Disclaimer - This is a work of fanfiction based on the book series by JK Rowling, I do not own any of these characters. There will be paraphrasing and direct quotations taken from Goblet of Fire
Chapter 8 – Death Wish
When the day before the first task came, Harry felt oddly disjointed from everyone around him, save perhaps Draco – a thought that made him only more uneasy.
The books from the restricted section they used to try and identify Ghostscale hadn't been completely useless, but still no luck in their actual goal. The unlikely group had found the characteristics, traits and most aspects of all the other dragons. Daphne and Hermione found a number of useful spells to ward off dragon fire and some that could even dull their senses. Unfortunately they were NEWT level charms and would likely take more than a week to learn in both Hermione and Daphne's opinion, if they had more than two days they might have actually been helpful.
Despite this Daphne insisted on checking a couple of the dangerous looking Draconology books out for extra reading, with no arguments on Hermione's part. Harry picked up a special edition of 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' which he thought would be very useful and because it was perhaps one of his favourite books.
He spent the remainder of his evening in the common room doing his homework summoning objects to him every so often just to make sure he could still cast the charm; as if afraid his magic could leave him at any moment. Hermione sat next to him quietly studying. After his head started buzzing with the mindless chatter of the common room Harry decided it was time to go to bed and shut his curtains.
Instead of sleeping he poured over his restricted section bestiary by Newton Scamander, happy to find how little it had been watered down by the ministry. His eyes danced across Newton's original notes, which were in far greater detail than his standard copy. There weren't just scripts on the basic physiology and temperament of these creatures but questioned the origin and relation to each other.
He already knew Magizoology had its entire own taxonomy of creatures, from beings, beasts, non-beings, to spirits and thanks to Hermione's recent research into Elf-Rights and the ministry he knew the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures was the second largest department in the ministry. The book's commencement informed him how Newton actually worked in the department before he was commissioned to write the book in 1918, leading him to cross five continents in his mission to document nearly every species of magical creature in the world. He spent his nine years researching and travelling in all seasons and terrain, before publishing the book that became an instant best seller.
What interested Harry was that Newton first worked in the Office for House-Elf Relocation before being moved to the beast division and earning a series of promotions for his unparalleled understanding of magical creatures. He was credited for the inception of the Werewolf Register, the ban on experimental breeding and more importantly he worked extensively with the Dragon Research and Restraint Bureau.
Now Harry had a lead on it perhaps being a hybrid, he had written a list of characteristics he was sure of so he could compare them with Newton's findings.
Size: ? - Really big.
Body: ? - Spines and ridges down back
Colour: Pale/white
Scale Shape: Blade, plated.
Eye Colour: Gold, vertical diamond pupils
Wings: ?
Horns: Four (lots of spikes)
Tail: ?
If Daphne had been right about one thing, it was that the scales of the dragon were his best bet on figuring out what it kind of hybrid the Ghostscale could be, which led Harry to believe it could be half Antipodean Opaleye. Native to New Zealand, they made their homes in lush valleys rather than mountains, Opaleyes were an iridescent pearl colour and because of this were considered the most beautiful of all dragons. They had dismissed it earlier as the scale shape was different and Ghostscale's eyes had pupils whereas Opaleyes were solid, hence the name.
It was not unusual for females to be the more dominant and grow larger, and in offspring dragons take on the colour of the male parent and then inherit the rest of its physical features from the mother. However at a guess, Harry thought the Ghostscale appeared to be larger than the maximum growth of forty feet in length, which left the Ukrainian Ironbelly which could grow up to sixty. Newt commented that it wasn't unheard of that a large male and large female could breed a much larger dragon, which he dubbed a 'high dragon'.
It had Harry hoping though that it could be possible, as Opaleyes are known to not be very aggressive. However around nesting time that didn't matter with mothers, as they would become extremely protective of their clutch. It seemed the ministry had covered their variables with that one.
Lost in thought he transfigured himself a jewellery box and began to practice several new spells on it. Eventually growing tired he knew he should get some rest; it would be of no help if he was half dead from sleep deprivation.
The next day the atmosphere within the school was restless and thick with excitement, only the friends of the champions seemed quiet and withdrawn.
The day's lessons sped past, time not seeming to function normally. It was like one moment Harry had been in herbology and the next he was sat on his broom during quidditch practice, visualising the bludgers as great bursts of flame. Even Cedric seemed equally distracted when he started to miss his shots against Seamus.
Everyone thankfully seemed to leave him well enough alone. Not even Daphne cast him her usual curious glances and kept a safe distance.
Emma was most obvious in her concern, she had really taken a liking to Harry, fashioning him and Daphne into her protégés by drilling them harder than any of the other players that were being coached. Harry was happy to be kept focused. When they touched down Emma gave him an encouraging smile. She looked almost… apologetic.
After practice he wearily headed back to the lockers and then the common room, slipping away quickly from the rest of the team. With sore and aching muscles he sunk into a sofa quietly beside Hermione and immediately started on his homework as if the next day was going to be just like any other.
When he finished his Runes and Arithmancy homework he waited for his house to slowly all retreat to bed only speaking to Colin to ask for a favour. As it grew closer to the time Harry picked up his bag with its contents, threw on his invisibility cloak and left through the portrait.
It wasn't long until he was stood, feeling somewhat naked without the cloak on, waiting outside the Slytherin common room. Thankfully prefects rarely patrolled the dungeons at night, mainly because it was creepy and secondly because it was Snape's domain. Harry checked his map quickly just to make sure no one was close by. Double checking that Snape was in his quarters sleeping and Draco was leaving the dormitory.
Harry's head shot up when he heard the low rumbling of the wall of skulls opening and there stood Draco shrouded in a dark robe.
"Didn't think you'd actually show." Harry nodded, stepping out of the shadows.
"And what, miss a prime opportunity to mess with some Gryffindors?" Draco shrugged with a half-hearted smile.
"My thoughts exactly, the conception of this prank lies with you after all. While the idea was good, the execution was poor. Filch, really?" Harry shook his head in disappointment. "There are so many worse things than detention." Harry said checking the corner of the next corridor.
"I was a first year, it wasn't like I had a lot of options, no joke shop items and barely any good spells." Draco muttered back as he caught on to what Harry was talking about.
"You just lack the right amount of imagination."
"Whereas you have an overactive abundance of it do you?" Draco muttered back in a dark tone "I suppose I could have leg-locked you and watched you and Weasley hop all the way back up to Gryffindor tower…"
Harry let out a low chuckle. "Let's go, we have half an hour until show time and we need to make a stop on the way."
"Where are we going first then, Potter?"
"To pay a little visit to Peeves, stay close and stay in the shadows." Harry grinned as they crept up the stairs that led out of the dungeons.
History of Magic the next morning dragged slower than ever. Harry walked in fifteen minutes late feeling somewhat fresh, not that Binns even noticed as he droned on and on. Then the hours of the day trickled by slowly unlike it had the day before, he didn't know whether he was relieved or terrified when the lesson finally ended. Incredibly it was an acrid mixture of both.
There were more stares at lunch when Professor McGonagall hurried over to him. "Potter, the champions have to come down into the grounds now… You have to get ready for the first task."
"Okay Professor." Across the Great Hall Harry could see Snape probably saying to same to Draco.
"Good luck, Harry." Hermione whispered "You'll do fine." The others around the table gave him their best wishes.
"Yeah." Harry said dully, in a voice that didn't sound like his own.
As the two champions left Harry noticed the McGonagall wasn't acting herself either, she seemed just as anxious as Hermione. It reminded him very strongly of how Emma treated him the day before – with sympathy.
As she walked him down the stone steps and into the cold November afternoon, she put her hand on his shoulder.
"Now, don't panic," she said, "just keep a cool head, we have wizards on hand to control the situation if it gets out of hand… the main thing is to do your best, and no one will think any worse of you. Are you alright?"
"Yeah," Harry heard himself say calmly "Yes, I'm fine." Somehow he doubted anyone could think any worse of him at this point.
She led out away from the forest where the outcrop of mountains began to form. Draco and Snape were not far behind. Harry saw several striped tents had been erected against a large cliff face rising out of a sloping peak, screening what Harry assumed to be the entrance to the arena.
"You're to go in here with the other champions," said Professor McGonagall in a shaky voice "and wait your turn, Potter. Mr Bagman will be in there, he will be telling you and Mr Malfoy, and the other champions the- the procedure." She nodded to the closest tent.
Harry gave her a smile. "Don't worry, professor; I'll do my best."
Her lips twitched as her worried expression returned to her more natural stern appearance. "…and good luck, Harry. I am sure you will."
Merlin, how did I end up being the reassuring one?
She left him at the entrance of the tent all the same as Draco trudged over after his own conversation with Snape.
"Ready?" Harry asked, drawing in a deep breath.
"Not even." Draco breathed.
"Good, me neither." Harry exhaled and the two went inside.
Fleur Delacour was sitting in the corner on a low wooden stool. She didn't look nearly as composed as usual, instead she looked paler and the sheen of sweat on her face made her look a little clammy, she looked up and gave them a nervous smile which Harry returned in kind.
Cedric was pacing up and down he gave them both a nod of acknowledgment. Viktor remained unresponsive, not noticing the Hogwarts champions as they entered, looking at the tent wall surlier than ever. Harry wondered if that was nerves or concentration.
"Harry, Draco! My rising quidditch stars!" Bagman exclaimed happily on seeing them "Come in, come in, make your selves at home!"
Bagman still looked like a disproportionately drawn cartoon figure, standing at the centre of the tent amid the pale faced champions, wearing his old wasp robes - again.
"Well, now we are all here, gather round - let's get you filled in!" Bagman said brightly. "When the audience has assembled, I am going to be offering each of you this bag," – he held up a small bag of purple silk, shaking it in their faces causing whatever was inside to hiss and snarl – "from which you will each select a small model of the thing you are about to face! There are different – er – varieties, you see. And I should tell you something else too… ah, yes… your task is to collect the golden egg!"
Harry glanced around. Cedric nodded once to show he understood Bagman's words before he began pacing again looking a shade greener. Fleur and Krum hadn't reacted at all. If Bagman wasn't such an over-grown man child his ominous introduction might have been entertaining. But the champions were in no mood for cheap theatrics.
"Time for you all to get changed, your schools have provided you with protective wear that should help you in the task ahead." Bagman then ushered the champions into curtained off segments of the tent.
Harry found in his fabric cubicle a set of - what he hoped to be - fire resistant combative robes. Mostly black like his quidditch kit, with stripes of red down the short sleeves and the Gryffindor crest on his breast and 'Potter' once again on his back - as if they were going to let him forget who he was. In addition to leather greaves and gloves, it consisted of a long red undershirt and a light sports cloak that fell just above his knees. They really were trying to make a big spectacle of this tournament, though Harry did feel a little bit more formidable in these robes than he did in his standard school uniform.
When Harry exited he could see he was nearly identical to Cedric and Draco, but their colours were yellow and green respective of their houses. Krum was in lengthy blood red robes. Fleur, who Harry found always seemed like she could be about to venture onto a catwalk no matter what she dressed in, still looked every bit a champion as the other four. She stood tall – but still pale - in a blue skirt, silver quilted doublet and navy blue jacket, wearing a pair of sturdy looking dragon hide-boots adding to her height. With Fleur's never ending legs exposed, Harry did his best not to let his eyes linger upon the extent of bare flesh entirely new to him.
They could now hear the hundreds and hundreds of students and other spectators making their way past the tent, all talking and joking excitedly amongst themselves. To Harry and Draco they seemed like aliens, in a different world, then Bagman was untying the cord around the silk purple sack.
"Ladies first." He said, offering the bag to Fleur.
Fleur held no look of surprise when she pulled out the Swedish Shortsnout. It was nearly the same for Krum, with a determined look he took number 'two', the Chinese Fireball, the fastest, smallest and most explosive dragon from the bag. Cedric holding his breath pulled out the Welsh Green, famous for being one of Britain's native breeds, a pedigree of dragons, it had the number 'one' on the chain around its neck.
Draco had daggers in his eyes aimed at Harry who merely grimaced. Maybe he had jinxed it, he felt the fact he discovered the first task had dragons in the first place more than made up for it, trying to recall if Draco had contributed anything useful other than snide remarks, doubts and the conjunctivitis curse.
Harry finally placed his hand in the hissing velvet bag and took the miniature Ghostscale from the remaining writhing forms.
Harry looked down upon the creature, now able to see its full form properly, her large bat-like wings funnelling out as she sat on her haunches stretching and yawning.
She had four horns, the two larger ones curling upwards with additional sharp spines protruding from its head, while a single row of thorn like spines ran down its back and tail. Its belly was plated like diamond, exactly like a Ukrainian Ironbelly in all but colour, though its plated white scales practically glowed. Just as Harry nearly allowed an ironic smile to appear on his face he realised it was still slightly wrong. The Ghostscale model was quadrupedal like an Opaleye, rather than bipedal like an Ironbelly.
She wasn't joking when she said unique - it's taken the greatest assets of both.
That left Draco with the Horntail, black and sharp, which bit him and hissed loudly, making him curse as he shook his hand but the miniature just latched on tighter. Harry nearly chuckled at that and then quickly stopped, realising he probably looked mad if he started laughing, although both Fleur and Cedric were sporting amused smiles. He strangely hoped Draco didn't get seriously hurt. Maybe just a cut, perhaps a burn or two, but not anything too bad.
"Well, there you are!" said Bagman. "You've each pulled out the dragon you will be facing, the numbers refer to the order you will be taking on the dragons. Harry and Draco, your rules are going to be a little different from the others because of your special circumstances, you will be facing your dragons together seeing as you pulled out numbers four and five, you will both be last. You each need to retrieve half of an egg each from your dragon's nest, your task will not be complete until you have both halves and you can't retrieve the other's half. Mr Diggory, you're first, just step outside when you hear the whistle, all right? Oh, and Harry… could I have a quick word? Outside?" Bagman asked hopefully with a strange smile.
Harry look at Draco helplessly "Er… sure," following Bagman out of the tent, he threw a glower at Draco who merely smirked back evilly.
Bagman led Harry to a small cluster of trees on the mountain side a short distance from the tent.
"Feeling all right, Harry? Anything I can get you?"
"I don't know, a way out of this tournament?" Harry said sarcastically, being rather distracted.
"Haha! Unfortunately not though... So, got a plan?" Bagman asked, lowering his voice in a secretive manner. "Because I don't mind offering you some pointers, if you'd like them, you know. I mean," Bagman continued lowering his voice barely above a whisper, "you and Draco are the underdogs here… anything I can do to help…"
"No." said Harry quickly, not caring if he sounded rude. "I know what I'm doing, I'll let Malfoy know what I'm thinking, thanks."
"Nobody would have to know, Harry," Bagman winked at him. Harry was actually a little repulsed by the man's behaviour, after the world cup it was very obvious the kind of man he was.
"I'm fine," Harry replied getting annoyed, he didn't know why he kept saying he was fine - he was far from it. "There is one thing actually…"
"Anything Harry, you name it."
"If you could pay my friends Fred and George the gold you owe them, that would be a great help Mr Bagman." Harry smiled as Bagman paled a little.
With that the whistle blew for Cedric, signalling the start of the first task. "Good lord, I've got to run!" Bagman said, sounding very alarmed.
Keep running and you might get rid of the beer-belly, you giant bumble bee.
Harry had another very wicked idea, one he couldn't wait to pitch to the twins should Bagman fail to deliver them their gold, after all revenge is best served cold, right?
Harry walked back to the tent just as Cedric, looking even greener than before, was exiting the other side. A minute later there was a roar from the crowds outside which could only mean that Cedric had entered the arena and was now face to face with the very real living breathing version of his miniature.
"What did the has-been want?" Draco asked looking up as Harry sat down at the table opposite him.
"Wanted to give us some advice." Harry said indifferently listening to the screams, the yelling, the gasps… like a hydra of a hundred human emotions all reacting differently yet as one.
"And?" Draco asked irritably. Outside Bagman was painting a picture with his chatter making the group nauseous.
…'Oooh, narrow miss! Very narrow!'…
"And… I told him where he could shove it." Harry shrugged, making Draco roll his eyes.
"You should 'ave accepted." Fleur said, she had taken to retracing Cedric's steps as she began to pace. "You need to come up wiz a plan, non?"
…'Well, that's a risk I wouldn't take!'…
"I think we can all agree there's been enough cheating in this tournament already, can't we?" Harry said mischievously, looking at both Fleur and Krum with a pointed look.
Harry enjoyed the look of alarm strain Fleur's delicate features as she shifted guiltily.
"We know both you and Krum were told about the dragons, Delacour. We already have a plan" Draco smirked.
"What, 'ow?" She seemed more impressed than annoyed.
"I saw them in the forest." Harry said simply "Oh, we levelled the playing field a bit by telling Cedric as well…" Harry tried to seem at least a little apologetic. "Sorry to disappoint, you guys thought you had an advantage didn't you?"
…'Clever move – bright lad this one, pity it didn't quite work out!'…
Krum just started laughing and turned to them. "I also knew dat you were aware, Fleur." He said, not quiet managing to pronounce her name correctly. "Even if I vanted to tell da rest of you, which I didn't I vill be honest, Direktor Karkaroff forbade me. To tell Diggory you must be good sportsman, Harry Potter."
"I can't take credit it was mostly Malfoy." Harry shrugged rather bashfully.
"That's a lie and we both know it." Draco shook his head.
An ear-splitting roar could be heard from outside, which could only mean that Cedric had gotten past his dragon and managed to seize the golden egg.
"Well done! What a performance!" Bagman was shouting. "And now the marks from the judges!"
Bagman didn't announce the marks, Harry guessed that meant that they were probably being shown to the audience.
"One down, four to go!" The whistle blew again "Here comes Mr Krum!" Bagman shouted over the frantic screaming of the audience.
Harry could hear them all chanting 'KRUM! KRUM! KRUM!' which was very reminiscent of the world cup. Viktor stood up from his slouch and with a powerful stride walked out, welcomed by the screams of the crowds.
…"Look at him go ladies and gentleman, no wasting time with this one!"…
Fleur watched Draco and Harry carefully. They were both sat very tensely, both just as nervous as she was. Though she had seen Harry smile several times now it hadn't reached his eyes at all. She had never seen such beautiful eyes before, more so than her own bright blue.
…"Very daring!" …
Her chest was tight and she could feel her knees wobble unsteadily beneath her. She silently cursed her skirt for exposing her trembling legs and began to pace again.
..."Oh no! That will cost him some points!"…
Shamefully, Harry had been right about her. Fleur had thought she had the advantage. She wasn't as angry as she normally would have been; perhaps it was the fact that the two champions that needed the advantage most had been the ones to do the decent thing.
…"There is fire everywhere – but look at that!"…
Maxime had discouraged her from sharing the information, but Fleur realised she should have been better than that, she had come up with a way to deal with a dragon on her own, but there was no doubt she was in the wrong. She had been short-sighted and selfish, and it wouldn't be the first time.
"The nerve – and – yes, he's got the egg!"
A shattering applause shook the tent, the audience screaming more wildly in the revelation of Krum finishing the task.
Fleur was called out. She was shaking again ever so slightly from head to foot, clutching her wand tightly in her hand.
"Fleur," She turned sharply with wide eyes to look at Harry "good luck. You'll be fine." He gave her an encouraging smile which she seemed grateful for. She held her head a little higher and slipped out of the ten, leaving Harry and Draco alone.
"Potty! In the shadows and in the halls! Peevesy thinks he's got nerve and balls!" The Poltergeist cackled in manic.
Harry sighed in disappointment at the loud wailing laugh, "Peeves, if you keep quiet I have a present for you." He replied in a quiet sing song voice.
"Potter you rotter, you spoiler and crook. I see you have Drakey lined on a hook." Peeves span around hovering above them upside down and blowing a raspberry.
Harry tilted his head and looked up at the poltergeist. "Look, I've got a box of dungbombs with your name on it - if you rain down a little hell on some seventh years for us." Harry shook a box at Peeves. "They will be in the hall of hexes in the next twenty minutes. I can probably even get you some food from the kitchens to throw at them; I just have one small request, don't let them sleep a wink."
Peeves twirled once more and gave a resounding salute and with a fiendish grin he floated through the ceiling, leaving only a creepy laughter whispering through the walls.
"What a fantastic idea." The Slytherin's voice twisted in sarcasm, "How do you know Peeves won't just turn on us?" Draco asked sceptically, as any sane student probably would.
"I don't." Harry shrugged.
"Wonderful." Draco shook his head following Harry out of the trophy room and towards the grand staircase.
"Peeves is a remnant of chaos, give him what he wants and he should be fine, so long as you don't start giving him orders. He hates orders." Harry said, letting Draco have that one.
He assumed Draco had never really heard of reverse psychology before and if need be Harry could probably get away with impersonating the Bloody Baron again.
"How do you know all this?"
"I actually paid attention in Defence last year. I looked into spectral beings for one of my essays. Ghasts, ghosts and poltergeists, I suppose you were too busy pretending to be hurt by your arm."
"I wasn't pretending, it was in fact very painful."
Harry rolled his eyes at that.
"Well, if you weren't laying it on so thick you'd know that ghosts are the spiritual imprint left by a soul, ghasts are a fraction of a spirit left behind, poltergeists are remnants of an unstable soul with an extremely strong sense of purpose, in Peeve's case: mischief. So we appeal to his chaotic nature." Harry gave Draco a knowing smirk through the dim torch light.
"You're really showing your deviant colours these days, Potter."
"Yet you still act surprised." Harry drawled with a small smile. "It's still weird you being half-decent."
"It's weird not seeing you as the golden boy I thought you were." Draco shot back.
"I break way more rules than you, Malfoy. The hat wanted me Slytherin you know. If it wasn't for you putting me off I would have ended up a snake, I think about that sometimes. Not a lot - but sometimes."
"I'd have liked to have seen that. It really would have secured your image as a dark wizard." Draco snorted.
"I know, though I remember you being very eager to be my friend, don't even deny it."
"I think I'd still have ended up hating you, as would half the house, then again you wouldn't be friends with Granger and that blood-traitor Weasley which is what you are mostly hated for, so who knows." Draco pondered.
"I've noticed you've stopped calling Hermione a 'mudblood'. Some would say you becoming dangerously close to becoming a blood traitor yourself." Harry noted with an arched eyebrow.
"People are calling me blood traitor behind my back these days already thanks to this tournament. There is no point pissing you off by insulting Granger." Draco shrugged rather unhappily.
"So you only insulted her to get to me? And here I thought you just had a strange way of showing how much you fancied her. I don't know whether to be touched or annoyed." Harry narrowed his eyes. "I'm leaning more towards annoyed."
"I don't fancy her. I had a grudge." Draco defended himself with an expression of disgust. "I admit, it was always fun to see Weasley turn as red as his hair, you might think I'm pompous but did you ever take a good look at the likes of him? The self-righteous moron was only there to ride on your coattails."
"He was a good friend." But that was all Harry could say at the moment, up until now Ron had been a good friend despite his many flaws.
"Yes, very loyal isn't he?" He drawled. "Without you he was nothing and he knew it. But as soon as the school turned on us he is no longer around? He is as bad as the rest of them, Potter." Draco continued venomously.
"Draco, hate here is as mindless as it is contagious, I know what it looks like and you're no stranger to it either. What was your excuse all these years?" Harry bit back.
"You walking around the way you do might be enough for some. Or simply for the fact you 'defeated' a dark lord, many of the parents with children in Slytherin who supported him don't believe you did. I took it very personally - that we were too different to be friends. You have a fairly good idea about my father by now don't you?"
"Death Eater?" Harry guessed instantly.
Draco nodded. "I spent my childhood in house where he and his friends cursed your name out of the public eye. They didn't believe you were anything special or were frightened because you just could be, I questioned what made them so sure a few times, despite the legend - even if you are part Black."
"I'm part Black?" Harry stared at him dumbly for a moment before composing himself again.
"Both of us. No one told you?" Draco smirked as Harry shook his head. "My you really are clueless Potter. Your grandmother was Dorea Black, my great-great-aunt on my mother's side." Draco smirked. "We are something like second cousins. You should be proud, Blacks have produced some of the greatest wizards in history."
"That's a really shitty lie, Malfoy." Harry said in disbelief, the thought of actually being blood related to a family other than the Dursleys surprised him. Although being related to Draco wasn't much better. He wondered what he was to Sirius if that was true. It only put salt into the wounds that he had been so close to escaping Privet Drive for good.
"It is no lie, Potter. I swear, how does it feel being a part of the once largest house of muggle-haters and dark wizards?"
"They aren't all bad." Harry said bitterly.
"You believe that even though your god father betrayed your parents for the dark lord?" Draco smirked.
Harry growled, not knowing or caring how Draco knew that piece of information. "He never betrayed them, he was innocent." He retorted. "But I bet your Death Eater father already knew that."
Draco gave him a crooked a smile. "He and my mother had their suspicions; I heard the story when he escaped. The dark lord had spies everywhere. It is hard thing to believe that he killed those filthy muggles under his own volition."
"Well, he is free now."
"On the run until he is caught and kissed on sight isn't free."
"Not if I catch Pettigrew." Harry's eyes grew dark.
"Pettigrew is dead." Draco countered.
"No, he was an animagus – he betrayed them, escaped and framed Sirius for everything." Harry said warningly like the words were poison in his mouth. His hatred for Pettigrew was often so strong he wondered why he ever spared his life. Then he remembered if he hadn't Sirius would just be facing a different trial for murder, no matter how justifiable. "I can't believe I am even having this conversation with you. We're nearly there." Harry said as they reached the seventh floor. Several corridors past the painting of Barnabas the Barmy they turned to the south side of the castle to where the Hall of Hexes was located." Hide here for a second" Harry said, pushing Draco into an alcove behind a suit of armour.
Harry checked the map, making sure Draco couldn't see, and then his watch, it was five to twelve and King and his second were making their way from Gryffindor tower.
In the arena Fleur was carefully scaling the rock face where the dragon was sleeping.
Despite the height of the climb her legs felt less weak than they had in the tent. The fear had nearly kept her from functioning. Then she heard his voice, calming and sure. She wondered how he had done that, a boy of fourteen displaying more confidence than she could hope to summon in that moment. She realised then that those beautifully piercing green eyes were far older than they appeared to be.
She shook her head, needing to concentrate on the task.
When she left the tent she found the arena to be much larger than she had expected, it was a pain just to get close enough to the Shortsnout and cast her sleeping enchantment. However, once she caught the silver dragon's attention for a very short moment she threw her allure at it with full strength to confuse it, by then Fleur had already started to nonverbally cast while simultaneously holding the gaze of the dragon.
After a few minutes she was uncertain as to whether it was going to stay entranced and not fall under. But she kept reciting the enchantment in her head, reminding herself it wouldn't work if she was too forceful. Thankfully Bagman had some small measure of tact and caught on to what she was doing and murmured his commentary quietly to the audience.
The very nature of her spell required tenderness. So she softly began to sing the incantation in a hushed voice that she hoped only the dragon could hear. After a long moment of feeling the pressure the dragon's eyes finally began to droop. Pleased, Fleur maintained the spell as she proceeded onwards, slowly edging closer, making sure that the Shortsnout not only fell - but fell deeply.
Her nerves racked higher than before as Fleur ultimately had to break off the spell in order to concentrate on climbing the cliff face to where the nest lay high up. She was going to murder whoever it was that thought she should wear a skirt.
Once she was up she didn't take any chances and started to cast again on the sleeping dragon while creeping around its clutch of dragon eggs. She felt her legs shake a little and she could feel its loud rattling breath, plumes of smoke blown out at regular intervals. Carefully she removed the large golden clue away from the horde.
There were rounds of applause coming from all the spectators, wolf whistles and cheering. Fleur just concentrated on not letting the dragon wake up from the noise and slowly she passed the great silver-blue creature that was almost purring loudly and peacefully.
Fleur gave a small nervous but triumphant smile and made her descent. The dragon handlers practically had their job done for them. There was even greater applause and Fleur allowed herself a grin.
Her grin fell as she heard a low guttural rumble and a much louder shaking breath and something that sounded like the deafening crack of thunder.
Seeing the long neck of the Swedish Short-snout rise and the dragon roar she leapt down the rocks of the mountain face gracefully, bounding from one boulder down to another as blue flames shot straight past her. She could feel the intense heat, the blue flames of a Shortsnout were able to turn tinder and bone to ash in seconds. Even with her proficiency and natural talent at pyromancy she knew dragon-fire was something she should unquestionably avoid at all costs, forcing her to push on, sprinting until she reached the finish tent.
Inside the starting tent Harry was wondering how Fleur had faired, there had just been some very promising clapping, perhaps more than Krum had gotten, followed by a few screams but ultimately followed by more clapping and then for a while... nothing.
"She's done it - with style and grace as expected of our Beauxbatons Champion! Now for the judges…"
Harry breathed a sigh of relief for Fleur.
Suddenly after few minutes of clapping and silence Ludo Bagman's voice suddenly came trembling over the crowds, his voice calling Harry and Draco's names without warning.
The two stood up, dropping their miniatures to the table where they began to spit fire at each other.
"Follow my lead, alright?" Harry said.
"Whatever." His partner muttered.
"Malfoy." Harry said with a little more steel in his voice.
"What it is?" Draco kept his eyes up trying to focus.
"Good luck out there." Harry said holding out his clenched fist.
"You won't be much use if you get burnt to a crisp… So, you too, Potter." Draco looked down with surprise on his face, tapping Harry's knuckle with his own.
"So I'm useful now am I?" Harry arched an eyebrow.
Draco just made a rather disgusted noise.
They ventured outside the tent. There was a short tunnel of rock leading into the arena where the light of the near winter sky blinded them. Clapping filled the air around as hundreds of faces sat above them swimming in a haze.
Harry and Draco's eyes adjusted and looked at the large arena, a valley of sharp rock and stone. They stood very still taking in the sight of their first task. The audience sat on stands above the arena, stationed below was the finishing tent where there was a tunnel that led out of the arena which they could only enter with their halves of the egg. On two opposing sides guarding their nests were the Horntail and the Ghostscale. The Horntail hissing at the audience while the Ghostscale once again appeared to be asleep.
Harry was the first to raise his wand and with a nod he and Draco cast their summoning charm.
He and Draco waited and hoped against hope that it would work. Everything around them seemed to be shimmering again, he didn't see how it could be so warm around the edge of the arena when his breath was frosting in front of him in the late autumn air. Harry realised then it must be wards, a transparent barrier separating the two from the rest of the world, imprisoning them with the two dragons.
Mutterings and murmurs could be heard escaping the crowds as they began to wonder what the two champions could be doing. The silence only grew heavier around them, some snickers and jeers escaped the crowds from those that thought they were just too frightened to move.
It felt like hours rather than minutes before they heard it, a faint whistling, the two turned, finally spotting their brooms zooming towards them.
In a second they lunged into the air and were both mounted, the crowds began to make a deafening noise; neither of them could tell whether it was applause or booing, but neither cared. It was no longer important as they hurtled toward the Horntail first. As soon as Harry's feet left the ground, he left all his fears behind him. He was back where he belonged.
Bagman was shouting something excitedly, but Harry's hearing wasn't working properly, there was too much wind flooding his ears.
"Diversion tactics, Malfoy! We go in together, once it's in the air, I'll bait it out more then you go in for the catch alright? Then we switch!" Harry called over to Draco flying beside him. The blonde Slytherin nodded in understanding, wind rushing through their hair, his eyes on the clutch of eggs.
They sped towards the Horntail as it unfurled its wings, lashing out its tail and breathing fire, Harry dived to the right, Draco swerved out of the line of fire with ease. The Horntail's head snapped at Harry but he was too fast.
"GREAT SCOTT THEY CAN FLY!" Bagman yelled, the crowd shrieking and gasping. "Are you watching this Mr Krum?
Krum was watching - him, Fleur and Cedric, and the rest of the crowd. Everyone in that moment had their breath stolen by the two champions. The two youngest competitors were grinning. They both actually looked like they were enjoying themselves, none of the nerves that they had before were present - instead they were completely at ease.
Harry circled high and signalled Draco to do the same. They had gotten the dragon's attention now. Its head followed them, not sure which of the two to look at as they rose higher still. It was standing on its haunches opening its mouth, jets of flames shooting past them. Harry grimaced, the Horntail didn't seem to want to get up
She was too protective, choosing to guard her nest fervidly. They swung past again. She circled the eggs switching her attention, furling and unfurling her wings, her fierce yellow eyes on Draco, but still afraid of leaving the ground.
Harry realised they'd have to encourage her a little and signalled Draco to descend again. They'd have to do it carefully, gradually inciting her into flight. They flew in close, flying one way and then another, staying close to the ground, breaking off only when she decided to strike with her bared fangs and lethal tail. As they flew higher the Horntail's head followed them intently, her neck stretching as close to them as she could.
She let out a frantic roar and struck with her tail again, Harry narrowly dodged it as it came towards him. The crowds cried out sharply as one, thinking he was surely going to be hit.
Draco managed to lose the attention of the Horntail and flew behind and up. Harry gradually rose higher again, making sure to keep her eyes on him and Draco out of her sight. Her jaws snapped, but he was still out of her reach, causing her to snarl viscously as another jet of flame came roaring past him.
Finally she reared; the reach of her unfolding black leathery wings was terrifying. With a solid crack against the air she lurched forward after Harry. The Horntail was well and truly on him now, the deafening beating of its wings was like thunder in his ears.
Just a little higher… Harry pleaded in his mind. Come on, come and get me - that's it - there you go.
Harry spared a quick glance down, seeing the open jaws of the Horntail, down pasts its pale grey belly and tail. Directly beneath he witnessed Draco shoot towards the golden half-egg with an outstretched hand, scooping it up into the crook of his arm.
Harry and Draco stood silently in the alcove a short distance from the door to the hall of hexes, out of the way from the two approaching Gryffindors, listening carefully to the enclosing footsteps. Harry had already planted the dungbombs inside for Peeves.
When they heard a quiet murmuring and the swing of a door Harry shot out, with Draco close behind. They stood barring the door.
"Would you like to do the honours?" Harry asked Draco with an evil grin.
"Colloportus." Draco responded with the roll of his eyes as his wand traced the seal of the door.
"IT'S PEEVESY!" The two heard the poltergeist shout with another round of mad howling laughter.
"Seravis." Harry smirked with a circular flick aimed at the lock of the door, exactly as he had seen Daphne do, just as he had practiced on his transfigured jewellery box the night before.
There was a satisfying click just as loud disgusted groans and yelling erupted on the other side of the door. Their victims began to bang on the entrance frantically seeking escape.
"STINK AND BONES WILL BREAK YOUR NOSE BUT BOMBS AND SCREAMS DELIGHT PEEVESY!" the poltergeist began to sing.
"POTTER!" King shouted thumping on the door as he choked on the fumes contained in the now secured Hall of Hexes.
"Didn't you only see that charm yesterday?" Draco asked, giving Harry an annoyed look as he carved fortification runes onto the corner of the door.
"I'm a quick study." Harry shrugged. "At least I'm still terrible at potions."
"STINK-KING, SQUEALING AND SNEAKING OUT AT NIGHT, OLD PEEVES WILL MAKE IT RIGHT, HA!" the poltergeist continued to chant loudly. "LITTLE POTTY CAUGHT YOU IN A TRAP, NOW IT'S TIME YOU SMELT LIKE CRAP!"
"Do you have a way to take care of the volume?" Harry said realising Peeves had no ability nor incentive to keep quiet.
"Of course. Silencio." Draco smirked and pointed his wand at the door, muting the sound escaping the hall.
"Nice, but we're not done here yet. For the final phase of this operation we need an old friend of yours. Dobby?"
There was a small pop and the house-elf appeared before them. "Harry Potter sir." Dobby said bowing his head, his tea-cosy hat slipped over one of his large bat-like ears.
Draco's smirk fell as he suddenly twisted into a snarl. "My house elf?"
Dobby upon seeing his old master squeaked in panic and hid behind Harry's legs.
"Ex-house elf, Malfoy." Harry corrected. "Give us a moment here, Dobby."
"You're really rubbing my nose in this aren't you?" Draco had a very sour expression on his face.
"Draco, first I think you owe someone an apology."
"What?" Draco glared at Harry.
"I really think it'll get you in Hermione's good graces and give you a chance to tell her you're sorry for all the times you called her 'mudblood'. Hermione is all for Elf-rights, maybe you should join SPEW and show her what an advocate for creature justice you've become." Harry joked.
"You are out of your mind, Potter." Draco scowled.
"Draco, it's clear to me you only project that hate so much because you secretly admire her." He said enjoying as Draco turned a shade of pink. "If that isn't how you feel, do it anyway and see how pissed off Ron gets."
Draco shook his head trying to fight a smile, damning Harry Potter in his head. Draco turned to his old house elf and cast Harry another dark look.
"Dobby." He addressed the elf stiffly. "You were a good elf... and I'm sorry for all the times I kicked you - and all the times I pulled on your ears when I was little." Draco said quickly.
"Master Draco..." Dobby sniffed, he seemed to struggle for words and had a very confused expression on his face.
"I think you know what to do Dobby." Harry said encouragingly.
"Harry Potter is too good to poor Dobby..." He looked down to the ground nervously.
The house elf took a few step forward and looked up at Draco determinedly, dead in the eye.
"OW! …Fuck…" Draco yelped in a hushed but pained voice.
The tiny house-elf had kicked him very hard in the ankle. "Apology a-accepted."
"You're not going pull my ears as well are you?" Draco asked bitterly.
Dobby gave a nervous giggle and shook his tiny head. "Dobby thinks we can be even now." The house elf smiled proudly albeit nervously still.
"Feel better now?" Harry grinned.
The house elf nodded, though he was still wary of Draco.
"Well then, I was wondering if you could you do me the honour of supplying Peeves with the leftovers from the kitchens or whatever general waste there is. And at say three o'clock tomorrow inform Professor McGonagall about these two. Here's a camera, so take some photos if there is anything embarrassing, put the pictures in my trunk tomorrow when you return the camera Colin Creevey." Harry said pulling Colin's camera out of his bag.
"This is the least Dobby could for Harry Potter." Dobby took the camera carefully.
"Ruthless. Try not to mention our involvement in any of this?" Draco asked, still nursing a sore ankle.
"Dobby is a free elf, Dobby isn't forced to share Master Draco and Harry Potter's secrets." He nodded his head, tennis-ball sized eyes bulging with earnest.
"You're the best. Time to go I think. I'll see you tomorrow, Malfoy."
Harry turned from the other champion and headed back to Gryffindor Tower, slipping on his cloak as soon as he was out of Draco's sight.
Daphne sat in the stands over the large dragon enclosure. Beside her was her sister Astoria and Tracey. The spectators of the tournament were all enthralled by the display of flying that Harry and Draco were performing around the Horntail. Tracey gasped in the appropriate places as fixated as Astoria, who was white knuckled, pale faced and very rigid. They were all doing their best to ignore Bagman's loud over-excited commentary.
"They really can fly!" Tracey murmured in awe.
Astoria nodded in agreement, "I can't believe Crouch and Bagman. Two underage champions against two dragons? This is hardly fair." she folded her arms grudgingly, Daphne noticed how tense she tensely she was sat.
Only two years below Daphne and Tracey, Astoria was small for her age and fragile looking, with long waist length raven hair and sparkling blue doe eyes. At first glance the only similarities shared between the two sisters were their porcelain skin. However with a closer look you could see how they shared the same deceivingly perfect arched eyebrows and when sat next to each other the same aristocratic bearing they were instilled with made appear almost twin-like.
"The Ministry regulators made it harder for them because they still think they cheated their way into the tournament, probably to appease the foreign relations. Besides if it was two against one dragon it wouldn't be really fair on the other champions either." Daphne explained, not that it made her younger sister any happier.
"Well, I just can't wait to see Lautner and the others' faces when we get back to the common room, these two are bound to get the highest scores." Tracey laughed bouncing in her seat before flinching. Even from the distance they were sat every time there was a burst of dragon fire they could feel the heat on their faces.
"To think they didn't even need my assistance either." Daphne said slightly put out, her eyes not leaving a certain raven haired wizard.
"This wasn't your idea?" Tracey looked at her in confusion.
"Potter came up with this all on his own. He has proven himself quite capable." Daphne stated.
"Now you just need to find out how capable he is at snogging." Tracey winked, making Daphne blush.
"Snogging? You said you hated him, sister?" Astoria gave her a curious glance, tearing her eyes briefly from the champion's flight. "Is he going to be your boyfriend?" she asked with a pout.
"I don't hate him, Tori. Nor will I be snogging him." Daphne directed her last words at Tracey rather forcefully. "I barely know him."
"His name is only famous around the world, everyone knows who he is." Tracey winced, slightly distracted by task.
"That's only what people know of him. They don't say anything about his character or what he is really like." Daphne countered her best friend.
"Or what he kisses like." Astoria affirmed making Tracey giggle.
"You two are incorrigible. Thank you Tracey for infecting my sister with your vulgarity." Daphne folded her arms giving her best friend a scornful look.
Tracey simply smirked and ignored her.
"Daring and cute is all well and good, but you ought to stay away from Potter, sister." Astoria warned quietly with a seriousness that was almost beyond her years.
"I'm not doing as they ask, it'll only put me on the weaker foot." She dismissed her younger sibling, her eyes narrowing as they followed the Gryffindor champion's path in the air.
"I don't care about the circle. I care about you. He is cursed."
"You can see that with your inner-eye can you, my sweet?" Daphne teased Astoria. It soured her mood when her sister brought up such things.
"Laugh all you want, Queenie." Astoria smiled wickedly as Daphne's eyes darkened further upon hearing her sister's affectionate nickname for her. "Potter has black wings, I saw it. There is an angel of death stood over his shoulder. The lightning struck tower. Crisis, destruction, chaos and liberation." The younger girl said with annoyance, she gripped her sister's arm and looked up at her with a chilling gaze.
"The lightning struck tower can be all those things but considering who Harry Potter is do you not think it could just be a sign of future political upheaval?" Daphne countered pointedly, she knew the basics of divination despite not taking it as an elective. It was practice she had been educated in by her great-grandmother at a young age, however she didn't quiet have the same enthusiasm for the subject as her sister who possessed 'the sight'.
Yes Astoria was the 'lucky' one.
"It is possible… creation through destruction, but there will be darkness all the same." Astoria said sourly.
"Morgana help Trelawney when you take Divination next year, squirt. From what I heard from Pansy you will most certainly wipe the floor with her." Tracey said with a cheshire grin dissolving any tension there was between the two sisters.
"I've already been round for tea twice, she learnt from her grand-mother apparently, for all the good it did her." Astoria sighed returning her focus to the flight between the champions and dragons. "Her brain is a bag of kneazles. Did I tell you she spiked my tea with brandy?"
"She didn't?!" Both Tracey and Daphne's mouths sat slightly agape, shocked just from hearing about such negligence.
"It's no wonder. I heard she's bastardised most of the preparations and doesn't practice proper warm up exercises. She can't just light some candles and expect people to have calm and empty minds." Astoria said indifferently now looking through her omnioculars.
"Priceless. Maybe we should be paying her a visit Daph." Tracey laughed.
"I wouldn't advise it, I nearly vomited it all up on her desk. I bet she couldn't foresee a wall if it was five feet in front of her." The second year smirked to herself.
"And how did you come to that conclusion?" Daphne asked sceptically.
"Well, I stole several bottles when she was trying to look into my future." The young girl gave a superior huff, sending Tracey back into a fit of laughter.
"You have stolen bottles of brandy?" Daphne asked rather impressed by her little sister.
"I was doing her a favour, I've traded them now though. It was disgusting." Astoria's knowing smile fell as she watched Draco sweep under the dragon, taking the golden half-egg for his own.
Daphne and Tracey's attention also shifted back to the task before them
They watched in rapt awe as Harry twisted back.
Now the Horntail was in the air there was little chance it was going to give up the chase. He wondered if he could use it to distract the Ghostscale. He wasn't sure if that would be against the rules, but the idea of two dragons battling didn't seem like a very safe one.
"Confundo! Incenoccula!" He heard Draco shout, looking for a second to see the two spells striking the Horntail in the face. The great dragon let out a deafening howl as it turned its attention to Draco.
Harry made a beeline towards the Ghostscale.
Behind him Draco cursed as he had to dodge another burst of dragon fire. He ducked under the inferno feeling the hem of his hood singe. The Horntail gave another enraged wail as its prey evaded her again. It lashed out once more with its tail as it bore down on Draco.
Suddenly Draco felt like he had been stabbed with a white hot blade tearing at his shoulder. He howled as the nerves in his left arm felt like they were being boiled. He managed to keep the half-egg in his hand but the impact of the hit forced him off his broom. The wind screamed under his feet as his right hand held tightly onto the handle of his Nimbus.
When Harry heard the intense shrieks and cries from the audience he turned around immediately. He saw Draco hung in the air suspended, trying to scramble back up onto his broom with no result. The dragon gave out a resounding victorious roar as it made to loop back around and finish the pest that had annoyed it beyond fury.
Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! Draco you useless fucking piece of fuckery!
Harry screamed in his head. He didn't even think. He sped as fast as the Firebolt would allow him. He saw the Horntail finally turn diving towards the Slytherin champion. Its mouth hung cavernous and wide, ready to feast.
"Draco! Jump!" Harry shouted causing the blonde to turn wildly towards him. His eyes were full of fear; he was still gripping his broom like it was a life line.
Just as the dragon fell upon the broom Draco's hand slipped from its grip. The Nimbus 2001 broke apart like a toothpick in the Horntail's mouth.
Draco was free falling for a moment, his eyes clamped shut, until a vice like grip caught his free hand. Opening his eyes he saw Harry above him, his face focused as he tried to haul Draco up on his broom and not loose balance. Harry winced at the sudden strain on his muscles in his arm. Draco didn't need another opportunity and helped himself up, his shoulder still searing with pain.
"You alright?" Harry asked over the yelling of the audience.
"My shoulder…" Draco mumbled. "Just get me as far away from that thing as you can, Potter... and thanks. I'd have been dead back there."
"You're welco-" Harry was cut short as he barrel-rolled away from more dragon fire. Both he and Draco cried out, Harry's breath seethed inwards as he felt the skin on his left upper arm burn with intense pain.
"It's gaining on us." Draco cried as he turned to see the Horntail hot on their tail.
Harry turned his head to get a better view.
"We're too heavy. It'll finish us before we even get the other half of the egg." Harry growled his mind was working in overdrive. "Draco, I'm going to get us as close to the Ghostscale as I can, then I'm going to jump, you get to the finish tent."
"Don't be so damn noble, Scarhead." Draco responded angrily as they changed direction just as the Horntail swooped above them. It's shadow veiling them for a moment.
"Look, you have your half and your shoulder is fucked there's not much more you can do. Just make sure the Horntail stays off me, I'll figure out the rest."
"You'll just figure it out?" Draco shouted in disbelief. "Are you trying to get yourself killed?"
"Yes, now get ready!" Harry shouted back.
Draco was shocked as Harry dove, once again only narrowly evading the claws of the Horntail.
Harry jumped, flinging himself from the broom.
The earth came rushing up to greet Harry. His feet hit the ground hard and he rolled to soften the impact, his head snapping back up to see Draco looking behind again as he shot towards the finishing tent.
However the Horntail spun, rising into the air facing Harry, its gleeful yellow snake eyes fixed on him.
"Well, shit."
Harry tried to fire off several confundus charms and conjunctivitis curses, but the Horntail evaded them like they were leaves blowing softly in the wind. Seeing the futility of his attempts Harry ran, his feet flying from boulder to boulder, sliding down rocks towards the Ghostscale.
Creating crossfire between the two dragons was supposed to be a last resort. Hopefully if they were too distracted with each other they would ignore him. Harry rolled behind a rock as flames chased him. The Horntail let out a yowling screech.
There was another sound of wings beating the air and a crash. Harry stared as the Horntail landed twenty feet from where he sat, scrambling on the rock side gripping the stone with its bronze claws.
The Horntail shrieked at him like it was a banshee, filling Harry with terror. He knew this was it, he was dead and out of all sane options. All he had was silence, the crowd had frozen, and Bagman couldn't even find his voice to commentate. His wand was little more than a stick of wood.
He didn't know what made him even attempt it, but he was desperate.
"Stop." Harry hissed.
His eyes widened in shock at his impulsive use of Parseltongue. Harry had never been a religious person or believed in god, but in that moment he prayed to whatever there might be out there.
The Horntail blinked at him, staring at him strangely. Pausing before its attack.
"Leave me." He began again.
For a second Harry believed it had worked, until it let out a strangled snarl and inhaled ready to incinerate him in its next breath.
There was another crack of thunder and a roar. A hurricane of wind kicked up the stones and rocks around them, engulfing them in a gale. Harry and the Horntail turned to see the Ghostscale dive into the Horntail, its teeth sinking into the other dragon's neck, breaking the scales and bronze spikes with a sickening crunch.
Harry felt the spray of blood hit his face. It was hot, almost burning his skin. The Horntail wailed and screeched with an ear-splitting scream, writhing and twisting itself free of the Ghostscale's jaws. For a moment it looked like it was going to retaliate however the Ghostscale stood frighteningly tall and regal, as if it was threatening the smaller dragon. She was over sixty feet easily, titanic in her proportions, larger by far than the overwhelming basilisk.
The Horntail backed away hissing loudly as if it was cursing the other dragon. Its clavicle bones and scapula rose and fell like a jungle cat before it unfurled its wings once more and took off, retreating back to its nest.
The Ghostscale then turned its golden eyes to Harry. Lowering its head as it clambered towards him.
Harry had no breath in his lungs, no last minute ideas in his head. He sat white in fear beneath the great behemoth of a dragon, mesmerised by both her beauty and terror.
Her long sharp teeth smiled at Harry. He heard a loud rumble escape the dragon, growing louder, the reverberation sounding like laughter.
"It is not often prey fights a dragon so willingly and bravely." The Ghostscale hissed in a whisper. "But a youngling and a speaker... How... interesting..."
AN - Special thanks to my beta drscot for doing another great job! Thanks to everyone who has reviewed your responses have been incredibly supportive and motivating.
Sorry for the evil cliff hanger!
pyromancy is a malapropism for psychokinesis, rather than the art of divination through looking at fire. not important right now much - just to clarify as divination did come up this chapter.
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