Chapter Twenty After the First Task

Harry scored a 44 out of 60. Dumbledore gave him a 9, Bagman gave him a 10, Percy gave him a 5, Maxime gave him a 8, Karkaroff gave him a 3, and Remus gave him a 9. Remus explained that the nine was because he missed with the first shot. When they discovered earlier that the points didn't determine who won the tournament, Harry told Remus to have fun with the points. Remus being who he is couldn't bring himself to be to outrageous. Percy Weasley claimed that he cheated when he summoned the bag from the audience and deducted points accordingly. Karkaroff gave no justification.

Remus met Harry outside of the hospital tent after the first task. They had agreed ahead of time to meet and leave the school grounds, Harry promised Remus that he would explain his problem with the Headmaster after the task was complete, and didn't want to meet with Dumbledore before he could talk to Remus. They were able to sneak out with the crowd; the buttons were causing quite a scene and made sneaking out easier. As soon as they were past the Hogwarts wards Harry checked himself then Remus for tracking spells. He found one on Remus and transferred it to a passing witch. 'Let them follow her for a while.' He thought. Remus was surprised that he was being tracked and wondered who did it and when it happened.

Remus and Harry made their way to the cave that they met at with Sirius before. Sirius only agreed to meet them there and not go to the first task because Harry showed him the pensive he bought and promised, along with Remus, to show him the memory of the event. Remus had also promised Harry that he would show him the other champions tasks.

Sirius met them at the mouth of the cave and said. "Come on, come on, How'd it go? Did it work? Of course it worked. Show me!"

Harry said. "Get inside Sirius. Let me set up my rune stones and then we can talk." Sirius and Remus entered the cave and Harry set about placing the stones. As Harry finished activating the stones in the cave he turned to the Marauders and continued. "It would be easier to just show you." Harry went to the pensive and placed his memory of his task into it.

Sirius didn't wait and immediately placed his head into the Pensive. He came out ten minutes later laughing. "It worked perfectly! The music and fireworks were perfect. Nice choice of song by the way. Did you see the expression on the faces when the buttons activated? Priceless. I am a genius!"

Yeah, a regular Einstein." Snarked Harry.

" Who?" asked Sirius.

"A muggle inventor… never mind." Said Remus. "You did really well Harry. I was so proud."

"Only a nine proud?" Harry teased.

"You only gave him a nine!? He deserved a 12 at least!" Shouted Sirius.

"He missed." Was all Remus said.

"Whatever. What were the other scores?" asked Sirius.

Remus answered. "Harry got a total of 44, Cedric scored 40, he tied with Fleur Delacour. Krum won with a score of 45. Do you want to see their tasks now?" Both Sirius and Harry said yes so Remus put his memories of the event into the Pensive, Harry asked him to put the memory of the argument at the judges table in also.

Over an hour later all three emerged and started to talk. "They didn't do too bad, A shame about the eggs Krum smashed. The pretty boy wasn't as pretty after his Dragon. Is that Fleur girl a Veela?" asked Sirius.

"Yeah, during the weighing of the wands she said that the Veela hair in her wand was her grandmothers. Cedric is an OK bloke, don't make too much fun of him. It looked like he was really hurting." Answered Harry.

"I knew she was too hot to be a normal girl." Said Sirius.

"She's half your age. "Retorted Remus.

"So. She's still hot." Sirius defended.

"Now that you have that out of your system did you notice the judges table during my task?" asked Harry. Both said no and Harry continued. "Watch my task again and then we'll talk.

Sirus and Remus re-entered the Pensive and emerged ten minutes later. Sirius was the first to speak. "That sneaky bastard!"

"So you saw what I saw?" Asked Harry.

"Dumbledore sent a tracking spell at Remus during your task." Answered Sirius.

Remus was still quiet, deep in thought. He finally spoke. "I can't believe Dumbledore would do that."

"Harry replied. " That is just the tip of the iceberg on the thing that I have discovered that Dumbledore has done, and not done. First off, do you know Oclumancy?"

"As a werewolf I have natural Oclumancy defenses, I can't perform Legilamancy though." Answered Remus.

Harry and Sirius spent the next few hours telling Remus what they had discovered about Dumbledore. From the fact Dumbledore hasn't told Harry anything about his family legacy, to the discovery of the soul piece in Harry scar. How the wards would tell Dumbledore who entered Hogwarts so that Dumbledore knew that Sirius was entering the school last year. This brought up the question of if Dumbledore knew that Wormtail was in the school since Percy was in school. Also if he knew that Moody was an imposter. Remus was able to rationalize that maybe with so many people arriving at the same time that Dumbledore might not have noticed, Harry and Sirius just let that question go. There was still more to tell. Harry told Remus about his misadventure with the Philophers Stone and the Chamber of Secrets. Remus was there last year so he didn't have to explain that year. Harry explained more about the soul piece that was removed and explained what a Horcrux was. He explained that Voldemort had created several and that the goblins were working on a way to track them down. Harry explained that the Diary he destroyed in his second year was a Horcrux and that Dumbledore would have to know what it meant and still did nothing. He finished by telling Remus about his time growing up at the Dursleys and that Dumbledore made himself his magical guardian and left him there after sealing up his parents will. Sirius had to step away when Harry was detailing his time at the Dursley's and Harry thought. "I bet the Dursleys are going to be paid a visit in the near future.' Harry felt that Remus would probably join him after he finished talking. Harry had called Dobby during the discussion and had him bring dinner for them all.

"That's unbelievable." Stated Remus.

"It's all true." Harry defended, sounding a little hurt.

Remus saw this and said. "Oh I believe you. I just didn't think that Dumbledore would be like that. He must have a reason,"

Sirius cut him off, "I doesn't matter his reason! Look at what he's put Harry through."

Remus looked a little ashamed. "You're right. I can't think of anything that would justify putting a child through that, even Voldemort still being around. OK Harry what do you want to do now?"

"Well…" Harry explained his goal for the rest of the year.

Harry decided to bring Remus into the secret about the Chamber of Secrets. He and Sirius led Remus to the tunnel entrance and suddenly disappeared. Remus got over his shock quickly and sniffed the air. "I know you're still there."

Harry and Sirius suddenly appeared, Harry deactivating the rune stones. Harry thought. 'I'll have to look up a rune to cancel smells.' Out loud he said. "Welcome to the secret entrance to the Chamber of Secrets! He pointed to a pile of rocks.

Remus looked at the pile and said sarcastically. "Impressive." Harry hissed and a crack formed in the rocks. This did actually impress Remus. Sirius looked smug. Remus followed Harry in.

Harry showed Remus the whole chamber. Remus was impressed with the heated pool and was floored with the main chamber. Harry showed him all the secret rooms and explained where the pipes led to into the castle. Harry offered to let Mooney transform in the chamber saying it was very secure. Harry had previously offered Remus the basement of his Hogsmeade property that he had the goblins enlarge and secure when he had them install the wards. Remus said he would let him know later, he still had until the 18th of the next month to decide. Harry had already talked Remus into accepting the Wolfsbane potion from him.

Remus was being a little twitchy at the end of the discussion. He would constantly look around and sniff the air. The reason became apparent when Sssloker, Sssslisssser and Ssssliter suddenly appeared. Remus and Sirius jumped about ten feet in the air, and Remus drew his wand. Harry was able to stop him from firing a curse at the snakes. "Wait! These are my friends."

"Damn snakes." Was all Sirius said.

Harry introduced Remus to the snakes and told him how they were helping him explore the castle and prank the students with the buttons. Remus was still a little on edge but accepted all three of the snakes. Harry also showed Remus and Sirius a discovery he had made while he was experimenting with the communication mirrors. He had discovered a way to make one mirror broadcast picture and sound to another mirror but not receive any picture or sound back. Harry said that he wanted to place these mirrors under a disillusionment charm all over the castle to keep a watch on what was going on. The reason he hasn't done this already is because of Moody's eye. Harry suspected that Dumbledore might be able to see through disillusionment charms also, but Harry noticed that he didn't go to many places in the castle, mostly the kitchens and the Great Hall. The placement of the mirrors would be very important. Harry thought that if he placed most on the ceilings that they should be safe.

Sirius thought that this was a great idea and said he would help make them with Harry. Remus was a little more hesitant, but agreed that they would be useful. They decided that the elves would place the mirrors all over the castle at points they specified. Remus pointed out that not all of them would have to be disillusioned.

Harry showed Sirius and Remus how to make the mirrors and then went and converted the secret bedroom into a room to set up all the mirror pairs. Harry renamed the room 'the security office'. Remus and Sirius had decided to sleep in the chamber in Sirius's tent that night. Harry slept in his trunk that he had Sirius hold for him as he completed the first task. It was past 3 am and Harry was asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow. Harry and Remus knew that they would have to deal with Dumbledore tomorrow.

Harry awoke late the next morning to a huge breakfast provided by both Winky and Dobby. Harry and Remus discussed the game plan for facing Dumbledore, and they both agreed that having Ted Tonks join them would probably be best. Harry sent Dobby with a note to Ted to meet them at the Hogwarts entrance gate to join in the meeting at noon. Ted was waiting for them when they arrived and followed them on to the Hogwarts grounds. Harry had a little smirk and sent a knowing look at Remus when he spotted McGonagall waiting for them at the entrance to the castle.

"Dumbledore would like to see all of you in his office right away." McGonagall said, shooting a dirty look at Harry. Harry just smiled innocently at her and followed when she turned around. The walk to Dumbledore's office was made in silence. Remus had to stop Harry from sending a spell at McGonagalls back. Harry wasn't going to really curse her, he just wanted to have a little fun with Remus. "Ice Mice." McGonagall said when they reached the office and the gargoyle slid aside. McGonagall nodded to Remus and Ted, ignored Harry, and walked off.

Harry had told Remus about the wards on Dumbledore's stair case so he wasn't surprised when he heard a "Come in." before anyone had a chance to knock. "Harry, my boy," Dumbledore started to say with a grandfatherly smile.

Harry cut him off. "That's Lord Potter to you… Albus." The smile disappeared and Harry knew that Dumbledore was hoping that he hadn't figured that out. Harry continued talking making his way towards Fawkes. "How are you doing Fawkes? Good I hope." Fawkes let out a soothing trill. "Good, good."

Remus spoke up. "You wanted to see us Dumbledore? I assume it is about accommodations for Harry and I, as we are now considered a fourth school?"

"Yes, about that, "Dumbledore said, focusing on Remus now. "I was hoping that Harry would stay in the Gryffindor dorms with his year mates. I don't want to cause him too many distractions."

Ted interrupted at this point. "Excuse me Headmaster, but the contract for the tournament clearly states that the hosting school will provide living chambers for any visiting school or allow them to set up their own on the school grounds. It wouldn't be proper for Lord Potter to stay in an existing school dorm now that he is no longer a Hogwarts student."

"I just thought…" Dumbledore started to say before he was cut off by Ted Tonks.

"It doesn't matter what you thought. You will provide acceptable accommodations for Mr. Potter and Mr. Lupin, or you risk violating the contract. They are also allowed unrestricted access to the library and any class they wish to audit. You are also required to provide at least two meals a day for any visiting school. It is all in the contract you helped create to get the Tri Wizard Tournament here at Hogwarts. Or did you not read what you agreed to?" asked Ted. Harry was having fun watching Dumbledore squirm.

Dumbledore turned to Harry and asked. "Don't you want to stay with your friends?"

Harry, still petting Fawkes answered over his shoulder, "Not Really."

Remus got Dumbledore's attention when he said. "I have made other sleeping arrangements so I will not need a room to sleep. I will be spending most of the day with Harry, helping him train though."

Dumbledore thought he spotted an opportunity with this statement. "You know you are not supposed to help the champion with the tasks."

"I am just helping Harry further his education. I haven't told him about any of the tasks. You haven't informed me about any of them yet. Even though I am a judge." Replied Remus.

Ted spoke up. "There is nothing in the rules that states that a Headmaster can't help their champion Dumbledore."

Dumbledore didn't argue the point and changed topic. "Where did you go when you left the Hogwarts grounds yesterday?"

Ted beat Harry to respond. "That is also none of your business Headmaster. Harry Potter is no longer one of your students."

Dumbledore started to say. "As his magical guard…"

This time Harry responded first. "But you aren't my magical guardian. I became emancipated when my name came out of the goblet and you know that. Don't try that shit with me. You never were meant to be my magical guardian either. Isn't it funny how you sealed my parents will and declared yourself my magical guardian the same day my parents died? Sirius wasn't even arrested yet and thrown into Azkaban without a trial and you had already decided my fate. Is that why Sirius never got a trial Albus?" Harry spat at Dumbledore.

Dumbledore had a defeated look on his face and he said under his breath. "All I ever did was for the Greater Good."

"Who's?" snarled Harry. He turned to Ted and Remus. "You finish making the arrangements. I can't stand to be in here any longer." Harry left the office and thought as he walked down the hallway. 'I don't think I can come back here next year. Maybe F.U. will become a real school after all.'

Harry made his way down to the Great Hall where he caught the tail end of lunch. He was going to talk to Hermione and Neville for a little while but they had to go to class. Hermione asked' "Aren't you coming Harry. I know you skip potions." She looked at Harry disapprovingly at this. "But you still go to your other classes."

Harry responded. "I don't have to go to any more classes now that I am officially from a fourth school." Harry saw the disapproving look start to form again and continued. "Don't worry. I will still continue my education. But I have a lot of things I have to do today. Hurry or you'll be late to class." Hermione got a worried look and rushed out of the hall. Neville followed her and waved bye to Harry.

Remus and Ted joined Harry about fifteen minutes later and Ted excused himself and left. Remus told Harry what happened after he left Dumbledore's office and said that they would have a room ready in a few hours. Harry knew that he would have to thoroughly check the room for listening and other spells. Harry led Remus to his pre-warded room and mirror called Sirius and filled him in on what happened. Sirius said that he had completed ten mirrors so far and had Dobby and Winky place them in a few key places. He was going to be making a lot more. Harry told Sirius that he had to be seen throughout the day but that he will sneak down to the chamber to see him later that night.

A few hours later an elf popped up while Harry and Remus were in the library. Harry immediately went to the restricted section when he first got there. Madame Pince didn't look happy but didn't say anything. The elf introduced herself as Blondie and told Harry and Remus to follow her to Harry's new living quarters. It turned out to be a two bedroom suite that had its own bathroom with a tub and shower. There was a main sitting area with its own fireplace. Harry thought it looked like a miniature common room. There was no kitchen area but Harry figured he had his trunk if push came to shove. In the bedroom he found his school trunk that he kept in the dorm waiting for him. He thought to himself. 'OK first thing I have to do is check this place over for spells. I better check my stuff too. I better get rid of that portrait I saw in the sitting room. Fortunately I don't have a portrait as the door guard.' Harry asked Blondie, who was still hanging around making sure that the room as satisfactory, to remove the portrait of a girl in a pink dress swinging from a tree branch. The portrait complained about being removed but Blondie did what Harry asked. Harry told Remus that he was going to check the place over and Remus asked if he could help. Harry told him that he wanted to do it himself as practice, but that Remus could check it over when he was done. Remus said he would see Harry tomorrow and left.

Harry spent a few hours examining the rooms and found several listening devices. He debated in leaving them where they were and calling the DMLE and reporting them. It was illegal to spy on a Lord after all. He decided that Dumbledore would just claim that they were there before and that he had no clue who put them there. Harry removed all the listening charms but one. He transferred it to a roll of toilet paper and had Dobby put it in the Slytherins bathroom. Harry had discovered a sneaky pattern to Dumbledore's placement of the listening charms. There was one in each room that was semi obvious, and then there was one that was extremely well hidden. Harry figured that Dumbledore thought that people would stop looking once they found one and overlook the second. Harry went over the whole suite again just to be on the safe side. He also found tracking charms on all the clothes that were in his school trunk. 'Definitely not coming back next year if Dumbledore is here.' He thought. He spent the rest of the time adding his favorite set of wards to the suite, He also added an intruder ward to the door that would stun anyone who crossed it who wasn't authorized. He also placed one of his mirrors outside the suite so he could see who was outside his door. Harry turned back time and went to see Sirius.