May 27th, 1995
"She's not him, Albus," the portrait of Armando Dippet repeated.
The memories swirling in the Pensieve told a different story. One of a girl who held secret meetings with a select few peers. Who wandered the castle alone in the late hours of the night. A girl who held no remorse when told she'd ended the life of a professor, that another professor had been permanently brain damaged, or that she had killed numerous magical creatures in her latest stunt at the bottom of the Black Lake. Mary Potter had only lifted her chin, eyes cold and blank, leaving his office as though she feared no retribution.
This was all his fault. All his doing. He'd played his hand and lost. Ten years of planning, expecting the girl to come to the school and cherish the safety and her newfound friends. Every move was made to set her on the path for her final battle. But over the past two years since the incident in the Chamber of Secrets, all of his plans had slipped through his fingers. Her respect for him had declined to the point that she no longer came to him for advice. If anything she avoided him at all cost. And when she did, she was clipped and guarded, using Occlumency to block him out.
It reminded him far too much of young Tom with his way of pulling people to his side. Of Bellatrix Black's disregard for life, of Severus' coldness. Concern for nothing and no one other than themselves and their own goals. Mary was no longer hiding her forays into the darker side of magic. The girl occluded around the clock. While eating dinner, during class, even when flying. Numerous times he'd tried to get a sense of her thoughts only to be misdirected into the most mundane displays of teenage life.
Another swirl of his wand and he went back to the memory of Mary's map. Why was the girl keeping such a close eye on Voldemort and his followers? Surely she trusted that he and those in charge of her care would keep her safe? Or was there a more sinister reasoning for the girl's sudden fascination with both the Dark Arts and Lord Voldemort? Was that the answer? Had young Mary absorbed some part of Tom Riddle's disposition as a baby?
Tom. It scared him to learn that Sirius and Remus had spoken to Horace about his former student. What had they learned? He needed to obtain Horace's memory and perhaps divest the man of them completely if he was going to keep his theory a secret. Things were not yet in place for his plans to be discovered. No one could find out, not until he had all of the information he needed. One thing was for sure, Tom had certainly made more than one. His recent conversation with Hepzibah's house elf revealed as much. Hufflepuff's cup disappeared from the woman's collection before her death. It wasn't among her possessions, nor was it in her will, though she was the last one known to possess the artifact. Tom always kept trophies. Had the cup joined the diary as another tie holding him to the mortal plain?
He was missing something. Some larger piece of this puzzle.
The chime rang echoed quietly, the crystal hippogriff on his desk letting out a puff of steam, while the mirror on the wall in front of him showed those waiting on the other side of the door. A Headmaster's work was never done. It was the third face that had popped into view and caught him slightly off guard. The muggle phrase, speak of the devil, came to mind.
A wave of his wand sent the Pensieve back into its cabinet and the research on Tom's Horcrux back into the bottom drawer of his desk. There must be more than one, he thought again, casting the spell to open the door and meet his guests.
The sun beat down on Mary's back. A sheen of sweat covered her forehead and made her hair stick to it while she jogged along the path to Hogsmeade. Breathless, she slowed down when the young boy came into view. He couldn't have been older than nine. His cheeks were flushed, and she could tell he'd struggled under the weight of the large crate at his feet.
"Lo'!" he called out in greeting.
"Hiya!" Mary said with a smile. "It all here?"
"Mrs. Woodcroft sends her best." The boy lifted the crate with a grunt. "Said to thank ya for the large order."
"She's done me a massive favor by getting it all so soon. You work for her, yeah?"
"Only on the weekends." He shrugged his shoulders.
Mary reached into her pocket and pulled out a few coins. "Go get yourself a Butterbeer and thank Mrs. Woodcroft for me, will you?"
The boys eyes widened at the sight of silver and he nodded, his cheeks flushing redder as he reached into his own pocket. "Can I… uh?"
Mary held back a grimace, seeing the familiar piece of parchment. There, on the front page of the Daily Prophet for all the world to see, was a looping scene of her pulling the small trident from her thigh and tossing it on the shore. MARY POTTER TIES FOR FIRST PLACE IN TRIWIZARD TOURNAMENT, the title read. It should have been: MARY POTTER, MAGICAL MORON: VOLUME 147 .
Mary accepted the quill and scribbled her name beneath the magical photo. If she never saw that picture again it'd be too soon.
"Have a good one!" she said, handing the newspaper back to him and lifting up the crate.
"I can carry it for ya!" the boy protested, clutching the paper to his chest.
"Go get that Butterbeer. I've got this."
Without another word, she turned around and went back to the castle. A longing for winter began to tug at her as sweat dripped down her neck and soaked into the collar of her shirt. Where was the crisp, biting air when she needed it?
The halls and paths were empty. Most everyone stayed in their common rooms, studying for the upcoming exams. Even the first and second years made scarce appearances out of their dorms, unwilling to get in the way of the tetchy upper years.
Hermione had nearly pitched a fit when Mary said she would be skipping out on their revisions. "Just because you're exempt from exams, doesn't mean you shouldn't try to learn the material. You'll still need to know this next year."
This was something she had to do though; that's what no one understood. She needed to make it right. Her poor choice in defensive spells had decimated an entire crop of seagrass that the merpeople required before the upcoming winter. If she had to go back down there and plant it herself, she would do so. That same resolve had her standing in front of the spiraling staircase, the crate at her feet, spouting off different names of sweets.
"Jelly Slugs?" she tried to no avail.
"Nerds," a voice said from behind her.
"Pardon?"
Mary turned to see a man with white hair, leaning on a cane. To his right was a younger man around Bill's age. Dark hair reached his chin, and he had the same light blue eyes as the man next to him.
The low groaning sound of the spiral staircase stopped her from responding. Why was the password a Muggle sweet?
Dumbledore stood in the doorway. "Perfect timing, Newt. As always. And Mary, this is a surprise."
"I'm sorry, sir." Mary looked at the floor. "I didn't mean to interrupt, but I need your help."
Fawkes flew from his perch, landing lightly on the newcomer's shoulder, rubbing his head against Newt's cheek.
"Should we leave, Headmaster?" Newt asked, causing Mary to look from him to Dumbledore.
"Oh, please don't. I can come back another time, sir." Mary picked up the crate, ready to back out of the room. "I was just wanting to take this to the merpeople's colony and hoped you wouldn't mind translating my apologies. It can wait."
A bemused smile graced Dumbledore's face. "Luck it seems is on your side. Newt here is far more fluent in mermish than I could ever hope to be, and we planned on walking near the lake. Would you care to join us?"
"Newt Scamander." Newt held a weathered hand out to her.
"Mary Potter," Mary almost stuttered, staring up at him.
"Are you really?" Newt placed his other hand over their clasped ones, his pale eyes meeting hers with nothing but curiosity, before he finally turned to acknowledge the young man with him. "Forgive me. This is my grandson, Rolf."
Mary shook his hand as well. "Nice to meet you."
It wasn't easy to admit that she felt a little starstruck. Newt Scamander's textbooks were favorites of Hagrid's, and Mary enjoyed reading about the different obscure magical creatures that Mr. Scamander studied.
"I apologize for forgoing introductions," Dumbledore said. "I presumed you'd taken care of that in the hall. Alas, the follies of old age."
"Don't start on that one." Newt laughed. "I'm trailing not far behind in years, Albus."
"Shall we?" Dumbledore gestured for the door.
Mary listened with rapt attention as the two older man talked about their recent adventures. For Newt it'd been getting a new Kneazle kitten; for Dumbledore it'd been Fawkes' most recent burning day. And while their conversations focused on light and mundane subjects, Mary couldn't help but notice the way Mr. Scamander would clench his fist back and forth, or the way Dumbledore redirected the conversation each time Newt tried to talk about the Tournament.
"Let me help with that," Rolf offered, lifting the other end of the crate.
"Thanks!" Mary smiled back. "First time at Hogwarts?"
"Oh no," Rolf said. "I was in Hufflepuff. Same as my grandfather."
He had an American accent that was tinted with a slight British lilt. Given the fact that his grandfather was as British as they came, it made her eager to learn about all the exotic places he'd lived. Had he lived a normal life? Or were they constantly travelling to see new and exciting animals? It felt too personal to ask.
"Are you a magizoologist as well?" she asked instead.
"Yeah." Rolf let out a small laugh. "Fourth generation. Have to live up to the family name. Not an easy task, you know?"
Mary's smile froze. "Yeah."
"I'm sorry!" Rolf spluttered. "I didn't mean-"
"It's fine."
Sirius had lightly touched on her family history. Taught her things about the Potters and Evans families that not even Harry knew. Her grandfather, Fleamont, had been a world class Potioneer, and her father had been a member of the Order and basically done an Auror's job without pay during the war. Her mother had done the same, though on her side of the family they were Muggles. Normal lives and occupations. Past that, she had little knowledge of them. She was and would forever be the last Potter.
Rolf looked up at the sky. "Nice weather."
"What are you talking about? I'm burning up here." Mary cast a cooling charm on herself. "What year did you graduate?"
"Ninety-one."
"That was right before I started! You have to know Tonks then, as a Hufflepuff."
"Nymphadora?"
"She lets you call her that?"
"Uh no, and please don't tell her I did. But yeah, we got on pretty well. How's she doing these days?"
"Just qualified as a full Auror."
"Sounds like her." Rolf's face reddened. "She still hanging out with Weasley?"
"Bill or Charlie?"
"Charlie. You know them too?"
"Their youngest brother is my best mate."
The sound of high pitched screeches pulled her attention to Newt and Dumbledore, who both sat next to the lake. All of the sudden, a pair of pale blue heads popped out of the water. Mary recognized the merman that had skewered her thigh and grimaced. His bulbous eyes narrowed, and he moved closer to the crowned mermaid next to him.
Mary walked to the shoreline and knelt beside Dumbledore. "What are they saying?"
"They want to know why you are here," Newt translated, eyes narrowed as he continued to listen to the guard's rant.
Mary scrambled to her feet, hoisted the crate into her arms, and lugged it over to the water's edge. "A gift, if they'll accept it. And my sincere apologies for ruining their beautiful crop."
Newt translated for her, the high shrieking sound making Mary wince due to her over-sensitive hearing. The Chieftainess looked from Mary to the crate with a shrewd stare. Her guard, on the other hand, looked like he'd rather flop onto the shore and die than accept anything from her.
"May I?" Newt's gaze met Mary's, and she nodded, helping him pull the lid off the crate.
He looked through the contents, speaking in mermish as he plucked up the numerous bulbs and pods, inspecting them before handing them over to the guard. The Chieftainess let out a gasp, taking a bulb and holding it reverently in her blue hands.
"Sixty years ago a fungus wiped out the majority of eelgrass here in the northern UK. The Chieftainess is quite thrilled with the possibility of getting it back into their ecosystem and diet," Newt explained.
"Neville and Mrs. Woodcroft helped me choose," Mary said, backing away when the merman glared at her.
Dumbledore shot her a shrewd glance that Mary quickly looked away from, letting the two older men finish up their conversation with the merpeople. What was Dumbledore's problem anyway?
"That went better than I thought it would," Mary said, walking beside Rolf as they went back to the castle.
"The Chieftainess banned you from ever going in the Lake! How is that good?"
"I'd rather not go back down there, if I'm being honest. They're well within their rights to be angry."
Something large and grey bounded toward them. Fast. Mary braced herself for the impact, but the huge dog just skidded to a halt, rolling over on his back.
Mary bent down and scratched Fang's belly and behind his ears. "What are you doing out here without Hagrid?"
Fang stood and shook off, puddles of drool dripping onto the stone path, then let out a booming bark, moving forward to nudge at her cloak pocket with his nose.
"That's just Bacon." Mary laughed.
Rolf shot her a confused look, probably thinking that she wandered around with food in her pocket, until Mary pulled out the guinea pig. "Your familiar?"
"Stolen Transfiguration project."
"I see."
Mary scratched Fang's back, looking up at the three men. "I guess I'm meant to follow."
They said their goodbyes, and Mary followed Fang down the stone path until they reached Hagrid's hut.
"Was beginnin' to think he got lost." Hagrid moved around the side of the building. "What brings yeh out this way?"
Mary looked down at Fang. "I thought I was being summoned."
Hagrid let out a booming laugh and patted Mary on the back, nearly knocking her over. "Guess I'll just have ter put yeh to work!"
Mary spent the rest of the evening mucking out the Abraxans' stable. Not something she would normally volunteer for, but the hard work made for good exercise. When she was more than tired and filthy, she trudged her way back into Gryffindor Tower. Thankfully no one was around to stop her before she fell head first onto her bed, letting sleep take over.
Pain engulfed her body, pouring through every nerve and limb. Blinding white lights accosted her vision. Then, suddenly, there was warmth, and the sensation of soft fabric on her skin.
"I'm sorry, my lord. I shouldn't have taken so long to return to you."
"I am hungry," the raspy high voice escaped her lips.
"I'll milk Nagini at once, my lord." The dark haired man bowed and moved out of sight.
She rolled over, a pile of cold dead flesh lay next to her, and she curled up next to it, the scent of decay and rot invading her nostrils.
Mary woke up in a panic, bending over the side of her bed and vomiting what little contents she had left in her stomach. Her head throbbed like mad, the scar burned like hell fire. The smell of fresh meat still lingered in her nose.
"Mary?" Hermione moved closer, the torch behind her blazing to life. "Are... are you okay?"
"Evanesco. " Mary cast, vanishing the mess she'd made, then added a cleaning charm on top of that. "I'm fine, just a bad dream is all."
"It's time for dinner."
Mary stood, tugging her warmest cloak around her shoulders despite the late spring warmth. "Think I'll go talk to Sirius and Remus."
Hermione pulled Mary into a hug that she didn't deserve. "I'm here for you too, you know that, right?"
"Yeah," said Mary. "I know."
Hermione wasn't convinced. After they were both dressed and ready, she walked Mary down to the guest quarters where Sirius, Remus, and Bill were staying. No words were spoken, but Mary could feel her friend's eyes on her back, the frequent sighs that Hermione let out, it made her teeth ache as she clenched her jaw from snapping at her. How hard was it to just leave her be?
The door opened. Sirius stood there, a beaming smile on his face that died when his eyes met hers. His gaze shifted to her right. "Hermione?"
"A bad dream, I think."
Mary cracked her neck, then pushed past Sirius to curl up in the chair next to the fire. Calm. Calm. Calm. The flames danced in the fireplace, and Mary lost herself in the orange glow, blocking out anything and everything until she felt more like herself. Until the horrible images had been burned out of her mind.
Mary sat up, her head pounding, and pulled the cloak tighter around her shoulders, hugging it to herself. Sirius and Remus were talking quietly across the room.
Bill, seeing that she was once among the living, pulled her to his side, lips against her hair. "What do you need, MJ?"
Mary lifted her left hand and waited until a cup flew into her grip. "Water."
Bill waved his wand, and the small mug filled to the brim. Mary sipped it slowly, trying not to upset her already rumbling stomach. "How's the research going?"
Bill put his arm around her shoulders and took the empty cup. "It's a curse for sure, powerful one too. Don't know how he accomplished it, given there are no signs of magical residue, but it's here to stay until we can find a counter."
"Figured as much." Mary closed her eyes, thoughts swimming around her head. If she could kill him, the curse would end and their problem would be over.
Remus shook her shoulder, holding a vial of blue liquid in front of her face. "Drink it all."
Mary accepted the vial and sniffed it. Pain reliever. They did little to help these days, with as many as she was taking just to function, but she swallowed it in one gulp, feeling the pounding in her head recede to a slow throb.
"Expellia- "
"Protego! " Mary countered Sirius' spell, her hand shaking as she watched his wand fly across the room. "What the hell?!"
"Just making sure you're on your toes." Sirius dug his wand out from under the chesterfield and brushed a piece of lint from his sleeve. "This close to the the Third Task you need to be ready for anything and everything."
"I've got one Moody to deal with, thank you very much." Mary stood, picking up her back pack, and walked into the loo.
The door closed behind her with a soft click. Mary leaned against it, sliding down until she hit the floor. Digging into her bag, she found the last two red pills Fred and George had given her at the Yule Ball, popping them into her mouth and swallowing. What could it hurt?
The small tin landed in her bag with a clink, and Mary looked down into it, hoping she hadn't broken anything important. A small vial sat there filled with a light blue liquid. It was a shield potion that most people applied to windows or mirrors to deflect anything that touched them. All you had to do was apply it to the outer rim of the window, and it would keep it safe and clean for up to a month. Even rain bounced right off.
The commode sat in front of her, the idea blossoming into the best plan of revenge. Mary smirked and knelt down in front of the toilet.
An hour later, she was sitting next to Remus, helping him organize his research papers on taboos and curses when a different kind of curse rang through the air.
"Bloody hell!" Sirius shrieked from inside the loo.
Mary's face twitched in an effort to keep from laughing. Remus closed his eyes and sighed.
"I've got piss splattered everywhere!"
"Time to head back to the tower!" Mary jumped up and grabbed her bag. "Give Paddy my best. Love you lot."
"Love you too, Mary Jane." Remus shook his head, a smile tugging at his lips.
"Tell Ron and Ginny to stop by more." Bill pulled her into a quick hug. "And you take care of yourself."
Mary patted his shoulder. "Will do. Night, Mr. Weasley."
"Effing kids."
Bill swung out to ruffle her hair, but Mary darted out of the way and exited the room before he could touch her.
June 23rd, 1995
"Boggarts." Hermione said, sitting on the chesterfield across from Mary, a large tome opened in her lap.
"Riddikulus," Mary answered, mindlessly waving her wand.
"Dementors," Neville said.
"Expecto Patronum." Mary conjured her patronus, feeling bored.
"Stunning Spell," Ron offered.
"Protego." Mary went through the motions of casting the spell, her shield nearly knocking over the side table.
On and on it went, sitting there in Sirius and Remus' quarters while her friends and family drilled her on her knowledge of spells. Mary only had one goal in mind and that was to stay away from the bloody Triwizard Cup.
"You won't just need knowledge of spells." Remus sat down, his favorite teacup in hand. "What will you do if you encounter a Kappa?"
"Throw something at its feet and make it look down."
"An Erkling?"
"Er, I don't know, bash its brains in?"
Remus shot her a perturbed look. "Maybe something not so violent. Just keep your wits and senses about you."
Mary knew exactly what he meant. While the cuff had kept her from contracting Lycanthropy, it'd given her a heightened sense of smell, hearing, and sight. It was a curse on most days when she was surrounded by hundreds of loud teenagers, some of which used cleaning charms instead of actually bathing. During the Third Task though, it gave her an edge.
"I'm done with this." Mary closed the copy of Standard Book of Spells: Grade Seven.
"It's nearly curfew." Hermione stood up and straightened her robes.
"You're all staying here for the night." Sirius walked into the room, a tray of steaming mugs floating in front of him. "Thought we could all camp out around the fire."
"Professor McGonagall is okay with this?" Hermione stuck her nose in the air, rightfully not trusting Sirius at his word.
Sirius leaned back against the couch and laughed. "It was Minnie's idea! Not that I wouldn't have come up with it myself, but the old bird has a knack of knowing what I have planned and either curtailing or approving it."
Hermione looked none too pleased with Sirius' tone when regarding Hermione's favorite professor, so Mary felt it necessary to step in.
"Don't think I'm going to sleep much tonight, so company will be nice." Mary grabbed a mug, looking at the amber colored liquid. "Butterbeer?"
"Cognac." Sirius smirked.
"Sirius!" Remus shot to his feet, pulling the tray away from Ron.
Mary took a sip and coughed. "Ugh, that's just horrid."
"Unrefined palates," Sirius grumbled. "It's mostly cider. Just thought the cognac would help us all get to sleep faster."
Remus took the mug from Mary and handed it to Bill. "A hangover will do no good in the morning, not for any of us."
"You're killing me here, Moony," Sirius whined. "It's not that much."
"Mary needs a clear head tomorrow," Remus argued.
"Mary just needs to relax with her family," Mary said, looking at the occupants of the room and waving her wand.
Her birthday present sat on the edge of the desk, the boombox roaring to life. A woman's voice echoed around them at an almost deafening volume. Mary grabbed Neville's hand and pulled him to his feet. Sirius, already a few drinks in, joined them in dancing and singing along.
Hours later, the three adults were near drunk and Mary was bouncing around the room, practicing her wandwork while Sirius and Remus told stories.
"So then Lily transfigured a stick to look and act exactly like a lightsaber and ran James through with it!" Remus wiped mirthful tears from his eyes. "He doubled over, gasping in shock, not knowing what was going on, but Lily pointed the glowing red blade between his eyes and told him that if he ever came sniffing around her experiments she'd use him as her next test subject!"
Sirius laughed as well, but Ron, Bill, and Neville looked a little confused.
"When was there a war in the stars?" Ron asked. "Muggles know how to get there?"
Mary stopped moving, her mouth dropping open in horror. "I'm the worst friend ever."
"Star Wars," Hermione said. "They're muggle films."
"You'll get to see them over the summer," Mary promised, then turned to her godfather. "Are you still getting the theatre room set up, Siri?"
"Done!" Sirius rubbed his hands together. "I went for a projector instead of a standard television, so be ready for a whole wall as a dedicated screen."
Well, that was excessive in Mary's opinion, but excessive was what Sirius did best.
"It's almost two." Hermione glared at Sirius, but the effect was killed when she yawned widely.
"You lot better not stay up too late." Sirius stood, transfiguring the two couches into a massive flat mattress. "Sleep well."
Mary grabbed blankets and pillows from the cupboard and tossed them onto the bed, then made herself a little spot on the edge.
"Get in the middle." Hermione tugged her arm. "Otherwise you'll be sneaking off instead of sleeping."
"I doubt I'll be sleeping as it is," Mary argued. "And I'd rather be able to get up quickly if I need to."
"Nightmares again?" Ron looked at Hermione.
"Almost every night."
"I'm right here." Mary let out a huff. "You don't have to act like I'm a toddler that can't speak for herself."
"Feeling okay, Mary?" Neville asked.
Mary shrugged. "I'm fine."
"Exactly what I mean." Ron smiled smugly. "Thanks, Nev."
"Get in." Hermione ordered her, pointing to the center of the mattress.
"Yes, Mistress." Mary bowed. "Mary Potter will be doing anything Mistress asks."
Ron groaned. "Don't get her started, Mary!"
Hermione crossed her arms. "It isn't right for you to mock the house elves."
"Sorry." Mary plopped down. "So, sleep, yes?"
"Sleep." Hermione yawned again.
"Night," they all echoed at the same time, then laughed.
—
Mary lay there, staring at the firelight dancing on the ceiling, the shapes twisting and turning like the thoughts running through her head.
Barty Jr. was always at Voldemort's side. Wormtail was in Azkaban. Sirius had even asked Tonks to double check. Moody was still Moody according to the map. Who else had she forgotten? Who else could be out there planning her demise? Rita was in Azkaban for at least another few months. Umbridge had less than a year on her sentence. Mary had the oddest feeling that she was missing something.
"You're still awake," Ron whispered.
"Could you sleep if you were in my shoes?"
"They'd probably make my feet hurt, so no."
"You're awake too."
"Sympathetic nerves."
"No sense in both of us being tired. Don't worry about me."
"Devil's Snare." Neville's voice drifted over from the other side of Ron.
"Huh?" Mary leaned up on her elbows so she could see him.
"How would you counter Devil's Snare in the Maze?" Neville asked.
"Light." Mary smiled, remembering their adventure to save the Philosopher's Stone.
"Bat Bogey Hex," Ron said.
"Don't piss off Ginny," Mary replied.
They stayed up talking for a few more hours before Ron and Neville finally drifted off to sleep. Surprisingly, Mary slept too, only to be woken moments later by someone frantically shaking her shoulder.
"We overslept!" Hermione shoved her again. "Breakfast is nearly over!"
Mary rubbed at her eyes, feeling groggy and disoriented. "Task isn't until tonight. Go back to sleep."
"She's right." Remus stepped into the room, shielding his eyes from the light pouring through the windows. "I promised Minerva that I'd have you all down for breakfast, so get moving."
Mary flopped back on the mattress and pulled the covers over her head. "I'm skiving off."
"I have a box of untested pranks and a sleeping Sirius that says you'll get up," Remus offered.
Mary pulled the cover away from her face. "You'll let me do the honors?"
"All yours." Remus held out the box.
"I've got a better idea." Mary crept into the room, quietly casting a few spells before pouring one of the potions into Sirius' water. "Wake up, Snuggly."
"Too loud," Sirius murmured.
"I'm freaking out here. Day of the Third Task and all that. At least get up and have breakfast with me?"
"Sure kid." Sirius leaned up and quaffed the glass of water. "I'll be out in a minute. Tell Moony to get a hangover cure ready."
"Okay." Mary smiled brightly and backed out of the room.
"I got Bill." Ron stood in the sitting room, bouncing on the balls of his feet. "He's gonna kill me."
Remus shook his head. "They won't figure it out for another twenty minutes."
That estimation was perfect. Mary had just finished her breakfast when Sirius let out a squeak from the Head Table. Bill to his left did the same. They both jumped up, running around the table down into the student dining area.
"Look at the Hobbitses!" Mary chuckled.
"He vill get you back for this." Viktor laughed, watching Sirius and Bill trying to reverse the charm.
"They look just like Frodo and Sam." Hermione giggled. "You even got the hairy feet."
"You are not worried about zee Task?" Fleur narrowed her eyes from across the table. "This will be the hardest one, no?"
"Mary's got this." Ron patted her hard on the back. "Nothing she can't handle."
Hours later she was standing between Viktor and Fleur. The stands were filled with students, parents, reporters, and teachers. Sirius and Remus were sitting next to Ron and Hermione, all of them waving and smiling at her. Tonks and Bill sat on either side of Rolf, while Newt sat next to Dumbledore. If Newt was there, then there had to be some dangerous creature waiting for them in the labyrinth.
Mary turned her focus back to Ludo Bagman who was going over the rules and announcements once more, but this time for the crowds benefit.
"Tied for first place, Mary Potter of Hogwarts and Viktor Krum of Durmstrang Institute will enter the Maze at the sound of my whistle!" Bagman called out. "In second place, Fleur Delacour of Beauxbatons will wait five minutes before entering. First to touch the Triwizard Cup will be the winner! Champions are you ready?"
Both Fleur and Viktor nodded. Mary followed suit after a moment of hesitation.
Bagman blew the whistle, the sound ringing in Mary's ears as she raced toward the Maze, putting everything else out of her mind.
I have to get the Cup. And then I'm going to destroy it.
A/N:
Shout out to all my loyal readers out there who have talked me off a ledge. Each and every review, favorite, and follow keeps me coming back to this story ready to write and post.
Much love to my wonderful alpha-editor, theaberrantwritergirl, for making this chapter pretty even though it'd been posted for a week. She's such an awesome person and writer. You can find her works in my Favorite Authors tab.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to ask. I'll be posting contact information and updates to my profile page, so check it out if you're curious.
