Lily's Plan
By: Sheltie
I don't own Harry Potter at all
Chapter 26
On the train the group chatted about the Tri-Wizard tournament and why the adults are worried about it. As well what happened after the World Cup.
"Auntie was very upset with the whole thing" Susan said.
All the Death Eaters that had caused the mayhem had gotten away and that really stuck in the head of the DMLE's craw. Not only did the criminals escape scot-free, but it also showed how inept the aurors were. Amelia took this personally and began working on a new training program to get aurors in shape and more prepared.
"I'll bet, she looked quite pissed" Neville said.
The others nodded in agreement.
"So what's with this tournament that we've been told about?" Padma asked.
"My mom must think Dumbledore is up to something if she wanted us to know about the tournament" Harry said.
"Yes, she even gave me books to read" Hermione said.
"But what could Dumbledore be planning that involves the tournament?" Daphne asked.
"Don't know, but we best be on our toes" Susan said.
"I agree, we can't let our guard down at all this year. Especially with two other schools coming. One of them that I've heard has a reputation with teaching the dark arts" Padma said.
"What school is that?" Hermione asked.
"Durmstrang, I've heard that it's an all boy's school where they actually teach you dark arts" Padma said.
"It's headmaster is a 'reformed' Death Eater" Susan said using air quotes.
"Where'd you find that out Sue?" Neville asked.
"Auntie was muttering about one night" Susan said.
"Okay, so it's agreed that we be cautious about the visitors and watch one another's back this year" Harry said.
Everyone nodded.
Soon the compartment door opened and Ron stepped in.
"Hey Harry, heck of a game, huh?" he asked.
"Yeah, until those attacks happened" Harry said.
"Hmm, oh yeah that. So about the game, wasn't Krum wicked fun to see?" Ron asked.
Harry glanced at his wife wondering if there was something terribly wrong with the boy's head. There was an attack after the game and all he could think about was the stupid game. Where were his priorities?
"He was" Harry responded.
"Budge over so I can talk to Harry" Ron said to Padma who was sitting on Harry's right side since Hermione was on his left.
Padma just looked at Ron wondering where he got the nerve to tell her to move from her seat.
"Oy, I want to talk to Harry so move" Ron said with a hint of annoyance in his voice.
"Ronald, don't talk to my friend like that" Harry said sternly. He didn't like the way he was treating Padma.
"But she won't move" Ron said in a bit of a whine.
"You can sit by me Ronald and still talk to Harry" Luna said moving a bit to make room.
Ron grumbled a bit, but slumped down in the offered seat. He then began talking away about the whole match. It very soon got very boring for everyone.
"Oh for heaven sakes, could you please talk about something else, please!" Hermione said.
Ron glared at Hermione and was ready to bite back, but Neville stopped him.
"Ron don't you dare say a thing" Neville said gripping his wand tightly.
Ron slouched in his seat and muttered under his breath.
"Ron, leave now" Harry said firmly.
"Come on Harry, mate, you need me" Ron said.
Harry arched an eyebrow while the others looked at one another wondering what the heck Ron was talking about.
"Ron, just go. We can talk about this later" Harry said with a sigh.
Ron huffed and stormed out of the compartment.
"What the heck was that all about?" Susan asked.
"Don't know, but I think we should start being careful now" Padma said.
"Goodie" Luna said happily.
Luna had been quiet the whole time watching and observing everything. This was Luna's job for the group. Sit back and watch things and then give her input on what she saw. They knew her viewpoint would offer certain things none of the brainy trio could ever think of. Luna was the brainy trio's secret weapon.
The rest of the trip went nicely with the absence of Ron.
/Scene Break/
During the Opening Feast Dumbledore announced the Tri-Wizard tournament to the school. Groans were heard to the students who play Quidditch since they'd be no games this year. Then a few more groans came when Dumbledore told him about the age restriction. The new DADA professor was introduced, one Alastor 'Mad-Eye' Moody. The group knew Moody since Amelia told them about him. He was a tough ex-auror, who survived the war. He was cautious and wary about everyone and everything.
Once the feast ended Harry and his friends went to the Potter quarters to relax before curfew.
"I have a bad feeling about this year" Harry said frowning.
"I do too Harry, I don't think this year will be as nice like last year" Hermione said.
"Don't worry Harry, we got your back no matter what" Neville said.
"Yeah, you don't need to worry" Susan said.
"I'll have Tracey and Astoria keep a closer eye on the Slytherins just in case" Daphne said.
Padma and Susan just nodded. Stating that they'd keep a watch on their own houses.
Harry smiled. He was glad he had his friends. He then looked at his wife and held her. Hermione smiled at Harry held him too to reassure him that things will be alright.
Lily watched this all and smiled. She was so happy that Harry had such good friends. Ready to throw themselves in front of a bullet or curse to protect Harry or any of their friends. She wished James was here to see this. He'd be so proud.
/Scene Break/
Classes soon began and things got back to the flow of things. The only thing different was a new DADA professor. No one knew what Moody would do and teach so it was a big mystery. Harry and his friends, minus the twins and Luna went into the DADA classroom eyes open and cautiously. A spell came out of nowhere, they scattered and they all found cover behind the desks.
"Did anyone see where that spell came from?" Harry asked.
"I think it came from over there" Susan said.
"Okay, Sue, you and Pad will fire in that direction while Hermione and I will provide protection. Daphne, you keep an eye on the room" Harry ordered.
Soon spells were being fired. Other students entered, but were hit with stunners and fell to the ground. Most of the class was down except for Harry and his friends. They were still fighting.
"We got to do something Harry, we can't keep going" Daphne said.
"Alright, where is he?" Harry asked.
Daphne pointed in a certain direction.
"Close your eyes" Harry said.
They did as they were told.
"Lumos Maximus" Harry said.
The room was flooded with a very bright light that would've blinded anyone seeing.
"Okay, fire" Harry commanded.
Five stunners flew through the air and hit their target.
"Well done Potter" a growl came.
Harry spun around wand still in hand to come in contact with Moody.
"Sir" Harry said.
Moody with the help of Harry's friends revived the rest of the class.
"Sloppy, absolutely sloppy" Moody said as he walked to the front of the class.
"You just stunned us without warning, how could we be sloppy?" a Ravenclaw asked.
"You weren't aware of your surroundings. You need to be aware of your surroundings at all times no matter what. CONSTANT VILIGLANCE!" Moody roared.
This made the entire class jump.
Soon the lesson began and Moody explained the Unforgivable curses. He even performed them on spiders, which made Ron squirm in his seat. After the lesson they were all thoughtful with some afraid of the new teacher.
"He's interesting" Daphne commented.
"Interesting, Daph, if I was a first year I'd be wetting my pants because of him" Neville said.
"He does project an aura about him" Susan said.
"Aura, are you channeling Luna now Sue?" Padma asked.
"Did some call my name?" Luna asked as she skipped happily to her friends.
"Hey Luna" Harry said with a smile.
"Hello Harry, hello everyone" Luna greeted.
They all said their greeting to Luna and then discussed the DADA lesson.
"I have Moody tomorrow" Luna said.
"Be careful Luna, don't let your guard down" Harry said.
Luna just bobbed her head up and down.
/Scene Break/
As for the rest of classes Harry and his friends received oodles and oodles of praise from all the professors. They were all the top of their classes and shoo-in's for Prefects in their respective houses. Yes, there was already talk of who the next years prefects would be.
Harry finally had a talk with Ron and told him that under no certain terms the redhead could insult Hermione or any of his friends. Ron's face was bright red at this, but he said nothing. Harry was amazed by the self-control Ron was using since he thought the redhead would've exploded by now. In the end they both agreed and Ron became more civil to the others though they were still guarded around the redhead.
As for Ginny, she was working her own plan and everything was going just fine. She was weaseling (pardon the pun) into Harry's group of friends and getting closer to Harry. It was now only a matter of time til Harry realizes who his true soul mate was and leave that bushy haired girl for her. Yes, her prince was going to be hers.
/Scene Break/
In DADA Moody actually performed the Imperius curse on the students. Harry was able to fight as was Hermione. Daphne did too as did Susan, Padma, and Neville. They of course were the only ones. The rest of the class went with the curse and barely fought.
Later Harry and Hermione discussed and thought it was their bond that prevented them from being controlled in anyway.
Lily was appalled to hear that Moody was allowed to perform the Imperius curse on students. She immediately went to McGonagall and soon the rest of the staff learned of it and stormed the headmaster's office. Dumbledore tried to placate his staff, but found that Lily was the ringleader and wasn't about to be let off by some meaningless platitudes. He knew it was only a matter of time before Amelia heard of this since Lily was tight with the head of the DMLE. He just didn't know what to do.
In the end Moody somehow remained as the DADA teacher though he was monitored in class and his lessons were preset now.
/Scene Break/
On Hermione's birthday Harry threw her a wonderful surprise party with all of her friends. Hermione was so shocked by all of this that she had tears in her eyes. She got a ton of books from her friends on a huge range of subjects. Hermione loved all the books she had gotten. After the party it was a more private one with just Hermione and Harry. There was a candlelight dinner and roses and Hermione's present. Harry had gotten Hermione earring with otters on them. Hermione kissed Harry for the gift.
"It's a wonderful gift Harry, but you know I don't have pierced ears" Hermione said.
"I know that Hermione" Harry said.
"Then why'd you get them for me?" Hermione asked.
"They use sticking charms Hermione" Harry explained.
Hermione looked at them amazed then smiled.
"That's brilliant" she said.
Harry just smiled.
/Scene Break/
Soon it hit October and the weather started to chill down slightly. The castle was colder and students were already wearing their warm clothes they had. It also meant the arrival of the other two school were closely approaching. This caused Hogwarts to undergo a cleaning its probably hadn't had in many, many years. Harry and his friends were in the Great Hall eating lunch. They were admiring how much brighter the hall was with the windows newly cleaned.
"I don't think I've seen the floor this clean before" Padma commented.
"Yeah, you could eat off them" Neville said.
"Interesting thought, don't you think dear brother" Fred said.
"Yes, quite. I wonder if we could get any takers?" George asked out loud.
"Who'd be stupid enough to fall for that?" Susan asked.
The twins glanced at their brother who was shoveling in his mouth like he hadn't eaten in years.
"Oh, I think we have someone" George said smirking.
"Yes, but we must plan this with care" Fred said with a matching smirk.
"Give us a memory of it if you succeed" Harry said.
The twins nodded and began plotting.
"Anyway, when are the two schools supposed to arrive?" Hermione said changing topic.
"I believe a week or two before Halloween" Daphne said.
"That's not that far away" Neville said.
"It'll be curious to see who the students will be" Harry said.
The others nodded.
/Scene Break/
Soon it was the day the two schools were going to arrive. Classes were canceled since the staff knew they'd not have the attention of their students. At close to noon the entire school made their way to the grounds to wait for their guest.
"I wonder how they are going to get here?" Susan mused.
"Maybe by flying?" Neville suggested.
"Look, the lake!" a student shouted.
Everyone turned to the Black Lake and saw something bubbling. Soon a huge ship called a galleon arose from the water.
"Wow!"
The ship moved a little until it reached shore then a bridge was conjured out of thin air and a thin man with a goatee came off followed by several male students in dark red robes. Girls were eyeing the new guys with interest.
Dumbledore met the man.
"Igor, it has been a while" the old wizard said extending his hand.
"Dumbledore, it is always wonderful to see you" Igor said.
"Students of Hogwarts, I'd like you to welcome headmaster Igor Karkaroff and the students of Durmstrang" Dumbledore said.
"Bloody hell, it's Krum" Ron squealed.
Harry turned to the redhead and then followed his glazed eyes to the grumpy guy right by Karkaroff. Yes, he looked quite grumpy. He didn't look like he wanted to be here.
"Boy, have you met anyone that dour before?" Daphne asked.
"I bet he's still unhappy with losing the World Cup" Neville said.
"I know, but there isn't a smile in the bunch" Daphne said.
"You're right, what's with the frowning?" Susan asked.
"Not sure, but what they are wearing is a tad warm for here" Hermione observed.
"I believe Durmstrang is supposed to way up north where it gets quite cold" Padma said.
"Well, that's one school, where's the other?" Harry asked.
"They are about five minutes out" Luna said staring up in at the sky.
"What do you mean Luna?" Hermione asked.
"You'll see" Luna said in a singsong tone.
Soon several large carriages started to appear with what appeared to be large winged horses pulling them.
"Wow, what are they?" Susan asked.
"No idea" Harry said.
The carriages made perfect landings and once all of them landed a large woman came out of one of them. Harry and the others looked at one another and guessed she was about the size of Hagrid if a bit smaller.
"Ah, Olympe, it is nice to see you again" Dumbledore said taking the woman's large hand and kissing it.
"Dumblydoor, it is always nice to see you" the large woman said.
Soon several girls of a certain age came out. They were all wearing light blue robes. A lot of the boys were drooling at the sight of the girls. But out of all them the group recognized one.
"FLEUR!"
End of Chapter
A/N: sorry to end it here, but I felt that this was the best place. Right, well I am going to all let you know that I am not going write anything in French since I don't know any really. So any thing that will be in French I will mark. Also, yes I have changed the time when the two schools arrived since I thought it looked better than at night, which is in the book along with the order of how the two schools arrived. Thanks for reading and please review.