As always I don't own HP characters.
Harry woke up with a groan which turned into a gasp as Ali pounced on him. "Really?" His gravelly voice barely heard. Harry grimaced and quickly reached over taking a swig of his potion. He felt a soothing sensation and he turned back to Ali giving him scratch on his head. Ali meowed at him and flicked his tail. "Yeah I know." Ali took a few more scratches before he moved over to curl up on Harry's now vacant pillow. Harry looked around the dorm room and noticed only Wayne was still asleep. Harry got up and dressed in a pair of jeans and grabbed a Falmouth t-shirt. He put on his Chuck's just as Wayne jerked awake with a slight yell.
"Prides." Wayne said horrified. Harry started laughing and even Ali's whiskers twitched at him. "Shut it that was right horrifyin'. Wayne started to get dressed and Harry made for the bathroom. Harry finished and Wayne went in. Harry took out of his drawer an ice mice and let Ali play with it. Wayne came out and laced up his boots. "Right let's get some grub." Wayne said and steered the unhappy Harry out of their dorm room. They got to the common room which was surprisingly empty for a Saturday. Susan and Isobel were there chatting with some fifth-year girls they all had arithmancy textbooks open.
Susan looked up, "Hey guys," Isobel waved at them without looking up. The blond girl was correcting something the fifth year, Samantha White, Harry now recognized as she turned to give the two boys a grin. "We wanted to wait for you guys," Susan said and made her own correction before closing the textbook and rolling up her parchment.
"Thanks," Wayne said with a yawn. "Where is everybody?"
"Camped out in the Great Hall watching there for people who are entering," Samantha said as Isobel ran her and Susan's textbooks back to their dorm.
"They're just watching?" Harry rasped. Susan looked concerned at the sound.
"Well, it is breakfast too," Samantha laughed but nodded her head at Harry's unspoken thoughts.
"Speaking of let's go eat." The small group made their way out of the Hufflepuff common room and up to the Great Hall. They walked in to find the tables packed with students from all houses and the two visiting schools. Harry trudged over to the end seats closest to the exit and farthest from the goblet. The two fifth years chuckled and waved goodbye as they moved closer to the middle where their friends were. The four Hufflepuff fourth years were joined by Neville who came over from the Gryffindor table and Oliver and Rodger moving down.
"You missed Fawcet from Ravenclaw trying to get in." Rodger said with a laugh. "He grew a biker stash." That at least got Harry to smile. Food appeared around them and Harry grabbed some toast and eggs.
"What's with the blue circle," Wayne asked noticing the ring around the cup.
"It's an age-line Dumbledore was here to draw it this morning." Neville answered. Harry grimaced at his words. Susan bumped her shoulder into him and gave him a small grin. Harry nodded and his expression cleared. He started eating his eggs quietly without really participating in the conversation. As they were eating a contingent of Beauxbaton's students came in causing a hush to fall over the room. Harry watched as they crossed the line without issue and placed their names into the cup still spouting its flames. The flames flared red then faded back to blue and some of the Hogwarts students clapped politely. Harry just continued eating but looked up as cheer was heard.
The twins came into the Great Hall with grins on their faces. Harry grinned but shook his head at his friends. George spoke first, "Are you ready Hogwarts?"
Fred then picked up and said, "finished cooking it up this morning." More cheers were heard as they held up the potion vials. Fred and George crossed their arms with the potion vials. "Ready Forge," Fred said.
"Ready Gred," George answered. "Bottoms up!" They shot the potion in one large gulp. Nothing seemed to happen.
"Did it work?" The question came from Wayne. It was a good one as everybody seemed to be wondering.
"There sixteen so not much of it is needed," Isobel replied as the twins walked through the age line. Cheers from the Hogwarts students were heard as nothing happened. The twins walked to the cup and placed two slips of paper in. The flames flared red and more cheers were heard. Harry joined in the celebration for the two. Just as Wayne went to call out to the twins, the flames flared black and two streaks of black flame flew towards the twins and covered them in smoke while sending them flying out of the age line. Harry and his friends shot up from the table and ran over to the twins. Lee Jordan and the Gryffindor chasers joined them with concerned looks. The looks faded into grins as the smoke cleared revealing the twins unharmed but sporting two impressive gray beards and balding gray hair. Laughter rang through the halls.
The twins glanced at each other and far from being upset started laughing until a familiar voice rang out. "That would detention Mr. and Mr. Weasley," Headmistress McGonagall had appeared at the entrance. She effectively dispersed the students who had gathered around the twins. The twins just grinned at her making her shake her head. Harry went back to his seat to finish his breakfast. The twins and their friends joined the fourth year Hufflepuffs.
"Nice try mates," Wayne grinned at them.
"We aim to please," The twins said together.
"Hi guys. We're trying to set up a pick-up game," Angelina Johnson told the group.
"You guys in?" Katie asked.
"Definitely," Wayne grinned.
"If it gets me away from that bloody cup, hell yes." Harry said with a wry grin. The Gryffindors chuckled.
"We're going to see who else can play," Katie replied. "We're missing a seeker and a keeper this year."
"Yeah, we're down a keeper too," Harry replied. He knew Sylvester had been planning to try out.
"Great we're going to go see if Grant or any other Ravens want in," Alicia added standing from the table with the two other chasers. "Meet us at the pitch in 10?"
"Yeah, we'll go see who's in the common room and get our brooms," Wayne said finishing his breakfast.
"We'll go to the pitch," Fred said still sporting his beard.
"And get the chest out," George finished.
"And we'll spread the word," Izzy said with a grin as her and Susan left the table.
They all took off to their respective destinations. Harry and Wayne making their way back to the common room. Wayne looked at his friend with a serious look on his face for once. "You really think your name's gonna come out?" He asked.
"I dunno, but I've got a bad feelin' bout all of this," Harry replied with a frown and his voice rougher than Wayne had heard in a while.
"Ya' challenging Twelany," Wayne asked causing Harry to give a snort of disdain before grinning. Wayne clapped his friend on the shoulder as they walked. Harry just nodded at him as they continued in silence. The two boys made it to the common room where students of various years were catching up homework or with friends.
"Oi Sly!" Wayne called as they entered the common room. The fifth year looked up from his group of friends playing gobstones. "We're playing a pick-up game, you in?"
Sly jumped up causing the cards to fly and explode leaving his friends protesting and giving him a shove. Sly just grinned, "You bet!" He ran to the dorms and Harry snickered before he and Wayne followed. They grabbed their kits from their room and met back up with Sly.
"You guys know where Cedric is?" Harry rasped as they got to the common room again.
"He's with Cho," one of Cedric's year mates said with a grin.
"Eh, maybe the Chaser's will fine 'em." Wayne said with a shrug as they left the common room. They weren't alone being followed by a good number of puffs that had been lounging around.
"Got to tell ya, I'm pissed this tournament is taking quidditch out of the year," Sly mentioned. "It's not like it's going to be an event every month." He griped.
"Preach," Harry's raspy voice said with a laugh. It gained laughs from the crowd of people but a look from Wayne. His voice was too raspy. Wayne slung his arm Harry's shoulder as they walked down the grounds. Before they got to the stadium, they could hear crowd noise causing the students to speed up. The quidditch stadium was packed for a simple pick-up game. The three Hufflepuff players went to the locker room to change and were met by Ray and Roger Davis who nodded to the boys. "No James?" Harry asked.
"He and Travis were in the library trying to finish a transfiguration project," Roger Davis, the sixth-year captain of the Ravenclaw team answered. Travis was a seventh year Ravenclaw chaser. "If I keep looking at my arithmancy textbook I'm going to light in on fire. I needed a break." That set off a round of laughter as the twins entered the locker room along with their younger brother.
"What are we laughing at?" George asked with grin.
"The misery of arithmancy," Sly said with another laugh at Roger's expense. Fred and George joined in.
"Hey Ron, ya' carryin' on the Weasley tradition?" Wayne greeted the other fourth year with a grin. Ron nodded and gave a half-smile half-grimace.
"I was hoping to." Ron said and started changing into some older keeper gear.
"Ronnikins is a keeper," Fred said surprising others in the locker room with little teasing.
"Well, you definitely have the build for," Roger commented, "and even Percy could fly, at least that's what our old captain told me. Never saw him near a broom personally." That had the three Weasley boys laughing loudly, drawing looks from the others in the locker.
"We play Quidditch at home no one's allowed to sit out when everyone is back home." Ron explained as he finished putting on his gear.
"Might be why dear old," George started.
"Percykins moved out so fast," Fred said.
"And doesn't come back," George traded off.
"Or he's just an arse," Ron said with an eyeroll.
"That too." Both twins said as they walked out of the locker room almost running into Cedric. Cedric's hair was a little tussled causing the boys to grin at him.
"Oh shut up," He said cutting them all off, "I'll be out in a minute."
The group were surprised to see a good size crowd had made their way to the stands. Lee Jordan was even up by the mic station. Madam Hooch was also there, and she waved them over. Natsumi and the Gryffindor chasers were standing next to her. The last two to come out the locker rooms were Cedric and Ginny Weasley.
"No Cho?" Wayne asked his seeker as he waggled his eyebrows.
Cedric grimaced a little, "She didn't want to play." He spied Harry and the twins' grins, and cut them off, "shut it." They snickered; somebody was going to be in trouble.
"Madam Hooch?" It was Wayne that asked as their flying professor and Quidditch supervisor walked over.
"You're not the only ones that are bored." She said to the quidditch players causing snickers. "Now how do you all want to do teams?"
"How about we switch it up?" Roger suggested. Many of the players nodded or said their agreement aloud.
"Right well we have three of the four captains here. Angelina was going to get the badge for Gryffindor."
The two male captains looked at each other and nodded before Cedric spoke up, "I'll cede to Angelina."
"Thanks Ced," Angelina said with a smile.
"Easy enough," Madam Hooch said with a grin. "Well ladies first."
Angelina looked at the player's around her and after some contemplation, "Alicia." Her fellow Gryf moved to stand next to her.
Roger wasted no time, "Cedric."
Angelina looked torn and her glance moved from the twins to Katie, the final chaser line piece. "George,"
Roger grinned, "Fred. Can't let you have both." The twins preened causing laughter.
Angelina rolled her eyes but then grinned, "Katie."
Roger frowned Cedric leaned over and muttered something under his breath, "Sly." Roger picked his goalie, the first untested player.
George nodded to Ron to join him, "Over here Ronnikins," as he was the only other player in Keeper pads. Ron gave him a shove as he walked over much to George's amusement.
Angelina looked over at Ginny and asked George what position she played. Harry knew from conversations over the summer that Ginny could double as a seeker or chaser. "Ginny, feel like playing seeker?"
Ginny nodded, "Yeah, sure." She was given a cheer by her two siblings. As she moved to join Angelina's side. Natsumi and Ray moved over to Roger who nodded to them. It left Wayne and Harry. Wayne struck a pose and flexed for them. Harry snorted.
"What gotta show off the goods," the players started laughing, even Madam Hooch was laughing.
"Wayne," Rodger called. Angelina grinned.
"Told ya." Wayne nudged Harry and winked. Harry just shook his head and joined Angelina's team. She gave him a high-five and George threw his arm around Harry. It was only their years of friendship that stop Harry from flinching.
"Alright, hold still." Madam Hooch called and waved her wand over Angelina's side and their quidditch gear team colors were changed to all white. She repeated the process with Roger's team and they were changed to all black gear. "Take a few and talk over your game plans then we'll start."
Angelina led her group over to right side of the pitch while Roger went to across the pitch. Angelina turned and looked to Harry, "Do you know much about Sylvester?"
Harry nodded and when he spoke it took the other Gryffindors by surprise with how gravely his voice came out, "He's good a lot more like Wood than Artie."
George laid a hand on Harry's shoulder and squeezed, something both younger Weasleys noticed. It was something their older brothers did to help their younger siblings relax. George spoke, "That means he'll rely on his length more than broom movement."
"The opposite of Ron," Ginny said.
"Right, and Ginny's going to be able to keep on par with Cedric in terms of speed. She can fly faster than Charlie." George said with a grin.
"As long as it's not a straight away," Ron said nodding to the brooms. Ginny frowned but George quickly changed that when he nudged Harry.
"Harrykins and I will just have to make Ced uncomfortable," George grinned. Harry smirked nodding his agreement. "You want Fred or Wayne?"
Harry looked over at his two friends in black and shrugged his voice quite but steadier, "They both play the same."
"Then I'll take," he was grinning wickedly but was cutoff by Angelina.
"Harry, take Fred last thing I need is those two wrestling on brooms in the middle of the pitch." Angelina rolled her eyes causing George to pout and the two younger Weaselys started snickering.
"You wound me," George remarked.
"Right our line is still intact and our usual starting marks are the same," Angelina grinned. "Ginny if you don't track the snitch right away time up the game a bit first. Cedric likes to be in on plays. It should give you time to get use to the speed. Ron," she turned to Ron but he was looking at the stands that had filled up. "Ron," she called louder and he snapped his head around facing her. He looked a little green to Harry. "Natsumi's the trickiest of the three you're against."
Harry nodded and added, "She scores more than both of them. Roger hesitates, he's too analytical."
"Aye, Harry's right. He likes to set up plays gives us time to hit him," George tacked on.
"Ray's brute force, he'll break your wrist if you half-arse a save." Alicia said grimacing, she intercepted a few of his throws bodily. Madam Hooch whistled and suddenly Lee Jordan's voice rang out.
"Welcome Hogwarts and visitors to The All Blacks versus The Albinos," Harry and his team groaned as did half the crowd while the others snickered.
"Jordan!" Madam Hooch's amplified voice rang out.
"Well then you lazy sods pick the names." His voice called back this time most of the stadium erupted in laughter. Angelina smirked and fired a spell where Jordan's commentating box was. "Oi!" He shouted as he ducked but then grinned when he looked at where the spell hit. Burned it the wood from the spell was an outline of a howling wolf. "The White Wolves," another yelp boomed out as Roger's spell hit next to him again. "Versus the Black Dragons!" This time the fans in the stands cheered and Madam Hooch nodded approvingly. Harry was about to mount his broom when he noticed Ron glancing at the crowd nervously. Harry walked up beside him and gave him a nudge.
"It might be a lil' more regulation than ya' backyard but it counts the same."
Ron nodded, "A lot more people," he said in the quietest voice Harry had ever heard the redhead use.
"Really, woulda thought this was a regular Weasley family reunion," Harry grinned. Ron started to turn red with anger until he tore his gaze from the crowd and saw Harry's grin. Ron let out a low laugh.
"We'd need a few more redheads for that," George said coming up by the two. "Let's go Ronnikins time to kick Fred's arse." George grinned at Harry as Ron mounted his broom and flew towards the goal posts. "Thanks Harry." George nodded to his brother and Harry grinned again.
"Are you ladies ready yet?" Wayne yelled out to George and Harry. Harry turned and flipped him off.
"Pretty sure Angie and the girls might take exception to that," George yelled back as they mounted their brooms and flew up to take their places, sure enough the three chasers looked irritated at Wayne. Wayne waved at them causing Madam Hooch to snort as she moved to release the balls.
"Madam Hooch releases the snitch and bludgers," Lee's voice rang out. "And the Quaffle's up! Grabbed by Angelina!" Harry shot towards a bludger beating Wayne out and sent it careening at Natsumi, clearing a passing lane for Katie. Harry took off down the field after another bludger. Wayne dived down in front of him driving him off course and shot a bludger at Katie who dodged and passed to Alicia only for it to be picked off by Roger but George nailed him with a bludger causing him to drop the quaffle.
"Natsumi recovers the quaffle and races down the pitch," Lee's voice rang in around the stadium and Harry banked his broom racing towards a bludger. He beat out Wayne, his broom making the difference. He contacted the bludger just as one slammed into him. It sent his wide of Natsumi but caused her to release her shot early. "Saved by Weasley!" Lee's voice rang as Harry shook out his left arm from the bludger hit. Wayne shot into him while he was distracted and raced after a bludger sending it at Angelina. Harry banked left and dove under Wayne and shot up forcing his friend into a spin. Harry took off down the field and merged path's with George as they swarmed towards Fred who was about to hit a bludger at Alicia, now with the quaffle.
"George," Harry called in his loudest voice and nodded to the bludger.
"Got it," They broke George continuing towards Fred as Harry swerved and lined himself up to redirect the bludger. He swung at it and took Roger out of his flight path. Alicia passed to Angelina and she drew her arm back to shoot as another bludger hit Ray into Sylvester's view.
"Johnson scores! The White Wolves go up 10 to nil." Harry didn't pause to celebrate and neither did George. As they raced after bludgers Wayne crashed into Harry and Fred into George before the two Dragons walloped the bludgers at Wolves chasers and allowed Ray to throw a long pass down to Natsumi who dived under Katie and came up shooting. The pass just slipped past Ron's fingers. "The Black Dragons even it out as Weasley just missed the block." Lee's voice rang out. Ron looked downcast but Angelina called out to him.
"Chin up Ron, pass it out!" Angelina grinned. Ron nodded and tossed the quaffle to his captain. The small exchange was forgotten in moments as the play resumed streaking around the pitch. Harry continued his battle with Wayne as the match continued. It took another five minutes before a further goal was scored this time for the Wolves. It was followed by two goals in quick succession for the dragons. Harry pulled back and shot at a bludger sending it at Ray who was shooting. The bludger cracked his arm guard and Ron made the save despite the strength on it.
"Weasley makes a brilliant save and passes out the quaffle to Bell." Lee's voice was heard as a cheer went up for the Wolves. Harry shot into play blocking Roger as Katie went past and then took after another bludger. He got to it as Wayne slammed into him, he twisted and got his bat on to the bludger before flying after it again. He turned and shot the bludger at Natsumi knocking her away from the Alicia who faked her shot and passed two Angelina.
"Johnson scores!" Lee's voice was heard. The match sped on with the Wolves scoring three in quick succession as the Gryffindor chaser line proved their dominance when working together. "Diggory's seen the snitch!" Harry turned on a dime and located Cedric who was flying towards his own goal posts with Ginny on his tail. Harry whirled to his left and spied a bludger going towards Alicia with the quaffle. Harry sped towards it knowing it was going to hit Alicia. He flew past as it contacted his teammate and he jerked his broom back towards the pitch as the bludger bounced off Alicia. Harry swung at it and sent it speeding at Cedric. "Diggory's hit by a bludger to his side!" Harry grinned and then groaned, "And so is Weasely." Ginny's broom was hit by the bludger sent at her by Fred. Harry spun on his broom back into play hearing Lee announce the snitch was missing.
"This is shaping up to be quite the match," Lee announced, "Weasley blocks a shot by Roger. Scores tied now for the last 10 minutes of play!" The lead had changed back and forth between the teams at least six times before settling to a stalemate. "And Potter nails the quaffle out of Roger's arm. It's picked up by Bell." Katie took it down the pitch and passed to Angelina who tossed it over to Alicia. Alicia dropped down as Katie passed over and grabbed the pass. Katie shot and Sly blocked it while taking a bludger to the arm. It dropped and Angelina put the quaffle through on the follow up. "Johnson scores." Harry turned out of the side of his vision he saw Ginny pull even with Cedric on a snitch run. Harry took off to the nearest bludger and got a hit off as Wayne slammed into him again forcing him into the siding with a loud thunk. "Diggory's broom hit by the bludger. Weasley reaches out and grabs the snitch! The White Wolves win!"
"Damn," Wayne said.
"Bloody hell China, that hurt." Harry said.
Wayne turned to him with a grin, "Had to make it count." They flew down to where the teams were meeting around Madam Hooch. The Wolves had hoisted Ginny up and were cheering.
"Settle down I have something to say," Madam Hooch called out to them. "That was one of the best games of quidditch I've seen in my time. Twenty points to each of your houses!" The teams cheered. "Now hit the showers you all have to get to the feast on time." The teams for the first time noticed how late it was. The teams made their way to the locker rooms where they showered and changed back into their street clothes. As they were making their way out they were stopped in their tracks by two people, on familiar to them and the other not so much.
"Blimey Viktor Krum," Ron squeaked out causing laughter from the players and a small smirk from Viktor and his classmate.
"You flew vell, maybe ve can play next time," Viktor nodded to his classmate.
"Bloody fucking hell yes," Wayne shouted. The players cracked up.
"Good, see you at the feast." Viktor and his friend left and made their way in the direction of the Durmstrang ship.
"Adam and Eve, did that just happen," Harry whispered.
"Yeah," Angelina said. The group continued to trek up to the castle. They split off to their separate common rooms to change for the feast. They were supposed to where their uniforms for the feast due to the selection.
"Great match guys!" Isobel greeted them as they came into the Hufflepuff common room.
"Yeah you guys really put on a show," One of the fifth years said with a grin. Harry and Wayne made their way to their dorm room. Ali was sitting on Harry's bed and gave a loud meow. Harry went over to the cat.
"Hey bud," Harry said while giving the cat a few scratches behind the ears. "What have you been up to?"
Ollie walked out of the connecting bathroom tying his tie with a grin, "He scared the piss out of MacMillian earlier."
Wayne and Harry started laughing especially as Ali seemed to preen. "How?" Harry asked.
"He dived bombed that obnoxious quill of his." Ollie said laughing as the other two joined in.
"How 'bout some catnip for that?" Harry went to his trunk and got some out giving it to Ali who purred and flicked his tail. The two quidditch players finished dressing in their uniforms and made their way to the common room with Ollie. They met up with the Rodger, Isobel, and Susan.
"Man this sucks," Rodger said adjusting his tie. "You think they're gonna let up with all the formal stuff soon?"
"I doubt it, you know how much wizards like to show off." Susan said with a shake of her head.
Isobel grinned and started laughing, "Imagine the look on McGonagall's face if Harry wore that band shirt Sal sent him." Susan, Wayne, and Harry snickered.
"What band?" Rodger asked.
"Black Sabbath," Harry said with a grin. Rodger barked out a laugh while Ollie still looked confused.
"I'll show you this summer," Rodger told the pureblood. They came to the entrance to the Great Hall that was bursting with noise and students. The hall was decked out with even more traditional Samhain symbols then before. It included a large bonfire around the goblet of fire and in place of candles the house tables had small bonfires spaced throughout giving off light and heat. They took a seat near the doors to the Great Hall at Harry's behest.
"Still avoiding the goblet?" Ollie asked with grin.
"Bloody things gonna cock up the whole year," Harry muttered.
"Harry!" Susan snapped. Harry just shrugged and stabbed a piece of fried fish from a platter near him. He started eating while occasionally shooting glares at the goblet of fire much to the amusement of the rest of his house. His friends at least tried to cover it as they started eating. The feast continued with speculation on who would be picked. Finally candy and desert of every kind appeared. Harry contented himself with treacle tart before moving on to grab two chocolate frogs.
"Damn they really are going all out," Wayne said as he grabbed his own chocolate frog. Half the candy appeared to be from Honeydukes, the expensive parts of Honeydukes. The rest was muggle candy. Harry opened one of the chocolate frogs and grinned, Andros the invincible, it was one he did not have.
They heard a chair being pushed back and looked to the head table. Headmistress McGonagall stood. "I hope you have all enjoyed a Samhain feast." There was clapping from the Durmstrang and Beauxbatons students. "Now it is time for the selection of the Champions." As she spoke the goblet of fire appeared to glow brighter. "Please welcome our master of ceremonies, Ludo Bagman." She spoke with somewhat of an annoyed tone but her face held a smile. The students, professors, and guests clapped as Bagman stood with a jolly smile on his face. Seated next to him was Dumbledore in robes of purple. Bagman himself was dressed in robes that featured yellow stripes.
"How many headers ya think he took?" Wayne muttered to his friends.
Ludo walked to the front of the head table and around the bonfire, "Thank you Headmistress for the gracious introduction."
"Surprised he knows what gracious means," Harry quipped to more laughter. They got a look from the Headmistress and quieted.
"I'm Ludo Bagman, former beater for the Windbourne Wasps," some fans gave a cheer while others rolled their eyes, "and Head of the Department Magical Games and Sports. I welcome you to the 150th Triwizard Tournament!" There were louder cheers this time. Bagman seemed to feed off them as his smile grew wider. "By the end of the night three of you will be able to call yourselves Champions and have a chance to write your name in wizarding history! So with out further ado I give you the champion selection of the 1994 Triwizard Tournament." The many fires around the room dimmed to almost nothing leaving the bonfire near the goblet as the main source of light. Harry looked around and had to admitted Bagman knew how to get a crowd going.
Suddenly the blue smoke of the goblet of fire flared red and enveloped the vessel. Out of the goblet a piece of parchment flew out. Bagman deftly grabbed it out the air. "The Beauxbatons champion is," he paused, "Fleur Delacour!" Harry was a bit shocked when it seemed the Hogwarts students were cheering louder than her classmates, one was even crying. "Please come to the front!" The platinum blonde girl strode gracefully up to the front and shook Bagman's hand, she stopped him from trying to kiss her hand with a quick move. She was directed to a side room off to the side of the great hall.
Susan frowned, "What do you think that was about?"
"It's the French who knows," Wayne shrugged. "She's hot though. Ow damn it all!" Izzy looked satisfy. Harry snickered he figured Wayne's shin just took a hit.
"Pig," Isobel muttered. Harry elbowed Wayne when it looked like he was going to open his mouth. Further discussion was halted as the goblet flared red again.
"The champion for Durmstrang is Viktor Krum!" A loud cheer was heard from all the quidditch fans while the Durmstrang were both clapping and stomping their feet. The quidditch star got up from the table with grin and fist pump. He stood and Bagman shook his head before sending him on his way. He turned back with the largest grin yet reminding Harry of the Joker. The goblet the red flame burst out another slip of paper and all of Hogwarts leaned towards Bagman. "The Hogwarts champion is Cedric Diggory!" He shouted the name. The Hogwarts students, the Hufflepuffs in particular, shot up from their sets and roared with approval. Cedric stood up from the Hufflepuff table with a grin and determined look in his eyes. He nodded to his friends and quidditch teammates all sitting near him. He strode up to the front of the hall and Bagman grabbed onto his head shaking it. Cedric grinned at his head of house and the headmistress before making his way into the small room where the other two champions.
Harry after cheering for his friend sighed and relaxed into his seat. Susan caught his eye and shot him a grin. The cheering died down and Bagman started to speak again. "See China ya' worried for nothing." Wayne clapped him on the back. But just as he finished a loud hissing was heard from the goblet and sparks turned the blue flames red bit by bit. The whole hall turned towards the display. Harry's stomach sank as a paper shot out.
Bagman looked shocked and the paper floated to the ground. The hall watched as the paper lay on the ground. Then the whispers started, and Bagman shook himself before walking the few steps to the paper. He picked it up and as he straightened, he murmured a name before seeming to gather himself. "Harry Potter!" He shouted sounding jubilant and with a large smile on his face.
Harry froze as he heard his name come from Bagman. His whole body refused to move as he went rigid, his eyes focused on the wall past everyone, and he heard nothing but a buzz. More and more people started saying his name, but Harry did not hear until a hand was placed over his.
"Harry," Susan whispered next to him. It all snapped his focus back and he nearly flinched away but was able to stop himself. "Harry, Bagman's coming."
"Harry Potter, come on up my boy." He went to lay his hand on Harry, but Harry dodged and shot up. He walked up to the front of the Hall with shouts of cheater ringing out. He did not look at anyone merely walked forward and into the small antechamber. He continued walking towards the fireplace that was lit. Around the hearth the three champions gathered.
"Harry?" Cedric questioned at the sight of him. Harry for the first time since hearing Bagman shout his name looked up. Cedric saw the confusion and panic in the younger Hufflepuffs's eyes and moved towards him. He gripped Harry's shoulder in a brotherly way. "Your name came out?" The other two champions gasped. Harry nodded keeping eye contact with Cedric. Cedric let out a breath and opened his mouth to speak again only to look up as the door slammed open. Harry flinched and turned around to watch as three angry heads of schools stalked in with Bagman, Dumbledore, his head of house, and his mother. The French one was speaking rapidly in her native tongue, but her point was clear in her gestures and look of contempt. The head of Durmstrang march forward with scowl.
"You little cheat," he went towards Harry with his hand raised and Cedric quickly moved in front and drew his wand holding it on the man. "You dare raise your wand at met?" He went to pull his but stopped as Cedric spoke.
"It's not mine you should be worried about but the three very angry witches behind you." Karkaroff turned his head and gulped. The sixth year Hufflepuff added, "And if that doesn't scare you Harry's about to knife you." His head whipped back around to notice the fourth year had slipped next to him. The Durmstrang headmaster jerked back and notice the stiletto in the boy's hand ready to strike.
"Please everyone calm," Dumbledore's voice was loud and infused with power. Karkaroff backed off and Cedric and three women put their wands away but Harry kept his knife in his hand. He did flip it closed though.
"Karkaroff if you approach my student again like that, I'll have you thrown back to Durmstrang on your arse." Headmistress McGongall said much to the surprise of everyone present given the swear at the end. Aurora for the first time relaxed knowing her Headmistress was supporting her and she moved past everyone stopping in front of Karkaroff.
"She might just be sending pieces back if you dare to step towards my son again." Karkaroff paled at the implication. She moved to Harry's side and stood next to him with her hand on his shoulder. She squeezed it in support but did not say anything. She knew her son would not appreciate her fussing over him now.
Dumbledore stepped forward, "Mr. Potter did you put your name in the goblet of fire?"
Harry looked at him and shook his head while croaking out, "No." His voice was almost nonexistent drawing concern from the Hogwarts contingent present in the hall.
"But of course, he is lying," The French Headmistress bit out. Harry's face went blank, but his eyes showed his true feelings. The green eyes blazed as he stared at her with irritation bordering on hate. She stepped back before she could stop herself.
"The Hell he is," Professor Sinistra bit out turning her glare from Karkaroff to the French woman.
"Aurora," Headmistress McGonagall said with a warning.
"Harry hasn't been near the goblet," Cedric spoke up from where he was standing. Karkaroff snorted in disbelief.
"Enough!" Headmistress McGonagall called in a strict commanding tone that had everyone turning to her. She turned to Harry and offered him a small grin of reassurance. "Mr. Potter is not lying, as we're all aware of the age line was drawn properly and invoked by Dumbledore. None of the students can pass over it without our knowledge."
Karkaroff did not seem to want to let it go, "So he had an older year throw it in."
Five glares were fixed on him as they heard a clunking sound come up behind where Bagman, Dumbledore, and Professor Sprout stood facing the group of students and Heads. Professor Moody came into view, "Headmistress, the students have been sent to their houses, including Beauxbatons and Durmstrang," he fixed both his eyes on the foreign man. Harry was amused when Karkaroff practically skulked into the shadows behind his student. Moody smirked at the man. "I examined the goblet as asked. It appears a powerful confundus charm was placed on it. Simple enough not to alert us but it would take a great deal of power to place that charm upon an artefact like the Goblet. Far beyond the talents of any student, even our adult ones." He nodded his head in the directions of the champions. This seemed to placate the French Headmistress. Harry could not tell about Karkaroff as the man was still hiding behind his champion.
"Zis little boy is going to compete!" The French champion said incredulously. Harry spun with anger at hearing her words and glared at the French girl. His eyes burned brighter and his fist clench around his knife which was still out. The French girl seemed surprised and then took her own step back into the shadow of her Headmistress as Professor Sinistra added her own glare. The room grew silent as the two starred down the French girl. Cedric stood off to the side trying desperately not to laugh out loud. Professor Sprout slipped over to him and gave him a look. Cedric just looked down at the ground.
"No." Harry whispered the word into the silence.
"Quoi?" The blonde said quietly.
Harry had already spun back around to glare at the adults, "I'm not competing. I don' give a fly' fuck if my name came out. I didn't put it in and I'm not fuckin' doin' it!" Harry's voice cracked and nearly disappeared at some points of his short speech. Most of the room looked surprised having only ever heard Harry talk after using his potion. Dumbledore however looked like he had aged ten more years.
Professor Sinistra closed her eyes and sighed, "Harry." He turned to face her at the tone of her voice. She was not angry with him, she sounded sad. She opened her eyes and Harry saw concern and slight terror. His brow furrowed and he cocked his head to the side. "I'm fine," she said low enough that only he heard. "You have to compete." Her voice was strained. "Your name coming out is a magically binding contract. If you don't compete you could lose your magic." She said quietly. Suddenly all the glass in the room shattered with a loud crack and surge of magic was felt. A few yells and some shrieks of fright were heard as people went for cover or their wands. The surge of magic stopped as sudden as it started, "Harry." Aurora's tone was forceful yet loving. She had moved to cup his face with her hands forcing them close and Harry to look her in the eyes. Cedric watched as his young friend's form relaxed and the magic died down. The occupants were staring at the pair with fascination as Aurora looked up and eyed Bagman and Dumbledore. "I assume there was a point to this meeting, get on with it!" Cedric had to fight back from shrinking away, he recognized that tone from class. It was the same tone of voice she had when she was about to make some poor sod regret their choice to continue Astronomy class just to hit on her.
"Erm right," Bagman said clearing his throat. He seemed to gain some of his energy back when they all turned to him. "Welcome to the annals of the Triwizard Tournament champions!" Magic was rising in the room again but Aurora refocused Harry on her and it died down. "One of a wizards' or witches' best characteristics is courage in the face of the unknown! So, for your first task on November 24th, you will not be told what you will face!"
Professor Sinistra fought a growl at the lack of information. She looked up, "Is that all?"
"Well yes," Bagman said sounding like a four-year-old who just had their balloon popped.
"Good, come on Harry." Professor Sinistra finally let go of Harry's face. She nodded her head towards the door. Harry brushed past everyone else with his mother at his side. Cedric made to go after them but was held back by Professor Sprout.
"Let them go Cedric," Professor Sprout said looking after the two. "Go to the common room. Let them know what happened and then," she gave him a large grin, "enjoy your party." Cedric grinned at his Head of House though she could still see worry in his eyes which only made her prouder of the boy. The two foreign heads and their students left speaking in their native tongues. Cedric heard his own Headmistress ask Dumbledore and Bagman to join her in her office as he left.
Harry and his mother moved silently through the halls ignoring the portraits shouting inquiries at them. No students were out except a few prefects who ducked around the corner seeing their astronomy professor with a look that promised pain on her face. They made their way up to her office and through to her quarters in record time.
"Harry," She pulled him to look at her. Harry just shook his head and grabbed her in a hug. "It's going to be okay."
"I don't want this," Harry said, and Aurora had to strain to hear his voice.
"I know." She rubbed his back. They stood silent for a bit. "Why don't you go stay here tonight? Professor Sprout won't mind." Harry pulled back and nodded. "Harry you may not want this, but you can do this." She said starring into his eyes. Harry searched her face for any deceit and found none. Harry took a deep breath and nodded firmly. "Good. Now I need to call daddy." She said rubbing her temples, trying to ease some tension.
Harry turned and walked to the extra bedroom in the professor's quarters. He smiled as he saw Ali sitting in the middle of bed. Ali meowed at him, stretched, and then jumped straight at him. Harry caught the cat deftly and started scratching behind his ears making the cat purr. Harry didn't have the energy to do much beside fall on the bed and Ali curled up next to his head purring away.
Outside Harry's room Aurora paced for a few minutes trying to gather her thoughts. She moved to her floo and activated a rune that allowed her to open it to travel. Aurora took a handful of green powder and stepped in to the floo, "Sinistra Manor." She disappeared in a flash of green before getting spit out into the entrance hall.
"Mistress Aurora?" Tottie the house elf asked surprised.
"Where is my father?"
"He be in his study." The little elf popped back out.
Aurora made her way to her father's study slowly as she tried to keep herself together. She knocked as she opened the door.
"Aurora," He called happily as he looked up. His smile slipped from his face as he met her eyes. He saw the defeated, worried look in her eyes. He shot up from his desk, "Aurora what's wrong? Harry?" He wrapped his arms around her in a hug. From behind he saw his wife hurry towards them. She added her own arms around her daughter. Aurora sagged in her parents' arms and started to cry quietly.
"Honey what's wrong," her mother questioned.
Aurora pulled back and wiped her eyes. In a much calmer tone than even she expected replied, "Harry's name came out of the Goblet of Fire."
"Son of a bitch!" Dawn swore with vigor. "I'm going to string that old bastard up by his beard." Aurora smiled at her mother's reaction. It turned to giggles as she tried not to burst out in laughter, her mother would not be pleased. Her father was staring at her mother with a look of pride and awe that never ceased to make Aurora laugh, she was fairly certain any other 'respectable pureblood' wizard would be appalled at the language.
"As fun as that would be to watch, I don't think Dumbledore had anything to do with this," Aurora sunk into one of the chairs in her father's office. Her mother came with and laid a comforting hand on her shoulders. Cyril took out a bottle of whiskey and poured three tumblers for them.
"What happened?" Cyril asked handing the glasses over. He pulled up another chair close to Aurora's so he could lay a hand of support on her knee. Dawn came and sat on his chair's arm.
"Dumbledore himself, under the watch of the three Heads of the schools' and other government officials, drew the age line around the goblet. No one, except maybe a pissed off Harry, could break it." Aurora said with a wry grin. Dawn and Cyril snorted. "Minerva asked Moody to investigate and so far, he was able to ascertain a confundus charm was placed on the goblet."
Cyril's face turned stony, "A confundus charm? That's it?"
"You're the one that always says wizards forget the obvious," Dawn added.
"A very powerful one," Aurora said.
"Has anyone checked out Karkaroff out?" Cyril asked and then looked worried when Aurora nearly growled.
"That bastard not that good of an actor. He almost attacked Harry but Cedric stepped in front and pulled his wand on him. Minerva, Pamona, and I did as well. And Harry almost knifed him," she ended with some amusement.
Cyril did growl, "That slimy shite is going back to Azkaban."
"Back?" Dawn questioned her eyes lit with annoyance.
"He's a Death Eater who got let out early due to turning evidence against others," Cyril told his wife.
"How is he the head of a school?" Dawn asked incredulously.
"It's Durmstrang, they're famous for teaching the dark arts as a subject still. He mostly like took that position and then blackmailed somebody for Headmaster." Cyril answered. "I'll go to the Ministry first thing and file a compliant against him personally. The Wizenmagot will go for that, it's not against the school directly so the Bulgarian's won't have an issue." He took a sip of his drink before smirking, "It might just be the most voted for resolution since the war ended. Plenty of his 'old friends' on the pureblood block will want revenge and the light and neutral families will love to see him thrown out of the country and Durmstrang."
"Meet with Amelia while you're there," Aurora said twirling her glass. "I've no doubt Minerva will keep Dumbledore from burry his head in the sand but."
"We need to remind the whole Wizenmagot what family Harry is a part of." Cyril finished with a nod. "Hopefully that will head off some of the taunting Harry's going to get from the other houses. I assume Cedric won the Hogwarts spot since you mentioned him."
"Yes," Aurora gave a genuine smile. Harry was rather happy for his friend."
"The other houses are going to be pissed Hufflepuff get's two champions now." Dawn said knowing enough of the rivalry just from Quidditch.
"Yes, but the those with light or neutral parents will be hearing from them after I make it clear this is seen as an attack on our House. I'll stop by Sirius's before to explain and bring him along as Lord Black." Aurora nodded her thanks.
"Why don't you head back to school honey, back to Harry." Dawn said pulling her daughter up and into a hug.
"Thanks mum, daddy." She gave them both a hug. Before making her way to the floo with them by her side. She gave them one more hug before flooing back to Hogwarts. Aurora was spit out of her personal quarter's floo. She sighed running her hand over her face. She made her way to the extra room that was added for Harry in his first year. She flicked her wand and the candles in the room lit to a low level. Harry was asleep with Ali near his head. The cat's eyes opened to look at Aurora. As Ali looked at her Harry murmured something in his sleep and his brow furrowed. Ali rolled closer to him and started purring. Aurora also came over and placed her hand on his brow. Harry seemed to settle back down which made Aurora smile in relief. She was honestly surprised he did not shoot up with his knife. She gave Ali a pat before leaving to go to her own chambers.
Cedric made his way out of the antechamber shaking his head. He started down the stairs to get to the Hufflepuff common room and was unsurprised to see the four fourth years waiting for him. He gave a slight smile to them knowing they waited outside the common room so Neville could hear. "Harry is with Professor Sinistra." Cedric cutoff their question before asked, "and he has to compete," Cedric finished with a grimace.
"Uhhh!" Izzy threw her hands up in disgust at his words. "Fucking why?" She snapped out.
"Iz!" Susan reprimanded her nodding to the portraits who looked upset at the swear. Izzy just flicked the portraits off. Susan giggled a bit before turning to Cedric. "Why does he have to compete? He didn't put his name in." The others looked to the sixth year.
Cedric ran a hand through his hair before answering, "Apparently it's a magically binding contract when your name is chosen by the goblet."
"So, if he doesn't compete, he could lose his magic?" Neville asked with an annoyed tone. Wayne looked at him with some confusion. "The Longbottom's still have a few magically binding contract's with vassal houses."
"Bugger, they weren't playin' were they?" Wayne shook his head.
"Harry tired to say he would not compete but then Professor Sinistra told him about the contract."
"How angry did Harry get?" Susan asked with concern especially since Harry did not come back with Cedric.
Cedric gave small grin, "Every piece of glass in the antechamber shattered. I'm pretty sure the French girl is regretting calling him a little boy." He, Neville and Wayne started laughing loudly. Iz had stopped pacing at his words her anger bleeding away as a smirk formed on her face. Susan just looked annoyed. "Oh, and he almost stabbed the Durmstrang head while the rest of us almost cursed him." Neville and Wayne started howling with laughter at the thought and Izzy followed quickly behind.
Susan ever the more responsible one, smiled but also pinched the bridge of her nose. She was getting a headache, "Why?"
Cedric shrugged and with an annoyed tone, "He came at Harry with his hands raised."
"Well, he's dead." Izzy said with another laugh and this time Susan joined her.
"Alright we should boy wonder to his party," Wayne snarked and Cedric punched him in the shoulder.
"Congratulations Cedric," Neville said with a grin before turning to the other Hufflepuffs, "see you guys tomorrow."
The younger Hufflepuffs swarmed Cedric with congratulations now that they knew what had happened with their friend. Wayne stopped them from going through the door to the common room by holding his hand up.
Wayne tapped his wand and the Hufflepuff common room door swung open. Wayne could see the house waiting, impatiently. He grinned and cleared his throat. He waved his wand and trumpets were heard. "Now presenting the Hogwart's Triwizard Champion, Cedric Diggory." He yelled out in an overly pompous voice and took a bow letting Cedric in. The common room cheered as Cedric came in. Wayne, Izzy, and Susan disappeared off into one nook's in the common room. They sat quietly but cheered whenever someone shouted Cedric's name. Oliver and Roger came over to them.
"Harry?" Oliver asked as the two sat next to Wayne.
"He's with his mum who's probably rallying Lord Sinistra," Susan answered.
"Any idea who it was?" Roger asked looking around the room. Aside from a select few of Hufflepuff the whole house believed Harry had nothing to do with it. "We all know it wasn't him 'cept for a couple of poofters." He nodded to Ernie MacMillian and Justin Finch-Fletchley. Izzy just rolled her eyes towards the other two fourth year Hufflepuff boys.
"Idiots," Izzy mumbled. "Cedric didn't say if they had any information, but we saw Moody around the cup after they dismissed all of us."
The group sat quietly for a few minutes before Roger spoke, "Harry's got shite luck." The others burst out laughing.
A/N: Hey ya'll. Thanks for the support. I try to hit a certain amount of words for each chapter. If you want faster chapter's with less word count let me know. To my fellow Americans (and everyone else really) Happy Thanksgiving.
