Disclaimer: Harry Potter is not mine in any which way or form.
AN: So, finally i finished summer. It took a bit longer than i anticipated, but i finished it. It's time to return to Hogwarts! I am going to be doing 4th year, and the tournament, a bit differently. Obviously it's AU, it was AU from the prologue. I hope it's enjoyable to everyone, on with the show.
Chapter 11: 4th year Begins
The train ride back to Hogwarts, his first home, was largely uneventful. Ron had finally showed up, and he was rather upset that Harry had not returned any of his owls, especially the invitation to the Quidditch World Cup. Harry had simply explained that he was in America, on a vacation he strictly remembered telling his red haired friend about. Ron blew it off as if to say a month long vacation was not worth missing the World Cup, and Harry shrugged not in the mood to start an argument. He was informed, in passing, by Ron about the fiasco after the cup. Apparently there was a bit of Death Eater activity, and a few mundanes were tortured as havoc was spread.
Hermione and Harry shared a knowing look, and then went back to their reading, much to Ron's dismay, and then horror as he realized his summer homework was not even close to being started. After being informed that both teens had sent their finished Homework to their head of house, he started to panic and bustle about the train looking for anyone he could bum off of. The other, smaller, mention-able appearance was from none other than Draco Malfoy. It seemed the summer had bolstered his arrogance once more, but he was confused as to the tan bodies of the Gryffindor Golden boy and his know-it-all Sidekick.
His annoying self didn't get too far into his taunting as the Ravenclaw headboy showed up telling him to go to his compartment to change into his school robes. The couple shrugged and decided to take that advice as well, changing into their things after a quick, conjured partition was erected. Harry couldn't help but smile as he saw the wonder that was Hogwarts once again. No matter where you went, you always held a soft spot for the place you truly called home. After the sorting the headmaster rose and gave a gentle smile.
"I would like to make a few announcements, but i feel we have waited long enough." He clapped and the traditional Hogwarts feast appeared. "Tuck in!" He sat down and started his own meal as the hall, with sighs of relief (from years two through seven) and awe (from the first years) rang through as the meal commenced.
Through the meal there were all forms of chatter, from vacation stories, to what happened at the cup. Harry and Hermione decided to stray away from their own little Death Eater experience and just regaled those who would listen about America. Harry idly noticed that the seat next to McGonagall, usually reserved for the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, was empty. Ron, through a mouth full of food, spoke.
"'Ou 'ow. Is rolly late." He groaned as he was swatted on the arm by Hermione with a 'Ronald!' to go with it, swallowing and huffing. "I said what ever teacher they got is probably late. Or maybe they didn't get one, and we have a free year! That's three free O's! Right mate?" He nudged Harry, excited about this thought.
"Hmm.. wonder who they got. And what do you mean three free O's?" He looked puzzled, he couldn't think of which of his classes could constitute as a free Outstanding.
"Oy, come on mate. We got Hagrid's class, Divination, and if there is no DADA this year, that's a free O too!" Ron was also confused, more on the side of why Harry couldn't think of this himself.
"I doubt the Headmaster didn't get a DADA teacher, it's a core class after all. As for Hagrid's class, I'm sure it will get harder, we are 4th years after all." Harry then paused for a moment, remembering that he did not, in fact, tell Ron that he had dropped the woolly subject.
"I also, kinda, wont be taking Divination this year. I dropped it, for Arithmancy and Ancient Runes." He gave him a small placating smile, watching as Ron's ear-tips started to redden. He looked betrayed, then set his glare on Hermione.
"Great, you corrupted him! You got him thinking about taking the really hard classes." He huffed, and the two couldn't tell if he was upset for the classes, or not being able to be around his friend.
"Ron, it's not like that at all. I figured, why get my death predicted every day in class, when i can actually get something i can use?" He shrugged and started in on his dessert after it appeared. "Besides, there is nothing wrong with wanting to better myself, i mean, with all the crap that goes on in school, i could use something to help." Ron wanted to bluster and piss a bitch, but he thought about it for more than a second and nodded his
head.
"I guess you do get into a lot of stuff... and it be better to go in without your head cut off." He shrugged, and his friends were astonished by his momentary burst of insight, but they shook it off as they went back to talking about non-related things. When dessert came to an end, and everyone was almost sedated by their meal the headmaster rose and silence came shortly after.
"Now that we are all fed and watered, i have a few announcements to make. As it seems to be Hogwarts Tradition, we have yet another new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. My dear friend has decided to do myself, and you the students a large favor by coming out of retirement. Everyone please welcome Professor Alastor Moody." At this the door to the right of the back of the great hall opened and in came the famed Auror. He got a tentative applause as he sat down, his magical eye swiveling and surveying everything.
"This year, we also have the privilege to be hosting an event long since retired itself. The Tri-Wizard Tournament. A tournament that tests the mettle, skill, and knowledge of its contestants. Two weeks from today, we shall welcome guests from Beauxbatons Academy of Magic, and the Durmstrang Institute. It is upon that time that the entry process will be reveled. I do believe that is all for now, off to bed now, pip-pip." With that he made a shooing motion signaling the students to head off to their respective dorms.
Harry was in a good mood. Not only was he back in the comfy beds and dorms of Gryffindor, but the DADA teacher was someone he knew, and actually trained under. He was far from restless, but he had a bit of energy to him, which was why he was sitting in the common room, wondering about what Professor Moody was going to teach. Ron sat on one side of him, and Hermione on the other, Ron speaking first with a gentle shudder.
"Bloody hell... this year is going to be brutal. I've heard stories from my dad about 'Mad-eye' Moody. They say he's crazy, went nuts with all the dark wizards he had to deal with, was a fighter in the war." He nodded more to himself than anything, Harry grinning to himself, it was going to be a great year... he had a good feeling about it.
~TFD~
Morning came, and with it came breakfast. While they ate their Schedules were given out, and Harry saw his new Runes and Arithmancy classes were with 3rd years, but he figured he could test out by November at the latest. He was looking forward to those classes, and he was ready for it. He was broken from his musing by his read headed friend.
"Oh, great, double-potions with the snakes first thing in the morning. I do love having to deal with them so early in the morning." He huffed and grumbled, Harry agreeing with him, but he hoped Snape wasn't a complete ass, like he normally was. They went off to class and went in, waiting for their dungeon dwelling professor to enter. He came in with an overly dramatic slamming of the door and moved to the front of the class, turning with a swish of his cloak and his silky sneer and voice making itself present.
"This is your fourth year of taking my class, and i find myself appalled that most of you are still here, particularly with your abysmal skills of potion making." With this he made a not so hidden act of glaring at Neville. He glanced around, mostly at the lions in the room and continued speaking. "If you manage to survive this year, and do more than not make your cauldrons melt, you will be going into your O.W.L. year. Lets see how many of you remember exactly what this class is about. Instructions are on the Board, begin!" He turned and then started his pacing around the room as the students went to get their ingredients to start their Antidote potion that was on the board.
Harry got everything needed for his Antidote, and with a discreet wriggle of his fingers and a mouthed incantation he made a small shield around his cauldron to deflect incoming projectiles. He had his brewing sabotaged one too many times, so he decided to halt that in advance. He was paired with Neville, and was making it his priority, aside from the actual brewing itself, to helping him start getting his brewing skill up. The put in an ingredient and was starting to mix when Snape came around.
"Potter, Longbottom! What is this? Is it supposed to be the color of infantile vomit?!" He gave them a glare and was raising his wand to vanish it when Harry spoke up.
"Professor, i just added the Wormswart, i haven't begun stirring yet to change it to the baby blue it needs to be." Snape sneered with a small twitch of his lip upwards, but could say nothing more as when Harry made the proper stirs it turned the appropriate color.
"20 points from Gryffindor, Potter, for your cheek and disrespect." He turned on his heel and went back to his stalking of his classroom. By the end of the class they had a near perfect antidote, the only issue was it was about two shades off, Harry suspected spoiled ingredients, but he was not about to say that to Snape. They each bottled a sample, Harry bottled an extra just in case, and turned it in. Snape made a show of it to take
Neville's and open it to inspect it. He was about to drop a scathing comment when he saw how near perfect it was. It wasn't perfect, so he couldn't exactly claim cheating, but that didn't stop him from criticizing it.
"So it seems that summer has not made you all completely dim witted, and the joining of Potter and Longbottom makes at least a competent brewer, though only barely. Lets see if you can repeat it next class, now get out, all of you." He made a shooing motion, but it was impatient as he was in a sour mood, but when wasn't he? He had Arithmancy next, and he was eager for that, so he made a beeline for the classroom. He was one of the first students there, and he got his book out, eager to work. He was broken out of his thoughts of the class by a dreamy voice.
"Hello Harry Potter, champion of Fate." His head snapped quickly to the source, and he saw a 3rd year girl. She had dirty blonde hair, a pale almost vampiric complexion, and her eyes were a Silvery Grey, they reminded him very much of Mr. Ollivander. Normally he would be polite and greet her, but her words had him on edge.
"What did you call me?" He almost whispered, with a hint of apprehension and alertness to his posture.
"I called you by your name, and Title, Harry Potter. Are you not a champion of Fate? I do remember great Auntie Lachesis mentioning taking a champion in the near future." He was still gobsmacked at her, and before he could say anything She sat down as the teacher came in.
Professor Septima Vector was an older woman, though not quite McGonagall's age, and had an air of strict fairness about her. She immediately went into the subject matter after roll call, and Harry instantly knew this was going to be one of his favorite classes. When the class was over he not so much cornered, but approached the girl he learned was named Luna thanks to roll call as she packed up.
"Luna, right?" At her nod with that dreamy look and smile on her face, he continued. "Can we... talk? In private?" She titled her head to the side and blinked owlishly at him.
"I told you, Harry Potter, great Aunt Lachesis told me that a champion would be picked, i merely saw it was you." He frowned, eyebrows knitted in confusion.
"It's just, Harry, Luna... and how did you, see it was me?" He asked after about a minute of thinking, wondering if he did something to show that.
"Oh, it's how i see things, Harry. I see magic that most cannot, it makes for a much more interesting world. Most people would never believe me, but as a Champion of Fate, i am sure you do." He nodded dumbly and she smiled. "Well, i have potions now, Harry. Bye bye!" She literally skipped away, as if their conversation was an everyday thing.
Harry was glad that he didn't have DADA that day, he wouldn't be able to concentrate on it. After Herboloy there was lunch, then Care followed by his Runes class. Runes was another interesting class, and he knew it would be hard work, but he loved the challenge. He had learned a few things about it, Language wise, from Clotho, so it was a a bit easier to read the runes. The rest of the day was uneventful, aside from his rather animated discussion with Hermione about his two new classes. They shared some kisses in private, and some cuddling time as well, but other than that it was a normal day. DADA would be right before lunch tomorrow, and he was definitely looking forward to that.
~TFD~
Harry, Hermione and Ron were outside the DADA classroom, and Ron was looking at Harry oddly as he was dancing in place, much like a boxer would before and during a match. He was anxious to enter the classroom, and as said classroom had a sign on it that read "Will open at 10:45 am, not a minute before!" he had a good feeling what to expect. As he was moving in place he heard a much unwelcome voice behind him.
"What's the matter, Potter? Didn't get to use the loo before you got here? Or are you eager to get away from the Blood Traitor and the know-it-all?" He smirked, and while he was dense at times, he had heard of Moody's paranoia, so he wasn't going to drop a 'Mudblood' so close to the classroom. Harry turned, still dancing in place a grin on his face.
"Not at all, Drakey-poo, i'm just eager for class is all." He grinned at the glare he got from the hot headed pureblood, and before there could be anything else said, the bell rang signaling the beginning of class. As the door swung open on its own Harry surprised everyone by literally diving into the class room and catching himself in a roll. In the next second his wand was out, and from the outside everyone saw him start to trade spells
with an unknown assailant. He left their vision after the spell fire stopped and the next one to enter, which just so happened to be Draco, was dropped in an instant with a stunner. The rest of the class was hesitant to enter but they did so quickly after they heard the deep, commanding voice of their new professor.
"Alright, get your sorry rumps in here before i start docking points!" They scampered in and then saw him bringing Draco back to the world of the conscious.
"Piss poor performance, Malfoy. Your wand wasn't even out as you entered the class room. 25 points to Gryffindor, Potter, for being prepared!" He went to the front of the class and then turned. "CONSTANT VIGILANCE!" The class jumped, all except Harry, who had a small smirk on his face.
"I've heard of the atrocities that were your first two years, and only last year did you at least have a decent professor. This year will be different. There will be no coddling, no excuses, i will work you till you beg for your O.W.L.'s! We're going to start with the Unforgivable's, ministry say's your too young, i say different! Now, there are three of them, what are they and why are they called that?!" He looked around, eyes, both of them, swiveling to Hermione.
"Granger, is it?" At her nod he gestured for her to continue.
"T-They are called that because to use them is Unforgivable. It will get you an instant l-life sentence in Azkaban." He nodded and went to the Blackboard, glancing back at her. "One is the Imperius Curse." He grumbled and wrote it down.
"Nasty piece of work that spell is, robs you of your free will if you're weak minded enough to let it. Makes you a eager puppet of whoever casts it. Droves of Witches and Wizards in the last war said they only did Voldemort's bi-" He stopped at most of the class flinching, glaring. "He's not here is he?! Get over it! Everyone who flinched just lost their house 3 points a piece!" He growled and kept on, glancing around and having his eye land on
another student.
"Finnegan! Another!" Said boy jumped but nodded and stuttered out. "T-The Cruciatus." Moody nodded and wrote it on the board under the Imperius.
"The torture curse. A terrible bastardization of a healers nerve numbing spell. It lights every nerve in your body at once, and the longer it holds, the more terrible the pain. No such thing as a resistance to the curse, not like the Imperius." He looked around and then his eyes fell on Malfoy Scion. "Malfoy, the last." Draco, after jumping at his name being called, took on that familiar air of superiority as he spoke.
"The Killing Curse, it's incantation bei-" He was stopped as Moody slammed his fist of the desk in front of him.
"I didn't ask for it boy! I said to name it! 10 points from Slytherin for trying to speak an Unforgivable." He grumbled and wrote it on the board.
"Some would say this is the most terrible of the three, and some would be right. It rips the soul from the body, and kills the body as well. It takes power to cast it, and i daresay no-one but a select few in this class would be able to do more than give a nosebleed if they tried it. There is no counter, no magical shield that can block it, but it isn't unbeatable. Potter!" Harry was immediately staring at his Professors face.
"What can you do if someone throws the Killing Curse at you?" Moody went up to him, that same strict, scowl on his features.
"Get out of the way, Professor." He heard Malfoy snicker and mutter about 'being a coward' and he was rewarded by Moody swiveling to him.
"Think it's cowardice to get out of the way of the unblock-able, do you? What would you do, boy, if you think you're so smart!" He came over to him, glaring now, he hated the boy's father, and he was getting to be just like the silky man.
"Throw one of my own of course. Mine will obviously get there first, and then i can dodge." He heard the professor growl.
"Think you're a good dueler, do you? Alright, front of the class. Let's see just how good you are, hmm?" He gestured and Malfoy got up, and strutted to the front, turning with a pale imitation of Snape's billowing cape. Professor Moody elongated the front of the class with a few swishes of his wand and then transfigured a spare desk into a dueling stage, much like they had seen in their second year. "Potter! Up in front."
Harry quickly made his way to the state, and he saw the victorious smirk on Malfoy's face, he could almost feel the smugness of the boy oozing off of him.
"Standard dueling rules, no Unforgivables, no illegal spells. Until your opponent yields or is unable to continue. Ready?" Harry nodded and Malfoy smirked and nodded as well, both of them had their wands out. "On the count of three!" He paused for a moment. "Three!"
Draco was first to fire, and it was a disarming hex. Harry quickly raised a shield and sent back his own stunner, wanting to test just how far the Malfoy scion would be willing to go. It soon went from stunners and disarming jinxes to more vicious curses. Malfoy was starting to use darker, and borderline illegal spells, and it was getting too much for Harry to simply shield, some of the darker spells meant to go through. Harry decided to get creative, he had been taught by the master Auror after all.
Draco was loving this, soon he would be able to show just how useless and pathetic the Gryffindor golden boy was. Maybe he could get away with taking a finger or hand as a trophy. He smirked and kept firing, getting tired slowly but surely however as he was not used to his target moving so much. "Stay Still, Potter! Don't delay the inevitable!" Instead of an angry growl or retort, he got a laugh and a grin from the black haired teen.
"What's the matter, Drakey-poo, can't keep up?" He chuckled and then glared gently when a bowel loosening curse was sent his way. He could tell from the color that it was a step down from the more lethal one, and decided it was time to end it. He went on the offensive and soon had Draco blocking and dodging. He broke the shield Draco currently had with a few well placed bludgeoners and then a disarming hex went out. Before Draco could recover his wand was in Harry's hand. He was put down with a stunner immediately after and Moody nodded. A quick enervate later and Draco was sputtering and muttering threats to Harry and telling his Father about this.
"Never. Ever. Underestimate your opponent, or keep your guard down!" He shot a disarming hex to Harry who blocked it with a swish of his wand. "CONSTANT VIGILANCE!" The rest of the class was spent on the intricacies of dark magic, especially the unforgivables for now, and at the end the students were more informed, but a bit scared of their professor. They had mixed reactions to Harry though. There were those that felt he was
showing off, others that were amazed at how much he knew and the power he exuded, and there were those who felt he was on his way to be a repeat of You-Know-Who. Ron was on the fence, and he made that known.
"So, mate, good class, huh? Where did you learn all that stuff?" The unasked question was there, and it made Harry frown softly before answering.
"I learned it over the summer. I had a private tutor for July, taught me all kinds of stuff." Ron nodded, but still looked weary, making Harry sigh and shake his head. He sent a thankful smile at Hermione when she gave his hand a gentle squeeze. They went to lunch and most of the conversation was spent on how their new professor was a wonder to have, if a bit scary.
~TFD~
The next two weeks flew by, with their lessons being interesting, or just time consuming. The day the two other schools were to arrive was a very anxious, but anticipated day. The day went as normal, though the two classes before dinner were canceled so students could prepare for their arrival. At precisely 6 pm the first school, Beauxbatons arrived. They had a carriage that looked like something out of Cinderella pulled by 12 white
Abraxans. When it landed Hagrid went to immediately tend to the Winged creatures, who seemed to be already taken by the gentle giant. The carriage looked small, but as magic was what it was, it was obviously only the outer appearance.
The first figure out of the carriage was so large, most of the students wondered if Hagrid would confuse it with another creature. The figure was not only tall, but wide, not fat but broad. She turned and stepped to the side, and two rows of girls stepped out behind her. Their power blue uniforms indicated that they were indeed from Beauxbatons, and they were greeted by the Headmaster as such. He had McGonagall lead them to the table that was already set up for them and the majority of the Hogwarts students stayed outside waiting for the next school to arrive.
From the depths of the black lake a mast of a ship appeared, and then slowly but surely the rest of the ship did the same. The water cascaded from its hull and the sails dropped to immediately pick up wind to take it to the set up dock on the lake. The plank came down and following shortly after was a similar set of rows, this time of boys, came down its slope. Everyone was mumbling and making their own comments before Harry got his arm put in a firm grip by Ron.
"Bloody hell! Harry, That's Viktor Krum! He's the seeker for the Bulgarians. Oh you missed a hell of game on that day, Harry. Best seeker in the world they say." Harry nodded and they watched Dumbledore guide the Durmstrang students, and their Headmaster into the school. The great hall had been expanded to fit the two new tables, one for each visiting school, and Dumbledore stood at the head of the hall and called for attention.
"First, i would like for the students of Hogwarts to give our esteemed guests a warm welcome." Everyone rose and gave a simultaneous greeting and round of applause. It was kind of awkward, but the thought was there. Dumbledore chuckle to himself and then called for attention again.
"Yes, once again, welcome guests. You are here representing your school for a chance to be entered in the Tri-Wizard Tournament. I present to you, the Goblet of Fire!" With a grandiose swish of his wand a pedestal appeared, and shortly after that the mentioned goblet as well. It lit up with a blue flame and the headmaster turned to his audience.
"The Goblet of Fire. Used since the tournament began to pick those worthy to participate in the tournament. To be chosen to to represent not only your school, but yourself. To show that you have what it takes to best the tasks before you." He took a grave look for a moment. "And they are more than simple tasks. They are three extremely dangerous tasks, and they are not to be taken lightly. Eternal Glory will go to the winner, and their name will forever be engraved upon the cup." He turned and gestured to a squirrely looking man who seemed to fidget at every little noise. "To further explain, i introduce Ludo Bagman, head of the Department of Magical Games and Sports." He moved to the side and the man cleared his throat, sounding like a kid who just learned he was going to get his own broom.
"The Tri-Wizard Tournament! One of the most prestigious events in Wizarding history. To be chosen means to be forever remembered for your bravery, and to win is to gain, as Dumbledore said, Eternal Glory. Though times have changed, and what students have learned has also, the Ministry has insisted to imprint a restriction on the ages allowed to enter. If you are under the age of 17 you will not be allowed to pla-" His words were interrupted by a loud jeering from not only Hogwarts students, but some from the other schools as well. It took several cannon blast charms from Dumbledore to silence the hall, allowing Bagman to continue.
"The esteemed headmaster has agreed to place an age-line around the Goblet to halt any underage students from attempting to place their name in. There will be other protections of course, but that will be the only one told. The Tri-Wizard Tournament, has officially Begun!" With that there were cheers again, and then dinner was served, the great hall buzzing with conversation. Those old enough already thinking about entering, those not encouraging them.
"Blimey, mate, wouldn't you love to enter? I mean, Eternal Glory, and i bet there is some kinda galleon prize." Ron spoke through some biscuits, his brothers coming to sit near him.
"Not just a normal amount of galleons ickle Ronnikens...
"...but a boat load of galleons."
"If we're not mistaken..."
"... and we usually are not brother of mine..."
"...it is a Thousand Galleon prize." The twins finished together, grinning and watching Ron's eyes glaze over as he thought of so much gold. Harry shook his head and chuckled, glancing at his girlfriend and smiling.
"Imagine all you'd have to learn to get into a tournament, right?" He nudged her with a wink, and her eyes were similar to Ron's for a moment before she scoffed and nudged him.
"Hush you!" She giggled then got serious, leaning in to whisper. "You won't enter, right? I mean, you're only 16, but still..." He gave her a one armed hug, and a discreet kiss to the cheek, whispering right back.
"Enter a tournament that is notorious for it's death toll?" She gave him a confused look. "I read up on it, i was bored." He shrugged and she smiled at him searching for knowledge. "I prefer my near death experiences to come at the end of the year, thank you very much." He said matter-of-factly, earning him a slap on the back of the head. He gave her another kiss on the cheek and then went back to simpler topics. He knew it was going to be a fun year, and he would have a famous tournament to enjoy with his friends, things were looking up.
AN: Alright, that's chapter 11. I showed just a bit of Harry's skill, and had a time jump or two in there. Next chapter we have the champion selection, and the first task, and it will get really interesting then. Hope you all enjoy this chapter, read, review, and be merry!
Disclaimer #2: Anything resembling text from the Goblet Of Fire was not completely intentional, but if it is there then once again this is not mine. It belongs to J.K. Rowling.
