Didn't really think I would get this one up soon enough, been so blocked and busy with everything else I barely have time to relax.
Alright now this chapter has Harry going with the others to Hogwarts for the tournament, for how it will go down with the return….well I don't want to spoil it so you'll just have to read along.
Warning though, it may end in a cliffhanger so please bear with me.
Written by myself and my sister author AnnaBoleyna1536, and we don't own Harry Potter.
Enjoy!
"Hey Harry, you almost ready?" Harry was busy gathering up the last of his luggage when he heard Devon calling him.
"Almost, just making sure I've got everything." the day had come at last, where Harry would be going with his older fellow classmates back to the school he once called home. He had been thinking things through and through about this trip, and he knew as long as he kept it to himself and stayed close to his friends he would be safe.
Charlotte, Remus, and Sirius were going to meet up with him at the school likely the day after arrival. Harry had been concerned on being recognized too soon, so Charlotte took James' watch and put a glamour charm on it to make him look more like her. He tested it out with Sirius, and according to the man Harry's eyes turned brown, with dark reddish hair, no scar, and a few freckles but the spell would only hold as long as Harry had the watch on his person. It would go off if Harry put on the counter spell, but he would wait until the time came.
"Better put a move on mate, the ship's about ready to go." Gerard called from the boat and Devon helped Harry carry his things onboard. Levitating would've been easier, but the rules stood for underage magic even in Europe.
"So where do we stay?" Harry noted how big the ship was.
"In the cabins below, the headmaster will be staying in his own room but he'll be steering the ship. Oh yeah keep in mind we can't leave the ship until we get there, means we have to stay in the cabins cuz we're travelling underwater."
"Really?" Harry followed Gerard and Devon down to the cabins, and Harry chose a bed near the window. Viktor would be coming a bit late but he had a portkey, even if the boat would be sailing underwater.
"Yeah, it's pretty amazing but we're all stocked and the ships got charms and spells all over for protection. It'll be a three day trip there mates, right when the other students arrive."
"Likely…hey Harry did your mum…?" all the boys knew Harry had a spell to keep him hidden, at least those who knew his past.
"Yeah, I'll put it on when we get there." He sat down on the bed and laid back on the pillow. Something else was bothering him, about the Quidditch World Cup where Viktor and the team played in England. They won the match which was good, but there had been an attack by death eaters…ones who 'slipped' through the ministry during the first war but none were caught. Sirius told Harry all about it in a letter, and said no one was killed but some did get hurt. Viktor was fine, but the team would be delayed in their return.
"Any word from Viktor?" Gerard took a bed next to Harry.
"No, but he'll be here soon enough."
"Soon enough?" Harry's head snapped up, and there was Viktor coming into the cabins. "Miss me everyone?" several of the guys came up and congratulated him on the match, but they knew he was with Harry so they let him pass.
"You made it, I thought you weren't going to…" Viktor kissed him, and out of the corner of his eye Harry spotted Jean looking at them. He didn't seem mad, just saddened a bit.
"I got back as fast as I could, my father arranged it." he sat down beside Harry. "Do you have the watch?"
"Yeah, mum fixed it up so I'll be safe for a while." Harry was still worried if he revealed himself they would try and overturn his adoption and send him to live with Snape, but Charlotte, the Minister, his godfathers, and even his headmaster all assured him it wouldn't happen. His adoption was iron-clad and could only be overturned if Charlotte had been abusing him or if he chose to overturn the adoption since he was legally emancipated as Lord Potter despite the name change. Fudge could try and get him taken away but there wasn't a chance of that happening since a full on Auror investigation and multiple reports were made and approved by multiple witnesses.
"You don't have to do it you know, you can just stay hidden until this is done." Harry chuckled.
"Believe me I would love to, but part of me wants everyone to see exactly how much better off I am at Durmstrang with my mum far better than I ever was with the Dursleys and Hogwarts." it sounded stupid, but he wanted everyone who hurt him to know he didn't care that much anymore.
"You do what you wish, you have all of us and even the protection of the Ministry to help you."
"Yeah mate, don't worry on it." Nikolai came into the cabins. "Who's up for a game of cards, the ship's about to sink below and lunch won't be for another hour?"
"I'm in, what're we betting candy or…?" Harry was stopped by Viktor.
"Only candy, don't play for money unless you know the risk." all boys gathered around a table and played cards for up to an hour before lunch came down. Some had to take potions so they wouldn't get seasick, but it wasn't too heavy on them. After a while everyone walked around the ship to finish up their daily chores onboard, but Viktor and Harry were left alone in the cabins trying to keep the room clean.
"Are you alright Harry?"
"Not really Viktor, I mean I'm glad I'm going to support you in this tournament and I'm glad my mum's coming along…but I'm not sure how I can stand being in that school this entire term." Viktor patted his back.
"You don't have to worry, all of us will stand behind you even Jean."
"Jean?"
"Yeah, he apologized for his behavior and I think he's found his real love interest but I shouldn't say. He might talk to you later, but keep your guard up." Harry felt a bit relieved, but he couldn't let his guard down yet.
"Okay…Viktor I'm glad things have gotten better, I just hope it stays that way." one kiss to his temple assured Harry that it would be.
"Don't worry on it, let's finish this up and we can talk more later." Harry nodded and went back to work. He knew he could count on the guys and his family, but deep in the pit of his stomach he knew something was bound to happen on this trip.
Some days later:
"We have arrived." Headmaster Anton came and called all boys to the main deck of the boat. "We are about to cross onto foreign land lads, and I expect the best of each of you not only in respect for the ground school of this tournament, but also for the reputation of our school. If you have quarrels with the other students you come to me, as for our quarters we will be staying in Hogwarts in guest wings of the castle but we will follow along with their rules. Keep in mind this tournament isn't child's play, it's a game not just of eternal glory, but also life and death contests and it's not to be trifled with. Are we clear?"
"Yes sir!" the boys saluted their headmaster.
"Excellent, now the sorting should be done and the feast shall begin soon so all of you grab your parkas and march straight out." all did as told, and Harry activated the watch just before stepping out onto the former grounds he once called home.
'Here we go.' he followed behind the main part of the group with Viktor and Anton next to and behind him. When they approached the doors Harry saw the students of Beauxbatons, all girls dressed in light blue uniforms with the same similar hairstyle in low ponytails, all beautiful from what Harry could see and looking to be the same age minus the smaller girl in the back with their headmistress Madame Olympe Maxime.
"Ahh Anton…zer you are." Anton greeted the woman, a half-giantess with a kiss to her hand.
"Bonjour Mademoiselle, how was your journey?"
"Good, zo my poor 'orses are eexhausted. My girls are veery excited for zis."
"As are my boys, but we shall see how this goes." the doors opened for them, and Filch the caretaker was on the other side.
"Welcome to Hogwarts, follow me." he hadn't changed at all, grumpy old Filch was still the same. Harry kept quiet as they entered the school, and with a touch from Viktor's hand he started to relax. His godfathers were going to be at the school for security purposes, no doubt a little coercion on Remus' part after the cup incident. Charlotte wouldn't be too far behind, but Harry knew she would be here soon enough.
They stopped just outside the doors of the Great Hall, and Beauxbatons was in front of them. 'Ladies first' as the saying went, the girls were beautiful but if Harry remembered correctly their school was known for its excellence in charms, and if Harry had to guess any of the girls could be Veelas. Madame Maxime whispered to Filch when they would enter, and so he quickly raced into the hall.
"This is it, are you alright?" Devon whispered back to Harry.
"Yeah." as long as the glamor stayed up he would be fine. Harry wondered though, if word had gotten out about his disappearance then why hadn't he heard about it from the oracle? Then again Dumbledore probably shut it all up so no one would start looking and cause trouble.
Filch came running back and whispered something to Madame Maxime, and he seemed out of breath. In his old age Harry was surprised the man could even run, but he kept his composure up when the doors reopened with the near faint voice of Dumbledore and the Beauxbaton girls strolled forward. They stopped and Harry heard them sigh, and then again, and he heard magic flowing like glitter before Maxime walked after them. The applause came after, and then he heard Dumbledore's voice.
"And now our friends from the north, everyone please greet the proud sons of Durmstrang and their high master Anton Blagorodna." The boys in front had staffs and started banging them rhythmically as they walked out. They stopped about halfway through with the rhythm again, and then the boys charged forward to the front of the hall where Dumbledore stood in front of his podium. After a minute Viktor, Anton, and Harry all walked forward and Harry heard a voice just halfway through the aisle.
"It's him…Viktor Krum." it sounded like a dreamy voice, but Harry recognized it as his former best friend Ron Weasley. It took all Harry had not to sneer or glare, but after they made it to the front Anton shook hands with Dumbledore and the boys took their seats.
"Now then…" Dumbledore moved aside as a large jeweled stand no doubt containing the goblet of fire, the magical object that lit when the tournament began and chose the champions, moved behind him with a few wizards. "There is something you must know…" he paused and turned to the stand. "Eternal glory, that's what awaits the student who wins the tournament…but under the previous circumstances, the ministry has sent over someone to explain the stipulations for the choosing of champions…Mr. Bartemius Crouch Head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation." a man appeared from a door, but Harry noticed a shadow coming from the same door before the ceiling started thundering loudly.
'What the…?' it didn't last long as the shadow from the door pointed their wand up and the ceiling calmed down. A man with a limp in his walk, an odd eye strapped around his head, and wearing an old dingy coat came in grunting towards Dumbledore.
"Alastor my old friend thanks for coming." they shook hands.
"Stupid ceiling." everything began to calm down, and the man from before…Crouch stepped forward in front of the goblet.
"After due consideration, the ministry has decided that no student under the age of seventeen should be allowed to put forth their name in the tournament." the hall erupted in an outrage as most Hogwarts students were hoping to compete but only seventh years could do so.
"SILENCE!" one word from Dumbledore and everyone quieted. He used his wand to reveal the goblet form its jeweled prison and it lit up with a blue flame. "The goblet of fire, anyone wishing to put forth their name must do so by this hour on Thursday night. Do not do so lightly, because if you're chosen there's no turning back. As of this moment, the Triwizard Tournament has begun." the fire flared all through the feast, but Harry hated how all eyes were staring at their table mainly at Viktor.
"Don't worry on it Harry, just enjoy the dinner." Viktor whispered to him, and Harry just kept his eyes on his food. He would make it through the night, and then maybe tomorrow would be a better start.
"Hey mate, what's say we have a little fun after the choosing?" Nikolai winked at him.
"Let's see how this goes first." Harry was almost certain Viktor would be chosen as the champion for their school, no doubt his mum knew too but he wouldn't ask.
"Your choice." Gerard clapped Harry on the back. Once everyone was done eating some prefects led the Durmstrang students to their own guest wings, and Anton had his own next to them. They were briefed on the rules, but no doubt would have a repeat when morning came.
"Harry over here." as luck would have it Viktor and Harry had two beds side by side with their trunks at the ends.
"So only students seventeen can enter, no surprise there." Harry sat down on his bed and put his glamour down.
"Yes, I'll enter my name on Thursday. We will begin courses tomorrow afternoon, so do you wish to join me on a morning run?"
"Do we have permission?"
"Headmaster Blagorodna arranged it; it is part of our routine so Dumbledore allowed it. We can run around the entire castle and near the lake, but our courses begin after lunch." Harry laid back on his bed, surprised at how comfortable it was but he wasn't exactly tired.
"Harry." Harry heard someone call, and Viktor heard it too. "Harry…"
"Is someone calling me?" everyone looked around but confusion was all they had.
"Down here prongslet." looking down he saw a mirror by his bed, but instead of his reflection he saw Sirius' face.
"Sirius, how…?"
"Surprise kiddo, I took the liberty of getting your guest suite set up and I figured since we can't see each other that often with me and Remus patrolling the grounds we could at least talk through these mirrors."
"You did this?" the room wasn't bad, it was elegant despite the beds being simple but alright.
"Yeah, these mirrors your dad and I used in detentions to converse when we got bored. Figured you could use it eh?"
"Thanks, so what's the talk so far?"
"Well I can tell you that your mum's already in London, but she's staying at my family home and I'll tell you she has really cleaned it up."
"Is she going to…?"
"She'll come check on you later, best keep it low though. Also Remus wanted me to ask you to warn your friends about Crouch, I know he seems like a nice guy but he hasn't been a 'good' guy in a while. We'll tell you the details later, for now just get some rest and we'll see you in the morning." Harry suddenly yawned, now he was getting sleepy.
"Okay, good night Sirius."
"Goodnight Prongslet." Sirius' face disappeared and Harry quickly changed. Viktor and the others bid him goodnight, so he curled up in bed knowing tomorrow would be a long day.
Early the next morning:
Harry was up at six in the morning with his other school mates, all ready to begin the morning run. It was still very cool out, but warm compared to Bulgaria's cold temperatures. One quick run around the castle and they would break at the lake before a shower and breakfast at eight.
"Hey Harrison, keep up!" Harry luckily had on his glamour, but he was so sidetracked this morning he almost didn't see his other classmates going ahead of him.
"You okay there?" Jean slowed down next to him.
"Yeah, just thinking."
"Okay." he took off much to Harry's relief. He didn't feel like dealing with the blonde right now he just wanted to focus on getting through the rest of the week.
"Hup! Hup! Hup!" they chanted loud enough to get the birds flying overhead. It wasn't as long as it would seem, and they ended up by the lake in less time.
"Good one, might do another before bed." a boy, Kansan in Viktor's year, panted as he sat and let his feet soak in the shallow part of the cool water.
"Easy mate, don't forget the giant squid." all the others laughed as he scrambled from the shore.
"This is pretty good, this grass feels nice." Nikolai sighed as he laid on his back.
"Yeah." no one talked much, although Harry could hear two of his friends whispering to each other.
"So who's gonna get picked in our school?" one of the older boys asked.
"I think Viktor, I mean it's kinda obvious don't you think?"
"Hey I'm entering too, it could be me." another boy spoke up.
"Any of us would be good, let's not pick favorites here alright?" Viktor settled everyone down.
"Hey guys it's almost seven, we'd better get back to the castle." the boys got up and ran/jogged back inside, and ended up going towards their suites but stopped in the room next to it with the toilets, sinks, and showers. Towels were ready for them along with soaps and hair care potions to keep them clean. The showers started, not much was said seeing as they were in unfamiliar territory but Harry knew it would all get better once the champions choosing began.
"Just have to get through this day…that's all." Harry whispered low enough so no one could hear him. He had to make sure the watch stayed on, if it fell off or cracked the spell would break and he'd be exposed. He'd barely made it through the night of the feast, now he would have to wait a few more days.
"Hey guys I'll meet you back in the suites." Harry finished up and quickly dressed himself. He wanted to walk a bit before he would eat breakfast, to clear his head but he would stop in the rooms to grab his coat.
"Hey you!" he stopped, hearing none other than Ron Weasley calling him as he made it to the hallway.
"Yes?" he kept his composure up and put on a fake but realistic Bulgarian accent; couldn't let the fool know he was angered by the very sight of him.
"You're one of Viktor Krum's friends right? Could you get me an autograph?" Weasley was bouncing like a prissy schoolgirl, a spoiled fan with too many high hopes.
"No, you'd have to ask him yourself sorry." he frowned.
"Why not? You seem to be rather cozy with him…wait…do I know you?" he stared hard at Harry. "You look a bit familiar."
"No you don't, so either back up now or I'll hex you into the Great Hall." Harry turned on his heel, and heard a meow seeing Emerald coming up to him. "Hey girl." he picked her up and stroked her fur.
"Nice cat." Weasley was still talking to him? "Mind if I…" he reached to pet her, but Emerald's fur bristled up and she hissed. "What's the beast's problem?" he glared and Harry sent him on the floor just a few feet away with his wand.
"She obviously doesn't like you, and animals are often good judges of character. Good day loser." he turned and continued on walking, but when he got outside he noticed a slimmer of paper in Emerald's collar. He pulled it out and it grew into a small roll of parchment, it was from his mum.
Hey honey,
For starters I hope, or I know you're doing alright so far with the boys around you. Sirius told me you looked a bit unsure last night, so I sent Emerald to the school with him and she should know where to find you like Hedwig.
Now Harry time is growing short, so I need an answer now. Do you want us to stop your name from going into the goblet? You know either way what'll happen if you are chosen, but it's your choice and you know who the champion in Durmstrang will be.
You're still a child Harry, you deserve to have a time where you won't worry but I fear that might not happen for a while. You may not be my blood son, but you are my son and I will protect you until the last breath leaves my body.
Choose wisely sweetie, remember that this is a dangerous tournament and I don't want anything to happen to you. I know how this may end in several ways, and I personally don't want you involved but you have to decide. Whatever you choose Remus, Sirius, and I plus your headmaster will support your choice. Just write back to me before dinner tonight and send it with Remus he should be on night patrol this evening. Keep your head up honey, remember I'm right here and I'll be there when/if it happens.
Love you
Mum
Harry wanted to cry as he read the letter, but he didn't. He was afraid, afraid he would get hurt and afraid his friends and boyfriend would get hurt if he let this go on. He almost died last year by his own choice, and he had been strong up until now but truthfully he felt like he could break like glass inside. He wanted to help, he really did, but he didn't want to lose the bit of happiness he'd gotten in the last year.
"Meow." Emerald nuzzled her head into his chest, purring as if telling him it would be alright.
"I know girl, I know." he stroked her ears, and she purred more.
Harry had two choices, he could let the person unknown put his name in the cup, but only act as a backup since his legal name was not Potter anymore to Viktor who would be chosen. Or he could ask Charlotte to pull his name from it and remain in the background so long as he wouldn't be forced to fight…but he felt that was a cowardly choice. He wanted to help Viktor, he felt strongly for him, and he wanted to get back at everyone who hurt him here but that sounded selfish. He wouldn't be able to compete unless Viktor was hurt and couldn't, but…no he knew what he had to do. He had to make a choice now; there was no questioning it anymore.
'I'll fight; I won't hide in the shadows like a coward.'
Okay there you have it; Harry has decided to let it all unfold. Why though, when he had a chance to opt out yet he wants to stand behind Viktor or does he have other reasons? Why not let his mother help him, or is he going to let her keep an eye out for other things that might come out of this tournament? How long will he keep up his glamour charm, or better yet is he going to even drop the charm as his name comes out of the goblet?
This might get you thinking, is Charlotte even going to let Harry compete, or is she going to back out and stop the goblet from choosing Harry?
Next chapter, the champions choosing so be prepared for a lot of dropped jaws and bulging eyes. Charlotte will appear of course, and there's going to be a little conflict on Severus and Dumbledore's part with her and the godfathers. We won't be involving the other Weasleys just yet, maybe in the chapter after next.
R&R
Later!
