Lord of Darkness
Suspicions & Creatures
***One day ownership will be mine... BUT IT IS NOT THIS DAY! ***
*Follow me on the Twitters at AngelSlayer135 for occasional progress updates on stories.
***LoD***
Severus Snape continued watching the Headmaster examine the damaged artifact, all the while keeping his actual attention on their newest Defense professor. The Potion master had seen it, that for a split second the man's features had become enraged when the Goblet had been thrown backwards.
The question now was 'why'. What had prompted such a shift in personality, a dropping of masks so finely engrained that it appeared to have everyone, including himself up until moments ago, fooled.
'Moody' took another gulp of his flask, and Snape noted the time.
***LoD***
"I promise this will not take long Harry, we just needed to clear a few things up."
The boy-who-lived nodded, while Luna sat next to him, happily swaying her legs back and forth with an occasional giggle. Across sat the Headmaster, along with the Heads of each House.
"It has come to our attention that you were not at the ceremony tonight Harry."
Said teen promptly nodded but offered nothing further.
"May I ask why?"
"Of course sir, asking questions should always be encouraged in a school don't you think? I also have a question of my own as well. Why is it that you always have such important ceremonies on the anniversary of my parents' murder and expect me to show up and partake in the celebrations?"
Most of the adults winced slightly, with even Snape silently agreeing that the situation could have been handled differently.
"I understand my boy, and I will make a better effort I promise. However, I would still like to have an answer if it is not too much trouble."
"Luna and I were exploring."
The elderly Wizard nodded, before Flitwick stepped forward, "I did not realize you two were so close. May I inquire as to where you would still be exploring? As I understood it you had mapped out the castle quite well your first year Mr. Potter."
"Don't be silly professor, we weren't exploring Hogwarts." the pretty blonde emphasized with a slight giggle.
Minerva McGonagall blinked in confusion, "If you were not exploring the castle then what..."
"Each other of course." Luna replied.
"Wh-what!?"
Harry merely rolled his eyes before letting out a slight sigh, "We were having sex professor."
"Lots and lots of it, in fact we had just found a rather interesting position on a staircase when we were interrupted by your footsteps, if you would be so kind as to finish this up I would like to resume it." The Lovegood heiress responded.
"WHAT!? Albus surely this is... but they are... she is... detentions for both of them!"
Harry nodded, "Acceptable, but if you are punishing us then I will naturally demand that I see all of your prefects join us. Rumor is that the Head girl and boy are also rather adventurous as well."
Flitwick bit back a laugh at seeing the Deputy Headmistress with such a horrified expression on her face before noting that Snape was working on concealing a small smirk.
"There will be no punishment Harry, so long as both you and miss Lovegood are consenting and no one is being harmed I do not see any problems."
"But Albus!" McGonagall protested feebly.
"Oh, I assure you Headmaster, we are both enjoying the act very much."
The Transfiguration professor looked ready to start a Scottish tirade at the blonde's words before Dumbledore raised his hand to interrupt. "That is all I ask. One more thing Harry, it appears as though the Goblet of Fire was damaged this evening, would you happen to know anything about that?"
Harry merely smiled back, "How could I sir, I haven't approached it since the announcement of the age restriction."
The elder nodded, before dismissing the teens and settled down to weather the storm that was Minerva's rage at the 'inappropriate actions' going on in the school. Neither noticed Severus Snape slip out moments later.
***LoD***
"Potter!"
The boy-who-lived turned to focus on the disguised professor.
"Yes professor?"
"Your Wand." Moody growled in demand.
The raven-haired boy cocked his head to the side for a moment, "My Wand sir?"
"I want to check it for spells that might have damaged the Goblet. You have everyone else fooled but not me. I am not convinced by your innocent act, or her lies."
Emerald-eyes narrowed, as if contemplating the pros and cons of ripping the man apart in the hallway, before another voice interrupted, and Snape entered the corridor, "That will not be necessary, you have no authority to demand the Wand from one of my students."
"An Auror..."
"Has the authority yes, along with the guardian of the minor. As far as I recall you however are retired and not a guardian of the boy."
"Fine" Crouch growled, "then you check him. Him and his little friend were the only ones not present during the incident after all."
Snape's eyes narrowed, before turning to the raven-haired student, "Mr. Potter, if you would be willing to provide your Wand I would appreciate your cooperation."
Harry shrugged before handing over the object to his Head of House. The moment Severus took the offered tool he immediately froze in shock. "This... is your Wand?"
"Yes, you should be able to identify it being my professor for so many years sir."
The wooden object was twisted in his hands several times as Snape continued to pale. "I see..."
"Well, what is it Snape!?" Moody growled, but was ignored as the other continued his examination.
"Is there a problem sir?"
"No... no of course not. There is no need to examine it. I trust you will be more careful in the future with whom you lend this to."
"Of course sir, but I trust you after all."
Snape nodded, still ignoring the protests of the Defense professor, "That will be all Mr. Potter."
***LoD***
"My Lord!"
"Draco"
Luna happily giggled and jumped into a nearby chair in front of the fireplace, before extending and wiggling her toes to warm them.
"I heard you were brought before Dumbledore... again."
"I was."
"And that professor Snape spoke with you after."
"He did, although he turned the oddest colors when he examined my Wand."
The other Slytherins nearby looked up in confusion at the conversation, before the Malfoy heir spoke up, "Uhm... why?"
Harry gave another shrug, before passing said object over once more. "You tell me."
The moment he touched it in examination Draco too froze. "M-my Lord..."
"Yes Draco?"
"This is..."
"What is it Draco?" Pansy called from nearby, happy for any news on their proclaimed leader, "What's wrong?"
"This is... just a stick... but you have had this since first year, that means..."
"He has been doing Wandless Magic the entire bloody time..." Blaise whispered nearby, earning another giggle from a certain Ravenclaw.
***LoD***
Fleur,
We have received confirmation that you have been chosen to represent Beauxbatons in the Triwizard Tournament. Should you succeed there will be no doubt as to your value as a future wife, do not embarrass me.
I have decided that we will make the trip to England depending upon your success in the first task. Should you fail I will find a suitable buyer for your hand in England and your return will not be required.
Keep in mind I still have your sister to carry on our family name if need be.
Jean Delacour
The Veela fought the urge to scream at the top of her lungs, why was everything she did simply not good enough for her bastard of a father? Why did he constantly have to drag her innocent sister into all of her personal failings?
She knew what the man had planned for her life, knew that he was grooming her not to be an heir, but rather to be sold off in an attempt for a male grandson.
The man was as manipulative as they came and had been parading her in front of potential business and political partners for years in the hopes that one of them would show interest and he could get rid of her.
Luckily for both her younger sister and Fleur all of the older men had been wary of entrapments and being bound to the Delacour family in such a way. The young Witch fell back onto her bed, all she had to do was deal with another year or two until she could get a decent enough job to support both herself and Gabbie, then they could leave the two adults behind and find true freedom.
A few more years, all they had to do was last that long without being sold off like cattle.
Fleur shuddered at the planned future for herself and her baby sister.
***LoD***
"I cannot believe them!"
Harry gave a sigh as he allowed the bushy-haired Witch to continue her rant. He wasn't quite sure what she was so very mad about, but it didn't really matter either way.
"Last year was bad enough with the Runes! I mean who could possibly call you evil for stopping Dementors!"
The boy-who-lived ignored the urge to point out that he had also caused the creatures to eat the souls of several children a few months later.
"And you killed a Basilisk!"
"Technically Tonks did that."
Hermione halted and turned to glare at her pseudo boyfriend, who wisely smiled and made the motion of zipping his lips.
"It is all professor Snape, he has had it out for you ever since you started. Who knows why the Headmaster keeps that horrible man around with his bullying and obsessive behaviors, he is the absolute worst teacher!"
"You are funny when you get mad Hermione." Luna helpfully chirped from where she was working on a homework assignment nearby.
"I am not funny."
"Are too" the blonde sang innocently.
"Am not"
"Are too"
"AM NOT!"
"She is right Luna..." a voice whispered next to the Gryffindor, sending shivers up her spine. "I wouldn't say funny I would say... intoxicating. I do so enjoy the way your eyes light up, how your lips tremble..."
"H-Harry" the youngest Granger moaned as he pressed himself into her back, his arms wrapping around and allowing his hands to begin trailing up her thighs.
"Oooo can we take a study break my Lord? I have always wanted to have a threesome with you and Hermione."
"B-b-but..."
"Not interested in the idea Hermione? You know I certainly won't force you to do anything, but I must admit the thought of watching you push Luna's head into you while moaning in ecstasy is..."
Any further temptations were interrupted as the bookworm grabbed his wrist, marched over to the blonde to grab hers thus earning a cheerful 'yay' from the girl, and promptly dragged the two towards Harry's bed.
***LoD***
"You wanted to see me director?"
Amelia Bones nodded, before giving a slight gesture for Tonks to enter the room and close the door behind her. "I did. I am sure you are aware that the selection for the Triwizard Tournament took place a few days ago."
The Metamorphmagus merely nodded in confirmation, secretly hoping that this conversation was leading where she so desperately hoped it was.
"I have received a report from Headmaster Dumbledore that there was an… incident… during the selection process and that the artifact was damaged."
"D-damaged ma'am?"
The elder sighed before gently sitting down into her chair, "No known suspects at this time but there has been some understandable… agitation with the foreign bodies and representatives."
"Shouldn't the Minister be handling that?"
The director's mouth twitched at the humor as she suppressed the urge to laugh, "Normally yes, but Minster Malfoy has been busy with passing new laws and making other inspections of the Ministry for corruption and other irregularities. He has asked us to step in and help preserve the peace."
"Us?"
"I have not forgotten about your request from earlier in the year, but I need to make sure you are focused for this."
"I-I am ma'am, I promise." The Auror emphasized.
"Are you sure? You can't be sneaking away from your duties in order to steal alone time with your chosen person of interest Tonks, we are being watched by the other nations and our own citizens. We cannot afford any screw ups."
"I understand, I will not let you down ma'am."
Amelia nodded once again, before sliding a large vanilla folder to her employee, "Good, then start reading this over and remember this is all classified. The first task is planned on being Dragons…"
***LoD***
It was an odd moment for Harry Potter to find the twin Weasley brothers looking rather... sad, rather than their normal excited mischievous selves.
"And what has you two so down?"
George glanced up, before shrugging lightly. "We were just hoping one of us could make it into the tournament. Considering what happened earlier in the school year and all."
"Which was..."
This time it was Fred who answered, "Asked our parents to consider investing in a dream we've had for a few years now, but neither took us seriously. Mum wants us to get good reputable jobs like Percy or Bill and Dad... well he just follows whatever she says anyway. We even wrote our older brothers but Percy shot us down immediately, while Charlie and Bill don't have the funds on hand."
"Oh? And what is this dream you are so depressed about?"
The two glanced at each other, "We are trying to start up a joke shop."
"In Diagon Alley."
"Sell all sorts of prank materials."
"Create some mischief."
"Cater to the youth to follow."
"Spread some joy."
"Make some laughs."
"And a few coins along the side."
Harry blinked, but nodded thoughtfully. "And I suppose the thousand Galleons would have helped with this?"
"Helped?"
"More like been more than we needed."
"Not by much mind you."
"But enough."
"Get our location."
"Pay rent for a few months."
"Buy the supplies."
"Do some advertising."
The boy-who-lived nodded, before pulling out a piece of parchment and scribbling a few notes on it, much to the two older boys' confusion. He promptly handed it over a second later, a draft note for Gringotts.
"Fifteen-hundred Galleons. If a thousand is enough then this should help just a bit more. Don't worry about paying me back now, I figure a decade should be enough time."
"B-but... why?"
"Because unlike the adults I see the potential in you two. Potential for something greater than just pranksters, and I wish to encourage this and watch it grow."
***LoD***
"Excuse me Mr. Potter, a minute of your time please. Rita Skeeter for the Daily Prophet."
Glancing backwards Harry frowned inwardly before giving a slight nod, "Yes?"
"What are your thoughts on the selection of Champions?"
Giving a slight shrug the boy replied, "The only ones I have had any contact with are Cedric Diggory and Fleur Delacour. I have not spoken to him due to our age difference, although I heard he is a good Seeker, and I have only spoke with miss Delacour for a few minutes, but..."
The Quick-Quill flowed across the parchment as the woman nodded her empty head. "Yes yes of course Quidditch and all that. So, what of the others? How do you feel about the fact that a non-human is participating?"
"A what?"
"Non-human, Fleur Delacour is..."
"Veela, I am aware."
"And the fact that she was chosen over good Purebloods? Doesn't that upset you at all?"
"Considering I myself am a Half-Blood? No."
"Well at least your father was a good Pureblood, it really is a shame that..." the woman froze at the darkening in the boy's eyes, before promptly excusing herself.
***LoD***
Harry looked up from his essay to see Ginny Weasley slowly enter his room, her eyes trained on him. "Hello Ginny, is there something I can..."
"You know I heard the most interesting thing today." she huskily whispered, earning a mental sigh from the boy. Apparently, he wasn't going to be finishing his homework right now after all.
"Oh?"
"Mhmmm, it seems as though someone has taken an interest in my brothers and provided them with funding on their dream business."
"Ah yes, the store at Diagon Alley, quite a novel idea I must say."
She had finally reached him, before dropping down to her knees, "I really must express my gratitude for everything this individual has done for me and my family..."
Amongst the very pleasurable thoughts that promptly began overriding his mind Harry made a mental note to work on his ability to enjoy such sensations and continue working at the same time.
***LoD***
Fleur Delacour Growled in annoyance as she glanced up from the poor English imitation of French food. Her plan should have worked. She had been selected as one of the three Champions, showing that she truly was the best of the best.
Her parents and sister were planning on arriving in the next month or two in order to watch her compete.
The few classes she had actually bothered attending at Hogwarts had been pathetically easy, revealing that Beauxbatons had a far higher standard than at least one of her competitors.
No less than twenty boys had asked her for a date since arriving.
Yes, she should have been happy, elated really, but she wasn't. The reasoning why was very simple, Harry bloody Potter. Said teen, and quite frankly the only one at this godforsaken school she gave a shit about, hadn't said five words to her since the ceremony, and it wasn't that she hadn't given him the opportunity to do so either!
Every day she sat down in her new seat... at the Slytherin table. She often found a reason to be in the same corridor as him after class, or before class, or in his free time, or literally anytime. But he had yet to even notice her presence.
Didn't he understand who she was!? Didn't he understand what he was doing to her!?
The French Witch stealthily rubbed her thighs together, but still found nothing but pent up fire coursing through her blood. Her damned Magic and instincts had marked the boy and now she was stuck with the only option being him to find release with.
Not that she minded, of course. When she had first spied him during their arrival she had dismissed his appearance and personality, but the more she pursued him the more her opinion had changed. Not only was the boy mind numbingly intelligent, but far more charismatic than most politicians she had ever met. Add into this the fact that he was very beautiful and... well even if the Veela inside of her hadn't demanded it she would be pursuing him.
He was perfect, she was perfect, why shouldn't they be perfect together.
"Anyone else..." she quietly seethed, "any other boy, or even girl would have given in by now. Would have felt honored to even receive my attention... but not you."
Secretly her gaze fell upon the teen, who was halfway down the table.
"Uhm excuse me, I er... well I was just thinking that uhm... maybe you would like to... you know..."
Her eyes shifted to the stuttering Durmstrang boy standing next to her, clearly trying to work up the courage to ask her out. Normally she might humor the boy for a few moments before replying in the negative, maybe even toy with her food for a bit.
But not now.
"Piss off."
"Uh yeah okay sure."
He quickly scampered away, and her gaze returned to her true prey... only to notice something was different. He was still nodding along with whatever meaningless conversation the other Slytherins were having but there was a change to him, a slight smirk on his face.
Then, for half a moment, such a short amount of time that she wasn't even sure it was real, his gaze fell upon her... and his smirk rose just a little more. Before she could even call out or reply his attention was refocused elsewhere.
He knew, the bastard knew what he was doing to her... he was making her suffer!
Fleur grit her teeth, resisting the urge to walk over to him and either punch him in his smug face... or drag him off to the nearest room and rape him.
***LoD***
'You have FAILED me!' a voice roared in Bartemius Crouch Junior's mind, dropping the man to his knees in agony.
"P-please my Lord…"
'Please what!? Forgive your failure? Forgive your incompetence? You had but one task and you have failed!'
Another whimper of agony escaped the man's lips, "B-but my Lord the Goblet… the boy was entered, he should have been selected."
Hundreds of miles away the homunculus that contained Voldemort's spirit paused for a moment, this was the second time that the boy had somehow done the unexpected when it concerned his plans. Memories resurfaced of years prior in which he had been forcibly removed from Quirrell's body before fleeing. Back then he had been sure that Dumbledore had been there, had set a trap and made it appear as though the child had somehow been responsible for his defeat.
It was a rather brilliant plan for the elderly Wizard, to have his nemesis assume that the boy would be untouchable and thus grant him some semblance of immunity. Still there was doubt, what if the Headmaster hadn't been involved, what if the same Magic that had protected the boy a decade prior had somehow risen up against him once more?
Tom Riddle's inner musings were interrupted by his cowardly servant's attempt at bargaining for his miserable life, "M-my Lord I can still succeed, Potter will be at the graveyard I swear on my life!"
'Yessss' the voice hissed, earning another wince from his servant, 'on your life.'
***LoD***
Daphne Greengrass took a deep breath as she forced herself to stop pacing in Harry's room. She wanted this after all, hell she had traded her best friend for her turn, in exchange for doing Tracey's Transfiguration essay that was due in a few days.
It should have stopped after the first time, a one-and-done as it were. One evening of pleasure, the ability to choose who she gave her first time to, and then that would be it. She didn't need Harry Potter… or the way his fingers felt against her skin, or the electricity that shot through her body when his lips found her neck, or any other part of her body.
So, what was she doing here? Why was she spending her free time daydreaming about being with him in every way possible?
'You know why' a mischievous voice whispered in her mind, 'because of the way he makes you feel. Like you are important to him, more than just a trophy or a womb to bear his heirs. You want to feel loved and desired.'
It was true, she had heard Pansy complaining enough about Draco that she knew what sort of life she might be condemned to in the future. Passionless, cold, dull. But Harry was none of these, there was no deceit in his words when he called her beautiful, no manipulation in his touch while he explored her skin…
The memories of everywhere he touched returned with so much force that Daphne was unaware of the object of her desires entering the room until he spoke.
"Hello Daphne,"
The heiress spun so fast she practically fell over, before forcing herself steady on one of his bedposts. "H-Harry."
He nodded, his warm smile starting those pesky butterflies in her stomach once more. "I was told you traded with miss Davis for today."
"Y-yeah, I uhm… I just…"
"You have nothing to explain, are you still in the mood for what you had requested?"
And that was another thing that had changed. After word had gotten out about Ginny Weasley's first time, much to the redhead's embarrassment, the 'sign-up sheet' had included a 'request' portion if the Witch had a fantasy they wanted to explore.
Daphne had been hesitant, until she had overheard a pair of older Slytherin girls giggling about one they had in mind. Something that had sent her heart racing and blood boiling at the thought.
"Yes, I am."
He nodded, "I believe the safe word is Snitch?"
"O-okay"
***LoD***
Theodore Nott forced down the urge to shout in anger as he watched his Daphne step out of Harry's personal chambers, looking giggly and very satisfied.
No, no this is not how it was supposed to happen! She was his! His father was going to make an offer to Lord Greengrass sometime in the next year! Clearly it was Davis' fault, the Half-blood bitch had corrupted his future wife, turned her against the Pureblood traditions and towards the meaningless sins of the flesh and temptations of lust.
But he could forgive Daphne, he would give her a chance to earn her place at his side once they were betrothed. He simply needed to be patient, to bide his time like a true Slytherin while continuing to gather his power and resources.
***LoD***
'Forty-five minutes' Snape noted as Moody took another drink from his flask. It was the longest the Potion master had seen the man go without a drink, and yet it did not seem to be alcoholic. Whatever it was the Defense teacher was incredibly secretive of it, something that Dumbledore had dismissed as simply being one of the odd quirks of his old friend.
"I trust him Severus" the Headmaster had explained days prior, "as I trust you."
Severus gritted his teeth in annoyance, of course Dumbledore would pull that kind of crap to have him back down, the old man certainly knew what buttons to push to force the reaction he was looking for.
Still, his curiosity would not be so easily dissuaded. Harry had clearly meant something in his cryptic inquiry about Polyjuice, and thus far their newest professor was showing signs of being someone he clearly was not.
***LoD***
"Ladies and gentlemen after a month of preparation it is finally time for the very first task of the TRIWIZARD TOURNAMENT!" The roar of the crowd greeted the announcer, who grinned in anticipation. "Each Champion will be required to steal a golden egg from the nest of a vicious mother Dragon. The one who is most effective will receive the highest points! LET THE GAMES BEGIN!"
First up was Krum, who tried his luck on combating the beast directly. After a flurry of piercing hexes, all the while trying to avoid the flames of the furious beast, blinded it the Bulgarian managed to slip around its flank and reach his target. What he had not counted on, however, was the rage that consumed the monster, whose tail lashed out and destroyed the nest, and nearly the Quidditch star as well.
Luckily, his reflexes had just managed to kick in and he had ducked in time, before rolling behind a series of rocks and making his way back to the exit.
Then came Diggory, who had Transfigured a nearby boulder into dog to distract the Dragon long enough to sneak his way past. It had almost worked too, up until the point at which the decoy was caught, and the flames of the creature were turned back on the Hufflepuff. He still managed to escape, but not without mild burns covering almost half of his body.
Last up was the French Witch, whose use of mind manipulation spells proved quite effective, but not as much as she had been banking on. The girl had nearly made it back to the exit with her cargo intact, after putting the Horntail into a trance, but it awoke a moment too soon, and claws slashed into her back as she leaped through the exit, earning a rather severe set of wounds.
***LoD***
While awaiting the final scores from the judges a conversation took place in the Slytherin section of the stands.
"That was awesome wasn't it my Lord? I mean did you see the way Krum dodged those flames!?"
Pansy rolled her eyes from where she sat at Malfoy's right side; the boy's hero worship was getting a bit ridiculous at this point. She almost considered asking to annul their future relationship so that the heir could simply marry the Bulgarian.
"Indeed Draco, although I am a bit curious as to why we aren't being dismissed to head back to the school yet..."
The other Slytherins glanced around and noticed that the boy was correct, and none of the others had been let go from the stadium. Even more curious was the fact that the Champions were reentering the arena.
"Witches and Wizards, we have an exciting announcement. All three Champions have agreed to get a group photo taken, in the ruins of the arena, that will be sold in order to raise money for charity! Let us give them a round of applause for their generosity, and make sure you purchase one yourself!"
***LoD***
'Utterly ridiculous' Fleur seethed as she slowly made her way to the appointed spot. They had barely managed to sit down before one of the English bastards had insisted that they all do a handful of group photos to sell, and not for one second did she believe that any of the proceeds would be going to 'charity' as they claimed.
Even worse was the fact that they still had one of the Dragons chained up nearby, claiming that the addition would make the photos 'more exciting'. Personally, the oldest Delacour daughter would have been happy never being within ten miles of one ever again.
"Now now come on get a bit closer, really show that camaraderie you three have developed." Bagman insisted gleefully.
Even Krum rolled his eyes at that, the Champions had not been in the same room as each other since the 'Weighing of the Wands' and even then, it had been tense, knowing that each was in it not only for themselves but their school and national pride.
Cedric shifted slightly closer to them, and further from the chained monster nearby, as he continued glancing at one of the creatures that had nearly killed them less than an hour prior. "Could uh... we hurry this up please... I mean as much as I love being near a giant fire breathing monster..."
"Yes yes of course just another few pictures. Now then if we could get one of Fleur laying down on her side with the two boys standing triumphantly, you know to really show the difference in the gender roles."
The French Witch was about to tell the English prick where to shove his camera when a roar, followed by the sound of metal shattering echoed through the stadium. Fleur didn't even need to hear the screams to ascertain what had happened, the Horntail had managed to free itself...
Turning slightly, along with the other two teens, her eyes widened as the beast snarled and began advancing towards them, knocking the handlers away with pathetic ease.
'This is it, this is how I die.' the Veela mentally cried as thoughts of her sister raced through her mind. She had known how dangerous the Tournament would be... but to die in it...
Her eyes closed, tears rolling down her face as she took her last few breaths of life and prepared herself for the Dragon's wrath... when instead she was met with a sudden silence. Was this what the afterlife was like? It wasn't so bad really, but she had been hoping the pain in her back would at least vanish.
Risking what remained of her sanity the girl opened her eyes a sliver, before they flew open in shock, her jaw practically dropping as well.
The Dragon had halted mere feet away from them, stopped as it quirked its head to examine the teenage boy who had somehow appeared between them and certain death.
Harry Potter
***LoD***
The arena had fallen silent as a fourteen-year-old boy appeared between the Champions and the creature set to devour them. More than a few professors had drawn their Wands in the hopes of somehow buying the participants time to escape but knew that any direct attacks would turn the beast's attention onto them, and the surrounding crowd of students.
Thus, everyone was merely waiting to see what would happen, that is until the boy-who-lived smirked and took a step forward... and the Horntail took a step back.
Each stride from the teen was met with one of the, much larger, animal. Halfway back to its nest the Dragon's demeanor changed, head dropping, wings curling in.
McGonagall practically gasped when a very frightened whimper sounded from the beast. Eventually the pair reached the nest, with the Dragon curling around the eggs in a last-ditch effort to try and protect them, or perhaps beg for the safety of its young.
Harry merely grinned, before turning and walking back towards the entrance, each stride calm and relaxed as if what he had just done was a normal thing in his world. When he finally reached the others, it was Krum who whispered out the question on the minds of all present.
"B-b-but... how!?"
The raven-haired boy merely shrugged, "It's an animal thing" before continuing towards the castle.
***LoD***