Chapter Fourteen: Cat People (Putting Out the Fire)

I.

"And now, we are waiting for the Dragon or Harry Potter to make the first move," announced Bagman, "We've certainly seen some heroics from the previous champions, and I wonder, I just wonder, do we have anything specialleft? Surely there can be more than three ways to defeat a Dragon? Either way, I guess we're about to find out."

Harry ducked underneath a set of stones, that got increasing hotter by the second as the dragon unleashed a burst of fire on him. He glanced up at the Durmstrang contingent, and did his best to picture what a Firebolt would look like, and cast his wand skyward, shouting as he did so, "Accio Krum's Firebolt!"

For a moment, nothing happened, and he wondered if he had just wasted precious time. And then the firebolt appeared, properly, speeding towards him at a fast pace. He put every other thought aside from him in that second, bringing every memory of his Quidditch practise to bare, the extra hard work that he'd put on in a bid to become ten times better than the Ravenclaw students before he had realised that no matter what he did, Roger Davis would not let him on the team, and turned his attention to other sports instead, all those memories came flooding back over him. He climbed onto the Firebolt, swinging both legs over it and speeding fast to avoid the dragon's fireball that hit the floor of the stadium. The crowd cheered as they saw him take flight, almost making it to the egg the first time but the dragon was too close for him to pick it up, and he barely missed getting struck by the claw. The teenager lifted it skyward, and couldn't help admitting that the Firebolt was faster than it looked and wondered if Krum had modified it to improve its speed. Either way, it was fast, and he was going to have to be as fast as he possibly could in order to defeat the dragon.

Harry took the dragon away from the arena, but it broke free of its chains, hurtling after him much to the shocked cries of some of the students. The dragon ripped through the teachers' podium as it did so, sending Snape and McGonagall to the floor, but that didn't bother Harry as he was focused on the only thing that mattered right now, losing his tail. He took the dragon underneath the bridge, hoping to lose it in the arches, but it didn't follow him through the gap and pulled up just in time, crashing against the stone. He tried to swerve underneath the bridge again and bring it back around but was caught by the dragon, just out of view of the spectators, and flung onto the bridge where he landed in a crumpled heap.

In the thick fog that was rapidly developing, the dragon remained out of view for a second before it clasped back on its legs, roaring as it did so, sensing victory properly and truly for the first time. And then an idea formed in Harry's head slowly, as he tested the forbidden language that he had spoken once, long ago. "Stop…"

There was a moment of awkward silence, and the Horntail finally spat out a response, an ancient voice that had not spoken in centuries. "You speak dragon tongue?"

"I know, surprising, right?" Harry said, and earned the look of disapproval from the dragon. "Look. I know you're caged up. I know you don't want to be. I was thinking. Maybe, you and I could… help each other."

"Help each other? Humans? We have not bargained in centuries. Most of my kind has forgotten how to speak," said the Horntail. "Yet here is a Speaker who can understand us. Tell me. Where did you find this power? Were you born into it?"

"I'm still working it out,"

said Harry, glancing into the fog that obscured the view between himself and the stadium. He had a working theory, but was quickly dismissed because he wasn't the Boy Who Lived. He knew that for a fact. His brother was. Yet he was able to speak the language. "But I can speak it, and you can speak it, so we can, like I said, help each other. I know how much you value your eggs, your offspring. What if I told you one of them was an imposter?"

The dragon roared in anger, but Harry got the feeling that this was anger that had been built up for a long time. "Do you not think I already know this? I, a Dragon, Know. Know, that I know. I have walked the earth for centuries, human, I have seen the fall of Gods and the Rise of Emperors. Do you not think I would not be able to tell a faux egg? Do you think me so beneath myself?"

"Sorry,"

Harry couldn't help but apologise. "But I have a plan. Listen, if you let me get the fake egg, I can help you escape with yours."

"How do you propose that? I could burn everyone in this community right here and now, take the eggs for myself and flee."

"They're protected by charms, and they have several Dragon-tamers with them. If you want a headstart, allow yourself to be recaptured,"

said Harry. "And then at midnight, I'll set you free. And the others. The guards will be knocked unconscious and you'll get a headstart to go wherever you wanted."

"Return… Return to my captors? Why would I do that? What guarantee do I have that you won't forget about me and leave me to go back to my endless torment that I have endured for decades?"

"What guarantee do I have that you won't burn the school down when I set you free?"

Harry countered. "This way we have a deal. You've waited decades for freedom. I can give you that in a matter of hours."

"They will surely suspect something If I just let you take the egg," said the dragon. "I cannot sit here distracted while you attack. I have to be seen doing something, if what you say is true."

"You're right,"

Harry said, after a pause. "Five second head start good enough for them do you think?"

The Dragon took a moment to think it over, before eventually nodding in understanding. "Five seconds. That deal is acceptable."

The Dragon roared, and Harry sensed it was going to burst fire out at him, but instead he was able to jump off the edge of the bridge before the fire burst, landing firmly on top of the broomstick, grasping the firm wood as he rode it towards the Quidditch pitch. He could see it getting closer and closer, and dared a glance back at the dragon, and could see that it too, was gaining. Pushing the Firebolt faster, Harry soared, becoming visible again to the crowd, and with a look of triumph on his face, couldn't help but feel immensely satisfied as he grabbed ahold of the golden egg, coming to a crashing halt at the feet of the judges.

The dragon came in close behind Harry, and it too recognised that Harry had claimed the egg, and did its best to act as natural as possible as it was subdued by the dragonkeepers, putting up a pretence of resistance. 'I have one more request, human,' the dragon suddenly spoke in Harry's mind. 'These foolish wizards do not know it yet, but amongst these eggs, there is a real one that belongs to me. I would like it returned with my escape, but if it is harmed in any way, I will burn Hogwarts to the ground.'

'I don't know how you're inside my head right now, but I'll do my best," said Harry,

'Once a dragon has established contact with a human, they can communicate through telepathic thoughts and instructions,' said the dragon. 'I understand you are known as Harry Potter.'

'I feel like I'm at a disadvantage, you know my name but I don't know yours.'

'I go by many names, but you may call me Arkenthias,' the dragon said, and the name sounded familiar in Harry's mind, but he couldn't quite place would have to head to the library later, but that would have to wait, as Harper and Sam instantly approached him, looking enthusiastic and cheerful.

"Wow, Harry, that was amazing!" said Sam, "I didn't know you could fly. And is that… Viktor Krum's Firebolt? Where did you get it?"

"He probably wants it back," said Harry with a shrug, as Sam couldn't help but run his hand along it, awed. "How did you get on?"

"I got on pretty well," said Sam.

"Pretty well? You did great," Harper said. "Seriously. You're younger than everyone here, present company included, and you still managed to beat the Dragon. I guess you're as good at transfiguration as your dad."

"What did he do?" Harry asked Harper as they headed up to the judge's panel.

"Oh, he transfigured a rock to distract the dragon," said Harper. "It was actually pretty good. He got the rock to bounce into other rocks to distract the dragon, and then played loud muggle music that deafened pretty much everybody, the dragon included."

"Loud muggle music, huh? Guess my influence is rubbing off on you. What did you pick?"

"I'm not too familiar with it, but I think it was Sabotage. The Beastie Boys," pointed out Sam, causing Harry to wince.

"Ouch. So yeah. Pretty loud," Harry said, turning to the judges who were rustling up to their feet. "I probably got minus points because most of my stuff happened outside of view."

"You did do it in record time, though," said Harper. "And not even Krum thought of flying."

"Good job too, because otherwise I wouldn't have been able to get his broom," said Harry.

"And now Mr. Potter is back in place," said Ludo Bagman, his voice amplified over the stadium. "We will conduct a score that will reward the participant out of five. It was ten in previous tournaments, but due official requests, it was lowered down. Five represents an outstanding achievement, whilst one represents the lowest score. As Professor Dumbledore is the hosting judge, he will be first, and then we will proceed counter-clockwise, ending up at where I am sitting. Professor Dumbledore, if you please."

Dumbledore held up a four, causing a small smile from Harry. He was followed by Karkaroff, who gave a one, much to the scowls of some of the Ravenclaws, but then Madame Maxine followed up with a three and a half. Bagman was next, giving a five, Harry's highest score, as Barty Crouch followed next, giving a three to wrap up the scores. "Not bad," said Harry, to himself. It came to a total of 16.5.

"You did great," Sam said. "That's a tie with me. Krum got higher, and we finished a point ahead of Fleur Delacour. So it's fairly close."

"Did they say anything?" Harry asked Harper, obviously meaning his parents.

"Our parents," corrected Harper, "Left after Sam's to see him in the infirmary."

"In the infirmary? What happened?"

"Dragon tore at my arm in the last possible second," said Sam, wincing. "Thankfully Madame Pomfrey got it fixed up so I don't have to wear a sling, which is good. They missed your performance. Sorry."

"Not like it would have changed their mind," said Harry with a shrug.

"I don't know," said Harper. "I talked to mum the other day and she seemed to regret it, but wanted you to leave at the end of the year anyway. I'm sorry. I don't know what happened for them to hate you so much, it's almost like they've been cursed."

"You think they have?"

"Well it's not beyond the realms of possibility," said Harper, as Krum was climbing up the steps towards Harry recognising the Firebolt in his hand. "Speaking of realms of possibility…"

"What's that got to do with Krum?"

"Oh, nothing, I just wanted to add something at the end of Speaking of," said Harper, as Harry scowled, before turning around to Krum.

"I notice you appear to have my broomstick," said Krum, a smile on his face indicating that he was not in the least bit annoyed by this development. He spoke slowly, but was demonstrating a basic knowledge of English as his accent was still incredibly thick. "Normally this would have caused me of great concern. But you fly well, Mr. Potter. It has proven that you can be trusted with it."

"Thanks," said Harry, offering the broomstick back to Krum. "Here. It's yours."

"I think you've earned it," said Krum, after a pause. "Would I be correct in assuming that you don't have a broomstick of your own?"

"I don't. But this is too much," said Harry. "I don't even play Quidditch as much as I used to."

"Then maybe you might consider it an exchange," said Krum. "In the benefit of international co-operation between the two schools. Whilst we are not participating in the tournament, I would like to play Quidditch with you. And any of your student body that wishes to compete."

"That could actually work," said Harry as they headed down the stairs. "They didn't say anything in the rules against competing unofficially. How are we going to manage this though? Six teams? Four from each house, one from Durmstrang and one from Beauxbatons?"

"A six team mini-league could work," suggested Sam. "I know the Gryffindors would be up for it, the Hufflepuffs too. We can easily get the team together. But what about Durmstrang and Beauxbatons' houses? Do you have houses?"

"I get the feeling that they are not as divided as Hogwarts' houses are," said Krum. "Co-operation on Quidditch would however be a good way to ensure the interhouse union. My Headmaster would approve."

"As would my Headmistress," said Fleur, appearing from in front of them. "I do not play myself, but I know certain members of my school are missing the Quidditch field. I will speak to her."

"No trophies," said Harry. "No points or anything like that. Keep it friendly, civilised. Don't want things getting too out of hand."

"With our concentration on the Tournament," said Fleur. "I can see why you'd want something like that. So. A series of Friendly Matches, is that what you're proposing?"

"Huh. I didn't know Quidditch did Friendlies," said Harry. "But sure. Unlimited substitutions as well, so if the game drags on for long people can bring on reserves who get tired."

Fleur gave him a funny look. "What?" Harry asked. "Isn't there a three subs limit?"

"No, you're thinking about football," said Harper. "Quidditch does that already."

"What?"

"Are you sure you've ever played this game before?"

II.

The celebrations were already well underway by the time that Harry arrived back in Ravenclaw Tower with the Golden Egg. Roger Davis, of all people, had managed to hoist him up on his shoulder and Harry couldn't help but go along with it, so the whole of Ravenclaw could see Harry, who they were awed. "If I'd have known how good you were at flying I would have put you on the team earlier," said Roger, by way of apologising. "Next year, you can have any spot that you want. Or this year too, if the Tournament goes ahead."

"Thanks," Harry said, still feeling wierded out by the attitude that Roger was showing to him as if the last five years hadn't happened at all, but at the same time he wasn't too ready to call him out on it yet. It seemed like this was a genuine attempt at self-reflection and a reform. "So. Are we ready to see what's inside this thing?"

A loud chorus of the affirmative echoed around Ravenclaw Tower. "Alrighty then," Harry said, putting one hand on the top of the egg. He opened it, and a loud screech echoed throughout the room, causing plenty of people to cover their ears in shock. Harry almost was dropped from on top of Roger, and had to immediately slam the top of the egg back on board.

"What the hell was that?" one of the Ravenclaws whose name Harry didn't know said.

"They couldn't, could they? Given how cold the lake will be in February?" it was Cho who came to the realisation, having deduced what the task could possibly be within seconds.

"What?" Roger asked.

"It's something to do with the merpeople," explained Cho. "They exist beneath the water."

"Wait, they expect us to dive underneath the lake in February?" Harry asked. "I can't swim."

"You're serious," said Cho, realising Harry's expression. "The Brother of the Boy Who Lived can't swim?"

"Well, it's not like my parents took me to swimming lessons," said Harry. "But I don't think I have to worry about that. You see. High pitched screams. There's three, maybe three things I think it could be other than what you've just said. The first. Monstra Lava, which I really, really hope it isn't. The second, Veela. The third, I don't know. Maybe Filch singing in the shower?"

There was a loud chorus of laughter that echoed around the room as Harry made his final point. "Monstra Lava?" asked a first year. "What's that?"

"A terrifying creature," said Roger. "I've heard of those. Their name translates to Lava Monster in Latin. I guess wizards back then were pretty literal. They were found in Ancient Rome underneath the last Coliseum, rumoured to have come from the underworld itself. You aren't seriously suggesting that you have to fight one of those things are you?"

"Well, when you put it like that," said Harry. "I hope it's the merpeople. But unless someone finds out from the Ministry whether any Monstra Lava have been imported into Scotland or will be imported in the next few months, we've got no way of knowing."

"Actually," said Marietta Edgecombe. "We might have one. Monstra Lava need to thrive in a hot location, somewhere warm, about as hot as the underworld itself. That's why there are very few of them left, and their location has to be there months in advance. So rather than paying attention to monsters arriving in Scotland we could simply search the ground and see if there are any areas that have already been cordoned off in preparation."

"In that case, you might want to try the third floor corridor," said Padma Patil, "It's been declared off limits again. So unless the Philosopher's Stone didn't get destroyed and they're using it to hide it again…"

"That's where we start our search," said Harry with a nod. "Thanks, Padma."

"Anytime," the younger girl said with a smile, as Harry didn't bother to ask exactly what she was doing on the third corridor. "It makes sense too. They didn't announce it to the students this year. I guess they thought that nobody would go looking for it unlike last time."

"Hey, it's not my fault my brother is a suicidal maniac who decided to go after one of the most feared Dark Lords on his own at the age of eleven," Harry protested. The news following the disappearance of Quirrell had of course in a school full of gossipers become public knowledge, and now Harry was having to live with the consequences of that fact. He had successfully managed to hold off Riddle long enough so that Sam had been able to urn Quirrell's face off with his hands due to their connection with the Horcrux, but the wounds from his injuries had been too severe to attend the final school celebrations and as a result he had missed Gryffindor winning the House Cup for the first time. Not that it bothered him too much, of course, being a Ravenclaw and with little interest in the House point system.

"And twelve, and thirteen," pointed out Padma, as Harry sighed again. "Honestly, it's a miracle he isn't dead yet."

"Just twelve actually, thirteen was Pettigrew," said Harry.

"But he was trying to get to You-Know-Who, wasn't he?"

"Shut up," scowled Harry. "Anyway. I'm going to bed. See you lot in the morning."

III.

Harry didn't sleep that night, of course. As soon as he made his way into his dormitory he put the notice-me-not charm on himself and snuck out through the front door again, but given that the party had resumed in full fashion, he really didn't need to. Music was playing on the speakers already which he recognised as a product from Jason's store, in the form of the Runaways' I Love Playing With Fire. The song followed him all the way down to the area where the dragons were still being kept, all four of them, and Harry could tell that something was agitating them by how noisy they were being. It was only after he had stunned all of the Dragon tamers that he stopped to speak to Arkenthias, who was angrily battering at its cage, demanding to be freed.

"Liars, treachery, thieves, fools!" Arkenthias screeched, howling in rage uncontrollable rage.

"What's wrong?" Harry asked, approaching the dragon. "I'm here. Sorry I couldn't have come sooner. Formalities."

"I know all about formalities," the Horntail said. "But worries me more is the lies! The eggs. The eggs, Harry Potter. The eggs."

"What about them? I thought they were all fake?"

"I have been informed by Delgasis that they are very much not all imposters," said the dragon, angrily. "One of them is real, and contains Delgasis' child."

"Oh God," Harry realised suddenly what the implications of this might be. "Did you see who took it? I can reclaim it for you."

"No," said the dragon. "You cannot. You must hold up your end of the bargain whilst the tamers are unconscious. Release me and my brothers."

"If you hold up your end of the bargain," said Harry. "I will. Leave Hogwarts alone."

"You are in no position to bargain," the Dragon said. "It is your fault. If you had come sooner or had allowed me to escape in the ring and free my brothers and sisters, none of this would have happened. But now they have a real egg that they believe to be fake, and if I am to understand correctly… they plan to destroy them."

Harry nodded. "Alright then. I'll let you go, get the egg and bring it back to you."

"Thirty minutes, Harry Potter. Thirty minutes."

"Deal," said Harry, and cast the spell to unlock the cage. The Horntail in response roared a terrifying warcry, unleashing it across the Forest, shattering any glass in the nearby vicinity. Scrambling for cover as the Horntail ripped at the nearest cages containing its allies, Harry felt something jolt him in his side and in response, he unscrambled the map to reveal a new name had appeared on it.

Justin Finch-Fletchley, the Hufflepuff in his brother's year, a Victim of the Basilisk and someone who had almost killed Roger Davis. Now he was in danger from something, or responsible for something, and time was of the essence. The threat could come around instantaneously, and if that happened, he would have to divert his attention away from the dragons, which presented a new dilemma.

The boy or the egg?