A/N: Hello. Sorry I haven't updated in a while. I have been busy with school, exsams and I haven't felt like writing. But now I'm back. I don't know when I'll update next, but I'll do my best to update quickly. I'm starting at school the 6th, and I don't know when I get time to write. I hope you don't hate me! Well, here's the long lost chapter. Enjoy!
Chapter 21: "Who I Am" by Nick J & The Administration.
It was the end of May, and the gang were siting in the common room in front of the fire. The clock was half past seven and in half an hour James would be meeting with Professor Harkness in the Entrance Hall, before they went down to the quidditch pitch. Where James, along with the other Triwizard champions, would get information on the third task. At a quarter to eight James left to meet with Professor Harkness. They arrived at the pitch before the other champions.
The quidditch pitch looked like a construction site, but without the machines. Wooden poles, ropes, barbed wire lay scattered around. There were outlines of a hedge forming around the pitch as well. The barbed wire made slightly uneasy, but he only hoped that he wouldn't get to friendly with the metal. When Harry and Amalie arrived with Mr. Valkov and Madame Durand, Mr Shacklebolt turned to the champions and their head's and Mr. Lynch.
«Welcome Champions!» Mr Shacklebolt said beaming at them, «You're probably wondering what your next task will be. Before I tell you, I'll let you take a guess. You've all seen the quidditch pitch, and I would like to think what you make of it. I'll give you two minutes to put things together.» James looked out over his beloved quidditch pitch. He looked at the hedge and saw that it formed a path. He started looking at the piles of wood. The piles looked to be placed strategic and not randomly as he original thought. When the two minutes had passed Mr Shacklebolt called for their attention again.
«So have any of you an idea as to what the third task will be?» Shacklebolt was almost beaming with excitement. James tenderly raised his had, afraid to ruin the Ministers good mood. «Ah, Mr. Potter what do you suggest?»
«Well, from the looks of it, it looks like an obstacle course.» James said apprehensibly. The Minister looked beyond himself with happiness.
«That's exactly what it is James!» Shacklebolt said, giving James a big smile. James felt himself blush. «Your last task will be an obstacle course, but for every obstacle you meet, you'll get a question. Each question will have three answers. One right, one wrong and one slightly right. Each answer will have it's own path with different obstacles. If you get all answers right you'll be out of there in no time. If you answer everything wrong you'll use quite the time getting to the next question. There will be questions from both the muggle world and the wizarding world,» the Minister let this information time to sink in for the champions. He looked at them one at a time, they had all their own strengths and weaknesses he had no idea who of the three in front of him that would be the winner. It was all up to their knowledges now.
«I advice you all to be well rested for the next task. Prepare yourself as best you can. Remembered that people have died in this competition because they weren't well prepared. Some won by sheer luck,» at this last part Shacklebolt looked directly at James like he was referring to something James should know, «don't read yourself to death over this, but don't think you can just breeze right through this. These tasks are meant to test you, in the most dangerous way.»
«The task will be held Friday the 24th of June, and the task will start at ten o'clock, and you're required to be here at half past nine at least.» Mr Lynch said giving the three champions serious looks. «I wish you all good luck with both the task and your preparation.»
This was the end of the meeting. The champions and their Head's left to return to their resting places. Harry and Mr. Valkov walked down toward the black lake and the ship that was anchored there. Amalie and Madame Durand turned and walked towards the Hogsmede gates since that they held residence there. James walked with Headmistress McGonagall up to the castle.
«Headmistress. Could I ask you a question?» James asked quietly. McGonagall looked at him and smiled.
«Of course you can Mr. Potter» McGonagall replied.
«I was wondering why the Minister looked so gravely at me when he said that some champions had won by sheer luck.» James said looking ahead. McGonagall looked over at the boy. He was so much like his father and grandfather.
«Kingsley was referring to when your father entered the tournament. He barely escaped with his life when he was champion. I do have to say this Mr. Potter, it was dark times during that tournament. The wizarding world was at the brink of a war then. Your father faced many trials in his youth. Do not worry about this James.» McGonagall said looking at him gravely. «Well, this is where I bid you a good night Mr. Potter. Rest well» McGonagall said as they stepped off the staircase on the third floor. James nodded and stepped onto the staircase that would lead him to the Gryffindor Tower. James was in deep thought as he entered the common room and didn't see his friends siting in front of the raging fire.
«You won't find anyone waiting for you up there James. All the interesting people are sitting right here.» Mark said when he saw that James was headed towards the dormitory. James stopped and turned around looking at his friends. It looked like none of them had moved from their places, except that Lily, Hugo, Rose and Albus had all went to bed. Which James was quite reviled that his brother and sister wasn't there. James sat down on the couch right next to Alexandria who instantly leaned her head on his shoulder.
«What are you thinking about?» she asked him, wrapping his arm around her since he 'forgot' to do so, James sighed and pulled her tighter to him stroking her harm lovingly.
«It's just something I found out about when dad entered the tournament» James said looking tired. Alexandria nodded, she sat up straight so she could look him in the eyes.
«James, listen to me» Alexandria said sternly, like a mother lightly scolding her child, «when your father entered the tournament. His name was placed there written under another school so he was sure to be picked. It was one of Voldemorts followers who place his name in the goblet. Your father never planned to enter the tournament, but once your name is out you can't back out. Your father made it all through to the last task just as Voldemort planned. The trophy was a port key to a graveyard where Voldemort rose to power again. Your father fought for his life that night. He had just watched his friend die, he had watch the man who killed his parents rise to life again and he had to fight him. He did, and he barely made it.» At this point in her speech Alexandria needed to take a deep breath and wiped away the tears that made their way down her cheeks.
«What happened with your father won't happen to you, I promise you that James. Voldemort will never rise to life again. Your father made sure of that. But people can still die in this tournament, yes, but you won't James.»
«How can you be so sure about that I won't die Alex? All that will keep me alive during the task is how well I have prepared myself.» James asked accusingly. Alexandria looked away from him. She had no desire to tell him about her dream.
«James, I dreamt that you survived this tournament. It was a true dream. You'll live through this tournament.» Alexandria said vaguely. James looked at her.
«Was there something else to this dream?» James asked her.
«There was something more, but we all know that will be a subject for a bet between your friends and siblings.» Kimmie said looking smugly. James looked from a blushing red Alexandria to a smug-looking Kimmie.
«Kimmie can you stop being so mysterious. You know I'll kiss him when the tournament is over no matter who wins right?» Alexandria said looking directly at Kimmie trying to control her blushing.
«I'm kinda glad that Lily went to bed early. I don't think I could handle her squeaks right now.» Mark said playing with Kimmie's hair.
«Well, I have had enough with you lovebirds. I'm going to bed now. So good night» Daniel rose from his place on the floor and walked up to the dormitory. Slowly they all went to bed one by one, until it was only Alexandria and James left.
«So I'll get a kiss after the tournament even if I don't win?» James ask looking smugly.
«Keep smiling like that and I won't kiss you at all. Triwizard winner or not.» Alexandria said looking at him. James smiled lovingly at her and leaned down to capture her lips in a kiss, which she happily let him.
«James. Promise me that you won't worry about this task. You need to focus on preparing yourself. Can you promise me that?» Alexandria pleaded with him. James looked at her and saw the worry in her eyes. He leaned down and kissed her forehead.
«I promise you Alex. I won't worry and I'll prepare myself the best I can. But I think I need help from that beautiful and talented brain of your though.» he smiled down at the girl in his arms. «But right now I think it's best if we go to bed now.»
«Argh. Always the big brother in the end. Well, good night then champion. See you tomorrow, love.» Alexandria said before gave him a kiss and walked up to her own dormitory. James went up to his own dormitory not long after her.
The next day James woke quite early. He looked over at his clock and groaned. It was six o'clock. He had no desire to get up at six on a Sunday, but now he was awake and had no hope for sleep. So with great reluctance he got up and dragged himself into the shower. He decided to take a long hot shower since no one else were getting up this early. He stepped out of the shower 45 minutes later he got dressed and went down to the common room. He wondered if he should go to the library now or if he should wait. He decided to wait for Alexandria to get down, at least then he could get a clue to where to start his research for the third task. He plopped himself down on the couch and picked up a book that laid on the table next to the couch. He was just about to finish the book when he heard a door close. He looked up to the stairs and had to smile when he saw a pair of red converse stepping down. There was only one person in Gryffindor that used red converse shoes.
«Good morning, love.» James said when he saw her knees and the edge of her skirt. The girl on the staircase stopped in mid step.
«James?» He could hear his girlfriend ask slowly. He had to chuckle at her.
«Yes. I couldn't sleep. But I didn't think that you would be up so early.» James replied to her. Alexandria and down the rest of the stairs. He had been wrong. She wasn't wearing a skirt, she was wearing a 1950s dress. It was red with white polka dots on, with a black belt at her waist. And in her hair she had a matching headband. He couldn't help but smile wider at her. He knew she just loved those dresses. He had wondered why she didn't wear a dress like that at the Yule ball, not that he was complaining.
«You look beautiful today Alex.» He said looking lovingly at her. He turned his upper body so he could see her smile better.
«Thank you James. How did you know it was me who came down the stairs?» she asked him, walking over to him and giving him a peck on the lips.
«You are the only person in Gryffindor that wears red converse. Well now that I think of it, you are the only one in Hogwarts with red converse.» James said smirking at her.
«Fine. So why are you up? Why didn't you just go back to sleep?» Alexandria asked coming over and sitting at the other end of the couch.
«Couldn't sleep so I got up. And I figured that I could just wait for you so we could head to the library together, so I can prepare myself for the next task.» James replied looking at her. She smiled at him.
«So sweet of you Meems. You know, You never told me what the next task is.» Alexandria replied.
«The last task is an obstacle course. With questions, both on muggle and wizarding inventions. I'm just not sure what to read to prepare myself. It's like NEWTs, but just bigger you know.» James said dragging his hand through his hair. Alexandria laughed that his hair didn't even look different. It's like a wild birds nest, and nothing could improve it. But she loved the bird nest he called his hair. «What are you laughing at?»
«Sorry. It's just that your hair is an untamable birds nest.» Alexandria said lovingly. James mocked hurt.
«How can you say that. I thought that you liked it this way. Thats why I don't do anything about it.» James said with a pout. Alexandria burst out laughing even harder this time.
«James, I love the way your hair looks, but thats just the way that describes it's the best. Come now. Let's go down to breakfast and then go to the library. I think I know some books that can help you.» Alexandria said getting up from the couch and holding her hand out for James to take. He took it and together they walked down to the Great Hall for breakfast.
It was nearing lunchtime when Alexandria looked up from her finished homework and looked at her boyfriend. James was reading Hogwarts Through History, and she could see the worry in his eyes. She cleared her throat and James looked up at her.
«What are you reading about?» Alexandria asked, having read Hogwarts Through History cover to cover several times, she know that there were a lot of disturbing news there.
«The second Wizarding War» James said looking at her with teary eyes. Alexandria stood up and walked over to him.
«Maybe you should owl your father and ask him to have a floo call with you. So you can ask him about it. Remember that this book doesn't have all the facts, but your father has.» James looked up at her.
«Dad has never told us anything that resembles this. I know a war isn't peaceful, but I didn't know it was so violent. I just wish he had told us about this.» James said.
«James, think about it. The whole wizarding world was scared. And your father knew that he was the only person that could end this war. All the dangers he faced was because of Voldemort. He wouldn't tell you the exact details because he wouldn't want you to worry. Just ask if you could talk to him. You know we can keep Lily and Albus out of the common room if you would like that. That'd the only way you'll get the answers you're looking for, and without you mother yelling at you.» Alexandria told him. James nodded knowing she was right.
«You don't have some extra parchment do you?» James asked. Alexandria giggled.
«When do you see me without extra parchment, quills and ink bottles?» Alexandria asked walking over to her bag and took out a scroll of parchment. She handed it to James and started packing her bag while James wrote down a quick message to his father asking him to floo call the Gryffindor common room later that day.
«Would you come with me to the owlery?» James asked giving Alexandria back her quill. Alexandria nodded her reply.
It was eleven o'clock and James, Alexandria, Mark and Kimmie was gathered in front of the fire in the Gryffindor common room waiting for Harry to make his appearance and answer James' questions. The fire sparked green and Harry Potter's face was floating in the fireplace. He smiled at his eldest son.
«Hello James. How are you doing? Do you know what the last task is yet?» Harry asked.
«Hi dad. I'm fine. The last task is an obstacle course.» James replied.
«I see. You'll do great, I'm sure. So what is it that you wanted to ask me about?» Harry said noting the worry in James' eyes.
«Um, I wanted to ask you about the war» James started, not sure how to phrase his questions. Harry's face grew sad, he knew this day would come. The day when his kids would want to know about all the dangers he faced while in Hogwarts.
«What about the war were troubling you?» Harry asked wondering if Ginny knew anything about this. She probably didn't.
«What happened to Hogwarts? Hogwarts through History said something about Death Eaters taking control, and that the unforgivable curses were a part of the punishments and curriculum. What's that all about?» James said his voice grew louder nearing the end. Alexandria stroke his back, trying to calm down her boyfriend.
«James, listen to me. It was dark times then. Many were afraid to fight, they were even afraid to go outside. Voldemort didn't care who he killed. But there were still people who fought him. There were still people within Hogwarts that rebelled. Neville was leading the rebellion together with your mom and Luna. They did all they could to keep the students safe.» Harry said. Explaining as carefully as he could. He didn't want to be on the wrong side of Ginny's wrath, but also wanted to quench any worry that James had.
«Why aren't you mentioned at Hogwarts that year? Why didn't you lead that rebellion. You aren't mentioned until the final battle. Why is that?» James said trying to piece together this new information with what he had read earlier. Harry sighed, he hoped he didn't have to tell that story yet.
«That was because I wasn't at Hogwarts until the finale battle. Your uncle Ron and Aunt Hermione and I went on a mission to kill Voldemort.» Harry replied
«But how?» James asked looking intrigued. Harry took a deep breath. Looked like he had to tell the whole tale.
«Ok, James. Do you know what a Horcrux is?» Harry asked
«No.» James replied looking confused.
«A Horcrux is the receptacle in which a Dark wizard has hidden a fragment of his soul for the purposes of attaining immortality. In simpler words the wizard splits his soul. Voldemort made seven Horcruxes. Your aunt Hermione, uncle Ron and I went out searching for these Horcruxes. By destroying the Horcruxes was the only chance we had to win over Voldemort.» Harry said. «James, let's not tell mom about this little chat. I can't imagine that she'll be happy to hear about what I told you. You'll do great in the tournament James. I know it. Now I must say good night to you. It's school tomorrow and I would't want you to be late.»
«Good night dad.» James said. There was a flash of green and then the fire became orange again. James sat there and just stared at the flames. He had a lot to think about. He went to bed with the others, but had trouble falling asleep.
AN: What do you think? If you could send in some questions for the obstacle course it would be great. I think I'll be needing help with that. As I said earlier, I'm not sure when I will publish or write. I'm moving to Sweden and starting school soon. We will see when the next chapter is up. I have planned that there will be about four more chapters in this fanfiction. Hope you liked this chapter. Sorry that it is so short, but it was what I felt like writing.