Chapter 25: first task

The first task had come and the three schools were excited, though Harry could not help but be worried. Ella's birth had not only been a happy anticipated event but had been good, a distraction for a few days. His friends laughed at Harry and told him he was acting like he was in it, he was more nervous then the champions were. Viktor admitted while the champions were not to know ahead of time they had been told, he made sure Cedric had been told. He knew Albus would likely not tell their champion, but Igor and Maxime had both seen and both warned their champions.

Harry understood the odd look from Viktor when he saw the dragons; Viktor hadn't told him what the challenge would be. He knew there were dragons not far from the Krums and Viktor had been to the sanctuary, but that didn't help. It reminded him it usually took several people to subdue them, and still was dangerous work.

Draco saw his brother when Viktor went in."Harry are you okay?"

Fred snorted. "He is just worried about lover boy down there."

Draco knew that was not the case when Harry didn't even tell them to shut up over the comment about Viktor, he usually would never allow it to slide. Harry was not simply worried about Viktor who was the last one, though that was a good reason. Fleur had been burned by her dragon, and Viktor had pulled the horntail which was the most dangerous dragon out there. Oddly enough it was Ron who came up with the answer.

Ron sneered from where he sat down the way."The poor little baby probably pissed his pants. He was such a cry baby last time, and it was a newborn."

George turned to look at Harry. "First year, that dragon of Hagrid's."

Harry had been convinced by Albus to spend time with Ron, and found out Hagrid had a baby dragon which had to be taken away. Ron was so angry Hagrid was listening that he had spooked the dragon and it set fire to the hut, trapping Harry in it. Harry had been saved by the centaurs but he had been in bed for days, and had to be carried home for his official first stay at the manor. Harry still remembered how close he had come to not seeing Adrian born or Ella, anything else for that matter.

Draco was pale as he should have known why his brother was so upset, he hated it took a prat like Ron to point it out to him. Draco knew it was part of the tournament, but he was surprised his brother had not been given any warning. He would not have told any one, and he could have been prepared.

Harry was silent until Viktor had his egg and was safe. "He is in first place. I knew he would be."

Draco squeezed his brother's arm. "Oh Romeo, remember we are meant to cheer for our own champion."

He could tell Harry was feeling a bit better as the dragons were subdued; he elbowed Draco in the ribs for that comment. He would have done more but at least the last comment had been intentional, an attempt to draw Harry out of a state of shock he seemed to have been in. By the time they headed out of the stands Harry's color had returned and he was threatening to hex them if they did not lay off.

They found Cedric first and made sure to congratulate him, Viktor more than supported them cheering for their own champion. Viktor had assured them if the tables were turned he would have done the same, but they would not be too sad if he won.

Viktor noticed Harry was a bit shaky still and unlike the others he knew."I wanted to tell you about the dragons but I couldn't. Are you okay?"

Harry was feeling better. He had told Viktor back when it happened."I'm fine. I should be upset you beat our champion though."

It was the closest thing Harry and Draco could do to congratulating their friend, but Viktor knew what it was. Viktor was sporting some holes from the horns in his robe, but he was the only champion not bleeding or with a burn on him. It would not be till February for the second task, and for now the ball was the only worry.

Viktor blushed when asked if he had thought about a date for the ball. "I need to find my headmaster. He will be disappointed I did not score a perfect score."

The ball was not for almost a month but the school was talking, it was the first time they had an event like this. The champions had been informed they and their partners would have to dance for all, but every one was taking dance lessons. Draco and the twins kept commenting he better pay attention as he would soon have an audience, sure Viktor would ask him out to the ball. Draco had noticed Harry had been avoiding being alone with any males who might ask him as he was too polite, and he would not admit he hoped Viktor would ask. Draco knew Viktor would have to ask soon, or Harry would have to accept an invite.

It seemed it was not only the twins among their family who had an interest; Ginny was on Harry as well. Her brothers and friends had told her that Harry was into men, but she did not want to listen. Harry was reminded of her crush on him back in his second year, before the whole basilisk event.

Ginny came over to him on the way from lessons. "I was hoping you would have danced with me. You are a natural."

Harry reminded himself once again this was the twin's sister."I am sorry Ginny, I am sure you can find plenty of partners. Besides you are too young."

The ball was open only to fourth years and above unless invited by an older student. Ginny may not have been known to have been in a hospital but there was talk, and the little Hufflepuff wasn't that popular before. Harry doubted she would be asked, but the lessons had been open to any one who wanted to learn.

Neville came over with Luna who he had started to date. "My friend Anthony is interested in you. I am sure I could help."

Ginny had seen a normal clumsy Neville could actually dance. She was still not impressed."Stick to Luna, I don't need dating advice from a porker."

Harry was taken by surprise as she was usually so timid and friendly why she was a Hufflepuff; Ron was the one who spoke like that. Luna shot an angry look at her friend and walked off with Neville, not liking the way Ginny had been lately. She was not the same girl she had grown up with, played with since in diapers.

Harry looked at her. "I can't believe you Ginny. Even if you aren't friends with him, he is dating your best friend."

Ginny suddenly broke down in tears and he could tell they were not fake. "I am so sorry; I will apologize to them both. Don't be angry with me."

Harry knew he would have to have his Uncle make sure Poppy was checking on her meds, but he calmed her down. He refused to even consider the ball with her and tried to let her down gently, but he swore he was not upset or hate her. Harry walked off with Draco, but Ginny's eyes followed him as he went.

Ginny took a half dose of her meds as she knew she had to see Poppy in an hour. "You will be mine; you will see we belong together. One way or another."

Please review