Magical Origins
Year 4: The First Task
As expected, the two weeks went by fast. So focused on his training, the days just blurred together, it seemed like only yesterday he learned about the Dragons and was speaking to his Vassals about his best shot at survival. Now, he was wearing black with green inside color robes. They were specially designed robes for the champions. Cedric had black robes with yellow color. Krum had black robes with red colors. Fleur was different and wearing light blue robes.
Cedric was sitting down, looking down at the floor, and wasn't speaking. Cedric slowly realized what was going to happen was becoming too much for him to bear. Krum was standing in the corner, and he appeared to be sulking. Or at the very least, bored out of his mind. Fleur was sitting down and looking at her wand.
Two weeks ago, after he told Cedric about the Dragons, Ron Weasley and walked up to him with Seamus and a fifth year, Cormac McLaggen. Ron said he started a betting pool with the odds of him dying in the First Task within the first five minutes. Ron had a smug looked on his face as he wore his 'Potter Stinks' with pride.
Harry mocked Ron back, reminding Ron if he won the Tournament, he would win more gold than what his family has seen in twenty years. He also asked the Weasley how did it feel when he would never hold a galleon in his life and would end up fucking his own sister to keep his bloodline 'pure.' That remark sent the young Weasley in fumes of hate, and the trio fired spells upon Harry. Harry was quick to retaliate and match them. They were poor duelists, but they kept throwing and shouting spells hoping to hit Harry, unable to penetrate his magical defenses.
The duel ended when Professor Moody came marching into the courtyard with his wand out and firing his own spells at the four of them. Ron, Seamus, and Cormac scattered before Moody collected Harry and brought him into his office.
Inside his office, Mad-Eye spoke to Harry about the First Task and tried to offer him advice. Harry quickly dismissed the Defense Professor's help and told him he had a plan. He calmly walks out but couldn't help but be puzzled by his Professor's desire to help him when he knew he wasn't allowed to offer any assistance.
After that, Harry asked his Professors to skip his lessons as he had to prepare for the First Task. They agreed, reminding him that he would have to play catch up once the First Task was finished. Harry agreed, knowing the long hours of mastering transfiguration and the summoning charm would come in handy.
So Harry trained. He would wake up, eat breakfast, then go to the dungeons to practice the Transfiguration spell to change various objects into wolves. The first initial week's progress showed he had been almost hopeless. The second week, he was making significant headway. They were starting to move around and obey his commands. Making them last, however, was another problem he was having. He was also having trouble getting the summoning charm down.
It was the night before the First Task, where he saw signs of improvement.
He knew the transfiguration spell he would be performing would be commonly taught when he was in his sixth or seventh year. The summoning charm, however, would be the real challenge. He took his Firebolt to the Slytherin lockers but didn't lock it up. He was taking a risk, knowing it could be stolen, but he really didn't have a choice, and it didn't seem likely that any of the teams or his own teammates would be coming into the lockers.
So here he was, standing in the Champions Tent, taking deep and slow breaths. He was trying to relax, but it was hard to remain calm. In a few moments, he would be facing a dragon. If Harry thought the Basilisk was terrifying, it was nothing like his current predicament. The Basilisk was easier to handle simply because he and Lily were Parselmouths. They also were Elementals.
The mere memory of Harry sending the ice spikes into the Basilisk body as Lily burned the Basilisk brought a smile to his face.
If Lily were facing the dragon, she wouldn't have any trouble. She was fireproof. She had the capability of walking in a volcano without getting hurt.
Harry half wished it was Lily who was facing the dragon and not him.
The tent opens, and Daphne walks in.
"Harry," Daphne said as she walks up to him.
Harry gives her a smile.
"I thought you would be with your sister in the stands," Harry said.
"I'll be heading to the stands soon. Are you okay?" Daphne asked.
"Nervous. Dragons are one of the toughest creatures in the magical world. I'm not sure even the Basilisk made me feel this way." Harry said.
No one comment on Harry's remark about the Dragons. Harry's suspicions were dead on as both Fleur and Krum showed no surprised of what the First Task was. Harry was right in thinking that both Karkaroff and Maxime told their champions of the First Task.
Daphne looked very nervous as she stood there.
Then without warning, she flung herself at Harry. Wrapping her arms around Harry's neck, bringing him into a tight hug.
"Don't die," Daphne said as she tried not to cry as Harry hugs her back.
"I won't," Harry said.
A suddenly flash brought Harry and Daphne apart as they turn to see Rita Skeeter and her Photographer walking in.
"Such young love," Rita said quick quills began to write. "How… stirring." Rita said as her smart quill writes it down. "If everything goes, unfortunately, today, you two may even make the front page," Rita said to Daphne and Harry.
"You have no business here," Krum said as he walks forward. "This tent is for champions, and for friends."
"No matter. We've got what we wanted." Rita said as she walks away in the corner.
Harry nods his head in appreciation and thanks.
The tent opens again, and Dumbledore, along with Barty Crouch, Ludo Bagman, Igor Karkaroff, and Madame Maxime, all walked in.
"Good day, champions!" Dumbledore said in a very cheerful tone of voice. "Gather around, please," Dumbledore said as the Four Champions gather around the judges. "Now, you've waited, you've wondered, and at last the moment has arrived, a moment, only four of you can fully appreciate," Dumbledore said as he looks around. Dumbledore looks at Daphne quickly before looking at the other champions, but he quickly turns back to Daphne. "What are you doing here, Miss Greengrass?"
"Oh, I was… wishing Harry luck. I'll go back into my seat," Daphne said as she takes a couple steps back and leaves the tent.
"Barty," Dumbledore said as Bartimus Crouch walks forward.
"The moment has arrived. Now the first task is straightforward. We have prepared you, four very real dragons. One for each of you. Now you are not to defeat your dragons. A dragon is too much to handle even for adult witches and wizards, and we don't expect students to defeat one. Your objective is much easier. Get past your dragon and collect the golden egg. This egg must be collected, for it contains a clue to the second task. One that you cannot hope to complete without collecting the egg. When you start, you have thirty minutes to collect your egg, or you will be disqualified. Now," Barty said as he pulls out a bag. "Miss Delacour, if you please," Barty said as he offers Fleur the bag.
She reaches inside and pulls out a miniature-size dragon. It was green with four legs and wings and looked like a primary dragon from paintings Harry's seen in Muggle children's books.
"The Welsh Green," Barty Crouch said as he turns to Krum. "Mister Krum."
Krum reaches inside and pulls out his own dragon.
"The Chinese Fireball," Crouch said as he turns to Cedric. "Mister Diggory."
Cedric reaches in and pulls out his dragon. "The Swedish Snort-Snout." Mr. Crouch said as he turns to Harry. "Which leaves…"
Harry said nothing as he reaches into the bag and pulls out his dragon.
The moment he saw his dragon, he was cursing his luck for having to take part in the tournament.
He just pulled out one of the most vicious and deadliest dragons in existence: The Hungarian Horntail. Covered in bony spikes, from head to tail, its front end was just as dangerous as its backend. As the spikes on its tail would most likely impale him if he got too close. Horntails also had an incredible range with their fire breath. While most dragons only let out streams of fire from twenty feet away, Horntails had records of reaching forty feet.
The odds were not in Harry's favor. Dumbledore gives Harry a worried look before he quickly recovers to focus on the task at hand.
"Very well, Mister Diggory, you will go first. Followed by Miss Delacour, then Mister Krum. Mister Potter will be last. At the sound of the cannon, you can start." Dumbledore said.
The judges all walk out, leaving the champions to wonder what they got themselves into. They all went back to their respective areas to collect themselves before they faced their dragon.
Harry was so lost in thought he almost missed Dumbledore's magically enhanced voice speaking out. A cannon blast echoed at the end of Dumbledore's words, and Cedric gets up and takes deep breaths as he walks out of the tent and towards the area.
Harry had no way of seeing how Cedric was fairing. All he could hear was Bagman's voice commenting on Cedric's spells and daring. After fifteen minutes have passed, Bagman reported Cedric's success in collecting his egg.
He didn't announce the scores.
Then Fleur stood up and went to face her dragon. Leaving Harry and Krum alone in the tent. They said nothing to each other. Just sat in silence.
After ten minutes, Fleur apparently was successful too.
Krum gets up to leave to face his dragon leaving Harry alone.
Harry wondered if Voldemort was really responsible for putting his name in the Goblet of Fire. Then the real question was, how did he do it. He knew his death was something the Dark Lord has long wanted and desired. Harry was the one who ruined his reputation and restored hope and peace to the magical world.
He was sure Sirius and Samuel spoke to the Headmaster, and Dumbledore was keeping a careful eye out for any signs of trouble. He also doubts Voldemort could touch him with Dumbledore watching over him. Still, he had to be careful and not slip up so the Dark Lord could take him.
Harry heard the sound of the cannon, and he stood up. Ready to face his dragon. He slowed his breathing and knew he had to be careful. He walks into the area and could see the Horntail, her body crouched was over her eggs.
Harry takes a deep breath and focuses on the task.
Since Halloween night, he's hated being part of the tournament. Hated the person who put his name in the Goblet.
However, now that Harry was standing in the middle of the arena facing the dragon. Harry wanted to win. He wanted to prove he deserved to be a champion. He was a competitor. It's why he played Quidditch. Because he wanted to prove he was the best. Now, he would show the school he deserves to be a champion. He paid no attention to what Bagman was saying, all he was focusing on was getting that egg.
The dragon took notice of Harry and let out a stream of fire directed at Harry. Harry brings his hands up and summons a shield of ice in front of him. The ice was almost instantly vaporized upon impact but remain intact. Then it was over just as quickly as it began.
Harry waves his wand over the loose stones on the ground, and the rubble turns into Direwolves. Harry quickly directed his Direwolves towards the Horntail. The Horntail lets out a roar as the Direwolves attack. The Horntail lets out a stream of fire as the Direwolves broke off and started flanking the Horntail.
"Accio Firebolt!" Harry shouted as he waves his wand.
The Wolves kept charging in at the dragon causing the dragon to snap and breathe fire, but the numbers were too much as the Horntail kept turning around, swinging its spiky tail. Needless to say, the Horntail was very occupied dealing with the transfiguration wolves.
Harry looks up to see his Firebolt arriving. He quickly jumps on and takes it to the sky. He was in his element now. The Horntail was just an overgrown bludger he had to get past.
Harry stays up and waits for his opportunity. He kept waves his wand over more rumble forming more Direwolves.
This caused the Horntail to become very upset. The Horntail kept breathing fire and swatting its tail at the Direwolves. They would get destroy and return to being rumble, but Harry kept making more, as he was safely above.
The Horntail finally left her nest. She charged at a Direwolf intent on breaking the wolf in half with her jaws.
Harry saw his chance and dives. Heading straight for the nest. He quickly scans it and spots the Golden Egg. It was in the middle. Harry reaches out and immediately grabs it.
Out of the corner of his eye, he sees the Horntail had turned around and spotted him. The Horntail lets out a jet stream of fire, and Harry quickly urges his Firebolt to max speed to avoid the incoming fire. Harry flew away to safety.
The Horntail wasn't finished. Convince that Harry stole one of its precious eggs, the Dragon made attempts to give chase. Harry points his wand at the dragon and aims carefully. Aiming for the eyes, cast the Conjuvictus Curse at the Horntail. The Horntail let out a terrible roar that caused everyone in the arena to cover their ears.
Even though she was blind, she still was able to smell Harry and attempted to give chase.
"Stupefy!" several wizards shouted as Horntail quickly succumbs to the stunning spell. Harry turns back to see the falls on the ground.
Harry stops and holds his Golden Egg up high in the air. All Harry could hear was the cheers from the sea of students. Harry spotted Weasley's face and smirked at his frustration. From the looks of it, he disappointed that Harry did well. He gets up and walks away. This caused Harry to smile greatly. Perhaps it was a good thing he was a champion. Upsetting the youngest Weasley boy, brought a smile.
"Look at that!" Bagman shouted with his magically enhanced voice. "Would you look at that. Our youngest champion was the quickest to get to his egg. Mister Potter showed creativity and daring to get to his egg. Now for the votes!" Bagman said.
Harry comes back down and stands next to his Firebolt before the Judges Panel, which he didn't notice earlier. Dumbledore sat in the middle, to his left was Crouch and Madame Maxime. To his right were Bagman and Karkaroff.
Blaise and Daphne come running down to congratulate him. Daphne throws her arms around Harry, and she looked like she was worried sick, yet very relieved.
"You did amazing, mate!" Blaise said as he claps Harry on the back.
"I thought for a moment the Horntail scorch you," Daphne said as she lets go of Harry.
"I've received worse burns," Harry said, remembering the burns he got from Lily in his second year. Daphne gives a short laugh as she stood with Harry.
"You get ten points as a max score from each Judge," Blaise explained.
"Cedric also did Transfiguration as you did. He made a dog off a rock. He was trying to get the dragon to chase the dog instead of him. It worked for a few minutes before the dragon decided to chase him around. He ended up getting pretty badly burned in the process of getting his egg. Fleur used a sleeping spell to enchant her dragon into a slumber, but it snorted out the fire and burn her robes. It was a remarkable use of magic. Get this! Krum didn't even think of flying. He used the same spell you did that hit the dragon in the eyes. However, half the real eggs got squash in the process, and he lost a lot of points for that." Daphne explains.
Fleur and Krum had come out. Krum looked perfectly fine. It looked like he wasn't even touched as he collected his egg. Fleur, on the other hand. Did indeed have her robes burned. Her right sleeve and part of her chest had clearly been burned away. Thankful, her breasts weren't showing as he was sure all the males would lose control of themselves at the mere sight of Fleur's breast. Harry could also see some parts of her golden hair also got scorch. Other than that, she looked perfectly fine.
It was clear both Fleur and Krum had come to watch Harry's performance. Both were holding their golden eggs in their hands. The shadow of Cedric Diggory could be seen in the Healer Tent.
Harry turns back to the Judges Panel and waits for his score to be announced.
Madam Maxime points her wand in the air, and a ribbon was released from her wand and forms itself into a nine.
Crouch stood up and also presents a nine.
Dumbledore stood up and gives a ten.
Bagman, too, stood up and gave a ten.
Next was Karkaroff, he pauses as he holds his wand up. Then his wand exploded and reveals a ribbon. It slowly forms, and Harry was given a four.
"What? You gave Krum Ten!" Blaise shouted.
Apparently, it wasn't just Blaise that was upset, many students were also angry. Including his Karkaroff own Durmstrang students. They were pelting him with trash and booing him. Some were shouting foul names at Karkaroff.
"It doesn't matter, Blaise, Harry's in first place!" Daphne said as she jumps up and down.
"Who is rank below me?" Harry asked.
"Fleur Delacour, she's in second with thirty-eight points. Then Krum with thirty-two. Cedric is last with twenty-five points. However, you're first Harry with forty-two points!" Daphne said she was jumping up and down and was very happy.
Samuel came down with Olivia and Artemis. Sirius was trailing behind them.
"I must say, that was done brilliantly. You made it look so easy." Samuel said.
"What do you expect, Samuel. He is James' son. Quidditch comes naturally to him." Sirius stated proudly.
Artemis hugs Harry. She was starting to show that she was pregnant. At five months pregnant, her belly was beginning to swell. Harry hugs her back and smiles.
'You must remain vigilant, Harry Potter.' A female voice said into his ear. Harry stopped what he was doing and soon became aware the sound in the arena had almost deafened as he was taking in what the Witch of the Wind was saying. He lets go of Artemis and looks around the stadium for the voice. 'Dark forces are moving, and plots are thickening. Your life will be in mortal danger. The Dark Lord seeks to kill you. Enemies are within the school. Trust no one. Only those that you know and have faith in. You must be careful, for dangers is lurking within your school.'
Harry scans the stands and finally spots her. The Witch of the Wind was sitting near the teacher's area. Harry made to move to her, but someone walks past her real quick, and then she was gone.
Dumbledore stood up. "Congratulations to all our champions for passing their first task. The Golden Egg they've collected contains a clue to the Second Task. Now they've earned themselves a break. The second task will not be until February the twenty-fourth at half-past nine. Until such time, I wish you all good luck and enjoy the rest of your day and the upcoming holiday!"
"Harry, Party, Slytherin Common Room!" Blaise said as he shakes Harry.
Harry said nothing as Blaise led the way back to the Common Room.
The party was intense. Several older students quickly went to Hogsmeade while others went to the kitchen to bring back food and drinks. Needless to say, the party was extreme. Harry's Golden Egg was lying on the table as all the students were drinking and congratulating Harry.
The party went on all night.
Artemis also showed up. With permission from Dumbledore that she was allowed to stay but had to return home and couldn't stay the night.
Many remembered Artemis Wynter and were happy to see her again. Many asked who was the father of her baby, but she only smiles and told them it was someone she loved.
"Hey, Harry!" Blaise said as he tosses the Golden Egg to him. "What's inside?"
This caused everyone to look at Harry, who slowly opens the egg. The moment he did, a horrible wailing sound could be heard that seemed to echo a banshee's cry filled the room. It caused everyone to drop their drinks as they cover their ears to block out the sound.
Harry quickly shuts the egg, and the sound disappeared.
"What was that?" a second-year asked.
"A Banshee?" A fifth-year repeated.
"Maybe you have to get past a Banshee next, Harry," A sixth year said.
"Don't be ridiculous. Banshees are dark creatures with level six restrictions. No way they're putting banshees in the tournament," Another seventh year retorted.
"What do you think, Artemis?" Daphne asked. This caused all chatter to stop as they look at the former Head Girl of Slytherin.
"It was defiantly a creature's sound," Artemis said thoughtfully. "Some creatures' voices can only be heard in certain elements or conditions. What it was exactly, I don't know. You could try to put the egg in the fire since it came from a dragon's nest. Maybe you could only hear the clue that way." Artemis said.
Many looked like Artemis had a fair point.
Harry walks over to the fire and puts Golden Egg inside the fireplace. The heat was low, but it still burned. Harry opens the egg, but the sound just reemerge.
Harry quickly shuts the egg and pulls it out of the fire. The egg wasn't hot, but rather cool.
"Whatever the second task is, it can't be much worse than the dragon," Blaise said.
With that being said, the party went on, and everyone returns to celebrating Harry's triumph.
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