spoke up. "Bringing the girl home to the parents eh Harry?" He said and nudged him in the rib. Harry laughed but Daphne could tell the smile on his face was fake and this time it was her chance to kick someone under the table so she aimed a hefty kick at Andy's shins causing his leg to jump and his knee to slam against the underside of the table.
This had two great effects, one was Andy was howling in pain and the other was Harry burst out laughing, and it was genuine this time. "Nice save." Tracey whispered into her ear.
Once they all composed themselves and Andy stopped trying to kick Daphne under the table, to which every time he tried he'd get 2 more he asked about the second task. "So I've heard it's going to be a duel right? Who're you going to duel? Oh! You don't think it's Dumbledore do you, that would be wicked.." He said and drifted off into fantasy land at the last thought.
"I doubt it's going to be Dumbledore, he's a judge remember so it's not like he can take part."
"What about a teacher, or someone from the ministry?"
"Nah, that would seem to tame. It's going to be something no one expected."
They all threw around ideas and wondered what it could be, or talked about useful spells that Harry should learn and get familiar with. Interestingly enough it was Daphne and Hermione who seemed to talk the most, although that wasn't so unusual. They were two of the best students in the year so of course they knew a lot. Harry stayed quiet for the most part, chipping in ideas or shooting down strange and frankly dangerous suggestions from Andy. He knew he was staring at Daphne a little too much, and he knew she noticed. She'd shoot him questioning looks when everyone was talking but she didn't say anything. Internally he was thinking about what on earth he was going to do after this. Sure he was the one who asked her but what did he know about what to do if they said yes. He'd written to Sirius and had been given a whole bunch of advice about what he should do, most of it he ignored but one comment stuck with him.
Make sure you ask her out at the end. He wrote. Usually he would write something as a joke but oddly enough he seemed kind of serious about it all, which was a first for the dumb mutt. Perhaps his mum read it before he was allowed to send it.
The clock on the large wooden wall chimed and Harry looked up to see it was 3'oclock already. "We should get going Daphne." He said. She nodded, grabbing her little bag she had brought along and pulled the strap over her shoulder.
Trying not to go bright red the pair said their goodbyes and said they would meet them at dinner, although at separate tables. After that Harry held the door open for Daphne and they both walked outside. Both walking up the street in silence Harry was left with nothing but what Sirius had written. Oh, and don't forget to hold her hand. Your mum and dad used to be inseparable; it was like someone had used a sticking charm on their hands. Harry looked out of the corner of his eye, Daphne's hand was by her side as she walked alongside him. Filling himself up with confidence he reached out his own hand and gently grasped hers. He felt Daphne stiffen but she didn't say anything, neither did she pull her hand away.
Together they carried on through the street, hand in hand. Harry was leading her as Daphne didn't quite know where he lived, he'd mentioned the rough area over the summer but she had never been there before. Harry moved them off the main street and up through a narrow dirt road that would lead towards his house. About 10 minutes later they arrived at the front door and Daphne was feeling very nervous now. She'd met hundreds of new people in her young life, why did Harry's mum matter so much? Because you want him to be your boyfriend a voice in her head said. Harry let go of her hand and she felt the comforting warmth that appeared when he grasped hers earlier, disappear.
He stepped forwards and knocked on the door, it was his home and he could just walk in any time he wanted but Harry thought it best to approach this slowly and carefully. He had a bad feeling about this, he had originally used his mum as an excuse so they wouldn't be fully alone as it would have been to embarrassing to ask her otherwise. His fears were confirmed the moment his mother opened the door.
"Harry!" She shouted, the door flying open and bouncing slightly as it hit the house and causing both of them to jump. She was wearing blue jeans, a light white top and an apron. She almost jumped towards her son and pulled him into a hug with a huge smile on her face. Grasping both his cheeks with her hands she noted how well he looked. "Good." She said and patted his cheeks causing him to frown. "And you must be Daphne!" Lily said with a similar smile on her face, she walked up to the girl who tensed but simply hugged her too. "Come in, come in. I was just baking some tart." To which Harry perked up at the smell of his favourite food, Daphne noted the reaction too and filed it away for some other time.
They both moved into the house and Lily closed the front door, a huge smile still plastered on her face. As they reached the living room Harry stopped, causing Daphne to walk into the back of him. "Ow, what did you stop for?" She whispered. "We've got to leave, right now." He whispered back, panic in his voice.
"I'm only here to keep her in check you know." Sirius said from the sofa, watching them whisper to each other. He could guess what Harry had said.
"It's not her I'm worried about.." Harry mumbled and pulled Daphne into the living room and took a seat on the sofa on the opposite side of the table to Sirius. Lily took the seat in the middle so they were either side of them.
"So!" Came Lily's excited tones from her seat. "How long have you been dating?" She asked as if nothing was wrong.
"Mum!" Harry shouted. Sirius laughed and gave him a look of I told you so.
"Since today." Daphne said quietly. Harry and Sirius who had been having a silent battle of stares whirled around to stare at her with their mouths open. Are we.. Going out now? Harry thought. Daphne had in fact been thinking of asking him towards the end of the date. She couldn't rust her judgement that Harry would turn Hermione down if she asked him and caught him off guard. When Harry took her hand she understood he liked her too.
Lily almost exploded with joy and Sirius watched in horror and a little disgust as she stood up and dragged Daphne into the kitchen, leaving the 2 guys in shocked silence at what had just happened.
"Shouldn't I bet in there too?" Harry finally said as he stared at the closed door of the kitchen.
"I'd stay well clear of what's going on in there kid.."
Still confused at what had just happened he simply leant back into the sofa and sighed loudly. "Congratulations." Sirius said with a grin. "What, no funny comment?" Harry asked, a little afraid this was the calm before the storm. "I'm just happy for you kid. And don't worry about your mum, this is the first time you've ever brought someone home; and your girlfriend at that.. So it's like a dream come true for her."
"This wasn't how I planned it by the way."
"Oh? How so?" Sirius asked in surprise.
"Well first off, you weren't here." Sirius frowned. "And it was me who would ask her, not her.. declaring, we were together. Although, that's pretty much how Daphne act's so I shouldn't be surprised really.."
Sirius barked with laughter and slapped Harrys leg over the table. "You've a lot to learn if you think you can control what women will do. They're going to be a while in there, why don't we go into the basement and get some duelling practise in. You wanted to prepare for the second task right?" Harry turned and looked back at the kitchen door. "Don't worry, I won't stay long and you can take her up to your room and have some alone time." Sirius added with a wink. Harry simply groaned.
They both got up off the sofa and headed through a door towards the back of the living room, walking slowly down the steps until they were in a wide open space a little bigger than the living room.
"Now, we won't have long. No doubt you'll want to save Daphne from your mother before too long but for now we'll do some basic stuff that should allow you to practice on your own, or with some friends." Sirius said, all of a sudden very serious. "And make sure you control yourself, OK? It's all well and good for them but you're different; you could cause some serious damage with minor spells." He added, Harry nodded.
Sirius stepped into the centre of the room and pulled out his wand. "Now, stand over there a foot away from the wall." He said, pointing to the far end of the open space. Harry walked over and stood facing Sirius, his wand hanging at his side. "Now, you're going to hold a shield charm while I fire spells at it. The aim is for your back to not touch the wall. I won't be telling you when I'll start." He added with a grin.
Harry thought he was going to regret this as he raised his wand, ready to cast the shield charm at any second. The minutes drew on as Sirius merely walked around the centre of the room, stopping to look at the floor or ceiling for a second. Just before Harry was about to lower his wand and ask what Sirius was playing at a streak of red shot towards him. "Protego!" He shouted, not a moment too soon and the spell bounced off his shield and hitting the stone floor in front of him. He had noticed though that he had slid back a few inches.
"Not bad, you were about to lower your wand though." Sirius tutted. "Big mistake, never let your guard down in a duel even if you think it's over or something isn't right." Harry nodded, putting more force into his stance.
They both continued like this for a while, Sirius firing spell after spell at Harry's shield as he tried to block them. Harry held up quite well, his shield only faltering a few times and that was only due to him trying to put more control into the spell. Sometimes it seemed if he tried too hard it had the opposite effect. "And you lose." Sirius said with a big grin. Harry's back had finally hit the wall behind him.
Harry collapsed onto the floor on all fours, panting. "I thought.. You'd go easy on me.. or something." Harry said between breaths.
"Why on earth would I go easy on your Harry? You're preparing for the second task of the Triwizard Tournament."
"..Right."
"Anyway, enough for today. I'll pop up to the castle a few more times before the task, Mooney will help too-"
"Sirius! When are you leaving?!" Came the shout from Lily Potter above them.
His grin gone Sirius helped Harry up and they walked to the stairs leading back up to the living room. "You know Harry.. I'm starting to dislike this family. I used to be treated much better you know. James would even give me treats!" He said making Harry laugh. Sirius threw his arm over his shoulder as they walked up the stairs. "Now why don't you go and see your girlfriend, your mother seems about done with her. Poor girl, I wonder if she's run out of the house. I always told James Lily had a few screws-" He didn't get to finish that sentence however as just as they came through the door to the living room a spell hit him in the side of the head and he promptly fell to the floor with a crash.
"Don't listen to him Harry, he's just having a tantrum." Lily said smiling still and flicked her wand at the crumbled body of Sirius black on the floor. She levitated him and started moving him towards the front door. "Oh and Daphne's upstairs in your room."
Harry gulped and walked to the stairs. You're a Gryffindor, bravery and stuff.. He tried telling himself but it wasn't doing much good. Grasping the stair banister, he walked up the stairs to the landing. Walking along the landing he reached the door to his room far quicker than he wanted too. He wasn't afraid of her or anything. He just didn't know how to act. He reached out and dragged the door handle and turned it, pushing the door open.
Daphne was sitting on his bed with a book from the small pile on his bedside table. She didn't even notice he had opened the door. Harry moved into the room and sat down on his bed next to her, causing her to sway a little but she didn't look up from the book. He did notice her cheeks were a little red however, that made him feel a whole bunch better. Harry leaned back against the wall and watched Daphne read, occasionally moving a piece of her hard behind her ear if it dangled in front of her.
"You know; this reminds me of the summer." Harry said out of the blue.
Daphne looked up at that and smiled. He couldn't help but look at her eyes, her lips and even how loose her jumper was below her neck. She noticed this and smiled. "See something you like Harry?" Daphne asked seductively.
Going bright red and looking anywhere but her he simply nodded, not trusting his words. Daphne closed the book she was reading, leaned over and placed it on the pile of books on the bedside table. She leaned back against the wall with Harry and turned to look at him.
"Harry." She said quietly.
"Mhm?" He said, still too embarrassed to look at her.
"I want you to kiss me."
Harry froze. Wasn't I supposed to ask her that? Wait no that's not right.. I'm just supposed to do it? Thoughts swirled through his brain until he felt a hand on his. Looking down he saw Daphne had placed her hand on his, her fingers intertwined with his.
"Kiss me." She repeated again, her face slowly getting closer to his. Their lips barely a few inches apart. Harry leaned in their lips touched. Neither of them had any experience so it was a little awkward but Harry felt something flow through him, and if he wasn't going crazy, connecting with her. Their interlocked hands grew hot but neither of them noticed. Neither also noticing the pair of bracelets glowing steadily as they kissed.
After what felt like 10 minutes for Harry they broke apart. Harry's brain was still playing catch-up and Daphne looked like she wanted to do it again. Her eyes piercing into his. Harry wanted to say something, but couldn't find the words. He'd felt something he had never felt before, a warmth he had never experienced before. They both finally looked away from each other and smiled.
Daphne noticed her bracelet was on show and quickly pulled her jumper over it. She was going to tell Harry about how it worked soon but she wanted to talk to Dumbledore about it more, if he'd explain it to her. "I really like you Harry, since the summer." Daphne said in barely a whisper.
Harry held her hand more tightly. "Me too. I was surprised what you said downstairs.. And what you said before.. All of it actually." Daphne smiled at him trying to figure things out and without thinking about it first, pulled him away from the wall so they both fell into the bed laughing. Harry stretched his arms out so he was above her and he smiled at how beautiful she was. This time she didn't need to say anything to get him to kiss her. He moved his face closer slowly until their lips touched and she revealed in the feeling and her love for Harry; her hand coming up to hold the back of his neck.
An hour later the two teens appeared back downstairs, faces red and trying to hide their embarrassment now that they weren't alone.
"Mhmmmmmmmmm." Lily said, sitting at the sofa as she watched them come down the stairs. She had a scrutinising expression and was looking at the pair as if waiting for them to crack and spill all their crimes. "Well, you'd best be off or Minerva will be at my throat." She jumped up and walked over to the pair, giving them each a big hug and ruffled Harry's hair for good measure. "It was so good meeting you Daphne, please take good care of him." The pair seemed to be looking at each other in some strange language as Harry was left standing there confused.
"Right, back to school with you both. Don't forget to ask Remus nicely to help with your preparations for the task." She ushered them both out of the house and waved good-bye. One last look at the pair retreating down the path, hand in hand and she closed the door and headed into the kitchen.
It wasn't even 5 minutes later that there was a knock on the door. "Jeez, what did you forget this time Har-" She stopped when she saw a hooded figure who was obviously a woman, longs strands of hair falling from the cloaks hood but covered her face.
"May I come in Mrs. Potter? It's urgent." The stranger asked.
Lily had her on her wand in her back pocket. "Who are you, how did you find this house?" She asked the woman.
"Please, we can't talk out here. I can explain everything inside; I don't have a wand." At this Lily pulled her wand into view and gave a casual flick, confirming there was no wand.
"Come in." Lily said, stepping aside as the figure all but burst into the entrance way. Lily closed the door and gestured for her to enter the lounge and take a seat. Once the figure was seated she removed her hood. "My name is Danielle Greengrass, and I need your help."
"Greengrass?" Lily asked. "As in Daphne's mother? She was just here-"
"Yes I know, I had to stay hidden less she spot me when she left. That young boy, your son; yes?"
Lily nodded. "Yes, Harry. They're.. Dating now." Lily still couldn't help but smile at the sight of Harry, happy with a girlfriend. Earlier in the year she wouldn't have thought she could get him to stay out of the house for more than a few hours, and now look at him.
"They're in danger, both of them." Danielle said gravely.
Sitting down opposite the woman Lily crossed her arms. "In danger? Is this about the tourn-" But was again interrupted.
"No, well.. Yes. There's more going on."
Not really knowing whether to believe her but never one to ignore information, especially about her son.
"How did you find my house Mrs. Greengrass?" Lily asked suddenly. It wasn't like it was protected heavily, but you generally couldn't find it unless someone gave you specific directions to get to it.
"I spoke to Dumbledore." Dumbledore?! Lily thought.
"Please explain."
Danielle shifted in the sofa and cleared her throat. "My husband is being forced to create something, somewhere, I cannot tell you.. We were forced to take an oath. What I can tell you is if Daphne comes home at Christmas she's going to be pulled into something dangerous, and I fear it will affect your son too. Dumbledore suggested that she come here.. If you would allow her. If my husband gets word that she is staying at the castle for Christmas then he'll force her home through the school board. If she comes here with your son, he has no control over it."
The woman said all this fairly quickly, as if struggling to get it out. She had her hands clasped together tightly in her lap with her head down as she spoke. Lily didn't reply straight away, instead taking in what she was saying. She had no issue if Daphne wanted to come here for Christmas, in fact she would love it. Harry would be happy, it would be the first Christmas that he might enjoy.
"Would you like some tea?" Lily asked the woman. Her head came up to look at her and a tiny smile adorned her lips.
"That would be nice, thank you."
Lily busied herself in the kitchen making some tea, on alert the entire time. She didn't think Daphne's mother would do another, not with what she had just said. Appearing back into the living room she handed a mug of hot tea which Danielle accepted with thanks. Sitting back down on the sofa Lily once against looked into the eyes of her guest.
"I'll need to confirm what you've said with Dumbledore."
"Of course." Danielle replied with a small bow of her head.
They both enjoyed the tea and spoke about Harry and Daphne. Lily was interested in hearing about Daphne. They had a chat in the kitchen while Harry was busy with Sirius but it was interesting hearing about her from her mother. She was apparently a quite girl, but confident in what she believed in. She was also stubborn and hard headed, which sounded like Harry to her.
Danielle looked at her watch and frowned. "I should leave, he's probably already wondering where I am. I had to sneak out." She stood and thanked Lily for tea. "Thank you for your time.. And for listening to me. I only care about my daughter's safety, and of course your sons."
"Thank you for informing me, I'll speak to Dumbledore about it. Good luck with your husband." Lily said, seeing her out.
She pulled her hood back over her head and with a small bow she hurried down the dirt path. Lily watched her go before going back inside. She stopped in the middle of the living room considering something. Making her mind up she stepped over to her fireplace and threw some floo power into the flames, turning them green. Stepping in she shouted out the password for Dumbledore's office. The next moment she was whisked away.
"Lily. A pleasure, I did not think you'd be here so soon." Dumbledore said. He was standing by the small set of bookcases on the other side of his office. Having turned around as his fireplace flared to life.
"Sorry for just bursting in here Albus but it involved Harry." She said, taking a seat and waiting for Dumbledore to move around his desk to take his seat.
"Quite understandable." He said as he lowered himself into his plush seat. "I take it Mrs. Greengrass has spoken to you?" Lily nodded in confirmation.
Dumbledore placed the book he had taken from his book shelf and placed it on the desk in front of them. "I believe it to be a plot by Voldemort." He said bluntly.
"Voldemort?" Lily asked, already panicking inside.
"Indeed. While she has had to swear an unbreakable oath so as she cannot give any information out we can gather information just from that statement alone." Dumbledore started to explain. "We can guess that it's most likely Voldemort because of what's been happening so far, I also have evidence that Sirius has been getting for me. We can also assume Voldemort, in whatever condition he is in, is staying at the Greengrass manor. Hence the reason Mrs. Greengrass does not want her daughter coming back."
"Well why don't we just go there and stop him?" Lily demanded.
He gave her a sad look. "I understand this frustrates you, but we have no genuine evidence and the ministry will not believe that Voldemort is back. Fudge is against me every time I try and bring it up. The only person I could perhaps send would be Sirius, but again that would be difficult. I've already had a few people 'scope it out' if you will. The manor is now heavily guarded. This again confirms my theory however."
"How can we not do anything Albus? You're telling me to just let whatever happens, happen?"
"Unfortunately yes. But believe me when I say I so far have everything under control, apart from Harry being entered into the tournament. I have theories, but that's all." Dumbledore said.
"I don't like it, can't we get Sirius to do something in the ministry?" She asked him.
Dumbledore shook his head. "Unfortunately Fudge is trying to remove Sirius from as many cases as he can. He suspects he's working for me and is trying his hardest to stop me."
Lily Potter sat in the chair, glaring daggers into Dumbledore. She wasn't happy, and she would be speaking with Mrs. Greengrass again.
"Are you ready Harry?" Daphne asked as they walked down a corridor towards the entrance hall. He couldn't believe it was already time for the second task. He'd had a few more sessions with Sirius, due to him having more free time from the ministry and a couple with Remus. Both proved to be extremely useful, even if he still thought he may fail the task.
Squeezing Daphne's hand he gave her a confident smile. "I'm as prepared as can be Daphne, don't worry. The worst case scenario is I lose or I end up in the hospital wing again." At that she scowled. "I told you not to end up there again." She said firmly.
"I still can't believe your mum offered to have me for Christmas, I mean it beats going home and I can't wait to go but it's a little soon don't you think? I mean we just started d-dating." Any time either of them spoke about the fact they were dating they got a little embarrassed.
"It's just mum being over bearing. I'm sorry in advanced, Christmas is going to be hell I'm telling you now." Harry said with a smirk.
"Oh be quiet, I'm sure it's going to be great. You mum is really nice, and I think she likes me."
"Yeah well.. I wish they would all stop whispering and staring." They had just passed a group of students. Somehow, and they heavily suspected Tracey, the fact they were now a couple spread through the castle before they were even back. Daphne had told Harry she gave her a right go at but she wouldn't admit it was her. "Just ignore them. They'll get over it eventually." She said, although she was just as annoyed.
Harry shrugged and gave her a bump on the shoulder and she laughed. They approached the entrance hall and walked through the large gates. Most of the students were doing the same thing and a fair few of them shouted out to him wishing him luck. It was nice that since the first task some of the students were starting to act normally around him. Andy, Hermione and Tracey had all given their support and raced ahead to get good seats and to save one for Daphne. Apparently the rumours were saying it would be using the large arena venue again and as they were being directed down there he guessed they were right.
Daphne was squeezing his hand awfully tight but he didn't say anything. It was strange now he came to think about it how they seemed to automatically hold hands when they were in close proximity. It was like a subconscious thing and his hand moved on its own.
They came up to the final bend around the trees and a few moments later they were outside the arena. 3 large tents were out front instead of the singular, large one from the first task.
"Mr. Potter, if you'll come with me please." Professor McGonagall said as she watched up to meet them. She didn't wait a reply as she made towards the tent with the Hogwarts coat of arms on the flag above it.
Harry stopped and looked at Daphne, not really knowing what to say in this kind of situation. Thankfuly, she did it for him. She leaned up, as Harry was a little taller than her, and kisses him on the cheek. "Good luck." She said and quickly walked towards the crowd of students flowing into the stands. Harry smiled, still rooted on the spot. "And don't do anything stupid!" Daphne shouted, causing him to jump.
Giving her a wave he walked towards and into the tent his professor had gone into.
"Now Mr. Potter, listen quickly and carefully." She said as soon as he entered the tent and the flap closed. "Once the crowds have settled, this portkey-" To which she pointed at a ball on a pedestal in the middle of the tent that he hadn't really noticed. "-Will activate and you must touch it to be transported into the arena. As soon as you're in the arena the task has begun. Now listen carefully Harry. Inside the arena you'll find all sorts of terrain and obstacles. Around the area are targets, each able to manipulate a section of the arena and its environment. Simply hit the targets with any spell to activate it. You cannot activate the same target for 3 minutes after it's already been hit, do you understand?" Harry nodded, although he felt like this task was going to be a huge pain.
She looked him over, dressed in his Hogwarts tournament robes. "I couldn't be prouder, you know. Just remember, you win by not being stupid. Don't follow that hot head of yours. Think logically and calmly."
His head of house, the short interactions he had had with her usually drove him around the bend; especially in lessons. But instances like this, he really appreciated her. "Thanks Professor." Harry said, putting as much emotion as he dared into it.
She patted him on the shoulder and left the tent, leaving Harry to stare blankly at the glass ball in front of him. He gripped his wand tightly in his hand and waited for the signal. He wasn't sure when his turn would be, and if the arena was different for each champion. They had barely spoke, being kept separated by their headmasters but he thought they were good people and hoped he could have wished them good luck like in the first task.
The minutes dragged by as he waited, he heard the crowd die down and suspected it would be soon. He hadn't heard any cannon blasts, which he assumed would be the signal so none of the other champions had gone yet.
As he was thinking about it, he heard the huge blast that seemed to echo in the small tent. "Guess I'm first." He said to himself and grabbed the now glowing glass ball.
He felt his entire body compress and contort and the next second he fell straight onto a wet surface. Dazed and feeling like he was going to throw up he kept his eyes closed for a second and made sure he still had a firm grip on his wand. Once it had passed he stood up and looked around his surroundings.
He could see the other two champions were in the arena also.
A/N: Just a heads up, if anyone is interested (sorry I'm plugging) I posted another story. Well the idea I've had in my head anyway. If you're interested, I'd be honored if you left a comment with your thoughts.
