Last Time on Black and White:
They returned to their silence as they continued to walk, headed towards Snape's office so Malfoy could Floo out.
"Did you get anything out of the old man?"
"It took ages, but yes, the only issue now is retrieving it. That would require a level of planning still."
"See that you get it done. We only have a limited time." Malfoy sneered as his knuckles turned pale against the gold of his cane's head. "Pot- no, George will pay for everything, I will make sure of that."
Snape raised a brow but chose to hold his tongue. He would be a hypocrite for pointing out that the younger George had nothing to do with the man's vendetta, so he allowed him to enact his revenge on the fake spawn of Potter.
Book 4 – Chapter 38: Corrections and Concerns
The day of the final task dawned and the excitement was paramount. Everyone was talking, joking, and generally excited to see what the task would be as well as who would be crowned the Tri-Wizard Champion. The Daily Prophet launched an early addition in anticipation for the people awaiting the results.
Tri-Wizard Finals!
By: Rita Skeeter
Ladies and Gentlemen, finally it is time for the highly anticipated final task of the Tri-Wizard Tournament. The general excitement revolving the historic occasion has people of all ages raring for a nail biting finale.
Cedric Diggory, the 17 year old from Hufflepuff, who shares the title Hogwarts Champion with Andrew Potter, finds himself in the lead, but not by much as the other champions are at his heels vying for the title of Winner.
Viktor Krum, seventh year Durmstrang student and Professional Quidditch Seeker, is currently sitting in second place, though the feud between him and Mister Andrew Potter has somewhat dimmed over the past few months, since their altercation during the Yule Ball traditions. Though there are many speculations and accusations about the inciting incident, both Krum and Potter have denied to comment on the fight.
Andrew Potter, the fourteen year old upset and second Hogwarts Champion, is trailing behind Mr Krum by a measly 2 points. While there have been many scandals against the boy this year, involving a trip to the school Hospital Wing as well as a fight in the Great Hall, Andrew Potter seems determined to take this fight to the older students, I'm sure they as well as the public are quite regretful for not taking this Champion seriously right from the beginning.
Fleur Delacour, the Half-Veela Beauty from Beauxbatons Academy is currently sitting in last place but barely. Unfortunately due to the penalty she had taken from the second task the young woman must now make up for it. She seems determined to dominate this task and in her own words: "Show these boys that girls are not to be taken lightly." well, I know I am hoping for her to deliver on those words.
Are we to see Bulgarian, Viktor Krum sweep this competition, like he sweeps in his matches? Will the ever loyal Hufflepuff bring the cup home for his house and country? Will the fair Miss Delacour come from behind and take the entire thing home? Or will the Pride of Gryffindor compell Andrew Potter to take home the Title of: Tri-Wizard Champion?!
Tune into the Wizarding Wireless Network this evening at five for commentary by our newly appointed Head of Department of Magical Games and Sports: Jennifer Jasper, with guest speakers from each of the schools' Headmasters, Minister Cornelius Fudge and the winner of the Tournament. Be sure to tune in!
For more information on the Tri-Wizard Tournament, turn to pg. 44
For more information on Fleur Delacour, the Flower of France, turn to pg. 48
For more information on Cedric Diggory, and the Legacy of Diggory, turn to pg.49
For more information about Viktor Krum, the youngest Seeker in Professional Quidditch, turn to pg. 50
For more information on Andrew and Harry Potter, and the sacrifice of James and Lily Potter, turn to pg. 52
Andrew read the article by Skeeter and was pleasantly surprised by the lack of general gossip in the latest addition of the Prophet. He was really happy they had gotten advice on Su's mother about what to do with the beetle animagus, it was somewhat of a Grey area, neither legal nor illegal, that they knew about her form and wouldn't tell anyone, this kept the woman on some semblance of a leash until she decided to register her form one day, though Mrs Li had pointed out that there was an obvious lose, lose situation for the woman if she chose that route.
Was it extortion? Not exactly. Was it Blackmail? ...
Andrew shook his head and moved on, he would not feel anything for this woman that bordered anywhere near the expression of guilt. So he read through the paper when another headline caught his eye, not as large as the front page but still large enough to have it draw peoples' attention.
Bartemius Crouch Junior sentenced to Dementor's Kiss!
Bartemius Crouch Senior sentenced to Life in Azkaban Prison!
Hidden Ploy to kill Andrew Potter exposed by Head Auror Amelia Bones!
By Fionna Bridges
Dear readers the title may not be pretty, but neither has the investigation into famed Death Eater Barty Crouch Junior, after it had been exposed that the man had somehow escaped Azkaban prison; a feat achieved only once before by liberated Lord, Sirius Black.
Unfortunately unlike Lord Black, Bartemius Junior was proven guilty of all the charges brought before him in the Wizengamont, and sentenced to life in Azkaban, after it was discovered that he was a devoted follower of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. The corpse found in the Death Eater's cell turned out to be none other than his mother Miranda Crouch after it was discovered that she was not long for the world.
A conspiracy was conducted between the sickly woman and her husband, former esteemed Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement; Bartemius Crouch Senior. Using his capacity as former Head, Barty Senior swapped his wife and son, using the Imperious Curse to keep the young man under as he enacted his plan. He then kept his son under for approximately 13 months before he slipped up and provided Barty Junior a window to escape.
The infamous Death Eater was found in the hallowed halls of Hogwarts after it was discovered that he had obtained Polyjuice Potion and had been using it to impersonate Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody. After getting the jump on the man before the start of the new Hogwarts school year started.
It was discovered that the Death Eater had been the one to enter the controversial Andrew Potter into the Tournament. The reasons are unknown, as it appears the man has taken an Unbreakable Vow to keep the motives secret. The DMLE suspect that Mister Potter was entered to enact some vengeful revenge after the defeat of You-Know-Who.
Interestingly enough, when questioned about Harry Potter, Crouch revealed that he had not placed the boy's name within the Goblet. Which begs the question: Why would he target one and not the other?
This seems to have stumped the Aurors, and unfortunately, they couldn't get further information as the Unbreakable Vow had denied him the ability to speak any further on it.
As such, both Father and Son shall be punished to the fullest extent of the law.
"It is only because of his service to the country and this Ministry that sees Mister Crouch to Azkaban and not the Dementor's Kiss." - Minister Cornelius Fudge.
"It is a truly baffling and confusing turn of events, to be sure." - Lord Theodore Nott Senior.
Former Minister Bagnold was unavailable for comment.
There has been a recent push in the Ministry to add further funding to Azkaban, to ensure something like this would not be repeated. Lady Amelia Bones as well as prominent others have voiced their thoughts on adding more security to the prison. The question of Dementors being used as nothing more than glorified guards have been thrown into the house to be discussed, as they provide little to no security outside of mental torture and have been known to go rogue and attempt to attack the human guards various times.
The Wizengamont has opened discussions on the matter, and will be convening several times over the course of the months to come to reach a point of compromise that all parties are happy with.
"You are up early."
Andrew turned to see Fleur standing beside him with a soft smile on her face.
"Morning, and I could say the same about you." he responded as he folded the paper and place it on the table.
Despite it being rather early and the task only taking place later that evening many of the students were already up, and in the Great Hall having a great time, in anticipation for the task.
"Oui, well, it is the final one. You know for one who hated zis whole thing, you are doing remarkably well."
"I still hate it, no need to use past tense on that word. But I admit, my hatred for Krum certainly sparked my competitive nature."
The two shared a small laugh.
"'ard to believe zat it is nearly ze end."
Andrew nodded in agreement, he thought back to the year and was shook his head at everything that had gone down over the course of these few months.
"Well, I 'ave to go. Madam Maxime is making me revise so zat I am prepared for ze task."
"Alright, I'll see you later then." he responded before smirking. "Flower of France."
He heard a sigh and saw Fleur shoot him a look of annoyance. "'ow zey discovered zat nickname, I will never know, mayhaps I should have a conversation wiz papa. He always 'ad loose lips."
He chuckled as she muttered to herself and left the hall.
HP-AP-HP-AP-HP-AP
"Time is short, Harry. I believe that we are in the endgame now."
Harry watched the Headmaster with a growing sense of dread; they had been studying about Andrew's curse and training his spell work. The work with the wand had been beneficial, he found himself thinking a lot faster than before, he caught his mind coming up with counter spells and innovative counters to spells he had come across in classrooms.
The issue was Andrew's curse. Every clue they had discovered led them down a rabbit hole only to hit a solid wall. He still hadn't told his brother about the research he and Dumbledore were doing, on the request of the older man, simply because they hadn't wanted to distract him from his tasks this year. Harry had come to the conclusion that something did not feel right about their situation (like they were missing something) but he just couldn't figure it out.
"What do you mean, sir?"
"We know that Crouch Junior tampered with the Goblet, but for what purpose? Why go through all of that?"
"I mean, to hurt Andrew, right?"
"It was discovered that the first night Andrew was attacked that had been Crouch. If he truly wished to kill your brother, then that would have been the perfect time."
Harry had to admit that Dumbledore had a point there. The fact that everything seemed to be so chaotic was what had them so worried. As Dumbledore had put it, "Chaos is always the perfect cover for underhanded tactics."
HP-AP-HP-AP-HP-AP
Sirius and Tonks were just finishing up the last of their duties before clocking out for the day, they had made arrangements with Bones for an early day off, as it was the last task and they wanted to show up and provide Andrew some support.
They took Floo back to their home and began preparing. Sirius was taking a shower while Tonks opted to have a snack before hand, allowing the older man to go first. As she munched happily on her sandwich she was interrupted by a knocking on the door.
With a small frown she headed to the door and pulled it open, ready to berate the annoyance that chose to come around.
"The hell do you wa- Remus?!"
"Hello, Tonks, how are you doing?"
Remus gave the young Auror a soft smile as she stared at him, jaw slightly open in shock.
"Perhaps you should swallow before you choke, hmm?"
Her hair turning a flaming red, Tonks turned away from the man and forced the food in her mouth down her throat and just as he had predicted she began to choke.
"Oh, are you okay? Come on, let's get you something to drink." he fussed as he made his way inside and led her to the kitchen. He reached into their fridge and pulled out a bottle of Butterbeer.
Flushed, hair red and tears streaming down her cheeks Tonks took the offered bottle and began chugging down the liquid as if it were a Godsend.
"What are you doing here?" she groaned once her lungs recovered enough for her to speak.
"Sirius invited me along with you two to the final task." he responded easily while rubbing soothingly on her back in comfort.
"Oh... right that makes sense."
The following silence was one of discomfort, for Tonks her embarrassment denied a quirky quick witted comment to escape her throat. For Remus, it was the fact that he was currently alone with a girl who had made her attraction to him well known. As such both were quiet standing by the island in the residential kitchen, neither one knowing what to say to the other.
"Tonks, I'm all done, you're up. Oh, Moony! Good to see you made it!"
"Sirius, thanks for the invite." the man responded with a small smile.
"Of course." It was then that Sirius picked up on the awkward tension in the room. "Did I miss something?" he asked with a small grin.
"Oh, no, Tonks just nearly choked on her food, we were just getting her something to drink."
"I'm going to get ready!" the metamorph yelled out as she ran for the staircase, tripping on the third step and cursing out loud before disappearing on the second floor. Remus and Sirius shared a short look before both chuckled out loud.
"Glad you could make it tonight."
"Yeah, same here. It'll be nice to see the boys after so long."
Tonks had just gotten over her emotional turmoil and was getting on a comfortable pair of demins and band shirt before throwing over a casual robe and making her way towards the kitchen again, when she caught the conversation the two men were having.
"So, what's this I read about Harry and a Veela girl?"
"Ah, yes, Miss Delacour, apparently quite the kisser, but has no desire to make it anything official." Sirius responded with a small chuckle.
"The casual type then? I mean not exactly a bad thing, I suppose."
"Agreed, but Harry was quite shaken about everything. Looking for meaning behind the kisses."
"Well, I mean, she's a seventh year in Beauxbatons now, right? Did he think she'd move out here for him? Or was he thinking of moving out there?" Remus stated.
"That's what I was thinking, I mean if they did pursue anything they would only see each other every few months. I think something casual is the way to go here. Also not to mention the age gap."
Tonks heard silence on Remus' part before he spoke again sounding very confused.
"Didn't you hook up with a seventh year in our fourth?"
"I mean, yeah... McKenzie LeStrange. A shame her dad sold her off to some bloke in the States."
"... Classy."
"Regardless, if they decided to take anything to the next level, it wouldn't be done easily. Plus she'd have to wait at least two years before she could do anything... extra with him."
"Sirius Black are you telling me you aren't pushing for your Godson to wait until he's at the age of consent?! What happened to you?"
"I grew up." He responded almost immediately. "Also Lily would castrate me if allowed Harry to do anything like that."
"True."
Tonks chose that moment to enter the kitchen a small frown on her face. Her presence caused the two men to turn to her.
"Ready to go?" Sirius asked as he drank the rest of his drink. At her nod the two men stood and placed their glasses in the sink and walked over to the living room.
"Let's get going, shall we?"
So I am aware that this chapter was short.
I did so because the next chapter will be rather long. As such I chose to break up the finale.
Also I got a few PMs of people asking me to change the pairings since they haven't happened... No.
Honestly people how many of you are still together with the first person you ever dated and add to that, do you honestly believe your experience from previous relationships didn't help you grow into the person your S/O loves today?
I'm aiming for a more realistic look at relationships and connections, so they will be slow burn but they will happen... eventually... more than likely.
Thank you all for reading.
I'll see you guys in the next one.
Peace, Love and Respect
Zak
