A/N
Got to love a bank holiday. It means a whole day of writing for me.
Enjoy, my friends.
TBR
Chapter 5: The First Task
For Charlie Potter, the days since his brother had arrived at the castle had been both trying and had left him reeling under a sense of nervous tension. Harry was seldom seen around the school itself, something he couldn't decide on whether that was a good or bad thing. He had pondered the boy for many years, always wondering where he was and what he was doing with his life, wishing he had the opportunity to meet him, and yet, he was but a few floors below him and no closer to spending time with the brother that had been taken from him all so many years ago.
Admittedly, he had not sought out the older boy from fear that he would not be welcome, but as more time passed the more it felt that his desire would remain unfulfilled.
Both Ron and Hermione had encouraged him to try at least, but Charlie couldn't. Harry had a family, had grown without him and the fear of being rejected proved to be too much.
The situation with his parents had remained the same. He stubbornly refused to speak to them after learning what they had done to the boy. He was not known for his temper, was considered to be rather meek compared to the man that had sired him, however, the actions of his parents had angered him and he knew he was in no position to maintain a semblance of calm around them as things were.
"Come on, Charlie," Ron encouraged, "let's go get some breakfast."
Charlie shook the thoughts of his family from his head and followed his two friends through the portrait. Himself and the youngest Weasley had been waiting for the girl so that they could head to the Great Hall together. Charlie despised being coddled but his parents had always insisted he not venture out alone whilst at school, something he grudgingly accepted. The Slytherins would often target him when the opportunity arose and he had learned that to his own detriment in his second year. After a week in the Hospital Wing recovering from broken bones and the effects of several hexes, being shadowed always was a necessity.
"We have potions first," Hermione reminded the pair, eliciting a groan from Ron.
Charlie enjoyed the subtle art of brewing, a class that required minimal usage of his wand and something he excelled doing. It was obvious to any that Snape disliked him with a passion and the feeling was mutual. Charlie however, had gained the man's respect after he had proven that he was not in fact the 'dunderhead' the potions professor had initially believed. For the most part, he now ignored him, a much preferable treatment than what most of his peers were subjected to by the greasy man.
"It's not that bad, Ron," Charlie comforted, laughing at the look of horror that adorned his friends face.
"Not that bad? Every lesson with him is a nightmare."
"I'll help you," Charlie assured him as they reached the Great Hall and took their seats at the Gryffindor table.
"Fanks mate," Ron replied over a mouthful of toast, having wasted no time in starting to get his fill.
Charlie simply shook his head at his friend and grinned at the look of disgust Hermione gave the boy as he tucked into his own food.
Two hours, a less than stellar lesson and a very irate Ron Weasley later, the trio exited the dungeons, the boy cursing under his breath, earning himself a rather stern glare from the bushy-haired female.
"Bloody, slimy git," he grumbled, finishing his rant.
"Well, Ronald, if you followed the instructions correctly then you wouldn't have melted your cauldron," Hermione huffed.
"How was I supposed to know the porcupine quills had to be added before the murtlap?" he questioned irritably.
"Because it said so in the instructions?" Charlie answered with a grin.
Ron flushed and mumbled something incoherent only to stumbled as he walked into something solid as the group turned the corner into the Entrance Hall.
The trio froze as they were greeted by the sight of the fourth champion and his friend, both looking amused at the dumb expressions they wore.
"S-sorry," Ron managed to stutter.
The boy he had bumped into shook his head and gave him a grin.
"Think nothing of it little red," he said dismissively.
"You're the one who cursed Malfoy," Ron stated matter-of-factly, his eyes shining in awe.
"The wanker had it coming," the older boy mumbled.
"Language," Hermione chided, flushing embarrassedly as his green eyes switched to her, his mouth opening in shock.
"Is she always like this?" he questioned Ron who shook his head in exasperation.
"You have no idea, mate."
The boy laughed as Hermione reddened further, the three of them unaware of the staring match ensuing between the other two males.
"What's wrong, Harry?" Leo questioned switching his glance between the two.
The younger boy looked as though he had been petrified. His eyes were wide and his mouth gaping.
Harry simply smiled as he answered his friend.
"This is my little brother," he explained as he gestured to the nervous boy.
Leo's eyebrows rose at the revelation but smiled nonetheless. Harry had explained about his younger sibling and that he had no idea how to handle the situation. Leo had pointed out that the boy was not to blame for anything that had happened and that he should seek him out. Harry had remained indecisive. He held nothing against Charlie but was at a loss on what he should do.
"Nice to meet you," Leo offered, extending his hand to the still unmoving Charlie.
This snapped him out of his stupor as he accepted the boys' proffered limb and shook it mechanically.
"You too," he whispered, his eyes remaining firmly on his brother.
Leo shook his head at the two in understanding as he turned to the redhead and the girl once more.
"How about we give these two a little privacy and I can teach you both something fun?" he suggested. Noting the matching looks of concern each wore he placated them further. "Harry will look after him."
Sensing their reluctance, Charlie gave his friends a nod, eliciting a grateful smile from his brother's friend who began leading Ron and Hermione away.
"You wouldn't happen to be related to those ginger twins, would you?" he questioned Ron.
The boy groaned but nodded his head.
"Well my friend, I've got just the spell for you to keep them in line," Leo replied as he put his arm around Ron's shoulder, the trio disappearing as they exited the castle.
The last thing Charlie heard was Hermione chastising the older boy who only laughed in response, unfazed by her reprimanding.
(BREAK)
The silence between the two stretched on for several moments after Ron, Leo and Hermione had left, neither of the siblings knowing where to begin. Upon meeting the stare of his younger brother, Harry had been pulled into a memory of staring into those hazel eyes as he fed the boy from a bottle, helped by Lily who had settled the small bundle into his lap.
Unwittingly, it caused a smile to form on his lips just as Charlie lost his composure.
"I'm so sorry," he choked.
Harry shook his head gently as he held up a hand.
"You have nothing to be sorry for," he said firmly.
Noticing the crowd that started to form around them witnessing their reunion, he frowned and beckoned for the boy to follow him. Charlie did so, his head hanging as he refused to meet the stare of his older brother.
Harry led him to the third floor and into an empty classroom that he found. Satisfied that the room was not used much if the layer of dust on the desks was anything to go by, he erected a privacy ward and pulled out a chair for the younger boy.
"Let's not focus on what happened before," he suggested, much to the surprise of Charlie. "We could spend days talking about it but it won't change anything. What happened, happened and there's nothing we can say or do that will change that," he finished with a shrug.
Charlie swallowed deeply as he nodded his agreement.
"I'm still angry at them," he whispered, "all of them."
Harry chuckled slightly.
"As am I," he sighed, "but they are still your parents. Believe me, I know what it is like to lose them. They made a lot of mistakes but they did what they thought was right by you."
"But not you," Charlie returned heatedly.
Harry gave him a sad smile.
"And it's me that has to deal with that," he pointed out. "Trust me, Charlie, you don't want to have regrets where your parents are concerned."
Charlie shook his head.
"I don't think I can forgive them for it," he muttered.
"I'm not saying you have to," Harry said, "but you can move past it. I won't ever forgive what they did to me and I will never see them as my parents but they are still yours. They raised you, clothed you and fed you. I imagine they have both been there for you through everything?"
Charlie nodded begrudgingly.
"Then don't lose that because of what happened to me."
"I'll try," Charlie conceded unhappily.
"Good," Harry praised with a smile.
"I was always told you were a squib," Charlie spoke sadly after a moment of peaceful silence between the two.
"I was as good as," Harry sighed. "That all changed when I was seven. A complete accident," he explained.
"What happened?" Charlie asked eagerly.
"Nothing good," Harry replied. "I would have died if it weren't for Aunt Cassie, my father and Grandfather."
"Oh," Charlie returned dejectedly.
Harry frowned. Seeing his brother's expression Charlie shrugged.
"I thought you might know something to help me," he added. "I've had problems with my magic since that night. It's really weak and I have to weak and I have to wear this thing to help," he explained as he lifted his shirt, revealing his belt.
"What is that?"
"It helps me absorb ambient magic around the castle. It boosts my reserves so I can do magic without exhausting myself too much," he answered bitterly. "Sometimes, when it's low, Dad or Dumbledore have to put some into it too."
Harry inspected the impressive construct. Creating something such as this was no mean feat. He could read very few of the runes but could admit that workmanship of the device was very innovative. He frowned at the gently flickering lights.
"It's low now," he pointed out.
"Well, I'm not speaking to Dad or Dumbledore at the moment," Charlie reminded him sheepishly.
Harry could see how tired the boy appeared to be. The bags under his eyes were dark and his skin quite pale.
"Idiot," Harry muttered as he drew his wand. "How do they put their magic in?"
"That rune there," Charlie answered eying the wand warily as he pointed to the rune in question. "No, you don't have to," he sputtered as Harry placed the tip of his wand on it.
As his older brother pushed, he felt his magic wash over him all the way to the tips of his toes, warming and perking him up significantly. It felt like his father's in a way but completely different in others, much more comfortable also. It was stronger too and his body positively hummed as it was invigorated by the almost suffocating nature of what was being forced through him.
"Thank you," he offered gratefully when Harry withdrew his wand.
"Anytime," Harry responded with a smile, happy that the younger boy was looking much better already. "If you need it, you just have to ask. I've got enough," he explained with a shrug.
Charlie nodded and returned the smile warmly.
"How often do you have to do it?" Harry asked.
"Every few days or so, depending on how much magic I use," Charlie sighed unhappily.
"Well, I doubt that I can help much in the long term but I can help with that when you need." He frowned thoughtfully for a moment. "I can help show you some spells that don't require too much power if you like?"
Charlie nodded eagerly eliciting a chuckle from his brother.
"Leave it with me and I'll come up with something," he promised. "How about we do something fun? I don't think us sitting here moping about the past or our troubles is going to do either of us any good."
"Like what?"
"How about some flying? I doubt you could have escaped James' love of that your whole life."
Charlie's eyes lit up in excitement. He adored flying. It was one of the things he could do that did not drain his magic. It was his moments on a broom that gave him the most freedom. His mum was awful on one and the day he saw Dumbledore flying would be the day the man shaved his beard.
"Alright, I just need to get my broom," he declared as he almost sprinted from the room leaving behind an amused yet content Harry who watched him leave with a mix of relief and sympathy.
(BREAK)
"Where did you learn that spell?" Hermione questioned suspiciously.
"At school, of course," Leo replied as though it were obvious.
"What kind of school did you go to?" she followed up with a frown.
"Yeah, they don't teach us that kind of stuff here, mate," Ron broke in.
Leo smiled as he shook his head at them. The girl was rather invasive and the boy perhaps a little blunt but he liked them. He could see that they were protective of Harry's brother and both inquisitive in their own ways.
"I went to two different schools, one in Russia and one in Japan. After I blew up my orphanage through accidental magic, it was decided that I would do well at a Military Academy. Plus, I couldn't afford a school like this and I refused to take the money from the Blacks. They'd done enough for me," he explained.
"Orphanage?" Hermione asked sadly.
Leo shrugged.
"I was pulled from a building in Ireland during the last war as a baby. I didn't know who my parents were until recently. There were lots of kids like me just not many that destroyed half of their house," he finished with a snort.
"You must be powerful then," Ron interjected.
Leo shook his head.
"Not really," he denied, "I'm no slouch and I'm talented in battle magic and Transfiguration but Harry is the one to talk to about power. You put a wand in his hand and I doubt you'll find many that can do what he can."
"How did you actually meet him then?" Ron asked.
Leo chuckled.
"It wasn't long after the orphanage incident. They sent me to a specialist to see if he could help with my magical control. He was a nice fella but couldn't help me as much as I needed. One day, Harry turns up with Sirius and Cassie for the same reason and we've been friends since. Cassie took pity on me and spent two years teaching me Occlumency to help with my control and we've just spent every holiday together and some of each school year."
"But, aren't they evil?" Ron questioned in a whisper.
"Not at all. I owe them everything I have. Cassie didn't have to help me but she did for whatever reason," Leo shrugged. "Don't get me wrong, you don't want upset any of them, especially old Arcturus but they've been good to me. Cassie is the closest thing I had to a parent, in her own strange way."
"I'm sorry about your parents. I know what it's like to lose someone," Ron replied.
"I never knew them," Leo returned evenly. "Most of us lost people during the war, I guess that's one of the reasons why I went to Military schools. If I can stop someone having to be in an orphanage because of war, then I will."
"My uncles died during the war but we lost my sister in my second year," Ron explained.
"Oh, sorry little red, I didn't know that," Leo offered sincerely. "What happened?"
"S'okay," Ron mumbled. "We don't really know. Dumbledore told us she had been possessed and died because of it."
Leo sighed as he shook his head.
"I won't pretend I know how that feels. Harry is the closest thing I have to a brother and I can only guess how much it would hurt if I lost him."
Ron nodded.
"It is getting better but mum, dad and the rest of us find it hard. She was the only girl."
"And I bet she had you all wrapped around her little finger," Leo chuckled causing a smile to form on the younger boys' face.
"Dad, Bill and Charlie, she did," he agreed. "Fred and George were a little scared of her when she lost her temper and she annoyed me most of the time. I still miss her though."
Leo nodded sympathetically.
"And what would she say to you if she was stood here right now?"
Ron frowned.
"She'd probably tell me I was a stupid git and to cheer up," he sighed.
Leo laughed heartily.
"You loved her and she annoyed you but I'd bet my life that she loved you just as much. You were her big brother, your supposed to annoy each other. It's not easy but try and remember the good times you did have. You won't ever get over it but you won't forget her either," he advised, placing a comforting hand on Ron's shoulder.
The redhead nodded.
Hermione looked between the pair with a watery smile. Ron had struggled a lot with Ginny's death and had refused to speak to anyone about it. The rest of the family had been stuck in their own grief understandably and Ron had been somewhat ignored. Fred and George had each other, Bill and Charlie were away and Percy was a useless prat at best.
"What about you?" Ron questioned. "What do you think your parents would say?"
Hermione fought the urge to facepalm but Leo adopted a thoughtful look, unbothered by the question.
"I'd like to think that my father would tell me he was proud of me and that my mum would kick my arse for all the trouble I caused," he responded with a grin. "Aye, that's probably what she'd do."
Ron's face lit up with a grin of his own before he laughed.
"Now, enough of the depressing stuff. Cast the spell," Leo instructed.
Ron concentrated and waved his wand as he muttered the incantation.
Leo felt himself pulled towards the girl and their forearms locked together as both their wands flew towards the elated redhead.
"Not bad at all," Leo praised. "I couldn't pick a better prison buddy if I tried," he added with a wink to a blushing Hermione. "Your brothers won't be able to reverse it unless they know the counter curse or can use your wand."
Ron smirked happily, already planning on when he would get some revenge on the twins for the years of torture they had put him through.
"Let's see if you can do it too," Leo suggested to Hermione. "It's a useful spell to know."
The trio worked together on the spell and a few others for a while until an irritated Cassiopeia found them and put an end to the activity.
"Mistress," Leo greeted her with a bow.
"None of that," Cassie said dismissively. "Lucius Malfoy is in Dumbledore's office and is demanding your presence."
Leo's eyes narrowed, his genial demeanour slipping as he leered in response.
"Sorry guys, looks like I have someone else's balls to give a little pinch to," he quipped. "Lead the way, my lady."
Cassie shook her head but couldn't hide her smile. The fact that the boy was not afraid of Malfoy would serve him well and she doubted that Lucius knew exactly what was coming for him. Still, he was still her apprentice and it was her responsibility to ensure that he did not provoke the man too much, though she could not see how that was avoidable. Malfoy was a scumbag and just the mere sight of him was enough to provoke anyone.
"I'd best send for Arcturus too," she sighed.
Ron and Hermione looked on worriedly. Draco was a nuisance around the school spouting off his rubbish about his father all the time, but Lucius Malfoy was known to be a dangerous and savvy man.
"Do you think he'll be okay?" Hermione questioned.
Ron shrugged.
"I don't know but it would be cool to see what happens."
Hermione shook her head.
"Trust Ron to be so dense about the situation," she grumbled internally.
(BREAK)
Lucius Malfoy was livid. The letter he had received from his son had informed him of the attack upon his person by another visiting student and Lucius could not allow such a thing to pass without repercussion for the individual. He was a Malfoy and attack on his son was an attack on him and that was unacceptable. He had seethed for the past few days pondering on what he should do. He knew that his son could be overly dramatic at times so he had taken it upon himself to speak to Draco's housemates and they had all said the same thing; the boy had cast a spell that could have ended his line if it weren't for the intervention of the professor. Having heard enough, he had made his way to Dumbledore's office and demanded the culprit be brought to him.
The old man had attempted platitudes but Lucius had insisted. He wanted the boy punished and he would gladly do it himself if necessary. The headmaster had summoned an elf and given it some whispered instructions.
"May I offer you some tea, Lord Malfoy?" the man offered cordially.
Lucius fought back his sneer as he shook his head, remaining seated until the door began to open admitting a well-built young man.
"Is this him?" Lucius ground out.
Dumbledore sighed and nodded.
The Malfoy patriarch stalked towards the boy and halted in his steps as a familiar woman entered behind him, a woman he had not seen since his wedding day. This was an unexpected and vey unwelcome development.
"I understand that you have a grievance to air with my apprentice, Lucius," Cassiopeia stated.
Lucius swallowed nervously but steeled his resolve.
"This boy attacked my heir," he spat. "I demand that he be punished."
Cassiopeia raised a delicate eyebrow in response.
"You demand nothing of the Blacks," She corrected angrily.
"That boy is not a Black," Lucius countered evenly.
"True," Cassie conceded. "Did you harm the Malfoy Heir, Leo?"
The boy had the temerity to grin.
"Aye, I cursed the cowardly little shite," he confirmed with a shrug.
"Ahh," Cassie sighed, "and why did you do it?"
"It doesn't matter why," Lucius hissed.
The boy lost his composure, his nostrils flaring as he clenched his fist.
"You should be thanking me for what I did, Malfoy," he growled.
"For attacking my son?" Lucius bit back. "I think not."
The boy sneered at him before relaxing considerably, seemingly unworried about his actions.
"Do you even know what the moron did?"
"He was having a disagreement with the errant Potter boy and you attacked him," Lucius spat.
Leo barked out a short laugh as his grin returned.
"No," he denied as he stepped closer to the man, "your idiot offspring declared himself the Heir Black, some would construe that as line theft. Not only that, he then attempted to curse the rightful Heir from behind. Had I not intervened when I did, you would have needed a mop to clean up what would have been left of your son because I can assure you, Harry would have giving him much more than the warning he got from me. So yes, Malfoy, you should be thanking me for saving your spawns life," he finished the two now almost nose to nose.
Lucius swallowed deeply. Had it not been for Cassiopeia being present, he would have dismissed the boys' claim as falsehood. He cursed the foolishness of his son. The boy knew the power the Blacks wielded and he had not only provoked their ire but may well have cost his own family dearly. His own marriage to Narcissa would only protect him so much after all.
He stepped back, uncomfortable with the closeness of the boy who still was unfazed by him and began desperately thinking of a way to mitigate what his son had done only for such thoughts to leave his mind as a loud knock echoed throughout the office.
"Come in," Dumbledore called, his own twinkling eyes appearing to be amused by the situation.
Lucius audibly swallowed as Arcturus Black entered. The man had always been intimidating and even in his advanced years that effect had not dwindled.
"I understand that there is an issue between our houses that must be resolved," he stated as he took a seat, his grey eyes boring into Lucius' blue ones. "What problem could cause you to dare approach my family in such a way, Lucius?" he questioned dangerously.
"I believe it has been solved, Arcturus," Cassiopeia broke in, "and I believe Lucius was just about to offer a significant monetary reward to Leo for saving his son's life. I'd say one hundred thousand Galleons would suffice, don't you agree, Lucius," she asked with a predatory grin.
Lucius was furious but knew that he had been beaten. Such a sum of money was trivial to him and if it put an end to the matter, then it could only be a positive thing for him. The boy however, he would get what he deserved one way or the other. Accidents could be arranged at a later date of course.
He gave a stiff nod of compliance.
"Wow, that is very generous of you, Mr Malfoy," Leo replied mockingly. "Maybe I could save it again someday, or even your own. I wonder how much you value your own life?" he questioned, the threat in his voice poorly concealed.
Lucius' lip curled in distaste. The boy would have to be dealt with if he believed he could threaten him in any way. His hand twitched towards wand only to find himself staring down the shaft of one that had been pointed in his face.
"Do it," the boy almost pleaded, all signs of humour now absent. "There's no mask or a master to hide behind for you anymore, Malfoy. Let's see if you've got the balls to actually draw your wand on someone that will fight back."
Lucius was taken aback by the response and a little unnerved himself by the feral look in his eyes.
"Scared?" the boy dared goad him. "Don't worry, they won't intervene."
"That is enough," Dumbledore interjected angrily. "The issue has been resolved, there is no need to provoke it further."
Leo gave Lucius a final glare as he sheathed his wand and left the office.
"You will pay the money directly into the Black accounts, Lucius," Arcturus instructed. "And do have a word with your son. It seems that he needs educating on handling interactions with his betters."
Lucius gritted his teeth as he nodded.
"Oh, and Lucius," Arcturus spoke again, "if you decide to take issue with my family again, I will personally take pleasure in ending the Malfoy line, do you understand?"
Lucius nodded again, not at all happy with the results of his venture here. Without bidding farewell, he swiftly exited the office, avoiding the smug grin of Cassiopeia and the glare from Arcturus.
"He is quite the young man," Dumbledore spoke after a moment. "Standing up to Lucius as he did is rather impressive."
"He's hot-headed," Arcturus corrected irritably. "But a good kid."
Cassiopeia nodded her agreement.
"A credit to me," she added with a warm smile.
Dumbledore nodded. He had received his educational transcript and was admittedly satisfied with the results. His schooling had been somewhat different than standard but he had indeed proven himself. Unsurprising if one were to be accepted by Cassiopeia Black as an apprentice.
(BREAK)
Having spent most of the afternoon with Harry flying and eating dinner with Ron and Hermione who had regaled him with the tale of their own afternoon, Charlie arrived at the door to his mothers' quarters and knocked gently, still unsure on what he wanted to say to her.
The door opened to reveal his father in his auror robes wearing a look of surprise.
"You know you don't have to knock, son," he chided lightly.
Charlie shrugged as he entered the room and took a seat on one of the sofas.
"Who is it, James," the voice of Lily called from the bedroom.
"It's Charlie," James confirmed a little nervously.
Only a moment later, Lily entered the room, her emerald orbs settling on her fidgety son.
"Charlie," she breathed as she approached and pulled him into a tight hug.
The teen returned it with only a little hesitation and gave his mother a half-smile as she pulled away.
"Does this mean you are talking to us again?" Lily asked worriedly.
Charlie sighed deeply as he dragged a hand through his hair.
"Harry said I should."
"Harry?" James questioned. "You spoke to him?"
The smile that adorned Charlie's face this time was genuine as he nodded.
"We went flying and he even put magic into my belt," he explained happily, lifting his shirt to show them. "He said he's going to teach me some magic that I can use without tiring myself out too," he added excitedly.
"Oh, I'm so pleased for you," Lily replied, her eyes brimming with tears.
"I'm still angry with you," Charlie bit back, "but Harry said that we should move past it. He said that he has," he finished with a shrug.
Both James and Lily visibly deflated.
"How is he?" James asked tentatively.
"He's really nice," Charlie answered, a smile forming on his face once more. "He told me that he remembered feeding me when I was a baby and that I cried a lot."
James chuckled.
"Milk everywhere," he sighed. "I'd give anything to have that back."
"I don't think he'll forgive you," Charlie responded sadly. "I can't say I blame him."
"No, we don't either," Lily whispered.
"It doesn't mean we will give up," James declared. "He may not see us as his parents but we are still family. There's not many of us Potters left as it is."
Charlie nodded.
"I will try to help but I won't do anything that will make him turn away from me. I know you're both sorry but what you did was unforgivable. I wouldn't be able to if I was him."
Lily nodded her understanding.
"We will all try," she assured her youngest son. "If there's any chance of anything then we will take it."
(BREAK)
Harry could not help but laugh at the scene he walked in on. His father was crouched behind the sofa pleading with an irate Tonks who was firing spell after spell in his direction.
"Say it," she demanded.
"Tonks," Sirius yelped as a stinging hex hit him on the rear. "Bloody hell, Harry. Help me."
Harry shook his head in amusement.
"You got yourself in this mess," he stated with a shrug.
"I'm your father," Sirius tried weakly.
"And I'm sure Nymphadora won't kill you," Harry returned with a grin.
"How come he can say it?" Sirius shouted, offended that his son was getting away with the same offense unscathed.
"Because of this," Tonks ground out as she fired a spell towards Harry, only for it to be deflected back to her quicker than she could block it. "Now, for every time he says it, I will curse you, Sirius," she declared as she hit him with another hex to turn his pink.
"For the love of Merlin, Harry, just say it properly," he begged.
Harry sighed as he approached the auror and took her wrist in his grip and lowered her wand.
"I think he's had enough, Tonks," he conceded.
The woman narrowed her eyes at him and stuck her nose in the air as he nodded.
"That's better," she huffed causing Harry to grin as she took a seat.
"You're a bloody menace, woman," Sirius growled as he rubbed his posterior. "What's the big deal about using your name?"
Tonks simply pointed her wand at him and the man scarpered into his room and slammed the door behind him.
"He does have a point," Harry broke in. "Your name isn't horrible."
"You better watch it, Harry," Tonks threatened as she waved her wand under his nose causing him to raise an eyebrow at her. She sighed knowing he was not at all intimidated by her and put it back up her sleeve. "It's not so difficult to work out. Just imagine the kind of jokes that can be made from it," she urged bitterly.
"Ah," Harry deadpanned after a moment of thought. "Sorry."
Tonks waved him off.
"Only my parents can get away with using my name."
"And me," Harry quipped as he nudged her with his shoulder.
Tonks glared at him but couldn't prevent the smile that formed.
"One of these days I'll figure out a way of getting you," she vowed.
"And until then, I will get away with it for free," Harry replied as he stretched casually.
Tonks sighed and shook her head.
"If it really bothers you, I won't call you it," he promised.
"Thank you," she huffed, sincerely relieved that he would respect her wishes.
"How was your day?" he questioned.
"It was fine until I got here," Tonks grumbled.
"Is my company that bad?" Harry returned in mock horror.
"It's not so bad," she answered with a grin. "Better than his," she added as she jabbed her thumb in the direction of the door that Sirius disappeared through.
"Well, I guess you'll only be coming here to see me from now on," Harry stated with a wink.
Tonks nodded.
"Maybe," she replied airily. "Maybe I won't bother anymore," she countered.
Harry narrowed his eyes at her, eliciting an uncharacteristic giggle.
"Are you ready for the tournament?"
Harry huffed lightly.
"I just want it to be over with," he sighed. "If they told me I could leave, I'd be gone tonight."
Tonks frowned slightly before smirking.
"Then you wouldn't get to see me anymore," she pointed out as she ruffled his hair.
"There is that," he conceded sincerely. "I'd miss you a little I suppose."
"You'd better miss me more than that," Tonks warned.
The two had spent quite a lot of time together over the past week and had become quite friendly. For Harry, she was a breath of fresh air and gave him respite from the seriousness of why he was here. She was fun to be around. Leo was busy most of the time with Aunt Cassie and Tonks was, just Tonks. There was no baggage to being around her and he was slowly getting used to her ever-changing appearance.
"Yeah, I guess I would miss you more than a little" he sighed.
Tonks simply grinned triumphantly.
She was becoming fond of the boy, much to her surprise. He was much more serious than she was but he had a mischievous side to him too that always managed to catch her off guard. The thing that mattered to her above all else was that he tried to deal with his discomfort around her and was always respectful. Not once had he asked her to demonstrate her talents and never commented on any changes she made. She felt as though she could be herself around him and had even transformed herself to appear as ludicrous of possible to see how far she could push before he commented. He never did. Occasionally he would give her an odd glance and then shake it off, even when she had spent time with him sporting a bald head, he remained unfazed and commented on how 'bold' she was for her choice of the day.
She had laughed at the joke and the two had spent time together as normal, despite the lingering trepidation she felt that he was simply shrugging off even her most daring, unattractive and ridiculous forms.
Still, not once had he commented nor requested anything from her, and for that alone, he had her admiration and she could not help but respect him. Anyone else would have made demands, asked what her limits were and even attempt to talk her into transforming into something else entirely, usually desirable to them.
But not Harry. Harry had proven himself to be one of a kind and that made her comfortable around him, something that Nymphadora Tonks had only felt around her parents.
"He must be completely disinterested in women or just disinterested in such things," she mused internally.
It mattered not to her. Harry was a good guy and she simply enjoyed being around someone she could be herself with, without the fear that her abilities would be commented on or exploited.
(BREAK)
"Are you ready for today?" Sirius questioned Harry. The enquiry itself was innocent and asked casually but there was no denying the tension that had settled over the Black entourage.
"As ready as I can be," Harry answered darkly.
He was not one to let his nerves get the better of him and was well versed in concealing what he felt. Truth be told, he was terrified, only a fool would not be when the immediate future entailed facing a behemoth but he refused to show it. He forced the fear as far down as he could and steeled himself using his occlumency to its' full potential.
Much to his relief, the reporter had taken his Father's words to heart and had barely even acknowledge him during the article printed in the paper following the wand weighing and even the masses within the school had soon stopped the infernal whispering that followed him whenever he left the Black quarters.
He had made it abundantly clear from the start that he had no wish to mix with them and that he would be leaving the moment the tournament was concluded.
He would miss his brother and even Tonks, the latter having wheedled that particular admission from him. Other than that, he could see no reason why he would remain. He would continue to spend time with both whilst he was here but he was already looking forward to the day he could return home, never to grace Britain with his presence again.
Today was the first step towards that.
"Come on, Kiddo, it's 10:30," Sirius announced, "time to go."
Harry stood and adjusted his dragonhide trousers before slipping a matching pair of boots on. Arcturus had retrieved them from the Black vault along with a long-sleeved top and mask to complete the set. It would not prevent him from being immolated but it was still very good protection.
Harry led the group of Sirius, Aunt Cassie, Arcturus and Leo from the room and through the castle, his outfit and presence causing quite the stir amongst the students assembled in the Entrance Hall. Ignoring the pointing and whispers, he exited into the grounds and begun mentally preparing himself as he made his way to the champions tent.
"Remember what I said, Harry," Arcturus interrupted his thoughts as they arrived. "You do whatever necessary to survive this. Do not worry about any potential fallout. Your life is worth more than anyone else's. You are the Heir of Black," the old man reminded him, gripping his shoulders tightly. "Remind those beneath us why it is we stand above them."
Harry swallowed deeply and nodded receiving a ghost of a smile from his grandfather.
Leo stepped forward next foregoing usual social decorum and pulling him into a tight embrace. He said nothing but gave him a nod of encouragement.
Cassie surprised him by following suit and gave him a gentle kiss on the cheek followed by a wink.
His father was a different matter entirely. Gone was the composed man that he had shared breakfast not fifteen minutes ago. Sirius was pale, his grey eyes etched with worry.
"After everything we've been through, Harry, this should be easy," he said with a weak smile. "I believe in you and I love you, son. Just come back to us, no matter what."
Harry pulled the man into his arms and revelled in the warmth of him. Out of them all, his father had been the one to always pick up the pieces, the one to be there for him when he needed it most and the one that had saved his life more than once. The others had been there but his father was always first and always would be.
"I will," he vowed before turning and entering the tent.
The three other champions had arrived before him and were each dealing with their nervousness in their own way. Krum was sat in a chair, his eyes closed with only his stiff posture indicating the tension he was experiencing. Diggory had sequestered himself in one of the corners. As pale as a ghost, he was mumbling under his breath various incantations and shaking his head before moving on to another series of spells. The French champion had taken a more restless approach and was pacing frantically back and forth, her wand already in hand.
Harry simply shook his head and leaned the small of his back against a table before crossing his arms and waited for the arrival of the judges.
They entered shortly after himself, led by Dumbledore, the usual twinkle in his eye as prominent as ever as he looked upon the champions. Harry shot the man a glare as Ludo Bagman cleared his throat, his usual boyish grin fixed firmly on his face.
"Good morning," he greeted them, trembling in a glee that was not reciprocated. "I bet you are all eager to see what your first task is?"
The frosty reception he received caused his face to fall and he faltered for a moment before his grin was back in place.
"Well, what you will face is in this bag," he explained as he waved a small, red velvet pouch at them. "Your task is to simply retrieve the Golden Egg. Points will be awarded based on the effectiveness of the magic you use, how well you prevent damage caused to the other eggs and of course damage to yourself."
To Harry, it made the task no less dangerous but more so. Dragons themselves were not amiable creatures, nesting mothers were another thing entirely.
He cursed under his breath as Bagman offered the bag to the French champion first. Things had certainly taken an unexpected turn.
"The welsh green," Bagman announced dramatically.
The lack of surprise on Delacour's face told him that she already knew what to expect and as Diggory and Krum pulled their own, it was clear they knew also. Seeing that they had pulled the Swedish Short-Snout and Chinese Fireball respectively, it left only one for himself, the biggest of the four and the most difficult to handle.
He had researched each of the breeds to find their weaknesses. Dragons as whole had very few but he had formulated a plan for each of them though the Horntail was the one he was least certain of and the one that posed the most risk.
Had he drawn the Short-Snout or the Fireball, there was a chance that he could converse with them in Parseltongue, for what good that would do when dealing with an irate, protective mother with her clutch of eggs. Failing that, the Fireball was the smallest and could potentially be subdued with transfigured bindings. The Short-Snout was quite bulky and slower than the other three but the glands in its' mouth were a weakness. If he could damage those, it would take away the ability to breath fire and lesson the danger somewhat.
The Horntails weakness was similar but much riskier. It could shoot a jet of flame over fifty feet. Accuracy from outside that range was difficult at best but he would have to work with it. Other than this, there was no weakness other than the eyes and attacking them would send it into a rage, potentially damaging the eggs and making the beast unpredictable.
He shook his head at the enormity of the task ahead. The other champions had drawn the easier options, though no less dangerous if they did not handle it correctly.
The judges left the tent soon after and took Diggory with them.
Harry noted that he would be last and decided that he would attempt to settle himself and ponder anything else that would help him.
Disillusioning himself would be pointless. The eyesight of the Horntail would still see him and even a scent-masking charm would be of little else; their sense of smell was exceedingly strong.
He sighed as he shook his head knowing that he would have to incapacitate the creature at the very least. Not something he would willingly walk into, but now that he found himself here, he would give no quarter.
He was a Black and he would prove himself worthy of the name.
(BREAK)
The three Potters took seats amongst the Gryffindor students, each of them silent amidst the chattering students, fearful of what Harry was to face. The organizers had kept the content of the tasks to themselves and the topic of discussion around them was focused on what they would bear witness to.
"What do you think it could be?" Lily questioned as she surveyed the rocky terrain below.
"I don't know," James muttered, "but I don't think it's anything good."
The cacophony of noise in the stadium was drowned out by an almighty roar and the revellers fell silent as a dragon was lured into the enclosure. The handlers hurried away the moment the beast was in position.
"Dragons?" Lily hissed, her eyes bulging.
James shook his head and closed and closed his own as he mothed a silent prayer.
Charlie simply whimpered as he looked between his parents desperately feeling just as hopeless.
"Ladies and Gentlemen," the voice of Ludo Bagman boomed. "Welcome to the first task of the Tri-wizard Tournament."
There was no applause as the crowd looked on in a mix of shock and awe.
"Each of our champions will enter the arena and face a dragon of their own," he continued. "Their task is to retrieve the golden egg that can be seen in the nest, so without further ado, let us begin. Please welcome first, representing Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, CEDRIC DIGGORY."
The boy entered visibly shaking and pale.
James took his wife's hand in his own and pulled his youngest son closer, arm circling firmly around his shoulders.
For all of them, it was much worse than they could have imagined.
"If anything happens to Harry, then I will destroy them all," he growled, his eyes blazing in the direction of the judges.
(BREAK)
"I thought he was joking," Tonks heaved, her breathing frantic, skin pulled tight over the knuckles of her hands as she gripped the front of the barricade herself, the Blacks and Leo were behind.
"Joking about what?" Sirius questioned.
"He asked me if I knew any way to take down a dragon," she answered, her eyes filled with worry.
Sirius chuckled humourlessly.
"Some would think you actually care," he offered.
Tonks scowled at him.
"Not the time for joking, Sirius."
"Think of it as revenge for the name thing," the man mumbled.
"I wanted to hurt him not see him dead," Tonks seethed.
"Calm down," Leo broke in, his own composure slipping, "you're becoming hysterical."
"I am not," the metamorph denied furiously, her hair changing from blue to a vibrant red.
The Calming Charm Sirius cast only settled her a little. She fidgeted with her hands as she watched the Diggory boy transfiguring boulders into dogs, hoping that would distract the dragon, her heart racing as she panicked about seeing Harry in the same situation.
"Just breathe, Nymphadora," Arcturus advised.
The woman frowned but nodded gratefully. Her great grandfather nor Cassiopeia had acknowledged her existence at all before now, the banishment of her mother from the Black family applying to her also apparently, and she wasn't about to attempt to curse the man for using her name. Her mother had spoken of him and his skill with a wand and she was not about to put that reputation to the test. Not only would she have him to deal with, her mother's ire would be next despite her status amongst them.
She took a deep breath to steady herself, her eyes transfixed on the monster attempting to reduce Diggory to naught but a pile of ash.
(BREAK)
Harry had abandoned all pretence of being calm. He watched as each champion left and listened to the cheering of the crowd as they managed to claim their prize, all of them taking a considerable amount of time. By the time Krum had left, he had assumed Delacour's place, frantically pacing backwards and forwards, the adrenaline pumping through his veins in waves.
He heard the announcement that the Bulgarian had secured his egg and gave his equipment a final check before slipping on the dragon hide mask. It covered the entirety of his neck and face leaving only his eyes and top of his head unprotected by the thick but light armour.
"An excellent show by the Durmstrang Champion," Bagman declared over the applause of the audience. "And finally allow me to give you, representing the House of Black, our fourth champion, HARRY BLACK," Bagman announced.
Harry flicked his wand into his hand as he entered the enclosure, the applause much more subdued than for the other champions. He cared not. He was not here for their entertainment nor adulation; he was here to survive primarily and cement his own legacy too.
Gazing upon the beast in front of him only served to increase his adrenaline levels. She was enormous, her snarling maw revealing two rows of teeth, each one larger than him but it was her eyes he was firmly fixed on; two pools of amber lava that promised him nothing but pain.
He took a step forward only for a gout of flame to be sent his way. He felt the searing heat as he dived behind a nearby boulder cursing under his breath as a portion of the armour on his left shoulder and neck bubbled under the heat and the smell of singed hair fill his nostrils.
"Shit," he cursed as he doused himself in water, the boiling garment sending up a cloud of steam as it cooled. Thankfully, his skin had only been tinged a pinkish colour; the armour had done its' job but the flames of the dragon had left some gaping holes in it.
He growled under his breath and had no doubt that his eyes were now an emerald inferno that would rival the beast. The dragon was rightfully angry but now so was he.
His breathing quickened and nostrils flared as he stepped from behind his shelter to face his foe head on, any notion of preserving the eggs or the dragon well and truly forgotten.
(BREAK)
Tonks balked and her legs almost collapsed under her at the sight of the final dragon being coaxed into the arena. The three others had been terrifying enough, but this, this was a monster unto itself.
"He's facing that?" she uttered weakly.
"He'll be okay," Leo comforted her as best he could though his own countenance was shaky.
Tonks shook her head, worrying her lip as her hair cycled between a myriad of colours. She watched as Harry entered the enclosure. At first, nothing happened and an anticipatory silence fell as the young man and dragon stared at one another, seemingly sizing each other up.
She screamed and covered her eyes as the beast released a stream of fire towards Harry and began trembling uncontrollably, the fear she felt becoming too much to handle.
She felt a shaking hand come to rest on her shoulder and found herself face to face with an equally concerned Sirius.
"He's okay," he assured her, his grip tightening slightly.
"I don't think I can watch this," she whispered.
Sirius nodded as he wrapped an arm around her.
"I can't either," he admitted, "but I can't not."
She forced herself to look as the crowd cheered at Harry emerging from behind the boulder he had sought refuge behind, the gaps in his armour visible and eyes alight with a green fire that would render most petrified. She marvelled at the fortitude he was showing in the face of adversity. Where others would have given-up he was choosing to persevere.
"Why doesn't he just quit?" she asked frantically.
"Harry doesn't quit," Leo answered with a shake of his head.
"He's a Black," Arcturus declared proudly as Harry raised his wand and transfigured the two largest boulders on the field into gargantuan serpents that immediately began slithering towards the dragon, garnering its' attention.
The dragon breathed fire at the constructs only for them to continue towards it, undamaged by the flames. The creature roared furiously as it swiped at one with his spiked tail, the roar turning into a screech of pain as the snake struck and latched onto the flailing limb. It begun winding itself around the rear of the dragon's body as the second one bit into its' neck and constricted around the wings and torso.
The giant reptile fought ferociously against them but was eventually pulled to the ground where it continued its' futile struggle under the efforts to subdue it.
Tonks breathed a sigh of relief as Harry approached the nest, the monster finally stilled having seemingly been squeezed unconscious by the two serpents. Her sigh however quickly gave way to a scream of horror as the dragon's eyes opened and it fought with renewed vigour, its' eyes glaring unwaveringly at the teen only feet away.
With a roar of biblical proportions, it prepared to release a gout of flame as it broke free from the bindings securing the rear of its' body.
Harry quickly fired two spells into the open mouth of the monster that stalled its' attempt but he was not quick enough to avoid the sweeping tail. It crashed into his left side and sent him sprawling a dozen feet away as the dragon continued to scream in agony.
"HARRY," Tonks screamed, her stare fixed on his unmoving form.
"What the hell is happening to the dragon?" Cassiopeia questioned.
Tonks sobbed as Harry slowly pushed himself gingerly to his feet and glared at the screeching beasts that had wounded him. Only then did she turn her attention to the dragon, her hand covering her mouth as it burst into flames from the inside out.
A shocked silence fell upon the crowd as they watched the magnificent creature smoulder under its' own fire becoming nothing but a blackened husk, emitting a final pained cry before it fell still once more.
Tonks had been enthralled by the sight of the dragon in morbid curiosity and had not noticed Harry leaving the arena. Shaking herself from her stupor, she was the first to exit and headed towards the medical tent, the almost inaudible announcement that the judges would be taking a recess to discuss the development before giving their verdict ringing in her ears.
(BREAK)
Harry limped into the tent with the egg secured under his arm, his breathing laboured and right arm dangling uselessly at his side. The pink skinned burned uncomfortably as he dropped his prize onto one of the beds and turned to be faced four different looks of fear and shock by the champions and the Hogwarts matron.
"I could really use some assistance," he gritted out.
His outburst spurred the woman into action and she approached, casting an array of diagnosis charms on him as she did so. Harry collapsed onto the bed, exhausted as he tried to steady his breathing, ignoring his fellow competitors.
"A broken arm, four broken ribs, a punctured lung and some minor burns," the healer reeled off as she began producing several potions. "Drink these and get lots of rest," she instructed as she began slathering a foul-smelling paste onto his damaged skin.
Harry nodded and downed the concoctions, the pressure in his chest lifting soon after leaving behind a dull ache.
He grunted in pain when the woman set his left arm with a flick of her wand and finished by bandaging it and placing it in a sling.
"You should consider yourself very lucky," she sighed. "You'll be as good as new in a few days so long as you apply the ointment every few hours."
"Thank you," Harry replied gratefully.
The woman shook her head in exasperation and went to tend to the other champions as she muttered under her breath.
His respite lasted only a few moments after he closed his eyes by the flap of the tent opening and a very flustered Tonks entered. She stormed towards him and almost threw herself in his arms.
"Are you going to be okay? Is it really bad?" she questioned as she forcefully gave him her own examination.
"I will be if you don't undo the fine work that the healer has done," he chuckled.
She had the decency to look abashed as she unhanded him and gave him a stern glare.
"I see you didn't get a brain injury. Still the same annoying git," she huffed.
"Aww Nymphadora, you wouldn't have me any other way," he returned with a grin.
"Idiot," she grumbled as her eyes filled with tears, the emotions of the day overwhelming her.
"Why are you crying?" Harry questioned with a frown.
"I'm not," she denied vehemently, swiping at her eyes angrily.
"Admit it, you'd miss me just as much as I'd miss you."
Tonks shook her head.
"Don't joke about it. You almost died," she growled as a fresh wave of tears fell despite her wish to stem them.
"I'm sorry," Harry replied as he took her hand and gave her a smile.
"You will be," she promised with a glare. "Nobody has gotten away with making me cry since I was at school and you won't be the first," she finished, prodding him sharply in the chest.
Harry chuckled as the pair were interrupted by the arrival of the rest of the Blacks. Tonks stepped away as Sirius approached and pulled him into a gentle hug.
"You're okay?" he whispered emotionally.
Harry nodded.
"I'm fine, Dad, I just need some rest."
Sirius smiled.
"Good. I'm so proud of you," he mumbled
"As are we all," Arcturus interjected. "You conducted yourself as a true Black, Harry. I can't give you higher praise than that."
Harry smiled at the words.
"A bloody close thing though," Leo sighed. "What the hell happened to the dragon?"
"A question we would all like an answer to." the stern voice of Dumbledore broke in as the five judges entered the tent, all of whom sported severe expressions.
"The dragon tried to kill me, I got it first," Harry answered simply, his eyes blazing at the intrusion.
"And how did you achieve such a feat, Mr Black?" Crouch spat.
"The two glands in the mouth that release the flammable liquid, I hit them with Rupturing Curses," he explained with a shrug. "It must have tried to breathe fire as it was going down its' throat."
Crouch shook his head and sighed as Dumbledore and Bagman looked at him in disappointment.
"Borderline but not illegal," Crouch muttered. "Do you mind if we check your wand to confirm it?"
"Only if I can keep hold of it," Harry returned firmly.
Crouch nodded his agreement as he cast the priori incantatem on the wand, nodding in satisfaction as the last spells cast were revealed.
"It is as he says," he confirmed.
"Surely it is still against the rules," Bagman broke in. "He killed the dragon."
Crouch shook his head.
"The same rules apply to if a champion is killed. The Ministry is not liable in such an event and the competitor is not punished should any creatures be maimed or killed during the competition," he explained.
"I must express my disappointment," Dumbledore sighed.
"You have no right to express anything, Dumbledore," Arcturus responded angrily.
"Harry used Dark Magic during the event," Dumbledore tried.
Arcturus was primed to retaliate but was beaten to it by a fuming Harry who stood and stalked towards the man, pausing only a few inches away.
"Don't dare start spouting your shit about what you deem to be Dark Magic," he hissed. "I am not here for glory or the prize of a thousand Galleons. I did not enter this tournament in case you in your senile mind forgot."
He took a breath, not breaking eye contact with the surprised older man.
"I can spend a thousand Galleons and forget about it in the next five minutes and I could have come forward any time and told my story but I never did. I don't want any of this so please, go ahead and disqualify so I can go home and away from you, you narrowminded fossil."
Those gathered in the tent watched the altercation with mixed levels of interest.
"I wasn't suggesting that we punish you," Dumbledore sighed tiredly, "merely pointing out that the magic you used was unsavoury."
Harry chuckled darkly.
"I will do whatever I have to to survive this farce of a tournament and if I have to compete, then you shower of bastards had better get used to it."
Dumbledore shook his head, gesturing for the other judges to follow him as he exited the tent.
"Fucking goat," Harry spat distastefully.
The other champions, the matron and Tonks stared at him in shock after his tirade had finished.
"Though I don't entirely approve of your language, you handled that remarkably well," Arcturus offered with a slight bow.
"I'm sorry," Harry sighed, "but it needed to be said."
"Should have cursed the bastard," Leo muttered disappointedly.
"Why do you hate Dumbledore so much?" Tonks asked with a frown.
"Because he's a hypocrite and a scumbag," Harry answered. "Now if you don't mind, I really need to get some sleep."
He climbed into bed and pulled the duvet over his head, shutting himself away from the world. He felt good for finally shouting at the man but it did nothing to abate the anger he felt towards him.
The rest of the group exited the tent, pondering the events of the day.
"Why does he hate Dumbledore?" Tonks whispered to Sirius.
She knew that the man was loved by many and disliked by others, her mother included but she didn't understand why. He had always been nice from what she knew of him and had sacrificed a lot for the good of the people.
Sirius sighed.
"Has Harry told you about his time with his muggle relative?"
Tonks shook her head.
"Then it's not my place to say but every bad thing that happened to him can be linked directly to the interfering old git."
The metamorph was confused. Harry was usually easy-going when he wasn't so serious. He didn't harbour strong feelings from what she had seen so Dumbledore must have done something significant for the boy to hold on to so much hate towards him. She knew that he was estranged from his parents and hadn't once mentioned them in her presence.
She sighed as she followed the Blacks towards the castle.
It was not in her nature to pry so she would wait until Harry was comfortable explaining everything to her, if he would. Right now, she was simply content that he had survived the task and would be okay.
Such a thought brought a relieved smile to her face as her own exhaustion began to settle in. The day had been trying and the only thing she now desired was a hot bath and her bed.
First thing in the morning, she fully intended on being in the hospital wing to make sure that Harry was behaving himself and resting as he should be.
(BREAK)
"A forty-five is a good score," James commented, as the Potters exited the arena.
"I don't care about the score," Lily hissed, "I just want him to be okay."
James nodded and pointed towards the retreating Sirius in the distance.
"I'll go check with Padfoot," he explained as he took off running towards the man.
He caught up a moment later, breathless as he accosted the man.
"How is he?" he questioned urgently.
"He'll be fine, Prongs," Sirius assured him, "but best keep Dumbledore away for a while."
James frowned.
"I warned the bastard to stay away from him," he growled. "What happened?"
Sirius sighed as he shook his head.
"He antagonised Harry. Just about accused him of using Dark Magic."
James shrugged.
"It's not against the rules even if he did. What's the old man playing at?"
"I don't know," Sirius grumbled. "He'd best forget about it though."
James nodded.
"Thanks, Pads," he said gratefully. "I'll be having words with him."
(BREAK)
Albus Dumbledore exited his pensieve and took a seat behind his desk, the dressing down he had received from James Potter still fresh in his mind but it was not that he was pondering. It was thoughts of the man's eldest son that plagued his mind.
In only a few short weeks, the boy had proven himself exceedingly gifted, his performance today, though unseemly, standing testament to the observations of himself and the Professors that had taught him during his short stay here.
He stroked the plumage of his familiar as the words of the prophecy spoken to him many years ago played over in his mind.
"Did I make a grave error?" he questioned the phoenix.
Charlie Potter was a nice boy but would never be able to survive the wrath of Tom when he did eventually resurface, Harry on the other hand had proven himself quite capable. The younger of the boys was quite meek, determined, but ultimately inferior to even the most average of witches and wizards.
"I fear I may have," he sighed, answering his own question. "But Perhaps all is not lost yet."
He popped a Lemon Drop into his mouth as many thoughts permeated his mind. He had time to solve his dilemma, until the end of the school year at least to build bridges with the boy.
Arcturus Black be damned. Harry was the one the prophecy referred to and he was needed to end the tyranny of the man that had almost brought wizarding Britain to its' knees.
"I must play this very carefully, Fawkes," he mused aloud. "All of our lives may just depend on him."
A/N
And another one in the books. I hope the task was handled satisfactorily.
Anyway, as it has only been a just over a day since my last posting, I have no news to share other than I will continue to work on this as a priority along with my original work on my page.
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Love as always,
TBR