A/N- *DRUM ROLLS* Here is the much awaited second part of the Black Heir series. The first part got all your love and it was exciting. I am trying to show a different Harry than Cannon. This Harry does not have a problem with asking for help and he is not a lone horse. He has family around him and he is well regarded by his friends. Also, he is not the typical Gryffindor so of course things differ. From this point, very little canonical story will be followed except for some things which we totally cannot overlook.
BLACK TOWNHOUSE
Harry had reached the Black town house minutes after he had left King's Cross. As soon as he had stepped out of the floo, he was picked up by Sirius Black who had hugged him tight, "Are you fine, Harry?"
"Sirius, I am fine. Nothing happened to me. And what are you doing here early?"
"I am also here pup", said Remus who was sitting in one of the chairs and eating an enormous slab of chocolate.
"What are you both doing here?" Harry asked, "I mean Grand uncle had sent you to different errands, hadn't he?"
"Yes, I was in Germany and Moony was in Shanghai when we heard the news that you had been involved in an incident at Hogwarts. We came as fast as we could but grand father told us that the threat had passed."
"I am fine, really", he assured both men.
"Tell us everything", Sirius said, "We want to know."
So Harry started telling them everything from the time that he had stepped in the school to the moment that he had defeated Voldemort.
"Harry, you should have told us that you were facing so much at school", said Sirius, "We could have helped you."
"How?" Harry asked him, "By confronting Snape? By asking Dumbledore?"
"Dumbledore already knew what you were up to", said Arcturus Orion Black who had just came in, "And he knew that you had expressed your disdain towards possessing such a dangerous artefact. He was sure that you will not try to go for the stone and even then he was staying at Hogwarts to confront Voldemort until he had to leave for a mandatory session of the ICW. Snape may have been a death eater in the past, but this time he was actually trying to protect the stone from its falling in Voldemort's hands. He stopped Quirrell plenty of time from going after the stone all the year. I would give him the benefit of doubt this time."
Harry lunged for the man and hugged him, "How are you grand uncle?"
The man chuckled, "I was good and now I will be great now that you are home. We leave for the tournament in two weeks time."
Harry nodded, "I would like that. I will let others know."
Little Trouble
It was the next day when Harry was still in bed when someone jumped on his bed and started pummelling him, "Get up! Get up lazy bones we have a lot to do."
Grumbling Harry opened his eyes and yelped. Astoria Greengrass was pummelling him and he knew his day was going to go as the younger girl wanted.
"Tori, what are you doing here so early?" he asked.
She giggled, "It is mid noon, Harry. It is not early. Wake up. We are going to Amusement Park."
He sat up suddenly, "You have been to an amusement park before?"
She eagerly nodded, "Yes, I have. Mother took me once a year ago. Uncle Moony was telling us that we can go today if you are up and ready within an hour. Daphne has bet that you won't be ready and I have 5 Galleons riding on it. Now hurry up."
Harry laughed, "Alright, I will be down in 20 minutes."
She huffed, "You better! And I going to piggyback you today and I am not taking no for an answer."
Bringing into the fold
Arthur Weasley was fretting. The reason for his skittish behaviour was a letter he had received from one Arcturus Orion Black. Now, he really had no reason to fear Arcturus Orion Black because the Lord of Black was his mother's brother but the fact that his mother had been ousted from the House of Black and Arcturus hadn't moved a finger did not sit well with him.
The letter had been short and direct.
"Arthur Weasley,
I know I have had no reason to communicate to you seeing that you are my sister's son who was banished from the family for marrying your father. It is also understood that you may be feeling resentful towards me for not doing anything about it when there was chance. You also have reasons to not to meet me for House Black stood aside while other Ancient and Most Noble Houses acted against your house, stripping it of its place on the Wizengamot.
There is nothing I can say that will make you forget the past and to move on. I have no excuse for not having acted in the past and for what good it may do, I apologise for my inactiveness.
It has also come to my knowledge that my heir Hadrian Potter-Black has taken a liking to your youngest son, Ronald Bilius Weasley and they are best mates at school. I also had the occasion to meet your other children during the Christmas holidays last year and I was positively delighted with them. In a way, I have seen the shadow of Cedrella in your children and I am somewhat glad that she did what she wanted without caring about the consequences of the act.
I am writing this letter to you for I desire an audience with you and your charming wife, Molly Weasley nee Prewett. My sister Lucretia was fond of her and often told me how Molly Weasley is a kind woman. Please let me know if I can visit your seat of residence on coming Friday at about 12:00 in the afternoon.
Arcturus Orion Black
Lord of House Black."
Arthur had sent a reply to the Lord of Black that he was amenable to a visit from him and now was waiting for the floo to roar.
The floo roared behind him and out of the emerald flames, stepped out Arcturus Orion Black. Arthur had seen him many times over the years and knew him well enough by sight. He also knew that Arcturus was the reason that Amelia Bones had become the Minister of Magic.
Knowing the difference between their status, Arthur bowed low to him, "Lord Black, welcome to the seat of residence of House of Weasley."
Arthur nodded, "Thank you for agreeing to host me, Arthur of Weasley."
Then Arcturus walked up to Molly Weasley, taking her hand and pretended to kiss her knuckles who said, "Lord Black, welcome to the Burrow."
Arcturus replied, "Thank you, Lady Weasley."
Arthur spluttered, "W. We. We are not lords anymore."
Arcturus waved him off, "It is irrelevant, Lord Weasley. Even though the wizengamot stripped you off your seat but it does not change the fact that you are the head of a pureblood family which has held the status of Ancient and Noble house in the past."
With that Arthur led him to the sofa. He was utterly conscious of the fact that nothing in his house could match to what Arcturus Black was used to however the old wizard looked comfortable.
"Arthur, May I call you Arthur?" He said, "You have a very charming house. It has the feeling of a well used house. It feels more homely than many houses I have been to. This house smells of family."
Arthur smiled, "Thank you, Lord Black."
"Please call me Arcturus, if you will", said he.
By then, Mrs. Weasley had brought refreshments for the Black Lord, "Please don't trouble yourself on my account, Molly."
"It is no trouble at all", said Molly.
The Black Lord took sometime before answering, "Arthur, I am here today to do something that I should have done ages ago. Due to my cowardice and my reluctance, I did not act in time and my sister had to be ousted from the House of Black when she had done nothing wrong."
"Arcturus, it has been long since then and the old wounds have been forgotten", said Arthur, "Please be let bygones be bygones."
"You have a big heart that you can let it be gone. I guess that is your father's innate goodness speaking", he said smiling; "Still I wish to restore your mother on the family tree and to make your family line as a cadet line to House Black."
"What is the catch, Lord Black?" asked Mrs. Weasley, "I know that you never do something out of goodness of your heart. Aunt Lucretia told me at least that."
"There is really no catch", said Arcturus, "I am just undoing the wrongs perpetrated by Orion Phineas Black. And the fact that I have grown fond of your children and I had told them that they are my family. Now do you agree to me doing it?"
They looked at each other in their eyes, glances were exchanged and understanding passed between them before Arthur turned to him, "I agree, Lord Black."
Arcturus smiled, "Then let's get it done with."
Arthur sat on his knees before Arcturus, who had taken out his wand, "Do you Arthur Septimus Weasley, agree to you and your family's admittance back into the House of Black?"
"Yes, Lord Black."
"Do you Arthur Septimus Weasley, swear to serve House Black with your full dedication and will?"
"I do."
"Do you Arthur Septimus Weasley swear to serve the family as the family will serve you?"
"I do."
"Then I, Lord Arcturus Orion Black, Lord of the House Black by the will of the Adder, legitimize the marriage of Cedrella Weasley nee Black and Septimus Weasley and welcome you and your family in the House of Black. Henceforth, House Weasley will be cadet line of House of Black and you will under the protection of House Black. Rise Arthur Septimus Weasley."
Arthur rose, proud yet gratitude in his eyes and Arcturus was summoning his elf, "Travistor."
An elf appeared and said in deep baritone voice, "Master called Travistor?"
"Get me those documents which are on my table in the office", he said.
Travistor appeared a few seconds later with a roll of parchment and disappeared as he handed it to Arcturus.
Arcturus gave those documents to Arthur, "Arthur, I know you are proud like your father and you may not like it but I want you to accept these documents. There is a manor house in Devon which I would have given to Cedrella in dowry. I want you to accept the title deeds of this manor."
Arthur tried to refuse but Arcturus said, "I insist, Arthur. Don't deny a small pleasure to your uncle."
Arthur accepted those documents without a word when Arcturus put it that way. Then Arcturus turned to Molly, "Now where are my grand children?"
You are friend.
It was first week in the holidays that Harry was welcoming a guest on the floo. Isobel McDougall had decided to visit him after he sent an invitation and the floo address to her.
"Isobel, welcome to Black Townhouse", he said.
As he led her to the sitting room, Sirius was coming down the stairs, "Well, if I were you then I would be sneaking my lady friend to my room for some alone time. Or you wish for you to see her and approve her for you, pup?"
Isobel answered him, "Sirius Black, charmer as ever yet I see foreign air has done nothing to improve your sense of humour."
"You wound me, young lady", Sirius said, pouting, "you always make me question that whether I was the best marauder or not."
"Quit bantering with the child", growled Arcturus who had stepped out of the floo, "Get your backside into action. Your Horizont Alley meeting is waiting for you."
Isobel turned to her and said respectfully, "Lord Black, it is an honour to meet you."
He nodded respectfully, "It is an honour to host you beneath my roof, young lady."
Will you work for me?
"Arthur, I am amazed", said Sirius who was visiting the Weasley patriarch, "You are amazing at enchanting. I mean the charms that you have done on that car are so mind blowing. I could not do that many on my motor cycle."
Arthur smiled, "You are being kind, Sirius. You did that many enchantments on the motor cycle while you were 18 for Merlin's sake."
"Arthur, I was thinking that I gotta open shop down in Knockturn alley before the summer turns. I am but one man and I can't enchant stuff quick enough to keep the shelves occupied and I have been looking for help."
"Are you offering me a job?" Arthur Weasley asked, an eye brow raised in question.
"Merlin, No. We are cousins and I wouldn't look to offer you a job as an employee. What I have in mind is a partnership for you."
"I am listening", said Arthur.
"I know the Ministry offers you measly 250 Galleons a month. For the first year I will give you 500 Galleons a month and 10% of all the profit that my business will generate. In the second year, I will give you a raise and pay 600 Galleons a month and 12% of all the profits", Sirius said presenting his offer, "I know it is not much considering your talent but that is what I will be able to afford. Grandfather has strictly told me that I can't touch the Black fortune beyond what he has already given me in establishing this business."
"No, no Sirius. This is more than a decent offer", Arthur said, "And the fact that I can do all the time what I love the most will be an added bonus."
"Are you in then?" Sirius asked hopefully.
"Yes, I am in", said Arthur.
Fan girl!
"Lad, I have brought the Weasleys in the fold of the family", informed Arcturus to his heir.
"It is very nice gesture grand uncle but I don't understand your reasons behind it", said Harry.
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"Grand-uncle from what I understand, you are not one to do anything without a reason. In fact your whole life has been built around this premise, so exactly why you did this?"
"Sometimes, we do some things without any reason", explained the older wizard, "May be because it is the right thing to do. I did wrong to them when I stood by while Cedrella was banished, I did not move a finger when House Weasley was humiliated and they were stripped of their honour on the Wizengamot. It is now I realise how important family is. They are descendants of my late sister and the best I can do is to give back to them what is theirs."
"So it is about increasing about your voting bloc", said Harry, "The seats previously held by the House of Weasley were given to the Selwyns by Malfoys. Being the seat of an Ancient and Noble house, it carries lot of clout behind it."
Arcturus laughed, "I have taught you well, haven't I?"
"Of course you did, Grand Uncle", said Harry, "What are my instructions now?"
"No specific instructions. But since young Ron is your friend, should not you at least visit him?"
"Yes grand uncle", he said stepping through the fire place, throwing in a pinch of floo powder and calling, "The Burrow."
Harry exited the fire startling the Weasley boys who were sitting around the dining table, eating lunch.
"Harry", said Ron picking up his friend, "What are you doing here?"
"Visiting my friends", said Harry casually, "What do you think I am doing here?"
"Who are you, young man?" said Molly Weasley who had come to them as she heard the floo roar.
Harry walked to her, did his proper curtsy as a gentle man, "Lady Weasley, Hadrian Potter-Black at your service. It is a pleasure to finally meet you. Ron's description of his mother's magnificence falls short of words now that I have met you in person."
Mrs. Weasley smiled, "Ron had told me that you are a gentleman but not that you have perfect manners. Please join us for breakfast."
Harry nodded, "It will be my pleasure. The spread on your table can resemble a small feast considering we don't do our meals this way at Black Townhouse."
"What do you mean?" she asked. To her mind, the House of Black meant lavishness, extravagance and showing off their wealth. To think that they would not splurge on their food was unthinkable.
"Oh. I mean it's not that we starve but rather that we don't usually ask our elves to cook so much variety in any of the meals except when we are having guests."
As she loaded his plate, Harry was talking to Ron, "Lord Black told me that your home had a feeling of family to it but I feel like you are vacating this place?"
Mrs. Weasley answered, "When Lord Black took us back into the family he also gave us deeds to a manor. What he did not tell us was that this manor belonged to House Weasley when we had our place on the Wizengamot. The Manor had been sold to House Rosier. I guess he brought it back from them. Arthur wanted us to shift in that place and he has others plans for this place now that he is working with Sirius and being paid more than what he was being paid at the ministry."
Harry nodded and his opened his mouth to say something when a girl came running down the stairs, "Mom, where are my sneak... Eep!"
She yelped loudly and ran back the stairs as her eyes found Hadrian Potter Black. She of course knew how Hadrian Potter-Black looked like. Ron had brought many photos home at the end of the year. And she had not it in herself to be able to talk to herself.
As she ran up, Harry asked Ron, "What did I do?"
"Ginny has been talking all about you", Ron said, his ears turning pink, "It is ridiculous. I have told her to get over it but she doesn't understand."
"She has read those books, hasn't she?" Harry asked in horror.
"Yep, all of them", said one of the twins.
"Too many times", added the other.
"Can even tell you quotes"
"Any page, anything"
"You just need to ask", they finished together.
"And she can't even talk to me?" Harry asked.
"I hate fan girls", he grumbled inwardly.
Some unknown island, somewhere near Greece
The island where the tournament took place was not very big but lacked nothing in its lavishness. It was big enough to house a small town and it was invisible to everyone. Wards and charms around the place prevented it from the eyes of muggles and wizards alike. It had been put under the invisibility charms and barriers sometime before the International Statute of Secrecy came into being and it belonged to no one. The ICW had the ownership of the place and run the place according to its whims. The island had hotels, inns, bars, restaurants, arenas and stadiums for recreational activities like hippogriff racing, magical duels etc. The under- 14 tournament which was hosted every year by the ICW was one of the three prime events of the year and during which the rush was at its peak. The best thing about the island was that it was unplotable and was one of the places that was haven for wizards and magical folk alike.
ICW gave licenses for a year to merchants to set up shops on the island and leased spaces to advertise their businesses. Arcturus Orion Black, through some of his contacts at the ICW and with gold, had successfully licensed a building on the island which was going to act as an outlet for Potter Potions, Padfoot Trinkets and Prongs Sporting Goods. Padfoot Trinkets was a shop set up to sell the products which had been developed by Sirius since he had completed his apprenticeship in Germany and was ready to open his shop in Diagon Alley. House Black owned many parcels of land in Knockturn Alley on which has been rented to many wizards but Arcturus had them evacuate and then hired a team of workers to break the existing structure and to remake a new building in its place. It was there that Sirius's shop will start.
There was only one sporting goods store in Diagon Alley and it was named Quality Quidditch Supplies. Arcturus had his manager inquire into the business dealings of the shop and found that since it enjoyed a monopoly due to being the only sporting goods shop, it was over charging the customers. Seeing his opportunity, Arcturus had his manager register a business in the name of Hadrian Potter-Black and styled as "Prongs Sporting Goods". The goods produced by them were cheaper and durable. The secret of them providing cheaper goods was that Arcturus had once invested his money in the outfit which manufactured quidditch paraphernalia and kept investing until he had enough stakes in the company and now was getting the goods at a reasonable rate to sell to the public.
Potter Potions was distinctly working under Remus Lupin had been oscillating between London and wherever he had been in his travels. He had employed 5 potions masters and 15 apprentices to manufacture potions initially. He was also working on advertising the company overseas. As the embargo placed on him, Potter Potions was not dealing in the most commonly prepared potions which were dealt with by Greengrass Potions. In fact, Arcturus had gave his word to Lord Greengrasss that House Potter would not enter into a business conflict with House Greengrass.
They had arrived two days before the tournament was set to start. Harry had thought that it would just be him, Neville, the Greengrasses with Sirius, Remus, Arcturus and Augusta but he had not counted upon the old wizard's craftiness. Arcturus Orion Black had invited all the Weasleys.
Arcturus had insisted that the Weasleys visit with him to the Island but only the Weasley children and Arthur Weasley had come. Molly stayed back because there were things to be done at the Weasley Manor. Harry had no idea what was on the mind of the old wizard with this move. Sure, he was a sentimentalist but going so far as to invite them to join them for the championship was a stretch. He however had nothing to complain for it gave him more friends for the summer.
There were no reactions from any of the Weasleys about the presence of Greengrasses. They all knew about them and Astoria and Ginny had struck fast friendship among themselves. Astoria was having time of her life where she would stay glued to Harry all the time or she would be talking to Ginny. Harry had no idea what they talked about until he stumbled in on them one and to his horror, he found that Astoria was telling everything about him to Ginny.
His friends however found it difficult to get his attention. Astoria claimed all of his free time and he spent that either playing with her, giving her a piggy back ride or tell her about his first year at Hogwarts. He also adored her and she felt to him like the little sister that he never had. As it was, she considered him a brother and treated him as such.
In the two weeks since Arthur had been brought back to the House of Black, Sirius had struck fast friendship with the Weasley patriarch. Arthur's fascination with all things muggle and his talent with enchantment had made Sirius offer Arthur a job. Arthur knew much of enchanting and had even enchanted an old Ford Anglia. Arthur Weasley was the head of Department of Prevention of Misuse of Muggle Artefacts and had written most of the laws concerning them and was being forced to rewrite them in response to the motion passed a few months ago.
Sirius knew what he was paid by the ministry and that Arthur was miserable in that position. Due to his fascination for muggles and muggle related things, he was sidelined at the Ministry. That was the reason that Sirius had snatched him from the Ministry and since then they had tirelessly worked to get things rolling.
"Gentle wizards and Witches", boomed Sirius's voice from the purple megaphone on the top of the building, "The houses of Potter and Black from Wizarding Britain welcome you all to the grand opening of Padfoot Trinkets, Potter Potions and Prongs Sporting Goods, branches at Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade and Paris. Come one and come all."
"As the wizengamot has decreed, the House of Black is here to take you ahead in the advancements made by our muggle counterparts, while Prongs will make sure that you keep fit and sporty. Come now and come all."
"Does he have to be so dramatic?" asked Daphne from Neville.
"Uncle Sirius likes his theatrics. He says that younglings are too young to understand the importance of theatricality", Neville said, grinning at Sirius who was doing the tricks of pulling out doves from a hat.
"So are we here to help him set up shop?" Daphne asked.
"No. We are here to enjoy", said Harry who had just come with Astoria clinging to his arm, "In the evening, we are going to see dramatization of the 'The fountain of fair fortune' by the Scarlet witches."
"Wow", Daphne said, "I have heard that their renderings are so real that you would feel that you are in it. How did you get tickets by the way?"
"Grand uncle is sponsoring them this year", Harry said simply, "He is pulling all the stops in advertising all these businesses that he has set up."
"Harry, I want to see the planets", said Astoria pulling Harry towards a building in the distance which was a planetarium.
Harry gave into her demands and started walking with her when Arcturus called over his shoulder, "Harry, be back in two hours. There are some guests and I want you all to meet them."
"Sure Grand uncle", said Harry as he pulled others to their feet.
Percy was hitting a bookstore on the island, the twins were off to see some joke shop and to buy some stuff so Harry got the others with him and they visited the planetarium.
Unlike muggle planetariums, this one was different. Using magic, they were made as real as possible and it looked like they were standing in space as they looked at the planets arranged around them.
"Blimey!" exclaimed Ron, "It is amazing."
That summed up everyone's opinion about it. They spent an hour going through all the shops and everything that the place had to offer. Then they ducked into an ice cream parlour to have some ice cream and butter bear before they returned to the house where they were staying.
At the table, Lord Black was entertaining some guests. One of them was the Bulgarian Minister for Magic, as Harry knew him from when he lived in the Black Castle and he knew that Arcturus had contacts with the local governments. Another was a square jawed wizard he didn't knew and the third! It seemed everyone in the crowd knew that man. Only he was not a man but a boy about 3 years older than Harry and the boy had just made his entry into the International Sporting Scenes as the seekers for the Bulgarian National Team. Everywhere quidditch fans were singing paeans in his glory and people were starting to know his name- Viktor Krum.
The other two on the table were complete unknown to him. From what Harry gathered hearing the man speak he spoke English with an accent. If he had to hazard a guess, he would say that the man was French. And the other one was as well.
"Harry", said Arcturus as he noticed him, "come here. Let me introduce you to these friends of mine."
He then turned to people gathered at the table, "Harry (pointing to the one on left), this is the Bulgarian Minister of Magic, Mr. Damyan Rostita, the gentlewizard next to him is Up and coming lad, Mr. Viktor Krum. The gentleman on my right is Monsieur Laurent Moreau, the director of DMLE in France and the gentleman on his right is Monsieur Sebastian Delacour who is the head of Department of International Relations in French conclave. Everyone this one is my heir Hadrian Potter- Black. He is the owner of all the businesses that I have started."
"The famous Potter?" asked the Bulgarian Minister while surreptitiously trying to glance at his forehead.
Arcturus smiled, "Yes, the famous Harry Potter."
"Pleased to meet you, Mr. Potter. I was just asking Arcturus why he never told us that you were being raised in Bulgaria. You must visit me when you come to Bulgaria next."
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Minister Rostita", he said and then turned to the both French gentlewizards, giving them a curt bow like he did for Bulgarian Minister of Magic, "It is a pleasure to meet you gentleman. I hope the Houses of Potter- Black will have the fortune of hosting you under our roof for your duration of stay."
Finally he turned to Viktor Krum, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Krum. I have been very diligently following your quidditch career and like many others, I am more than impressed."
Krum shook his hand, "Call me Viktor please. And I am always happy to meet someone who loves the game."
"Lad, won't you introduce your friends to these gentlewizards?" said Arcturus.
Harry nodded with embarrassment, "I slipped in my manners, Grand Uncle. Everyone please meet my friends. The one with me is Neville Longbottom heir of the House of Longbottom, next to him is Ronald Weasley scion of House Weasley, then it is Daphne Greengrass heiress presumptive of House Greengrass and piggy riding me is Astoria Greengrass daughter of House Greengrass, behind Daphne Greengrass is Ginerva Weasley daughter of House Weasley."
After introductions were made, Harry said to Viktor Krum, "Mr. Krum, would you like to visit with us?"
The Bulgarian minister encouraged him, "Go on Viktor. Be comfortable."
Soon, they were leading the Bulgarian seeker to a sitting room upstairs were refreshments were waiting for him, having sat in the sofas scattered throughout the sitting room, they started talking
"What brought you here, Mr. Krum?" Harry asked, "I mean there isn't quidditch championship planned here, is it?"
"I can duel a little, Harry Potter", he grunted, "I have been participating in this tournament since I was 11 but never became the champion. This year, my minister wanted me to come and mentor this year's contestant."
"Aren't you a bit young to become a mentor?" Harry asked.
Viktor laughed genially, "It is a personal favour, you see. The contestant this year is the minister's nephew."
Harry relaxed back as Daphne asked something of the Quidditch star and even Neville joined in while Harry noticed that Ron was being tongue tied before the Bulgarian.
Harry jolted him, "What is it with you, Ron? Kneazle got your tongue?"
"Mr. K. K. Kr. Krum, I. I. I am a big fan", Ron stuttered badly, "I have followed your every match and I didn't knew that you were still a student."
"It ees nise to meet you Mr. Wesley", said Krum.
"Where are you staying?" Harry asked.
"The Minister want me to stay at the place that my ministry is renting for him", he said, "but it is full of adults."
"You can stay here", Harry proposed, "We have the space to spare. And you won't feel bored with people who are around your age. May be, we can even become friends."
He nodded, "I voud like dat."
Bouts drawn
"Lads, I have received a notice that your bouts have been drawn up", Arcturus was saying, "For the first round, you both have drawn bad bouts."
Harry and Neville were sitting before Arcturus Orion Black who was talking to them about the tournament which was to start the next day. They had not yet told their friends that they were going to participate in it and the Weasleys thought that Harry and Neville were there only for tourism and to attend the opening of their businesses.
"How?" Neville asked, "Why do you say it is a bad draw?"
"Well", said Arcturus, "The one Harry is to fight was the champion last year. And the one to fight Neville has been coming here for 2 years and made it to semi finals both times."
"We need to think things then", said Harry, "Are we supposed to go at first?"
"No, lads", said the old wizard, "Those two are supposed to face two contestants each before they would be pitted against you. Why?"
Harry gave him a grin, "You will see, grand uncle."
The match begins
"But mate, what are we going to do over there?" asked Ron.
"We are going to see and learn things", said Harry, "And think of it as a chance to make new connections. We can make friends with students from different countries, you know."
"Harrikins is right", said the one.
"It can be helpful", continued the other.
"We can learn new stuff", the first one said again.
"We can see the market", the second finished again
"We can make our dream come true", finished they together.
"Come on Weasley, don't waste our time", said Daphne, "You are coming or you can stay here. Your choice."
Since Ron had started to get to know her, he had stopped painting her with the same brush as the other slytherins, "I am coming, Greengrass."
The arena was huge. So huge that they were many duelling rings were put in throughout the stadium where seats were built arena style. The contestants sat in the front row on all sides, some with their mentors and some without. From the second row and upwards were families and friends and casual viewers.
Harry approached one of the rings and addressed one of the wizards, "Excuse me, we are Hadrian Potter- Black and Neville Longbottom and we have registered for the tournament."
The wizard checked their documents and then consulted his list before he handed two badges to them, "Here you go. Come when your name is called. Do you have a mentor?"
Before Harry could reply, a squeaky voice said, "I am their mentor."
The wizard turned and gasped in surprise, "Master Duellist Filius Flitwick! I didn't know you are in the training circuit. Last I heard you were teaching charms at Hogwarts."
"I am still teaching at Hogwarts", said the charms master jovially, "It is just that these two managed to convince me to train them."
The wizard nodded, "Well, I will watch their progress with interest."
"You both have been training with Flitwick?" asked Ron in amazement.
"Yes. We wanted to enter into this tournament since we were children."
"You could have told me", said Ron, "I could have requested Professor to teach me too."
"I don't teach everyone, young man", said the Professor who had heard them, "I tested them throughout the training and they fulfilled my expectations or I would have refused to train them."
The Weasleys, the Greengrasses and others sat in the second row while Harry and Neville sat on the front row with Flitwick who was giving them suggestions about every player who was fighting and would make comments about their powers or weaknesses.
Finally it was time for Neville's match.
"The next match is a newcomer Neville Longbottom from London and the illustrious Benjamin Thomas, who has reached the semi finals twice in the last two years."
Neville and Thomas bowed to each other while Neville kept an eye on his opponent.
Thomas's draw was fast but Neville had seen better. He could see when the stunner left Thomas's wand and produced a shield to stop it. Thomas tried to seize the moment and started sending stunners and bludgeoners at the young Gryffindor who never looked in trouble.
"Why isn't he attacking?" Daphne said in frustration.
"He is waiting for his chance", said Ron, suddenly certain that Neville was going to attack when he got his chance and he won't take so long to beat his opponent.
Neville's opponent who was frustrated with every attack of his being taken on a shield, decided to trick him and deliberately gave a lull in casting but to his woe, his opponent saw through it.
He growled, "Why won't you attack?"
Neville didn't even answer but grinned as if taunting him. Finally he could realise that his opponent's spells were coming at a slower pace and the time between spells was getting longer. He lowered his shield and faked going to the right making his opponent turned in that direction and Neville flippendo hex flipped him twice before tying him with ropes. Neville had won his first bout.
"Now the next match is between the famous boy-who-lived of England, Hadrian Potter-Black and Artyom Sokolov, the champion of last year."
"Is he the famous Potter?" asked a wizard who was sitting beside Ron.
"Yes. He is Harry Potter, my best friend", said Ron.
Harry kept an eye on his opponent who bowed to him and sent his spell as soon as he was half out of bow. It was not illegal but definitely frowned upon in duelling circuits. It showed lack of sportsmanship and decorum. However, it was not the time for going into these things but it was the time to take action.
Harry saw the spell coming and ducked out of its way and sent a stinger at the other boy. It hit him between his legs and the boy yelped in pain before growling and started sending bludgeoners at Harry. He was different from Neville that he was moving around. Not much but better than Benjamin Thomas. Harry however was not worried at all. He had a plan ready for his opponent and the chance came soon enough.
His opponent tried to get him to make a move by faking a lull in casting and Harry seized the moment with both hands. He sent the Glisseo charm at his opponent without following the wand movements at all and before his opponent could try to gain his balance, Harry bound him with ropes.
Their second bouts were the same day and they had made it through without any problems whatsoever. Their second opponents were actually new comers and had no idea about duelling in general. They certainly did not had someone like Filius Flitwick teaching them. Harry and Neville both won their bouts within 5 minutes and were free for the day.
Their bouts were the quickest of all the matches that they had seen that day and Flitwick confided in them that they should try to finish quickly because it made no sense to prolong the duels.
They also visited all the other duelling rings and found that there was good competition going around. The Bulgarian minister's nephew had lost his second bout and was out of the tournament and on his way home with his uncle.
Viktor Krum chose to stay with them for the rest of the tournament. He had become good friends with them and they also liked him. Though he was an international quidditch star but he didn't act like it and soon was friendly with everyone in the building.
In fact, they even played a few quidditch games together. Viktor was impressed with Harry's showing as a seeker and promised to recommend him to his coaches and may be they could talk together sometime. He believed that Harry had the talent to go professional if he so wanted. Harry had no fixed plans about his future but it was nice feeling to know that he was good at something.
The second day was eventful and they had three matches which they won as the last day and they had started generating hype among everyone who had gathered to participate in the tournament.
The third day was when they showed some of their talent. This time, Harry was up against a Belgian who was a vicious fighter and Harry had seen him tore through his opponents with ease. To top that, the boy appeared to be a fan of causing violence. In other words, the boy was not duelling but brawling within the rules of the tournament. What was worse was that he was a bully and he taunted his opponents after having defeated them.
Krum saw the boy and sighed, "Be careful against him, Harry. The guy has a reputation at Durmstrang of being what do you call it... bully in the playground, I think."
Harry grinned, "He obviously has not yet met me."
Sirius who was hearing the interaction, said, "If you lose to this guy, I will disinherit you from the legacy of the marauders, pup."
Neville grinned, "Well I can take his place, Uncle Padfoot."
Harry glared at him, "No one is taking my place. As for that guy, I am going to show him what a marauder is."
Opposed to other opponents that Harry had faced so far, the boy did not bow to him properly but jerked his head and opened with a bludgeoner.
Harry stepped aside from that one and sent a sticky charm at the boy. The boy guffawed, "The famous Potter and that is all you can do? What was that supposed to do?"
Harry grinned innocently while dodging the spell chain that the boy sent at him, "I am much more than that."
The boy growled, "What does that mean?" as he sent another spell chain at Harry.
Harry who was moving towards the boy as he dodged his attacks was suddenly near him and before his opponent could react, Harry cast a spell which Moony had taught him, "Tarantallegra".
The boy immediately started dancing while Harry changed his trousers for a skirt and doused him a jet of water. As the boy was recovering from it, Harry had cast the freezing charm at him. Then in quick succession, he sent three hexes at him. The first tied his tongue to the roof of his mouth, the second tied his shoe laces together and the third had him hopping around like a frog.
"Tut tut... you don't even make a proper frog, do you?" Harry said chiding the boy, "I wonder how would you look if I gave you horns!."
In alarm, the boy put his hands on his head as Harry cast, "levicorpus",
The boy was immediately hanging upside down and his underpants were there were all to see. Harry sneered at him, "I can take those off and let everyone see what you really are. You thought you are such a bully but one is a bully until a bigger one enters the playground. Now what should I do to you?"
The boy looked in horror as Harry waved his wand and with some colour spells, morphed his face in the resemblance of a clown and then asked, "Do you surrender?"
The boy nodded, "I do."
Harry smirked, "Then drop your wand."
At that moment, it became clear what the sticky charm was supposed to do. He could not drop his wand and Harry started swinging him to and fro, to and fro until the referee stepped in, "Mr. Potter, you win this duel."
Harry bowed to the referee, "Can you get him down or should I?"
The referee shook his head, "I can get him down. Thank you."
Before he could leave the ring, the referee said in surprise, "He has no injuries on his body! I guess the worst injury caused to him is to his ego."
Neville's bout went differently. His opponent had been intimidating his competition with his skills so far and Neville had shown very little in the way of skills so far. Before his match started, Harry told him, "You lose to him and I will convince Gran to declare me the heir of House Longbottom."
When the round started, Neville decided to go nuts. As his opponent cast his first spell, Neville did not step aside or shield it. He raised his wand and swatted the spell aside. It was the first for his opponent and soon Neville was just swatting all the spells aside. His opponent's frustration grew and he sent the incarcerous charm at Neville who waved his wand like a knife and cut the rope into two.
Before his opponent could recover from his shock, Neville started pelting him with stingers. The boy could barely defend himself from the onslaught. It seemed like his strategy had always been to attack and he was pants at defense. Neville finally sent a flippendo at him. The opponent realised it too late before he was flipped over and lost his wand.
"Neville Longbottom has won the match", announced the referee.
A/N- So, how did you find this chapter? Please leave me a review.