A/N: This chapter will be full of revelations about Cassius, his relationship with Harriet will move forward.
See you soon !
Chapter 6: First show
Cassius enjoyed the time he spent with Harriet. He didn't want to overwhelm her; otherwise he would have invited her sooner. He wished that they were alone, that she was more comfortable in his company, that he had her full trust. But he had to bid his time and wait; she had so much on her plate already.
The presence of the girls made her more comfortable and helped her forget, even partially, the unwanted attention they were getting. Couldn't those sheep mind their own business and leave them alone?
From the moment he met her as a first year, he felt attuned to her magic. There was something about it that called to him. He knew that she couldn't feel the way their magic synchronized and exquisitely matched. She hadn't reached that level, not yet. Such synchrony was the stuff of myths: compatible magic, the hallmark of a well matched pair.
Few could sense magic like The Warringtons. No kin of his had a partner with an incompatible magic. It was the first thing that made him take notice of her. Then, the rest came naturally. Every single thing about her called to him. He found her extremely attractive, he admired her courage, he knew that she hid her intelligence well and he liked this sly streak about her. She was the perfect snake under the lion's pelt.
She was his even if she didn't know it yet. He wouldn't let any worthless wizard get too close to her. He was sure that she started to feel attracted to him, but she had so much to deal with as it was. He would wait and then wait more if he needed to.
But for now, he didn't have time to dwell. He made a signal for Adrian and Graham to leave first, then he turned his attention to Harriet who was sipping her butterbeer:''I have to leave; I need to buy some necessities. Would you be alright?"
Harriet's eyes darted to the left before answering:''It's ok, I'll have lunch with the girls then leave."
Jena was leering at him. His cousin liked to put her nose where it didn't belong.
"I'll take my leave then, take care."
He found Adrian and Graham waiting outside. His best friend's blue eyes were twinkling with anticipation. The sneaky swine liked the thrill of the hunt."Where is she?"
Graham gave him a look of disapproval:''If you weren't checking out a certain beautiful girl Pucey, you would've noticed that the bitch was harassing Bagman just a few tables away from you."
Adrian gave them a sheepish smile:"You can't blame me, I like to admire fine things."
Cassius knew that he had to cut them both before he lost his chance:"She's going back to Hogwarts. Let's hurry up."
"The way you can locate almost everyone is brilliant, brilliant but frightening mate." Adrian faked a shiver.
"Well, always remember that you can't run away from me when you do something stupid. Don't think that I forget your little stunt this morning, we'll talk later." Cassius' smile was colder than Antarctica. Adrian paled a bit.
They found Rita Skeeter heading back to Hogwarts, a malicious grin painted on her thin lips.
"Miss Skeeter." Her eyes widened when she turned and found herself surrounded by three slytherins.
"How can I help you boys?".She smiled sweetly trying to ignore the fact that the road was deserted, and her only company was three tall, broad shouldered young men sporting cold looks on their faces.
"I think that introductions are in order, I am Cassius Warrington, those two gentlemen are my best friends Adrian Pucey and Graham Montague.''
Skeeter's eyes widened further when she heard the names. She knew their families very well and she understood that they weren't people she could mess with as she pleased.
"So, how can I help you?" She asked again "Do you have some information that you want to give me? Maybe you wish to have an interview? Or is it some Hogwarts' secrets you want my readers to know?"
Cassius' smile was all teeth. She was chattering, it meant she was nervous.
"None of that Miss Skeeter."
"Why not?" She took a step closer. "As you know, it's my job to give my readers the truth. I thought that slytherins would help uncover the truth about this tournament, I know that you don't have good relations especially with….Gryffindors."
Cassius felt rather than saw Adrian stiffen next to him.
"As a matter of fact, I like nothing more than the truth."He leaned closer and almost whispered:"I know that you are an unregistered bitch that likes to bug people."Skeeter paled and started shaking, he sneered at the disgusting woman and continued:''you know about my family's power, so I'll give this advice only once: keep away from Harriet Potter and all those she holds dear, otherwise there will be hell to pay. I'm not warning you, it's a promise."
Cassius didn't give her time to reply, Adrian winked at her and they took their leave.
"You should've pressed more, are you sure she'll heed your warning." Adrian almost pouted.
"The message was clear. Let's wait and see."
While heading back to The Three Broomsticks, Cassius caught sight of a mane of pitch black hair he knew so well, looking closely, he saw Harriet hurrying towards the Shrieking Shack while looking around. She was up to something, but what? Didn't she know how dangerous it was for her to wander alone at times like this?
"Go ahead; I must go back to Hogwarts." He addressed his friends.
"But I thought you wanted to go back to the village, we haven't bought any ink or parchment." Adrian whined. Cassius glared at him.
"Let's go, I'll go with you wherever you want." Graham nodded at him before dragging Adrian back to Hogsemeade.
The moment they were out of sight, Cassius casted a powerful disillusionment spell. He followed Harriet slowly but steadily. When he caught up with her, he detected a very strong, dark aura that made him stiffen. The dog she was trailing after wasn't a normal one, it was an animagus. What was she doing?
He kept a good distance between them to avoid being detected. He let them go into the cave first, before following. What he saw made his jaw clench. Harriet was hugging a skeletal, starved man who was none other Lord Sirius Orion Black. What the bloody hell?
He took his wand out and prepared to cast the darkest spell he knew at any moment when Sirius stiffened and almost kicked Harriet away.
When she was out of hearing's range, the wanted criminal turned towards him and showed his yellow teeth:"Who are you and what do you want?" His voice was surprisingly calm even if a little raspy.
So Sirius Black was strong enough to detect people's auras around him, interesting but not impossible for the progeny of the Blacks.
Cassius undid his disillusionment and looked into Sirius light grey eyes:''I am Cassius Warrington, the good question is what are you doing here?"
"Warrington, you father should be Arkeus. He was a year ahead in Hogwarts, a good fellow if I remember right. He got engaged in his 7th year." He didn't answer his question right away but he showed him that his brain wasn't damaged by his Azkaban's stay.
"You are right; I am the son of Arkeus Warrington and Eloise Carrow."
"I knew your uncle too, is he the head of your house now?" Cassius went very still, he didn't like mentions of his uncle, period. What was Black's game? Why was he fishing for information? The answer came when he saw him trying to get something from his filthy robes. A wand.
"Don't even think about it Black. You may be older, but believe me when I say you won't like to experience the kind of curses I can deliver with my wand."
Sirius smiled coldly:"Are threatening me boy?"
"I'm merely reminding you who holds the power here, so let's be civilized and have a small chat. What were you doing with Harriet Potter?"
"A pureblood prince like you must be aware of my relationship with Harriet, I'm her godfather."
Cassius was indeed aware of this bond that made Black's' supposed crime unforgivable. But he was also aware of the fact that Harriet and her friends had a hand in his escape last year. It must be the need to save her godfather that pushed her to produce her majestic patronus
When he kept his silence, Black sighed then continued:''I didn't betray the Potters, it was our other supposed friend; Peter Pettigrew. The coward was a Death Eater, he succeeded to play his role well and fool us all. It was him who gave James and Lily's location to Voldemort. The sneaky bastard didn't stop there, when I went after him he played me like a fiddle and faked his own death after killing 13 muggles and you know the rest, I was thrown in Azkaban without a trial and everyone cursed my name even though I am innocent."
Cassius mind was reeling. He knew that something wasn't right when Harriet helped Sirius Black escape last year, but the truth was crueler than his wildest dreams. The last Black, the Lord of the powerful, noble family was dealt a harsh blow. A big crime was committed and everyone who had a hand in this injustice must pay. He had to send a missive to his father immediately.
"I'll help you Lord Black. I'll contact my father and he'll do his best to uncover the truth, as Lord Warrington he has enough power to do so."
Black's eyes widened momentarily and then he gave him a suspicious look:"Why would you do so? It's true that my family had no conflicts with yours but why would they help me, a Black? The warringtons were always Neutrals, they didn't stick their noses in other families or factions' problems."
Cassius smiled grimly:"I think that you still believe in Dumbledore's worlds even though you may not trust him totally." Black looked angry when the leader of the Light was mentioned. "We are proud Neutrals and we'll always choose this side but that doesn't mean that we'll turn a blind eye to the crimes committed against our brethren, being Neutral doesn't mean staying away from the fight and not choosing any side, that's what Dumbledore made everyone believe since he usurped all the power in the Wizengemot. His win against Grindelwald buried all the truths about us; everyone believes every word that comes from his mouth. But do they remember that my grandfather fought beside him against Grindelwald and Voldemort? That he died trying to protect his friend? No. No one remembers Maximus Warrington and his deeds in the battle field. It was all hidden under Dumbeldore's huge shadow."
Cassius let Black absorb his words. He hated talking about his family's history; it always brought a bitter taste to his mouth. His family lost a lot during the last two wars and he wasn't ready to lose anymore. He still talked to his grandfather's portrait and he wished every day that he had met him. The man embodied everything that Cassius wanted to be. His father was great and he was thankful to all the things he taught him, but Maximus Warrington was something else. He was the cause that pushed him harder every single day; he wanted to bring honor to his grandfather's name and give the Neutrals their power back
Sirius cleared his throat before continuing:''I was thinking about a way out of this damned life, so if you can help me we can have some kind of bargain. I know that Slytherins don't bestow gifts for free.''
Cassius smirked:''That may be true Lord Black, but all I ask for now is that you take care of yourself and hide well. I don't want you to give Harriet more stressful things to worry about, she has enough already. I'll talk to father as soon as possible and I'll let you know what he says."
At the mention of Harriet, Black's face darkened:''What's your relationship with my goddaughter?''
Cassius kept his cool and refused to cower:''We are good friends, nothing else. Yet."
He could almost see a vein bursting on the Black lord's temple:''Listen here boy…"
Cassius squared his broad shoulders making Sirius want to strangle him, he was a proud and fearless Warrington, he had nothing to hide:''Let me explain first, you Blacks are known for their spy web so you may find this information on your own later. I'll make things quicker and simpler for both of us: Harriet will be mine, she was marked by my magic the moment I met her. Your family is known for their dark affinity, mine; we can see auras and distinguish magical signatures. When I felt Harriet's magic for the first time, mine felt whole and complete, like a sun finding its moon; I could feel the way our magic harmonized, intimately and unbelievably matched. We are the perfect match. I know that I have to wait for her, I'll be always respectful and I'll protect her with my life but don't try to keep me away. I waited three years to approach her and I won't wait any longer."
Black seemed shocked, obviously he didn't see that coming; too bad Cassius wasn't backing down. Never.
After a stretched moment of silence, the wanted convict gave him a sinister smile:''If you really want to court my Prongslet let's have a small chat, I may have some rules and advice to give you first.''
Cassius fought the need to roll his eyes; it seemed he was going to have a very long afternoon.
The next day, Harriet pondered on the right thing to do. She was still hurt from Cedric's treatment to her, she thought that they were on good terms, being both seekers that respected each other, but she didn't want her fellow champion to get severely injured. They were going to deal with dragons.
The decision was taken from her hands when she saw him coming her way, surrounded by his faithful fans. She curled her lips at the dim witted Hogwarts' students. They were so predictable.
"I think we'd better hurry, you don't want to be caught in another confrontation with Diggory's harem." Neville whispered.
She squeezed his forearm before she took another step forward:''I don't care about them, but I have to warn him. I know that deep down he's a good guy. Maybe the fandom frenzy blurred his sight a little but I can't let him die, you know me well dear brother."
Neville rolled his eyes and sighed:''Your saving people thing we'll be our doom one of these days, let's go."
Harriet smiled sweetly at her brother before standing in front of Cedric:''I need to talk to you." She stated without preamble.
His eyes widened and he casted a furtive glance at his friends, who were glaring at her.
''The choice is yours, I won't wait for you. But believe me, you'll regret it if you don't come with me now."She added dully.
"I'll come, just let me talk to them first."
Harriet nodded curtly without looking at his friends.
She turned her back and waited. Not a second later, Cedric was at her side looking wary and hesitant.
''The first task is about dragons. One for each champion. Good luck." Harriet's expression had not changed, nor had the frigid tone of her voice. Why should she care if he believed her or not? But although she tried to deny it, she did wonder what would he choose.
"Are you sure?" Cedric's face paled considerably and his voice was scratchy.
"Yes, otherwise I wouldn't tell you."She looked straight into his hazel eyes:"You can believe me and save your life or you can ignore my words. The choice is yours. I did my part because I don't want to see you hurt and I'm sure that the other champions are aware of this. A sneaky bastard like Karkaroff won't let his precious Krum get a scratch, and I don't trust Delacour and her headmistress. Now, excuse me I have to leave."
"Thank you and I'm sorry if I offended you by allowing my mates' treatment of you." Cedric's voice was full of regret and shame.
Harriet spun on her heel to face him fully:''Apology accepted." Then she intertwined her arm with Neville's and left the Diggory heir bewildered.
Alastor Moody accosted her the moment she headed for the staircases. Neville shrank at her side.
"Potter, I want to have a word." The auror barked before turning, expecting her to follow.
''I'll come with you.'' Neville tried to hide his unease, but failed miserably.
''You don't need to. Wait for me in the common room, we'll finish our homework together.''
He hesitated for a moment before nodding.
So, she wasn't the only one who felt uneasy in his presence. Something was weird about Moody, sadly she didn't have time to solve this mystery right now.
Closing the door, she took a sit and evaded Moody piercing eye.
"Are you aware of what you'll be facing in three days Potter?''He almost spat at her.
She narrowed her eyes and tried to act cool even though her heart was hammering in her chest:"Yes Professor.''
"So what's your plan?" He asked casually but his face was set and his eye was fixed on her face like a blue gem.
"You have to wait and see Sir, you know the rules: champions aren't allowed to cheat."
He gave her a throaty laugh, before growling:''Play to your strengths Potter, always remember that. You can leave now. Good luck.''
Harriet didn't need to be asked twice, she hurried to the door. She couldn't wait to get as far as possible from his uncomfortable presence.
After she finished her homework and waited for everyone to fall asleep, she headed to the torture room. She couldn't wait for tonight's session. She wanted to review some spells and draw the final plan for the first task.
She was surprised to find Warrington waiting for her alone. He was sitting on a conjured chair and looking pensive.
The moment she entered, he turned around and inclined his head. With a simple twirl of his wand, he conjured a similar chair for her, facing his own.
He looked deep in thought, so she didn't want to disturb him. Silence clung to them like the veil of a thick fog. Then abruptly, he turned his head and gave her his full attention which was something she could never get used to.
"So, how are you?" He started out of nowhere.
"Fine, I think. I need to make a clear plan for the first task." Harriet answered honestly, then looking around she added hesitantly:"Where are the others?" She tried to sound nonchalant, but Warrington's small smile confirmed that she didn't succeed.
"They have some matters to attend too, some of them may come later."Her thoughts drifted to the first meeting they had in this room. Everything she knew about trust and loyalty was snatched from her that day, leaving her empty and uncertain if she could trust anything she had ever believed in. But getting to know those guys made her believe in friendship again. Cassius Warrington didn't teach her only magic and politics, he taught her devotion, passion and above all: believing in yourself no matter what life threw in your way.
Where had all those thoughts come from? A moment ago she was worrying about the day after tomorrow, and now she was singing his praises.
When he angled his head and offered her a curious look, she blushed over being caught in her thorough examination of him."So how do you think I should exploit the things I learnt?"
His slow grin and the beguiling dimple it produced made Harriet's pulse race on an uneven breath:''I think you should give them the show that they deserve.''
"But, isn't finishing as fast as possible better?" She asked growing worried. She didn't really like flashy demonstrations, but she knew that he was right. She had to show power, to make them eat their words.
His gaze lingered on the black hair that fell over her shoulders, making her fidgety.
"I'll let you choose what you want, but you should think ahead. This isn't only about survival; it's your chance to slap everyone that hurt you. Anyway, we have the whole night for that."
Abruptly he stood up and with predatory dominance hovered over her. The dark grey eyes that assessed her were unblinking and full of secrets:" I mastered the spell that would let you get rid of your glasses, if you want we can do it now."
"Are you sure?" Harriet felt excited at the prospect of forgoing her glasses, forever.
"Of course, otherwise I wouldn't suggest so."He replied easily."I suggest that you keep your actual look till the first task, make the surprise bigger for the witless sheep."
It took only two words and a complicated wand pattern for Harriet's sight to get eagle sharp.
She wished that she knew about it three years ago, it would've made her life easier. She blinked for a moment before getting used to having everything clear around her.
Warrington gave her the time she needed. When she looked his way, tender concern filled his grey gaze. Concern mixed with… joy."Are you alright?"
"Thank you." She said in a small voice, basking in the beautiful facets of his eyes, eyes that twinkled with mischief. Harriet quite literally had to tear her gaze away from him. There was something very charming about him that called to her in a primal way. She felt very happy and comfortable in his presence, she felt safe and an inner voice told her that he wouldn't harm her nor would he betray her trust.
"Now, let's get to work."
They spent the next two hours making a solid plan for her confrontation with the dragon. She succeeded to master all the needed spells and Warrington's expression of shock and amused admiration made her feel euphoric.
When they finished reviewing the spells, he cast her a sly glance:''I think that you are ready." Harriet offered him her most radiant smile and nodded her head.
A slow, lazy grin spread over his face, before he handed her a wrapped box."This may come in handy in your future ventures; I suggest you get accustomed to leaving it always strapped on your forearm."
Harriet felt overwhelmed all of a sudden:''But this is so much I…"
He shook his head and cut her mid-sentence:''I won't take it back. It's custom made for you. Open the box."He lifted a dark eyebrow while waiting.
Harriet's hands were shaking; she wasn't used to getting gifts. She might have received some from her ex friends, but she didn't expect one from Warrington, at least not until Yule.
In the dark box, was an exquisite wand holster. She caressed the soft dark red leather.
"It's made from dragon hide, this one is from a Norwegian Ridgeback."
"But it must cost a fortune, I heard how expensive dragon hide can be." Harriet tried to protest, weakly. She was thrilled with her gift. It was the most precious thing she had ever received alongside her clock, her album and her Firebolt. She would treasure it.
"You know very well that I don't care about money, my family has enough to last for a millennia."
Harriet watched him with keen eyes. She did her best to keep her voice steady, but she felt shy and excited all of a sudden:''I can't thank you enough, for every single thing you did for me since October."She blurted, he ran a hand through his silky curls and smiled gently. It amazed her how free with his expressions he was tonight.
Harriet licked her dry lips:"Becoming your friend, and a part of your small circle was the best thing that had happened to me since I came to Hogwarts. I don't know how I can pay you back."
She felt like crying, but she fought the urge.
"Can I at least convince you to call me Cassius? I want to have the honor of calling you by your first name, too." He gazed boldly over her shorter frame in the same way she surveyed him earlier. The bastard smiled when she blushed, but his eyes revealed something far more feral than humor. When she kept her silence, he took a step toward her. "That would be enough for now."
Why the…!
The room grew smaller as he came closer. Harriet had the urge to flee. Something was going on with her magic, it felt excited and elated. Her heart pounded when he reached her. So close was he, she understood the meaning of Jena's words: her cousin was dangerous and irresistible. She looked at his chin rather into those beautiful deceptive eyes, but she quickly discovered her mistake when she noticed the sexy dimple he had. A dimple that accentuated his sinfully full lips. "So, will you call me by my name?" His voice was low and infuriatingly arrogant.
Harriet braced herself and tipped her head back to meet his gaze. Her head spun and her breath grew heavy. "Cassius, you may call me by my first name."
For the first time since they met, he looked too stunned to speak. Then he smiled."Thank you, Harriet."
Her eyes went wide when he took her hand, she thought he would give it a kiss like last time, but he intertwined their fingers. Before she had time to wonder what was going on, his mouth curved into a half smile so salacious and challenging, he moved up against her then leaned a bit and his lips brushed her forehead."For good luck", he whispered against her skin.'' Jena wants to talk to you, I'll leave you to it."
He offered her a slow bow, then yanked the door open and left.
Harriet stared into the space he left, She would have staggered if she hadn't caught the chair next to her.
"Well, well. It seems my little lioness isn't as innocent as I thought." Jena's cheeky comment made her blush to her roots, realizing what she meant. She wondered when she arrived here. Damn those snakes.
"So, I was right. You like my cousin." The Fawley offspring continued lifting her lips in a wicked smile. Harriet wasn't sure how she could run away from her clutches.
The remaining day passed in a blur. Harriet found herself donning her fighting outfit with the help of Jena and Daphne. The three girls met in their classroom, Cassius made sure that no one disturbed them.
Daphne finished braiding her hair, it was the first time that Harriet tried this style and she liked it. Her hair looked sleek and shiny, without the usual wild curls. Along the straight braid that came to her mid back, small braids decorated the sides of her head. All in all it was a good style for fighting, she wouldn't have to worry about a single strand getting in her eyes.
The outfit was a gift from Jena: the same night she got her beloved holster, Jena gave her this gift. Harriet tried to refuse but no one could win a fight of words against her.
It was made of leather and dragon hide. The color made her giddy, dark red. Gryffindor red.
Harriet wouldn't have recognized herself if not for her face. What she liked most was her naked eyes. Nothing hid the color that reminded her of her mother anymore.
"Come on Golden Girl, time to shake the grounds." Jena's voice dripped like sweet honey as she laced her hand through her arm. Daphne shook her head and followed them.
"Cassius is already on the stands with the guys, they wanted to have front seats to the show."
Harriet felt warmth on her cheeks at the mention of him. They hadn't talked since that night. He wanted her to have a night off before the first task.
Jena's lips curled into a savage grin:'I want you to give your best today, smash the other contestants with no mercy. Show them the might of my disciple."
Harriet rolled her eyes, Jena can be dramatic when she wanted to:''Let's go, I don't want to be late.''
They took a light breakfast in the kitchen. Dobby made sure to prepare her favorite dishes. She thanked her faithful friend before leaving.
"Why won't you bond with him? He's so loyal to you. I doubt he would accept another master." Daphne asked smoothly.
"Dobby wants to be a free elf"
"But the bond is essential for his survival; he'll lose his magic and eventually his life if he stays free. It's a symbiotic relationship between the wizard and his elf.''
Harriet felt shocked. She would talk to Dobby later; it seemed she still had so much to learn.
But for now, she had to concentrate on the first task.
Harriet found herself in the tent with the other champions. Cedric's eyes widened when she entered, he shook his head and gave her a tentative smile that she returned. Krum was frowning and ignoring everyone else. Delacour gave her an unfocused stare. She was paler than usual. Harriet took a seat and waited for her name to be called.
A sudden roar startled her, it seemed that Cedric was having troubles; at least he didn't get the Hungarian Horntail. Damn her bloody luck, did she have to always get the toughest opponent?
She closed her eyes and leaned on her chair.
A few moments later she could hear applause and cheering, it seemed that Cedric got his egg. Delacour was called next, she tried to hide her nerves by holding her head high but she couldn't fool Harriet.
Harriet waited a few minutes, then she heard another round of cheering. She concentrated on her miniature dragon; it was cute but she knew that real thing was anything but.
"Good luck Potter." Krum whispered before leaving the tent. Harriet felt surprised, but her nerves kept her from thinking about Krum's mood swings.
Harriet stood and started pacing. Finally, her name was called.
She made sure that her wand was secured in its holster, then she squared her shoulders and plastered a serene expression on her face before leaving. Game on.
The cheering and applause of the audience was deafening. She wondered if they wanted her to win or to be eaten by the Horntail.
Looking around the stands, she caught a group of students wearing green scarves. Cassius stood suddenly and she felt relieved. She wanted his face to be the last thing she saw before her confrontation with the dragon. Her jaw almost hit the ground when she noticed Neville sitting next to Jena. The brazen witch winked at her.
Bagman's voice made her turn her head:"And now our last and younger champion, Harriet Potter. She will be facing the most dangerous dragon: The Hungarian Horntail. Let's see what will the Girl Who Lived do."
Harriet gritted her teeth at the hated nickname. She wanted to snap the bastard's neck.
Blocking everything around her, she directed her gaze away and got her first look at the beast.
It was huge and frightening. The nestling mother was curled around a batch of eggs and following every step she took. She glimpsed a golden egg among the others. That was her target.
Harriet flicked her wrist and caught her wand tightly. The moment she did, the dragon stiffened then roared baring her deadly teeth. She whispered the incantation and a huge stag came out of her wand, making everyone gasp. She pushed her magic further making her patronus almost as big as the Horntail. The dragon couldn't take its eyes from the shiny creature. Moving to the next phase, she whispered 'Glassius Maxima' moving her wand in a very precise pattern. She started transfiguring ice chains around the dragon's neck and wings. The ice was solid enough that it couldn't be melted. She made a muzzle first securing the beast's mouth. It was struggling against the chains, but weekly. The warmth of the patronus made its movements sluggish. "Caronon" Harriet aimed at the dragon's eyes blinding it temporarily. She knew that its sense of smell was strong, but the muzzle helped.
Finally, she aimed again but this time at the thick ice chains:'Derpenseesan'. Lightning hit the ice making the dragon twitch and almost lose consciousness; only its thick skin helped it stay barely awake. She hated inflicting harm on others, but her survival was her priority. She knew that no harm was really done to the Horntail.
Harriet aimed her wand at herself and whispered her last spell:'Sheildoi Wayis'. An energy shield surrounded her protecting her for good measure. Her patronus disappeared, she couldn't produce enough power for the two strong spells simultaneously. She hurried toward the nest and took the golden egg. Without wasting another second, she turned around and headed for the doors.
Everything went silent, before thundering cheering shook the grounds of Hogwarts. She could still hear the applause and the roaring when she went back to the champions' tent, which became a hospital wing, but she didn't care, she did it for herself, for the friends who believed in her.
Madame Pomfrey scanned her the moment she caught sight of her. "It seems that you're fine, I can't believe them! What were they thinking bringing dragons to a school full of children." Harriet smiled as the school nurse kept mumbling under her breath.
She took a seat and waited for Bagman to come again. Krum was once again standing on a corner and looking unharmed. He gave her a small nod which she returned. Delacou's skirt was burned, otherwise the French witch was fine. Cedric took the burnt literally, half of his face was covered by a disgusting green paste, hopefully he wouldn't lose his good looks or his fans would start a row. When their eyes locked, he gave her a grateful smile.
Suddenly, the tent flaps were lifted and the last person she wanted to see at the moment was heading her way, followed by a reluctant Hermione Granger. Although they were on shaky ground, having only talked a short time ago, Harriet knew that Hermione hoped they could put their past grievances behind them and get back the friendship they'd once had.
Harriet wasn't sure yet. She was fine the way she was now.
Ron Weasley opened his big fat mouth:''Harriet, I'm happy for you. I knew you can do it."
Hearing that, Harriet almost lost her patience, Merlin, how dared he. Reigning her emotions in with a supreme effort, she asked coldly:''What do you want weasley?''
He seemed startled at her harsh tone, but he carried on with his stupidity:"I came to congratulate you on your win. I know that I wasn't a good friend for a while, but you have to admit that it looked suspicious. I believe you now, you wouldn't endanger yourself so recklessly. Dragons, what were the fools thinking? I know that being alone pushed you in the arms of those slimy snakes, but you won't need them anymore, we are here for you."
Hermione was shaking her head and tying to pull on his robes, but the redhead wouldn't stop.
She bit her lip to retain the harsh words that bubbled up in response. What an arrogant fool her first friend was. He mocked himself with his own words. One day he was ready to get rid of her, and the next he was warning her against associating with Slytherins; The only thing his warning did was illuminate how little faith he had in her. Such knowledge was beginning to chafe, and being told what was best for her was getting old, very old.
"I don't need your advice nor your friendship Weasley. If you want to have a cordial relationship with me I can give you that but there's something you must do first." Harriet snapped sharply, her anger now fully unleashed.
Hermione tried to whisper something in his ear, but he slapped her hand away making Harriet want to strangle him:"What do you mean cordial relationship? We are your best friends!" He shouted startling everyone in the tent.
"Ex best friends but no more." She uttered calmly, unbothered by his burst.
"Harriet, those snakes corrupted you. We are your friends, did forget what we went through?"
"Did you remember that the moment you turned your back to me? You owe me an apology; it's the least you can do if you want to have any right to talk to me." Ron's face paled, his hands trembled at the suppressed retorts he wanted to unleash but knew that they would only make him sink deeper.
"You heard the lady, either apologize or leave."Cassius' voice was strong and steady. It held no room for argument. The piercing grey eyes glowing with power and resolve held Ron paralyzed. Harriet knew that the coward was afraid to open his mouth.
"Know this," Cassius warned him with a calm voice, inching closer to him. "No one will be able to save you if you go near her again without her consent, not even your headmaster will stop me. I vow it." His eyes were as hard as granite, daring him to challenge him. When no challenge came, Cassius closed his hand over hers and led her away without another word.
Harriet's gaze swept over the strong fingers tenderly covering her own. She slanted her eyes slowly towards his face; his gaze was set straight ahead, ignoring the eyes and the whispers that followed them. She drank in the strong lines of his straight nose, the hard angles of his jaw where faint dark colored shadows remained, the relaxed line of his lips that was decadently full and inviting. She sighed looking at him and remembering the tender way he had kissed her forehead. He was beautiful. When she lifted her gaze, deep eyes regarded her making her smile. She was happy for the first time in a while.
Cassius's soft voice made her grin wider:''You did well today, I'm very proud of you."