Chapter 25
Eleven Days Later
Author's Note: For those confused about the Chapter Title, it means "before the time skip last chapter" because the two final scenes in last chapter are revisited in this one. So basically if the chapter ended without the time-skip, we'd be at this moment now.
Last Chapter, I accidentally brought Auror Dawlish back from the dead before I noticed it. (It has been several chapters since I wrote Malfoy killed him and it was one sentence. So yeah!) It was soon changed to Savage, but those who saw the Auror accompanying Amelia as Dawlish instead of Savage, it has been changed.
Warning: Adult Situations
Eleven days had passed since Rita Skeeter was arrested for being an Unregistered Animagus, and Tracey had revealed a dark secret about her past that left Harry shaken to tears.
Amelia Bones had given a swift trial to Rita Skeeter with the minimal amount of Wizengamot Council needed for a minor criminal hearing. There was one major reason she was given a swift trial. She had spent one night in a holding cell on Level 10 of the Ministry of Magic. A load of Howlers had been sent to the Ministry for Rita, and they kept piling on Amelia Bones' desk. After giving them to Rita Skeeter, and listening to five of them about how, amongst several other things, Rita had irreparably damaged the reputation of a fourteen year old witch because of her careless hunt for fame, she had moved for a quick trial, because she wanted no more post that was not hers.
Amelia had listened to five, because all five came from the parents of Daphne Greengrass – Tracey's girlfriend – and others in the Children of the Great Alliance. One came from Lily Potter herself. Amelia enjoyed that one particularly. Lily knew how to use swearwords – and her kids had likely never heard them before because she never had to Howl at them with such disrespect.
Amelia moved the trial to the same afternoon as the Howlers' arrival. Rita Skeeter was found guilty of being an Unregistered Animagus by unanimous decision, and was sentenced to five years in Azkaban. The following evening, during their first date (she had found a free evening and had immediately wrote to Sirius for an earlier first date – he accepted the date) in over fourteen years, Amelia had entertained Sirius Black with stories of the Howlers she heard. Sirius knew about Lily's – he had been there during its making, to Muffle the sound from Harry, Rose, and Rose's girlfriend Gabrielle who had been visiting. Over the eleven days, Amelia and Sirius would go on five dates. The last two dates ended at Bones Manor with a climactic conclusion.
Harry and Hermione – while nowhere near as adventurous as Harry's Godfather – had started a new tradition while having their designated 'couple time'. Finding places on the Grounds of Hogwarts or Hogwarts castle itself to practice snogging. A hidden corner of the library, far from the sight of Madam Pince was Hermione's favorite. Down by the lake where there was a beautiful grove of trees not connected to the Forbidden Forest was Harry's favorite. They didn't always 'just snog' though, they also talked about their days, and different things in their life the other wasn't privy to yet. But Harry had yet to tell her about Shadow. Of course, they still also had their breakfast traditions before classes during the week.
Rose and Gabrielle's 'couple time' consisted mostly of Gabrielle and Rose finding hobbies to learn together. The couple also occasionally shared kisses, but usually just a lingering peck as a hello and goodbye to begin and end their 'dates'. They would switch hobbies every other day. Rose was teaching Gabrielle how to cook. She was shocked Gabrielle didn't know how. The Classroom Tent kitchen literally became a classroom, and it wasn't uncommon for the Ilvermorny students to find the young couple cooking things when they visited the Classroom tent to study every other afternoon between classes and dinner.
Gabrielle was teaching Rose 'French' – Rose had really wanted to learn it. The first day they had begun the lesson, they were in the House Potter tent, and Sirius was their 'chaperone' for the outing. Gabrielle had asked Rose why she wanted to learn.
"So we can have secret conversations in French!" Rose said, grinning.
"I know French, Rosie," Sirius said, "I'd understand your conversations."
"Aw!" Rose pouted, "That kills the whole point!"
"Nah, learn French," Sirius said, then grinned. "I'm not always going to be your chaperone. Plus, You can whisper sweet French nothings in your girlfriend's ear."
"Ooh, Mon Dieu, Oui!" Gabrielle said.
"'My god, yes'," Rose guessed.
"Oui, Tres Bonne!" Gabielle said.
Sirius snickered. "Um... maybe practice less suggestive French with her, Gabrielle. Or I'll be blamed for this."
Gabrielle blushed prettily, making Rose peck her slightly warm cheek. She couldn't wait to learn French... and maybe suggestive French in a couple years. Normal French was okay... because she loved listening to her girlfriend speak it – which was why she requested the lessons.
During the afternoon of the same day Rita Skeeter's last article for five years came out, Harry, Hermione and Luna had escorted Astoria to the Headmaster's Office for the Re-Sorting. Daphne had stayed behind to keep an eye on Tracey, who had still been nearly catatonic in her bed. By the time the Re-Sorting was done, the "Hogwarts Five" were all sorted into – as the hat said – "HOGWARTS!" and all had the same identical ties. Hermione, Tracey and Daphne had the same exact classes, since they had chosen the same extra classes in their third year. As Severus had promised by some miracle, he had been able to get all five students into lessons where they weren't with Slytherins.
But Daphne and Tracey still feared Slytherin backlash. Luckily, their fears had been swept aside when their new bodyguard, the Senior Auror-in-Training – and Sirius' Cousin – Nymphadora Tonks arrived early on Tuesday – the day the girls would go back to class after taking the day off to handle their emotions from the article. They learned pretty quickly that their bodyguard didn't like being called by her first name. Calling her Tonks was just fine. Albus made absolutely no fuss about Tonks being their bodyguard. It had solved some of his problems with Tracey and Daphne hanging around some of the students. Tonks stayed in a hidden corner in every single classroom the girls took classes in, keeping watch on not only the girls but the students around them to see how they acted toward the couple.
The first issue turned out to be the very same day Tonks had arrived. Since Tracey and Daphne didn't have much interaction with Slytherins, Draco Malfoy knew nothing of their bodyguard before lunchtime. So as Tracey and Daphne were headed to the Great Hall for lunch, with Tonks staying a proper distance behind in case of danger, but allowing the girls privacy, or to give those innocent students a chance at conversation. Draco Malfoy and Pansy Parkinson had confronted Tracey and Daphne. Draco made a comment about Daphne and Tracey giving him some entertainment when Tonks intervened. Draco had been shocked to see his cousin there, even more shocked to know she was the girl's bodyguard. He had also seemed to have forgotten a key piece of information.
"I was informed your Head of House told you and your fellow House-Mates," Tonks said, "That Daphne and Tracey are under House Potter Protection. As I understand it, Lord Potter does not like off-white comments about those under his Protection."
Draco's face went red, then even paler than he had been.
"Run off, little Cousin," Tonks said. "Make the same mistake again, and I won't just tell Potter, I'll make sure you can't run away from this trained Auror like Dear Daddy did."
Draco went red then purple, and he turned and walked away with Pansy. Tracey and Daphne had lunch in the Classroom Tent instead that day. Word soon got around about Tonks, and nobody else messed with her, Daphne, Tracey or Astoria – and they were already well-learned in not messing with Hermione and Luna.
Barnabus Cuffe kept part of his promise. He gave a retraction of the article about Daphne, the day after Rita's arrest. He apologized to Tracey for Rita Skeeter's article. And announced Rita Skeeter's arrest. All three of those were on the front page that day. The following day's edition announced Rita Skeeter was in Azkaban.
Luna on other hand had other ideas. She asked for interviews from her friends, from Harry's family, and Great Alliance – in addition to the interview discussed during the first CGA meeting – about Tracey. They all gave very nice things to say about Tracey. Tracey didn't know until the Quibbler came out and then she started to be cheerful again. These were good articles for her. And she loved them. Many students in Hogwarts began treating her and Daphne as if Rita's article never came out. Some others did not. But Tonks was there, and so were Professors. Any homophobic slurs were met with swift punishments and threats of suspension.
Over the eleven days, Harry and Remus upped their training, going through possible creature strategies for the First Task. Ironically, they would soon discover, that none of the creatures Remus instructed Harry about were anything near what Harry would really be facing...
Friday November 20th, 1994.
Sirius Black groaned in an exhausted but happy way, as he sank down onto the elongated seat, panting as if he had been running in his Animagus form. But he had just finished up with an even more exciting work-out. Amelia Bones inhaled and exhaled, as she wrapped herself in her traveling cloak and laid her head on Sirius' shoulder. The rest of her clothes were on the floor beneath them.
"I cannot believe we just shagged on the same seats where students had been sitting not a month ago!" Amelia exclaimed.
Sirius laughed. "If they knew the Thunderbird was out here, I think I know a seventeen year old couple who might have done the same thing if they had a chance."
Amelia smacked him on his bare chest. "I thought you were just going to show me this contraption so we could possibly use something like it for the DMLE. Although why we would need it is something I can't fathom."
"That was just an excuse to get you out here and shag you, Amy," Sirius said, "I would likely be fired my Headmaster Winston if I gave you much information about this. It is his baby. I would be lying if I said it wasn't a fantasy of mine at seventeen years old to have you in the Forbidden Forest."
Amelia laughed. "You. Me. Astronomy Tower. "
"Been there, done Felicity Crock," Sirius said.
Amelia gasped and sat up. She looked at him. "Felicity! My dorm-mate?! She never said a thing to me, even when you and I began dating."
"She was long before I was interested in you," Sirius waved a dismissive hand; she'd smack him if he told her he only remembered her name, because she was a very good at what she did. So nice, he had her thrice, but that was it!
"Why did you never bring me up there?" Amelia asked.
"That was James and Lily's spot when you and I began dating," Sirius said. "James called it that year. Marauder Code – Don't steal another Marauder's Claim – Girl or Shag Location. Course, it was rarely ever a 'Shag' location. More of a 'heated snog and a bit more' if James was telling the truth."
"And you never said this to Lily?" Amelia asked.
"Never," Sirius said.
"That... would explain on more than one occasion," Amelia said, "you taking me to a broom closet on a floor above when there was one feet from where we started snogging."
"Marauder Claim," Sirius said, "That was also James' – never used it. Lily was too dignified for them. But... he wanted it just in case. It was their main Head Student patrol zone."
"Why did you never tell me all this – you know – back then?" Amelia asked, "When we first dated?"
"Because I thought this discussion we're having now," Sirius said, "Would be a conversation of reminiscing, after several years of being happily – hey!"
He had heard voices in the forest.
"I hear those too," Amelia said.
"Good hearing, Amy," Sirius complimented, "Stay here."
Sirius hurriedly threw his clothes on, and moved over to a hidden spot near the door. He watched Amelia hide under a Disillusionment Charm, and her clothes did too. He could still see light shimmers detecting her, because he knew where she was.
Then he heard the voices again.
"Don't mention it." That was Albus Dumbledore.
"Really, it was needed," That was Ludo Bagman, "I'm nervous as a first year sitting under the Sorting Hat. But this is needed, because if we don't speak to the Centaurs, and get them to agree to let us keep four Dragons out here – GREAT MERLIN! WHAT IS THAT?!"
Sirius' eyebrows raised. Did he just say Dragons? Ooh, shit. The First Task. I need more information. Time to reveal myself.
"That's the Thunderbird," Sirius said, stepping out onto the ramp, "And that is what the Ilvermorny delegates flew in on. You would have known that had you arrived earlier on the night we arrived, Mr. Bagman."
"Lord Black," Ludo said, "Unexpected seeing you here. Or... this."
"Aah, just making sure the forest hasn't turned the thing wild," Sirius said; making an excuse; better than telling them he was here shagging his girlfriend; though he found it humorous, lying to his old Headmaster about such subjects – very much like the good old days, "We need it to get back home in June, after all."
"Why is it out here, Lord Black?" Albus asked.
"Well, I was looking for somewhere to place it," Sirius said, "And found this clearing."
"Well, you should have asked me first, Lord Black," Albus said, "I would have helped to find a proper place for it. This clearing is for the..."
"Yes, the Dragons," Sirius said, "So I heard. Four of them. So... one for each Champion. For the First Task. Interesting. Very interesting."
"You won't tell your Champion, I trust?" Albus asked.
Yes, actually, Sirius said. I am leaving to tell him as soon as Amelia and get dressed. Shame... hoped for another round...
"Hmm?" Sirius asked. "Oh. No... no, definitely not. He has to be prepared to face the unexpected, right? That's what the first task is about. I'll be sure to find a place elsewhere to park this. Need it for the dragons, of course. Dragons! Fascinating..."
Ah, there we go, Sirius said, I can bring her back out here after I tell Shadow, and show her how this thing flies... and we can have some more fun!
"Yes, well," Ludo said, "You do that. Come on, Albus. We do need to meet with the Centaurs."
Sirius waved, and watched Albus and Ludo walk off deeper into the forest. Amelia was visible when she turned around and was getting dressed. And she didn't look surprised as he did.
"You knew about the dragons, didn't you?" Sirius asked.
"Amos Diggory – he needed an extra vote to make sure Bagman spoke to the Centaurs about the Dragons," Amelia said, "Dolores Umbridge – an absolute hag – was all about bringing in Dragons into the forest without telling the Centaurs. I had to promise Bagman and Crouch I wouldn't tell you – they don't know we're dating, but they know we're friendly."
"Do you know what kind of Dragons?" Sirius asked..
Amelia shook her head. "No, Sorry. But you can always return to the clearing here to look for yourself."
Sirius nodded. "I need to go tell Harry about the Dragons. Then I'll come back and fly this elsewhere."
"I'll go with you," Amelia said. "And I'll come back with you to see this thing fly."
"Really?" Sirius asked.
"I figured you'd want to bring me back for another round," Amelia said, grinning.
"Oh Merlin, yes please," Sirius said, "However, I think you should wait here,Amelia. I am going to be running back this time in my Animagus form."
He knew Amelia could protect herself if it came to it. And he'd be back as soon as he gave the news.
Amelia strapped her boots, then stood up. "Good. So will I."
Sirius stared at her. "You're a –?"
She transformed in front of him – clothes and all – into a German Shepherd.
Sirius laughed. "Of course you're a dog. That explains how you heard Albus and Ludo."
Amelia 'woofed' in agreement.
A canine... like me. Another reason to fall back in love with you, Amy, Sirius thought. I have no idea what we're going to do when the end of June comes around though. A discussion for another time.
He transformed into Padfoot, then they ran out of the Thunderbird, and raced each other to the Ilvermorny Tents.
Harry was sitting at the dining room table, doing homework and thinking about Hermione. He was doing homework tonight, because he wanted to spend the weekend with Hermione. However, something in his gut told him he wouldn't have much time to spend with her, because he'd be too focused on preparing for the Task.
"Maybe I should have done my homework with Hermione," Harry muttered.
"Hmm?" Lily asked; she was helping Rose with a complicated question in her homework at the coffee table in the living room.
"I'm just wondering if my time with Hermione is going to be limited between now and the Task on Tuesday," Harry said, "Why Tuesday, by the way? Why the middle of the week?"
"You'd expect the weekend if you didn't pay attention to the date," Lily said.
"Prepare for the unexpected," Remus supplied.
"Unexpected seems likely right now, Remus," Harry said.
"I'm racking my brain for what we're missing, Harry," Remus said.
"Might be hopeless," Harry said, "We might not have any time to prepare when we figure out what it is anyway."
Harry sipped on his bottle of butterbeer.
"DRAGONS!" Sirius exclaimed in a very loud voice, running into the tent, "FOUR DRAGONS! THAT IS THE FIRST TASK!"
Harry spat butterbeer all over his homework.
Harry and Rose both swore. Lily didn't reprimand them. She looked at Sirius in absolute horror.
"Ah, bugger," Remus said, "I wouldn't have guessed that, Harry. Didn't think they'd be so mental."
"Please tell me you're joking," Lily said.
"No," Sirius said, "Was at the Thunderbird. The clearing I landed in. It is for dragons. Albus and Ludo came upon the Thunderbird, and I overheard them, then talked to them about it. Albus didn't want me to tell Harry, but of course I was going to! Dragons!"
Suddenly, Harry heard a barking sound. A German Shepherd stepped into the tent and sat down beside Sirius.
"Hey, girl, there you are," Sirius said, "I thought I lost ya!"
"Please tell me she – she, right? – isn't a stray you found in Hogsmeade," Remus said.
"Yep!" Sirius said, "We played. Me as Padfoot. Rolled around a bit."
"Rolled around," Remus said, "Sirius, please don't tell me you mean -"
Sirius laughed out loud, and suddenly the dog began to stretch. A few moments later, the human form of Amelia Bones appeared there. In her clothing, thank goodness. Harry was well-met with Amelia – as was Rose – Sirius had brought her to visit the tents and the family before three of their five dates.
"He does mean that, Remus," Amelia said. "As humans though."
"Ho-lee Merlin," Lily said, grinning, "Amelia Bones, an Animagus! Your German Shepherd is gorgeous."
"Back away, she's mine!" Sirius grinned.
"Were you in the Forbidden Forest too, Amelia?" Harry asked, "With Sirius?"
"He was showing me the Thunderbird, Harry," Amelia said; Harry did not notice the light blush in her cheeks; Remus and Lily did, however.
"We have to go back out there soon," Sirius said, "Like I said, the clearing is for the dragons, Got to move it elsewhere. Anyway, we just raced back to tell you about the dragons."
"Raced?" Lily asked, "How fast is she?"
"About as fast as me," Sirius said, "She only came in here late, because that was the plan – Remus, you fell for the whole 'stray dog, rolled around' gag!"
Remus groaned.
"Hmm... I bet I could beat her," Lily said; she seemed to be distracting herself from the dragon news.
"You, Lily?" Amelia asked.
"I could too," Harry said.
"You'd cheat, Shadow Jumper!" Sirius barked.
"Shadow.. Jumper?" Amelia asked.
"Show her, Harry," Remus said. "We're using it for the Dragon. It is the best way to do it."
"Let's go outside," Harry said, standing. "Any shadows?"
"Along the forest," Sirius said.
All six in the tent went outside.
"I hope none of the girls come out here," Harry said.
"Harry... you're going to need to tell the girls soon," Remus said. "Four days away. If they show up... ripping off plasters and all that."
"I... am... so confused," Amelia said.
"Ladies first," Harry said to Lily.
Lily smiled, then turned, and ran into the open Grounds. She jumped and transformed into the Bengal Tiger.
"Oh my god," Amelia gasped, with a grin. "She's beautiful."
"I'm starting to think a couple of witches I know are like my Goddaughter," Sirius snarked, "Your turn, Shadow."
"Harry's turn – wait, what?" Amelia said.
Harry grinned, and ran forward a few feet off to the side of his mother. He jumped and transformed, then landed on four paws.
"Is he registered?" Amelia asked Sirius.
"In America," Sirius said.
"In Great Britain?" Amelia asked.
"Uh..." Sirius paused.
"MACUSA granted Diplomatic Immunity," Remus said
"That should work," Amelia said, nodding. "So he's a panther – wait... Shadow, Shadow Jumper. Oh, my god. Sirius, you mean -"
"Do your stuff, Shadow!" Sirius said.
"Practice multiple jumps, Harry," Remus said, "We're going to practice that! A whole row of of shadows against the tree line."
Harry saw them. He ran around Tiger-Lily, then ran over to the shadows, and concentrated on several shadows. Multiple jumps – tricky. But Remus was right. He needed to do this.
He ran to a shadow and dove inside it.
Chilly air. Pounce. Focus. Chilly air. Pounce. Focus. Chillier air. Pounce. Focus. One more. Very chilly air. Pounce!
Remus and Sirius applauded. Amelia applauded as well, more shocked clapping than amazement though,.
Then there was a lot more clapping. Shadow turned toward it. Hermione was staring at him in shock.
Shit. Hope she wasn't mad. Well, like Remus said. Ripping off band-aids. It made things hurt less.
He thought about his argument as he walked slowly over to her. Family Secret. She was part of House under his Protection. But Family. She wasn't... not yet. Hopefully she'd understand.
Here goes nothing.
"H-Harry?" Hermione asked, eyes blinking.
Shadow nodded, blinking his green eyes. His Animagus signature. She stared into his eyes.
"Oh, Harry," she gushed. "You are gorgeous."
Harry transformed back into his human form. Thank God he mastered Clothed Transformation months ago.
"As are you," Harry said.
"Jumping in and out of shadows," Hermione said, staring at the shadows, "You disappeared into shadows, like... in thin air!You're... not a normal Panther."
"Shadow Panther," Harry said. "Magical Creature Animagus. Rare. Sirius is one too. A Grim."
"And your mother is a Tiger," Hermione said, glancing at the Bengal Tiger, "Makes so much sense. So protective of her cubs."
"I wanted to tell you," Harry said, "Family Secret. But now... I have to use it for the First Task."
"You know what you're facing," Hermione realized.
"Just found out," Harry said. "Dragons."
"DRAGONS?!" Hermione screamed. "HARRY JAMES POTTER! YOU BETTER BE –!"
Harry took her around the waist and kissed her into silence. He hoped the others weren't watching. Especially his mother. After a thirty second kiss, he backed away.
"Mmm," she said, smacking her lips from the kiss; "I feel better. Dragons, Harry?"
"Dragons," Harry said.
Hermione hugged him tightly. "I'm going to hold onto you until Wednesday. You're not facing Dragons."
Lily cleared her throat. Harry winced. She had turned back to human form. And had heard enough of it. And had maybe watched him kiss his girlfriend into silence.
"Perhaps we better go inside," Lily said.
"No," Hermione said. "Staying here. Holding him. Until Wednesday. He isn't facing a Dragon."
"Nights are getting colder," Lily said. "You can hold him until Wednesday in the tent. We have much to talk about. And all the girls are going to be there too."
Hermione sighed and backed away from the hug. She took his hand, and they followed Lily. Grim and German Shepherd were back. They walked him to Harry and looked at him.
"Sirius," Harry whispered to Hermione, pointing at Padfoot, then pointed at the Shepherd. "Madam Amelia Bones."
"Wow," Hermione said, "Awesome."
"They have to go to the Thunderbird," Lily said. "Don't be long, Sirius, or you'll miss a good discussion."
Padfoot woofed, and brushed up against Amelia. Then the dogs ran off into the forest.
"They're not coming back soon," Harry said, "Are they?"
"Nope," Lily said. "Doesn't look like it. I'm happy for them. They're getting back what they should have never lost."
Still hand-in-hand, Harry and Hermione followed Lily into the House Potter tent. The girls were scattered around the living room. Lily sat down with Remus and Tonks at the table. Hermione dragged him over to the one empty chair, and pushed him into it. Then she sat in his lap. He blushed and looked at his mother, who merely smiled.
"I'm sitting here," Hermione said, "And not letting you up until the First Task is over. You are not facing a Dragon."
Apparently Remus had told everyone else about the Dragons. Because nobody reacted too oddly.
"I am afraid it isn't that simple, Hermione," Remus said, "Harry has to compete or he loses his magic. I understand Hermione. Yes, dragons. It does seem insane. But look at this logically. I don't think you're going to have to face a Dragon, Harry. Just get past it. It will likely be guarding something. Dragons are famous for guarding real treasures in the wild. Gringotts has one deep in its Vault Tunnels. It guards important Vaults. Like House Potter's Family Vault. So the Dragon will be guarding something. You just have to figure what it is, and how to get it. I think I already gave you the how."
"Shadow," Harry said.
"I am sure everyone here saw him," Lily said. "Harry is a legally registered Shadow Panther Animagus. It is a Magical Animagus which are rare. Sirius is a Grim Animagus. Another rarity."
"Okay," Daphne said, "I get the gist here. We all saw Harry disappearing into shadows. I believe an Arena is being built for the First Task. They're likely hiding it with magic and wards, so nobody – especially the Champions – could see it. The Quidditch Pitch is likely too big, and it isn't an enclosure to hold a dragon. So it has to be an enclosure of some sorts. Audience seating – open air. Possible chance of several shadows there."
"But you can't assume there will be," Hermione said. "It could be a cloudy day."
"Harry could create sunlight," Luna said.
"Lumos Solem," several voices said as one..
"Good one, Luna," Remus said, "We'll use that as a strategy to practice."
"One huge problem," Tracey said. "And I mean big. There are several species of dragons. You can't just base one strategy for all dragons."
Remus smiled. "Your father-to-be already gave us that answer. Within the next couple of days – maybe tomorrow – the four dragons will arrive in the Clearing where Sirius coincidentally landed the Thunderbird. So he can go there, and bring some of us there. To see which dragons are being used."
"The biggest and the baddest," Tonks said, "The meanest. This is supposed to be entertainment after all."
Hermione laid her head down on Harry's chest. "Nope. You're staying right here until Wednesday, Harry."
"Loss of magic," Harry reminded her.
"Stop making sense," Hermione said, "That is my job."
"I promise you, Hermione," Remus said, "He'll be well-prepared. I will strap him into bed on Monday night if isn't. Any questions or further ideas?"
Hermione raised a hand. Remus nodded. "I've been meaning to ask you. Could you teach me how to cast a Patronus. Harry said you taught him."
Tracey, Daphne, and Luna all nodded. Obviously Astoria knew she wasn't powerful enough for one.
"After the First Task," Remus said, "I would be happy to attempt to teach those who wish to try. My time is dedicated to helping Harry right now. However... you may not be powerful enough right now. There are many who can't cast Patronuses in their entire lives. But I will teach you."
"What about Animagi?" Hermione asked.
"That would take a lot more time than we have available with everything else going on," Remus said. "Not just myself, but Lily and Sirius."
"Oh," Hermione said, disappointed.
"But I will keep your request open in the future when it could become possible with enough time. But once again, not everyone is capable."
"If anyone is," Harry said, "It is Hermione."
"I believe so too," Remus said, "Anything else?"
"Can I take this information to Gabrielle?" Rose asked. "To Fleur?"
"A good idea," Lily said. "We'll go together."
"Well, if Fleur is going to know," Harry said, "It should be fair everyone knows. Neville and Angelina too."
"That will be your job, Harry," Remus said; Harry nodded, "No more suggestions or questions? One last thing and then the meeting is over. Please keep Harry's Animagus a secret until the first task. It would really help him surprise the judges and his competitors."
It was mutually agreed by everyone. Then the meeting broke up. Lily and Rose left to go find Gabrielle and Fleur.
"I assume you're staying in this chair with Harry until Wednesday, Hermione?" Daphne asked, grinning.
"It will be difficult but I will manage," Hermione said.
"Should I go find a supply of nappies?" Tracey joked.
"Very funny," Hermione said, rolling her eyes.
Hermione's tent-mates and Tonks headed out of the tent.
"I am going to see if I brought my book on dragons," Remus said. "Maybe in the Classroom Tent. If I leave you two alone for a few minutes, will you behave? And yes, I am aware I'm asking this when you're all over him, Hermione."
Hermione blushed. "You're just trying to embarrass me, Remus. I am resolute!"
"I know," Remus said, "And it will be fun to watch. Harry... have you told Hermione about the Marauders, and how you were raised by two, and the son of another?"
"Yes," Harry said. "I told that story during one of our breakfast 'dates'."
"Ah well," Remus said, as he stood and headed over to the door. "He gave you fair warning then, Hermione."
"Fair... warning?" Hermione asked, looking from Remus to Harry.
Remus grinned and laughed, then stepped out.
"Hmm," Harry said, "Tracey's joke did give me an idea."
Hermione frowned and looked at him. "What do you mean? I'm not going to wear -"
"Are you sure?" Harry asked, "Because it might help when I..."
And then he started tickling her around the waist. She cracked up laughing.
"Harry"! Hermione giggled, as she started wiggling against his fingers. "You're not... going to... ah! - make-"
"I'm not?" Harry asked; as he continued tickling her.
"Ugh, you're incorrigible!" she squeaked as she jumped off of him.
"I win!" Harry said grinning, as he stood up.
"The only victory I want you to win right now is the First Task," Hermione said.
"I will," Harry said, "I feel really, really good about this now."
"Do you?" Hermione asked.
"Definitely," Harry said. "I outsmarted you, didn't I? A dragon has got to be a hell of a lot easier!"
Hermione glared playfully at him, then sighed. "Dinner is in an hour in the Great Hall. I need to go finish my essay."
"We're going to the Great Hall tonight?" Harry asked.
"You need to talk to the two Hogwarts Champions," Hermione said. "You know. Fleur will know as soon as your mother and Rose explain it to her. Tonight. Equal preparation. Fairness. As you said."
Harry nodded. "You know. I had planned on making this night all about you and your best friend. You rarely get those since I came into your life. Luna chasing anymore Flutterby?"
"No," Hermione said. "And you'll be training all weekend with Remus. I can spend much of that time with Luna when I'm not watching you train. Tonight may be our last occasion to spend together before the Task."
"Then I accept the change of plans," Harry said.
They sealed it with a kiss.
Chapter Finished. I ALMOST had Albus finding out (in secret) of Lily and Harry's Animagi, but decided against it. He'll be surpried along with every one else in Hogwarts. Remus will place Harry's training behind a spell-creation or two of Lily's... basically a Ward, you'll see. So nobody will see a Shadow Panther training aside from those in the know.
So this chapter was basically an extension of the final two scenes of last Chapter to kick off the First Task/Dragon Arc in the story.
I apologize now, and in the future if I slaughter(ed) the French language.
Next Chapter: Lily and Rose talk to Gabrielle and Fleur about the First Task. Harry and Hermione speak to Neville (and Ginny), and Angelina. And then it is time to meet the Dragons. I am deciding whether I want to show too much training or not, because it could really spoil my plans for Harry's strategy in the First Task. I'll think on it.