Disclaimer: Everything belongs to JK Rowling except for my original characters such as Lucy & David.
Chapter Thirty One: The Fourth Champion, An Unfamiliar Name & Molly's Birthday
A death like silence hung over the hall after the words were pronounced.
As if everyone was at a mass funeral gathering there was complete and total silence.
No one spoke. No one mumbled. The only sound in the hall was the dying of the flames in the Goblet and the rise and fall of people's chests.
Harry felt like he was in some awful nightmare as Dumbledore pronounced the words "Harry Potter!".
He couldn't understand it!. He'd not put his name in the Goblet!. He couldn't have done due to the ageing line.
And even if he had had been able to cross said line and put his name in he had no wish to be in the Tournament.
From all that he knew of the Triwizard Tournament it was incredibly dangerous.
In any case he had more than enough attention heaped on him for being the "Boy Who Lived" so the last thing he needed was more publicity and the inevitable declaration of many that he had cheated his way into the Tournament.
From far away a voice spoke again "Harry Potter!".
He couldn't believe this was all happening!.
'Surely they'll understand right?' his brain reasoned 'surely they'll know I didn't enter myself'.
Then his mind turned to Ron.
His best friend wasn't going to take this news well.
His friend was very good at hiding it but Harry knew that Ron didn't like Harry being so famous and getting so much attention.
He was going to have to go straight to Ron and explain...
A booming voice cut through his thoughts "HARRY POTTER!".
Harry snapped his head up at the sound and his eyes connected with Professor Dumbledore.
He sat, frozen in place. Rooted to his seat. His legs unable to move.
Slowly and shakily he stood up and gazed round the hall.
Everyone was staring at him. The Gryffindor's while looking surprised general seemed to be happy he'd been chosen while the Hufflepuff's and Ravenclaws were all staring.
Only Luna on the next table was flashing Harry a reassuring smile.
He smiled back weakly.
He felt a hand grasp his hand and squeeze it reassuringly.
Ginny stood up and kissed him, whispering in his ear "I know you didn't put your name in".
He smiled at her feeling grateful for the support.
As Hermione pushed him into the aisle between the tables and he began to walk on spaghetti legs up to the steps where Dumbledore stood, his Brother came through on their mental link "we'll find out who did this Brother I promise. This isn't fair on you".
He turned back and flashed a grateful smile at his Brother who smiled back.
The muttering began. He couldn't make out the words but could tell most of it was angry. It was like he'd invaded a bee hive and all the bees were gearing up to attack him.
Another horrible thought crept into his mind 'Ron!'.
What the hell was he going to say to his best friend?.
How could he make Ron believe that he didn't want to be in this stupid Tournament?.
As he reached the steps he could see the faces of all of the Professors as they sat or in some cases stood at the Staff table.
Most looked shocked.
He could see that Professor Moody was frowning while Hagrid was gaping in shock, clearly unable to comprehend what was going on and his Uncle Sev was struggling to keep a lid on things.
"Through the door please Harry" Dumbledore said in a remarkably calm voice given what had happened.
Harry felt someone grasp his arm. He looked up and saw his Head of House Professor McGonagall.
He was surprised to see there were tears in her eyes. Looking stern but sounding kind she said "come along Harry" and pulled him over to the open door.
"Go into this room and I'll see you soon" she assured him.
His stomach twisting painfully and his throat as dry as sandpaper Harry stepped through the open doorway and moved slowly across the room to where the three Champions were standing.
The only light in the room came from two small candles and the bright fireplace in which the orange flames seemed to dance.
As he passed some empty display cases he could see Victor Krum brooding in a corner.
Fleur Delacour was adjusting her hair and Cedric Diggory was staring into the flames as if deep in thought which, Harry supposed, he probably was.
The three Champions must have heard his footsteps as they all turned and looked at him "what is it?" Fleur asked in a heavy French accent "is there a problem?".
"What's wrong you look like you've seen a ghost?" Cedric commented.
"I...I...the Goblet...it..." Harry was at a loss for words.
What could he possibly say "hello I'm Harry Potter. I'm the fourth Champion" it even sounded ludicrous in his head.
There was no way he could compete in such a Tournament. Surely the organisers and judges would agree?.
Before Harry could try to say anything more loud voices could be heard. Angry voices.
He didn't have to guess very hard who they belonged to as in moments, Professor Asimov, Madame Maxime, Professor Snape, Professor McGonagall, Professor Dumbledore, Ludo Bagman and Mr Fudge filed into the room.
Professor Asimov was shouting "this cannot stand!" he declared furiously.
"Asimov is right Dumbledore he is too young!" Madame Maxime declared hotly but more calmly.
Fleur, Cedric and Victor were all staring at him now in the same disbelief as the many students and staff had had after his name was read out.
Professor Dumbledore approached Harry asked sharply "Harry did you put your name in that Goblet?!".
Harry was so shocked anyone could ask such a thing that for a moment he was struck dumb. A few moments he declared honestly "no Professor".
"Did you have another older student do it for you?" the old wizard asked.
Harry looked at him in anger "I would never do that Professor!" he said sharply "I don't even want to be in this Tournament!".
"A likely story" scoffed Asimov "who wouldn't want the money, the fame and the glory that goes with winning?".
Before Harry could say anything to this an angry voice retorted "Mr Potter has never sought fame or glory. He had no choice in being labelled the Boy Who Lived and I've seen enough of my student to know he hates that title!" Professor McGonagall said leaping to his defence "in the matter of money his family is rich beyond imagining so he has no need of ten thousand galleons".
She flashed a rare smile at Harry.
He smiled back, feeling grateful that someone was fighting his corner in this matter.
'Now if I can just get them to remove me from the Tournament' he thought desperately.
"Potter couldn't have done it" Moody growled "it would take a very powerful wizard with much experience to pass the age line".
"My colleague is quite correct" Professor Snape added "Harry couldn't have done it and in any case someone would have had to put a spell on the parchment to fool the Goblet into thinking Harry is older than he is. It is a spell no student would know".
"What...what are you saying?" Professor McGonagall asked in shock.
Professor Snape sighed "I'm saying Minerva, that an adult must have done it and judging by Harry's reaction...done it without his consent".
Harry nodded at these words.
"What do the rules say Cornelius?" Professor Dumbledore asked the round man in the green suit.
The Head of Magical Games and Sports seemed to consider for a while being answering and his answer dashed all of Harry's hopes "I'm sorry but the rules are quite clear...once someone is chosen they must compete. There can be no exceptions and no getting out of it".
Tears began to form in Harry's eyes "but can't you see I don't want this!" he practically shrieked.
He broke down in tears and was quite useless for several minutes as Professors Snape and McGonagall moved to comfort him.
Once he had calmed down and the tears abated Mr Fudge stepped up and looked at each one of the Champions "the first task shall take place on the 24th of November. I'm sure I don't need to tell you all but do as much preparation work as you can. Until then". The man bowed to everyone and exited the room.
Ludo Bagman remained for just long enough to exclaim "four Champions well I never!" and then followed his boss from the room.
"I am not happy about this Dumbledore!" Asimov said furiously "if I had known you'd get two Champions I'd have brought more students with me! come Victor!".
The two Bulgarians left the room.
"I am not happy at all Dumbleydore" Madame Maxime declared and she and Fleur left the room.
Cedric merely shook Harry's hand and left, his face not betraying any emotion.
"Meet us in the common room" a voice came through his mental link.
"Will do" Harry answered his Brother.
"The feast will be finished now Harry so I suggest you head up to your common room" Professor Dumbledore said kindly and then added "and I'm sorry you have to compete. I know it's not something you want to do".
Harry sighed "I'll just have to do my best" he said miserably "thanks Professor".
Professor McGonagall led him from the room into the now deserted Great Hall.
"Thanks Professor I think I can make my way from here" he assured his Head of House.
She gave him a concerned look but then said "if you're sure Harry. Good night" and left him.
Harry strode out of the Great Hall.
As he was making for the stairs a voice called out "didn't think I'd go up without you did you?".
He grinned widely feeling happy for the first time since his name had been called out.
Ginny walked up to him, kissed him on the cheek and drew him into a long and warm hug.
Harry sighed in contentment and she murmured "it's going to be alright Harry".
When she broke off the hug Harry looked into her eyes and asked in worry "what's Ron's mood like?".
Ginny huffed "that idiot. Everyone's up in the common room now trying to convince him you didn't mean it. Except Fred and George".
Harry looked at her in horror "please tell me they haven't thrown a party" he said desperately.
Ginny smiled apologetically "oh god" Harry mumbled, shutting his eyes.
Ginny took his hand and stroked it "it'll be fine love. Don't worry. We'll convince my prat of a brother together and I'll get those idiots to stop this party".
Harry opened his eyes and said "I love you so much" he kissed her and then they walked hand in hand up the staircases to the portrait of the Fat Lady and gave the password "King Arthur".
Harry took a deep breath and the two of them entered the common room side by side.
As they entered they were assailed by a wave of sound.
It seemed that most people were in a joyous mood at the idea of a Gryffindor being one of the Champions.
Harry spotted Neville and walked over to him "Nev" Neville looked grim "I hope you know...".
Neville put a hand up "it's alright Harry. Me, Draco, Ginny, Luna and Hermione are in full agreement that you didn't enter your name and you don't want to be in the Tournament".
He sighed "but that prat Ron won't listen to us. You're going to have to speak to him Harry. Get him to see sense".
Upon hearing this, one part of Harry was outraged 'why should you talk to him?' it said 'it's not your fault he's a prat who won't listen'.
Another, stronger part of his mind, however, pushed out the negative thoughts and insisted 'he's your best friend. You've know him since you were a year and a half old. Speak to him'.
"Alright I will. Just get me through these people" he said to Neville who nodded, pointed his wand to ceiling and fired off an air horn spell.
The noise was deafening and distracted all of the students for just long enough that Hermione was able to switch off the stereo, glare at the students and say "look, Harry doesn't want to be in this Tournament and he's not celebrating. Leave him alone and let him head upstairs".
Most of the students were now silent and staring at her in disbelief. While others looked at Harry as if unable to believe he didn't want to be in the Tournament.
Just looking at the faces of many he could tell they thought he had entered his name on his own.
"I know a lot of you won't believe it but Hermione is telling the truth. I didn't enter my name in the Triwizard Tournament, I don't want to be in it and I don't want any more fame than I already have".
As he turned to leave her heard someone mumble "yeah right" it was Seamus.
He turned back to glare at the Irish wizard and was about to tell him to sod off only for Ginny to get there first "you think what you want Seamus but Harry hates the fame and just wants people to leave him alone so just back off!".
Seamus looked worried as Ginny tapped her wand menacingly and pulled Harry up the stairs towards the boys dorms.
When the pair of them reached the Fourth Year boys dorm the door was closed and locked and it was clear Ron didn't want to talk to anyone but Harry knew it couldn't wait.
Ron may be a prat sometimes but he was his Brother in all but blood and he refused to fall out with him over this Tournament.
"Alohamora" he murmured as he pointed his wand at the door.
The door unlocked and Ginny pushed it open. The two of them entered and his girlfriend shut it firmly behind them.
She also threw up "Silencio" the Silencing charm to keep their inevitable argument private.
Harry could see Ron sitting on his bed just across from his own. His best friend had a strange look on his face that was part smile, part grimace and he was making no movement except to blink occasionally.
Harry sighed and approached him "Ron" he said softly.
Ron pretended he didn't hear him so Harry said the name louder "Ron".
This time Ron looked up with the said odd expression on his face "oh, hi" he said overly cheerful "thought you'd stay downstairs for the party".
"You really think I want a party?" Harry asked.
Ron shrugged "well...you entered your name in the Goblet without telling me" he said.
Harry shook his head "no Ron I didn't" he insisted.
Ron laughed but it wasn't his usual happy one, this laugh was hollow, mirthless "you don't have to lie to me Harry I'm your best mate" he said "just tell me how you did it".
Harry was about to snap when he felt Ginny's hand in his. His anger subsided as quickly as it had flared up "why won't you believe me Ron?" he said sounding hurt "after all we've been through".
Ron glanced up at him "because you always have to be the centre of attention. Always have to be number one at everything! do you know what that money would have meant to me?" he demanded "it would have meant I could have helped my family out so we wouldn't be so poor!".
"Look Ron I don't want to be in this stupid Tournament" Harry shouted "I hate being in the public eye you know that. I don't need the money and I'm already revered for something I didn't really do. What do I need to do to convince you I don't want this?".
Ron's eyes lit up as if hitting on an idea "we go to Dumbledore and ask to use his pensieve. We view his memories and if the memories show you don't want in then I'll apologise. I promise".
Harry supposed it was the best plan they had. He knew what his memory would show and he had no problem letting Ron see it.
Harry unlocked the door and the three Gryffindor's headed down to the common room where he told Draco, Hermione, Neville and Molly what was happening and they all declared they would come with them to Dumbledore's Office.
So the group headed through the common room out the portrait hole and down the various stairs quick to avoid them changing direction.
It took a lot of walking until they found the entrance that was, that day, located on the Third Floor.
They then hit a bit of a snag as they reached the two stone gargoyles guarding the entrance "I don't know the password" Harry said in frustration.
None of the others did either and so they resolved to just say as many sweet names as they could think of.
Or that's what they would have done at least, had the gargoyles not sprang aside to reveal the staircase behind them.
Hermione's shrewd mind came into play as she said "he knows we're coming".
"How does he manage it?" Neville said in awe.
"Who knows" Draco said "but knowing Dumbledore he has some magical way of telling who's coming to see him".
"Makes sense" Ginny agreed "he's certainly never surprised when anyone turns up in his office".
The group stepped onto the winding staircase and stood still as it wound it's way up to Dumbledore's Office all the way up on the Seventh Floor.
When the staircase stopped they stepped off and walked towards the imposing double doors of Dumbledore's Office.
Unsurprisingly to Harry, the doors opened as they reached them to reveal the Headmasters Office.
As they walked in Professor Dumbledore was sat behind his desk, hands folded in front of him. There was a smile on his lips and a twinkle in his eyes "ah Mr Potter, Miss Granger, Miss Weasley, Mr Black, Mr Weasley and Mr Longbottom, to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?" he said warmly.
Harry took a deep breath "well Sir it's about tonight and my being chosen as a Champion".
Dumbledore nodded as if he knew what Harry was going to say.
Harry glared at Ron "Ron doesn't believe I didn't put my name in the Goblet".
Dumbledore looked at Ron sternly.
Ron withered before Dumbledore's sharp gaze "is this true Mr Weasley?" he said calmly.
Ron flushed and felt the need to defend himself "well just because he says he didn't is no proof" he insisted.
"It should be" Harry muttered feeling very hurt.
All the other New Marauders were glaring at the redhead and Ginny actually smacked him on the back of the head "shame on you Ron!" she said angrily.
Ron rubbed his cheek looking upset too "I presume you wish to view my pensieve to show Mr Weasley your memories of the past few days" Dumbledore said as he stood up and walked round his desk.
"Yes Sir" Harry replied.
Dumbledore nodded "very well. I think this to be a sensible idea" he used a spell and the pensieve appeared, the light coloured water casting an eerie glow around the office.
"You know what to do Harry" Dumbledore said simply.
Harry who had done this before, nodded, placed his wand to his temple and extracted the relevant section of memory before depositing it into the pensieve.
The water mixed with the memory swirled about as the magic did it's work and in moments there was a perfectly formed up memory.
"I think myself, Mr Potter and Mr Weasley shall enter" Dumbledore said decisively.
It made sense to Harry and so the three leaned over the basin and were pulled in to the memory.
They landed with a thud and found themselves outside with all of the other staff and students.
Harry recognised it as the day before when they had welcomed the Durmstrang and Beauxbatons students and staff to Hogwarts.
The memories carried out through that evening and night and through to Halloween.
Nothing had happened overnight on the thirtieth and as they kept watching the memories moved into Halloween day and nothing unusual had happened yet.
The day proceeded as Harry and Ron remembered it up until the Halloween feast when the Champions were decided upon and Harry's name called out.
Ron still said "but how do I know you haven't removed some memories?".
It was Dumbledore that answered "Mr Weasley I have extensive knowledge of this and Harry's memory has not had sections removed and has not been tampered with. I think it's clear that he did not put his name into that Goblet".
The memories ended and the three wizards found themselves being pulled back up and landing on the stone floor of Dumbledore's Office.
After they had got their bearings back Harry looked looked at Ron as did Dumbledore.
Ron's face had turned as red as a tomato and he was mumbling "you idiot. You idiot" over and over.
Then came something totally unexpected given who it came from.
Ron grabbed Harry in such a forceful hug that Harry was alarmed for a moment.
He saw surprised to see and hear his usually composed friend weeping into Harry's robes.
Ron never wept at anything "I'm so so sorry" Ron said emotionally after he stopped hugging Harry.
His eyes were red raw from crying and he looked so regretful that Harry had already decided to forgive him "I made stupid assumptions. After thirteen odd years I should have believed you. I've ruined our friendship" Ron said as he gazed at his shoes.
Harry sighed "Ron I can't deny that the things you said and the way you behaved really hurt me. I thought our friendship was stronger than all that" he sighed again "we can stay as best friends. One incident can't erase everything we've been through but...you're going to have to make amends for it" he told Ron.
"How?" Ron said seemingly lost.
Harry grinned "by helping me prepare for the First Task of course".
Ron smiled and then said something Harry would not have thought he'd hear from him "I love you mate. You're the best friend ever".
Harry smiled and patted him on the shoulder.
Dumbledore beamed at them all happily "well I'm most glad that this has been resolved so quickly. May I suggest heading back to your common room and I bid you all a good night".
As the New Marauders left the Headmasters Office Harry felt happy for the first time in hours.
Ron was back on his side and he would have help to prepare for the dreaded First Task.
Harry got up early the next morning and woke up Ron, Neville and Draco.
They got dressed and crept silent from the dorm room, down the stairs to the common room.
Today was Molly's eleventh birthday and he'd told his Parents that he would handle preparing for the party given that Molly was at Hogwarts and they were all busy, their Dad with his Auror duties and their Mum with her work at St Mungo's as a Medi Witch.
As they reached the common room Harry heard footsteps behind him and turned to see Hermione, smiling "what's the plan?" she asked brightly.
"Right" Harry said "the party is being held at Hagrids cabin when the school day ends" he told them all "me and Draco will handle the food and drink" Ron cut in "why can't I?".
"Because Ronald you'd probably eat it all" Ginny quipped.
Everyone laughed except Ron "hey!" he said indignantly "I'm not that greedy!".
They all chuckled "you are mate" Draco said.
Ron shrugged "Ron, you and Neville will handle decorations, Hermione and Ginny find Luna and tell her the three of you will need to keep her away from Hagrids cabin before school ends today".
Everyone nodded.
The morning went very quickly and Harry and Draco soon found themselves in front of the painting of a pear that was the secret entrance to the Kitchens.
Harry tickled it as his Father had shown him. The painting swung back and they entered.
The House Elves were all bustling around, washing up, tidying or preparing food and drink. Or rather they were until they saw Harry and Draco.
The two of them soon found themselves being bustled over to a small square table with several chairs "what can we do for Master Harry Potter and Master Draco Black?" one of the Elves Harry knew as Ralkey said in a squeaky voice "well first of all we'd love some lunch please" Draco said politely as he and Harry had been taught.
The House Elves bowed and in moments had brought the pair their favourite foods for lunch.
They ate as much as they could and when they were done Harry said "we also really need your help Ralkey. Could you and the other House Elves please make up enough food for a birthday party. I have a list here of the food we need. Could you do all this by this evening please?" he asked.
Ralkey smiled "it would an honour young Masters" he replied and bowed.
Harry and Draco thanked him and left the Kitchens to head to what was by now their next lesson.
The rest of the school day after that went very fast and Harry soon found himself waiting alongside Draco up in Professor Dumbledore's Office.
The flames flared green and out stepped Sirius Black, his wife Janice and their Son David.
Harry and Draco hugged all three of them and then they waited as more people arrived.
The next to arrive was Peter and Celia with Celia carrying one of their twins and Peter the other.
After greeting them they waited.
Remus stepped out next and hugged both Harry and Draco and asked "how are your defence lessons?".
"Going well" was all Harry said causing Remus to glance at the pair of them a bit worried.
The flames turned green once again and out stepped the two people that Harry most wanted to see in the world. His Mum and Dad.
James and Lucy embraced their Son in a warm hug as soon as they saw him. His Mum kissed him on the forehead and his Dad said "we need to talk later tonight about this Tournament" Harry sighed and said "look Dad I didn't enter my name".
His Dad held up a hand "I know you didn't Harry. All I meant was that since you can't be removed from it I'll teach you some useful spells".
Harry smiled in gratitude "thanks Dad" he said.
His Dad chuckled and ruffled his hair "hey what are Dad's for?".
He looked round "I trust the birthday girl is being kept occupied" he said.
Harry grinned "of course".
His Mum smiled "well done".
Harry took out the Marauders Map and searched for Molly's location.
He saw her, Hermione, Ginny and Luna in the common room. They weren't moving about so they must have been sat down.
He smiled and was about to put the map away when he saw something on the map.
Something that he was sure hadn't been there before.
It was a name. Not the name of anyone who worked at Hogwarts and not of anyone who attended it. It said "Barty Crouch Jr".
Harry frowned "Dad?" he said calling his Dad's attention.
"Yes?" his Dad said coming over from where he'd been talking with Dumbledore.
"Is this map ever wrong?" he asked.
He got a chorus of "never" from the four Marauders.
"Why?" his Dad said suddenly concerned.
"It's just this name here on the map. In Moody's Office".
"Professor Moody Harry" several people corrected him.
"Yes, yes, yes but look" he insisted.
His Dad peered at the map but a second too late as, in front of Harry's eyes, the name changed to show "Alastor Moody".
Harry blinked in confusion.
How could a name change in front of him?.
There was something odd going on at Hogwarts this year.
He only wished he knew what "all I see is Moody's name" his Dad said.
Harry sighed knowing none of the adults would listen without seeing the name "I must have imagined it" Harry said trying to sound apologetic for wasting his Dad's time.
After Dumbledore had given his promise to be at the party at some point that night, the group exited his office and made their way down through the grounds.
As they neared Hagrids cabin Harry fired off a Patronus which he directed to head to the Gryffindor common room and let Hermione, Ginny and Luna know it was time.
They approached the cabin and Harry had to say he was very impressed.
With Hagrids help Ron and Neville had decked out the cabin in banners and balloons and had set up trestle tables inside a marquee.
Harry was pleased to see there was much food and drink waiting for them all and thank the Hogwarts House Elves for being so nice and made a decision to buy them all something as a thank you.
The various presents Molly would be given were waiting, Harry knew, under a tarpaulin safe from any potentially bad weather and inquisitive eyes.
He hoped Molly would like his present as it was something he knew she didn't have.
He heard voices as several people exited the cabin and was amazed to see that Professor McGonagall and his virtual Uncle Professor Snape were already here for the party.
And then he realised that they had most likely helped "Professor McGonagall, Professor Snape" he said with a smile.
They smiled back and Snape said "it's Uncle Sev to you and your siblings Harry. Always".
Harry grinned at that "so glad you two could make it. I know how busy you both are".
"It wasn't a problem Harry" Professor McGonagall assured him.
"Someone needed to show your dunderheaded friends how to put up decorations" his Uncle said.
Harry knew he was only teasing as he was smiling. Harry chuckled at that.
Other guests began to arrive including Angelina, Katie and Alicia and Fred and George Weasley.
He also knew that his Sister had made friends with two girls among the First Years and so wasn't surprised to see them arrive for the party as well.
Harry checked the Marauders Map and it showed that his Sister was halfway to Hagrids cabin alongside Hermione, Ginny and Luna who were probably keeping her talking.
The guests all hid and in a few minutes the birthday girl arrived "I still don't see why you've dragged..." she began.
From his hiding place Harry saw her jaw drop at the sight before her.
Hermione coughed loudly. At that prearranged signal all of the guests jumped out and shouted "surprise!".
"Oh my...wow!" Molly exclaimed, surprised at first and then happy.
She hugged all of her family and thanked all of the other guests for being there "I think I can guess who organised this" she said with a smirk.
Harry grinned "no fooling you is there Sis" he replied.
"Oh on the contrary dear Brother I had no idea a party was planned. You all did brilliant".
The party was a very fun affair with music, much food being eaten and much juice and butter beer consumed.
Professor Dumbledore dropped by briefly to wish Molly a happy birthday and give her his present which was a selection of Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans.
Professor Moody also turned up, his arrival announced by the constant clack clacking sound made by his wooden leg.
He hugged Molly and handed her a Pocket Sneakoscope as well as saying CONSTANT VIGILENCE!".
Harry stared at him when he was sure Moody wasn't looking. He still got the feeling that something was off about the Defence teacher.
He shook it off. It was Molly's birthday and a time for fun not for suspicion.
Molly tore through her presents happily which included a Firebolt for their Parents which she was told she could only use at home unless she was picked for the House team next year, a broom servicing kit from Sirius, Janice and David confirming they'd known about the broom, a set of Quidditch robes and gloves from Remus, some computer games for her computer from Peter and Celia, a pair of jeans she really wanted from Draco and various items of clothing, books and sweets from everyone else and then she got to Harry's present.
The present was small and securely wrapped.
She looked at the card on top first which said: To the best Sister in the world. Enjoy. Harry.
Molly tore open the wrapping paper, discarded it and gazed at what she held in her hand.
It was a wand holster made from dragon hide. It had been crafted skilfully and lovingly.
She tried it on, slipped her wand in it and tried it out.
Her wand was in her hand in less then a second.
Harry, standing nervously, was very happy and relieved when his Sister hugged him and thanked him profusely for the gift as she had done with everyone else.
The party went on until eleven pm when Molly herself called a halt to the proceedings announcing she was tired.
She thanked everyone for coming, hugged her Parents, Aunts, Uncles and younger Brother who then left and headed back up to the castle escorted by the Professors and chatting happily with her First Year friends.
Harry felt quite pleased that night as he finished off his homework for DADA. The party had been a huge success.
His Sister had liked her gift from him and for just one night nothing had gone wrong.
So why did he have a feeling in his gut that something was about to?.
Authors Note: Hope everyone enjoyed reading this chapter.
The next chapter will see Harry prepare for the First Task and include the Weighing of the Wands, Moody offering some hints and the First Task itself.