Chapter 26
Old Friends And New Ones

Friday November 20th, 1994.

Lily Potter and her daughter, Rose, strode across the Hogwarts Grounds between the Ilvermorny Tents and the Beauxbatons camp. The Beauxbatons camp was similar to the Ilvermorny one, with several tents set up in a circle around the Beauxbatons carriage in the middle. Lily was reminded of stories of Covered Wagons – though the tents didn't resemble anything like Covered Wagons - in the days of Settlers venturing along the Oregon Trail. The tents "protecting the Carriage and its ginormous horses which were lounging in their make-shift stable.

Lily had been trying to keep her mind off of the news of Dragons, so she wouldn't scream, rage and cry in front of her children. She had rarely ever sworn in front of her children, even when they did things to deserve it. She knew how to rage, and she knew how to swear. The most recent time she had done so was making the Howler she had sent to Rita Skeeter about the hag's article outing Tracey to Great Britain. Thankfully Sirius had muffled her language from her children.

Now, Lily couldn't stop thinking about Dragons. Remus had been right. Neither she, Remus, Sirius, nor Harry had predicted something as mental as Dragons would be used. But Lily knew she shouldn't be so surprised. Dragons were a challenge, and the tasks were supposed to be challenging, and entertaining. It was obvious Remus was planning a weekend filled with training Harry for the First Task. Harry would likely spend little time with his girlfriend or friends during the training. Lily, of course, would volunteer to help too, as would Sirius. All three taught Harry almost everything he knew, both before and during his time at Ilvermorny.

Lily had a few ideas herself of suggestions for Harry's strategy in the First Task. Also she would be brewing some medical Potions in her Cauldrons as precaution. She knew Madam Pomfrey would be on hand to assist the Champions if they were injured, but Lily would also help as much as she could.

She just hoped Harry wouldn't need it.

As they arrived at the Beauxbatons camp, Lily followed Rose toward Gabrielle and Fleur's tent. Lily had been there a couple times, but Rose had been there every other day The twelve-year old couple had been exchanging visits to each others 'camp' every other day, spending three hours between classes and afternoons during weekends, and nearly all day when the visiting day fell on a weekend. One day, Ilvermorny, one day, Beauxbatons.

When her daughter was spending time with her girlfriend at the Beauxbatons Camp, Lily knew she needn't worry about watching the pair – Fleur had promised ages ago that she would be chaperone. Lily had argued a bit with her, saying she could do it so Fleur could focus on her classes and the Tournament. Fleur had just waved away her offer, saying it gave her an opportunity to know her sister's girlfriend.

Gabrielle and Fleur were sitting at their dining room table when Lily and Rose entered their tent. The tent was lavishly decorated – much more so than other tents, since Madame Maxime had deemed this 'The Champion's Tent'. When Gabrielle saw her girlfriend, she jumped up from the table, ran over to her and the girls shared a hug and a very light peck on the lips. They were speaking in whispers, some of which was the French language that Rose had learned so far. Lily had told Rose not to mention 'dragons', until Lily could reveal it to Fleur. She knew some French – not as much as Sirius did – but she knew she needed to learn more if her daughter would be carrying on French conversations with her girlfriend.

"This eez a surprise, Madame Lily," Fleur said; her English was still not as good as her sister's, "I zought dear Rose would be 'ere later. A dinner date instead of afternoon visit."

"I'm afraid I'm here for more of a reason to escort Rose to your tent, Fleur," Lily said, sighing. "Lord Black – Sirius – he, by lucky chance, discovered what exact creature is being used in the First Task. My son knows, and he wants all three of his competitors on equal grounds in knowing what the creature is. So Rose and I are here to tell you. Harry will be telling the two Hogwarts Champions."

Fleur's eyes went large. "And what am I to be to be face-to-face wiz zis Tuesday?

Lily inhaled and exhaled. "A dragon. Four of them. One of them for each Champion."

Fleur and Gabrielle both gave French expletives. Lily wasn't surprised Fleur knew them. But Gabrielle...

She raised an eyebrow at Gabrielle. "I trust you have not been teaching those swearwords to my daughter, dear Gabby?"

"No, Madame Lily," Gabrielle said, blushing pink. "I know you would not approve."

"I would not," Lily said, "Rose, those French words better not be in your vocabulary in the future."

"Yes, Mom," Rose said.

"Mon Dieu!" Fleur gasped in her native tongue. "Toutes mes excuses, Madame Lily, for mine and my dear sister's language. We were just surprised."

"Understandably so," Lily said, "As was I and my own two children. They were giving their own expletives when they heard the news."

Gabrielle giggled when Rose went pink.

"I did not reprimand them," Lily said, "and I dare not reprimand you."

"Do you know which species of zees beasts ze Champions will be face-to-face wiz?" Fleur asked.

"I do not," Lily said, "However, they will likely be in the Forbidden Forest either by tomorrow or Sunday evening. Sirius and Remus will be there to see which species have been brought, and I am betting my son will want to go with them. If you wish to go with them, I would stay with your sister and my daughter in either my tent or this one while you go."

"I will speak to Madame Maxime about it," Fleur said, "Mes plus profond mercies for revealing zis news to me."

"Think nothing of it, Fleur," Lily said. "I would not want you to have to go into a task against a creature so dangerous unprepared. I will go now back to my Tents. Would you be so kind to escort my daughter back to my tent when her visit here is finished?

"Oui, Madame Lily," Fleur said, "It will be my repayment for zis news."

Lily bowed her head respectably and turned to her daughter.

"Do I need to tell you to behave?" she asked Rose.

Rose and Gabrielle both shook their heads. Gabrielle had quickly come to see Lily as another mother over the past week or so.

"Then I will see you later," Lily said, "Enjoy yourselves."

She said farewell, and received another gracious 'Merci' and farewell from Fleur, before she left the tent and headed back to her own. She wilted and groaned when she saw Severus Snape walking slowly toward her. He had met her midway in between the Beauxbatons Camp and her own.

"I expected you to approach me one-on-one long before now, Severus," Lily said.

"I was... unsure what to say," Severus admitted.

"How about 'hello, I'm glad you didn't die when your husband did, Lily,'?" Lily asked. "Or have you still refused to talk about James in my presence or in letters as you did a decade-and-a-half ago?"

"My deepest condolences on your loss, Lily," Severus said. "And yes, I am very glad you, and your son, did not perish on the same night as him."

"Surprising," Lily said, "According to my son, you do not appear to like him very much. The few confrontations between himself and you have not been well-received."

"I am only admitting this to you because I believe it is no revelation to you," Severus said, "I look at your son and see the same teen who bullied me on these same Grounds and corridors many years ago. I do not need to tell you how much your son looks like your husband did at his age."

"You gave as much as you received, Severus," Lily said, "I believe I told you once that I kept expecting confrontations between the Marauders and you and your friends before they finished their education, and it just never happened. Until later on when they were in duels for their lives."

Severus winced. "I do not like to think about those memories. They are almost as difficult to remember as -"

"- as that day after our Defense OWL?" Lily asked.

"- as the day I saw the complete destruction of your cottage in Godric's Hollow," Severus continued, softly, "And felt my heart shatter. I have a new 'Worst Memory' these days, Lily. Even with you standing alive and whole before me, it still shakes me to my core to remember the day I started to live a life in a world without you in it."

"Your heart," Lily echoed; then cleared her throat. "I trust you saw my interview a couple weeks ago with Barnabus Cuffe?"

"I did," Severus replied.

"Then you read the words I said about my heart," Lily said, "And how there is no place in it since it is filled by my children and my late husband."

"And Black and Lupin?" Severus asked.

"Friends, Severus," Lily said, "No. Better. Brothers. I have never felt anything in the romantic sense for them. I have not fallen for anybody in the romantic sense since my husband died, and I cannot see a future where that will change. No, my feelings have not changed for you in time since you last saw me. I have only ever seen you as a friend, and that has not changed. I cannot return the feelings you have for me. Even in a world where James Potter no longer lives amongst us. I see his ghost every day."

"His ghost?" Severus asked, his eyes wide, and searching; apparently he was looking for the ghost of his arch-enemy.

Lily rolled her eyes. "A metaphor, Severus. I wish it wasn't. It would make me feel better about his presence in my life. I have not stopped grieving for him, though it has lessened leagues more than it did in the weeks and months since his death. But I have never stopped loving him, and that will never change.

"I would be fine with friendship, Severus. Not like when we were children. Not like when we were teens. But friends. That is what I would like our relationship to be now. But I will never return the feelings you have for me. And if you cannot accept that, then I cannot accept a friendship. Nor can I accept one if you continue seeing my son as his father for very much longer. Because he is not. No, that's a lie. He is like his father. Not the bully. But the loyal, kind, and good man."

"Not a bully?" Severus asked, "After that outburst he showed -"

He winced and stopped when Lily glared at him.

"That was not bullying, Severus," Lily said, "And I have done my best to tell him that in the days since the incident. He was protecting his friends, and their future. He wanted to stop every bad thing from happening to them, and he did so by taking an action. That is how my son is like his father, Severus. James is dead, because he sacrificed himself for me. He stayed in a house, knowing it would explode, and he told me to take my son and leave. He stayed behind in an exploding house, so he could attempt to end the life of the monster who was hunting the two people he loved more in life than anybody else, including those he calls brothers."

Severus frowned, and for the first time ever, Lily caught emotion on the man's face when it came to the subject of James Potter. An emotion that was not anger, fury, or hate. Emotion deserving for a man who protected the woman Severus loved.

"Your husband did not succeed, Lily," Severus said. "Voldemort is not dead."

"We know this," Lily said. "Hermione told us about the Philosopher's Stone and Chamber of Secrets incidents. We're expecting him to come back sooner or later."

"Soon, Lily," Severus said, then clutched the arm Lily knew had the Dark Mark, "Every day I feel a heat I have not felt since before the day your husband only half-succeeded. He will return within a year. I fear he is currently attempting to find a way back to a real body."

"Have you been in contact with him?" Lily asked.

"No," Severus said, "And when he does contact me, I will only work with him, so he does not know I have betrayed him and only wish his death, so he cannot finish the job he attempted on that Halloween night."

"I believe you," Lily said, "Thank you."

"Lily," Severus said. "Albus has a secret involving you and your son. I cannot tell it. But it involves him."

Lily translated Severus' words: Voldemort. Not Dumbledore.

Lily sighed. "And he has not come to my yet, why?"

"Because he is trying to gain the trust of you and your son," Severus said. "Do you really think Nymphadora Tonks would be here otherwise if Albus wasn't trying to give you and your son everything you want so he can earn your trust?"

Severus was trying to tell her something but he was also trying to keep secrets.

"My husband's Invisibility Cloak?" Lily asked.

"Would have been with Neville Longbottom to this very day had Albus not needed you and Harry," Severus said.

"Both Harry and I?" Lily asked. "Or Harry?"

"Harry cannot remain in Great Britain without you, can he?" Severus asked.

Albus wanted Harry to return to Great Britain. Permanently. Or at least until something happened. Not good. Not good at all.

"So you've become his spy instead of Voldemort's?" Lily guessed.

"Only until the bastard is dead," Severus said.

Lily raised an eyebrow. "Which one?"

Severus did not answer.

"Did he ask you to come speak to me?" Lily asked.

Severus did not answer.

"Thank you, Severus," Lily said. "I think I will let him give me and Harry a few more gifts before we speak to him."

"Please give your son my good wishes for his coming Tasks," Severus said.

Lily nodded. Severus gazed at her for another moment, before he turned and started heading back to the castle. Lily sighed, and headed back to her tent without another glance at Severus. Sirius and Amelia were back and were at the dining table with Remus when she returned to the House Potter tent. Harry wasn't there.

"Harry?" Lily asked.

"Homework finished," Remus said, "In Hermione's Tent until the two go to the Great Hall for dinner, where he'll tell the two Hogwarts Champions. Rose?"

"Staying for dinner with Gabby and Fleur," Lily said. "Fleur knows. Much French swearing was heard. From Fleur and Gabrielle. Rose either knows none of those words, or doesn't want me to know."

Sirius snickered. Amelia and Remus grinned.

"I have something more important to tell you than that though," Lily said.

"Is this about Severus meeting you on the Grounds?" Remus asked. "Sirius and Amelia just told me. They saw you while coming back here in their Animagi forms."

Lily sighed, and glared playfully at Sirius and Amelia.

"What was so important Gryffindor Snape had to say to you," Sirius said, "that you didn't notice two dogs running across the Grounds?"

Remus and Amelia's lips twitched. Sirius had told Lily and Remus about the "Gryffindor Snape" story, and Amelia had apparently heard it too.

"I have so many things to tell you," You're going to want to stick around Amelia."

Lily sat down at the table, and began to tell her three friends everything.

Hogwarts – Headmaster's Office – Fifteen minutes later

"I trust you gave Lily my message?"

"Yes."

"And?"

"She says she is going to wait until you shower her and her son with more gifts before she meets with you."

"I interrupted Sirius Black and Amelia Bones' romp in the Forbidden Forest so I could give Lily's son a another gift! How many do I have to give them?"

"Many, likely. And kindly refrain from speaking to me about Black's love-life."

"Did you at least tell her Voldemort is returning soon?"

"Yes."

"And?"

"I told her I wanted the bastard dead. She said nothing. I think she already knew."

"And she hasn't come to me even then?"

"Is that rhetorical?"

"Thank you, Severus."

"Fuck you, Dumbledore. You went too far with this request. Getting tortured by Voldemort I can handle. My heart tortured by Lily, I cannot. Never ask me to speak to Lily or her friends again without my permission. When I want to speak to Lily again, it is my choice."

"So the discussion went well?"

"Go fuck yourself, Dumbledore. With the Elder Wand."

Severus left, unexcused. Dumbledore raged. Fawkes squawked. The Sorting Hat huffed. Past Headmasters and Headmistresses covered their ears.

These things were quite common in the Headmaster's Office as of late.

The House Potter Tent – After Lily finished revealing her news

"Merde!" Sirius swore.

"Now I know who to blame if Rose starts swearing in French," Lily said. "And it isn't two French Veela."

The conversation involving Lily's discussion with Severus had gone... well. The middle of it was cut off by Amelia's shock that Voldemort was not dead. Then a conversation about the Philosopher's Stone. Amelia knew about the Chamber of Secrets. She had been the one to arrest Lucius Malfoy. She didn't know about Voldemort being on the back of Quirrel's head, or attempting to get the Philosopher's Stone Dumbledore had hidden it at Hogwarts. Amelia swore about Dumbledore and risking the lives of students including her niece, Susan.

Then the conversation about Severus resumed.

"I cannot believe Snape revealed all of that to you," Sirius said. "Was it to get into your knickers?"

Lily glared at Sirius, none too playfully. "No. I believe Albus ordered him to do it. I don't think he planned our reunion to be in the middle of the Grounds on my way back from the Beauxbatons camp. Albus has something to tell me and Harry. And it has something to do about Voldemort. And whatever it is, Albus is trying to keep Harry in Great Britain."

"Albus was the one who asked you and James to move from Potter Manor to Potter Cottage with Harry," Remus said. "Right?"

"Potter Cottage was James' wedding gift to me," Lily said. "In case I got tired of living in a Manor. Mostly it was going to be a summer home away from the Manor. Hardly anyone knew about it. We had not moved into it before Albus suggested we move to a safe-house. James offered Potter Cottage."

"Because you were targeted by Voldemort?" Amelia asked.

"He gave the same message to Frank and Alice Longbottom," Lily said.

"That sounds pretty specific," Amelia said. "He never told you why he believed you were targets?"

Lily shook her head.

"Well, it appears he wants to now," Amelia said. "And it involves your son. And... I think... Neville Longbottom."

"Neville Longbottom?" Sirius asked.

"Harry isn't the only boy Albus has some strange interest in," Amelia said. He's kept a really strange close relationship with Neville over the years."

"I suppose we'll know when we found out what it is," Remus said. "When?"

"When Albus least expects it so we can surprise him and maybe shock information out of him," Lily said.

"By finding more information to tell him that he doesn't think we know," Sirius said, nodding. "Clever."

"I thought so too," Lily said.

"So Dumbledore wants Harry to stay in Great Britain?" Sirius asked. "Can I just hope this is some strange desire to have Lord Potter attend Hogwarts for his last three years of his education?"

"Probably not," Lily said.

"Merde," Sirius swore again.

Hogwarts – The Great Hall

Harry was sitting at the Ravenclaw table with Hermione, Luna, Padma, Tonks, Tracey, and the Greengrass sisters – all but Padma allowed, now that they had permission, to sit at any table they wanted - eating dinner and watching the two Hogwarts Champions to see which one would leave the Great Hall first so he could talk to them.

Aside from Padma, this grouping of teens, and twenty year old Tonks – and occasionally Rose and Gabrielle – were a common sight in the Great Hall during some meals, especially dinner. However, they occasionally sat at Gryffindor – to eat with Parvati – or Hufflepuff – with Susan and Hannah – so get to know the members of the Great Alliance better. Especially Susan, since Sirius was dating her Aunt.

The first dinner they had sat at the Gryffindor Table had been interesting. Ron Weasley had complained – loudly – about three 'Snakes' at the table. Daphne had showed him her tie, revealing she was no longer a Slytherin. When Ron said "Once a Snake, always a Snake", Tonks had turned her eyes completely red and glared at him. Ron upended his goblet of pumpkin juice and fell backwards off the his seat in fear – to much laughter from those who saw the scene. Then McGonagall had come along and had taken fifty points away from Gryffindor and had given him a week of detentions. He had been avoiding the former Slytherins and Tonks ever since then.

"So what are you doing this weekend, Harry?" Padma asked.

"Training for the First Task," Harry said, "I found out what I'm facing, and no, I'm not telling you what it is. Word would get around, and the judges – aside from my mother, who already knows – would know I know and I'd probably get in trouble. Fleur knows, and I'm also telling the two other Champions soon.

"Hopefully Longbottom can keep his mouth shut," Tracey said.

"A braggart?" Harry asked.

"Hmm... I suppose not," Tracey said. "If he tells his Betrothed, she might tell people though.

"Like her twin brothers," Padma said, "who would parade it around."

"Or her mother," Hermione said, "who would send a Howler to Dumbledore, in the middle of the Great Hall, about endangering her future son-in-law -"

"Even though they are Allies?" Harry asked.

"Yes," came several voices amongst the group of friends.

"- and then everyone would know," Hermione finished.

"What is the chance of letting Neville know, and not his Betrothed?" Harry asked.

"They have sticking charms linked to each other's elbow," Daphne said.

"More like love hand-cuffs," Luna said. "Furry purple ones."

"Kinky," Tonks quipped.

"So no chance," Harry said. "Well, I could just threaten his Betrothed into silence -"

"No," Hermione, Daphne and Tracey said.

"- or I could not tell Neville -" Harry continued.

"No!" Hermione said.

"- or I could tell Ginny to scram," Harry said. "Tonks... want to scare another Weasley?"

"Ginny doesn't seem a coward like her brother, my Lord," Tonks said.

She had called him "My Lord" often as a joke. He couldn't get her to stop. And when he tried to call her by her first name as revenge, she gave him the same red eyes she gave Ron Weasley. Harry wasn't a coward like Weasley. But he stopped anyway.

"Tell her to scram," Daphne said, "And if she argues, tell her that Neville is going to be learning what he is facing in the Task. If she doesn't leave, he won't know... and it will probably kill him. And if she tells him to tell her... he could get in trouble for knowing the task information early."

"That will work," Harry said. "Thanks."

Daphne smiled. Angelina Johnson and her the two girls she hung around with stood and started walking out. Harry stood up, said he'd be back and hurried after them.

"Angelina!" Harry yelled, as soon as he entered the Entrance Hall.

Angelina and her friends were at the bottom of the stairs leading toward the Staircase.

"I need to talk to you," Harry said, "In private."

"Go on, girls," Angelina said.

Katie and Alicia smiled at Harry, then turned and headed up the stairs.

"Finally come to ask me to be your Lady Potter?" Angelina asked, approaching Harry.

"Sorry, my dear," Harry said. "But no. I've come to tell you what we're facing in the first task. Dragons. Four are on their way here with handlers, I assume."

Angelina cursed under her breath.

"Common response," Harry said.

"Do you know what types?" Angelina asked.

"No," Harry said, "But if you want to know, they'll likely be in the Forbidden Forest come tomorrow night or Sunday."

"Why are you telling me?" Angelina asked.

"I found out by luck," Harry said. "My mother knows, and she is likely one of two Judges – her and Maxime – won't be upset we know – and told Fleur earlier. I will be telling Neville by the end of the night. Equal chance. Equal preparation time."

"Thanks, Potter," Angelina said. "Got a date for the Ball?"

"Yes," Harry said.

"Damn," Angelina said, snapping fingers. "Save a dance if you can. As thanks."

"If I can," Harry said. "I might have a line-up. I got a lot of girls, and most of them are just friends."

"Most – so... the brunette Ravenclaw?" Angelina asked.

"Yes," Harry said.

"Lucky girl," Angelina said. "Thanks again. Good luck."

"You too," Harry said.

Angelina nodded once, turned and headed up the stairs. Harry returned to the Great Hall. He kissed Hermione's cheek when he sat back down with her.

"What was that for?" Hermione asked.

"For not even thinking about coming with me, and trusting me to be alone with another attractive girl," Harry said.

Hermione smiled prettily.

"She wants a dance at Ball for this, though," Harry said.

Hermione raised her eyebrows. "What did you say?"

"I told her I might be busy all night," Harry said.

Several snickers from girls were heard.

"That was not innuendo!" Harry said, "I told her I was thinking of dancing once with many of you, and that was why."

A few girls blushed.

"Do you know how to dance?" Daphne asked.

"I should," Harry said, "After all the hours I spent in lessons with Rose taught by Mom."

"Are there pictures?" Hermione asked.

"Not telling," Harry said.

"Definitely pictures," Daphne said.

Harry scowled, and thanked the stars the photo albums were at home in Boston.

Neville – nor Ginny – had not left by the time Harry, Hermione and the girls were finished. So Harry and Hermione stayed behind, sitting on the steps going toward the Staircase so they could catch Neville. They talked while they waited.

"I am surprised you have not been more upset about me not telling you about Shadow until today," Harry said.

"I suppose I was preoccupied," Hermione said, "by the voice screaming in my head 'Harry is crunchy and tastes good with ketchup'!"

Harry laughed out loud.

Hermione grinned. "I do understand it was a Family Secret, Harry. And yes, I do know the difference between Family and House Secrets, and that while I am a member of your House, I am still a good distance – and a lot of consideration between us both – from being thought of as a member of your family. While I am upset, because you've been telling me so much, I do understand. If – and that is a moderately large 'if' – we do get married, there better be no more secrets."

"If we get married, you'll likely know most, if not all, of my secrets by then," Harry said.

Hermione smiled. "Harry? I have been wanting to ask a question, but it seems like an odd topic. Rebecca, you're... 'and-a-half' girlfriend. Do you still consider her that?"

"I don't know," Harry said. "I've only been with her when I've been single. But now that I have a third wife on the horizon – and possibly second, if you do not take it – to search for."

"She's a candidate?" Hermione asked.

"One of many," Harry said, "Yes, I have been judging girls I know on their chances of candidacy. You rank slightly lower than Daphne and Tracey, only because they're pretty much a sure thing, though Tracey is a 'and-a-half wife'."

Hermione laughed. "I like that. I am okay to be third on the list. Where does Rebecca think you are?"

"I told her there was a chance I'd be in Britain for a while for a school event," Harry said.

"Does she know anything about your schooling – that she can know?" Hermione asked.

"I go to a boarding school she has no chance of attending – and boy, did she get angry when I couldn't tell her why," Harry said. "And that I am gone for most of the year."

"Do you ever contact her when you're not near her?" Hermione asked.

"Sometimes," Harry said.

"But not since you've been here?" Hermione asked.

"I haven't had an opportunity to be near a phone which can reach across the ocean," Harry said.

Hermione nodded. "Will you?"

"Maybe for Christmas holiday," Harry said, "And I will likely tell her about you, though don't ask me to predict her action. She's unpredictable. Especially since she's an 'and-a-half girlfriend'."

Hermione raised an eyebrow. "So she is still -"

"My best friend since I was a kid who I am attracted to," Harry interrupted. "And on the list."

Hermione nodded. "Got it. How big of a list?"

Harry's attempt to answer was cut off when he saw Neville and Ginny walking out of the Hall. Harry and Hermione stood up.

"Pot – Lord Potter," Neville said, "Greetings."

"Hello, Neville, Miss Weasley," Harry said, "Any chance we can speak, Neville, without Miss Weasley present?"

Ginny glared at him. Neville squeezed her hand and she stopped.

"What for?" Neville asked.

"I found out what we're facing in the First Task," Harry said.

"So tell us," Ginny said.

Harry sighed. "I am going to tell Neville, Miss Weasley."

"Why not me?" Ginny asked.

"Because if you tell anyone," Harry said, "Neville and I could get in trouble from those judges who don't like us finding out what we're facing, when we're supposed to go on facing the unknown. So... either you go away, and also don't think of asking Neville what the creature is... or you will be responsible for your Betrothed not knowing, and possibly getting killed because of it. And definitely placing fourth in the points because three other Champions were more prepared."

"Your girlfriend knows, doesn't she?" Ginny asked.

"I trust her," Harry said. "I don't know you, and your repeating attempts to stay here tell me I shouldn't."

Ginny sighed, kissed Neville on the cheek, and walked alone up the steps.

"Please don't try to eavesdrop, Ginny," Neville said.

Harry heard an agitated grunt and loud footsteps going up stairs.

"I hope this is good," Neville said. "Because it is going to get me lectured at by a girl who knows how to lecture."

"Dragons," Harry said.

"That will do it," Neville said. "Please tell me this isn't a joke."

"Why would I joke with you?" Harry asked.

"Sabotage?" Neville asked.

"You think I'm trying to sabotage you?" Harry asked. "Is that why you turned down my mother's offer to help you."

Neville frowned. "I suspected Sirius Black of putting my name in the Goblet."

"Why?" Harry said, through his teeth; narrowing his eyes.

"Dumbledore said whoever did it put Durmstrang on a slip of parchment – my name was in my handwriting," Neville said. "During the meeting after we were chosen -"

"Sirius mentioned that strategy," Harry said. "Neville – my Godfather did not put your name in the Goblet. He is a master strategist. He knows things you won't ever think of in your whole lifetime."

Neville nodded. "Sorry. I was being paranoid."

"Apology accepted," Harry said. "Fleur and Angelina know about the Dragons. Four of them. One for each Champion. No idea which species. But if you want to know, they'll likely be in the Forbidden Forest come tomorrow night or Sunday."

Neville gulped. "Great."

"I suppose I could tell you the species when I find out," Harry said. "For a price."

"Name it," Neville said.

"I want to meet with you, and Ginny's twin brothers," Harry said. "Ginny can come if she wants. Hermione and Luna told me about the Philosopher's Stone and Chamber of Secrets events. I told my mother and Honorary Uncles. We want first-hand stories."

Neville thought for a moment, and nodded. "I'll speak to the Weasley twins about it."

"Then I'll find you when I know the species, and we can work out a meeting time." Harry said; he offered his hand, "Technically I suppose I'm your God-brother. But I hear you have plenty of those. So I offer friendship."

They shook hands. Neville thanked Harry and walked up the steps. Hermione was standing by the steps during the conversation. Now she walked over to Harry and kissed him on the cheek.

"I have been trying to figure which House you'd be in at Hogwarts ever since you denied the Hat the opportunity to tell you," Hermione said. "That was a very Slytherin move making a deal with him. Did you make that deal with Angelina? Is that why you may dance with her?"

"No, she made me that offer," Harry said. "She has nothing I want, except possibly friendship. Neville has information. All four Houses, like you. That's what the Hat would tell me."

Hermione nodded. "I believe so too. Good to know."

"Good to know?" Harry asked.

"Because like you are recruiting me to Ilvermorny," Hermione said, "I am trying to find out whether you could attend here."

"With substandard education?" Harry asked. "No chance. Sorry. Never happening."

"Ah, it was a selfish thought, anyway," Hermione said. "I am doubting my parents would ever let me go. Even with a recruitment meeting, and better education."

"Never say never," Harry said, smiling.

"You just did," Hermione said.

"Substandard education deserves such an answer," Harry said.

Hermione nodded. She took his hand, and they headed back onto the Grounds of Hogwarts.

Chapter finished! I know! No Dragons! Severus Snape walked into my chapter, and changed my plans!

I absolutely loved everything to do with the Severus and Lily, and Severus and Albus discussions. That was so enjoyable to write. I was so nervous about Severus and Lily's discussion, and it was just perfect to me! I know everyone was looking forward to it. I hope you enjoyed it.

People asked about Rebecca. There's my current plans for her. A phone call during Christmas Break.

New favorite quote in story: "I suppose I was preoccupied by the voice screaming in my head 'Harry is crunchy and tastes good with ketchup'!" – Hermione Granger

Next Chapter: Dragons! But probably not the First Task yet. Also, Neville, Fred and George (and possibly Ginny) speak to Harry and Co. And Fred and George meet the Marauders!