51. Cheating

It was fortunate that Harry wasn't expecting any sympathy from the authority figures or else he would have been left clueless at the turn of events. Once the other students were guided away, there was fierce debate about his role in the tournament.

Debate would have been a strong word, instead it was more of a shouting match directed mainly at Dumbledore. Numerous accusations of manipulation and favoritism were thrown about. Eventually it got to the point that Dumbledore had to excuse Harry from the proceedings.

Holding unto a waspish expression, he nearly stormed out of the office. Walking was good, it gave him time to compose himself. Last thing he needed was to lash out against his only friends in the school.

Harry was all alone by choice. His feelings were becoming a sickly mix of anxiety and fear. Somehow he was sure that Voldemort had played a hand in this incident. With no clues as to what the events could be, he rested on a set of spiraling stairs.

Leaning back on the stairs, he contemplated his state of affairs. In the midst of his reflection, a shadow was cast over him. Looking up, he saw a figure shrouded in immaculate shadows not unlike a cloak.

The figure's speed was so rapid as to cause a whistling as it descended. Eyes going wide, he broke into a run. Unlike he, the figure seemed unbothered at its collision course to the ground. Just in the background he could just barely hear the sound of ravenous laughter.

The source was unknown.

Moments before the figure fell, the last Potter had been able to position himself properly and parted his arms. Catching the person in his arms, he supported the legs and back, not unlike a groom to a bride. The figure was light, too light, for the speed and height from which it fell.

Through her locks of black, he saw the nonplussed face of the Pale Lady. Upon recognizing his features, she smiled fondly, "Thank you my sweet hero. What a dependable one you are. Do you make it a habit to pick up women like this?"

He nearly dropped her from that alone. Fumbling with her form for a second, he readjusted her in his arms. Now his features were flushed from the insinuation. After hearing her laughter, he nearly preened.

"No and I wouldn't have wanted it to be anyone else." Although she said it in jest, he had no interest in other females. The Pale Lady was who he based his sense of beauty. Even if he grew attracted to another, it would merely be an insult to both the girl and the Pale Lady. No doubt he would be charmed with those with the Pale Lady's features and fail to see the girl herself.

"Why were you falling… did someone push you?" Harry asked gravely. It was odd, the feeling emanating from within. Life hadn't been the kindest towards him, and he doubted that she needed his assistance against her own foes, but he was loath to accept such happenings for her.

It came with great relief when she shook her head, "Nothing of the sort. My younger sister is simply having a bit of fun at my expense." As though to agree with the statement, the mysterious laughing returned, this time more childlike.

He scrunched up his eyebrows and asked, "This is her idea of fun?"

She in turn waved away his concerns, "She didn't mean any harm. My family is nothing if not durable. So you need not go on a crusade on account of little old me." Her arms gently wrapped around his neck.

Growing slightly tired, Harry found the most comfortable looking set of stairs and sat down, while he kept the Pale Lady on his lap. "What has you so bothered now?" She questioned lightly.

Sighing, he explained to one of the few people who would truly listen, "I'm being forced to participate in the Triwizard Tournament. The teachers think I cheated my way in and the students are resentful. I'm just at a loss. What should I do?"

Slowly she took hold of his hands. Her touch was gentle yet firm. "You must do the one thing all people do. Survive. If your life is threatened, preserve it at all costs. Pool your resources, your friends' resources, and everything at your disposal. Don't allow minor things like pride, honor, or even honesty to get in the way. I want you to promise me that." Concern poured from her voice.

Harry couldn't turn away from her imploring eyes. His heart was touched by her sincere wish for his return. Never had he truly felt like he belonged more than here, with her by his side. She yearned for him and he was honored by such feelings.

Although those feelings ached at times. This anxiety could firmly be blamed on his relatives. He grew up believing no one would come to truly care for him. That insecurity clashed often with the comfort and acceptance that the Pale Lady had always provided for him. "I promise", he swore solemnly. A goal to return to her side was burned into his very being. Against his will and pride, he felt his eyes sting from heavy emotions spurred by her wish.

She made no comment of his reaction as she brushed his cheek. Leaning in, she kissed his nose as though to banish the tears away. Her lips were welcomingly cool. "Thank you. I believe in you, Harry."

This time he tightly wrapped his arms around her even as more tears flowed. He did not let go. No matter what he would make it through this new hurdle. Sportsmanship was not his concern.