A/N: Many thanks to PleiadesWolfe. This review had my brain whirring in so many different directions; till I finally had my answer of how this story could go forward. Hope you guys enjoy the result. Also apologies to Anaelyssa; this was not the plan. Also to Elaelle, I hope the next two chapters help put things in perspective. Sorry for the late update but I wanted to get ahead in my writing. Was not very successful but I do have next chapter almost finished, so you guys should not have to wait more than a week, hopefully, fingers crossed. I am not happy with my writing though, I was re-reading some old chapters and my writing was so much better then… it felt smoother and the emotions were better portrayed. It's frustrating… I'm trying to improve but.. ugh.. anyway… here it is. Also, I wanted to get straight into the action.. but the characters decided they wanted some development. :P sigh...
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter. The dialogues in black are direct quotes from the book.
Warning: Grammar and Spelling errors...
Chapter 44.
Draco Malfoy watched the people milling about the station. The flashing of lights had him turning towards the entrance where Sebastian Potter was waving at his adoring fans and the press, ready for his new year at Hogwarts. Draco felt bile rise within him. The arrogant sod. He turned his nose away from the sight, turning towards bushy hair making their way across the station.
A smile lit up his face. He could not believe how much they had grown.
The last two years had been tough on them. They had been adrift without Harry and Draco had to bring Hermione completely in the group. They made sure to have her take a vow to silence and the Draco had told her everything. He had given her time to come to terms with the truth.
When she had demanded more information he had taken her to his father. He did not know what the two talked about, but when she had left his office, it felt like a load had lifted from her shoulder. She confided in his that she hated lack of information. She needed it to make her judgements and his father had apparently helped her with it.
She had not liked their plan for second year, unable to understand the need. She had shoved away all her concern's for Harry's sake, but his subsequent coma had left her in turmoil. Her talk with Lucius and then later with the Dark Lord, when she met him at Harry' hospital- although he doubted she knew who he was- had relaxed her enough to completely be on their side.
Draco had needed her in their third year. Harry's second year had lost him a lot of support in Hufflepuff, with him going incognito more often than not. Two Hufflepuff prefects had taken to caring for him, but they had been unable to get to Harry.
When news of Harry's possession had come out, Hufflepuff had taken it the hardest. One of their puffs had been possessed and none of them had noticed; if they had noticed the changes in his behaviors, they had ignored it. It went against everything Hufflepuffs believed in.
Draco had decided to involve Diggory and Smithson, on Harry's recommendation, in their third year as a way to get in Hufflepuff. Without Harry, they had no way of knowing what was happening in the house. Harry had been in touch with them through letters, letting them know what actions they need to take.
Without Harry, and with his name being smeared by Potter, it had been vital that they get the truth to their own people. Third year, Draco, Hermione, Neville, Diggory and Smithson had worked on gaining complete control over their own houses. Draco had been the prince of his house since his first year due to his father's power, but over the course of their third year, Slytherin had learnt not to mess with Draco.
He had stopped holding back in private. A seventh year Slytherin had tried to attack a muggleborn Ravenclaw third year, to prove his superiority. Draco would have been angry in any circumstances, but when that muggleborn was Hermione.
Well…
Draco had made sure what was left of him, after Hermione was done, never left the hospital till the end of the year. Hermione tutoring club in Ravenclaw had expanded to include all the houses. Students study groups could be found with any number of house combinations. Draco, Hermione, Neville made sure to be seen studying together. Sometimes Cedric or Adam would join them. Other times, even the Weasley twins could be seen joining them.
Neville had taken all the underdog Gryffindors, who were not worth Sebastian Potter's attention, under his wing. The best of them was a Colin Creevey. Neville had taken Creevey under his wing when Sebastian had bullied the other for taking his pictures without permission. They had already had an in with Gryffindor first years- now second years- with Alex being sorted in Gryffindor, to the surprise of none.
They had tried to keep the fact that they were actively trying to bring people together a secret, so it had been slow work, but they had good people in their corner.
Susan Bones and Hannah Abbott had been a welcome addition to the group. They had gotten sick of Sebastian Potter's vitriol against Harry. They had been closest to Harry and Draco had told them that Harry was not a squib, but was learning and recovering and would be back for fourth year. From what he knew, they had also taken up correspondence with Harry over the year.
So here Draco was, on pins and needles, waiting for his best friend, who he had not seen for more than a year. He waved towards Hermione when he realized she could not see him.
Hermione looked towards him and smiled, his heart squeezed, before he shoved it aside. Hermione ran towards him, gasping for breath.
"Is he here yet?! Did I miss him? Where is he?!"
Draco chuckled, "Hello to you to. I see you missed me."
Hermione slapped him on the arm, using it to balance herself, her hair falling over her face, as she tried to gather her breath. "I was almost late! Today of all days. So? Where is he?!"
Draco let out a chuckle, pushing her hair that had escaped behind her ear, before slowly pulling his hand back. He tried to pretend nonchalant as he turned towards the entrance.
"He's not here yet. Sirius is supposed to bring him directly from Germany today. I wanted him to come earlier, but he refused. Said he needed to make a statement. No idea what he meant by that."
Hermione stood up straight next him. She tightened her hold on his arm, understanding his turmoil. They had no idea how Harry would treat them. He had been alone with only Irene for company for a year now. They were waiting for him, but Draco was afraid it would not be the same. Harry would be too different.
Commotion at the entrance had them turning to look towards the barrier.
It was Sirius! He was holding a cart, with Alex right next to him.
Draco straightened his back, eyes fixed on the entrance, heart beating in his chest, sound rushing through his ears. Behind Sirius came a girl, no older than eleven. He recognized those dark curls, Irene. She was laughing at something Rabastan had said, who held the second cart.
By now they had the attention of the whole station. The reporters had left Sebastian to turn their attention towards the new family, waiting. Would someone appear behind the trio?
Draco did not doubt that Harry would come. He promised. He always kept his promises.
Just as the crowd was about to give up, a man came walking through the barrier. He was tall and slim. Lithe with pitch black hair almost reaching his shoulders. They were covering the man's face, as he looked down, rummaging through a bag in his hands. Apparently finding what he was looking for, the man zipped up the bag, hoisted it on his left shoulder and raised his head up to look ahead.
Piercing emerald eyes looked up and narrowed straight at them. Recognition flared, a smile bloomed across pale face and Harry ran.
Ignoring the flaring of the camera lights, the crowd held back by Rabastan and Sirius, the scowl on Sebastian's face; ignoring all his teaching, Draco let Hermione pull him towards Harry, speeding to keep up.
The hug was long overdue. Draco managed to hold back his emotions while Hermione burst into tears at the contact.
"I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!" she sobbed.
Harry just held them both tighter. The joining of another body had him knowing that Neville had joined them as well. Neville had no problems with letting his tears flow, as he hugged Harry with everything he had. Magic reached for him, prompting him to join it with his own.
Neville felt his shoulders relaxing, stress and worry he had been carrying for two years releasing as he let Harry's strong arms and magic carry him. Harry was here now. He would take care of everything now.
The group finally moved away from each other, chuckling and rubbing at their faces in embarrassment.
The clamor breached their little bubble and they watched as Harry's face wiped of every single warmth he felt towards them. A shy smile suddenly came on his face, hand awkwardly running through his hairs as he turned towards the cameras, face half hidden by his hair, "Hi! How are you guys?"
The reporters took that as acceptance to bombard him with questions. Harry barely managed to catch the end tail of one question, "-Squib?"
Harry let confusion fall on his face, "Squib? I was never a squib."
A hush fell on the watching crowd, including the reporters, on hearing the statement, waiting to hear what he would say next.
"I was possessed and my magic had exhausted itself fighting the possession. It took a whole year for me to recover the full use of my magic, but I was never a squib. I was the top in my first year at Hogwarts. The only reason my grades fell in second year is that I had chunks of memories missing. I had no idea if I submitted my homework, how I did it, and what I was even studying on most days. I wanted to tell someone, but something always stopped me. When I got better I wanted to join my friends at Hogwarts, so I studied with private tutors last year. I did retake the third year exams, if you want to look at my results, before I was allowed to join fourth year; but I always had my magic."
Harry held back a smirk, his face a mask of confusion. In one statement, he had debunked three rumors about him. He was stupid; while being first in his year at Hogwarts, and they were welcome to check his recent grades. He had no friends; proof of him surrounded by his closest friends right now, and he was a squib.
Before the reporters could say anything about his statement, a body pushed its way to the front. Sebastian Potter met his brother for the first time in a year. Reporters waited for the emotional reunion, but only stony silence met them.
"Don't you have something to say to me?" Sebastian questioned.
James Potter was suddenly on Sebastian's other side, whispering furiously in his ear.
Sebastian apparently ignored him, "Shouldn't you be thanking me right now?" he demanded.
Harry thought over his response. He had not expected Sebastian to confront him in public, in front of reporters no less. This could end up very good for him or very bad.
"Thank you, I guess. For what though?" Harry responded.
"For what!? For saving your life! How could you be stupid enough to get possessed?! Shouldn't you have gone to someone the moment you realized something was wrong?!"
Harry felt anger flare inside him, not hiding it one bit, "Do something?! Do something?! I was possessed! It not like one I spent one day as myself and one day as someone else. I barely knew I was missing time in the beginning. By the time I figured out something was wrong, I got suspicious and threw the diary away! It was one of the hardest things I had done but I threw it away!"
Harry reined in his anger. He needed to be careful of the information he gave. Marvolo was safe, no matter how many people went after his imagined horcruxes; still best be safe.
Sebastian had obviously not expected him to respond back. He had thought Harry would cower in shame and embarrassment. "Then why did you have it with you?! Why were you possessed?!"
Harry felt glee curl inside him as he let lose;
"Because you had the diary! It was in your bag! I got scared something would happen to you, so I took it back!"
Something about what he said triggered Sebastian. Harry barely had focus of mind not to stop Sebastian in his tracks as rough hands grabbed him by his shirt. Sebastian shook him, "It was you?! You stole the diary from me?! What else did you take?! What else have you stolen?!"
Harry let his confusion fester, pressing the pressure point on Sebastian's wrist to loosen his hold and shoving it away.
Hermione and Draco grabbed his arms to pull him back from Sebastian while Sirius and James came between the two.
Sebastian was trying to get his father to listen, while Rabastan was sending the reporters away. The whistling of the train had them turning towards the train. Harry took his luggage from Sirius as he wished him goodbye before heading towards the train, letting Irene find her own way and friends, Sebastian's last words ringing in his mind, "-cloak!"
Harry jumped on the train, the door closing behind him as he let out a sigh. "That was either very good or very bad."
Hermione let out a chuckle next to him, "You haven't changed, have you? Only a few seconds back and already having a tiff with your brother."
Harry started walking along the corridor, following Draco towards the compartment the other had obviously arranged, "Oh, this is just the beginning Hermione. I'm not letting him walk over me this year. Things are going to be happening at Hogwarts, and this time, I'm prepared."
The trip to Hogwarts was one of the best Harry had. Word had spread on the train that Harry Potter had joined the fourth years and students were constantly checking in their compartments. Harry let them, greeting each and every one of them, one of his friends providing him with the name and introducing them.
Running footsteps had him turning towards their door when Susan burst in, gasping for breath. Her eyes fell upon Harry, widening in shock before she was launching herself at him. Harry grasped her from her waist, letting her sob into his shoulders. He had been in touch with Susan and Hannah the most last year. They had blamed themselves for not noticing him, and had been so apologetic towards him. It had taken a while for their guilt to subside and now he could count them amongst his friends. He looked at Hannah over Susan's shoulder and gave her a nod.
The tightening of the arms had him gasping, patting her arm, "Sus- can't…. breathe.."
"Oh Sorry!," Susan exclaimed, jumping back in embarrassment.
Harry rubbed at this throat, smile curling at his lips, heart light in way that even Marvolo and Lucius had not accomplished.
"It's okay."
He could not believe he had managed to make true friends at Hogwarts, when before he had just expected to have pawns he could maneuver and manipulate. He was much happier with this outcome. He had not expected this positive a reception, though.
Harry looked towards Draco, who had not taken his eyes off him, ever since they sat in the compartment. He grasped Draco's hand, looking him in the eye, letting him know it was okay.
"Thank you Draco."
He could not say more; did not know how to explain what seeing people, who were happy to see him, meant to him. It was all Draco, he had no doubt about it. Draco, Hermione and Neville. Now he had even more people. He looked around the compartment and let them see the gratitude he felt deep in his heart. "Thank you everyone."
The kids in the compartment shifted in embarrassment, "It's okay Harry." Neville spoke.
Hannah, who could not handle the somber atmosphere asked, "So, what did you learn this last year?"
The query had them all bombarding Harry with their own questions and happy chatter filled the compartment the rest of the journey.
As they got closer to Hogwarts, they all moved into different compartments to change into their school uniforms, Harry relishing the comradery that he had missed for a year. While before, he used to spend his time on the train reading or mulling his own thoughts, last year had taught him the importance of people. His isolation had him craving his friends and their warmth and laughter.
The train finally stopped at the pitch dark station of Hogsmeade, the patter of the rain hitting the window panes likes bullets. Somewhere along the way, it had started raining. Harry had no idea when it got this bad. As the train doors opened thunder rumbled from above them. Harry watched the students running towards the waiting carriages, getting wet by the minute. Hermione had covered herself with a cloak, an ugly looking cat in her arms, that Harry had never seen before. She looked ready to jump into the pouring rain when Harry stopped her, "Are you mad?!"
Harry waved his wand over himself, "Impervious."
Harry then stepped out of the platform, raising his wand towards the sky, "Gerie."
An invisible umbrella materialized above him, stopping the rain from reaching him. "Well? Are you guys coming?"
Hemione and Draco looked at each other in amusement, Neville just shook his head, as they followed Harry's example and cast the spells. They were the only handful of students still dry by the time they reached the carriages. While the rest hurried inside, Harry stopped. He looked towards the creatures tied to the carriages, his heart squeezing in his chest as he looked into black eyes.
Thestrals.
Fire, burning, death.
"rry- "
Harry turned towards the sound with blank eyes. It was Neville, "Are you okay?"
Harry looked at the creatures again, letting his magic curl them in greeting. The thestral bowed its head towards him before it turned to look ahead. Harry climbed on the carriage.
Harry let his magic free as it touched Hogwarts, the school welcoming him. The wards were worse. They had not been this bad in his second year. Come to think of it, they were stronger in his second year than his first. They were worse now than they ever had been. This was bad.
Harry wanted to discuss this with Marvolo but he did not have time. The carriage stopped in front of the great oak front doors. Harry jumped down from the corridor, the mud sliding of his school robes, leaving them clean. People ahead watched the group descend from carriage, all clean, not a drop of water on them as they walked towards the torch-lit entrance Hall.
Cursing from the side had them turning towards a drenched Sebastian Potter, who was seething at Harry. Harry ignored him.
There were sudden screams as large, red, water-filled balloons dropped out of the ceiling. They hit the students on their heads, drenching them with cold water. Harry felt the essence move, felt the conviction and turned his wand towards the incoming balloon, "Reducite!"
The balloon stopped midair, rushing back to where it came from. There was a yelp as Peeves was drenched with his own water balloon. Everyone was struck dumb. Harry put his wand back into the holster, letting his eyes shine with his power, looking the poltergeist in the eye, "Truce to me and mine?"
Peeves recognized him for what he was, his eyes wide with shock before glee filled them, "We will talk young Potter."
Peeves zoomed away after that cryptic remark, his chuckles bouncing off the walls. Just then, Professor McGonagall came rushing out of the Great Hall, probably on hearing the screams; she skidded on the wet floor, and grasped the student closest to her to maintain her balance.
"Peeves!", she shouted, looking around for the poltergeist.
"He left Professor." Harry spoke.
Professor McGonagall looked at him and her eyes clouded with an unnamed emotion before she controlled herself.
"Yes, well. Move along then," said McGonagall to the crowd.
The wet students shuffled into the Great Hall. Harry and his friends entered the hall as a unit, noise suddenly dimming when people saw Harry amongst the group. He nodded to his friends, "Next weekend, RoR."
He moved towards the Hufflepuff table, head held high. He would not show weaknesses, not this year.
Harry sat on the Hufflepuff table, students suddenly getting up and coming to greet him, asking him how he was. Harry firmly kept his mask in place. He was the shy Hufflepuff who had come back to Hogwarts after a trauma. He could work this.
The doors of the Great Hall suddenly opened, the students going back to their seats. It was Professor McGonagall leading the first year. The poor students looked like they had swum in the lake. All but one. Irene was standing in the center of the crowd, dry, smiling cheek to cheek, bouncing in place.
Harry felt pride burst into him. Irene was so unapologetically herself. Now that he thought about it, the one with the masks tended to be him, Draco and Neville. Alex never had to pretend to be someone else and neither did Irene.
Irene had taken it to another level. Neville hid the part of himself that was Bellatrix's protegee, but not Irene. Irene was a Black female and was proud of it. She took after Bellatrix more than anyone else; Wild and a little untamed.
There was boy next to Irene who was looking at her in awe. The boy looked towards the Gryffindor table and mouthed something, looking gleeful. Everyone looked towards the front when the Sorting Hat started to sing his song.
Soon the children started heading towards the hat and moving towards their house. Irene's name was the fourth, "Black Irene!" Whispers filled the houses. One of the students turned towards Harry, "Is she a Black? I thought there were no female black children?'
Harry did not turn to answer, he wanted to look at Irene getting sorted, "She's my god sister. Adopted."
Irene almost skipped towards the sorting hat, putting in on her head, the smile never leaving her face. The hat barely touched her head, "Slytherin!" it shouted. The table in green erupted in cheers. Harry joined them, standing up so that Irene could see him better. He was happy for her. She would be safe in Slytherin.
Two names after her name, came the boy who had been looking around the Hall in glee.
"Creevey, Dennis!"
Harry recognize the name. His brother was one of Neville's, if he remembered correctly.
"Gryffindor!"
So they had first year Slytherins and Gryffindors. Good.
Harry paid close attention to the sorting. Looking at the children's names and their houses. Trying to keep them in mind. The best way to make connections was when the poor first years needed help. He would be the kind senior always willing to lend a hand. He was a Hufflepuff after all.
The sorting hat soon finished. The Headmaster got up to his feet, raising his hands wide, greeting every single student. Harry felt resentment curl inside his, putting his barriers up completely. Nothing could leak to Dumbledore.
It was soon time for food. He enjoyed eating pure British food again, sending his gratitude towards the elves. After the table was clear, everyone turned towards the Head Table. Dumbledore stood up to address the crowd, Harry barely paid attention, too busy looking at the Professor's for the year. Hmmm. There was Mad-Eye-Moody, his dad's old mentor. He must be the new DADA teacher. Harry heard Dumbledore introduce Mad-eye and looked away when the whizzing blue eye turned towards him. It's okay. He had nothing to hide this year. He had asked to be removed from any plans Marvolo made. He had his own plans this year.
His attention was again captured by Dumbledore when the other banned all Quidditch, "This is due to an event that will be starting in October, and continuing throughout the school year, taking up much of the teachers' time and energy- but I am sure you will all enjoy it immensely. I have great pleasure in announcing that this year at Hogwarts we will be hosting a very exciting event. An event which has not been held in over a century. It is my great pleasure to inform you that the Triwizard Tournament will be taking place at Hogwarts this year."
"Your joking!", came from the Gryfindor table. Harry recognized the voice. Sniggers erupted in the Hall and everyone started talking amongst themselves. Most of the Hufflepuff's turned towards Susan and Hannah. "Did you guys know?!"
Susan shook her head, "I knew something was going on. Aunt had been too busy this summer, but I did not expect this!"
A first year, muggleborn no doubt, turned towards the boy sitting next to him, asking in a whisper, "What is the triwizard tournmant?"
Harry turned to reply when Dumbledore cleared his throat at the table, "I am not joking. Now to explain to those who don't know-"
Harry tuned out the rest of the speech, already knowing everything there was to know about the competition. He turned towards the Gryffindor table to observe Sebastian. The other looked to be taking in every word Dumbledore was speaking, face alight with glee and determination. Sebastian was going to apply no doubt.
"- an age restriction on the contenders. While the judges only wanted students above the age of seventeen, due to Sebastian Potters amazing performance in defeating a Basilisk, the age restriction has been decreased to fourteen. But, all under seventeen hopefuls needs a signed consent form from their guardians. Only then will you be able to put your name for consideration."
Dumbledore stopped when cheering began to fill from all the tables. All fourteen above ecstatic. Even Susan and Hannah had a gleam on their faces. He had no doubt everyone was going to apply.
Dumbledore bid them goodnight and students started moving towards their perspective houses, still excited about potentially becoming a Hogwarts Champion. Harry was going to apply, but he would not cheat. If the cup chose him then great, if not, then he knew that someone else truly deserved it.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Harry woke the next morning feeling fresh and ready to tackle Hogwarts. He slipped from under the covers and went to the common room. The flowers and plans seemed to glow the moment he entered the room, some slithering towards him, others vibrating in place. A sunflower falling on his shoulders had him blinking, a smile lighting his face, as he caressed it. "Hello, beautiful."
Harry let his power touch them in welcome, before walking out the common room. He started shaking his body and stretching. He bounced in place to warm his body up before quickly walking towards the Room of Requirement. He was running halfway through, letting his body heat up.
He paced three times, his training room back in Germany in front of his mind. His magic started singing along his veins the moment he entered his training room. Weapons gleamed from one side, from the single edged Dao to the larger broadswords, while dummies stood on the other side.
He let out as sharp smile as he prepared for his morning training.
XXX
Sebastian Potter looked towards the Hufflepuff table as he waited for his breakfast. His brother was back, which meant something bad was going to happen this year as well. Good. At least he would get to be the hero again. He was going to be the Triwizard Champion, no matter what he had to do. He would show them all.
A chuckle, a few seats away from him had him turning towards the Lestrange boy. How someone so evil and dark could be in Gryffindor he did not know, "What's so funny death eater?" he snarled.
Sharp brown eyes looked straight at him, a smile on the boy's face, not even a little bit angry at being called death eater.
"Potter, I've told you so many times, that only my aunt was a death eater, everyone knows that. My dad and uncle were never charged. So calling me a death eater is just plain stupid. You do know my other dad is Sirius right? He hates the Dark. So take a chill pill, would you. Sides, you got other things to worry about."
Saying that Alex got up from his chair, moved towards Sebastian and threw a newspaper in front of him, "Considering how often to appear in the papers, you really should get a subscription. Let's go second year! We have class!"
Sebastian watched as the second years quietly got up and followed him. What? Not the time.. He quickly opened up the front page. His mouth dropped in shock at the huge headlines, 'Sebastian Potter lied? Attacked brother at Kings Cross' .A picture of him grabbing Harry by the collars and shaking him, front and center. His image would grab Harry by the collar, only for the other to push him away, before the picture went again, and again, and again.
What was this bullshit! The fuck were these people saying about him. Sebastian could not contain his anger and contempt as he read the article.
My dear readers, it is with a heavy heart that I bring you this news. It seems our dear Boy- Who-Lived lied to us. Yes, you read that right. In our interview a year ago Sebastian Potter emphatically stated that he had never seen the diary, or else he would have recognised it as a dark object. It seems he was lying. According to Harry Potter, he had fought the possession and thrown the diary away. This actually coincides with the two months there were no attacks at Hogwarts. The only reason he got the dark object back, was to save his brother, when Sebastian Potter was seen with the diary on Valentine's day; when his bag was ripped open. (We have confirmed this story with a couple of students, who remember the incident)
Not only did Sebastian Potter not recognise the item, as he claimed he could have, his brother is not as weak as he portrayed; if he fought the possession off and even threw the object away. Sebastian Potter even inadvertently confirmed the accusation when he, on hearing the news, attacked his brother and accused him of stealing the diary from him.
My dear readers, With the Triwizard Tournmant in Hogwarts this year, do not worry, I will make sure to keep my eye on Hogwarts and bring you the truth of everything that happens.
The newspaper fell from his hands. What? Why did Rita write this? They had a deal, did they not? Dad told him they had a deal! Why would she write rubbish like this?
Sebastian turned furious eyes towards Harry, who was chatting with his friends and laughing. It was all his fault. He stole the cloak. He stole the diary. He did not know why he had not made the connection back then. Or even afterwards. He had known it was Tom Riddle. He had known he was doing it through the diary and had possessed Harry; why he never thought of Harry stealing the diary, he had no idea. It meant Harry could easily have gotten inside his room and stolen his cloak.
He had been so angry at the station. Suddenly everyone wanted to see Harry. Why? What did his brother ever do? He was a hufflepuff, so what if he was a nerd; he was also someone who let himself get possessed. He always hurt their parents and made them cry. It was Sebastian who had defeated Quirell and Voldemort, it was him who had defeated the basilisk. Him, not Harry. So why did people care about his good for nothing brother!
He would show them all this year. He would show them that his brother was nothing!
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Harry sat in his first class of Herbology. It was good to be back in school with other students. He had missed this, being surrounded by other people, even if none could match him. He had made friends with the boys of his dormitory but he was closer with the girls. This year, he needed them to follow him. He needed them to come to him and consider him their leader, and it started here.
There were four boys in his dorm; Ernie Macmillian, Justin Finch, Wayne Hopkins and Zacharias Smith. All had been good boys, with the exception of Smith being a snob. He could work with that. They did not need to be buddies, they just needed to be friendly enough, that they thought of Harry whenever something happened.
Harry wore his gloves as he moved towards the bubotubers. He kept his soul skill tightly closed, so much so that he felt bereft, but this was Neville's place to shine. He would never take it from him. A shout had him turning towards Zacharias, who was wrinkling his nose in disgust, the pus having splattered on his robes.
Harry pointed his wand at the clothes, "Evanesco."
Zacharis looked up in gratitude at whomever had cleaned him up, before he froze at seeing Harry. He nodded at the boy. Harry smiled and turned back to his work. Baby steps.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Harry spent the rest of his days getting in to the rhythm of Hogwarts. It was so different from learning at home, at his own timetable. He got up early in the morning to keep up his training routine. Then had a shower before heading for breakfast.
After breakfast he would join his year mates in their classes. It became evident to him very quickly that he was ahead of the fourth year students. He had always been ahead of his studies, but with having only studies and controlling his magic, he had gone far beyond what was being taught at Hogwarts fourth year. He was the first to perform any magic performed and the one to know the answer to any question asked. Huffepuff was ahead of every house in the first week.
Hufflepuffs were so happy to have him back and that he had not changed. He was still the nerdiest Hufflepuff. The only hiccup had come during Defense Against the Dark Arts. When he had learnt from the other houses that Moody was putting the kids under the Imperious, he had to go to Professor Sprout, to ask for a leave from that class.
The official reason was that he was possessed, and even the thought of not having control of his mind, was sending him into a panic attack. He had to deal with snide comments from Sebastian for that. Most of the kids had understood and some had even supported him.
The true reason was that that Imperious curse no longer worked on him. Marvolo was a master at Legilimency and Occlumency. Harry shared a soul with Marvolo, ergo he got access to Marvolo's skills, but Marvolo also made sure that he knew both the skills himself as well, so that no one could mess with his mind. He already had natural barriers, with him being a soul reader, else he would have been brain dead as a child; Marvolo had further taught him since childhood to be able to control it. Add in being a Horcrux. Marvolo made sure even he would have trouble entering his mind, if he did not want it.
Other than that, time seemed to pass with studying in the library with Hermione's group, then Neville's group, then the Slytherin and also the Hufflepuffs. It soon became apparent to everyone that Harry knew a lot, and was always willing to teach. He seamlessly integrated himself back into the life blood of Hogwarts.
The only time when he had truly felt uncomfortable had been his first week back, when he had decided to sneak away to visit Filch and Mrs. Norris.
~~~Flashback~~~
He knocked on the door and waited. Filch opened the door, a snarl on his face which melted on seeing him. The other considered him for a moment before opening the door and letting him enter.
He sat inside, on the chair that he had made his own in his second year, Mrs. Norris sitting on his lap, demanding that he pet her. He sat in silence, only looking up when tea was placed in front of him. He smiled at the man, before taking his cup. It tasted just the same. Harry expected the visit to go like every other. Silence while the loneliness that cloaked the other man gradually lessened.
He had not expected the soft voice that spoke, "I'm sorry"
Harry looked up into dark eyes, soft and yet so sad. "What?" he croaked in confusion.
"I should've known something was wrong with you. You were here so much and I never thought something was wrong."
Harry pondered on the statement, before sitting straight and looking the man in the eye, letting him see his sincerity, "I came here because I wanted to. I don't know why, but I felt safe here." Harry whispered the last part, more to himself than anything else. It was true. He had felt safe here that year, and even now.
Filch face suddenly broke into a grin. Harry's eyes widened at the mischievous look in them, "Of course you were safe here. I'll make sure you are safe, don't worry lad."
Harry looked at the other in confusion. When nothing else was forthcoming, he sat back in his chair and took a sip, eyes narrowed in consideration.
'Marvolo?'
Yes Harry.
'Did you get that?'
No, let me check.
Harry gave Marvolo access to his memories while he waited.
Hmmm. Interesting.
Harry let out a huff in his mind, 'Are you going to share?'
Let me do some research Harry, and I will let you know. Relax, wasn't it you that wanted to stay out of everything this year and just focus on building your people and the cup. You fought really hard to stay out of everything this year. So stay out please.
~~~Flash Back ends~~~
Now, sitting near the lake as he thought back to the incident, he felt an uncomfortable feeling settle in his stomach. He had fought tooth and nail to be free from Dumbledore's thumb this year. He wanted to apply for the cup, he wanted the cup to choose the best from the school. He wanted it all to be normal for once, without any plans or secrets. Was that so bad?
He did not want to share any part of the glory for once. If he deserved it, he wanted it for himself without any manipulation, without hiding and just being himself. He knew Marvolo had been considering plans for his brother this year and a part of him hated it. He hated how much attention Marvolo was giving his brother. Sebastian did not deserve it.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Soon September blended into October and it was time for the students from the other schools to arrive. Harry stood in a line behind Wayne, who was anxiously bouncing in place, while they moved towards the entrance. "Why are you so nervous?" he asked.
Wayne looked back towards him in embarrassment, "I've never even heard about the other schools and what the students would be like. I guess I don't want to seem like … a …. weakling I guess."
Harry smiled reassuringly at the boy, "It's fine. Even I would be nervous if I did not already know a few people from Dumstrang."
More people had apparently heard his statement than he had intended as gasps went around him.
Hermione was suddenly in his face, "Really! Why didn't you tell me?!"
Harry stumbled back in shock, "Hermione!"
Harry did not have time to tell her anything when one of the Patil twins took Hermione by the elbow and dragged her away. Sound of chuckles had him turning towards the Slytherins where Draco was watching Hermione, a grin on his face. Harry tilted his head in consideration before a smile broke out on his face. Draco's face lost all colour when he saw the smile.
The shout from the Gryffindor, "There!" had everyone turning towards the forest. Harry let his senses out; he felt it before he saw it. Abraxan winged horses!
Harry could not stop his gaze from going over the creatures in admiration. A large head looked straight at him, fiery red eyes glinting, before the creature bowed its head. The other students had been too busy looking at the people descending from the carriage to pay attention to the exchange. Soon the Beauxbaton had left for the Great Hall.
While the students kept looking at the sky, Harry turned towards the lake. Demetri had told him that Dumstrang had a ship they used to travel and was large enough for the students living and classes. No doubt they would be coming from there, "Look towards the lake" he whispered to Wayne.
Soon all the kids were looking towards the lake. The mast was the first to appear followed by the entire ship. By now, Harry was feeling anxious. He did not want to hide and pretend not to know the professor. It might even help him bridge the gap with the Dumstrang students, but how would the students and teachers of Hogwarts react, if they ever found out what Demetri taught. Then again Demetri could lie about what he specifically taught Harry.
Is it safe letting my connection with Demetri be known?
He is not stupid, but I've already asked him to mention only a certain aspect of it.
A moment of silence…
You worry too much. Relax and enjoy being a fourth year Hogwart's student during the Tournament.
Harry blushed at the reprimand. He could not help it. Something had his skill twitching in place. His magic was feeling the undercurrents of something, but he could not pin point it. He shook his head and focused on following the students back into the school, exclamations and excitement all around, he distantly heard someone say, 'Krum', but his mind was too far away.
The Great Hall seemed filled to the brim. All the student's attention was focused on the head table were there were more chairs than people. The heads of the other houses were seated but three chairs were empty. Harry ignored the empty chairs and looked at the food before him, making sure to try everything and send a thread of thanks to the elves.
The gasp from Susan across from him took his attention. She was gazing at the head table with a soft look in her eyes, a blush rising up her hairline. Harry looked towards the direction she was looking and felt his own eyes widen, mouth drying up at the sight.
Marvolo!
It was Marvolo sitting on one of the previously empty chairs. The other chair was occupied by Barty Crounch Junior, the Head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation, youngest ever Head at the Ministry, and also one of Marvolo's right hand men. The last chair had a blonde woman who seemed very plain but Harry could tell there was more going on there than seen on the surface.
Harry narrowed his eye at Marvolo, Is this one of those things I don't need to know about?
Marvolo let out a chuckle in his mind, brown eyes looked at him with a smirk, Don't worry my dear, I'll be keeping you out of it.
Harry grit his teeth, why on earth did Marvolo keep bringing the fact that he had demanded he not be involved in any plans this year. Was it too much to ask that no one mess with anything this year? Things go normal, the cup chose whomever it choses without any interference. Let things fall where they might.
Harry's shook his head at his thoughts when the table was cleared and Dumbledore stood up to give his speech while Filch brought in a chest, covered with jewels. Murmurs of excitement rang in the hall.
"The tasks this year have been the work of a multitude of different departments and countries, most notably our very own, Mr. Bartermious Crouch Jr, the Head of the Department of Magical Cooperation and Mr. Thanatos Dionysis, the Ambassador of Germany, and the chosen liaison of Durmstrang Institute. Originally there were to be five judges but to eliminate biasness, this year there will be six judges. Three of the Heads of the schools, Jr, as a British representative, Miss Florescence Armand, the Head of the Bureau des Magicommunications of France and Mr. Dionysus for Dumstrang, as they refuse to release the location of their school.
These three representatives, along with the British Ministry, have worked together to design the challenges the champions will face which will test their magical poweress – their daring – their power of deduction— and, of course their ability to cope with danger."
Even Harry was paying complete attention as Dumbledore explained the details, "As you know, three champions compete in the Tournament, one from each of the participating school. They will be marked on how well they perform each of the Tournament tasks and the champion with the highest total after task three will win the Triwizard Cup. The champions will be chosen by an impartial selector….the Goblet of Fire."
Dumbledore then took out a cup from the casket. The cup was full to the brim with dancing, blue-white flames. Harry tilted his head in curiosity, deciding to test if he could feel the flames.
Do not mess around with the cup.
Harry sent a scathing look towards Marvolo before turning his attention back to Dumbleore. "Anyone wishing to submit themselves as champion must write their name and school clearly upon the slip of parchment, and drop it into the Goblet. You all have twenty-four hours to put your name in. The cup will judge you and select the three students who are the best from their respective schools. The cup will be left in the Entrance Hall for easy access. I will be drawing an age line so no one under the age of fourteen can enter. Anyone below seventeen should also have the guardians signature on the piece of paper. Now, off you go."
The students started chatting as they moved to exit the Hall. "Harry!"
Harry recognised the voice. He turned with a smile, "Hello Professor, how are you?"
Professor Demetri shook Harry's hand, "Good, good. What have I told you about calling me by name?" he asked with mock seriousness.
"Um, not to?" Harry snarked back with a grin.
"Are you keeping up with your training? You're sure to get selected for your school."
Harry ducked his head to hide his head in embarrassment. He rubbed the back of his neck, "I am hoping"
Demetri thumped him on his back, "Relax boy. You got this. I have to go now. See you when you are the new champion?"
Harry looked at the Dumrstrang students who were looking at him strangely, elbowing and whispering to each other. Harry just shook his head and ran to meet his year mates. He would submit his name early in the morning. He wanted people to watch him put his name in.
As Harry got ready for bed, he could not help the feeling of sudden dread that came to him.
Marvolo?
Yes, Harry. Is everything okay?
Have you gone back?
No, the people responsible for the cup are going to be staying at Hogwarts until the champions are chosen, barring other duties outside Hogwarts, of course.
Why?
Nothing… just…. Can you please not do anything? I know you have plans…. But please. I just want one year where I can be myself without having to pretend, without having to share the fame, if I get chosen. I don't want to not be selected because of any cheating….. If I naturally don't get selected, then whoever it is deserves it and I will be happy. Please….. I want… to prove to everyone that I am the better brother…. Please…
Harry only got silence in return, before his tired mind shut off and he slept, dreaming of being the champion.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Harry ran towards the corner, hedges snapping at his feet. He grinned in exhilaration. The poor plant was trying so hard to make it seem like it was attacking him, while being absolutely put off over having to.
He turned the corner and there it was. The Triwizard cup. He did not stop and sped up. He was right there. He touched the cup in triumph, spinning as the portkey activated and he was transported outside the maze, right in front of the stands, shouting and hollering reaching his ears, as Hogwarts cheered for the Triwizard Champion. Harry raised the cup in the air, the cheers increasing in sound. He looked towards the other two champions. They were smiling and clapping for him. He deserved it.
He then turned towards his two people, Marvolo and Lucius, and they were smiling as well. Finally!
Harry could see a scowling Sebastian Potter and could not help the smirk that lit up his face. He did it. Take that Sebastian Potter!
His friends all got up and ran towards him, raising him in the air, as he laughed with happiness.
XxX
After everyone had gone home and the students were sent back to their dormitories, Albus Dumbledore sat in his chair in his office, mulling over the events of the year.
Things had become too unpredictable for him. With rumours of Voldemort gaining power spreading in the summer, Peter having no doubt reaching his master, and the Triwizard being such an opening into Hogwarts, he had expected something to happen. Voldemort should have done something.
Not only had Voldemort acted unpredictably, Sebastain Potter was not chosen as the champion. As much as he had made sure the circumstances were ripe for Sebastian to be chosen, he had decided to not physically mess with the cup. If Sebastian was chosen, then he deserved it, if not then the seventh year who was chosen was the better fit.
He had been so sure that Voldemort would do something though, either get Sebastian Potter selected or something. But nothing.
It was also Harry Potter who was chosen. The boy who had no magic a year ago. He had been observing Harry Potter since the moment he got into an argument with his brother on the station. All year he had watched and he felt something was amiss.
The boy was charismatic in a way he had never been before. He was too powerful, too different.
What did I miss?
Dumbledore closed his eyes, took a deep breath and focused;
What did he know about Harry Potter.
The boy was not the same as the one who was here in the first two years, something had changed within him in second year….. what changed. He was possessed by a horcrux…. He should not have been in a coma….but was….. and nobody survives a come…. Unless…
Dumbledore's eyes snapped open in shocked realisation, a blue gleam filling them.
Harry Potter was a horcrux!
Whether the boy himself was dead -and the chances were greater that the boy was dead, Tom would not have let him live- or his consciousness just suppressed, did not change the fact that the boy was too different from himself… .. If on its destruction of the diary, the Horcrux had gone into the boy... then he had been dealing with Tom Riddle this year all along.
For the first time in a long while Dumbledore felt true fear. No!
He could handle a deranged, broken, magically weak Voldemort. But Tom Riddle at his peak, in the body of Harry Potter was too dangerous. He could not let this continue. If the boy left for the summer, he would disappear and who knows what would happen. No! he needed to act.
He turned towards Fawkes, "Bring me Alastor and Sebastian Potter. Now!"
The bird sung a note and vanished in a flash of flames.
Dumbledore looked towards the sword of Gryffindor hanging on the wall.
Even if the boy was alive, he could not take the chance.
XXXX
Harry had just gotten into his room when he heard a shout from the corridor, "Potter! there's a letter for you!"
Harry turned towards the corridor, taking the letter from Anthony, "Thanks"
He sat in his bed and opened it.
Harry
I don't know how to say this… but can we talk? Face to face. Please. I…. I need to understand.. I just want to talk please… meet me in front of Hagrid's Hut, please.
Sebastian
Harry turned the letter in his hands, wondering what to do. Unable to get rid of his curiosity, he got up and wore his trainers. What could Sebastian possibly want to say to him? He had nothing left to prove to Sebastian, and as much as he wanted to, gloating was beneath him. Still, better get this over with.
Harry turned and left the common room, silently making his way towards Hagrid's hut. As he reached there, he felt his senses tingling. He forced himself to relax, tightening his skill. He was the Triwizard Champion; he could handle whatever Sebastian threw at him.
Waiting in the silence, Harry was suddenly unsure of his actions. He turned to move away, his skill bursting through the shields, danger; the sense of unease he had the entire year converging within him.
Harry?
Fear shot through him and he started to run away before jerking to a halt. Shock spread through him. He saw the sword before fiery pain blazed from his stomach.
Pain, burning, tearing, bleeding.
He fell to his knees, hands alight with his fire as he pushed it towards the empty space the sword had come from. Screams and shouts lit the air, the burning body running away as it tried to unsuccessfully douse his flames.
His vision started to blur, the pain taking over as he fell to the side, blood pooling on the ground around him. His fire raging out of his control.
Harry? Where are you!? What happened? Harry?!
Healing magic tried to pour at him from the connection he shared with Marvolo, but It was too late. He could feel the poison spreading fast, reaching his heart.
I'm Sorry.
He felt the wet tears slide across his cheek, the black sky mocking him.
I'm sorry.
I'm so sorry….
Harry felt his soul magic dying, the creatures in the forest screaming in anguish along with his soul, his fire burning the area around him, trying to fight what was hurting him, before it too burnt out. He felt the world narrow and with his last breath he sent his message, pushing it into the connection.
I love you and Lucius. Please let him know. I'm Sor…..
And he felt no more.
Harry!? Harry!? NO!
The scream rang across the sky, carried by magic and power. The world busting at the seams to contain it. But it was too late.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXx
A/N: So that happened (runs and hides).