Chapter 9

Harry shuffled back to the party with both Hobgoblin and Dumbledore in tow. Harry felt dazed by the whole situation if he were being frank.

He was… Unsure about Dumbledore. As a kid, Harry would have jumped up and down with joy over meeting another human, especially a powerful wizard-like himself. But now? He didn't care. He changed in between his Snork and human form like changing one's hairstyle. He knew he wasn't a Snork or technically a Moomintroll but he FELT like he was.

And honestly? No one focused on species in Moomin Valley! The Moomin's adopted Harry with no issue. Snufkin was a mix of two different creatures from his mom and whoever his dad was. No one cared! And as time went on, he didn't either.

He was almost a man now. He was engaged. He was a very powerful magician.

He was happy.

He didn't give a damn about this Hogwurt or whatever it was! He didn't want any trouble...He just wanted a simple life with his soon to be wife.

But that was clearly not going to happen…

Moomin looked about the party, his eyes gazing around. "Has anyone seen Harry?"

Snufkin looked up at Moomin as he spoke but...There was...Tension. The cat-like man didn't look at Moomin like he normally did. And Moomin knew he had a prominent glare in the man's direction.

"Uh...Last I saw, he was with Hobgoblin." The lanky man shrugged his shoulders. Moomin frowned until he saw a figure...Or figures appearing on the horizon as they climbed the hills to Moomin house.

Moomin's eyes widened along with everyone else as a strange man followed behind Harry and beside Hobgoblin.

Harry arrived and his Snork form diminished to his tall human form. He looked worried, scared and miserable. In turn, it made Moomin fearful too.

Harry walked over to Snorkmaiden and whispered in her ear all while Moominmama cautiously shuffled to the strange man to offer any hospitality she could. Hobgoblin stayed back, a glare on his face and defensive stance in his posture.

Snorkmaiden looked taken aback after whatever Harry had whispered in her ear. Harry walked over toward Snufkin and Moomin as Snorkmaiden suddenly started saying goodbye to all their guests.

"Harry, are you alright? Who's that man there?" Moomin questioned in confusion. Harry looked at his brother with big blue eyes. Moomin thought he'd never seen him look so...Defeated.

"The parties over...Among other things." His voice was rough with emotion. Moomin was starting to feel fear creep up in him.

"Harry. What is going on?" Moomin demanded as he tried to get closer to his brother only for Harry to shy away.

"Just...Meet us in the parlor. Snufkin, I want you there too. I'll tell Sniff and Little My as well." Harry said to which Snufkin nodded in surprise. "Oh...Okay, I'll be there."

Harry turned away as Moomin and Snufkin walked to the parlor of Moomin house. Snufkin cleared his throat as he spoke up, "So...What do you think this is about?"

Moomin knew he was acting ridiculous, but he didn't care. His heart was heavy, his mind was foggy and he didn't have it in him to be civil with his so-called best friend.

"Does it really matter to you?... You're going to be gone all winter anyway. Maybe you won't come back even."

Snufkin's face looked shocked before an uncharacteristic glare appeared. "Don't make it so much of a challenge. Maybe I won't come back."

Moomin's tail bristled, "G-good! Maybe we can just save everyone the trouble and you can...Just stop being near me ever again!"

"Maybe I will! Especially if I'm going to get the third degree every time I leave!" Snufkin raised his voice as they both spun around to glower at each other.

"THEN DO IT! Keep running away from everything and everyone! Your a grown adult now not some wanderlust boy!"

"At least I have the courage to leave! Instead of staying at home and being reliant on everyone as a 'grown adult'!" Snufkin argued before both males' faces waned. Snufkin felt his heart sink with regret.

"M-Moomin...I didn't mean that-"

Moomin glared as he turned away, Snufkin's shoulders slumped in defeat as he watched his friend leave. "Moomin…" He whispered before sighing heavily, walking into the parlor as well.

Moomin stomped into the room and plopped in a chair, folding his arms angrily as his tail swished. Moominpappa noticed his adult son's mood and cleared his throat.

"Uh, Moomin? Everything alright son?"

"I'M FINE." Moomin grumbled, looking away. Moominpappa nodded with a bewildered look as he dropped the subject. It wasn't long before everyone entered the parlor. The Moomin's, Snufkin, Little My, Sniff, Hobgoblin and even the odd man.

Harry and Snorkmaiden were the last to enter. Snorkmaiden gave Harry a worried glance but he seemed to be in his own world. Moomin watched his brother stand in the center of the room with the strange man and Hobgoblin.

The elderly man spoke first. "Hello, my name is Albus Dumbledore or Headmaster Dumbledore to most. I thank you for the warm welcome I've met thus far. It seems that despite it not being apart of the original plan, Mr. Hobgoblin made the right choice in choosing you all to be young Harry's family ...Harry, would you like me to tell them?"

Harry swallowed hard and nodded, looking close to passing out. It brought Moomin out of his angry mood and replaced it with immense worry.

Dumbledore nodded as he addressed the room. "I'm the Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witches and Wizardry. I'm here to inform you all that Harry's name was placed in The Goblet of Fire. A tradition held for the most gifted witches and wizards to compete in the Triwizard Tournament…. I'm afraid that it is non-negotiable that Harry compete...Or be stripped of his magic."

Everyone gasped. Moominmama spoke up, "But, Mr. Dumbledore. How could Harry be entered when he has never been to your school?"

Dumbledore looked sadly at her. "Mrs. Moomin...I'm afraid that someone found out about your son and they entered his name on purpose."

Harry cut to the chase, "Mama. Pappa. My real parents were murdered by a Dark Wizard who was after me...Turns out, Hobgoblin's lies weren't enough to help me stay hidden."

Hobgoblin ducked his head and looked guilty. His old eyes stared at Harry but Harry looked away. There was hurt there in both of their gazes, that much was clear to Moomin.

It was so much to take in for him! He couldn't imagine how his brother felt right now! Then...That's when it hit him.

"Wait a minute...How long does Harry have to compete?" Moomin asked. Dumbledore gave the Moomintroll a friendly smile. "Well, with the threat at hand and these seasons events...At least until next Spring. If not longer...Maybe even until the Dark Wizard in question is no longer a threat."

Everyone, even Harry, looked positively outraged.

Moomin felt like his world crumbled at the news. With everyone else's expression, it seemed it was mutual among the room.

Hobgoblin frowned deeply as he stepped forward. He cleared his throat to get the other old wizards' attention. "Headmaster, perhaps I can interest thee in a stroll while the family here...Comes to terms with the current situation."

Dumbledore looked about the room surprised before realization hit as he took in the current atmosphere.

"Oh...Yes. Yes, of course. Lead the way...I'll be back in a little while. I'm afraid we can't stay too much longer." He regrettably informed as the taller magician led him out of the room.

Hobgoblin walked with Dumbledore in the moonlit night. Even that seemed faint, the night and small crescent moon seemed to darken the mood even more.

"I want to make a deal with you. " Hobgoblin proclaimed. Dumbledore raised a brow. "Oh?"

Hobgoblin sighed with a shudder before speaking once more. "Harry is my pupil...Dare I say, I look at him like a...Like family. Something I haven't had in many centuries. I doubt he'll want to speak to me after I lied to him all these years."

The tall magician turned around to speak face to face with Dumbledore. His cape swayed around him from a cool Autumn breeze in the air.

"I'm ancient. My magic can move realms and is beyond what most of your Wizards at Hogwarts could handle. Let me take Harry's place. He's practically still a boy. He just got engaged. He doesn't deserve this." His voice grew heavy as he gave the Headmaster a pleading gaze.

Dumbledore adjusted his glasses as he blinked. "Well...That is certainly a lot to consider. And I will admit, an ally like you could easily defeat the Dark Lord with all our powers combined. But...It won't change the fact that the Ministry of Magic knows about Harry. And I am surprised at his magical talents already! There is no way the Ministry will allow someone like him to go unnoticed. I fear bringing you and your abilities into the mix will only add more problems. The Ministry will not rest until they scout out every magic user in this realm and they will start with Harry and you."

Dumbledore let out a defeated breath as he continued. "Believe me, I wish I could allow Harry to stay out of this mess. But if the Ministry of Magic doesn't come for him then The Dark Lord and his henchman will not rest until they find Harry. You don't know the lengths Hogwarts has went to keep his evil at bay nor the lengths he will go to get what he desires. Harry is an obstacle. One he will have no issue destroying...After all, he tried once already."

Hobgoblin gave a glare. Not necessarily directed at Voldemort. He muttered unhappily, "And My power isn't enough to vanquish this Dark one alone?"

Dumbledore let a breath, "Oh no. You are very powerful, and one on one, I have no doubt you could at least do some damage...But he has many, many followers. You would have to take on a whole army."

Hobgoblin sneered, "Then take on an army I shall!"

Dumbledore held up a hand and spoke calmly, "That still won't solve our problem. I've had my fair share of unpleasantness with the Ministry and they will still go after Harry or you. That is double the problems and even someone of your stature can't fight that."

Hobgoblin stood there, arms crossed and gloved fingers gripping into his jacket sleeves. His mouth fidgeted as he thought before finally letting out a deep breath.

"Fine. Thou are correct, whether I like it or not...However, if anything happens to that boy in that house-" Hobgoblin pointed to Moomin house. "I will fight this Dark One myself. Ministry or Minions be damned. And anyone else responsible."

Dumbledore nodded before giving the taller man an appreciative smile. "I understand and feel the same. I will do everything in my power to protect and teach him."

Hobgoblin allowed himself a small victorious smile. "Thou are too late for any teaching. The boy knows more than most of the best students in their final year. Dare I say, more than your professors even."

They continued their walk as Dumbledore chuckled, "If that is true, then this should be quite interesting indeed."

Harry felt pale. He felt sick! He was being forced to leave everything or give up a part of himself he trained for almost a decade to obtain!

He looked to Sniff who nervously fiddled with his tail. Little My glared as she grumbled to herself. Snufkin was quiet with a troubled look on his face. And both Harry's parents were silent with shocked expressions. Moomin looked fit to be tied. Snorkmaiden was the only one that seemed calm.

Harry went to his Mama and Pappa, kneeling to her as she sat on the sofa. "Oh Mama and Pappa, you have to know that I don't want this! I want to stay here!" Harry felt his eyes burn as his Mama hugged him tightly. She cooed in his ear as if he were still the one year old she held 16 years ago. "Oh darling, I know. No matter what you choose, we'll support you. You don't have to have magic to be my baby."

Harry felt a tear ran down his cheek as he closed his eyes in her embrace.

Little My growled as she stomped her foot. "IT'S STUPID! Who does this old fart think he is, coming in here and making demands?!"

Harry shook his head as he drew back from his Mama, wiping his eyes as he replied, "It's not him. He's practically just the messenger."

Little My puffed out her chest. "Let his Hogwart school come! We'll teach them LITTLE MY STYLE!"

Moominpappa stood to pace, speaking for the first time. "No. We don't go about life like that. It might work in your world and occupation but I doubt it would work in this case...But...Whatever Harry chooses, we'll all stick by him."

Harry sighed as he stood up. "I don't want to lose my magic…"

Moomin stood abruptly, tears in his eyes and glare at everyone in the room.

"So...That's it! Not only am I losing my so-called best friend ONCE AGAIN like EVERY WINTER! NNOOOOWWW, I'm losing my brother too?!" Moomin bellowed as he tightly gripped his fist at his side.

Harry looked shocked, "Moomin! Do you think I want this?!"

Little My spoke up, "Moomin! Listen to your brother! It's not like he's taking a dumb vacation!" She spat her own anger at the situation that arose.

Moomin shook his head as he rushed up the stairs. His voice cracked as he yelled, "What does it matter! Your leaving! Harry's leaving! Snufkin is leaving! Who else is going to leave me behind?! Old reliant Moomin!"

Harry stared at his brother as he rushed up the stairs. He felt his own throat tighten with grief.

Snufkin stepped forward, a guilty expression on his usually stoic mug. "Harry...I think you need time to think this through without voices all talking to you at once. Let's go to the roof."

Harry gratefully nodded as he followed his childhood friend. He looked back into the parlor as he descended the stairs to see the room erupt in harsh whispers. He sighed as he followed Snufkin and ignored it.

They made their way to a room above the porch where they both climbed out onto the roof. Harry expected Snufkin to give his opinion like the others but he just sat there silently. His face seemed strained with his own inner turmoil.

Harry decided to speak. "Why is Moomin so angry with me? Doesn't he realize I don't want this for goodness sake?!"

Snufkin groaned as he rubbed his neck. "Uh...We had an argument right before we went to the parlor. I think he's angrier at me and taking it out on you...Sorry."

Harry brought his legs to his chest and rested his chin on his knees. "Snufkin...Do you find my brother annoying?"

Snufkin looked mildly offended, "Of course not."

"Do you find Moomin to be a pest?"

"W- No!"

"Then why not let him go with you? Just one time?"

Snufkin removed his hat to run a hand through his unruly hair. "It's...Not that simple."

Harry stared a long moment before building the courage to just say what everyone had a suspicion of.

"Snufkin… Do you have feelings for Moomin? Is that why you keep pushing him away because you're afraid you'll fall for him?"

Harry watched the man beside him go pale before turning red, his eyes wide in disbelief. "WHAT?! NO! Of course not! W-what would make you think that!? Don't be silly, Harry!" He nervously laughed, sweat forming on him as he shoved his wide brim hat back on his head to hide his face.

Harry felt a smirk play at his lips. "Huh, you sure seem flustered for someone that doesn't have a crush."

Snufkin huffed, "I do not! I just...You caught me off guard!"

Harry teasingly raised a brow. "I think that's the most I've ever seen you crack under pressure. Little My would have been tickled pink to see it!" The raven-haired man's face fell, "I'm...Going to miss this."

Snufkin calmed himself, looking sadly at his friend. "You don't have to go. Those magic powers are neat but the rest of us get by just fine without them."

Harry sighed to himself, "I don't think any of you understand what it would be like to have them taken from me...It would be like losing a piece of myself."

"No, we don't. So, I take it you're going?"

Harry bit his lip as a pained expression crossed his features. "What choice do I have?... Do you think Moomin will hate me? And what about Snorkmaiden?! Oh, no…" He buried his face in his knees with an insufferable groan. Snufkin gave him a gentle smile. "Nah. Moomin will come around...Snorkmaiden will...Uh...She might be a bit harder to convince." He shrugged with a sheepish look.

Harry unfolded himself with a frown.

They sat in silence for a few moments before Harry started making his way back to the window.

"I have to break the news. Dumbledore will be back soon and...Well...I don't have too much time or options." He offered Snufkin a hand as they both stood to crawl back inside.

"Just promise me to give Moomin something, anything to raise his spirit right now. I'm tired of seeing my brother depressed and heartbroken every Fall. I swear, I feel like handling you Little My style and beating you up." Harry muttered. Snufkin chuckled. "I'd like to see you try...But, you're right. I'll think of something."

They descended the hall and Harry paused at Moomin's door. He hesitantly knocked. "Moomin. Please! I don't want to leave but I also don't want to leave like this!"

There was no answer.

Snufkin nudged Harry sadly as Harry nodded, letting his brother deal with this however he could.

They went back to the Parlor to see everyone arguing with one another. All except Snorkmaiden. Harry gave Snufkin a bizarre look.

Little My was arguing with Sniff who argued with her that Harry should go and not borrow trouble while Little My disagreed completely. Moominmama and Moominpappa weren't necessarily arguing but seemed very distant from each other as if there may have been a disagreement prior.

Harry called out to get their attention but no one seemed to listen as Little My threw a pillow at Sniff that accidentally hit Moominpappa. Which in turn, made him bristle while Moominmama tried reasoning with him.

"What in all of Moomin Valley?" Harry mumbled to Snufkin who smiled in amusement. "They care about you that much to have this reaction to you leaving I guess."

Harry walked into the room and Snorkmaiden perked up, walking up to him. "Oh sweetie, there you are! It's chaos here! I swear, I think they're overreacting to us leaving."

Harry raised a thick brow. "Us?"

She pleasantly nodded. "Well of course! I'm going with you!