Chapter 12

Harry lie in the hospital wing staring out the window. He was hardly hurt, but the matron of the Hospital wanted him to stay overnight for observation, and regular checks on his magic which were still reeling from the amount he had used while fighting Greyback. Apparently his animagus transfiguration had really left him drained, but he was proud and excited that he had finally pulled it out. Sadly it became kind of an after thought after all that happened.

Harry looked across the medical wing to see a sleeping Neville resting fitfully. The sting of the battle for Neville was clearly causing a little bit of Post Traumatic stress, and Harry felt the burn from the murder he committed. There was no vomiting or shaking and crying on the floor this time, and Harry was disturbed by the idea that he could becoming used to killing people. When Sirius had arrived Harry had discussed this with him, but he explained that it was more likely that Harry felt Fenrir had deserved to die, but while the faceless man he had killed could have been anyone. After all weeks passed before Harry figured out it was Jugson he had slain at the Quidditch World Cup.

Nicholas and Pernelle had both come to visit their son, and Dumbledore had as well. He regarded his disappointment that he had not allowed Fenrir to be captured, and that they could have learned much from him, but also understood that in the heat of a battle, and even the aftermath sometimes the adrenaline can get to your head. His parents however were ecstatic that he managed his first successful transformation. His dad was jumping up and down with excitement and demanded Harry show him his form.

When Harry did he got lots of whistles of appreciation, and Harry explained to them that he was a Black Panther, and he was very fast in his animal persona.

Tonks had taken his statement that night since Harry was unable to sleep and the two had talked for what felt like hours as he explained his entire day, and then the battle, and finally how he was so skilled. Officially the auror department was not pressing any charges against Harry, and depending on the Public Opinion the next day he could even be up for an Order of Merlin Second Class.

Harry would of course refuse the award, and would never accept an Order of Merlin for anything less than defeating Voldemort himself. Fenrir Greyback was only a casualty of the war to come, but Harry had his eyes on the bigger prize one day.

Daphne had not even been hit by a single spell during the fire fight that lasted for nearly half an hour, and she told her father that when he arrived. She was the safest witch in Hogsmeade, and after he saw the memory of how fiercely Harry protected her he agreed, but asked Harry not to drag her into any more battlefields if he could help it. Thankfully the man was understanding though and knew it wasn't really a choice, but an accident.

It was a good thing he was also not really a British citizen, and diplomatic immunity protected him from the apparation and animagus laws, but still he promised Auror Tonks that the decision was made to stay in Britain for a longer period of time then he would definitely seek out both respective licenses.

The next day when the Daily Prophet Harry and the others were thankful to see they were claiming him and Neville as heroes, and the saviors of Hogsmeade. It unfortunately however was turned back on Dumbledore a bit that he should have been there much faster, and Harry agreed that they had a point, where was Dumbledore during the conflict? He should have been able to see almost the entire battle from his office, and unless he was out of the castle why didn't he intervene?

Some questions are never meant to be answered though and once again Harry was taken very seriously by his competition in the Triwizard Tournament as the second task approached.

Speaking of his competition Cedric had personally thanked Harry for what he had done. Apparently Cho was in the Three Broomsticks waiting on him to join her, and she was completely alone during the battle. Harry told him it was nothing, and glad he was able to help, but the boy was determined to help him, and even offered to give advise on the second task, but Harry assured him he had the answers.

Two days before the second task another oddity had occurred, and it came in the form of Mad-Eye Moody. Moody had invited Harry to his office after class, and wanted to have a few words with him, "You can relax Potter you aren't in trouble."

Harry sighed in a bit of relief after all he wasn't exactly respectful to the War Veteran, but the man wasn't exactly the picture tactful or subtle either, "That's good to hear Professor. I hope you know I mean no disrespect, but the number of faux pas you commit are numerous."

The man barked out a laugh, "It's how I keep my humor through everything Potter, and I hope you don't one day have to use similar tactics. Now what are you thinking for the second task?"

Harry knew it wasn't necessarily against the rules for a professor to ask this question, but it was against the rules for the Professors to aid him, "I have a plan. It's in the Black Lake, and they intend on stealing what I hold most dear, and I can promise you they won't be able to hold onto it long if they are taking what I think they are."

The man grinned evilly, "Then you have unraveled the riddle good. I have been trying to find away to assist you without breaking the oath. It is unfair, and unwise to allow you compete in this tournament regardless of your progress and first place standing so far. Someone clearly wanted to bait you into coming here, and that could mean trouble. We must remain Constantly Vigilant."

Harry nodded, and took the dismissal as fast as he could.

It was now the night before the task, and Harry placed every protective charm on Daphne he could think of, a long with a dozen tracking spells that he had researched. No matter what she was coming back to him tomorrow. One way or another. Daphne had rolled her eyes with each spell he had cast, but also was a little flattered that she would be the person he would miss most. Harry took no chances however, and even when no one was looking threw a few tracking charms at Neville just in case they tried to pull a fast one.

The day of the second task had arrived however, and when he arrived at breakfast and saw Neville he knew the game had begun, and that he would not be seeing Daphne this morning. He silently swore that if anything were to happen to her there would be absolute hell to pay.

He quickly ate his breakfast and retreated from the hall to prepare. Neville had gathered him some Gillyweed, and he was also ready with the bubble-head charm, and even a muggle oxygen mask if worse came to worst.

Dumbledore had explained to the Champions at Breakfast that the second task would begin at noon, and that they would have to start at the Black Lake to cross onto the platforms where the task would be actually held, and Harry was already out there scoping it out as soon as they were dismissed. Three massive pillars in the water were out there, and Harry understood that only a few select people and friends for each champion would be allowed on the pillars along with each of the schools delegations, and Senior Ministry Officials.

For Harry, Sirius, and his parents would be there along with Kendra Greengrass, and apparently a couple of surprises.

Noon came quickly as Harry was getting more and more anxious to get Daphne out of the cold water, and when he crossed the lake he was stretching quickly to warm up and get in the water.

Sirius was the first of his party to arrive, and hugged his Godson tight, "Don't worry about Daphne Prongslet I am sure she will be completely safe."

Harry shrugged, "As long as she is safe right now she will be fine, I have a plan. Where are mum and dad?"

As if on command a boat arrived with a group of familiar looking people. Not only were both of his parents present, but three of his best friends he met at the Ilvermony dueling camps. Michael Cotton the previous U17 World Dueling Champion was one of them, along with Sierra Michael who was Harry's first kiss and absolute best friend in America, and the other was an Italian by the name of Lyota Galvan whom was friends with Harry from the dueling circuit. Harry was shocked to see each of them, and when Michael stepped onto the dock Harry immediately pulled the boy into an embrace, "Michael! I didn't know you were coming."

The boy grinned as he pulled his friend into a hug, "I told you in my last letter we would try and catch at least one of your task, and we had a weekend off at Ilvermony so I decided to contact your parents and make it happen. I hear things have gotten real interesting over here, and that doesn't even include what's happened with the tournament."

The question was there, but the look Harry gave him told him it would have to wait till later for an explanation. Michael ran a hand through his dark hair, and his brown eyes looked puzzled and worried, but said nothing else on the matter, and let the rest of his friends greet him.

Sierra kissed the boy on the cheek before pulling him into a hug, "Oh I've missed you James! I wish you would have made sometime and come by to see us over the Christmas Holidays. How are you?"

Harry smiled at one of his oldest friends, and didn't correct her on addressing him by his alter ego, "I am a lot better now that you guys are here I was on the verge of a mental breakdown. They took one of my friends and I have to dive into this water to go get her."

Sierra who was a beautiful black haired girl with pale white skin shook her head. Her green eyes were probably the closest Harry had ever seen to his own, and if he didn't know any better he would've said they were related.

Lyoto however was next to greet him, "I see this tournament hasn't gotten any more creative this go around. Dragons in the first task, and now using a body of water to hold hostages this has all been done before where is the originality?"

Lyoto was definitely one to talk on original Harry thought. He was one of the most unorthodox duelist he ever met. The Italian boy was fair skinned, and looked like several Hispanic Americans he had met at Ilvermony, but the boys facial hair was filled out, and his hair was shaggier than usual. His dark hair and dark eyes however looked alert, and prepared to fight just as he always was, "It's good to see you Lyoto. How is training going?"

The boy smiled predatory, "Excellent. I look forward to our match at the U17 Championship. I plan to face you in the finals."

Harry smiled at the boys confidence and put his hands on two of his best friends, "I am so glad you guys are here. When I finish this task we will all catch dinner, and talk. You'll will have to wait to meet my girlfriend though because she is kind of the hostage they stole."

All three of them raised their eyes at this. Girlfriend? Nicholas and Pernelle had said nothing about that, and when the three turned to face the Flamel's they were innocently looking away but both had guilty smiles. Sierra glared at the boy, "You didn't mention a girlfriend in your letters!"

It was clearly an accusing tone, and not because she was jealous, but because she wasn't being kept in the loop. Sierra was very close to Harry growing up. They had attended all of the dueling camps together, and struck up a close friendship. She was even there with Lyoto in Paris when the Vampire's attacked.

Michael came up to him and whispered in his ear, "What's your odds of winning this?"

Harry looked around as the other two came in closer, "Really good. I have a plan, about a dozen of them actually with every different tracking spell I could find. Even if they dispelled a few there are no way they found all of them. I have Gillyweed for speed, and I plan to get her out as quick as possible."

Michael nodded easily, while the other two considered his plan. Sierra spoke quietly, "Remember to use your bludgeoning curses under water they will be twice as fast as usual, and three times as effective against the Merpeople or Grindylows if they give you trouble."

Harry was about to say something when Neville arrived on the platform which caused a chorus of shouting his names as Michael and Sierra at least approached the boy and greeted him warmly with a hug, and Lyoto who didn't know Neville as well greeted him happily with a handshake.

Michael laughed, "So how is the champs coach doing?"

Instead of Neville answered it was Harry that laughed, "He is doing God's work the Gillyweed. That was actually his idea."

Sierra nodded, "Oh I figured that out the second you said it Harry. I think we all knew the rare Tibetan herbology herb wasn't discovered by you. No thanks."

"None taken." Harry said easily.

Neville however just shrugged his shoulders, "It was an obvious choice. But it is good to see you guys. Harry didn't tell me you all would be here!"

Quick introductions came through as Susan arrived behind Neville, and Harry explained to Neville that he had not known either that they were coming either.

The champions were then called to prepare for the task to begin, and with some final wishes of good luck Harry went over to the starting line.

Cedric looked a little anxious, as did Krum, but none were as bad as Fleur who was looking down right distraught, "I can't believe they did this. The veela and the merpeople are natural enemies, and they just took her down there. I can't believe they didn't think of this."

Harry looked at the girl in alarm, and had not even considered such a problem. He quietly vowed that he would save Daphne and go back and help the other champions if it came down to it, but Daphne first no matter what he thought.

Dumbledore took the podium and began the task, "Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the Second Task of the Triwizard Tournament. For the Champions, and those that don't know last night something was stolen from each of the champions, and from the sound of the cannon they will have one hour to retrieve it. Good luck champions."

With this Harry ripped off his shirt, which led some whistles, but he was focused. The others were all wearing swimsuits, but Harry did not care much for that. He just wanted to begin. He knew that it was only a matter of seconds now, and put the gillyweed in his mouth, and damn near choked to death on it trying to get it down. The cannon went off, and he quickly dived into the water as the gills were starting to make it hard to breath. Once he hit the water the pain of the transfiguration was brief, but once it was over he pulled out his wand and cast the tracking spells to find Daphne, and thankfully the first one lit up right away, and he sprinted down the path in the water as fast as he could.

Occasionally magical creatures would approach him especially grindylow, but he was blasting them apart and that seemed to dissuade the others from trying anything. Within five minutes he had found the hostages, and the Merpeople all cleared the way for him as he arrived. He saw Cho Chang, Hermione Granger, Fleur's sister who seemed alive and okay despite her current state, and Daphne who was definitely his hostage to save. He turned to one of the Merpeople and decided to try and be diplomatic and use one of the advantages of Gillyweed, "What will happen if the other champions do not find this area?"

The Merpeople all stared at him for a moment, before an older looking one approached him, "Not to worry Champion. They will all be safe regardless. In an hour when the time is up those that are not found will be returned to the surface regardless of their heritage."

All the Merpeople glanced at Fleur's little sister, and Harry bowed his head to the creature, "Thank you for the assurance. I will take my hostage and go then."

Harry cut the rope with a cutting curse, and quickly grabbed onto Daphne and took her to the top of the water. The cheering was deafening and Harry had easily won the second task, "There is Mr. Potter there with his hostage Ms. Greengrass with the fastest time of a sheer ten minutes. Remarkable!"

Ludo Bagman, who was the head of the Sports section of the Minsitry was leading the announcement and even Daphne seemed surprised at this time, "Were you in that big of a hurry to get to me."

Harry grinned as he put her on his back and swam them towards them platform, "Its freezing, and I figured you'd want to get the hell out of this water."

This caused the girl to laugh, but she was shaking and Harry wanted to get her out of the water as fast as possible so she didn't get sick. When they made it to the Platforms they quickly pulled Daphne out, but Harry just came up to the edge, "What happens if I get out of the water Neville?"

"The magic should end, but if not I will throw you back in." Neville said cautiously.

Harry nodded and took a dive under the water, and then shot out as fast as he could landing on the platform coughing and relishing in the regular oxygen flooding his lungs as the transfiguration ended making Neville correct and the real MVP of this task. Harry would never have thought to use Gillyweed, and while he easily still could have completed the task he thought his solution was clever and different.

He was swarmed by his friends and family when he landed, and the congratulations for first place were immense, and Harry was relishing in the moment as his girlfriend jumped up and brought him into a tight hug. This led to some quick introductions, and even a few embarrassing stories about Harry while they waited for the rest of the task to finish.

At the thirty minute mark Fleur returned to the surface gasping for breath, and crying clearly having failed her task. They pulled her out quick and the girl was inconsolable until Harry went over to her and quietly explained that he talked to the Merchief and that he promised Harry that her sister was safe regardless of her heritage. This led to a big hug from the French girl, and Daphne tried not to get annoyed at the girl clinging to her boyfriend in her bathing suit, but it didn't work.

When the two separated Harry gave the girl a smile and patted her on the shoulder making it as friend zone as possible which made Daphne smile as he returned to her. Cedric came up fifteen minutes later just five minutes before the task was over with his hostage and applause was consistent and loud. Krum came up just as the clock expired, and this time the cheering was deafening.

Dumbledore took back over the announcement as Gabrielle Delacour floated to the surface, "ATTENTION! THE WINNER IS HARRY POTTER!"

A loud cheer came from his section, and Michael who was right behind him was holding up a Jersey that had his dueling number seven on it, and had Potter on both sides, and Harry was sure he would want to see that picture in the prophet tomorrow when he heard the sound of a camera snap. The rest of the awards went out, and Harry was now leading the contest by a landslide. Harry honestly didn't think much of the tasks so far they were fairly simple, and this one was almost too easy. The dragon he got by with a little bit of luck, and a lot of skills, but this task only required a bit of problem solving, and a limited amount of spell knowledge. He was pretty confident even without all his training this task would have been fairly simple once he figured out the riddle.

The group had celebrated all the way back to Hogwarts grounds where Harry had an odd encounter with Barty Crouch who congratulated him, and asked to speak with him for a moment. Harry having no reason to refuse the man walked with him away from the groups, "Your parents would have been proud of you today Potter. I knew your dad many years ago. He was one of my aurors, and he cracked one of the most difficult cases of my career against a few Death Eaters."

Harry didn't know what to say to this, but thanked the man regardless, "Your story is one I have heard many times. To lose one's family is so dreadful but here we stand, hoping to move forward."

Harry was about to say something positive about having a great support system and family in the Flamel's to back him, but then he heard a gruff voice, "Bartimeus, not trying to lure Potter into one of your Summer Internship programs are we? Last boy who went into the Department of Mysteries never came out!"

Harry turned to see Mad-Eye and the man made an odd facial expression, and his tongue slipped out in a very snake like way, and whatever it was it caught Barty Crouch's attention and the man took a step towards Mad-Eye, and then shook his head, and walked away without saying another word, while Mad-Eye called out, "And they said I am mad."

With that being said Professor Moody said, "Well done today Potter. Go rest, and have fun with your friends we will speak later."

Harry nodded and quickly wandered off to find his friends wondering just what the hell all that was about.

A/N: Sorry for the very long over due update. Work has been a nightmare, but i have written out the next few chapters, and hope to get you a new one next weekend sometime! Cheers!