Chapter 27: second task

Harry and Viktor took less time then his brother worried about to become officially a couple. After all it had taken to convince the two of them they even liked each other, but once they got there it took no push for them. By the time that the next term had started the two of them were officially dating, and could be barely torn apart. Harry and Viktor did get back at those who got them together, they were happy but they still would not allow them to get away with it. They had convinced Professor Binns that Draco and the twins could not wait to listen to him practice a lecture for the ministry, and ensured they couldn't back out.

The second task was coming and Harry was happy when Viktor was able to solve the egg early on, both were worried about Igor. The man seemed to be the only one not happy for them, and was worried he would try and keep them apart. As long as Viktor continued to perform well, the man had no reason to protest. Harry was even convinced to be used in the second task He had been a bit worried, but he knew there was no real risk.

Igor came over when they came back to shore. "I assume this has not hurt my champion.'

Viktor smirked at the man. "I told you sir that Harry was the best inspiration."

For the second time in the tournament Viktor had placed first, though only two finished as Fleur had to be rescued. He had no doubt about whom he would have to rescue, though he had good friends from school or someone could have been sent for. Fleur had her little sister who had come with the school, and Cedric too had his date from the ball Cho. Harry thought the only ones who should have problems were his own school, but they had been good about it.

Cedric joked though when he came over. "I don't know we may have to lock you up during the next task. I don't think it is fair you are luck for another school."

Harry shook his head. "You know as much as I care about Viktor, I am cheering for you."

Even before they began dating Viktor told Harry he had understood, he would have done the same if the table were turned. Harry would have expected Viktor to cheer for his own school, and Viktor knew Harry would hex him even if he suggested it.

Ron seemed to have a worse attitude then Igor. "It wasn't bad enough you are snake and a Malfoy, now you are dating him? Do you have no pride at all?"

Harry put a hand on Viktor to calm him."I am happy you don't think much of me. I would be horrified if I lived up to your prejudiced standards."

From the first time they met Ron had been on him, he had the same idea as Albus of what their hero should be like. Harry wondered what he would have been like if his dads had not defied Albus, and had taken him home. If his first introduction to their world had been the likes of Ron he would have such a different view, and by Christmas when his dads took him he would likely not want them. He still laughed that Ron was always on about how evil pure bloods were, and he was one.

Ron reached and snagged him by the arm."I am not prejudiced; I am just not blind like you are. They stink of the dark arts, they will betray us all."

Minerva who had come up behind them with Albus was not pleased. "Ronald Weasley I will not have you disgracing the house of Gryffindor like this"

Albus tried to step in and call it a friendly debate but Minerva would not hear of it. Minerva was not a woman to play favourites with her house; she held them to high standards as not to shame their house name. In the four years since the boys began she always wished Harry was in her house as he would do it proud, but Ron was a thorn. The twins got into trouble but they did good in school and were beaters in quidditch, and did the house proud.

It seemed the day for annoying red heads, as no sooner had Ron stormed off with a detention but Ginny was headed their way as well. Harry rested his head on Viktor, and was suddenly wishing he had brought his cloak with him. Viktor was no happier than Harry was, he didn't like how the girl was around Harry

Ginny came over to them beaming and tried to entwine her arm with Harry. "I heard Igor say you had a party at the boat. I will escort Harry to the school."

Viktor was not amused and pealed her from his boyfriend. "He will be attending. Besides I would rather not leave him with a desperate little leech."

He was usually friendly and Harry was shocked to hear how Viktor spoke, but Harry was relieved as he would have loved to say it. Viktor would not usually talk like that but he knew Harry was bothered by her, but because of her brothers he held his tongue. Harry had too good a heart, and Viktor would not let it continue.

Ginny was fuming when they walked off. 'You think you are so funny, but I will show you. Nobody takes my boyfriend away from me, no one."

Harry and Viktor were happy as there was one of the few Hogsmeade weekends that year came the following weekend, they could both use one and Draco and he were not going home for their brother's birthday as it was not on a holiday or weekend, but needed a gift for him. The twins had told them they were not coming into town, but Harry knew they were lying about not being interested in town after all this time. Harry had his suspicions that they planned to keep an eye on their little sister who was being allowed into town without supervision this time.

Harry was surprised when he was in the candy shop and the twins came in, he could tell something was up from the look on their faces. Harry had a feeling their sister gave them the slip, and the twins reluctantly admitted it when he asked.

Suddenly a kid appeared in the door." you have to see Krum kid has been attacked.'

Fred took Harry by the arm as he could tell Harry was about to collapse. "I am sure he is okay."

The crowd was in the apothecary but they moved to let Harry and he twins pass, they knew who he was. Poppy had already been called and was seeing to Viktor who Harry felt sick when he realized there were vampire leaches all over him. Harry knew those thing had venom to paralyze temporarily and could kill humans.

Poppy motioned as she was about to take Viktor through the floo."He will be fine after some blood replenishers and rest."

Harry and Fred were able to go with as was Draco who had been with Viktor."How did this happen?"

Igor who arrived wanted to know as well, and as Viktor was fed potions and was cared for Draco told them. No one had seen who had done it for the shop was busy, but the lid had been taken off the jar and thrown in Viktor's face. No magic had been used and no one had seen, so there was no proof of who was to blame. Igor was mad as he was sure this was an attempt to knock out his champion. He was not the only one worried but Harry for different reasons.

Harry shared a look with his brother and Fred. "You don't think she would try something like this?"

Please review