Hey everyone,
IMPORTANT UPDATE! This will be the last month where I will be updating all 14 stories at the end of every month. I am just going to do the same thing everyone else does; either fully finish a story and then post the full thing or finish a chapter and then post it once it's written. However, there are stories, like to Read Into The Universe, where I will probably try to finish the whole thing and edit out the mistakes and whatnot and only then post the finished product.
I'm sorry if this upsets some of you, but I know about myself that I NEED to do this. Over the course of the last few months, I just haven't felt as if I have given these stories the attention they deserve and while I am happy with some stories and how some chapters are written, do I just feel lost and disappointed looking back on others. I'm just starting to feel like thinking: "I could have done better." when looking back at some of the chapters I wrote, so I made this decision. Onto the story.
This chapter is going to be, in one word, INTENSE! It's going to cover so much stuff; The Hungarian Horntail and the First Task, Lily's return and – well, I did WANT to cover how it was possible for Pettigrew to know about Arrianna, but I am a bit in a two-battle about that. On one hand, I want to, on the other she is supposed to be under magical status, aka with her eyes closed. So there really isn't a chance for her to have SEEN how Pettigrew did this.
So yeah,
Venquine1990
PS. Thank you, V.L. Crawford, for pointing that little error of mine in the previous chapter.
Shout-Out To:
Kirsty21
V.L. Crawford
Wishfull-Star
The Reader Of Harry Potter
Chapter 53
A Sister Returns
4th of November 1993
Great Hall, Hogwarts
Remus' POV
After Cedric has laid the book down, had we waited a few minutes, all of us watching the doors to the Great Hall with baited breath. Yet after about ten minutes of this, had I sighed and muttered: "Just – just let me read on. Waiting here doing nothing isn't going to make Lily come back sooner or make time go faster." And while I know that many of those around me are as worried about my wife as I feel, do I take the book from Cedric and read.
The First Task
And instantly I have a new reason to feel tense with fright and worry as I remember the fact that, in this future, Sirius didn't get the chance to help his son come up with a good solution for how to survive this horrible task. But then Jack and Eddy move in closer and my eldest whispers: "He'll make it, dad.""Yeah, don't forget, he was the one to send us back here.""And that was several years after this book." This reassures me and I calmly read.
Harry got … the lake.
"Hey, I just remembered something!" Ron suddenly shouts and he turns to his twin sister as he says: "I won the bet. Dragons are involved in the Tournament. I called that when our book-selves were visiting Hagrid after the other two schools arrived." The girl looks shocked and then giggles as she says: "Right, I forgot about that. We'll discuss your prize later." Her brother nods in giddy excitement and their parents smile as I read on.
Alarmed as … about Karkaroff."
At this I look up and say: "Let's make a hall-wide agreement. Once we get to the Task, we can do either one of two things, depending on how the event rolls. If it describes each Champion, there will be no commenting until each of them are done. If it's just Harry, there will be no commenting until he has finished his part of the task. Can we all agree to this?" And everyone around me nods, those close to me looking relieved with this idea as I continue.
They walked … her waist.
"He did that on purpose, didn't he?" Jeffrey asks annoyed and disgusted and yet Irma smirks and reads: "He did, but Madam Pince reported him to Professors Flitwick and McGonagall, with who he had his first classes the next day and they gave him a hard time over it." Which makes the rest of us smirk, while others either giggle or laugh and I notice that less and less people are liking the famous Bulgarian Seeker as I continue reading.
Harry barely … remember that.
Harry smiles at his family lovingly and says: "Well, that might be true for Book-Harry, but I've definitely been making some brilliant memories for the last couple of days." At this James pulls his son lovingly close and whispers: "And naturally there are going to be many more memories to be made, kiddo, with all of us." At which everyone in the group, even Lucius, nods in agreement and I continue reading, waiting on my wife.
Somehow, the … up, okay?"
And the couple of Badgers that I had seen sharing disbelieving looks when they were reassured that Harry would make sure Cedric would be informed as well are now gawking again, as if astonished that Harry is actually doing this. Yet this angers me for different reasons that I know it annoys others as I think: "They would've let Harry go into that task completely blind if they were in his shoes." And while glad that Cedric is like Harry, do I read on.
By the … he asked.
"You're joking, right?" Most of the Gang and Squad shout in disbelieving unison and yet Frank calms them down as he asks: "Seems like you inherited some of your father's stubborn blindness and competitive spirit, don't you think Cedric?" And the Hufflepuff grimaces as he mutters: "I guess I'm expecting Harry to want to get even with me over that victory from the first chapter." Which makes Harry look at him weirdly as I read on.
Harry looked … office, please…
Instantly, because the identity of the fake Moody is still a mystery to everyone but Alice, who told me she refuses to share as it would go against Harry's warning from the future. Yet the thought of my fourteen year old cub with a Death Eater in disguise makes me wish that one note had been ignored and not read. And while I don't really blame Irma for having read the note the other day, do I just sigh and continue the chapter.
Harry followed … an Auror.
"Wait, wouldn't that defeat the purpose of them being there?" A Second year in Hufflepuff asks, yet the Ravenclaw sitting near them shakes his head and says: "No, he could always just turn them off and then put a glamour on them to make them look active. That would just further help him make people believe that he is the real Moody. Potter's thoughts just proved so." And while this notion just makes me feel worse, do I read on.
On his … than Moody's.
Harry then startles us all as he actually pulls said object from his pocket and says: "I felt the need. Now that Pettigrew is out there alongside this unknown wizard and we are learning more about how Voldemort plans to come back, I felt the need to have this near, to have just one more tool to keep myself and my family safe." This makes everyone in the group smile at the caring boy, who does have a frightened look on his face, as I read on.
In the … to earth.
I notice that Severus is frowning at this and he turns to Albus as he asks: "You know Moody better than anyone. Did he ever use one of those compartments to keep large objects in? Like objects the size of a human being or something?" And Albus, alongside several others, whiten as we realize what Severus' theory might be about. And the idea that Alastor might, by this point in the story, have been in that trunk for months, horrifies me as I read.
"So… found … only human."
Albus sighs at this and says: "I really don't need them to prove that, all of the mistakes I have made in regards to my family remind me of that on a daily basis." Yet at this Jeremy says: "Why do you think Harry send us back. Remember, he read that file and after that became determined to send us back. He wanted his past restored, including his bond with you." The man sends a grateful smile at his other grandson and I read on, agreeing with the lad.
Moody gave … easy, really –
"My shadow powers, but if I showed those in the middle of a competition for the first time, with Skeeter's article still fresh in everyone's mind, I'd be shoved into Azkaban before the others could be told their own points or something." Harry mutters, proving that he is really hating the fact that he has been keeping his powers quiet. Jeffrey rubs his back and says: "You're also a great wizard and a Runeral, remember that." Harry nods, smiles and I read on.
"Quidditch," he … tomorrow afternoon."
And while most of those around me smile in excited anticipation and relief that Harry now has a plan of action, is Edena actually frowning in concern and she mutters: "I don't like this. Yes, Harry is a brilliant fire, but he's still up in the air on a piece of wood in front of a fire-breathing beast.""Don't worry, the company created these brooms to be used even by Dragon Tamers. Harry'll be fine." Ron comforts his sister as I read on.
And so … to care.
Yet because of everything we've read so far as well as the speech that Harry gave on the first day that we had been reading, can I not help myself. I look up, staring at Harry in great concern and the boy sighs as he asks: "Aunt Rosie?" The woman nods, a strong look of care and confidence on her face. And just this slight bit of interaction confirms my worst fears making me whiten and making his parents pull him close as I continue to read.
He spent … need it."
Yet as I read, do I notice something and I look up as I ask: "Is something wrong, Mr. Smith?" And the boy huffs as he answers: "It's nothing. I just feel it would be more fun – and probably more exciting – to read about how Cedric prepares. He is older and has more experience, after all.""And that will make it so that he has an easier time preparing. That's not more fun, that's just as fun." Susan Bones argues and Cedric nods in agreement as I read on.
Harry had … his own.
"You won't end up here, Harry." Jack reassures the boy, even though this is being read about his future self. "Yeah, we'll make sure of it." Eddy says and I smile at my sons as I realize just why they are saying it like this. They had not been able to keep future Harry, the Harry they were friends with before coming back here, from feeling like this and now they want to make up for that. And while this fills me with intense pride, do I read on.
He left … I'm fine."
"I should have followed in Hagrid's example. I should have made sure that Augusta or Amelia or – or someone – would come to Hogwarts to help Harry." Minerva mutters to herself, to which Smith snarls: "But that's cheating! That would give Potter an edge!" Yet instantly he gets proven that believing this is a mistake as Edena shouts back: "AN EDGE? HARRY IS THREE YEARS YOUNGER! WHAT EDGE?" Smith meeps in fear and I read on.
She was … went inside.
"Ehm, excuse me?" Isaac asks in disbelief and he goes on: "I took the liberty of reading up on the rules of the Tournament last night and while teachers are not allowed to aid the Champions, are they still allowed to accompany the Champions up to the entrance to the task. Oh, wait, looks like book-you misunderstood that rule, Professor." Minerva sighs and nods in agreement, muttering: "It does seem that way." As I continue reading.
Fleur Delacour … do it.
This makes me smile at the two boys and I turn to look at the hall at large as I say: "Okay, from this point on, there is not going to be any commentary. If we read of each Champion, you can comment after each of them. If just Harry, no comments until after Harry gets his egg unless absolutely necessary." Everyone nods and I take a deep breath, part of me resenting myself for the fact that I chose to do this as I read on.
"Harry! Good-o!" … for this…
This seems to make some of those who had still felt as if Harry had stolen Cedric's thunder or something send each other looks that prove that they're starting to feel bad. And while I wonder why they didn't realize this when Harry was chosen or even last chapter, do I then suddenly feel the need to turn my head. And when I do, do my eyes widen and my heart beats in relief. Lily is standing in the doorway, yet she seems to be alone.
"Welcome back, Lily. I see that your visit came back fruitless, after all?" Albus asks, yet while he tries to sound welcoming, can I easily hear the disappointment coming through his voice. Yet Lily shakes her head and says: "No, on the contrary. I actually found a tombstone hidden underneath the ashes of the fiendfyre and noticed a spell hiding something in the lettering. I managed to pull it out and it turned out to be this." And the woman holds up a pendant.
Yet a second later it has been summoned out of her hand, causing her to yelp in shock and the object flies across the hall and lands in Albus' hands, the man's entire face looking paler than ice and his hand trembling something horrible as he holds it at eye-level. "Yeah, your brother said you would recognize it. Said you were the best guy for the job to break its hold or something." Lily says before she retakes her seat. I quickly catch her up and then read on.
And in … minuscule fangs.
"The bag was cursed." Irma states and this shocks me and makes me want to remind her of the rule I installed, until I notice that she is reading off of another note in her file and the girl goes on: "Karkaroff suspected that Riddle had put Harry in the Tournament to kill him, so he enchanted the bag to make Harry pull out the most lethal one." And as she reads, does the girl's voice sound as horrified as we all feel before I read on.
"Well, there … word? Outside?"
At this I notice that Sirius wants to jump up and shout something at Ludo, yet he seems to respect my rule enough that he just turns to glare at the man with a look that promises a lot of pain. He raises his arm and with the finger of his other hand, he taps his wrist three times, clearly indicating that his rant will come later. I smile at my friend, understanding how hard this must be for the newly discovered father and continue to read.
"Er… yes," … the crowd.
I notice that Isaac and Joshua are looking at me imploringly and I give them a nod before Isaac says: "This is beyond unfair, not just to us reading here, but to the Champions as well.""Yeah, they're already done facing the unknown. Now that they know what they're facing, they should not be kept in the dark anymore. Has no one ever heard of privacy spells? Why wasn't one cast on that tent?" And because I have no answer, do I just read on.
"One down … colored dream.
This really amazes me, yet it also causes the concern in my heart to increase as I think: "Could that fear of his get the better of him? Is he going to feel so out of it that he won't even notice whe the dragon attacks him? Are these emotions going to mess with his instincts, his ability to focus?" And while I hate myself for thinking like this instead of just reading, do I take a deep breath and a glass of water before I continue.
There were … opposing team.
This worries me something horrible, but then I notice Harry grinning. And for some reason I get the feeling that his current mood is emulating how book-Harry – future Harry – must have felt right at this moment. I then remember what we have read of Harry's talents so far and the fact that even the enemy acknowledges his flying skill. This calms my nerves and I read on.
He looked … World Cup –
And the same happens here as the tension that everyone, especially the Gryffindors and also several Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws had been feeling explodes outward. And yet Harry astounds me as, while his face is beet-red in both pride and embarrassment, he suddenly drops down and vanishes into the shadow beneath him. Yet only I and his parents seem to notice.
Sirius and James share a shocked look with me, yet because we have been worrying over book-Harry for so long now, ever since last night, do we just shrug and then burst out laughing before joining in on everyone and their cheering. And Harry proves that he hasn't gone far as he reappears as soon as the cheering dies down. This does shock some of those around us, but I decide to just cut the kid some slack and quickly read on.
"Look at … had survived.
And this causes another wave of cheering to erupt, yet this time it stays subdued and only between those in the Gang, Squad and Harry's group of friends. And while everyone congratulates the boy and proclaims their relief that he only got slightly hurt, does Oliver then end it all by pulling Harry on his feet and kissing the boy on the forehead and hugging him close. This makes everyone beam at the sweet looking couple as I read on.
"That was … by Ron.
Instantly the boy turns tense and worried, but Harry just grins at him and says: "You really have the worst timing, you know that?" And Ron stares at the boy for a minute, but then grins back. And this sight makes me turn back to my own two best friends, even though part of me knows and acknowledges that everyone around me is a friend of mine. Yet because I still have the false memories, do I have trouble realizing this and just read on.
"Harry, you … positively howling.
"Oh, you poor thing." Alice mutters and while I wonder if she is feeling bad for the girl for having only two guys – who are still learning to understand their own emotions – for friends, do I notice something. Narcissa, Alice and Lily are also looking at the girl in understanding and concern. And just the fact that it's all women who are looking like this makes me know one thing."I don't want to know." And so I just read on.
"Barking mad," … of him.
"A very good plan, Mr. Diggory and definitely a good way to show off your skill and talent in a subject that Hogwarts is most known for, though I wonder why you didn't go Mr. Potter's route." Filius says and then Minerva goes on: "I'm actually surprised that, by the sound of it, Krum himself didn't go for that. I suppose he wanted to prove he had more talents than just as a Seeker." I nod at this as it sounds reasonable and read on.
Well, it … to them."
"They weren't real dragon eggs. They were fakes created from gold taken from vaults of various people who had been working behind the scenes on getting the Tournament set up. Krum actually had to work a whole year to pay them back after he returned to Bulgaria." Irma reads and a lot of those around me, like Lucius, cringe at the idea of losing gold like that. Yet others show relief that the eggs weren't really baby dragons and I read on
Ron drew … Krum ten!"
"Now what is your deal?" Susan asks exasperated and I notice that Smith is again glaring in disgust and annoyance and he says: "I thought Potter didn't want to be in the Tournament. So why is he caring for those points? Why isn't he trying to keep the judges from just giving him points all-together?" To which Susan rolls her eyes and Hannah says: "Because unlike you, Harry actually reads." This insults Smith, but Hannah just goes on and says:
"One of the rules of the Tournament, which can be found in every reference guide and not just the huge tomes about them, states that, the more points you get, the more you'll be able to start first in the other tasks. And the sooner Harry can start, the quicker he can get out of all this. It really is just a basic survival technique, you know." And while I feel a little amazed that the Heir of Hufflepuff is being mocked like this, do I read on.
But Harry … go, then!"
This confuses me and a lot of those around me. Bertha rolls her eyes and says: "Typical Ludo, you forgot to tell the Champions about the Yule Ball that's going to take place over Christmas. Now the staff is going to have to do it. Like they don't already have enough on their hands worrying about Potter and his unexpected entrance into this whole thing." And while I feel slightly offended at her off-handed tone as she says this, do I read on.
Harry left … with Ron.
Yet while this makes a lot of those around me laugh, some of them laughing harder because they are still releasing some tension from the reading, do I notice that most of the adults are sharing concerned looks and James mutters: "She'll take that for a challenge. Her next article, in the book, is going to be even worse." And while this chapter ended happily, does that concern me. And so I decide to distract myself and turn to Albus instead.
Oh, come on,
Yep, I'm doing it again. Another cliff hanger. I know I said that this chapter would have answers as to how Pettigrew got his hands on Arriana and all that, but that is going to be the focus of next chapter. Though I will also be honest, there is a high chance that the next update won't be in July, but in August. And if that happens, I'll make sure to let you guys know in time and promise to try and write TWO to more chapters for every story. I just want to give myself a bit more time for everything; the writing, the editing and the new story.
Hope you understand,
Venquine1990
