Beta: JG Nelson (alias)
Original Release Date: 5/27/18
Disclaimer: I do not own anything in the canon Harry Potter universe or any other universe, in addition to any references to things in the real world that currently exist. AU.
Chapter Sixty Three – Disguised and Intrigue
Arriving in his room, Harry changes into dry clothes before exiting the dormitory and heads towards the stairwell. Descending from the dormitory into the common room, Harry runs into a stream of Gryffindor students flowing into the common.
"Good job Harry! So what if you were late back, you still did well rescuing two individuals" remarks one unknown student passing by.
As the volume in the common room begins to crescendos, Harry raises his voice above the din, "What are we getting loud about?"
"We're going to throw you a party mate" chimes a familiar voice.
"We've already nicked food from the kitchen for it all" adds a second.
Turning around, Harry sighs as Fred and George, arms laden with food, grinning from ear to ear. Inspecting the stacks of various vittles, Harry remarks casually, "So where are the drinks?"
"Oh Ginny's helping with that" snickers George before heading towards the table in the middle of room, chairs and other furniture being pushed up against the wall and into the corners.
Narrowing his eyes, Harry asks suspiciously, "And where is she now?"
From behind a voice remarks sarcastically, "Right behind you."
Turning around, Harry comes face to face with Ginny, levitating three wooden crates each filled with three dozen bottles of Butterbeer."
"At least it isn't Fireball" mutters Harry quietly to himself as Ginny walks past Harry, still levitating the crates of Butterbeer.
Jumping onto a table, Lee points his wand at his throat and says ,"Sonorous. Ladies and gentlemen, we've witnessed today Harry Potter manage to succeed at the first task of the Triwizard Tournament, at least in my mind. Not only did he rescue two young ladies, but he did it with skill by using his broom underwater! Let's hear it for Harry!" before raising a bottle of Butterbeer into the air as dozens more follow suit.
Pausing to take in the scene around him, Harry raises the bottle to his lips and takes a swig. As the amount of full bottles of Butterbeer start to dwindle, the Gryffindors continue to crescendo in volume. Vanishing his second bottle, Harry pivots towards the dormitories before a voice stops him, "Not going to stick around for the rest of the party?"
Turning to face the source of the voice, Harry answers as Neville comes alongside Harry, "I don't see the point in celebrating quite yet as this is just the first task, and I'm ranked third out of four champions. However, I'm not going to rain on everyone's parade."
"That's probably for the best" remarks Neville before slipping back into the party scene as students begin to sprout feathers.
Chuckling, Harry withdraws his OmniPlay from a robe pocket, before taking a seat in a corner and starts to flip through various applications and pages before stopping on one named 'Developments'. Flipping through the related pages, Harry mutters to himself, "I think that I might need to take a look when I'm in Hogsmeade next", before tapping a few more screens and smiling to himself as his watch/PRT combo flashes with 'Update Successful'.
/*a few hours later*/
Rising to the podium, Dumbledore waits as the noise settles down before announcing, "After consulting the other judges, we have collectively decided to give the champions a more fair chance at their next task by announcing the next task much sooner than three days beforehand. Tonight we will discover what the next task is…after dinner. Let's eat."
"I wonder what kind of task will be next?" wonders Hermione aloud, looking towards Harry.
Shaking his head gently, Harry remarks, "I don't know. It'll be intriguing I figure, something challenging."
"Will you actually do any kind of practice or study for this next task?" inquiries Neville smirking.
"I suppose it wouldn't hurt. Hey Ron, would you like to help me do anything like practice for the next task, whatever it is?" answers Harry.
Looking up from the plate of food he is engorging himself on, Ron finishes his mouthful before answering, "Sure" before digging back into the food.
"At least he finished the food in his mouth before answering" remarks Ginny rolling her eyes as she pipes up from a few seats down.
"I guess we're helping him make some form of strides?" quips Fred whispering into Harry's right ear.
"Probably something to do with the spiders telling him to do so" adds George quietly smirking.
Rolling his eyes, Harry comments, "I don't think I want to know what you two have done."
As the students finish their meals, many hungry eyes take furtive and some simply stare at the Hogwarts Headmaster, eager to hear the news. Minutes ticking by, the platters become empty and suddenly all attention arrives at the now standing headmaster. "As I've said, tonight we will find out what the next task is. Champions, please gather at the front" instructs Dumbledore.
Getting up from their seats, the four champions make their way to the front before stopping before the gathered judges.
"Mr. Malfoy, you get to spin for the next task" instructs Mr. Crouch as a wheel divided into twelve equal pieces, six with 'D' and six with 'E' on them. Spinning the wheel, Draco steps back as the wheel spins right round and round before stopping on a dark blue section with a golden 'D' embossed on it.
Withdrawing a piece of parchment from his pocket, Mr. Crouch announces, "The next task is a dueling competition, of which the order who will duel whom will be determined the day of the task", before stepping away from the limelight and Dumbledore steps forward once more.
"Champions, prepare yourself for a dueling tournament. We all eagerly await what each one of you is capable of dueling one on one with. Now to two last announcements. This coming weekend and then Christmas Eve will be Hogsmeade weekends, with a Yule Ball happening around Christmas time, open to fourth years and above from Hogwarts. Third years and below can attend the ball if asked to by a fourth year and older. Finally off to bed Hogwarts students" announces Dumbledore with a tinkle in his eyes.
Leaving the Great Hall and doing the return trip to their respective common rooms, the students burble with excitement. "So Harry, think it'll be you and Malfoy dueling in the tournament?" asks Lee popping up from nowhere.
"Couldn't tell you. I'd rather duel Krum or Fleur than Draco, I figure that they can give me a more interesting match than Draco can" answers Harry shrugging his shoulders.
"You don't want to do a Gryffindor versus Slytherin match?" inquiries Lee somewhat dejectedly.
"Honestly, no. I can duel Draco any time I want, but the opportunity to duel someone whom I may never meet again after this year is much more enticing" answers Harry casually.
"Then whom do you think will give you a harder challenge?" asks Lee walking down the hallway backwards as to face Harry.
"Based on rumors that Durmstrang has a lot deeper Dark Arts teachings, I figure that Krum would be a very good challenge" replies Harry.
"But what about your dueling lessons with Sirius and Remus?" adds Neville adding to the conversation.
Shrugging his shoulders, Harry remarks, "I'm not unpracticed with duels. I figure we will use some form of protection from spells that can rip us limb from limb or from bleeding out, so it'll probably be until someone gives in or the judges declare a victor for each match. They haven't told us exactly what, so I'll just run with what I've got and try to duel new people and learn something new hopefully."
Arriving at the stairwell to the dormitory, Harry continues up as several students mill around in the common room, eagerly discussing the second task. "As if today didn't have enough excitement already, they thought it prudent to inform us of the next task. At least it's a dueling competition. I'm guessing at taking any kind of damage will be some form of point deduction or whatever the equivalent is" Harry remarks to himself walking up the dormitory steps.
/*the following weekend*/
Walking down the windy and barren layered brick pathway, Harry pulls his cloak tighter around him before looking around to see if anyone is following him. Continuing a little ways past a chain-link-fence with an out of place wooden door, similar to the one to the Great Hall, Harry stops at the end of the brick road and looks around once more. Spotting no one else, Harry places his watch against a nearby tree trunk for a few seconds before proceeding forward into the forest.
Blinking rapidly, Harry deadpans before grinning ear to ear as layered red brick continues forward for several hundred meters with rectangular planters in the middle of the walkway. Looking to his left and right, Harry spots a two story building on each side, a screened in front porch and stone step way from the brick walkway to the porch. Walking up to the building on the left, Harry is stopped as he tries to exit the brick walkway to the solid stone one leading a short distance to the building.
"It's a good thing to see our security works" remarks a familiar voice.
Turning around, Harry sees Amelia, Sirius, and Remus standing by the rectangular planter. "I know I shouldn't have doubted you, but I was curious on how well it would work" remarks Sirius turning to Remus.
"And what brings you out this way Harry?" inquiries Amelia giving Harry an inquisitive look.
"I'm simply curious about this…development. What is it supposed to be?" inquiries Harry motioning with his hands around the area.
"It is our take on a wizarding village, but with more security than tradition. Remember how you were able to put your watch against the tree stump to gain access? You were granted access through the ward by indicating your pass through the ward. You simply added your watch as an authentication token, and there is a different authentication set for each building/apartment here, so one can't simply gain access to the community and then walk up to anyone's apartment and do as they please" answers Remus before withdrawing his OmniPlay from a robe pocket and tapping a few times before continuing, "You should be able to step on the sidewalk and enter into the apartment now."
"Why are you trying to make a new wizarding community?" asks Harry not moving from the spot.
"Because apparently there isn't a lot of affordable living quarters for muggleborn individuals or people without a lot of galleons. So we thought about it and then some before coming to the idea of creating apartments, enough space for two or three individuals to have a bedroom and a space of their own, while still being fairly priced for younger witches and wizards. So we decided to build some apartments with their own set of security and wards, each with four bedrooms, modeled after us having a bedroom and an extra room for our various junk. However, to some individuals that can be a four person apartment, especially with a shared common area and kitchen. After that thought we decided to make a two bedroom unit an storage area under the common area for cheaper, because not everyone needs an extra room for their belongings, especially with magic" answers Remus.
Narrowing his eyes slightly, Harry turns around and walks up the sidewalk to the apartment and enters. Stopping just inside the doorway, Harry's eyes bulge as the size of the room isn't accurately reflected on the outside. Walking in the not too bright yet not too dark common space, beige carpeted interior. Looking at the open floor plan with the half wall/stone counter top, Harry walks over to the kitchen and peers around.
"A lot of cabinet space, but why does it look like there are spaces for muggle appliances?" asks Harry looking around and stopping by some holes in the cabinetry.
"Because…it was an idea/test apartment that has just kind of been built" answers Sirius.
Exiting the kitchen and heading towards the stairwell on the wall on the right when entering the apartment, Harry takes the steps two at a time before arriving on the second floor with two doors on either side of the hallway with a lone door at the end of the hallway. "Are these the bedrooms?"
"Yes, each with their own bathroom and closet. These flats, at least so far, are bring your own furniture when you move in" answers Remus arriving at the top of the stairs first.
"Do you have any particular…tenants in mind for living here?" asks Harry exiting the bedroom on the left hand side.
"Miss Clearwater expressed interest at the original thought of this, however I'm not certain if she still has any interest in such a place" offers Remus uncertainly.
"What is the rent for a place such as this?" inquiries Harry turning to the three adults at the top of stairwell.
"We were thinking around four or five galleons a month, but I wonder if that is too high. There really aren't many places offering places to rent and then those that are available aren't really willing to provide what they charge except to actual renters and not people like us who want to be an alternative to them/not actually wanting to rent from them" answers Remus honestly.
"Why not two galleons a month for something without furniture and then see how it goes from there, since you don't have data?" suggests Harry.
"You've done things such as using the Marauding Network to have consumers give input for new products, why not try to use that for a pricing model?" suggests Amelia.
"As much as I and I think Remus would like to do that as well, we don't have the amount of units to have people move in if it seems popular. And what about a landlord? Amelia dear, Remus and I are already stretched thin as is doing the tournament broadcasting and then maintaining the business for products. We need to hire people but many don't see very interested in wanting to work for us" adds Sirius seriously.
"I'd offer, but I'm still at Hogwarts" jokes Harry.
"Perhaps one day, but you need to focus on your education and of course maintain your relationship with Daphne" quips Sirius gently nudging Harry.
"Maintain? I think it's going quite swimmingly if you don't mind me" Harry quips also nudging Sirius.
"HAHAHA! James would be proud of you, and I figure he is laughing while Lily just shakes her head. But they'd both be proud of you and what you've done, especially the Hippogriff in the living room you pulled off" jokes Sirius laughing heartily.
"You know Sirius, a place like this would be decent for someone like me, since I still live in your house" remarks Remus.
Silence falls and Harry says, "I think it would be a nice place for you to live, but your workshop, what you two do, how would it be impacted?"
"He'd obviously be welcome to come experiment in the workshop at any time he'd like if he did decide to take up residency in one of these flats" remarks Sirius somewhat somberly.
"I'm going to give it some thought. It might be a way for me to have more of a social life and be less intrusive on your family" comments Remus.
"Remus, you, Sirius, and Amelia aren't my blood family, but I think of you three as my real family, since my mum and dad aren't here anymore. I don't want to see the family break up over such a splitting of living conditions" states Harry looking at the three adults in the building.
Nodding his head, Sirius remarks, "And that's Lily speaking. Always level headed when we weren't."
"Harry, I'd still see you, I'd just give Sirius and Amelia more room for you and Susan" offers Remus.
Looking down at his watch, Harry remarks, "I need to get going if I'm going to meet Luna for an interview", before heading down the stairwell and outside.
"I think he has a lot on his plate, so perhaps after this year is over with, we can visit the topic of you moving out. There is a lot of change and I think he needs something to be more consistent in his life. For Harry, he's lost his parents to Voldemort, is able to more freely speak of his parents than most his age, alongside be a Hogwarts champion with years less education than two of his peers, be the Boy Who Lived, among a whole host of other responsibilities" offers Amelia looking at the two men in the room.
"I agree. Let's finish Harry's fourth year and see what happens before doing such a thing as a move" says Remus with Sirius nodding his agreement.
Walking on the barren brick trail back to Hogsmeade alone, Harry mulls over the community before a voice interrupts him, "Good morning, Harry."
Jerking to a stop at the sudden interruption of his musing, Harry looks up as a blonde figure comes alongside him. "Oh, good morning to you too Daphne. Sorry about that, I've got some stuff running through my head" Harry replies somewhat cheerily.
"Was it something to do with your family's business?" inquiries Daphne quietly.
"Yes, some experimental things that I wanted to look at. I'm sorry that I didn't invite you; I wasn't certain if I would get in or not. Anyways, Luna wants to do an interview with me—" begins Harry before being interrupted by Daphne, "She invited me as well, so we might as do it at the same time and get a spot of lunch."
"Ok. Once we finish with that, we can go do couples things, like perusing shops?" offers Harry offering his ungloved left to Daphne.
Looking at the ungloved hand for a few seconds, Daphne laughs briefly before answering, "I like my hands warm, so I'm going to keep my gloves on and you can just make down without holding my hand for once."
Withdrawing his hand and putting it back in his jacket pocket, Harry smiles before saying, "You lost the chance to find out if my hand is warmer than your glove or not."
Rolling her eyes, Daphne stays silent as they enter the Three Broomsticks and a wall of noise bombards them and make their way to a corner seat where Luna sits looking around dreamily.
"Oh Daphne, Harry, a pleasure for you to come here" offers Luna still dreamily.
"And thank you to agreeing to do interviews with me instead of with the Daily Prophet" answers Harry as Madam Rosmerta drops off two bottles of Butterbeer.
"It is my pleasure. How did you feel going into the lake? Was it cold?" begins Luna withdrawing a roll of parchment and beginning to write.
Taken off guard by the oddity of the question, Harry answers, "Um, yes, it was cold. And it became more murky the deeper I went."
"Why did you use your broom underwater and did you know if it would work or not?" continues Luna.
"I, uh, just thought it might make me faster underwater instead of simply swimming. Honestly, I didn't know if it would work or not, I just took a chance" answers Harry perplexed.
"Daphne, what did you feel being under water?"
Pausing to think, Daphne answers, "I don't know, it was a blank in my memory. I remember being asked to Professor Snape's office and then I woke up on Harry's broom above the lake. Then I activated his PRT so he can be sent to the Hospital Wing tent to be taken care of."
Taking a minute or so to finish her notes, Luna smiles before saying, "Wrackspurts are flying around your head Harry, just thought you might want to know. Thanks" before polishing off her Gillywater.
A sudden flash of light stops the patrons for a few seconds before going back to normal chatter wise. Looking somewhat blindly towards the source of the flash, Harry spots Rita Skeeter and her photographer standing there with a smile on their faces before quickly exiting the premise. Having a sinking sensation in his stomach, Harry says resigned, "I think Rita Skeeter got a free interview. I'll have to keep my eyes open for some form of article on me."
Smiling, Luna answers, "I'm not so certain about that Harry" before getting up from the table and leaving.
"Why does it matter what Rita Skeeter writes about you?" asks Daphne turning to Harry.
"Because she was told not to get an interview with me but this…lack of privacy is starting to get to me. I understand that I'm the Boy Who Lived, I understand that my family runs a business that has several Pureblood families up in arms, that Remus is a werewolf, and I take that I'm a Hogwarts Champion, but this lack of privacy is killing me. I just want to live my life in peace and have a family" answers Harry shoulder sagging and voice full of raw emotion.
Placing her hand tentatively on Harry's left shoulder and patting it gently a few times, Daphne remarks, "Don't worry about what Rita says or does, just continue being you."
"Thanks. I think I've lost my appetite for a bit. Would you like to browse some stores before making our way back to the castle?" inquiries Harry finishing his bottle of Butterbeer.
"I wouldn't mind stopping by Honeydukes" remarks Daphne placing her empty bottle on the table.
An hour or so later in the Entrance Hall, Harry and Daphne exchange a brief kiss before parting ways. Making his way back to the common room, Harry stops as a voice calls out, "Mr. Potter, if you don't mind."
Turning around, Harry sees Professor McGonagall striding down the hallway coming towards him. "Yes, professor?"
"Mr. Potter, all of the champions are expected to perform the opening dance at the Yule Ball, and as a such champion, you are expected to do so as if with practiced ease. Not to mention that with Slytherin also having a champion, I expect you to be more polished."
Sighing, Harry answers, "Professor, are you expecting me to obtain dancing lessons and perfect them within the next fortnight to fortnight and a half?"
"To perfect them, yes, seeing as Gryffindor will now spend at least two evenings a week with myself to get ready" answers Professor McGonagall readily.
Groaning, Harry remarks, "You're getting almost as bad as Wood with the constant practice. Add in my studies and Quidditch practice and I might as well try to clone myself professor."
"I expect perfect attendance from you, Mr. Potter" comments Professor McGonagall before returning the way she came.
Placing his face into his palm, Harry shakes his head a few times before proceeding towards the hallway, making a right instead of the normal left. Several minutes later Harry arrives back in the common room as high pitched voices exclaim, "A ball, and dancing? We need dresses!"
"We need a catalog of dresses!" exclaims the original girls friend.
"If you're fourth year and above, yes" says a familiar voice somewhat glumly.
Looking to the new entrant to the conversation, Harry sees Ginny sitting in an armchair, looking up from her OmniPlay. "Wait, what?!" exclaims the two unknown girls.
"Yep, Dumbledore told us this when he announced it, it's just that you didn't pay enough attention to his announcement" remarks Ginny somewhat spitefully.
"Ginny! Please don't take such a tone with them. Informing them is fine, but the way you are coming off is rude" chastises Harry moving towards the three girls.
Glaring at Harry briefly, Ginny gathers her bag and heads up the dormitory stairs. "I'm sorry about that, she shouldn't have been rude to you two. But what she said was true, only fourth years and above can attend the ball unless a third year or younger accompanies a fourth year and above" remarks Harry.
"Will you go with one of us then?" inquiries the original girl, a brunette with green eyes, batting her eyelashes at Harry.
"Sorry, I've already got a date; my girlfriend Daphne" answers Harry apologetically.
Crestfallen, the two girls move away from the notice board and towards the dormitory stairs. As a chill runs down Harry's spine, he remarks to himself quietly, "I have a bad feeling that the rest of this year be confrontational and that I'd better watch what I eat; it might be laced with something."
/*the following day*/
As the bell rings ending class for the day, a stern voice rings out, "Potter, if you don't mind staying behind."
Gathering his belongings, Harry pauses as the last student exits the room before turning to Professor McGonagall, "Yes professor?"
"Mr. Potter, it has come to my attention that you are pursuing a relationship with Miss Daphne Greengrass, a Slytherin. Is this true?"
"Yes, professor" answers Harry somewhat confused.
"And that you also plan on taking Miss Greengrass to the Yule Ball instead of a Gryffindor or even Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff. Is that also true?" inquiries Professor McGonagall.
Rolling his eyes, Harry opens his mouth before being interrupted, "MR. POTTER! DO NOT ROLL YOUR EYES AT ME!"
Sighing, Harry replies, "Professor, no matter what you think of it, I am taking Daphne to the Yule Ball, and her house should have absolutely nothing to do with it. What would you do if I had instead decided to take Miss Delacour to the ball at her behest? Would you be so against someone attending a social event if they were not an 'approved' type? Is that not discrimination, something that Dumbledore has championed against, having students of all backgrounds here instead of purebloods and halfbloods, restricting the educational opportunities of those who come from strictly muggle parentage? Hermione Granger is of said muggle parentage yet would you say that she is fit or unfit for being at Hogwarts? Professor, just because you disapprove doesn't mean others outside of Gryffindor do, Draco Malfoy an exception. Good day to you" before taking his bag and exiting the classroom.
Shoulders sagging, Professor McGonagall slowly takes a seat, dropping her face into her hands. "H-he's right. What came over me was nothing but inappropriate. Sometimes we forget that we don't know best despite our years of experience. I should apologize."
Entering the Great Hall, Harry looks around as several female students glare daggers at him as he passes by before taking a seat.
"What did McGonagall want?" asks Ron as Harry takes a seat across from him.
"Just to tell me that I'm making a mistake for wanting to take Daphne to the ball" mutters Harry just loud enough to be heard at the Gryffindor table.
"Are you still planning on taking Daphne or are you going to take one of your many newly minted fans?" inquiries Neville smirking.
"Oh, I'm still taking Daphne. Everyone else will just have to deal with it" answers Harry firmly.
"So the multitude of girls will take it straight through the heart at the proclamation of that. But I applaud you for sticking to your principles" jokes Neville.
Chuckling, Harry replies, "True. That still doesn't mean that this will be drama free, although I knew it wouldn't be as soon as I was confirmed for the tournament. I just didn't think that it would be this full of drama."
Turning to Harry, Hermione speaks, "Harry, if you think this is drama, you haven't seen anything yet. Sure, some girls will be upset for now, but the closer to the Yule Ball and as the year progresses for the tournament and Quidditch, I predict that it will be more drama filled."
Furrowing his brows, Harry asks, "What do you mean?"
"I've overheard one of the girls, Romilda I think, about trying to seduce you" whispers Hermione leaning across the table to Harry.
"Ha! Good luck with that. It intrigues me that someone would try to do that to someone else. What does it say about you and your personality if you must try to forcibly seduce someone?" quips Harry.
With a serious look on her face, Hermione replies, "There are plenty of girls whom you've just not spent enough time to get to know who are disappointed that you aren't selecting them to be your significant other and the fact that Daphne is a Slytherin only compounds their feelings of either mistrust or wanting to turn you away from Daphne."
"I'll have Sirius send me a few cases of sealed energy drinks and fill my own goblets with water as to prevent a potion from being slipped inside. Perhaps Professor Moody can give me some tidbits on checking my food for poisons and love potions" answers Harry joking.
"Mate, energy drinks aren't the healthiest for you, albeit the sealed portion is a good indicator of tampering or not" answers Ron.
"Ron…you've changed" remarks Ginny turning to her brother.
"I still love food though" remarks Ron before shoveling food into his mouth.
"I suppose I should just watch myself and watch what I eat and drink for the foreseeable future" mutters Harry quietly.
Author note: Thanks to you all who read, review, favorite, and follow. Four and a half years this fanfiction has been going on, and with over 180k words and over three hundred thousand views to boot. If you want to know when the chapters are being worked on, visit my profile. I do try to keep it updated as I write, at least more majorly. I released chapter sixty two and sixty three back to back because I missed the first quarter self-imposed deadline due to real life circumstances. Have a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend and Memorial Day!