Chapter 29
AN: Jeez, this is what? The second, third chapter that I have to apologize for being late on? That's just shoddy work on my part and I am truly sorry. You guys deserve better than that. If it makes you feel any better, I've been running from sun up to way after sun down nearly everyday and I just haven't really had much time to work on it (I'm busier now than I ever was during school). I'm hoping (praying) I have the next chapter done by Monday, but I make no promises.
So, that's it for me. Here's the final part of the First Task and hopes that we can move past the boring HP plot for a bit.
Disclaimer: Amazingly enough, I still don't own Harry Potter.
-xXx-
Harry walked out of the tent and looked around the rocky Arena nervously. He heard somebody shout out his name and several cheers accompany it, but he could not find it in himself to care about them too much. There was a dragon somewhere in there with him and the sooner he found it, the sooner he could stay away from it. He was keeping a close eye on his watch and as soon as it reached the five minute mark he was getting the Hell out of there.
Sorry Dumbledore, Harry chuckled to himself while slowly looking around himself, I'm not going to be your 'Golden Boy' this time.
As he slowly crept up a rock, Harry suddenly gulped as he came face to face with the clutch of eggs, the sun glinting off of the golden egg and blinding him for a moment. He had accidently made his way to the center of the Arena and the crowd was going wild.
A growling behind him caused Harry to gulp again and slowly turn around.
There, slightly below him on the rocks, crouched down and hissing, was the Hungarian Horntail. The sight of its bright, yellow eyes focused on him caused Harry to whimper slightly. He couldn't help but be frozen in place as the dragon rose above him (causing Harry to fall down in fear) and open its mouth, bright red flames appearing in the back of its throat. All he felt in that moment was blind panic and a sense of dread as he threw his hands out in front of him and closed his eyes.
This is it, Harry whimpered.
However, the rush of flames never came. In fact, there was no sound at all from either the crowd or the dragon. Harry had the wild thought that this must be what it's like to be dead and that it was a lot quieter than he expected. The thought kind of depressed him. That was, at least, before he felt wind brush his hair.
Opening his eyes, Harry saw the dragon's snout close to him, snuffling his hair gently. He remained as still as possible as the dragon inspected him, glad that he wasn't burnt crispy, yet curious as to why she had stopped. After she was done smelling him, the great beast moved on to looking him over, walking around him slowly before curling around her eggs.
ꞨWell, you do not look like a hatchling, yet you smell and speak like one.Ꞩ a voice said. Harry looked around in bewilderment, trying to find who had spoken to him, but only saw the Horntail looking at him intently.
"E-excuse me?" Harry swallowed thickly and looked at the dragon, wondering if this was another joke the universe was playing on him.
The dragon hissed and shook her head, ꞨDo not speak in that tongue, Human Hatchling, or I may just eat you still.Ꞩ
ꞨYou speak Parseltounge?Ꞩ Harry cocked his head to the side before grinning widely, standing up and walking towards the dragon, ꞨThat's amazing! I didn't know that I could also talk to lizards.Ꞩ
He was knocked back down before he had a chance to take more than a couple of steps. After shaking his head from where he hit it on a rock, Harry looked at the dragon in confusion. ꞨWha-?Ꞩ
ꞨI am a dragon.Ꞩ she put her head up proudly, ꞨNot a lizard. I don't do that tongue thing.Ꞩ As if to emphasis this, she stuck her tongue out at him before turning away and looking at the crowd around them (who Harry could hear murmuring angrily).
ꞨI'm sorry, Great Mother, I meant no offence.Ꞩ Harry moved and sat on a rock before the great beast. She waved her wing dismissively (at least Harry thought it was dismissively. He still wasn't entirely convinced that he wasn't dead, dreaming, or something in between) and he asked, ꞨHow did you know I speak Parseltongue? Last I thought, you were about to burn me to a crisp.Ꞩ
The dragon turned to him and growled out a chuckle, ꞨYou asked me for forgiveness and, since it has been so long since I was able to talk to a Human, I decided to spare you and get some answers.Ꞩ
ꞨI asked you for forgiveness? I don't remember that.Ꞩ
Another chuckle, ꞨOh yes, you sounded quite scared.Ꞩ
Harry rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly, ꞨYou are quite fearsome looking, Great Mother.Ꞩ
The dragon roared out a laugh and reached out to nudge him slightly (he nearly fell off the rock, but he appreciated the gesture). ꞨYes, I am, Human Hatchling, and you best not forget it. And, you do not need to refer to me as 'Great Mother'. My name is Kornélia.Ꞩ
ꞨI'm Harry.Ꞩ the Boy-Who-Lived shook his head at the weirdness of it all.
ꞨWell met, Harry.Ꞩ Kornélia cocked her head to the side and looked at him, ꞨI must ask you, you speak my language, something I thought that Humans had forgotten how to do many centuries ago, and you smell like family, yet you are Human. How?Ꞩ
Harry shrugged his shoulders, ꞨI did not know that I smelled like family to you, so I do not know. And I have always been able to speak to sna-er-your kind, but I'm not sure why.ꞨHe tapped his finger to his chin in thought and muttered to himself, ꞨMaybe I smell like family because I was bitten by a Basilisk a few years ago.Ꞩ
Kornélia cocked her head to the side, ꞨYou were bitten by a Basilisk? And you lived? Ꞩ Harry nodded. ꞨI am impressed. Not many can claim to be bitten by the Deadly Stare and live.Ꞩ
He shrugged once more, ꞨI'm just trying to stay alive at this point.Ꞩ
Harry grinned up at the dragon as she gave another booming laugh. He took a quick glance at the crowd around them and saw that everybody was pointing at him and whispering to each other. Probably think I'm going 'dark' again, he grimaced, wonder how long it'll take them to get over it this time. He looked towards the judges to see them all frowning at him. Doesn't look like I'm getting any good marks for this either.
ꞨSo, Harry the Bitten, tell me. Why am I and my clutch here?Ꞩ
The Boy-Who-Lived looked towards the dragon and watched as she nuzzled her eggs gently. The act caused warmth to swell in his chest and he wanted to 'awe' at the sight. Kornélia might eat me if I do though.
ꞨYou are a part of the First Task of something called the Triwizard Tournament.Ꞩ He gestured around them at the crowd, ꞨEverybody here was hoping to see me battle you for the fake egg in your nest.Ꞩ
ꞨFake egg?Ꞩ Kornélia looked at her eggs critically and gently picked up the golden egg in her teeth. She set it on a rock a bit away and looked back to him, ꞨYou were to get this?Ꞩ
Harry nodded his head.
ꞨThat was stupid of them. Do they not know that we could easily kill you?Ꞩ
ꞨI think that's what the handlers are for. To prevent that.Ꞩ
Kornélia snorted, ꞨYou mean our servants? We allow them to stay around us because they are useful. Do you really think we would allow Humans to actually 'handle' us?Ꞩ
ꞨI did think it rather silly, to be honest.Ꞩ
The dragon suddenly got a gleam in her eye and snaked her giant head towards him. Even though Harry knew that Kornélia wouldn't eat him (at least, not right now), the sight of her sharp teeth and even sharper horns still made him nervous.
ꞨLet me guess. If I understand Human games correctly, you need to get this egg in the least amount of time possible, right? Ꞩ
Harry gulped and nodded once more
Kornélia moved closer until they were nearly face to snout, ꞨTell me, Harry. Are you still interested in winning in this Tournament?Ꞩ
ꞨN-not really.Ꞩ Harry leaned back slightly to try and stay away from the dragon's teeth.
ꞨGood.Ꞩ Kornélia moved back and made herself comfortable (Harry breathed a quick sigh of relief), ꞨThen, young Hatchling, let me tell you the story of my first flight. It's amazing and I'm sure you will laugh. There I was, high on the peak with my Clutch Siblings…Ꞩ
As Kornélia told her story, Harry crossed his legs and leaned forward, ignoring the angry mutterings of the restless crowd. It's not every day that I get to talk with a dragon, Harry chuckled at both the thought and the tale being told, I'm going to keep this conversation going for as long as I can. To Hell with everybody else.
-oOo-
"I wish I had brought a deck of Exploding Snaps." Ron muttered, leaning his chin on his hands in boredom.
"You and me both, mate." Seamus had his head in his hands, not even looking into the Arena anymore.
Hermione simply sighed and leaned back, smiling at the mutterings of a few of the Veela agreeing with Ron. She couldn't help but be happy with the turn of events. Her mate was done and safe and Harry was calmly sitting there, laughing with a dragon.
"I can't believe that he is having a conversation with a bloody dragon! I bet Charlie is flipping out." Ron shook his head, "He's always wanted to talk to a dragon."
"Is zat what 'arry is doing?"
Hermione looked up at the familiar musical voice and couldn't keep the grin off of her face. There, slowly walking towards them, was her lovely Fleur. Many of the surrounding students turned to watch the Veela make her way towards them and either complemented her performance or wolf-whistled at her attire. The flirtatious shouts directed at her mate didn't bother Hermione like before. The bright smile that was produced when their eyes met was the only thing she cared about.
"Fleur." she breathed before rising to her feet and making her way to the blonde, pulling her in for a passionate kiss as soon as she could. Hermione ignored the resulting catcalls and whistles, instead smiling at the loud thud of the golden egg being dropped and arms wrapping around her waist to pull her closer. She couldn't help the hum that was produced (or her smile widening at the purr emitting from Fleur) as she reached her hands up to cup the blonde's cheeks and pull her closer.
"Are you going to wipe away the paint now, Maya? I am sure that is something that the students would all enjoy."
Hermione broke off the kiss and turned to glare at the laughing Veela, Amélie smirking in her direction as the others also called out to them.
"You are just jealous that I am going to be wiping the paint away from Fleur and not from you." Hermione raised her eyebrow at the redhead.
The Veela widened her smirk slightly before laughing, "You wish, Feline."
"Enough." Fleur called out, "Amélie, stop teasing my mate. Although," she tightened her hold on Hermione and leaned down to whisper in her ear, "you did effectively throw off any unwanted suitors."
Hermione looked around at the surrounding students. The Beauxbaton students were all used to the display and were just grinning at them. The Hogwarts and Durmstrang lot, on the other hand, were all staring at them wide eyed and opened mouth. Hermione snurled her nose in disgust as she saw more than a few boys covering their fronts with their hands.
"Or I just made everything worse." Hermione blushed under all the attention
Fleur simply laughed before bending down to pick up the golden egg and grabbing ahold of her hand, taking them back to her seat. Hermione was unceremoniously pulled onto Fleur's lap and quickly snuggled in as the blonde buried her face in her curls, breathing deeply before sighing. She took a quick glance over to her friends and saw Ron's bright red face in his hands while both Seamus and Dean were staring at her in awe.
"You okay, Ron?" she couldn't help but ask, worried about the silent boy.
"Oh yea, I'm great." Came the muttered response. "Just warn a bloke next time you decide to snog your girlfriend, yea?"
Seamus muttered, "Or not. You don' have to really."
"If you wanted to," Dean cocked his head to the side, "you could continue. Like, right now."
"Yea, we definitely wouldn' mind."
Hermione blushed while Fleur chuckled gently. Rather than address the two, she turned around slightly to look at the blonde, frowning at the thick bandage on her shoulder. "You're hurt."
Fleur shrugged and pulled her closer, nuzzling into her neck and placing a kiss against the silver collar. "I will be alright," she muttered before placing another behind Hermione's ear, "Fire does not mark a Veela forever and it is not as bad as it seems."
Hermione swallowed thickly, "Maybe you should rest then, yes? I do not want to make it worse."
Dark blue eyes rose and met amber, sending a shutter along Hermione's spine. Fleur's smirk didn't even register with her as she leaned their foreheads together and Hermione felt her breath catch at the intense gaze.
"Trust me, it will not get worse." Fleur whispered before those dark eyes squinted in amusement, "No matter how hard you grip it."
Hermione felt Thrall rush over her and couldn't stop herself from connecting their lips once more, moaning at the taste of her mate. She wasn't sure if it was because of the Bond, the Thrall, or the fact that Fleur had been in danger, but for some reason Hermione couldn't get close enough to her. A hand quickly buried itself in her hair, drawing her even closer, as a thumb gently rubbed at her hip. Teeth nipped at her bottom lip gently and Hermione opened her mouth, humming at the intensified feeling. She braced one hand on her mate's shoulder while she worked the other to try and find a way under the tight leather of the vest. Hermione cursed the position they were in and tried to turn and straddle the blonde only to have the hand tighten around her waist. A growl formed in the back of her throat before the teeth bit her again, harder this time, which caused her to gasp at the pain. She frowned as Fleur pushed displeasure through the Bond before connecting their lips once more, sweeping her away in a haze of Thrall.
"Oh bloody Hell." Ron suddenly muttered and stood up, elbowing Hermione in the back in the process. She quickly broke the kiss before looking at him in confusion (wondering more where he had come from than what he was doing) as he cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted, "Harry! For the love of Merlin, get on with it! I can't stand it anymore."
A good portion of the crowd began laughing and giving their own shouts to the Boy-Who-Lived. Hermione's brain slowly caught up with her and she immediately blushed at all of the attention they had drawn (it seemed as if everybody but a few in front was staring in shock). Stupid hormones, she scowled to herself as all the surrounding Veela began teasing them about the display.
While Fleur teased back, Hermione saw Harry look towards the stands before sighing and turning back to the dragon. It looked as if Harry was disappointed. He really can't be enjoying talking with a dragon, can he? She was brought out of her thoughts as she felt Fleur chuckle once more as their family settled down and pull her closer. Hermione bit her lip as the purring vibrations against her back reignited the fire in the pit of her belly.
Hurry up, Harry.
-oOo-
ꞨI think that's my cue to leave.Ꞩ Harry frowned slightly. He was having a great time talking with Kornélia and had completely lost track of time.
ꞨYes, it sounds like it.Ꞩ the dragon breathed a huffing chuckle before stretching her neck out to the golden egg and gently picking it up in her jaws. Harry watched as she swung back around and laid it beside him, licking it once before pulling back.
Harry didn't even look at the egg, instead cocking his head to the side. ꞨI thought we agreed that I didn't care much for competing in the Tournament. Why give me the egg?Ꞩ
Kornélia did something similar to a shrug as she looked at him, ꞨI enjoyed our talk and since that is what you came in here to get, I figured you might as well have it. Now, Harry the Bitten, I believe it is time that I leave this land, don't you?Ꞩ
Harry nodded and stood up, picking up the golden egg and smiling at the dragon. ꞨIt's been a pleasure talking with you, Kornélia.Ꞩ
ꞨYou too, young Human Hatchling.Ꞩ she gave another roaring laugh before looking towards the approaching handlers.
Harry beamed at an awestruck Charlie (not that the rest of the handlers looked any different) before turning around to head into the tent. He had only gotten a few steps before a nagging sensation of him forgetting something struck him. As he made it off of the central rocky island, he wanted to hit himself as he remembered that he hadn't cast a spell yet.
Remembering his manners, Harry turned around and called out to the dragon, ꞨGreat Mother! Do you mind if I cast a spell? I need to so I can satisfy a condition for the Tournament.Ꞩ
ꞨGo ahead, Harry the Bitten. Though, I want you to impress me.Ꞩ Kornélia settled back down as she watched him intently. All of the handlers too paused as they had heard the hissing call.
Harry frowned and thought of all of the spells he had learnt over the years. What impresses a dragon? Especially one as fierce as her…If I had time to summon my broom, I could show her my flying skills, but that would take too long. I wish I knew a fancy fire spell. Suddenly, something Hermione had said earlier that month came to mind. When she had shown them her saber tooth form, she had also taken the time to explain her way of doing magic. Something about feeling the magic deep within and pushing it out while willing it to do what she wanted. If I could do that, surely I can think of something that would impress her.
He quickly placed the golden egg on the ground and closed his eyes, praying to every deity he had heard of that this would work. Harry reached deep inside himself to where he thought his magic should be. He figured it was like the first time he correctly cast the Patronus charm, he just had to reach deep, stay calm, and think really hard.
Smiling as he felt a warming sensation (this must be it), he opened his eyes, pointed his wand into the sky, and pushed the magic out with all of his might. His initial thought was 'fireball', but as the warmth of the magic turned into a searing, almost uncontrollable heat, he changed his mind to 'snake'. Something in him said that this was the best course of action so he prayed that it was right.
At first, nothing was produced other than a few sparks and the heating of air, but the more energy he pushed into the spell, a stream of red hot fire soon appeared. He felt himself grow lightheaded as the stream of fire grew thicker and longer and reared up as if it were alive. By the time Harry knew his magic was exhausted, the fire snake was nearly twice as tall as him and it swayed back and forth while looking out at the crowd.
Feeling like he should end the spell, Harry tried to withdraw the snake, but it soon turned on him and hissed, the heat of the flame nearly burning his face. He tried again, attempting to push his magic back down as the crowd began to scream in fright as the fire snake turned on him. Harry's hand was shaking so badly that he dropped his wand and soon dropped to his knees as the last of his energy left him. He stared up at the slowly approaching snake, watching the flames of its body dance and sway with each movement.
Suddenly, a mighty roar could be heard throughout the Arena and Kornélia swooped in and tackled the snake, batting the flames out with her wings. Harry panted as he watched his magic burst into millions of tiny sparks, some leaping out at him and singeing his jacket and burning his skin. The crowd around him gasped and soon began applauding, some even chanting his name. Harry heard none of it as he bowed his head before the dragon, ashamed of himself for not being able to control his magic.
ꞨThat was a foolish thing to do, Human Hatchling.Ꞩ the dragon swung her massive head before him and hissed, ꞨUncontrollable magic is the most dangerous thing in this world. Haven't these Magicals taught you that?Ꞩ
ꞨI-I'm sorry G-great Mother.Ꞩ Harry panted. He felt tears fill his eyes at the thought of the one being, other than his friends, who showed him love and support, judging him for his actions. He quickly fell forward until he was on his hands and knees, unable to look up at the dragon. ꞨI only wished to impress you. Nothing I can do other than flying would impress you and I didn't have time to summon my broom. I thought that, if I produced a large enough flame, then you would enjoy it. And I put us all in danger because of my stupidity.Ꞩ
He heard a heaving sigh and felt a soft nudge to his head. Harry looked up to see Kornélia looking at him, her golden eyes seeming almost soft. ꞨYoung hatchling, trust me, anything you had done would've impressed me. It is not very often that I get to see Human Magic so I was curious. While what you did could've been fatal, be happy that you were able to produce any fire at all. In fact, because of your attempt at harnessing the flame, I have thought of another gift for you.Ꞩ
Harry looked up curiously just in time to see the great dragon open her jaws and send a long, hot breath towards him. Small sparks could be seen emerging from her throat and he couldn't help but reflexively suck in a breath of shock. As soon as he did, he felt his throat and lungs begin to burn and he felt the need to cough, but couldn't. Harry quickly blinked as his eyes started to water and burn from the breath. A blinding pain exploded behind his scar and nearly caused him to cry out, but his throat burned too badly to produce any sound. However, just as he had reached his pain threshold, the burning and the pain stopped. Harry couldn't help the dopy grin he felt form on his face at the sensations left behind. His eyes were still watering and the world had turned oddly blurry, while his throat felt like he had been sucking on a cinnamon candy all day. His mind also felt fuzzy, almost lighter somehow, as if he had eaten one of the Twins' prototype candies again that caused him to see things. It feels good though, he couldn't help but think giddily, like sunshine and rainbows and daisies.
He wasn't aware that Kornélia was done until he felt her nudge the golden egg back into his arms. He instinctively clutched it to him and reached down blindly for his wand (should probably grab that, he giggled). As soon as he found it, Harry stood up (wobbling a bit) and was turned around by the dragon and nudged forward, nearly losing his balance on the unstable ground.
ꞨGo on, young Harry the Bitten, and may the fire burn your enemies to the ground.Ꞩ He heard her roaring laugh again and felt his smile grow as he was led by somebody into the tent.
-oOo-
"You blooming idiot!" Hermione shouted, walking up to the emerging Boy-Who-Lived and swatting at him. She narrowed her eyes as he just grinned in her direction, his eyes wide and unfocused. "Do you realize what that type of magic could have done?! Do you not realize that you could've been killed!?"
"Easy, my love," hands gripped her shoulders and pulled her back slightly, "something tells me that he is not aware of much at this point."
Fleur had a point. Harry was swaying in place, smiling dopily at them while his eyes wandered about. Hermione cocked her head to the side and shoved his shoulder. The boy fell back a few paces before finally regaining his balance (what little of it he had) and began giggling to himself.
"Harry?" Ron asked coming up beside her and also looking at the bespectacled boy, "You alright mate?"
"Ffffine." Harry slurred before giggling once more. "I am fffine. Fine as wine. Lifffe is fine."
Fleur slapped her hand over her mouth as she began laughing at him while Hermione just looked at her. "What in Merlin's name is wrong with him?
The blonde took several deep breathes to try and calm herself before smiling at her, " 'e is fire drunk."
"I-I'm sorry, what?" Ron shook his head, "Uh…er…what was that again?"
Hermione slapped a hand over her eyes as Fleur turned to the redhead. Before she had a chance to say anything, Harry drunkenly walked up to Ron and threw an arm around his shoulders.
"Why…you ask so many questions?" Ron stumbled slightly as the Boy-Who-Lived tightened his grip. Harry had his eyes closed and was twisting his head back and forth, the grin never leaving his face, "Everything is fffine, Ron." The giggling returned as Harry repeated the word 'fine' in his drunken slur.
" 'Fire Drunkness' is somezing zat only creatures of fire can truly obtain." Fleur motioned down at herself and gestured back at the passing group of Veela. "It 'appens wiz Veela all zee time. What it is, is when we over use our fire, we can be given a supplement zat quickly replenishes it. Zis rapid…uh…up and down of energy levels can leave zee creature feeling giddy."
"But Harry isn't a fire creature." Ron was now almost fully supporting the boy in question as he was leaning back and shouting 'fine' to the sky.
Fleur shrugged, "I guess it is because 'e used such a large amount of magic for a fire spell zat zee dragon zought 'e needed replenishing. Do not worry zough, zis will not 'urt 'im. Magicals 'ave been trying, and nearly succeeding, to obtain zee same effects zrough Firewhiskey."
Ron tugged Harry back into a standing position. "Bloody Hell. How long does this last?"
"No clue." Fleur shrugged once more. They all watched as Harry looked back down towards them and hissed something. Whatever he said sent the Boy-Who-Lived into another giggling fit, causing him to finally drop the golden egg he was loosely gripping.
All of a sudden, Harry gave a sort of hic-cough and they all watched wide-eyed as a small jet of flame shot out of his mouth and onto the grass. Even Harry stopped his giggling to look down at the scorched ground in awe. The black haired boy looked back up at them with a look of shock and began laughing. He hissed something towards them, leaned his head back once more, and started roaring.
"Blimey Harry." Ron shook his head at him before giving Hermione a look. "Just once I'd like, for a single day, to be completely normal, ya know? That's it. Just one day. Normal friends, normal life, normal school, the whole works. Is that too much to ask?"
"Let's just get him to his dorm so he can sleep it off." Hermione bent down and picked up the egg, grimacing at the sliminess that it was coated in. Forgot the dragon licked it.
"But what about his score? Shouldn't we stay to find out what he got?"
"He'll find out tomorrow, I'm sure." Hermione frowned at Harry before starting off towards the castle. "By the looks of the judges during his performances though, Fleur and him are going to be fighting for last place."
Both Ron and Fleur laughed at this and started to follow her. Harry had Ron's neck in a tight grip and was alternating between hissing something in Parseltongue at the sky and roaring at everybody they passed. Looks like the Boy-Who-Lived is going to stir up the rumor mill again. Hermione shook her head at the bewildered looks from the students and continued on her way. Serves him right for being a bloody idiot.
Warmth suddenly bloomed across the Bond and had her stopping and breathing quickly. Fire raced up and down Hermione's spine before resting in the pit of her belly, making her go weak at the knees as a wave of pleasure shot through her. Quickly turning around, the brunette licked her suddenly dry lips as the dark eyes of her mate looked her up and down, a smirk forming on the Veela's face.
"Um, actually Ron," Hermione started, her eyes remaining locked with those of her mate's.
"Nope, nope. I don't want to know. I don't need to know. Don't tell me. I don't care. Go ahead, I don't see you going. I've got this." Ron muttered as he trudged past them, grabbing the egg from her hands with Harry giggling along beside him.
Hermione didn't turn to watch them go, instead staring at a predatory Fleur. The blonde's smirk grew as she bit her lip and walked back a pace, her hands twitching at her sides. With a sudden smirk of her own, Hermione quickly turned on her heel and darted away, racing towards the Beauxbatons' carriage. A bright smile formed on her face as she heard her laughing mate behind her.
-xXx-
AN: Duner89 I swear to you that I had this chapter wrote when you made that review in Ch 27. You can't imagine how hard I laughed when I saw your hope.
Thanks for reading!
