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Harry had been up for nearly an hour. The others in his room were all still fast asleep. Ron muttering something about a kitten, Neville snoring softly.

After being interviewed by Rita Skeeter for over an hour Harry had missed the remainder of his Charms class. Instead of going back there he had stopped in his dormitory to drop off his books and then he had headed down to dinner. As Snape had predicted, he wasn't there. However, it wasn't until Harry had scanned the teacher's table looking for the man that he realized that his guardian was going to be upset over his talking with Rita Skeeter.

Snape had said in no uncertain terms that he wasn't to have anything to do with the Tournament. Harry was pretty sure that talking to Rita Skeeter for a huge article in The Daily Prophet was doing exactly that. There was also no way to hide it. Snape read The Daily Prophet every morning. The article was going to be in this morning's paper. If Snape didn't already know what Harry had done, he would soon.

Perhaps the worst part of it all was that Harry couldn't even avoid the man. He was due to have breakfast with him in less than an hour.

Slowly Harry rolled out of bed. Careful to be quiet as not to wake his roommates. He quickly pulled a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt out of his trunk and dressed before stepping into his trainers and bending over to lace them.

His only saving grace was that Dumbledore had told him to do the interview. He had to listen to Professors right? How many times had Snape told him that? Surely the man couldn't get mad at him for doing just that could he?

Then again, it was Snape.

Harry hurried down the staircase. His plan was to get to Snape before the man saw the article. He hoped that by doing that he could somehow explain it all to him before he had a chance to get cross.

He was thankful that the Gryffindor Tower was empty. Everyone else was likely just starting to stir.

Harry ducked through the portrait and took off in a sprint to the dungeons. Snape would already be awake, he was sure of it. Hopefully though he was busy with work and hadn't picked up the paper yet.

He flew down the stairs that led to the dungeons. The moment his feet hit the castle floor he ran once more skidding to a stop in front of Snape's door.

He was about to reach out and grab the doorknob when he heard a loud bang. It sounded as though someone had slammed their fist onto a table.

"He deliberately disobeyed me," Snape practically yelled causing Harry to jump backwards despite the fact that his guardian had no idea he was even there. "I strictly forbade him to do anything involving the Tournament and yet here he is, his face is plastered on the front page of the blasted Daily Prophet!"

Harry hoped that whoever answered him wasn't someone that he would be completely mortified by. He couldn't imagine certain adults knowing how angry Snape was at him.

"I am sure that if you speak with Harry he will have an explanation," Remus replied causing Harry to smile softly. He really loved Remus. He would have to remember to tell him that some time. And although he wasn't thrilled about the idea of Remus knowing Snape was this upset with him, he was pleased that his Professor was sticking up for him.

For a fleeting moment Harry wondered if this is what it would have been like if his dad were alive. Would Remus be trying to stick up for him while his dad ranted about his bad behavior? Or would his dad have let him just compete in the Tournament? Somehow with the way Sirius had reacted Harry had a suspicion that his dad would have been trying to pull him out of it as well.

"An explanation?" Snape fumed back. "I gave him one rule to follow. I should march up to his dormitory this very moment and show him exactly what happens when he so blatantly disobeys me."

Harry took a step backwards as if he expected Snape to come storming through the door at any second.

"The interview isn't that bad," Remus replied. "I understand that he disobeyed you but I am sure it could have been much worse."

"Not that bad?" Snape huffed loudly. "He painted a picture of himself as an arrogant celebrity. As though he is proud of being the youngest to ever compete in this Tournament."

"Severus if you just -"

"That alone is an issue as I have told him numerous times that he is not competing," Snape cut Remus off before he could finish his thought. "He will be down here this morning for breakfast and I promise you that I will express to him once more that he is not to be involved with this damn Tournament. If he cannot understand that through words perhaps he will understand it when it is communicated through a paddle across his backside."

Harry blushed involuntarily at his guardian's threat. He absolutely hated that Snape would share that with Remus. He couldn't even complain about it either because than he would have to tell Snape that he had been eavesdropping and he could only guess how pleased the man would be about that. He wondered how many other teachers knew about how Snape punished him. The thought alone caused the redness on his cheeks to spread all the way up to his hairline.

"I am sure that Harry did not mean to come across as an arrogant celebrity. You are well aware of how Rita Skeeter embellishes."

"The boy does not think! I can only imagine what will be said when Cornelius gets his hands on this article. He was quoted as saying that he would be happy if the Ministry would just leave him alone."

Harry's eyes grew wide at Snape's words. He had never said that! That stupid lady had mentioned the Ministry and Harry had said that he didn't know much about their involvement and that he respected what they set out to do. He had actually been really proud of his answer. He was sure that Snape would have been proud of it too!

"It sounds to me as though you and Harry have a lot to discuss this morning."

Harry swore that the man's voice sounded almost sad. Like he hoped Snape would calm down before then.

"I should probably be going."

There was a long moment of silence before Harry heard Remus speak once more.

"As I have told you in the past I do not disagree with how you are raising Harry. I will not deny the fact that James and Lily would be proud and I do not wish to interfere but as I have said, I am sure that there is some explanation for all of this. Harry knows that you read the paper daily. I highly doubt he would do something like this knowing that you would find out nearly instantly. It's not like him."

Once again Harry found himself smiling softly despite the fact that he was about to meet his executioner. Remus really was brilliant. Harry could completely see why his dad had been such a good friend of his.

Harry heard footsteps approaching the door and quickly took several steps back down the hallway. He leaned up against the wall in the hopes that if for some reason Snape came out as well he would somehow camouflage into the brick wall making himself invisible to his guardian.

He watched as the door opened and Remus walked out, closing the door behind him.

"Hi," he said softly instantly feeling like a complete prat. Besides the fact that he was basically getting caught eavesdropping he now knew that Remus was privy to how Snape punished him. Harry had to make himself force the thought out of his mind before his ears burned off his head.

Remus raised an eyebrow at the teenager. "How much did you hear?"

"Enough to know that he is really angry," Harry admitted in a sullen tone.

Remus walked over to Harry and reached out an arm, giving the boy a soft pat on the back.

"It wasn't even my fault," Harry explained. "He is always saying that I have to listen to teachers and Dumbledore told me to do it!"

"I think there is someone else that you should be explaining this to," Remus said with a wink.

"He is going to murder me," Harry mumbled his ears burning.

"Make him listen," Remus suggested. "He will if it is important to you."

When Harry made no attempt to move Remus gave him a small nudge in the direction of Snape's door. "Go on." And then a moment later he added, "I assure you that despite how angry he may seem I won't be attending your funeral anytime soon." He gave Harry a small grin when the teenager looked up at him.

Harry was sure that he couldn't prolong the situation any more. Another moment and he would look like a complete baby to Remus.

Harry nodded softly before taking the first step towards Snape's door.

"I will see you later in class," Remus promised before continuing on his way.

Harry took the last few steps to Snape's door, reached his hand out, and rested it on the doorknob.

He took a deep breath before turning the knob and slowly opening the door.

The moment he crossed over into the parlor his guardian took a firm hold of his right upper arm. Harry was prepared for that all too familiar sting to take over and conquer. What he wasn't prepared for was Snape to lead him across the room and place him firmly in the corner.

"Don't. Move." Snape instructed in a deadly tone.

"You told me to listen to my Professors and other adults," Harry said in a desperate voice. "And Dumbledore fits both! I was just doing what you told me to do! I couldn't say no to him!"

But Snape was so angry that he hadn't heard a single word. His mind was consumed with the article, the fact that his child had disobeyed him yet again, and whether or not he should land a stinging swat to the child's disobedient backside where he stood.

"Quiet," Snape barked. "You are in enough trouble as it is! Do not make this situation worse for yourself."

He strode across the room and sat down in his armchair. He closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. Of all the things Harry could have done, this article was likely one of the worst.

Snape's eyes slowly opened and drifted down to the coffee table, locking with Harry's eyes in the picture that was plastered on the front page.

"Snaaape," came an insistent whine from the corner. "You have to listen to me!"

The sound of the child whining snapped Snape from his thoughts. He hated that whine. Harry was fourteen and in Snape's opinion far too old to be behaving in such a manner.

"You will stand in that corner silently or so help me Harry you will go over my knee for a dose of the paddle this morning," Snape threatened.

"No!" Harry replied. He refused to be punished for something he couldn't help. "Dumbledore pulled me from class. He told me to do it. You told me to listen to Professors!"

Snape sighed softly, "Harry," he said sternly.

Harry stomped his foot in anger before turning around to face his guardian. "No!" He dared to say. "I had to listen to him! You always say that I have to listen to adults and Professors. I had to do it! I couldn't say no to him!"

"Turn around and face that corner," Snape snapped. "How dare you stomp your foot at me like a toddler. I thought perhaps that a warning would be enough to deter your behavior but clearly I was wrong. Therefore you can sit on a sore behind for your morning class. But before that you will complete your time in the corner. Now obey me and turn around at once!"

Harry held his guardian's stare for another moment before admitting defeat and turning back around. He hated this. He knew that Snape would be upset about the interview but he was being impossible. He wouldn't even try and understand. And he hated this stupid corner. It was boring and childish. He hated that he had to stand and stare at the wall and think about the fact that he was going to be walloped in a few minutes. Every second that he stared at the boring white paint he felt worse for himself.

Snape picked up the paper, his eyes scanning the article once more. He took a deep breath in an attempt to reign his temper in. He forced himself to listen to what his son had said - to hear him. He had told Harry on numerous occasions that he was to listen to his Professors and obey them.

"Come here," Snape beckoned to his son.

Harry made no attempt to move. "I'm not coming over there so that you can punish me for something I didn't have a choice over," Harry boldly replied. "I'm not."

"I believe that you are already being punished," Snape answered. "I also believe that I asked you to do something and I expect you to obey me."

Harry wanted nothing more but than to stay rooted to his spot but he wasn't daft. He knew that if he continued to push Snape it would only make matters worse for him.

Slowly he turned on his heel and walked to his guardian.

"I understand what you are saying," Snape said in a surprisingly calmer toner. "And you are right. I have told you to listen to both Professors as well as other adults. You said that Professor Dumbledore pulled you out of class and told you to do this interview?

Harry nodded. "He introduced me to Rita Skeeter and the other champions were there but she wanted to interview me first. And I didn't even say half of what she said I did! I never said that about the Ministry and I didn't act the way she said I did either!"

Snape raised a curious eyebrow, "How are you aware of what the article quoted you as saying?"

"Hermione gets The Daily Prophet everyday," Harry quickly supplied. "It was on a table in the common room before I came down and I read it."

"Rita Skeeter is known for her embellishments," Snape replied. He sighed softly before he continued. "In the future regardless of who asks you to do so, you will not have anything to do with the Triwizard Tournament. I intend to personally speak to Professor Dumbledore about this matter as well as future issues related to the Tournament."

"Am I still in for it?" Harry asked blushing slightly.

"You are not," Snape replied. "However should this happen again…"

"It won't," Harry promised before his guardian could finish his threat.

"Then we will let this go," Snape said as he stood. "I believe breakfast should be ready."


"I got some information," Ginny said in a hushed voice.

She, Harry, and Hermione were the only ones in the back hallway by the greenhouse. The hallway would likely be deserted for at least another hour. Still, she knew that the information she had was sensitive and sometimes she swore that even the walls could hear you at Hogwarts.

"About the first task?" Harry questioned anxiously.

Ginny nodded. "Ron told me actually," she admitted. "He actually found out from Charlie."

Harry heard Hermione gasp slightly though he couldn't quite figure out why.

"It's dragons," Ginny said confirming Hermione's fear. "Each champion will have to steal an egg from a dragon."

Harry felt his stomach drop at her words. He wasn't sure how it hadn't immediately registered in his brain that Charlie Weasley worked with dragons. Ron must have mentioned it to him at least a hundred times. Of course if Ginny found out because Charlie had told Ron it would have something to do with dragons.

"Breath Harry," Hermione instructed him gently.

Harry hadn't even realized that he was holding his breath until his friend said something. He slowly let out his breath willing his body to remain calm. Snape had told him he wasn't competing. There was absolutely no need to freak out.

"They are already here too," Ginny added. "They have them in the Forbidden Forest. Apparently Charlie said they are only about a fifteen minute walk in, just behind Hagrid's."

"I should go try and see them," Harry said more to himself than the girls. "I could use my cloak. Just to see what I am really up against." He glanced in Hermione's direction waiting for her to tell him how mental he was.

"I actually don't think that is a bad idea," she said shocking Harry. "If for some reason Snape can't figure out a way to prevent you from competing than you should know what you are up against. I think that you should go tonight. The first task is only one week away. Once you know how big the dragon is and what it is capable of we will still have six days to try and figure out a way for you to defeat it."

Once again Harry felt his stomach drop. He had no idea how he was supposed to defeat a dragon. He was sure that the other Champions knew spells that he hadn't even dreamed of yet that they could use. And Snape wasn't going to be any help. The man didn't even want to talk about the Tournament let alone try and help him figure out how to compete in it. Harry was positive that Snape would bloody belt him just for preparing for the first task.

"Right," Harry replied. "I'll go tonight. I'll use my cloak."

"Should one of us come with you?" Ginny asked.

Harry shook his head. "My cloak can really only fit one person these days. We're bigger than we used to be. It's too risky for more than just me to be under my cloak."

"Just don't get caught," Hermione offered her advice.

"Er right, thanks," Harry retorted sarcastically before turning his attention to Ginny. "Thanks Gin, for finding out everything that you did about the first task. It was brilliant of you, really."

The redhead grinned softly. "Of course! I'm just glad I could help."


"I have told you countless times that Harry is not a Champion! How dare you wait until I am out of the castle and then have that insufferable Rita Skeeter interview him!"

"Now Severus," Albus replied calmly. "I did not plan for Ms. Skeeter to interview him. She arrived at the castle unexpected and requested an interview with each of the Champions. I could not deny her that. It is a timeless tradition that the Champions be interviewed for the local paper."

"Harry is not a Champion!" Snape thundered.

"His name came out of the Goblet. We have yet to find a solution that would prevent him from competing or being expelled. Therefore at this moment he is still considered a Champion," Albus reasoned. "I do not want to see Harry compete anymore than you do Severus but until we find a resolution I cannot pretend as though he is not a Champion."

"The hell you can't," Snape snarled. "I have read the rules over dozens of times and nowhere in them does it state that the Champions must give interviews!"

"It is not in the rules, as I just said it is a tradition dating back over one hundred years."

"And it ends here with Harry," Snape countered. "He is not doing any more interviews. Skeeter lied about the majority of what he said as well as about his personality while giving the interview! Have you any idea how Cornelius and the others at the Ministry will react to this? He was already threatening to take Harry before this blasted interview!"

"Cornelius is aware of how Ms. Skeeter writes her interviews. I will speak with him and remind him that she tends to change things for the amusement of her readers."

"If Cornelius uses this interview in any way to revoke my custody of Harry I will never forgive you for it Albus."

"I would never forgive myself for such a thing," Albus replied sadly. "As I have assured you I will speak with him. Your custody of Harry will not be in jeopardy over the interview he did. You have my word Severus."


Harry slowly crept out of the side door by the lake. His cloak was in place covering every inch of his pajama clad body as well as his trainers.

He looked up at the sky as a blast of lighting lite it up seconds after thunder clapped loudly. It was pouring outside.

The rain was actually so hard that Harry had nearly backed out of going at all. Hermione had been right though. After tonight it would be six days until the first task. He didn't want to waste another day not preparing himself and he really felt that he could not do that until he saw the dragons. He was going to have to hang his cloak to dry out for a few days but it would be worth it.

He was holding out hope that maybe they were just babies or even teenagers. He couldn't imagine that they would be expected to go up against a full grown dragon. But then, Snape did say that students had died in the past.

The sky lite up with lightning once more making it look more like noon than just after midnight. Seconds after the thunder roared once more.

Harry walked towards Hagrid' hut as quickly as he dared. He would have liked to run so that he could get back and out of the rain faster but he knew that if he did that he risked his feet showing. The last thing he needed was someone seeing his trainers running across the grounds this late at night.

As he passed Hagrid's huts he took note that the man either wasn't home or was already asleep. The entire hut was dark and not a puff of smoke was coming from his chimney.

Harry needed to remember to make it a point to ask Snape if he could go visit Hagrid soon. With all the excitement of the Tournament Harry hadn't even been to see the man yet. Of course he had seen him around the grounds a time or two but it wasn't the same as having a proper visit. Harry missed visiting with Hagrid.

Harry stepped into the Forbidden Forest. A memory of his first few weeks with Snape instantly flashed through his mind. He had purposely gone into the Forest several times just to prove to himself that he didn't have to listen to Snape. Harry nearly laugh out loud at the very idea of him doing something like that now. The thought of how disappointed Snape would be in him if he knew what he was doing at the present moment was enough to make Harry was to sick up.

He slowly walked through the Forest careful to listen for any sounds of another person or a strange creature. It was impossible to walk silently on the leaf and trig covered ground. If he heard anyone else he was going to have to freeze in his spot.

Again he considered running. He doubted that dragons had just been left alone in the woods though. Someone must be out there with them and if that someone saw his trainers he was as good as caught. He had no choice but to walk slowly.

Harry shivered in the cold, wet night air.

His cloak was soaked. So far it was preventing him from getting wet but Harry wasn't sure that eventually the water wouldn't seep through.

The Forest illuminated for a moment as a bolt of lightning flashed through the sky. Harry quickly learned around to assure himself that he was alone. He wished that he had some way to know how long he had been walking. If he had to make an educated guess he would say five minutes but somehow it felt a little longer than that.

He stepped over a fallen tree as carefully as he could though he was sure that his feet had been visible even if only for just a moment.

After walking for a few more moments he finally heard voices shouting ahead of him.

Once again he was hit with the overwhelming urge to run. His cloak was heavy from all the rain and it was started to drench straight through in spots. Water was dripping down Harry's back as well as down his nose. He was shivering slightly and trying his hardest to do so quietly.

He walked under large tree branches that had been blocking his view deeper into the Forest. The moment that he passed under them he saw bright light coming from just a few hundred feet in front of him.

Harry walked faster, careful not to begin jogging. He could hear people yelling and the loud sounds of dragons.

He stopped abruptly as he spotted two large dragons. One was asleep but the other was flapping its wings so fiercely that it was causing the trees nearby to literally bend in half due to the force of the wind it was creating. It stopped for a moment, breathing fire into the air so hot that Harry could feel the warmth from where he was standing, which really wasn't all that close.

Harry instantly felt his stomach flip over itself, the blood draining from his face, his heart beating loudly in his ears.

He wouldn't stand a chance up against one of these dragons.

All he would be allowed was his wand and he was sure he didn't know a single spell that would help him in a situation like that. Even if he somehow managed to cast a Body Binding spell powerful enough to work, the dragon would still be able to breath fire. And he was sure that six days was not nearly enough time to learn a spell that would help him.

He felt his dinner slosh around in his stomach once more. If he had to go up against one of these dragons he was going to fail. He didn't doubt that for one moment. In the same breath, if Snape somehow managed to get him out of it he was going to look like the world's biggest coward. He was going to look like he was too scared of the dragon and he begged and cried until Snape fixed it.

Harry sighed softly as he slowly started backing away from the arena. The wet earth had now gone completely through his trainers as well as his socks and his feet were freezing cold. He was going to have to dry out his wet clothing in front of the fireplace tonight. He was too afraid that a nosey house elf would end up collecting them for the washing and somehow realize that if his clothing was wet he must have been out in the rain. He was sure that somehow word of it would get back to Snape.

He was still walking backwards when he nearly fell over a large patch of vines. His right foot instantly got stuck and Harry stumbled for a moment before catching himself and balancing out.

Harry tried to wiggle his foot free but the vine seemed to have a firm grip on it.

"Beautiful creatures aren't they?" The familiar voice said.

Harry turned his head to the left to see Hagrid and Remus only twenty feet from him. The rain seemed to be falling everywhere but onto them and Harry was sure that they knew some spell to prevent themselves from getting wet. He was envious that he didn't know it as well.

Harry held his breath praying that he wasn't about to get caught. Slowly and carefully he leaned over and quietly began trying to pry his right foot from the vines.

"Quite beautiful," Remus agreed. "Also quite deadly."

"Mostly misunderstood," Hagrid replied. "I'm sure if they were had the chance to bond with someone they could be tamed."

"Don't get any ideas Hagrid," Remus chuckled softly. "This lot will be gone by this time next week. I only hope that Severus finds his solution and Harry isn't made to go up against one of them."

"Oh he can't!" Hagrid exclaimed as Harry finally got his foot free. "He isn't old enough to know the proper spells."

Harry quickly stepped out of the vines. He would have liked to stay and here the rest of the conversation but he was too cold and too afraid of being caught.

He quickly started walking back towards the castle careful to walk slowly enough so his feet would remain hidden.


Harry didn't stop moving until he was back in the Gryffindor common room. The moment he was inside he peeled off his socks and placed them as well as his trainers in front of the roaring fire. Next to pulled off his pajama shirt and laid that out in front of the fire as well. He knew that the house elves would find them there in the morning and somehow know that they were his. Hopefully by then they would be dry though.

After deciding that his pajama pants were hardly even damp he climbed the stairs to his dormitory quite thrilled with himself that he hadn't gotten caught.

He quietly climbed into his bed. There was no way that he could sleep though. He couldn't get the image of the dragons out of his mind nor could he stop thinking about his predicament.

He didn't want to compete. He knew that. He also didn't want to be pulled out though. He could practically hear Malfoy's comments if that happened. He could see the entire school thinking he was a complete and total baby - a coward.

As it stood he didn't think that he had to worry about being removed from the Tournament. Snape could say it all he wanted but he couldn't just pull him from it without finding a loophole. He hadn't been able to do that yet and he was quickly running out of time.

Harry looked up at his ceiling as he tried to remember every spell he had ever learned. It was pointless though. Even the spells that might help him were worthless. He wasn't sure that he could cast any of them powerfully enough to stop a dragon.

Someone was going to die in the Tournament this year and it was going to be him.

TBC...