Pomona Sprout had it great. She got to teach her favorite subject, and was Head of her old House of Hufflepuff. As she took her quill to correct a second year's essay on Mandrakes, the whole floor shook. "Those boys." Sprout spoke to the portrait on the wall. Every year the house took a new one, featuring every member of Hufflepuff of the year. The occupants of the photograph all smiled and jostled around their Head. Sprout sat on a stool right in the middle, the first and second years all in front of her. On each side of her were third and fourth years. Fifth years made up a wing to the left, and Sixth years made up a wing to the right. Those graduating stood in the very back, arms around each other. It was her family photo. Each of those kids were marvelous, and she made sure that each time she was in her office, she could see that picture. The floor shook again.
While marvelous, one or two of them were rather raucous. It had been like this ever since those lessons between Cedric and Harry heated up.
Pomona braced herself as the floor shook harder than before. When she told Cedric about the old Alchemy classroom, she didn't think it would be used as a battlefield! She looked at her desk about to pick up the essays and go to her quarters to grade them when she gasped. "Oh no!" Ink covered the essays of her students and those boys would pay!
She gathered her wand and hat, and strode to the door. As soon as she exited, the floor shook once more. "I'll get Minerva first. Yes. That seems like a good plan." The plump witch bumbled down the corridor swiftly.
Cedric lightly huffed as he looked at Harry. The youngest of the two was laying on the floor, a smile on his face as he chuckled. "I did it."
The room was destroyed. Chunks were torn from the floor and walls, the blackboards marred forever with craters blasted into them. The ancient desk, here since before Cedric's dad attended the school laid on its side, missing two legs. Cedric was secretly in awe. They had started this exercise merely three weeks ago and already Harry could push him. Cedric thought back to on of the earlier training sessions Harry and he had.
Flashback
Cedric flicked his wand, dispelling the dragon head of fire that was rushing towards him. "You can do better than that Harry!" A swift series of Stinging Hexes shot from the 17 year old's wand, rebounding off a shield charm. "That's two spells out of your allotted five." A strong water charm blasted forward headed straight towards Harry.
Harry slashed his wand up, his face scrunched in concentration as he said in his head 'Seruv'. A line of magic, green in its color mirrored his slash, slicing through the water in an instant, as Cedric dove out of the way. Harry fell to his knees as his mental concentration slipped. The magic slammed into the blackboard, leaving a long scratch on the surface.
"Okay Harry, that was a bit much. Let's not aim that at anyone shall we?" Cedric said.
"It doesn't cut flesh. It cuts everything else though." Harry panted from the floor. It was 3 weeks until the First Task, and he was still exhausted whenever he did family magic. He saw Cedric occasionally blasting out spells faster than Harry had ever seen, and it took all he had to defend himself, but to actually use the Family Magic was harder than using the normal magic.
When he voiced his feelings to Cedric, he was told," You are trying to incorporate rapid thinking, with rapid switching between two different magics. You will hit the breakthrough soon. I promise."
"I only have three weeks!" Harry exclaimed, frustrated.
"In the last two days, you have learned to cast magic silently, and to cast Family Magic without a Patronus. Harry, you are already better than most wizards as adults." Cedric calmed. He was right as well. Cedric's own father was terrible at silent magic, and family magic was a last resort.
Harry thought about his "duel" with Cedric. They had been occurring from the start, Cedric would lecture Harry about some aspect of magic for an hour, then the rest of the time would be used to "duel". It wasn't really a duel however. Harry could only use 5 spells that weren't family magic, and both people had to be completely silent when casting. Anchored Sonorus charms on the collars of their shirts prevented them from cheating either. " Let's go again Cedric."
The Sixth Year Hufflepuff nodded.
Flashback end
Cedric smiled as Harry fell asleep after their mock "duel". The room was even worse than before and completely irreparable . Cedric knew because he tried. He started to laugh. Harry would show the world exactly why you never pissed off a Potter.
His laughter however was short lived, as the door to the room flew open. In the doorway stood two very angry Heads of Houses Gryffindor and Hufflepuff.
"See Minerva! They are out of control! The whole floor was shaking! I felt it from my office!" Pomona Sprout gestured wildly.
"Professors, hi." Cedric said as he smiled uneasily at them.
Professor McGonagall's gaze took in the ruined state of the room. Her nostrils flared, which Cedric noted was never a good sign. Her eyes sought and found Harry laying on the floor snoring softly. "Mr. Diggory, would you like to explain now, or after I get Mr. Potter to his Dormitory?"
"I'll take Mr. Potter to Gryffindor Tower Minerva, I have no issue with that." Professor Sprout spoke up.
"Very well. In that case, Mr. Diggory we will go to my office. If you explain it to my satisfaction you may not have to wake up the Headmaster." Professor McGonagall lead the sixth year down the corridor just as Pomona levitated Harry out the door. She shook her head. The damage those two did to a room made of stone made her excited for the Task in two days that's for sure.
Harry awoke when a little elf started to shake him. The elf squeaked at the wand suddenly pointed at its nose. "Mr. Potter sir, Toni was sent to tell you that you are needed in Professor McGonagall's office. Now Professor said." Harry nodded as the little elf popped away. He got ready swiftly, and was running down to the portrait hole in under 20 minutes.
Harry arrived at Professor McGonagall's door just as she walked out of it. "Ah, Mr. Potter. Come with me. It's the weighing of the wands ceremony. To prove that your wand is set for the Task." The witch started to swiftly walk down the corridor, all the way to the first floor.
"I am aware that you are not required to attend class Mr. Potter, but please at least attend breakfast next time. It is a rather large hassle to have an elf look for you." Minerva spoke as Harry started to walk beside her.
"Sorry Professor, I finally got something that I was trying and I must of slept it off." Harry apologized. He didn't remember sleeping, but in Hogwarts stranger things have happened than suddenly waking up in the dorm.
"Speaking of your sessions with Mr. Diggory, those will be moved to a room on the first floor. It is not near any offices, luckily." The professor gave her student a tightly lipped smile as they reached a door that looked no different than any other. "Also remember that you are a minor, and thus, do not have to even open your mouth to a reporter should you not wish to." Minerva looked at Harry
"Yes Professor."
Upon hearing those words, Professor McGonagall opened the door and gestured the young Gryffindor into the room.
The room was much larger than Harry anticipated, with several small benches facing an upraised platform that held a desk and a bench. The room was full of voices, speaking a multitude of languages, from French, German, Swedish, English and Harry thought he saw a Chinese witch speaking to a quill in a swift and short language that he could only guess was Mandarin. A flash of a camera brought his wonders to a cease. He was searching for the culprit when a woman with acid green nails clamped her hand on Harry's shoulder.
"Harry Potter! There you are! Rita Skeeter, Daily Prophet. Would you sit for a quick interview? Wonderful!" The woman attached to the hand was in robes that matched her nails, had her hair done up in a, on another woman elegant, bun and sported glasses that covered in rhinestones. She spoke quickly, never releasing Harry even when he mumbled "Let go." She practically dragged him to a corner of the room and fumbled in her bag for something.
"You don't mind if I use a Quick Quotes Quill do you Harry? Wonderful." An acid green quill, matching the robes darted out of the bag as Rita finally let go of Harry to open a small book. She tapped the book with her wand, and it fluttered to sit in front of her. She used her now free hands to smooth her robes down.
"So Harry, how do you think your parents would feel about you entering this tournament?" Rita asked with a crocodilian smile. Harry could nearly see the gears in her head moving at high speed, about to twist any word she heard into a story that would be complete garbage. He remembered reading Rita's stories in the Prophet, and he was disgusted. She attacked anyone and everyone, regardless of position and regardless on if it was relevant. So Harry kept his mouth shut.
"Oh, a quiet one. That's okay. Silence can be taken so many ways Harry." Rita's smile slipped slightly when the Boy-Who-Lived made to brush past her. Her arm shot out to block the action, trapping him in the corner. "Now Harry, the interview isn't finished!"
As soon as the arm touched his chest, Harry grabbed his wand. He was about to raise it when a voice called out. "Rita Skeeter, what in Merlin's Beard are you doing?! You know the rules, no solo interviews!" A skinny man, with a tan complexion and a weird accent came over with a book and a quill, in his hands not floating behind him.
"Travis Darkly, please, you are interrupting something." Rita hissed as she grabbed the Quick Quotes Quill and book out of the air.
"Yea, I'm interrupting you getting torn apart by the vultures. Now get lost, before Dumbledore gets more interested than he already is." Travis gestured vaguely towards the Headmaster who was talking to a shorter man with wispy hair, his eyes never leaving that Harry and Rita situation.
Rita gave a nearly inaudible squeak before darting to the other side of the room.
"Did she just squeak? I didn't know people did that…" Harry muttered out loud.
"I actually didn't either. I'm Travis Darkly by the way. I'm from the Salem Post. It's a pleasure Mr. Potter." The man stuck his hand out with a smile on his face. Harry shook it firmly, looking around and making sure that no other journalists were around.
"Just so you know Mr. Potter, there is a rule against solo interviews, at least at this event. She can still corner you after a Task or something." Travis warned Harry as they started to drift towards the platform with the crowd.
"Off the record, thanks." Harry said as Dumbledore stood in front of the desk and the man he was talking to settled in behind it. Harry realized it was Mr. Ollivander from Diagon Alley.
"Off the record, and just between us, back home, we are cheering for a Hogwarts victory." Travis patted Harry on the shoulder as the journalists started to seat on the benches, and the champions headed towards the impromptu stage. As soon as he settled in to the left with the other champions, Dumbledore began to speak.
"Greetings citizens of the world, listening live via the Wizarding Wireless, or reading this afterward from the many news outlets present here. I welcome you to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for the Weighing of the Wands Ceremony. This new ceremony will have the wands of the Chosen evaluated and declared fit for use. The Wizarding News outlets present shall also be able to ask each Chosen questions at the end of the ceremony. Rules for that were passed out as you all entered the castle, but for those of you who did not read them; All questions must pertain to the tournament, you may not ask any question about the plans for the Tasks, and the Chosen will decide who asks the questions. Anyone who does not obey these words will be Silenced, and we don't want that now do we?" Dumbledore smiled gently down at the journalists. When no one volunteered for a preemptive Silencing Spell, Dumbledore continued. "Without further ado, I present our wand expert, Garrick Ollivander the 22nd." Dumbledore stepped to the right side of the platform, as Mr. Ollivander spoke in his soft voice.
"Will the Chosen present their wands in the order in which they were chosen please."
Krum walked forward, and placed his wand upon the desk infront of the wand maker. Ollivander took a small metal cylinder from a pocket, held it to his right eye, and lightly picked up the wand with just his fingertips. Peering at it through his eye piece, he twisted and turned the wand. He gave it a slight flex, making the journalists wince.
"Mr. Krum, your wand is approximately 21 years old, made five years before you acquired it, and is a Gregorovich creation. Heartstring of a dragoniod, though not one I am familiar with, and very well cared for. I do recommend a different oil however, the wood of this wand does not like Gretil's Wand Oil it seems. A nice Son-Li's would be better suited. After all, hornbeam really hates hazel oil." Ollivander mumbled out softly enough that only the Sonorus Charm anchored on the desk picked it up for the audience. Ollivander suddenly grasped the wand, and swirled it above his head. A furious roaring wind whipped through the room, summoned by the wand. "This wand is as suited for the competition as its Chosen. Thank you both for allowing me to examine it."
Most did not think anything of Ollivander speaking to the wand and Krum as equals, as most wandcrafters did. It caught Harry off guard however, and he missed Ollivander calling Fleur up. It was only when he got nudged by Krum that he paid attention to Fleur's wand weighing.
Ollivander repeated the last efforts of his examination, only holding the wand initially with his finger tips and twisting and turning it as he gazed at it through his eye piece. "Ah Ms. Delacour, this is a wonderful wand. Wood from a rose tree that was hand tended through at least 3 generations, and with a core that is connected to you personally. I would assume this is a custom wand, crafted by Seline. Veela hair, fiercely loyal and highly protective of family…" Ollivander's voice slowly died as he grasped the wand loosely. A flash of joy passed over his face as he raised the wand above his head, pointed at the ceiling.
"Avis Incendius." With a bang that made most of those in the room flinch, birds made of flickering blue flames erupted from the wand. Harry smiled as he realized the kind of birds. Owls were fiercely loyal to their families, and many a wizarding thief had been attacked by owls that viewed them as threats.
"This wand is as beautiful as it is dangerous. A lovely match if I have ever seen one. Thank you for allowing me examine it." Ollivander handed the wand back to Fleur. "Now… Mr. Potter. The only one of my creations. Please, come here."
Harry started to walk across the stage, and flicked his wand out of his pocket. Gently, he placed the wand on the desk. Olivander picked it up, with seemingly infinite care as his eyes light up. From this close, Harry could see little runes on the eye piece. "One of the best pieces of work I have ever made. A wand formed of Holly from a particularly determined tree. It lived in an area that was slightly too cold for it normally to prosper. Yet still it did. I tried every form of foci in my shop as well. Until a flash of fire appeared, and a feather dropped down…" Ollivander turned the wand as he spoke, examining every inch. "This has seen many a battle… odd for it was only brought from my shop a mere 4 years ago. Holly and Phoenix feather, a potent combination with a burning desire to protect and survive. But you already knew that didn't you Mr. Potter? No.. what you didn't know is this wand is extremely connected to You. Yes, in fact…I wonder…" Ollivander pointed the wand at the crowd. With a series of swift flicks and a muttering of some spell that Harry didn't catch, Harry's Patronus blasted from the wand. Made of pure silver mist, the Stag darted around the room, before Harry noticed a difference. Nestled into the antlers of the stag on the left side was a face with a large grin, and trailing mist from its eyes. "Incredible . It made a great choice when it chose you, just as the Goblet did." Ollivander handed the wand back to Harry. Before Harry could slip it into a pocket, Ollivander pulled a leather holster from his robe. "Mr. Potter, use this. Easy to damage a wand if it is in a pocket. The other Chosen already have a holster as well."
"Thank you Mr. Ollivander." Harry strapped the holster on to his forearm as he walked back across the stage.
Dumbledore took his place in front of the desk as the wandcrafter shuffled off the stage. "Now we have time for questions. If the Chosen would join me."
The three students lined up behind the desk as Dumbledore gestured them to. " , you have the first question."
"You, in the front row." Viktor pointed to a man in red robes that opened his mouth before being shoved to the side by Rita.
"Viktor, my readers want to know, what are your goals for the tournament?" Rita asked as she pressed the other man down.
"I wasn't talking to you. That was also a stupid question." Viktor answered before Dumbledore pointed his wand at Rita and Silenced her. He also summoned the Quick Quotes Quill.
"The rules were said earlier. Now, Mr. Reed, please ask your question."
"Thank you headmaster. Mr. Krum, as a student of Durmstrang you boast an extremely rounded education in the magical arts. Do you believe this gives you an advantage over a heavily nuanced curriculum as promoted by Beauxbatons or a less rounded education such as that found at Hogwarts?" Mr. Reed asked.
"I have little doubt that the other Chosen are going to be good competition. However, I am confident in my abilities and confident that my education will propel me to success." Viktor spoke slowly, his accent thick. It was as if he were chewing each word.
Harry pointed at the next reporter, "Mr. Darkly."
"Thank you Mr. Potter. I have two questions, the first to you, the second towards all the Chosen. So first, Mr. Potter, historically, the youngest victor of the tournament was 16 years old, two years your senior. In fact the youngest competitor before yourself was also 14, and died in the First Task. Do you feel that your age is an obstacle that you must overcome?" The Boston born wizard asked.
"Historically, this tournament has a 60% kill rate. Historically, no one younger than 16 have won. And before I entered, I thought about it. And I came to this conclusion. We Chosen have each experienced different things. We each know different information. But out of every name entered, the Goblet chose us. We are the best the schools offered. So if it helps you all get into the groove of the events, imagine I am 16, or 17 or whatever. When I win, my age won't matter." Harry smirked at Travis as he wrote that word for word.
"Thank you. Now for my group question. When you each entered, you wrote down your reasons for entering. Those reasons are of course confidential, known only to those who were present at the Choosing Rite. However, have those reasons for entering changed? Or are you still striving towards them?" Travis asked.
"In my case, 'he reasons 'ave not changed. I will be known 'hroughout 'he world as the strongest witch. I will be known as 'he most beautiful and dangerous witch of my generation. When I win, I will show why France is better than Bulgaria and Britain." Fleur stood with her eyes on Viktor, daring him to say something. He obliged.
"When I win, my name won't be on people's minds because I caught the snitch. They will be cheering because I taught you French and English elite what true Bulgarian stubbornness can produce. Victory." Krum walked up until he stood in front of Fleur and Harry.
"Your egos are as thick as your accents. If you think that I am going to allow either of you to get that cup and the Glory, you are both wrong. When its over, the name on everyone's lips won't be Krum or Delacour. They are going to cheer Potter." Harry jumped in, enjoying the jabs and counters.
"Please, we all know that the little boy can't keep up." Fleur dismissed. A young boy closer to her sister's age than her own wouldn't even pose a challenge.
"For once the woman is right." Krum's lips twitched at the look of pure outrage on Fleur's face.
Harry smiled coldly. "You're right. I won't keep up. I'll blow you all out of the water. I'll prove it at the task. I just hope you two bring it, cause if I win without having to work for it, it just wouldn't be fun." Harry brushed past the two champions as he hopped off the stage. "Interview over. I have some training to do."
The door to the room slamming made Viktor laugh. His hearty laugh boomed over the crowd of flabbergasted journalists. "I want you all to quote that. And add this. Challenge accepted." Viktor hopped off the stage still smiling.
Fleur flicked her hair over her shoulder and then hopped off the stage. "I have nothing to add except watch, wonder and then cheer." Fleur smiled beautifully for a camera holding journalist as she too left the room.
The headlines around the world would proclaim,"Confident Champions! Wand Weighing Ceremony Shows the Chosen Have Teeth!" The world would be buzzing, and the attendance at the First Task would be the largest gathering of wizarding kind on Hogwarts Ground in the last three centuries. Until then, the world reread and listened to the ceremony and started rooting for their preferred champions.
Harry sat in his favorite chair in Gryffindor Tower. He looked at the fire and idly was levitating a feather he found on the table by the portrait hole. He was lounging and relaxing before the Task the next day, and thinking. It was entirely possible it would be his last night alive. It could be the last night he saw his friends. His dark thoughts were broken by a tapping on the window of the Tower. He looked and exclaimed, "Hedwig!" He ran to the window, the feather forgotten as he undid the latch and let his bird in.
The snowy owl flew in and settled on the table in a corner. She stared at Harry as if to say, 'what are you waiting for? I have a letter here.' Harry walked to his owl's makeshift perch and took the letter. "Thanks girl. I know you would make it in time."
Hedwig fluffed up her chest as if she was proud before flying up to Harry's shoulder. Harry ripped open the letter and noticed Hedwig peering at it from his shoulder. "Interested in what you delivered?"
Hedwig gave a small hoot causing Harry to laugh. He started to read the letter, recognizing the flowing script of his godfather.
Dear Harry,
When I first saw Hedwig flying, I was terrified. Not only is she extremely identifiable, but I told you not to use her if you sent a letter. Upon reading your letter, I was terrified for a different reason.
Harry James Potter, you entered a tournament meant to kill people! You put yourself in danger! If I was there I'd tan your hide young man! But then, I'd hug you close and tell you I am so proud you got Chosen. I am terrified yes, but so proud. Harry, I know I speak for your mother and father when I say that my reaction matches theirs should they be there.
I am writing this right after your Wand Weighing Ceremony. I was in a wizarding Village in Denmark when the Wizarding Radio coverage started. They put a Sonorus on the wireless so the whole village could listen. Harry, I hadn't thought you had that in you. But then again, the Book changes people as well. It unlocks the hidden potential, the hidden traits that we all keep deep down. When you were on that stage, you reminded me very much of James Harry. I could see it all in my head, you standing there, much as your father would have. Of course, he would have flirted with the French girl more, but you aren't James.
In your letter you asked me about something. Harry, never put such information in a letter again. That is a Family secret that I know solely because I am your Godfather. I burned the letter and then spread the ashes. If you must ask for such advice, use this: If you are uncertain on if you should use an aspect of your Family Magic, or magic in general, use it only in a life or death situation.
When it comes to that particular piece of magic. I am certain you have tried it. I am even willing to bet you think you can win using only that. It's power is beyond any magic I have ever seen... but it definitely has drawbacks. There are Rules. I am certain that your Grimoire when into it. While it is possible that you could win just with that, I would not recommend relying on it.
You asked if your dad ever used it as well. Yes. Three times, and three times it was the only thing that kept him alive. Harry, I saw your father fight. I saw him with and without that. I watched him duel Lord Voldemort and he was losing until he used that. I asked James why he didn't kill Voldemort when he used it. And Harry what he said is important. 'That amount of power harms even the strongest. It is not meant to be channeled unless circumstances call for it.' Each time he used it, for days later he complained that his body burned. So please Harry, if you can find another way.
My warning has been given, and now it is time to tell you of my plans. I will watch the First Task if I can make to Hogwarts in time. Before you get upset, think about how many people will be there. A dog will not be noticed. If I don't make it in time, I am sorry. I will be there by the end of November, and will stay in the Forest outside the castle. You know how to find me.
Until we meet Harry, know I miss you and as you read this are rushing to be there. Survive Harry. No matter what. I don't care if you have to slaughter the dragons, and the other two champions to do it. LIVE.
Sincerely, and always,
Sirius.
Harry smiled as he reread the letter a few times. He knew of the risks, it was why he was going to try other things first. After all, no need to show off Family Secrets if he could avoid it. He shook his head. His godfather was a bit of an idiot however. What if Dumbledore had the wards changed and now they searched for Animagi? Or worse, someone recognizes him? He really wanted to write him and tell him to stay put, but it was already too late to use any owl other than Hedwig. Using Hedwig wouldn't be smart either. He got away with it once, but that was because the contents of his letter were so extreme. Him telling Sirius to not do something, while disobeying his wishes just didn't seem to be the best solution here.
Harry sighed. He couldn't worry about Sirius when he had dragons to deal with tomorrow. He fished the bangle for the task from his pocket. The disk set on his bedside table. He examined the bangle closely, and smiled. If he got to keep it, he may just wear it all the time. It was rather thin with the Hogwarts Crest in a raised gold. If he tapped it with his finger, there wasn't a hollow sound either. It felt like it was meant to be on his wrist too. It fit well, didn't get in the way, and even his wand slipped through the gap like it was designed solely for him. He slipped the bangle on his left wrist above where his wand holster was attached at all times.
A large amount of chattering came from beyond the portrait hole. It was time for Harry to go to his room; he really didn't want to talk to his House mates about the Task. Harry made it up the steps before the first person made it through the portrait.
Fleur read the letter again. It was a short letter, from her father to her. All it said was that Fleur, while of age, was not Gabrielle's parents and to allow them to decide what their child would see. She threw it to the ground and swore in French. They didn't understand. It was entirely possible that she would die tomorrow, and they would allow her sister to watch! She grabbed her cloak and wand before she marched from the carriage. While it wasn't late, there were few of her fellow students in the carriage halls, and even fewer outside. She stomped her way to the lake before finding a tall rock that jutted out above the water. Her frustrations were blasted out of her wand in flashes of color and eruptions of water as she bombarded the lake with spells.
"You know, it's not a good idea to do that. The students here know that. If they accidently upset the squid, they will never get to be near the beach." A voice behind Fleur caused her to turn swiftly. A tall boy, with slightly windswept hair and dark grey eyes greeted her with a smile.
"Who are you?" Fleur asked. She was furious still. This boy had the gall to interrupt her, and was rude too!
"Does it matter? Obviously, something is wrong." The boy shrugged as if not to care. Honestly, he did care, but the French girl would not respond well to care. Especially when angry, as most angry people thought care was pity. At least in his experience
"My family is coming to the Task tomorrow. They are bringing my eleven year old sister." Fleur bit out as she turned back to the lake about to launch more spells. If she talked, maybe he would leave her in peace. Her wishes were denied.
"I'm sorry. That must be terrible. I'm an only child, but if I had a younger sibling, I wouldn't want them to see the Tasks." The boy stepped beside her. Both of them watched as the squid swam near the surface.
"I may die tomorrow." Fleur whispered. She verbalized what every single person was thinking tonight. The Chosen could die tomorrow, and no one could interfere. No one could stop it. The champions were unable to leave the area until the Task was completed either. She was alone in her Task, unable to rely on her fellow Chosen.
"Two years ago, my grandfather died, and I found out while in class. I was excused, and brought to the Headmaster. I remember crying my eyes out after being told and then when I finally stopped, Dumbledore said something. He told me, "People fear death, not because it is painful, as we fear fire. People fear death because it is similar to losing a friend. You can't talk to them, you can't see them, you can't even apologize for wrongs. But death is never truly goodbye. It is merely until we meet again. That is why we say donec rursus convenerimus at the end of a life.'" The boy sighed. "I ended up looking it up, and found out that it meant "Be strong, farewell, until we meet again." Or something similar anyway." The boy took a deep breath as the wind rushed over the lake and buffeted the pair on the rock.
"If I die, my sister will never be the same." The misery in that statement caused the boy to speak.
"Then the answer is not to die." The boy said before turning towards the castle. "I need to go. The castle shuts its doors soon. Goodnight Fleur." The boy started to walk away.
It wasn't until he left that Fleur realized they never spoke a word in English.
Viktor took a sip of his ale. He sat in his room on the ship, and stared at his broom. He was familiar with what he was feeling. He felt it the night before the World Cup as well. He didn't want a repeat performance either. To come so close to victory, but to have it slip through his fingers is a terrible feeling. He sat his glass on the table, and stood. He got dressed, and grabbed the Firebolt. Flying was always the best way to clear his mind.
If one looked out over the forest, they would see a blur flying, doing tricks until the wee hours of the morning.
Severus Snape had just entered his private quarters, slamming the door behind him. He strode to the mantle, conjured a glass and poured himself a glass of Firewhiskey. Chugging it down, he threw the glass into the fire. Tomorrow he had to watch as three dragons tried their best to kill Her son. He itched to grab his wand, march to the Forest and kill them now. He didn't as he knew the Goblet would kill him before he even exited the castle. Even the First years felt the massive amount of magic in the air. For those who understood, it felt even more sinister than it was.
Then there was the boy being arrogant. He hated that interview, and he hated how much like James Potter he sounded. How dare he tempt fate as he did?!
Severus ground his teeth as he conjured another glass and threw it against the wall. As soon as the sound of broken glass reached his ears he collapsed into the soft green chair in front of the fire.
"I'm sorry. I can only hope this doesn't kill him… I can't save him this time." Snape looked at the photograph on the mantel. To all others it was empty. But to him, and only him, it showed happier times.
The morning was loud. That is the only description that would describe the way the world was on November 25th, 1994. Every person in the wizarding world that understood the significance of the date was either rushing toward the nearest wireless, or going to Hogwarts. Every Ministry in the world, all 112 of them, still "functioned". However, everyone was aware that nothing would get done. Even the criminals of the world, such as Dark Lord Curac in Arabia were listening to the wireless on this day. It was truly a world-wide event in a way that not even the World Cup was.
Harry Potter did not see it as such. As he sat at the Gryffindor table eating breakfast, the noise was both welcome and an annoyance. Harry was annoyed, because the noise was caused by the crowd of students who were rambunctious enough to cause the table to shake occasionally. This shaking had spilled Harry's eggs at least three times. While normally this would not anger him, it was not a normal day. It was here that the noise was a welcome addition to breakfast. Harry was invisible in the noise. He could be nervous and irritated without anyone noticing. Normally he wasn't nervous for an event. He didn't feel nervous going after the Stone. He didn't feel nervous going into the Chamber. He didn't even feel nervous last year when he and Sirius collided. This was more like the nervousness he felt when he played a Quidditch game. He grabbed a piece of toast as his stomach flipped. Taking a bite, he looked around the Great Hall. It was packed with people. Students, professors, and now even adults slowly entered. Parents of the students sat beside their children, preparing them for the First Task. Ministry officials darted around, ferrying messages to Dumbledore, Karkaroff, and Maxime. The three heads of the event would grade the event, and according to Professor McGonagall they had to do so fairly, or risk death.
Harry stood up, and started to walk towards the Head Table. When he arrived, he made eye contact with Professor McGonagall. "Professor, I know traditionally, I am supposed to give this to Professor Dumbledore. I know traditionally, I am not supposed to hand it to you at all, but tell you where it is found. But, I don't know how bad this could get. So, here." Harry handed the Transfiguration Mistress an envelope. Minerva read the address line and her lips thinned as she tucked it away. Harry nodded as he saw that, before walking out of the Great Hall.
Albus watched the interaction between his Deputy and his school's Chosen. Albus did not read the address line, even though he knew exactly what it said. Every Chosen was forced by the Rite to create a Will and Testament. Non-binding, but emotional, it forced the Chosen to recognize that they were mortal in this contest. It was one of the Goblet's many methods of breaking its contestants. While the Goblet took the vault and the magic of those who lost to add to its horde, the will was read upon the feast at the end of the Task in which the Chosen died. It read of what the Chosen was thinking before the First Task, of how the Chosen perceived their chances. Albus wished as much as Minerva that the piece of parchment in her pocket was never read.
Albus schooled his features, and stood. Nearly immediately, the crowd stopped their murmuring. "Guests, Students, Alumni, and others who may not fall into those categories. I welcome you to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. For those who are not Chosen, please wait another 10 minutes as we lead the Chosen to the arena. Once there, please remember. No matter what occurs, you are not allowed to interfere with the Task. Should you attempt it, you put not only yourself in danger, but those around you. The Goblet will not take kindly to those attempting such a thing. It will not hesitate to kill you. I will not be able to save you, no one around you will be able to do so, and you will not survive the attempt. I plead with you to just sit, cheer, and watch the Task." Dumbledore felt obligated to warn them as he saw the platinum blond hair of 's family. He knew that what they were about to witness would scare them. It scared even him.
Harry cracked his neck and shook out his arms. He ignored Viktor staring at him, and ignored Fleur ignoring everything. Anyone who saw it, who had experienced combat would state that it would have immediately changed their bet. Luckily for the bookers however, the Chosen were hidden from view by the stadium itself. Situated in one of the two entrances to the arena itself, the Chosen's area was tucked in either side by the stands. Even as they waited, they heard the rumble of the footsteps and the muted sounds of thousands of voices. Once the rumbling had ceased a pair of voices cut through the sound, its words clear. Harry didn't recognize the voices, but the two quickly introduced themselves.
"Welcome one and all, those in person and those on the wireless. I am Ludo Bagman, spokeswizard for wizarding Events from the United Kingdom's Ministry of Magic!" The first voice was jovial and slightly high pitched, as if a trace amount of helium was inhaled just before the Task.
"I am Clyde Notewich! I send my greetings from the Norwegian Ministry of Magic as their spokeswizard! We are currently being broadcast over the Wizarding Wireless to every magical country on the planet! The translation spells are active, the crowd is here!" The crowd roared as if on cue," and most importantly, we have three Chosen that are about to show why their school is the best." The second voice had a slight accent that Harry couldn't place, but he instantly liked that voice more than Ludo's.
"That's right Clyde! Before we introduce them, we should explain what they will be doing shouldn't we?" Ludo asked rhetorically. "The Chosen will be in the arena at the same time. Their task is to place a disk that they have been given into the collar of one of the three dragons that will be in there as well. Once that is done, they are allowed to attempt to exit the arena. There is no time limit, and there is no way of advancing without placing the disk in the collar. The dragons will enter the arena after the three Chosen have entered the arena and tapped their bracelets with their wands." Ludo explained the Task for the crowd.
"With that done, let us introduce the Chosen. Introducing first, he is a student in his last year of Durmstrang Institute. Proclaimed to be the best Seeker in the world, he currently sports straight Os in all his subjects. World, I introduce Viktor Krum!" Clyde's voice bombarded the world, and Viktor walked into the arena.
"Next we have the Rose of Beauxbatons Academy of Magic. Regarded as the most gifted student to walk through their hallowed halls in the last 2 decades, I introduce to the world, Fleur Delacour!" Fleur took a deep steadying breath and walked into the arena.
"Finally. The youngest Chosen in history. He needs no introduction, but we shall do so anyway. He is the Last of the Potter family, he is the Boy-Who-Lived, and Hogwarts Chosen. Give notice, for its Harry Potter!" Harry pushed his way through the canvas that separated the arena from the waiting area.
His breath hitched. The noise from the crowd nearly knocked him off his feet, as countless faces roared their approval. With stands reaching over 10 stories tall, there was not an empty seat. In the middle of the left side of the oval shaped arena a platform sat with the three heads of the schools situated so they had an unobstructed view. To the other side, a similar smaller platform sat with the announcers sitting so they could dictate the event to those listening. Harry took it all in as he also examined the arena.
Made to look like a flat area atop a plateau, the arena was covered in dust, small boulders and had a sparse grove of trees on the announcer side. The three Chosen were spread out, around fifteen feet between them. Harry and Viktor looked at Fleur who was in the middle. She grinned at the boys as she tapped her school's crest on the gold bangle with her wand. The golden crest simmered before the gold that was covering it flaked off exposing a sapphire carved into the crest of Beauxbatons.
Viktor readied himself as he tapped his school crest, exposing a glittering diamond. Harry smiled softly. He looked around the arena and deliberately stepping closer to the middle of the arena, he tapped the Hogwarts Crest. As soon as the ruby was exposed a flash of magic dazzled the audience.
The three Chosen looked around the still empty arena. It was Fleur who looked up. Circling 30 feet in the air were two dragons. One startling white and over 12 feet long, its scales reflecting the sun's rays randomly as it flew. Most would call it beautiful, its wings shifting as it rode the thermals. The Horntail was ugly in comparison. Spiked on shoulders and tail and with a crest of spines on its head, it let out a vicious scream as it tore through the air. It was smaller than the Shardiun, stretching just over 10 feet, but it was just as dangerous.
A second roar, more guttural and savage erupted from the other entrance to the arena. Ambling slowly, as if it was certain of its superiority the Vilispa entered the Chosen's sight. Covered completely in shades of purple scales, the dragon eyed the champions. Two lines of ridges ran down its back toward its finned tail. Razor sharp teeth complemented by a grating hiss as it opened its mouth at the champions.
Viktor reacted first. A red spell shot from his wand at the Vilispa, glancing off its shoulder. The three dragons took the spell as an open challenge, and chaos erupted.
Fleur flicked her wand at a rock that rapidly turned into a large cow. Sweat knotted her brow as the cow was hit by a series of six spells, before it was banished right at the Vilispa. The dragon blasted it with toxic green vapor from its mouth, before the Vilispa snatched it out of the air. The whole crowd winced as the cow's bones snapped in the vicious jaws of the purple dragon. Fleur couldn't watch however, as the Horntail dived toward her, snapping its spiked tail where she was less than a second before. Suddenly chains of earth erupted from the ground curling around the dragon's tail. They weren't effective, and Fleur heard Viktor swear.
Fleur chanced a look back at the Vilispa and her eyes went wide. The cow was slowly degenerating in the dragon's mouth. As it lost its form, the Permanent Sticking Charm failed. The dragon met the Veela's eyes, and swallowed the rest of the cow.
Viktor couldn't pin the Horntail down. He couldn't get a clear shot. It was terribly strong, and snapped his transfigured chains like they were nothing. It also flew fast enough that aiming for the eyes were not an option. He sighed because he was out of options other than this. He steadied himself, and took notice of each of the champions and the locations of the dragons. He blasted a hole into the earth infront of him. Taking several of the small rocks, he transfigured them into razor sharp knives.
Pointing his wand at the transfigured knives, Viktor said,"Blistari Vinor." The Poisoned Edge spell was extremely Dark, and caused any wound that was made with the weapon to bleed indefinitely. As the Horntail swooped for another attack with its tail, Viktor banished each knife at it. He was told of his idea's success by a roar of pain and a few drops of hot dragon blood splattering on his face. They were only scratches, but Viktor was certain that this would work.
Harry watched the other champions and their strategies. While Fleur's had merit, it failed from the issue of the venom in the Vilispa's teeth. Viktor went into the Task without a solid plan, but several options and now had to rely on Dark magic and Transfiguration. These went through his mind within seconds. He ran forward as a blast of icy breathe coated the area he was in hoarfrost. Harry ran towards the judge's area of the arena and flicked his wand thinking Incendio. Controlling the flame precisely he shaped it into an intense orb around the size of his head. Radiating large amounts of heat, he blasted it towards the Shardiun. Hitting its chest, it deflected to the left, slamming into the Vilispa's face.
Fleur transfigured the rock in front of her into a large wall before banishing that toward the Vilispa. Just before it slammed into the dragon, a fireball blasted it in the face. The wall crashed into the dragon, pressing it against the arena's side. The dragon hissed wildly as it struggled trapped.
Fleur nodded before embracing her heritage and transforming. She would make sure she won before that dragon got free.
Harry never stopped moving, his instincts screaming to do something. Duck, weave, jump, run. He constantly moved forward, blasting fire at the Shardiun whenever it got too close. The Horntail was on a rampage, luckily it had not blasted fire yet. As soon as that happened, the ground would become a minefield Harry thought. The Vilispa was slowly wiggling free Harry saw, as he rolled in that direction to dodge a tail swipe from the Horntail, nearly getting hit by a transfigured knife from Viktor. Seeing the dragon struggle and the rock wall that was firmly pressed against its side, Harry pointed his wand. A circular motion and a thought of 'confringo!' sent a trio of explosion curses straight at the wall that pinned the dragon.
BOOM!
The wall exploded, lodging stone shards into the Vilispa's side and blinding it in one eye. Harry grinned from behind the shield of his arms when it screamed in agony.
Fleur was unable to transform. Anytime she got close, she would have to move out of the way for something. The Horntail or the Shardiun made sure nothing stayed still for long. When the wall exploded however, the dragons stopped for a moment. She took her chance and felt her wings rip out of her back. With a powerful flap, she was airborne, and the Horntail and Shardiun took notice.
Viktor took a breather as the Horntail started to focus on the French girl. He didn't know what he could do. While the knives worked, they had to cut first, and the Horntail figured that out swiftly. He looked around and spotted two small boulders that were nearly round. If cutting didn't work, maybe bludgeoning would.
With a wild grin the Bulgarian ran towards the boulders.
'Maybe exploding the wall was not my brightest idea.' Was the only thought that ran through Harry's head as he banished rocks at the Vilispa. The only thing that was keeping him alive was that the Vilispa hadn't taken a deep breath yet and blasted him with its toxic gas.
His attention was taken off the Vilispa by an avian scream of agony. He looked up to see a winged woman take the Horntail's tail straight to the stomach. Harry pointed his wand at the ground she was headed towards and cast a cushioning spell before using another exploding curse to blast the ground under the Vilispa, so he could get away.
Fleur laid on the floor of the arena wondering how the hell she was alive. The Horntail was much more maneuverable in the air than she thought it would be. That tail slammed in her going at least 30 miles an hour, and it hurt. As she slowly got up, she winced as her wings disappeared. Yea, that hit hard to knock her out of her transformation. She took a deep breath and looked as the Shardiun roared in displeasure. Darting around its head were boulders.
Viktor smiled as he pointed his wand at the Shardiun. While he couldn't make them operate independently, his improvised Bludgers were working wonderfully. The scales of the Shardiun weren't able to deflect blunt force trauma. Being hit by half ton boulders flying at a few dozen miles an hour would hurt like hell. Viktor grimaced as the Shardiun blasted a boulder with enough icy breath to ruin his enchantments. The other hit it hard enough in the back of the head to force it to the ground in retaliation, before it too was destroyed.
Harry saw the Shardiun fall as he ran from the Vilispa. He flicked his wand and chains of earth started to wrap around the Shardiun. His chains were joined by Viktor's. The chains slipped and slid on the Shardiun's scales, yet held it down. A roar alerted Harry that his pursuer was close behind him. Harry slide under the neck of the Shardiun as the Vilispa slammed into the chained dragon. Tangled up, the two dragons fought, their roars of outrage shaking the ground.
Viktor looked at Harry. "You have a skill for pissing off dragons." His grin took any heat out of the comment.
"Says the guy who thought it would be good to stab one. Several times."
They both looked at the Horntail, who seemed extremely unhappy that Fleur still lived. For the first time, the Horntail blasted fire, missing Fleur by mere feet.
Harry watched wide eyed as the Vilispa's attention snapped to the fire breath from its perch atop the now paralyzed Shardiun. The large purple dragon leaped off the Shardiun and ran towards Fleur. Harry yelled at Fleur and started to run after the dragon. Viktor went towards the Shardiun and tried their disks. Viktor smiled when his slipped into the collar. He started towards the exit.
Harry saw it in slow motion. The Vilispa blasted out a cloud of its toxic breath just as the Horntail shot a fire ball at Fleur who was standing still waving her wand and softly chanting. With a twist she Apparated, having torn a temporary hole in the wards over the arena. Sadly, the hole was too small, and it forced her back into existence behind the Shardiun. She slammed out of the apparition as if shot from a cannon, the force bouncing her face off the Shardiun's hard scales.
While Fleur apparated to the relative safety of Shardiun's body, Harry flicked his wand, cut his palm and hurriedly smeared it on the left side of his face. Then the world exploded.
The stadium shook from the force of the explosion. Portions of the stands shifted to the left, sending the audience members fumbling. The blast-wave knocked Krum off his feet and chest first into the crossbeam of the exit. It would only be luck that he fell enough to be able to be pulled out of the arena. Fleur was relatively safe behind the Shardiun's reflective body, though the explosions concussive force would kill the beast.
As everyone looked at the carnage, the air shook with the force of two simultaneous roars. The Horntail, missing most of her left wing and the tip of her tail glared at the Vilispa. The heat of the explosion had heated the purple scales until they steamed in the Scottish air. It wasn't until the dragon hissed in satisfaction that everyone realized it was uninjured.
"The two dragons' breath seems to have caused a massive explosion! Krum is down, but outside the arena, Fleur is unconscious, and… Harry Potter is still standing!" Ludo's voice broke through the crowd, just as the dragons noticed that there was a standing human. They snapped their attention to the center of the arena
"Coronatio. Protego"
AN: So, this is the first task. And the Chosen are pulling out all the stops just to survive. Viktor made it out of the arena, but Fleur and Harry are still in there with two dragons and one of them is unconscious. What will happen? What is the final Spell that Harry used? It has been foreshadowed before. Maybe someone will guess it. Next chapter will probably be out this weekend or Monday. It depends on the week.