AN: We don't own any of the character portrayed in the story below. All Harry Potter characters are the property of J.K. Rowling and characters are the property of their creators. Any likenesses are purely coincidental. The timeline is an AU since instead of starting Hogwarts at age 11 they started at 15. Also, make use of modern technology and current events.
Please Read, Review and if you enjoy this story favorite and follow. Rated M for Violence and language. The story will pick up soon just introducing the main characters for now and backgrounds. *means mental statement not said out loud.
Mayhem's Messenger
By: BROMBROS
Chapter 28
Hopefully, the plans he'd made with Sirius and Remus would be enough to combat the first task.
Sirius had gone drinking with the Groundskeeper, Rubeus Hagrid and confirmed the Dragons traveling into the country were indeed for the First Task.
The Giant of a man had drunkenly told Sirius that Madame Maxime was already aware of this fact; he had told her in a bid to impress her.
Harry was fairly certain that by now Krum was probably aware of what was coming. The Bulgarians head may have been full of sawdust, but Karkaroff's was not.
The Bulgarian Headmaster was a former Death Eater, pardoned because he had given up some of his forthcoming compatriots.
He'd have found a way to get the information.
The only one unlikely to have the information was Diggory, but Harry wasn't going to underestimate the Hufflepuff Headboy. He wasn't given the position because he could smile prettily.
He wasn't generous enough to help the older male, wasn't like he owed him anything.
The fake Moody had just mentioned something similar.
The Foe-Glass in the corner was showing a continuous series of shadowy figures floating within, the man had tried to downplay the shaking and strange noises coming from the multi-compartment trunk that was sitting under the far window. "You don't even want to know what's in there. You wouldn't believe me if I told you."
"I might surprise you."
"Heh, I believe that. Of anyone in this place, it'd be you. Any plans for the first task?"
"A few, do you honestly expect me to share them?"
"No, not if you're smart."
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The sun rising on the morning of the first task was beaten by Harry rising out of bed. By the time it was fully up Harry had, by his estimation, ran a kilometer around the Quidditch Pitch.
However early he was up he was unable to escape the people that were curious about him.
Luckily this one was already familiar with him. To her father's dismay. Though knowing the man he might prefer it.
He was making his way back to the school, pulling off his shirt when she approached.
"You always did look good with your shirt off, Arry."
"So do you Fleur, but then again you generally always look good."
"But of course. Father sends his regards."
"Among other things, I'm sure. Will he be attending the Tournament?"
"The final task. He mentioned something about you joining the British Military when I spoke with him."
"Would he prefer me to join the Foreign Legion instead?"
"To prevent any conflicts of interest on his part, perhaps he would."
"And what conflicts of interest could he have?"
"That's between you and him. Are you ready for the first task?"
"I am. When did Maxim tell you about the Dragons?"
"I shouldn't be surprised you know about that. How did you find out?"
"Got my source good and drunk, let him run his mouth. People who can't hold their alcohol shouldn't be asked to keep secrets."
"True enough. What are you doing here, Harry? Had you refused to compete, you would not be the one who would have had to pay the consequences?"
"Waiting for someone. That's all I'll say, Fleur. Good luck today."
He brushed past the Frenchwoman, heading towards his quarters. It wouldn't do to show up to breakfast shirtless and smelly.
Though he was sure Snape and McGonagall would have more to say about it than the female portion of the school.
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When Harry rejoined the rest of the school it didn't take him long to gain the attention of most of the assembled staff and students.
Wearing Patrol Boots, a PT blouse, and Desert Fatigues; he stood out, which was his intention in this case. He was trying to illustrate the difference between himself and the other Champions.
He'd been doing what he could to make the separation visibly clear, not to make it seem like he was better than the students, but to make it clear that he was there representing himself.
He had asked Sirius to make that point clear to the rest of the Hogwarts staff that the so-called remedial lessons that he was taking with his Godfather and Remus were as far as he would be delving into the Hogwarts curriculum.
As far as the staff knew he was there to compete.
He would let them keep that delusion until after the third task. At that point, if things went to plan, Voldemort would have been returned to physical form.
Once the Dark Lord started throwing his weight around, Harry could plan his own targeted strikes instead of reactionary attacks; burning down Borgin and Burkes and blowing up Runcorn non-withstanding.
Until then, breakfast awaited.
Sitting at the end of one of the House tables, not caring to check which, he filled his plate. Steak and eggs with sautéed mushrooms, tomatoes, and black beans. He filled the cup with orange juice.
While he was giving the assembled students from the three schools a lesson in military eating (quickly) he felt someone walk up behind him. There was too much magic in the air to try and sense who it was.
"Good morning Harry, how did you sleep?" Luna said in her dreamy voice, something that the student body entire to hearing from the blonde.
Harry smiled, "Good morning to you as well Luna. I slept as well as I could."
Luna smiled, "There is a rumor circulating, of side bets being taken. I came to wish my new friend the best of luck with today's task."
Harry nodded, "Thank you, Luna. Are you hinting to me that I should win, since you put money on those bets?"
Luna just smiled dreamily then said, "I know you'll do just fine, but a little extra luck never hurt."
Harry nodded in agreement. "Have you eaten?"
"I broke my fast earlier; I was just waiting for you to show up so we could speak."
He turned his head towards the Head table when he heard the clicking of heels; McGonagall was making her way in his direction.
Given the time he could guess why.
"Lord Potter, finish your breakfast, it's nearly time. I'll escort you down to the grounds to join the other Champions."
"Alright," Harry shoved the last of his mushrooms into his mouth, drained his cup, and then stood up, his fork falling onto an empty plate. "Shall we Professor?"
"Good luck, Harry, try not to get eaten!"
Harry gave the smiling blonde a flat look as she skipped away.
"She means well Lord Potter, Miss Lovegood is just...Miss Lovegood."
"I know, lead on Professor."
He followed the Head of House Gryffindor from the hall, ignoring the looks the gathered students shot him.
Exiting the Castles main gate, passing through the enchanted Portcullis, Harry looked at the older woman. She was holding a handkerchief, twisting it into knots.
"Shouldn't I be the nervous one?"
"If you are, I can't tell. If your Father and Godfather hadn't driven me gray, this blasted tournament would have."
"At least you still have your hair."
The look he received from the Prim Scotswoman would have normally sent students fleeing, including students that were now technically her co-workers.
He, of course, ignored it.
"I hope Professors Lupin and Black were able to aid you somehow. I can understand your reasoning for agreeing to compete, that said I do not believe it was a student that put your name into the Goblet."
"On that, we agree."
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Approaching the makeshift stadium Harry could hear roaring; both from the early attendants in the stands and the penned Dragons. He followed Professor McGonagall just along the edge of the Forbidden Forest to the tent set up for the Champions, to wait for instructions on the task and for receiving medical attention afterward.
"We've got wizards, Dragon Handlers, standing by just in case things get out of hand. They're waiting for you inside Mr. Potter." McGonagall said as she pointed to the back entrance of the tent.
"Thank you for walking with me Professor."
Harry missed the quick smile from her as he walked past her into the tent. He didn't miss the look of concern on her face. *She must be worried that Sirius and Remus didn't train me enough.*
Harry ignored the weird look from Crouch when he walked into the tent. The other champions with their headmasters were already waiting for him to arrive.
Fleur was sitting in the far corner on a low wooden stool. She didn't look nearly as composed as usual, but rather pale and clammy. Madame Maxime was trying to hide the fear for her champion behind her own concern.
Harry wasn't sure what to make of the conversation he'd had with her earlier, as long as it didn't interfere with what he had to do, it could wait.
Krum looked even surlier than usual.
Karkaroff looked cold and calculating; until he thought he saw Moody walk past the entrance of the tent. He wouldn't soon forget his arrest at the hands of the grizzled Master Auror, nor would he forget his time spent in Azkaban.
A brief, time. He was there a fortnight before he decided to name, names. Hoping to get released. Being a pureblood, it of course worked.
Clemency for a coward; albeit a dangerous one. All of the Death Eaters were Dangerous cowards, with varying degrees of competency.
And with the exception of One, Maybe Two, if he decided to let Severus wallow in his own misery and what if's, he had a list; marked or unmarked they would be joining Tom.
He turned his attention from the Bulgarian Death Eater and his pet Troll to Cedric, who was pacing up and down the center aisle between the beds that had been set up for the champions, so when the Dragons set their asses on fire they wouldn't have far to go to get medical attention.
Dumbledore looked like a worried grandfather, even though his eyes were still twinkling. Chess master that he thought he was, eyeing his supposed pawns.
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"Harry!" Bagman, exclaimed, looking around at him. "Come in, come in, and make yourself at home!" Of all the people to introduce him, it had to be Bagman.
At Bagman's shout, everyone turned their attention his way. Those that weren't in the Great Hall when Harry went to have breakfast did a double-take on what he was wearing.
The coughs from both Dumbledore and Crouch got everyone to turn their attention back towards them.
Harry was shaking his head at the appearance of the old Wasp Chaser; the guy was so obviously out of shape. His Prime had come and gone, several Kilos ago.
"Bagman, since everyone is here, can we get on with this?"
"Of course Barty. Like he said now that we're all here we can let you in on what the first task is."
Moody walked past the entrance signaling to both Crouch and Bagman that the audience was starting to take their seats.
"Okay, I've just been given the signal that the audience is in the stands." Bagman held up a lumpy velvet bag and shook it. "I'll be going to each of you with this bag. The reason for this is to find out in which order you'll be going and find what variety of task you'll be facing." Bagman stopped and looked as though he forgot something. "I know I need to tell you something else but I can't think what it is, Barty do you know?"
"What he means to say, is that when you face the task, you must retrieve a golden egg, without it, you won't have the knowledge you'll need to complete the second task. Circle around, Miss Delacour, ladies first."
She reached into the bag and pulled out a tiny, model dragon, a Welsh Green. It had the number two hanging from a tiny collar around its neck.
She looked relieved to not be going first, but all things considered, going last wouldn't have been any better.
The same held true for Krum. He pulled out the scarlet Chinese Fireball. The number three hanging from its neck.
Cedric put his hand into the bag and came out holding the blue-gray Swedish Short-Snout, wearing the number one from its neck.
Knowing what was left; Harry put his hand into the bag and pulled out the Hungarian Horntail, number four. It stretched its wings as he looked down at it, and watched it bare its minuscule fangs at him.
Even as a toy, the fucking thing had issues!
"And there you are Champions! You have each pulled out the dragon you will face, and the order in which completely are to take on the dragons, do you see? Now, I'm going to have to leave you in a moment, because I'm commentating. Mr. Diggory, you're first, just go out into the enclosure when you hear a whistle, all right? Now...Harry...could I have a quick word? Outside?"
*Joy* "What can I do for you Mr. Bagman?"
A whistle, blowing somewhere caught the older man's attention.
"Good lord, I've got to run!" Bagman ran off before anything too obtuse could fall from his mouth. *I hope he trips over a Goblin*.
Harry walked back to the bunk he'd claimed, passing a green Cedric emerging to take his turn at the firing line.
Hearing the roar of the crowd, they could guess that Cedric had entered the enclosure.
Waiting, sitting there and listening was the hardest. Bagman's ability as a commentator not being worth mentioning.
The crowd starting screaming. The Short-Snout roaring as it tried to eat the Hufflepuff. Krum was having a staring contest with the ground. Fleur was tracing Cedric's footsteps.
And then, after about fifteen minutes, Harry heard the deafening roar that could mean only one thing: Cedric had gotten past his dragon and captured the golden egg.
Or he'd managed to get himself eaten.
Bagman was shouting. "And now the marks from the judges! Out of fifty possible points, Mister Diggory receives thirty-eight. One down, three to go!" Bagman yelled as the whistle blew again. "Miss Delacour, if you please!"
Cedric entered the tent, leaning against Madame Pomfrey, another Medi-Witch following behind.
Half of Cedric's face looked like it had been held a bit too close to a torch, some of the skin was blackened, and some blistered.
The Hogwarts champion may have gotten his egg, but the Dragon had gotten a piece of him.
He could see Fleur turn deathly white as the male set up past her.
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"Miss Delacour, if you would."
The second time Bagman called her name it visibly jolted the girl from her starring as Cedric had salve slathered over his burns.
She was visibly trembling as she clutched her wand.
Harry felt for the girl as she walked from the tent. She was a gifted Witch, but a Dragon was still a Dragon
He knew very well her father was likely pulling his hair out. Given the man's occupation, he was used to being in trouble himself, but he'd want a different life for his daughters
He and Krum were left alone, avoiding each other, as they listened to Bagman's commentary.
"Oh, I'm not sure that was wise!" He sounded almost gleeful. "Oh...nearly! Careful now. Good lord, I thought she'd had it then!"
He gauged how well Fleur was doing, based on how much noise the crowd made.
If they were screaming, he figured it was a close call.
The applause ten minutes later followed by silence probably meant an end to her turn.
"And Miss Delacour has earned herself thirty-two points. Oh, and it looks like the Dragon tried to give her a parting gift too. Ha"
Fleur burst into the tent tearing the smoldering remains of her skirt off.
His former "Dancing" instructor didn't seem to care that he and Krum had a clear view of her legs and thong-clad ass.
She admittedly had little to be ashamed of; summers spent in the French Rivera had given her a nice golden hue.
He caught the subtle smirk she sent his way as she walked past him towards her bed, her arms wrapped around her recently acquired golden egg.
Pomfrey joined Fleur at her bed, waving her wand over the younger woman.
Seeming satisfied that she wasn't injured she conjured a light blanket and draped it over Fleur's exposed legs, glaring at the pair of males as she did so.
Krum looked away quickly.
Harry returned the look with an unrepentant smirk before he looked away.
A third whistle blast signaled Krum's turn.
Harry watched the half-troll walk from the tent after rolling his shoulders.
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"And here comes Mr. Krum!"
He inhaled deeply through his nose, exhaling slowly from his mouth. He let his senses stretch till he was outside himself, seeing the walls of the tent, and hearing the crowd, as though from far away.
For as long as he'd been able to do it, he still wasn't sure how he did. His Magic sense was something he'd always been able to do. Nick had done some test when he was younger. The older man had seemed satisfied with the results.
He'd told Harry that he'd figure it out when he was older.
He figured that he would be of a similar age to the now deceased old fuck by the time he did so.
He rejoined the real world, rolling his shoulders, and clenching his fist till his knuckles popped.
Of course, joining the real world was accompanied by Bagman's voice, something he was beginning to dislike.
Impressive considering the short amount of time that they'd been in each other's presence.
"Very daring!" Yelling as always.
The Chinese Fireball with it's horrible, roaring shrieked.
The crowds screaming applause intermixed with silence.
"That's some nerve he's showing - and - yes, he's got the egg!"
Applause shattered the wintery air as the Quidditch star completed his task.
He stood up, at the foot of his bunk, ignoring Bagman's speech of how many points Krum was being awarded.
He drew his Holly-Phoenix feather wand and spun it between his fingers.
Krum walked back into the tent, uninjured, cradling his egg underarm.
He turned from the Bulgarian, towards the entrance to the tent, waiting for the whistle blast signaling his turn.
Hearing it echoing in his ears, he breathed deeply before exiting the tent.
"And now, it is our final Champions turn! Mister Potter, on your mark."
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He tuned out all of the sounds as he crossed into the Arena. He let his eyes rove over some of the faces in the stands and the Judges booth.
Bagman, Barty Crouch, Dumbledore, Maxime, and Karkaroff were sitting in a separate section of the arena seating with various Ministry officials and members of the press. Fudge was present with his Toadie, as was Madame Bones.
The Horntail was on the opposite side of the enclosure; black scales, yellow eyes, spiked tail.
The area around the crouching female was covered with yard-long gouges from the spikes that adorned her frame.
She roared, spreading her wings wide, before inhaling and breathing a jet of flame towards him.
He dove behind a nearby boulder, tuning out the roaring. From the spectators, the Dragon, or his stone shelter being super-heated, he wasn't sure which
Tired of being on the receiving end, he darted from behind the rock, firing a pair of stinging hexes at the Fire breather. Nowhere near enough to harm her, but more than enough to piss off an already temperamental beast.
It caused her to cut off the flame so that she could roar at him again.
He used the pause to return fire. The Fflachio spell flew from his wand, to stop hovering in front of the Dragons face, having her full attention.
Harry continued running as the spell orb pulsed twice before exploding like a second sun. A cacophony of sound and light.
The Horntail roared this time in pain, the Nictitating membrane that would half-troll protect the eye would have been sufficient to lessen the effects of the flash.
She responded by sending a second jet of flames his way, thankfully at where he'd been, not where he stopped to cast the second spell in his plan.
The Welsh slumber spell hit the enraged mother in her exposed belly.
She cut off her flames as she staggered. She swayed a bit on her front claws and hind legs before she collapsed to the side of her clutch.
Not trusting that the Dragon would stay sleeping for long he ran towards the makeshift nest to retrieve his task false egg.
A wise precaution considering it seemed like she was already starting to wake as he moved away from her.
Of course, the first thing she saw was his ass as he, wisely, ran from her waking form.
She, of course, tried to roast it, his earlier stone shelter again being put to use.
When the blast of flame ended he made a break for the wall separating the competitions enclosure from the tent he'd been in earlier. The Horntails enraged, screeching roar echoed behind him.
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Harry dropped the egg onto his bunk, sitting beside it.
He ignored Pomfrey as she waved her wand over him, aside from the adrenaline pulsing through his veins, he was unharmed.
He vaguely heard Bagman say something about being tied in first with Krum.
After a few minutes of waiting the judges entered the tent, Dumbledore at the head. He was the one who spoke.
"Champions, well done! You have retrieved your eggs, inside of each of them is a clue, one you'll need if you hope to complete the second task, you've little chance of success otherwise. The second task has been scheduled to take place on the 24th of February. By then you will need to have deciphered the clue contained within your egg."
Harry rolled his eyes at Dumbledore's theatrics.
"Before then, on the Yule, Hogwarts will be hosting a Yule Ball. Your attendance is mandatory, as you will be opening the Ball. I wish you all luck in the task ahead."
He spun on his heel, purple star covered robes glittering, Bagman and Crouch following him.
Fleur walked from the tent carrying her egg with Maxime following behind.
Krum did the same, with Karkaroff following, swearing in Bulgarian.
He heard Madam Pomfrey discussing taking Cedric to St. Mungo's with Professor Sprout.
Harry grabbed his egg and stood as Professor McGonagall approached.
"Come along Lord Potter, I'll escort you to your chambers."
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Harry carried his egg underarm as he followed the Professor through the halls, taking as many shortcuts as possible to avoid the mass of students returning to the castle. Upon nearing his chambers the pair was greeted by the sight of Sirius and Remus waiting by the entrance to his quarters.
When he saw his former Head of House, Sirius hid something behind his back.
An action the woman failed to miss.
"Dare I ask what's in the bottle Mister Black?"
"Pumpkin juice Professor."
"I'm not entirely sure if that was a question or a statement. Keep in mind that you have your dueling club scheduled for tomorrow."
"We haven't forgotten. After breakfast, should we be expecting anyone from the other schools?"
"Possibly."
She stared at her former student, knowing full well that it wasn't pumpkin juice. She shook her head deciding not to push the issue.
"Impressive work today, Lord Potter."
"Thank you, Ma'am."
She turned on her heels and made to return to her office, still able to hear the three behind her.
"Come on Harry we brought Pumpkin juice."
"You brought it, Padfoot. I had nothing to do with that decision."
"Do you really think I believe you brought Pumpkin juice?"
"It's not like its Firewhiskey. I wouldn't bring that into a building full of generally unsupervised, easily influenced teenagers."
"You're an idiot Padfoot."
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Inside the Common room, within his quarters, the three men nursed the decanter of "Pumpkin juice."
"What are your plans?"
"I need to return to base for a Fieldcraft exercise the week before Christmas. There are a few other things I need to do alongside that."
"Sounds like fun."
"There are worse things."
"How are you going to handle the Ball?"
"I'm going to bring a girl and enjoy myself."
Remus sighed, "Do you need to leave right way?"
"I have a day before the other me uses the time turner? Why?"
"I think it might be a good idea for people used to seeing Luna and Hermione compete to a standstill to see something different, how about a true battle. What do you say?"
"What do you have in mind?"
"A four on one?"
"I assume you mean that it will be the two of you and the girls against me."
Harry saw Padfoot pale slightly, likely from the memory of his summer experience.
"How about a fifth, Flitwick." The Ravenclaw Head of House and the Schools Charms Master was a retired Dueling Champion.
At this Padfoot's color returned, slightly. "You have a deal."
"Since it's my idea I'll talk to him, see if he at least wants to spectate."
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After the two men left, Sirius taking his remaining juice, Harry sank into the tub in the bath.
Drinking with the two older men had settled his nerves, but not completely.
If the spells hadn't worked, creativity would have been necessary.
Thankfully, it hadn't been.
It would, however, be dueling the girls and the idiots, a bit more so if Flitwick did join in.
The combination of adrenaline and booze made you agree to interesting things.
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Crawling from the bed, Harry pulled on the clothes he'd been wearing during the task the previous day.
The Hogwarts House Elves had cleaned and returned the clothes overnight.
He dressed and made his way towards the Great Hall. Originally he hadn't wanted to show off more than he needed to, in order to complete the task.
Then he agreed to the four versus one duel. It wasn't the best way to stay inconspicuous, but it had its uses.
It would give him a clear indication of where the girls stood in their own abilities.
And if he stayed away from any spells incanted in Latin or French, then he would still be able to keep the advantage, people would still be left guessing trying to figure out what he was capable of.
His knowledge of spells in Welsh, from his parent's journals, would come in handy.
There might be a few individuals within the castle that knew the dying language, but they would likely be staff.
Either way, he wasn't going to fight on an empty stomach when he didn't have to.
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Apparently, his performance against the Horntail was the talk of the morning.
He was getting his share of looks and he could hear muttered conversations coming from the four House tables, he knew they were about him because they grew louder, particularly from the Ravens, when he sat to eat.
Being unable to silently cast the Welsh spells, being tongue twisters, he had whispered them.
Anyone using omniculars, trying to read lips, would have an interesting time trying to translate the odd vowel, consonant combinations.
Shouting out your incantations was foolish. It didn't increase their power; it just made you look stupid for announcing what you were casting.
He decided that after he had finished his breakfast he would approach Professor Flitwick who was sitting next to Padfoot and Moony.
"Excuse me, Professor Flitwick, but could I have a moment?"
"Of course Lord Potter, what can I do for you?"
"Last night I was offered a challenge, a four on one duel." Harry paused shifted his eyes over to the other two professors. "I offered the challenger's a fifth; we were wondering if you would care to help with a demonstration of how charms can be used in dueling?"
Harry could tell most of the Professors were listening in. Flitwick looked like the hols had come early with a Yuletide present.
"Before I agree, Lord Potter may I inquire as to who I would be partnering with for this duel?"
"Of course, Professors Black, Lupin and Miss Granger and Miss Lovegood."
Harry could hear a pin drop as the hall fell silent trying to hear Professor Flitwick's answer.
Both Luna and Hermoine stood up. "We accept this duel, even if Professor Flitwick does not."
The Professors in question looked at each other and nodded, "We agree; with the condition that Professors Snape and McGonagall both referee the duel and control the shields so those in attendance aren't harmed from any stray spells."
"That's acceptable to me Professors." Harry turned to the end of the professor's table where Professors Snape and McGonagall were sitting. "Professors would you willing to help us with this?"
The pair of nominal rivals looked at each other, each thinking in their way that this would be a way to gauge his ability. McGonagall spoke for the pair "We would be happy to help."
Professor Flitwick then spoke up, "I suggest after lunch so that all participants will have fuel to burn."
Harry nodded, "That's acceptable."
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After breakfast, Harry followed Sirius and Remus to their class to sit and observe how the students were taking in the information given to them by the two Professors.
He also took the time to help correct body positions so they were less likely to hurt each other in practice.
This group was made up of first to fourth years, from members of all four houses. When they saw Harry sitting in the corner of the room, the students asked the Professors if they could ask Harry what he was thinking when he faced the dragon.
Harry had heard their question and nodded that he would answer. "I was scared, it's not a sign of weakness to have fear, feeling fear means you're still alive to feel. I was worried that my spell work wouldn't work considering how magically resistant Dragons are."
A Ravenclaw student asked, "Why did you accept a four on one duel?"
"I was perhaps a tad drunk when Lupin had the idea, which is saying something given my tolerance. Coming down off of the adrenaline high probably didn't help."
"You don't expect to win, do you?" This came from the same Raven, a pale Strawberry Blonde young woman.
"I don't know if I will or not, but I'm not looking to."
"Of course you are! There's no point to it otherwise!"
"For someone from the House of the wise, you sure are naive. I gain nothing from this duel. It's a test nothing more."
He walked away from the group of students ignoring the scowling young woman glaring at him.
At this point, Professor Lupin decided that the dueling club would review what they've learned in the past three years.
"Volunteers, please? Anyone care to show us if they've improved."
Harry could hear a Blonde male by the wall mumbling about Mudbloods, apparently so could Sirius.
"50 points from Slytherin. Mr. Malfoy, thank you for volunteering."
"I don't believe he did Professor Black."
Harry turned to the voice, along with the rest of the group; Harry knew who it was by the man's voice.
"Point deduction stand. What can we help you with Professor Snape?"
"Headmaster Dumbledore would like to see Potter in his office." Snape sneered.
Harry walked towards the man, sending Sirius a look. "Did he give you a reason why?"
"It is not our place to question the Headmaster in his own school." Sneered Snape.
"Indeed it's not. It is, however, necessary to question your decorum. It's Lord Potter, Severus, try not to forget again. I don't need the escort I know the way."
Harry walked from the room leaving a stunned group of students and a snarling Potions Master, behind.
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Making his way to the Headmasters office, Harry was trying to predict what the reasoning behind the summons. Harry noticed the guardian to the office jumped aside as he approached it. He stepped onto the stairs and rode them up to the old man's office.
"Come in Lord Potter."
Harry pushed the door open and waited till asked to sit. Harry made a note to see which of the former headmasters were asleep while also checking for disillusioned Professors. Dumbledore nodded to a seat across from him.
"Have a seat Lord Potter. I'm sure you know why I asked to see you?"
"Unfortunately Headmaster Dumbledore I only have guesses as to why you called me here."
"Why don't we discuss your, guesses? I don't doubt that they're all interesting topics."
"My spell usage?"
"Highly effective, irregular, but effective just the same. Particularly the bright flash with the loud noise, I don't doubt that a great many things would have been unaffected by such a spell. Where did you learn it?"
"One of my own creations."
"Indeed? Interesting. You do realize that you were very lucky that the Dragon was stunned as long as it was."
"I do. That's why I ran for the egg and didn't take a leisurely stroll."
"Hm. Your second guess?"
"The Duel."
"The reason behind this meeting. Your reasoning behind the event, as it was, eludes me."
"A test."
"A test? Surely there must be more than that."
"Sirius and Remus speak highly of the girls, even if they're not very forthcoming about what happened last year. I'd like to see it for myself."
"And the two Professors, Sirius and Remus were asked to take their positions for a reason?"
"I think it should be an interesting experience."
"Would I be able to ask you to reconsider?"
"Not after it was announced in front of the school. Never mind in front of the foreign guests and Ministry Officials."
"Indeed. I don't doubt that this Duel of yours might draw as much attention as the tournament itself."
"Joy. Any other questions Headmaster?"
"None within that role. Though at some point I would like to discuss where you've been hiding all these years."
"Another day Headmaster. Have you had any luck determining who placed my name in the Goblet?"
"No. All we've been able to determine is that the age line was not tampered with."
"Which doesn't narrow down the pool all that much. Anything else Headmaster?"
"Nothing today, Lord Potter. Good Luck this afternoon."
Harry took the dismissal for what it was and stood from his seat to leave the office, leaving, hearing the older man stand from his desk.
He noticed that Fawkes was present but given his molted state, the Phoenix was approaching his Burning day.
He left the Headmasters alcove and headed towards Defense, he had already gotten permission to attend class with the Polyjuiced Professor.
:-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-:
When Harry arrived at the classroom for DADA he noticed that it was the entire fourth-year group. The door was opened by the man Polyjuiced to look like Alastor Moody. The students quickly filed into the class. Some seemed scared of the man cause of his spinning blue eye and scars.
The man limped to the front of the class grabbed the clipboard and took roll. The eye stopped spinning when he noticed Harry standing in the door.
"Come in Potter, McGonagall said I should expect to see you in my classroom."
At this, Harry raised a brow but entered none the less. Harry noticed an empty seat next to Hermoine and made his way to sit with her.
"In fact Potter, you came to just in time for us to discuss the three Curses that will land you a one-way trip to Azkaban. Can anyone tell the class what they're called?"
Hermione raised her hand and answered when he called out, "Granger."
"Sir, they're called the Unforgiveables."
"Take 5 points for Gryffindor, Granger. Can anyone give a name of them, you there, Weasley?"
"My dad did tell us about one of them, the Imperious Curse."
The man nodded, "Correct" while reaching into a tank of whiplash spiders. He then cast "Engorgio" followed by "Imperio" the spider floated over to the top of Weasley's head and started to tap dance on him. Some of the students laughed at Weasley's reaction to the spider on him.
"You think that is funny, we'll see how funny it is after you've all been tested against it. Now can anyone name another, how about you Longbottom?"
"The Cruciatus."
The man then floated the spider back to his desk and said "Cruicio."
Both Harry and Hermoine could see what the effect of the demonstrated curse was having on the young Lord. Hermione called out "Stop it can't you see what that spell is doing to Neville?"
The man lifted the curse, "Can anyone name the last one?" Both eyes were pinned on Harry now. "No one can tell me the name, no one has survived this curse except one and he is sitting in this class now. Well, then. Aveda Kadeva!" A sick green light shot out of the wand and hit the spider which flipped over and the legs curled up.
"Now line-up and we'll get the testing of the Imperious curse done and over with."
:-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-:
Nighttime Harry could hear excited mutterings around him about the duel that was to take place after lunch. Harry decided to sit with the Hufflepuffs and talk with Susan Bones that way no one could Sergeants of staging the duel.
Those who've seen the two girls duel before were taking bets on how long Harry would last.
Dumbledore stood up from where his seat, "Now that we have satiated our hunger, let us get ready for the duel that will take place." With that, he clapped his hands and the food disappeared from the tables with another clap the tables also vanished with bleachers appearing so to accommodate everyone present and then some.
Before the duel got started a group of Aurors from the three different countries entered behind their respective Ministers and Headmaster or Mistress. Dumbledore welcomed them and waved them to sit with the Professors.
After everyone was seated, Professor Flitwick stood up and moved to the center of the room. "We are here this afternoon to witness a five on one duel. The challenged is Lord Harrison James Potter; the opponents are Miss Hermoine Granger, Miss Luna Lovegood along with Professors Black, Lupin and myself. Professors Snape and McGonagall have accepted the responsibility of controlling the shields protecting the spectators today. Will those I called please meet me up here now."
The others got up and moved to the center of the room. They discussed the ground rules so that everyone could hear them. When the rules were agreed on they moved to their starting position.
Dumbledore called out, "Lord Potter do you wish to face these five singly or all at once?"
"Headmaster Dumbledore, I suggested the fifth and I choose all at once."
There were some guffaws from some of the different houses, those that were in the hospital wing during the first task and the different Ministries personnel.
Much like when he dueled Sirius and Remus at home he was toying with them and the girls. He mainly focused on taking out Professor Flitwick first.
Harry cast a widespread Lletcheith catching all but Professor Flitwick making them clumsy by messing with their equilibrium.
Professor Flitwick cast Reducto at the floor in front of Harry, which he quickly threw up a shield against the resulting shrapnel and rubble. He transfigured the rubble into snakes which he sent at the other four.
Harry sent Cyfngu, a sphere of water, at Sirius and Remus followed quickly with glacius freezing them in a block of ice.
Harry then cast Tamaid or the bite spell created by his dad at Professor Flitwick who didn't dodge it since he was trying to unfreeze the two professors. When he was bitten he started blasting the floor around him assuming there were some invisible snakes about him.
Hermoine and Luna got their equilibrium back and they both cast Asqwin Rhwymo (Bone Binding) a binding spell that freezes the target's bones in place upon impact, a spell which Harry had taught to Hermione, one she apparently passed on.
Unfortunately for them, Harry saw it coming and caught both with Dal. After catching their spells he sent them back to the girls who dodged them.
Harry had enough time to shield against an attack from Remus and dodge one from Sirius. He was quick on his feet though and cast Carreg Fuwr, conjuring boulders he could later send at his opponents, right now he was using them as physical shields blocking an attacking from Professor Flitwick. Harry sent Blewog a hair lengthening charm at him hoping to trip him up, quickly followed up with an area Yrig or hiccup charm that would last until the duel ended.
The Professors skilled in silent casting tried to overpower the finite to help the girls but it didn't work. Harry then sent the boulders while they were distracted.
Harry won the duel, barely, by overpowering them with the Maddwi or the intoxicating spell.
:-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-:
Harry used the shock of the crowd to escape from the hall.
His victory in a five to one duel would not go without raising more questions.
Win or lose the duel had been a catch-22.
Winning had cost him some of his anonymity.
He didn't have it in himself to lose. Especially after running his mouth.
He hadn't been lying about it being a test.
Hermione was intelligent but telegraphed her moves.
Luna was equally intelligent but needed to improve her aim.
Sirus was unpredictable but cocky.
Remus possessed amazing reflexes but held back.
Even Flitwick, as fast and experienced as he was, had a predictable pattern in his dueling style.
Combined the five had made an effective team covering each other's shortcomings.
Finding a group that worked so well together was nice.
Even if it was pointless.
:-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-:
Reaching his quarters he saw that he'd been beaten there.
By Fudge, his Auror Guards, Dumbledore, and Lucius.
*Well, this should be fucking interesting.*
"Minister Fudge; what can I do for you?"
"Just checking in with you, my boy. You've done quite well for yourself in the Tournament so far. That was an extraordinary performance in the duel, well done. Though I suspect they may have taken it easy on you. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask, my office will help you to the best of its ability. Good luck with the rest of the tournament my boy, you may need it."
The Minister turned away from facing Harry and walked back the way Harry had come, his guard following behind.
"Come along Lucius, let's let Mr. Potter get some rest he's obviously had a long day."
The Lord of House Malfoy glared at him, gripping his cane tightly.
"Indeed. Good evening Mr. Potter."
"Lord Potter, Mr. Malfoy. Good evening."
The man gripped his cane tighter before walking stomping away.
"He is a dangerous enemy to make Lord Potter."
"To those, he can intimidate or gain leverage over yes, I know very well what he had to do to get that tattoo on his arm."
"He claimed the Imperious."
"I know he did. The Protean Charm is a Norman bastardized version of Pictish tribal magic, Woad Tribal magic to be exact, he tarnished the magic further to create the Dark Mark."
"You're well informed. I recognized one of the spells you used earlier; I learned it myself many years ago, though I utilized it differently. How is Nickolas?"
Harry clenched his fist, popping his knuckles, doing his best to hide his anger. "Dead. A few months ago."
"Shame, he was a good man. Perenelle was a member of House Evans, wasn't she? That's a Shame. Good evening Lord Potter."
When the man was far enough away Harry opened the door to his lodging.
The burst of magic he let out once the door was shut turned everything in the small common area to ash, the floor, ceiling, and walls were left scorched.
He had been planning on staying another night, but he suddenly had the need to vent.
Let them make what they would of the charred remains of the room, leaving before he acted prematurely was a more amicable idea.
Pulling his magic close, he disappeared with a crack, destroying the remaining windows and sending the door to the Guest Quarters flying into the hall in splinters.
:-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-:
A moment later Sirus, Remus, And Minerva ran towards the devastation.
"What in the world happened here? Lord Potter are you alright?"
While their former Head of House looked for Harry, Sirius and Remus surveyed the damage.
"Something tells me Harrys pissed."
"Really Padfoot? What was your first clue? The Lack of furniture? The Abundance of ash? How about the missing door and windows?"
"Don't be an Arse Moony. I'll see if he left anything behind. Go and let the others know that he's left."
"Alright." Remus knew that the "others" meant the girls. Remus gave a sharp nod, turned and left to find them.
As Remus left Padfoot could be heard sniffing out Harry, which after following the most recent trail leads to the very center of the room.
"Sirius I can't find Harry anywhere." Came the voice of a very worried Minerva.
Sirius shifted back, "I knew he was powerful but I didn't think this much. He disapparated."
"That's not possible Sirius, only the Headmaster can apparate within the wards of the school."
"Harry either didn't know or didn't care. Given the state of the room, I'm going with the not caring option."
:-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-:
Remus used one of the School Elves to track down Hermione and Luna.
After the duel and a visit to Madam Pomphrey, they had gone to the library.
He found the two young women in the company of Susan Bones and Neville Longbottom at a secluded table.
He overheard Susan ask them who they thought Harry would ask the Yule. He could see Neville get red behind the ears.
"Professor Lupin what can we do for you?" Neville said as swing his arm to the rest of the table.
"I was actually looking for Hermoine and Luna."
At this, both girls look over at him hiding their worry, "Professor?"
"Harry's left the school. He apparently apparated through the wards."
"That's impossible."
"No Miss Bones it's not, just improbable. The number of people in the world that have the ability to do it is so few it isn't worth calculating. The Magical backlash was considerable; it destroyed everything in the common area, turned it all to ash."
"What happened? Harry wouldn't have done something like that unless something happened."
"I agree Hermione. We won't know until we talk to him. Considering we have no idea where he went, we'll have to wait until he comes back for the next task."
:-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-:
Harry appeared in the shooting range underneath Potter Manor, the magic in the wards not hindering their Master in the slightest.
Flashback
The woman with the kind eyes smiled at him as she hunched down to his level, peering at him through the open door of his cupboard.
"Hello Harry, my names Perenelle. Why don't you come out of there sweetling."
"Aunt Tuney will be mad."
"Don't worry about Petunia. My husband Nick is speaking to her and Vernon in the other room. Come on out of there, I haven't seen you since you were born when your mother was holding you."
"You know mommy? Did she leave me here cause I was bad?"
"Your mommy, Lily, was my Granddaughter. Of sorts. She didn't leave you here because you were bad. She wasn't given a choice. Your mommy and daddy loved you very, very much."
"Then why'd they leave me here?"
"They didn't. A bad man came to your house and hurt them bad. They weren't the ones who left you here. Nick and I have come to take you home with us. If you'd like to come with us that is."
"Yes, please. I'll cook and clean like Aunt Tuney makes me if you want me to."
"Leave the cooking to me. Outside of cleaning any messes you make don't worry about cleaning. Is there anything you'd like to bring?"
"Just my blanket."
"Okay, gather your blanket and wait at the door, I'll get Nick and then we'll go."
End Flashback
He entered the locked area in the corner of the range, pulling a box of ammunition from its locked cabinet.
He pulled the UMP-45 off the rack over the bench. One by one he pulled magazines from the shelf under the bench started loading them one by one, from the box.
Flashback
"Remember Harry, visualize the wand movements. Once you get used to doing it wandless, we can move on to silent casting."
"It's hard Nick."
"I know it is Harry. But this isn't the first time you've done this. Every spell I've taught you so far, you've managed to get ahold of. Try again Boy!"
"Right. Expecto Patronum!"
End Flashback
The first couple of magazines punched holes through a pair of silhouette targets.
The third blew the head off of a familiar looking gel bust.
Flashback
"Harry, we have something to tell you."
"Do you remember when we told you about the Philosophers Stone?"
"Yeah what of it?"
"There's been an accident. We foolishly gave it to someone for safe keeping. The stone was destroyed."
"Then make another one."
"It's not that simple boy. The first one was an abomination that should have never been created."
"You'll die without it, Nick! Pen please!"
"Shh, sweetling we know."
"You Know! You Know! I'll be alone again!"
"You'll never be alone. We'll always be with you. Just as your parents are. There are others in your life you'll be able to make memories with."
"How long?"
"A few years. All depends on how long the serum metabolizes in our systems."
"From here, on your lessons are going to get harder Boy. I expect you to keep up."
"Right."
End Flashback
Over the next several hours the sound dampening spell on the room masked the sound of hastily conjured gel targets being obliterated by 45 caliber 230-grain Hollow Point ammunition.
:-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-:
The return to Lympstone coincided with the second month of training.
He had apparated back into the latrine seconds after the other version of him had left. The group on Firewatch hadn't noticed anything out of the ordinary when he returned to his bunk.
Harry was woken by the usual drums at 0430 for morning pt.
Breakfast was rushed before the group headed to the range so some of the group could work with their issued weapon
The rest of the group had taken seats in the bleachers behind the range.
Sergeant Rogers had pulled Williams from the crowd and was using him to demonstrate firing positions besides the standard shooting position.
The oft insubordinate Recruit was maneuvered into the squatting, kneeling, sitting, and prone positions.
When his group switched places with those at the firing line he noticed that his group was made up of the recruits that had the higher shooting rating. The fieldcraft spent a magazine per position familiarizing themselves with them.
When the two groups recombined they were quick timed towards the schooling area.
:-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-:
The start of the Signals Training course was a two-hour introduction to the Bowman C4I Tactical Communications System.
They were started off with a hands-on introduction to the Personal Role Radio that some of the group would be using in the Infantry.
The radios were fixed to a frequency reserved for the course so that the idiots among them wouldn't cause problems dialing into active channels.
Despite that Harry noted two that still made the attempt.
Extra PT before lunch, for Recruits push-ups, was a cure-all.
:-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-:
While the group headed to the chow hall, Sergeant Rogers had two MP's escort the cause of the impromptu PT session back to barracks.
The Senior NCO had told the two to pack their bags. Sergeant Rogers went to make sure all was set for the evening's night navigation course.
After chow, Harry led the Company back to barracks. They would need to pack a basic kit for the upcoming exercise.
"If you have one, remember to pack a compass. The Armory Sergeant will be issuing rifles and entrenching tools. This is a guided exercise, but if you get separated I will leave your ass in the woods. Understood?"
"Understood."
:-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-:
The Sergeants had the group load into Troop Transports after evening chow.
The sun was disappearing over the horizon when the trucks left Lympstone heading for Woodbury Common.
Royale Marines maintained a facility there for basic night training; Navigation, Moving at Night, setting up a Patrol Camp, and providing a Security element for said camp.
Exercise First Stop was an easy one as it was only an overnight operation. They marched six kilometers, set camp, broke it as the sun came up, and marched another six kilometers back to the transports.
The first six was easy providing no one fell into the Bogs that were scattered throughout the area.
Outside of some soggy boots, no one got too wet, not on this trip at least.
When they came back for the cross country course they'd all end up soaked.
Breaking camp in the morning included an impromptu lesson in clearly marking the latrine area.
No one liked stepping in a hole someone didn't bother to cover.
The six kilometers to the transports was done at double time.
:-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-:
The return to Base for breakfast turned into Weekend leave, something Harry opted out of.
Sergeant Rogers being the gregarious entity that he was, gave him a reprieve from duty.
Something that he later rescinded when Harry made one of the Hanging Heavy bags in the Non-Coms exercise center explode after a particularly vicious Haymaker connected with it.
When the Company reformed on the following Monday Veteran Sergeants from the 40 Commando led them in the three and a half day Exercise Marshall Star, covering everything the learned up until that point, including an introduction to Camouflage, Concealment, and Nighttime Section attacks.
Harry pushed himself through everything, playing close attention to the Muggle methods, knowing Wizards inherent stupidity when it came to what they were capable of.
:-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-: :-:
"Have Sir Harrison's minders been keeping you informed on his progress?"
"They have. They're of the opinion that he will make an excellent Soldier."
"Of course he will. That was our intent. It's why he's been given the opportunities that he has. He's our very own attack dog amongst the Magicals."
"And if he should bite the hand that feeds him?"
"Then we slap him on the nose like any other mutt. If the day should come where he needs to put down, then so be it. Until then we'll use him as the implement of our will that he is. I've reviewed Miss Brawley's work, are the targets still under observation?"
"By the Special Reconnaissance Regiment. They've managed to insert agents into the Hogsmead and Daigon Alley locations."
"Impressive, but not currently necessary."
"Agreed, but it's thought that if things come to pass as we believe, then their safe houses can be utilized as staging areas by the para teams."
"Very well, proceed as you like. Have young James forward the necessary paperwork to his American Adjutant for Harrison to be included in the Joint Training Program, make sure that they're informed of his accelerated pace. Let's see if the Americans can beat some of the impetuousness out of him. What is the name of the training school again?"
"Two were considered. The Navy's BUD/S, which is their SEAL program, being one. The other is the Army Mountain Warfare School. Further training at the High Altitude Warfare School in India has been suggested."
"See that he makes his way into all of them, once this Tom Riddle character is dealt with that is. He's far too stubborn not to transverse whatever obstacles are put in his way."
"As you say, Ma'am. Do you need anything else?"
"No, Sir Basil, that's it. You've work to do."
"Yes Ma'am, Good Day."
"Good Day."
