I will remind people, this is an M rated.
A/N: Repost. Found a large error. Draco is NOT sterile.
A/N2: Harry Potter and his world belong to J.K. Rowling, Warner Brothers and anyone that has received licensing rights. I am grateful she gives us the privilege of playing in her world.
Chapter 13
Great Hall, Hogwarts, Scotland
October 31, 1994
The Great Hall was perfectly silent. The Headmaster was looking as shocked as everyone else around Draco. Crouch's mouth moved a few times, his hat in his hands, as though he wanted to say something. It was Pansy next to him, clutching his arm, that woke him from his stupor. "Draco, no," she said in a quietly panicked voice. They both knew what the tournament tasks were to be. A dragon, a hostage and a maze. All would have the potential to be deadly, even for a seventh year at the end of their normal education.
Dumbledore moved his mouth. "Draco Malfoy," he called out again. This time his name was called out in a louder voice.
Uncle Severus stood up looking paler than normal and concerned. "Draco can't compete, Headmaster, he's only fourteen," his godfather said. That seemed to break the damn and the hall exploded in noise. He noticed many jealous or impressed looks point his way. Some of his House turned their heads away, a sign he was being cast out by some. It had been agreed that none of them would try to cheat the Goblet. It was too dangerous a tournament for those not chosen by the House. He felt a shiver of terror run through him.
"SILENCE!" Dumbledore's voice rang through the Great Hall and he felt his skin prickle with the power the man was projecting.
"Draco, you can't do this," Pansy said quietly.
"Draco Malfoy, please report to the Champion Chambers," Dumbledore said looking at him. There was a clear undertone of anger. The normal grandfather look was gone, replaced with a raging fire in the Headmaster's eyes. It was the first time Draco realized Dumbledore may be more than some bumbling old fool like his father believed him to be. Draco stood up. "Draco, no," Pansy said.
He was the son of a powerful Lord in the Wizengamot. If he showed fear now, he would never be able to recover his position in Slytherin or with his father. "Act your station, Pansy," he said under his breath, standing tall, turning his chin up and putting on the most dignified face he could. He looked down at her and she seemed to get his meaning. Tears were in her eyes but she sat up tall and let go of his arm. He waited for her to settle herself into a dignified Lady's pose before he began walking down the length of the table like he owned the hall.
His face fell a little as he walked through the door and noise exploded again behind him. Soon though, he was faced with three other champions and his mask was back up. He couldn't act the spoil brat he was, not since his father was considering what he was.
"Do the' vish us to return," Krum asked.
Draco didn't bother to answer. He wasn't sure of his voice at the moment. His mind was going through who, why and a DRAGON! It was supposed to be Potter in here. Not him.
"W'at do 'ou want," the half-veela asked to him. She looked radiant but Draco felt nothing for the creature. He would never sully his blood that way. She raised an eyebrow when he didn't start to fawn over her.
"Malfoy, did Professor Dumbledore send you down for something?" Cedric was looking honestly curious.
"Vere is he," an angry voice echoed down the stairs. Draco turned to see a tall man with a long goatee and mustache storming into the room. The man's boots thudded as he pounded his feet into the floor. Karkaroff's eyes were full of rage and he looked ready to kill someone. When his eyes lit on Draco, the man's rage burst. "'ow dare you!" Draco backed away quickly as the man advanced on him. He was stopped just as his hands wrapped around the edges of Draco's robes.
"You will not place a hand on one of my students," Dumbledore said in a dangerous voice. Draco looked at the man. His wand was out and pointed at Karkaroff. The blue eyes usually so passive were burning. "I will let you go and if you do not release Mr. Malfoy, you will be out of this school and flying back to Poland in a box."
"Now see here, Dumbledore," Crouch said finally coming into the room. "You cannot treat people like this."
"I will not abide 'guests' assaulting the students of this school," Dumbledore said in a low voice. He just barely moved his wand and Karkaroff was free to move again. Draco felt his robes tightened before the man let him go.
"My ap'logise, Mr. Malfoy," the man said taking a step back. Draco could see the hatred in the man's eyes.
"W'at is t'e meaning o' this, Dumblydor," the large Headmistress exclaimed. "T'is is cheating! 'ogwarts cannot 'ave two champions."
Draco kept a wary eye on Karkaroff as he turned on Dumbledore. The woman towered over the tall man. If she wasn't a half-breed giant then he didn't know what was. What was happening to Hogwarts to allow so many half-breeds in?
"I assure you, Madame Maxime, I did not allow this," Dumbledore responded.
"Now, this is exciting! Four champions! Who could have foreseen this?" Ludo Bagman had come in followed by Crouch and Moody. The old quidditch player had definitely gone to seed and looked exuberant, and maybe greedily, at him. Draco didn't like the way the man looked at him. Karkaroff was simple. It was hatred and Draco could understand that. That look of something unsettling in Ludo's eyes set him on guard.
"I am not a Champion," Draco said loudly. They all turned to him.
"Of course, you are, my boy," the rounded face of Ludo Bagman beamed at him.
"He cannot be a champion," Cedric said confused. "He is not seventeen. The rules clearly state he must be."
Draco snorted at the Hufflepuff. The boy still believed life was fair and by the rules. A Slytherin knew better.
"'e is just a leettle boy," the blonde creature said to him.
"I am not a little boy, vela bitch," he snapped out.
Crouch stepped up towards them. "There will be no more language like that, young man. Your name came out of the Goblet of Fire, you are a Champion."
"Headmaster, this is most unusual. There is no way he could have gotten his name into that cup," his godfather said from behind Dumbledore. There was something that grounded him to know Uncle Severus was there. He was looking at Draco. "The rules clearly state he must be over seventeen."
"See, 'e is right," Madame Maxime said. "'ogwarts cannot 'ave two champions."
"Technically, he is not representing Hogwarts," a gruff sounding man said. Draco pursed his lips. He did not like the Defense teacher at all, but it was better than a mutt teaching him. "If you ask me, someone put him in to kill him."
"Thank you, Alastor," Dumbledore said giving the man a look. Moody raised an eye but didn't say anything else.
"Vat do you mean," Krum asked stepping forward. "I know 'e is a student here."
"T'is is two bites o' the apple," the French half-giant said to Dumbledore.
Uncle Severus stepped close to him. "Draco, did you put your name in the Goblet?"
"No," he said with a clip. Why would he be so stupid? He just figured out that Dumbledore's age line didn't discern between people and branches. The age line only looked at the age of a living object. It took a little while to find a tree of the right age, take a branch, use a nutrition charm and preservation charm taught in herbology. Then it was easy to tie a piece of parchment with a name on it and levitate it over. He would never do that with his own name. Just Potter's!
"'e found a way. 'e should be expelled," Madame Maxime said angrily pointing a finger at him. "'his is cheating!"
"I did not put my name in the Goblet. Obviously, someone else put my name in," Draco was adamant.
"It is impossible for anyone not between seventeen and nineteen to get past those wards. It is also impossible for another student to put in someone else's name. The wards would change it to the person who wrote the name," Albus said. "He was also not entered for Hogwarts. The school listed is a preparatory school used by many Pure-bloods to teach students basics before attending Hogwarts."
Draco felt his blood run cold and his hands start to shake as they continued to argue. His godfather watched his reaction and a frown crossed his face. Had the name on the stick changed when he put it in? He didn't put a different school on it though. He hadn't attended that school either. He had gone to Wand and Castors. The look he was given told him that his godfather and him would talk later.
"I am sorry to say, the rules are quite clear. We only added the age limit as a precaution, but we could not change that from the original rules that were enchanted into the Goblet. All contestants had an opportunity to remove their names before they were chosen," Crouch told them.
"But I didn't know my name was in there," he said angrily. "How was I supposed to know to remove it. Wouldn't you need to know you were entered to have a chance to remove it?"
Most people looked to Crouch. He shook his head. "The rules are clear. A chance to remove your name was given. It does not specify that the contestants need to add their own name or be aware of it."
"That seems a rather large oversight, Mr. Crouch," his godfather said with a distain.
"This should be fun. An underaged, underqualified wizard forced to compete. Albus, you yourself said contestants have died. Fully qualified contestants," Moody said. "My question is how? I know your wards where checked. Also, who wants this boy dead."
"Alastor, not right now," Dumbledore said wearily to Moody.
"The rules are clear. Mr. Malfoy's name has come out of the Goblet. He must compete or forfeit his magic to the cup. Now, Mr. Crouch and Mr. Bagman have some things to discuss with you before you are released for the night." The Headmaster gave him a piercing look that Draco returned with a petulance he didn't really feel.
Draco glared at them all as he leaned against the wall. He needed to maintain his composure for a bit more. The fear he felt couldn't come up right now. He would need to find a way out of this. "Completely mental," he muttered listening to Crouch go over the rules and Bagman make a spectacle out of the hints for the first task. When the windbags were done talking, he started right for the door.
"Mr. Malfoy," the Headmaster called, and he stopped. "Please report to my office in about twenty minutes."
"Yes, sir," he said through clenched teeth. His godfather moved to follow him and once they were in the hallway outside the chamber and the door was closed Draco turned on his godfather. "I can't be in the tournament! This is suicide! Let the other mental prats have their glory!"
The oily hair man stepped up to him. "Keep your voice down," he said in a low dangerous voice. "No lies. No omissions. You tell me right now. Did you put your name or attempt to put another in the Goblet of Fire?"
Draco looked at him, wanting to lie, but knowing his godfather would know. "Potter. I tried to put Potters name in, but I didn't write a school. I didn't even go to Calperth. That is for the peasants."
"Draco, you are telling me you had no intention to enter this Tournament? That will be very important if I am to help you."
"No. And you heard the rules, you can't help me," he said.
"I can't help you if I am your Professor," he said as though it pained him.
Draco eyed him. "What do you mean if you aren't my Professor?"
"There is an option if you take it now to transfer potions classes for the rest of the year. You must decide now, otherwise you will be on your own. You and I both know your house and friends won't help. Right now they think you violated the Code of the House," Severus said with concern.
"Ambition above all competition, but Slytherin above everything," he said. They had decided on who would represent their House. No one else was to enter to give them the best chance. They would all help the Champion in any way they could. Now, he had broken the Code of his House. He wouldn't be exiled or ridiculed to the school, but he would be ostracized while in their dorms or whenever alone. He would only have Pansy, Nott, Goyle and Crabbe to rely on, and he knew he couldn't really rely on them if they were to save face. He was going to be on his own and if he didn't win, then he would never be able to show his face in Slytherin again.
"You mean I have to take potions with my blood-traitor Aunt, don't you," he said with disgust.
"Yes. Come, we need to start to the Headmasters office. The first thing you are to bring up is your desire to take Potions with her. You will tell him that you need your godfather to represent you in this Tournament. He will not be able to deny the request as a Tournament judge and representative," his godfather coached. "I will claim that I do not represent Hogwarts."
"Yes, godfather," he said. "What does that mean you don't represent Hogwarts? You are a Professor here."
"I will be a contractor, with my contract up for negotiation at the end of the year now."
Draco looked at him surprised and shocked. "You can't do that. Are you trying to go to Azkaban? Father has told me how you stayed out and its only Dumbledore keeping you out."
Uncle Severus looked straight ahead, his face passive and indifferent. It was his typical face unless Potter, Lupin or Granger were around. He wondered what happened to make him hate Potter so much. Draco knew why he did. The prat had done nothing but embarrass and ridicule him since coming to Hogwarts. And now that he was protected because he was someone's pet mutt was even more infuriating.
-oOo-
Lobo Dorm, Hogwarts, Scotland
Harry sat on his bed with the letters from the WRC and the ICW. He was still upset at the ICW and Dumbledore. Hermione had had to be taken out of Madame Bones office while Remus 'gently' finished the conversation about official mail between them, the WRC, ICW and MACUSA. As much as Bones wanted to agree with them, because the ICW had certified the law and the mail restriction, her hands were tied. She would make sure that all 'unofficial' mail would not be intercepted after she had visited the WRC and found additional mail held in the offices.
Personally, Harry wanted the former Death Eater out of that office, but Remus had explained Bones hands were tied. Harry didn't understand that, but they were stuck with it for now.
He shifted his legs under the covers. It was a cool night and the stove in the corner was not keeping all the chill out. He was wearing his Gryffindor jumper and some shorts. He should put some pants on, but he liked how Hermione wore shorts or a nightdress most nights and could rub his legs against hers with nothing between them. He could hear Hermione moving around next door. He was tempted to go to her, but for some reason he felt that was an invasion of her space. He didn't need much space. He didn't have much and didn't really want much. Thus, she always came to him. It was a comfort to have her with him.
He sighed, reading the letters again. Even if he wasn't a werewolf and the Werewolf Travel Commission didn't exist, he wouldn't be able to leave Britain. He was the last Potter. The Preservation of Magical Heritage Act would require him to stay until his seventeenth birthday to get his inheritance, and then after that until he could leave an heir if he wished to flee. The Act required that the 'continuation and growth of a magical line to be maintained'. Just the thought of abandoning his own child made him feel sick. He would never do that. Even at fourteen, he knew he would never do that.
It was that thought that had made him realize he couldn't do what they planned. Yesterday was supposed to be the day they were supposed to leave. Tomorrow was supposed to be the first day in a new school. Looking at why he had been forced to stay, he knew he would have made the decision to stay anyways. He couldn't abandon Bonnie, Jason or Annabel. Pierre didn't need them and it showed. He was more of a ghost to them, only showing up to sleep at night, to study quietly in a corner or if he had too. Harry wondered if that was because he had been a free person in France and he refused to give that up, or if his pure-blood status excused his condition to some.
He smelt the floral shampoo that Hermione used as she entered his room. He put the parchment down and sighed. Looking at her, he smiled to see she was in a pair of short shorts and a short sleeve shirt. He liked the shirt because of how it clung to her. He saw her eyes drift to the letters and came up to his side, kneeling on the bed and wrapped her arms around his neck. "There isn't anything we can do about this. The ICW recognized the Preservation Act and will not allow your extradition unless it can be proved your life is in danger," she said sadly to him.
She leaned his head into hers and she kissed his forehead. "Luv, even if I wanted to go, I couldn't. We can't leave the other Lobo's behind."
Her arms tightened around him before she shifted to sit behind him and pulled him down so that his head was in her lap. "I know you couldn't leave them, Harry." She started to run her hands through his hair. "You are too good a person for that."
The way her nails gently scratched his scalp as she ran her hands back through his hair was very soothing. He closed his eyes, enjoying it for a few minutes. "Hermione, I'm not a good person. I'm being selfish. I am choosing to stay here and endangering you and the others. I am supposed to keep the pack safe. Keep you safe. How is this keeping you safe by staying in a country that hates what we are? I put you in danger just having you with me."
She stopped and he felt her lean down. Lips pressed against his forehead again in a loving kiss. "Luv, you are not being selfish. If you were selfish, you would find a way for us to leave and say damn to everyone we leave behind. You are protecting your pack, even if the others here aren't Pack. It is rather selfless to sacrifice what you want to protect those that can't do it themselves. I agree with your decision."
He sat up and moved to look her in her eyes. "Hermione, I will never sacrifice you."
She returned his look with as much determination. "And you better not sacrifice yourself," she put a finger into his chest. He smiled at her and leaned in. "Oh, no. I saw that look in your eye. You can't just let this go with a kiss..."
Their lips moved together the second his touched hers. Harry was liking how her tongue slid against his. She reached up, grabbed his jumper and pulled him down on top of her, her legs spreading to let him between them and he put his arms on either side of her to prop himself up. His heart raced to feel her below him, hot and beautiful. She sighed as he kissed her neck. He tried to resist the urge to press his hardon into her, but his body was thinking other things and they both shared a moan. They shared another one when her hips bucked into his when he tried to back off.
They didn't get much farther before she stopped. She tensed below him. He stopped and lifted his head, his ear towards his door. He thought he had heard something too. "The dorm door just opened," she told him.
Harry reached under his pillow, taking his wand and jumped out of bed. Hermione was only a few steps behind him, pulling her wand out of a bun in her hair. He knew that everyone had come back after the events in the Great Hall and it was an hour past curfew. Rushing out of his room, wands up, he wasn't sure what to expect. He hadn't expected to see Remus standing in the middle of the room hands up and looking impressed with their response. "I see my classes are paying off?"
He let out a short laugh as he lowered his wand. Hermione moved in behind him. "Remus, what are you doing here? It's after 10:30."
"I know. I was hoping to find you up. How did the others handle the news about the extra champion?"
He shrugged. "Somehow Malfoy found a way to get his name in and he's a champion. They seemed more excited than anything. The Hufflepuffs on the other hand are less than happy."
Remus snorted. "I caught that by their reactions. I'm sorry to interrupt your private time, but there is something we need to talk about."
"I already sent off an owl to the WRC saying I will not be able to transfer," Hermione told him, her voice bitter.
"I did too. Even if I could, who would protect the others," he told Remus. He understood her bitterness.
Remus gave a sad smile. "I already knew that. I think if you want, Bonnie would easily accept being Pack. That may make it easier if you decide to apply again."
Harry shook his head. "I would never do that without talking to her mother."
"You are a good man, Harry. Your parents would be proud," Remus said putting a hand on his shoulder.
"Remus, you didn't come up here to talk about this, did you," Hermione asked. She moved to his side and he wrapped an arm around her shoulder as her arms wrapped around his waist.
Remus let out a sigh. "The Aurors and others are in a tizzy about what happened. They are asking for an interview with you tomorrow."
"Why us," Harry asked, though he had his suspicions. Remus gave him a look as though he wasn't impressed.
"It's our History with him."
"Yes, Hermione. They would like to meet with you tomorrow at nine in McGonagall's office. Before you say anything, all classes are canceled tomorrow and everyone is on House lockdown. The elves will bring meals to the dorms until the Aurors have released everyone. I'll personally escort you. Be ready for ten of."
"Should we get everyone else out here to let them know," Harry asked.
"That would be best. It wouldn't do to have people wandering."
Within a few minutes, a sleepy Bonnie was leaning against Hermione's shoulder while Jason was curled up in a large chair on the far side of Bonnie. Harry sat on the end of the couch with Hermione, enjoying that she was leaning into him. Annabel was sitting in front of Hermione on the thick carpet while Pierre was sitting up, wide awake and still in his school uniform on a couch not far away. Harry hadn't seen him much the last week and he noticed a different smell about him.
It didn't take long for Remus to explain what was going on. No one really seemed bothered with it and soon they were going back to bed. On the whole, Harry thought it could have waited til morning, but people should know not to go out of the dorms. Harry and Hermione made sure Jason and Bonnie got back to their room before joining Remus one more time. "Are you two alright," Remus asked them.
Harry shrugged. "I don't know. Halloween is usually a kick me in the face night, and tonight it wasn't bad. I was thinking though," he started. His throat felt suddenly tight and he found he was having a hard time asking what he wanted to. Luckily, he had been talking to Hermione about this a few times over the last week and she spoke up.
"Harry was wondering when we might see Padfoot again."
That was one of the big questions he wanted to know, but not the question. He managed to croak out, "Godric's Hollow."
Understanding passed across both their faces. He had been holding it in all day, but it had suddenly hit him. Today was the day of his parents' death. "You want to visit their graves," Remus asked gently. Harry nodded and Hermione hugged him tight. He felt her understanding. "Has anyone taken you before?"
"No," he said tamping his emotions down. "I would like to visit them at least once."
Remus gave him a knowing smile and put a hand on his shoulder. "Harry, we can go whenever you want. How about this weekend? Being your Guardian, I can excuse you for a while. I'll have Tonks join us and see if we can work out a way for you to see Padfoot. He misses you too."
"Thank you, Remus," Hermione said next to him when he couldn't say anything.
"I should have done this before. I'm sorry, Harry." There was a moment of uncomfortable silence. "Why don't you two get off to bed now. I'm going to stay the night. They are posting Professors in every dorm tonight and there are Aurors in the castle."
He nodded and went to take Hermione to her room. She pulled him towards his door. "What about Remus," he asked.
"Harry, he already knows we've been sharing a room," she told him quietly.
He blushed some and let her pull him to his room. Maybe he should start calling it their room?
When the door was closed, she flicked her wand at a small stone bowl on top of the stove. "Flamcinthum," she muttered. A blue flame jumped from her wand into the bowl. She had done that for the first time about a week ago as the castle started to get cold. He found himself plenty warm enough with her by his side, but she didn't like the cold air in the morning.
"You have to teach me that," he told her.
"It's rather easy, but tomorrow. I am tired now."
"Sure, Beauty." Harry turned down the two gas lamps in the room and climbed into bed by the light of the blue bell flames. They settled themselves in and he started to run his hands through her hair. She gave a contented sigh and melded her form into him. He liked feeling her curves along his side, but he felt no desire to act on the pleasant feelings they brought to him. He just wanted the comfort of her pressed against him.
After a little bit, he was almost out of it and chuckled softly. "I didn't know you could purr," he said through a yawn.
"I don't purr," she said equally as sleepily. Harry sniffed and realized that there was something else with them. Hermione must have realized at the same time. They both sat bolt upright in bed. "Lumos!" he yelled. Hermione had her wand at the ready and they both stopped. At the base of the bed, sleeping on the extra duvet, were two balls of fur. One Harry knew right away. It was orange, fluffy and had a flat face. "Crookshanks!" Hermione exclaimed and crawled to the end of the bed. The half kneazle looked up at her sleepily before she grabbed him and cuddled him in her arms. The large tabby gave a small merrroww before starting to purr as she hugged the animal tight.
The sleek looking grey with black spots animal looked up as though bored. It regarded Hermione and Crookshanks, as though deciding if it was safe for the other animal in her grasp, before looking at him. Its blue eyes regarded him for a few before lazily getting up and moving to Hermione's side. "Oh," she said surprised, looking wildly around for what just brushed against her. The animal moved to Harry and he held out a hand. The size of the animal and its bushy end to its tail led Harry to believe this might be a full kneazle.
It sniffed him before rubbing his head and then body under his hand. It didn't wait for him to pet it before moving back to its spot on the duvet and curling up.
"Is that where you've been? You've found yourself a girl?" Hermione asked. There was no reproach in her voice. He had a feeling she would understand given what they were now. She still sounded relieved and emotional to have her familiar back.
-oOo-
November 1, 1994
Mountains Outside Hogsmeade, Scotland
"It's like someone poked the rat's nest," a rather thin man with a balding head of dark hair and a large nose said as he looked through a pair of omninoculars. "The Aurors are all over the place. The weird thing is that there is very little movement at the school." He had turned his head towards the castle and turned a few knobs.
"I know they chose the champions last night, but this is unusual. What is that," a young woman said pointing towards two specks that had risen above the town.
The man turned his omninoculars to the specs. "Brooms. They are using brooms."
"Two more just took off. Jasper, I think we should go back to the cave." He put the silver instrument down and looked at the blonde woman. She had the appearance of not eating well for a while. Her blue eyes were slightly sunken and large in her head. A few blue lines showed on her neck. It was a sure sign of opaline addiction, a rather nasty potion that made you forget your troubles and feel really good for a while. The crash on the back side of it was why Jasper avoided it. He figured she was due for a crash in the next few hours.
"They are coming this way," she said backing up. He turned to see one set of the Aurors flying towards the mountains. They had a good ten or more minutes before they would make it to them with the lazy pace the Aurors had set, but he had to agree. "Yeah, back to the cave. Lucier won't like this delay."
-oOo-
Headmaster's Office, Hogwarts, Scotland
Lord Malfoy looked around the office he despised. Since he had been removed from the Governors, it had been over a year and a half since he had the pleasure of such a visit to the esteemed Headmaster. Last time he had been here, Potter had given some sob story about rescuing some girl. At first, he had had no clue what they were talking about. That was, until, the scarhead brat produced a Journal he had known extremely well.
He had snarled to hide his jubilation at the destruction of the artifact. It had haunted his house for fourteen years, and he hadn't realized until it was gone that it had cast a malicious aura over his ancestral home. Since then, he had found his magic had returned to a potency he had grown accustomed to in his youth and he seemed to think much clearer now.
His Dark Lord had been killed years ago and now the dreams of him raising his dead Master were gone.
Then, the pissant had gone and lost him one of his servants. Granted, the elf... Dibby? Dribble? Dobby! That was it. Dobby was the worst of the four servants they had, but the elf was still his. Now it was free. The first few weeks, he had feared the Ministry would come knocking on his door once they were able to question the elf. He had searched for the thing to end its life, but somehow the thing had kept its mouth shut and his fears of facing an Auror Squad had slowly gone away.
No, he did not have many good memories in this room.
Now he was back again, looking at the inane collection of books, memories, potions, annoying instruments and artifacts that most likely didn't work anymore. More annoying was the collection of people in the room. Dumbledore sat at his desk as though holding court. The greying, burgundy robed Madame Bones sat in a chair next to an African man and an ICW Auror that had a Captains badge on his left breast.
On the other side of Lucius was Severus Snape, the Deputy Headmistress and Barty Crouch. He had liked the man's son, but the father could walk into a dragon's nest for what he cared.
"I do not know how Mr. Malfoy's name found its way into the goblet," Dumbledore said. "My charms and wards should have prevented anything like this. You yourself, Madame Bones, had a team review them."
"We did and found nothing wrong with them. Somehow someone got past them. You are certain that the line would change a name?"
"You trialed it yourself, did you not," he asked her. "Besides, per the Tournament rules, the Goblet has made a list of all entries so that the judges could certify the results. I can tell you that Draco's name appeared twice. Once for Hogwarts and once for the school he is set to represent."
"This is outrageous. How could he be entered into the contest when you yourself said the wards were enough. I demand his name be removed from the Tournament," Lucius said angrily to Dumbledore. A few months back, he wouldn't have cared about Draco being in the tournament. It would be a way to prove himself. Now, though, Lucius knew it was not Narcissa that could no longer bear children. Draco was his heir and the spoiled brat needed to survive. If he did, well, Lucius always thought his son soft compared to what he was in school and after. Maybe this would toughen Draco up.
"Mr. Malfoy," Crouch began.
"That is Lord Malfoy, MR. Crouch." He would not let his station be ignored in this. He was a ranking member in the Peerage of the Wizengamot and his family held a landed title by the Crown.
"Lord Malfoy," Crouch said through gritted teeth. No, there was no love lost between the two since the end of the Death Eaters. Crouch tried and failed to get him a trip to Azkaban. "Your son's name coming out of the Goblet of Fire is a magically binding contract that can only be undone if he wishes to challenge the Goblet or forfeit his magic."
He couldn't keep the snarl off his face. Neither were options he would accept. Draco was not strong or skilled enough yet to challenge the Goblet and he would not have a squib as an heir. "There must be another way. You have not read the rules well enough..."
"I assure you, Lord Malfoy," Crouch said angrily, "that I know the rules inside and out and they have been reviewed by the Ministries Solicitors. There are four routes to be removed from the tournament. The first was last night before the choosing of the names. Every student was given a chance to remove their names from the Goblet."
"Draco did not know his name was in the Goblet," he spat at the man.
"Be that as it may, the rules are clear. It does not matter if they know or not. The second way is to challenge the Goblet and best it. The third is to forfeit his magic. The last is to die." Crouch glared at him. Lucius' eye twitched. He was sure Crouch was hoping for the last.
"So you are going to let a fourteen year old boy compete and not help him then? Because the rules forbid it," he looked around the room.
Dumbledore had his hands steepled on his chin and was looking at him over his hornrims glasses. "Lord Malfoy, Hogwarts can offer your son some accelerated courses to try and provide some of the knowledge a seventeen year old wizard is expected to have, but no, we can not do anything to help with the Tournament. If any of us do, we risk our own magic or the magic of everyone involved in the Tournament, including your son, Draco."
He stared at the man, all pretenses of holding his mask gone. There was a look of loathing on his face. "Some accelerated classes? That is all you can offer?"
"That is all the rules allow. No Staff member of the schools involved or Tournament organizers may help the Champion directly with a task. That means teaching how to complete a task, solving clues or when they are participating in an event. Since you were part of the Wizengamot that approved this, you must abide by the same rules," Crouch told him in a serious tone.
"And what if Mr. Malfoy were to approach us with a request to learn something specific," Severus asked next to him.
"As long as you teach them only what they request, and not more that may help them, then that is still within the rules," Crouch told him.
"For full clarity, Mr. Malfoy has requested to switch Potions professors and Severus has put his name in to become a contracted Professor. Will that violate any rules," Dumbledore asked. The man didn't look happy at this, but Lucius would never be able to thank his old friend enough.
"Absolutely not," Crouch said. "He was a Staff member of Hogwarts at the time of the choosing. He will be considered a Staff member of Hogwarts until the Tournament is complete."
Lucius lip raised. "Where does it say that?"
"Rule 4, section D. 'Any person present or in employ of said school at time of the Champion choosing, shall be banned from helping...'. You see, Lord Malfoy, at the time of the choosing last night, Professor Snape was a full Staff member, was he not? He is also Head of Slytherin. Last I checked, the Bylaws are very clear that only a Tenured Professor may take up as Head of House," Crouch bristled.
Lucius had been a driving force behind that change a decade ago when they wanted to place some new mudblood as Head of House for Hufflepuff. The woman had only been teaching three years and would be dead before he allowed that. Now, he did not have a say.
"If you are done going around this, we do have an investigation to carry out and I already have Aurors interviewing students and staff," Bones said in a clip.
Dumbledore snapped his head towards her. "Amelia, you do not have permission to question students without my say. While here, I have the authority to look over them."
She regarded Dumbledore. "Last night we made up a list of suspects and have received Guardian Permission for most of them. The Deputy Headmistress has agreed to the lock-down we talked about last night, which you consented too. I expect we shall talk to all the students on our list by early afternoon and then you can get back to normal business, Headmaster."
Lucius kept his anger up, which wasn't hard. He was truly angry and concerned for his son. But to see Dumbledore put in his place like that was a rare treat. "Amelia, I am Guardian for all muggle-borns. If any of them were on the list, I was not informed."
"The four on the list are actually wards of Minerva, Albus. We are not violating any procedures or laws. Now, if you will excuse me," she said standing up and walking out on them. The other Aurors followed and he was left with the rabble he most hated.
Standing up, he looked down his nose at Dumbledore and Crouch. "My son has claimed he did not willingly put his name in the Tournament. He is the last heir of the House of Malfoy. Should anything happen to him, I shall claim dispensation per The Magical Preservation and Heritage Act." He savored the shocked look on Crouches face, whose own House would go extinct soon. His son was a valuable asset now that Lucius was sterile as the next man who spent years under the influence of certain potions. If he was ever to meet his old Master again, he would get his revenge. He knew things about the Dark Lord now that gave him a great deal of power over the insane man.
Dumbledore's eyes widened briefly and then he was his normal cool, collected self again.
Malfoy turned and stormed out of his office. At the bottom of the stairs, he met the Aurors the had escorted him into the school. Another thing that was ridiculous. He had never before been escorted around. The Gargoyle moved back into place to block the stairs. "I wish to see my son," he told them.
"Of course. Let me just get Professor Snape to retrieve your son," the older man said and the Gargoyle moved aside. He turned to see Severus coming down the stairs.
"The Headmaster said you might want to see your son," the man said. Lucius nodded at him. Out of all the old Death Eaters, he was the only man he still trusted. He had given the man the honor of being Draco's godfather and he had to admit that if Severus wasn't at the school, Draco would be worse off than he was. He was still trying to figure out where he went wrong with his son.
Draco had the same upbringing he did. Wand and Castors was a top-notch preparatory school. Draco had the best Nanny and Elves. Lucius was very clear in what he expected in his son. He knew the boy wasn't dumb and could hold his own in his classes. But for some reason, mudbloods and halflings kept bettering him and almost every other Pure-blood in this school. He did not get it. The Dark Lord had wanted to purge all that filth for underperforming, but so far, it was his son and his Allies that were doing so.
Draco must do better if he was to become Lord Malfoy.
Lucius raged internally as they walked through the corridors. Severus was at his side, but both knew not to say a thing in present company or in the walls of the school. Dumbledore had spies everywhere. "I wish to remove Draco for a few hours."
"Madame Bones made it clear that whoever was here last night is not to leave until she clears them," the white haired Auror said.
"I do not think the boy that was entered against his will is a suspect," Lucius hissed.
"I am sorry, Lord Malfoy, but we can not allow it."
"Lord Malfoy, we can use my private quarters if you wish," Severus said next to him. Lucius figured that would be the best place to meet. He was shown to Severus quarters and left to wait for Draco.
The Tournament was a major issue. Since finding out about his own problem, he had been in negotiations with three potential families for brides for his son. He was going to have to accelerate that plan now and force a marriage, perhaps by Christmas, to ensure another heir was in line should Draco die. For that short of a betrothal, he would most likely have to go with Parkinson. Her father believed in Pure-blood and its sanctity. Draco was fond of her also. it helped that Lord Parkinson had two older sons so that Pansy would not need anything special in a contract. It was probably the fastest way to bring in an heir. If they were already active, then he may have to add in a line to allow any child they bear to inherit the name, whether conceived in our out of wedlock. That might be the best way right now.
Maybe even a second wife in case the first has issues. First, he has to make sure Draco stays alive long enough to make that happen.
He was going over details in his head of what should be in the contracts when the door opened. Grasping his cane tight he looked down at his son. Typically, Draco would shy away or cast his eyes down. Today, the boy held his head high and looked him straight in the eye. They held the position for a moment before Lucius was mildly impressed. There was something changing in the boy.
"So, you got yourself into the Tournament. I suppose you want the fame and glory to impress me," Lucius said to him.
Draco's lip quivered, but he maintained his passive face. "I don't need some stupid glory and a thousand galleons from something that is sure suicide," Draco said back to him. Lucius raised an eyebrow. Where did this backbone come from? "I did not enter my name into the Tournament."
Severus was behind him and indicated that wasn't the whole truth. Lucius tilted his head back a little more so he was looking down his nose at his son. "Whose name did you enter?"
Draco paled some at this. Lucius had doubted for many years that his son was a true Slytherin, but some of that opinion might be changing. "Potter," he just about spat out. "I didn't know the Headmaster put an enchantment around it to change the name."
Lucius snorted. "Don't lie to me, Draco. You will not like the consequences. You figured out how to enter Potter, why not do so yourself."
"Because I don't need that. I only tried to put Potters name in." The way his son said it made Lucius believe him, meaning there was someone else out there that meant him harm. Draco continued, "I am the Scion Malfoy and heir to our house. I will have one of the largest Lordships in the Wizengamot and power to use it. Even now, most of the other Slytherin bow to me and they will when I become Lord Malfoy. Even if you find another wife, I won't give up my inheritance," Draco said defiantly.
Ah, so Draco had overheard them. He had his suspicions but had never been able to get it out of him until now. This was a different side than the usually whiny, demanding boy he knew. Apparently, Draco had done some growing up without him realizing. "You know you are not to listen in on private conversation in our house. I will deal with that later. For now, we have more pressing matters. You are a Champion in the Tournament. Your godfather or I cannot help you. We will find another way to get you training that you will need. You will be present for any appointments I or your Godfather set. Is that understood?"
Draco looked at him defiantly for a moment before nodding. "Yes, Father."
"Now, to the second matter. Are you and Ms. Parkinson engaged in a relationship? Has she given herself to you?"
His son's expression went to shock and his cheeks tinged pink. Lucius kept his hard glare on the boy. After a moment, Draco swallowed. "I have been seeing Pansy. No, we have not been that intimate yet."
Lucius nodded. That would make the bond and betrothal stronger and increase the chance for an heir early. "You are not to engage in sex with Ms. Parkinson or any other until I notify you. Are there any other girls you are interested in or you know are interested in you?"
He could see the gears turning in Draco's head and he was satisfied to see the boy come to the right conclusion and not shy away. "Are you saying I should have multiple betrothals?"
"I am saying you should have multiple wives as soon as possible. Somehow you have gotten into this mess and you shall produce an heir before this Tournament is over. I will not risk the Malfoy line dying out for some childhood prank that could get you killed." His son looked half afraid, half enthused.