Hello everyone, Thunder here. I apologize if sent all of you a few emails about new chapters and whatnot. With the help of Darklord331, we are working on updating the older chapters, retconning certain parts.
I am happy to announce that this Fanfiction is now on Archive for Our Own. It is under the same username (ThunderReborn) and story title (Broken Dream). I posted all the current chapters there.
I also created a separate FanFiction titled Broken Dreams: Ichigo's datasheet. I will update it at the end of a few major arcs. The title of each of these chapters states the datasheet refers to the end of which arc, to prevent spoilers.
I hope all of you are staying safe from COVID-19. In the words of Philip Defranco, "Don't be stupid, stupid,"
With the depressing stuff out of the way, I hope you enjoy the new chapter!
The following is a fan-based parody.
Bleach is owned by Tite Kubo, TV Tokyo, Viz Media, Studio Pierrot.
Harry Potter is owned by J.K Rowling.
All other references of characters or abilities are not mine.
Please support the official release.
"Hello." – Normal talking
"Hello." – Ichigo's thoughts.
"Hello." – Zanpakutō speaking
"Hello." – Zanpakutō thoughts.
"₲: Hello Human. : ₲" – Goblin Language
"₣: Hello :₣" – French.
"$: Hello :$" – Parseltongue
Scene Change: Dumbledore's office
Upon returning to his office, he pulled out the wand and tried to cast simple spells with it. It didn't work. He placed the wand on his desk as he pulled out various books about wandlore to discover the problem with the wand. All the books Dumbledore pulled out all said a similar thing. Every wand has a spark of magic and will always react to a wizard trying to use a wand. Dumbledore realized what was the problem.
"No…it couldn't be." He thought as he picked up the wand again and began to bend it. The wand quickly and easily snapped in half. "That Japanese bastard!" Dumbledore thought as he realized what he did. "He swapped the real wand with this!" Dumbledore spent the next five minutes throwing the various wandlore books all over his office. Dumbledore calmed down, allowing his Occlumency to help control his emotions.
"House Elf," Dumbledore said. A house-elf quickly appeared. "Clean up my office."
"Yes, Mister Whiskers." The house-elf replied. It snapped its fingers. The thrown books floated back to the bookshelves and all the messes disappeared from the office. With its job done, the house-elf teleported away. Dumbledore sat down on his chair and began to analyze the situation.
"Why did he do that? Did he know the truth of the wand or did he see it as a trophy of his victory?" Dumbledore thought. He glanced at the broken twig. "He is much more powerful than the records showed. He was able to match me in our duel and swapped the wands in the few moments he held it in his hands." Suddenly a horrid realization hit him. "If someone that could match me is teaching Harry, then he'll be much stronger than planned. He could actually have a fighting chance." Dumbledore stood up and began to walk and think. "Come on. What can I do to solve this?" His thoughts were interrupted when someone walked up the stairs to his office. According to his spells, it was Professor Karkaroff and Madame Maxime. "Why? Why are they coming now?" Dumbledore could imagine why they were coming to him right now. Dumbledore put the wand away and sat at his table. He heard them knocking on his door.
"Come in." He said. Professor Karkaroff and Madame Maxime opened the door. "Ah, Professor Karkaroff and Madame Maxime-"
"Stop with the pleasantries Albus." Professor Karkaroff interrupted. "How did you lose to him?"
"While said in an uncivilized manner," Madam Maxime said as she glanced at Professor Karkaroff, "I do agree with him. What happened at the duel?"
"It appears that Mister Shiba is much stronger than I expected." He said.
"So, you underestimate an opponent." Professor Karkaroff said.
"So, what can we do." Madam Maxime interjected, preventing the two Headmasters from arguing.
"Theirs isn't many options we could do," Dumbledore admitted. "One of you could try to challenge him to another duel or we ignore him."
"Both options are something we wouldn't want." Madam Maxime admitted. Professor Karkaroff nodded his head.
"What if we do it as a proper duel." He said.
"You mean with seconds?" Madam Maxime said.
"Exactly," Dumbledore said. "It would allow you to assist as soon as the other is close to losing, allow you to change the tide, hopefully in your favor."
"This would allow me to see more of Mister Shiba's ability." Dumbledore thought.
"But his second would also be allowed to assist as well." Madam Maxime countered.
"It would likely be his stepsister, Artoria, to be his second," Dumbledore said.
"Got any information on her?" Professor Karkaroff asked. He stood up and went to one of his many file cabinets and pulled out their files. He presented them to the other Heads.
"Both of their transcripts state similar things, making it appear as if they are just students who just graduated from Mahoutokoro School of Magic, but we've seen the truth," Dumbledore admitted.
"So, we should duel them as if they are experienced adult duelists, not amateurs." Professor Karkaroff concluded.
"Indeed," Dumbledore replied.
"Before we rush into this, we need to think of a strategy." Madam Maxime said as she turned to Professor Karkaroff. "From what I've heard, you specialize in aggressive offensive casting."
"I do." Professor Karkaroff admitted. "While you specialize in charms, transfiguration and overall defensive casting."
"That's good." Professor Dumbledore said. "With your different specialization, it would allow both of you to cover for each other's weakness." They all began to smile as plans began to develop in their minds. Unbeknown to them, Gideon sighed as he paid attention to their plans, ready to tell Kaien and Artoria about it
Time Skip: Evening
Kaien had the other champions consider other plans instead of just relying on one or two plans. Kisara was a great help for the champions since she is a dragon and would be able to provide insight into what a normal dragon might or might not do. Kaien soon ended the training at 16:00, once again ordering everyone to take a break from training and relax. Kaien and Artoria returned to their bedroom to see Gideon there.
"About time you two got back here," Gideon said.
"Hello, Gideon." Kaien greeted. "Do the various heads have a new plan for us to ruin?"
"They do," Gideon said. "Also, Dumbledore is very annoyed with the wand switcheroo." Kaien nodded.
"As expected," Kaien said.
"So, what are they planning now?" Artoria asked.
"Professor Karkaroff and Madame Maxime are planning to challenge both of you to a duel tonight."
"So… a repeat of this morning," Kaien said with a yawn.
"Indeed," Gideon replied. Kaien turned to Artoria. Do you want to decimate them or shall I?" Kaien asked.
"Hm… you should," Artoria said. "But you should crush them without using magic; further ruining their reputation."
"Sure," Kaien said with a shrug.
"Guess my work here is done," Gideon said as Fawkes appeared and took Gideon away. Kaien and Artoria walked out to see Luna just stepped in.
"Hello, Luna." Kaien greeted.
"Hello, Kaien-sensei." She replied.
"How was your day?" He asked.
"It was good, not worried about the bullies." She said.
"If you don't mind me asking, how do you have a set of Mystic Eyes?" Artoria asked.
"Ah." She said. "Could we sit down for this?" She requested. Kaien and Artoria nodded their heads. They sat down in the living room. "My mother was one of the few who knew about Magus. She stumbled on a book about Fairy Eyes, a kind of mystic eyes that allow the user to see the Fae. She spent the next few years trying to create the Fairy Eyes. My father told me to avoid my mother's workshop, for my safety." Luna let out a small sad smile. "On my ninth birthday, my father told me to get my mother. I looked all over the house and I couldn't find her. The remaining place I didn't check was her workshop. I walked over to her workshop and opened the door. Suddenly there was a massive explosion. The results of the explosion caused my mother to die. But her experiment successes, changing my right eye to the fairy eye. It also triggered something from my father's side, the ability to see visions of the future." Luna said.
"That would explain how you knew about us. You saw our future." Kaien said.
"I did. However, I knew that revealing your real names is not allowed." She said. Before they could talk about it more, the door opened as Harry and Hermione entered the room.
"Hello, Kaien-sensei. Hello Artoria-sensei." They greeted.
"Hello, you two," Artoria said.
"How was your break?" Kaien asked.
"It was alright, Gringotts sent me another stack of letters," Harry said as he showed the large bundle of letters.
"I see…good luck," Kaien said, Harry and Hermione went over to a nearby table and began to read the letters.
"I'm going to start on my homework," Luna said as she went to another table.
"Let's see what our challengers are known for," Kaien said. Artoria nodded her head. They went to the library. With some help from Madam Prince, Kaien was able to find some information about Professor Karkaroff and Madame Maxime.
Igor Karkaroff was a British wizard who was a member of the Death Eater. He was captured by retired Auror Alastor Moody. He managed to lessen his sentence because he revealed information about other rough Death Eaters. After he finished his lighter sentence he moved to Bulgaria where he became a professor there. It's been reported that he specialized in Dark and borderline dark offensive spells.
Olympe Maxime is a French witch who has worked hard to become the Headmistress of Beauxbatons. In her earlier years, she joined the French Dueling Circuit, often getting second or third place in them. In those duels, she demonstrated nonverbal casting and quickly resisted many different magical spells on her.
"Kaien, its dinner time," Artoria said. With that said, everyone slowly left for the Great Hall for dinner.
Scene Change: Great Hall
Kaien and his fellow students were at the Great Hall, enjoying their dinner. From the Professors' Table. Professor Karkaroff and Madame Maxime walked down towards their table. Kaien and everyone else stopped eating
"Good evening. What can we do for you?" Kaien said.
"We wanted to say thank you for helping us perform the live demonstration after dinner." Madam Maxime said, making sure to say it much louder and without her normal French accent as possible. The Great Hall suddenly went silent, waiting to hear Kaien's response.
"It's no problem," Kaien said.
"Reading books about European Dueling is one thing but being apart of one is much different," Artoria added.
"Though we may be a tad bit late for it, we will be here," Kaien said.
"Very well. See you soon." Madam Maxime said as they walked back to the professor's desk. Everyone immediately started to talk about the impending duel. Some students who are diehard Dumbledore fans want to see Kaien lose. Those who disliked either Madam Maxime of Professor Karkaroff wanted Kaien to win. While the neutral students wanted to see a show or see a variety of different spells being used in the duel. But everyone could agree, this duel was an attempt of retaliation against the duel this morning. Soon Kaien and his students left under a privacy bubble.
Time Skip: After Dinner
Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick transfigured the four wooden table into a large elevated Dueling Platform and the wooden chairs into wooden bleachers for all the student speculators. Professor Flitwick decided to allow the Ravenclaws to watch the duel. Professor Karkaroff and Madame Maxime walked up the stairs to the Dueling Platform.
"Where is he?" Professor Karkaroff grumbled.
"Be patient. He wasn't told an exact time." Professor McGonagall said.
"Though he did say that his entrance will be, and I quote, 'out of this world' and made sure no one is near the door of the Great Hall." Professor Flitwick said. Suddenly they could hear something beyond the Great Hall's door.
(Play "Paladin" by Really Slow Motion)
Everyone in the Great Hall could hear the slow repeating beat; as if it was a slow build-up to something. Suddenly the Great Hall door slammed open as the enchanted suits of armor began to march in. The suits of armor weren't in their traditional silver color. Instead, their armor was black and red. Some of them carried black nobori with Shiba Clan [志波家] on it in white ink. Behind the kanji, were a variety of colors of fireworks going off on the background. Soon the champions, dressed in similar armor entered. They were holding enchanted instruments; which the music originated from. Soon the music went silent.
"Entering is Lord Kaien Shiba and Lady Artoria Shiba!" Harry declared. Kaien and Artoria entered. Kaien was dressed in the same attire from this morning. Artoria was dressed in her black and red armor. They walked towards the dueling platform. Soon they arrived at the platform.
"About time you arrived." Professor Karkaroff grumbled.
"It's called being fashionably late," Kaien said with a smirk. Professor Flitwick appeared and began to inform them of the rules.
"In this duel, there will be seconds involved. The seconds, please raise your hands." Artoria and Professor Karkaroff raised their hands. "Seconds, you will not get involved with the duel until the firsts," Professor Flitwick glanced at Kaien and Madam Maxime, "are unable to continue or is about to lose." They nodded their heads as they lowered their hands. Professor Flitwick began to cast a dueling barrier around them; preventing the nearby students from getting harmed from their spells. The four of them gave each other a swift bow before they walked 10 meters (32. 8 ft) away from each other. They all turned around; their wands were drawn. "Duelists, the duel will not use any spells the ICW labeled as Dark Magic. The duel ends when the wizard is unconscious or admits defeat. Nod your heads if you understand these rules." Everyone nodded their heads. "Duelists, the duel will begin at the count of three." He said. "One…" Kaien began to unbutton his shirt. "Two…" Madam Maxime tightened her grip on her wand. Kaien threw his shirt to the side, somehow slipping through the barrier. The girls screamed as they all began to fight for the shirt. Kaien was now in a white tank top, allowing everyone to see his muscular arms. "Three!" Kaien casually walked towards Madam Maxime.
"Confringo." Madam Maxime silently cast at the approaching Kaien. Kaien noticed the incoming attack. Everyone expected him to either move away from the attack or block it. Instead, he continued to walk, the curse hit him directly in the chest. The explosion obscured Kaien from everyone's view. Kaien sliced the dust away, revealing he wasn't harmed by the spell. Everyone was shocked to see this.
"Is this the most power you can put into your spells?" Kaien asked as he continued to walk towards them. He was already halfway towards them.
"You want more power how about this!?" Madam Maxime yelled as pointed her wand and glared at the approaching Kaien.
"Rosea oculus [Pink eye]. Confringo. Expulso. Locomotor Wibbly. Depulso." She silently cast. Everyone watched at the different color spells shot towards Kaien, trying to see what he does in response. Kaien stopped and raised his right hand. All the spells hit Kaien's hand, causing a large magical explosion. The explosion settled and everyone stood there further shocked to see Kaien's hand was unharmed. He resumed walking towards them, getting closer and closer.
"That's it." She growled. "This wizard dares make a mockery out of me!" Madam Maxime growled.
"Reducto! Bombarda Maxima!" She cast. Once again, the spells shot towards Kaien. Kaien sighed as he smacked the spells back at her. Madame Maxime's eyes widen in shock. She wasn't able to move fast enough. Suddenly a translucent barrier appeared in front of her, protecting her from the spells. She turned to see Professor Karkaroff with his wand out. Professor Karkaroff joined Madam Maxime.
"The seconds have joined the duel." Professor Flitwick declared. He turned to Artoria, who remained in the sidelines. "You are allowed to join in."
"Oh, I know. But Kaien doesn't need me." Artoria said. "They're too weak compared to him. It's already overkill with him in the duel." Artoria casually commented.
"He-he swatted my spells with his hand." Madam Maxime said.
"I could see that." He replied as he pointed his wand at him. "Bombarda Maxima!" He cast.
"Reducto!" She cast at Kaien. Kaien swatted them back at the duelists.
"Protego Duo." She cast. This duel would continue for another 10 minutes with both duelists firing spells at Kaien. He would either take the spell or swat the spell back at them. Soon both duelists collapsed from magical exhaustion. Kaien glanced back at Professor Flitwick.
"Both duelists have the count of ten to stand back up. "One…Two…Three…Four…Five…Six…Seven…Eight…Nine…Ten." Professor Flitwick counted. He took a deep breath before he continued. "The winner of this duel is Kaien and Artoria Shiba!" He declared as the duel barrier lowered. Madam Pomphrey went over to the unconscious duelists as Kaien and Artoria left. Their students quickly followed behind them. The enchanted suits of armor quickly followed after the students. Professor Dumbledore walked to Professor Flitwick.
"Filius."
"Ah Headmaster, give me one moment. I need to help Minerva turned the Great Hall back to normal."
"Take your time. Take your time." Dumbledore said. As the two professors turn the tables and benches to normal. Professor Flitwick turned back to Dumbledore.
"Sorry about that. What can I do for you?"
"Did Mister Shiba use any magic in that duel?"
"Amazingly no he didn't." Professor Flitwick said.
"But…how did he do that?" Professor Dumbledore asked.
"I'm not sure. What he did was similar to Spell Swatting but he didn't use a wand." Professor Flitwick.
"I see… could he have enchanted his arms to be able to do that?"
"Hm… maybe the skin?" Professor Flitwick theorized. "But the charms designed for the skin are usually beauty oriented and temporary." Professor Dumbledore walked away as Professor Flitwick continued to theorize how Kaien did that without being harmed by the spells.
"Either his body is enhanced to the point where those powerful spells did nothing or he managed to wandlessly cast Protego around any part of his body." Dumbledore thought as he walked away. "This Japanese wizard is much stronger than I thought. He may be even more challenging than Gellert and Tom." Professor Dumbledore soon arrived in his office. "Maybe I could find something from those listening charms I placed in their room." Dumbledore pulled out a black wand from his robes. He opened a drawer and pulled out a small snow globe. He tapped it with his wand. The small snow globe began to glow. Dumbledore placed his ear on the globe. He read two people breathing at a constant pace. "Are they sleeping?" Dumbledore thought as he continued to listen for a few minutes, expecting a change of some kind. Dumbledore moved the small snow globe away from his ear and deactivated it. "At least they didn't discover the listening charms." Dumbledore thought as he placed the snow globe back in his drawer. Dumbledore sighed as he stood up from his deck and went to bed.
Scene Change: Kaien's Sleeping Quarters
As Kaien and his group soon arrived in front of their Sleeping Quarters. Artoria turned to face the enchanted suits of armor.
"Thank you for your service. Report back to your post." Artoria commanded. The enchanted suits of armor slammed their fist onto their breastplate before walking away. Kaien turned to the painting of Lancelot.
"Caliburn." He said. Lancelot nodded his head as the portrait opened up. They all filed in. Kaien and Artoria transfigured their student's armor back to their regular clothes. Kaien turned to his students. "You're probably wondering how I was able to resist those spells and swat those spells like that," Kaien said. They all nodded their heads. "Well the explanation is simple but reproducing the effects will be extremely hard." Kaien started. "I am simply using my magic to reinforce my skin against the spell. This has to be done endlessly and instinctually." Kaien explained. The students stared at Kaien with disbelief.
"It's getting late. We still have morning exercise." Artoria reminded them. The students groaned as they walked upstairs. Luna walked to them.
"Am I included in these morning exercises?" She asked.
"It depends on you," Kaien said. "You don't have to but it's recommended if you want to get stronger."
"I'll join," Luna said.
"Very well. Be here 5 in the morning dressed in workout clothes." Kaien said.
"And if I don't have any?"
"Then I will give you some," Artoria said. Luna nodded her head as she walked upstairs. Kaien and Artoria walked to their room and noticed a large owl sitting there. It has a color with a golden G on it.
"Gringotts?" Kaien asked. The owl nodded its head before presenting its leg to Kaien. Kaien noticed that there was a letter attached. Kaien approached the owl and took the letter. The owl hooted before flying away.
"What does the letter say?" She asked. Kaien opened the letter. The entire letter was written in the goblin's tongue, likely to prevent anyone from intercepting the letter.
"To Lord Shiba and Lady Shiba, this is King Ragnok. I am writing to give you a few updates. The first is regarding the item in question from the Lestrange Vault. It will require at least a month of paperwork before we could legally be allowed to enter the vault and take the item. One of the policies is that we inspection of vaults for any illegal items. But, we must do it in descending order and the Lestrange Vault is one of our older vaults. The second is regarding Mister Potter's vault. He will receive a similar letter with this update. We were unable to claim all the money from Mrs. Weasley nee Prewett. According to our records, the money was used to pay for her sons' and daughter's tuition. The various publishing companies that used Mister Potter's image agreed to the matter out of court, we agree to 65% cut of the profits from those products; Gringotts will take 5% of the profits from this 65%. However, the Ministry of Magic decided to fight this lawsuit in court. The last topic is your investments. All of them are going as planned and all of them are profiting. I will send another update letter on the unsettled matters. Sincerely King Nagnok XI."
Kaien put the letter away. He turned to Artoria. "Nothing to worry about," Kaien said. Artoria nodded her head.
"For now," Artoria replied as they turned the lights off and went to bed.
Time Skip: November 13th
It was early morning at Hogwarts. Near the Black Lake, where the Durmstrang Ship is docked, we could see Kaien Shiba and Artoria Shiba training their student: Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Fleur Delacour, Victor Krum, Fred Weasley, George Weasley, and Luna Lovegood. All of them have gotten stronger compared to them in the beginning. Some of the residents of Hogwarts discovered them training in the early morning. Some remembered what Kaien did in the duel and tried to join them only for them to fall out and never return. With their morning workout concluded, they all returned to their Quarters and get ready for the morning. They entered the Great Hall and sat down in their excluded table and began to eat breakfast.
"Are we planning to do further training?" Victor asked. The other champions glanced at Kaien.
"The champions will have the Weight of the Wand ceremony today. Professor McGonagall said that it will be in one of the empty classrooms on the second floor." Kaien said. The champions nodded their heads.
"What about the rest of us?" George asked.
"Take this time to catch up on your homework," Kaien said. George, Hermione, and Luna nodded their heads. After breakfast Artoria, George, Luna, and Hermione returned to their rooms. Kaien, Fred, Fleur, Victor, and Harry walked to the second floor. They found a room with the door opened. They entered the room to see a fairly small classroom; most of the desks had been pushed away to the back of the room, leaving a large space in the middle; three of them, however, had been placed end-to-end in front of the blackboard and covered with a long length of velvet. Five chairs had been set behind the velvet-covered desks, and Ludo Bagman was sitting in one of them, talking to a witch Harry had never seen before, who was wearing magenta robes.
"Ah, the champions." Ludo Bagman said, standing up from his chair. He walked over and greeted everyone. "We'll start the Weighting of the Wand ceremony in a little bit. We're just waiting for the rest of the judges. The expert's upstairs now with Dumbledore. And then there's going to be a little photoshoot. This is Rita Skeeter," he added, gesturing toward the witch in magenta robes. "She's doing a small piece on the tournament for the Daily Prophet..."
"Maybe not that small, Ludo," said Rita Skeeter, her eyes on Harry.
"You will not," Kaien said as he pulled Harry behind him. Rita Skeeter looked at Kaien.
"Ah, the mysterious Mister Shiba." She said. "I was wondering if I could have a little word with Harry before we start?" she asked.
"You will not. Mister Potter and I have signed an agreement with Michael Carneirus and Rebecca Almeidas, two reporters from the Daily Profit." Rita growled as she remembered Barnabas Cuffe, the Editor in Chief of the Daily Profit, congratulating them on their outstanding news articles. She turned to the other champions, trying to score a quick interview with them.
"I've also signed an agreement with Michael Carneirus and Rebecca Almeidas as well," Fred said. Rita was furious. Before she could say anything else, the rest of the judges entered with a familiar face to Kaien, Harry and Fred.
"May I introduce Mister Ollivander?" said Dumbledore, taking his place at the judges' table and talking to the champions. "He will be checking your wands to ensure that they are in good condition before the tournament."
Harry looked around, and with a jolt of surprise saw an old wizard with large, pale eyes standing quietly by the window. Harry had met Mister Ollivander before he was the wand-maker from whom Harry had bought his wand over three years ago in Diagon Alley.
"Mademoiselle Delacour, could we have you first, please?" said Mister Ollivander, stepping into the middle of the room.
Fleur Delacour swept over to Mister Ollivander and handed him her wand. "Hmm..." he said.
He twirled the wand between his long fingers like a baton and it emitted several pink and gold sparks. Then he held it close to his eyes and examined it carefully.
"Yes," he said quietly, "nine and a half inches. . . inflexible... rosewood...and containing… dear me…"
"A hair from the head of a veela," said Fleur. "One of my grandmuzzer's."
"Yes," said Mister Ollivander, "yes, I've never used veela hair myself, of course. I find it makes for rather temperamental wands...however, to each his own, and if this suits you."
Mister Ollivander ran his fingers along with the wand, apparently checking for scratches or bumps; then he muttered, "Orchideous!" and a bunch of flowers burst from the wand tip.
"Very well, very well, it's in fine working order," said Mister Ollivander, scooping up the flowers and handing them to Fleur with her wand. "Mister Weasley, you next."
Fleur glided back to her seat, as Fred walked past her.
"Ah, now, this is one of mine, isn't it?" said Mister Ollivander, with much more enthusiasm, as Fred handed over his wand. "Yes, I remember it well. Containing a single heartstring of a dragon… Dogwood… aged very well… beyond you. Mister Ollivander sent a stream of silver smoke rings across the room from the tip of Fred's wand, pronounced himself satisfied, and then said, "Mister Krum, if you please."
Viktor Krum got up and slouched, round-shouldered and duck-footed, toward Mister Ollivander. He thrust out his wand with his hands in the pockets of his robes.
"Hmm," said Mister Ollivander, "this is a Gregorovitch creation unless I'm much mistaken? A fine wand-maker, though the styling is never quite what I...however. ."
He lifted the wand and examined it minutely, turning it over and over before his eyes.
"Yes... hornbeam and dragon heartstring?" he shot at Krum, who nodded. "Rather thicker than one usually sees. . . quite rigid. . . ten and a quarter inches. . . Avis!"
The hornbeam wand let off a blast hike a gun, and several small, twittering birds flew out of the end and through the open window into the watery sunlight.
"Good," said Mister Ollivander, handing Krum back his wand. "Which leaves. . . Mister Potter."
Harry got to his feet and walked past Krum to Mister Ollivander. He handed over his wand.
"Aaaah, yes," said Mister Ollivander, his pale eyes suddenly gleaming. "Yes, yes, yes. How well I remember."
Mister Ollivander spent much longer examining Harry's wand than anyone else's. Eventually, however, he made a fountain of wine shoot out of it, and handed it back to Harry, announcing that it was still in perfect condition.
"Thank you all," said Dumbledore. Bagman attempted to get then to take a group photo. However, the champions inform him that they have an agreement with Michael Carneirus and Rebecca Almeidas, which prevented anyone from the Daily Profit from getting anything from them. As they were walking away, their respective Headmasters/Headmistress tried to talk with their champions. They glanced at them and walked away, infuriating them further. Kaien decided to allow them to have the rest of the day to themselves. Harry and Hermione were working on a Transfiguration spell, a barn owl flew into their quarters. Harry strode over to the barn owl, took the letter off its leg, and unrolled it.
"Harry I can't say everything I would like to in a letter, it's too risky in case the owl is intercepted. We need to talk face-to-face. Can you ensure that you are alone by the fire in Gryffindor's Common room at one o'clock in the morning on the 22nd of November? I know better than anyone that you can look after yourself and while you're around Dumbledore and Moody I don't think anyone will be able to hurt you. However, someone seems to be having a good try. Entering you in that tournament would have been very risky, especially right under Dumbledore's nose. Be on the watch, Harry. I still want to hear about anything unusual. Let me know about the 22nd of November as quickly as you can. Sirius."
"Harry, what's with the letter. It doesn't appear to be screened by Gringotts." Hermione commented.
"Um… it's from Padfoot." Harry admitted. Hermione's eyes widen.
"How is he?"
"He appears good?" Harry guessed. "He wants to talk to me in the Gryffindor's Common Room at 1 in the morning," Harry said.
"Hm…" Hermione began to think of a way to get Harry to the Gryffindor's Common Room without being caught.
"What are you two gossiping about," Kaien asked. Harry and Hermione jumped in fright.
"Kaien-sensei!" Harry yelled. "Please don't sneak up on us." Hermione silently nodded her head.
"Sorry about that, I noticed both of you were absorbed by that note. Care to share?"
"Um…" Harry said as he glanced at Hermione, who looked conflicted.
"Harry," Kaien said, getting his attention. "Remember that I swore an oath to not reveal your secrets just as you swore an oath to not reveal my secrets." Harry realized that what Kaien said was correct.
"It's a long story," Harry said. So, Harry and Hermione told Kaien about Sirius Black and everything that happened to him.
"To summarize, Sirius Black is your godfather and was falsely accused of a crime he didn't commit and then sent to prison without being given a trial. He then broke out of prison and became a fugitive. He was captured at Hogwarts and both of you knew the truth and freed him. He now wants to talk to you on the 22nd in the Gryffindor Common room." Kaien said. Harry and Hermione nodded their heads.
"Do you think you can help us get to the Gryffindor Common room?" Harry asked.
"How would he talk to you? Would he sneak into the castle?" Kaien asked.
"I-I don't think so," Harry said.
"Agreed. He wouldn't write another letter to be delivered there."
"What about the fireplace?" Luna chimed in, scaring Harry and Hermione.
"Luna! Don't sneak up on us." Hermione said.
"Anyways…Mister Stubby Boardman could try and use the Floo to talk with Harry." She said.
"Mister Stubby Boardman?" Harry questioned.
"What do you mean using the Floo to talk with Harry?" Hermione questioned.
"You could use the Floo to teleport from fireplace to fireplace or you can stick your head in to talk to another person that's on the other side," Luna explained.
"Artoira," Kaien said though the peerage link.
"Yes, Kaien?"
"Is there a Floo connection to the Gryffindor Common room?" Kaien asked.
"Hm…" Artoria said. "There is one." She replied.
"Do you think you can move that connection to our fireplace?" Kaien asked.
"I could…why?"
"I'll explain in a bit."
"Very well," Artoria replied as she cut the connection. Kaien turned to the students. "I can't reveal how but you will not need to go to the Gryffindor Common Room to speak with Sirius," Kaien said. The student nodded their heads. "Harry… do you want to help your godfather."
"I do."
"Do you trust me?"
"I do."
"Then I need to write a few letters," Kaien said as he walked upstairs to his room. He wrote a letter to Ragnok to inform him of what's going to happen in the early morning on the 22nd.
Time Skip: 22nd at One o'clock in the morning
Harry was sitting by the fireplace of his living quarters. He sat there confused about this. He pulled out his wand.
"Tempus [Time]." Harry cast. Small smoke clouds escaped out of his wand, telling him it's one o'clock.
"Harry." Someone said. Harry turned to see Sirius's face from the fire.
"Sirius - how're you doing?" Harry replied. Harry noticed that Sirius's face changed since the last time he has seen him. Instead of the gaunt and sunken face and surrounded by a quantity of long, black, matted hair it's now short and clean, Sirius's face was fuller, and he looked younger, much more like the only photograph Harry had of him, which had been taken at the Potters' wedding. "Never mind me, how are you?" said Sirius seriously.
"It's going well," Harry said. "Sirius, do you trust me?" Harry asked.
"I do pup," Sirius answered. Suddenly Kaien and Artoria threw off Harry's invisibility cloak. Before Sirius could react, they stuck their hand into the fire and dragged Sirius to their side. "H-Why?" Sirius said.
"Hello, Mister Black. I am Kaien Shiba, I'm in charge of making sure your godson survives the tournament." Sirius nodded his head, remembering seeing the news articles. "Anyways, turn into your animagus form and follow me," Kaien said. Sirius glanced at Harry.
"Please do what he asks." Harry insisted. Sirius sighed as he transformed into his animagus form, consisting of a black dog. Kaien pulled a small pouch out and threw it into the fireplace, turning the flames green. Harry walked into the green fire.
"Gringotts!" He shouted as he disappeared. Kaien picked up Sirius and entered the fire.
"Gringotts!" Kaien shouted. He disappeared as well.
Scene Change: Gringotts
Kaien appeared in Gringotts's lobby. Harry was beside him. In front of them was a Goblin Teller.
"Follow me." The Teller said. They followed behind him. They soon arrived in an empty private room. A few minutes later, the door to the private room opened. A goblin escorted Madam Bones and two more Aurors behind her. The first one appears a young girl, no older than Kaien. She as a pale heart-shaped face and dark twinkling eyes. Her hair is bubblegum-pink and is short and spiky. The other Auror is a tall black wizard and was described as broad-shouldered. He was bald and wore a single gold hoop earring. All of them were dressed in red robes of an Auror. Sirius, still in his animagus form, began to get nervous.
"Hello, Kaien." Amelia greeted.
"Hello, Madam Bones. Thank you for meeting us at this abnormal time.
"Um…who are you?" Harry asked.
"I am Madam Bones, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement." She introduced me. "With me is Auror Kingsley Shacklebolt and Auror Nymphadora Tonks." The door opened again, and a wizard and a witch were escorted in by two goblins. Kaien and Harry recognized who just entered.
"Hello, Mister Carneirus. Ms. Almeidas." Harry greeted.
"Hello Mister Potter, Mister Shiba." The reporters greeted. They sat in the chairs around them. Soon a goblin entered the room carrying a box.
"Good day everyone. For now, you will call me PeaceKeeper." The goblin introduced himself. "I need everyone in this room to deposit their wand in this box."
"Um…why?" Harry asked.
"PeaceKeeper goblin is a goblin that ensures the meeting goes peacefully. The box is a special box that only the PeaceKeeper goblin could open." Kaien explained as he placed his wand in his box. Slowly everyone else placed their wand in the box. PeaceKeeper closed the box.
"Now then, Mister Shiba, you said that you have crucial information that could lead us to find Sirius Black." Madam Bones said.
"I do," Kaien said as he glanced at the black dog in his hand. The dog looked nervous. Harry looked at the dog.
"Trust me Padfoot," Harry said. Amelia turned to Harry.
"Did you just say Padfoot." She asked. The black dog jumped out of Kaien's hand and transformed into Sirius Black.
"Hello, Amy." He said. Everyone was shocked to see Sirius Black there. The three Aurors instinctively tried to draw their wand. When they quickly remembered where their wands are.
"Sirius Black-." Madam Bones said.
"-Is innocent." Harry interrupted.
"What?" Auror Tonks said as she turned to Harry.
"I do have proof of this," Harry said as he presented his parent's will to Madam Bones. She took the Will and began to read it.
"Hm… This will provide a valid testimony and the date is a few days before their death."
"I wish to submit myself to Veritaserum." Sirius Black said as he opened his mouth.
"That's why you asked me to bring this and two Aurors." Madam Bones said as she pulled out the potion. She pulled out a quill and parchment. She turned to PeaceKeeper. "Can you activate the charm on the quill?"
"Why certainly." He replied as he tapped the quill with his finger. The Quill came to life as it positioned itself on the parchment. Madam Bones pulled out a pocket watch.
"Begin recording. Today is November 22nd, 2004. The time is 1:30 am. I, Amelia Bones, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement is with Auror Kingsley Shacklebolt and Auror Nymphadora Tonks. We have Sirius Black at Gringotts. He is willing to submit himself to be questioned under Veritaserum." Madam Bones paused as she approached Sirius Black. "Sirius Black, are you willing to submit yourself under the effects of Veritaserum."
"I do." He replied as he opened the mouth. Madam Bones opened the vial and poured four drops into his mouth. He closed his mouth and swallowed the potion.
"State your full name." Madam Bones said.
"Sirius Orion Black the Third," Sirius said in an emotionless tone.
"What house were you in Hogwarts?"
"Gryffindor."
"Final test question was your Marauder nickname Prongs."
"No. It was Padfoot."
"This concludes the test question to determine if Sirius Black is under the effects of Veritaserum." Madam Bones said. "The first question, are you a Death Eater."
"No," Sirius yelled.
"Were you the Secret Keeper for Lily and James Potter?"
"No."
"According to early reports you blamed yourself for their death. Why did you blame yourself for their death?"
"I was the one who told them to make Petergrew their secret keeper," Sirius admitted.
"Did you kill Peter Pettigrew?"
"No.
"Did you cause the explosion that killed thirteen muggles?"
"No. Peter Pettigrew cast the spell.
"How did you escape Azkaban?"
"I was an unregistered Animagus. I managed to force myself through the bars with my skinny dog body."
"Is this also how you managed to retain your sanity?"
"It is," Sirius admitted. Madam Bones tapped the quill, causing it to freeze.
"Off the record." Madam Bones said. "Who was the love of your life?" She asked. Sirius flinched, trying to resist the potion effects.
"Amelia Bones." He forcibly admitted. Madam Bones let out a small smile as she tapped the quill, causing it to get ready to write again.
"This concludes the questioning. The time is 1:45 am on November 22nd, 2004." She said as she poured the antidote in Sirius's mouth.
"So, what can you do with that information?" Kaien asked.
"Hm… At the December Wizengamot, I could try to bring this issue up." Madam Bones said. "But he will need to present himself to the Wizengamot."
"Don't worry, he will be there," Kaien said.
"What about us?" Michael asked.
"You will write an article about this and then sent it to me for my approval. You will post it in the Evening Post after the December Wizengamot." Madam Bones said.
"Very well," Michael said. The PeaceKeeper turned to Kaien.
"Does this mean the meeting is finished?"
"It is PeaceKeeper," Kaien replied. The PeaceKeeper nodded his head as he opened the box. Everyone grabbed their wands from the box.
"Looks like little Nymphi grew up." Sirius teased. Auror Tonks glared at Sirius.
"I will get you back, cousin." She growled.
"Both of you are cousins?" Harry asked.
"Yes. My mother was a Black, who was disowned." Auror Tonks said.
"Um… PeaceKeeper." Rebecca said. PeaceKeeper was already by the door.
"Yes?" PeaceKeeper replied as he turned around.
"If it's allowed, may we include your name as a witness to this meeting?"
"Hm…very well then," PeaceKeeper said. Kaien and Harry smiled, knowing what's about to happen.
"Let it be known that I, King Ragnok the XI, witnessed the events that happened in this room." He said as he walked out of the room.
"Did we just meet the King of the Goblins?" Rebecca said. Everyone else nodded their heads. They soon regain their bearing and were quickly escorted out. Sirius let out a yawn.
"Come on Sirius, we need to check you in with Healer Bloodfallen," Kaien said. Sirius let out another yawn. As they walked him over to Healer Bloodfallen. She immediately took him and began the necessary treatment. With that done, they returned to their room.
Time Skip: November 24th The First Task
Healer Bloodfallen sent a letter, giving Harry an update to Sirius's condition. In those letters, Sirius's name is replaced by John Doe. Kaien gave the champions two days off of training, allowing them to relax and prepare for the First Task.
Everyone woke up early on Sunday, very nervous about the impending task. Kaien forced everyone to have a few spoonfuls of porridge. By now everyone got a basic understanding of Occlumency, able to use it calm themselves down.
Slowly it was noon, everyone went down to the stadium. Kaien watched as the champions were led away by Professor McGonagall. Kaien, Hermione, Luna and George head to the stands. Artoria followed the other judges to the judge's box. They soon found their seats. To Kaien's left was Daphne Greengrass, one of his unofficial students.
"Hello, Mister Shiba." She greeted.
"Hello, Ms. Greengrass." He replied.
"Do you think they will safely survive the tasks?"
"I do," Kaien said.
Scene Change: Champion Tent
Harry, Fred, Fleur, and Victor arrived in the tent to see there alone.
"Well…this is it," Harry said.
"It is," Fred said.
"We've been training with Kaien-sensei for this," Fleur said.
"May the best champion win this task," Victor said. Soon Bagman entered the tent.
"Well, now we're all here - time to fill you in!" said Bagman brightly. "When the audience has assembled, I'm going to be offering each of you this bag" - he held up a small sack of purple silk and shook it at them - "from which you will each select a small model of the thing you are about to face! There are different - er - varieties, you see. And I have to tell you something else too…ah, yes... your task is to collect the golden egg!" He expected fear or shock from the champions. However, they nodded their heads, as if they expected it.
Bagman was opening the neck of the purple silk sack. "Ladies first," he said, offering it to Fleur. She put a hand inside the bag and drew out a tiny, perfect model of a Welsh Green dragon. It had the number two around its neck.
Bagman offered the bag to Victor. He stuck his hand in the bag and pulled out a scarlet Chinese Fireball dragon with the number three around its neck.
Fred put his hand into the bag, and out came the blueish-gray Swedish Short Snout, the number one tied around its neck.
Harry put his hand into the silk bag and pulled out the Hungarian Horntail, and number four. It stretched its wings as he looked down at it and bared its minuscule fangs.
"Well, there you are!" said Bagman. "You have each pulled out the dragon you will face, and the numbers refer to the order in which you are to take on the dragons, do you see? Now, I'm going to have to leave you in a moment, because I'm commentating. Mister Weasley, you're first, just go out into the enclosure when you hear a whistle, all right?" Before Fred could reply, Bagman left.
"Damn," Fred said.
"What's wrong?" Harry asked.
"Oh, Bagman just owe me and George some money. We've been writing him letters about it, but he refused to give it to us." Fred admitted.
"Don't worry, we'll help you get it back," Victor said. Soon they heard a loud whistle.
"Guess it begins," Fred said as he walked towards the door.
"Good luck." They said.
"Thank you," Fred said as he walked out. As he walked out of the tent towards the arena. He used his Occlumency to remember his Plans for the task.
"The first champion we're going to see for this task is Fredrick Weasley from Hogwarts!" Bagman announced as Fred entered. Fred could see the blueish-gray Swedish Short Snout staring at him… In the stands, he could see Kaien, Hermione, Luna, and George. George was holding a brown knapsack. Fred pointed his wand up.
"Accio brown knapsack!" Fred yelled. The brown knapsack flew out of George's lap to Fred. Fred caught the brown knapsack. He dug in the brown knapsack and pulled out a small device. It has a large black horn, a bell-shaped body, and small feet. Fred threw the device at the Swedish Short Snout. The dragon stared at the strange device. Suddenly the device began to let out loud bangs, black smoke and waddled away. The Swedish Short Snout began to chase after the strange device.
"Yes. Our Decoy Detonators worked." Fred thought as he ran towards the nest. Suddenly the dragon managed to crush the device. The Swedish Short Snout noticed Fred running towards its nest. The dragon changed direction, beginning to charge towards Fred. He dug in his brown knapsack and pulled out another object. It appears to be a miniature tent with a tiki face on it. Fred threw three of those behind him. As soon as it landed, the miniature tents began to expand and transform into a giant swamp. The Swedish Short Snout didn't realize the change until it was too late as it changed into the swamp and got stuck. The dragon roared as it struggled to get out of the swamp. The Swedish Short Snout fired a stream of fire at Fred, who reached the nest. Fred pointed his wand at himself.
"Ignis Innoxius [Harmless Fire]." Fred cast. The fire hit Fred. Many from the audience screamed in fright; expecting Fred to die from the task. The fire subsided, Fred not there.
"DON'T WORRY EVERYONE!" Fred yelled as he cast Amplifying Charm. They turned to see Fred standing to the side, safe from the fire and with the Golden Egg in his hand. "The two things you saw I used are two of the many inventions that I and my twin brother," George stood up from the stands, "invented. These little things," Fred took out the device with the black horn and feet, "are known as Decoy Detonator. Need a quick getaway, use these to serve as your decoy." Fred said as he dropped the Decoy Detonator. Just like before, the Decoy Detonator began to let out a loud bang, black smoke and began to walk around. "While this is known as a Portable Swamp. Good for blocking a path or trapping people." Fred as he pointed at the Swedish Short Snout; who is still struggling to free itself from the swamp. "If you are interested in any of these products, feel free to send an owl to Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes!" Fred yelled as he canceled the Amplifying Charm.
Kaien and his fellow students clapped their hands. Slowly the Hogwarts students and everyone applauded.
"Very good indeed!" Bagman shouted. "The judges will take a few short moments to consider Mister Weasley's score. He will be sent to the medical tent for a brief medical inspection." Fred was sent to the medical tent where Madam Pomphrey was there. She took out her wand and began to scan Fred for any injuries.
"Luckily your mother isn't here." Madam Pomphrey said. "I had to force her away from the medical tent."
"Thanks, Madam Pomphrey," Fred said. He was soon escorted back out to the judges.
Fred noticed that the Swedish Short Snout was finally freed from the swamp and Professor Flitwick was down there removing the swamp. Fred reached the edge of the enclosure to see the six judges.
Madame Maxime raised her wand in the air. What looked like a long silver ribbon shot out of it, which twisted itself into a large figure eight. The crowd applauded.
"What's up with the eight. I didn't get injured or anything." Fred thought. Mister Crouch, Professor Dumbledore, and Artoria gave Fred a ten. Mister Bagman gave him an eight.
"Hm…something is wrong with this." Fred thought. Karkaroff shot a number six. "A bloody six? Really? We can clearly see that someone was biased in their scoring." Fred thought.
"Based on our points, Mister Weasley scored a 52 out of 60." Mister Bagman announced. The audience applauded as Fred was escorted to another tent. "One down, three to go!" Bagman yelled as the whistle blew again. "Miss Delacour, if you please!"
From the champion's tent, Fleur sighed as she left the Champion's Tent. As she walked towards the arena. She used her Occlumency to remember her Plans for the task. "The second champion we're going to see is Fleur Delacour from Beauxbatons!" Bagman announced as Fleur entered. Fleur could Kaien and the others sitting in the stands.
"I will impress you with my power." Fleur thought as she noticed the Welsh Green standing there, on guard of her nest. Fleur pointed her wand at the nearby rocks.
"Saxa animalibus [Rocks to Animals]." Fleur cast. The nearby rocks transformed into a herd of sheep.
"Go towards the dragon." She commanded. The herd of transfigured sheep, created without its normal survival instincts, walked towards the dragon. The Welsh Green stared at the sheep. The dragon began to lick its tongue and began to eat the herd. Fleur used the distraction to her advantage.
"Sommeil Profond [Deep Sleep]." She cast. She began to sneak towards the Welsh Green. Every few steps, she would cast the Deep Sleep spell again. The Welsh Green continued to eat the herd of transfigured sheep. The Welsh Green's movements began to get sluggish. It soon finished eating the entire herd of sheep. The Welsh Green let out a yawn, letting out a small fireball. Luckily Fleur wasn't near the Welsh Green's mouth. She was already by the Welsh Green's nest. She spotted the Golden Egg. She quickly grabbed it and ran back to the entrance. Kaien and his fellow students clapped their hands. Slowly everyone applauded.
"Very good indeed!" Bagman shouted. "The judges will take a few short moments to consider Miss Delecour's score. She will be sent the medical tent for a brief medical inspection." Fleur was sent to the medical tent where Madam Pomphrey was there. She took out her wand and began to scan Fleur for any injuries. Once Fleur was cleared by Madam Pomphrey, he was escorted back out to the judges. Fleur reached the edge of the enclosure to see the six judges.
Madame Maxime gave her a ten.
"As expected, she may disown me from the school, but she would still want me to win." Fleur thought. Mister Crouch and Professor Dumbledore gave her a nine. "I expected that. I don't know how much he scored Fred, but he doesn't want his champion to lose to me because of a few points." Fleur thought. Bagman gave her an eight. "Hm…why so low?"
Professor Karkaroff gave her a six. "Was that really necessary? It's obvious that he's going to be biased to Victor." Fleur thought. Artoria gave her a ten as well.
"Based on our points, Miss Delacour scored a 52 out of 60." Mister Bagman announced. The audience applauded as Fleur was escorted to another tent. "Two down, two to go!" Bagman yelled as the whistle blew again.
From the champion's tent, Victor sighed as he left the Champion's Tent. As he walked towards the arena. He used his Occlumency to remember his plans for the task. "The third champion we're going to see is the famous Victor Krum from Durmstrang!" Bagman announced as Victor entered. Fleur could see the Chinese Fireball standing there, on guard of her nest. Victor pointed his wand at the nearby rocks.
"Saxa animalibus [Rocks to Animals]." Victor cast. The nearby rocks transformed into a herd of cows. Victor quickly cast the Disillusionment Charm and Smell Removal Charm. The Chinese Fireball noticed the sudden appearance of its favorite food. The Chinese Fireball cautiously approached the cow. Victor seeing this slowly approaches the Chinese Fireball's nest. The Chinese Fireball ate one of the transfigured cows. The Chinese Fireball began to eat the other cows. Seeing the Chinese Fireball distracted, Victor ran towards the nest. The Chinese Fireball finished the transfigured cows turned to the nest. Victor glanced back to see the Chinese Fireball facing the nest.
"Shit. Did the dragon realize I was there?" Victor thought as he pointed his wand at the unsuspecting dragon. "Rosea oculus [Pink eye]." Victor silently cast. The Chinese Fireball didn't notice Victor's spell until it was too late. The Chinese Fireball's eyes closed up. The Chinese Fireball let out a distressful roar. Victor quickly ran towards the Chinese Fireball's nest. The Chinese Fireball began to try and find Victor. Luckily Victor's spells held up. Victor grabbed the Golden Egg and ran back to the entrance. Kaien and his fellow students clapped their hands. Slowly everyone applauded.
"Very good indeed!" Bagman shouted. "The judges will take a few short moments to consider Mister Krum's score. He will be sent to the medical tent for a brief medical inspection." Victor was sent to the medical tent where Madam Pomphrey was there. She took out her wand and began to scan Victor for any injuries. Once Victor was cleared by Madam Pomphrey, he was escorted back out to the judges.
Victor reached the edge of the enclosure to see the six judges.
Madame Maxime, Mister Bagman, Professor Dumbledore, and Mister Crouch gave him an eight.
Professor Karkaroff gave him a ten. Victor resisted the urge to snort upon seeing these scores. "Right, very unbiased," Victor said.
Artoria gave him a ten. "At least with Artoria, it's fair," Victor commented.
"Based on our points, Mister Krum scored a 52 out of 60." Mister Bagman announced. The audience applauded as Victor was escorted to another tent. "Three down, one more to go!" Bagman yelled as the whistle blew again.
From the champion's tent, Harry sighed as he left the Champion's Tent. As he walked towards the arena. He used his Occlumency to remember his Plans for the task. "The fourth and final champion we're going to see is the famous Harry Potter from Shiba Academy of Mystical Arts."
Harry entered the stadium to see the most intimidating dragon in front of him. She was standing in front of her nest. She immediately noticed Harry's presents.
"$: Stupid Two-Legger thinks he can enter my nest without getting hurt. :$" The horntail growled.
"$: Please calm yourself. I am not here to harm you. :$" Harry said. Everyone in the arena was shocked to hear hissing from Harry.
"$: Oh? This Two-Legger appears to be a speaker of the tongue of the land slithers." The dragon said. "What do you want?" She growled.
"$: I was sent here to retrieve a fake egg from your nest. $" Harry said.
"$: They placed a fake egg in my nest. :$" The dragon growled as she looked at her nest. She spotted the Golden Egg in her nest. "$: So, you're speaking the truth. :$" She growled.
"$: May I please enter your nest to retrieve the false egg? :$" The horntail glared at Harry. Harry stood firm.
"$: Very well. :$" The horntail agreed. "$: But if you touch any of my eggs then I will attack you. :$" The horntail threatened. Harry walked to the nest and carefully took the Golden Egg from the nest and quickly returned to the entrance.
"$: Thank you for believing in me. :$" Harry said with a bow to the horntail. No one knew how to respond. Kaien and his fellow students clapped their hands. Slowly everyone applauded.
"Very good indeed!" Bagman shouted. "The judges will take a few short moments to consider Mister Potter's score. He will be sent to the medical tent for a brief medical inspection."
"Hello, Madam Pomphrey." Harry greeted.
"Hello, Mister Potter. It has been a few months since you were in my Medical Wing." She said.
"I think that's a good thing," Harry replied. She chuckled as she took out her wand and began to scan Harry for any injuries.
"It looks like you're fine." She said. "Please tell Mister Shiba I give him my thanks for making my job easier."
"I will," Harry said as he left the Medical Tent. Harry was escorted back out to the judges.
Harry reached the edge of the enclosure to see the six judges.
Madame Maxime and Professor Dumbledore gave him an eight. Mister Crouch gave him a nine. Mister Bagman gave him a ten. Professor Karkaroff gave him a seven. Artoria gave him a ten.
"Based on our points, Mister Potter scored a 52 out of 60." Mister Bagman announced as Harry was escorted to another tent with the other champions.
"What score did you get Harry?" Victor asked.
"I got a 52. What about all of you?" Harry asked.
"We all got a score of 52," Fleur replied.
"Hm…" Harry was interrupted before he could speak.
"Well done, all of you!" said Ludo Bagman, bouncing into the tent and looking as pleased. "Now, just a quick few words. You've got a nice long break before the second task, which will take place at half-past nine on the morning of February the twenty-fourth - but we're giving you something to think about in the meantime! If you look down at those golden eggs, you're all holding, you will see that they open. . . see the hinges there? You need to solve the clue inside the egg - because it will tell you what the second task is and enable you to prepare for it! Well, off you go, then!" Bagman said as the champions walked out of the tent. Kaien and Artoria stood there, waiting for them.
"Come on, let's go," Kaien said. The champions nodded their heads as they walked towards the castle. Suddenly a witch leaped out from behind them. It was Rita Skeeter. She was wearing acid-green robes today; the Quick-Quotes Quill in her hand blended perfectly against them.
"Congratulations!" she said. "I wonder if you could give me a quick word. How did you feel facing that dragon? How do you feel now, about the fairness of the scoring?" Before anyone could comment. Kaien slides between her and the champions.
"I will let Michael and Rebecca know about your meddling. I would be curious to see what their reaction would be if we decided to sell the exclusive rights to the champions to another magazine." Kaien said. Luna quickly caught on.
"My father is the Editor of the Quibbler." She chimed in. The blood on Rita's face began to turn cold as she recognized Luna.
"No need." She quickly said as she ran away.
"Come on, let's get going," Kaien said. They all went to their private quarters. "Excalibur," Kaien said. The portrait opened up; allowing them to enter. Their living room was filled with food and drinks for them to enjoy. They all entered and began to celebrate.
"Hey, Fred," George called out.
"Yes, George?" Fred replied.
"Let's hear that clue."
"Sure," Fred said as he grabbed his egg and opened the latch. Suddenly a loud scream resonated from the egg; getting everyone's attention.
"GAH!" They screamed in pain.
"MAKE IT STOP!" Victor yelled. Fred let go of his ears and closed the egg.
"W-what was that?" Fred asked.
"Not sure," George replied.
"Is that what's in the egg?" Hermione asked.
"Painfully loud screaming?" Victor replied.
"Not sure," Kaien replied.
"I-I think I know what that is," Fleur said. Everyone could see she was nervous and slightly shivering. Her skin was much paler than before. She moved near the fireplace. Kaien approached her and gently wrapped his hand around her.
"Are you alright?" Kaien asked.
"Sorry," Fleur said as she calmed down. Kaien let go as she turned to face her friends. "Everyone here is aware that I am a Veela, right?" Everyone nodded their heads. "Veelas are magical creatures associated with the air and fire. Because of this, we are much weaker when we are in cold water or buried underground. Those loud inhuman shrieks we heard originate from a magical creature that lives under the sea." Fleur said as she stared back into the fire. "The merfolk."
"So we need to listen to this in the water," Kaien concluded.
"Likely," Fleur replied. Kaien turned to Fred. "May I?" Fred handed Kaien his egg. Kaien walked upstairs and quickly filled the tub with water. He submerged the egg and his head. Kaien opened the egg. Instead of hearing inhuman shrieks from the egg, he heard a chorus of eerie voices singing to him from the open egg in his hands.
"Come seek us where our voices sound. We cannot sing above the ground. And while you're searching ponder this. We've taken what you'll sorely miss. An hour-long you'll have to look. And to recover what we took. But past an hour, the prospect's black. Too late, it's gone, it won't come back."
Kaien closed the egg and dried the egg and himself. He walked downstairs and repeated the poem to them.
"So, the merfolk will take something precious from us and we will have an hour to retrieve it," Harry said.
"Not something…someone," Hermione said. Everyone turned to her. "I was reading information about the previous tournaments. All of them shared the idea of three tasks: one would be against a beast; another one would be rescuing someone and the final task would be a race." Hermione said.
"It's great that we managed to crack the clue," Kaien said. "But we will not start training for the second task tonight. This is for us to celebrate." Kaien said.
"I second that," Artoria said as she waved a piece of rib in the air. The party continued with everyone talking among themselves.
"Artoria-sensei," Harry said. "Why did you give all of us a ten out of ten."
"Simply because you completed the task without injuring yourself or the dragon," Artoria replied.
"While all the heads all tried to purposely give everyone a low score," Fleur said.
"Though, Bagman is interesting," Victor said.
"Indeed. He gave everyone but Harry an eight, with him getting a ten." Kaien said.
"And he still hasn't paid us yet," Fred said.
"Do you want to take revenge on those biased judges," Kaien said.
"And that nasty reporter," Harry added. Kaien went to the fireplace and threw some Floo powder into the fire. The fire turned green as he stuck his head in. A few seconds later, Kaien removed his head as Michel and Rebecca walked out.
"Hello everyone," Michael said.
"Kaien told us you wish to do an exclusive interview with us," Rebecca said.
"We do. We have a few topics to talk about." Harry said.
"Biased judging," Fleur said.
"Our experience of the First Task," Victor said.
"Bagman's stealing from us," Fred said.
"And him cheating to help Harry win," George said.
"And finally taking a shot at Rita," Harry said. Michael and Rebecca began to smile as they pulled out quills and parchment. They quickly sat down, in front of them.
"Tell us more." They said with a Cheshire grin.