SUMMARY: The Fifth year is here and with it has brought The International Tournament, THE MERLIN CUP! Harry has to juggle the tournament, leadership responsibilities, his relationship with his fiancee, new friends, and his complicated feelings of attraction for ladies in his life that he can't understand. Meanwhile, a conspiracy is being investigated outside the halls of Hogwarts by Amelia and Voldemort still lurks in the dark! On the other hand, Umbridge arrives with a mission to destroy the Boy who lived!
A/N: And here we are People!
First Chapter of The Merlin's Cup!
This is going to be a long Story that will introduce new characters and expand the Wizarding World! To those who came here after reading Griffin's Prophecy, the interlude story by the name of The Summer of 1995 is there and has some important stuff hence I recommend reading it.
Now I would like to thank HonerverseFan for being a beta for this chapter!
"Dialogue"
'Thoughts'
(Visions)
*Dreams*
Now without any more meaningless drabble! On to the Chapter!
⨳⨳⨳⨳⨳~FIFTH-YEAR OPENING FEAST~⨳⨳⨳⨳⨳
Pain. Anger. Disappointment. Hopelessness. Grief. Lose.
It was all Harry Potter felt.
He was physically exhausted, bloodied, and beaten up. He used up all his magical reserves and still he failed.
From the corner of his eye, he could see the dead bodies of enemies and friends alike. It was all his fault.
But the creature in front of him demanded his attention. Through clouds of pain, he watched as Voldemort made his way toward him with a maniacal smile on his face saying
"Your False Legend ends Here, Harry Potter" as he leaned down grabbing him by the hair and pulling his head up he continued "And the age of my Empire begins!"
The Pain he felt as his mind went back to the start of it all.
The Tournament…
His fiancee's…
His Friends…
His Family!
1995, September 1
Black Manor was a blur of activities as everyone was gathered in the living room in the morning after getting done with breakfast.
"So Pup & Co, ready?" Sirius asked, leaning back in his high-back chair.
Harry sighed leaning back on the couch and throwing his head back saying "I don't know, It's the first time I am not excited about today. I mean I have always been excited to go back but this year it's like I…I….I don't want to," he said sheepishly.
Sitting beside him Fleur smiled saying "I know 'Arry I felt it every year, it will be okay," before leaning in and giving him a peck on his lips.
Smiling at him Rose took his hand in hers intertwining her fingers with his saying. "I agree with Fleur, Arthur, we will be there when your tournament starts."
"It's just the first time for me to feel like this and now being away from all of you" Harry said in a wistful tone as he looked around the room to see all his fiancees along with Andromeda, Narcissa, Apolline, Gabrielle, and Sirius.
Just then a *Swoosh* sound came and it was repeated twice before it was followed by a sound of rumble to which Andromeda sighed counting "1,2,….." She was cut off by a shout of "I am okay, I am okay!" Everyone in the living room laughed hearing this.
After a minute Amelia, Dora, and Bellatrix entered. Bella crossed the room jumping in enthusiastically announcing "HARRY BEAR! I GOT THE JOB!" launching herself at the raven-haired teen.
He 'oomph'ed with his face buried under her breast as he hugged her back happily saying "Wow Bella! That's great news," As she sat beside him he continued, "So what is your job?", looking up to her face from her cleavage.
"Well, it's nothing special. I am Amelia's assistant. She is the Director of DMLE and so she has too much paperwork to do on her own so she hired me as her assistant. Also, the next part of the tournament is coming so she will be swamped in the work so she can have an assistant" she said jumping up and down with energy as she caressed his messy hair.
He chuckled saying "It's a big thing, Bella!" as he stepped back taking her hands in his continuing, "It's your first job. It's a big thing and I am so happy for you." before leaning in and capturing her lips in a soft tender kiss and wrapped his arms around her.
In the warmth of his strong arms, the older woman relaxed nestling in the crook of his neck saying "Thank you, Harry Bear!" hugging him back tightly.
They stayed like that for a minute before Sirius interrupted the moment "Get a room you two!" which made everyone laugh while Harry and Bella ended the hugs blushing at being called out.
While everyone congratulated Bella one by one, Harry turned to Amelia and pulled her to himself by her waist kissing her out of blue and surprising her only for a millisecond before she kissed him back. She wasn't going to complain as it was rare for Harry to take initiative for something so intimate.
As it ended she was about to ask but he beat her to the chase saying "That is for helping Bella and I love you Amy" hugging her.
Her cheeks turned pink hearing this she said "I love you too Harry" hugging him back.
She didn't want him to leave. This summer was one of the best summers of her life cause she finally had someone to look forward to spending time with who was not her niece.
She loved her niece/sister-wife but it was something else to have someone who would hold her after a long tiring work day, with Harry she had that but now as he was, she would miss their pre- sleep talks over cups of cocoa or tea.
It didn't help that everyone along with her was worried about the next and most dangerous part of the tournament. It was the part that in the past caused the deaths of not only competitors but judges and the audience.
Similar thoughts were running in everyone's minds. Rose didn't want Arthur to leave even though she understood the importance of education but she also feared what would happen there knowing Aurthur's track record.
That was when another swoosh was heard and the Greengrass family came through. Astoria made a beeline to Gabrielle as they both started talking animatedly with each other. Eleanor made her way to Harry hugging him.
Harry was used to this; he always felt safe around Eleanor just like he felt around Sirius and Remus. It was clear to him that he loved her but not like he loved his fiancees or how he was attracted to Andromeda, Apolline, and Narcissa. The only thing he knew was that she was important in his life.
"Ready Harry?" Eleanor asked, still hugging him.
Harry sighed saying "I am ready but I don't want to" tightening his hold around her waist.
She gave him a soft smile saying "I know but education is important sweetie! You will see all of us soon enough." She hugged him back, rubbing his back trying to reassure him.
He nodded with a smile as he broke the hug and moved to Daphne hugging and kissing her on the cheek just as he was about to guide her to the living room when everyone came to them. Looking at them Harry asked "Is it time already?" before he took out his wand casting a quick tempus spell which showed 10:30 in silver digits.
"Okay then to the Train Station!" Sirius announced as he, Amelia, and Elanor went along with three teens in the Floo hearth.
Hogwarts Great Hall
While Harry, Daphne, and their friends were waiting for the dinner to begin while Susan joined Hannah at the Hufflepuff table. Sitting there his mind went to the train journey; it was quiet beside Ron trying to crawl his way back to being his friend. One thing that bugged him was the absence of the regular visitor of their train rides, Draco Malfoy.
Like every year students noticed some staff changes, but the particular one standing out from everyone else was. A pudgy toad-faced lady dressed in pink head to toe. The woman had a sickly sweet smile plastered on her face.
It sent cold shivers down Harry's spine as he turned to Daphne asking "Hey Daph who is that?" gesturing over to the toad woman.
"That my dear is what my father calls a 'Shrewd- Toad- Faced- Bitch' or Delores Umbridge former undersecretary of the Minister and newly appointed Head of International Magical cooperation," Daphne informed before adding, "She supports the pureblood supremacists and hates magical creatures or half creatures with a passion. And if rumors are true she is in bed with the minister" with disgust on her face.
Neville shared her disgusted expression and nodded saying "Yep Gran-Gran agrees with that sentiment, very strongly."
Harry sighed saying "I have a bad feeling about this year" he accidentally looked into the eyes of the very woman they were discussing it sent another cold shiver down his spine as he said "a very very bad feeling about this year"
Beside him, Hermione sighed saying "Yeah but when has anything gone normal for us?" with a deadpan look on her face.
He nodded and snorted "Yeah fair point but at least I am not going forward unprepared, plus I have all of you with me like every time" as he took Daphne's hand under the table to which she gave him a reassuring squeeze while his other friends nodded with a smile on their face.
As everyone was settled in the Hall, Dumbledore stood up and made his way to the podium. Clearing his throat he started in a jolly tone:
"Welcome to another year of Hogwarts and I would like to welcome new students as well. Now for every student, Forbidden Forest is just as the name says 'forbidden' and also the list of Banned items on the board out in the hallway as usual. This year, as you all know, The Merlin Cup will take place. The delegations from all over the world will be arriving at the end of this month along with the ICW panel of judges." Deafening applause went around the hall at the announcement.
As they settled down Dumbledore continued "Yes, Yes! This is a proud moment as our Champion, one James Potter is not only representing us as a school but our nation too." Once again applause went around the room except for the Slytherin table while the loudest was from the Gryffindor table.
Once the applause went down Dumbledore started "Now, the Tournament will include Dueling competition, Quidditch under 20 leagues and the Tournament itself will be of 6 tasks. In all of them, the champion will compete to show their Valour, Skills, and overall knowledge of Magic. The team selection will take place this month. For Quidditch, the team will be selected by our national coach Mr. Hewitt Jones and our own Rolanda Hooch" as he gestured towards the couple who stood receiving the applause.
Dumbledore continued "For the Dueling team our own Professor Flitwick will be coaching them and looking over the Preliminary Tournament for the selection of said team himself" gesturing at the diminutive professor who stood up in acknowledgment of applause.
Taking a deep breath he continued "Now I would like to introduce you to your new defense against the Dark arts Professor William Judson and as the official faculty looking over the preparations, is Delores Umbridge, Head of International Magical Cooperation"
A portly man with balding hair stood up at the Staff table smiling curtly as the crowd gave polite applause before sitting back in his seat and was followed by the toad woman standing up and bowing her head before sitting back down.
Dumbledore continued saying "Now I have babbled for long enough and you all have waited long enough, so tuck in" with a clap of his hands which made food appear on the four-house table, and everyone started with the welcoming feast.
On the Ravenclaw table, Tracey Davis sat beside her new friend, who was a year below her. The blonde girl was quirky to the tea but in a good way. She was a breath of fresh hair. They met today on the train along with Harry's group.
Flashback
As Harry, Daphne, and Susan found the compartment with only one person in it. Harry opened the compartment to look at the girl sitting near the window reading a book upside down wearing classes.
With an amused look he asked, "Um….excuse me, can we sit here?"
The girl looked up from the book saying "Of course, you can Harry Potter" with a mysterious smile.
He smiled as they all moved in and settled for the journey. He looked at the girl asking "Of course…um…Lovegood right, Luna Lovegood"
"Yes, and I am happy to see the Wrackspurts are finally leaving you. I am so relieved they had the whole colony a year before the last one" she said with a mysterious smile on her face.
At this Hermione who just entered and sat beside Luna asked "Um, Luna what is Wrackspurt?" as Harry lifted her trunk and kept it on the rack above
"They enter a person's ear invisibly and make their brains fuzzy," she answered enthusiastically.
Harry smiled saying "Well thank you, Ms Lovegood I was pretty fuzzy in the third year but now…." He looked at Susan and Daphne smiling and saying "…I am Happy"
That was when Neville along with Tracey came into the compartment. The moment he did his eyes went to Hannah who was sitting beside Susan. Both went cherry red making everyone chuckle a little. As they both settled in the last available seats.
Harry started "Guys meet, Luna Lovegood from Ravenclaw our junior by a year"
They greeted her and then the rest of the train ride was amusing fun for everyone as they heard the theories and the creatures she talked about.
Flashback Ends
By the end of the train ride, Luna was part of their group. But none of them knew that she was a seer and the moment the food appeared her eyes gained a distant look as she had a vision
(She was standing in a field of grass wind blowing over the hills and in the distance she saw a broken castle of pure white stone and blue with golden insignias, Dragon, Griffin, Thestral, Phoenix, and many more, in the rubble of stones. She felt a change in the wind.
A black smoke surrounded her and she felt something slithering near her leg but it didn't come out staying in the dark. Then she could feel the cold similar to one she felt in her second-year train journey. She looked around only to see a wyvern made of the same black smoke bowing to the Basilisk. The king of snakes itself was coiled on top of a huge pile of bones all of which were human, it unnerved her a little.
She watched as out of nowhere she was surrounded by thousand rats before she heard a tune coming from behind her. She turned to find the source when she saw a man with a goat head playing a flute and rats following him to a huge beige white tower standing.
She felt an urge to look up so she did only to see a ball of black smoky sludge which encased an orb that was glowing bright Golden but was bound by ethereal white ropes. Around that orb were multiple orbs. She wasn't able to make out the exact number but she made out the 7 that glowed the brightest.)
As she came out of her 5-second trance, Luna smiled as she happily ate her pudding.
Seeing the Smile on her face Tracey asked "What are you smiling about Luna?"
"Oh, nothing, just enjoying my pudding" Luna answered, turning to her before looking at the back of Harry's head and then taking a bite of her pudding.
At the same time at the Slytherin table, Draco was drilling holes in the same teen's back. Draco Malfoy was not happy and the cause of his unhappiness was Harry Potter. His father was not proud that he ordered the hit on that bitch Greengrass but even more furious that his ordered hit failed and heirs of their seven vassal houses were expelled from the school.
But he was lucky that since the revival of their lord his father was much more docile. He hated his father and more than that he hated he was kicked out of the Black family over the summer as that bitch divorced his father.
All this happened because of Harry Bloody Potter! The filthy half-blood and his merry band of blood traitors. He hated them all with all of his being and he wanted nothing but to kill him right now.
But he couldn't. He had a mission given by his lord and he wouldn't fail him like his father. He was going to bring the Malfoy name to what it once was at the time of his grandfather. He would prove his worth to his lord by completing the mission. He will not fail.
Back on the Gryffindor table Harry and Daphne felt a chill run down their spine and not a good kind but they passed it as the wind chill. The night wound down and the students made their way to the dorms.
As Harry's group ascended the ever-changing stairs he staggered a bit but Neville who was beside him caught him asking in concern "Hey! Mate, okay there?"
Harry nodded, rubbing the bridge of his nose and saying "Thanks Nev just a bit tired from the train journey or maybe because of the fake stair" as they arrived at the Gryffindor common room.
They didn't talk much but Harry just flopped on the bed tired for the reason he didn't know nor did he understand. As he closed his eyes taking a deep breath he started drifting off into the realm of Morpheus
*He looked around and he found himself in a dark corridor. It was made up of black granite. It had a series of doors but there was a black door at the end of the corridor.
It was like something was calling him to go there. He tried to move forward but he couldn't he was stuck where he was standing*
He woke up sweating with his sheets soaked along with his shirt. He looked at the time only to see he was just in time for his workout. So after getting ready quickly he made his way to the common room only to see a Daphne waiting for him.
He smiled at her coming down the dorm stairs greeting her "Hey Daph good morning" trying to sound upbeat but in the end, his tiredness was reflected in his voice as he moved forward to give her the morning kiss with a tight hug.
The brunette witch gave a worried look saying "Good morning Love, you okay?"
He nodded saying " Yeah a little restless but nothing a good tea can't fix" just before a yawn escaped his lips with a smile as he continued "Let's get moving Susan must be waiting for us"
"Okay but if you feel you are not well tell us don't keep it in and be a noble git" Daphne warned glaring at him. He simply smiled and nodded before taking her hand and walking out of the common room as they made their way to the entrance lobby where Susan was waiting she raised the same concern about his health which he answered in the same manner.
Not wasting any time they started their routine workout with 2 laps around the Black lake moving on to the body weight exercises and finally ending the outdoor part of their exercise with their basic sword training drills ROR.
The room was heaven and that made Dobby the best elf ever as he told Harry about him when he asked him for a secret place to train in the summer.
Three of them decided before the year started to practice archery and dual training in the evening after classes ended until dinner time and then finish their assignments late in the night.
Now being in the 5th year the curfew restrictions were a bit relaxed for students who were studying in the library. They were allowed to stay up till 10 at night which gave them 3 hours of study after dinner.
They ended just in time for breakfast so they made haste to get ready for the day and were soon in the great hall with their friends around them eating breakfast. It was when McGonagall came to Harry as she handed out the schedule for this year. She came to him saying "Mr. Potter come and see me in my office after breakfast"
He nodded saying "Of course Professor" with a smile which the older woman reflected as she looked proud before she went back to the head table.
Neville asked "What do you think that is about?" serving himself some porridge.
Harry shrugged saying "No clue, mate" as he continued with his breakfast he looked over the schedule and smirked saying "Oh look we have potions today"
"Yeah, we do it like every year! Just ignore hi…" Hermione stopped mid-sentence seeing the smirk on her best friend's face. She asked "why are you smiling?" she turned to Daphne asking "Why is Harry smiling at the idea of attending the potion? Is something wrong with him? Should we take him to the medical wing?"
Daphne chuckled saying "No but I can say that Harry is going to get even with that greasy git over there today." gesturing towards the head table where Snape was sitting.
"Oh, I would love to see that," Neville said in excitement and everyone in the group nodded.
As the breakfast ended Harry made his way to the office of his Head of the house. He knocked and waited until he heard an "Enter"
He entered the office for the millionth time as such he was intimidated by suits of armor. He saw professor Mcgonagall behind her desk working on some parchments. She looked up from her work to him "Yes, Mr Potter please take a seat," McGonagall said
Taking a seat Harry asked "What is this about Professor?" only now noticing a necklace in the neck.
She smiled softly at him saying "Well as you know you are a Champion of Magical Britain and that comes with some perks." She paused and watched him get a curious expression, she chuckled continuing "First being you get your quarters for the rest of the year," she loved the way his eyes lit up, and she continued "Second you are exempted from taking classes if you need to train for the competition, but this is no excuse to slack on your studies am I clear?" she added sternly.
He gulped giving a nod and saying "Yes, I understand"
Satisfied by his answer she stood up saying "Now if you will follow me, I will guide you to the room Hogwarts has prepared for you" walking out of her office with Harry behind her.
Still, a little shocked Harry followed her quietly before his eyes fell on the hips of his teacher guiding him. He was so enamoured by the way they moved side to side with the perfect amount of jiggle in them and considering that she was wearing loose robes along with her age, it was beyond impressive.
Minerva noticed her star seeker staring at her arse and couldn't help but blush more than she ever had in her life. In truth, she was younger than she looked because of her magic. She looked like a witch in her 60s but was 40 years old and that was the same case for her best friend Pomfrey. She was hired straight out of the school by her mentor and current headmaster Dumbledore. She was a transfiguration prodigy but like her mentor she loved teaching and it was her passion that drove her love life to ruin.
She never thought of finding love again but she loved some of her students like her own. Those were the Marauders and Lily. She had a place for those two for some reason.
Now she was walking their son to his new quarters but she was feeling something she never did before for a student, longing and even rarer, lust. She was confused about her feelings for the boy who she used to see as her favorite student. But since last year she started feeling attracted to the boy, no the young man was staring at her 40-year-old arse and she was blushing as if she was still a school girl.
It was after a long time that she was blushing and she thanked magic that they reached their destination she took a deep breath saying "Here we are Mr. Potter" her voice lower than normal unintentionally.
They stood in front of the gold-framed portrait of the lion lying in the grassland sleeping leisurely.
"Now to set the password touch the portrait and speak the password. It will be only known by me and you" she instructed him with her voice returning to its normal pitch.
He nodded, and moving forward he placed his hand on the portrait. As he did the lion stood up and came towards his hand. It looked at him a little critically before he nuzzled its face on his palm. He chuckled silently before he thought about the password before smiling and saying "Marauder's Pride"
Hearing this Minerva had a smile of adoration on her lips as she watched the portrait of the lion roar and the door opened giving a way to the room.
As they walked in it was not a room but an apartment with a common area and kitchen. It had a second floor which held the bedrooms. It was a plain living quarter that had Harry's belongings in the middle of the common room.
"So this is it Harry and other than this you are given a house elf to assist you in anything you need you may call upon any elf, although one particular elf was excited to be of service to you," Minerva said while cursing internally on calling him 'Harry' instead of 'Mr. Potter'
He smiled looking around saying "Oh I know who you are talking about Mine….urg… Professor" he stopped himself feeling mortified and weird about the frankness towards Minvera! 'Stop it, Potter! Why are you being so weird?!' before calling "Dobby!"
His attention was grabbed by the pop sound.
"Great Master Harry Potter summoned Dobby! How can Dobby help Great Master Harry Potter?!" Dobby asked enthusiastically.
Harry chuckled saying "Nothing for now Dobby, I will call you when I want"
Dobby nodded saying "Dobby will always be there to help Great Master Harry Potter!" before disappearing with a pop sound.
Harry turned to Minerva saying "Thank you, Min… Professor McGonagall, I think I should head for history before I get late"
"Of course Harry. The Last thing you should know is that this whole wing will be designated for the champions as such it is coined as the Tower of Champions" before she made out of the room walking before him with a naughty glint in her eyes.
She didn't even need to look behind to know she or more specifically her hips had his attention. She felt exhilarated in ways she hadn't felt in years. She didn't know what was going on with her but she couldn't help herself feel the way she was feeling right now.
After that, she went back to her office while Harry made his way to the History of Magic classroom and caught the crowd entering it.
"Hey" he greeted his friends in both Gryffindor and Hufflepuff before he quickly kissed Susan and Daphne. No one noticed as they were last to enter the class along with Hermione and Neville.
"Hey Love, so what did McGonagall want to talk to you about?" Susan asked taking a seat beside Harry while Daphne did the same on his other side
He grinned saying "Oh she just wanted to show me my private quarter for the year in the Tower of Champions" getting a questioning look from them he elaborated "It is called that cause all 8 champions will stay there in the designated quarters, well I say quarter but it's more like a house all to myself" with a continuation in his mind, 'Oh and I don't know but I almost called her by her first name, stared at her perfect arse and made it very awkward'
Daphne quirked her eyebrow, asking "You mean an apartment to the three of us right?" glaring at him.
Susan nodded adding "Yeah, you mean 'us' right" trying her hardest not to laugh with a stern mask on her face.
He gulped, nodded, and said "Yeah… Yeah th…that's exactly what I….." He stopped looking at their faces, seeing their lips twitch. He didn't complete it but simply chuckled and said "Both of you are evil! You know that"
Susan and Daphne giggled but didn't say a thing as Professor Binns phased into the classroom through the door and his astral form took a seat on his chair. He started to read the chapter from the textbook about Giant wars.
After a nap of an hour and a half, all Gryffindors made their way to the Dungeons for the potions class, dreading it like they always did. But Harry was giddy to see the expression on the face of the vile man who has been harassing him since the first potion class in the first year.
He thanked Narcissa for everything and was going to make sure to write to her after the class.
As they entered the potions classroom Harry took a seat in the very front of the classroom to the shock of all the Slytherins and Gryffindors alike. The whole class looked at him like he was a lunatic except Daphne who was sitting beside him.
Snape entered the class with his ever-bellowing black cloak. He took his place in front of the and eyed Harry before starting "This year, I will not tolerate any subpar potions and you will not get leniency like in the past" looking over at Gryffindor's side.
"Potter!" he barked, asking "What colour should the Draught of Peace be when you add Syrup of Hellebore?"
Harry smirked which annoyed the potions master as he answered "It will turn turquoise after a while from pink and on letting it simmer it will turn purple" continuing in his 'Just like your face will be in a minute'
Snape looked at him shocked and annoyed at seeing the smirk that reminded him of his nemesis. He sneered saying "Don't get cocky Potter! What are key ingredients for the strengthening solution?"
Harry calmly answered "Salamander Blood and Powdered Griffin claw" loving the mixture of his fury and frustration on Snape's face.
"What are the ingredients, and the final colour of the girding potion?" Snape asked in hopes of catching him off guard. He hated Potter's brat's guts and he would prove that he was the same dunderhead he had been for the last 4 years.
But Harry didn't give him a chance and answered without missing a beat "The ingredients are Dragonfly thoraxes, fairy wings, fly wings, Doxy eggs, the color is golden"
Snape went purple which made it very hard for Harry not to laugh as his prediction came true!
Severus held his fury saying "Theory is all well and good but I will see how all of you brew the potion, to your stations!" and with that, all students scrambled to their usual spots while Harry strutted to his confidently reminding Snape too much of his father which infuriated him.
And so all of them made their way to the brewing stations. Harry partnered up with Neville while Susan partnered up with Hannah leaving Hermione and Daphne to get together.
After almost an hour and a half, Harry submitted his vial of potion along with Neville. To which Snape didn't comment and simply said "Getting color right doesn't mean a hippogriff's dung Potter! The function does!"
Harry simply smiled saying "Sure Professor…. Snivellus" last part in a whisper which once again turned the older wizard purple again with anger but had so many students around he couldn't act and he hated his situation.
As students were exiting the potions class none of them could believe what they witnessed. Harry Potter and Neville Longbottom made a perfect potion. It didn't mean that Gryffindor house didn't lose points but it was their victory nonetheless.
Harry was trying his hardest not to laugh but as soon as they were out of the dungeon he couldn't help it and let it go laughing hard with his girlfriends along with their friends.
"Oh, you were right Harry, that was bloody Gold Mate!" Neville said, wiping the tear from the corner of his eyes with one hand while he patted Harry's shoulder with the other.
Harry nodded, calming down a little as he said "Hey, I am just an actor! The real star of today is Daphne" he turned to the brunette witch who was blushing from his praise as he took her hand saying "she told me what fun it would be to show the greasy git up "
She smiled saying "Well this is the pettiest man alive along with one who looks down upon others and thinks he is better than them. It didn't take brains to understand the best way to beat such a man is to prove him wrong without rising to his bait which is a Gryffindor trait Professor Snape loves to exploit. All Harry had to do was not to rise to his bait and keep his cool"
Harry smiled saying "You are very dangerous Daphne" taking her hand in his
She smiled and winked at him with an evil smirk saying "And you like me for that!" kissing him on the cheek. From there laughing the group of six students made their way to the Great Hall for lunch.
Office of Head of DMLE
At the same time in her office, Amelia was rubbing the bridge between her eyes along with Bellatrix as both were drowning in the tournament paperwork.
Bellatrix groaned "Ugh! It's like every time I end one form another 3 pop up out of nowhere!" leaning back and throwing her hands up in frustration.
Amelia sighed saying "I know Bella but we have to sign all these personnel assigning today cause the tournament starts in a month and there is so much left to do, so buck up I am ordering another pot of tea, Tilly"
An elf popped in asking "Yes Miss Bonesy?"
Amelia smiled saying "Tilly, another pot of tea Please"
Nodding the elf disappeared just then Bella whined "I am bored, I want to meet Harry Bear" with a pout adorning her plum lips.
She chuckled saying "I know and we will, after a month at the opening ceremony of the Tournament. We will be there for the whole year looking over the tournament along with the bulk of our Auror force. That's why we have to do all this within a month"
Bella whined again "A month! But I want to meet him now and I want to eat pizza with him along with that fizzy drink. Oh and I want to do so much more" her eyes turned hazy as she fantasized about things she wanted to do with her fiancé.
Amelia sighed saying "I know Bella" as she read and signed off another personnel profile before saying "I want to be with him too and we will be but that is still a month away. After all, we will be hearing from him every weekend"
Bella smirked saying "Don't act like you don't miss him" coming closer to the table and leaning on it.
Amelia shook her head saying "Oh! I am not acting, you just don't know how much I am missing him. It's called Professionalism which means no matter who you are missing you have to keep doing your work. No matter how much you want to see them." as she looked longingly at the picture of the green-eyed young wizard who blew a kiss at her.
Bellatrix smiled wistfully to her sister-wife before she smirked saying "Well I know that we have it easier than my sisters and Apolline. At least we had our dates with Harry Bear. Narcissa knows but doesn't know what to do, Apolline is holding back for Fleur's sake and Andi doesn't know she is attracted to him, I hope she realizes it soon"
Amelia nodded saying "Aye, I don't know how to begin that conversation. I think we should let this tournament end cause it will not do any favor to Harry learning about all this. It will only add pressure on his already large burden. So we keep it quiet until it's all over and then we will try to talk to him about all this"
Bella nodded saying "I guess we can but I don't think that will lessen the blow but yeah we shouldn't tell him now"
Just then an Auror guard came in asking "Madame Bones, Fleur Delacour is here to see you, should I let her in?"
Amelia quirked her eyebrow as she mused 'Fleur is here, Why?' before saying "Let her in"
A minute later Fleur entered greeting "Madame Bones, Bella 'ow's your day today?"
Both of the elder witches smiled at the French Veela as Amelia answered "Very well Fleur but if I may ask what is the reason behind this visit cause we would have met at night anyway at the Black Manor anyway now that you're here please take a seat"
Fleur nodded taking a seat in front of Amelia as she grew serious and saying "Oui I am 'ere for ze reason but before I tell you can you please raise every ward in your office 'as and before you question it's about 'arry"
Amelia and Bellatrix looked at each other then back to Fleur. Seeing her seriousness Amelia nodded and raised the high-security ward of her office and as they set in place she nodded to the Fleur who took a deep breath before starting "Last year when Daphne resorted, ze Sorting 'at told everyone in ze room zat it was only second after Dorea. Ze name stuck with me as I met someone of zat name and she looked a lot like you Bellatrix and your sisters"
This made both women go wide eyes realizing what the French witch was saying. Bellatrix shook her head asking "No, No No! You must be mistaken Aunt Dorea died by Dragon Pox after the Dark lord's attack at Godric Hollow"
Fleur nodded saying "Oui I know and I am not 'undred percent sure but I still zink I am right zat she is alive and someone is keeping 'er away from 'Arry"
Amelia and Bellatrix were silent thinking about the implications of what they were hearing. After a minute Amelia nodded saying "I think it could be possible she is out there and someone has obliviated her wiping her memory of her family or even the fact that she is a witch"
Bellatrix nodded adding "And if she was in the magical Britain she would have been found then she must be out of the country. But even then she is a citizen of magical Britain and someone should have noticed it. I mean it's been 15 and half years unless…" her face went ashen white.
"Oui I zought so too. She is not in the magical world but in ze muggle world" Fleur added, completing Bellatrix's line of thought.
Amelia leaned back rubbing the bridge of her nose saying "But the world is so big it's like trying to find a needle in the aystack"
Fleur smiled saying "Non, ze 'aystack is as beeg as Paris at least I hope it is. I remember meeting 'er zere but I don't know where I met 'er. I talked wiz Papa 'e zinks zere maybe a chance she is in ze muggle side of Britain or France"
Amelia frowned saying "But for that to happen her magic must be bound and her wand must have been snapped. So In short someone did the unthinkable to Dorea Potter and whoever this is must be high in the political power chain" not liking the implication that corruption ran that high in the government. It was not a surprise to her, but the crime's severity shook her to the very core.
Bellatrix asked, "But if Aunt Dorea is alive that means Uncle Charlus….." She trailed off and there was a heavy silence in the room until she spoke again in equal parts agitation and sadness asking "Why?"
Amelia shook her head saying with determination "I am not sure but we will when we find Elder Potters. But it will be done by people we trust who are only three of us, Sirius and Andromeda. Cause some even gets a sniff of what we are doing whoever is behind this will get alert and may either harm, move or make it difficult for us to find them"
Bella tilted her head asking in confusion "Why not Lupin and Cissa?"
Amelia sighed saying "Cause as loyal as Remus is to Harry, he still worships the very ground Dumbledore walks and I don't trust the old goat. As for Narcissa, she is an unknown entity to me and I don't want to risk this. This is the only chance for Harry to have a semblance of Family and there is something else I would like to find out but that is a whole other matter for now we keep our heads down and start looking for our Elder Potters" to which she got a nod from both.
HOGWARTS
Harry sneezed so hard that he was a little disoriented as he was walking toward Ancient Runes classroom along with Hermione, Neville, Daphne, and Susan, this was an elective class so it was a mixed batch of students.
As he swayed a little and Daphne caught him asking "Alright there Harry?"
He nodded saying "Yeah just a really really strong sneeze" giving her a reassuring smile.
Hermione gave a mischievous smirk saying "Looks like someone is thinking about you"
Neville snorted, commenting "One? Try 5" which made girls giggle and made Harry turn a little pink.
Susan cooed looking at his flushed face "Aww he looks so cute when he is blushing" to which Daphne nodded in agreement
He gave a mock glare to both of them saying "Hey I am not cute! If anything I am ruggedly handsome!" making his friends and fiancees laugh out loud.
Calming down Susan pecked him on his lips saying "Yes! You are sweetie"
"Me thinks someone is getting a big head" Hermione chimed seeing his dazed expression.
Harry snaked his arms around his fiancee's, bringing them closer and saying "Can you blame me when I am with these two beauties" kissing Susan and Daphne on the cheeks making them blush.
"Okay, Potter enough with the show of" Daphne reprimanded him but her smile betrayed her stern tone.
Just then they arrived in the Ancient runes classroom. It was just last year that Harry Dropped Divination in favor of Ancient runes, Arithmancy and Care for Magical Creature. It was Sirius who told him to do so and it was the right decision. Last year he attended the Runes and Arithmancy 1 with Care of Magical Creature 2.
He was a year behind his friends but he caught up with them with Fleur's help.
As they took their seats in the room filled with the runic charts and clusters. As they all got settled in the classroom. The class went smoothly and the class was assigned the group project. It was to make a useful item using runes by the end of the year.
All five friends banded together for the project and exited the classroom to make their way to the next one, Defense against Dark arts.
Harry was a little defensive about the class seeing the track record of the past 4 years. They didn't know Professor Judson other than that he was a model ministry employee which in itself caused the alarms to go off in his friend's minds.
"Good Evening" Professor Judson greeted them with a smile to which all other students took no mind but it unnerved Harry a little. As they took their seats all of them looked at the board where O.W.L the acronym for Ordinary Wizarding Level Exams was written.
As everyone was seated Professor started "As you all know last year was a glorious year for Hogwarts and our Nation as a whole as our very own Mr. Potter won the Triwizard tournament allowing us to enter the International Competition. The Ministry is hard at work for the tournament and seeing as that it is the longest time of peace under our esteemed Minister, it was decided by the Department of Magical Education to focus on the theories for this Owl year. Therefore no need to draw the wands as you are safe and the theoretical knowledge is enough for you to pass your exams''
There was nothing but silence in the classroom. Harry wanted to protest but Hermione took a hold of his hand squeezing it. He turned to her, anger clear in his eyes as she shook her head.
From the front of the room, Judson noticed this as he smiled asking "Mr. Potter, is there something you want to say to the class?"
Harry stood up saying "Yes! Why are we not practicing any spells as we might need them in the future?" a little heatedly.
"Oh, and what need will be there for the practicals when there is nothing for you to fight out In the world?" Judson said in a fake curious tone.
Seething in anger Harry said "But there are dangers not known to everyone and so, I think we should learn at least basic spells for self-defense"
Judson chuckled saying "Mr. Potter I don't think you need to defend yourself from things or people who don't exist or are figments of your imaginations. Now if you're done I would like to distribute your new ministry-approved books for this year" as he floated books to all the students. Harry looked at the book in contempt while fuming from being called crazy indirectly.
Just a table over Daphne and Susan exchanged concerned looks. That continued as the Professor continued the lecture with subtle insults at Harry about the return of Voldemort.
It became incredibly difficult for Hermione to control Harry or even herself throughout the class as they were revising what they already learned from the last 4 years. It was the blatant butchering of their knowledge, but she managed, knowing anything she did would only make things worse.
After class as they exited the classroom, Harry took a long breath saying "I…. I need some fresh air. I will be back soon" and without waiting for a response he walked out of the corridor.
Susan made to follow him but Daphne stopped her saying "Let him Bones, he needs some time alone" the redhead witch glared at her but seeing Hermione and Neville nod she deflated.
Hermione shook her head keeping a reassuring hand on the redhead witch's shoulder saying "He will be fine, he will brood for some time and will be right as rain" at the same time she sounded a little uncertain herself as she was concerned for Harry.
Susan was not satisfied by the answer but she nodded reluctantly and seeing this Daphne gave her one arm hug from the other side reassuring her "He will be okay Susan" as they started walking out of the corridor.
While all 4 of his friends made their way to the library, Harry was walking toward the Forbidden Forest to meet his other friends and reached the clearing deep in the forest which was far from the Acromantula colony. It was the same clearing where he saved Sirius and himself from the horde of Dementors by traveling back in time in his third year.
He took a seat near the bank of the small water body and revelled in the moment of peace which was accompanied by soft sounds of wind blowing over water and waves of water created by it. But it didn't last long as he heard the rustling of the leaves behind him. He smiled as he turned to look at the creature behind him.
It was a tall and strong black stallion with a golden horn. It was one of the young protectors of the unicorns living in the forest along with the centaur tribe. But the stallion was not alone; he accompanied a young silver foal, the same one that Harry saved back during his detention in the forbidden forest from the wraith of Voldemort.
The silver foal loved him and made friends with him. While the protector of her herd didn't approve he couldn't deny it due to his shame for not being there to protect the same foal in question.
The foal trotted to him nuzzling her face to his cheek. He giggled saying "Hey Gina, How are you girl?"
The foal whined happily to which he chuckled saying "It's good to see you girl" it was then that he heard leaves crunch from another direction. It was fast and heavy. He turned to look at his other friend, Firenze with his daughter Lia.
"Harry Potter, it's good to see you my friend" the elder centaur said curtly before turning to the Protector continuing "Xolan, Gina" giving them a curt nod to which both gave whines, returning the greeting.
Lia came running towards Harry and hugged him tightly. Lia was just 4 but she was already Harry's height physically which was 5'11. Her father stood tall at 7' 6 which was average for the centaur.
"Hawwy! Were wer u I missed you so mush!" Lia squealed, complaining about his absence and hugged him. Which sent him two steps back due to the power of her hind legs.
Harry hugged her back saying "I am sorry Lia. It's just I had everything crazy happening last year"
Lia looked at him in confusion before asking "You will come to play wiz me?" Gina whined to which Lia giggled saying "Zhina says to play wiz us?"
He nodded to both saying "Oh I will come every week, I promise" to which he got a giggle and whine. But suddenly Harry heard another crunching of the wood along with heavy thuds and ragged breaths.
He turned only in time before he landed on his back and felt his whole face getting face as a tongue licked it thoroughly and that was repeated 2 more times.
He chuckled, opening his eyes and saying "Hey Buddy" looking at Fluffy, the Cerberus.
"WOOF!" "WOOF!" "WOOF!" all three wolf-like heads gave happy barks to him. He made all these friends in his first year. Back then Harry didn't like huge crowds so he used to escape to Hagrid's hut every chance he got. He made friends with Firenze back then and after the end of the year, Fluffy was added to the roster in his friends of the forest.
As he got back on his feet he scratched the back of Cerberus's ear which made all three heads make a 15-foot dog whine in satisfaction as it wagged his tail happily. He was joined by Lia who squealed "PUPPY!" as she petted Fluffy.
As they all settled Lia was busy playing with Gina and Fluffy while Firenze came up to him asking "You seem disturbed Harry Potter"
"I am but it's nothing I was just angry" he sighed before shaking his head and continuing "I am just frustrated with people not believing me about His return. And to add on to that, I now have 7 fiances who need my attention but of them, only 2 are here, others are out there and I feel like I am missing some pieces of my being. Oh and I am having this ever-constant headache which is increasing day by day and I am in this international death tournament so yeah life is peachy" he ended by slumping and saying "It's just too much" throwing his head back.
Firenze simply nodded saying "I understand Harry Potter. The stars told me about the darkness rising but need not worry my friend. I too faced overwhelming feelings when my daughter was born. It will come to pass" in ever wizened tone.
The teen nodded knowing it all too well and he was not giving up he just needed time to let everything sink in. So he took a deep breath and closed his eyes trying to calm down thinking to himself 'Okay Potter you have done this before you can do this again. First, don't be afraid to flirt with Sue and Daph. They love you and you love them. As for others, I can call them every night or at least once every three days. As for Bitchson, just ignore him and focus on the tournament. You will survive this!'
"Hawwy sleepy?" was the sentence that brought a smile once again to his face as he opened one eye to look at Lia.
He smiled seeing her and said "No Lia Hawwy sleepy but Hawwy tickly" as he started tickling the young female centaur. She squealed and started running away from him and he made to chase her with Gina behind him.
It ended with Harry losing against the centaur's speed. He looked at the sky only to find it was almost sunset so he said his farewell to his friends and made his way to the castle underneath his cloak with a calm smile etched on his face.
Room of Requirements
{Twenge!}
The arrow left the bow making its way to its target. It struck true as its metal head embedded itself in the target with a dull thump.
In a dimly lit ROR Harry lowered his training bow. Looked to his left at Susan who was aiming her last arrow of their first training session.
{Twenge!}
Susan released the arrow and landed near the centre but was off by an inch from the intended mark. She huffed "So close!" at the same time another Twange was heard. Both of them looked to their left at Daphne then at her target. Her arrow struck the second-most inner ring.
She gaped before squealing and saying "Yeppie!"
Other two groaned to which she turned to them smirking saying "So what were you two saying oh can't hit a Garphorn if it was sleeping, well look at that I hit the target and pretty darn close to the center now, Pay up" she said bringing her hand forward.
"You had to comment on the Garphorn thing!" Harry snides as he dropped 2 galleons in Daphne's hand.
Susan retorted saying "And who started it with by showing off how impressive their archery skills were"
Harry and Daphne answered deadpanned "You"
Susan gave a fake innocent smile saying "Really? Oh! well I guess I will take your praises then"
"I heard of a funny bone but it's the first time seeing a cheeky one" Harry said, pulling Susan's right cheek affectionately, she swatted it away.
Daphne chuckled at his comment and action saying "I know it is a discovery in the field of healing Harry that might earn you some kind of award. Think about the title in the prophet 'Harry Potter finds a Cheeky Bone' "
Harry laughed hearing this and looking at the pout on Susan's face, he calmed down saying "Look it's a Poutty Bone" once again bursting in laughter, and this time Daphne joined him.
Susan gaped before she turned angry and fired a strong stinging hex at Harry who squealed, rubbing his hindquarters "Ouch! Hey it's not fair she was in it too"
Susan smirked saying "Yes but you started it" throwing another hex at him which he dodges.
He grinned saying "I found an annoyed bone too Daph. That's three new bones so the total is up to 20….. Ouch!" That's all he could say before he started to run as Susan was chasing him, throwing stinging hex in abundance at him. It was 5 minutes later that the game of Cat and mouse ended with Harry covered in pelts all over his body while Susan had a victorious grin standing above him.
"Crazy Bones" he mumbled underneath his breath.
"Did you say something?" Susan asked him, daring him as she twirled her wand.
He shook his head saying "No just wondering if I complimented you on how beautiful you are looking today" channelling his godfather the best he could.
Daphne snorted saying "Smooth Harry, Really Smooth" as she helped him up.
He stood up pouting at her to which Susan retorted "Pouty Potter" smirking. He didn't say anything but simply looked in her eyes. Emerald bored in the Amber as he took a step forward and under the intensity of his gaze made Susan take a step back. It continued until the redhead was pinned with her back to the wall.
She gulped asking "Harry?" in a husky voice. He didn't respond but simply leaned forward. The redhead was now breathing hard and was starting to perspire as the beads of the sweats started to appear on her neck.
She waited with baited breath expecting him to… violet her right then and there. She felt the warmth of his breath and inhaled his scent of wand polish, leather mixed with fresh spring, it was just so addictive. She closed her eyes accepting her fate. Her chest heaved up and down heavily as she licked her lips unconsciously.
He smirked as he continued leaning until he reached her ear whispering " Naughty Bones" bitting her ear lob lightly making the girl whimper as her body melted.
He backed off smirking at her it took a couple of seconds until she regained her senses and her skin was as red as her hair. She looked at him registering what he did she huffed loudly saying "You are such a jerk Potter, teasing poor girl like that"
He snickered saying "Yeah a poor girl who chased me around like a maniac firing stinging hexes at me. From where I am standing it's fair" folding his arms wincing.
"Then be prepared for the payback," Susan said challengingly.
Harry smiled saying "Oh I am more than prepared for it!"
Exasperated by her boyfriend and sister's wife's antics Daphne said "Done? Great now let's head back to our common rooms"
He smiled saying "Yeah me too I am done for the day, she made sure I am" pointing at the redhead beside him. He moved, placing his bow, arrow, and quiver back in the spare trunk.
Susan simply smirked saying "My pleasure, Harry"
"Yeah, Yeah come on let's go it…." He was broken off by a yawn as they moved to the door. He took his cloak out and gave it to them saying "You two use it I have tournament rules protecting…." Once again he was broken off by a yawn.
Daphne patted his back saying "Let's get you to the bed, Sleepy Potter" to which he didn't respond but simply pouted. Both girls took cover under the cloak and followed Harry to the Gryffindor common room.
Daphne came out of the cover and gave Harry pecked her on the cheek before he turned only to be pounced on by Susan who attacked his lips with hers she under the cloak. There was nothing soft about it, just raw passion.
After the initial shock, he started returning the favor, and soon their tongues were in a war for dominance. Soon Susan could feel him getting hard, that's when she broke off the kiss.
"Wh…Wha…" He asked
She leaned to his ear saying "Payback" in a husky voice before bolting off giggling.
Harry groaned throwing his head back on the wall "I need a cold, cold, cold shower"
He heard portraits along with Fat Lady snickering. He snapped "Shut it" as he made his way to his apartment. What he didn't notice is the portraits freezing all but
Next Morning
As the Breakfast ended Dumbledore stood up saying "If I may have your attention please, the charts for the Trails of Quidditch and Dueling Tournament will be on the board in the hallway. That's All thank you"
And with that, the crowd moved out to the hall in excitement to look at the board.
QUIDDITCH TEAM SELECTION TRIAL
※※※※※※
Preliminary trials on 6th and 7th
Final Keeper Trails: 11th & 12th
Final Chasers Trails: 17th & 18th
Final Beater Trails: 22nd & 23rd
Final Team Trail: 28th
Trails from 7 AM on 6th Sept at Quidditch Pitch.
PRELIMINARY DUELING TEAM SELECTION
Dueling tournament
10th Sept 5th year Tournament
15th Sept 6th year Tournament
25th Sept 7th year Tournament
(From Every year 3 duelists will be selected)
※※※※※※
The enthusiasm was palpable among the crowd in front of the board and as people read the notice causing Murmurs and small talks filled with excitement broke out.
As Harry and his friends stood in the corner he took a deep breath saying "And it begins" and his friends nodded around him. He continued sighing "Well ladies and gentleman get ready we are going to have a very busy month ahead"
Fred smirked saying "Oh Harrikins don't you know….."
George continued " … we were born ready for this"
"Yeah you are" Alicia said kissing Fred which shocked everyone around them followed by the wolf whistle. As they ended she asked him "I kissed you in front of everyone didn't I?"
Fred grinned saying "Yes love, you did" before he kissed her once again
Angelina squealed "Yeah now we can go on the double date with us" as she looped her arm with Georges but realized in a minute what she did and blushed head to toe.
Daphne whistled saying "Wow! Two for two! Anyone else who wants to confess about their secret romance?" sarcastically making everyone chuckle and miss as she winked at Harry.
He chuckled asking "How long?" to the pair of couples ignoring it.
Alicia and Angelina answered together "2 years" and turned to look at each other in shock, giggling at the absurdity of the whole situation.
Harry grinned saying "Well that's awesome, congratulations to all four of you!"
After the congratulations were done Hermione reminded them "I think we all should head to Charms so shall we?" her year mates nodded and 4 of them made their way to the Charms classroom. On the way Harry once again felt lightheaded but not to the point of losing his balance like last time. It vanished when he settled in his seat beside his friends in the class.
Atro's Pub, Knockturn Alley
A robed figure made its way to the private room for a meeting. He knocked on the door saying "Via enim ad dextram…. "
"… sanguinis et ossium." came the answer from behind the door as it opened not all the way but just enough for him to enter.
Inside the figure came saying in Gobbledegook "The time is nearing my friends" as he
The group of seven goblins nodded. All had gray hairs and the eldest one stood up with a cane in his hand. He looked around before starting " For the last 1000 years we have waited for the return of our lord to these lands and he is coming very soon. He expects us to fulfill the oath our forefathers swear-ed to him and we will honor it with our life. Via enim ad dextram fit sanguinis et ossium"
All others looked determined chanting "Via enim ad dextram fit sanguinis et ossium."
There was silence before a goblin raised a hand to which the leader nodded saying "The council acknowledges you"
"Thank you, I would like to point out that traitors are growing cautious of our activity. It will not be long when he snoops his way to us. He is not a puppet anymore, something changed and he is hiding it under oaths. My spies in his clan tell me someone of importance came to light but who no one knows"
"Hmmm, This is concerning very well, keep an eye on his activities but don't attract any attention from his clan and if you do, I hope you know what to do Son" the Leader of the council glared at his son menacingly.
Under his glare, the Younger goblin nodded furiously saying "Yes my liege I do!"'
The Emperor grunted, nodding before saying "Reports!"
One by one all six goblins started giving him reports from all over the world.
As the Emperor grunted saying "The plan is on the schedule. Keep it so and we will keep our oath to our King"
Once again all the Goblins chanted "Via enim ad dextram fit sanguinis et ossium" before all of them ended with them leaving.
A/N: Okay how was it? was it up to the mark? was it worse than before? tell me I want to know and I will update you on Harry's core level in the next Chapter!
So the tournament is upon Harry, his romance with his future wives develops, and tournament preparations begin.
I changed the DADA role from Umbridge to an OC, cause she could do more chaos Head of International Magical Co-operation!
Multiple OCs are inbound as we see other 7 champions from around the world in the next Chapter:
WORLDWIDE!
Stay tuned I will see you next Week!
Drakpacer Out!
