AN: I honestly loved writing this chapter, so much! So hopefully you enjoy this one! Though I was almost going to wait another day to update this since I did just update yesterday.

And to anyone who is a fan of the Marcus/Harry that I write. I have a second one I'm doing. It won't be like this fanfic, but it will be shipping Harry with Marcus. It's called A Lynx in the Past.

Enjoy!

~NicoDiAngeloLover7

Touched by Death – Chapter 21 (The First Mistake)

Harry's face was deathly pale when Dumbledore announced his name, apparently his name had come out of the Goblet of Fire. He didn't want to get up. Change that thought, he wanted to get up and run out of the Great Hall. Run away from all the accusing stares that seemed to look right through him. It was unnerving. He didn't want to go to the Champion Chamber where he might get 3 glares aimed at him. Maybe he was being a little pessimistic, there would probably be one or two glares aimed at him. Slytherin house seemed to like him ever since they found out who let them win both cups his second year. His popularity with Slytherins seemed to grow when they found out that he was dating Marcus. Especially when it didn't bother him to treat Slytherins for injuries and wasn't set out to spite them. So, it was very likely that Terence would be on his side. It also seemed probable that Krum would believe him too, as he recalled the conversation from a week ago.

Harry was still lost in his internal ranting when he felt his legs being kicked from under him. The force made him get pushed off the bench he was sitting on and onto the floor. The urge to run became even greater, but he didn't hear laughter. Harry was still heavily embarrassed.

The Great Hall was almost dead silent. There might have been a laugh or two, but the Gryffindor was too focused on his inner panic. He didn't want to be in a tournament where he could die, he was only fourteen for Merlin's sake. That was when he heard Marcus' voice.

The Slytherin was livid. His anger had started when he heard Harry's name come out of the Goblet. He had a heavy suspicion that the stone goblet had been bewitched. But now his anger went tenfold on a certain brunette.

"Granger! That's 20 points from Gryffindor. I fully expect you to report to Professor McGonagall concerning your detention tomorrow night at 6. In case you may have forgotten, bullying is not tolerated at Hogwarts." Marcus didn't bother to watch the girl gap like a fish. He crouched to Harry's level and helped him up. His boyfriend's legs felt unstable, like they were going to give out under him. The girl kicking him off the bench hadn't helped matters. With that, Marcus walked with Harry towards the Champion chambers, not even glancing at any of the professors or Headmaster. Marcus knew he might curse the latter if he did. He still might curse the old man later. Harry needed him at the moment, there was no way the Gryffindor was going to walk in the shock he was in.

When Marcus entered the chamber with Harry, they had the full attention of three champions.

The French champion was the first to speak. Her French accent was thick, but you could still understand her. "Why is there a little boy in here."

Marcus' eyes flashed, "I'd watch your tongue, or I might severe it!" He wasn't going to let some French witch badmouth Harry. Nor was he oblivious to the insult the blonde just gave, no matter what country she's from.

The woman snapped her mouth shut, silent fuming. Her eyes were flashing with anger, but kept her lips pursed. Not wanting to risk if Marcus' threat was for real.

Terence was the next one to speak. If anything, to get some answers and get the Headboy's anger away from the French witch.

"Marcus, what's wrong? Do they need us back in the hall?" That was when Terence realized Marcus was helping Harry walk. The Gryffindor was still in shock. "What's wrong with Harry?"

Marcus shot a glare at the shut door, daring it to open just so he could curse something. He turned back to Terence. "Someone thought it would be a grand idea to force Harry into a death threatening tournament."

Terence frowned and was about to say something before he heard the doors to the chamber slam open.

Krum who was listening in, did not like where an underage wizard would be forced into this tournament. He liked the younger wizard, he was very interesting to speak with. He may not speak very good English, but he could understand it just fine. So, he shared the frown that the Hogwarts champion had, who was wearing green robes.

The French champion didn't breathe a word, but her eyes were curious. The anger slightly leaving her.

Marcus pushed Harry a little behind him, while still holding onto the Gryffindor. He didn't want Harry in the intruders' direct sight.

It was the Headmaster, Professor McGonagall, and Professor Snape. Followed by Crouch Sr and both international headmaster and headmistress from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang.

Dumbledore's pace was slowed when he got closer to Marcus. "My dear boy, I need to speak with Harry."

"No, you don't," Marcus snarled. "Haven't you meddled enough?!"

Marcus could see the old man's eyes flash before he regained composure. "Shouldn't you be doing your duties? You are not a champion, so you shouldn't be in here." The headmaster was trying for a different approach.

"I have every right to be here, old man! And I am doing my duties, one as stand-in for Harry's guardian and his boyfriend. I can just imagine the look on Sirius' face when he finds out that his godson was being put into danger once more," Marcus' tone was vicious.

Marcus could see Dumbledore clenching his fists to control his temper. No doubt he thought he was an irritating Slytherin that was getting in the way of his master plans. But he knew he couldn't do anything to Marcus because all the professors loved him as Headboy. And the old man knew he would lose if he tried to have Marcus removed. And he knew that Dumbledore knew that he was right, Marcus was of age and had every right to stand in place of Sirius. And probably the thing that pissed the old man off the most, is if he tried anything his probation would be broken. And if that happened, he be out of Hogwarts before you could say Quidditch.

It looked like nobody wanted to interfere or breathe a word. It was like a verbal debate that may end up in curses thrown. Even the champions were watching intently with bated breath. And none of the professors or ministry officials did a thing. They just watched.

Marcus was still glaring at the headmaster; the old man was still trying to get closer to Harry. So, the Slytherin aimed his wand at him. "I wouldn't come any closer if I were you. Afterall, you are on probation."

Apparently, the old man didn't know how to listen and took another step. The Headboy had finally reached his limit. He didn't have to say a word; the Headmaster was blown off his feet and slammed into the wall on the other side of the room. Marcus smirked, he had been wanting to do that for a long time and he couldn't even get in trouble for it.

Dumbledore apparently didn't think Marcus was serious or that the 7th year would curse him. The impact rendered the man unconscious until someone decided to rennervate him. Everyone was too surprised or shocked to have much of a reaction. Even Harry just stared at Marcus, gapping at him. Harry knew that Marcus was extremely protective of him, but he hadn't realized how protective.

Harry turned to look at Terence, the 7th year Slytherin also had his wand out. There was a disappointed look at his face, as if he was put out that Marcus got to curse him first.

Then finally there was a reaction, from Professor McGonagall.

"Mr. Flint!" she shouted, scandalized. Like she had never expected him to curse an authority figure.

Marcus cast a side glance at the professor. "I'm not going to apologize. He's not getting anywhere near Harry. Especially not after it was proven he altered my boyfriend's memory and mindraped him! So, I am well within my rights to do what I did."

Minerva took a step back, appalled. Maybe the Prophet was being truthful about Albus being on probation. No wonder there was a Wizard's Oath. For one it was about a minor and the Boy-Who-Lived. She tried to regain composure before speaking, "very well. I was not aware of these events. But know that you have myself and Professor Snape on your side. Trust me when I say, the Board of Governors will be hearing about his behavior. No doubt they'll find these events well deserving." The stern professor cast a nasty glance at Dumbledore. She almost wished that she could have cursed the man first. How dare that man violate a child's mind.

Professor Snape gave a brief nod, as if agreeing with Minerva's words. He may not have liked the Potter brat. But that didn't give a wizard or witch the right to mess with a person's mind, nonetheless a minor. It probably helped the idiotic Gryffindor was getting on his good side, helping Slytherin and all.

"Thank you, but I would hold off on that, Professor," Marcus cut in.

The Slytherin got a questioning look from the Deputy Headmistress.

"I believe that the Goblet of Fire to be tampered with. I have the belief that Dumbledore might have aided in Harry's name coming out of the Goblet. I've been training as a Curse Breaker and can recognize if it's been tampered with and who's magical signature it is," Marcus explained. "And if I find that his magical signature is there, Azkaban will be the least of his problems," Marcus' eyes were vengeful. He was not going to let Harry be forced into a tournament that he had no wish in participating.

Professor McGonagall's lips were pursed, "very well. Report to me on what you find."

"Thank you, Professor," Marcus replied.

If Dumbledore had been conscious and heard the conversation, there would have been a flash of fear in his eyes.

There was a lot of glances around the room before McGonagall decided that she would dismiss the students in the Great Hall and then have the headmaster levitated. She was going to have Professor Snape to do that. She didn't feel it was right to leave Harry here since she was his Head of House. But first she wanted to find out if it was binding for her student to be in this tournament.

"Barty," she called out.

Crouch Sr turned to look at her, he had been quiet since he had come into the champions' chamber.

"You are the most knowledgeable about the rules and regulations for the Triwizard Tournament. Is it binding that Mr. Potter is a champion?"

Crouch Sr. nodded solemnly. "I'm afraid so, once his name comes out the Goblet. He is officially a Triwizard champion. I'm sorry, Minerva. But I do not recall any loopholes. As regulations for the tournament, any witch or wizard that tries to back out after being chosen. They could lose their magic, it is a binding contract."

The stern woman's lips thinned as she nodded. "I will be back."

Harry gulped, so it was official, there was no way he could back out. He was trapped in a tournament that he could die in. The Gryffindor turned to look at Marcus, he had felt the grip on his waist tightened. Apparently, his body was starting to shake, and Marcus was getting worried about him.

"I'll find out what happened, I'm going to try my best, so you don't have to participate," he whispered in Harry's ear.

Terence could hear what Marcus had whispered, "Harry, you do have Slytherin house behind you, not including some 4th years."

Harry snorted, he knew exactly which 4th years still didn't like him.

Terence was positive that there had to be a regulations book about the Tournament somewhere. And since majority of the Slytherins knew about the tournament, there might be one somewhere. He was positive that the entire house knew that Harry wouldn't have entered. And he knew there was no way the Gryffindor could have. Marcus didn't have to say it, but he knew that the only time Harry was close to the goblet was when it was first revealed and at the selection.

The Slytherin champion snorted, he knew that the other three houses wouldn't be that smart to figure that out. He was slightly curious on what Marcus might find out, no doubt he would have some backup plan. His lips curved at the edges in amusement, he wondered if he would get to witness Lord Black's reaction.

"I do not like your Headmaster. He seems to like to control his students. It is most worrying," Krum started to speak.

Marcus snorted, "you aren't alone, Krum. And you're not wrong there."

Krum frowned at that before noticing something, "where did your friend go?"

Marcus looked confused before he realized that Harry was gone. He panicked for a moment before trying to calm down. Hoping that maybe Harry sneaked away. That was when he saw Terence coming back.

"Marcus, I just saw—" Terence cut himself off when he saw Marcus' look. "Marcus, relax. I saw Harry sneaking away, he must have felt overcrowded and needed to be alone for a while. He's fine, the old coot is probably still unconscious. You know Harry can take care of himself, should have seen what he did to the Weasel last week."

Marcus chuckled at Terence's last words. He did notice what Harry did to the red head. Apparently, the raven decided that the red-head needed a new hair color and sneaked a scratching powder when the boy didn't notice. He remembered see a pair of ginger twins looking in envy, no doubt jealous that they been upped in pranking. No doubt that the red-head had done something to piss his boyfriend off at the time. "Thanks, Terence."

"No problem, Marcus. Just wish you'd let me least get one curse at the old coot," the prefect grumbled.

"I imagine that Professor McGonagall will fight you on second place there, mate."

Terence's eyes glinted with intent. No doubt wondering if he could convince the Transfiguration professor to let him help her. It was an unspoken rule that she was very protective of her lions.

"Marcus."

The Headboy spun around to look back at Krum. It was easy to know who was talking to him, especially when he could hear the thick accent.

"The tournament was last held in Bulgaria, there might be something on the ship. I believe it would be beneficial for Harry. No wizard should be forced to play in a tournament as danger as this."

Marcus' face was grim as he nodded, "I would appreciate that, and I know Harry will too."

Krum gave a small smile before leaving the room. No doubt back to the ship to see if he could see if there was something about the tournament to help out one of his new friends. There was no reason to stick around since they wouldn't tell them about the first task anyways.

Terence had already left back towards the Slytherin Common room to see if he could do the same.

Marcus was slightly worried as he left the room. His worries were mainly for Harry, he was just hoping that maybe the Gryffindor was with his friends and wasn't alone. The one thing he didn't want was for Harry to be around other Gryffindors. He didn't doubt they would be vicious against the 14-year-old. Unlike Slytherin, they would be under the belief that Harry cheated so he could be in the tournament. Then there was the issue about Granger. No doubt the girl thought Harry betrayed her, when it was the other way around. The Slytherin was grateful that Harry had Seamus, Dean, and Neville. Harry had been grinning ear to ear when he had told Marcus that they had his side. Though there had been a lot of shocked and raged filled emotions. But least it wasn't reactions that Ron and Hermione would have had, which they probably would have sided with the old coot, because it was for Harry's 'own protection.' Marcus scoffed at that thought, nothing the headmaster did was for anyone's protection. But they seemed to have Harry's side more than ever. Which made Marcus wonder what reactions those three had when Granger kicked Harry out of his seat. He was still furious about that, that girl deserved a well placed curse. But he knew that Professor McGonagall would sort out her student, that or she would pass the detention to Professor Snape.

Marcus didn't head for the Slytherin Common room yet, he wanted to get to the Owlery and send Sirius a letter first. The man deserved to know what was going on. He didn't doubt there may be hell fire. And it would all be aimed at one person and Marcus wanted to be there to witness it. He just wished that Albus would have been conscious when he informed everyone he would be inspecting the Goblet of Fire for tampering. And the fact that he currently held a license with the goblins at Gringotts, so not even the Ministry could counteract this. He was honestly surprised that nobody voiced any objections, but he wasn't going to protest on having free reign of inspecting the goblet. He had work to do and hopefully Harry and Sirius would be around by the time he found everything out.