Part 3
Chaos at the Gala
Once the parade was over and everyone was thoroughly excited beyond the realms of normality. Harry, Hermione, Draco and Neville were allowed to unleash their curiosity, explore their desires and reach out into the vast amusements that the Gala had to offer them.
They had started with a trip to the Magical Inventions, tent where they got to see all the new items, brooms, wand accessories, cloaks and various other gadgets that would soon be released all over the world to Witches and Wizards of all ages. Harry particularly liked the look of the dragonhide duelling clothes, a robe and gloves with enchantments that repelled basic stunning spells. Hermione was fascinated by an hourglass that stored thoughts instead of sand. Neville had seen a pop-up greenhouse that was as large as the greenhouses at Hogwarts and Draco had found possibly the most interesting of all contraptions.
"Based on the old vanishing cabinets," The Sales Rep, who was a very attractive young woman who sounded like she was speaking from a script was telling the four, "The pocket escape hatch comes in a pair, you leave one at your safe-house and take the other with you, if you need a quick getaway, you just take out the pocket escape hatch, place it on the ground and," The woman did so, creating a hole in the ground and jumped in it, appearing behind Harry, Hermione, Draco and Neville, "Voila, you're transported to your secret hideout and the second hatch folds up and follows you," She finished by catching the little hatch that looked like a mini briefcase.
"How much?" Draco asked her.
"200 Galleons,"
"I'd rather fight to the death," Neville muttered, making Harry and Hermione laugh.
After that, the group had split, and Harry insisted on taking Hermione to the Runes before meeting Draco after the fashion show. The last event of the evening was going to be the duel, but the Runes would be there all night and Hermione was keen to get as much information as possible. Neville had made a break for the Herbology exhibit when it was announced that a giant plant was on the loose and he wanted to know how they were going to take care of it. This Harry and Hermione alone for a short time only, the topic of discussion being Bella and Cedric.
"So, he's a little older, I'd be concerned if he was a creep, but Bella says he's an alright bloke," Harry was saying. Hermione had expressed some concern over the age gap between Bella and Cedric. Harry felt this was a little less pressing, considering Cedric was the son of a Death Eater, but since Harry wasn't willing to tell Hermione about Grindelwald just yet, he was firmly playing it safe until after tomorrow when she would be more informed.
"I suppose, but you're not worried about his connections to Voldemort?" She asked him.
"Neville said something about Ilvermorny being a school of zero tolerance for things like pureblood mania," Replied Harry, personally regretting having to quote Neville on something he used to defend Grindelwald with.
"I suppose, he doesn't seem like Ron or the Weasley family, he's very charming,"
"Charming?" Harry objected.
"And handsome," Hermione added, giving him a playful smirk.
"Handsome?!"
"Not to mention a brilliant duellist, according to Bella."
"Is that right?!"
"You're cute when you're jealous," She told him. Harry flustered for a second, then sighed, realising that Hermione had only been teasing him. She had stopped walking and turned to face in properly, reaching out to take hold of the front of his dress robes and give him a pull in her direction, "Very cute,"
"Yeah?" He chuckled, happily leaning forward and nuzzling his nose to hers, this always made her giggle, "Cute enough for a good luck kiss?"
"I think I can accommodate the man who will win the duelling gauntlet this year," She smiled at him with longing in her eyes, leaning in close to press her lips to his.
"Whoa, hey, Hermione, you appear to have a hero of Hogwarts on your face," Bella and Cedric's laughing wasn't taunting, it was more encouraging, and it only inspired Hermione to prolong the kiss a little longer before releasing Harry.
"The man looks like he's been stunned," Cedric chuckled, walking over and giving Harry a gentle punch on the arm, "He's not going to last long if he's got you in his head, Granger,"
"That's exactly where Hermione should be," Bella nodded, swinging her arm through Hermione's and tugging her close to her hip, "Shall we Rune the night?"
"You'll get on well with Draco with those kind of puns," Hermione giggled, glancing at Harry, "Be safe?"
"You know me," He smiled at her.
"Which is why I'm telling you to be safe," Hermione giggled.
"Don't worry, Granger," Cedric chuckled, putting his arm around Harry, "He's a Hogwarts alum, I've got his back,"
"Alright, well, have fun and I'll join your shortly," Bella nodded, "Angela is going to drag Neville over the Runes so I can get some duelling as well as my Runes knowledge up,"
"Awesome," Cedric beamed, already pulling Harry along with him, "Catch you both later!"
With neither of them getting the chance to say goodbye, Harry and Hermione were unable to even glance at each other before they were pulled away. Harry managed to find a way to extricate himself from Cedric's arm without being rude, but this didn't stop Cedric trying to get to know Harry as much as possible.
"You know, after reading all that stuff the school gave us, it almost makes me wish I was back at Hogwarts," Cedric told him, "Don't get me wrong, Ilvermorny is a great school, but it's not nearly as exciting as they make Hogwarts out to be these days."
"What exactly is in all the information that was given to you and the other students?"
"Well, I don't know if it's the full story, but…"
Once Cedric had memory for memory, repeated the great portion of Harry's life over the last 3 years to him. Harry himself was suddenly incredibly nervous about going to Ilvermorny. Somehow, and for reasons unknown, Harry and his friends were being painted as some kind of heroes. He supposed in a certain light they might be, but everything that had done together, it wasn't brave, not to Harry. Everything He and his friends had faced over the years had almost gotten them killed on numerous occasions. The Ilvermorny seemed to have told the stories of Harry and his friends like they were glamorous daring feats of bravery. Harry rarely felt brave when he was doing the things he did, even this morning part of him knew there was a likely hood that he could die trying to save Bella. A mock kidnapping or not, he didn't know that at the time, but he would have been damned if he were going to let someone be taken. Not when there was chance it could be stopped. For Harry, it wasn't about being the hero, it was about doing what was right.
"Ah, here we go, now," Cedric said, his tone getting very serious, "The key when we get in there is to scout out everyone, don't just watch the one who's winning, watch all their opponents because…"
"They could be the next one you face?" Harry asked.
"Good man," Cedric chuckled, giving Harry another light punch on the arm. Despite his oddness, Harry liked Cedric. And he was someone who knew Hogwarts, so it was nice to know that Cedric was willing to be his friend at Ilvermorny.
The Duelling tent was a sight to be held once passing through the main curtains. Inside was even bigger than the outside and it was styled like a roman coliseum with great circular rows of seats that sat the many onlookers, all who cheered and booed for the winners and losers. Harry followed Cedric in and instead going to the right where the audience went, they went left to where the duellists were all gathering. There were people of all ages, from school years to adults. Many of the people Harry's age all waved and said hello to Cedric, while taking a keen look at Harry. The attention wasn't something he was used to, but at the same time he thought he'd better get used to it very quickly. Some of the adults knew Cedric's dad and were happy to greet him as well, but they ignored Harry and wrote him off as one of the Ilvermorny students that Cedric apparently coached. The two eventually reached the back of the Duellists lobby, where there was another door marked, VIP, which Cedric was allowed to enter and take Harry in with him. The roar of the crowd all silenced when they stepped through it in the fancy room. And it was there, Harry met Draco.
"What the bloody hell happened to you?" Harry asked, looking at Draco with a mix of shock and amusement.
"You don't like it?" Draco asked him, giving Harr a smug smile. Draco's hair had been cut short, but there was a single braid hanging from the side of his head. At the end of the braid a feather hung on some coloured beads. His clothes had changed as well, his robes were dazzling mix of white and silver, except for the arms which sparkled a shimmering gold, "It's based on a muggle singer from the 70's!"
"Right," Cedric nodded, "This years Fashion theme was muggle singers, my dad's a big fan of Darren Bowndry,"
"That's David Bowie," Sirius said, suddenly appearing from behind the curtain. His robes had changed, but they were more form fitting and made Sirius look tougher, "I swear they should teach Muggle music in school. And Draco, you look nice, but you're going to make yourself a target in the juniors if you walk out there like that,"
"Right," Draco nodded, and he slid passed Sirius into the room he just come out of.
"Juniors?" Harry asked, feeling like he was about to be told something that was going to ruin most of the fun in all of this.
"Anyone underage can't compete against adults," Sirius told him, frowning when he saw the look of disappointment on Harry's face, "I thought you knew that?"
"No," Harry grumbled, "That's no fun, they won't know half the stuff I do,"
"That's sort of the point," Cedric chuckled, "But look, there are some that will give a good fight, especially from Ilvermorny, I saw Jack Washington, He's one of my best, that kids only in second year, but he'll give you a run for your money,"
"He better," Harry frowned.
"Only you could be upset about this," Sirius chuckled, "It's still 10 thousand to the winner,"
"It's not about the money," Harry sighed.
"Spoken like a true warrior!" A strange voice boomed. Harry jumped, almost reaching for his wand when a large man stomped his way into the room. He was tall, with a long black beard that was tied in two braids that separated it at the chin, his hair was long, tied back in a ponytail and he wore robes that were tattered, ripped, but not old or worn out, more like he'd been in a lot of fights.
"Ah, Harry, meet your defence against the dark arts teacher," Sirius said in a happy voice, "Marcus Strom. One of the finest warriors that Ilvermorny ever saw,"
"Too kind, Sirius, too kind!" The large man shouted, laughing in a jolly fashion as he thumped Sirius on the back, doing so hard enough to make Sirius nearly fall over, "I thought I'd come in and see the young lads I've been hearing so much about," He said, looking down at Harry, who was now fearing a back breaking thump.
"N-nice, to meet you, professor," Harry said, feeling nervous in the presence of such a large man.
"Good to meet you lad!" The professor boomed, grabbing Harry's hand and shaking it so hard his whole arm felt like it was going to be pulled out of the socket, "All the way from Hogwarts, are you? I do miss the homeland, left Scotland when I was young, met the wife, you'll meet her at Ilvermorny as well. Still, we'll get you good and trained up Ilvermorny style, won't we lad?!"
"Yes, sir…" Harry said, quickly and as loudly as he could.
"Good to hear, well, good luck and make sure you put up a good fight, I want to see what Dumbledore's sending me!"
With another loud and heart laugh, Professor Strom stomped out of the room.
"He's…loud…" Harry commented.
"Strom is one of the best professors in the world, if he hadn't married here, he'd probably be working in Hogwarts right now," Sirius chuckled, stretching out his back and wincing a little, "Even at his age he hasn't lost his strength or his love for a good fight, he's the reason most of the duellist that come out of Ilvermorny are born fighters."
"Let me guess, he's heads of Wampus?"
"Yes, but his wife is head of Thunderbird," Sirius said, giving Harry a knowing wink that was likely meant to remind Harry of his mission.
"When are you going in?" Harry asked him.
"AND THAT'S JACKSON DOWN TIME TO GET THE FINAL COMPETITOR FOR HE ADULT DIVISION, YOU KNOW HIM, HE'S ONE OF OUR PAST WINNERS, FRESH FROM AZKABAN PRISON, IT'S SSIIIIRRRRIUUUSSS…BLLAAAACCCKKKK!"
"Now, I should think," Sirius grinned, "Wish me luck, if we win, I'll buy you that pocket escape hatch you were eying,"
"I think you'll be finding that I buy it myself when I win," Harry grinned at him.
"That's my boy," Sirius nodded.
When Sirius stepped through the curtain into the arena, Harry watched with wide eyes, wondering how Sirius could look so calm and at ease in front of all those people. Sirius stepped up onto the high platform to face his opponent, who, was a skinny little man with warts on his face, brown teeth and sneered when Sirius came into view. The whole crowd started to cheer, some calling for Sirius and the rest calling for the other man. There was a tense moment when the two squared off, first bowing to each other and then taking position. Harry noticed the stance that Sirius took, it was so fluid, so light that Harry knew exactly where he'd attack his godfather if it was them who were facing each other. When Harry noticed the other man's stance, he saw the aggression, the lack of focus. He'd never seen Sirius fight before, but if Harry were right, he would know the outcome of this battle before it even started. Harry focused, watching and listened when the announcer started to call the match, his voice echoing all around.
"AND THEY'RE OFF…AND SIRIUS WINS! WOW, WHAT A HIT! LAXLEY NEVER SAW THAT COMING, IT WAS AMAZING, BEING IN JAIL HASN'T SLOWED DOWN BLACK ONE BIT. AND HE GIVES A WAVE TO THE CROWD, GOOD MAN, WHAT A SHOWMAN!"
Harry tried to cheer louder than the crowd and when Draco joined him, the two watched every duel as closely as they could. Sirius was unstoppable, he weaved in and out of spells, he moved faster than Harry could ever believe his godfather could. The spells he used, Harry had never seen before, each one just as devastating and some as comical as the next. Harry and Draco laughed particularly hard when Sirius had transformed one his opponent's trousers into rats that scurried up and down the screaming man's half naked body.
'THINGS ARE GETTING EXCITING NOW, WE'RE DOWN TO THE LAST OPPPONENT AND…I NEVER THOUGHT I'D SEE THE DAY. LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, PLEASE WELCOME BACK A FAN FAVOURITE OF OURS, HE'S NOT BEEN SEEN IN 13 YEARS. EVERYONE WELCOME BACK...REEEEMMUSSSS LUPPPIINNNN!"
"Pardon me, boys," Remus said, appearing behind Harry and Draco.
"Remus!" Harry beamed.
"This is going to be amazing," Draco said, practically salivating to see what was going to happen next.
"Wish me luck," Remus chuckled, giving them both pats on the shoulders and stepping out, not in fancy robes, but in his normal clothes.
Harry and Draco both stared at each other, then fought for the ability to get the best view of what was coming. The two of them squeezed between the curtains and even put their heads together to see the whole platform as Remus walked up to it. The crowd was going crazy, Harry and Draco were fixed, watching Sirius and Remus face off against each other. Neither of the two best friends smiled at each other, they simply took position and waited for the start.
"AND HOLY MOLY CHEESE AND PICKLE THESE TWO ARE OFF, LOOK AT THE WAY SIRIUS MOVES, HE'S FACED SEVEN OPPONENTS TONIGHT AND IT DOESN'T LOOK LIKE HE'S SLOWING DOWN AT ALL, BUT DON'T GET TOO COCKY MR BLACK, THE MASTER OF DEFENCE IS COMING AT YOU, LOOK AT THE WAY REMUS BLOCKS WITH SUCH LITTLE EFFORT, DEFLECTING BACK SIRIUS' ATTACKS AS IF THEY WERE NOTHING, HE'S WEAVING, MOVING, THEY'RE DANCING AROUND EACH OTHER, I CAN'T POSSIBLY CALL THIS, THIS IS MORE DEADLY THAN GRINDELWALD VS DUMBLEDORE. MERLIN'S BEARD THEY NEARLY TOOK OUT THE ENTIRE FRONT ROW WITH THAT ONE, LOOK OUT, OH NO, SIRIUS IS ON THE ROPES, IT CAN'T BE, REMUS HAS HIM, NO, SIRIUS IS FIGHTING BACK, PUSHING, THEIR WANDS CONNECT FOR A FINAL BOUT AND, AND, AND, STUNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN…REMUS HAS BEATEN THE FORMER CHAMP! AFTER 13 YEARS AND HAS WON THE GRAND PRIZE OF 100.000 GALLEONS!"
Stunned, amazed and utterly speechless, Harry and Draco stepped back from the curtain and wandered to find the first seats they could find. Even Cedric looked astonished by what he had just seen. Harry would remember that duel for the rest of his days and quite suddenly, he was under the belief that he now had a great deal of work to do. He knew he was capable of great things in a duel, but he never knew how far away he was from being one of the best in the world. Seeing Sirius and Remus made Harry thirst for experience, practice and to know exactly how he could become that good.
"Where did you learn to do that?!" Sirius's voice echoed. He was laughing when he appeared, his arm over Remus' shoulders as the two friends they were.
"You didn't think I just sat around while you were cosy in Azkaban, did you?" Remus chuckled, his eyes catching the stunned looks on Harry and Draco's faces, "Oh, it looks like we've finally earned their respect,"
"About time to," Sirius chuckled, "100.000 Galleons though, what are you going to do with it all?"
"Start by buying a place in Ottery St Catchpole and set up the baby's room," Remus said. Sirius, Harry and Draco all laughed, then when they realised that Remus wasn't kidding, they all gasped.
"Seriously?" Sirius asked him, clutching his hands to Remus' cardigan.
"Tonks and I are going to have a baby," He said, sounding like this was the first time he had said it out loud, "She's telling Lily and Hestia right now, they're probably off getting baby things,"
"Congratulations!" Sirius, Harry and Draco all shouted. The three of them tackled Remus to the ground and were laughing and hugging until the announcer spoiled the celebration.
"NEXT UP, WE HAVE THE JUNIORS, NOW, WE'VE GOT 50 YOUNG CONTESTANTS READY TO BATTLE IT OUT FOR A STUNNING 10.000 GALLEONS. WE'VE GOT YOUNGINS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD, INCLUDING TWO VISITORS ALL THE WAY FROM HOGWARTS!"
"I told him not to make a big deal about Harry and Draco competing," Sirius growled, "If he wasn't the President,"
"Charles is calling the matches?" Remus asked in surprise. He then chuckled and shook his head, "That man's never taken his position seriously,"
"Why is it bad if he makes a big deal about us?" Draco asked, shining a smile at Harry, "He's just letting the people know who is going to clean up,"
"It's because he's hoping you'll both lose," It was Cedric who answered and he looked just as annoyed as Sirius, "It's a pride thing, he doesn't want two Hogwarts students competing and winning just days before they're set to attend their rival school. He thinks it would deal a blow to his place in office if he were found allowing the exchange to two students from a competing school, walk into ours knowing they could beat all of our students,"
"Harry, most of the children competing in this match all currently attend Ilvermorny," Remus explained, "It wouldn't do well for you and Draco to walk in being painted as heroes,"
"They did that already with their information books on us," Harry grumbled.
"The information book was written by our Principle, she made sure that it was non-bias, sure all the things you've done are in it, but she made sure not to big you guys up," Cedric told them, "Bella said that Charles has done nothing but boast about how good you, Draco, Hermione and Neville are, he wants you four built up so you can come crashing down," Cedric then grinned, "But Bella and I aren't going to let that happen, so don't worry about it."
Harry felt a small rush of affection for Cedric and wondered if it was costing him anything to be so kind towards Harry and the others. He suddenly had the biggest boost he needed to win the Gauntlet and it wasn't for gold or the pride he would feel for winning. He was going to win and make sure to rub it right in Charles Swan's face.
"AND THE FIRST MATCH IS GOING TO BE A GOOD ONE. WE'LL BE STARTING WITH HOGWARTS OWN LOCAL HEROES, DRACO MALFOY AND…HAAAARRRRYYYYY…POTTTTTEEEERRRR!"
"I'm going to kill him!" Sirius snarled. Harry and Draco both jumped in surprise when Sirius took out his wand and marched towards the curtains but was stopped by Remus and Cedric, who were forced to hold Sirius back.
"Boys, get out there," Remus ordered them, "I know he's calling you both out to make it so one of you have to lose, but there is something he's not counting on,"
"What's that?" Harry asked.
"You and Draco are annoying," Replied Remus, struggling to hold Sirius in place, "Make him regret it being the two of you out there first,"
"You mean?!" Harry and Draco both gasped.
"That's right…" Remus said, shoving Sirius backwards and drawing a breath, "I'm giving you both permission to show off."
"IT WOULD APPEAR THAT OUR TWO YOUNG COMPETITORS, FROM HOGWARTS I REMIND YOU, ARE A LITTLE AFRAID TO STEP OUT AND FACE THE…"
"Thank you, thank you!"
"You're too kind, oh, this too much, yes, love us, praise us!"
"Why yes, my hair is just like Luca Reigns, he and I are dating, yes!"
The crowd cheered, the laughed, they threw roses and chanted the names of Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy. They ate up the dances the pair did, the gasped at the pre-match spells they shot into the air to create sparkling images of two lions fighting for dominance. They stepped up onto the platform together and looked out at the crowds, blowing kisses, making heart shapes with their hands, cheering back at the fans and working the crowd up into a mad frenzy.
All of this and more, Harry noticed when he saw Charles Swan in the top booth, glaring down at them was exactly what Remus had wanted. Win or lose the crowd loved the two boys and Harry knew that was all that mattered right now. However, it dawned on him when he and Draco took their places that he was now going to have to fight one of his best friends. Harry knew that was likely going to be the case, but Draco knew Harry's moves just as well as Harry knew Draco's.
"WELL THEN, THAT WAS…SOMETHING," Charles called into the microphone, sounding less enthusiastic than he was before, "ALRIGHT EVERYONE SETTLE DOWN, SETTLE DOWN…I SAID SETTLED DOWN!"
"Let's give it up for the President everyone!" Draco suddenly shouted, waving his hands up in the air to get the people up off their feet. Harry grinned and turned to his side of the audience.
"Yeah, woohoo, President Swan, we love you sir!" Harry shouted, pointing up at the booth, "It was an honour to save your daughter sir!"
"IT WAS A TRAINING…IT…STOP THIS IMMEDIATELY, WE'VE GOT A GAUNLET TO RUN HERE!"
"How long do you think it's going to be before he calls the Aurors in to stop us?" Draco asked Harry, while he was still encouraging the crowd to cheer.
"No idea, want to find out?" He asked, "It's only 10.000 Galleons, we've got years to get that kind of money,"
"Good point!"
Together they turned their backs to the audience and held their wands up to their faces as if about to start the duel. However, just as they were going to turn and shoot more colourful explosions into the air with the express desire to annoy the President some more, A flash of lightning streaked across the top of the tent and struck the middle of the platform. Harry and Draco were both thrown back and Harry hit his head on the stone.
Dazed and confused, Harry heard the screaming all around him and tried to get to his feet. He heard someone calling out his name, but there was a chaotic rush of the audience fleeing in every direction. More explosions hit the tent and Harry rolled onto his back, his blurry vision cleared, and he saw the roof of the tent falling towards him.
"Harry, come on!" It was Draco. His head was bleeding at the side and his clothing singe from the lightning strike, He grabbed Harry's hand and pulled him up, dragging him back towards the duellists room.
"Where did that come from?!" Demanded Harry. He was forced to duck down as he ran alongside Draco; spells of all kinds were flying over their hands as a pitch battle took place all around them. Harry saw people in grey cloaks dropping from the sky, attacking those who were running. He saw faces instead of masks, but he didn't know who those faces belonged to.
"Who cares, get in here!" Draco shouted, throwing Harry forward so that he stumbled and crashed through the curtains.
Almost tripping over a body as he passed, Harry stumbled over it and turned to look, seeing that it was Cedric laying on the ground. Dropping down, he quickly checked and sighed in relief to find that Cedric was still breathing. The roar of the battle outside was silenced within the duellists room, but the bright flash of spells and anarchy could still be seen beyond the curtains.
"They're not Death Eaters," Draco said, drawing in a deep breath to calm himself. He was tying a piece of cloth around the top of his head, which prompted Harry to go to him.
"Whoever they are," Said Harry, pulling Draco round to help tie the cloth around the gash, "They've really ruined my night,"
"Is he alright?" Draco asked, stumbling a little as he tried to walk.
"He's fine," Harry replied, putting his arm beneath Draco's to support him, "Where did Sirius and Remus go?"
"I saw them just before I got you, they were fighting some of the Grey cloaks," Draco answered, giving a name to the new attackers, "we have to go and help,"
"No," Harry told him, leading Draco over to a seat, "You have to get your breath back, that was a nasty blow you took,"
"I'm not staying out of a fight!" Draco protested, "You'll get the lead."
'The lead' as Draco put it, was a private competition between him and Harry where the two of them competed to see how many wizards they could successfully stun before they both came of age. Thus far, Harry was on 28 and Draco was also currently on 28.
"Now's really not the time for this," Harry sighed, quickly going over and pulling Cedric's body over to Draco, "I'm not going to fight, I'm just going to find the others, Neville and Hermione should both still be at the Runes, wake Cedric if you can and the try to find a member of the order, I'll get Hermione and Neville."
"That's on the other side of the park," Draco huffed, helping to pull Cedric up, "You won't get there by yourself,"
"I'm not exactly going to be walking, am I?"
"You better teach me to fly when this over," Draco warned him, "That's just an unfair advantage,"
"Which is why I'm not giving it to you," Harry grinned, "It's got to be earned,"
"Do you want my wand?" Draco offered, "Two is better than one,"
"Nah, I've still not got the hang of duel duelling."
"Then be careful." Draco said, looking up at Harry with a seriousness not often found in his eyes and an affection that still made Harry feel awkward.
"Hey, it's me," Chuckled Harry.
"Exactly," Draco said, rolling his eyes.
Taking one last look as Draco propped himself up in the chair, Harry walked back towards the coliseum. Beyond the curtains the battle didn't look as bad as it had been before, there were still people fighting, none of which he knew. He looked all around and saw the audience entrance, it was clear of fighters and danger, but Harry would have to pass more than that to get there first.
Taking a deep breath, gripping his wand tightly, Harry closed his eyes, counted to three and…
He charged forward. A blast struck just behind him and he ducked down to avoid more spell fire, He danced around two duellists, one an Auror and the other one of the Grey cloaks. The fought violently, viciously and without thought. Harry slipped around them taking a wide berth around the right side of the Coliseum, he took a chance and ran across the duelling platform, instantly getting stopped when one of the Grey Cloaks fell from the sky to bar his passage.
"Potter!" The woman cried out angrily, "Go no further!"
"Oh, wonderful, another cult that wants me dead," Harry said, giving a low huff and then, "Stupefy!"
His spell hit the woman directly in the chest, she was tossed back out of his way and Harry ran towards the entrance as quickly as his legs would carry him. He leapt off the last three steps of the duelling platform and landed with a thud. He rolled onto his side to avoid another barrage of missile fire and held himself down until it past.
"TONY, WHERE ARE YOU, I NEED YOUR HELP!"
Harry popped his head up when the spell fire passed. Looking to see how had yelled, Harry saw Wayne a few rows up, battling three of the Grey Cloaks by himself. He was putting up a good fight, but it didn't look like he was going to last long.
"Stupefy!" Harry shouted, aiming his wand. He missed on purpose to distract the Grey Cloaks, Wayne took the opening and fired off two spells at once to rid him off the competition and Harry fired another to take out the third.
"Henry!" Wayne shouted in surprise.
"Harry!" Harry corrected the Auror as he jumped from the stairs to help Harry to his feet.
"Whatever, where the heck is Bella?" He asked. Wayne, Harry felt, was oddly bright and cheerful considering he had been about to die but he didn't focus on that too much.
"She was meant to come here after the Runes, if she didn't leave before the attack, that's were she'll be with my friends,"
Very suddenly, there was a flash of white light and Tony took shape right behind Harry, who, leapt out of the way to attack but managed to prevent himself from knocking Tony out twice in one day.
"Bella's at the Runes Tent, that place is under heavy fire, but no one can get to it!" Tony told them.
"I can," Harry said, "I can slip by and get inside," He told them.
"It's a good a plan as any," Wayne nodded, "Alright, Harry," He said, giving Harry a pat on the shoulder, "Flying isn't going to be an option, they're watching the sky. So, you run, and we'll cover you, got it?"
"Got it," Harry beamed. Suddenly Wayne and Tony weren't so bad.
"Let's kick some ass!" Tony roared, "OORAH!"
"He's enthusiastic," Noted Harry.
"He loves his job," Wayne Shrugged.
"Fair enough."
Charging forward through the main entrance of the tent and out into the park, Harry skidded and looked on in horror as he saw the whole Gala up in flames. Wizards and witches both young and old were running in every direction for their lives. Grey cloaks battled Aurors, their numbers almost frighteningly high. Harry could tell that the Aurors were losing this fight and with that in mind, he ran towards the Runes Tent as quickly as he could. He'd deflect stray spells, stun who he could, assist and move on with Wayne and Tony both flying overheard, apparating in every direction, using devastating spells of their own to try and clear Harry's path.
It wasn't long before the Runes Tent was in his sights, a straight run if he pushed himself. Wayne and Tony were now on Harry's flanks, blocking and shielding up as best they could. The tent was within reached until a blast of fire was sent across the bath, blocking Harry's approach.
"Look out, kid!" Tony yelled, throwing himself in front of Harry to catch a spell right in the chest. Whatever the spell had been, it burned at Tony's flesh, making him groan in pain and eventually, pass out. The caster was unknown, and Harry looked in all directions.
"TONY!" Wayne yelled angrily, he lunged towards the flames as a second spell came towards Harry.
He had managed to block it and Harry prepared himself to help in any way he could, but a volley of spell fire hurled over the flames and despite Wayne's skill, he blocked only a few before he too was overwhelmed by the power. Harry attempted to move forward but the flames coiled around him in a wide circle. He aimed his wand not knowing where the attack was going to come from.
One by one the Grey Cloaks stepped forward from the light and the flames extinguished. Harry saw beyond the line of 10 that formed in front of him, seeing the battle that waged outside the Runes Tent. He felt a strange pull of anger inside of him, it made him want to hurt these people, to kill them if he had to. Hermione was just beyond his reach and he didn't if she was dead or dying. He didn't know if Neville was safe or if the others had gotten there in time to help.
"Move!" Harry growled. He was fearful of the hate in his voice, but he knew it was for these Grey Cloaks who all laughed when he gave his order.
"Mr Potter," A woman spoke. She stepped forward out of the line and pulled her hood down. She had the most curious colour of light green hair; her pale pointed face and high cheekbones made her attractive despite the hint of wrinkles suggesting her older age. She smiled at Harry as if he were a toddler throwing a hissy fit, "I do believe you are out of your depth on this one, what will happen will happen and you cannot stop it,"
"I'm not going to repeat myself," Harry told her, his voice growing dangerous, "Get…out…of…my…"
"I can see why Erica liked you enough to betray us," Said the woman, laughing when Harry's anger faltered at the mention of Erica, "I see she has her hooks into you, a shame, you would have been a good addition,"
"I'm tired of this!" Harry shouted. Whatever had changed in him, it was enough to make this woman take him more seriously, "Get out of my way or I'm going through all of you,"
"As entertaining as that would be, Mr Potter," Harry turned round to see who had spoken, a feeling of complete shock and a slight disheartening as he saw Arthur Weasley standing there in his Death Eater Robes, "I Think we'll handle this from here on out,"
"You will?" Asked Harry, his brow raised and his head spinning from the confusion of those words.
"Arthur," The woman said, her smile growing wider and her tone slightly, loving as she looked upon the patriarch of the Weasley family.
"Kendra," Arthur nodded, "Looking lovely as ever,"
"Why thank you. Have you come alone?"
"No,"
Harry felt his stomach sink when the sky filled with streams of black smoke. People cried out in fear even louder than before when the Death Eaters started to land, but in the distance, Harry saw them attack the Grey Cloaks, assisting the Aurors. Behind Harry, several shaped appeared and the faces of those he least expected to ever come to his aide stepped forward. Yaxley, flanked by two Harry had never seen, Fred and George Weasley, flanking another red-haired boy. Then all ignored Harry and stepped in front of him to join Arthur in the protective line they were now forming in front of Harry.
"Harry, this does not make us allies," Arthur told him, his tone oddly calm and friendly, "But you are needed in this fight. Go and help your friends, we will deal with these traitors,"
"Oh Arthur, you never learn," Kendra laughed, and she shot her first spell.
"FOR THE DARK LORD!"
Arthur's warcry caused the band of Death Eaters to yell and charge forward. Arthur engaged Kendra with surprising fluidity, the Weasley children, along with Yaxley and his cohorts charged into the ranks of the Grey Cloaks, fighting through and creating a path for Harry. Harry took his chance and sprinted forward, stopping only to cast a stunning spell at a Grey cloak that was sneaking up behind Arthur. He then rushed for the Runes Tent, getting closer to his goal. As he reached it there was a bright beaming light that fell from the sky. It knocked Harry back once more and he had to shield himself from being blinded.
"It's him, get Dumbledore, it's him!"
"What do we do?!"
"Attack him, do what you can!"
Fear gripped Harry as he heard those that were still standing call out in fear. He looked up from behind his arms and watched as 8 people all ran at one lone wizard standing at the entrance of the Runes Tent. He didn't look as old as Dumbledore. He had a streak of long white hair along the top of his head, a moustache, wore a dark teal suit and black boots. His wand nestled carefully between his index and middle finger and, as the brave few approached him, he smirked.
It was Grindelwald.
"Stop…" Harry tried to shout, hoping to warn the 8 but a sharp pain caught him off guard and he clutched at his side.
Harry could do nothing except watch what happened next.
"Your bravery," Grindelwald said as they charged at him, "Is to be admired."
"ATTACK, TOGETHER!"
All 8 wands fired at once and in response, Grindelwald simply flicked his wand in a lazy manner, making those spells rebound and collide with some of the brave few. Others staggered, recoiled in fear as Grindelwald held his ground, not moving a single muscle except to twirl his wand in a complicated pattern. The ground rumbled as huge vines sprouted out of the dirt and wrapped around the last of the Aurors. The vines tightened so hard that Harry could hear and feel the snapping of bones, moments before the Aurors lives were taken from them. The bodies fell to the ground and Grindelwald turned away from them as if they were nothing.
"Stop!" Harry tried to shout, the pain in his side aching.
He was sure he had broken something, but he pushed himself to his feet regardless of the pain. His ankle protested as he tried to run, and he was forced in a quick limp towards the Tent. Beyond the entrance, Harry could hear people yelling, screaming, some cheering, there were flashes of green lights and more cries. When he finally made it, he almost fell in shock.
Bodies lay across the ground. A line of them leading the way into the museum like hall that was created inside the tent. Runes and tables of ancient lettering were destroyed beyond repair, people lay on the ground either injured or cowering in fear. Harry limped forward, clutching his wand as tightly a possible, following the distance sounds of battle.
"No, get away from her!"
"Neville," Harry groaned.
"You will not stop me, boy," Grindelwald's voice was cold, dangerous and what followed was a flash of red light and a cry of agony.
"NEVILLE!" Hermione's scream sent chills through Harry's body.
"You're not taking anything, old man!" Bella's voice echoed bravely. There was the sound of spell fire and then her own scream followed.
The door on the far side of the Runes room burst open and Bella's silent body flew helplessly through and crashed to the ground. Harry threw himself forward, dropping down for a moment to check if she was still alive.
"Get away from me!"
"Oh, I don't think so, my pet, I've gone to a great deal of trouble to find you,"
"Hermione!" Harry shouted.
"Harry?!" Hermione screamed, "No, don't, he's here, Grindelwald is here, run!"
Harry ignored Hermione's plea and forced himself forward, ignoring the agony that shot up through his leg. He made it through the door into a wide-open room. More bodies were scattered across the room, some injured and some passed saving. Angela was kneeling over Neville's body. She looked at Harry and nodded, letting him know that Neville was still alive. Grindelwald stood on a high platform that looked as though it was designed for lecturing. Hermione coward on her knees in front of him. Harry felt the rage he had felt back when Kendra and her Grey Cloaks had blocked his path.
"GRINDELWALD!" Harry yelled.
It was slow, but Grindelwald did turn to face Harry. There was a smirk on Grindelwald's face when he saw Harry limping towards him. A simple look of amusement and joy filled his wizened features. He clapped his hands together and shook his head, applauding Harry as he continued to limp towards him.
"I must say, you are looking a little worse for wear," He said. He chuckled lightly and stepped towards the edge of the platform, "Dumbledore has every right to hold you in the esteem he does. You managed to fight your way past the army I created just to keep you back and yet, to my astonishment, here you are."
"Harry!" Hermione gasped. Tears were running down her cheeks, her dress torn, her hands shaking, "Run, please, I'm begging you, run!"
"I'm not going anywhere," Harry told her. He stopped at the bottom of the raised platform. He was ready to fight, to die if it meant buying enough time for Dumbledore to get here.
"Such bravery," Said Grindelwald. He sighed and his expression changed to disappointment, "If only you were at full strength,"
"I've got enough to take you on!" Harry called out defiantly.
"Harry, no!" Begged Hermione.
"I'm going to take her from you," Grindelwald told Harry. The words were so final that the confidence attached to them scared Harry, "I'm going to take her away and there is nothing you can do to stop me,"
"No!" Harry let the rage that had been threatening to spill over since the start of this battle finally flow into every part of his body. He lunged forward, ignoring the pain in his body and climbed the stairs.
Grindelwald danced backwards with ease, his age not slowing him down in the slightest as Harry staggered and charged at him. Hermione attempted to get to her feet, to help in some way, but Grindelwald silence her with a spell. The moment her head hit the ground, Harry let out a cry of rage and started firing spells.
"Is this it?!" Grindelwald bellowed, laughing as he deflected all of Harry's attacks with so much ease it was as if Harry wasn't attacking him at all, "Dumbledore has placed his faith in the wrong student I fear,"
"I'll kill you!" Harry shouted, his eyes red with fury, spit dripping down his chin as he flung spell after spell, trying desperately to get to Hermione.
"No," Grindelwald said. And then he stopped the fight. Grindelwald struck and moved forward, he disarmed Harry with ease, used a whip-like charm to lash at Harry's legs, bringing him to his knees and then one finally blow to bring Harry down completely, "I really think you won't," Grindelwald sighed, "You just don't want her bad enough, a shame,"
"Hermione…" Harry gasped, reaching out towards her, trying desperately to get to her.
"No, you don't deserve her," Said Grindelwald. He kicked Harry's wand away and stepped forward, kneeling down to place a hand on Hermione's hair, "She truly is lovely,"
"NO!"
"Goodbye, Harry."
No sound of the battle ending. No relief came when he heard Sirius and Lily charging into the hall. No feeling of pain in his body or the agony of his rage could compare to that single, solitary moment when Grindelwald apparated away…taking Hermione with him. And, as the feeling sunk in, as it became clear that he hadn't saved her, Harry slipped into unconsciousness, knowing he had failed to saved Hermione.