Who is the True Champion?
Final and Most Ferocious Task
Minister to make changes for future tournaments
In the past two tasks we have seen extraordinary magical prowess and incredible feats of magic. The four champions have truly shown themselves to be impressive and they have each shown courage and intellect with each obstacle they have faced.
This reporter has seen first-hand the fears and foes that have been thrust their way and the ways they have bravely overcome it. For Mademoiselle Delacour it was the second task that involved her beautiful baby sister. Forгосподин Krum it was the battle of the dragon with whom he struggled to control his magic. For Mr Diggory it was the battle of proving the fearlessness of a Hufflepuff and overcoming the doubts of the crowd. For the Boy-Who-Lived Mr Potter it was overpowering adversity and ensuring people realised the truth about him.
Here at The Quibbler we are delighted to support all four of them as they enter the final stages of preparation for the final task.
Minister Fudge has publicly announced his intention of collaborating with the French and Bulgarian Ministries into creating the event next year; and although some fear it to be too dangerous others are excited for the opportunity to connect with different cultures.
The Quibbler had published a supportive article on the 22 of June, two days before the event which was quite a contrast to the drama filled extravaganza that Skeeter had written which focussed on some enthusiastically given but totally fake quotes given by students and public alike about conversations, they swore to have overheard. In the last few weeks, the four champions had found themselves hounded by press and letters from well-wishers who thought they had the way for them to win. Krum was spotted duelling with his schoolmates on the lawn by the ship, Cedric was seen talking with Hagrid and Fleur was ogled as she gracefully and quickly completed an obstacle course to the side of the lake.
Harry had yet to be seen by anyone doing anything except for what he'd always been doing since the start of the fiasco; library research. Between training sessions, researching extra spells and coming up with plans D,E and the rest of the letters he had barely any time to just sit and talk with his friends. The Unspeakables had sent a long letter telling him in more detail about Horcruxs and what it meant for him, they'd also sent several Occlumency books that had helped him with more defence structures to protect his mind and would also restrict the visions he'd had, though he hadn't had any more since the last time. They also mentioned some of the experiments they wanted to do but emphasised that it would be up to Harry and only when school was finished. Although they had expressed a concern for something to occur during the 24th June they didn't have enough knowledge of what might happen and how it might concern him, because of this they had quietly added extra security to the detail of the minister and the few officials that were also attending like Madam Bones and had also volunteered to be a part of the team monitoring the maze, although the teachers were around the minister decided it would be better in case the obstacles got out of hand.
Professor Flitwick had pushed Harry to his limit in the three week and not just in physical training but also in strategy and offensive vs defensive talks. The Master duellist had fixed a rigorous schedule that made even Theo raise his eyebrows but it had definitely worked, Harry was able to fight the Professor for increasing amounts of time and after swearing him to secrecy the charms teacher was able to help him not only take control of Fiendfyre but also several other spells that wouldn't have been taught until N.E.W.T levels including Alarte Ascendare which elevated the target including people with almost no help of being released. The Professor and Harry had become closer and were now on a first name basis, the respect they each had for one another had increased during the training as they had come to understand each other with the half goblin speaking more his childhood isolation and Harry revealing more of his younger years. Sirius and Remus had also sent a ton of material of their own unique spells which they had created during the golden years of the marauders; they'd sent Lily and James's personal journals a couple of months ago which Daphne had taken great delight in pouring over as they had many side-line ventures as well as old school projects. Now only two days before the event Sirius and Remus as well as the three unspeakables had chosen to visit the school in order to see their ward in action, although Dumbledore had kicked up a fuss it had only occurred within his office with Professor McGonagall the only witness who sternly kept him in line. Therefore, the five adults found themselves walking up the path to the mysterious castle to be greeted by the 6 teens cheerfully, the Unspeakables were instantly accepted by the 5 they hadn't met and they were surprised at the easy acceptance as they were used to being treated with suspicion. Instead, they had Daphne, Luna and Theo all instantly bombard them with questions on their schooling and personal interests. Tracey, Neville and Harry were content to let their friends brain go into overdrive and pulled Remus and Sirius into conversation about Peeves and the Weasley Twins latest antics as they moved up the staircases towards Flitwick's empty office and classroom next to it, which he had given them permission to use.
They had considered using the room of requirement however they also knew that with the extra guests Dumbledore would show up at some point and they didn't want the awkward questions, it was easy enough to hide two or three of them in the room but with adults to say 'they were just around' would be harder to believe. Plus they had already noticed several of the paintings following them and didn't want to reveal their hiding place which they only got away with due to the numerous charms they placed on each other and the fact that after the first task Dobby had quietly taken the paintings from around the room and moved them.
"And that's why we figure he'll come after fresh blood but we don't know how." Robins was explaining to Daphne as they entered the room.
"But you have no idea where he is?"
"Unfortunately not, we've completed numerous raids since Harry came to us but despite finding some dark artifacts that the previous officers 'didn't discover' we haven't had even a lingering sense of him. The only place we know for almost 100% certainty that Riddle has been is Riddle House."
"Apart from the obvious what is it and why?"
"It's his ancestral home, his family on his father's side have lived there for generations."
"Did he previously live there?" Daphne asked interested in the history of the most feared dark lord.
"Nope, in fact we believe he returned home after his exploration of the world in order to murder his father and grandparents. At the time the officer in charge thought it to be the Guants that lived a little away, they claim to have been the descendants of Slytherin and it was the daughter that seduced a young Mr Thomas Riddle and the boy was conceived. After the father left the soon-to-be-mother the aurors thought that the brother-in-law had killed them in anger, he even admitted to it however evidence came up years later that he wasn't even in the area. It was only after Harry came in that we investigated it for ourselves."
"And why would he have gone back there if he hated to be reminder of the fact he was half-blood so much?"
"No one knows of his relation with the Riddles, it was a safe place where he could lie low. There is dust everywhere in that place except for the upstairs parlour where a high-backed armchair and a small wooden chair. There was also the missing workman."
"Missing workman?"
"Yes his name is or maybe I should say was Frank Bryce. He was the caretaker of the House and just up and disappeared during the summer; we have tried to find any evidence that he is around or at least alive but nothing, all his stuff is still back at his hut and no one has seen or heard of him since."
The two settled into the room barely glancing around as they took seats and carried on the discussion of where Riddle might be. This was a better reaction than Theo and Killick who didn't even stop to breathe through their intense conversation about the regeneration potion and only stopped walking when they bumped into the wall where they simply leant against it and carried on talking.
"Alchemy is extremely specific, if anything were to happen to the blood then it might change the result." Theo said, waving his hands to illustrate his point.
"Perhaps but to change it for the better or worse? The dark lord isn't exactly the most stable of men, by changing the potion it may give him even more power while less humanity still."
"Surely as a dark lord he has even less humanity anyway?"
"Irrelevant. Also your theory is based on the fact that Harry is literally going to have his blood taken from him in person. We still don't know if he is 100% the enemy…"
"Oh who else is it going to be! Anyway if he is there while the ritual is taking place then if he made it clear that the blood was willingly given then it would most likely weaken as it then wouldn't make him an enemy."
"Hypothetically yes, unfortunately there is simply no way to confirm that. The natural properties that connect blood to the potion is so intricate that it would take us years to figure out the differences."
The two continued their talk about the ingredients and how much the method of the potion mattered as finally Luna and Arrans walked through talking animatedly about Crumple-Horned Snorkack and the possibilities of going on a tour of Sweden to discover a mating pair that had rumoured to be there.
"I just think that there are so many species to uncover that people forget the truly incredible and wonderous." Luna said, her silver eyes glowing in excitement as she spoke about her favourite topic.
"I agree, there are many animals that we don't know enough about." Arrans returned.
"Exactly, the crumple-horned Snorkack is a beautiful creature and its mating are so completely unusual that Father and I think it would be wonderful to study them for a few years unfortunately we doubt that the Swedish people would let us."
"Oh that's awful, well maybe when you leave Hogwarts you could apply for a grant in order to study them?"
"You really think they'd let us do that?"
"I think so, especially if you make such a compelling argument. The study of such an exotic creature and specifically to have it noted under a British find will have the Ministry begging you to leave for Sweden."
Remus, Neville and Tracey were watching them all in amusement; their heads swivelling from side to side as they tried to focus on all three stimulating conversations at once and making inane comments to each other. Meanwhile Harry and Sirius had sat on one of the desks in a happy existence as they spoke about one project that they had kept hidden from everyone. The turning of Harry into his Animagus form. They'd been doing it since the second task after one of Harry's panic attack inspired calls about the tournament and his dreams, they knew an extra thing to have in his arsenal could mean a whole lot. They'd decided not to tell anyone, they knew the others would support and most likely want to join and even though Remus would say they're too young he'd be proud and do everything he could to help but they had started talking about it as just them and had enjoyed having a secret from the others. It had been increasingly difficult to hide it from the others as Harry's transformation started to take hold and they both struggled to hide their glee but they wanted to only reveal it after it was perfect. It took the Marauders almost three years to complete their training however Sirius was confident that he could have total control over it by Easter what with the occlumency, power, determination and knowledge Harry had meant that the process was quicker and he was a third of a way through the change.
"What a year, huh." Sirius said after Harry had informed him of the successful partial change he'd manage to complete. "You have done so well this year, your parents would be so happy for you…well maybe not the being entered in a deadly tournament or losing your friends or finding out Voldy wanted to come back-"
"Moving on Pads?"
"Right sorry. Anyway, you have new friends who are wonderful, you've learned a whole lot, your Godfather is free, the Dursleys are gone and you have a brilliant girlfriend." He finished cheerily and clapped Harry on the shoulder who grinned up at him.
"Thanks Padfoot, I know we don't exactly say it much. But it eans a lot you know, to have you and Moony and yeah I'm really happy you guys are here." Harry said blushing slightly but holding his godfathers.
"We wouldn't want to be anywhere else Prongslet." Sirius said wrapping an arm around the younger mans shoulders. For a second they enjoyed the hug before Harry gave him a mock shove and motioned the way forward.
"Shall we get this started then?"
With a firm nod to each other they stood and made their way into the centre of the room and watched their friends interact before Sirius gave a wolf whistle and when that didn't work, he shot an aguamenti into Remus's face which did cause people to take notice as the werewolf spluttered.
"Alright now that I have everyone's attention we can begin." He began with a pointed tilt of his head to the still sniggering Neville and Tracey. "You guys have been working so so hard and we would love to see the results of it."
"Wow Pads that was surprisingly adult of you." Remus said with a surprised look on his face.
"I've been practicing and don't interrupt. As I was saying, you specifically asked us to attend today so that we could give some feedback and comments and last-minute pointers."
"And then after we are going to do nothing but relax and pretend like nothing crazy is ever going to happen again and eat ice cream." Tracey quickly inputted with a smile.
"An excellent idea!" Arrans declared with a fist pump.
"Okay before we get too hyped up on the ice cream and chill idea. Adults move over to the wall and put up a barrier." Daphne commanded.
As the five moved over to the wall and placed a strong shielding charm over themselves they watched as each of the five of the young adults started on their jobs. Harry meanwhile departed back to Flitwick's personal office. Neville, Theo and Luna started to transfigure the room. A quill changed into a tree and then multiplied, a mini pond appeared, Theo released a swarm of Cornish pixies which hovered in a several small hedges, Neville also summoned a chest which he informed the crowd contained a boggart, Daphne's wand never ceased its twirling as she darkened and expanded the room as well as placed several benches, barricades and dummies around. Tracey was laughing to herself as she shot several entrapment spells off as well as confusion areas which would effect Harry as soon as he entered a specific area, she also charmed several fake rocks to sing as a distraction. Luna checked the progress and also added several offensive and defensive spells to surrounding objects, she also positioned several bushes and trees to provide suitable cover for her teammates.
"Alright we have thirty more seconds before Harry's portkey will pop him back here so don't speak. We have created a new stimulator just for today, Harry has never been in this type of surroundings and its new and unusual; the portkey will dump him right in the middle of the pond which is only knee deep but it will distract him. It is also the first time we have placed a boggart in the course, we will time it but he doesn't have a time limit. Flitwick had shown us how to limit of power on our wands where we could send the spells but it wouldn't do as much damage so instead of a stupefy knocking someone out totally it only knocked them out for 3 seconds. The spells we use will be offensive and defensive and we can use anything around us-"
"Our mission, which we have chosen to accept is to take him down!"
"Yes, Thank you Tracey. And yes, our mission is to stop him from getting all of us enjoy the show."
Almost as soon as the five hid themselves around the room there was a soft pop and Harry appeared with a splash in the pond, he dropped immediately into the water and crawled out as the five stupefy's sailed over his head. Spinning into the tree's the battle commenced.
The five had worked their plan out the day the adults had confirmed their attendance; the main part of the plan was to never let Harry see them, they would work in pairs (Daphne and Theo, Neville and Tracey) Luna had been confined in the branches of the tree and had been trusted to stay there and cause whatever trouble she could. The pairs would work together with one shielding and the other firing then after 10 minutes they would switch and so on, this was to increase their stamina as well as give them a chance to change the style which would cause Harry confusion.
For Harry who was scrambling behind a rock as he sent three reducto's in several directions as he figured out where he was and the environment, he also quickly figured out the surroundings that he could use to his advantage. A purpleish flash caught his eye and he darted from his place feeling a slight tingle across his back as it wizzed past. He quickly shot an explosion spell in the direction that the spell came from before leaping from his place and ducking behind a tree. And was instantly on guard as Daphne shimmered into view a few metres away with a much paler complexion and blood seeping from her stomach, for a few seconds he only stared before a loud bang from his left reminded him where he was and he said shakily but strongly "Riddikulus!" As expected, the being disappeared and he wrapped a shield around him, ducking down low as his breathing returned to normal and his heart slowed.
Theo was meanwhile sending a barrage of spells to the tree where he'd seen his friend disappear behind, Harry quickly strengthened the shield around him as the tree heated to an unbearable degree and yet didn't catch fire, preparing himself he quickly threw himself forward into a roll and landed behind a bush. Neville quickly charmed the branches and Harry had a scant few seconds to send a severing charm at it before they attempted to wrap themselves around him. As he pushed himself back as fast as he could he landed on one of Tracey's entrapments and a net enclosed around him, seeing the red lights coming his way he quickly yelled out "Arresto momentum!" and used the extra time to slice through the rope and to get a shield up before the spells slammed into it. Having more of an idea where his friends were though he sent several bright red sparks in their direction as well as a lumos maxima to blind them as he disillusioned himself and moved into the middle of the clearing as he thought of strategy. Unfortunately for him he tripped another of Tracey's charms and the rock next to him burst into song causing him to swear loudly and to dive forward into a crack in the rocks as spells came at him from the left and right.
"How the fuck does he move so quickly!" Theo growled both annoyed and impressed by his friends ability.
"He's had plenty of practice." Daphne retorted as she sent a petrificus totalus, immbulus and Incarcerous towards the black-haired boy who once again dodged out the way as he ran in a zig zag motion towards the tree where Luna was sitting and playing with one of the pixies. She cursed and ducked out of the way as a reductor exploded the tree just behind them and a strong gust of wind had them stumbling back right out in the open and they scrambled to hide again as Harry sent the leg-locker and rictumsempra towards them catching them directly and put them out for a moment as they undid the spells and shielded. Those few seconds however gave Harry the time he need to scope out Neville and Tracey's hiding space and he sent one of the boulders hurtling towards them as well as a confringo; they were slammed into the wall which had been charmed to soften and were quickly on their feet. But not fast enough, Tracey went down as stupefy, petrificus totalus and brachiabindo hit her meanwhile Neville threw himself to the side and barely missed the flipendo that headed his way. He scurried around another tree and sent several spells back as he caught his breath. Harry shifted directions and skidded to the bottom of Luna's tree and took a moment to breathe…which he quickly regretted as dozens of blue flying things started to swarm him, pulling at his clothes and hair as he heard a giggle float down from above him. Waving his wand quickly he sent the Cornish pixies scattering around the room receiving a leg locker curse for his troubles, collapsing onto the floor he pencil-rolled his way out of the way of the curses that headed his way as he undid his legs and slid around the base of a tree and spotted Theo looking around cautiously as Daphne seemed to be creating a rune in the floor. Not even stopping to think he quickly shot a stupefy and expelliarmus at him, catching his friend dead on and then dodged out of the way as Daphne sent a confundos his way as he dove through a bush and sent several charms back at her. The room was spinning and he wondered suddenly about where he was….that wasn't right he must know where he was. The room wavered and he noticed a strange pink glow coming towards him. It was pretty. But that wasn't right. What was he doing. Harry let out a giggle and flopped onto the floor. Pink meant spell. Spell fire. The training! The room started to right itself and he shook his head as the last remnants of the charm faded and he snapped his neck to the side to avoid the spell coming at him. Pushing with his feet he slid on his back along the floor to get a better shot and struck. Neville however was prepared and brought up a shield which shook but held, Harry slowly got to his feet keeping an eye on Daphne as she wrestled with the ropes he'd tied around her but kept his focus on Neville as they fired at each other. Daphne sidled around forcing Harry into the middle of the two as he tried to keep them both in his sight as he backed away and sent as many spells as he could. Finally, he saw his chance and with a fake left he managed to catch Daphne with a fully body bind in her side. Now it was just him and Neville and neither of them were letting up, shields and spells were flying and they each had fierce looks of determination blazing in their eyes. Harry spun through various scenarios in his head and in a moment of sheer desperation shot an accio towards the bigger boy who had a stunned look on his face as he found himself flying towards Harry who leapt out the way and shot an incarcerous as well as a stupefy at him as he flew back.
The sudden silence was deafening as Harry found exhaustion flooding through his veins even as a grin ran across his face. He went first to Daphne and quickly released her from his spell, pulling her into his arms.
"I love you." He said quickly and quietly but with that green blaze penetrating her.
"I know." Was the response as well as a slow smile that spread along her face until it got caught in her eyes and they practically glowed at him before she whispered the three words back to him. He squeezed her tightly and then erased the wall in front of the adults.
"WHOO!" Sirius, Remus and Arrans cheered in unison while Killick, Robins and Vexmoor clapped loudly. The Unspeakables were looking at the teens in total amazement as they untied them and woke them up well as calculating looks while the guardians of the Boy-Who-Lived simply had pride evident in their faces as they gave each other a high five and the barrier came down. The two charged at Harry and gathered him between them as they jumped up and down repeating loudly "He did it! He did it! He did it!"
"Thanks…guys…but…need…to…breath."
"Oh sorry." Remus said as he pulled away and then watched in amusement as Sirius merely wrapped his arms tighter around his godson and squeezed even more.
"Our little Prongslet is growing up! He learnt all my charms and awesomeness and we're so proud of you!" The older man said spinning the two of them before he stopped abruptly and stepped away waving a hand under his nose.
"Phooey Prongslet you smell awful what are you doing staying here with us all clean folks." He said as he stepped behind Theo before hurriedly moving behind Tracey and finally Luna where he sighed in relief who had been distracted for the most part by playing with the pixies and hadn't even attempted to leave the bubble that Harry had placed around her at the start.
"You all leave now. Shower. Meet in kitchen. Luna, love you can come with us." He said with finality as he ushered the young girl out fist and the others followed with Killick and Remus already starting an in-depth analysis of the battle.
"Well I think that went very well, don't you?" Daphne said still breathing a little heavily as she wrapped her arms around her boyfriends waist.
"Yeah, Thank you. All of you, don't know what I'd have done without you." He said with a significant look to each of them.
"Oh probably sat staring over the lake in a brooding manner before panicking and coming up with weird plans that would probably kill you." Tracey said nonchalantly.
"That's…actually probably pretty accurate. Anyway shower and then food."
Parting ways to head back to their common room the snakes moved lethargically along the corridor with Tracey moaning out loud about how tired she was and were they nearly back yet.
"Trace we'll get there soon. The castle isn't super massive." Daphne said after one such occasion, keeping her back straight and face blank not letting her exhaustion show on her face though her eyes still had a soft glow to them.
"I'm so hungry."
"You're always hungry."
"I am not."
"You are."
"I am not."
"Yes you are Tracy now shut up the both of you you're giving me a headache." Theo said as he rubbed a hand over his eyes. They stayed in silence until they reached the common room where they ignored those that looked at them in suspicion unfortunately it was Pucey, Flint and Boyle who decided to make trouble.
"Traitors. All of you. You disgust me." Pucey had sneered as they passed him on the way to the dorms, they heard but refused to rise to the bait and instead carried on despite the jeering of the two that was slowly gaining the attention of the rest of the common room. It was only when Tracey's hearing caught on to the whispered "Diffindo" that they reacted at all, she twisted quickly and erected a shield at once. As quickly as the spell was dissolved she dropped the shield and let Daphne's and Theo's stunners flash past, the whole thing took only a couple of seconds and at the end the three fourth years stood before the stunned fifth years as a small crowd watched them. Almost at once the door to their Head of House's office opened and out stepped Professor Auditore walked through with her wand out. She had taken over the Slytherin house position as well as the potions space, being a pureblood but one with a muggle husband she had taken to the green house quickly and had immediately installed a new set of rules which included respectful treatment of all. She was stern but fair and most were half terrified of her no nonsense attitude, as soon as she realised the tensions in the house she had installed an alarm within the common room that notified her if harmful spell fire was detected.
"What is going on here?"
"Myself, Miss Greengrass and Mr Nott were walking back to our dorms when Mr Pucey called us blood-traitors. We ignored him and his friends as they got louder, then one of them shot a spell at us…I reacted with a shield and then these two shot stunners. We were just about to call for you when you arrived." Tracey delivered the situation with a blank face and no embellishing. The professor looked towards the rest of the students that were dotted around.
"Can someone hear provide an alternate view?"
"No ma'am, it occurred exactly as she said." Said a small second year named Alessia Carlisle.
"Very well. Enverte."
Each of the boys woke up and as they saw their head of house standing before them, they each stiffened and stood up with clenched jaws.
"Mr Boyle, would you mind telling me what went on here?"
Boyle glared down at the floor angrily, everyone knew of their new professor's views on being called a blood-traitor and many had already served long detentions which focussed on the incest, violence and low magical levels of purebloods when they had voiced them.
"We were explaining our personal opinions when those three happened to hear us, they didn't even give us a chance to retaliate but immediately struck us down."
"Really?" The noticeable sarcasm in their teachers voice had the boy flushing and under the intense gaze he finally muttered.
"Pucey sent a curse at them first."
"Thank you Mr Boyle, to my office with you three please. Miss Davis thank you for a truthful account you and your friends may return to your activities."
They each gave a nod and left immediately bursting into laughter just as they went their separate ways.
When they met up, they all immediately headed down the kitchen, their muscles relaxed after hot showers and tummies rumbling slightly. Theo in dark jeans and white t-shirt which had Danika having light pink spread over her cheekbones as she glanced at him; it had taken Tracey months to convince him that a more casual, muggle way of style could be a whole lot ore comfortable than even the softest of robes, but it was only when she mentioned the young Addams would appreciate the view that he gave in. Daphne had light blue jeans with a yellow t-shirt as she quickly braided her still slightly damp hair, the sweater Neville had got for her birthday was tied around her waist. Tracey was bouncing around in a green top and lilac skirt and humming happily.
As they entered through the door, Daphne was immediately set on by Dobby who hugged her legs hard and at once handed her a chocolate eclaire which he always treated her with.
"Why thank you Dobby, that's very kind of you. How are you? Tell me how is Winky getting along?"
"Anything for Mistress Daffy. I is good. Winky is being better, she does few things but is seeming upset over not being near old master" He said with big eyes staring up at her.
"I see, hopefully she'll improve. Keep an eye on her will you?"
"Of course Dobby will!"
And with an enthusiastic hug goodbye and wave to the back of the kitchen the little elf popped out.
The snakes made their way to the back where the rest of their group was sat already digging into huge plates of roast chicken, boiled potatoes and beans. Rolls of bread and jugs of gravy also were present and a small plate of noodles and salmon were in front of Luna as she laughed at Sirius's antics.
The all clamoured around the table and sunk into seats as conversation flowed between them all and happiness glowed from each of their faces.
"I swear she was looking at me like I was a piece of meat!"
"Okay I remember when you tried asking her out the first time and she couldn't get away quick enough!"
"She was intimidated by my natural awesomness."
"More like worried about the fact you were barely breathing."
"Humph, I prefer my version."
"It sounds like you had a wonderful time at Hogwarts." Robins said with a chuckle.
"What was it like for you, over the pond?" Luna asked.
"Similar I suppose, I had my friends but not many. I enjoyed learning things too much to worry about a social life, but the few I had would drag me out and about. I remember one time we snuck out to the nearest city of Albany; we all got plastered and had to emergency portkey home before the police came after us and wondered why we were waving sticks around. We got three months detention for that. "He said shaking his head as a smile split his face. The next half an hour was spent talking of the adult's memories at their various schools with more of the humorous antics coming from the Marauders.
It was only as the group was walking around the lake that the conversation started to take a more serious turn until they started to speak of the performance. The Unspeakables criticized each move and evaluated every spell that was used, compliments were given as well insults over speed and ability. Harry went in-depth over each moment and why he made that decision and everyone contributed to explaining mistakes and working out a stronger game plan. Nevertheless the adults knew how dangerous real fights could be and Sirius and Remus in particular were holding back from trying to overload Harry with too many techniques. He would be fine they knew, he had to be. It took Tracey's usual exuberance and enthusiasm to derail Killick as she tried to explain a nasty blood boiling curse and turn the conversation from Harry specifically and on to the final task.
"I don't think Harry would be allowed to use that against a star Quidditch player but he can keep it in mind. You're all going to be there, right?"
"Yes, we're going undercover as aurors to the minister and naturally Sirius and Remus will be there as support for their champion." Robins explained.
"Madam Bones agreed that it is necessary to have more than teachers around a maze that could have dangerous things in it." Vexmoor said.
"Speaking of teachers, what did you guys think of Moody?" Neville asked, the man still gave him the creeps and there was something vaguely off about him. Add that to what Harry had told them and they had all been on high alert around him during the last few defence classes.
"Alastor Moody was one of the most celebrated aurors on the force, he took down some of the worst death eaters and survived. His actions while peculiar are not without cause, he's managed to survive this long because he's been so paranoid. The map could be mistaken –"
"The map doesn't lie!" Sirius and Rems both spoke up immediately, looking almost comically insulted.
"Look it's a genius piece of work but how sure can you be? And asking after you, well that might just be trying to provide some help or get to know you. He did know your parents. However, it is still fishy and so we are going to do a little bit of investigating." Vexmoor said holding her arms up in a placating manner.
"Thank you, we know its probably nothing but someone did put Harry's name in the goblet to get him into this thing. And with Riddle seemingly coming back…no one is safe from suspicion." Daphne said, her arms going around her boyfriend to give him a squeeze whilst looking at the Unspeakable who had a glimmer of irritation on her face that faded as she looked upon the young women.
"We understand, I could meet with him tonight before we leave, we have spoken several times and I can't imagine he would be unwilling to see me." Killick mused.
"Thank you Unspeakable Killick that would be appreciated."
After a final lap of the lake where Tracey had them all laughing over her antics with her sister, they moved back up to the castle. Killick excused herself to speak Moody and the others moved into the great hall to sit and chat some more until she returned. The evening meal wasn't due to start for another hour and they hall was practically empty except for a few students working or playing games. The talk turned to the latest laws that the purebloods were attempting to push through to do with werewolves and registering as one; it was an evil law that practically forbade them from working and Sirius, Lady Longbottom and several others were desperately trying to have it dismissed.
"Ah what a large group of you all, it's good to see you again Mr Black, Mr Lupin and I don't believe I know you three?" The Headmaster looked over the mix of students and adults and fought the urge to frown. He had been kept out of the way of Mr Potter's life and wasn't sure if he now should make more of a fuss, unfortunately he had a feeling that Sirius was still furious at his last letter when he had demanded Harry needed to return to the Dursleys, especially considering the Howler that exploded over him.
"It's Lord Black, Headmaster. And these are friends of ours who will be attending the final task; Miss Vexmoor and Arrans and Mr Robins."
"I see, I think I recall you Miss Adams but not the others. How do you all know Lord Black?"
"Business, Headmaster. Are you prepared for the final task?" Vexmoor answered civilly.
"I believe we are Miss Vexmoor, the students are quite excited and our champions have been preparing diligently haven't you, Mr Potter."
"Yes, Sir."
"Excellent, I believe a few family members have been invited as well. Are you planning on inviting anyone else, Mr Potter?"
"No, Headmaster. I can quite honestly say that all my family are here already." He replied with his eyes firmly on the old man's and refused to budge.
Before the Headmaster could reply, they were interrupted by Killick who strode up with the usual expressionless face and flaring robes.
"I apologise for the delay but I have a late meeting so may we leave?"
"Of course. Please excuse us, Headmaster."
Without another word they rose from their seats, ignoring the man in bright green and red robes and left the hall. They moved outside and started to head down to the main gate where they would all say their goodbyes, it was Killick who quickly placed privacy charms around the group before she started to speak.
"You're right, I think there is something to keep an eye on and a close one at that. I can't put my finger on it but something is slightly off, he didn't remember some of the events I brought up. I want you guys to be very careful, there's something tickling my mind about him but I can't quite recall it, I'm going back to my rooms to think on it."
"That's it? We can't just arrest and interrogate?" Tracey demanded.
"And how would we justify that? That you feel weird around him and Killick thinks that something is off? The man has been working with kids for a year that's enough to make anyone a bit stranger, and he was strange to begin with. Unfortunately, we need some proof otherwise it's all just conjecture." Arrans said with a shrug.
"So we just sit back and wait?" Luna asked softly.
"I'm afraid so, you're all very resourceful and competent. Stay together and be careful I'll realise what I need too soon. And we'll be back soon anyway, during the final task I'll have a look around his office, I think he's one of the teachers that will be surrounding the maze." Killick said as she gave them a reassuring smile.
"And until then I'm sure Harry in particular will do what you always do and somehow get into trouble and get us all here quicker anyway." Arrans interjected with a shrug.
Harry glanced somewhat sheepishly as the group as one let out a laugh.
"Don't worry baby, I'm sure we'll get through it." Daphne said giving him a kiss on the cheek with a smile.