Disclaimer: this is a work of fanfiction based on the novels by J.K Rowling, characters used do not belong to me, paraphrasing and direct quotations of GoF may occur.
Chapter 6 – The Second Face
Theodore Nott stood in front of a mirror charily evaluating his appearance. He disliked the thinly pointed face he had inherited, his sharp high cheekbones made his cheeks look hollow and his angular brow darkened his eyes permanently. The only part of him he felt stood out was his startling dark blue eyes. He pulled his tie up tighter around his neck. Happy with its length he carefully ran his wand past his lengthy dark hair charming it back, locks and tresses aligning themselves in reverse. With one hand in his pocket he left the dormitory taking two steps up at a time.
There we very few other students in the common room, most were first and second years and the rest were stragglers and the rare late start, but waiting for him in an armchair of dark green velvet was the sight of Tracy's impish smile set within her feline freckled face. Nearly all the other and older Slytherin students had gone to Hogsmeade, which suited Theodore and Tracy perfectly.
"Morning!" The witch said sweetly, uncrossing her legs and standing up swiftly with more grace than she usually presented herself with.
"It is far too early in the day for that level of enthusiasm." Theodore said tiredly.
"I see someone isn't happy about having his arse handed to Blaise all afternoon. After making yourself look all pretty too, such a waste."
"And you'll have a ball of a time watching from the side-lines I'll wager." Theodore hummed in response.
"Of course! Now shall I go meet Blaise in the Hall of Hexes or would you like me to join you?" Tracy bounced on the balls of her feet.
Theodore smiled. He was certain she fully well meant to do so but he knew she would reach the seventh floor and pull back, linger in fear and, finally fall in silence and wait for him. Such an obvious crush, Blaise wasn't oblivious of course but felt no guilt in stringing her along. Nor had he outright rebuked her failing attempts to get close, Theodore suspected he even held a soft spot for the witch. As much as she'd love to be able to stand alone in the same room as Blaise, Tracy was just too plain afraid. A restraint much needed lest she jump on his bones and embarrass herself.
Theodore shook his head cordially, "Just leave it to me."
"Bore. He should still be eating; best go catch him while you can." Tracy said with a soft ringing voice as she led him out of the common room.
On the first floor they split, Tracy practically started skipping towards the grand staircase. In Theodore's opinion she was definitely a little over-cheerful today, not to say she was an unhappy personality, rather the opposite, but he could pick up on the way she exaggerated herself. Tell-tale signs of being nervous.
"Good luck, Theo." She waved to him.
He didn't bother to say it back, merely nodding before he made his way to the great hall. A number of students were still sat eating having a late breakfast comfortably. The sky in the ceiling displayed a bright sunny morning despite the grey overcast clouds that could be seen through the windows.
Theodore saw Draco sat at the end of the fifth table on his own, far away from the gang of Durmstrang boys that surrounded Krum. It was a strange sight not seeing the old Draco who would have certainly used the opportunity to rub shoulders with the quidditch star.
Theodore slid into the seat opposite him quietly.
His eyes rested on Theodore suspiciously for a second, "Theo." The blonde acknowledge him without raising his head, if only barely.
"Draco." Theo returned politely while pouring himself a cup of coffee from the table and taking an apple from a nearby bowl.
Crunch
There was a long silence as Draco tried to ignore the disconcerting presence of the other Slytherin boy.
"Is there something you need?" He asked Theodore with a resigned look, already unable to keep the annoyance out of his voice. Despite being classmates and housemates rarely did they interact with each other socially.
Theodore smiled at that, Draco was never that good at hiding his emotions. "Actually I have a favour to ask of you."
"And what is it you think I can do for you exactly?" Draco peered at him with disinterest.
"I suppose it's more of an offer of what we can do for you. Shall we take a walk?" Setting his cup down, he held Draco's gaze, a serious expression veiling his face.
Draco sighed pushing his plate forward and folding his paper. "Fine."
The two exited the Great Hall quietly and Theo began to lead him upstairs, Draco followed behind in thought.
"I was sorry to hear... about what happened over summer and your stepmother. Well, I meant to write." Draco said finally. Theodore shook his head; trust Draco to mistake the situation as a social one, still he appreciated consideration.
"It's alright." Theodore said stiffly. "Please send my thanks to Aunt Narcissa though - for the flowers."
"Have they made any progress?" Draco asked uncomfortably.
"The DMLE won't find anything." Theodore said bitterly. "And you? How are things at the Manor?" Theodore asked him, directing the subject away from own his household welfare.
"As well as could be expected from my situation."
"Yes, I can imagine your father wouldn't be proud to hear about Champions Potter and Malfoy. Sharing the spotlight wasn't something you were really raised for." Theodore didn't smirk but his eyes glinted with something dangerous.
"Don't start Theodore." Draco muttered.
"Now now Draco, if you were in my position I'm sure you'd get a few laugh out of the circumstances." Theodore smiled crookedly.
Draco didn't answer, he was right. He couldn't deny Theodore had always composed himself better than he had in the past. Not only in the way he walked and talked but how had he acted in the house. It was like all his mistakes staring at him in the face. Unlike Draco, who had always tried to be a leader, to reach the some level of influence over others like his father had, Theodore had always been the solitary Slytherin, self-reliant and independent.
It was for this reason why Draco had been surprised to learn of his obscure friendship with Greengrass. She had hardly been friendly growing up or when they were sorted into the same house. It seemed the case of the Goblet of Fire had cast ripples far and wide.
Draco was just wondering why they had climbed so many of the cursed switching staircases when a pair of legs in knee high white socks, large muggle trainers and a blue pencil skirt came into view.
"Boys." Tracy said grinning whilst tapping her foot impatiently.
"Tracy." Theodore greeted her once more.
"Joy oh joy." Draco said glaring at Tracy as she turned in front leading them through the corridor.
"Play nice Draco, she is just here to watch."
"Watching what? And while you're at it I suggest you tell me why." Draco said venomously.
"You've found yourself in need of a few friends and we need an extra man. It'd be mutually beneficial if you came and joined us."
"Us? So you settled to be one of her new minions then?" Malfoy sneered. "I expected better of you Theo than to follow the ice bitch."
Tracy stopped and shot him glare which he returned in kind. "Careful Draco just because she isn't here doesn't mean she won't hear everything I have to tell her. You do know how she hates being called that." she said with false sweetness.
Oh Draco knew alright, he had been the one to coin the title, he was to blame for the reason it spread and was said behind her back in school as well. Daphne was very aware of that fact.
"And where is her highness?" Draco asked having noticing she wasn't anywhere to be seen. It was an unusual occurrence for Tracy to be seen without her.
"Otherwise occupied, she told me she was willing to let your past behaviours slide... and offer a helping hand to you."
"How benevolent of her, and still too good for the likes of me it appears." Draco drawled, his eyes throwing daggers at Tracy until Theodore stepped between them.
"She decided it will be advantageous to her to help you through the tournament. As forth years a mutual alliance between us makes our position in our house much stronger, we don't have to like eachother but any childish squabbles should be forgotten. And in return no more taking orders or answering to the upper Circle. Malfoy, Greengrass and Nott, we reside as the most respected pureblood families. Standing with each other for the long term can work to our benefit" Theodore said diplomatically as he opened the door for Tracy who promptly stepped into the Hall of Hexes.
The large open spaced room was supported by columns with dummies and wooden mannequins scattered over the floor.
"So now she wants us to have the appearance of being 'friends', that's it?" Draco almost laughed.
The Slytherin house hierarchy reflected the pureblood circles outside of school, nearly every Slytherin reported back to their families. For many it was the birthplace of ambition, a place to make alliances for after Hogwarts, a ladder to climb where wealth, power and status sat at the top. Very often parents encouraged Slytherin children to get in early for the friends and enemies they made could well last their lifetime.
Draco certainly had been taught this but also never bothered to worry about such matters before; he had been groomed to believe he already sat at the pinnacle of the house. Until recently he did hold a lot of sway. Theodore had never shown much interest in such things before, and Daphne, while she had still been rather traditional, like her father she had all but shunned such notions of ambition.
Draco knew that meant if they were willing to put up with him either Theo or Daphne were up to something.
Draco looked at Theodore, eyeing him carefully trying to see if there was anything underlying what he was saying before stepping through, looking for something subliminal between the lines of his words. He had spoken a lot of truth, but the key to lying was all about giving partial truths hiding the rest with subterfuge and allusions.
Seeing as Daphne was the one missing, it had to be her, Draco reasoned.
The three ancient and noble houses in the same year in the same house was a very rare occurrence. It had probably scared some of the older students who could actually comprehend what that could mean. Draco could see Daphne's angle, rather than squabbling and making backhanded deals as they grew older and becoming competition to one another as it was likely to happen, to come to terms and co-operate first, align an interest and a goal. He had never considered her as a political player before, now he retracted those thoughts. In several years they would have their family connections, connections within the ministry and eventually their seats on the Wizengamot. Ripples had made waves it seemed.
"And what does she expect from me in return?" Draco asked his eyes still trained on Theodore. He wondered what she must have offered the wolf in snakeskin for him to come to an agreement with her.
"A favour for a favour." A deep voice could be heard echoing through the large hall.
Draco turned to see the dark skinned wizard stood with his wand at his side. Blaise stood tall, confident and smiling, looking as if he were carved out of stone.
"Blaise is aiming to compete in the duelling tournament tonight. We could use an extra man to help him practice, you're one of the best in our year and in the same house- an obvious choice. You help us and we'll help you – then let's see how things go from there." Theo's lips twitched and his deep blue eyes glinted once more.
Harry felt a little guilty when Hermione approached him about the subject of Hogsmeade on that Saturday morning. Nevertheless he managed to avoid mentioning his plans with Daphne as he had promised. Although he thought it seemed rather senseless to not at least be able to tell his best friend who knew nearly everything about him, but he'd much prefer avoid all the awkward questions that would arise, for now at least and he could always explain later. It would only cause her to worry about the fact the map and cloak were known to a Slytherin.
"What about Ron, though?" Harry said. "Don't you want to go with him?" He pulled on an old faded blue Adidas hoodie of Dudley's, one of the rare articles that was actually starting to fit. He tried to charm their sizes down but he still couldn't quite get them to fit right.
"Oh... well..." Hermione went slightly pink, "I thought we might meet up with him in the Three Broomsticks..." passing him his scarf.
"No thanks," said Harry flatly.
"Harry this is stupid." Hermione pleaded with him.
"He's the one pissed at me, he'll see me and probably walk straight out. Anyway I have… runes stuff I need to take care of anyway, are we going to watch the duelling tonight?" He tried to deflect.
It was a half-truth and a lame excuse. He hadn't lied in his mind, if by 'runes' he meant keeping a certain other girl company. One who seemed far too interested in him for it to be a good thing. Hermione's eyes narrowed at him. 'Rune' did literally translate to secret after all, he hoped Hermione was clever enough to pick up on that, without reading too much into it.
"I thought it'd give us some ideas for Defence." He continued trying to bait her.
"Alright then, I'll see you at dinner and we'll go down together. Make sure you keep an eye on the time and aren't late to Hagrid's." Hermione sighed.
"Like you'd let me if I didn't," Harry grinned.
He left the dormitory in a hurry, stuffing his hands in his pockets. His legs felt strangely light and his heart beat a little faster in anxiety. He walked past stares and whispers wishing he had brought his invisibility cloak.
Just when he reached the archway of the entrance hall that led to the grounds a hand grabbed him and pulled him into a corner out of the way as a group of happy Hufflepuffs cluelessly bumbled along.
"Don't get any ideas Potter." She warned him but Harry was too busy taking in the appearance of the girl before him, he would have taken her for a completely different person if it hadn't been for her signature cold stare.
Daphne's hair was no longer perfectly straight, instead it hung naturally in loose curls and she wore dark heavy eyeshadow that made her eyes stand out and appear much icier. Underneath a black leather jacket she was wearing an old fashioned almost Victorian style dress. It had a white shirt and collar tied with a bow of black ribbon and a corset the colour of midnight hugging her waist. The bustled skirt of her dress stopped just above her knees exposing knee high socks and large heavy looking leather boots.
Harry gulped.
She gave him no time to compliment her, quickly pulling out her wand from her jacket.
"Pick up your jaw from the ground, its making the place look untidy. Dissimulus." She said while softly tapping Harry's shoulder with her wand. For a moment Harry felt as though his entire body had been wrapped in cellophane, making him rather warm to the touch.
"What did you do?" Harry asked as she started to walk off without him making him catch up to her with quick steps.
"Dissimulus charm. You were worried for me - that we'd be seen together." She said calmly, looking at him oddly she pulled Harry's hood up over his head.
"Ah yes obviously. Seeing as I have no idea what that spell is." He asked, a little annoyed by her bluntness.
"It is otherwise known as the Notice-Me-Not spell. I mastered it in my second year."
"And you cast that on me because you don't want me to be seen near you I take it. Charming." Harry shook his head with a half-smile.
"I cast it on myself every morning and lunch, it wears off after a while. Nothing personal Potter, just a precaution." She said continuing down the grounds with an unnatural spring in her step.
"Why?" Harry asked confused.
"It is how I stay out of mind. While it doesn't make you invisible if you are seen it makes you easy to miss and forget, it won't do you a lot of good most of the time, works a charm for me though." She smiled at her own joke.
"Sounds like it'd be very useful." Harry asked as another piece of the puzzle was solved. He now knew Daphne actually went out of her way to be overlooked.
"It isn't perfect. It fails if someone is actually looking for you or has you on their mind. Because you're so famous you're easily noticed. It'd be better if we both have it on today, someone could see you and wonder who you're with and then they'd recognise me or vice versa. However what with today being the Hogsmeade trip everyone should temporarily forget what is going on at Hogwarts and we can also enjoy our afternoon without drawing attention. Just make sure you keep your hood up and face in that scarf of yours." Daphne said firmly.
That explained how she went unnoticed by him all these years and how after they met he could see her far more clearly. So it wasn't just his mind playing tricks on him, but it was her playing tricks on everyone. He bit back a laugh. He was curious as to what she must be trying to hide from if she went to such lengths to avoid attention. She was a shrewd one that was for sure, an invisible girl in her own right.
They passed Filch at the gate and steadily walked down towards the village. Harry found no one stopped to gape as they past, no one muttered to their friends. For this he could have hugged her.
"So Greengrass, any idea what you want to do?"
"I thought we could go to Tomes and Scrolls, the book shop. There is a good reference book for Runes I thought would help you, they have a different selection than Flourish and Blotts which is always good. What about you?"
"Er- anywhere but the three broomsticks really, avoid the crowds you know." Though in his mind it was Ron and Hermione he really wanted to avoid. What would they say if they saw him? He could certainly imagine Ron's face, his mouth hanging open in confusion and eyebrows twisting in protest of too many thoughts. "That said I wouldn't mind going to Honeydukes."
"Certainly, you don't mind if we wait a bit till it dies down first? Good. Then we'll see where the day takes us."
"Where you take me, you mean."
"Don't make me drag you into Pudifoots." She said in a playfully threatening tone.
"What's Pudifoots?" Harry asked confused.
"Not your cup of tea of that I am certain." Daphne bit her lip innocently and laughed to herself.
So they spent their day wading through the bustling village, snow already coating the sloping rooftops of the houses like icing sugar. Students of Durmstrang and Beauxbatons talked excitedly as they filtered through streets led by their Hogwarts friends, a picture of a perfect Christmas card.
After withdrawing money from the small Gringrotts branch Daphne first pulled him into Spintwitches the sporting goods store when she saw the sign hanging over the door swinging happily in the wind.
"Why are we in here?" Harry asked staring at the wide selection of world cup kits on display, not that he was going to start complaining, rather happy to be in a store of their shared interest.
"Well the undershirts for the quidditch kit itch a bit and the padding is okay but the quality could be better. I don't know if you noticed but I have breasts... they get awfully irritated." Daphne grinned wickedly.
"I- yeah I noticed you have... breasts." Harry said with some pained difficulty as he blushed and looked away.
"Good. So I'm buying my own, that is if I can find a reasonably priced one, and I also need gloves. I didn't think I'd need new gloves..."
"I was wondering-"
"Don't hurt that brain of yours too much." Daphne said playfully.
"How come I've never seen you play?" Harry ignored the barb of her words "You're a much better seeker than Malfoy, last year his arm was fucked, it could have been your chance."
"He did buy his way on the team that much is true. I'd say I had better things to do but it was because of Flint. He had a no-girls policy for the team. The misogynistic pig, we could fly circle around the boys if they let us." Daphne grumbled.
"Can't you go to Snape? I know he is a slimy rat but he is your head of house."
"No, he lets us govern ourselves and Flint would have had to have done something truly idiotic to get him to revoke his captaincy." Daphne raised her chin in indignation.
"Isn't that a little irresponsible?" Harry knew the potions master was a git but he didn't think he'd shrug off his responsibilities as head of house.
"And yet we are still more organised and decorous than your house. I think that speaks volumes on how well the approach works, how it has always worked."
"It's always been like that?" Harry asked ignoring the Gryffindor jibes he couldn't really disagree; Gryffindor was a mess most of the time and without McGonagall they'd be hopeless.
"For the most part. It seems irresponsible but it teaches responsibility to a greater effect. Prefects and the most notable purebloods are in charge."
"That's messed up."
"In your eyes perhaps. Gryffindor thrives on chaos which is why you need such solid figures of authority, Slytherin is just the opposite that is all." Daphne replied lazily while looking over a rail of differently assorted coloured sports t-shirts.
She picked out several darker colours, blacks and greens mostly, some with tortoise shell padding on the back, some quilted and one with zig-zag shaped extrusions on the back and shoulders.
"Seriously who is paying twenty galleons for these?" Daphne said rather shocked holding up an ugly lemon yellow top, ignoring the glare of the shop assistant as she continued to browse.
"Not you I'm guessing?" Harry asked with a raised eyebrow, he honestly had no idea what was supposed to be acceptable or not but even he knew it was an atrocious design.
"Definitely not me. It'd be traumatic." Daphne answered with another wicked smile playing on her lips.
Eventually Daphne decided on a plain black undershirt for her kit. They left Spintwitches happy and the two began to talk about ordinary topics such as their classes and quidditch practice. Laughing together over how during their last practice Oliver was sent flying off his broom by a bludger, courtesy of Fred, for attempting to charm Angelina out of the quaffle with a cheap one liner.
They ducked their heads when entering Tomes and Scrolls, warm air welcoming them in. Harry quickly scanned the room half expecting to see Hermione already looking for new material but she wasn't anywhere in sight. It was a strange book shop, the layout was open and the aisles were wide. Rather than smelling like old leather and dust and being suffocatingly dull, the air had a hint of caramel and the shelves and bookcases were painted bright purple with yellow stars.
The clerk, a curly copper haired witch talked animatedly to the customers. As Daphne showed Harry a useful book on runic translation the witch tried to engage in conversation with her, interrupting them.
"You are just the prettiest! Your dress, is it vintage? It's so lovely!"
"Thank you." Daphne answered politely, but couldn't stop her voice coming out cold and bored as she waited to actually be served.
"I bet you can't find anything like that these days. And your eyes are so striking!" The witch simmered.
Harry couldn't help feel little uncomfortable witnessing this exchange.
"Why are you still talking?" Daphne asked tilting her head in a curious manner as she handed the clerk the books and money.
"I... er I was just thinking you're so pretty, you could model for Ivyssins for sure!" The witch tried to recover under Daphne's scrutinizing gaze.
"Whereas you could only model for death threats I'm sure." Daphne said sweetly "I'd just like to purchase these books, thank you."
The clerk looked like she had been slapped across the face. Her mouth sat agape as wide and empty as her gaze.
Before Harry could make sense of what happened Daphne had put down her sickles and promptly hauled him out by his sleeve.
"You're not much of people person are you?" Harry commented finally letting himself grin.
"Should I be? In my experience most people are annoying and awful." Daphne dismissed while looking back darkly at the bookstore.
She had rather liked the shop owners last year. Now it appeared they were trying to be relatable to young students by hiring a young clerk and renovating the store. She was of the mind that it wouldn't last, book lovers don't care about the shop so long as the content is satisfactory. In her opinion it was bad business move that could potentially drive their regular customer base away for nothing.
"I thought I was annoying remember? She was just being friendly."
"I am well aware. She was being too friendly, it was fake." Daphne stared at him questioningly. "I don't need a simpering bat telling me my dress looks good, I know it does. That's why I chose it."
"I don't see why it's such a big deal."
"It isn't. She knew exactly who I was and decided to insult me. This is hardly provocative but Ivyssins is a brand for more… adult witches. I knew what she was really saying. Pureblood expectations and strict family don't allow me to dress how I prefer, I don't get many chances like these. You don't see me scrutinizing the oversized muggle clothing you wear. We should wear the clothes we want and not care what people think right?" Daphne asked still rather irritated.
Harry looked like he was about to say something before he stopped himself with an uncomfortable expression now on his face. Daphne noticed immediately she must have said something wrong as the air changed around him his eyes darkened significantly. She could see he was troubled by something. What Daphne didn't know was Harry had never had the luxury of even owning his own clothes save his school uniform and his treasured Weasley jumpers, but he wasn't about to mention that.
Harry's thoughts had taken him back to the question. About buying new clothes, ones that would fit, and hadn't been handed down. He had the money and plenty of opportunity. Yet he held back. This was partly because of Ron, everything he owned had practically been handed down to him too by his brothers. When they first became friends Harry had felt closer to him because of this.
Then there were the Dursleys. He had always been afraid that when he returned to the Dursleys they'd find them and just burn the new articles, if only to punish and torment him for having something good. Then what if they asked how he came by them? It wouldn't do to let them know he owned a fortune, he wouldn't put it past Uncle Vernon to try and get hold of any gold he had in his bags. They'd never allowed him to own anything they could provide and degrade him with. So what would be the point? Harry quickly shook his head of these thoughts.
"Sorry, I was being rude." Daphne said, surprised by her own apology. "Are you... alright?" She asked with genuine interest, not missing his tightly clenched jaw. He was scowling, Daphne had seen him wear many expressions around the castle, she had seen every face of irritation caused by the school aiming their ire at him, but now his look grew much darker. She knew he could shoulder whatever the school threw at him. Somehow she had unknowingly struck a nerve.
"It's fine." He answered distractedly.
"Honeydukes then?" She asked unsure of how to move forward with him, but successfully bringing him out of his vacant thoughts. "Something to sweeten that bitter encounter."
Harry nodded without trying to force a smile.
Daphne grabbed his arm and felt him stiffen immediately not missing how he flinched, she pulled him forward regardless of his discomfort.
The two of them managed to squeeze unnoticed through the queue of the sweet store loading themselves with a large supply of chocolate goods and their favourite confectionery. Daphne got her hands on a prized box of Crystallised-Pineapple for her mother and Glacial Snow Flakes and Ice Mice for herself and Chocolate Skeletons for her sister Astoria, who could not yet visit Hogsmeade. Harry purchased them both Bloodsuckers, the sweet and sinister blood-flavoured lollipops. At the checkout though Daphne learnt that his favourites were the treacle fudge and the bars of 'Honey Dukes Best' selection.
"That's a rather plain taste in chocolate you have there Potter." Daphne observed as they exited the shop.
Harry didn't dispute her, but the cauldrons and skeletons just didn't stand next to it in quality. Ever since Remus had given it to him last year during his dementor training he had become somewhat addicted. It was also much better than Cadbury's and didn't try to escape out of his hands either.
"Err you have something by the way..." He gestured at her as drops of sinister red from the lollipop dripped down her chin, giving her the look of a vampire that had recently fed.
"Oh and so do you, here let me." Gathering the hem of her sleeve she moved to wipe the corner of his mouth.
"Ah what do we have here Fred?"
Harry recognised George's ominous tone, both of them spun around.
"A Slytherin and our Harry fraternising - unless my eyes deceive me." Fred replied to his twin brother.
"Bollocks." Harry muttered. The two red headed twins stood a head above them leering gleefully.
"Relax Harrykins your secrets safe with us. Greengrass." The two nodded at Daphne but kept their eyes on her warily. A courtesy probably afforded to her since she was on the quidditch team and hadn't been spotted wearing a 'Support Cedric Diggory' badge.
"What are you two doing together anyway?" Fred asked.
"Blackmail." Harry mumbled with a quick look aimed at Daphne, who sighed shaking her head and rolling her eyes.
The twins were sure she muttered something under her breath that sounded a lot like 'terms of consent'.
"We thought it was weird seeing Hermione and Ron in the Three Broomsticks without you, thought you might have been - well...hidden." They tried to say subtly. Harry gave another sideways glance to Daphne who smirked at him which the twins conveniently missed.
"But here you are, oh poor Ronnie would have a fit."
"If he could take his eyes off Rosmerta that is. Greengrass is much lovelier I must say, way to go Harry." Fred gave him a not so subtle nod and wink. "Anyway while we were around that area..."
"Up to no good I imagine." Harry butted in.
"Of course," George winked "just trying to get into the cellar, for research purposes you understand, but then we heard- well, it'd be better if we show you exactly who we heard and saw."
"Will she be able to keep quiet?" Fred nodded at Daphne.
"I am right here you know." The girl in question folded her arms.
"Will you?" Harry confirmed giving her a pointed look which Daphne understood.
"Have I given you any reason to doubt me?"
"Only a few." Harry chuckled ignoring the uncertain looks shared between the twins. "Yeah, she is surprisingly good at keeping secrets."
"Better than you at least." Daphne shot back with a sweet smile.
Oh you have no idea Harry thought, his eyes gleaming.
The two Weasleys beckoned them to follow them and turned into one of the back streets of the village. Harry made a mental note to do the same next time he came to Hogsmeade. The group discreetly crept past the houses and stores on the high street that held the attention of the other students until they arrived around the back of the popular inn.
"See we were back here trying to get into the cellar, thing is locked like a Gringotts vault, thought it'd make an excellent challenge. Then we heard a familiar voice from up there, bit of laughing and the like but we knew one of the laughs very well." Fred pointed to one of the windows on the second floor.
"You're a good climber right Harry? Here, I'll give you a leg up. Might want to take a run up though." George said crouching down.
"Lunatics. Both of you." Harry muttered under his breath, very suspicious that it could just be an elaborate prank.
Harry, with a little help and a high jump, ran up the side of the building with little noise and managed to grab onto the window ledge. He managed to haul himself up, just, and hung there his arms straining a little as he peered into the window. He could hear talking and general chatter in some rather strong eastern European accents. With a few beds and luggage scattered about, sat around a table drinking and eating, were several rough looking wizards. Then Harry saw a familiar shot of messy red hair on a man who had several burns on his arms. Harry in his surprise quickly dropped down.
"Is that - Charlie?" He asked looking at the twins who nodded in confirmation. Harry having spent the summer with the Weasleys recognised him instantly. "What is he doing here; shouldn't he be in Romania?"
"That's right Harrykins. In case you didn't notice he is staying with his colleagues." Fred answered.
"Which begs the question, what are a group of Dragon Handlers doing so far away from their sanctuary? In nesting season might I add." George said in a low voice as if it was obvious nesting season was a busy time of year for the handlers.
"With the first task in less than a week…" Harry stared with a growing look of shock creeping on his face. Charlie had been clued in on the tournament all summer, but it appeared it had been much more than that. He pieced together that even the clue he was going to get out of Hagrid had to be dragons. The forbidden forest was the only or at least most obvious place they'd be able to hide the creatures and Harry, just like that, was suddenly dreading the visit.
"I see you've come to the same conclusion as we did. We received a letter from Bill saying 'we'll see you at the first task' but Mum isn't coming, and Dad is at work and, let's be honest, who cares about what Percy is doing."
"At first we didn't think much of it, but now…" Fred trailed off.
"We were going to tell you tonight but then we thought we heard your voice as we were passing by, we thought we'd show you instead." George placed a hand on Harry's shoulder.
"Thanks." Harry muttered but his eyes had become glassy and he looked like he might vomit.
Daphne stood quietly, understanding most of what they were saying. She actually pitied Harry a little. Before, if it had just been Draco she may have given a small gleeful laugh akin to that belonging to Tracy, but right now things were different.
Harry waved off the twins while thanking them, telling them he needed to think. His feet were mindlessly moving one foot in front of another and Daphne walked quietly by his side.
The notion of Dragons crawled under his skin and fear seized his breath. Now he knew. The dark towering obstacle that had hung above him had finally taken form. Thousands of thoughts were racing through his head, how was he supposed to face a beast of incredible magic with nothing but a stick of wood and Draco standing beside him.
"Potter." Daphne said finally breaking the silence, he had nearly forgotten her presence. "Focus please."
Harry stopped walking and gave her and indignant look. "How am I supposed to do that exactly?"
"Just take a moment, breathe and think about it. You weren't supposed to know, this is a good thing." She spoke factually once more but this time her voice also contained a softness to it.
"That is easy for you to say you don't have to face a Dragon on Tuesday."
"Yes it is, I have both my feet on the ground. So listen to reason and don't the time you've been given brooding. It is unbecoming of you. You've been given an edge, now you know what you're up against."
"An edge I'd have been given hours from now anyway."
Daphne didn't understand, she didn't know about his conversation with Hagrid, he already regretted getting her involved this far.
"What do you mean?"
It was a mistake letting her come with him, he thought, it was mistake getting drawn in by her.
"I can't. I was already going to get help in finding out about Dragons."
"You were?"
Harry simply nodded.
"Never the less you have an advantage now, which I'm presuming none of the other champions know. So I have an idea."
"You don't have to help me with this you know."
"No, but I rather like having you around Potter. So I will. I suggest we get your friend Granger and Malfoy, then we go to the library and read up everything we can on dragons. Build a wide knowledge base and formulate some form of a plan at least."
Harry stared at her curiously.
"I would dare say Professor Hagrid knows a quite bit as well, he could help I heard he likes dragons and he is our Magical Creatures Professor."
Harry smiled, yes Hagrid did love dragons but if what he thought was going to happen that night took place Hagrid would have helped enough.
"Professors aren't supposed to help with the tournament."
"That's okay, he can just be helping me with my independent study, it just so happens that I suddenly find dragons to be very interesting. There is nothing wrong with me sharing what I know with you right? We can go tonight, the school will be busy watching duelling. No one will know."
Harry let out a bitter laugh.
"What is it?" Daphne inquired folding her arms and pursing her lips.
"I already have plans."
"Surely this would take precedence?"
"I agree, but still no."
"Why?" She demanded in short tone.
"You aren't going to drop this are you?"
"Not in the slightest." Daphne answered as calm as ever.
"Fine whatever. I was supposed to visit Hagrid tonight anyway about the task." Harry sighed, gods she was persistent.
"I knew it. You always seemed so close with the overgrown hedgerow."
"Don't call him that, he's my friend." Harry snapped at her.
Daphne remained unperturbed by the outburst.
"You're right, that's no way to address a teacher regardless of his quality."
"It's no way to address a person. And I think he's a very good teacher."
"So he's helping you? He must care about you a great deal to risk breaking the rules for you."
"Rules have never been our strong suit. But yeah, he was the one to tell me I was wizard and my first friend in this world. So don't insult him in front me or you'll find I'm not always so pleasant." Harry warned.
Daphne smiled an unsettling smile. "Yes, I heard about your handiwork when you lost your temper with Pansy the other day, it was amusing for quite a few of us."
"I didn't think she was your friend."
"Survive the first task Potter and I will tell you exactly who my friends are."
"Another incentive?" Harry asked sarcastically.
"Think of it as a small reward, even I don't think I am interesting enough to be a powerful motivator, am I?"
Harry shook his head with a small smile.
A fervent excitement could be felt within the Great Hall that evening; the Hall had been expanded allowing the Hogwarts students to sit above the large duellist platform forming a wide overhanging arena. Blood red and black banners hung from the wall with the crossed wands sigil of the duelling club. Everyone was chattering in eager mutterings that were soon silenced by Professor Flitwick announcing the guidelines, the rules were simple, the team would be chosen by the three most undefeated duellists. Standard international curse regulations applied, meaning no illegal spells. A points system will also be in place for successful hits, deflections and spell chains. In addition wards surrounded the dais to ensure none of the spectators would get hurt by rogue spells.
The last combatants were about to be called. There were twenty pupils who had put themselves forward. Ten now remained, the students would pick a name from a hat and duel.
Nicholas Summers a sixth year Ravenclaw was barely holding his own against Gryffindor's Emily Guthrie, the younger sister of Austin Guthrie, who went out in the first ten. The golden locked girl managed to cast chains around his ankles and as Summers tried to banish them back at her she sent a choking jinx straight into his chest. As he flew into the air held up by the chains grappling him, he spluttered unable cast and was lazily stupefied. Cheers from the Gryffindor crowd resounded throughout the hall like thunder.
Harry sat across watching patiently, Hermione was at his side watching rather exasperated for their lack of gentility, however the twins sat behind them with Oliver Rivers and Sophie Roper were no better but that was to be expected. He was doing all he could to concentrate on the duelling. Unease churned in his stomach but he put on a display of perfect calm.
The next students were called out. Heather Fawley stepped up and Harry was surprised to see Blaise Zabini do the same. Blaise was the only fourth year who won his duel and he did so with brutal efficiency, knocking a sixth year Slytherin clean out with a Bludgeoner to the head. Like the rest of the duellists left standing he only needed to win his next two matches to make the team.
Harry's eyes found Daphne's as she clapped for her housemate. He caught her curious eyes on him more than once during the duelling. It was good to know it wasn't just him then. She was in the company of the Slytherin girls from their year, perched between Tracy who was bouncing enthusiastically and Pansy who seemed equally excited. The way she sat so calmly made her look oddly disjointed from the rest of her house. The eye contact with him serving as a reminder that being there was of his own choosing. It filled him with a fresh wave of nerves and vexation, pinning him with the knowledge that really he wanted to be anywhere but here.
Harry tried to focus, Daphne had been right though. He needn't lose his head, not just yet. It wasn't like the first task was that night. A part of him wished he had agreed to go the library with her as soon as they got back to the gates. Perhaps he was making excuses for himself. He was starting to like her company but she had become increasingly involved and it scared him a little.
Not to mention he had still yet to tell Hermione, and his disappearance would arouse questions he couldn't deal with. If it wasn't for the distraction she would have noticed his troubled mind immediately and wormed it out of him in seconds. How was he even supposed to tell her he spent the day in Hogsmeade with the blonde witch when he didn't know how to articulate his impending fiery grave?
Or is it the other way round?
He hated keeping so many things from Hermione, but he resolved to tell her everything the next morning after he saw Hagrid… and had spoken with Sirius. She would just have to wait a little longer for the Dragons. Of course he'd have to tell Draco as well.
"Harry are you alright? You're scowling again…" Hermione asked looking at him with concern.
"Am I? Sorry, I was taking mental notes. It doesn't help that we can't hear what spells they are using does it?" Harry said, but he had barely even paid attention and didn't even know who had won.
The clapping from the Gryffindors returned louder when a familiar bulky blonde teen stepped up onto the platform. A savage grin crept on Harry's face, Fred and George even booed. Lewis King, the boy who had supplied Gryffindor with badges and his loud toxic opinions of Harry. The Gryffindors enthusiasm was then drowned out when a tall muscular boy from Slytherin appeared at the other edge of the podium.
Though he could not make out the words Harry noticed both of them were talking to each other with snarls planted on their faces.
"I've never seen Lewis so angry, not even at you Harry." Hermione commented.
"I guess you could say he had some 'kelp'. Get it? Because of the bed of seaweed?" Harry flashed her smile.
"Is now really the time for puns Harry?" Hermione groaned.
"Hey pun-time is anytime." Harry grinned. "You know, I think a good pranking is overdue and we should revisit some old targets" Harry whispered to Fred and George behind him who traded equally evil grins.
There was a deafening bang and suddenly the grudge match between the Gryffindor and Slytherin began. Harry's attention snapped back to the duel.
The two duellists were circling each other, flinging spells and deflecting them at an equal tempo. Indistinguishable colours of red, bursts of orange and vibrant purple hit the wards around the platform in showers of sparks. King was forced back. The Slytherin boy smirked as he had the blonde on his heels and rolled under a reductor curse. The Slytherin brought up a shield as several red bolts of light sped past him. King slashed with his wand trying to occupy the Slytherin by conjuring roots up from the ground at his feet. They shot up fast and thick, lashing out at the dark haired wizard. There was a burst of bright orange flames hissing into life. The Slytherin's face contorted between a smile and roar as he directed the inferno around him into a vortex. A last look of desperation appeared on King's face as the flames suddenly enveloped him.
A loud piercing whistle was blown. In the black smoke Lewis King could be seen laid pass out on the floor with his eyebrows and hair singed, red glistening burns on his face and his duelling robes were matted with small flames.
"Lautner! Disqualified for excessive force!" Professor Flitwick shouted in a shrill voice. "King, left unable to continue, disqualified."
The Slytherin boy fumed as he walked off the platform to the cheers of Slytherin house at the injured Gryffindor who was now being carried out on a stretcher to the hospital wing.
"Stephanie Selwyn." Flitwick called out. All sounds died away in the Great Hall as a tall witch with dark red hair elegantly stood looking relaxed and confident. She gave the students a dazzling white smile and a small nervous wave. Applause combined from all houses could be heard, she was head girl for that year for good reason.
"Ah the new temptress of Ollie's heart." Sophie sighed.
"I resent that comment Soph." Oliver said, but his eyes were on the red head with a dreamy smile plastering his face
"Like she would even give you a second glance Rivers, she's a pureblood purebred man eating machine." Sophie shot back.
"Pureblood girls like that secretly love to get roughed up a bit by the lowly likes of me." Oliver grinned.
"Letch." Sophie scoffed at him.
"Not a chance in hell lover boy. I'll bet ten sickles on it." Fred announced.
"You're on. Ten sickles says Stephanie will be in a broom closet with me by New Year." The Ravenclaw boy winked.
"Oliver? What happened to Kat?" Harry asked. When they first met she had been his current conquest at the time and all he could talk about.
"Alas, Katherine left me for another and now my sights have found greener pastures." Oliver grinned manically, his eyes flickering back over the object of his affection. She was currently dancing around spells like they were sweet nothings. Her challenger was quickly growing out of breath and deep into the throws of frustration.
"Obviously no love lost there then." Harry commented wryly.
"Yeah and you're not the only one Ollie, is he Harry?" Fred snickered quietly, Harry shot him a glare.
"I hope you aren't suggesting something inappropriate is going on between our Harrykins and Malfoy." George said in a scandalised tone, an imperfect impression of Mrs Weasley.
"You two, don't. That is the last rumour I need flying around." Harry growled. He tried to do as Hermione did and block out the chatter, focusing instead on the duel at hand.
"Me thinks you protest too much Harry." Sophie crooned making their collective laugh louder and Harry flushed red.
Harry looked to Hermione for help, "Don't look at me Harry, you two do have a lot of unresolved tension." she said in a light voice her eyes on the duelling.
Stephanie glided back on her heels away from another barrage of stunners. Harry just caught her smile as she sidestepped and lashed out with her wand. A green bludgeoner fazed through his shield and hitting his shoulder. The moment his wand fell to the floor the whistle blew and she left the dais with a confident sway of her hips. Applause erupted around her. Leaving Chambers looking very confused as how he had even lost.
It was no wonder why Stephanie was so popular with the boys. With a body that could only be described as a perfect hourglass figure. It wasn't just her looks though, she was more than simply desirable. As Harry had witnessed, she had proved herself to be one of the most promising duellists in Hogwarts, so much the other houses didn't care if she was a Slytherin, something that was a feat in itself.
"Harry, isn't it time you went?" Hermione muttered to him, her eyes flickering towards to the great doors as she tapped her watch.
Harry said his quick goodbyes as he climbed down the steps of the seating area, exiting the great hall to retrieve his cloak and map from his room readying himself for that inevitable walk to Hagrid's.
The grounds were pitch-black and the grass was still wet and sticky with mud. The only light source against the dark was the lit window of Hagrid's cabin. Harry was cursing every time his feet made a sound in the dark.
"Hello handsome." A voice said against the darkness.
"Oh for fuck sake." Harry said turning around. "What are you doing here Daphne?" he hissed. Her pale hair looked silver under the light of the moon, he was barely able to make out the rest of her in all her black.
"You disappeared from the Great Hall and I decided to follow." Daphne shrugged innocently in his general direction.
"I was supposed to be going alone and you're going to be seen and get me and Hagrid in trouble." Harry said in earnest putting his annoyance down to his racking nerves.
"Then I best climb under that cloak with you then before we get caught hadn't I?"
This girl is going to be the death of me… Harry despaired. Her hand reached out to where he stood and she lifted the silvery fabric over her.
Harry was suddenly very aware of how close she was and stiffened immediately. He could feel a wisp of hair against his cheek and how warm she was stood next to him. If it wasn't dark he was certain she'd see him blushing. Fortunately it was dark and all they could see was the blurred world outside the cloak, and Hagrid's cabin growing ever closer.
"How did you know where I was anyway?" Harry asked dully.
"Please, I could hear you squelching from a mile away, someone had to cover your tracks. Speaking of stealth actually, Silencio." She whispered with her wand aimed at their feet, and so their shoes no longer made a sound.
"I, er… thanks."
"You're welcome."
"I still wish you hadn't of come though." Harry muttered. Their frosted breaths were only just visible through cloak as they walked passed the Beauxbatons carriage.
Daphne sighed, "Sick of me already?"
"I'm beginning to think you're going to be more trouble than even I can handle." Harry admitted.
Daphne let out a short chuckle and no answer.
Harry gave a short rap on Hagrid's door and it swung open revealing the large silhouette of the giant man.
"Harry? You there?"
"Yeah, I'm here." Harry said carefully making sure he and Daphne got through the door.
"Good, good. Got summat ter show yer."
As he expected Hagrid seemed so excited he was practically bouncing on the balls of his feet. Harry realised that he had even dressed up for the occasion; he knew Hagrid liked dragons but even wearing an overly large artichoke with a strange moleskin waistcoat was a bit much.
"Hagrid, have you combed your hair? And are you wearing…cologne?" Harry asked. The pungent scent reminded him of his Uncle Vernon the nights he was hosting a dinner or going to a party before he came home drunk and angry.
Daphne snorted and Harry had to step on her foot, making her jab him in the ribs in retaliation.
"Just come with me, keep under yer cloak and stay quiet alrigh'." Hagrid said still bustling with enthusiasm.
"Listen, Hagrid, I can't stay long. I've got to be back up at the castle by one o'clock -"
But Hagrid wasn't listening; he was opening the cabin door and striding off into the night. Harry and Daphne hurried to follow and found, to their surprise, that Hagrid was leading them to the Beauxbatons carriage.
"Hagrid, what are-"
Daphne's hand came over Harry's mouth leaving his question unfinished as Hagrid knocked three times on the door of the carriage.
Madame Maxime opened it. Her large shoulders were wrapped in a silk shawl that she drew over her head. She smiled immediately upon seeing Hagrid.
"Ah 'Agrid, eet is time?"
Harry with Daphne's hand still covering his mouth, he winced as Hagrid butchered the basics of French lexicon. Still Madame Maxime was smiling as he held out his hand and helped her down from the carriage.
Harry nearly gagged, Hagrid had decided to make him third wheel on his date and he was stuck there watching with Daphne Greengrass, unbeknownst to Hagrid. At least no one could ever accuse him of being boring, but even in his mind this was just down right weird.
Harry desperately hoped Madame Maxine was in for the same treat as Harry, and not the other way around. If they witnessed anything remotely physical Greengrass would never let him live it down.
"Wair is it you are taking me, 'Agrid?"
"Yeh'll enjoy this," said Hagrid gruffly, "worth seein', trust me. On'y - don' go tellin' anyone I showed yeh, right? Yeh're not s'posed ter know."
"Of course not," said Madame Maxime, giving him a simpering bat of her eye lashes as Hagrid led her away from the carriages. Harry raised his hand to cover Daphne's mouth in case she was about gag as much he was. She gave him a nod and they both released each other followed with small nervous glances.
They hadn't ventured very far into the forest when Harry realised Daphne was holding onto his arm. He was unsure how he felt about being so close to her, it was nice but normally no-one ever got that near but Hermione.
It's just because she's never been in forest before, that's it - that's all.
The more he thought about the fact her chest was brushing against his arm the more he was sure he was blushing red again.
As the castle and the lake grew out of sight behind them and they delved deeper into the forest. Cries of men could be heard followed by an ear splitting roar. Harry's mouth fell open and Daphne jumped, her hands trembling ever so slightly as she gripped him tighter.
There they were, snarling at the men who held them in strong heavy black chains, five fully grown, monstrous, demonic, house-sized dragons. Some were rearing and with fanged mouths, spitting out burning torrents of flame. They were so close Harry could feel the heat on his face. One stood tall and regal, blue and silver wings with straight pointed horns snapping at the wizards on the ground, another was green and smooth-scaled stomping around and lashing out with its tail. There was a red dragon that was thin and sleek with a strange mane of bronze and gold spines down its back that shot out mushroom clouds of smoke as balls of flames erupted from its maw.
There were about fifty wizards, standing in chaotic order, eight to a dragon, trying to restrain them.
Then there were the two closest dragons, a beast of black gigantic but still smaller than the other and more lizard like. It walked with its legs chained up angrily and with furious yellow eyes, ready to snap up any wizard foolish enough to get too close. It screamed and screeched shaking the very trees around them. Only one dragon appeared calm and that was the gleaming white creature that appeared to be sleeping. It had iridescent scales that reflected the fire turning the orange light into green, even as it was curled up it appeared much larger than the others.
A lid opened revealing one large gold eye that found Harry in the darkness.
"Keep back there Hagrid!" A wizard shouted, gripping onto the chain with all his strength. "They can shoot fire up to twenty feet and I've seen this Horntail do forty!"
"Beau'iful. Aren' they magnificen'?" Hagrid said through teary eyes.
The wizards seemed to be struggling with the chains and began yelling at each other. The enclosure lit up in a blazing flash of red as the group of wizards tried to subdue the black scaled dragon. It whined loudly and stood on its haunches before collapsing to the ground with a resounding crash. Harry could feel the tremors through the ground and Daphne clasped his now dead arm even tighter as the trees quaked behind them.
"Wan' a closer look?" Hagrid asked Madam Maxime, taking her by the hand and leading her to the fence of the enclosure.
"All right there Hagrid?" The wizard from before call out, Harry recognised that red hair anywhere, it was of course Charlie Weasley. "They'll be alright, we drugged them with a pretty powerful sleeping draught on the way over. Boy were they not happy when they woke up."
"Wha' breeds you got here Charlie?" Hagrid asked with his eyes on the dragon that had just been knocked out as if Christmas had come early.
"This one is a Hungarian Horntail," Charlie said gesturing to the unconscious dragon on the ground. "then there is the Welsh Green, the blue-grey is a Swedish Shortsnout, the red is a Chinese Fireball and the white beauty over there she is one of the one the Goblins loaned us. Ministry had to pay triple. It was hard enough getting the Horntail on short notice…"
Harry could see exactly why they called it a Horntail; like a rose with thorns, sharp protruding spines lined the end of its black tail, and at the very tip was a long hook like blade was all he needed to tell him that Dragon in particular was more than dangerously lethal.
Madame Maxine walked right up to the side of the enclosure trying to get a better view.
"Should you really have brought her Hagrid, she's bound to tell her champion, right?"
"Jus' though' she might want ter see 'em is all…"
"Oh really romantic date Hagrid; only you." Charlie snorted.
"I didn't realise you were taking me out on a date." Daphne whispered in his ear gleefully.
"Funny I don't recall even inviting you along, besides my idea of romance isn't the same as Hagrid's." Harry muttered to Daphne.
"I don't know Potter it certainly has my blood pumping and I don't see you complaining."
"This is me complaining." Harry whispered back to her.
"Five then? One fer each champion I suppose, what they gotta do fight 'em?" Hagrid asked the second eldest Weasley.
"I guess he doesn't know much about the dragon protection and stabilisation laws. Everyone knows dragon slaying is illegal these days, they're nearly extinct." Daphne whispered
"Does Hagrid look like someone interested in magical law?" Harry whispered back. Though that would explain his coloured history of shady and less than legal transactions when it came to magical creatures, how a stranger came to give him an Acromantula egg when he was just a boy less than thirteen was beyond Harry.
"Fair point, Potter." Daphne smiled wistfully.
"Just get past them I think. We'll be ready with extinguishing spells. They wanted nesting mothers for some reason, absolutely mental, makes them all kind of crazy as it is, let alone moving them around with all this excitement going on." Charlie said as five wizards began hauling granite coloured eggs in bundles of blankets over to the Horntail.
"I do pity whoever picks her though. She can get really nasty at times."
But Hagrid was looking at the eggs with a look of longing.
"Don't even think about it Hagrid," Charlie said sternly "We've got them counted. How's Harry?"
"He's fine" Hagrid said, still looking at the eggs.
"Well I hope he is still fine after he faces this lot. I couldn't bear tell mum what he'd be facing in the first task, she is already having kittens." Then he spoke in a much better imitation of Molly Weasley than either of the twins could "How could they let him enter that tournament, he's much too young! I thought they were all safe, I thought there was going to be an age limit!' She was in floods after that Daily Prophet article about him. 'He still cries about his parents! Oh bless him, I never knew!'"
"Skeeter." Harry gritted his teeth.
As Daphne snickered beside him quietly he decided it was her turn to be poked in the ribs, to which she let out a girlish yelp just loud enough to be heard. Charlie's eyes scanned the forest and Madame Maxime turned in alarm.
"I think it's time we left." Daphne whispered. As a few wizards turned to see where the mysterious sound had come from.
"I think you're right, way to go Greengrass."
"That was your fault." She hissed back to him. He couldn't argue, that one was on him.
Harry was relieved he had come down, earlier he had no idea what he was up against really, never having seen a live adult dragon before. Now he could shut out all thought of fighting or trying to slay a dragon out of his mind, he needed only to get past one. It was pretty safe to say he was a lot more optimistic than he had been over the past few weeks and with his talk with Sirius he was sure he'd be able to come up with something. Maybe he was mental, no sane person would feel optimistic about dragons surely?
"Potter." Daphne suddenly said, "Over there, look."
They stopped walked and Harry searched in the direction her delicately pale finger pointed, and in the darkness he saw someone skulking through the trees with a very scraggly dark goatee.
"Is that… Karkaroff?"
"So much for that edge…" Daphne muttered sounding rather annoyed.
It seemed now the only champion who didn't know, after Draco, was Cedric. Very slowly and very carefully the two began to move again until they came into the clear view of the castle and the grounds. They slipped through the castle doors and finally breathed sighs of relief. Daphne quickly glanced at Harry and gave a low chuckle.
"Thanks for that Potter." She said.
"No worries, erm, do you want me to walk you - to your common room?"
"And people say that chivalry is dead. No, I should be fine, beside I can't have you finding out where we Slytherins reside." Daphne said pulling herself out from the cloak, leaving Harry half exposed, his cloak draped around his shoulders.
"What? Behind the wall of skulls opposite the painting of the ship wreck?" Harry said with a smug grin.
"How did you know that? - Never mind. I bet you just used that map of yours." Daphne eyed him suspiciously for once unable to get a read on him because of his devilish grin.
"Maybe I did, maybe I didn't. I could always tell you what your common room looks like..." Harry shrugged.
Daphne shook her head choosing to disbelieve him, "Be in the library tomorrow. I'll find you, and drag Draco along. Goodnight Potter." she smiled and turned away to in the direction of the dungeons.
Harry was still grinning widely, it was good to have some of his secrets still, she had no idea he had been in the Slytherin common room during his second year, let alone just knowing its location.
The Gryffindor common room was empty when Harry arrived; judging by the smell Hermione hadn't had to resort to using dungbombs. Harry pulled off the invisibility cloak and dropped himself into an armchair by the ever burning logs. Harry looked into the flames and nearly jumped.
Sirius's head was sitting in the fire, grinning at his godson. If Harry hadn't been witness to Mr Diggory doing the same at the Burrow he suspected Sirius would have gotten a good laugh out of really scaring him.
"Sirius- how are you doing?" Harry scrambled down to crouch by the fire side.
He looked very different now than he had before the summer, when before he looked gaunt and sunken, his cheeks were now fuller and his eyes were held none of their dullness, instead they were bright and smiling. His hair was no longer a shaggy matted mane of black but had been cut making him look more like the man on the day of his parent's wedding.
"Never mind me, how are you doing?" He asked with concern.
"I'm…" Harry wanted to say he hadn't been okay. Between being stuck in the tournament, the nightmares and the school shunning him - with hardly anyone believing him or Draco entered the tournament. He wanted to complain about Rita Skeeter's lies in the Daily Prophet, how he couldn't walk down the corridor without getting heckled or sneered at – and about Ron, who had continued doing his best to ignore Harry completely.
"Strangely alright I guess" He didn't say anything about those things, because really they paled in comparison to his real problem. He had the quidditch team and other friends, he still had Hermione, and then there was Daphne, whatever she was. "Hagrid just showed me what I'm up against for the first task… Dragons. Looks like your days of being an ex-convict turned godfather are numbered." Harry joked uneasily.
Sirius just scoffed, but his eyes were still full of concern.
"Dragons we can handle Harry, look I don't have much time, I broke into a wizarding house to use this fire, they could be back any minute. So there are things I need to tell you first, people you should be wary of."
"What? Who?" Harry said, his optimism dampened.
"Karkaroff namely. He was a former death eater-"
"He used to work for Voldemort?" Harry asked his face suddenly alight with alarm.
"Yes, but he was caught, I was in Azkaban with him for a time. I'll put all my money on that being why Dumbledore wanted Alastor around to keep an eye on him. Moody was the one to catch Karkaroff in the first place."
"That means he must have been released?" Harry asked in shock at the new piece of information.
"Yes. He made a deal with Crouch, traded in a lot of names for his freedom and made himself very unpopular in Azkaban. Now he's out and teaching Dark Arts to his students in Durmstrang, you need to be careful around him Harry, and his champion."
"Shit." Harry's mind was reeling with whiplash as he tried to process the information, Krum had seemed like a good person. "Do you think- he put my name in the goblet? He was more pissed than anyone when my name came out with Malfoy's."
"He was Death Eater Harry. Being a good liar is in the job description, he managed to convince the ministry to free him didn't he? Now I've been reading the Daily Prophet Harry…"
"Yeah you and the rest of the world," Harry said dully.
"And reading between the lines. Think Harry, Moody was attacked in the middle of the night, they say it was a false alarm, I think different. Not with the tournament about to take place, and with your dreams, someone was trying to stop him coming to Hogwarts Harry."
"Someone knew their job would be more difficult with him around, and he and Karkaroff have history…"
"Yes, Moody might be mad and see danger everywhere, but that doesn't mean he doesn't know when the real thing is there. He was the best Auror the ministry ever had." Sirius turned his head to check he was still safe to talk.
"And the dark mark at the world cup… they can't all be coincidences…" Harry muttered to himself.
"Around that time there was a witch, in Crouch's department, who went missing,"
"I remember it was Bertha…something. Percy was always complaining how she went on holiday and… she never came back did she?"
"No Harry, she didn't. I knew Bertha Jorkins in school, nosy, all mouth and no brains. A bad combination. She went missing on holiday - in Albania." Sirius' eyes grew more serious.
"But that's where Voldemort was rumoured to be last, she can't have just walked into Voldemort." Harry said frantically.
"I'd be asking why she chose to go Albania in the first place. Getting information about the tournament out of someone like her would be child's play for any Death Eater." Sirius said sternly.
"It's all connected isn't it, to try and kill me -in my dreams, he says he needs me for something, there must be something in this tournament only I can get, unless somehow he can use it to get to me…"
"I don't want to worry you unnecessarily Harry, but you need to be watching your back at all times, especially in these tasks ahead. Karkaroff doesn't seem like the man who would back Voldemort unless he would be protected, but whoever put yours and Draco's name into that Goblet did it for a reason, that reason could be see you killed, it would all be far too easy to label your death as an another Triwizard Tournament failure."
"In my dream, he never said anything about Malfoy. The Malfoy's are a dark family aren't they? Why would they want Draco in this tournament with me?"
"I have no idea, I doubt even Dumbledore knows, but this could work in your favour. On your own you are a strong wizard Harry you might not see it but you are. Draco is powerful in name so you may not like him Harry but you are stuck in this together, I am not saying trust him, but help each other. It may be the only thing that will help you survive."
"Fine, I can do that," Harry said through a grimace,
"First about these dragons, this is no time to be stupid and attempt a stunning spell…"
"Thank you captain obvious."
"You need something simple, think outside the box, it would best if you relied on your talents. Your father would probably use transfiguration, he was a master at it…"
"I'm pretty good, but I'm still only able to do fourth and fifth year spells, I won't be able to use anything I know or learn something new in time. I only need to get past them."
"Well that makes things easier, think Harry what is the best way you can get past a dragon?"
"I don't, how can I when they can fly?"
"Are you a wizard Harry?" Sirius said with his eyes now gleaming merrily.
"I- yes I am a bloody wizard! But how am I supposed to – oh." Harry said dumbly, suddenly he had a smile slowly stretching across his face. A very canny, very clever realisation had just hit him.
"James got that same look when he had an idea for a prank." Sirius grinned. "I'm surprised you're not going around the room claiming to be Merlin."
"No, I'm going to be way cooler than Merlin." Harry said more confidently.
That's your boy, James. Sirius thought still grinning in the fire.
An - beta'd version, shouts you to drscot for doing another great job.
Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed this chapter and I'll see you next time, please do leave a review they are incredible motivators and I like to hear your thoughts and opinions - Chrome