AN: I do not own Harry Potter.


Chapter 19 - The First Task

Harry had a little over two weeks to figure out what the first task would be. Sirius said it was a tradition to cheat during the Triwizard Tournament, and Harry could see some truth in the statement. Three of the most prestigious schools in the entire wizard world competed to see who's champion was the best. There was bound to be cheating, accidents that weren't accidents, and rigged judging.

Harry hadn't wanted to compete, but, once again, Sirius was right about him. He couldn't just sit out now that he was a champion. First, it would prove Fudge and his cronies at the Ministry that Harry was a fraud all along. Second, he didn't want to look scared or afraid to the other students. Finally, he wanted to show off before leaving for good. Maybe make everyone rethink how they'd treated him. He knew it wasn't going to happen, but he could still fantasize.

Sitting alone in the study classroom, Harry knew fantasizing about getting back at the Ministry, Rita Skeeter, the Hogwarts students, and whoever put his name in the Goblet of Fire wouldn't get him very far. He needed a plan for each of his goals. Taking out a parchment and fountain pen, he listed his goals at the top of the paper. He drummed his fingers on the table as he stared at the short list. After a few seconds of thought, he crossed out the Hogwarts students. They didn't matter, not really. Next, he crossed out the Ministry and Rita Skeeter. Sirius would focus on them, and if Ted Tonks or Stamford Jorkins got back to Harry, then they would help his godfather.

What was left on his list was the Triwizard Tournament, Sirius and Lupin's defensive magic, Madam Pomfrey's healing, treating his burns, the person(s) who put his name in the goblet, and Daphne Greengrass. "The Map," he muttered as he wrote out his thoughts. With the Maurader's Map, he could watch the other contestants, Daphne, and keep an eye out for anyone strange in the castle.

Harry spent the better part of an hour writing out different plans and ideas he came up with to achieve his goals. It felt like he was simply reviewing what was already rattling around in his brain, but seeing it all on parchment seemed to make it real somehow. Clearly defined goals and objectives, just like he and Hermione had been doing for the last three years. Researching a topic, creating an outline, learning the topic, and preparing for the exam.

When Hermione and Ron entered the study classroom, Harry felt better about his situation. He felt calmer and more focused than at any point since the Quiddich World Cup. It shocked him to realize it.

"Harry?" Hermione asked as she approached the table, her eyes flicking over the scattered parchments. "What happened?"

"A slight disagreement with Rita Skeeter," Harry answered as he gathered up his work. "Mr. Ollivander came to assess our wands. Bagman or Crouch didn't say why, but I'll bet it has to do with making sure nothing is wrong with them."

"Oh, I remember something about that. Weighing of the Wands," Hermione mused as she stared at something only she could see. "If a champion has an unsuitable wand, then one is provided by the wand-maker who is selected."

"Interesting," Harry muttered.

"Mate, you should have seen Snape's face when you left," Ron interrupted. "He was livid. Made the rest of us suffer. We lost another twenty points for Gryffindor for stupid stuff."

"Sorry, he got under my skin," Harry apologized. "We'll make it back," he promised.

"I don't know if anyone is actually paying attention to the House Points this year, but Hufflepuff is in the lead. I think we're at the bottom again."

"Oh, you shouldn't have done it, Harry," Hermione sighed as she sat down. "He really is a loathsome professor," she added. Harry blinked at his friend. Ron looked stunned. "What? He is," Hermione said with a frown.

"We aren't disagreeing with you," Ron laughed. Harry nodded. "Just surprised you said it, is all."

"Well... he acted like a child," Hermione huffed. "Now, are we going to do the twenty-inch essay on Antidotes now or tomorrow? Harry, it's due on Friday for double Potions."

"I forgot about that," Ron sighed as he fell into his chair. "Let's get this over with," he mumbled.

Harry didn't have a chance to speak with the twins until Friday. He either missed them in the Great Hall or got pulled away before he could speak with them in private about the Map. Once he did corner them, Fred asked to borrow it a little longer and would return it on Saturday. Filch nearly got their second hiding location. The way George told it, the twins and the caretaker were fighting a hidden war for contraband in the unused storerooms and cupboards of the castle.

"I'm not going to lie," Harry sighed. "I'll probably need the Map for the rest of the term," he said as he looked between them. "Is that going to be a problem, for... you know?"

"It'll be fine, mate," Fred said with a smile. "We just needed to keep ahead of Filch. Now we know where he's already searched, it'll be dead simple to hide the stuff where he just looked. Well, not exactly where he looked, but that might be a good test of our humble caretaker's skill."

George nodded. "We've spread our stock out too. If Filch gets lucky, then we won't lose everything," he shrugged. "We had to abandon the bathroom we used."

"Right nice place we set up, too," Fred sighed. "We'll always remember Wanda."

Harry glanced back and forth between the twins. "You know... I don't even want to know how you two came up with the name of Wanda for a disused bathroom. On that... mildly disturbing note, I need to get down to the Hospital Wing," he snorted.

"Ah, time to talk with the good healer," George said with a nod. "Saw you talking with her a few times."

Harry nodded but didn't say anything else. He waved to the twins as he cast a Disillusionment Charm over himself. It was easier to move around the school invisible than it was to deal with the other student's whispering, stares, and outright loathing. Being invisible wasn't easy, as he had to be careful when others were in the corridors. Harry had a feeling Professor Moody could see through the Disillusionment Charm as his magical eye tracked Harry more than once.

"Madam Pomfrey," he greeted with a smile as he stood up from his conjured chair. The Hospital Wing doors were closed when he'd arrived so he waited by reading a book about the human body that the healer lent him. As he was trying to understand the muscles and veins in the human arm, the doors opened to reveal Madam Pomfrey and a red-eyed Beauxbatons witch. Harry's enthusiasm died when they spotted him. "Sorry," he found himself apologizing.

The French student rattled something off to Madam Pomfrey so quickly that Harry couldn't understand her, even with the limited French vocabulary he had. The healer gave her charge a thin-lipped smile before answering in French. Harry thought Madam Pomfrey said something to the effect of, "that he is."

"We... should speak inside," the healer said after she escorted her charge to the end of the corridor, speaking low enough that Harry couldn't overhear them.

"Right," he answered, unsure of what brought about the subtle difference in the way Madam Pomfrey spoke. He couldn't put his finger on what was wrong, but something was bothering the healer.

"Mr. Potter, I'm going to come right out and say it," she said as she took a seat on a stool. "I can't continue to teach you what I know."

Harry gaped at her. "Was it something I did? You and I both know that Age Potion was safe for Fred and George! I didn't change much, just the way we brewed it. It was supposed to make it more potent," he babbled, not believing his ears. They'd made a lot of progress over the few weeks Madam Pomfrey helped him. She probably helped speed up his research by months, if not years.

"Harry," she interrupted him with a sad smile. "It's because you are a Hogwarts Champion. I can't teach you something that could be seen as favoritism."

"What? No way. Then Professor McGonagall and Profesor Flitwick can't show me anything either," Harry argued, crossing his arms. "They'd be more likely to teach me something to get through a mysterious task than you would."

"True, but they are your real teachers. There are allowances for that. I am a healer and do not teach a class you attend."

He felt betrayed. "I hate this stupid tournament," he sighed. "I'll go back to my notes and just continue on as I have. Thank you for your assistance," he said as he headed for the door.

"This was brought to my attention as a way to protect you from anyone trying to say you cheated," Madam Pomfrey said as she rose. Harry stopped and looked at her. "This does not mean I will stop looking into your cursed burns. If anything, I want to have made significant progress by the end of the term. I have a feeling you will do far better than anyone realizes, even Dumbledore. What you've shown me is not only a keen mind but also a methodical way of approaching every subject I've tried to teach you."

"Thank you," he said. There wasn't anything else he could think to say. Right then he wanted to reduce the Goblet of Fire into fine dust along with whoever put his name in the goblet.

"I know you're disappointed, and believe me, I am as well. Next term I expect you back here. Keep up your reading. I'm sure you are tired of assignments, but I'll have something special prepared for you when we are able to work together again. A test, if you will, of what you've learned during this term and over the summer."

Harry nodded, not trusting himself to speak. As he turned he heard, "oh, and Mr. Potter." He didn't turn back around again. "Show whoever put your name in that goblet that they chose the wrong wizard to humiliate. Show them what Harry Potter can do."

"I will."

Harry didn't go up to the study classroom. He wanted to vent a little frustration on the mannequin on the sixth floor. After reducing the dueling dummy to scrap, Harry sat down against the wall and felt drained. He hadn't wanted to admit how much he'd been hoping to make some progress on his burns. "Merlin's fucking saggy testicles," he sighed as his head drooped. Tears of frustration leaked from his eyes, but he couldn't summon enough willpower to make them stop.

It took a lot of effort for Harry to get out of bed early. He wasn't sure how he'd feel if Daphne didn't show up for their walk. His friends commented about his mood at dinner, but Harry waved them off. He said he was just feeling under the weather and went to bed early. Ron was already awake when Harry got to the Common Room.

"Got a minute?"

"Not at the moment, but when I get back I do," Harry answered carefully.

"Meeting Daphne?" Ron sighed.

Harry wasn't sure how Ron knew or if anyone else knew. "Yes," he finally answered as he headed for the portrait hole.

"I'll walk with you at least to the Entrance Hall," Ron said as he stepped up beside Harry. They walked in silence for a little bit before Ron spoke again. "When did you start teaching Neville how to duel?"

"A few weeks ago. He wanted to improve."

"Why didn't you invite me?"

Harry thought through what he wanted to say before answering. "First, because Neville was the one asking. I didn't choose to teach Neville over you, just that you didn't seem keen on it. All the pick-up games and continuing to train with the Gryffindor Team... well, I thought you'd keep doing that. Go figure that I'd become a champion and everyone would hate my friends for it," he sighed.

Ron was quiet until they reached the Grand Staircase. "I thought it was something I did," he admitted in a quiet voice. "I know I wanted you to play this year and pestered you a lot over the summer. I just thought it might be something like that."

"No... well, yes you did, but no, that isn't the reason I didn't come to you for learning with Neville. If you want to learn then I don't see why you can't join us. I'm not teaching Neville anything special, just how to plan ahead when dueling. Always focus on defense and wait for an opportunity to strike, or if you can't find one, make one."

Ron grumbled something that sounded like Wizard Chess. "Could you tell me about the next time you two duel? I want to see it and see if I can't pick some things up," he asked.

"Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, up on the sixth floor," Harry answered. "I'll show you where," he promised as he mentally sighed. He'd need to find another place to have a little personal space. The study classroom didn't feel like it did, with so many students coming and going.

Ron left Harry to his thoughts with a quiet thanks. Harry had too much time to wonder who else knew about him and Daphne as he waited for the blonde-haired Slytherin he'd come to respect and like a lot. Quiet footsteps made him turn around from staring at the lake.

Daphne Greengrass, her hair blowing in the cool morning stood ten feet behind him with a small smile that graced her thin lips. "I missed last week," she greeted.

"I missed you even more for it," Harry found himself saying. Daphne's wind-rosy cheeks reddened further. He stepped forward and extended his hand.

Daphne took it and interlaced her fingers with his slowly. "I... couldn't make it," she apologized. "My... sister wasn't feeling well."

"I noticed both of you were absent from breakfast," Harry remarked. "Is she better now?"

"She... is better."

Harry heard the words "for now" in her tone. He wouldn't press the question. Instead, he simply squeezed her hand once and gently led her toward the path.

"I couldn't believe it when Professor Dumbledore called your name," she whispered.

Harry snorted. "You and me both," he sourly said. "I didn't want anything to do with the tournament, least of all, now."

"You looked angry... when you went to the Staff Room with the others."

"More confused... and yes, a little angry. Someone put my name in the Goblet of Fire."

Daphne gently squeezed his hand. Harry felt pressure on the back of his left hand. He looked down to see her thumb caressing his slightly marred skin. "Are you ready? Like mentally? I know everyone thinks it'll be all fun and children's games, but there were deaths," she asked quietly. "I don't know if I would be ready for something like this," Daphne added a moment later.

"I don't know," Harry admitted. "I guess I'll do my best." He knew he didn't sound very cool or charming, but he couldn't think of anything else to say other than the truth. "What are you wearing? It smells really nice," he complimented as a way to get off the uncomfortable topic. Harry could have sworn Daphne's cheeks reddened further, but he couldn't tell through her curtain of blonde hair.

"Just something I picked up," she mumbled. "I'm glad you like it."

"I do," Harry said as he saw a strange black beetle with dark circles near the head. "One moment, you have something on your shoulder," he said as he flicked his hand. The beetle went flying off Daphne's shoulder and hurtled toward the lake with the assistance of his magic. "You had a beetle on your robes, sorry."

Daphne shivered. "No, it's quite alright. I'm glad you didn't tell me what it was first," she said. "I greatly dislike most bugs."

"Don't worry, I get the willies when I work with flubberworms," Harry laughed. He squeezed her hand lightly.

By the time Harry made it back to the castle, he was in much better spirits. He and Daphne had talked about anything that came to mind. She said couldn't wait to see him in the first task and would cheer him on. Harry wasn't sure she'd cheer for him out loud. He'd known Daphne was a private person and kept things close to her chest, but their walks had shown him a different side of her that he wasn't sure many had ever seen outside of her close family and friends.

That afternoon, one of the twins slipped Harry the Maurader's Map in the corridor outside the Gryffindor Tower. "Fred says he saw Charlie's name on the map," George whispered. "I didn't see it, but he told me to let you know. Charlie was down at Hagrid's hut."

"Thanks," Harry said and pocketed the Map. "Why would your brother be here and not in Romania? Think there was a problem that St. Mungo's needed to check out?"

"Beats me. I hope not. Last I heard he was fit to go back to work. I wonder if he's staying in Hogsmede to get away from Mum. I know she hounded him before the Cup."

"Maybe I can track him down if he reenters the grounds. I never go to see him after the... well," Harry said, trailing off.

"We didn't get to see him either. Sneak him into the castle if you can. We'd love to prank him," George laughed as he headed back toward the Fat Lady and the entrance to the Gryffindor Tower.

Harry spotted Charlie Weasley on the Map just before dinner. He was at Hagrid's hut again. Before Harry could escape his friends to spy on Charlie, Ron and Neville pulled him aside. "Mate, you need to read this," Ron hissed as he shoved the Daily Prophet into his hands.

On the cover was a picture of Harry and Daphne, taking a walk around the lake. Harry felt his blood boil when he saw the name of the author, Rita Skeeter. "It... isn't great," Neville muttered as he pointed to a paragraph farther down the front page. "She says some pretty nasty things about you being a nutter and destroying her property."

"That'll be another thing for Sirius to get her with later," Harry muttered. "I didn't get a chance to tell him about the Wand Weighing Ceremony. Oh well," he sighed.

Daphne was at dinner, but she sat only with Tracy Davis and her sister, Astoria. It was obvious she was a pariah in her House. Harry clenched his fists under the table while trying to keep his expression calm. He left when he judged Daphne was almost done eating without speaking to the others. Whispers followed him as he strode toward the Great Hall.

"Ashamed, Potter?" a sneering voice called.

"The only thing I'm ashamed of, Draco Malfoy, is the narrow-minded students of this school," Harry answered in a loud, carrying voice as he exited the Great Hall. He waited at the bottom of the stairs leading to the dungeons. Invisible, he tucked himself into an alcove and used the Maurader's Map to watch for Daphne to leave the Great Hall. After five minutes of waiting, he saw her name appear out of the jumble of names. Tracy Davis, Astoria, and Blaise Zabini all headed toward the stairs down to the dungeons.

Harry didn't know what to think of Zabini. Pure-blooded, the light-skinned wizard got on well with Draco and his gang but also was friends with the more reasonable Slytherins. He knew Daphne acquired Zabini and Theodore Nott's assistance the previous year to help him but didn't know their relationship.

"... with Father. I... don't know if it'll be enough," Daphne said, trailing off as she passed Harry's hiding place.

"I don't think Father will ignore something so big. And you stepped outside the bounds of the agreement," Astoria sighed.

"Who do you think Mr. Greengrass will want to murder more? Potter or Skeeter?" Zabini chuckled.

"It'll depend on my next letter," Daphne sighed, her voice going fainter. "No more talk. The walls have..."

Harry crossed his arms and debated what to do. He was going to check on her but realized she wouldn't need comfort. Daphne was as strong emotionally as she was impressive in everything she put her mind to. He sighed and slid down the stone wall into a sitting position. Maybe he shouldn't have blown up Skeeter's bloody quill.

When Harry returned to the Common Room right at curfew, he realized the article, or maybe his hasty words, had done more damage to his reputation than being seen as a champion who cheated to get in. Several Gryffindors made it clear they disapproved of his choice of female companions.

"How could you fall for a Slytherin's tricks?" Cormac McLaggen sneered as Harry made his way toward the dormitory stairs.

"Get bewitched by her snakey smile?" Cleveley laughed, his tone harsh.

"Us narrow-minded fools could never see what you see in her... I suppose," Murley added.

Harry looked at the three Gryffindors who'd mocked him. He noticed several others watching him closely, including Katie Bell and Angelina Johnson. "Daphne Greengrass is a beautiful young witch who, yes did catch my eye with her smile, Cleveley," Harry stated in a flat, almost bored voice. "She is smart, far smarter than you Cormac, and is witty. She can make me laugh, and I can hold a real conversation with her, unlike you Murley. So, yes you are narrow-minded fools for not seeing Daphne as an intelligent witch who happens to be a Slytherin," he finished as he walked away. Harry tried not to smile at the stunned silence that followed him.

Just because Harry won the first round of verbal dueling, didn't mean the other Gryffindors had forgiven him for "dallying with the enemy." There was a long history of bad blood between the two Houses, and Harry figured nothing would ever change that. What he didn't understand was why the others didn't care that Neville was basically dating a Slytherin. What made it okay for Neville to date Zoe Stewart but it wasn't accepted for Harry to date Daphne? He ignored the stares, whispers, and outright jeering at him during the following two days. At breakfast on Wednesday, Harry passed Daphne another letter. He told her that he was sorry that things came out the way they had, that he hoped things weren't too bad for her within Slytherin or at home, and that he missed her smile and dazzling eyes.

Daphne stared at him when he entered the Potion's Classroom. He locked eyes with her. When she looked away, he thought she had a slight blush on her cheeks but couldn't tell in the low light. The previous day, Harry noticed the other Slytherins giving Daphne a wide berth and even shot her venomous looks when she wasn't watching. Today, it seemed something had happened within the Slytherin House. Daphne wasn't alone, as Nott sat next to her, his back rigid. Theodore didn't glance at Harry even once during the class, but something in the way he was studiously not trying to antagonize Harry or his friends was a sign of something. Harry just wasn't sure what it could mean. Did Daphne find an ally who would publically stand with her? Harry wasn't sure what to think, and Snape didn't let him ruminate on the issue.

Professor Snape was a veritable fountain of verbal filth directed at Harry. Every second sentence either demeaned Harry, his intelligence, or his veracity at being a Hogwarts Champion. There was no subtly to the Potion Master's hostility. Harry sat through the entire class scribbling down some of the more insightful phrases and words to describe his failing character. If changed, he could use them properly to really express his dislike of someone else, like Malfoy.

That night, Harry saw Charlie Weasley on the Map once more. This time, Hagrid left with the older Weasley to head toward the Forbidden Forest and off the Map's edge. Harry frowned and sat back against his pillow. For Charlie to meet Hagrid once or twice was understandable if he stayed in Hogsmede, but three times was stretching coincidence. Charlie could be inviting Hagrid down to the Three Broomsticks in Hogsmede, but the direction they disappeared off the Map from was wrong. Harry stopped himself from doning his Invisibility Cloak and sneaking out to inspect the area. He needed to have a plan.

All through the day on Thursday, Harry struggled to pay attention in class. An inescapable feeling of dread wouldn't release its stranglehold on his imagination and guts. Charlie Weasley, tamer and dragon breeder was at Hogwarts again. Draco Malfoy's oddly specific hopes about how Harry should die. The Triwizard Tournament and the first task. Harry didn't want to speculate, didn't want to jump to the wrong conclusions. Despite his attempts, his mind could only come up with one answer from all the clues, and it wasn't good for him. He only hoped he was wrong.

"That makes four," Harry muttered as he watched the Maurader's Map. Rubeus Hagrid and Olympe Maxime made their way toward the corner of the Map. Igor Karkaroff followed behind the pair at a safe distance. A little ways behind the Durmstrang Headmaster, Alastor Moody slowly followed the others.

Harry did not want to get caught and he couldn't take a chance that Professor Moody's eye couldn't see through his Cloak. Knowing where the ex-Auror was at all times was a great boon. Harry kept well behind the others until he lost them off the edge of the Map. He decided to wait, hidden in the hollow of a stand of trees near Hagrid's hut. It took him a moment to realize where he was. Harry could see the pumpkin patch from where he stood. It was the same place he'd tried to watch Buckbeak's execution.

An hour later, Harry saw Karkaroff appear on the Map and head toward the lake and his ship. A few minutes after, Hagrid and Madame Maxime appeared together from the same direction. They made their way toward the castle, passing well away from Harry's hiding place. It took much longer for Professor Moody to reappear on the Map. To Harry's relief, the professor looped around the forest and came out near the lake, presumably to watch Karkaroff.

Harry followed the clear trail through the forest that Hagrid and Madame Maxime left. He could find their footprints in the soft mud even if the moon wasn't out. The path led him a short way into the Forbidden Forest and kept him away from the darkest clumps of trees. He heard the shouts of several voices before he emerged into the expansive clearing.

Three enclosures made of thick wood held the only thing Harry could think of all day. Dragons. There was a silvery-blue one with long, pointed horns that snapped and snarled at a cluster of wizards. It blew great gouts of fire that did little against its wooden pen. A smooth green-scaled dragon looked the least dangerous until it spat a tongue of fire at the seven wizards guarding its cage. The last was a red dragon with fine gold spikes around its face that seemed more interested in burning the enclosure than it was with the wizards.

All told, there might have been thirty or forty witches and wizards trying to calm the raging magical beasts. Harry watched as teams of five to seven cast Stunning Spells at the dragons. Most of the red spells hit the dragon's hide, doing little to nothing. He watched for twenty minutes, trying to figure out a way he would be able to combat a dragon. Something that stood out to him was the round of congratulations when a witch or wizard got a successful hit on the dragon's face. He wanted to look into that. It looked extremely hard to successfully land a spell on a target that moved with whip-like speed.

Harry got back to the castle later than he'd intended. Professor Moody was still prowling the grounds. Once inside the Common Room, Harry found it hard to think about going to bed. All he could do was imagine himself facing off against a dragon for some silly tournament. It didn't feel like someone wanted to humiliate him anymore. Someone wanted him dead.

He missed Transfiguration and Ancient Runes the next morning, being unable to sleep until the sun was almost up. Ron and Neville tried to get him up, but Harry told them to go ahead and that he'd catch up with them later. He knew he couldn't stay in bed all day, as he had double Potions that afternoon. As unpleasant as the class was, Harry had a feeling the surly professor would find a way to make his life difficult. His mind was filled with images of the dragons. They looked massive compared to the wizards, but he knew it might be how dark it was or his imagination.

"Harry, how are you?" Hermione asked as he sat down at the Gryffindor Table. She looked worried.

"Fine, I slept poorly. We'll need to discuss something this afternoon," he muttered with a look around the Great Hall. Nothing looked different than any other afternoon, but Harry felt like something had changed.

Potions was dreadful, and Snape really did try to poison Harry. In front of the class, the Potion Master made him drink a vial of green substance, that would burn Harry's insides until he died. However, if Harry brewed his Antivenom Potion correctly, then he could be fine.

"Yeah, no, I'm not drinking that," Harry stated while standing in front of the class when Snape ambushed him with the question.

"Don't have any faith in your potion, Potter?" Snape sneered.

"No, I don't have any faith in you professor. You're a liar and hate me for some reason or another only you can know. I simply don't trust you to give me the venom we've been studying for my potion to counteract. It would be just like you to switch the poison for something else."

The look Snape gave him was of pure hatred. "I do not lie," he hissed.

"Maybe, but you bend the truth so far it could turn into a circle."

"That'll be twenty points for your remarks, Potter. Drink the venom."

"Hey, at least I have witnesses now. If you did lie, then Professor Moody gets to throw you in Azkaban. I think he's looking forward to it with how much he stalks you," Harry laughed as he downed the poison in one go. At first, he didn't feel anything but then fire as he'd only once experienced burned in the back of his throat. Snatching up his antidote, Harry drained it and conjured water to wash the disgusting taste down. It had been a fast-acting venom that didn't need to be in the bloodstream of its victims.

"Well... it seems you did brew an antidote," Snape sneered, but Harry thought he could see something else lurking behind the professor's eyes. It might not have been fear, but it was probably as close to it as the oily snake felt. Moody scared Snape.

"You shouldn't have drunk that," Hermione hissed as they made their way up to the study classroom.

"Need to take a detour," Harry said, ignoring his friend's admonishment. She was right, but Snape got under his skin. He was proud of his potioneering skill.

"Where are we going, mate?" Ron asked.

"The Library."

Ron groaned but followed along. Neville was quiet the entire way, sometimes giving Harry strange looks. When they sat down at one of the tables, he finally spoke. "You seem more... determined today."

"Yeah, I figured out the first task."

That brought everyone up short. Harry had made sure they were alone before speaking. "How?" "What!" "Really?" Hermione, Ron, and Neville asked at the same time.

"Quiet," Harry hissed as he glanced at Madam Pince. She hovered at the end of the stacks, staring at them as if she was looking for a reason to throw them out. The others saw where he was looking and quickly quietened.

"How did you figure it out?" Hermione asked first, her voice low.

"The Map. One of the twins saw Charlie on it. I saw him and Hagrid leave toward the Forest. I followed Hagrid, Madame Maxime, Karkaroff, and Professor Moody last night. The task will deal with dragons."

Ron sucked in a breath, his eyes wide. "Mate..." he breathed.

"But surely you won't have to fight one," Hermione fretted.

"Malfoy's threat... or rather wish," Neville sighed. "He knew."

"Yeah, I'll bet with his father in the Minister's pocket, or maybe the other way around, that's he knew before anyone else," Harry sighed.

"What are you going to do?" Hermione asked.

"Why... look up everything there is to know about dragons and how to defeat them."

That Saturday was the first Hogsmede weekend, and Harry wanted to meet Sirius instead of using the mirror. He had a feeling his godfather was going to be less than enthused to hear about the first task. Before bed, Harry spoke to Sirius through the mirror to ask if he'd meet them in the Three Broomsticks the next afternoon. Sirius was excited and quickly agreed with his trademark grin.

Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Neville moved through the crowd of students waiting by the Entrance Hall to walk down to Hogsmead. Ginny, Luna, and Colin were already waiting. Colin greeted Harry with his usual level of energy, that was to say, Harry had to ask the younger student to calm down twice before Colin settled down.

Ginny and Hermione walked together, their heads close as the students made their way down the path. Harry wondered how Ginny was taking the news. He knew, mostly from everyone around him, that she harbored a crush on him. If Mr. Weasley hadn't sat him down and basically came right out and said it, then Harry would have never noticed. He sighed. His own love life was up in the air. Daphne never responded to his letter and failed to meet him again for their walk. He wasn't sure if that was a sign or not that she'd changed her mind about them. Harry wasn't even sure there was a them. Witches were so confusing.

"Harry!" Sirius called as the small group entered the Three Broomsticks.

Sirius Black swept Harry into a crushing hug. "Oi, get off, get off, you smelly dog," Harry shot back, but he couldn't stop smiling. It took him a moment to realize everyone was staring at them. "Ah, well, I'm glad you made it. Do you think we can get a table, away from..."

"Yes, follow me, dears," a feminine voice called. Harry looked past Sirius to see Madam Rosmerta smiling at him. His eyes flicked to her low-cut robes before he could look away. He swore he heard her laughing at him but couldn't be sure.

Once everyone got settled with a Butterbeer, and in Sirius' case a Firewhisky, Harry cast a ward around the table. He saw Madam Rosmerta's eyes widen as she watched him, but she didn't say anything. "She does cut a striking figure," Sirius commented with a bark of a laugh.

"Boys," Hermione huffed.

Once Harry was sure that they were safe from being overheard, he turned to his godfather to open his mouth. He closed it again and carefully looked around the booth. When he didn't spot anything that could overhear them, he said, "the first task is dragons."

Sirius, watching him, blinked. "Dragons? As in... fire-breathing, scaley things with long wings and sharp teeth, dragons?" he asked sharply.

"Three of them."

"Well... I'm glad you aren't panicking," Sirius muttered as he shakily took a sip of his Firewisky. The amber liquid sloshed, but Sirius didn't seem to notice, his eyes focused on something only he could see.

"We've done some research, but I wanted you to know before you showed up to see the task," Harry said into the lingering silence. Everyone was watching Sirius.

"Well... they aren't hard to fight. Keep your distance and hit them in the eyes. That is one of the weakest spots on a dragon, their eyes. The rest of them is covered by magical scales that would take some serious magic, like Dumbledore-level, to even crack," Sirius sighed.

"Yeah, well... there is another problem," Harry said. All eyes turned to him. "Cedric is the only one of the champions who doesn't know about them."

"That's fine," Sirius huffed. "His father blamed me for that Skeeter article. She spelled Cedric's name wrong and wrote only one sentence about him. Apparently, I'm raising a big-headed fool."

"You're raising me?" Harry laughed.

"Eh... more guiding. You're already raised, but you keep wetting your robes."

"That was one time and that was because your jinx hit me in the bladder."

"That's the point of the spell," Sirius laughed. "It makes the target piss themselves. Oh boy, your face was priceless."

"I should curse you into a puddle here and now, old man."

"You couldn't touch a hair on my fine head," Sirius mocked.

"Boys!" Hermione snapped. "We have other things to discuss."

"Right, right," Sirius laughed. "I say you let him flounder. It is a tournament after all."

"He has a point," Ron said with a laugh. "That, and he's on the Hufflepuff Quidditch Team. They don't get breaks, Harry."

"He's a Hogwart's Champion," Neville sighed. "The others will know about the dragons."

"Oh, right, I forgot to tell you that I'm almost certain Durmstrang and Beuxbatons Champions will know too. Karkaroff and Madame Maxime were near there, I think. They went that direction at least, and once you reach a certain point, well, it's impossible not to see them."

Sirius grumbled. "I still say you should let him do this on his own. If you hadn't seen them, then no one would have told you. Would Cedric have told you if he were in your position?" he challenged.

"I... honestly don't know."

The short trip to Hogsmead went swimmingly for Harry and his friends. Sirius left them to have fun while he tried to flirt with Madam Rosmerta. Harry was sure his godfather wouldn't be able to get anywhere with the famously attractive witch, but he wished him luck all the same. Rita Skeeter tried to stop Harry twice for an interview, during their walk through the small village. He ignored her and her vicious jibes about dating Daphne.

"What a revolting witch," Hermione hissed once they were back up at the castle.

"Gran wrote and said she would look into things," Neville announced with a frown. "I forgot to tell you, Harry. Apparently, she isn't even supposed to be on school grounds unless it's for a Triwizard Event. Gran says she supports you."

Harry blinked and nodded. "Thank you. I'll write her back," he mumbled. He might have met Agusta Longbottom a few times, but he didn't think she thought much of him. Cedric Diggory, Cho Chang, and two older Ravenclaw students walked through the Entrance Hall as Harry and his friends headed toward the Grand Staircase. Harry made his decision and waited until the group of Ravenclaws got off on the fifth floor. He knew where their Common Room was.

"Diggory, a word," he called after telling his friends he'd catch up with them in the study classroom.

Cedric and his group stopped and turned around. Harry stood with a neutral expression near the door to the Staircase. "I don't have time to speak with you, Potter," Cedric called and started to turn away.

"On your head be it," Harry shrugged and turned to leave. With a reception like that, Sirius was right, Diggory could flounder on his own.

"What's it about? That Granger girl's S.P.E.W. garbage?" the other seventh-year Ravenclaw boy laughed.

"It was a conversation between champions, but that is moot now," Harry said as he made his way back to the Grand Staircase.

Harry made it to the next floor when he saw Diggory appear through the door on the floor below. Cho Chang was with him, speaking in a low voice. Cedric's face made it seem like he wasn't completely willing to be there. Harry turned back and started to climb the stairs toward the seventh floor. He needed to get his notes on the new flashcards and Invisibility Cloak from his trunk.

"Potter," Cedric called as Harry made his way toward the Gryffindor Common Room. Harry stopped and turned to see the Ravenclaw pair. Cho was holding Cedric's hand.

"Cedric," he said.

"What did you need to talk about?" Diggory asked. He wasn't out of breath, but he was breathing heavily.

"The First Task."

"Oh... you know what it is?"

"Do you?"

Cho looked between them and bit her lip. "Should... you even be discussing this?" she asked in a quiet voice.

"If you know, then there is no reason to continue this conversation. There are ears in every portrait along this hallway. If you don't know, then follow me," Harry instructed before heading toward the disused boy's bathroom farther down the corridor. He heard the sounds of footfalls behind him.

"Wow... this is... something," Cho remarked as she looked around the boy's bathroom with evident disgust and even a little interest.

"I think someone used this place as a way to test spells or potions," Harry said, knowing the real story behind the bathroom's lingering odor. "The First Task will deal with dragons," he announced without preamble.

Cedric started, his eyes flicking to Harry. "How can you be sure?" he demanded.

"Saw three of them in the Forbidden Forest. A group of thirty or forty wizards struggled to keep them contained. I wasn't the only one to see them either. Professor Karkaroff and Madame Maxime were there."

"So the other champions will know," Cedric hissed. "I... thank you."

"How do we know you're telling the truth?" Cho Chang asked, her eyes narrowed.

Harry looked at the fifth-year witch and shrugged. "What other information do you have? I'm betting none. It was pure chance that I learned of it. As for telling the truth..." he finished with a shrug. "I don't much care either way if you believe me. I told Cedric because he's the rightful Hogwart's Champion. Someone either tried to rig the system or threw my name in there with a few others to make it look like an accident of Dumbledore's magic."

"You think someone did all that to get at you?" Cedric laughed. "That's some paranoia to go with your big head."

"Only if it's true," Harry darkly answered. "This will be the last time I help. After this conversation, we don't speak to each other again," he ordered as he pushed past the surprised pair. Using wandless magic, Harry closed the door behind him with a deafening crash. Before Cedric or Cho could get the door open again, Harry was invisible under the Disillusionment Charm and heading in the opposite direction of the two Ravenclaws' calls for him to return. If that is how they wanted to act, Harry would let Cedric face the trials alone. He shouldn't have helped him anyway.