The Second
As they sat in the temple Harry looked around to take it all in. The temple itself looked as big as the Quidditch World Cup field was. Around the middle part, which Harry figured was the battlefield was 4 large statues. The statues looked like the guy who took the portkey from him The statues wore cloaks with hoods that covered their faces. Each statue held a sword. From Harry's point of view these statues were big, enormous in fact. They looked to be a couple stories high and made of a red stone. When the announcer said that the games were to begin fires erupted around the field. The fires lead from statue to statue encircling the field shedding light on to it. The rooftop of the temple moved back to reveal the dark gray sky. The entire temple lit up with torches to announce the beginning ceremonies.
"Oh, this isn't what I was expecting." Said Alex from her seat.
"Neither was I Alex. It will be ok. I'm just worried about Cat." Kagato said. His voice conveyed pure concern.
"Lil, did Cat tell you about the fire ring?" Lei asked.
"No, she didn't mention it. I want to be there with her Lei, not up here as a spectator. Its too eerie." Replied Lil.
Harry looked over to the two Slytherin students, Flare and Polaris. They had moved closer to Professor Snape and had engaged him in a conversation about Slytherin House. Harry couldn't believe at a time like this they were talking to Professor Snape.
"Sir, may I ask what your portkey was?" Flare asked Professor Snape.
" My portkey was Professor Pistor." He said with a quick nod and went silent.
"A scroll that Blackcat had given me was my portkey. Professor Snape here just happened to be shaking my hand when the portkey activated." Professor Pistor replied.
"Well ours was a book that Lil handed us in the common room last night.." Polaris answered.
"Seems everyone had a reason to be here. Cat wanted us here. I wanted to see who was going to be in the common room last night. To make sure to tell Cat how many portkeys were needed,"
Lil stated. "Mine was a ring Cat gave me last night."
" My portkey was a letter in this book Lil. Was mine supposed to be hidden?" Harry questioned.
"Harry, yours wasn't hidden. In fact I don't think we made you one. Odd that you even came, and you came with Professor Lupin. Blackcat told me the only one she really wanted here was Professor Pistor. So you and Lupin and Snape are kind of like baggage," Lil said with a bit of disgust in her voice as she looked to Professor Snape,. " I don't know where that portkey came from Harry. And well since you are here we might as well make the best of it."
Harry started to get the feeling he wasn't wanted.
Professor Lupin could see Harry had hurt feelings.
"Harry, if it helps I wasn't invited along either, but when I saw you had a portkey I took it as my chance to come." Professor Lupin said.
"So you're a tag along too Remus." Professor Snape said with an evil grin.
"Just as much as you are Severus." Professor Lupin shot back.
"I came with Lei, Used her portkey. I couldn't find the one I was given." Said Doug.
"My portkey was a book of quotes that Cat gave me. Truly inspiring." Ken replied.
"Everyone is here now. Let's just see what is to come. I believe none of us has ever been to one of these before." Replied Kagato.
As they spoke the announcer was talking. Harry was barely able to make out the names of the contestants in the games. There were 20 to begin with. As the list dwindled down Harry tried to see which one was Blackcat. Each of the contestants were dressed in the same colored robes but one. Each contestant wore a green robe. This single person wore a black robe.
As each was announced by name and clan affiliation there was applause from different sections of the temple. Harry noticed that behind each contestant was another person in a white robe, however the person in the black robe did not have a second person by them.
Over the crowds applause Harry had heard what he was waiting to hear.
The announcer spoke. " Blackcat, From Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Daughter of Morgana Alcot of Dragon, step forward."
Everyone in the Hogwarts box looked over and clapped at the announcement. Trying to cheer Blackcat on. Harry then noticed that person in the black robe step forward. Unlike the others she lowered her hood. It in fact was Blackcat.
The announcer spoke again.
"Blackcat, Daughter of Morgana, you have no second. As such one must be picked for you. Following our traditions. A single Black crow will be let go by your hand. Whom ever it lands on or by will be your second in command. Is that clear."
"Yes council leader. It is clear." Blackcat answered in a monotone voice.
"Take the bird and let his aim fly true." the announcer said.
Blackcat walked to a cage and opened it. She took out a single black crow and nodded. She threw the bird into the air and it took flight. The bird flew around the room and seemed to instinctively go toward the box with the people from Hogwarts. The black crow seemed to fly in circles as people were heard to gasp. Her friends waited to see who would be picked. Who the bird would pick the as the second. As the bird descended the students all stood up. The only Professor to do so was Remus. He wanted to also help Blackcat as much as he could. The bird quickly descended and landed.
"The second has been chosen. Step forward to your post."
To everyone's shock the crow landed squarely on Harry's shoulder. Two of the men came up and looked at Harry.
"Professor, Lei, Lil, Alex, what do I do?" Harry said in a frightened voice.
"Harry, just go along ok, I'm sure Blackcat will fill you in. She knows a lot more about this then we do." Lil answered.
"Alright." Harry replied. He was lead down to the field and up to Blackcat's side.
"I'm sorry Blackcat. I didn't think the bird would pick me." Harry said while still clutching the Druid book he got from the library.
"Its alright Harry. We have a very short time before the first game begins. I'll have to fill you in on your duties. Dumbledore is not going to like this. Not one bit."
Suddenly Harry's scar began to burn like crazy. His eyes began to water. He dropped the book and clutched his scar. Blackcat saw this and picked up the book.
"Harry, let me guide you. Come on, if they see you hurt they will take you out. And I don't mean back to your seat."
"Thanks, It just started to burn. It feels like its on fire." Harry said. as his vision started to blur.
"Anything wrong Blackcat." asked one of the druid guards.
"No, he is just a bit nervous. He isn't druid. I will need a few moments to fill him in." she replied hastily while walking Harry to the dark rooms where they were to stay between matches and events.
"Very well then, if he is not able to complete his duties make him aware of what will come." the guard said coldly as he walked away.
Harry was still clutching his scar which burned like crazy now. Blackcat walked him into the dark room and sat him in a corner.
"Harry, your scar is hurting because it was made by dark magic. This place has nothing but dark magic. Do you think you can survive it?" She asked him seriously.
"It just hurts so badly Cat."
"Harry, I'm only going to tell you this once. If the guards see that you are unable to preform your duties you will be killed. Ok. No questions." her voice was very monotone and serious.
"Killed?" Harry asked as his scar still hurt.
"Yes Harry. The duty of the second is to take over in the games if the first person is hurt or killed. Harry, you have the book, read it. In the mean time I think I can help you."
Blackcat put her hand over Harry's scar and closed her eyes. Her hand lit up with a gold glow and as it disappeared Harry's scar stopped burning. Blackcat opened her eyes and smiled at Harry.
"Better Harry?" She asked.
"Yes, but what did you do?" He answered and shot back.
"Your scar was made by dark magic Harry, lets just say dark magic runs in my blood. Druids are ancient wizards. They were around long before Merlin and such. Most of their magic is elemental. However here at the games the most powerful Dark druids are gathered. The prize of the games is to be champion. If one becomes that and mind you its very difficult, they will become what is known as a dragon druid. That's the highest rank among these druids. To be a dragon druid is my dream Harry. My mom was one. Do you understand?"
"I think so Cat. I owe you one. So, what is the first task going to start." Harry said.
"It already has Harry." She replied
While up in the stands, "why do you think the bird picked him Lil?" Lei asked.
"I don't know. Harry isn't druid. None of us are. The crow must have sensed something about Harry. Who knows." Lil replied.
Snape sat silently among the others. He thought to himself,"stupid Potter, Look what you have gotten yourself into now. Silly boy. You can't just leave everyone alone. You always have to play the hero."
As Snape said this he could feel the dark mark on his arm starting to burn. He looked around to see if he spotted what might be causing it. Everywhere he looked he only saw people dressed in druid robes.
"This is not good. Not good at all. I sense he is here. I can not see him." Snape thought as a worried look came over his face. Professor Lupin and Pistor both saw the look.
"Are you ok Severus?" Professor Lupin asked.
"I'm fine you twit, now leave me be." Professor Snape shot back.
Professor Pistor could tell Severus was concerned and pulled him aside.
"We need to talk. Something is bothering you Severus. Now spill it." her voice was almost as cold as Professor Snape's.
"I'm fine woman, nothing to spill, it was only a feeling nothing more." Professor Snape shot back with a stare that could melt steel.
"Don't play your silly games with me Severus. I've known you for a lot longer then you would like to say. I understand you don't want to tell with the students here." she glared back.
"Silly woman, I do not need to take orders from you or anyone else for that matter." Professor Snape said.
As the announcer began to speak again Professor Snape and Pistor gave each other dueling icy looks and turned to the field to await what was to happen next.
As they sat in the temple Harry looked around to take it all in. The temple itself looked as big as the Quidditch World Cup field was. Around the middle part, which Harry figured was the battlefield was 4 large statues. The statues looked like the guy who took the portkey from him The statues wore cloaks with hoods that covered their faces. Each statue held a sword. From Harry's point of view these statues were big, enormous in fact. They looked to be a couple stories high and made of a red stone. When the announcer said that the games were to begin fires erupted around the field. The fires lead from statue to statue encircling the field shedding light on to it. The rooftop of the temple moved back to reveal the dark gray sky. The entire temple lit up with torches to announce the beginning ceremonies.
"Oh, this isn't what I was expecting." Said Alex from her seat.
"Neither was I Alex. It will be ok. I'm just worried about Cat." Kagato said. His voice conveyed pure concern.
"Lil, did Cat tell you about the fire ring?" Lei asked.
"No, she didn't mention it. I want to be there with her Lei, not up here as a spectator. Its too eerie." Replied Lil.
Harry looked over to the two Slytherin students, Flare and Polaris. They had moved closer to Professor Snape and had engaged him in a conversation about Slytherin House. Harry couldn't believe at a time like this they were talking to Professor Snape.
"Sir, may I ask what your portkey was?" Flare asked Professor Snape.
" My portkey was Professor Pistor." He said with a quick nod and went silent.
"A scroll that Blackcat had given me was my portkey. Professor Snape here just happened to be shaking my hand when the portkey activated." Professor Pistor replied.
"Well ours was a book that Lil handed us in the common room last night.." Polaris answered.
"Seems everyone had a reason to be here. Cat wanted us here. I wanted to see who was going to be in the common room last night. To make sure to tell Cat how many portkeys were needed,"
Lil stated. "Mine was a ring Cat gave me last night."
" My portkey was a letter in this book Lil. Was mine supposed to be hidden?" Harry questioned.
"Harry, yours wasn't hidden. In fact I don't think we made you one. Odd that you even came, and you came with Professor Lupin. Blackcat told me the only one she really wanted here was Professor Pistor. So you and Lupin and Snape are kind of like baggage," Lil said with a bit of disgust in her voice as she looked to Professor Snape,. " I don't know where that portkey came from Harry. And well since you are here we might as well make the best of it."
Harry started to get the feeling he wasn't wanted.
Professor Lupin could see Harry had hurt feelings.
"Harry, if it helps I wasn't invited along either, but when I saw you had a portkey I took it as my chance to come." Professor Lupin said.
"So you're a tag along too Remus." Professor Snape said with an evil grin.
"Just as much as you are Severus." Professor Lupin shot back.
"I came with Lei, Used her portkey. I couldn't find the one I was given." Said Doug.
"My portkey was a book of quotes that Cat gave me. Truly inspiring." Ken replied.
"Everyone is here now. Let's just see what is to come. I believe none of us has ever been to one of these before." Replied Kagato.
As they spoke the announcer was talking. Harry was barely able to make out the names of the contestants in the games. There were 20 to begin with. As the list dwindled down Harry tried to see which one was Blackcat. Each of the contestants were dressed in the same colored robes but one. Each contestant wore a green robe. This single person wore a black robe.
As each was announced by name and clan affiliation there was applause from different sections of the temple. Harry noticed that behind each contestant was another person in a white robe, however the person in the black robe did not have a second person by them.
Over the crowds applause Harry had heard what he was waiting to hear.
The announcer spoke. " Blackcat, From Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Daughter of Morgana Alcot of Dragon, step forward."
Everyone in the Hogwarts box looked over and clapped at the announcement. Trying to cheer Blackcat on. Harry then noticed that person in the black robe step forward. Unlike the others she lowered her hood. It in fact was Blackcat.
The announcer spoke again.
"Blackcat, Daughter of Morgana, you have no second. As such one must be picked for you. Following our traditions. A single Black crow will be let go by your hand. Whom ever it lands on or by will be your second in command. Is that clear."
"Yes council leader. It is clear." Blackcat answered in a monotone voice.
"Take the bird and let his aim fly true." the announcer said.
Blackcat walked to a cage and opened it. She took out a single black crow and nodded. She threw the bird into the air and it took flight. The bird flew around the room and seemed to instinctively go toward the box with the people from Hogwarts. The black crow seemed to fly in circles as people were heard to gasp. Her friends waited to see who would be picked. Who the bird would pick the as the second. As the bird descended the students all stood up. The only Professor to do so was Remus. He wanted to also help Blackcat as much as he could. The bird quickly descended and landed.
"The second has been chosen. Step forward to your post."
To everyone's shock the crow landed squarely on Harry's shoulder. Two of the men came up and looked at Harry.
"Professor, Lei, Lil, Alex, what do I do?" Harry said in a frightened voice.
"Harry, just go along ok, I'm sure Blackcat will fill you in. She knows a lot more about this then we do." Lil answered.
"Alright." Harry replied. He was lead down to the field and up to Blackcat's side.
"I'm sorry Blackcat. I didn't think the bird would pick me." Harry said while still clutching the Druid book he got from the library.
"Its alright Harry. We have a very short time before the first game begins. I'll have to fill you in on your duties. Dumbledore is not going to like this. Not one bit."
Suddenly Harry's scar began to burn like crazy. His eyes began to water. He dropped the book and clutched his scar. Blackcat saw this and picked up the book.
"Harry, let me guide you. Come on, if they see you hurt they will take you out. And I don't mean back to your seat."
"Thanks, It just started to burn. It feels like its on fire." Harry said. as his vision started to blur.
"Anything wrong Blackcat." asked one of the druid guards.
"No, he is just a bit nervous. He isn't druid. I will need a few moments to fill him in." she replied hastily while walking Harry to the dark rooms where they were to stay between matches and events.
"Very well then, if he is not able to complete his duties make him aware of what will come." the guard said coldly as he walked away.
Harry was still clutching his scar which burned like crazy now. Blackcat walked him into the dark room and sat him in a corner.
"Harry, your scar is hurting because it was made by dark magic. This place has nothing but dark magic. Do you think you can survive it?" She asked him seriously.
"It just hurts so badly Cat."
"Harry, I'm only going to tell you this once. If the guards see that you are unable to preform your duties you will be killed. Ok. No questions." her voice was very monotone and serious.
"Killed?" Harry asked as his scar still hurt.
"Yes Harry. The duty of the second is to take over in the games if the first person is hurt or killed. Harry, you have the book, read it. In the mean time I think I can help you."
Blackcat put her hand over Harry's scar and closed her eyes. Her hand lit up with a gold glow and as it disappeared Harry's scar stopped burning. Blackcat opened her eyes and smiled at Harry.
"Better Harry?" She asked.
"Yes, but what did you do?" He answered and shot back.
"Your scar was made by dark magic Harry, lets just say dark magic runs in my blood. Druids are ancient wizards. They were around long before Merlin and such. Most of their magic is elemental. However here at the games the most powerful Dark druids are gathered. The prize of the games is to be champion. If one becomes that and mind you its very difficult, they will become what is known as a dragon druid. That's the highest rank among these druids. To be a dragon druid is my dream Harry. My mom was one. Do you understand?"
"I think so Cat. I owe you one. So, what is the first task going to start." Harry said.
"It already has Harry." She replied
While up in the stands, "why do you think the bird picked him Lil?" Lei asked.
"I don't know. Harry isn't druid. None of us are. The crow must have sensed something about Harry. Who knows." Lil replied.
Snape sat silently among the others. He thought to himself,"stupid Potter, Look what you have gotten yourself into now. Silly boy. You can't just leave everyone alone. You always have to play the hero."
As Snape said this he could feel the dark mark on his arm starting to burn. He looked around to see if he spotted what might be causing it. Everywhere he looked he only saw people dressed in druid robes.
"This is not good. Not good at all. I sense he is here. I can not see him." Snape thought as a worried look came over his face. Professor Lupin and Pistor both saw the look.
"Are you ok Severus?" Professor Lupin asked.
"I'm fine you twit, now leave me be." Professor Snape shot back.
Professor Pistor could tell Severus was concerned and pulled him aside.
"We need to talk. Something is bothering you Severus. Now spill it." her voice was almost as cold as Professor Snape's.
"I'm fine woman, nothing to spill, it was only a feeling nothing more." Professor Snape shot back with a stare that could melt steel.
"Don't play your silly games with me Severus. I've known you for a lot longer then you would like to say. I understand you don't want to tell with the students here." she glared back.
"Silly woman, I do not need to take orders from you or anyone else for that matter." Professor Snape said.
As the announcer began to speak again Professor Snape and Pistor gave each other dueling icy looks and turned to the field to await what was to happen next.