Gemini Magic

by MissDeMarcuss

Just before starting fourth year, Harry meets a man who seems like a admirable role-model who could guide him. When he gets more closer to him, Harry's distinction between Light and Dark become blurred. Making him Wonder about this man and how close they have become.

4. The Smallest Detail

The Smallest Detail

---

Harry had woken up. Once again, he had another decent night of sleep. In fact, He was starting to look forward to sleeping. He had some reasonable confidence that he wouldn't have to confront anything in his dreams. Most of the time he wouldn't even remember any of them. His scar wouldn't flare up when he woke up too, which Harry was vastly grateful for. Although, it had become a little pinker in colour and itched more regularly. Looking over his scar in the dorm mirror, Harry wondered if he should see Madam Pomphrey about it. He decided against it, the scar was tied too deeply with Voldemort. It would be better suited to ask someone like Sirius. However, Harry didn't want to talk with Sirius. Not for any pin-able reason. Merely, Sirius seemed so 'out-of-sight, out-of-mind' that talking with him was akin to talking with air. Especially, when Mr Gaunt felt so close by.

Ron, Seamus and Dean paraded into the dorm. The three had woken suspiciously early for teenage boys. Neville frowned at them. Nothing about their 'prank' was clever, helpful or kind. He remained silent and unwilling to stop the trouble unfold.

"Hey, Harry!" Seamus called, grabbing Harry's confused attention, "Look at these!"

The three made a dramatized display of their large round badges pinned to their robes. They changed from various colours along with catch-phrases such as, 'Potty Potter' 'Harry Sinks' and 'Cheating Champion'. Harry frowned but refused to say anything.

"Fred and George made them for tomorrow's trial" Dean sniggered.

"Yeah, and they're selling like wild fire, right Ron!" Seamus added.

Ron gave him a triumphant nod. Harry suspected that Ron was more responsible for the badges than Fred and George. He was angry but he knew it would be easier in the long run to just ignore them. All he could do was hastily get ready and leave the dorm before real trouble began.

Now in a foul mood, Harry entered the common room. Just about everyone were wearing the badges that Ron's new gang had just brandished at him. Harry refused to meet anyone's eyes, knowing that seeing their amused smirks would be enough to set him off. He hoped that on his way to the exit he would run into Hermione. There was some assurance that Hermione would defend his situation. Instead, it was Ginny who came up to him. She stood awkwardly like she was concerned or maybe it was guilt.

All Ginny said was, "I tried to stop him but mum knows about the lies and that Mr Gaunt of yours; So, I would be expecting a letter at breakfast," After giving him a sympathetic grimace, she walked away solemnly.

Harry was under the impression that the Weasley siblings had gotten together to discuss Mr Gaunt behind his back. That angered him further.

He left the common room and strode straight for the grand hall trying his best to ignore all the badges as he passed. He soon reached the hall and was grateful to see Hermione sitting at the Gryffindor's table. Taking his place opposite her, he couldn't help but let out his breath. With Hermione nearby, the badges were somehow more tolerable.

Hermione looked up from her notes. She saw Harry sit opposite her and she gave him a look of sympathy.

"I'm sorry Harry, I should have done something to sort Ron out…" Her apology slowed to a halt as her gaze wandered to a red envelope pinned down by two goblets full of pumpkin juice.

She sighed, "I can't imagine the kind of things he told her, but you don't deserve that,"

"Ron, seems to think so… and his brothers think a prank is necessary as well," Harry muttered.

Hermione stared at Harry sternly, "Harry, you shouldn't be humiliated and punished because you asked someone for help!" She exclaimed.

Harry felt his mood lighten. Hermione had a point. All Mr Gaunt had done was help him. There was nothing wrong or bad with his mentoring. In fact, the issue wasn't that Mr Gaunt was helping but that the Weasleys didn't know him. A realisation came over Harry at that moment. If he wasn't the boy-who-lived then none of this would be a problem. Everyone meets new people all the time. However, since he survived the night that claimed his parents' lives, the consequence would be that people like the Weasley's demanded to know who he was around. He wasn't allowed to make friends with whoever. 'Whoever' was most likely a follower of Voldemort. Unfortunately, not much could be done in Mr Gaunt's defense. Harry himself didn't know much about Mr Gaunt. He always felt that he had witnessed a fraction of the man's life.

"Harry!" Hermione snapped, pulling Harry from his thoughts, "You better open it before it explodes!"

Harry looked at the letter. Pumpkin Juice spilled from the goblets as the letter trembled more and more aggressively. Apprehensively, Harry slid the goblets off and took the letter. After a reluctant pause, he then opened the Howler.

"HARRY JAMES POTTER! DO YOU REALI…"

"Reducto!"

The howler was reduced to mist. Harry looked over the great hall to see who cast the spell. He soon saw that Moody was marching up to them. Harry showed him a grateful smile but Moody remained grumpy, which admittingly, was normal for him.

"A waste of time, Howlers are," Moody took a swig from his private flask then continued, "Don't solve or fix anything,"

"Thank you," Harry said with Hermione looking up gratefully too.

"Shesh- Could you cut down on formalities?" Moody grumbled, "Never mind… Harry, I need some things from the restricted section,"

He handed Harry a library permission form with two book titles and 'Others not listed' scribbled on it.

"Just get those two books to my desk by the end of class," He instructed. Then, after leaning closer to Harry, he quietly added, "And Uh- whatever extra-curricular material you need…"

Moody stood up a little straighter and peered around the hall. Hermione was reading the note over, "Professor, I don't think Harry could find these by himself, perhaps if I came?" She started to suggest.

"No need, Miss Granger," Moody interrupted. "Malfoy!" He roared at the Slytherin table, causing a mousy hair boy to almost gag on his drink, "You and Mr Potter are going to get me some books!" he ordered. The boy gave an awkward nod in response and after that Professor Moody strode away.

Harry and Hermione exchanged confused expressions, uncertain of what to make of Moody's gesture. Soon Hermione and Harry left the gryffindor table. After giving Harry a nod of reassurance, Hermione went off to class. Leaving Harry with Draco in the corridor.

-~o~-

Never could Draco have predicted this. He was officially helping Harry Potter win the Triwizard Tournament. Currently the pair were walking to the library which usually wouldn't be too far from the Great Hall. However, the groups of students that flashed their badges at Harry compelled Draco to take him through a longer route. The Hallways were narrower, longer and was littered with awkward corners. Pretty much everyone avoided its inconvenience, or at least those who wanted to attend class did.

"Give Moody the books by the end of his lesson; You do know what that means, don't you?" Draco started, "Sometimes I feel like you need these things pointed out,"

Harry was starting to understand that Draco was the kind of person who liked to talk. "It means…" He responded bitterly, "That we have an hour in the restricted section to gather whatever we need, I'm not a complete idiot, Malfoy!"

Draco tensed somewhat, reciting the advice his father had given him. Potter doesn't want a perfect friend, he wants an honest friend. He repeated the key words over and over in his head, Honest and Reliable, Honest and Reliable… Someone he could trust…

Harry was difficult to get a good response from. The moments when Draco did would his support were completely random. He had a hard time unpacking Harry's process of decision making. Plus, With Ron's drama added to the mix, what could have been reasonable advances for friendship were met with harsh push back. So, on a whim, he decided to be blunt with Harry.

"I'm not trying to replace him," He said.

Harry glared at Draco, "What are you on about?" he asked rhetorically.

Draco snickered, the look on Harry's face said it all. "Your ex-friend, Ronald… I definitely have no intention of being his substitute," he happily elaborated.

Harry responded with an over dramatic eye-roll.

"I could sort him out… Indirectly of course, the whole 'badge' scheme would be mild compared to what father and I could arrange…" Draco added, hoping that it might help Harry understand the benefits his friendship could bring.

"What exactly can your father arrange? It's unlike himself to have an interest with someone like Hermione!" Harry spat back.

Draco lost his words. So far, he had asked his father three times for clarification about the meetings with Hermione Granger. The subject was always left untouched. Even though they were exchanging many more letters than usual. 'Potter want's honesty,' He once more recited in his mind.

"He refuses to tell me…" Draco quietly confessed.

"Well, that says it all,"

"Hey! Usually, there's only one thing that he refuses to talk about with me…" Draco continued, ignoring Harry's rude remark.

"Let me guess? The time that he was under the imperi…"

"No," Draco cut in, "His childhood…"

Harry didn't answer, there was no point. When his gaze met Draco's, he met a level of seriousness which proved that he said the truth.

Draco awkwardly chuckled, felt strange to be blunt and honest. "I think it's because of the build up to the war…" He tried to rationalise, mostly for his own sake, "I mean, it was a very different world back then,"

Harry ignored Draco talking at the uncomfortable silence. He hated to admit it, but Draco brought up an interesting point. Draco's father and mother had been raised during wartime. In fact, his own parents were raised during war. They grew up in it, fought in it and died in it. The realisation left Harry feeling odd. In a backwards way Voldemort had truly raised an army.

"Well, I'll set about finding those books while you go look for something useful," Draco suggested bringing Harry back to the present.

"Yeah… I guess that works," Harry muttered back.

Soon they were searching the shelves of the restricted section. It was the first time Draco had been, which he made minimal effort to hide from Harry. Although, technically it was Harry's first permitted visit to the section.

Draco was busy finding the two books, leaving Harry to linger amongst the bookshelves. He didn't have the faintest idea what to look for. His mind had run a complete blank for ideas. After a while he found himself sitting at a study desk. He stared out blankly then, without thinking about it, had begun reading the book spines. He noticed there were two books out of place, like someone had absent-mindedly placed them there and left. Lying on top of four manuscripts written in ancient greek was 'The Secrets of the Darkest Art' underneath a copy of 'Gemini: The Missing Other'. Out of pure innocent curiosity Harry decided to take the pair of books. Then, figuring that now he at least had something, went to see how Draco was doing.

Turns out, Draco had far better success at book finding than Harry. Not only did he find the two books Moody needed. He also got three other books on the seven perceptions and magical surgery. According to Draco, there was a lot cross-over between the topics.

-~o~-

Draco, Harry and Hermione were sitting on the corridor floor, each with a book in their hands. After giving Moody his books the three tried to find a quiet place to study them. Sadly, all the good spots in the library were taken and the unusual trio they created made the teachers unwilling to let them use a classroom. Furthermore, the house common rooms forbade other house members from entering. It was no secret that finding a study space during break was hard but this only left two places, the grand hall or Hagrid's hut.

Harry and Hermione couldn't disagree with Draco when he said that studying together in a place like the grand hall was far too public. All of them aware it would spark a wave of rumours. With that said going to Hagrid's Hut involved talking with Hagrid and eating his cooking. Harry and Hermione knew Draco wouldn't keep his calm and be polite. Also, since they were reading books from the restricted section they suspected that they'd be better off if Hagrid didn't know. Giving up, the three found a relatively quiet corridor, sat on its dusty floor and began to read.

"I've run into a bit of a problem…" Hermione began, "Firstly, this book is saying very little about the perceptions themselves, but the main problem is that these perceptions are either something you permanently stitch into yourself or you have made into an object and temporarily tie to yourself…"

Harry peered up from the handwritten notes he was reading. Besides the dragons, the only information he knew about the tournament was that he was only allowed to bring a wand. Whatever object perceptions were made into, would be useless to him. Which left having a perception permanently sewn into him, an idea Harry was not keen to explore.

"I'm getting the same kind of thing in this book" Draco said, "I don't think this will work…"

A wave of nerves came over Harry. He might have trusted Mr Gaunt's words too much, he didn't consider that Mr Gaunt's suggestion would be a dead end.

"Anything on the perceptions themselves? Like the green one or something," Harry asked.

Draco furrowed his brows and started to scan the book for any details. Hermione remained quiet processing the book's information to look for an answer.

"Sorry Harry, this book is sort of unclear on that…" she regretfully answered.

Harry turned back to his own book and tried once again to make sense of the messy writing hidden under numerous blotches of ink.

Draco opened his bag and got out his quill along with a loose sheet of parchment. He then began to scribble all over the page. Harry let him be and put his attention back to the book. Hermione seemed to have given up on her own and instead, opted to watch Draco scribble.

Ten minutes passed. The only thing that could be heard was Draco's quill scratching parchment and the occasional footsteps of someone walking past. Suddenly Hermione grabbed Harry's shoulder and shook him out of his concentration.

"Harry!" She proclaimed, "Draco's onto something!"

Harry's head looked to the parchment Draco had been scribbling on. It's was a mess of lines, symbols and random jumbled words. There was no sense to be made of what Draco was doing.

"Hermione," Harry said, "What are you on about?"

"He's de-coding the book!" Hermione quickly responded, "there's riddles and codes all through out that book,"

"All of them probably," Draco added. "Dark magic has had a bad stigma for a while, so it only makes sense that the useful information is hidden,"

Harry couldn't deny that he was impressed. That would probably explain why his book had horrible handwriting, it must have been written that way intentionally.

Hermione dawned an expression of concern, "Then you'd have to de-code all three books, I don't think we have enough time for that…"

"No, I got what we need; this 'book' had only five pages with useful hidden information, most of it was written to distract the reader," Draco casually explained as he returned his quill into his bag.

"So, what did you find?" Harry asked.

Draco eyed their surroundings for a bit. He wasn't convinced it was safe.
"I will but in a place only we can get to…" he barely voiced.

Harry and Hermione exchanged a look. Whatever it was that Draco had discovered, if it needed to be kept secret then it might not be worth knowing.

"I can't think of a place like that," Hermione admitted.

Draco once more surveyed the corridor, "Harry found a pretty good place in second year… even Dumbledore would struggle to hear us…" he whispered.

Hermione looked at Draco in shock. Harry scrunched his face in fury. "I am not taking you to the chamber of secrets, so just say it already!" He shouted.

Draco jumped. Once more he looked over the corridor and murmured, "Trust me on this one Potter, you especially don't want anyone to hear this…"

"Why!" Harry loudly demanded.

"Tonight, Potter!" Draco harshly commanded, "During dessert, in that bathroom, okay!"

Harry looked to Hermione. She gave him a nod of reassurance. "Fine," Harry bitterly agreed, "We'll both be there,"

After getting Harry's agreement, Draco slipped away probably to re-join with the other slytherins. Harry was now unnerved, everything had a foreboding feeling to it. He would still go however, not because he trusted Draco but because he trusted Mr Gaunt's suggestion.

-~o~-

During dinner Harry and Hermione drew little attention to themselves. The pair knew they would have to excuse themselves from dessert without drawing any suspicion. Harry felt a bit guilty, but he was grateful Ron was further down the table eating with Seamus and Thomas. Ron would have undoubtedly disapproved of the plan. Although it was unlike Hermione to be okay about meeting Draco in a place like the chamber of secrets. It was then that the twins snuck into the great hall and quietly rushed to join them. Both of their heads were bent down trying to avoid the gaze of the professors overlooking the house tables. Their grins were notably too big for their faces.

"What have you done now?" Hermione asked only because she knew they'd lose Gryffindor points solely for grinning like that.

"Well, Miss Granger..." George began, "A right needed to be wronged,"

Fred looked to Harry and casually said, "Honestly we thought the badges were good fun ya'know…"

"But Ginny informed us that lil' Ronnie got mum to send a howler as well…" George continued.

"We suspected something wasn't right…" Fred concluded.

"Oh- but don't fret, Ron will learn his lesson," George assured them.

Harry looked to Hermione who seemed just as concerned as he was. However, Harry felt that he shouldn't front up to Ron and warn him about it. Ron deserved getting some embarrassment of his own.

"As for the whole Mr Gaunt drama…" Fred began, causing George to snicker, "Me and George put our heads together and came up with this,"

Harry was given a folded scrap of parchment. He opened it and began to read the short paragraph written in it. He was at a loss for words, the twins had written an alternative description for a man they had never met.

"An Albanian woodsman keen to sell his healing snake milk?!" Harry quoted.

Hermione broke into a fit of laughter, Harry reread the letter with utter confusion. The twins watched their reactions with proud grins on their faces.

"I think this has gone well," George commented.

"Quite well indeed," Fred agreed.

Hermione managed to get herself together and ushered for Harry to give her the note. Harry handed her the paper unsure how to react. Yet again, Hermione lost herself to laughter.

"Harry… Harry…" She exclaimed between giggles, "You've gotten it all wrong… He's a jolly Albanian woodsman!"

Harry was still at a loss for words. It was funny for sure, but he actually knew Mr Gaunt. Although, admittingly he didn't know much about him, the one thing he was certain about was that he wasn't a jolly Albanian woodsman keen to sell his healing snake milk. Mr Gaunt's appearance alone explained that much.

"We're going to send that to mum, so she'll ease off on you," Fred explained.

"See we got this idea while in divination, you know how boring that class can be… anyways, after some bogus predictions, we thought it'd be fun to ask our ouija board about Mr Gaunt… boy, it did not disappoint!" George told them.

Harry started to say, "I appreciate the thought, but perhaps he could be something less…?"

"Albanian?" Fred cut in.

"No! Uh…" Harry tried to get his say.

"So he is Albanian?" George jokingly asked.

"Uh… Maybe? I don't know? He seems very British…" Harry struggled to say, "Look, I'll sort it out with your mum..."

Fred and George look to the other smiling with great amusement.

"Too late I'm afraid," George said with little empathy.

"It's already been sent," Fred finished.

'Great,' Harry thought to himself, 'Mrs Weaselly will think Mr Gaunt is either a dark wizard or an Albanian woodsman,'

"Well, we should get going, Harry still needs a plan for the first challenge," Hermione interrupted.

The twins waved them off and the two dismissed themselves from dinner. Luckily, they didn't run into any teacher on their way to the girls' bathroom. Everything so far had gone smoothly. After they entered, they saw Draco leaning against a sink. He looked somewhat annoyed.

"Myrtle?" Hermione said.

Draco rolled his eyes, "She been pestering me ever since I came in," He began to ramble, "I mean she's dead! What is she going to gain from flirting with me!"

"Oh- it's you two…" Myrtle drifted out into view, "I suppose you're up to trouble then,"

Harry wasn't keen on talking with Myrtle, it was bad enough that he was missing dessert because of this meeting.

"Forget her!" Draco nagged, "Open the damn Chamber!"

"Okay, okay," Harry uttered as he faced the snake symbol above the sink. He pictured a snake clearly in his mind and said his command. As expected, the sinks slid apart to reveal the large pipe that lead straight to the chamber.

"Is that it?!" Draco commented with disgust, "We jump down a dark damp pipe!"

"It curves out into more of a slide at the bottom," Harry half-heartedly assured him.

"I'll go first," Hermione giggled as she happily jumped down the pipe.

Draco waited for any sounded that indicated she had landed safely. "I'm fine," Hermione's voice echoed out, "It was quiet fun actually!"

Draco turned to Harry. In a panic he said, "Somethings wrong, no way would she just jump into a strange pipe and call it fun,"

Harry agreed that it was a bit out of her character. However, Hermione knew that the basilisk in the chamber was dead and that he and Ron managed to come back. It may have been that she knew there wasn't a threat.

"Well, are you coming?" Harry teased as he leapt after Hermione.

Draco watched Harry disappear down the pipe. He'd rather not risk it however, he had come so far and there was so much to be gained. So, he took a leap of faith and jumped into the pipe as well.

-~o~-

One thing Harry did not expect, was the foul smell that hit his nose when he landed at the bottom. There was still a bit further to go, but the smell suggested against it. It grew more potent the closer they got to the entrance. Hermione tried various spells to remove it, yet it persisted to linger in the air. They would have to find the smell's origin to remove it, but something in the smell itself was too ominous to consider it.

"This should do," Draco decided, mostly because he didn't want to get any closer, "We'll just have to speak quietly,"

"Why do we even need to come here?" Harry began to complain, "I can't see why this couldn't be done somewhere else,"

"I'll get to that… But it'll take some explanation," Draco began, "A perception, as its' name suggests, is a unique way to perceive things, a relatively straight forward concept; However, complications arise when you ask, 'how do I get them?',"

"That doesn't explain what a perception is, only what it does," stated Hermione.

Harry had to agree. Mr Gaunt's brief explanation had made more sense. In all likely hood, Draco wanted to sabotage his efforts in the tournament.

"And what do you suppose does the 'perceiving', our eyes obviously! So, a perception is actually someone's eyeball," Draco continued bluntly, "You get one by either having it implanted in or converted into an object… the best example being Moody's mad eye,"

Hermione looked at Draco with concern. whereas Harry still didn't understand how this applied to the challenge.

"Where do people find these eyeballs!" Hermione demanded, slowly recognising the implications.

Draco shrugged. "Other wizards presumably, this stuff has been around since Merlin's time," He figured, "Anyway, there's a third way to get a perception, you can inherit them,"

Harry noticed that Draco was studying him, more precisely his eyes.

"That was why I insisted on keeping quiet, if anyone clued onto the fact that your eyes were bright green for a reason, you wouldn't last long enough to attend the first challenge," Draco warned, "That's how desperate people are for this stuff… I mean just look at how good you are at catching a snitch, those eyes definitely play into that,"

"I don't quite get what you mean," Harry said somewhat unnerved by the idea that there were a bunch of witches and wizards who would happily cut out his eyeball.

"The Emerald Perception is known mostly for allowing a wizard to pick out small details, so for example, something like a snitch becomes easier to see and therefore make easier to catch,"

Harry remained silent, unsure what to make of the information or how to use it for the challenge. His mind was in a storm of questions, most of which he wasn't sure how to articulate.

"Are you saying I can see magic?" Harry managed to ask.

"Uh… well…" Draco drawled, "I mean yes… but…". He wasn't sure about where to start with his answer, it was a vast and complex thing he was asked to explain. "To an extent everyone can see magic, you could say the difference may be that someone with a perception possess control over what magic they see… although that isn't entirely accurate either…" He attempted to explain again.

"So is it like being able to distinguish an original painting from a group of replicas," Hermione suggested.

"In regard to the orange one, I guess so… but not all perceptions work like that, they're all a bit different, kind of like how I view the world is completely different to how you see it," Draco responded, hoping that it added some clarity.

"This isn't helpful at all!" Harry snapped, "Why would Mr Gaunt want me to look this up if nobody can tell how it works or what it does!?"

Draco grinned. "I think it was a clever thing to recommend, he basically told you that you have an advantage without clueing anyone else to it," He remarked.

"Sure, maybe that was cunning move on Mr Gaunt's part, but Harry a has point; How will this help him?" Hermione insisted.

"How am I supposed to know, I'm not the one who's been using them my whole life!" Draco sarcastically exclaimed.

Harry wanted to leave. Whatever Mr Gaunt had in mind, Harry was now certain he couldn't pull it off. Especially, since he needed Draco's help to get the information he required. He'd just have to wait and see how the challenge will play out, he's done everything he could.

"We should head back," Harry decided.

"Wonderful, I won't endure this horrid smell any longer," Draco commented as the three made their way to the pipe opening. Shortly after the three had ascended back to the bathroom and returned to their house commons.

-~o~-

It was now the day of the trial. Ron had confidence that Harry would learn his lesson about messing around with him. If something went horribly south for Harry then he could finally say that Mr Gaunt was obviously misleading him.

On the note of Mr Gaunt, nowhere in the stalls could he be seen. Ron's parents were here, Lupin too, along with a big black dog, Padfoot. They had all come to support Harry because of the trouble he created. Fred and George didn't seem to think much of Mr Gaunt. They kept telling him he was over reacting. Even had the nerve to put a jinx on his trunk so that it would move out of reach every time he tried to open it.

Ginny on the other hand, understood that there was something odd. She thought that Harry didn't put his name in the goblet but it was instead Mr Gaunt's doing. The man probably thought that by manipulating the boy-who-lived, he might get a share of the tournament winnings. Ron took a place next to Neville along with Ginny. He expected that soon Hermione would be joining them.

Molly Weasley nervously fiddled with her sleeve as she studied every individual that entered the stands.

"Oh- Arthur," She began fretting, "I don't see anyone that looks like… well… a Gaunt!"

"Now Molly, the main concern here is Harry…" Arthur Weasley tried to remind her.

"I know, I know… but he's a Gaunt! I thought that dreadful bunch were gone!" She further panicked.

Lupin calmly mentioned, "I'd find it more concerning that Dumbledore is unfazed by these events,"

The black dog which sat closely beside Lupin, grunted with agreement.

-~o~-

Hermione, along with Draco were walking up to the temporary arena for the first challenge. The pair had been busy in the library looking for any more purposeful information to pass on to Harry. Unfortunately, their search revealed only much of the same. Other than that, they had shared their company mostly in silence and avoided the others attention. Hermione found their quietness more and more bothering. For whatever reason, Draco had decided to help Harry. That should at least be embraced, after all, everyone should be allowed a second try at friendship. Who's to say that Draco's eyes won't open a bit.

"So… I just was a little curious about something…" She attempted to small talk, "When did you learn to de-code like that?"

Draco's found his attention. "Oh- ah… Father taught me, he knows all about that stuff, it's a part of his job," he mentioned.

"Doesn't your father work in the ministry?" Hermione queried.

"Ahh- not really, he's deeply involved with them but that's not where he works," Draco answered, "Officially, he's the head of family business but his secretaries do the bulk of the responsibilities,"

"Huh, I didn't know any of that…" Hermione commented.

"You don't know a lot of things nowadays," Draco muttered, "That's unlike you,"

Hermione glared at him, offended, "Excuse me?"

Draco did not stutter as he began to list her oddities, "Harry meets with a stranger in the woods every Saturday, alone, but you conclude that it's beneficial. You know the last name of that said stranger, yet, you choose not to investigate it. You also have no issues with me, the person you punched in the nose last year. You haven't even asked why I'm trying to help Harry win and you know I do things for a reason. Then there's the meetings with my father that you're suddenly all fine about, which is most likely why he's stopped them. I suspect you've become an unreliable source for what he's investigating,"

"I don't understand what you're saying," Was all Hermione said to Draco, who was now visibly annoyed.

"Liar," He exclaimed, "You're refusing to understand… but no, because that too is fundamentally unlike you, So, you must be compelled not to understand,"

Hermione didn't respond. She merely looked around blankly.

"My father's real job is to investigate this stuff, weird phenomena that goes undetected by the ministry, and frankly Granger, you're lucky father has taken an interest in this case," Draco finished.

Hermione paused for a bit. She knew that some strange things were happening, but no immediate danger had descended upon them. Therefore, it was safe… maybe?

"What is your father investigating?" her question felt odd as it left her lips.

Draco glanced at her. He never liked her or rather never bothered to consider liking her. However, it was disappointing to watch a fiercely intelligent person become dull and ignorant.

"It's in my best interest not to know," Was his answer.

"It's to do with Harry isn't it?" Hermione exclaimed.

"If it's all about Harry, then why did my father go after you?" Draco remarked dryly, "Besides, he wants me to keep track of him, so Harry isn't even the main concern… In fact, I doubt Mr Gaunt is,"

Hermione eyed Draco for a while, "Then what's the big problem? That Harry's a Triwizard Champion?" She demanded.

Draco rolled his eyes, "I told you, I've been intentionally kept out of the loop; You'd be better off asking my father…" He drawled.

Hermione didn't answer. All the conversations she's had, thus far, with Lucius were cryptic and inconclusive.

They soon reached the stadium. Hermione was about to go find Neville and the others when Draco grabbed her shoulder and directed her attention to a couple that had just appeared via portkey. Hermione was not at all pleased as the couple came to join them. Draco on the other hand was smiling, he wasn't expecting the pair to come. They would probably take him out for dinner after the challenge. That was definitely something to look forward to.

"Mrs and Mr Malfoy," Hermione curtly greeted.

"Miss Granger," Narcissa said in return.

"Would you like to join us in stands?" Lucius offered, "I've reserved a decent spot through Severus,"

"I'm sorry but I've promised Ron that I'd sit with him," Hermione declined.

Draco grinned to himself, sometimes opportunities created themselves. "But wasn't there something that you wanted to ask father?" He reminded her innocently.

Lucius raised a curious brow, Hermione shot Draco an annoyed glare.

"Well, such things can be discussed when we're seated," Lucius recommended before he started to escort them to their seats.

Hermione tried her best to wiggle away but Draco refused to let her. In the end the four of them were seated behind the professors. Where Lucius sat beside his wife with Hermione and Draco at either side. Draco next to Narcissa, Hermione conveniently beside Lucius. Hermione suspected that Lucius only cared about how Harry fared in the tournament. Meaning that while the champions were completing their challenge, she would have to endure a conversation with Mr Malfoy.

-~o~-

Professor Moody grabbed Harry and dragged him off to a secluded corner of the champion's tent.

"Professor, what are you…" Harry stammered in surprise.

Moody grunted at his shock. "Honestly Potter, I ain't the only one making surprise visits," he muttered while his magic eye flickered across the room.

He then continued to the point, "Anyway, give me a run through of the game plan; you and that trainer have something, surely,"

Harry thought for a bit. Right from the start Mr Gaunt hadn't exactly given him a rough plan. All he had gained was minimal knowledge about the seven perceptions, two of which he couldn't find information about. A feeling of panic rose in him, he didn't have a plan.

Moody saw the realisation come over Harry. He couldn't help but exhale with frustration. He slapped his hand onto Harry's forearm and shook him into sense.

After a begrudging huff, he said, "I hear you're a keen flyer, got gryffindor the quidditch cup, aye? And a firebolt, one of the fastest out there…"

Harry didn't understand what was Moody was on about. "Yeah, but that's quidditch and these are dragons!" he exclaimed, "Besides, I'm only allowed a wand,"

"Exactly! You're a fourth year, I know Professor Flitwick would have taught you how to summon things," Moody reminded Harry.

"Oh…" Harry voiced, "I see…"

Moody stood somewhat straighter. "Well, I must get going," he muttered before leaving as abruptly as he came.

Harry left the corner Moody had dragged him into. The other champions appeared just as nervous as him. Fleur and Victor however, were lucky enough to have their headmasters there to reassure them. Harry didn't have an idea as to where Dumbledore might be. Although, it would be unreasonable to expect him to be there, after all, he was probably busy with Crouch Sr making sure everything was ready. Still, he wished he had someone and Moody wasn't exactly a person he could lean on.

Slowly Harry and Cedric drew closer together. Neither were in the mood to talk but both didn't want to think about the coming challenge either.

"So…" Cedric voiced.

"So…" Harry awkwardly said in return.

"Uh… you ready?" Cedric managed to say.

Harry suddenly nodded in answer, "Um- ah… yeah, ah- I'm thinking it'll work out…"

Cedric nervously chuckled in agreement, "Yeah, yeah… it should be fine, we've both had time to uh- figure something out…"

Harry tensed. "Yeah, that should've helped…" He said back.

They both gazed around the room unsure what to say next. There was a rustling from outside the tent where Harry could make out three figures. Two large bulky boys and a short figure. Internally Harry moaned, the last thing he needed was a visit from Draco and his friends. But it was so much worse than that.

"Crabb, Goyle, keep an eye out for that old man,"

That voice was unmistakable and sure enough it's owner wandered right into the tent. Pansy Parkinson walked straight to Harry with no care that Cedric was beside him. Harry looked around and notice Cedric was equally as confused as he was.

Pansy grabbed Harry's hand and pulled it into her chest. She looked up into his eyes with an apologetic pout.

"I'm sorry, obviously you've been really stressed about this whole ordeal," she said solemnly.

Harry yanked his arm back to his side. He took a deep breath with the full intention to end her nonsense, but just as he was about to speak a flash was heard. It drew the attention of the everyone in the tent.

"Oh! How romantic, No! Stirring… Harry Potter, the youngest champion and most sought-after bachelor!" Exclaimed a woman with blonde Hollywood curls.

Harry frowned and the camera man behind her took another shot. He had been interviewed by her once before. That ordeal was not fun at all and the resulting article was full of lies. Rita Skeeter was by far one of the worse reporters.

Her self-levitating notepad and quick quill made their way to her side. "So?" She started, with the quill already writing paragraphs, "Sources have informed me that you've been training in the forbidden forest with a member of the infamous Gaunt family?"

Thanks to the shock and annoyance that followed after Rita's entrance, Harry hadn't noticed that Pansy had wrapped her arms around him and had made a show of her embrace. He was at a loss for words, it was too much in so little time.

"Well, well… everyone's saviour is turning dark! Is it because this man is fatherly to you? Does He fill the hole your parents left behind? Maybe, he's a role model you will follow no matter how dark you become!" Rita continued to shoot questions at him. Not giving him any chance to answer.

Harry was very offended at this point. Mr Gaunt wasn't a dark wizard, he had shown Harry nothing but kindness.

"Enough of this nonsense!" Igor Karkaroff called, "All of you have no business here! Only Champions are allowed here!"

Rita blinked back in shock but said nothing. She and the camera man backed away slowly, however, they didn't exactly leave.

Barty Crouch Sr approached the champions tent and noticed two sizable Slytherin boys standing before it. The two caught sight of him and appeared too surprised to know what to do.

"You better run along boys," Crouch Sr advised, "Otherwise, you'll miss the good seats,"

The boys looked to the other. They weren't sure what to do. Should they warn Pansy or not? Crabb shrugged his shoulders, Goyle looked dumbstruck. So, they did as Couch Sr recommended and went looking for their seats.

Barty continued on and once in the tent, then he had everyone gather around. Except for Rita, who lurked in the corner.

"Okay… While Professor Dumbledore is speaking to the stalls, I'll explain the task, yes?" He asked.

Harry briefly exchanged a glance with Cedric. No one in the group openly disagreed with Crouch Sr.

"Very well…" Barty muttered while fishing out a velvet from his robe, "Miss Delacour, if you could please take one," He instructed, presenting her the pouch.

Uncertain, she cautiously slid her hand into the pouch. As she did, a wisp of smoke drifted from the pouch opening. Her hand came out in a fist and as she opened it, a tiny bright green dragon was sitting on her hand. The Headmistress of Beauxbatons, Madame Maxime, admired the little creature in Fleur's hand.

"Ah- the Welsh Green," Barty enthused, before turning to Victor and once again, presented him the pouch.

Victor reached in and retrieved a long serpent like dragon.

"A Chinese firebolt," Barted stated while moving on to Cedric, who reached into the pouch and caught a sapphire coloured dragon. "The Swedish Short Snout," Barty continued.

Harry was now offered the pouch. There would only be one dragon left. He pulled his hand in, searched for a bit, then caught it. He dragged out a tiny dragon covered in spikes. As it crawled over his hand, the dragon would spew flame over an impressive distance for it size. Pansy, who he had forgotten was still clinging to his side, squeezed him even tighter.

"Now, each of these represents a very real dragon… that will be guarding a golden egg, that egg contains a clue that will help you with the second task," Barty explained, "It is your first challenge to enter the arena and retrieve your egg, does everyone understand?"

All of the champions nodded.

Dumbledore then entered the tent. "Just finished, Barty?" He asked.

"Yes, yes, everyone is up to date here," Barty said back.

"Very good," Dumbledore responded. He glanced at Harry then casually remarked, "I see you've made an inter-house friendship Miss Parkinson? Well… I'm afraid you'll have to leave him for now,"

Pansy pouted but removed her grip from Harry. She went to leave the tent but not before whispering into Harry's ear that, 'he was a handsome dragon slayer,'. Her 'complement' compelled Harry to grimace. He now had her sudden romantic attention solely because Mr Gaunt was training him. Harry thought she was ridiculous. With that said, it was most likely Draco's rejection that was motivating her.

"Now then, starting with Cedric, at the sound of the cannon the task will begin," Dumbledore explained.

The moment Dumbledore said, 'cannon,' a loud bang rang out into the arena. He glanced up to Filtch, who was examining the cannon a bit confused.

Crouch Sr escorted Cedric over to the arena's entrance. Glance back at Harry then nervously entered and thus the tournament had begun.

-~o~-

Cedric had gotten his egg, Victor as well. Now Harry had to wait, alone, for Fleur to complete her task and then it would be his turn. The waiting was unbearable, the more he sat in the empty tent the more he was convinced that he was doomed. He took out his pendulum and fiddled it. It felt nice to have in his hand, that was somewhat comforting. Harry should've known that Mr Gaunt wouldn't come. After all, he made no promise he'd would and was most likely busy with his movement. The tent's tarp rustled indicating that someone had entered. Harry guessed it was an official.

"So… I'm to assume you're going next?"

The voice was confident, charming and undoubtedly Mr Gaunt's. Harry looked over to where he stood. Sure enough, it was Mr Gaunt, dressed in his well-tailored robes, smiling with pride and ice blue eyes shining with magic.

"I thought you wouldn't come," Harry exclaimed.

Mr Gaunt narrowed his gaze slightly, as if his confidence had faltered. "I did try to appear on time Harrison, planned it out and everything but I forgot one thing," He recalled.

"What?" Harry asked.

Mr Gaunt chuckled at his own mistake. "Crystals are horribly unreliable transportation," He muttered, "Even worse healing tool, honestly Harrison, they're quite terrible,"

He wandered over to Harry and patted his shoulder. "Come on boy, it's too late to be scared, may as well have a ball since you've got the whole tent to yourself," he said while retrieving a flask from inner coat pocket and offered it to Harry. "Honestly, it really does take the edge off," He recommended.

Harry unscrewed the skull topper and was greeted with the smell of fire whiskey. It was unsurprising really, Mr Gaunt always felt that Harry should be allowed to drink. During a training session, Rodolphus reasoned that it was a young boy's rite of passage to drink; A sign of trust between father and son. Harry didn't concern himself too much with the philosophy behind it, the drink would still taste horrid if he believed it or not. Reluctantly, he took a swig because he knew it meant something to Mr Gaunt. As usual, he sniggered at Harry's reaction to the aftertaste.

"Come here," He said, escorting harry over to a bench, "I'll wait it out with you,"

Harry smiled gratefully at him. "Mr Gaunt?" He started.

"Yes Harrison?"

Harry felt his nerves rise again but continued anyway, "I looked into those perceptions you recommended, and to be perfectly honest, I don't have any have clue how they'll benefit me…"

Mr Gaunt relaxed his posture and calmly said, "You have special eyes, something your opponents lack; what you can see may be invisible to others, so trust what you perceive,"

Harry was quiet with thought. Mr Gaunt hadn't exactly given him a plan. So, he had better think of something quick. Moody mentioned something about the summoning charm and flying. Could he summon his broom? Maybe, fly around the dragon and grab the egg? It was the best he had, may as well give it a try.

"Besides," Mr Gaunt continued, sensing the rising nerves in Harrison and assured him, "Slytherins like us are far more cunning than any beastly dragon,"

Harry really wanted to tell Mr Gaunt he was in Gryffindor again but he gave Harry little chance to talk.

"On that note, why are you in Gryffindor colours?" Mr Gaunt questioned, "Inter-house prank? Not sure what comedic relief is gained from tampering with a robe order form, but I suppose the Gryffindors will find anything funny… the brawn idiots… back in my Hogwarts days, many suspected they were responsible for peeves creation… which makes perfect sense really,"

Mr Gaunt paused and glanced down at Harry. "I'm sorry, go ahead and say what you wanted,"

Harry lost his words while listening to Mr Gaunt. It was painfully clear that Mr Gaunt was a proud Slytherin. Did that make Harry a brawn idiot in his eyes? He definitely didn't want to disappoint Mr Gaunt. He was charming, charismatic and kind. Harry admired him greatly for those traits. He wanted to be more like Mr Gaunt, instead of being shy and awkward.

"Uh- Well- I mean… not all Gryffindors are rash… some are smart like Hermione," He struggled to defend his house.

"I'm sure Harrison; Those people are completely fine, but every year Gryffindor seems to encourage strange and reckless types to act on their dangerous ideas, and every time someone gets hurt," He responded as if he was giving a lecture, "I was prefect, I was head boy, I was even given service to the school because one set a beast loose on the grounds; I will tell you Harrison, the house that I was constantly forced to deduct points was Gryffindor; So it's fair to say, Gryffindor needs the most discipline,"

Harry wasn't sure what else to say not because he believed Mr Gaunt but rather, He knew Mr Gaunt wouldn't change his mind.

Mr Gaunt chuckled, "I'm rambling on, aren't I?". He swung his arm around Harrison's shoulders and gave him a brief squeeze. "You'll be fine, is what I meant to say," He assured the boy, "You've improved after every training session; Harrison, I'm confident in your ability,"

Harry felt his cheeks flush. He didn't expect Mr Gaunt to say such things to him. He was very flattered by it, a feeling he found rather embarrassing.

"I still have to face that dragon first," Harry joked.

Mr Gaunt grinned and shook his head in amusement. "I suppose I shouldn't set the bar too high then," He answered back. He let go of Harry and got to his feet.

"I should get off and find a seat… I'm thinking behind the professors… anyways, good luck and I'll see you later," He said, giving Harry a cheerful wave.

"Wait, Mr Gaunt!" Harry spontaneously called.

"Hmm?"

"What if it all goes horribly wrong?" Harry desperately asked.

"Then I'll be compelled to step in, won't I? Otherwise a traitorous wizard has his way…" Mr Gaunt silkily remarked before making his leave.

Harry felt the tension leave him, Mr Gaunt was going to protect him. Harry might get punished for the interference. However, he had never been interested about winning the tournament from the start. So, he was relieved, all thanks to Mr Gaunt.

-~o~-

Thus far, the tournament had been very interesting. Far more entertaining than he had expected. It was now Fleur Delacour, who was about to face her dragon. Although, a certain person still hadn't made an appearance, which was starting to bother him. It might be a case where he blamed the beast before counting the sheep. Lucius stretched his neck. These types of seat benches were always horribly uncomfortable.

"So, Miss Granger, what was it that you wanted to ask?" He requested.

Hermione glanced at him quickly, unsure what to say. "Well…" She tried to say, "Umm…" the words couldn't form in her mind, "I don't know… we were talking and…"

Hermione couldn't have prevented it, she was acting completely awkward.

Lucius eyed her, visibly annoyed at her muttering.

Hermione cleared her throat then tried to recount what Draco had said, "Draco thought that I was not seeing things right?"

"You were not seeing things 'right'," Lucius repeated back.

Hermione folded her lips in at the uncomfortable situation she had made. Why couldn't she just say what she meant?

Lucius couldn't deny he was humoured by it, the number of things that Draco had caught onto was impressive. It was clear what had happened to Hermione, despite being unaware of it herself.

"Surely an academic like you, has heard of a written jinx before?"

Hermione didn't have an answer, she was too lost in her own confusion.

"Never mind," He dismissed the topic and returned to her statement, "Tell me, as best as you can, what not seeing 'right' would entail,"

She furrowed her brows. Lucius had sounded especially condescending. "Ask Draco, he seems to have a long list of examples!" she bit back.

Lucius chortled, "Oh- this is almost a textbook example!". He turned and faced her, "Unable to articulate the issue and now avoiding the it,"

Hermione faced him. She didn't answer, just sneered at him extremely annoyed.

"Is the problem invisible or are you ignoring it?" He asked rhetorically. He knew she couldn't answer something like that, but it was entertaining watching her struggle with it.

Hermione pulled her mind into overhaul. She was determined to find something to put Lucius in his place. Then she remembered, he was at the Kyototon's pavilion before the Quidditch World Cup Final. He wore that ridiculous outfit too. Ron and Harry had made many jokes about it on the way to Hogwarts.

"And what about that pavilion? With the Kyototon? Curious place for someone so high and mighty?" She mockingly pried.

Surprisingly, Narcissa's head sharply turned to Lucius's. She stared the man down for a decent second. "I thought…" She hissed through her tense smiled, "That had You stopped that nonsense…"

Lucius half-heartedly chuckled at his wife's reaction and nervously said, "Now dear, no harm done…"

Narcissa drew breath through her nose, returning her head to the arena but still fully involved in the conversation. Even with her best attempts at remaining poise, it was clear she was enraged.

She growled threw her clenched jaw, "No harm done?! Potter's in the tri-wizard tournament… No harm done? Meets a man by the name of 'Mr Gaunt'… No-Harm-Done! Said boy happens to look so conveniently like Harrison, it's uncanny… In fact, on the topic of Harrison… it's awfully coincidental, that he was also a Triwizard champion in a tournament that happened 13 years before its scheduled date… N-O H-A-R-M D-O-N-E!"

Hermione couldn't even discern what Mrs Malfoy has said, she wished she had. Undoubtedly, Lucius had told her something important.

On the other hand, Lucius was holding himself strangely. He felt embarrassed about the scene his wife had made.

"Now dear," he timidly attempted to assure her, "It was because I had found something for Draco…"

Now, Narcissa was actively snubbing him.

"Remember, how we talked about getting some thorntons crystals?" He softly mentioned.

She still didn't answer him.

However, Hermione said, without really thinking, "Harry has a pair, that's what he got from the Kyototon,"

Narcissa's hands trembled, she had a gut feeling, it was about to get so much worse.

Lucius took a moment to reclaim his composure after hearing Hermione's shocking statement. "He didn't happen to exchange it for a note, did he?" He asked, feeling dread rise in his chest.

"Yes, he did; The Kyototon wanted to right some wrongs with the head master," Hermione happily informed them, feeling slightly victorious.

Lucius bit back his frustrations. He had been given the same offer, with the same explanation. However, he out right refused, because of the note's unknown contents. Why take a crystal to protect your son if the note puts him in danger?

Hermione watched them. She rolled her eyes, they were over dramatizing the whole thing.

"You ought to know, everything is fine," She clarified, "Harry shares the crystals with his godfather, I personally have read the note and there's nothing at all dangerous about it,"

Narcissa looked to the sky, it was unbelievable. So unbelievable, she refused to acknowledge her husband's recent odd theories. But, the situation leaned to his favour. The boy might actually be the next Dark Lord.

Lucius exhaled with high agitation, "There are so many flaws in that statement Miss Granger, I can't even begin to correct you," He uttered.

Narrissa had reached her limit. She stood and made to leave.

"Mum," Draco called out with concern, "Where are you going?"

"An isolated area of scottish country side to relieve my frustration," She answered as she left.

Lucius, clenched his fingers. Narcissa wouldn't abandon him, he was proud and honoured to have that certainty. However, a chain of arguments and tense conversations would ensue because of today. Fortunately, he was somewhat sure what the note's impact was. Even though, the information alone wasn't a solution, it was a decent start for discussion.

Fleur's time was getting closer to its end. Her strategy seemed to be succeeding, albeit somewhat slowly. There was a cough behind the three. Lucius turned to greet the sound maker. That was when he locked eyes with him. The physical evidenced he needed to prove his suspicion. Well-made clothes, charming smile and handsome, youthful features that Lucius knew to be the result of polyjuice potion. It was definitely him, from 13 years ago, when he was at his peak.

"Mind if you slide over a bit?" He asked so confidently it could be interpreted as cheerfulness.

They slid over to allow the man a space beside Hermione. He smiled and introduced himself as Mr Gaunt and shook the group's hands. Hermione and Draco introduced themselves with no hesitation. Which forced Lucius to recognise that only he knew who that man was.

"Ah, Lucius," He introduced accepting Mr Gaunt's hand. He even felt his arm sting at the touch, the whole experience was unsettling.

"Funny, I know a man with the same name, a blonde too," Mr Gaunt remarked.

Draco smirked to himself. He didn't know why his parents were upset, nor did he want to. However, after meeting Mr Gaunt, he knew Harry was in for a surprise. Mr Gaunt couldn't be described as anything other than a dark wizard. Draco could sense it in the man's powerful aura, you don't get that kind of magic from doing good deeds. With his new discovery, Draco swore to himself that he would laugh his face off when Harry discovered what he had truly gotten into.

Hermione perked up "Fleur has gotten her egg!" She exclaimed.

"Finally, tedious girl…" Lucius commented, "It should be Harrison now,"

Mr Gaunt felt himself enthuse. The boy would be brilliant. He would be brilliant for training him. After this, Harrison could be paraded before his followers and he would be justified for the time spent on him. Not that regretted the effort; Harrison was just like him, or better yet, an extension of himself. He just needed to establish that with his followers, along with some other 'guidelines'. Even with all his potential and power, Harrison was still naïve and innocent.

-~o~-

Tremors ran through Harry's chest as he stood before the arena entrance. He could hear Dumbledore announcing him, it was a matter of minutes until he would have to enter the arena.

The doors slowly, soundlessly, swayed open. There wasn't anything to be heard. No calls from the crowd, banging, tapping or not even the whispery wine of the wind. Harry peered out to a landscape of grey. Inside the arena were large stones, rocks and sharp cliffs which created walls and trenches. He could see no dragon, but the evidence was before him, scratched into the rocks. He could see the stalls above looming over. Still with anticipation, everyone was waiting for him to make a move.

He cautiously stepped out, eyeing the rocks, scared where the dragon might be. The atmosphere had become more eerie. It was too still. And utterly surreal. Then he saw it, a blob of gold in the distance. It was past a trench and a short upward run from him, the egg. Harry didn't see a clue awaiting him there. He saw the end of the dreaded trial.

He made about two rushed steps towards it, when a muscular winged lizard lunged from the trench and loomed over him. It was covered in golden brown sharp scales with a head adorned with a crown of horns. It pulled its neck back and opened its' mouth slightly. There Harry saw an orange glow creep up the beast's throat. Without thinking, he made a leap for the trench and dashed for cover behind a tall standing rock. He was lucky, as the trench was promptly flooded in a river of flame. despite being protected by the rock, he could feel the heat warm the stone. He tried to remember his last-minute plan. His mind was too shocked. The thoughts were coming and going faster than he could understand.

Hermione watched him stand there. Then the dragon that stalked closer towards the rock. If Harry didn't do something he would be eaten.

To her surprise, Mr Gaunt had called out to him, "Your wand Harrison!"

Harry was taken out of his thoughts, when he heard the sound. He glanced up towards where the professors were sitting and there next to Hermione was Mr Gaunt. They locked eyes for a moment, Mr Gaunt gave him a quick reassuring smile. Somehow that was enough for Harry to get his head straight.

He quickly got out his wand, pointed it to the direction of Hogwarts and shouted, "Accio Firebolt!"

The spell was successful, but he would have to wait for his trusted broom to arrive. He heard a growl from behind the rock and once again broke into a sprint for the next place of cover. Flame erupted from the dragon's mouth, this time just centimeters from touching Harry's back. He still felt the fire's heat behind him, even after he reached cover. He peered over the side of the stone, the dragon had backed off somewhat. However, he was further away from the egg than he had started. He desperately wanted the trial to be over with.

His worries, were somewhat relieved when he saw his firebolt soar into the arena. Without holding back, Harry went for it, causing the dragon to go after him. But that didn't matter, once he was on the broom he'd have minimal trouble getting to the egg. He leapt for his broom handle and mounted it, flew off instantaneously. He did a lap around the arena while the crowd cheered him on. The dragon watched him, baffled at the sight. Harry rounded back, now on course for the egg. Out stretching it's wings the dragon leapt into the air in pursuit of Harry. However, It had failed to make sufficient air. Its' leg had snatched on a chain that tied it down to the arena. Sensing the dragon at a safe distance away, Harry felt confident that he had won his first task.

A loud snap followed by a clang and crash silenced the excited audience. Harry, now mere moments from taking the egg, turned to look behind. The Dragon had broken free. Now, being able to fly without restraint, the dragon effortlessly caught up to him. With little alternative, Harry flew up and out of the arena. It was too cramped, he couldn't out fly a dragon there. He would however, have to shake it off. With his mind running in circles, his gaze met with Hogwarts castle and knew to fly straight for it.

Mr Gaunt felt a mixture of shock, anger and disappointed all at once. Fine, a summoning charm was an alright start, he supposed. But why did Harry summon a broom?! If he was going to bother with a summoning charm, why didn't he summon the egg? Sure, he was scared. He probably wasn't thinking his clearest. However, Mr Gaunt expected far better, cleverer and more talent than what Harrison had demonstrated. The bitterness simmered in his chest. He had put time and effort into that boy, often choosing him over the movement. Yet, Harrison proved to be a flop, wasted time. Was he worth rescuing? Was he worth even more effort? Mr Gaunt chose to wait, wand gripped in hand. He was infuriated with the boy's performance. His foot however, contradicted his mind. It tapped irritably against the wooden floor, telling him that he needed to get up and save the boy.

Harrison wasn't like him. He would have made quick work of the task and refuse to have it get out of control. Harrison was Naïve, ignorant and rash.

He gripped his wand tighter. He should step in now, save the boy. Harrison's stupid actions and lack of forethought would kill him. Perhaps that was better, the distraction would be gone. The sound of dress-shoe hitting wood became annoyingly louder. Through all his fury and rage, he felt an epicenter of pain. The foolish boy had somehow pained him. That was more enraging to realise.

Nearing Hogwarts, Harry figured that if made sharp turns amongst the towers the dragon would be shaken off. He followed the curve of the astronomy tower starting his bid to out maneuver the dragon. At first it seemed to be working. Due to the dragon's wingspan, it struggled to turn as sharply as Harry could. He learnt that the more sudden he made a turn the less able the dragon was to react. He implemented his theory hoping to confuse the dragon enough to return and claim the egg. However, as the dragon struggle to keep up with him, it clashed with the sides of the castle. Which made debris to fall into his flight path.

He was about to soar past Gryffindor tower, when he was forced to avoid a chunk of sizable rubble. His dodge was messy and threw him off course. He crashed into the tower, banging his forehead, then slid helplessly down the building's side until he caught grip of a windowsill. His head ached, he could distract the dragon no longer. Somehow, he'd have to knock it out. The dragon slammed its body into the tower causing tiles to fall from the roof. dodging the fallout, Harry could just see where it was latched onto. And surely but slowly, the dragon was making its way over to him. He was in real danger now.

He peered down in search of his broom. It too, was hanging on a windowsill; A decent distant under him. He wouldn't be able to reach it. His hands had gotten sweaty, making it harder to grip the stone sill. He thought back to his wand. Now, would be the best time to cast a spell. The dragon was getting nearer. It had found where Harry was hanging and was positioning itself in a comfortable spot to either burn or eat him. Harry was truly panicking now. While thinking about his wand, he had carefully removed a hand from the sill down to his wand holster. It was empty. He must have unknowingly dropped it while in the arena. He took a deep breath in. Wandless magic was the only answer.

He closed his eyes shut trying to focus on his magic. He had only performed wandless magic once, by complete accident. It was during a training session, where Rodolphus had expelled Harry's wand before he realised it. Harry didn't register that his hand was empty. He just waved his arm in the usual motion and said the spell words was taught. It was a rare instance where Mr Gaunt had redirected one of his spells. Harry couldn't forget the look on his mentor's face, Mr Gaunt was very impressed.

He reopened his eyes and somehow everything was clearer. Harry glanced up and locked eyes with the dragon, whose head was only a meter away from his. That was when he noticed something. It was a small, tiny detail, but there was a missing scale above the dragon's left eye. The dragon cocked its mouth open. A flood of voices hit Harry's mind. Draco's non-stop remarks, Ron's grumpy comments, Hermione's suggestions, all of his lessons and lectures.

But strangely the clearest thing was, Moody standing before him with a spider in hand.

Harry snapped out of his thoughts, pointed his finger at the missing scale, then crisply commanded, "Imperio!"

The dragon seized its movements then look down at harry vacantly. He had been successful. The dragon was under his control. He reached out and the dragon allowed him to climb on. Harry couldn't believe it, the dragon that was about to eat him was now letting him ride on it. He and the Dragon then flew back to the arena.

The crowd was quiet. No one knew where Harry was, all they could see was the Hungarian Horntail flying back. Ron watched it return with disbelief. Harry was the best seeker in the school. surely, he was alright? The twins, who had joined Ron and the others, turned to each other. They exchanged a knowing look, either Harry was forced to wait out under cover or he was dragon food.

Molly gripped Arthur's hand tightly, tears swelling in her eyes. She hoped with all her heart Harry was alright. Lupin wrapped an arm around the Black dog that sulked on his lap. The chains that had tied down the dragon had obviously been tampered with. He dreaded to think what the consequence for Harry was.

Draco was at a loss for words. Hermione was too shocked to be distraught. Lucius sat there baffled trying to remember what else he knew about Harrison. He was certain that the boy survived but doubt still lingered in his head.

Mr Gaunt, sat quiet with his eyes closed. He rolled his pendulum between his fingers. There was still magic in the crystal, he could feel it radiate out, a warmth that could only come from Harrison. The boy was alive. He had survived. That was enough to soothe him.

The dragon landed. The students suddenly burst into cheers. At the base of the dragon's neck, sat none other than Harry Potter.

Fred and George broke into a chant, "Dragon Rider! Dragon Tamer!"
Soon all of Gryffindor had joined in.

Ron jumped to his feet along with Ginny and Neville. They cheered and applauded him loudly, mostly out of relief. Molly, Arthur and Lupin did the same, completely over joyed to see Harry safe. The black dog gave a howl of approval.

Hermione too, had gotten to her feet. "I can't believe it! He tamed the Dragon! He tamed it!" She exclaimed. Lucius even thought the feat was worth a standing ovation.

Hermione saw Mr Gaunt still had his eyes close. She tapped his shoulder and enthused, "Open your eyes, he's back!"

Surprised by the sudden touch, Mr Gaunt came out of his thoughts and found the arena in cheers. There in the center, a dragon sat obediently while a boy with messy black hair climbed down from it. It appeared that Harrison had compelled the dragon to his will. That was a promising sign.

Harry walked over the egg, picked it up and thrusted it into the air. Another loud wave of cheers came over the crowd. Harry appreciated it but he felt more relieved and tired than happy. It was over, he had passed the first trial.

-~o~-

Harry exited the medical tent relatively okay. Madame Pompfery recommended some rest before ant celebrations, otherwise he was fine if not a bit sore. Ron raced over to meet him along with, Neville, Ginny and the twins.

"That was bloody unbelievable!" Ron exclaimed, "I thought you were a goner!"

The twins were in the background chasing each other, flapping their arms like wings, still chanting, "Dragon Rider! Dragon Tamer!"

"Ah- yeah…" Harry answered awkwardly. After all the drama they had shared, Harry didn't know how he should deal with Ron.

"So how did you…" Ron was cut off when Ginny tugged his arm and pointed down the path leading to the tent. There Mrs and Mr Weasley appeared, walking up the path with Lupin following from behind.

Molly out stretched her arms and gave Harry a squeeze. "Oh- My nerves boy! You had me very scared for a moment," She uttered as she let go.

Arthur shook Harry's hand and congratulated him, "Impressive job lad!"

Then Lupin came up with Padfoot beside him. "Harry," He began, "I think both of us will agree, that your parents would have been so proud of what you have achieved today,"

Harry didn't know what to say. They didn't know he had used an unforgivable curse to control the dragon. Even though, in his case it was life or death. Moody had still warned them that use of the curse would land you in Azkaban.

"So! I imagine they'll be some common room parties then?" Arthur enthused.

"You bet!" Ron called.

Molly eyed the boys before sternly reminding them, "Not too late into the night, I hope! you all still have study to do!"

Ginny giggled, the twins booed amongst their shenanigans. Lupin looked to Arthur and they chuckled to themselves.

"It's Hermione!" Neville called, drawing everyone's attention to the path.

Ginny squinted her eyes, it looked like someone else was with her. A man she didn't recognise. Lupin stood on alert and Padfoot took his place by Harry's side.

"Mum!" Ron said, "That's him, Mr Gaunt,"

Molly narrowed her gaze, scrutinising the man's every detail.

"Wow Harry! That was amazing," Hermione enthused as she came over to Harry.

Mr Gaunt joined, being confident and charming as ever. Although, he wasn't aloof to the stares he was getting from the other three adults.

"Mr Gaunt, is it?" Arthur inquired passive aggressively. Something, Harry found unsettling.

Mr Gaunt played along, "Yes, and you Sir?"

"Arthur Weasley," He responded. Arthur wasn't sure what reaction he expected from him, but Mr Gaunt didn't seem to care about his family name.

"Well, good to meet the people who fancy themselves responsible for Harrison's well-being," Mr Gaunt answered with a bittersweet tone of accusation.

Padfoot growled at the statement. In fairness to Arthur, he didn't react which was applaudable. "Well I must admit, you definitely don't look an Albanian Woodsman here to sell snake milk," Arthur commented, causing Mr Gaunt to raise an eye brow somewhat confused.

The twins sniggered, Ginny giggled and Hermione struggled to suppress a smile. Harry on the other frowned, he had really appreciated Mr Gaunt's help.

Mr Gaunt shrugged it off and regained his charming smile. "Unfortunately not, now if I may, I'd like to share a few words with Harrison," he stated.

Arthur eyed him over one more time without saying a word.

Harry felt obligated to say something. After everything that had happened, he wanted to talk with Mr Gaunt alone.

"Mr Weasley," He pleaded, "He did help me prepare for the trial,"

Arthur exchanged a look with Lupin, who appeared equally as serious as he. Mr Gaunt was certainly an interesting person. Whether he could be trusted with Harry was another matter. Despite his own judgement advising against it, Dumbledore hadn't intervened. So, for now he would give Mr Gaunt the benefit of the doubt, until proven guilty.

"Very well," Arthur decided, provoking a shocked look from Molly. "You can talk with Harry," He finished, once more glaring at him.

Quietly Neville, Ginny and Ron walked back down the path. Hermione joined them, finding the tension awkward. Molly herded the twins away and could be heard lecturing them about lies and Albanian woodsman. Arthur joined Lupin and set down the path too. Patfoot was the last to leave. He stalked up to Mr Gaunt's. Then stared directly into his eyes. To be certain that Mr Gaunt understood what he was. Then wandered down the path, making minimal effort to catch up with the others.

"I'm sorry about them…" Harry apologised.

"No, no, Harrison, they're just being careful, it's a dangerous time after all," Mr Gaunt assured him.

Harry looked at the ground. He wanted someone to see Mr Gaunt for what he was. Not a threat or a dark wizard, just a man who made went to great efforts to help Harry. Mr Gaunt, regardless what his peers thought, was no longer a stranger to him. Harry now considered Mr Gaunt a friend.

He lifted his head and met the gaze of Mr Gaunt. "Thank you," He said gratefully.

"Now Harrison…" Mr Gaunt tried to dismiss.

"No, thank you!" Harry repeated, "You were there for me, you listened and helped me; I've had a great time training under you, you're unlike any teacher I've had… and I've really enjoyed it so, thank you,"

Mr Gaunt was quiet for a moment. "You make it sound like it's we're done," He uttered, trying to withhold his disappointment.

Harry gave him a smile full of warmth. "This isn't the end, hopefully this is the start, because one thing I found out today is that I have a long way to go…" He commented.

"To go where?" Mr Gaunt asked, now a little curious.

Harry turned his face away and timidly confessed, "I suppose… where I am a confident and collected wizard... like you,"

Mr Gaunt was genuinely surprised. Not that it was uncommon for his followers to think of him that way. He hadn't expected Harrison to take to him so quickly. He chuckled at his own reaction. It was after all, what he wanted. Yet, his mind reminded him about his apprentice and a new mix of emotions started brewing in his chest.

"You know," He muttered with a bit of frustration, "When I saw you summon a broom instead of the egg, I was honestly infuriated Harrison, how could you learn so much, then forget when it mattered? But I suppose, in the end you proved my assumptions wrong,"

Harry hadn't even considered using the summoning charm on the egg. He felt like an idiot now realising how much simpler it could have been.

"You're a Gryffindor, aren't you? You've been one this whole time," Mr Gaunt acknowledged.

"Yeah…" Harry sheepishly confessed, "Sorry…"

Mr Gaunt rubbed his forehead uncomfortably. "No, it's my mistake, I got ahead of myself," He admitted, "But I guess, you're the right kind, Harrison,"

"I don't understand?" Harry said.

"Anyone can be a reckless twit," Mr Gaunt tried to explained, "And I admit, I'm disappointed that you're not exactly like me, I understand myself perfectly you see... and Gryffindors are just... confusing... What I'm meaning to say, is that I recognise you for what you are and nevertheless, I still appreciate it,"

Harry was still at a loss for what Mr Gaunt meant.

Mr Gaunt snorted, he was doing a horrible job. Harrison had really put him on the spot.

"I had an apprentice… Vincent… he was wonderful like you, an utter fascination to teach," He began to recall, "Sadly orphaned too, I guess I have soft spot for our a sort… Anyways, I had known him for about a year prior, he'd always ogle the display window at the shop I worked at; On slow days I'd teach him to play on the store's piano… he was very gifted, a musical virtuoso I'd say… Then one day he enters the shop looking a bit shell shocked; I asked him what the matter was and he just gave me his Hogwarts acceptance letter, I congratulated him but couldn't possibly fathom why he was so upset; It was then that he looked me in the eye and explained he spent that past three years on the street and couldn't possibly afford the required itinerary…"

"What did you do?" Harry asked with interest.

Mr Gaunt shrugged his shoulders and stated, "I got him what he needed and sent him off to Hogwarts," He continued, "A week later, I received a letter telling me he was sorted into Ravenclaw, I wasn't impressed… So, you're not the first one,"

Mr Gaunt studied over Harrison. He was a shabby looking boy, that would need fixing. However, his eyes were big, round and shimmered emerald green. A true magical gift to be born with. The boy's smile was sweet also. He could trick himself into thinking the boy was endearing… maybe. Indulge his imagination into feeling some affection for him. He put a halt on that train of thought. Affection was messy and painful. He knew he couldn't accept a delusional lie either.

Feeling his legs ache, Harry sat on the grass. "Do think I'm like Vincent?" He asked.

Mr Gaunt laughed. "No not at all, you're completely different which I'm thankful for," He reflected. "Two Vincent's would be a misery, so please, remain a Harrison," He joked.

Harry chuckled and Mr Gaunt joined him on the grass. Harry glanced at the man beside him, whoever Vincent might be, he was important to Mr Gaunt.

"What is he up to nowadays? Does he help with the movement?" He queried.

Mr Gaunt regretted telling Harrison about Vincent. He would have to answer a lot of questions now. With some hesitation, he said, "Vincent doesn't do much… He's… well… hmm…"

Harry caught onto the hint, "Oh…"

He would have apologised, however, Mr Gaunt always brushed off apologies. He didn't want to seem rude either, but unfortunately his curiosity got to his mouth before his logic, "What happened? I mean… sorry…"

Mr Gaunt waved his hand in the air dismissing Harrison's apologetic mutterings. "He was shot by a muggle and I was late in finding him," He explained bluntly, "But that's that and…"

He had lost his words. Harrison had wrapped his arms tightly around him. The boy squeezed him tight. He felt Harrison's magic try and shroud him. Mr Gaunt looked down at the boy, who head was pressed against his chest. It wasn't right, He was supposed to protect Harrison. He embraced the boy with his own arms. Harrison was showcasing his naivety again, Mr Gaunt didn't need his empathy. It was his role to give Harrison support, not the other way around.

Harry turned his head and peered up to Mr Gaunt's ice blue eyes. The man's touch was cold while his eyes were confused and bothered, but he smiled at Harry nevertheless.

"I don't let death hurt me, Harrison" Mr Gaunt assured him, "Nor will I let it hurt you,"

Without understanding why, Harry felt comforted by Mr Gaunt's words.

Mr Gaunt loosened his hold and thankfully Harrison did the same. "Harrison," he uttered.

"Yeah?"

"I want you to work hard from now on… that includes your classes too," He instructed, "And I'll be seeing you twice a week as well,"

Harry felt as though his life had become a lot busier. "Why are you doing this?" He wondered aloud.

"Because I enjoy the effort," Mr Gaunt said as he got to his feet.

The pair then left down the path until Mr Gaunt gave his farewell and left on his separate way. That same night the common room was abuzz with cheers, music and celebrations. It was a good time, Harry was lifted into the air by his housemate a couple of times. The twins belted their chant which caused McGonagall to storm into the common room and order them to bed. Everyone was saddened by the abrupt end; however, Harry was a little grateful. He did enjoy the party but he'd enjoy sleep even more.

-~o~-

That evening, Mr Gaunt had found himself at Lestrange House. Rodolphus and Bella had thrown a party to celebrate Harrison's victory. Currently Fireworks were being set off, but he wasn't anywhere near them. He lingered beside an open window, alone in a dead-end corridor. The cool night breeze drifted in and refreshed his mind. He found it somewhat blissful. Yet, the day's frustrations still haunted him.

Typical of her behaviour, Bella went in search for him. In her favour, He knew she was a strong, powerful witch dedicated to the cause; And her ambition had motivated her to impressive feats. He unfortunately, had misinterpreted the focus of her efforts. Because of that, for a couples of months, he trained her. She learnt fast and for the most part, he was content with the progress. However, as time passed, it became apparent that her goal and focus was an utterly feminine one. He didn't waste any more time on her since, firstly because she was married.

Sure enough, she came down the corridor and tiptoed her way to his side. Bella was also known to have little regard for personal distance. Not that he ever made an effort to protest. She nugged her way into his side and rested her head on his shoulder. A woman's attention was never easily won, so for one pursue him so intensely was a complement, he supposed. There were crowds of men who'd long to have Bella after them. She was the first born of powerful heritage and generally pretty for a witch, not that he thought about it much. He personally found her company annoying, intriguing and somewhat predictable.

She slid her hand under his robe and stroked his linen shirt. "The Polyjuice has worn off, is that why you're hiding here?" She softly inquired, "Or is it something else?"

He strained his features. He knew her big glassy eyes were staring directly at his, but he refused to acknowledge them. "It has been a bothersome day," He answered dryly.

"My lord…" She whispered, "I offer nothing but comfort for you,"

He became tense. Rodolphus, ought to be ashamed of the woman he married, or at minimum embarrassed. The man's wife, who had yet to produce him an heir, was awfully talented at easing his tension. It was a shamefully french affair in some aspects. It was never about Bella of course. He wasn't enticed by her. She a follower and followers existed to be used.

Without meeting her eyes, he murmured, "Well… you ought to escort me to a room then,"

She giggled far too cheerfully for his liking. She dragged him from the window to an empty guess room nearby. It was what you'd expect from an old wizarding home, antique furniture, wall hangings and a chamber fire. The four-poster bed faced the fireplace from the opposite side of the room. Before the was a lounge chair and wine table. He didn't want to encourage her ideas, so he sat leisurely on the chair.

Bella drifted after her Lord, already unfastening her over-gown. He watched her attempt to seduce with him undressing. It was always over exaggerated and he never understood why she bothered. She smiled at him with her cheeks flushed. It disgusted him. Currently He was inclined to make an embarrassment out of her but he had other desires.

She was now in just her corset and chemise. Her fingers began tugging at her corset ties. He ordered her to stop. Her attitude faltered at the sound of his command. It seemed he was being more controlling than normal. Slowly came onto him. Slid her hand up his inner thigh, to just grace the zipper fold of his trousers. She took it back, and gazed up to meet his red eyes. He didn't respond, but He usually didn't. Again, she ran both palms up his inner thighs before carefully parting his legs.

"It's getting tedious," He criticised, "You know what I think of that,"

She muttered breathlessly in answer. He furrowed his glare at her.

"My Lord…" She uttered, bending her chest low into his torso while she fondled with his shirt buttons.

He snatched her wrists and clenched them with force. He had caught her by surprise. That was amusing, but he didn't want to be amused.

Bella wasn't sure what to do. He'd normally just let her do her part. Then tell her to cut it off when he was bored. Tonight, he was too frustrated. With her hand's locked in his grip, she leaned closer to kiss his neck.

He grunted and threw her off. She fell a considerable distance back. Hit the floor which dirtied her expensive white chemise. She knew something was off this time. He appeared visibly angry.

"What's wrong?" She asked, with all intention for arousal gone from her mind.

"Nothing, pleasure me," He demanded.

"You're not in the head-space," She observed.

He grinned cruelly at her. "I decide what happens here, Bella," He reminded her.

She was quiet. There was a consequence for not doing what he wanted. Reluctantly, she got to her feet once more.

She then cautiously drew closer and asked, "What do you want me to do?"

He eyed her intensely. "Hmm… lift your chemise," He said.

She did as she was told and pinched the sides of her cotton undergarment until her lace decorated underwear were in clear sight. He stared at them, paying little attention to the underwear itself. He took his time to study it. Like the way knees turned slightly in, making her hips seem rounder. He rubbed his chin, it wasn't enough.

Still holding her chemise up, she now stood right before the Lord. "What else?" She asked again.

"Turn around,"

She did, now showing him her bosom. It wasn't notably big or voluptuous. The downside of women from blood nobility is that they were tall, thin and not much else. With that said, he still welcomed the sight.

"Caress me with it," He instructed.

"Where?"

He exhaled with annoyance. "You know where," he uttered.

She came down on his lap. Her cheeks brushed pass his thighs and pushed down onto his crotch. Finally, he had gotten the correct kind of touch he wanted. She began moving her hips making her bosom rotate and massage him. He closed his eyes and focused down on the moving pressure.

"Lower," He requested.

She lowered her position. Now, the movements were caressing his sensitive areas. It was becoming enjoyable but he still didn't feel fully satisfied. He let her continue nonetheless. It was likely that, this was that most satisfaction he would get.

After sometime Bella was growing sore, it was an awkward stance he had put her in.

"My Lord…" She carefully suggested, "It would feel better if I removed…"

"Enough!" he drawled.

She stopped, making him open his eyes. "I didn't say to stop!" He commanded.

She stood straight, stretched then went to gather her garments. For a moment he watched her in disbelief. Now Enraged, he whipped out his wand and expelled the items from her grasp. She glared at him; Never would she betray her master, but tonight he was being an arse.

"What is it!?" She exasperated.

"How dare you give me such defiance!" He growled back.

"Come on!" She continued, "You're frustrated about something so just admit it,"

He was infuriated. She wanted to please him, didn't she? Give him her pleasure, shower him in love. Well clearly, she wanted it the other way around tonight. He'd have to remind her it wasn't about her silly desires, it was always about him. It had been a confusing and frustrating day so the pleasure, was at least what he deserved. It was ridiculous for the woman to expect he owed her something. He pointed his wand and sent a hex at her.

She dodged it and stammered back onto the wall.

"What is it hmmm?!" She began to nag manically, "The prophecy Severus told us?"

He was so overwhelmed with rage, he flung the cruciatus at her. She was blown back to the wall withering and convulsing in agony. He let it torture her for long tedious minutes before ending the curse. Once released, her knees buckled and she fell to the floor.

Panting heavily, she forced herself to continue, "No… No… Something else has your nickers in a twist!"

He stared at her, thinking wildly about what else he should inflict.

She managed to stand. "Harrison…?" She suggested.

He would kill her. It no longer mattered if she was a follower.

"Oh- It is Harrison!" She concluded, "Of course it would be, that's why you've been sitting there clenching that crystal,"

He quickly glanced to his hands. One was outstretched pointing his wand, whereas the other was indeed as Bella had said, squeezing the pendulum Harrison had given him.

"Do you want him here? So you can celebrate with him? I could find him for you, would you be content then!?," She pried.

He was fixated on the crystal in his hand. "He won't come… my thoughts won't summon him…" He murmured with distain.

Bella eased somewhat. His wand was still aimed at her, but he was too distracted to use it.

"It's one sided magic, he must think of me, it's unfair," He mindlessly continued, "He's so awful that boy; He pains me,"

She carefully her way etched closer to him, listening to his words but not breaking eye contact with the wand. "How insincere of him," She sympathised.

"Yet, he is nothing but sincere!" He exclaimed, "and innocent! and naïve!"

"Harrison is 14, my Lord," She stated.

"Well yes…" He uttered. He never liked being told the obvious.

"And you describe him like a child," She mentioned, kneeling beside him.

He looked down at her, annoyed that she had tricked him into speaking. Dispite that, there no reason to bother hexing her again so he let his wand hand fall.

She quietly giggled. "You don't actually want Harrison, the boy is a scruffy mess; You've merely come to the age, were a man wants to raise a son," She openly concluded, earning her a scowl from the Lord.

"You can have a baby, My Lord," She beamed, "You can have my first-born!"

He got to his feet, stormed across the room. Then returned just to roar, "I DON'T WANT AN INFANT! INFANTS ARE GAMBLES! IT MIGHT BE A GENIUS! IT MIGHT BE A SQUIB! I WILL DO WITHOUT THE RISK!"

"But you want a son!" She retaliated, getting to her feet also.

"I want Harrison…" He aggressively clarified.

Bella belted into laughter. "Harrison…? Timid wittle' Harry?" She mocked loudly, "He could never sit amongst the ranks, or even serve you as a Dark Prince,"

He peered down at her, a crazed smirk spread wide across his face. He wanted Harrison. He wanted him so desperately. Because despite his reluctance, he knew deep in his core, Harrison would make a magnificent prince. The boy would serve him best when his cause and followers inevitably fail him.

"Oh- Bella…" He charismatically sneered, "It only requires the slightest of changes to make a dark prince,"

The magic churning behind his unblinking eyes as he spoke, sent a shiver over Bella. It was admirable, she couldn't help but wonder what feats of black magic he would subject the boy to.

With his last word said, he briskly left for the chamber fireplace and flooed to his hideout. Bella watched him leave in awe. She hadn't expected Harrison to be the Lord's choice. In fact, she had expected no prince at all. She would have to pay close attention to the boy's progress, but that could wait. For now, she was obliged to take more of a liking to Harrison… For her own sake rather than the boy's.

---

Just letting you know that updates are going to slow down. I've got a big project happening which will be taking priority. With that said, I am still writing this fic.
Nevertheless, thank you for support :)