"Victor Krum," The headmaster's voice revebrated through the hall.

Rodrick, with a frown on his face, could only watch as the Durmstrang student made his way over towards the next room, idly passing the staff table, and of course sending him another dirty glance.

It wasn't Krums attitude towards him that made him frown however, it was the way the Goblet chose it's champions. He watched once again as it let loose small tendrils of magic, magic only he could see and perhaps Luna if the way she kept turning her head was any sign. They flew towards the next champion and quickly enveloped the quarter-veela before the Goblet released another piece of paper.

Once Delacour had followed Krums example, Rodrick felt himself stiffen as he watched the Goblets magic slowly make its way towards him.

Only, it seemed to stop about half way through. Looking down at his own necklace, he felt his eyes widen the moment he saw the dark chords surrounding it lash out against the Goblet's. Looking back up his eyes glanced towards a second, much smaller, tendril make its way, presumably, towards one Cedric Diggory. the tendril in front of him slowly rescinding itself back...

Time seemed to stand still at that very moment as memories over a year old quickly found themselves at the forefront of his mind. The words 'Kill the spare!' flooded his head. It was that moment that he realised, should Diggory become a champion, he was very likely to die.

He idly wondered if he should feel worried that the words hadn't really affected him. If anything, the thought of a fellow student dying, one he didn't really know at any case, didn't bother him.

He sighed as he slowly got up. Just because it didn't bother him, it didn't mean he should let it happen. The formerly receding tendrils practically crashed against him as soon as the magic surrounding his necklace had simmered down at his acceptance.

"Rodrick Grace!" The headmasters voice called out the moment he read the name on the paper that had suddenly shot out of the Goblet. He wasn't sure but the headmaster sounded oddly relieved at his choosing. He could feel Daphne stiffen beside him. He couldnt really blame her.

Around the hall he was amused to see the disgruntled looks on his fellow students faces, others had chuckled and a few had even exchanged sickles around. At the staff table looks of indindifference marred his professors and extreme surprise on the heads of all the guests. After all he was neither 17 nor atleast a sixth year. As he walked by the staff table he realised one of the professors was missing. His defence one at that. Maybe he was fired? Rodrick thought rather hopeful as he entered the second chamber.

Looks of surprise and anger fixed themselves onto Fleur Delacour and Victor Krum respectively.

"Vat are you doing here?" Krum snarled.

Rodrick raised an eyebrow at the tone before smirking. "I was chosen," He answered, amused to see the others eyes narrow.

Fleur simply frowned, "You are seventeen?" She questioned bemused, heavy hints of her accent affecting the last word.

Rodrick shrugged, however, before he could let out another word, he turned towards the door. amused to see Harry Potter walk through.

"How'd you do it?"

Harry frowned as he eyed Rodrick. "You mean it wasn't-"

"Do zey want us back?" Fleur suddenly questioned Harry Potter. "Has zere been a mistake?" She added on, her eyes trailing towards Rodrick.

"Maybe its to make up for the difference in age," Rodrick chuckled.

Harry had been about to say something before he flinched as he took in the hostile look on Krums face.

Rodrick evidently noticed it as well, considering he had glared back, probably irritating the older student even more...

"You have a problem with me?"

Before the Durmstrang student could answer however, the doors had suddenly swung open as some of the adults had poured through. Chief among them was Sirius Black who simply couldn't help the surprise and amusement colouring his face. Though at the very least there were also hints of worry on his face.

Rodrick tuned them all out as he focused on the hostile Durmstrang student in front of him, his hand hovering over his own wand. Though from the tone and random words he picked up from the rest, they weren't all that happy that Hogwarts had an advantage. Karkarof had even suggested the Goblet choose two more champions to even things out.

It was, surprisingly, Bagman that pointed out the fact that Hogwarts had two underage champions to the fully matured opposition, citing it as balanced.

Rodrick snorted. Yea. Balanced. They were all in for a shock.

Harry simply kept to his side, unsure and wary at the same time.

"Madame Maxine!" Fleur's voice suddenly called out, the girl had been changing glances between her fellow champions and headmistress trying to understand what was going on. "Zey are saying zese two little boys-"

However just before she could finish, she tensed up, shock quite openly shown on her face as she felt the ripple of magic suddenly fill the room. Her head slowly turning towards its source. Rodrick. Who had a predatory look in his eye, daring her to finish her sentence.

"50 galleons on that one." Bagmans voice filled the sudden silence.

Rodrick had an incredoulous look on his face as he quickly swept his power under control... Wasn't he one of the judges?

Harry's focus was on Dumbledore... The man hadn't asked him a single question regarding his choosing, he looked rather tired if he was honest. The thought made him squirm somewhat, he felt rather bad for putting the headmaster into such a position.

"We must follow the rules, and the rules state clearly that those people whose names come out of the Goblet of Fire are bound to compete in the tournament. " Crouch suddenly spoke up.

The tension in the room spiked as, to the shock of everyone, a huge wave of magical power filled the room. It made the previous showing look like a breeze to a storm.

It disappeared as soon as it had shown up. The silence that had followed however resembled a silent movie as each head slowly turned towards the headmaster.

Whatever further complaints the other headmaster and mistress had quickly died down at the sudden anger.

Barty Crouch Senior didn't even blink at the showing, further unnerving the room as he simply continued on with his point.

"As it were the person responsible for this has already been dealt with," The headmaster's voice suddenly filled the room, his eyes not leaving Crouch.

"I would like a word with them myself," Karkarof spat.

Dumbledore turned towards the man , "I am afraid such a course of action is no longer possible,"

"Who was it? Who put my name in the Goblet?"

Dumbledore looked about to answer before shaking his head as he turned towards Crouch.

"Someone you won't need to worry about any further,"

Karkarofs eyes widened as he took in the headmasters gaze. Junior was dead?

Harry gulped. Rodrick narrowed his eyes. The headmaster was hiding something.

It wasn't long after that before the other heads had allowed Hogwarts its two chosen champions for neither wanted to test the Goblets ability to mete out its punishment on those who interfered nor did they particularly want to get into an argument with Dumbledore. Though Madam Maxine still looked livid.

Snape had a satisfied look on his face, no doubt due to Rodrick being in his own house while McGonagoll was worried.

Harry felt like he ought to be hurt by his own head of house's lack of trust however when he considered that not only was he competing against 2 students atleast 3 years older... He was also competing against Rodrick Grindelwald... Maybe Bagman had the right idea in betting on him...

Once Crouch had explained the details revolving around the first task and the tournament overall, he and Rodrick were beckoned on to go to their respective dorms, something Harry seemed to be dreading.

...

"How you feeling?" Rodrick questioned Harry as they slowly walked. No one else in sight.

Harry sighed, a wane smile on his face.

"Honestly? Not that surprised."

Silence filled the hallway at the words.

"The others aren't going to be happy," He added on.

"Others?" Rodrick questioned bemused.

"My house, they asked me to get you to put their names in for them, you know they all wanted a shot at it... It doesn't take a genius to figure out their reaction to me getting chosen..."

Rodrick frowned, "You never asked me,"

Harry nodded, "No point, doubt you would've agreed,"

"Perhaps not for them, I wouldn't have minded putting in yours if you'd asked,"

Harry blinked as he turned to face him, "Really? Did you put in any of your own friends in?"

Rodrick shook his head, "They never asked,"

"Why not my house? They are technically your classmates..."

"Have they ever said a word to me? Ever reached out for my friendship?"

Harry furrowed his brows... He didn't think they did... No, he would've remembered something like that...

"You never did either," He felt the need to point out.

Rodrick raised an eyebrow at the words,

"Yes, because they would've definitely believed i was looking for geniune friendship... With my cousin right next to them reminding them how evil Slytherins were."

Harry stopped walking.

"What?"

Rodrick stopped himself a few steps ahead, his eyes focused in front of him.

"You remember our first potions lesson? You know why I was writing down all those answers?"

Harry felt himself waver at the words... To show off... Thats what he'd thought the first time, his image of Slytherin had been soured because of Draco Malfoy and, of course, Ron's words regarding them. "You wanted to help?"

Rodrick smiled at the words "What did reaching out get me back then? In our first year?"

Harry blinked, "I am... Sorry... That wasn't right..." Was that how he expected everyone in his house to react? Was he wrong? He could count two people... Maybe three in the entire Gryffindor house that wouldn't immediatly jump to the conclusion that Rodrick was plotting something the moment he spoke to them.

"Is that why you chose Slytherin?"

"Can you imagine me in Gryffindor? Imagine the sort of backlash I would get if my name were to ever be revealed to even one of them?"

He'd be ostracised, Harry thought, completely numb. What did it say about his house when Slytherin was far more accepting when compared to them. Just how much trouble could he have avoided with the house had he been just a little more open minded? If he hadn't had Ron telling him what to believe about them... Draco Malfoy may have given him a bad first impression but the rest of them... He'd spoken to a few of them over the years. They weren't bad people. If anything, they were decent people. Considering they accepted Rodrick despite his second name.

"Guess i might get to experience it myself..." Harry sighed before to his surprise he felt a hand on his shoulder.

"You're more then welcome at Slytherin," Rodrick remarked, a grin on his face.

"I don't think its your choice to decide..." Harry muttered, taken back.

Rodrick snorted, "Trust me, they wont say a thing, besides you sat with us last year remember,"

He did... Didn't he?

"Aren't we supposed to be enemies as champions?"

Rodrick shrugged, "Were both fighting for Hogwarts, it'd be stupid to go against each other, dont you think?"

Harru nodded slowly, "Thanks... That actually takes a loud off,"

"Not surprised, even I wouldn't want to fight me," Rodrick deadpanned.

...

The past week had been... Surreal? Each day he'd wake up thinking it was dream. Most of the Gryffindor house had applauded him on his entry in the tournament even though he'd denied ever putting his name. It probably would've been a lot more believable had Dumbledore mentioned the fact that he knew who had actually done it but he had rarely seen the man. He was likely too busy all things considered. Busy with what? He wasn't sure, he doubted it was to do with the triwizard tournament. The other school heads had been beside their own champions likely preparing them. While he was glad most of his house hadn't turned their backs on him, his own year? Hermione was the only one who still spoke to him. Ron... Ron hadn't said a word to him ever since his name had come out of the Goblet.

His own house wouldn't speak to him, atleast the Hufflpuffs and, funnily enough, Slytherins in his year still did. Oddly enough, it seemed even Rodrick was getting dirty looks from the Ravenclaw fourth years but that wasn't exactly new per se.

When Hermione had found out Ron wasn't speaking to him, she'd elected to ignore Ron in return. Not even bothering to try to fix the situation.

Moody had evidently returned the day following the champion selection though he seemed far more paranoid and gruff compared to usual. He did stop trying to single Rodrick out at the very least. Though he often looked like he was recovering from something with the way he kept on drinking all those potions.

Rodrick. Rodrick hadn't left his side ever since, the boy was going as far as offering to teach him to help him with the upcoming trials. Something he'd been immensely grateful for. Of course that may have aggrivated his classmates more, particularly Ron, who'd started outright glaring at him. But none of this had come out of his own doing, it had all honestly come as some sort of accident...

The Slytherins on the other hand hadn't been annoyed at all, hell Draco bloody Malfoy had been nice to him for a change. Though the blonde couldn't help his snide remarks. Going as far as questioning whether he'd regretted rejecting his hand during the first day.

The worst part about that was that he couldn't even refuse the words. He should've been seen as competition and yet the house who he'd practically stolen the limelight from was the only house in his year being cordial to him. Well them and the Hufflepuffs but they were cordial with everyone.

It was to the point he found himself sitting at the Slytherin table more and more as the days went by. Snape still sneered at the sight of him but the fact was he couldn't, and god had he laughed himself to sleep when he realised, show any hostility towards him as that would send the wrong message to the rest of the castle. The head of the house represented the house and vice versa, the thing about Slytherin was that they stuck together no matter what. If the house acted one way, the head was expected to do the same and again, vice versa.

And Snape knew he couldn't just force Grindelwald to act a certain way. And with how much control Rodrick had... He'd visited the dungeons at one point... Rodrick controlled the entire house in every sense of the word... He'd seen seventh years back down at the mere sight of him. It was actually somewhat scary, it's not like he didn't know Rodrick was powerful but to have that sort of power... It was no wonder he wasn't worried about the tournament.

Sirius, like Rodrick, had offe- Well not offered but more like forced him into private lessons to make sure he was prepared for whatever the judges decided for all the tasks of the tournament.

It was by far one of the greatest memories he'd gained. He'd managed to learn more in those lessons then he would've practising alone. Rodrick had of course joined him every now and then, each time thoroughly thrashing him in mock duels. Though he was definitly getting better, if the surprise on Rodricks face was any indication.

And if all of that wasn't enough, the badges certainly were... Half red and green, one side dedicated to Gryffindor and the other to Slytherin, essentially telling the entire school there was an alliance of sorts going on. Ron had called him a traitor the first time he saw it. The other Gryffindors in his year following his actions, besides Hermione. But thats where things took a surprising turn. It ended up being Ron and his dormmates that wound up getting ostracised, by the entire castle at that. The rest of the castle had approved as it gave their school a much better chance at winning. The Hufflepuffs especially seemed to approve, being the most common purchasers of said badge.

Most of that happened because he was friends with Rodrick. As Malfoy so elequantly put it years ago, because he was friends with the right sort.

He wasnt concerned at all. Not one bit at the fact he was agr- God he was starting to agree with a Malfoy... Because there was no denying it, if you wanted something done, being on good terms with Rodrick made it far more likely to happen.

...

Rodrick eyed Ollivander with a bored look in his eye, the man had been constantly humming as he checked over his wand with various spells before finally casting something non-verbally, which was odd on its own as the other times he'd elected to use the incantations, and then the man frowned.

"What kind of spells have you been using?"

Rodrick blinked before coughing, "I don't understand..." Deny, deny, deny.

The mans gaze could pierce steel with the way he looked at him before to Rodricks further confusion the man simply smiled and stated the wand was in good condition. Good condition? Does he not realise how much effort goes into making sure the wand was in perfect working order? With how often he used magic, he could've easily been on his fifth wand if he wasn't careful.

Wands degrade. Easily for that matter. At least that's what it seemed like for him. Rodrick let out a sigh of relief before taking his wand back, allowing Harry to hand over his own.

The past weeks have been... Rather taxing, what with juggling plots in order to keep him and Harry in the best light possible aswell as testing the limits of the Goblets special curse. He'd wanted to find out exactly what kind of effect the Goblet had on him and the results weren't pleasant. Any time he used Magic, the curse seemed to almost urge him on to use more, at the same time draining him far more then usual. It was to the point where he found himself incapable of casting more then two spells at once which to him was far more uncomfortable then he'd realised. Considering at the start of the year he was capable of using atleast four, an improvement of one compared to the previous year.

Auferto was a menace to manage.

He glanced to the side and sighed at the look Krum was giving him, he'd at the very least found out why the Quidditch player seemed to hate him.

It was his stupid necklace. More specifically it was the mark of hollows. Apparently that was his grandfather's signea and, well, his grandfather had killed off a number of Krum's family members, something Krum shared with his fellow students.

Thank you grandfather.

He sighed as his eyes landed on someone else he'd recently met, Rita Skeeter, Harry Potters apperant number one fan with how she'd fixated upon him.

He honestly felt bad. For Harry.

Not that she hadn't tried to get to him, she had in fact attempted to get a private conversation out of him.

Atleast until his magical quill had effectively destroyed her special quill. She hadn't been happy after that.

He'd found it amusing, as did his friends, aswell as most of the professors... Basically anyone that knew what she was really like. Which was almost everyone

Perhaps the biggest twist was the fact that Moody had effectively become a different person. Not exactly, Dumbledore had thankfully explained to him what had occurred.

In that he told him that the Moody he'd known had been an imposter. He idly wondered if this was the defence curse at work or fake Moody was just a natural lunatic. Honestly who tries to kidnap and impersonate the personification of paranoia?

Pity he didn't kill him when he had the chance. Especially seeing as he probably would've gotten away with it. The man, it seemed was mad enough to attempt to forcefully apparate in Hogwarts.

Again, where on earth do you even find wizards like that. Sure he'd tried it at the Greengrass manor himself but atleast he hadn't actually known about the wards.

Honestly, what had the man expected? to survive? He very much doubted that... You know, unless he was like Voldemort and had lifesavers known as Horcruxes.

Rodrick took in a deep breath, if Krum didn't stop with the hostility then he was pretty sure he was going to finish what his grandfather had started... At this point the only thing that seemed to stop the Durmstrang student from outright attacking him was the fact that he, as far as Krum knew, didn't actually know what the sign of the Hollows meant... Though it probably didn't help that he refused to take it off either.

He honestly considered telling him his real name, if only to see his reaction.

Turning, his eyes landed on the quarter-veela. He shuddered as he remembered what the womans wand had been made out off... Seriously who uses their 'Grandmuzzers' hair as a core? Though did that make her little curse more pronounced? After all the core came from a full Veela. He wasn't sure, Daphne didn't really like it when he paid the girl extra attention and as much as he was curious about how it worked, he'd rather not irriate her too much. Merlin knew the girl had enough to put up with already.

"You're staring again," He heard Harry remark beside him.

Rodrick had a deadpan look on his face as he turned towards him. "How much is Daphne paying you?"

Harry snorted at the words, before turning his attention back to Ollivander.

"What do you reckon he meant about your wand?"

"I'd rather not answer that question with that woman over there," Rodrick lazily pointed towards Skeeter.

As if simply hearing her name brought her attention, or Potter did, the woman turned towards the two of them, a predatory glint in her eye as she stared at them.

"That woman is weird..." Harry muttered beside him.

Rodrick hummed along, "Yes I heard about her attempt to woo you in a closet," He chuckled at the affronted look he got in return.

"How much is Hermione paying you?"

"Ha ha. Still haven't asked her out?"

"Working on it..." Harry mumbled mostly to himself.

"Then she isn't paying me anything," Rodrick drawled, waving his hands at the words.

"Photos, Dumbledore, Photos!" Bagmans voice suddenly filled the room.

"You know, I am really starting not to like him," Rodrick remarked shaking his head.

"You and me both Rodrick... You and me both,"

Rodrick stood at one end, Harry next to him, with Fleur between him and Krum. essentislly putting Rodrick as far away from the Durmstrang potential avenger as possible.

"And perhaps some individual photos after?" Skeeter questioned innocently.

Harry turned towards Rodrick at that, "Teach me the invidibility charm,"

"You have a cloak," Rodrick snorted.

Harry glanced towards Skeeter, "Not fast enough..."

...

Dragons. They had to fight Dragons! What on earth where they thinking!?

"Harry?" Rodrick called out confused. He'd shown up out of nowhere, panic writ across his face. They were sat around the Sltyherin table, Harry stood behind his seat.

"Dragons!" Harry whispered, completely ignorant of the silencing charm.

Rodrick blinked, "What about them?"

"Thats our task!" Harry answered his head looking left to right as if someone could hear him.

Rodrick tilted his head slightly, "What type?" he questioned calmly.

Harry blinked, type? "The big kind, you know the ones that can swallow you whole!?"

Rodrick blinked, "I meant what kind are they,"

"Kind- I am telling you we have to fight dragons and you're asking me what type?" Harry questioned incredulous.

Rodrick blinked again.

"Ah, I see what you mean..." He was amused to see Harry sigh in relief. "How many are we fighting?"

Harry Potter stared.

"What?" Rodrick questioned confused.

The staring wouldn't stop.

Rodrick turned towards his side, finding Nott.

"What's up with him?"

Nott furrowed his brows at the question, "I have no idea what you've been talking about..."

"Why aren't you afraid?" Harry suddenly questioned.

"Afraid of what?" Rodrick questioned calmly already under another silencing charm.

Harry quickly took the free seat by him. It was only the three of them at the table, from their year at any rate. Malfoy was off talking to Krum about something, though it looked like he was competing with Weasley... Krum looked tired of both of them.

"You know! Fighting a giant fire breathing menace!"

Rodrick snorted, "You do understand that the contract with the Goblet is far more dangerous right?"

Harry blinked at the sudden change in topic, "That was hardly my choice!"

Rodrick nodded, "It was mine though, I can't really complain at this point." He shrugged.

"What do you mean it was yours? If you had a choice why did you agree to join? And don't say its because your the best student at Hogwarts,"

Rodrick grinned, "But I am the bes-" He was about to finish befote he felt someone lightly slap his head. Turning he grinned at the sight of Daphne.

"Get rid of the silencing charm," She remarked crossing her arms.

Rodrick blinked, she looked annoyed about something.

"Uh, sure..." He remarked simply bringing her under it.

Daohne turned towards Nott, an eyebrow raised.

Nott in question narrowed his eyes and deflated.

"So not fair..."

"Whats up?"

"You're fighting a dragon," Daphne remarked with a frown. Tracey was on Harrys right. The redhead had turned and said the same to him.

"Yes, i am well aware of that now,"

Daphne frowned, "Shouldn't you be getting ready then!?"

Rodrick had a deadpan look in his face, "I've just found out from Potter, can I atleast finish my breakfast?"

"You don't look like you're taking it seriously," Daphne shrugged back indifferent.

"Apperantly he willingly got accepted by the Goblet,"

"Yes well everyone, besides yourself I suppose, willingly entered."

Harry had an incredoulous look on his face, "You believe me?" Before shaking his head as he turned back to Rodrick, "I think he meant he accepted the Goblet choosing him, as in he had a choice..."

Daphne frowned before turning to Rodrick.

"I entered for a reason," Rodrick shrugged, eyes looking away.

"To show off?" Harry joked.

"1000 galleons?" Tracey added on.

"For a challenge?" Nott added his own.

Daphne simply stared at him, the frown slowly increasing... She was worried he, well, enjoyed being in danger...

Rodrick was simply staring at his food beforr slowly turning up, "If you must know, its to save someone's life.." He remarked getting up. "Look at that, my appetites gone." He added on before disappearing under an invisibility charm.

Daphne sighed before picking up his tray and walking away. "I know where he's going," She remarked shaking her head. Great, now she has to apologise. She shook her head as she made her way. She really needs to stop expecting so little out of him.

"Did we say something wrong?" Tracey questioned as she watched her friend leave the hall.

"Now whose the bloody Hufflepuff?" Nott quipped.

Before Tracey could reply, Harry spoke up.

"You know she went the wrong way right?"

Tracey chuckled, "She'll find him don't worry,"

"Are you two ignoring me?"

"Any tips on how to beat a dragon?"

"Don't... Get burnt alive?"

"Oi!"

Harry sighed, "This isn't going to be fun..."

"Who do you think Rodrick saw in his vision? You know the one that died?" She practically whispered the last part.

Harey frowned, "Hopefully not me..."

"Pretty sure Rodrick left me under a silencing charm..." Nott mumbled to himself.

...

Rodrick had an amused look on his face as he watched Harry pace around non-stop. Krum was in the corner slouched, a faraway look in his eye. The man had been in such a soured mood he hadn't even bothered to greet him hostily at all. Delacour was a mess herself with the pale and clammy look she was giving off.

Himself? Rodrick could barely hold back the snort. They'd been told the task itself, aswell as each given their dragons. He'd expected this sort of task to involve a random pick... But, well, someone wanted him to go last, specifically. Harry was before him for that matter.

"Why are you so calm?" Harry questioned franticly.

"I have a plan," Rodrick grinned

"So do I but even I am still worried..."

Rodrick raised an eyebrow, "Whats your plan? Fly around it until you see an opening?"

Harry open jawed expression was perhaps the funniest thing he'd seen all week.

"I'd thought Sirius of all people would have better ideas..." He remarked shaking his head.

Harry had an irritated look on his face, "He did but a lot of those spells are really difficult to learn,"

Rodrick nodded amiably, "I do have an easy solution for you if you're still worried,"

"What is it?"

"Let me take control," Rodrick whispered the answer back. Amused to see Delacour suddenly turn their way, her eyes narrowed.

Harrys eyes widened, before he could respond to the imperious offer however, they heard the loud whistle calling for the first champion. Victor Krum.

As the minutes slowly added up, Harry Potter thought over the offer. Let Rodrick take over with the Imperius... Let him do the task for him...

"Would the Goblet allow that?" Harry suddenly questioned to Rodricks surprise.

A bemused expression went over his face before sighing. He honestly wasn't sure.

Before long they could suddenly hear Applause fill up the areas outside.

"Guess he's made it..." Harry remarked absentmindedly.

Rodrick had a glint in his eyes, "8 minutes..." He remarked, a small smile appearing on his face.

"Great, how are we supposed to top that?"

Rodrick turned back to Harry, "You remember what I told you a few days ago? During that duel?"

Harry furrowed his brows, "When all else fails us- I am not going to kill that dragon," He deadpanned, shaking his head.

Fleur Delacour was quickly called up.

"How about Fi-"

"I am not burning it either!"

"Imper-"

"I doubt I could even manage that,"

"Crucia-"

"For what purpose?" Harry questioned incredulously.

"Talk to it?" Rodrick ignored his comment.

"Talk to it?"

"Its a reptile isn't it? Can't you parseltongue it?"

"No... I don't think so..."

Rodrick blinked, "Well isn't that useless."

Harry frowned, "It's not useless... I can talk to Snakes."

"So can I, been doing that for the past four years," Rodrick fired back without missing a beat.

"I can open the entrance to the dungeons without a password,"

"So can I,"

"How?"

"Bombarda."

Harry stared at him for a few moments before sighing. Sudden applause filled their background causing him to squirm even more.

"9 Minutes."

"I am gonna go die now,"

"Have fun!" Rodrick remarked waving his arm amiably.

...

Rodrick should be somewhat worried considering Harry had taken over 10 minutes, he could've done better but the guy was an idiot.

Apparently he actually did try to talk to it, before securing the egg. There were so many things wrong with that. Point was parseltongue was very similar to dragontongue. Only, they didn't have greetings in their language, no, those were replaced by something else entirely.

In an attempt to say hello, Harry potter had evidently threatened to cook all its eggs.

He'd nearly gotten burnt 7 times. Almost lost an arm four times and evidently broke his firebolt. But he had eventually managed to get the egg. He was given 7 points from Dumbledore and Maxine, 9 from bagman, a little controversial but whatever, and 5 from Karkaroff. Crouch gave him 8. Apperantly because he was a Gryffindor, he was given a little leeway in terms of reckless behaviour.

36 points overall. 4 points behind Krum and 2 behind Delacour, which meant he needed atleast 44 to keep it even. The judges had, in the end, due to mostly the other schools complaints decided to in essense give Hogwarts a single score, the average between his and Harry's score.

As for how he knew the given scores? Magical quill. He'd stuck a rune on Harry's shoulder connecting him to said quill.

He really loved Runes sometimes.

The bell rang and Rodrick calmly made his way outside.

...

He stared at the overgrown dragon, the hint of a smile on his face.

"And here comes Rodrick Grace, the evident genius at the castle, why i've spoken to atleast three unspeakanles here just to see him! He certainly has a lot to live up to!"

Rodrick sighed. He wasn't sure if he should be flattered or not, sadly enough that wasn't even the worst introudction he'd heard... Poor Potter had likely turned completely red at his own. Red with anger or embarrasment was another story.

...

Dumbledore watched, somewhat relaxed now that Harry had definitly passed, as Rodrick prepared to start his task. The boy had just been standing there likely waiting for somethi- And the horntails raised its head as Bagman called out beside him.

Rodrick still stood, though he'd... Crossed his arms?

The horntail opened its mouth...

Dumbledore felt mild panic at the sudden sound of silence as the dragons fire enveloped Rodrick completely. The silence continued on for few moments as the dragon simply kept on burning everything in front of its snout.

Seconds before the first scream could echo however. Something seemed to come alive out of the flames, burnt wings flapped the fire away as breaths hitched at the sight of it. A rather large bird on fire erupted out of the dragons fire flying head on straight towards the egg. The dragon reared its head back, surprised, at the sudden action, its tail a moment too slow as it swept towards the burning birds head.

It swooped below the tail, its talons quickly securing the golden egg in its grasp before disappearing in a burst of fire, a burst that seemed to leave the dragon dazed.

Reappearing in front of the judges was a large phoenix, the golden egg dropped just in front of it, the bird was easily twice if not thrice the size of Fawkes. Its left wing a vibrant red, flames dancing off it throughout the body. The keenest yellow eyes he'd ever seen and his right wing? It was still burning however purple flames coloured most of the section, small dark circles burnt brightly, giving it an almost luminescent look. The colouring not matching the rest of the body only made it stand out more.

And then he transformed back, a grin on his face with the egg in one hand.

"17 seconds," Rodrick grinned as he took in the looks in front of him.