Author's notes: Well, the response to Lily and Bill was far better than expected. We'll have to wait a bit to learn what H & G think.
Also, I'm not one to ask people to review for me, generally taking the view that people will if they want. That said, last chapter got 21 reviews, which set a bit of a record for not just this story, but all of them in this series. It was kind of nice. So thank you very much for all your kind words and support.
Last, were at about 50/50 on Moody being the real Moody and not an imposter. Time will tell.
Standard disclaimer: It all belongs to JKR. Thank you JKR for letting us play with your toys.
I will continue to use the occasional song lyric in the story and will give credit at the time when needed.
This is the fifth book in my Slytherin Harry series.
Book 1: Harry Potter and the Muggle's Daughter
Book 2: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Book 3: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Book 4: Harry Potter and the Blood Traitor's Daughter
Book 5: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
If you haven't read books 1-4 you won't know what's going on. But the bonus is you've got four completed books before you even get to this one!
HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE
CHAPTER VIII
I Don't Want to get Blood on my Beans
HPHPHP
"Ready?" Harry asked. It was the third Friday of October and notices had gone up a week ago that the Beauxbatons and Durmstrang delegations would be arriving tonight. The students had been excused from last period for the day so they could ensure they had time to get cleaned up and make a good impression for their guests. It wasn't formal attire, but they were supposed to be in their best school robes. Being male, of course, meant it took Harry far less time than his female housemates.
"Some of us have been ready for half an hour," Ginny said, pointedly shooting a look at Daphne.
"Some of us," Daphne said haughtily, "haven't managed to make the same impression on the object of our desire as you, Ginevra."
Harry chuckled. "You both look lovely," he said. "Though you," he reached for Daphne's hand and raised it to his lips, "are not nearly so lovely as you." He released Daphne's hand and turned to Ginny. "Hey beautiful."
Ginny rolled her eyes. "Smarmy git." She pecked him on the lips before slipping her arm into his. "Shall we?"
"I swear," Daphne said, "if you were not completely in love with my best friend I would smother you in your sleep, Harry."
He just smirked and offered her his free arm. "Lady Greengrass.
She took his arm. "You are still an uncouth simpleton, Lord Potter."
The Great Hall, along with the rest of the school, had received a much deeper cleaning than usual over the last few weeks. Filch had been of even filthier than normal temper with students for tracking mud or water on the floors. The suits of armor gleamed in the candlelight and no longer squeaked when they moved. Particularly grimy paintings had been moved to less prominent areas of the school while those that remained sported grumpy occupants who tried to avoid rubbing at their overly pink faces.
The Great Hall itself was decorated in full end-of-year regalia with banners for each house hanging over the four tables; Gryffindor red with a great lion, Ravenclaw blue with a golden raven, Hufflepuff yellow with a black badger and Slytherin green with a silver snake. The biggest banner of all though was behind the head table. A ginormous black banner with the Hogwarts shield depicting the four houses in each quadrant. The teachers, also, had been particularly severe whenever students got out of line. They were determined Hogwarts was going to make a good impression and Harry had to admit things did look sharp.
Harry walked into the entry with Ginny on one arm and Daphne on the other. Draco sneered but turned away, continuing his policy of seeming nonaggression for the year. The three made their way to where Hermione, Luna and Neville were gathered with Cedric and a number of other puffs. Cedric eyed the three. "One not enough for you, Potter?"
Harry laughed. "Believe me, one of these two is more than enough for me."
"Good answer, Potter," Ginny said.
Daphne let go of his arm and moved to stand near Neville. "Hello, Neville. How was Care of Magical Creatures today?"
Neville shuddered. "Don't ask."
"That bad?"
"He wants us to come down and spend extra time with the skrewts. I almost wish I'd taken Arithmancy."
"Its not too late you know. I'd help tutor you till you caught up. We all would."
Luna latched onto Neville's arm. "Quit trying to steal my work partner, Daphne."
Neville smiled at Daphne. "Thanks, but I really do prefer creatures to maths. Even if I do have to put up with Hagrid's pets on occasion. Besides, I can't leave Luna alone."
Luna stretched up and kissed his cheek before sticking her tongue out at Daphne. "I knew he loved me." Neville blushed while the others laughed.
"Is that how this works?" Cedric teased. "Harry gets those two while Neville gets Hermione and Luna?" The six friends exchanged looks. Luna was nearly as demonstrative with Daphne and Ginny as she was with Hermione and an outsider wouldn't necessarily have picked up she and Hermione were actually a couple. Harry was actually a bit concerned about the upcoming Yule Ball. Hermione had asked Luna to go with her. But that had been over the summer when they were all at home and she felt safe in being open about their relationship. But she had recently expressed being worried about the Ball and their relationship becoming public to him.
"Actually," Daphne said, "we're all Amazon warriors." She pulled Ginny, Luna and Hermione close. "We only keep Harry and Neville around for breeding stock."
"Daphne!" Hermione gasped.
Luna focused on Cedric and with a completely straight face said. "I'm afraid Daphne shouldn't have told you that, Cedric. You see Queen Diana did forbid us to tell anyone. I'm afraid I'm going to have to kill you now." Cedric chuckled. Luna triggered the release for her wand, pulled a hairpin from her hair, tapped her wand to it three times and transfigured it to a rather nasty looking dagger. "I'm very sorry, but you do understand, yes?" Cedric stopped laughing and eyed her warily.
"Now, Luna," Ginny said. She drew her wand, "you know perfectly well we can just obliviate him."
Just then Professor McGonagall walked past. "Miss Lovegood, where did you get that? Oh, never mind, just put it away. It's almost time." She bustled away.
Luna tapped her wand to the dagger, returning it to a hairpin. She replaced it in her hair, took Daphne's hand and pulled her along. "Come, Sister. We need to discuss your lack of discretion."
"We'll deal with you later," Ginny said to Cedric. She grabbed Hermione's hand and pulled her along. "Come, Sister." Harry, Neville and Cedric watched them go.
"She's joking, right?" Cedric's friend James asked.
"With that girl," Harry said, "damned if I know." He shrugged and followed the four girls.
Neville clapped Cedric on the shoulder. "Relax, Ced, it's a joke… At least I think it is." He clapped him again. "Maybe you wanna sleep lightly though, just in case."
Out on the front lawn the students separated into their houses with first-years in front, second-years next and so on to seventh-years in back. Harry found himself surprisingly excited to see the students from the other schools. "How do you think they'll be arriving?"
"I'd guess the train," Daphne said. Do you think they'd bring them across the lake like the first-years?"
Ginny shivered and snuggled into Harry's side. "That'd be kind of cold tonight." Harry wrapped his arm around her shoulder. It wascold; even for the Highlands.
"Thanks," Ginny said. Daphne wrapped her cloak a bit tighter. Ginny reached out and pulled her close as well. "It's good to be in the middle," she said.
"Not even going there," Harry said.
"Cad," Daphne said.
"Aha!" Dumbledore said. "Unless I'm mistaken, I believe the Beauxbatons delegation approaches."
"Where?" Daphne asked.
"There!" Harry and Ginny said together. They pointed over the forest where there appeared to be something very large hurtling across the darkening skies.
"How did you—" Daphne started.
"Snitch eyes," the two responded.
"You learn to pick out movement," Ginny said.
"Somehow I don't think that will be happening," Daphne muttered.
"Oh," Ginny cried, "Daphne, I'm sorry."
"It's fine, Ginevra… Really, it is," she assured when they both looked like they were going to say more.
Ginny gave her hand a squeeze. "We'll talk later."
"Here they come!" an excited voice cried.
Harry turned back to scanning the skies. "Whoa."
"No kidding," Ginny said.
"Are those abraxans?" Daphne gasped.
"They're huge," Ginny whispered. And indeed they were. The creatures had just turned, allowing the lights from the castle windows to hit them. Twelve giant winged horses, all palominos, were pulling a massive, powder blue carriage. The horses banked and the students hastily backed up as the horses and the carriage hurtled lower. Seconds later, with an almighty thundering of hooves and crashing of wheels the carriage landed. Tossing their massive heads, red eyes flashing and great clouds of hot breath billowing from their nostrils the horses slowed to a stop.
"I want one," Daphne breathed.
Harry and Ginny looked sharply at her. "No," they said succinctly.
With the horses stomping their feet impatiently the door of the carriage, bearing a coat of arms (two crossed golden wands emitting three stars each) opened.
A boy, wearing pale blue robes, jumped the five feet to the ground. He lowered a set of golden steps and backed away where he stood respectfully. First a shoe, large as a serving platter, high heeled and shining black appeared. A woman fully as big as Hagrid if she was an inch followed. Her face was olive skinned and handsome, with shining black eyes, a nose that was perhaps a bit large and black hair pulled back in a tight bun. She wore robes of all black while opals adorned her neck and fingers.
Harry felt like he had to keep tipping his head back to see her as she straightened. "Nimue, that is one tall lady."
The woman stepped down, scanned the assembled throng, spotted Dumbledore and immediately strode to him. He stepped to greet her. Tall as he was he had to reach up to take her hand and press it to his lips. "My dear, Madame Maxime," he said. "Welcome to Hogwarts."
"Dumbly-dorr," she said in a deep but somehow still feminine voice. "I 'ope I find you well."
Harry sniggered. "Dumbley-dorr," he said under his breath. "I like her already."
Ginny elbowed him. "Shut it." Harry smirked and turned his attention to the group assembling behind the Beauxbatons Headmistress.
Fourteen students, evenly split between boys and girls, all appearing to be in their later teens had emerged from the carriage. They all looked to be freezing, which given their rather thin looking robes was unsurprising. They actually looked to be silk instead of the heavy wool the Hogwarts students wore. But for one, all of the girls had wrapped scarves around their heads. She was tall and thin. The features of her face were perfectly proportioned. Long, silvery-blonde hair framed a face graced with wide, expressive eyes of sapphire blue and skin of porcelain. She stood tall and regal, ignoring the cold while she took in her surroundings. She'd also draw the eye of nearly every one of Hogwarts students.
"A galleon says she's Beauxbatons Champion," Ginny said.
"No bet," Daphne said.
"Harry?" Ginny asked.
He tipped his head, considering. "Sure, why not."
"'As Karkaroff arrived yet?" Madame Maxime was asking.
"Not as yet," Dumbledore answered. "Would you like to wait and greet him or would you prefer to step inside and warm up a trifle?"
"Is zere someone 'ho can see to my 'orses?"
"Our Care of Magical Creatures teacher would be delighted too," Dumbledore said.
Madame Maxime hesitated. "Zey require a firm 'and. Zey are quite strong."
"Ya think," Harry muttered, "I've seen smaller elephants."
"I assure you, Hagrid will be more than up to the task."
"Better him than me," Harry added.
"You just can't resist mocking him, can you," Daphne said.
"Nope," Harry said.
"Very well," Madame Maxime said. "Tell 'im zey drink only single-malt scotch whiskey."
"It will be attended to," Dumbledore said.
"You better tell Sirius to stock up," Ginny said. "I've a feeling there's about to be a shortage."
"Ya think?" Harry asked.
"Would you two shut up," Daphne hissed.
"You love us and you know it," Harry retorted.
"If I'd known just how lippy breeding stock was I'd have asked Queen Dianafor a pet ferret instead." Harry snorted. Beside him Ginny was struggling not to laugh.
"Come," Madame Maxime said sharply to her students. She set off and they quickly followed, leaving Hogwarts' students to shiver in the growing dark.
"Suppose Durmstrang is coming by carriage as well?" Harry asked.
"I highly doubt it," Daphne said. "Wizards don't like to repeat the same act." She stomped her feet. "I do wish they'd hurry up about it though." For a few minutes only the occasional stomping of feet or the aggravated snort of one of the abraxans broke the silence. But then Harry tipped his head.
"What?" Ginny asked.
"Shush," Harry said. He turned slightly. There was an odd sucking sound blowing on the wind. "The lake," he said. From up high on the cliff the smooth surface was clearly visible.
"I don't—" Daphne said. But then the noise grew and the lake surface was suddenly rippled. The ripples grew to choppy, unorganized waves that spilled into each other while crashing discordantly on the shore. And then, far out in the very center of the lake a giant whirlpool appeared.
A very tall, very thin, black pole began to rise from the heart of the whirlpool… and then rigging. "Guess the boats weren't entirely wrong after all," Harry observed. A second and then a third, slightly shorter, mast appeared as a large sailing ship rose from beneath the surface. As magnificent as it's entrance was, the ship itself looked skeletal. Like a wreck risen from the deep. The dim light spilling from the portals added to the feeling, appearing almost as ghostly eyes. Finally, with a great sloshing noise the ship emerged fully where it sat, gently rocking on the surface. Seconds later it ghosted across the calming waters to the cove and dock below. A giant anchor splashed down and moments later people were scurrying about the deck. The sound of the gangplank banging down on the dock echoed off the cliffs and people were filing off the ship.
"Bugger," Ginny said, "They make Crabbe and Goyle look small." And indeed they did. Each and every one of the fifteen people climbing the stairs from the lake was massive. One of them very quickly left the others behind on the climb up.
"A galleon on him if he's a student," Ginny said.
"How do you know he's a he?" Harry countered.
"Women don't move like that," Ginny said. The person in question had reached the top and stopped to wait for the others. Harry noted at least some of their bulk was due to the massive fur coats they were wearing.
"Very true," Daphne agreed. "Hermione might have the most masculine movements I've ever observed in a woman, but she's still distinctly female."
"There's just a power in the way men walk," Ginny said.
"Honestly," Daphne said, "he reminds me of you, Harry."
"Me?"
"Yes. You have the most powerful walk in the school."
"You do," Ginny agreed.
"You're mental," Harry said, "Both of you."
"Dumbledore," a voice called heartily.
Harry turned back as the Durmstrang delegation marched up the slope. So this was Karkaroff; the turncoat Death Eater. Apparently Durmstrang's reputation was well earned if naming names not only bought you your way out of Azkaban but also earned you the position of Headmaster at one of the most prominent schools of magic in the world.
"Harry," Ginny said, breaking into his growing anger.
"What?"
"You're hurting my hand."
"What? Oh, shit. Ginny, I'm sorry. Are you all right?" He raised her hand and gently massaged it."
"I'm fine. Just worried about you."
He grimaced. "Just not thrilled to have another Death Eater running around again."
"I know."
"Come on you two," Daphne said. Apparently Dumbledore and Karkaroff had decided it was time to move inside. Once in the Great Hall the three found the Durmstrang students were all sitting at the Slytherin table and it was completely full.
Harry immediately turned for the Hufflepuff table. There he found Luna, David and Andrew had been displaced from the Ravenclaw table by the Beauxbatons students. "Brilliant," Ginny said, pulling him over. He took his normal spot opposite Cedric with Ginny on his right and Daphne his left.
"Did you notice who's with the Durmstrang students?" Cedric asked. Harry and Ginny turned to search the Slytherin table. The Durmstrang students were all looking about the hall curiously. Harry and Ginny found whom Cedric was referring to at the same time.
"No way!" Ginny said.
"Are you shitting me?" Harry asked.
"Honestly, Harry," Daphne complained.
He turned around. "It's Krum, Daphne."
"An internationally famous quidditch player, big deal."
"He's Victor Krum," Ginny reiterated.
"Remind me again, what is your second eldest brother's name?"
Harry stared at her for a second before turning to Ginny. "I hate when she has a point."
"I always have a point, Potter. You are usually just to much of a simpleton to comprehend it."
Harry ignored her and turned to get a better to look at the rest of the Beauxbatons' students. "Oh no," Ginny moaned.
"What?" Harry asked.
"It's Venus and Serena."
"Who?" Harry asked.
Ginny pointed. "The two beaters from camp this summer."
Harry picked them out. "Bugger."
"They good?" Cedric asked.
"As good as my brothers," Ginny answered.
Cedric eyed them. "Yippie," he said sarcastically
Before anything else could be said, Dumbledore stood. "Honored guests of Durmstrang and Beauxbatons, welcome. I trust you will find a warm reception here at Hogwarts and hope your time with us is enjoyable. I know you are all famished from your long journey so I shall save the long-winded speech for after we've eaten. Tuck in." As usual, when there was a great feast held, the tables instantly filled with food. Harry took stock. It appeared the house elves had gone all out; preparing a number of dishes he didn't recognize.
Luna lifted the cover of a large tureen. "Bouillabaisse," she said, smiling. She passed it to Daphne. "You'll want this."
"Thank you, Sister." Cedric and James stilled. "Relax, Cedric," Daphne said, "Instead of killing or obliviating you, we've decided you can join Harry and Neville as breeding stock." She smirked at him.
"What about me?" James asked.
"We're going to smother you in your sleep," Luna said. "Much less messy than stabbing."
Cedric considered for a second. "As long as you add that Beauxbatons girl, I'm in."
Daphne slumped. After a second she held her hand out to Luna. "Give me the knife, Sister."
"Later," Luna said. "I don't want to get blood on my beans."
"Harry, can I have the roast please?" Veronica asked.
Harry grabbed it. "Just a sec." He offered it to Ginny first. She took three slices for herself before putting five on his plate. "Here ya go, V."
"Thanks, Harry."
As dinner went on Cedric and Daphne continued their growing sparring match. Neville had yet to make any kind of a move on Daphne and Harry was actually beginning to wonder if Cedric might beat him to it. Glancing over to the Gryffindor table he caught Neville watching Daphne with a decided scowl on his face. Neville saw him watching and looked away. Harry waited till he looked back. He gave a little jerk of his head; clearly saying, 'get a move on,' towards Daphne. Neville turned white. Harry rolled his eyes. He then pointed at himself, then Neville, then drew his finger across his neck.
"What are you doing?" Daphne demanded.
"Talking to Neville," Harry said.
She turned but Neville had turned and was talking to Hermione. "Why did you just threaten to kill him?"
"Because threatening to kill Neville is what I do. Kind of like you threatening Cedric."
Daphne rolled her eyes. "Why do I talk to you?"
"I don't know," Harry retorted, "but I wish you'd stop."
Daphne kicked him. Only Harry had cast a charm on his pant leg that made them like stone. "OW!" she cried. She reached for her foot. "You utter bastard!"
"HA!" Harry crowed. He held his hand out to Luna. "Told you I could get her to say it. Pay up."
"That was mean!" Luna protested.
"How was it mean? She tried to kick me."
"You've spent the whole year conditioning her to kick you just so you could do that."
"I am so going to kill you, Harry," Daphne growled.
"Not my fault she's predictable." Luna glowered at him. "Pay up," he said.
She slapped a galleon in his hand. "I'm going to make you regret that."
"I'll regret it all the way to the bank," he retorted. He glanced at Daphne. "Oh quit crying. My shins have been black and blue for weeks. You've got your shots in."
"Sleep lightly, Harry," she warned.
"Don't have to my wards won't allow you past."
"Wards?" Cedric asked curiously.
"You try living with a Death Muncher for a roommate," Harry said.
Cedric choked on a mouthful of corn. "Death Muncher?" he managed once he'd stopped hacking.
"Yeah, you know, his mum's a Death Eater, he wants to be a Death Eater, ergo, Death Muncher."
Cedric stared at him. "You really shouldn't accuse people of that, Harry. His mother was tried and found innocent."
"And my godfather, who was innocent, wasn't even given a trial before they threw him in prison. Zabini's mother was a Death Eater, Cedric. As surely as your father wasn't."
Further discussion was put on hold when Dumbledore once again stood to address them. "Now that we are all fed and watered, once more, welcome, Durmstrang and welcome, Beauxbatons." He began clapping and the Hogwarts' students followed his lead. "Now, to business. I'm sure each of you is as excited for the events to come as I am. Per tradition, along with the Triwizard Tournament there will be a quidditch tournament between the schools of Durmstrang, Beauxbatons and the four houses of Hogwarts. To those students playing, I wish you all the best of luck. But those are events for a different day; tonight we are here to begin the process of selecting the three champions who will represent our schools in contesting the Triwizard Tournament. Mr. Filch, if you would."
Filch, who had been standing in the shadows, approached Dumbledore carrying a great wooden chest encrusted with jewels. He set the chest before Dumbledore and backed away. "Thank you, Mr Filch." Filch bowed his way back into the shadows.
"Now then," Dumbledore said. "Mr Bagman and Mr Dewer," he indicated the two men Harry had not recognized sitting at the Head Table, "have reviewed the rules for the tournament. Myself, Madame Maxime and Headmaster Karkaroff have been apprised of them and agreed and the five of us will serve as judges as our champions face three tasks. Three tasks to test their skill, their intelligence, their resourcefulness and of course their bravery in the face of danger."
"Blithering idiots," Harry muttered under his breath.
"Each champion will be judged and scored and at the end of the third task the champion will be crowned; bringing renown to his or her school and glory for their self. They will also be awarded a thousand galleons prize money.
"If they're alive to claim it," Harry said.
"I get it already," Cedric hissed. "I'm still entering."
"Now," Dumbledore was saying, "while the five of us shall judge our champions as they compete, an impartial judge shall choose just who our champions are to be." He drew his wand and tapped it three times to the wooden chest. The lid opened, creaking loudly on hinges that hadn't been used in many years. Dumbledore reached in and pulled out a completely unremarkable cup roughly hewn from a large block of wood. "Judges, if you would please join me." Mr Bagman, Mr Dewer, Madame Maxime and Karkaroff all stood and moved to Dumbledore. They drew their wands and pointed them at the cup.
"With leadership, let the Champion be chosen," Dumbledore said.
"With beauty, let the Champion be chosen," Madame Maxime said.
"With achievement, let the Champion be chosen," Karkaroff said.
"With daring, let the Champion be chosen," Mr Bagman said.
"With determination, let the Champion be chosen," Mr Dewer said.
Five streams of light, each a different colour, yellow for Dumbledore, lavender for Madame Maxime, gold for Karkaroff, red for Bagman, and orange for Dewer poured from their wands into the cup. It sparked and spit for a few moments before a ghostly looking blue flame began to dance within its cauldron. The judges lowered their wands and backed away.
"I give you the Goblet of Fire," Dumbledore said. The students all clapped and ohhed and awed.
"Each judge," Dumbledore went on, "has named the quality they feel most important in the champions to be chosen. The Goblet has accepted these choices and now burns. It will be placed in the entry hall for all to see and observe. For a period of one week no entry at all will be accepted. This is to ensure each student gives full consideration to his or her decision to enter. All should fully understand that entry, followed by selection, represents a binding magical contract, no matter the circumstances, to compete in the tournament. If, after the consideration period, you wish to enter you need only write your name and school on a piece of parchment and place it in the Goblet. Champions will be chosen from the entrants Halloween night." He paused for a moment and swept the hall with hard eyes.
"Last, I will give a warning. To ensure no student who will be under age at the time of selection submits his or her name for consideration, I will personally be drawing an age-line around the Goblet. I warn you now, to test me in this is a decision you will regret."
Harry's skin crawled with Dumbledore's last words. The man wasn't kidding. He glanced over to Ginny's twin brothers. He was fairly certain they'd managed to convince them not to try. But he'd come to understand, much like himself, the two took anything they were told they couldn't do as a personal affront. Dumbledore's warning, infused with a bit of his magic, would likely deter all other overly ambitious students, but for the twins it would be a flashing neon sign challenging them to do exactly the opposite. And normally Harry would have been perfectly happy to agree with the two. Hell, if the test were nothing more than the age-line and Dumbledore saying 'Bet you can't.' he'd have been first in line to prove the old bastard wrong. And Harry wasn't naive to his own desires to compete. He liked nothing better than to test himself. But the one brief moment he'd pushed aside his mum's threats of death and dismemberment and considered entering, his leg had flared with pain he hadn't felt in months.
He liked testing himself, but this was just foolish. Besides, he'd already faced a dragon, completed an obstacle course of magical challenges and rescued not one but two hostages. And in every case it hadn't been some game. It had been real life and one wrong move would have brought death to him or his friends with no one about to rescue them. And not one of the obstacles was an effing basilisk either! Frankly, when you looked at it, with all the safety precautions in place, the tournament was a bit of a step down. Still, the tournament had a history of circumventing safety precautions and Harry just wasn't interested in testing them.
"Come on, Harry," Ginny said, giving him a tug. Harry came back from his thoughts to find the students standing and beginning to make their way out of the hall. He and Ginny followed along behind Daphne and Luna. They reached the end of the table when one of the Beauxbatons' girls cried, "Ginny!" and rushed over to hug her. She let her go only for another girl to grab her.
"How are you?" the second girl asked.
Ginny grinned at the two girls. "I'm good. Though I'm not sure how excited I am to see you two. She turned slightly. "You remember Harry, I'm sure. And this is my friend, Daphne Greengrass. Guys, this is Venus and Serena Williams. I met them at camp this summer."
Harry offered his hand. "Nice to see you again."
The girls shook his hand. "You too," they said.
Daphne offered her hand as well. "I'm very pleased to meet you."
"Are you a quidditch player too?" Venus asked.
Daphne laughed. "Heavens no. I leave that sort of foolishness to them."
"Oi, Potter," one of the twins called. Harry turned to see what they wanted only the Durmstrang delegation had been making their way past when Harry's name had been called and it brought Karkaroff crashing to a halt. He focused on Harry, his eyes immediately darting to Harry's forehead. His students came to a stop behind him.
"Yeah, I'm him," Harry said, knowing his hair was covering his scar.
There was a flash of fear followed by hatred in Karkaroff's eyes. The man recovered to give him an unfriendly smile, revealing yellowed teeth. "A pleasure to meet you, Harry Potter," he said. He stuck out his hand.
Ginny squeezed his hand in warning. Harry took the offered hand. "And you, Sir."
Karkaroff squeezed but Charlie had taught him a trick to prevent getting his hand crushed. It hurt, but not so much to make him react. "The vanquisher of the Dark Lord," Karkaroff taunted, "you must be disappointed you can't enter."
Harry's magic rippled angrily in his body. He wasn't sure how, but he could feel it flowing into his hand. "Not really," he said. "The tournament is a bit of a come down after you've defeated the eejit who wanted tomaster the world,don't you agree?" Harry went with what his magic was telling him and squeezed. Karkaroff grimaced. Harry let his hand go.
"What's the hold up here?" a new voice demanded gruffly.
Karkaroff turned and paled. "You!" he said, staring at Professor Moody as if he was unsure of what he was seeing.
"Me," Moody said grimly. His magical eye swiveled to Harry. "All right there, Potter."
"Peachy, Sir," Harry answered.
Moody's scared brow rose. "Well you're blocking the way out so move along already."
"Yes, Sir," Harry said. He focused on Karkaroff. "Have a good night, headmaster." He walked off with Ginny and Daphne following.
"See you in the morning," Ginny called to Venus and Serena.
Luna was just too much fun this chapter.