Chapter 38 – All Creatures Great and Small

In the middle of breakfast the next morning Dumbledore stood and shot a series of firecrackers off with his wand. "May I have your attention please?"

As everyone's eyes turned toward the teacher's dais Harry looked at Ginny and Hermione and wondered what new information was doing to disrupt their plans for the day. The two had brought down his running gear down to the Greengrass quarters first thing this morning and Harry had changed in Daphne's bedroom while she changed in her bathroom. (Just in case Tori that woke up early and caught them together. Harry knew he shouldn't feel guilty since he and the stupendous blond had been married but somehow, without the public disclosure, Harry continued to feel a little bit awkward about spending time with Daphne. He resolved sometime during their run around the lake that he would sit down with both the Greengrass girls even though one was legally Mrs. Potter now.)

Harry was still dwelling on that upcoming conversation when he was elbowed in the rib by the redhead next to him.

'Quit thinking about Daphne's boobs.'

"I could have been thinking about your bum or Nonnie's legs you know Ginny.'

'Will both of you quiet down so we can hear what Dumbledore has to say?'

'Yes Hermione.' 'Of course dear!'

Hermione rolled her eyes but reached up and turned Harry's smiling face toward the front of the room. The Hogwarts Headmaster looked around the Great Room to see if there were any remaining ongoing conversations. Satisfied that he had everyone's attention Dumbledore smiled. "I am quite happy to see that everyone showed up for the morning meal in light of the late night that some of you had. I had reports from Madam Hooch and Professor Sirius Black that over 3 dozen participants from all five schools stayed around for the night flying and navigation session. And only one 3rd year student got confused and ended up lost over the Forbidden Forest."

A Hufflepuff by the name of R.W. Emerson shrank down in his seat to the laughter of his friends. Dumbledore continued. "It was such a popular class that it will added to the curriculum starting next year. Two classes – one to be held in the fall and one in the spring for those students over third year. I also have it on the best authority that Mr. Krum has recovered from his unfortunate encounter in the race last night and will probably be rejoining his friends and classmates this afternoon at the latest."

"Or maybe sooner!" Everyone turned to locate the gruff voice that came from the Great Doors and were astonished to see the Durmstrang Champion standing there in front of Madame Pomfrey and Kommandant Karkaroff. Madame Pomfrey looked a little apprehensive about Viktor being out of her infirmary but Harry felt that the stocky Bulgarian had received plenty of warnings and a long 'do-not–attempt list' from the Hogwarts mediwitch. Viktor raised his voice to acknowledge Dumbledore's polite applause at his appearance. "I want to thank everyone that came by the Infirmary to visit me. I beg your indulgence for a minute Headmaster and then I and everyone else can get on with our morning meal."

Dumbledore nodded and then Viktor scanned the Gryffindor table trying to locate someone. His face lit up with a broad smile and he walked up to the section that held Harry and his wives. He bowed his head a little when he came across from Harry.

'What's he up to?'

'Probably something embarrassing for you Jamie.'

Viktor glanced around the Great Hall and raised his voice. "I'm going to do something that your Mr. Potter absolutely hates. Focus the attention on him for a few moments."

Surprisingly Viktor went down to one knee and looked directly at Harry. "I wish to publicly thank Lord Harry Potter and Lady Ginny Potter for the actions that they separately and jointly undertook in rescuing me from an unfortunate accident. It is not quite a life debt but I will declare it a debt of honor that I owe to the Potter family. As a small token of my appreciation I will be sending you three… no, four permanent passes to games that the Bulgarian National team will play in the next two years. I wish I could promise more but that is the length of my remaining contract with them."

Harry stood and then motioned for Viktor to stand. "That is more than enough Viktor. I only did what any of the other flyers would have done. That's more than enough speechifying for the moment though. I'm sure you're ready for a filling breakfast after being in the infirmary all night. I know I've usually worked up an appetite after the many times I've had to stay there."

A rumble of chuckling went around the Great Hall as Harry's frequent visits to Madame Pomfrey's domain were already a minor legend. Viktor stood up and leaned across Neville to shake Harry's hand and then kiss the back of Ginny's hand. He turned away to walk over to the Slytherin table when the rest of his schoolmates were eating. Harry called his name after he got there. "Oh Mr. Krum?"

"Yes Mr. Potter?"

"I think you've forgotten one small thing." Harry swept his wand upwards and made a circular motion with it. A small streak of blue magic went to Viktor and eight other people in the hall, including the other Champions. Viktor and the others looked down in surprise as a small crest appeared on their robes. "That is a badge labelling you as a friend of the Potter Family. If you ever need anything, anything at all, do not hesitate to ask."

"Thank you Lord Potter!"

"How many times do I have to say it - it's Harry! You're welcome Viktor. Thanks also go to Fleur, Cedric, Benito and Neith. I can't tell you how grateful I am that you've tried to help a lesser experienced wizard out in preparing for the Challenge."

Harry sat down and Daphne gave him a kiss to his cheek for handling the possibly embarrassing moment. Viktor had just sat down between his friends Piotr and Deet when a very noticeable scraping sound came from the teacher's dais. Harry turned to look as Sirius stood up with a wide grin on his face. He stepped away from the teacher's table and walked confidently down the aisle between the Slytherin and Hufflepuff tables. He stopped and looked around the Great Hall before he tapped someone on the shoulder.

Harry groaned. "What do you suppose he's up to now?" he asked of the people sitting around him.

"It's Sirius" Ginny said. "Anything could be about to happen."

"I'm more concerned about what he is hiding behind his back" Hermione pointed out. That worried Harry enough that he stood up and tried to get Sirius' attention - to no avail. Sirius raised his voice as Viktor Krum stood up and looked at him. "Yes Professor Black?"

"On behalf of the Headmaster, staff and students of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry I wish to apologize for our wayward semi-domesticated and misguided avian fowl."

Viktor smiled a little evilly. "Kommandant Karkaroff has already told me that we are feasting on squab tonight for supper. Anyone who really wants to tear a pigeon to pieces besides my friends and I is invited to come to the ship and help us reduce the wild bird population."

That got a laugh from most of the male population and a number of disgusting looks from the witches in the hall. Hermione blanched but said she would certainly understand it if Harry wanted to go and attend the retributional meal but Harry whispered back he would leave it to the Durmstrangers to celebrate killing the pigeons. Sirius patted Viktor's shoulder. "You also flew an amazing race in light of the competition, obstacles and sudden ending. You should have some reward for that effort and the injuries you sustained. Since Madame Hooch and I were the organizers for last night's competition we thought you might like a memento to remember the race by."

'Oh no –WHAT has he got?'

Sirius brought out the hand he had been hiding behind his back and whipped off the cloth that was covering the object. Everyone had a good look at it as he held it up before handing it to Viktor. It was a trophy. It depicted Hogwarts as its base and there was a slim rod that held a golden colored broom flying over it. The trophy was very lovely but everyone held their breath as they waited for Viktor to react to the last and highest part of the trophy. The handle of the broom was in the act of impaling a pigeon in flight and feathers were caught in the midst of exploding outward from the impact.

Viktor tilted his head one way and then the other as he looked at the trophy. He looked back over at Harry who returned a hopeful shrug of his shoulders. The Bulgarian began to chuckle as he stared at the top of the trophy. "This is… WONDERFUL!"

"The inscription reads '1st Place Champions Race Hogwarts – November 19, 1995'" Sirius announced. Viktor held the trophy up with a full laugh and received a standing ovation starting with Harry and his wives that spread to the other Champions and then the people sitting at the Staff table. It was more than a few minutes before the impromptu celebration settled down and Viktor could start eating his breakfast in peace.

Xxxx xxx

It was November 23rd and the Champions were gathered for one last strategy session before the task that was supposed to start the next afternoon. There has been any number of meetings in pairs, trios and other combinations over the last couple of days as the Champions were generally excused from their classes to prepare. This was the last night they could confer together and wish each other 'Good Luck' for danger they were about to face.

"Is there anything else I can fetch for Lord Harry and his friends?" asked Rettus.

"No thank you Rettus. The tea will be all. I'll send the service back to the Manor when we're done here." Harry nodded at the house elf and Rettus bowed over and disappeared with hardly more than a small pop.

"So how many house elves do you have at your home Harry?" Benito asked.

Neith bounced her elbow off Benito's side. "That is completely rude as you well know."

"I just wanted to try and figure out how big a place the Potter's have?"

"It's still rude."

Hermione put a hand on Neith's arm. "It's okay. It's not that big a deal. We have twenty two elves that work the house and the farm."

"But we have forty-eight elves currently residing on our grounds" Harry said.

"Forty-nine Harry. You missed Knop's visit this morning; Gimli and Ossa had a male elfling this morning that they're planning to name Hiskpot. They hoped they weren't being presumptuous by adding a part of the family name to their elfling."

Harry had a wide smile. "Not at all. I'll send a note back with the tea service asking Knop when Gimli and Ossa want to have the protective right held."

"You don't bind your elves at birth Harry?"

"No. All the elves at Potter Manor have the choice to be bound to the House of Potter when they are of age. It seems the kindest method and so far the house elves seem to really appreciate the consideration. We offer the protection of the House as soon after birth as is feasible."

"Why do you have almost thirty extra elves Harry?" Fleur asked.

"We sort of rescue and foster abandoned and hurt house elves until we can find them a proper home and family to be paired up with. It was Hermione and Harry's idea." Ginny had a bit of pride in her voice as she stated one of their unofficial missions after getting married. Daphne patted Harry on the back as he blushed with the compliment.

Cedric at least seemed to understand the position and attitude Harry had. They had taken a break for tea after a couple of hours of discussing the relative strengths and weaknesses of the dragons that had appeared in the Forbidden Forest. Unfortunately the list of strengths was much longer than the few weaknesses they had discovered and it had only led to a few possible strategies that an individual might….might be successful with in facing the dragons.

Everyone had just about finished their cup of tea when a knock came upon the study room door. Daphne who was closest to the door, opened it to find Marta Ferraforte standing there.

"I'm sorry to interrupt your planning or study but Professor McGonagall stopped me in the corridor and sent me on a mission. I'm supposed to tell you that all the Champions are required to report to the Storm Room right away."

"Did she say why?"

"Sorry. I don't know. I was just told to come and bring you back." Marta looked around the room and smiled. "I was also told to extend the invitation to anyone else that was here helping the Champions."

Everyone reacted to the news and hurried to pack up their notes and bookbags to leave their prep room. Harry asked Marta if she wanted to get back to her own work but she said she would walk with them if they didn't mind. Harry and his wives hadn't had much time in the last couple of weeks to spend socializing with anyone so it was Ginny that hooked arms up with Marta as the Champions gathered up their bookbags and left their study room and the Hogwarts library.

Harry and Neith were walking first in the procession down to the second floor. Marta and Ginny were in the middle of the pack of 15 students and were talking about the upcoming task. "My parents are coming to watch the first task tomorrow along with a lot of the other ambassadors and I guess a lot of the Ministry of Magic personnel."

"That means that there will be plenty of people in the stands rooting for Cedric" Daphne said as she came up to walk on Marta's other side.

Marta shook her head. "I'm pretty sure that they will be rooting for Harry though. I had a hard time explaining to my parents that Harry really doesn't want to win this competition and that there was a bunch of trickery in his name coming out."

"Harry has made an agreement with the judges not to be scored like the others."

Marta almost stopped walking in shock. "That's not very fair!"

"Neither was Harry's entry but he's trying to make the best of the situation Marta."

"I hope nobody gets hurt. There are rumors going around of everything from a magical maze all the way up to Nundus that the Champions are going to have to face."

Ginny kept her face composed as she replied to the 2nd year Gryffindor. "We're not sure what the first task is. We are all hoping for whatever the task is that nobody gets seriously hurt."

The group finally reached the corridor where the Storm Room was and Marta had to reluctantly part ways with everyone. With a little prodding from Ginny, Marta went forward to wish Harry 'Good Luck'. She impulsively leaned in to give him a hug and a kiss on the cheek and ran away blushing.

Harry threw Deet and Fleur a cautioning look when they started chuckling at the young girl. Cedric laughingly warned the others that they ought to make a betting pool on how many Hogwarts witches would be trying to do the same thing to Harry tomorrow. Hermione, Ginny and Daphne stood together and declared that any witch would have to get through them first.

Viktor turned away from that discussion and asked Cedric what the story was for the Storm Room. Cedric said nobody knew. "It was a normal enough classroom until a few years ago but now there's always a breeze circulating through the room and sometimes you have a hard time getting the door opened or closed because of the high winds. It might be a prank from Peeves but none of the professors will comment on the Storm Room."

Harry was examining his shoes rather than looking at the group around him and reached for the door. "It's one of those mysteries that come up and never get solved. Hogwarts is a magical castle and many strange things happen."

"And Harry sometimes finds himself in the middle of the strangeness." The door was pulled open from the inside and Harry saw that Vika was smiling from within. She was dressed in the very finest robes and almost glowed with the magic she held. Harry did the simple introductions as best he could but everyone was either staring at her or at Harry as they passed through the doors.

"Fleur!" An excited young blond girl raced across the room and threw herself at the Beauxbatons Champion. Harry looked past the pair hugging and saw that Fleur and Gabrielle's parents Renard and Apolline were quickly moving to hug their daughters.

Yells and greetings were hurriedly shouted out as the other Champions and their friends came into the room and saw people that they were very familiar with. Sirius came over and clapped Harry on the shoulder. "Dumbledore couldn't very well turn down the requests of family and close friends to come to observe the proceedings. Hermione, I'm sorry your parents aren't here but Molly and Arthur hoped you wouldn't mind that they showed up to show some support for Harry."

Harry had turned to say something to the brunette but she and Ginny were already halfway across the room and greeting Ginny's parents. Daphne had come up to take Harry's hand. "Shall we go mingle and go meet all the other parents?"

Smiling Harry leaned over and gave the blond a kiss on the cheek. "I think that's a marvelous idea. Neith and Asim are over by the refreshment table; let's kill two birds with one stone."

Harry and Daphne headed for Mr. and Mrs. Ganem as he saw that Viktor was bringing an older couple over to meet Hermione and Ginny and her parents.

"This is a great idea to help everyone relax before tomorrow" Harry said.

"But you will still get to bed at a reasonable hour Mr. Potter" was whispered in his ear.

'Is that a threat or a promise Mrs. Potter?'

'Exactly!'

Harry laughed quietly and held out his hand to greet Neith's father Janem Ganem.

Xxxx xxxx

(§§ designates Parseltongue/ Dragonspeak)

Classes were dismissed after the first session in the morning and Harry had to resort to donning his invisibility cloak after receiving a flurry of well wishes after Professor Lupin released the Gryffindors from the History of Magic class. He held the Potters for a few minutes after class to hopefully clear the corridors a little bit but it only gave students time to congregate along the stairs and corridors the led up to the seventh floor and the Hearth.

Professor McGonagall had made the announcement at breakfast that the lunch service would be curtailed early in order for everyone to get a seat in the viewing stands and to let the Champions have some privacy with their family and love ones before they had to start the task. It was a little disconcerting for Harry and the others to watch the Hogwarts teachers and the other school chaperones clear the Great Hall of students.

There were six little huddles of people left in the Great Hall to sit for the semi-private meal. They were mostly the people who had met the night before in the Storm Room but there were a few absences here and there.

Harry had eaten very little and was surrounded by Sirius, Remus, Professor Yoshi and Ginny. Hermione and Daphne had declared their selves too nervous to be any sort of company for Harry and had departed after just a few bites of their own meals to go down to the arena and secure some choice seats.

The six Champions had noticed when the headmasters of the various schools along with a nervous Percy Weasley and the new head of the Department of Magical Games and Sports, Barbara Billingsley Gordon, left the hall. Harry and his Gems had had a few interactions with the ex-Quidditch star and judged her to probably be fair and unbiased. (And not the least bit batty.)

It was half one when Vika appeared in the midst of the Great Hall and announced that it was time for the families and then the Champions to leave for the first task. There was a lot of hugging and last minute advice from the new visitors and then the Champion were left alone with Vika. Ginny touched foreheads with her husband and warned him not to do 'anything stupid'.

In the silence of the departed families, Viktor Krum spoke up. "We'll all meet here tomorrow night to go for a round of drinks down at the Three Broomsticks. Yes?"

Harry nodded his head. "Here rather than the infirmary Viktor. Madame Pomfrey has a very strict policy against alcohol."

That got a good chuckle from Cedric and Viktor who clearly knew the mediwitch's stance on proper care of the magical bodies. Vika cleared her throat a little noisily and stepped forward. "It is time to leave now but I wish to wish you good luck and a successful completion your task. There is a tent set up near the arena and you will get your instructions there from Mrs. Gordon."

The six champions followed along down a path that led to a tent that was set up before the arena that had been raised along the border of the Forbidden Forest. The opening of the tent faced the school so that none of the competitors could get a glimpse of either the layout of the arena or the dragons before they started the task.

There was no one in the tent and Neith and Fleur quickly headed for the farthest stools and sat together holding hands in a sign of mutual support. Benito went to the small table that was set up and poured himself a glass of water. He stared at the pitcher after he put it down for a long time. Cedric starting pacing nervously back and forth but finally sat down, lowered his head and shut his eyes in thought.

Harry was standing in the middle of the tent and wondering if he should tempt his bladder with a few glasses of water to settle his nerves. A hand fell on his shoulder and he turned his head to see a somber Viktor.

"No one would fault you Harry if you just waited out the encounter and saved yourself for the sake of your young ladies. I do not wish a friend of mine to be injured." Viktor looked around at the tent. "I wish for all of you to survive this task without serious injuries."

"Thank you" Harry said. The others in the tent quickly echoed that sentiment to each other and Harry thought that the stated purpose of the competition to make friends and encourage cooperation between the schools had at least succeeded with the representatives.

Fleur spoke up from her seat. "I have a small confession to make. I am not proud of her for doing so but Madam Maxine told me last night after we returned to our carriage that we were to steal something from the dragon's nest."

Viktor shook his head in apparent disgust. "Kommandant Karkaroff also broke the secrecy agreement by informing me last night and tried to give me some hints as how to win."

Benito laughed. "Then I think we have to thank our friend Harry for telling all of us and lending his wives out for research so we would be better prepared."

"I would hope that we aren't so stuck up or stubborn that we would try doing any of this alone. This might have been…". Words failed Harry at the thought of facing the dragons one on one.

'Harry - Percy and Mrs. Gordon just left the judges table for your tent.'

'Thanks Daphne.'

"I think we are about to get our official instructions." The others looked at Harry strangely but just then Mrs. Gordon threw back the flap to the tent and entered with Percy following a few steps behind her. The slim redhead was holding a purple bag that slightly moved by itself.

'Can we listen in?'

'Of course. Why would I try and stop you?"

'Thanks Jamie.'

'Shhh! Mrs. Gordon is about to speak.'

The head of the Department of Magical Games and sports went around to each Champion and shook their hands and wished them good luck. She returned to stand beside Percy as the Champions gathered around her. "Okay. I imagine you are all very nervous with anticipation. This is it; it's time to begin your test of courage and resourcefulness. In the bag that Mr. Weasley is holding is a model representative of what you are each to face. You will draw out your own opponent and then you will take your turn as the horn sounds. Your task is to retrieve the golden egg from the place it has been set in. I must warn you that the golden eggs are warded to prevent a simple summoning. Are the instructions clear?"

Everyone nodded and Barbara nodded to Percy to unfasten the tie that held the bag close. "Let's proceed then. Ladies first."

Neith and Fleur looked to each other and Fleur reached her slightly shaking hand into the bag. There was a look of surprise on her face and she pulled out a tiny perfect model of a dragon – a Welsh Green. It had the Number 2 around its neck. Except for that label it looked exactly like one of the models that Ginny's brother Charlie had sent her for her birthday a few years ago.

Neith drew next and drew out a metallic grey dragon with deep red eyes and the Number 1. Harry recognized it as an Ukranian Ironbelly by its large size and almost vestigial wings. It only left the ground in emergencies and Harry wondered if tampering with its nest was something dire enough that Neith would have to consider that in her strategy.

Percy spoke up. "It will not matter that I can tell you now that the golden eggs you seek are amongst the other eggs of the nesting female dragons."

'Thank you Percy' came the echo in Harry's mind from Ginny and Daphne.

"Thank you Mr. Weasley."

"It seemed only fair to mention it Miss Delacour."

In a decisive manner, Viktor drew the next dragon model. It was a Scarlet Chinese Fireball with a fringe of golden spikes around its face that were razor sharp and venomous. Number 3. Viktor scowled at his model but then went and sat down to study it. The Bulgarian was going to be the third Champion to appear in the arena.

Harry gestured for Benito and Cedric to pick before him and they both ended up with tough looking opponents. Harry recognized the Hebridean Black (Number 5) that the Spaniard had picked by its rough scaly skin and deep ridges along its back. Harry was kind of glad he wouldn't be looking into the bright purple eyes that seemed to see everything around it as its head could almost double back on itself like an owl's could.

Cedric had drawn the Number 4 position with the Swedish Short-Snout. It was the most attractive of the dragons that had been picked with silvery-blue scales but the little model surprised the Hufflepuff with a very realistic belch of bright blue flames. Cedric retreated to his seat in thought with the model walking around on his palm.

'Oh Harry. Not the Horntail. I'm sorry.'

'Short straw again!'

'I expected nothing less' Harry replied. 'Let's get this over with.'

Percy looked into Harry's eyes as he reached into almost empty sack. "I'm really sorry Harry. You don't deserve this one" he whispered.

Harry winked back at his brother-in-law and lowered his voice. "It's okay Percy. The girls will pull me out if I'm in real danger."

Percy nodded slowly but looked shaken as Harry pulled out the most dangerous of the dragons for the sixth and last position; the Hungarian Horntail. He 'listened' as Hermione mentally described the fierce looking dragon; large black scale, bronze horns and a very solid spiked tail to go along with yellow, vertical slitted eyes. The comment about the eyes caused Harry to think back on the big snake he had met in the London zoo very many years ago.

Hermione was going over possible strategies but Harry very quietly sent her the fact that he just needed to think and plan now but that he appreciated the help.

'Sorry Harry.'

'Do you want to see how the others do?'

'No but just tell me what they did after they finish and if they are okay Ginny.'

'Got it. Good luck husband. We'll meet you with hugs and kisses afterwards.'

Harry sent back the mental hugs he received but by then Mrs. Gordon and Percy had left the tent with the warning that Neith had about 15 minutes to get ready. Harry was 'informed' that Minister of Magic Marshall gave a great welcoming speech that included reading a short letter from Queen Elizabeth about 'magical cooperation'. Benito had taken to pacing back and forth and Harry resisted the urge to tell him to sit down as it was just increasing his own nervousness.

A magical horn finally sounded and Neith slowly rose to her feet and headed toward the tent flap. She was very surprised when Benito altered his pacing and stopped her before she left. He held her shoulders and then gave her a quick hug. "You'll do well Penquita. Just keep your mind on your plan. Okay?"

"Thank you Benny." Neith gave 'Benny' a quick hug and left the tent quickly.

Madame Pomfrey entered the tent immediately following Neith's exit and quickly transformed most of the chairs into cots with sheets and lines on them. Harry raised a questioning eye as the mediwitch set up potions and bandages next to the refreshments as she looked around exasperatedly. "What idiot thought of this? There are dragons out there for Merlin's sake. I am ready to treat any or all of you if you get injured. For more serious injuries there is a trauma team waiting at St. Mungos for an emergency portkey. Hopefully you shall all succeed but I will be prepared just in case."

Harry lowered his head in silent prayers for the safety of the others but noticed that the others were watching the growing pile of medical equipment with very somber expressions. Harry hoped that the supplies would be packed away, unused, after the task was over for everyone.

The silencing spell on the tent obviously wasn't able to handle the noise of the crowd as the other Champions heard the roar reacting to Neith's probable entrance. The noise level rose and fell over the next period of time and the Champions just stared at the floor or each other as time went on.

It was about twenty minutes when Hermione broke into Harry's contemplation. 'Neith just finished Harry but she wrenched her knee pretty badly after getting her egg and escaping the Ironbelly.'

'That's all? Great! What did she do?"

'She moved the regular dragon eggs one by one to another place that she had heated up with a warming spell. The poor dragon got almost dizzy trying to protect the regular nest and then the place where her eggs were going to. Neith got a score of 55 from the judges.'

'That's an incredible loophole thinking of moving the other eggs. The judges probably won't like it if somebody else tries it though.'

It was another five minutes when Neith limped into the tent with an assist by her brother Asim. She was carrying a golden egg and was directed by Madame Pomfrey to lie down on the nearest cot. She lay down gratefully but kept one hand on the egg as Madam Pomfrey started to treat her. Fleur, Benito and the others got as close as Madame Pomfrey allowed but Neith looked over Madame Pomfrey's shoulder with some pain on her face. "They are much larger and faster close up so be careful everyone."

The horn sounded again and Fleur looked up a little startled. "I thought it would take more time to change the nests around." This time it was Harry that threw an arm across her shoulders and walked her to the tent entrance. "Play to your strengths instead of those of the Welsh Green. I think you will do well. Bon chance ma amie."

"Merci beaucoup. I'll hopefully… no, I will be back in a bit."

Fleur squared her shoulders and held her head up as she left the tent. The rest of the Champions returned to Neith's side to get a description of the arena and how the judge's table and dragon nest was set up.

Fifteen minutes later Harry stood as he got a message. 'I think it's lucky that the Welsh Green was the smallest dragon of the six. Fleur started singing a French lullaby of some sort and danced. Somehow she enhanced her Veela allure to target the dragon. The Green fell asleep slowly but Fleur was able to get to the nest and get the egg out but she turned a rock over halfway back to the entrance and the sound woke up the Green. She barely got out of the way of a narrow jet of flames but it looked like her hair and skirt were tinged with fire! The judges gave her a score of 61.'

'Oh my!'

True to the report Fleur walked a little unsteadily into the tent about ten minutes later. She was bent over coughing and her skirt was singed pretty badly in spots. Harry helped Madame Pomfrey get her to a cot and congratulated her on her success. She gazed up into Harry's eyes and said that she would be happy to buy the second round later. Cedric and Neith (still in her cot) applauded her as they knew she would quickly recover.

All too soon, the horn sounded again and Viktor stood up. "It is only a dragon."

"Go get him… err, her Viktor!" The Bulgarian raised his wand in a salute as he left the tent.

There were a lot more cheering and groans from the semi-silenced crowd so the Champions had no idea of how Viktor was doing. Twenty-five minutes later Harry repeated the description he got from Daphne. 'Viktor threw a Disillusion spell on himself once he entered the arena and threw some spells targeting the Chinese Fireball's eyes….'

'I think it was the Conjunctivitis Hex Harry."

'Tthat was one of the strategy's we discussed Ginny.'

'It caused the dragon to go temporarily blind. Unfortunately it could still smell Viktor. It tried going after him but it smashed two of its own eggs in the fumbling around. Viktor got banged up twice but survived to get his egg out safely. He got a 52 because of the damage to the eggs. Karkaroff gave him full marks though.'

'That was no surprise.'

'There's going to be additional cleanup because of the egg mess Harry.'

'I'll tell Cedric he has a few more minutes to wait.'

Viktor was limping, dirty, and quite white in the face when he returned to the tent. Benito helped him to a cot and Madam Pomfrey was quick to diagnose a couple of cracked ribs, a wrenched back and a small concussion. He was given two potions and fell asleep with his egg clutched to his chest.

"I guess I'm up then" Cedric said.

"Don't go rushing off yet" Harry exclaimed.

"Your lovely Miss Chang won't be impressed if you hurry down to get hurt right off" said Fleur with a small smile.

"Of course you would say that; you've already finished. I've got this mass of butterflies in my stomach that is just struggling to get out."

"Is that something I can help with Mr. Diggory?"

In his nervousness Cedric had forgotten that Madame Pomfrey was only a stride or two away. His face flushed for a second but then he recovered. "Thanks but no thanks Madame Pomfrey. I'm afraid that anything that goes down my throat will just come right back up."

Madame Pomfrey looked like she wanted to say something else but then the horn sounded. Cedric blew out a deep breath and checked his grip on his wand before heading for the tent flap.

"Cedric?"

"Yes Harry?"

"Go make Hogwarts proud of their Champion!"

Cedric shook his head ruefully but had a small grin. "Only you would find a way to distract me. Thanks Harry."

Harry just shrugged his shoulders but smiled back as the Hufflepuff left the tent. The silencing spell finally failed totally and the six in the tent could hear everything that was going on in the arena. Including Mrs. Gordon's call of what Cedric was attempting. He had transformed two small rocks into dogs to harass the Swedish Short-Snout. It seemed to work as the harassment seemed to distract the dragon from staying faithfully near her nest. Harry and the other heard how Cedric dived and hid behind other rocks to evade the bright blue flames that the Short-Snout was emitting. There was a groan when the dragon pounced and caught one of the dogs but then a ripple of laughter erupted in the arena as the silver dragon had to spit out the rock that it changed back into. It was at this point that Cedric made his run at the nest and snatched up the golden egg. The spell holding the transformed dog failed at that point and the Short-Snout saw Cedric running away clutching the egg. It seemed between the bobbing, weaving and hiding that Cedric almost made it out of the arena before stumbling. Mrs. Gordon said that he tripped over his own feet at that point but Harry privately thought that the uneven surface had caught him while he was watching his dragon. It seem luck favored the young man because as he fell a jet of blue flame passed over the space he had been about to occupy. As the Short-Snout tried to take a breath to release another flame, Cedric and his egg rolled away and out the arena with the door closing behind him and saving him.

'Cedric made it…'

'We all heard it from here Daphne. The silencing spell on the tent finally failed.'

'Cedric scored a 61 only because Karkaroff only gave him a four.'

'Bullocks! Oh sorry Hermione.'

'It's okay. Most of the crowd is saying the same around us. I don't know whether Minerva is going to hug Cedric the next time she speaks to him or give him a detention.'

'What? Why?'

'Those dogs he transformed from rocks were…. Scottish Terriers!'

Harry had to bite his lip to keep from laughing. It was a matter of a few minutes before Cedric came back into the tent escorted by his father. Madame Pomfrey directed the young man to a cot even if he protested that he was perfectly fine.

"I will be the judge of that young man" Madame Pomfrey said.

Amos Diggory looked around the tent at the various levels of pain that the rest of the Champions were in and shook his head. "I have never, in all my days, seen such an impressive amount of daring and resourcefulness. Those dragons are very, very fierce and protective of their nests. You should all be proud of yourselves."

Benito nodded as he heard the latest horn sound for his turn. He was surprised however when Neith called him over to her bedside. When he leaned over to talk to her she reached a hand around his neck and drew him down to place a kiss on his cheek. "For luck."

"Thank you Neith."

Harry desperately wanted to ask if they were going to be going to the Yule Ball together but knew this wasn't the time or place to ask that question. Benito needed to focus on the Hebridean Black that was waiting in the arena. The tent occupants heard Benito's arrival in the arena but then somebody must have renewed the silencing spell on the tent because the sound suddenly cut off. The Champions watched in surprise as the water pitcher suddenly floated off the table and exited through the tent flap. Harry could have sworn that it was getting bigger as it departed but he didn't want to guess why Benito wanted a water pitcher with him.

It was fifteen minutes later when Harry received the mental call from Ginny. 'Harry? Harry?'

'The silencing spell came back but I'm listening now. Why are you giggling?'

'Benito… Benito summoned and enlarged a water pitcher to use against the Hebridean.'

'It was the one from our tent. What did he do?'

'He filled it up with water and then floated it over the dragon and then he…he…'

'Dumped it on her? No way!'

'Way! Right down the gullet. There was so much steam out coming out of the mouth of the Hebridean that he used it for cover to get to the Golden Egg. The dragon cleared off the hot steam with a couple of jets to see her nest once her 'furnace' relit but then Benito was almost out of the arena. The judges gave him a 60.'

'Good for him then.'

'You're up next Harry. Please keep yourself safe.'

'That's from all three of us.'

'I love you all too.'

Harry looked up from his seat as a thoroughly wet and dripping Benito entered the tent. "Anyone got a towel?" he asked with a smile. Two drying charms came from different sides of tent and Benito walked over to sit next to Neith's cot with his egg. She gave him a hug and made him explain how he had gotten wet.

The explanation gave her the giggles and Cedric went over to shake his hand. "Sometimes it the simplest of ideas that work the best."

"Can I get you a glass of water Benito?"

Benito's head turned very quickly. "No, no and no. Thank you for the offer though Harry.

The horn sounded for the sixth and final time. Fleur got off her cot, leaving her egg and went over to hug Harry. "It's my turn to encourage and bolster your nerves Harry. I would risk a good luck kiss but I'm not sure that your lovely wives would appreciate it."

Harry looked around at the grinning faces at the other Champions (other than Viktor who was still asleep). He smiled at Fleur. "Well, I think it would be okay under the circumstances; I won't tell them if you don't."

"We'll keep our mouths shut too" Benito said with a little laugh. Fleur held up a warning finger to those behind and then leaned over to give Harry a kiss on the cheek. "Good luck Harry. I hope you may do better than us."

'We heard all of that Harry!'

'She's excused this once husband.'

'Get out here and get this over with. My fingernails are already chewed down to the quick.'

'Yes dears; I'm coming.'

'Not till later.'

'GINNY!'

Harry looked around the tent at the other Champions. "However I do, I just wanted to say thanks again for the help."

The four conscious champions and Madam Pomfrey wished Harry good luck and he exited the tent. He had not taken a full step when he was enveloped in hugs from opposite sides of the pathway. He startled but looked up to see Sirius and Remus grinning at him. "You didn't think that we would let you take this walk down there by yourself did you?"

"Well, I wasn't expecting…"

"Prongs and Lily would never let us hear the end of this if we didn't keep you company on the day you willingly step into danger."

"WHO said I was stepping WILLINGLY?" Harry retorted. That brought a smile to both the remaining Marauders and Remus raise his head up in a good to hear laugh.

Sirius did a little bow and a sweep of his hand indicted the pathway to the arena. Harry felt better and more confident that he had his new dad and unofficial uncle walking beside him. They didn't talk much on the short walk but each hugged Harry again as he got to the entrance of the tunnel that led under the stands. The two hurried away saying that they had to get back to Harry's wives and their seats. Harry watched them go and tried to settle the monster sized case of nerves he was growing.

Streams of water suddenly hit his head and Harry looked up to see all the Weasleys(minus Ginny) leaning over the top edge of the stadium. All of them, except Mrs. Weasley, had their wands pointed downward so Harry knew who had drenched him.

"Thought you looked a little peaked" George yelled down.

"Mum wouldn't let us cover you in dragon dung to cover up your smell like we wanted" Fred explained. "This should help a little though."

Harry brought his free hand up to his nose and sniffed it. "What is this?"

"Essence of toadstools" Ron yelled down. "The twins had a little left in their supplies and thought you were a worthy recipient."

"I added some fairy tears to it Harry. The Wrotspurts should leave you alone for about 40 minutes now."

Harry smiled as he shouted back up. "Thank You Luna. Thank you everyone."

The line of family and friends along the top raised their wands in a salute and then turned around and disappeared out of view. Harry had a quick mental reassurance from his three gems and then walked into the tunnel. The end was closed off but Harry could hear the shouting and the stamping of feet of all the spectators that were sitting or standing over his head. The door to the inside opened silently and Harry stepped through the opening and took two paces into the arena. His panic rose and warred with all the other emotions that were threatening to freeze him in his tracks.

He saw everything in front of him as though it was a very highly colored dream. There were hundreds and hundreds of faces staring down at him and he felt where Hermione, Ginny and Daphne were holding hands in one of the front rows. And there was the Horntail, at the other end of the enclosure, crouched low over her clutch of eggs, her wings half furled, her evil, yellow eyes upon him, a monstrous yet beautiful black lizard. She was thrashing her spiked tail leaving yard-long gouges in the packed dirt and stone of the arena. The crowd was making a great deal of noise, but whether friendly or not, Harry didn't know or care. It was time to do what he had to do… to focus his mind, entirely and absolutely, upon the thing that he thought was his best chance.

He raised his wand. As he did so the Horntail took a step forward and rose up to confront this intruder that might threaten her nest of eggs.

§§ Great Mother Dragon, I mean no harm to your eggs or y…§§

"HARRY! Hedwig!" The amplified voice of Hermione cut through the roar of the crowd and ended Harry's attempt to talk Parseltongue to the Horntail.

As he turned his head to see where everyone was pointing he heard a very familiar screech of a furious Snow Owl in attack mode. Harry's head lept up and around and he saw Hedwig in full dive mode heading for the head or eyes of the mighty dragon. Unfortunately the Horntail had also turned her head as she heard the loud sound and took in a deep breath. Knowing what was probably coming out of that enormously dangerous mouth next. Harry aimed his wand upward and shouted out a spell. "Protego Immutare Covehere!"

Everyone held their breath as they watched the race between Harry's spell and the yellow jet of flames that rose out of the Horntails mouth. Harry felt helpless for the space of two incredibly long heartbeats until he saw that his spell had reached Hedwig and surrounded her with a glowing purple sphere a split second before the tongue of flame enveloped the path of the sphere and Hedwig's flight.

Harry started running forward when he saw the sphere emerge from the length of the flame that shot out of the Horntail. He had no proper time to form the spell but he tried to simultaneously protect and summon Hedwig to him. The force and magic of the Horntail's jet of flame had made that hopeful ending a thing of the past. Harry watched helplessly as the magical shell caromed off two separate boulders and rolled slowly to a point midway between himself and the huge dragon.

Harry knew he was heading directly into danger but he could not and would not abandon one of his oldest and dearest friends in the magical world. His feet pounded across the arena as shouts sounded around the stands and he felt the ground shake from the movement of the largest of the dragons. Harry slid to his knees and stopped before touching the purple sphere that contained his owl. It was still mostly the same but there were black and white streaks flowing across the purple surface and a number of sparks were shooting out randomly as the sphere rocked and spun slowly.

Harry had blotted out everything in his concern for his fallen friend but a shadow suddenly intruded upon his examination of the protective shell. Harry came to his senses and saw that the Horntail was less than fifteen feet away from him and roaring in a manner and amplitude that shook his teeth. Scrambling backward on his hands and heels Harry finally got enough purchase to stand. He became aware of the screams that were coming from the stands and saw that Charlie Weasley was among the handlers that were racing into the stadium to help him out.

The Horntail could take another step forward even with the thick chain that was fastened to his.. her rear ankle. But it roared once more in Harry's direction backing him up a step. Harry never removed his eyes from the Horntail and was horrified to see that it had opened up its wide mouth and was about to engulf Hedwig – purple sphere and all!

Harry lowered his wand a bit and shot a powerful stinging hex that amazingly caught the inside edge of the right ear of the horntail. She was the one to retreat a step backward in surprise and Harry recovered and took that step forward. The dragon shook her head in fury and Harry saw her gather herself together to make a leap forward to try to crush both Harry and Hedwig!

Without a split second to think Harry pointed his wand at the Horntail and shouted out a spell fueled by his desperation and the magic he knew he held. "Arhofsa Grymasol Graig!"

Harry felt drained as the spell left his wand. He wasn't aware that he had also cast the spell with his raised left hand. The result was a blinding pair of silver bolts of light hit the Horntail in different places - its chest and between the eyes. Harry had then shielded his eyes in preparation of receiving a crushing blow. Absolute silence gathered around him as Harry tried to remain standing in his exhaustion and Harry wondered what had happened to his hearing. It was the movement of Charlie Weasley and the other handlers stopping in shock that caught his attention and made Harry look up. And up. And up again.

The fierce Hungarian Horntail had been frozen in mid leap. One foot was still on the ground but the body and the two forward limbs were stretched out toward him and the mouth was frozen open in surprise. The eyes seemed desperate and full of shame somehow to Harry's gaze.

§§ What has happened? I cannot be bound like this! My eggs – I must protect my eggs! §§

Harry felt a surge of replenishing energy and magic coming from his wives. Out of the corner of his eye he saw them and a great number of other people who had jumped the walls and were heading for him. Harry cast a hasty Sonorous spell to his throat and stopped everyone in their tracks. "Get back! This is my task and I'm not sure how long I can hold the spell on this Great Dragon. Get back. I am fine for now!"

Dumbledore was the first to stop and follow Harry's instruction. He did walk backwards with his wand pointed at the Horntail though as did most of the students and adults that had followed him out. In a matter of minutes there were only a handful of people still on the arena floor. Sirius, Remus, his wives, Ron, Luna and Neville. Harry saw that the other Champions, including a groggy Viktor, were lined up on the lower railing watching silently.

Harry smiled at them. "I need to finish this. Otherwise someone might get the wrong idea about dragons and hurt the Horntail and… or her eggs."

Remus shook his head in disbelief but grabbed Sirius' arm and walked him reluctantly backwards. Ron, Neville and Luna slowly turned around next although Luna was smiling and pointing at her watch. Harry acknowledged her by pointing at his own and then the three young witches were left.

"That was a Welsh Curse Harry?"

"Yes. We can all thank Godric later for telling me that."

"He and the other Founder portraits are sitting behind the judges in their booth. He saw."

"Good. I'd hate to have to describe this to anyone else."

"You do know that this means you are grounded for quite a while right?" A tumble of chuckles fell about the arena behind the brunette.

"Yes Hermione. I will try to do better next time."

Hermione reached out for Ginny's and Daphne's hands. "Get the egg and get out of here!"

"I have to check on Hedwig first."

Harry got a series of mental hugs and kisses from his wives before they turned to return to their seats. Harry turned back to his two problems. Hedwig's sphere had finally quit spinning and emitting sparks. The purple was still shot with black and white streaks but Harry didn't dare cancel the protective spell until he had dealt with the Horntail. He stood straight and looked the dragon in the eye as best he could.

§§ Can you hear me Great Mother? I repeat that I do not mean you and your eggs any harm. §§

§§ You have bested me Mighty Speaker. Kill me if you must but I beg you, if you have any honor at all, to deliver my eggs to the other dragons that were also forced here. They will raise my offspring. §§

§§ You will raise your own offspring Great One! If you promise to retreat to your nest once I release you. I need to check on my companion that attacked you in an effort to defend me. §§

§§ It was an honorable attempt if she is really your familiar like I sense. I would know your name Mighty Wizard as you could have killed me and destroyed my clutch of eggs while I am bound. My name is Kyrrasage of the SkyReach Clan. §§

§§ My given name is Harry Potter. I am merely a student at Hogwarts school but have been given the title of Friend of the Griffins. §§

§§ You are no mere student. You are a Speaker of the High Tongue. That is probably what that other trace of Power I sense is then. I acknowledge your position and power Speaker Harry. I will abide by your commands and retreat to my clutch once released. §§

§§ Thank you Mighty Kyrrasage. I will retreat for a bit to check on my familiar. §§

Harry scooped up the purple sphere and was surprised to feel the amount of magic that was coming out of the sphere. He walked backward carefully a good thirty paces until he felt he would be clear of the dragon's interrupted pounce. Setting the sphere at his feet Harry kept a careful eye on Kyrrasage as he raised his wand.

"Finite Totalum!"

There were gasps and shouts of horror as the dragon was released but somehow it flexed its wings in a mighty sweep and turned itself around in midair and flew back to its eggs. It walked around it twice and then settled down wrapping itself around the nest.

With the dragon settle Harry could finally look down at Hedwig as the cancellation spell he had used should have removed the protective spell he had cast on his owl.

Harry was shocked with who and what he saw. It was Hedwig but at the same time it wasn't. What had emerged from the purple, black and white sphere was a transformed owl. Feathers of primarily white and black still were the covering of the bird but she was slightly bigger now. Hedwig now had a longer set of tailfeathers, bigger wings, and four fully functional legs. The ears stood up a good four inches over the crown of her head but they were lying flat now as Hedwig appeared unconscious. Or worse.

Harry knelt down and scooped up his friend. "Oh Hedwig. What Have I done?"

A high pitched confused voice sounded in his head. 'Yes - what have you done friend Harry?'

'Harry?'

'Is that…'

'Hedwig you can hear me?'

'Not so loud! I have always been able to hear you. Ever since your friend Hagrid brought me to you. I seemed to have been your familiar but it took you years to find me.'

"I'm sorry then.'

'It is nothing to be sorry for. We were not ready for each other before it happened."

Harry didn't know what to say or do next. Or if he should apologize for what had happened to his owl. But it was Hedwig that spoke next. 'I'm sorry for not distracting the dragon for you. Did you end up slaying it?'

'Not quite but I may have reached a truce with her. Would you like me to take you to Ginny so she might take care of you while I deal with my task?'

Hedwig struggled to stand but Harry could tell she was very tired. He thought for a second and then sent a mild healing spell through his hands where he held her. The owl…no… owl griffon stretched and then whipped her head around to look at her new rear end.

The round face whipped back to gaze at Harry and Harry couldn't tell if she was amused or mad at him.

'I… I.. was only trying to save you from the Horntail' Harry began.

There was a familiar hoot and Harry felt his tears being carefully wiped off by the feathers of Hedwig's head as she cuddled up closer. 'You have made me more powerful. And beautiful! Thank you friend Harry!'

Hedwig jumped out of Harry's arms to the ground and took a few tentative steps but then launched herself to the air. She hooted excitedly as she flew around Harry twice but then flared her wings to find an awkward perch on Harry' shoulder with her four feet…paws?

Harry smiled as he rubbed the chest feathers of his altered companion. "I have to go talk to the Dragon now. Why don't you go and stay with my ladies?"

"I am your companion and no one else is here to defend you against that beast. I will stay."

§§ My NAME is Kyrrasage Little One and I laud your loyalty to Speaker Harry. You may approach me and I promise not to harm either one of you. §§

"My apologies then noble Kyrrasage."

The judges and watchers in the stands were amazed to see the final contestant straighten up, walk slowly toward the fiercest of the dragons and calmly sit down a few paces from her huge head. The new creature that only a few knew was Harry's owl paced around the young man or occasionally took off in flight for a few moments at a time but always returned to stand or lie at Harry's side.

A few minutes late the Hungarian Horntail rose back to her feet, carefully examined her eggs, and reached down to gently lift the golden egg out her real eggs. She deposited it on the ground at Harry's feet and went back to stand guard on her clutch.

Harry Potter made a graceful bow to the Horntail before picking up the egg and walking carefully backwards toward the entry point. He was almost at the door before the shocked crowd reacted and lifted their voices in wild exclamation. Harry didn't know what to do with all this attention and made to hurry up and leave the arena.

Headmaster Dumbledore's amplified voice stopped Harry's footsteps. "Mr. Potter, aren't you going to stay to see your scores?"

"I'd rather not."

That answer provoked a round of laughter from the stands and a red-faced Harry finally stopped and faced the judges stand. Each Judge raised a wand to shoot out their scores: Mrs. Gordon - 10, Percy Weasley – 10, Headmaster Dumbledore – A Golden colored 1 (Which received a lot of boos from the stands but a smile from the recipient.), Kommandant Karkaroff - .5 ("He didn't retrieve his egg!), Madame Maxine – a Silver 1, Headmaster Bishara – 1, Headmistess Madrigal – 1

"Harry Potter receives a total score of 24.5!"

The stands erupted in protest but Harry didn't really care. He sensed Hermione, Ginny and Daphne were all headed for the exit of the tunnel and he hoped they wouldn't be totally mobbed before they got back to Hogwarts. Hedwig launched herself from his shoulder and began an excited lap around the stadium and the reclining Hungarian Horntail that was watching the proceedings with one half-closed eye.

(A.N. Sorry This ended up at fifty five pages before I had to go back and trim it down)