A/N: Harry Potter and his world belongs to J.K. Rowling, Warner Brothers and anyone that has received licensing rights. I am grateful she gives us the privilege of playing in her world.

Chapter 2: The Second Task

-oOo-

November 27, 1994

Being read in most wizarding houses across Britain...

-o-

DAILY PROPHET

Triwizard Champions: Eternal Glory... or Scandal

By Rita Skeeter

Your intrepid reporter, Rita Skeeter, had the opportunity to talk with the unwilling fourth contestant, Harry Potter, before he faced a dragon. This conversation was just as entertaining as his performance. Being the youngest champion, Harry Potter unexpectantly showed up the other champions. He completed the task the fastest, received no injuries, and showed off an ability to plan, transfigure and even enchant far beyond what this reporter would expect from a fourteen-year-old.

After the display of bringing back the Roman Legions, see photo above, I think it fair to say The-boy-who-lived is getting to the point that his legend may turn eternal.

I will not demean the other Champions. Cedric Diggory of Hogwarts, pulled in a respectable twenty-two minutes after transfiguring many dogs and other animals to lure his dragon out. He did suffer a deep gash and burn when he ran at the end but managed to get his egg.

Next up was the beautiful Beauxbatons Champion, Fleur Delacour. Rumors of her having veela heritage appeared to be true as it took her twelve minutes to calm and soothe her dragon with a sing song chant that put her dragon to sleep. She ran into trouble when she took her egg and it dropped. The screeching thing woke the dragon, and she suffered some large burns as she escaped.

Then there was Victor Krum, of Durmstrang, that took thirteen minutes to literally beat the Ironbelly he faced into a bloody pulp with rocks and blasting hexes. The dragon survived but was not in good condition. As he beat his dragon into submission, the Bulgarian suffered multiple scrapes and a burn to half his head.

All that pales in comparison to Harry Potter, who used eighty transfigured dueling dummies in full Roman battle gear and armed with shock sticks. The dragon didn't stand a chance as it was put into submission with a mixture of stinging hexes and numbing charms. Within eight minutes, the dragon was down, and Harry Potter was at the exit with his egg. In protest of his forced participation, he went the next step to destroy the egg. See the picture below.

Reports from the school say Harry Potter has been rather belligerent this year, but after I reveal some of the background of the judges and possible reasons they may have chosen Harry Potter to remain in the competition, you may feel the same, dear readers.

First, it seems to be unknown that the esteemed Headmaster of Hogwarts was once a champion, in eighteen-ninety-eight. The great Albus Dumbledore is probably not remembered from that tournament as he didn't win! Yes. It is true. The great Albus Dumbledore placed third, after Gellert Grindelwald and Erica Beauregard.

Details are scarce, but it was reported at the time that Grindelwald and Dumbledore got into a duel during the last task, allowing the Beauxbatons champion to win. It was not known why, but I, Rita Skeeter, have been able to find evidence that it was a lovers spat, neither boy at the time willing to let the other win.

Yes! Albus Dumbledore and Gellert Grindelwald were lovers. Could this be why it took Dumbledore almost twenty years to finally confront and take down...

-o-

Hogwarts, Scotland

There was noise all over the hall, many looking up to the head table. Some with big eyes. Others looking at him loathingly. The ones that bothered him the most were the ones looking at him like their hero had just died. There was a twerk to his left cheek, just below his eye. That was followed by a pain to his arm.

How had the hag found out about that? The article went for another full page, detailing the failures of his early life and dragging up the painful memories of his sister. Memories that were never far from the surface, even at his age.

Worse was a picture he remembered for a time when he and Gellert where the best of friends.

As much as the memories hurt, the fact the Triwizard tournament and its organizers were getting more attention than the champions at times was not what this tournament was supposed to be about. As though to emphasize the fact this was less about the tournament, Maxime asked, "Dumbly-dorey, is this true? Did you wait that long to stop the mad man because of a blood seal?"

He looked towards Maxime. She looked stormy. "My father. My sister. Two Aunts. They all died while you sat pining after a mad man!"

"It is not like that, Maxime. The ICW and other countries did not want any outside help," Dumbledore started to say.

The giant of a woman clutched the table. "You could have ended it years earlier, and instead you refused to break a blood seal between lovers!" Her voice echoed around the hall and the table splintered around her hands as her strength tore out chunks of the aged furniture.

"That is not how it was. I also don't think this is the place to talk about this," he said, motioning towards the hall. Every eye was on them.

The woman's rage was clear to see before she let out a huge huff and leveled her face. Her beady black eyes bore into him. "Beauxbatons will not share the same table or school of a man that was willing to let millions die."

"Maxime, I did nothing of the sort," Dumbledore said angrily. He was bound and could not act.

"Good day," she snapped, before barking out something in French. The twenty students with the Beauxbatons blue robes put down anything they were eating and their utensils. Standing, they followed Madame Maxime out of the hall.

Karkaroff laughed. "Usually the best shows are at dinner, not breakfast," the man said. The Great Hall broke out in chatter. Albus would need to find a way to reverse this damage. Standing, he left the table and walked down the hall. As he did, he caught something out of place. One boy was smiling at him.

Albus had never felt truly angry at a student, especially Harry Potter.

The way the boy was smiling at him, Albus had an idea that the boy had had a hand in this. He had not heard what Harry and Skeeter had talked about, but it must have led to this.

He was furious at the green-eyed boy as he realized how this most likely happened.

He walked out of the hall.

-oOo-

Harry had a hard time not to laugh. The old fool had the chance to get him out of this, multiple times. He had refused. Harry was determined to be expelled.

"You can laugh, I will not be offended," Luna said next to him.

Across the table, Hermione had huge eyes. True to his word, he was giving her one more chance. Ron and everyone else... screw them all.

"Harry, what did you do?" Hermione questioned.

He shrugged. "Just wait until she does an article on Barty Crouch and Ludo Bagman at some point," he said with a wicked grin.

Hermione's mouth worked a few times before she questioned, "What happened to you?"

Luna answered. "I think Harry has had enough of people controlling and manipulating him. I only think it fair that those that try to control his image have the same returned," she said as she looked at a Runes book upside down. Harry didn't question her after the help she had given him over the last month.

Harry nodded his head towards Luna. "What she said."

Hermione looked totally flabbergasted. "But... Dumbledore and others only try to help you."

Harry snorted. "Yeah. Help."

Hermione frowned. Harry sighed. "Listen, Hermione. I am serious I don't want to be here anymore. If you want, Luna and I are applying to Ilvermorny. If you want to join us, I would like to be friends again, but I would understand if you want to stay here. Tomorrow," he said, looking to Luna. She nodded her head. "Tomorrow the Quibbler is going to have a story about me. Maybe you should read it before you question me again. I want to go flying. You want to come Luna?"

"Can I ride behind you today?" Luna asked, looking up from her book.

Harry tried to keep his voice even. He had found he really liked sneaking around the school with her pressed against him and under his invisibility cloak the last week. Now she would be holding on to him as he did barrel rolls... well he would be nice to her but wanted her to hold him tight.

"Sure," his voice cracked a little. "Sure," he said more evenly this time. Luna beamed at him.

"But what about the second task? You destroyed your clue," Hermione pressed.

"We have it handled. If you want to come out, you are invited too," Harry offered, getting up. He left the frizzy hair brunette looking between him and the newspaper.

-oOo-

November 29, 1994

Hogwarts, Scotland

Harry was taking breakfast in the Great Hall most mornings now. Many of the teachers were looking at him warily, apparently afraid to force him to do anything. The grilling the headmaster had received in the last three morning's Daily Prophet had many looking at Dumbledore in an unpleasant manner. So far, Madam Maxime had held true to her word and the Beauxbatons students hadn't stepped a foot inside Hogwarts. Karkaroff had made a point of pointing that out every day while the headmaster was in earshot, and as many times as he could around everyone else.

The first day had exposed Dumbledore and the rumors around the Triwizard Tournament. Yesterday had been about his family. Many were surprised to know that Dumbledore had a sister, or that the owner of the Hogshead was his brother. Or the fact his father had gone to jail for Muggle baiting. Of course, that was being investigated now that it was said Arianna Dumbledore had been accosted by the same Muggles.

How Skeeter got some of these facts, Harry had no clue, but it was having an effect.

Today, details and allegations around the Great Wizarding War of the thirties and forties dominated the paper. Again, the Headmaster walked out of the hall within minutes of the Prophet arriving. As he did, he stopped by Harry. "Mr. Potter, would you please stop by my office later? The tournament judges would like to talk with you about the clue you accidentally destroyed."

"It wasn't an accident. I have other things to do today, thank you," Harry said, putting some fried tomatoes, bacon and some cheese on toast pieces.

He hadn't been looking up, but at a nudge by Luna, he did. The headmaster did not look pleased. "Perhaps I was not clear? This is not a request."

"I understood, Headmaster. I really am all set though," Harry said with a cheeky smile. Harry didn't want to go anywhere near this man. "I would like to inform you that I will start auditing classes again, as long as the professors do not mind."

The slight tick that had started at the man's right cheek, just below his eye, let up. "I am pleased to hear you are going to start taking your education seriously again. Ten o'clock."

Harry sighed, closing his sandwich. He wasn't sure if he should be belligerent or not at the second. He cast a look at Luna. She was reading a book on astronomy that was laying on the table. One hand was guiding porridge to her mouth that had brown sugar on it and a small glass jar of syrup next to it. Her other hand was in her lap. It moved and squeezed his calf. There was an electric thrill that went through him, but somehow, he got the message not to push at the moment. This must be part of her plan B in case he couldn't get expelled.

"Ten o'clock," Harry agreed.

The man nodded. He was about to walk away when a new parliament of owls came into the hall. Being a Sunday, coming in about fifteen minutes after the Daily Prophet meant that more students were in the hall. The fourteen owls all had a few magazines wrapped in twine so they could carry them. Three headed for each table and two to the head table. Luna squeezed his calf again. Harry really liked the thrill is sent through him. It was like when they snuck around with his invisibility cloak and how close she pressed against him.

When one of them landed before them, Harry could see his face on the cover of the Quibbler. "Oh, I do hope daddy included a crossword based on the story about you. I did suggest one," Luna said in her dreamy voice, letting go of his leg and reaching for the magazines.

Dumbledore's face paled some.

Harry was uncomfortable to see the cover and to know the story within, but Luna had assured him it was tastefully done, was based totally on facts, made sure everyone knew it was Dumbledore that had placed him there, and only published what he had given Luna to publish about him. Looking at the title, his own eyes grew wide: Harry Potter... the real story and myth

He couldn't keep his laugh in at the headline below it: Minister Fudge admits to the existence of Stubby Boardman and his legion of heliopaths

"What is that?" Dumbledore asked, a slight strain to his voice.

"It is the Quibbler, Headmaster. An anonymous donor paid for fifty issues to be delivered. You should have one at the head table," Luna said, freeing a copy and flipping it over before flipping to the first page and holding it up to hide her face from the headmaster. Harry was really liking this girl.

Harry looked up, an almost evil grin on his face. Dumbledore watched as many around the hall laughed at first, but some curious people took the magazines. Harry figured in about five minutes the staring would really start. Soon after that, he would get the first questions about whether it was real. Then soon after that, he figured the headmaster would be having an even larger headache than he looked to already be having.

"I will see you at ten," Dumbledore said before turning and stalking out the hall. He looked more like Snape with the way he moved.

"You really are a bad boy," Luna said, a smirk playing at her face as she read the article about him upside down. "I hear many girls like bad boys." She frowned after a few seconds. "I really should have done a better job on this paragraph."

Harry chuckled, leaning over her shoulder to read.

Hermione sat across from them, being later than normal today. She went to say 'hello', but her head turned to the side. "Harry, why is your picture on the front page of the Quibbler?"

"Harry has agreed that the Quibbler will be his official publicist and source of news," Luna told her.

Hermione looked to him. "What she said," Harry backed up the slight blonde.

"Harry, you can't be serious that you lived under the stairs for ten years," Angelina yelled down the table.

Oh, bloody hell! Did she have to yell it?

Hermione frowned. "Harry didn't live under the stairs. That would be abuse..."

He let out a deep breath. "I did," he said just loud enough for her to hear over the growing noise in the hall, which meant half the table heard him, including many at the Hufflepuff table.

Hermione's mouth opened and closed a bit. "Oh, Harry!"

"I don't want to talk about it. I gave the interview to Luna and what is printed in that magazine is the truth," Harry said in a flat voice. "Luna, I am going back to our room if you need me."

Hermione's eyes bulged. All the copies were now taken by people around the hall. "What does the article say?"

He put a hand on Luna's shoulder after he got up. She patted his hand and he walked out of a hall that was loud with talk and gasps. He was just glad that most of the abuse wasn't in there.

-oOo-

"Oh, my god," Hermione said as she read the article.

"Do you understand now?" Luna asked as she looked at Hermione.

Hermione looked up at the girl, her brow scrunched. "Luna, is this true?"

Luna looked down at her copy again. "It is up to you if you believe your best friend, or not."

Hermione looked back at the article. It had some on his early life, mostly how he grew up with muggles, knowing nothing about the magical world, lived in a cupboard, had to wear his cousin's hand-me down clothes and how they had tried to throw all his Hogwarts letters away. The fact Hagrid was the one to introduce him and not tell him how to get onto platform nine and three-quarters was horrid. Then the tales of their first three years, ending with the innocence of Sirius Black!

The biggest shocker was the admission Dumbledore had been the one to put him at his relatives, 'For his own safety'.

Luna was humming when Hermione was done. There was a lot of talk around the hall. As she looked at the blonde, Hermione was starting to understand how much she had really hurt Harry and why he was acting the way he was now. She thought she had cried all the tears she could over the last month. A few more came down her cheeks. "Luna?"

The girl looked up at her, Luna's eyes staring at her, almost as though she was looking right through Hermione. It was rather disturbing. Hermione liked it better when Luna looked dreamier. "It is up to you if you believe your friend or not. I have not known Harry long, but I am unsure he will ever really trust you again. I do not sense he trusts easily, nor is he willing to forgive that easily anymore. Many have bullied, controlled and judged him without knowing Harry. Right now, he trusts me, and I will never betray that trust. Can you and his other friends say the same?"

Hermione looked at Luna, the knife of guilt tearing into her gut. She had only done what she thought she needed to protect Harry. After all the times he so blindly trusted her and Ron, how could she have not believed him on Halloween? How could she have questioned him?

Luna closed her book and put it into a small leather satchel, putting the strap over her shoulder as she stood. "Harry misses you. Stop pushing what you think he needs and start listening to him. He needs our help, but I am unsure he will accept it from you anymore. Now, if you'll excuse me, I would like to see the thestrals, then help him prepare this afternoon. If you would like, we will probably be in the library by two."

Hermione watched Luna walk out the Great Hall before turning back to the Quibbler. She was reading the article again when Ron and Parvati sat next to her. Ron looked a little pale. "Hermione, is this all true?" Parvati asked.

It was her first test. Did she believe Harry? Ron was looking at her too. He had lived many of the stories in this article with her. Even after everything, Ron still looked a little dubious. Looking Parvati in her eyes, Hermione said, "I believe Harry."

Parvati nodded after a moment. "Merlin, I always thought he grew up adventuring the world. All the stories and articles said he was rich, and you know. The junk clothes and his naivety to our world makes so much more sense."

Hermione shook her head and spoke before Ron could. "I know he didn't know about magic before Hagrid came to him. I also know that he never seemed to have much. The clothes he has to wear outside of the ones he bought for school are always second hand and always big on him."

"Why wouldn't he tell us this?" Ron asked. "I know we took those bars off the window, but Fred and George thought it was meant to protect Harry. You know, Muggles do all sorts of strange things to protect their houses."

Hermione frowned. "What do you mean bars on his window? That is not a normal Muggle thing to do," she snapped at Ron.

"But he does have a lot of money," Ron stated, trying to ignore the question, obviously looking uncomfortable.

"How would you know?" Hermione challenged.

"I overheard Mum talking with dad that Harry should invest what was in his vault. She saw it when she had to take out what was needed to get his supplies this year," Ron told her.

"I really don't think that is something that should be just thrown around," Hermione told the redhead.

Parvati had been looking at them. "It is rumored the Potters were a wealthy family."

"See," Ron said, as though it proved his point.

"I really don't care. If you will excuse me, I want to finish my homework and then meet up with Harry and Luna this afternoon," Hermione told them.

Ron frowned. "Why didn't he tell me?"

She gave him a hard look. Parvati answered for her, "Because none of us believed him and you were a right arse to him after Halloween."

Ron looked a little chastened. "I tried to make things right after the task."

"No, you tried to act as though nothing happened," Hermione chided.

She left the table to go get her books and then head to the library.

-oOo-

Later that day...

Luna was sitting in the room. Winky had just placed some sandwiches on the table between the two chairs as she worked on her astronomy chart. The whispers and talk in the corridors were annoying her, so she preferred to be in here to the library. Many thought she never heard them, and she was ignored more often than not, but Luna heard. She heard everything that was said about her or Harry.

Mummy had always told her that she was who she was.

Since she had found Harry in the elf enclave, the rumors about her had almost stopped. That was two days after she had found Winky hidden under a pile of hand towels in the kitchens. She had sat with Winky for an entire night to see her sober up, and then she had offered the hurting elf a home. Luna was always drawn to those that hurt, but she had a hard time feeling sorry for many of them. Most times people suffered from their own selfish actions.

Winky was suffering from trying to follow her master's orders and failing, but not of her own doing.

It was like the pain Harry was in. None of his pain was his own doing. The tournament was just one thing too far for him. Unlike most, he was trying to find a way to make his life better, instead of wallowing or blaming others for his pain. That was why she liked him and was helping him.

It was also why she was following the stars. There was much one could learn from the stars. More importantly, there was a great power in the stars if one wished to call on them.

They knew the next task would involve him retrieving something he cherished from the bottom of the lake. February was the month of the fish, according to the stars. If she could map out what she was thinking, then about her birthday, she could give Harry something to help him. That was if he wasn't expelled by then, but she didn't see that happening.

Thinking about expulsion, she had to complete her Ilvermorny application. Daddy would be sad for her to go overseas, but he would understand. It might have him looking in the Americas more. They had only been to Peru once, Western Canada and the Northeast of the United States. In Peru they had not found the snorkacks or woomperwilows. They had found a previously unknown breed of amaru. That was part of how daddy and her always had the money they needed. The Explorers society funded well for expeditions that returned results and Daddy was brilliant at finding new creatures or other secrets. Though, she had found the Ruby-feathered amaru. Maybe Harry would go with them next time? She would like to talk with the snakes and Harry could do that.

When the door opened, she frowned. She could feel the discontent from Harry. Usually, she would split her thoughts so that she could focus on more than one task, but there was something that told her she needed to focus.

"You were gone longer than I expected," she said, motioning towards the food. It was almost half-past twelve.

Harry came over and plopped down in the chair. "Thanks."

She cocked her head. His colours were still resolute. He wasn't as turbulent on the inside. His anger didn't rule him as much. He was still disturbed though. "The headmaster didn't expel you, did he?" she asked almost disappointed. As much as she wanted Harry around every day, she didn't want him to hurt.

"I wish he would. I need to make more trouble. The Minister was there this time. He threatened Dumbledore to take away the Chief Warlock position and recall him from the International Confederation of Wizards. The articles about him and Grindelwald have many on the continent up in arms over it," Harry told her with a slight smirk.

Luna nodded. "That is not what is bothering you though, is it?"

Harry snorted. "How do you do that?"

"You have more wrackspurts around you than you did earlier," she replied simply.

"Right, wasn't thinking about that," he responded in a way that didn't make her feel bad. Harry didn't question or judge her, just accepted her ability and she felt a little more attracted to him. She looked at him expectantly until he chuckled. "Merlin, Luna, I can't keep anything from you when you look at me like that."

She just smiled serenely.

"So, I was able to get Bagman to confirm it has something to do with merpeople. He also made a comment that it will be someone I would really miss," he said grumpily.

She blinked a few times. "I thought the task sounded too simple."

Harry shook his head while chuckling again. "Yeah. Simple. I've been working on it, and even a small submarine is going to be too large and complicated to transfigure quickly. I will have to breathe underwater and rescue someone."

She reached over the table and patted his hand. "I am working on something. If you can't find anything by Christmas, I will tell you if my plan will work or not. I think you should change your other part of your plan. I am not sure how well the mermen will react to giant sharks invading their village. I do not want to start a war with such noble beings."

Harry let out a breath, his hand turning and taking her smaller hand into it. She liked the contact. It was almost like he was being intimate with her. Hugs and touches had been in short supply since her mummy had died.

"There is something else," he said, this time looking a little nervous.

She cocked her head to the other side. "What is that?"

"There is a ball on Yule. I have to learn to dance."

"Do you want to go?" she questioned, feeling pleasant flutterings in her gut. She had heard of this from other girls and thought it would hurt to have butterflies in you. Instead, it made her want to squirm, but not in a bad way.

"Do you think Ilvermorny will reject me if I piss people off too much here?" Harry asked.

"I think you should not bring up any more lost facts for now. I have found some interesting stuff on Headmaster Karkaroff, if you don't want to wait," she soothed him.

Harry sighed. "Fine. I will buckle down in my studies again. I am not going back to the crackpot Moody. There is something I just don't like about him."

"Are you going to take potions again? There are a few that could be helpful for going into the Black Lake in February," she told him.

Harry made a face. "I am not going back into any classroom with Snape. If I didn't think I needed more advanced Transfiguration, I wouldn't go back to McGonagall."

"We will find a space we can brew potions. I will teach you all I know," she offered. His smile intensified the butterflies.

"Thanks. I really owe you."

She shook her head slightly. "No, you don't."

He still looked nervous. "Luna?"

"Yes?"

"Would you go to the ball with me?"

She could tell that took a lot out of him. Her butterflies felt like they were dancing in her. "Daddy said I can't date until I am fourteen."

"Oh," he said rather dejectedly. Did he really like her?

"I could go as a friend, or maybe it can be a practice date for when you take me out on Valentine's Day?" she suggested. After it came out, she blinked a few times. Where had that come from? Sometimes she just said things without realizing what she said until after the fact.

Harry sat up a little straighter and a small smile came over his face. It made her feel a little special. "If you are willing to go out with me after the Yule Ball, I could take you out for Valentine's Day?"

She smiled back, squeezing his hand. "I do not see us having a bad time at the Yule Ball."

-oOo-

November 30, 1994

Hogwarts, Scotland

Fred and George gave him a mischievous smile as he sat in the far corner of the room. Perhaps he should talk to them about finding other ways to get him expelled?

When Professor McGonagall came in and spotted him, she pursed her lips, but didn't say a word. The class was working on general non-verbal conjuring. Something Harry wanted more help on right now. Luna and him were working on non-verbal spells, but not having much luck yet. Harry wasn't sure if he would be able to cast under the water otherwise. Conjuring was also something he needed to expand his knowledge on, and this was beyond what Hermione and Luna really knew how to do.

McGonagall took out her wand and cast it at the chalkboard. "You will be having your mid-year exams in two weeks. Today we will be reviewing non-verbal casting and the few conjuring spells you have learned so far. Please perform each spell on the board three times each without talking. In about a half-hour we will get into the theory and practical of conjuring furniture."

Once the class was practicing, McGonagall made her way up the stairs to the top tier and came to stand before him. Harry didn't know the spells on the board, but he was practicing conjuring fish in a glass bowl he had transmuted while trying not to say anything. He had to murmur. When she came up to him, her voice was not kind. "What are you doing in this class? The fourth-year Gryffindors see me Tuesdays and Wednesdays."

"Those spells are too simple for what I need. I need help," he told her.

She looked to be having a strong internal conflict. "You didn't seem to need help the last few weeks."

"I wasn't trying to conjure or do non-verbal spells in the last task," Harry replied as he tried to concentrate. "I figured I might need to in the next task. Someone said that screeching sounded like mermaids. Do you think I might have to swim down to them? Hard to talk when you are underwater."

She narrowed her eyes. After a few minutes she ordered, "If you are to audit this class, you will abide by the rules of this school."

"Yes, Professor. When I am in classes, I will abide by the rules."

"Good. Now, I will see you tomorrow in your normal class. Each day you prove our competence in the class material, I will set you to special studies," she told him.

"I need to learn non-verbal casting and conjuring, Professor. I can already summon and know how to find the other spells I need," he countered, looking up to meet her eyes.

She didn't look as pleased. "Potter, I understand what you want, but you are missing out on important foundational blocks and material you will need on your O.W.L.'s next year. I will give you extra work at the end of each class."

Harry sighed. In his annoyance, he swiped his wand, willing the water and bowl to vanish. Right now, he could only seem to do non-verbal spells when he was angry or when he truly needed too. He needed more control if he had to go into the lake, especially if there was a hostage.

"Thank you, Professor. I will find another way to get the training I need," he said rather condescendingly, taking his bag and putting his class stuff in.

"Potter, tomorrow," she told him.

"No thank you. I'll do it myself," he said, moving to go around her.

He was almost at the door when she called out, "Potter, I will keep my word."

Harry didn't say a word. Hopefully, Professor Flitwick and Professor Sprout would be more willing to help. He really wanted a good DADA instructor, but Moody just creeped him out.

"Fuck," he muttered to himself. He needed some instruction and help.

-oOo-

December 2, 1994

Hogwarts, Scotland

"Thought you might like this," Luna said, sitting down in her chair.

Harry raised an eyebrow at her, taking the Daily Prophet. Luna would have preferred to have this break in the Quibbler, but she had to admit that more witches and wizards would be reached, though daddy had written to her that subscriptions had gone up since the release of the article on Harry.

After a moment, Harry laughed. "This is great! You think they will expel me know?"

"I highly doubt it. I would recommend waiting to go after the Minister. His army of heliopaths could be rather problematic until you learn how to commune with fire," she told him seriously. She was worried that Harry would not be able to deal with a threat like that... yet.

Harry gave her a huge smile. "I only want to be expelled, not killed."

A little relieved, she nodded. "Good."

Harry put the paper down and took up the journal he had been writing in. Looking down at the paper, she looked at the headline. It was not as good as the one she would have use, but it was effective: Goblins controlling the Tri-wizarding tournament? Ludo Bagman trying to rig the tournament to pay off debts?

Below that was another headline: Mystery at the Ministry - Unspeakables investigating the Triwizard Cup.

-oOo-

December 5, 1994

Hogwarts, Scotland

Dumbledore was pinching his nose. The two weeks since the task, things had been falling apart. Scandals and questions he had resolved decades ago were causing him headaches. People did not seem as willing to accept his word on what happened, especially after the Quibbler article. Daily, he was getting greater than a hundred letters from parents and others needing explanations. It was pesky enough that the DMLE was requesting a review of Hogwarts wards and actions.

His headache grew even more to think of Harry. He had gone to a few classes last week, levels above what he was supposed to be doing. All the staff told him he had to go back to normal classes and behave, just as Albus had instructed them too.

Again, Albus had failed to secure the boy into the path he was to follow.

"Potter did not show," Minerva was telling him. "When I confronted him at lunch that day, he said he was just going to find a different way to learn. Albus, it can be dangerous to learn non-verbal casting and conjuring without help. That is always held off until sixth-year because it can hurt the core of those that haven't grown enough if they overpower the spells."

"I am aware of that, Minerva," he said tiredly.

"Albus, we should not be limiting Potter. He is facing real dangers with these tasks. He was auditing my fifth-years to work on the disillusionment and confundus charms. He has a rudimentary grasp on them already and could use more lessons. I offered to work with him at the end of the fourth-year classes, but he refused," Filius put in.

"That is all we need is to have the boy filled with more special praise by caving to his tantrum. I will not accept him into my class next year," Severus snarled.

"You may not have to. I have been contacted by Ilvermorny requesting a copy of his transcript and a recommendation," Pomona said.

"Why were they contacting you, Pomona?" Minerva queried.

"The cover letter thought I was the Deputy Head after you didn't reply to them. I put it on your desk two days ago," Pomona replied."

Albus lips pursed. "He cannot leave Hogwarts without permission."

"They have it, Albus. I showed you the request last week. Sirius Black has been recognized as the boy's guardian by the MACUSA and he signed the application forms," Minerva told him.

"He has already applied?" Filius asked curiously.

"The boy is in touch with Black! We have to tell the Aurors," Severus said, jumping out of his seat.

"Sit down, Severus. I have already told you that Sirius Black is innocent, and the Minister will not allow an investigation," Albus said, getting frustrated at the animosity his Potions Master was showing towards Harry and Sirius.

"You have not given us any proof, Albus, so I can understand why Severus does not believe you," Minerva challenged.

"Either way, with his guardian's permission, we must reply to Ilvermorny, and I would think we should be honest. I will not step on the bad side of a boy that has done nothing to me and has been entered into this illegally," Pomona stated.

When had she been so turned around about Harry? Pomona had not been pleased when Harry's name came out of the cup. Albus said firmly, "We can wait a little longer. Harry Potter is not leaving Hogwarts."

"And what if a representative from Ilvermorny or the MACUSA decides to take a visit here? Would you deny them entry? I am sure Ilvermorny, or any school, would fight to have that boy attend," Minerva said again. "After finding out everything he has been through, I am surprised he hasn't lashed out before. If Harry approaches me again, I am not going to send him away."

Albus sighed. "We still don't know where he is staying?"

"It is somewhere above the fourth floor. Even disillusioned, the brat is somehow confounding me," Severus said darkly. He could tell Severus wanted to argue for potioning Harry, but the man held his tongue. No one else in the room would agree.

"That is where the wards and any tracking charms lose him as well," Albus confessed.

"Would you like me to reply to Ilvermorny?" Minerva queried.

He sighed. "No. I will draft a letter and send it tomorrow. As a convicted felon, the MACUSA has no grounds on letting Sirius Black act as his guardian. I am sure once the year is over, Harry will calm down again."

"You don't understand, Albus. The MACUSA has found him innocent," Minerva pressed.

Albus was going to have to find a way to get hold of Sirius. This was starting to go too far.

-oOo-

December 12, 1994

Hogwarts, Scotland

After asking around, Harry had sought out the one girl that came up more often than most. He really needed some help, and he was done with the Professors after they had all rejected him last week.

The girl was a seventh-year. She was said to make money on the side by tutoring people in transfiguration and charms, as long as you could pay. Harry knew he could, having asked Dobby to get some coins from his vault with his key and a note.

The girl was a dirty blonde with hazel eyes, curves that caught most anyone's eyes and a cool face. The fact she was in Ravenclaw colours probably explained why people went to her for tutoring.

Sitting across from her, he waited until she was done writing. "My schedule is full until after Christmas," she said without looking up.

"Ms. Townsend, please, I could really use your help. I can pay you the two galleons an hour you ask for," Harry offered.

She sighed. "It's not about the money. I have ten hours a week to tutor. That time has been contracted until after Christmas hols. If I do more, I don't get my studies done."

"I only need work on non-verbal casting and conjuring. I promise to do anything you give me to do between lessons, but I really could use four hours a week or more," Harry said, putting ten galleons down.

She finally looked up and took him in, not looking impressed. "I don't know which upper year you got to help you with that first task, but there is no way a fourth-year could do what is NEWT level spells," she replied.

"Alright, plan C then," Harry said, taking the galleons off the table and getting up.

"What? You are just going to walk away?" The girl sounded offended, like she had expected him to argue with her.

"I was told you are the best. You are just a twat," Harry said, giving her the two-finger salute. "Oh, and I heard you were practicing the Patronus in class last week. I learned that last year. Good luck." He gave her a cheeky grin and walked away.

He was out of the library and walking towards the stairs when Townsend's voice came, "Who the bloody hell do you think you are!? There is no way you know how to do that spell!"

Harry took his wand out of his sleeve, turned and pointed it towards the girl. She took out her own wand, looking unsure if Harry might try to curse her. "Expecto Patronum," he said clearly. The spectral form of Prongs shot out of his wand. The girl's eyes went wide.

"How?"

"I had to learn. I had hoped you would help. I will let everyone know you were unwilling to work with me," he told her. "Not that my word carries any weight."

"Wait, that would ruin me. You shouldn't be able to do non-verbal or conjuration yet," she told him.

"I shouldn't be in a tournament meant for those ready for their NEWTs either." Harry flicked his wand and Prongs dissipated. "Good luck."

"I'll teach you. Half off if you can help me with the Patronus charm," she said, almost desperately.

Harry shook his head. "I am tired of giving others second chances. I asked. You refused. You ask, I politely refuse. Good night."

Harry left the girl, frustrated even more.

-oOo-

December 15, 1994

Hogwarts, Scotland

Harry was sitting with Luna at the Ravenclaw table for dinner. He was not in a good mood. Luna rubbed his leg. "The wrackspurts are back. You should focus on something else for the night," she told him.

He huffed. "I need to learn non-verbal casting. So far I can't get anything unless I seem to be in life-threatening situations or being royally buggered."

Luna shook her head. "That is not a solution. You should be avoiding those adventures."

Harry snorted, half-laughing at her. "I would love to avoid those adventures."

"Have you considered something else? Neville was talking about gilliweed," she suggested.

He shook his head. "I want to do this as muggle as possible," he replied.

She nodded. "I get that. Who else can you ask for help from?"

He shrugged. "I have no clue. I tried McGonagall and Flitwick, but they said I couldn't audit the upper year classes. That Townsend girl is just a bitch. She's approached me two more times and said three people have cancelled on her since I told her to bugger off."

"Maybe you should take her up on her offer?" she prompted.

"She was one of the ones wearing those pins," he countered.

Luna's passive face looked upset for a moment. "You should avoid her."

Harry nodded before eating some of his dinner. She took out a copy of the Daily Prophet and then started to go through and circle articles. "What are you doing?"

"Figuring out the best time for you to release your statement about Professor Batty," she commented.

Harry chuckled. They had decided Snape was his next target. Things were by no means settled with Dumbledore, who was out of the school most days, still trying to clear up his half-ruined reputation. "Let me know when you want to do that."

She didn't respond, continuing her unexplainable pattern. He questioned himself what an article on Madam Puddifoots had in common with an ad on dragon hide armour and Miss Curly Locks hair products. All the while she picked away at a Sheppard's pie. He was sure it made sense to her.

As they ate in silence, a girl sat across from them. Harry looked up to see a short, older girl with raven black hair. He had seen her around but didn't know her name. The Hufflepuff colours had him a little weary. "Hello. Can I help you?"

"I hear you are looking for a tutor and Townsend rejected you," she told him.

"You can say that," he said dubiously. Luna hadn't looked up and was going through yesterday's Daily Prophet now. The fact she was acting that way let Harry know she didn't have an issue with this girl.

"A few of her regulars have come to me. The girl may be smart and pretty, but she is a bloody hag," the girl responded, making Harry laugh. The girl offered her hand. "Rosemary Thyne."

"Harry Potter and this is Luna Lovegood. Are you offering to help?"

"What do you need help with?" she queried.

"Non-verbal casting and conjuring," he answered.

She nodded. "How many hours a week?"

"As many as you want to give up. I'll pay two galleons an hour," he offered.

"That is highway robbery. An hour should be ten sickles. I hear you know how to cast a Patronus, Protego shield, and you animated those dummies. I could consider a fair trade. Two hours a week you help me, I can give you two hours a week," she offered.

"I really would like to get four or more hours," Harry replied.

"Only if you are willing to meet Sundays at like six in the morning," she replied, looking half-serious.

"Harry will be there," Luna said.

Harry shrugged his shoulders. "If Luna is in, I am too."

The girl looked at Luna for a moment. When Luna nodded, Rosemary said, "Sure. How does Saturday at one sound for our first session?"

"Fine by me," Harry agreed.

"Great. Meet me outside the charms room and we will go somewhere else more private," she replied.

"Sounds good," Harry told her and she left. A few minutes later, Hermione joined them. "You're late."

Hermione smiled at him and handed him some parchments. "You wanted prints on some..."

Harry looked around. "Not here," he said to her. Harry didn't really want anyone to know what he was planning outside these two.

"Oh, right," Hermione said, handing him a folder. "Mum sent them this morning but I haven't seen you all day."

"Thanks. If you need to use Hedwig again, just let me know," he offered, taking the folder.

Hermione grinned. She seemed happier with them getting on a more even keel again.

-oOo-

December 17, 1994

Hogwarts, Scotland

The headmaster looked over his glasses. "Harry..."

"Mr. Potter," Harry spoke over him.

"Mr. Potter," the man said with a sigh. "It has come to my attention that you have been given an invitation to go to Ilvermorny on a tour and given Professor McGonagall a note to leave for Christmas?"

"Yes, sir," Harry replied.

"You know that your parents signed you up here and paid for your entire education up front?"

Harry shrugged. "I figure they would want me to survive instead of worry about money."

The old man frowned. "That is not the point. You are legally bound to remain here."

"How so?"

"The magical contract they signed..."

"You mean like the contract that is making me participate in this tournament?" Harry snapped back.

The man's even look faltered for a moment. "I think it time you stop acting a petulant child. I think you old enough to act an adult."

Harry shrugged. "I don't see anything making me an adult, so why should I?"

"This immaturity is growing tiring," the man responded.

"Then get me out of this and I will act more mature," Harry countered.

"You know I can't," Dumbledore replied.

"Yes, you can. Expel me," Harry informed him.

"That will not happen. There is much you can still learn here," Dumbledore tried his teacher's voice.

"Like conjuring and non-verbal casting?" Harry pressed.

"I do not think you old enough to advance that fast. There are reasons we wait until your NEWT years to teach those subjects," Dumbledore tried to explain.

"Like being mature enough?" Harry retorted.

Dumbledore sat there for a moment, staring at Harry. "Like being mature enough."

"And what about the rules of the tournament? It is not against the rules for my professors to teach me anything I ask for. If I am mature enough to compete, why am I not mature enough to get any tutoring I need?" Harry shot back.

"I have told you before, my hands were tied, and we did not understand all the rules at the time. If I had been certain, I would have taken you out of the tournament," Dumbledore answered.

Harry snorted. "And you call me immature? Why would you start such a tournament if you did not understand all the rules? Did you know that in 1432 it was ruled that professors refusing to teach something a champion requested was determined to be interference in the tournament? I am not asking how to solve the task, just to learn something that could help in the task."

He noticed Dumbledore's eyes widen just a little before going back to normal. "I don't think you need to claim that, Harry."

"Mr. Potter, Headmaster Dumbledore. I already claim it. I sent in my letter of complaint to the judges and the Goblet of Fire this morning. You should receive your copy soon," Harry told him.

Almost on cue, Hedwig flew up to a window in the headmaster's towers. Harry smiled at his familiar.

"If you excuse me, Headmaster, I will let you deal with my complaint," Harry told him.

Dumbledore closed his eyes for a moment. The man opened and closed his left hand like he was in pain but trying to hide it. "Very well, Mr. Potter."

At worst, the judges could have their magic bound for a while, but Harry was pretty sure most adult wizards would not want that. Harry got up. "If you want to expel me, my complaint wouldn't hold any credence..."

The old man sighed. "You are not expelled."

Harry snapped his fingers.

"Oh, and Mr. Potter, as your magical guardian, you do not have permission to leave the school over the Christmas Break."

"You only have say over me while I am in Britain because you refuse to help Sirius. Sirius has say over me in the MACUSA." Harry left, giving the man a two-finger salute as he walked out. A sigh came from behind him.

-oOo-

December 21, 1994

Hogwarts, Scotland

Harry was waiting for Luna outside the second bedroom of the elven enclave they were staying in. Well, Luna was staying over most nights now, saying that she felt safer here than in her dorms. The girls were not bothering her now that Winky kept returning her stuff and it was known Harry was hanging out with her, but she still didn't feel totally safe after years of bullying. Harry wanted to repay them the kindness, but Luna had told him not to. She reminded him he wanted to get expelled, not arrested. They would be rewarded for their 'kindness' to her at some point.

"The Great Harry should take this handkerchief and these silver cufflinks," Dobby said, coming out of his room.

"Not tonight, Dobby. I don't want to lose them or damage the handkerchief or cufflinks," Harry told his loyal friend. Harry was happy the strange little elf had been so kind to him.

Dobby dug his foot into the carpet. "The Great Harry should look presentable," the elf argued.

"The point of tonight is to have fun," Harry told Dobby.

"And the Great Harry will have fun dressed properly." Dobby was not giving up.

"I don't want to lose those cufflinks," Harry said. "Sirius said they were his when he was young."

"And that is why yous should be wearing them." Dobby's eyes looked watery. They had been arguing about this for a little bit. Harry just needed to look presentable.

"Dobby, I said no right now," he shot back. Harry missed the elf's ears drooping and the look as though he had done wrong as the door opened to Luna's room.

Harry was not prepared to see Luna in an elegant yellow dress that swept to the floor. Her hair had been put up into a really nice bun. She looked stunning, even wearing her dirigible plum earrings and having her wand in her hair to hold up a fancy bun. The light colour wand went well with her more golden hair. Her sky-blue eyes looked playful as she looked at him. "Do I look alright," she asked, twirling around.

"Uh, more than alright," he said, his mouth a little dry. She was a developing girl that definitely caught his fourteen year-old-mind. In two months, he would be able to take her on a date into Hogsmeade. Getting expelled wasn't looking so appetizing unless Luna was coming. Hermione was waiting to talk to her parents over the Christmas Holidays about transferring. Their friendship had improved again. She was the only one he let back into his confidence again, but for some reason he had not shown her this place. He didn't' seem to trust her with everything anymore.

Right now though, Harry was focusing on Luna. Luna giggled at his reaction and bounced over to him. "I am glad you like it," she commented before dancing around him.

Harry laughed. He had never met a girl like her. "Do you want to do this? Winky looks like she spent a lot of time on you."

Luna giggled again. "I want to show off. I think Dumbledore is just another eye-twitch away from throwing you out."

Harry laughed. Dumbledore was not looking as well lately, not after losing his position as Chief Warlock, dealing with complaints about the tournament and the man was still trying to hold onto his position as the Head Mugwump of the ICW. "I hope so," he replied, but he didn't feel like his full conviction was behind it tonight.

She stopped twirling and stopped just before him. A hand came gently to his cheek. "If you change your mind, I will understand, but daddy is looking forward to going to Canada in a few days. He wants to find wendigos. There are rumors of them. We are going to tour Ilvermorny just before New Year's."

"I wish I could go with you. Take some pictures?"

"All the ones I can," she promised. Harry leaned into her hand, enjoying the apparent intimacy. He had never really felt anything like this before.

"Miss Luna and Master Harry should go before they is late," Winky said.

Luna giggled at her elf. "Is it late if the rungspingles are saying we should stay?" Luna put to Winky.

Winky looked confused and Harry chuckled. "You have not mentioned rungspingles yet."

"That is because they weren't really there before. We should go before Winky gets upset with us," Luna said, taking his arm.

Winky looked as put out as Dobby. As they walked out the door, he heard Winky asking, "Why is we having such silly masters?"

Dobby replied, "I is happy with them."

As they made it to the third floor landing, they joined the stream of students coming from Ravenclaw, and then Gryffindor. It wasn't long to find Hermione in a very flattering periwinkle dress. She was walking next to Neville. "You look very pretty," Luna said in her dreamy voice.

"Thank you. You do as well," Hermione replied before turning to him. "It's nice to see you can clean up."

Harry chuckled. "I try. I don't think Dobby would have let me go otherwise."

She pursed her lips but didn't say anything. She hadn't told them who she was going with. "Neville, are you escorting Hermione?"

Neville's face reddened. The poor boy was still so shy. Harry had forgiven because he had never thought Harry was lying. It was only recently he had heard that Neville had actually gotten into a fight with Ron and Seamus about it just after it happened. "I asked and she said yes," he replied.

Hermione took Neville's arm like Luna was his and they went down to the entry hall.

"I wasn't sure you would show," McGonagall remarked when they came down.

Harry shrugged. "I didn't want to disappoint my date."

She pursed her lips and indicated where they needed to go. Krum nodded at him. It had become a bit of a fun thing for them to get together every week or two to fly and practice. Harry was catching the snitch two to every three times Krum was now. Last weekend Diggory had joined them. The older Hufflepuff didn't really feel like competition now that he had flown against Krum, but it was interesting to have a three-way battle.

A girl from Beauxbatons was on Krum's arm, and some blonde girl that Harry recognized as a seventh-year Hufflepuff was with Diggory. Fleur was still as aloof as usual with a boy that looked like arm candy for the girl. He didn't ogle her like most others, but he just nodded as she talked to him. Harry didn't know the boy.

"Good evening," Krum said to him, extending a hand.

Harry shook it. "And to you."

"I see you have taken a fan," Krum said with a flat tone. Harry had been around the boy enough to tell he was not being serious.

"I am quite a fan of Harry," Luna said and they all laughed at the way he looked abashed.

"It is good to see you, Ms. Lovegood," Krum said, taking her hand and kissing it. "I vould like to introduce my companion tonight, Mademoiselle Theresa Trousseaux."

Harry did the same to his date. The tall French girl nodded her head. Harry wasn't sure she didn't understand English well or not because she didn't say a word.

"Are we to get a show tonight?" Diggory asked.

Harry shrugged.

When they were led in, Luna had her dreamy smile on her face. Harry noticed some jealous looks or confusion sent their way. He didn't care. Luna had been one of the few to believe him and he would believe in her. At the champions table, he was surprised to see the Minister of Magic with his wife, the beleaguered Bagman, who looked to have lost weight with his hair thinned considerably, some woman he didn't recognize and Dumbledore. There was one extra chair that looked to be the size Madam Maxime would need. Harry saw her a few tables away. Apparently, she was still boycotting Dumbledore.

While Dumbledore was giving his little speech, Harry leaned over to ask Luna, "Do you like blue or red flames?"

She giggled as though it was some private joke. "Yellow."

He nodded and then ordered his meal. Luna had a large corn beef sandwich and her favorite sticky toffee pudding appear before her when she ordered.

When it was time for them to dance, Harry stood and extended his hand to Luna. She may not be conventional, but her mother had taught her the proper ways, and in turn she had taught him. Luna took his hand, giggling as he bowed over it to kiss her knuckles. Leading her out to the floor, Luna gave him a satisfied smirk. "It's your call," he said to her, really liking how she looked and not wanting to raise the ire of their elves.

"Yellow flames," she replied, her dreamy eyes dancing with expected mirth.

He smirked before straightening his face and stepping in as the first cord struck. They took four steps before his wand came out. It was twelve more before the first spin. As she spun, his wand stuck out. "Frigus flagflavo," he muttered as he tapped her head. Luna was suddenly covered in yellow flames. She laughed as she spun around him, the flames jumping from her now engulfed dress to his robes. As she spun, Luna laughed out loud. Harry spun with her.

There was a scream or two, gasps and he caught the seething eyes of McGonagall and Dumbledore as he pulled Luna in. The fancy formal dress she had was now a thin yellow dress with colorful red flowers and cut to look like an upside-down flower with its pedals open when she spun. It was apparently a popular style from Hawaii. He was in white slacks and a yellow Hawaiian shirt with similar flowers.

Luna shivered as she looked up at him with mischief in her eyes. Harry laughed at her mirth and spun her again, not caring if they danced the proper waltz the other champions around them were. Delacour's eyes looked livid when he caught them, while Diggory was smiling with his date. Krum just nodded, his date not looking as impressed. Once it was done, someone whistled loudly, and many started to clap and laugh.

As he pulled Luna into him again, the bottom sections of her dress flapped against his legs. After that, they danced to their own music. It wasn't even a full song later, while they were laughing at the congratulations they were getting, they were met by a rather thin lipped McGonagall. "Mr. Potter, Ms. Lovegood. You will go and get into proper dress again. I have never seen such disregard for our traditions."

"And if I don't?" Harry questioned, honestly curious.

She stared down her nose. He thought he saw something there in her expression, as though she didn't want to do this. "You and Ms. Lovegood will need to leave for the night. A champion should not be so disrespectful."

Harry looked to Luna. "Are you done dancing?"

"I think we can dance more in our private place," she said, moving in to wrap her arms around his right arm. "There will be less wrackspurts."

Harry smiled. "You heard the girl. Let's go, Luna."

Her hand slid down his arm and into his hand. "Can we go by the kitchens first?"

"Of course," he told her.

As they walked out, Diggory stopped him. "Where are you two going?" All those around them looked around.

"McGonagall said we weren't dressed right and had to leave," Harry told him. "Have a good night."

-o-

Minerva watched as a large group was gathering towards the doors. Albus walked up to her. There was a thin smile on his face. "Where is Harry?"

"I told you he would walk out," she seethed.

She didn't miss Karkaroff looking towards them, a nasty smirk on his face.

"Good. When he comes back, I would like to have one more champions dance and then have the Weird Sisters come out," he told her, looking a little more pleasant.

"I don't think you understand. He and Ms. Lovegood are not coming back tonight," she told him.

Albus didn't look pleased now. "Harry has to be down here."

She was just about at her breaking point over this. "No. He does not."

"Harry is a Champion and has to do all the traditions around the tournament," Albus said. "Perhaps I can collect him before he disappears again...?"

"Just leave it be, Albus." Her spine stiffened some. Minerva sighed. She knew how that was most likely to go. "Just give him what he wants. Otherwise, there may be nothing left of Hogwarts reputation by the end of the year."

The man gave her a look like she didn't know what she was talking about. "The boy needs to grow up."

As they talked, she caught many walking out of the hall. In the group was the Head Boy, Cedric Diggory, and the Durmstrang Champion, Victor Krum. "Are you sure of that, Headmaster? I love this school, but he is becoming more troublesome than his father and his friends. He is even turning others against you."

"What do you mean?" Albus questioned as he looked at her.

She waited a moment. Well more than half the students that had started here were now out the main doors of the Great Hall. "Just look around. If you excuse me, I am going to finish my response to Mr. Potter on his complaint against his school. I would like to have my magic next year."

Albus looked around. There were far fewer pupils in the Great Hall than there should be.

As she walked out, she saw a confused French veela talking with her Headmistress. The woman met her eyes and nodded after a moment. Minerva returned the gesture. Madam Maxime turned back to Ms. Delacour, who seemed to have lost her date.

-oOo-

December 22, 1994

Being read across much of Great Britain…

-oOo-

DAILY PROPHET

Revolt at Hogwarts

By Rita Skeeter

The traditional Yule Ball kicked off as expected. The beautiful Fleur Delacour entered in a wonderful blue dress and what looked like diamonds in her hair and around her neck. Her date, a seventh year Ravenclaw, appeared to be a gentleman of high repute. Behind her, came in the severe looking Bulgarian National Team Seeker and Durmstrang Champion, Victor Krum, in a regal looking uniform with a very attractive French girl on his arm. The two champions from our own Hogwarts were a little more forgettable in traditional British robes. Cedric Diggory is very handsome, but he just doesn't have the flare of the foreigners. Even more forgettable, due to his diminutive stature compared to our other Champions, was Harry Potter and his date, Luna Lovegood.

Of course, the youngest Champion and his date would not remain unforgettable for long. After a rather boring dinner, the champions took to the floor. They all lined up for a traditional waltz. Starting off, they all looked rather nice and skilled, that was until Harry Potter set his date on fire! You heard right! Harry Potter set his date on fire!

Many screamed and started to panic when it sounded like screams coming from the poor girl, until it became apparent she was laughing and in a few seconds, Harry Potter himself was engulfed in the same flames. See picture above. When they subsided, a very pleased looking blonde laughed as she spun in a rather scandalous dress for such a prestigious event. One of the Muggleborns made a comment that it looked like they were back in Hawaii. The garish yellow dress with flashy flowers on the Lovegood girl was not the norm but was rather flattering on the younger girl. The matching white slacks and shirt on Mr. Potter spoke of a place that did not seem as stuffy.

Once the joke was realized, they were given a round of applause and congratulated by many of their peers.

Being rather upset at the 'disregard for tradition', Headmaster Dumbledore banned them from the Yule Ball.

You heard right. The beleaguered, and Grindelwald loving, Albus Dumbledore, banned one of the champions from a dance that was meant to honour them.

So many were upset with the decision that much of the Great Hall emptied before the headline band, the Weird Sisters, even came on stage.

The Headmistress of Beauxbatons was heard arguing with the man when she refused to make those that left come back...

-o-

Albus felt a pain in his chest as he read the article, and the subsequent tearing down he received. If he had been low before, this time he looked like a crotchety old man that refused to let kids be kids. The fight he had with Olympe was laid out in all its glory, making him look even better!

Looking up, he could see that his once vaunted reputation was fading. Many were laughing at the article. Others were obviously talking about the rather impressive display of magic that Harry had pulled off. The use of the flame freezing charm with a colour flame charm over it was rather skillful. If it had been almost any other time that night, he might have found it rather amusing. In the middle of the opening dance of the Yule Ball was not the time though.

Looking down the Gryffindor table, he could see Harry and Miss Lovegood. They were laughing with the Weasley twins and Miss Granger. Others were clamoring for their attention. Harry was turning most people away.

Looking at the boy, Albus was starting to wonder if he should just grant the boy's wish to be expelled. It would allow them to start over again next year. Delaying the plot against the boy for a year may not be a bad thing. It could allow him to mature more. It was now glaringly obvious that Albus had misjudged Harry's readiness to face Voldemort again.

"Headmaster?" Severus said next to him.

"Yes?"

"Have you heard me at all?" the man questioned angrily.

"About what?"

The man gave him an angry glare. "Someone broke into my stores again. The last of my boomslang skin, ashwinder eggs and gilliweed have all been taken. I need another three hundred galleons to replace everything."

Albus frowned. All those were ingredients in disturbing potions and not cheap. "You have already gone through all your budget for the year?"

"A month ago, when I had to replace the boomslang skin and a few other ingredients. I would blame Potter, but he actually had alibis when the theft happened, and he doesn't have the talent to get by my wards," Severus sneered.

Albus sighed. "I can give you another two-hundred and fifty galleons for now. Once the second semester funds come in, how much will you need?"

"Another six hundred galleons for the year," Severus replied.

Albus sighed again. Many more situations like this and the slush fund would be used up fast. He was also starting to regret his decision to stop growing rarer ingredient in favor of the more common ones that were cheaper to get supplies for. "I will get you the funds in January. Has Alastor looked at the break-ins?"

"He thinks it's the same one that put Potter's name in." The man sneered. "Why is Potter not being expelled after his stunt last night and assaulting me earlier this year?"

That suggestion was starting to sound better all the time. "You know professors are not to lay a hand on students? He was reacting to a threat. That is allowed. As for expelling Harry, he is better here, learning what he can."

"Learning would require him going to class. I am grading him a T for the year," Severus said.

"According to tournament rules, he scores an EE. I cannot protect you from having your magic bound by the cup if you go against that," Albus told him.

The look of loathing on the man's face was worrying. "Saint Potter saved again."

Albus was now aware of many looking at them as the Daily Prophet had circulated around. The looks on many faces were not kind towards him. "Harry is not James Potter. Perhaps if you had treated him better, there would not be so much animosity between you two."

"He is like his father. A bully, cheat and arrogant," his Potions Professor replied.

He saw Harry laughing at something and Miss Lovegood get up. She kissed him on the cheek and walked off. The boy looked a little flustered. As upset as he was with Harry, to see him happy, even that little bit, was worth it now that he understood just what Albus had done sending him to the Dursleys. Albus really didn't have another choice though.

Most of the castle would be going down to the station in an hour. He was looking forward to the down time and wondering if he should have approved for Harry to go with the Lovegoods. His fear was that if Harry left, he would not come back. That was the reason why he didn't want to expel him. Albus feared he would lose the boy and was worried about it when the summer came.

"Harry is not like his father. He reminds me more of Lily," Albus said.

Severus growled. "He is nothing like his mother. If you excuse me."

Albus watched Snape stalk past the boy, barking out something and Albus was sure Gryffindor was now some points lower. By the expression on Harry's face, it was obvious the boy didn't care. More worrisome was that many at the table didn't seem to care either... the hard looks towards Severus were not settling. He may have to reign his Potion Master in.

Albus sighed again.

-oOo-

December 28, 1994

Hogwarts, Scotland

About half the school had stayed for the holidays this year, instead of leaving the day after the Yule Ball.

During this time, Harry had taken to doing three things: Study. Workout. Learn how to swim.

Hermione had decided to stay this year and was chattering her teeth as the warming charms wore off again. They had been along the edges of the Black Lake for close to two hours now. She was in a muggle wetsuit, one of three he had asked her to order, and he had paid for, from her parents. "Are we about done today?"

Harry, who was also feeling cold, took pity on her. "Yeah. Let's go get some hot chocolate," he told her.

She nodded and put the thick winter cloak over herself. Harry took his wand and cast the warming charm that she had found over them. They were halfway to the castle before she stopped shivering and some colour returned to her cheeks. "Are they really going to make you go into the lake?"

"Yeah. I am pretty sure I will have to rescue someone too," he told her. It was the first time he had given Hermione that detail. Luna had known for a few weeks, and he feared who it might be.

Hermione's brow knitted. "Hostages?"

Harry nodded.

"Merlin, I didn't think they would do that this time," Hermione said.

"They used dragons. Why wouldn't they risk an innocent?" Harry replied bitterly.

Hermione frowned. "Harry, how do you feel towards Luna?"

A small smile came to his face. "She isn't as barmy as everyone thinks. Far from it, actually. She is also really powerful. I taught her how to cast a Patronus when she asked and it took only a week for her to get it," he told her.

Hermione's eyes widened. "Really?"

He just nodded his head. "It was the least I could do with how much she has helped this year."

"What form did it take?"

He chuckled, thinking of that. "You will have to ask her. It's rather unusual though."

As they entered the school, Harry took a left. "Where are we going?" Hermione asked.

"The kitchens," he told her.

Hermione stopped short. "I am not going to have the elves wait on me like that again," she said.

He looked at her quizzically. "When did you go down?"

Hermione didn't look happy. "Fred and George took me down a few weeks ago after I tried to get more support for S.P.E.W."

Harry rolled his eyes. "Hermione, have you talked with the elves yet?"

"How can I? Every time I try, they just say how they are supposed to serve wizards. They are all brainwashed to do what wizards tell them. They have to be freed. You have to see that?" she demanded.

He shook his head. "I'm sorry, Hermione, but I don't agree. If you excuse me, I am going to go see Dobby and Winky and the others."

"Harry, you can't! They are slaves," she countered.

"I would appreciate you not use that word. I see Dobby as my family and friend, thank you," Harry said a little coldly. Hermione looked at him shocked. Before anger could take over, Harry told her. "Maybe the next time you talk to them, you actually listen. You don't know everything, Hermione."

With that, he turned on his heel and made it toward the stairs for the upper dungeons. He was down the first few steps when Hermione called out, "Harry, wait!"

-oOo-

February 11, 1995

Hogsmeade, Scotland

For the last two months, Luna and him had been doing this weird dance. Harry found he liked her. He liked the airy blonde a lot. He had never quiet felt this way for anyone before.

She had kissed him on the cheek after the Yule Ball, and a few times since then. They had held hands a few times, but it never really progressed beyond that.

Today, it was different. Luna sat across from him in the carriage they were taking into Hogsmeade. She would turn fourteen in two days. She had said she needed to wait until then. Harry hoped it was close enough.

The slight blonde was in jeans, a heavy knit jumper and her winter cloak. Her hair was over her shoulders and down her back in a mass of curls with her usual dirigible plum earrings, some new glasses that were pushed up on top of her head and her wand behind her ear. Harry liked how carefree she seemed to be about her appearance. It made him less self-conscious with how his hair was always so messy no matter what he did.

"What's with the glasses?" Harry asked as the carriage trundled along. He was hoping to get rid of the wriggling mass that seemed to be in his stomach.

"Oh, they are prototype Spectrespecs. Daddy and I got the idea to make them to see disillusioned creatures and those that are naturally hard to see. I was figuring if I could get the detection and enhanced vision working, we could use them when we go to Sweden this summer," she told him.

How people could think this girl was a nutter was beyond him. He was convinced she was brilliant. Literally. "That would be wicked. I still look at those pictures you took of the bigfoots. No wendigos though," he commented.

"That was probably for the best. Until I can cast magic without the trace, I would not be able to help daddy much if we did find one. They are rumored to be rather nasty. The bigfoots, or sasquatch as the First Nations call them, are rather shy and peaceful. Many think they are related to trolls, but I think they are more related to the legend of the cavemen. We found they prefer berries, ground onions and some fish. Daddy and I were able to track a small family group for almost a week," she told him. It wasn't the first time she told him that, but Harry didn't mind listening to her. When she would get excited about her adventures, she would bounce a little and the smile on her face would light up the room. He also liked the way her body moved and tried not to let her catch him looking at her. He was not trying to be a perv like Seamus.

"So, do you want to look around for creatures today or do something else?" he asked a little nervously.

She cocked her head to one side. Her eyes met his for a moment before sliding to following something that appeared to be circling his head. "I find you a rather odd creature to study today," she told with a smirk.

Harry laughed. "I'm not sure to take that as a compliment or not," he joked back.

Her head cocked even more. "You attract rungsprungles. I think taking me to Madam Puddifoots would not do you well."

He laughed this time, relieved she wouldn't want to go there. "How about Honeydukes, the Owl Menagerie and maybe a walk to the Shrieking shack?"

A rather pleasant smile came to her face. "Could we go to the Three Broomsticks for lunch? I like their butterbeer and they always have a good pudding."

"Sounds like a plan," he said, as the carriage came to a stop.

He got out first, before extending a hand to her. Hermione had been helping him some to understand what girls might like. She put her hand in his and stepped down. Once at his side, her hand didn't let go of his. Harry wasn't complaining. Pulling him a little, she went to the front of the carriage. When she looked to be petting something, he gave a quizzical look.

"Thestrals," she told him as though that should be all the explanation he needed.

"What is a thestral?" Harry enquired.

She lifted the hand that was holding his and put it to the invisible thing she was touching. His eyes widened as he felt something that was leathery. It moved under his hand, like the muscles of a horse. "They are winged horses that one can only see once they understand death. Most think you have to see death, but that isn't true. Many fear them because they think they are harbingers of death. My mummy told me they are there to lead those to the other side. If it is not your time, they will be friendly. If it is, they will come to your side and see you off. I like then a lot," she told him.

Harry nodded dumbly, not quite understanding. The feel of the creature under his hand though had him know Luna was not cracked. Creative. Out of the box thinker. Different view point for almost anything. Nowhere near mental though.

It was her different viewpoints that were helping him to see the world differently. "I'll take your word for it."

She nodded. "You will understand some day. I will draw a picture of them for you. I would like to get some chocolate now."

Smiling at her, he pulled their hands down and they made their way to Honeydukes, which was already packed with Hogwarts Students. She dragged him over to the sugar quills, refusing to let his hand go. He stocked up on a few dozen chocolate frogs and some licorice whips. They left the store with pockets full of sweets to get them through until the next Hogsmeade visit. Taking her hand after he had to let it go to pay, they walked towards the Owl Emporium. He needed more treats for Hedwig.

By the time they made it down the path to the Shrieking Shack, they were both laughing. Ron, Seamus and Dean had tried to get his brothers, Fred and George, with some new Zonko's products. Instead, the trio were now sporting wild coloured hair and singing about Babbity Rabbity and the laughing cauldron as they skipped through the village. The looks of horror on their faces as they did it was what still had Luna in fits of giggles. Ron wasn't bothering him anymore, but Harry wasn't talking to him either.

"The rabbit ears were a nice touch," Harry said to Luna, his sides hurting from laughing so hard.

"Fred and George are rather creative," she got out through her giggles.

"I wonder how they did it," Harry asked.

"I assume some switching and compulsion charms with mild transfiguration spells are easy for them. They are rather cleverer and more talented than they let on," Luna told him.

Harry nodded. "Now if they took their grades as seriously, then Mrs. Weasley would stop nagging them."

"I am not sure that is what they want," she said cryptically.

When they got to the shack, no one else was around. He walked over to the railing, and she leaned against it next to him. Now they were here, his nerves had him clamming up. For weeks now he figured he would take her out here, wish her an early Happy Birthday and then ask her to be his girlfriend.

She still had that gleeful smile on her face and her sky-blue eyes were not as far away as they were many times. "You didn't ask me out here just to look at the tit-mouses, did you?" She motioned to some small birds in the trees.

He rubbed the back of his neck. "Not really. Well, you know, you said your daddy didn't want you to date until you were fourteen," he started, looking away from her. In the almost four months they had been friends, he had never really felt this nervous talking to her.

"I turn fourteen Monday," she informed him.

"Yeah, about that," he said. "Would you like to date? I mean once you turn fourteen, do you want to date someone? You know, maybe..."

Her hand found his. "You mean would I like to date you?"

"Well... yeah," he said after a moment. When she pulled on his hand, he turned back to look at her.

"I am close enough to fourteen now," she told him, as though daring him to ask her.

He gave her a shy smile. "Would you like to be my girlfriend?"

The smile on her face made his squirming insides become fluttering butterflies dying to escape. "I can't call you my boyfriend until Monday."

"Oh, right. Sure," he told her.

After a moment of them just staring at each other, she said, "I was never told I couldn't kiss a boy before I was fourteen."

An impish grin came across his face and he leaned down. She moved to meet him, and it was a rather glorious first kiss. Their lips met. Hers were soft, tasted a little of raspberry tinted chocolate and had a warmth spread through him. She was the first to move her lips. Harry followed and soon they were doing what many kids their age would do to explore what kissing meant. When they separated, they both smiled. It had not been one of those kisses that took your breath away... not yet... but Harry still felt like he was floating on clouds. "So, if you can't call me your boyfriend before Monday, does that mean I can't call you my girlfriend?"

"Daddy never said that," she replied, moving her head to kiss him again. Harry didn't hesitate.

Best Hogsmeade weekend ever! Harry thought to himself when they went back to the castle and Luna insisted on practicing more so that he could give her a proper kiss on her birthday.

-oOo-

February 25, 1995

Hogwarts, Scotland

Harry was not pleased. He had hoped that the organizers were not daft enough to put hostages down the bottom of the lake, but he knew he wasn't that lucky. He glared up at the head table. Dumbledore was not looking pleased. The headlines of the Daily Prophet had dragged the tournament through the muck the last few days as 'leaks' got out about the next task. The one that had gotten him was the article this morning.

Poor Delacour looked absolutely frazzled to find out her sister was to be a hostage. It was well known that veela and merfolk did not get along. The pictures on the front page of four children, ranging in age from eight to sixteen, being levitated down to the edge of the lake by black hooded people, was not the positive press the organizers wanted. How Rita Skeeter got hold of those pictures he wasn't sure. All he knew was that it was that picture that had pissed him off.

Luna had been seen into her House last night. He knew she had been. He had spent a few minutes kissing her before trying the riddle the raven head gave them to open the door for her. He had placed a tracking charm on her that should last a few days. He had done it with her permission. He knew she would not give her permission to be a hostage, but there she was. Even in the black and white picture he made out her more golden locks.

Harry was glad to know that the paper pointed out that at least Luna was not willing to participate. Harry had made that quite clear when Rita wanted another interview with him the other day when the judges met again to assure the champions everyone would be safe.

Tomorrow, the headlines would not be about the Champions rescuing the hostages. Harry wondered what would happen if the headlines had the Minister of Magic in them? He was sure Rita would seek him out for more comments. She had been absolutely delighted to take the notes Luna had taken from her interview. The Quibbler would be paying a proper homage to the Champions and the task, which had now increased its subscription by over a hundred times what it was in October. Harry was pleased he could do that for Luna and her father.

Through his anger at the organizers, he had enough self-conscious thought to be worried about meeting Mr. Lovegood later today. He was supposed to be here, and Luna wanted him to meet her father. That little bit of fear of meeting her father gave him even more determination to save Luna and the others.

Going over the plan, he had originally just wanted muggle technology. Luna had convinced him to go with half-and-half. Thus, his wand was out as the blowhard Bagwind, or whatever his name was, was announcing the task. Harry was just waiting for the stupid signal to start. He didn't want Luna, or the others, to be down there longer than they should be. With luck, he might be expelled by tomorrow. Ilvermorny had finally sent him an acceptance letter and said he could start after Easter break if he was available at that time. Sirius was already in the United States and had been cleared by the MACUSA. That was sure to be big news tomorrow. He gave a knowing smirk to the greasy hair Potions professor, who was glaring at him.

Snape had a surprise coming tomorrow as well. Something that should put Dumbledore in a right tizzy.

"Are you ready?" Victor asked.

"Do you mind if I rescue your hostage if I get to them first?" Harry questioned.

Victor gave him a smile. "Like catching snitch. I will win. You have word Luna will be unharmed."

Harry snorted. Harry and Victor were catching one for one on snitches now. "I have no doubt of that. Is her name Emmaline?"

Victor nodded before putting a hand out. "May the best Champion win."

Harry took it. "I am not a champion."

Diggory snorted. "Are you really going to take each other's hostages?" he asked, not looking as tense as the others.

"I don't trust Dumbledore like you. The sooner they are out, the better. If Krum gets there first, I hope he takes Luna too," Harry honestly told him.

Fleur looked like a bundle of nerves. "You will rescue my sister if I cannot?" she asked in her heavy French accent.

Harry nodded. "You have my word," he told her.

"And mine," Victor echoed.

"... on the cannon, the champions can begin," Bagwind announced.

Harry turned to the judges and waited for the cannon blast. The others besides him either jumped in the water or took a moment to cast a few spells. Harry cast a sonorous charm and pounded his chest before giving a two-finger salute. "Hail Emperor! We who are about to die, salute you?" Quite a few students copied him, including the Weasley twins. He turned towards the shore line. "Accio rocks," he called out. They had specifically banned anyone from prepositioning anything like he had the first task, so he was going to use what he had around them.

They had said they could stuff items in their pockets though.

So as a dozen rocks of various sizes zoomed towards him, he took out a wad of paper strips. When the rocks landed, he transfigured eight of them into what looked like science fiction water rebreathers. The wad of parchment strips had various rune chains. Laying one of the strips over a rebreather, he waved his wand over it and the runes transferred to the device. After a short push of magic, the runes glowed blue. It would now allow anyone putting it into their mouth to take air out of the water.

It took him a few minutes to complete this before he turned to the largest rock. "Wingardium Leviosa," he said softly, levitating it out over the water. "Dolphifors," he commanded, and he felt the magic running into his wand. A few seconds later, a dolphin was jumping around in the water. Luckily transfigured animals like that didn't need to breathe. He took his robe off and transfigured it into a satchel, where he put the rebreathers and a few more rocks into it.

He was ignoring the talk from the crowd as he cast a few warming charms on himself before jumping into the water. Luna had taught him how to transfigure the dolphin. He put a strap around the animal and then conjured some fish. He lay the other parchments on the fish and let them go after activating the runes.

Luna was some kind of genius for figuring this out.

The fish would go to Luna using the tracking charm and the dolphin would follow the fish. He was now close to ten minutes behind the others. That quickly changed as the fish took off and the dolphin followed.

In the highland lock of Black Lake, few, if any, of the creatures here had ever seen a dolphin, let alone ever heard its calls, clicks or trills. It swam fast and most creatures and fish ran from this new intruder. As he passed Krum, who looked half shark, he waved. The boy made some rude gesture and tried to keep up, but without the strong back of a shark, Harry was soon out of sight. With the direction Krum was heading, he was wondering if the boy had put a tracking charm on his girlfriend as well.

It wasn't long before he heard singing. Strange cave looking houses came out of the murky water. When the dolphin crested a small underwater mound, Harry saw dozens of merfolk surrounding the four champions. Luna was at the far right, her blonde hair floating in the water. It took all his will power to not strike out to see how pale her skin was, or how blue her lips were. He went to her first as the dolphin started to move around them.

Harry didn't hesitate to put a rebreather on her before casting a warming charm and then a finite on her. When her eyes opened, she looked panicked for just a second. Harry took her face and held it until her sky-blue eyes met his. She looked better already, but her lips still looked blue. He pointed to the others, and she nodded. It took them a moment to realize she didn't have a wand on her, and his anger grew enough that the merfolk backed away as he took out a knife and handed it to her.

"You are only allowed one," one of the merfolk said.

Harry turned to him, wand up, his green eyes burning and the trident it was holding towards him was pulled up. They had a standoff as Luna cut the other three loose. After a moment, the merman lowered his trident, allowing Harry to focused non-verbally transfiguring another rock into a dolphin. Not being able to talk, it took him three tries, but by the time Luna had gotten the others, they were able to strap the other three hostages to the dolphins and were off. The last few months practicing non-verbal spells had paid off.

Krum was just to the outside of the village when they passed him. The Bulgarian made another rude gesture and started to follow them.

Harry would have laughed if he could have. Instead, Harry waved at him as though they were out on a nice Sunday stroll.

When they broke the surface by the platforms only thirty-five minutes after the task had started, and Harry had all four hostages, it was needless to say the judges were not happy. Harry didn't care as he helped all four girls onto the platform. Luna hugged him tight as Fleur's sister was rushed by her parents. It was another ten minutes before Krum came up with Fleur following.

"Gabrielle," she cried out, looking cut and bruised.

Harry reached a hand down to him to help him onto the platform. "Looks like I got the snitch this time," Harry said to the boy.

"Good match. Next time I vin," Krum said with determination before grinning. Harry realized too late that Krum meant for him to reach out to help him and was soon pulled back into the freezing water. He came up spluttering to Luna's laughter while others looked shocked. Krum had a huge grin on his face still.

-oOo-

A/N: I hope this chapter lived up to the fun and irreverence of the first. Next post will be the last.: The Third Task

To answer some questions from one of my reviewers that made me laugh or am just dying to tell you:

1) Will Harry go to Ilvermorny? - Find out next chapter

2) Will Luna make it to First Base? - I think I answered that. Guess the next question is will she discover second base?

3) Will Dumbledore die of an aneurism from Harry? - Chances are looking highly likely

Until next time, thanks for reading. WolfgangNH - 19 Mar 22