A/N: Updates are still sadly sporadic but I hope you all enjoy this tiny interlude! Hopefully they will help to jump start the story again as we draw ever closer to the eagerly awaited first task. A bit I thought to mention. I've decided to include a memory of the other Harry in this chapter, for all of you who were curious about him and his differences from the Harry we know and love. They might happen every now and then, just for anyone curious and eager to know. Thank you again for all your wonderful reviews, I read all of them and they never fail to make me smile.

And now…

Onwards.

Disclaimer: Characters belong to J.K. Rowling

The great hall was filled with noise as the students all came stumbling out of bed for breakfast. Later, when everyone was more awake, talk would once again turn to the first task, as countless theories kept sprouting up on what the champions might face, some were horrific and gruesome, and some were hilarious in their utterly outlandish thoughts. For now though, everyone was happy enough to trudge tiredly along, and hopefully not fall asleep in their morning meal.

The Hufflepuff's were dressed warmly, with thick scarf's wrapped around their necks snugly, their winter cloaks seeming to keep out the small chill wafting into the hall from it's opened doors. They all appeared ready and dressed for the day, yet when they moved either to reach for more food or to grab hold of their friends in greeting; it was obvious to see that half of them if not more were still dressed in their sleepwear, with a few of the more daring Puffs even wearing furry yellow slippers. Cedric himself was sporting a pair of said slippers and seemed to be having a rather animated conversation with one of the boys near him; yet every so often his eyes would drift and linger on the small form seated in the gryffindor tables.

The ravenclaws had a few books out here and there as they discussed their thoughts and speculations for the tournament in hushed whispers. Most of them seemed to be early birds, especially when it came to furthering their thirst for knowledge. Their eyes were agleamed with a rather terrifying fire that seemed to startle the poor few puffs seated near them. Each one of them had a book out on the table; some even held parchment and quills to take notes with as they talked excitedly about the upcoming task, certain that they would be able to discover just what their champions would have to face. Terry Boot was loudly adding his two cents in every now and then, earning a harsh glare from one of the girls sitting next to him for interrupting her note taking every five seconds. Finally he quieted down after earning a rather hard gab at his side from said girl's rather sharp quill. He winced and smiled apologetically at her and rejoined in the discussion, albeit at a quieter tone this time.

Fleur sat in the far end of the table and held herself with the grace and charm that was expected of every Beauxbaton student; yet she couldn't help but scrunch her noise every so often as a more outlandish and ridiculous theory was overheard. All this talk and theory seemed ridiculous to her, as none of it would matter when the actual event took place, it could be that they were completely off and all their work would then go to waste. After hearing somewhat spout off yet another unbelievable idea she couldn't help but feel it was more and more likely that there were all simply wasting their time. While she herself had no idea on what the first task entailed, she was somehow utterly certain it would not involve flying muggle cars and giant spiders.

The thought itself was just plain ridiculous.

Sighing softly to herself she turned her attention to one of her fellow collogues and tried as hard as she possibly could to drown out the obnoxious babble that seemed intent on damaging her precious brain cells. 'If these fools are considered the smartest and brightest; I fear for the other houses.'

The slytherins were the quietest of the four houses this morning; years of training to be above their peers and not publicly embarrass themselves clearly showed as even in the early hour; each one of them seemed impeccable, both in dress and in manners. The first years, while able to hold up a very believable mask, did struggle here and there, as one of them would start to yawn just to realize in horror their mistake and then try to desperately cover up their slip.

Draco and Blaise sat quietly together near the end of the table; earning them a few odd looks from their housemates. Slytherin house prided itself on its hierarchy, power plays and struggles to reign above the others were a common battle for any snake. The two boys, despite their youth, were currently in the highest position the house could offer, and both were well known to use this well won advantage. Usually they would sit in the centermost part of the table in order to show their positions as leaders of the house. It wasn't often that the position went to two, being how power-hungry the snakes could be. Yet it seemed impossible to imagine the boys ruling separately. They ruled the house with an iron fist, and with their magical prowess no one had as of yet been able to overcome them. Yet today something seemed different with the two. They both appeared almost troubled, as if a dark cloud was looming over them. Of course, it was impossible to notice unless one knew where to look, and while everyone was worried on what could be upsetting their current rulers, never would they think to place said worry on a certain raven haired gryffindor.

While seated with the slytherins, Krum dearly wished he could be anywhere else. He didn't mind the table in all honestly, it's just the urge to curse or jinx the ravens behind him was starting to get the better of him. The first task was unsettling enough, but between the eerie silence in which British purebloods conducted themselves and the unsettling and downright nauseating theories he kept overhearing from the ravenclaws, he feared he would go mad long before he actually participated in the thrice damned competition. He frowned into his meal as he moved his now cold eggs from side to side; the yolk had already run through and dried, leaving behind an unappetizing mess. He scowled angrily at his food as if it were at fault before simply moving the plate away from him. He felt strung out and on edge. Never before had he been so out of his comfort zone, and while humbling, it also served to irritate him more. He was impatient to move, impatient to figure out things that had been troubling him as of late. It was a struggle not to look across the hall and a certain red and gold decked table.

Perhaps today one of his questions would finally be answered.

Finally he gave up and stood to leave the great hall, only to grimace as a dozen or so star struck girls rose along with him. They somewhat resembled lapdogs in their seeming undying loyalty to him; yet that similarity ended with just how outright terrifying they were when it came to being beside him at all times, never talking to him but simply giggling and batting their eyes whenever he looked at their general direction. He sighed and squared his shoulders; perhaps he could once again enlist the help of this school kind librarian in ridding him of these overactive "puppies".

He cringed as he heard them start giggling again.

He would bloody well kiss the woman's robes if it allowed him some semblance of peace.

Harry had his head rested in his arms as he watched the other students milling about the great hall. Soft light shown through the enchanted ceiling, broadcasting the nice and sunny weather the day seemed to have in store for them. He felt light for once; his shoulders no longer weighed down with an impossible weight, even if it was only for this moment; he would gladly take the offered respite. His friends no doubt had a helping hand in this feeling of peace he now dwelled in. It seemed strange to think of them in such a way, but without a doubt that was what they were to him. They always were and always will be the most important people in his life. Shifting slightly he hid a grin as he watched as Ron and Hermione had yet another morning row.

After the talk the three of them had shared the night before, it was as if a weight had been lifted from all of them, leaving only a nice airy feeling of joy behind. Ron's shoulders weren't as tensed as he moved about and gesticulated wildly with his arms. Hermione's eyes looked clearer, no longer weighed down with the numerous worries that had been plaguing her as she narrowed her eyes at the red head, her fingers white from her hard grip of the weathered book in her hands, seeming to be mentally debating the pro's and con's of attacking Ron with the old leather bound tome. Ron laughed as her sharp remark over his eating habits, his eyes glinting with mischief as he purposely shoved a large amount of hash into his mouth and grinned around it, earning him several disgusted looks from some of the other students around them while Hermione looked ready to kill.

Harry snorted softly, a fond smile on his lips as he watched them. Those two would never change. No matter where he went, or what would come about, deep down they would always be Ron and Hermione. And honestly? He wouldn't want them any other way. Deep in his heart he was slowly starting to accept that he would never see 'his' friends again, but that didn't mean he couldn't open his heart to these two. If only just a little. Perhaps he truly was a coward, at times all he wanted was to run away and hide from the world, to scream and cry his broken heart out over all that he had suffered. Yet then he would see their familiar faces and wonder why on earth he would ever want to leave in the first place. He sighed softly to himself and shook his head a little to clear his thoughts before turning his attention to the others around him.

The twins were sitting by themselves, heads close together as they whispered and conspired undoubtedly about yet another prank they were going to play on some poor hapless victim. He noticed a few oddly coloured potions in their hands as they talked, the light and shimmering colours seeming dark and dangerous when held by the two devils. Inwardly he pitied whoever their next victim was. A few of the students near them seemed to be of the same thought as they slowly edged away from the troublesome duo, unwilling to be caught up in anything that involved the two.

Seamus and Dean had barely touched their breakfast; instead they seemed completely focused on some muggle card game Dean had brought out. Their eyes were filled with intense concentration as they slowly placed their cards on the table, a tense atmosphere surrounding the two as they continued to play. A small bag of gallons was set between them and from the looks of longing they were both giving the bag, he mused that both seemed to be hoping to win it all; most likely to use in whatever caught their fancy during the next Hogsmeade trip.

Neville seemed absolutely absorbed in the herbology book he was reading, to the point that his breakfast still remained untouched as his eyes were literally glued to the book. His bag was well worn from use and had more then several grass stains on it. It opened slightly to reveal just the tip of some unknown plant peeking out. His eyes widened in surprise as he saw a vine slowly reach out and grab one of Neville's bangers before silently going back into the bag, a soft muffled burp sounding from it afterwards, making Neville startle and look around in confusion before shaking his head and turning back to his book, once again engrossed in the tome

It was just so normal, he mused as he watched everyone interact with each other. Here there were no worries besides quizzes and grades. It felt… almost liberating in a way that the only thing he had to worry about was getting a detention or failing a test. There were no other burdens placed on him. Here he was just a child, something he had once been told countless times in the past but never believed.

He paused in his musing as he watched two figures approach the great hall. Both were wearing lovely dark winter cloaks and seemed almost impatient to reach their destination, if their fast pace were any indication. He felt his chest tighten almost painfully as he stared at the smaller of the two, his eyes seeming caught on her brilliant red hair that framed her pale face perfectly. Slowly he let his eyes wonder down her face until they came to settle unto emerald eyes that were oh so similar to his own.

Eyes that once upon a time he had only ever dreamed of seeing.

Before he realized what he was doing he had already left his seat and had started running towards the two. Her green eyes widened in surprise before a warm smile lit up her face as she held out her arms for him.

The scent of lilies enveloped him as he was finally held in her embrace. Letting his eyes close he simply held her while his father stood beside them, a hand on his shoulder giving him a gentle squeeze.

"My dear boy…" Lilly whispered into his hair. "How I've missed you."

Harry watched on quietly as his mum tended to the garden. The sun was right over them now as noon neared and he grimaced at the feeling of sweat on him, even with the cooling charms his mother had placed on them both. The air was heady with the scent of the roses and tulips in the garden, along with the scents of even more colorful and lovely flowers with names he couldn't recall. The world seemed buzzing with life and energy, almost calling him to go out and explore; yet here he sat doing absolutely nothing at all but helping out with rather boring garden work. Huffing in frustration he laid down on his stomach and pouted up at his mother.

"Why can't we go do something else?" He whined at her, already antsy with having spent hours doing nothing fun or exciting. He sighed dramatically and flopped over on his back. "This is so boring!"

His mother merely chuckled before turning her bright gentle green eyes to him, eyes that he felt special to share in.

"It's not boring my little one." She started, a secret smile playing on her lips. "In a way this is actually quite beautiful."

Harry blinked at that and tilted his head to the side, getting a few stray leaves and pieces of grass stuck in his hair in the process. "The flowers are pretty." He started, somewhat hesitantly. As if worrying of offending her should he not watch his words carefully. "But why do we have to sit out here in the sun for them every day." He huffed again. "I just don't get it!"

Lily smiled at him, sometimes he really was like his father, so impatient for excitement and adventure. If they had been born muggles there was absolutely no doubt in her mind they would have been adrenaline junkies, with her tagging along just to make sure no bones or necks were broken from their foolish escapades. Instead she sat up and gestured for him to do the same. "It's because Harry…" She started out slowly, in order to build suspense and interest in her child. "What we're doing is very important, so unbelievably special as well." She looked around them as if making sure they wouldn't be overheard before leaning closer to him and whispering. "We're doing magic."

At those words his eyes lit up just as she knew they would. He loved anything and everything that had to do with magic, and while he loathed reading and sitting still at times, he would do so with solid determination if only to learn more about the precious and most wonderful gift it was. More often then not she would find him in James lap at night, listening with awe at one of his tales from the Auror department as James made sure to include mentions of the most brilliant and fantastical spells he possibly could; keeping Harry spellbound until the child's eyes would droop and sleep would come call him away.

"Really?!" He shouted out in excitement, before his eyes widened and he looked around to make sure no one had overheard his outburst; seeming worried that someone would come by and make them stop doing magic should he speak too loud. He paused then and looked at her in confusion before looking back at the flowerbed. "But how is this magic?" He pouted and crossed his arms. "We're not doing much at all!"

"Ah!" She held up a finger to him in order to placate the small child. "That's not true at all." Taking in his confused expression she continued. "How did all these flowers start out Harry?"

His brows knitted as he thought of the answer before it popped in his head. "As seeds!" He scrunched his nose cutely at the thought. "They weren't pretty then, and were really tiny too!"

She laughed and shook her head in agreement with him. "No they weren't, were they? But by planting them and caring for them they grew big and strong. From those tiny seeds they grew into these lovely flowers that we now have."

He nodded at her but still seemed confused. "I know… but how is that all magic?"

"Because Harry." She started as she smiled and plucked a stray leaf from his hair. "By caring for them each day like we've done, we've helped give them life and let them grow into what they are now." Her eyes twinkled as she looked at his awestruck expression. "Just the very fact that those small seeds bloomed into these lovely flowers is because of us helping them by giving them the magic of life. However…" She winked at him before gesturing to the flowerbed. "We have to keep taking care of them to make sure the magic continues."

He gasp at her and nodded his head vigorously. "Of course!" He started before gaining a determined expression. Closing his eyes he touched one of the flowers closest to him. "Grow and be strong." He whispered to the petal he held between his fingers and grinned. "Make lots of pretty flowers! We'll be sure to help!"

Lily gasp as she watched the flowers seem to come alive at his touch. The stems grew healthy and strong, while the flowers themselves began to bloom at a fast rate, their colours becoming vibrant and beautiful.

Harry opened his eyes and smiled proudly at her. "I did it mummy!" He cried out. "I helped the flowers!"

Lilly simply shook her head in amazement of her son's accidental magic before pulling him into a strong and loving hug.

"Oh my darling amazing boy, your mummy loves you so much."

Harry merely giggled and wrapped his arms around her neck and he cuddled into the hug. "Love you too mummy."

Her warm gentle boy. As she held him in her arms she couldn't help but smile and place a kiss on his soft and messy locks.

Her brilliant boy who was so kind and loving, who innocently gave a piece of his magic to flowers in his youth, in the childish hope that they would be happy and healthy.

She wouldn't let him go ever again.

She would protect him this time no matter the consequences.

No one would ever touch her baby again.

'Harry, you are so loved, so very loved…'

A/N: Another interlude has come and passed, I hope you all enjoyed the treat! Some of you kept wondering how the Other Harry was like, so I'll try my best to fit in memories here and there to show him as best I can. Most of these memories will come from others so expect him to appear different depending on how people see him. I think it will be interesting in a way! The next chapter will be Harry interacting with a few familiar faces, maybe a return of a certain red eyed charmer, and if I'm feeling especially gracious, a hint on what truly happened on that Hogsmeade trip! And then, hopefully we can finally arrive at the first task! (One can hope at least.)

Thank you again for reading and please do review! It's always so nice and lovely to hear your thoughts on this tale.

Till next time.