The next month and half leading up to the arrival was hectic for everyone involved in one of the teams, the Professors in charge of each team were relentless in their training. Harry and the team had Quidditch practice five out of seven nights of the week. The first practice had been amazing and a bloody nightmare for all those involved.
"Alright listen up," Madam Hooch began, "I don't care what House you're in, who you're dating, who you've had pathetic school yard spats with, or who's beaten whom on the pitch, from now you are a team!" She stared each one of them in the hard in the eye as she said that. "You are representing Hogwarts on a world stage you will not embarrass, your school or yourselves by giving into petty jealousies, I expect you to act like a team on and off the pitch, if you have any problems with that leave now," she paused waiting for any of them to make a move, none did. "Good. Now I've made Hadrian and Rodger captains, if they tell you to do something do it, unless I tell you otherwise. If for whatever reason Rodger or Hadrian cannot play Cedric will be the captain out on the field. Ginny you will be training as an alternate chaser and a seeker, every practice you will switch on and off between the chasers and training with Harry and Cedric. Eddie the same goes for you only at beater and keeper, problems?" Both players shook their heads no. "Good now for starters I want everyone to do three laps around the pitch," the players moved for their brooms, except for Harry who saw a bit a mischief present in Madam Hooch's eyes, "I didn't mention brooms did I? You need to be in top physical shape as well. Hadrian you run every day set the pace." Hadrian nodded and led the groups in their laps, while they were running Hooch was conjuring exercise equipment, nothing big just weights of varying pounds and a couple bars for pull ups. Harry completed the run along with Cedric, Aaron and surprisingly Ginny without any problems. Alicia, Angelina, Eddie, Evan and Katie were a bit winded but didn't really show any signs of real fatigue. Draco, Rodger, Beau, Jess, Cormac, Fred, and George, who were all purebloods, looked like they were going to pass out. Harry laughed a little and quirked an eyebrow at Ginny, in question.
"Bill thinks exercise is important plus Evelyn started to teach me fencing also," Ginny said with a shrug as Madam Hooch came over.
"Why purebloods look down on exercise I'll never know," she muttered before speaking louder, "Fitness will help improve not only your Quidditch but also your magic in general. And you might as well save the glaring as you'll be doing this every practice. Hadrian do you know how to use the equipment I conjured?"
"Yes ma'am."
"Good show them how, along with push-ups, sit-ups, crunches, pull-ups, chin-ups, and jumping jacks. You have a half-hour."
Harry nodded, "alright guys first we need to stretch, so circle up." Harry led them through some simple stretches that took about ten minutes. "Now, first I'm going to show you how to do them but does anyone know how to do all that Madam Hooch said?" Alicia, Angelina, Evan, Katie, and Aaron raised their hands.
"Okay why you guys get started and do ten of each, if you can't do ten of the pull-ups or chin-ups just do as many as you can. And if you can do more go up to twenty five, then hit the weights for a little bit. Oh and start with the pull-ups and chin-ups. The rest of you follow me, first up we have jumping jacks," Harry went through and demonstrated for them each one before helping them through the exercises. They got in a few lifts with weights when Madam Hooch came back over from where she was observing.
"Now I want you to do your stretches and the exercises Hadrian showed you every day, so that includes the days we don't have practice." A few of them groaned and Madam Hooch grinned, "the more you do it, the easier they get. Now let's fly." The next hour and a half of practice was spent getting everyone use to flying with each other for the first time. Hooch blew her whistle at the end and they all landed, "Alright that was good for today but tomorrow the real fun starts, dismissed."
"She's enjoyed that too much," Draco commented as the team made their way back to the castle. The team laughed uproarously at the extremely put out look Draco wore, those who saw them come into the castle starred in awe at members from all the houses getting along, especially because they were quidditch players. The players were usually the fiercest of house rivals. Dueling practices were similar to the quidditch practices, five nights a week and with a focus not just on spells but on the physical aspects of it. The Academic team were often found pouring over books in the library, most were focused on a specialty, like History but they still studied for all aspects.
It was the first visit to Hogsmeade and the day Flitwick was going to try the spell on the portraits. The others were going to town while Harry and Daphne were going to floo home with Flitwick. Harry got ready and he and Daphne went up to Breakfast. They wished the others a good day and then they met Flitwick at his office.
"Ahh Hadrian, Daphne good morning." Flitwick said as he welcomed them into his office. Harry had shipped his to paintings home using Hedwig earlier in the week; he didn't want them to go through the floo.
"Hi professor," They both replied.
"I need to go first and add you to the ward list before you can come through Professor," Harry said to the tiny Professor who nodded in understanding and handed Harry the floo powder.
"Potter Manor," Harry shouted throwing the powder in and then stepping through the floo, Sirius and Scooby greeted him on the other side.
"Scoob down boy," Harry said as the exuberant puppy jumped up on Harry, placing his paws and Harry's shoulder and giving Harry's face a lick. "Um Sirius if he jumps on Flitwick he'll knock him over."
"Right, Scoob sit, stay." Sirius said and placed a hand on the dog's collar after he sat. Harry took the ward list from Sirius and added Filius Flitwick.
"Alright Daph you guys can come through," Harry said sticking his head in the floo.
Flitwick and Daphne stepped out of the floo and Sirius tugged back on Scooby's collar the puppy stayed sitting but his tail was wagging so fast it was a blur.
"Ahh, who's this," Flitwick said reaching out and petting the large puppy, Flitwick's hand was smaller than Scoob's head.
"This is Scooby, he's Sirius's." Harry said as they started to the practice room where the large painting of Godric and Salazar was. Scoob got excited and ran knocking Flitwick on to his back and proceeded to run around with Flitwick holding on and Sirius rolling on the floor laughing.
Harry held in his laughter and spoke, "Scoob come on," Harry called out. Scooby still with the Head of Ravenclaw House on his back trotted over to Harry as they entered the practice room. Salazar and Godric just stared in shock at the sight presented before them.
Flitwick got off Scooby and summoned a biscuit for him, "thank you for the ride." At that Daphne lost it and Harry let out his grin.
"Godric, Salazar, I'd like you to meet Professor Filius Flitwick, Head of Ravenclaw House and Charms Master at Hogwarts."
"Pleasure" they both answered. Flitwick looked a little shocked, he had been trying to prepare himself to meet two of the Founders especially one with the reputation of being a dark lord.
"Likewise," Flitwick managed to squeak out.
"So you're going to get us a new picture," Salazar asked?
"Yes, yes Hadrian the paintings," Harry and Daphne placed the two paintings one of Gryffindor with his sword and in the setting of a training room, and one of Salazar in a potions lab and placed them on easels in front of the large painting.
"Alright Hadrian where your initials are on the painting," Flitwick said pointing to the cleverly hidden signature. "You need to trace over them in your blood." Harry pricked his finger and went over the initials on Godric's painting. "Now repeat after me, touching your to Godric and then to the signature. Delego memoria. Now touch your wand again to Godric and then to the signature in blood, delego animates."
Harry touched his wand to Godric in the large painting and said, "Delego," then he touched his wand to the signature, "memoria." He repeated the process saying, "Delego animates." A flash of red enveloped the smaller painting Harry had done and Godric moved from the large painting into the smaller one and he drew his sword and turned to face them.
"It worked!" The painting of Godric said. Harry repeated the process for Salazar who was happy to have some potions to fiddle around with.
"So where should we put them," Daphne asked?
"Severus's office. That way we can get their advice during the year plus I'm sure Severus wants to pick Salazar's brain on those potions we found, since he hasn't had time yet."
It was the Thursday, the day before Durmstrang and Beauxbatons arrived and Harry was in Defense with Susan. Harry was sitting with Blaise in the second row with Daphne and Tracey in front of them and Susan and Hannah behind them. Harry was impressed with Moody's teaching so far, even if he randomly went on paranoid tirades about the Ministry and Death Eaters. Harry couldn't remember him doing that as much the last time he saw him, but chalked the behavior up to simply spending more time around the man, either that or the man had a crack habit, Harry snorted to himself with that last thought. Daphne turned and looked at him oddly, he shrugged and she shook her head before turning back around.
Moody limped into the classroom and barked out put your books away you won't need them for today." He moved to the chalkboard and wrote in his barely legible scrawl, The Unfogivables. "Tell me about them?" Moody prompted the students; Tracey raised her hand, "Miss Davies?"
"There are three and they were outlawed at separate times, the Cruciatus curse in 1053, the Imperious curse in 1252, and the Avada Kedavra curse in 1407. Nobody knows when the curses were invented but the first record of all three curses is from the time of the Four Founders in 950's."
"Good, correct, five points to Slytherin, who can tell me what they do, starting with the Imperious?"
Susan raised her hand and Moody nodded at her to answer, "it gives the caster the ability to control their enemies mind. It can be fought off by those with a strong force of mind."
"Five points to Hufflepuff, now Dumbledore wants me to show you these curses." Moody levitated a spider out of jar on the front of table, he than enlarged it. "This little beauty is an Australian Funnel Spider her bite can be lethal, Imperio." As Moody moved his wand the spider danced across the front table, Moody then to the shock of the students had the spider jump from desk to desk and scaring some of the students, many of them were laughing. Harry, though, was stone faced as he watched; Daphne and Blaise had similar looks while Tracey and Susan just looked disgusted.
"You think that's funny do you?" Moody asked in a bit of a shout, "What should I have her do nest jumped out the wind," and with that the spider flew to the window, "drown herself," the spider flew over a jar of water cringing away from it. Moody's next words were in a whisper as the class was dead quiet, "or perhaps bite one of you? This curse is not a joke, you can be made to do terrible things with it, even kill your own family. Now the next curse the Cruciatus curse, anyone?"
Draco raised his hand hesitantly and with a haunted look in his eyes, "It causes emence pain unlike anything the victim has ever felt."
"Five to Slytherin, Crucio!" Moody cast the spell and the spider made hissing noises unlike anything Harry had heard from a spider before, and it curled inward on itself trying to escape the pain. "Prolonged use can cause the victim to become insane," Moody said in an odd tone that only Harry caught, it caused Harry to look hard at Moody who abruptly stopped the curse. "And the last one," he paused for an answer to his question, "no one, it kills. Avada Kedavra!" A green jet of light shot out from his and rocketed towards the spider. The spider was enveloped by the green light and tossed a little ways down the table. Harry starred at the spider as he thought of his parents and the countless others who died without so much as a mark left on them but on those left behind.
"Everybody up, form a line," Moody called to the class who stood and did as he said, "I'm going to cast the imperius on you all, Dumbledore wants you to recognize and perhaps be able to fight it." He took turns casting the imperious at them, Justin Finch-Fetchly made a rather good squirrel, Ernie MacMillan jumped in a circle on one foot, Hannah did an amazing series of acrobatic flips across the room, he was followed by many more interesting performances, and then there was Harry.
"Imeprio!"
Harry felt a sense of calm and euphoria come over Harry and he hear a voice say in his head, 'jump, jump on to the desk.' Harry before he even flexed his muscles, slammed his mind shield up as he heard again this time longer, 'jump', still Harry didn't move, 'JUMP', "No," Harry spoke and forced the presence out of his mind. Moody actually stumbled back as Harry's magic pushed against him, no one except Daphne noticed Moody look worried before he masked it.
"Good, excellent Potter fought it off and beat it!" Moody declared excitedly. Harry just nodded to the man still contemplating his thoughts on the killing curse. "Greengrass you're up. Imperio!"
The same feeling washed over Daphne and she closed her eyes blissfully until she heard a voice say, 'kiss Goyle and declare you love him,' Daphne eyes immediately shot open and her shields locked into place and she walked over and pulled Harry into a passionate kiss, long enough for her to slip her tongue into his mouth, then she pulled back at turned and glared and Moody. Harry was once again in a euphoric state but this time he embraced it and wrapped his arms around Daphne's waist pulling her close to him, so that Daphne's back was against his chest. Harry leaned his head down on her shoulder and smiled goofily back at the rest of the class.
"Um good, fifteen points to Slytherin, Greengrass, Potter, and Zabini are the only ones to fight it off the rest of you need work, Davis just a little more and then you'll have it. Class dismissed."
"Hey guys how did transfiguration go, Nev," Tracey asked as they sat down to eat dinner that night.
"I completely cocked up my switching spell, and McGonagall was pissed. They're really going all out on getting ready for this tournament." Neville sighed as he took his seat.
"Yeah no shite, Hooch is like a slave driver, I think I've gained like seven pounds of solid muscle since we started not to mention my arse is starting go numb whenever I look at my broom." That got the rest of the table laughing. They were at the Slytherin table but Cedric, Susan, Hanna and Jason Murray of Hufflepuff was sitting with them, as was, Hermione, Padma, Rodger Davis, Eddie Carmichael, and Evan Deverill of Ravenclaw, plus the Gryffindors from the Quidditch team and Lee Jordan. Some of the Slytherins had to sit at the other tables with their friends in Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff to make room for all of them.
It was past midnight and Harry was up in the Slytherin common room with Daphne leaning against his shoulder. Aiolos was in front of them curled by the fire, "they are all asssleep hatchling," Aiolos hissed to Harry, the last of the Slytherins had left the common room about twenty minutes ago.
"Everyone else is asleep," Harry mentioned.
"So are you going to tell me what's bothering you or am I going to have to torture you to get," Daphne said wiggling her eyebrows at him.
Harry chuckled a bit at her, which was her intended result. He sighed, "Seeing the curse today being used…" Harry trailed off and Daphne moved to sit in on Harry's lap facing him, she laid her head on his shoulder. Harry wrapped his arms around her and held her, "there's not even a mark left on the body. Daphne just nodded and they sat there for awhile Daphne trying to comfort Harry.
"Slytherin as always will represent the best of Hogwarts," Severus Snape spoke to his students who had just finish with their last class the Friday that the foreign schools were arriving. "As such I expect you to be dressed neatly in your full uniform, failure to do so will land you in detention. And Merlin help you if they're not clean," Severus said giving Crabble a hard stare. "You will line up as group first years, followed by second and so on, prefects on the end."
At 5:50 all of Hogwarts was lined up in front of the Entrance Hall of the castle, the Slytherins set an example which the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs followed, while McGonagall was struggling between getting the Gryffindors organized similarly and wanting to strangle some of them for their lack of decorum. The Slytherins were trying to hide their smirks all of them were dressed in their finest school robes and cloaks.
"Well are they going to get here or what?" Blaise muttered and Tracey elbowed him. "What," he replied indigently.
"They're French did you really expect them to be anything but fashionably late," Tracey answered with a smirk. Harry and Daphne laughed along with the others in earshot finally at 6:10 one of the Creevey brothers shouted.
"It's a flying house!"
Hogwarts turned to where he pointed and they saw a flying…something, which turned into a giant carriage being pulled by what Harry could identify as Abraxan, rather large white flying horses. The carriage landed almost knocking Hagrid on his arse, a feat in and of itself. Hogwarts waited and finally a squirrely looking boy came out and set a step down for the carriage, and out came the biggest woman Harry had ever seen. The woman was probably about no more than an inch taller than Hagrid, and she was dressed in fine silk robes and decked in jewels. Following Madam Maxine was a group of thirty students all appearing to be in at least their fifth year with the majority probably being seventeen year olds. They were dressed in fine silk blue robes that Harry assumed must have been cold considering they were all buried under scarves.
"Why don't they just use a warming charm?" Harry asked.
"Who the hell knows," Daphne answered with a bit of sarcasm directed towards the French contenders who were acting rather haughty. She was looking for Fleur and couldn't spot her or her signature silvery blonde hair. "Can you see Fleur?"
"No she must be one of the ones covered up," Tracey answered.
As they were talking Madam Maxine had made her way up to Dumbledore who greeted her with open arms. "Ahh my dear Madam Maxine, Hogwarts welcome's you. Would you like to wait inside for Durmstrang or would you like to stay out here?"
"I think we will head in side, Dumbly-dorr," Madam Maxine said looking over her students.
"Mr. Filch, please take Madam Maxine and her students to the Great Hall," Dumbledore spoke and the caretaker ran over huffing and puffing, with Mrs. Norris following. The students had taken to starring back at the stars in hopes of spotting Durmstrang first. They began to hear a rather odd bubbling sound coming from the darkness and Lee Jordan called out to all of them.
"The Lake," once again the Hogwarts students and professors turned, this time towards the Lake. As they watch the surface began to bumble and swirl like someone had the pulled the plug on the Black Lake. Then a dark wooden pole started to rise from the surface as it came out Harry recognized it.
"It's a mast for a like an old warship or something," Harry said quietly to his friends. As Harry spoke a loud squelching noise was heard and up out of the water came as Harry said, an old fashioned warship that looked like it could have been a wreck at one point. It bowed back and forth before it settled in the water of the Black Lake. A plank was thrown out as a walkway and once again about thirty or so people came towards the Hogwarts. A tall, sleek looking man in silver furs came up to Dumbles.
"Albus, it is good to see you again," He greeted with open arms and gave the Headmaster a strong hug, Harry instantly disliked the man.
"Igor," Dumbledore spoke jovially as he embraced the man. The man looked like an idiot movie villain that you saw in old black and white movies, who tied damsels in distress to railroad tracks, with his goatee and beady eyes. "Ahhh, Dear old Hogwarts," the man said in what was supposed to be a tone of longing and happiness came out off, as the man grimaced while he tried to smile, showing off horrible yellow decaying teeth, Daphne and Tracey booth flinched away from the man's teeth and made gagging noises, Harry Blaise tried to hide their smiles.
"Viktor, come we must go inside," Karkaroff said shortly, "I hope you don't mind Dumbledore, Viktor has a slight head cold." He motioned a student forward who walked past him rolling his eyes, the student had large hooked nose and thick eyebrows that were instantly recognizable.
Ron Weasley with all the tact of a rampaging dragon shouted, "Blimey it's Viktor Krum," in a high pitched squeak. The Slytherins laughed while the other houses tried to get glimpses of the star quidditch player as he lead the fur cloaked Durmstrang contingent into Hogwarts.
The Hogwarts students filed in after the Durmstrang students, well Gryffindor and some of the Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw girls rushed in while the rest orderly went in starting with the Slytherins, then Ravenclaw, and then Hufflepuff. The students of Durmstrang were still gathered around the entrance trying to determine where to sit; the Weasel was practically bouncing trying to get Krum's attention. The Beauxbatons students had chosen to sit at the Ravenclaw table and they saw Fleur and waved as she was now sitting next to Hermione conversing quietly, a few seconds into the conversation Fleur and the rest of the Beauxbatons students momentarily looked like they wanted to bang their heads against the table in idiocy and Hermione smirked, Harry figured she asked about the warming charm. Seeing nobody moving to help the Durmstrang students out Harry motioned for Daphne to go ahead to the Slytherin table while he stopped and walked up to Krum, figuring he would be the best bet at understanding English out of the Durmstrang students. Viktor for his part was rather surprised somebody approached him without fawning or looking dazed and crazed like a fan boy or girl did.
"Hello, I'm Lord Hadrian Potter," Harry said formally bowing to Viktor.
Viktor's eyes widen, the only sign that he recognized Harry, before he bowed back, "Viktor Krum."
"You and the rest of Durmstrang," Harry spoke gesturing to the other Durmstrang students and making eye contact with a few of them, "are welcome to sit at Slytherin table with us."
"Zank you." Viktor spoke to Harry and then told the others in a foreign language Harry thought was Russian. Harry led them over to the Slytherin table, the snakes rearranged themselves so they could fit comfortably and Harry took his seat next to Daphne. Daphne had sat towards an open end of the table, which was usually open, after Harry had approached Viktor. Viktor and the other Durmstrang students chose to sit near them. Viktor sat next to Blaise who was across from Harry.
While they waited for the staff to enter the hall the Durmstrang students took off their heavy outer fur coats and hats, leaving them in blood red robes. The robes were done in a military fashion, they had a blood red shell coat with two rows of bronze buttons and a high collar that stood straight up and was strapped with a thick black belt at the waist. They had a cape that was hung over their right shoulder, blood red dress pants and high black boots, the few girls wore blood red skirts and capes that attached at both shoulders. All together they made for a rather imposing sight. Finally the teachers walked into the Great Hall, where four extra chairs were instead of two, they were all added to the sides of Dumbledore. The last in line were Headmaster Karkaroff, Dumbledore, and Madam Maxine. The Beauxbatons students stood when they saw their headmistress enter and remained standing until she took her seat, despite some snickers from the Hogwarts students.
"Welcome everyone, students, ghosts, and most especially honored guests." Harry snorted at Dumbledore's speech, who the hell thanks ghost for being present before their guests. "I trust you will all find Hogwarts satisfactory during your stay here." Fleur giggled a bit from her spot and they looked over to see Hermione roll her eyes at the older French girl. "Now then the Triwizard tournament will officially be opened at the end of the Feast please enjoy." As he said that the golden plates Hogwarts had filled with food.
"Vy solid gold plates?" Viktor asked Harry with a look on his face that said, how has somebody not lifted these yet.
"We've learned it's better not to ask when it comes to the odd and strange things at Hogwarts," Harry said with a shrug.
Blaise added, "Like for instance the staircases randomly move and change patterns and we have stairs that vanish when you step on them."
Viktor looked at Dumbles and then back at Harry and his friends, "So he really is Choknutyj?"
Harry didn't have to understand Viktor to know what he asked, "Yes, yes he is, just don't tell the Gryffindor." Viktor let out a deep laugh and nodded.
"So are you going to compete in the Quidditch tournament, are you even allowed to by your sponsors?" Daphne asked showing her enthusiasm for the sport.
"Da, I can compete and vill for Durmstrang, sponsors think it good for image, besides I enjoy it."
"Well you may be a pro but, you're going to lose. Harry here is are seeker and is damn good he caught the snitch once while being chased by a dementor," Vaisey spoke up from a little ways down the table. That led to some ribbing back and forth between the Sytherins and the Durmstrang students but most of it was in good nature.
"You have right build for seeker, did you really get chased by dementor and catch snitch?"
"Yeah but I lost my first broom in the process, it kinda sucked because of that." Harry said Viktor nodded.
"You vill be good competitor," He said with finality and Dumbledore stood ending the conversation.
"Now that you all are fed and sated, may I present to you Mr. Crouch and Mr. Ludo Bagman. Mr. Crouch is the head of our Department of International Magical Cooperation and Mr. Bagman is the head of or Magical Sports and Games department both men have worked tirelessly in bringing about the reinstatement of the Triwizard Tournament." A cheer went up as Dumbledore announced that. Both men stood to the applause although Crouch looked anything but happy.
"What's with the Hitler mustache?" Harry said as he leaned over to Daphne, "It's insulting to even wear that style now."
"Who knows but Crouch as always been a hard ass, he might not be a Death Eater or sympathizer but he does believe in wizard supremacy over other magical creatures plus, he's lethal in his own right and completely stone hearted. He sent his son to Azkaban after he was found to be a Death Eater and disowned him."
"He was also on the fast track to becoming Minister until his son was found out," Tracey added over the applause, "after that he was demoted and people lost trust in him, he still wants to be Minister."
As she finished Dumbledore resumed his speech, "when the casket is brought in the tournament will be officially opened. The tournament will consist of three tasks spaced throughout the year; these tasks are designed to test the competitors in every way. While Eternal glory awaits the winner, mortal peril also awaits all the contestants, enter at your own risk. Entering your name also constitutes a binding magical contract if chosen you will have to compete, there is no turning back.
"Now the casket if you please," Dumbledore spoke and the Great Hall doors opened. Filch came in carrying a rather large but ancient looking chest. Filch brought it to the front of the Hall and the owl stand where Dumbledore spoke from faded into the ground and Filch placed the casket down where it was. Dumbledore waved his wand and the casket turned into a stand and from it rose a rather plain looking goblet except for blue flames that rose about six inches up from the inside of the goblet. "The Goblet of Fire, our impartial selector, to enter simply write your name on a piece of paper and cast it into the flames. You have until tomorrow's Halloween Feast when the names will be announced. In order to ensure that only those of legal age enter I will be creating an age line to go around the Goblet, as a warning, it will keep those under seventeen from entering.
"For the three other competitions, the first Quidditch game will be held November 14th and will be Beauxbatons V. Hogwarts. The first dueling competition is to be held November 28th and will be between Beauxbatons and Durmstrang. The Academic Competition will be held towards the end of the year and will be all three schools competing at once. Good luck and good night."
Madam Maxine rose from the head table and her students followed Fleur waved to them as she left the Great Hall. Some of the Hogwarts students were filling out while others were still scattered around eating. The Slytherins stayed while the Durmstrang students finished finally Karkaroff stood and the Durmstrang students and Slytherin students rose and made their way out, the exodus of students plus the girls following Krum made for a traffic jam. Harry was pushed up against Karkaroff. Who just managed to spy what was left of Harry's scar, while it was no longer vibrant as before with his hair spiked and thanks to a convienently placed torch Karkaroff got a good look at it. Karkaroff pulled Harry forward by his robes trying to get a better look; Harry acted on instinct driven into him not only from the Dursleys but also his training. He grabbed Karkaroff's wrists where Karkaroff was holding his robes and twisted the man's wrist and forced him into a kneel by kicking the back of the man's legs, Harry holding Karkaroff's arms behind his back forced him to stay in place.
The Slytherins around Harry and his friends acted in defense and pulled their wands aiming at Karkaroff and his aide who had his wand pulled. Almost all the older Slytherins and forced the younger ones back behind them and split their wands between Karkaroff and his Aide. Daphne was seething and you could see the beginning of a spell light up her wand though she had yet to even utter a sound.
Professor McGonagall, Dumbledore, Severus, and Madam Pomfrey rushed over to the scene to intervene. Before Dumbledore or McGonagall could say anything Severus held his hand up to silence them. Severus could see from his position that Harry was trying to fight a flashback to the Dursleys, he was sweating, tense, and had a widely spark to his eyes, and he had yet to release Karkaroff who was struggling and making it worse for himself. Severus came over and laid a hand on the back of Harry's neck and spoke softly, "Hadrian you are at Hogwarts, release the fool he will not hurt you." As Severus was leaning into talk he had to stop himself from flinching away, he could see Aiolos's head and neck, the rest of the snake's body still in tattoo form but ready to strike in defense of her human should the Karkaroff make a wrong move. "Hadrian," Severus said still calmly but a bit more forceful.
Harry slowly released Karkaroff and man rounded on him in anger only to come face to face with Severus who had stepped halfway in front of Hadrian.
"Karkaroff," Severus said bitingly, "it would be in your best interest not to lay a hand on one of my students, ever again;" Severus put more bite to some of his words with the intention of reminding Karkaroff just who he was dealing with. "As you can see my snakes will defend themselves and each other." Severus nodded to his Slytherins who all put their wands away and started to leave towards the dungeons again. Karkaroff spun angrily and marched out of the school, most of Durmstrang looked like they found the incident funny, while Viktor looked thoughtful, and a few others with backgrounds not unlike Harry's looked understanding, having seen what Severus saw.
"Hadrian explain," Severus prompted when it was only him, Professor McGonagall, and Twinkles, Madam Pomfrey had left intending to get Harry a small dose of Dreamless sleep potion for him.
"We were walking out and I got forced into Karkaroff, I turned intending to apologize, and then he grabbed me. I defended myself without thinking everything's kinda blurred," Harry explained in a calm voice.
"Daphne?" Severus prompted.
"Karkaroff grabbed him and pulled Harry close to him. He looked surprised and angry at the same time then Harry twisted out of his grasped and forced him to the ground."
Severus nodded and then turned, "come Madam Pomfrey wants to see you."
"Severus this requires more discussion," Dumbledore spoke his annoying twinkle still present in his eyes. Severus looked at Dumbledore like he had grown a second head, Aiolos had come out of Harry's skin and was now wrapped around the outside of Harry's robes and was hissing angrily, Daphne's wand glowed again, Harry closed his eyes and took deep breaths, and McGonagall looked completely shocked but it was she who spoke first.
"Honestly Albus, the man knows you never lay a hand on a student especially one that is not yours. And Mr. Potter reacted without harm but to defend himself from an older more experienced wizard, he did nothing wrong and he has a whole house as his witness. Enough of this."
Dumbledore tried to mask his anger at his Deputy's dressing down but his eyes lost their twinkle, showing it to Severus and Harry. "My mistake," with that the old man turned on his heel and left the hallway.
"Good night Mr. Potter, Miss Greengrass," McGonagall spoke before leaving, they nodded in return.
The three Slytherins started on their way to the hospital wing. It was about three minutes into the walk when Harry spoke, "Severus."
Severus turned and looked at Harry as did Daphne.
"Karkaroff he's a Death Eater isn't he?" Harry asked with a hard tone of voice.
Severus stopped walking as did his two students, "Yes, he was. How did you know?"
"I could sense his mark when he grabbed me, his left arm had Voldemort's magic on it," Harry answered and Daphne squeezed his hand in support.
"Can you sense my also?"
"Yes, but yours is fainter, like he lost a bit of control of the mark and it's only when you touch me with that arm."
Severus nodded and they resumed walking, not noticing the figure limp away from behind them. Severus spoke a minute or so later when they were almost to the hospital wing.
"Igor Karkaroff was a Death Eater but when he was caught after the downfall of the Dark Lord, he turned traitor and ratted out a number of other Death Eaters. In return for his testimony he cut a deal and only had to spend two years in Azkaban. Be careful around him, the Dark Lord will want Karkaroff dead when he returns, as such Karkaroff might try something stupid. I will keep a closer watch on him."
Harry and Daphne both nodded and they entered the hospital wing. Madam Pomfrey was waiting for them and came over with glass that had a very small amount of Dreamless Sleep potion in it.
"Well Hadrian, I see your back," Madam Pomfrey spoke in a mock scolding manner.
"I missed you, after all you're my favorite healer and visiting just for the sake of visiting isn't quite the same," Harry replied back charmingly.
Madam Pomfrey shook her head and smiled, "Drink up; it's a smaller amount as such it won't knock you out like normal. This will just be enough to keep dreams at bay, but I would hurry up and get to the dungeons after you take it, it will make you tired." Harry nodded and downed the small amount of liquid and smiled his lopsided goodbye before he, Daphne, and Severus left for the dungeons.
Everyone woke the next day early on in the morning despite it being Saturday. They were anxious to find out who had put their names in. Harry and his friends not so much, the only Slytherin who was putting his name in was Warrington, the rest were either too young or were focused on the big picture of passing their N.E.W.T.'s to get a job. They knew Cedric was entering as well as Angelina besides those two they really didn't care, plus they all had practice. Harry and the other quidditch players ate a quick breakfast, Angelina tossed her name in and they took off for the pitch, Cedric having already put his name in. They arrived outside the locker room to find Hooch standing there waiting for them.
"I have a surprise for all of you," Hooch said and opened the doors to the locker room, it had been redone. There was a gathering place for the whole team to meet with Hooch that had a dry erase type board and comfortable chairs instead of the usual benches. Then there were two doors one for the guys and one for the girls, they entered and saw brand new uniforms. There were two practice jerseys, one in white and the other in black each had the Hogwarts crest on them with their number and name. Harry was happy to see they looked and felt more like muggle football jerseys, they were more of a silk material and were long sleeved. The pants were in a style like muggle American football, with the pads on the inside instead of outside, they seemed more aerodynamic as the uniforms forwent the out robe. The game uniform was done in a sleek looking silver that was lighter than Slytherin silver. The front of the uniform had the Hogwarts crest on it, the sleeves had the house crest that the player was in on the left, and on the right sleeve was the animal of their house in a fierce pose. The Gryffindor players had a roaring lion, the Slytherins had a snake in mid strike, the Ravenclaw members had an eagle that looked ready to catch its prey in its talons, and the Hufflepuffs had a rampant badger. The back of their jerseys had their name and number on the back in black. The pants for the games were also black and once again done in the American football style. The pads were silver and more modern looking, Harry noticed all the equipment down to the new silver and black shoes featured the Nike* symbol. They got dressed in the practice uniforms and made their way back to Hooch raving about the new uniforms.
When the girls joined them Hooch motioned for them all to sit, "As those of you who are familiar with the muggle world of sports will notice these uniforms and equipment were all donated by the Nike corporation. The CEO found out his daughter was a which three years ago and was introduced to our world in America, he wants to get into the Wizarding Sports since his daughter will be a part of it and he sees it as a good business opportunity. He donated uniforms to all three schools." The halfblood players and two muggleborn players looked particularly excited about this development.
"We also have had another piece of equipment donated," Hooch said and with a flourish of her wand a broom size box flew to each player, including the alternates. They opened it and at once they all gasped and Hooch smirked. Inside the boxes were Nike racing brooms. "These are the first of the line, I've tested them, trust me when I say you'll love them. It seems muggles take their sports very seriously and it's now transferring over with Nike. The brooms you'll notice for each position are a bit different; they're designed with the specific position in mind. If you noticed the pads the seekers and keepers wear are different from the pads the beaters and chasers use. There is a stat card in the box for your broom. You get to keep it after the tournament is over."
Harry pulled out his stat card and read it over,
Aerodynamic shaft made using TCT Carbon Technologies lined with Cuban Mahogany wood.
Tail Twigs hand-crafted bamboo and perfectly aligned for best aerodynamic result
Perfectly balanced, shaft equals weight of twig and foot holds
Foot holds made using TCT Carbon Technologies
Goes from 0 to 170 mph in 6.5 seconds
Harry looked over his broom which was painted black and had the Nike check across
it and couldn't stop the grin that spread over his face and asked the one question they all wanted to know, "When do we get to try 'em?"
"Right now, today's practice will just be getting used to the brooms," Hooch said and they all bolted out of the locker room practically sprinted through their warm ups and then took to the skies.
Harry and the other Quidditch players came into the castle exhilarated, their new brooms and equipment had brought them even closer together as a team.
"Harry," Daphne said as she came into the common room to find her boyfriend still smiling stupidly while playing chess with Draco. Harry pulled Daphne into her lap and gave her a kiss. "Why are you both grinning like fools, move your knight," Daphne said from her spot. Harry did as he was told and got check mate, Harry's grin got wider.
"That's cheating," Draco said petulantly before he grinned again.
"Okay you two really need to tell me why you look like the Cheshire Cat," Daphne said shaking her head.
"You know the muggle sporting company I like, Nike?" Harry asked while Draco reset the board this time to play against Blaise, who had come in with Daphne. Daphne nodded and Harry continued talking, "They're sponsoring the quidditch tournament, the CEO's daughter is a witch and they found out three years ago. He wants to bring Nike to the wizarding world and has given the quidditch teams new uniforms, equipment, and brooms. Really, really, awesome brooms, better then my Firebolt." Harry's smile grew wider if that was possible.
"Boys and their toys," Daphne muttered and in response Harry nuzzled her neck. Harry kept Daphne in his lap as Tracey came back to the common room, and Draco, Theo, and Blaise were having a small chess tournament. Harry alternated from kissing Daphne and nuzzling her neck to watching the chess match as she and Tracey talked.
An hour later they were in all gathered in the Great Hall for the Halloween Feast. Due to it being a feast students were required to sit with their houses. Durmstrang joined the Slytherins and Beauxbatons once again joined the Ravenclaw table. Fleur was sitting next to Hermione, Padma, and Su Li. Krum was sitting with Harry and his friends plus some of the other Durmstrang students.
"Vy iz their zo much candy," Viktor asked?
"Dumbledore celebrates All Hallows Eve the muggle way, besides most celebrate the tradition this way in our country, of course that's not all people celebrate now," Tracey answered. One of Viktor's friends translated it to the others.
"Zo there's alvay's a Feast?"
"Yes, what' do you guys do?"
"Ve light candles and move on," Viktor said simply.
"I wish we did that," Harry said looking around the room with an annoyed expression and pushed his plate away from him. Daphne laid her head on his shoulder in comfort. Viktor seemed a bit confused but then Tracey's comment made sense, the downfall of Voldemort and the death of Harry's parents. "I hate this day," Harry muttered.
Dumbledore stood and the plates and candy vanished from the hall. Dumbledore raised his hands and the all the lights except those in the various jack o' lanterns went out, the Goblet was still burning blue. "And now the time has come for the contestants to be chosen," Dumbledore's voice boomed throughout the hall. Everyone was quiet as they waited for something to happen finally the goblet flared a scarlet and a piece of paper floated out in to Dumbledore's hand.
"The champion for Beauxbaton's Academy of magic is…Fleur Delacour," Dumbledore announced with dramatics. The Beauxbaton students applauded but those who were here for the Triwizard tournament were crying they were so upset, though there was an enormous amount of applause from the men and boys gathered. Harry and his friends were whistling for their French friend. Fleur was ushered into a chamber at the side of the Great Hall to a wait for the others. The applause died down and the goblet sparked scarlet again and Dumbledore's arm shot out for the paper that was emitted. "The champion for Durmstrang Institute is…Viktor Krum," a roar of applause and cheers rang out in the hall, and the Durmstrang students were chanting his name. Viktor stood and walked to the side chamber.
"Bravo, bravo, Viktor, knew you could do it," Karkaroff shouted as he passed though Viktor didn't acknowledge the man. Once again the applause died down and the Goblet sparked scarlet.
"The Champion for Hogwarts is," Dumbledore boomed, "is Cedric Diggory!" The whole of Hufflepuff jumped to their feet shouting for their champion. The rest of Hogwarts joined them although some looked disappointed. The Quidditch team, Harry included were on their feet cheering for their friend. Cedric was smiling widely as he made his way to the side chamber; he inspired the same reaction from a lot of the girls as Fleur had the boys.
"Now that are champions have been chosen, they will be told the information of the first task. It will be held November 24th. I'm sure both Beauxbatons and Durmstrang will be able to give their champions," as he was speaking the goblet started sparking and turned scarlet once more, as the hall went quiet. Daphne looked at Harry with a worried look, if tradition held today wasn't going to end well for Harry. Dumbledore's hand automatically reached out for the piece of parchment, he started at before he finally cleared his throat and said, "Harry Potter."
Harry paled in his seat, he didn't want this. Daphne had his hand in a death grip as an angry buzz started to fill the hall. Finally Harry stood, Daphne was pulled up with him and Tracey and Blaise stood also, and nodded to Harry. Harry walked with Daphne still gripping his hand up to the front of the hall. Karkaroff and Maxine were glaring at him, the other professor's looked shocked, and Severus was on his feet and moving towards Dumbledore with a furious look on his face but when he looked to Harry, Harry shook his head no and Severus nodded in support. "Go through Harry," Dumbledore said and looked like was going to say something about Daphne's presence but Snape had reached him.
Harry entered the antechamber of the Great Hall still pale and grabbed Daphne into a hug, holding tight as she ran her hand through his hair. Aiolos rose from his skin and wrapped herself around both of them. Fleur, Cedric, and Viktor turned to look at them with varying expressions. Fleur looked puzzled as she knew Harry and Daphne weren't very public with their affection, and she was wondering why they were here. Viktor looked confused and Cedric who knew them the longest and was friends with Harry immediately looked concerned. Cedric knew from spending so much time with Harry on the quidditch team that Aiolos never wrapped around Harry and Daphne like that unless something was wrong, he also could tell Aiolos was worried from how fast she was hissing.
"Harry what's wrong," Cedric questioned coming over to them. Aiolos moved to release them and Daphne let go of Harry but kept his hand in hers.
"My name came out of the damned cup," Harry said quietly.
Cedric looked taken aback, Fleur's look was one of confusion, Harry had made his opinion of the tournament and fame clear to her, Viktor straightened trying to reconcile this cheating development with his thoughts on Hadrian so far, they didn't add up. Before anyone could say anything the judges plus Professors McGonagall, Snape, and Moody burst into the room arguing.
Daphne caught the word, "Liar," being thrown around in French by Maxine and her grip on Harry's hand tightened.
Harry heard Karkaroff say something about, "cheating little shits and withdrawing from the competition."
In return he heard Severus say in a deadly voice, "watch what you accuse my students of Karkaroff." The voices of the others joined in a medley of shouts and accusations and finally Harry had had enough.
"ENOUGH," Harry yelled out so pissed at the accusations that he almost hissed the word. Harry released Daphne's hand and his wand shot out of its holster and into his hand. He raised the wand and his arm over his heart and spoke in a loud clear voice, "I Lord Hadrian James Potter swear on my magic and life that I did not enter myself in this tournament nor did I have anyone else enter my name." Harry's magic swirled around him and the green flashed white showing magic had accepted his oath, that and he didn't drop dead of course. His oath pretty much shut everybody down in the room, the other champions nodded at him.
"Unfortunately, Lord Potter," Crouch spoke, "you must still compete, your name coming out of the Goblet means you have to compete or face losing your magic." Crouch looked genuinely sorry that Harry had to compete, Bagman though looked gleeful, something that made Harry and Daphne want to give the man a swift kick in the balls. Dumbledore didn't even look at Harry, Karkaroff looked pissed as did Maxine, Moody looked suspiciously calm, and Professors Snape and McGonagall looked at Harry with sympathy.
"Can we get on with this," Daphne asked rather annoyed at the adults in the room that were acting like squabbling children.
"Right," Ludo Bagman said and pulled the four champions together, "the first task is designed to test your daring and courage so you will not be told what it is you face."
Harry snorted, "that's not daring that's stupidity."
"Hadrian," Severus said sharply.
"Sorry," Hadrian muttered not looking the least bit sorry, the other champions and Daphne struggled to keep a straight face while the Heads looked at him in contempt for his deeming of a legendary tournament, Harry struggled to keep from stick his tongue out at them like a five year old. Aiolos however had no such reservations and hissed out, "ssstupid fucking imbecilesss, too bad you killed the basssilssisk you could have fed thessse idiotsss to it. Asss it isss that goat looking one needsss to watch it or I might get hungry." Harry lost it and started laughing while everyone starred at him like he'd lost it and Severus thinking quickly stepped up to his student who was still laughing and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"If you'll excuse us, I think my student needs some time to adjust," Severus said ushering Daphne and the still laughing Harry out of the room. The others just starred after them, Maxine and Karkaroff looking rather shocked.
Cedric snorted at their expressions and when they turned to look at him he shrugged, "You do know Harry's a parselmouth right? By the way he was laughing I take it Aiolos doesn't like you very much." At that he too left the room chuckling.
A/N:
So the tournament has officially started. Sorry about some of the spelling mistakes that didn't get fixed my spell check was PMS'ing and I didn't fell like trying to find the couple of words that didn't get corrected. And holy hell it's hotter than hell where I live right now, thank God for the AC.
Hope y'll enjoyed,
AM