Author's notes:
As promised, a bit longer chapter.
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 IVX
Sorry About Your Ship
The morning of the first task found Harry in the Slytherin common room waiting for Ginny and Daphne to join him. Strangely, he was feeling pretty optimistic about the day. Sure he was still pissed about being in the tournament, but he had a plan in place and was dreaming of wrecking a lot of peoples' day with it. He desperately wanted to see the looks on the judges' faces when he walked out there and accioed the damn egg. It was a prank to rival getting Snape sacked and sent to Azkaban and he'd been entertaining delusions of grandeur of winning and wrecking the tournament all at once.
Or he had, right up till he'd seen Daphne supporting Ginny as they made their way to the common room. Ginny had broken down sobbing in his arms about the dragon totems and having failed to keep him safe because she didn't know runes that, never mind being ten years beyond what she did know, were at least fifteen beyond what every other fourth year in the school knew. It only got worse from there. Luna was killing herself over what she'd done to Hagrid. Daphne and Neville may not have been out with the other three all night, but they'd actually slept less as they took it in shifts to watch the map and ensure no one but Hagrid entered his hut till Ginny's brother Percy had come to collect the trunk for the task. Hermione was damn near high she was on so much Pepperupper Potion. In fact, all five of his friends were zombies kept upright only buy Pepperupper and adrenalin, and rather more of the prior than the latter. It was enough that the headache he'd woken with was pushing through the pain potion he'd taken.
Glancing up and down the table that morning revealed a strange combination of excitement tinged with concern. More than a few Hufflepuffs had come round to Harry's way of thinking and were shooting concerned glances at both him and Cedric. Cedric, himself, mechanically ate a bowl of porridge while staring straight ahead. Harry glanced to the Ravenclaw table. Fleur was tapping a staccato with her finger on the table. Other than when he was twisting her tail it was as out of sorts as Harry had ever seen her. He looked over to the Slytherin table. Viktor proved the exception to the others. He looked like he was already in the arena. No one talked to him and in fact there was empty space all around him. Apparently the pressures of being the youngest player to ever fly for a world cup champion quidditch side went a long way to steeling the nerves as you prepared to face off against a dragon. Viktor caught him watching and locked eyes. Harry refused to look away. The Bulgarian was a difficult nut to crack. Harry wasn't sure, but despite Viktor no longer joining them when they trained, he got the impression the older boy held a grudging respect for him. After a few seconds Harry nodded slightly. Viktor waited another moment before returning the gesture and going back to his breakfast.
"You will be careful, won't you?" Anwen asked. Harry turned.
"Anwen," Gwyneth hissed.
"Well you're worried too! We all are."
A familiar tickling against his mind caused just the smallest hesitation in Harry responding to the girls. "Harry?"
"I promise, Anwen," Harry said. "I'll be as careful as I can. We both will, won't we, Ced?" He dropped his shields and allowed Mrs Tonks into his dreamscape. She moved to him and hugged him tightly.
"Swear," Cedric agreed.
"What's happening?" Harry asked.
"William has determined the totems are cursed such that you will be facing the horntail." Harry couldn't help paling.
"Harry?" Ginny asked. "Harry?"
"Ginevra is speaking to you. Answer her."
"What? Oh, shit." Harry turned to Ginny. "Sorry, zoned out for a second there."
"Are you all right?"
"I'm fine." She frowned at him.
"I promise." He leaned in and kissed her cheek. "Mrs Tonks is here," he whispered. He straightened. "Always."
She smiled and reached for his hand. "All right."
"You are to get the egg and get out of the arena the second you do."
"What if summoning it doesn't work?" "Then you will have to get the egg some other way."
"Pretty much unconscious or dead," Harry muttered.
Mrs Tonks pulled him to her. "I'm afraid so, Love."
"Is she here?"
"Yes."
"She's going to get caught."
"The time for her to reveal herself is fast approaching anyway. If that happens today, then perhaps that is the way it is meant to be."
Half an hour later Harry was walking down to the tent set up for champions. Neville was on his left, Cedric his right. Daphne and Ginny and seventh-year Puff prefect, Rowena Stone, were in front of them. Luna, Hermione and a dozen other Puffs were arrayed around them. It was an escort, plain and simple. Though Harry very much doubted the Puffs had any idea being ambushed by the Durmstrang students was the least of his worries.
"You know," Neville said, "I've decided I hate robes."
Harry frowned. "What," he asked, "the fuck are you talking about?"
"Robes," Neville said, he jerked his head at Ginny, Daphne and Rowena, "hate 'em." Harry focused on the three girls. "Why the hell do you think I'm never in front during training?"
Cedric tipped his head. "And here I just thought you were slow."
"Nah, just smarter than you."
Harry laughed. "Can't argue with that logic."
"Better views and I don't have to run as far as you two."
"Your view better not include Ginny," Harry warned.
"Come off it, Potter," Neville retorted. "You might have tunnel vision, but even Ginny knows you aren't blind."
Harry snorted. Cedric bit his cheeks. Neville just grinned. After a few seconds Harry bumped his shoulder with Neville's "Thanks, Mate."
"No problem."
Ten minutes later Harry and his friends were all huddled in a corner of the champions' tent. Cedric had gone to speak with his father and little sister. Fleur and Madame Maxime entered. "Zis tent is for zzampions only," Maxime snapped. Harry about told her to fuck off but Luna slapped her hand over his mouth before he could.
"Harry's allowed one guest of his choosing," Hermione retorted.
"'ou apparently can not count, zen?"
Daphne stood. "We're just leaving, Headmistress."
"Well get out. Go on."
Daphne ignored her, turned to Harry and wrapped her arms around his neck. "You'll be fine, Brother," she whispered. "Astoria will keep you safe."
Harry returned her embrace. "Thanks, Posh," he said. She kissed his cheek and backed away.
Neville stepped in and hugged him, lifting him clean of the floor. "Just get the egg and get the hell out, Bro, all right?"
"I will, don't worry."
Neville dropped him. "You better. I won't be out there crowing like a rooster, saving your arse this time."
Harry laughed and shook his head. "Scariest damn rooster I ever heard."
"Damn right I am."
Harry shoved him. "Get out of here, you git." Neville offered Daphne his arm and pulled her away when she took it.
Harry turned to Luna. She stepped in and hugged him. "I'll keep them safe."
"I know."
She kissed his cheek. "Love you."
"You too, Luna." She let him go and Hermione stepped in.
The two just looked in each other's eyes for a few seconds. "You are not allowed to die on me."
Harry pulled her to him. "Sis," he said. She crushed her arms around his neck.
"I love you too, Hermione." She nodded.
After a few seconds Luna gently pried her away. "You need to let him go, Hermione." Hermione shook her head and tightened her grip. "Come on now," Luna said.
"Vous voyez comment il les lit l'un l'autre ? Et ils pathétiquement rivalisent pour ses attentions. Je ne peux décider s'ils connaissent, ou sont assez stupide qu'ils ne se rendent pas compte qu'il est putain de l'autre."
"Le dernier j'en suis certain," Fleur laughed.
"Vous savez," Daphne observed, "j'aimerais que le français… Puis j'ai rencontré les deux de vous." The French witches' jaws dropped. Daphne focused on Fleur. "Plus l'imbécile vous devez vous sentir d'avoir pensé que personne dans cette école parle français, oui?" Fleur paled. "Je prie pour votre talent n'est plus profond que le placage de la beauté que vous portez; si non," Daphne shrugged and smiled coldly, "eh bien, bonne chance." Utterly humiliated, Fleur stared back at her. Hermione, being the only other of Harry's friends who spoke French was also staring at Daphne with wide eyes. "Hermione, Luna," Daphne motioned them to the entrance, after you." Luna quickly pulled a still stunned Hermione out of the tent. Daphne and Neville followed.
Harry stared after them. "I've no idea what she just said, but I think, 'Ouch.'" He turned to Ginny.
"And you keep picking fights with her."
Harry shrugged. "I like living dangerously."
Further conversation was prevented by Cedric, Professor Sprout and Dumbledore entering the tent. Viktor, Karkaroff, Bagman, Dewer and Professor Moody all followed them. Just behind them Ginny's brother, Percy, entered. Ginny stiffened beside him and Harry could have sworn he could feel the loathing radiating off her but Percy simply pretended not to see them. Bagman's eyes darted around, lingering on Fleur for a second longer than anyone else. "Excellent," he clapped his hands. "You're all here." He waved Percy forward. "Front and center, Pervis," Bagman ordered. Harry bit his cheeks.
Percy's ears pinked. "Yes, Sir, pardon the correction, but it's Percy, Sir."
Bagman clapped him on the shoulder. "Of course it is Wetherby. Terrible at names, one too many bludgers I recon; beater and all that."
Harry snorted. Percy glared at him. Harry grinned and pretended to cough. "Sorry, something caught in my throat." He pounded his chest a few times. "All good now."
Percy sniffed haughtily and pulled a small sack from his robes. He poured the four totems onto the table. The little dragons immediately began walking about and stretching their wings.
"As you can see the first task is dragons," Dewer said. "There is one dragon for each of you and we will shortly draw to see which dragon you will face and whom will go first." Percy swept the dragons back into the pouch. "Your task," Dewer went on, "is to secure a golden egg which the dragon will be guarding. The egg contains a clue without which you cannot hope to complete the second task. Failure to procure the egg will not exempt you from somehow attempting to compete in the second task so you will need to do your absolute best to capture it… Does anyone have any questions?" There were none. "Very well then, as always, Miss Delacour, ladies first."
Fleur stepped forward. Percy held the bag out to her. Fleur reached in and pulled out— "The Welsh Green," Dewer said. "Congratulations Miss Delacour, you will be our second competitor."
Ginny crushed Harry's hand in hers. There was still a chance he'd be first to compete. "Mr Krum," Dewer said. Percy offered him the bag. Viktor reached in. "The Chinese Fireball, you will be our third competitor." Viktor stepped back and Karkaroff clapped a hand on his shoulder.
"Vell done, Viktor." Viktor grimaced.
"Mr Diggory," Dewer said. Harry forced himself to remain impassive. Despite Ginny's hope, he already knew how this was going to go. He was in the tournament because someone was trying to get him killed; he'd be last to draw, last to compete and would face the worst of the lot. He just hoped this horntail would be a bit less nasty than Dima. "The Swedish Short-Snout," Dewer said, "Congratulations, Mr Diggory, you will enter the arena first."
Harry wrapped his arm around Ginny's shoulder and pulled her to his side. Dewer turned to Harry. He stepped forward. "Yeah, I know the Horntail." He reached in the bag. "She wouldn't happen to be named, Dima, would she?" Harry pulled the totem from the bag.
"Really," Percy sniffed, "have some respect."
"Dima?" Cedric asked.
"Piss off, Wetherby," Harry retorted. Percy's mouth dropped open. Harry flipped the totem in the air, caught it and pocketed it. "Name of a Horntail that went on a rampage at, Yr Ynys y diderfyn Niw; killed two ridgebacks, a longhorn, a vipertooth an Ironbelly and a Welsh Green before the green's mate managed to kill him, she was maimed and unable to fly the rest of her life for her efforts." He winked at Fleur. "Wanna trade? I'll even tell you how I'm going to get the egg." She scowled at him.
"That will be enough, Mr Potter," Dumbledore said wearily.
"Righty-ho, Sir." Harry thought he detected a slight tick of the man's eye.
"Get on with it, Dewer," Professor Moody growled. "Champions will wait for their name to be called. Chosen guests may go to the viewing area at any time but will not be allowed to reenter the tent once they have left."
Bagman clapped his hands. "There we have it then. Shall we get to our places?"
Harry didn't wait to be dismissed before pulling Ginny to the far side of the tent. They sat down in chairs facing each other. Harry leaned forward, resting his head against hers. "Legilimens!" he thought. A few seconds later Ginny allowed him into her dreamscape. Harry took a moment to orientate himself. He'd been here only once before; when they'd tested their ability to communicate silently. Once was enough. Ginny's dreamscape wasn't a particularly fun place to be. It was dark. It was cold. It was ominous. And there was no emotion coming from anywhere. None. He'd never once felt so ill equipped when facing Mrs Tonks as he did when confronted with Ginny's mind. There was just nothing. He shivered. Had he mentioned how cold it was? A second later the sun, in the image of his girlfriend, appeared.
"Aren't you going to tell Cedric?"
"Not till just before he enters."
"And the others?"
"Only once I know Cedric has completed the task."
Ginny nodded and moved into his arms. Harry held her till he heard Bagman's voice come out of a large gramophone sitting on a table in the tent. "Two minutes, Mr Diggory."
Harry pulled away from Ginny. She took his hand and they crossed the tent to where Cedric was waiting. "What is it, Mr Potter?" Sprout asked. Harry ignored her and stuck his hand out. Cedric took it. Harry pulled him close, pounding on his back with his free hand. "Summon the egg, Mate," he whispered. He pounded Cedric's back again before letting go. He locked eyes with the older boy as he backed away. Cedric frowned and barely reacted to Ginny hugging him and then kissing his cheek.
"Be safe," she whispered and backed away. He glanced at her. "Be safe," she said intently. His eyes darted to Harry.
"Mr Diggory," Bagman's voice came out of the gramophone, "you may enter when you are ready."
Ginny turned to Harry. She hugged him and pressed a soft kiss to his lips. "I love you."
"Always," Harry answered. She turned and quickly left for the viewing area.
"Mr Diggory," Professor Sprout said quietly. He glanced at her but quickly returned to Harry. Harry simply held his eyes. Cedric backed away.
Harry nodded. "Good luck."
"Yeah," Cedric agreed slowly. "You too."
"Thanks."
"Cedric," Professor Sprout pressed. He held Harry's eyes a second longer before giving a sharp nod, turning and disappearing through the flap in the tent. "What did you say to him?" Sprout demanded.
Harry turned to her. "The truth," he said and walked away. He had no idea how she responded because a roar from the crowd penetrated the silencing charms placed on the tent. When he took a seat to wait his turn, she was gone; having left for the viewing area. He tipped his head back against the wall and closed his eyes.
"All right?" Ginny asked.
Harry wrapped her tight in his arms. "Yes… What's happening?"
"He's just come out… The dragon hasn't seen him yet… He's just standing there right now… Come on you idiot, listen to us this time… FUCK ME, IT WORKED!"
"He did it?"
"Yes! Sweet Nimue, I can't believe we actually did it… Oh man, Harry, you should see this."
"I can imagine."
"No. You can't."
"Any chance you're going to tell me?"
"It's like everyone's been stunned." She giggled. "The egg practically took Cedric's head off he was so surprised it worked. He's just left the arena now. The bloody dragon never even saw him."
"What are the judges doing?"
"Nothing yet. Oops, Dumbledore just locked on me."
"He's not—"
"No, he's just watching me. Oh boy, Karkaroff just woke up. He's yelling at Dewer. Dewer just started yelling at Percy. I think you better settle in for a while."
A slight smile creased Harry's face. "Already have." He tugged Ginny down in her dreamscape. She sat in front of him. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her back against his chest. For the next half hour Ginny kept up a running commentary on what was happening.
"The potion's going to fail soon," she whispered. Harry just held her tighter. Five minutes later Harry felt as if he'd been wrenched across space and time. The very last thing he heard was, "Sirius just gave me the signal!" Harry squeezed his eyes tightly shut and tried not to toss his cookies. The only problem was, he didn't know if it was the signal for good to go, or the signal for they've reset the Anti-Summoning Charms.
"Miss Delacour, you may enter when ready."
Harry forced his eyes open. His headache was back in full force. "Fleur!" he called. She turned. "Summon the egg."
"Summon it?" she demanded. "Do 'ou zink I am daft?"
"Look, I know you hate me. Truth is, I can't stand you. But I really don't want to be in this tournament. I don't want to get hurt and I don't want anyone else to get hurt. I'm not kidding, summon the egg."
She glared at him. "Why jould I trust 'ou?"
Harry shrugged. "No reason. Though you didn't tell me about the dragons." "Zat was no 'elp to me. I already knew about zem."
"But I didn't know that, did I?"
"Why, would 'ou 'elp moi?"
"Because I'm not a liar." Fleur glanced at Viktor. He shrugged. She turned back to Harry. "Summon it or don't, I've done everything I can to help you." He turned around and walked to the potions' cabinet where he grabbed a phial of headache potion and downed it. "Erugh," he muttered. About the same time his headache receded, a roar of muffled crowd noise told him Fleur had entered the arena.
"Did you tell Cedric?" Viktor asked.
Harry focused on him. "Yes."
"And you did not enter?"
"No."
"But you are in the tournament now. Vhy not compete? Vhy not see if you are the best? If you are right about summoning the egg you could be in first place after today."
Harry considered for a second. "Do you regret entering?"
"It does not matter. I must compete. I vill compete to vin."
Harry nodded. "Fair enough. But if I compete to win, I'm a hypocrite. The only thing I care about is getting out of this thing alive. And whether you believe me or not, whatever this tournament started out as, the only thing it is now, is a trap designed to kill me. You, Cedric, Fleur, the hostages they're going to take for the next task, all those idiots out there in the stands, you're all just collateral damage."
"How do you know there vill be hostages?"
"Same way I know you can summon the egg… I cheated." Viktor's eyes widened. A roar from the crowd and then a dragon penetrated the tent. Harry shook his head. "Stupid French bitch."
Over the next half hour there were many roars of the crowd and the dragon that could be heard in the tent. There were even a few times the tent glowed red because the dragon had breathed fire near it. Finally though there was silence outside as well as in.
"Vat is taking so long do you think?"
Harry shrugged. "If I had to bet, I imagine they're making sure she doesn't die before they feed the next one."
Viktor shook his head. "You are a sick bastard, Harry Potter."
"You asked," Harry retorted.
"Mr Krum," Bagman's voice eventually came over the gramophone. "You may enter when you are ready." Viktor was on his feet and striding through the opening before Bagman had even finished.
Harry heard a roar and then silence. "You're welcome," he muttered. He switched his wands, moving his mum's to his preferred arm and his phoenix feather wand to his off hand. He checked the action on each a number of times, making sure they moved to his hand and back seamlessly. Eventually he started pacing back and forth. Every few seconds his wand moved to his hand and back again. He knew it should be simple. But he'd told Viktor the truth. He was in the tournament because someone was trying to kill him. The totems had been cursed so that even if he'd drawn first he'd compete last and be facing the horntail. Somehow he very much doubted he was going to just summon the egg and be done with it.
"Mr Potter, you may enter when you are ready."
Harry walked purposefully to the entrance. He poked his head through and found a familiar tunnel hewn into the rock. Some fifty feet further on light spilled in from the arena. Harry took a deep breath and moved into the tunnel. He stopped again when he got to the end. He could see into the arena from here. The dragon was already staring straight at the opening. Harry pressed his lips together. "Shit… Shit, shit, shit." He waited, hoping the thing would turn away, but it became apparent it knew he was there when it bellowed and unleashed the inferno within its chest straight at him.
Harry dove out the opening. "ACCIO, GOLDEN EGG!" he thundered. The blast of flame singed the hair on the back of his neck as it went over him. Harry came to his feet to see the egg flying to him. He stood to catch it. Time suddenly slowed down. The dragon roared and launched itself forward. A single, mighty thrust of its wings propelled it to the end of the chain shackled around its leg. There was a tremndous snap and the chain broke. As quickly as time had slowed, it now raced forward, seeming twice as fast as normal. Harry ducked the egg and ran. He just missed being snapped up in the beast's jaws and he felt the ground tremble when it slammed into the cliff that made up the side of the arena. The egg clattered down the rocks behind him. Harry stopped and watched in horror. The egg took a big bounce and went spinning through the air back into the dragon's clutch. The real eggs were smashed. There was a moment of utter silence.
Oh Fuck, Harry thought.
And then the spectators stampeded. The dragon went mad with rage. It roared and spewed the largest jet of flame Harry had ever seen at the fleeing mass of humanity. Dumbledore waved his wand and a howling wind came up to divert the flames away. Harry whirled and pointed his wand at Ginny. "ACCIO BROOM!"
"DON'T YOU DARE!" Mrs Tonks voice screamed in his mind. The dragon's wings unfurled and with a massive whomp it was in the air.
Harry slammed his shields into place, mounted his broom and launched into the sky. "Reducto!" he shouted.
The spell slammed into the dragon's neck. It roared and twisted around. And Harry learned that a bludger was no substitute for a dragon. It wasn't born for the air. It wasn't as big as lorry with a tail the size of a tree sporting a half dozen spikes as long as his arm whistling an inch above his head. It didn't think three, four and five steps ahead. It didn't read its prey's body language and it didn't have wings creating unseen vortices the strength of a hurricane slamming him about.
Harry ducked the tail, slid out of the way of snapping teeth, but couldn't avoid the slashing front claws that ripped his shoulder to the bone. He was knocked into a spiral made worse by a downdraft from the beast's wings. He managed to avoid becoming an ugly splotch on the ground but the cost was hitting the wall of the arena with his injured shoulder. A jet of flames baked the air behind him and left angry blisters forming on his neck. Harry angled up and accelerated away. The dragon roared and gave chase. Harry chanced a glance back and immediately wished he hadn't. He was trailing flames from the bristles of his broom. He had the mad thought he probably looked like a shooting star before he was forced to jerk his broom to the left to avoid another jet of flames. Another glance back confirmed the flames were growing on his broom and the dragon was gaining on him. He didn't dare try putting the flames out.
Harry bent low and raced for the cliff edge and the lake below. Maybe he could put the flames out in the lake. But then he saw the Durmstrang ship. Harry altered course and when he was directly over the ship he nosed over into a completely vertical dive. The dragon followed. Harry went into a spiral just as a jet of flames passed through the path he'd just left. He glanced back. The dragon was still following. "Come on you jumped up lizard!" he shouted. He chanced aiming another Reducto back at the beast, making sure its rage kept it after him. Down they went, with Harry missing the massive center mast by mere inches.
The dragon wasn't so lucky. It skewered itself on the magically hardened mast through the left shoulder. It let out a massive bellow of pain and rage. Rigging, spars, and rails were ripped to shreds as the dragon's momentum carried it all the way to the deck. The mast broke, twisted free of the ship and the dragon, leaving a gapping hole in its body. Thick red blood gushed from the wound as the beast thrashed its death throws. Its tail slammed the foremast, cracking it. It twisted and fell across the deck. A bellow of crazed fury spewed fire across the decks. In seconds the ship was awash in flames.
Soaking wet from his plunge into the lake Harry rose from the water and took aim. "Defodio Maxima," he growled softly. His spell merged with the red of a Reductor Curse at the base of the dragon's skull. With the dragon's magic dying just as fast as the beast, its hide alone wasn't enough to stop the two spells snapping its neck. Harry turned sharply. Ginny was racing to him. She skidded to a stop beside him. They stared at each other for a moment before turning back to watch the dragon slide off the burning ship into the water. "I'm sorry," Harry whispered. A tear slid down his cheek.
Ginny reached over and took his hand. They stayed there a few moments longer before he turned and flew back to the arena. Ginny followed.
"He's back!" Cedric shouted when Harry flew over the wall of the arena.
"Where's the dragon?" someone cried frantically.
With Ginny following him all the way Harry flew his fast failing broom down to the nest. The emotion of having killed such a majestic beast was made all the worse seeing the two smashed eggs with partially formed baby dragons spilled on the ground. He picked up the golden egg and turned to face the judges. "Sorry about your ship," he said. The pain from his injuries hit him and he weaved unsteadily.
Ginny moved in and caught him around the waist. "Easy, Potter," she said.
Harry looped his good arm around her shoulder. "Cold," he shivered.
Madam Pomfrey raced up, took one look at him and said, "He's in shock. Bring him."
Ginny turned him but he resisted. "Oh, and I claim the carcass by the Victor in Battle Act of 1729." He nodded once, and went down.
He was too heavy for Ginny and all she could manage was to slow his collapse. Madam Pomfrey caught him with a Levitation Charm. "I've got him." Floating Harry ahead she hurried away. Ginny ran after them.
For a long minute or so there wasn't a sound to be heard. Then Karkaroff asked, "Vat does he mean, 'Sorry about your ship.'?"
"Look!" someone shouted. A thick plume of smoke was rising into the sky.
The Durmstrang student who had been giving Harry such a hard time raced into the arena. "Headmaster! The ship, it is burning!"
Albus Dumbledore sat at his desk, pinching the bridge of his nose against the headache forming. He really had underestimated the damage Harry would do when his name had come out of the Goblet of Fire as an unprecedented fourth champion… And the press hadn't even gotten a hold of it yet. Though he was certain the special edition was rolling at that very moment. Rita and the other journalists had nearly stampeded one another in their rush to the gates.
"Ve are leaving!" Karkaroff bellowed.
"Good riddance," Moody rumbled.
"Alastor," Dumbledore warned.
"You know very well Igor can't leave.
"Actually, he can," Sirius said. "Only Viktor has to stay." He smirked at Karkaroff. "Don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out, Igor."
"Oh, you vould like that, vouldn't you, Black?"
"I know I would," Moody said. Sirius grinned at him.
"Alastor, Lord Black," Dumbledore warned, "you are not helping."
"Not trying to help," Sirius retorted. "I'm just here to make sure you don't screw my godson over worse than you already have."
"HE DESTROYED MY SHIP."
Sirius regarded Karkaroff coldly. "You have three spectators in hospital because they were trampled, one champion who needs breathing assistance because her lungs were nearly incinerated when she breathed in superheated air and another with his shoulder shredded like it's hamburger; the hell with your damn ship, you ought to be grateful Harry dealt with the thing before someone was killed."
"'e jeated!" Maxime bellowed. "'e even admitted it to Mr Krum."
"He killed three of my dragons!" the lead dragon handler cried.
Sirius shrugged. "You say he cheated. I say he outsmarted you." He turned on the dragon handler. "The history of the tournament is easy enough to find, Sir," he said icily. "Your dragons are numbers eleven, twelve and thirteen to have been killed during it. Don't blame my godson because you, like everyone else in here, were too stupid to ask why they suspended the tournament in the first place." The man glowered at him but said nothing. Sirius swept the room with hard eyes. "It's tough, on the one hand your gross negligence is going to make it easy on my solicitor. On the other, your incompetence allowed Harry to figure out what was going on and find a solution that allowed at least two of the champions to escape unscathed."
Dumbledore sat up a bit. "What do you mean your solicitor?"
Sirius stared him down. "You know exactly what I mean, Albus." Dumbledore broke eye contact first. Sirius turned. "All participants, be they champion, represented schools, spectators and judges assume any and all risks associated with the tournament. Champions cannot be held liable for any damage to property or physical being for actions taken related to the tournament. The carcasses of all three dragons, the shells and any salvageable fluids from the eggs or the dragons belong to Harry. That is established law. You can't do a damn thing to Harry about anything he's done in regards to the tournament and you know it."
Dumbledore pressed his lips together angrily. "Will that be all?"
"Actually, no, it won't."
"And that would be?" "His scores," Sirius said.
"His scores?" Karkaroff asked.
"'ou cannot expect us to give 'im scores after what 'e 'as done!"
Sirius turned on her. "My dear, Madame Maxime, surely you don't think the Goblet exempts you from completing your duties in regards to the tournament… Harry completed the task, you are required to score him."
"Fine! Zen I give 'im zero points!"
"I give him zero as well!" Karkaroff bellowed.
Sirius smiled blandly at them. "I'm sure Harry will be pleased." He turned on Bagman, Dewer and Dumbledore. "And you?"
Bagman shifted nervously. "Well, I can't deny he was proactive… Nothing wrong with a bold plan, is there?" Sirius said nothing. "Erm, yes," Bagman stammered. "well, the eggs were smashed before the dragon broke the chain so I have to take that into account, yes?"
"Actually, they weren't. But you don't have to justify anything to me," Sirius said. Though his tone suggested just the opposite.
Bagman paled. "Erm, well I think eight is in order. I mean the eggs were smashed, but if he hadn't figured things out and then told the others, how many more might it have been?" He puffed his chest up, pleased with his reasoning. "Yes, I think eight points is in order."
"Indeed," Sirius agreed.
"I give an eight as well," Dewer said. "The eggs were broken. That must be taken into account. I consider what happened after the dragon broke free of its restraint to be outside anything Mr Potter should have had to deal with, and other than to say he showed great bravery in leading the dragon away from the arena I will not judge him one way or the other for the actions he took to deal with the beast. As to the accusation of cheating in the removal of the Anti-summon Charms, the competition is not just what happens in the arena. Mr Potter obviously did far more than any of his competitors to prepare. For this he should be rewarded…" He paused, looking thoughtful for a few seconds. "Actually, for the selflessness shown in telling the others not only what the task would entail, but also how they could complete the task without harm to the dragons, themselves or anyone else, I amend my score and give him nine points."
Maxime and Karkaroff gave him murderous looks. Dewer ignored them. Sirius turned on Dumbledore.
"I give him nine as well. For the same reasons as director Dewer."
Sirius nodded. "Then I think I'm finished here." Without another word he swept out of Dumbledore's office.
"Personally," Moody said in the silence that followed, "Given the fact Delacour had about two minutes before her lungs filled with fluid and drowned her when she did summon the egg, I'd have given him ten." He stepped/thunked his way out the still open door.
HPHPHP
Harry woke slowly from his potion-induced sleep. He first became aware of a number of presences around him and then bits and pieces of what had happened slotted into place.
"I think he's waking," a voice said.
He felt bodies moving closer. "You know," he rasped, "I wouldn't object if you climbed in here with me."
"Harry," Daphne hissed. "I know it's hard keeping your hands off me, but Ginny and Neville are right here."
"Daphne!" Hermione gasped.
Harry snorted. He turned to Ginny and pulled her hand to his lips. "Hey."
She smiled. "Hey."
"I think I've officially corrupted her."
"It hasn't been easy," Ginny agreed. Harry squeezed his eyes shut. "Are you all right?"
"Yeah, fine. Just a bit groggy yet." He opened his eyes and turned to the rest of his friends. Hermione was on his other side holding his hand. He pulled her hand to his lips and kissed it. "Hey, Sis."
She gave him a watery smile. "Little brother."
"I'm bigger than you."
"You're obviously still drugged if you think that."
"Drat, I was hoping being a runt was just a dream."
"Noopa."
Harry sighed. "I won't even say anything about being able to kick your arse."
"A wise decision, Little Brother." He kissed her hand again before letting go and reaching for Luna.
She pushed past his hand to hug him tight. She pressed a kiss to his cheek. "I'm so glad you're safe."
Harry patted her back. "Me too, Luna. Me too."
She gave him another squeeze. "Love you."
"You too, Luna."
She backed away and he focused on Daphne and Neville. "You gotta quit doing this, Mate," Neville said.
"Believe me," Harry said, "I'd be happy to let you do something for once."
Neville snorted and chucked him gently in the arm. Harry grimaced. "Nah, we both know my job is limited to eating rooster rums and crowing."
Harry laughed. "Arsehole."
"It's good to see you, Mate."
"You to, Nev." Harry focused on Daphne. She smirked at him. "You know, you should be pleased," Harry teased. "You're my third favorite Slytherin."
"What do you mean third?" she demanded.
"Ginny, me, you," Harry said.
"Ohh, I'm above Mrs Tonks, she's not going to like that."
Harry grimaced. "Maybe we won't tell her that."
Daphne laughed. "Please, I'm sending her a letter the second I leave."
"Shite."
She smiled and moved in to hug him as well. "I'm glad you're safe, Brother."
Harry patted her back. "You too, Posh. You too." He let her go and she moved back beside Neville. Hermione took his free hand again. "Any chance I can get some water?"
"Here," Ginny said. She held a cup with a straw up for him.
Harry pushed himself up. "Ahh," he groaned after he'd drank.
"How bad?" Hermione asked.
"Bad enough," Harry sighed. "Gonna be a while before I'm doing press ups and whatnot again." He shook his head disgustedly "Every time I start making progress."
"Ah," Madam Pomfrey said, coming round the screen. "You're awake. Excellent. Out with you lot while I examine him now. Go on." His friends quickly left, promising they'd be right around the screen and would be back when she was done. The examination didn't take particularly long before the matron pronounced herself satisfied. "Excellent. I thought you'd heal well enough without basilisk venom to worry about."
"Trust me," Harry grimaced through her manipulation of his arm. "That is one experience I don't need to repeat."
"You and I both, Potter." She lowered his arm. "You'll need to go easy for another week. No exercising of any sort."
"Can I run?"
"You can run. Just nothing that strains your arm."
"What about flying?"
"No throwing, catching, stretching or straining of your arm and I don't think I need to tell you how much a bludger will hurt if you get hit there."
Harry paled slightly. Just because he could handle pain didn't mean he enjoyed it. "No, you don't have to tell me."
"Good." She handed him a bottle. "Twice daily for the week. You're still weak from losing so much blood. I've given you potion for that, but you'll be overnight yet so I can watch for adverse reactions."
"Yes, Ma'am," he agreed.
"Very good then. I shall leave you in the capable hands of your friends." She turned to go.
"Madam, Pomfrey," he stopped her. She turned back.
"Yes?"
"Thank you… Thank you for everything you've done for me… and my friends."
"My job, Potter." But she smiled at him.
Harry grinned. "Yeah, well, you could be far worse at it than you are." He waited a beat. "You could also be male. Which would suck."
"I heard that!" Ginny called.
"I'm on pain potion," he retorted. "I can't be held accountable for anything I say. Up to and including flirting with the matron."
HPHPHP
That night, after his friends had caught him up on everything and eventually been forced to leave for the night Harry climbed from his bed and made his way through the darkened infirmary. He only had to go three screens over to find her. The moonlight washed over her, revealing most of her hair had been burnt off while large bandages covered swaths of her neck and face. She was on her side and he could see the glint of silent tears sliding down her face. He knew she'd only been removed from the breathing apparatus earlier that evening. She didn't notice him till he pulled a chair into her line of sight and sat down. She watched him warily. Harry waited
"I am sorry," she said. Her voice, laced with pain, was barely more than a whisper.
Harry glanced around before pulling his bottle of pain potion from his dressing robe. "Here, I don't need it… Take it," he urged. "Before she comes back and busts us."
She tentatively reached for it. Harry didn't help her sit up, nor with the stopper, and when she'd managed to down it she collapsed on the bed. For about a minute she could do nothing but lay there forcing slow breaths past her lips. Eventually the potion kicked in and she slowly relaxed. She turned on her side to face him again. He didn't need her to thank him and she didn't. Her tears returned. "I am zee fool."
Harry wasn't interested in her self-recrimination. "Who will the Goblet choose as your hostage?"
"Gabrielle," she choked.
"Your sister?"
"Oui." Harry nodded, leaning forward slightly. "I'll tell you the same thing I told Viktor. You're an idiot for entering. But whatever the tournament was doesn't matter. Someone is trying to kill me. You, whomever your hostage is, you're collateral damage." She swallowed painfully. "I will do everything in my power to help you save your sister." He held his hand out to her. "But I need you to quit acting like a stuck up bitch and help me."
She reached for his hand, weaving her fingers with his. "I will do anyzing you tell me." Harry said nothing. He simply sat and held her hand through the pain. Eventually she fell into a fitful sleep. Harry turned slightly, focusing on a dark shadow in the corner. A red wolf stepped forward, morphing into Ginny as she did. Harry didn't let go of Fleur's hand.
"How long?" she asked.
"The instant you took off the cloak."
"Wolf-sense?"
"I don't need wolf-sense to know you're near."
"Good." She glanced at Fleur. "Another sister?"
"Jealous?"
"Yes."
Harry settled Fleur's hand on the bed. "Maybe," he said thoughtfully, "just not an enemy anymore." He turned to Ginny. Offering her his hand. She took it and they made their way back to his bed. "Shouldn't you be in bed?" he asked.
"If it were me, would you?"
"You've got the map. You could just watch me on that?"
"I'm not convinced the map isn't infallible. Besides, you've a bed right there. And I seem to remember being invited to share it with you."
Harry stared down at her. She didn't back away. He moved into her. "That was Daphne."
"She isn't here," Ginny retorted. "Guess you're stuck with me. Pity."
"Pity," he agreed, pressing his lips to hers. She wound her arms up around his neck, pulling him onto the bed. Harry followed. She rolled him so she was on top and kissed him… and kissed him… and kissed him. It wasn't till his hand slid along her side, bunching her shirt up, exposing her flesh to his fingers that he broke from her. "Sorry," he gasped.
She grabbed his hand and moved it back to her side till it was in very dangerous territory just beneath her breast. "Limit," she said, her voice a bit ragged. She moved his hand down to her bum – over her clothes. "Limit. Got it?"
Harry gave a jerky nod. "Got it."
"Good," she growled and crashed her lips on his again. Harry didn't disappoint.
Ginny was gone the next morning but that did nothing to ruin Harry's mood. He was up and waiting for the matron when she came around his curtain. "Good morning, Ma'am," he greeted. She stopped and studied him, raising a brow. "What?" I can't be happy to see my favorite healer?"
"Flattery will get you nowhere, Potter. Ask you godfather if you don't believe me."
Harry grinned. "But I'm much better looking than he ever was."
She rolled her eyes. "Debatable. Now up you get."
"Oh come on," Harry complained. He jumped off the bed. "Don't try and tell me that mangy old flea bag was ever as good looking as I am."
She turned him around, as always forcing herself not to react to the spaghetti pile of scars crisscrossing his back. She'd never gotten a good answer as to why Sirius wouldn't let her go after Albus for them. The man should have known. Still, she hoped he hadn't. Dereliction of duty was far easier to stomach than the alternative. "You're godfather is only old enough to be my son, young man. Raise your arm. Harry did so. "Any problems?"
"Just stiff."
"Can you windmill it?" Harry moved his arm in a slow circle. "Yep."
"Pain?"
"Minor."
She turned him around again. Her wand in her hand she ran it up and down his chest and torso. "Any dizziness?"
"From the potion or just cause you're near?" She glowered at him. Harry smirked. "Oh come on, if that wasn't the best line you've ever heard I'll eat my pants."
"I suggest washing them first… Dizziness?"
"No," Harry muttered.
"Then you are free to go."
"Brilliant."
She turned. Harry grabbed his clothes from the cupboard. "Potter." He turned. The Matron was poking her head round his curtain. "Word to the wise, it is bad form, trying to pick up one girl when you've got love bites from another all over your neck." Harry paled. "One would hope I don't find matching bites on someone who was supposed to have been in her dormitory last night." Harry swallowed. She winked. "Have a good day."
Daphne rolled over when Ginny crawled in bed with her. She took one look at her friend, said, "I don't want to know," and rolled over to go back to sleep.
"What are you talking about?" Ginny asked.
Daphne grabbed the hand mirror from her bedside table. "Look in the mirror, Ginevra."
"What? Why?"
"Because it appears Harry enjoyed your visit far more than he should have. If not, then you would seem to have some explaining to do."
Ginny sat up and grabbed the mirror. The light was dim, only two candles were lit, but the mark(s) on her neck was perfectly visible. She jumped from the bed and hurried to the toilet. Candles flared on entry, temporarily blinding her. She stood in front of the mirror. Harry had left three doozies on her neck and shoulder. She raised her shirt. "Nimue," she gasped. She looked like that time this past summer they'd played muggle paintball in the fields at the Briar Patch. She counted six along her rib cage and another two a bit lower on her left side.
Daphne walked up behind her and yanked her shirt up over her head so she was topless. "Nice to know you drew the line somewhere," she said dryly.
"Daphne!" Ginny cried, covering herself with her arms.
"Oh come off it, Ginevra, I've seen them before."
Ginny spluttered incoherently for a moment. "Fine then," she said defiantly. She dropped her arms. "Get a good look, Girly."
Daphne rolled her eyes. "If I were Hermione or Luna that might have bothered me. Now put your shirt on and come to bed." She turned around, walked to her bed and collapsed in a heap. "I cannot wait till the Christmas break."
Ginny climbed in next to her. "Two full weeks of sun and sand," she agreed.
"Sleeping late."
"Sleeping on the beach."
"Bare chests on the beach."
"Tanned chests on the beach," Ginny said.
"With muscles. Lots of muscles… I think we may need new swim costumes."
"Why?"
"Because I want to see their faces when we show them our new bikinis."
"I can't wear a bikini!"
"And why not?"
"Because."
"Because why?"
"I just can't."
"You are fourteen, Ginevra. Plenty old enough to wear a bikini."
Ginny defaulted to her standard argument about spending money with Daphne. "I can't afford a new swim costume."
"Then I know what to get you for Christmas."
"Daphne!"
"Too late, Ginevra. I've decided. You shall wear it because you will insult me if you do not, and Harry will not be able to keep his eyes off you." Ginny glowered at her. Daphne eyed Ginny's neck. "Of course, keeping his eyes off you will be the least of my problems."
Ginny swatted at her. "Harry's right, we've thoroughly corrupted you."
"Says the girl covered in love bites."
Ginny bit her lip. "Please tell me you know how to do glamours."
Daphne smiled. "Lucky for you I am particularly gifted at charms."
"Thanks," Harry said.
"I only did it for Ginny," Daphne said.
Harry shrugged. "I don't care why you did it, just that you did." He reached for Ginny's hand.
"Next time I shall be the one to sit in here and make sure nothing happens to you."
"I'm not planning on a next time," Harry retorted.
"I have faith in you."
"You could try polyjuicing as me and doing the next task yourself." He started forward.
"It will still be Ginevra at the bottom of the loch. Do you trust me to get her back?"
Harry stopped and turned back to Daphne. He pulled her into his arms and hugged her. "No. But I trust you'd die trying, Daph. I trust you'd die for any of us."
She was a bit startled but she hugged him back. "That's the nicest thing you've ever said to me," she sniffed.
"Sister," he whispered.
She hiccupped and crushed her arms around his neck. Harry just held her for as long as she wanted. Eventually she let him go. She took a second to compose herself and moved back to Neville. "All right he asked.
She nodded determinedly. "Yes."
"Let's go then." He set off and the others followed.
Harry paused as they went by Fleur's bed. She sat up, gave him a quick smile and snapped. "Get away from me."
"Whatever," Harry said and walked away.
"So she's going to pretend to continue to hate you?" Luna asked once out of the hospital.
"If she doesn't, Maxime won't continue to let slip what she knows about the tasks."
"Neville and I managed to talk to Viktor as well," Hermione said.
"He agreed?"
"He's a bit pissed about the loss of his broom, but yes," Neville said.
"He's a professional player, they give him brooms," Ginny said.
"It was his first broom," Hermione said.
"Ahh," Ginny said. "No good deed…"
They made their way to the Great Hall. Harry paused outside the doors. They hadn't encountered anyone on the walk down. That would change the second they went through those doors. "Ready for this, Mate?" Neville asked.
"Honestly, I'd rather face the dragon again." Harry pushed through the doors. He ignored the sudden silence. The death glares from Maxime, Karkaroff and most all their students slid off him like water off a duck's back. Cedric, though, stood and started clapping. The rest of Hufflepuff followed his lead. The Slytherin quidditch team, as well as most of the first and second years, stood and clapped as well. The girls of the Gryffindor team stood and clapped and Angelina pulled George and Fred to their feet. Harry turned away from them. It was going to take a lot more than a round of applause from those two for him. Ginny pulled him over to the table. Anwen grabbed him in a tight hug. Harry chuckled and hugged her back. She let him go and he examined her face. She'd gotten knocked down in the rush to escape the dragon and sported a nasty shiner. "All right?" he asked.
She nodded. "Fine."
"Good." He pulled her down next to him. Daphne gave up her spot to make room for her. He glanced at the others. "I know I'm good looking, but that was a bit much, don't you think?" Everyone laughed. Cedric and James went to slug him. Harry shielded his arm. "Bad arm guys, bad arm." They shrugged and switched targets.
"Glad you're up and around, Mate," Cedric said.
Harry chuckled and rolled his good shoulder. "Glad I'm not dragon dung."
They settled into breakfast with banter going back and forth. Eventually Cedric broached the subject. "You all caught up on things then?" Harry glanced at Hermione.
"You know everything we know," she said. "Do you know something we don't, Cedric?"
Cedric laughed. "You're joking, right? The six of you know more about what's going on in this school than Dumbledore does."
"That might be a bit much," Daphne said.
"Actually," Cedric said, "Maxime and Karkaroff are making noise about sending everyone but Viktor and Fleur home."
"Might be the first intelligent thought they've had since arriving," Ginny beat Harry to it.
"Ginny," Hermione said.
"Tell me I'm not right," she demanded.
Hermione drew herself up. But then deflated. "Fine, I've yet to see an intelligent thought from either of them myself."
Ginny smiled. "Why thank you."
Just then there was a cacophony of noise and the hall was flooded with owls. Hedwig, along with a common tawny used by the Daily Prophet, swooped down in front of Hermione. Hedwig let out an indignant squawk and cuffed the other owl with her wing when it jumped in front of her. Harry reached for the tawny. "Here, Mate," he said. "Best not to get between that one and her mistress." The tawny let him take the paper, grabbed the offered sausage and beat a hasty exit. Don't blame you at all," Harry chuckled. Hermione was fawning over a preening Hedwig so he unfolded the paper.
Ginny leaned in to look when he just stared at it. "Well, so much for hoping things would die down in a few days." The entire front page was a photograph of Harry as he plummeted from the sky with the dragon chasing him. It showed the dragon slamming into the mast of the Durmstrang ship, crashing onto the deck and thrashing about as flames ignited the boat. The scene went on with Harry and Ginny's spells smashing into the dragon's neck, killing it. The last bit to play out was the two of them floating on their brooms, watching as the beast slid into the water and Ginny reaching to take his hand before the whole scene started over.
Goblet of Fire
(What Were They Thinking?)
"You don't suppose she did, do you?" he asked. Ginny reached over and flipped the page. Harry was greeted with two half-page photographs. One of him and one of Fleur, both battered and bloody as they were helped from the arena.
One would think someone should have known. And perhaps someone did. But why was it only our newly elected Minister of Magic, Amelia Bones, whom tried to stop the last debacle of disgraced former Minister, Cornelius Fudge? She's been called prescient before and the growing fiasco occurring at our beloved Hogwarts only reinforces that image.
And we must ask ourselves why that is. Why would Minister Évreux and Minister Hjelmsäter, respectively of France and Norway not listen? Why were they so intent on perpetrating the folly of the Triwizard Tournament? Perhaps, as our own Lord Sirius Black and his ward Harry Potter have suggested, like the disgraced Cornelius Fudge, they also were seeking to distract the populace from their poor performance in office?
And what of the headmasters of these three venerable schools? If not Madame Maxime of Beauxbatons or Headmaster Karkaroff of Durmstrang, then surely Albus Dumbledore should have known better than to agree to have Hogwarts take part.
But no. Not even his personal history, detailed in this paper's yesterday edition, gave him pause. Perhaps he thought his insistence the tournament be at Hogwarts for this return was enough. Was that it? Was Albus Dumbledore so confident in his abilities he believed he could ensure the safety of the champions and spectators?
If he was, then surely he has been proved wrong. Whatever control he thought he might have, whatever delusions or assurances Albus Dumbledore might provide were wiped away the moment Harry Potter's name came out of the Goblet of Fire. A fourth champion, whether his own doing or, as young Harry insists he was, entered against his will, Albus Dumbledore lost control. And what has that failure cost?
Already it stands at an unwilling and underage champion. Add to the tally a dozen injured, thankfully only minor, spectators. One cannot say the same for the three dragons, two of them eggs only weeks from hatching, to have been killed. Last, stands the loss of the Durmstrang ship, a priceless relic as old as the tournament itself. Which of these seems acceptable to you?
And now, while two of our champions, one yet a child, the other an unqualified witch, lie in hospital, the second task looms. The champions are bound to compete. It is that or die. There is no escape. The only way out is forward. I pray it is enough. Though if history is anything to go by, it may not be enough for anyone. I, for one, cannot help but think we should all be asking,
'What were they thinking?'
Harry glanced up. "They're really going after him," he said quietly. Hermione kicked him.
"Who's going after who?" Cedric asked.
"Ow! Son of a… God damn, I just got out of hospital!"
"Oh, Harry, I'm sorry," Hermione said. "I just had a muscle spasm." She bent and rubbed her leg.
"Just the paper, Cedric," Ginny said. "They're usually a bit less direct in going after Dumbledore."
"Well spasm in a different direction next time," Harry retorted.
"Oh," Cedric said. He glanced between the group but none of them seemed particularly interested one way or the other.
"Perhaps you should have the matron look at it," Luna suggested. "You were having spasms all day yesterday.
"She is a spasm," Harry muttered.
"Watch it, or my fist will be spasming in your face," Hermione warned.
"Scared," he retorted. "Shivers and everything." He gave a false shudder.
Hermione kicked him again. "Ow! Bloody hell!"
"Oops. Spasmed again."
Ginny snickered. "Can't say you didn't deserve that one."
James shook his head. "You lot are mental."
HPHPHP
Author's notes:
So there you go, the first task complete. Let me know what you think!
Online translations of English to French.
"Vous voyez comment il les lit l'un l'autre ? Et ils pathétiquement rivalisent pour ses attentions. Je ne peux décider s'ils connaissent, ou sont assez stupide qu'ils ne se rendent pas compte qu'il est putain de l'autre."
"You see how he plays them off each other? And they pathetically vie for his attentions. I cannot decide if they know, or are fool enough they do not realize he is fucking the others."
"Le dernier j'en suis certain," Fleur laughed.
"The latter, I am certain," Fleur laughed.
"Vous savez," Daphne observed, "j'aimerais que le français… Puis j'ai rencontré les deux de vous." The French witches' jaws dropped.
"You know, I used to like the French. Then I met the two of you." The French witches' jaws dropped.
Daphne focused on Fleur. "Plus l'imbécile vous devez vous sentir d'avoir pensé que personne dans cette école parle français, oui?"
Daphne focused on Fleur. "More the fool you must feel to have thought no one in this school speaks French, yes?"
Fleur paled. "Je prie pour votre talent n'est plus profond que le placage de la beauté que vous portez; si non," Daphne shrugged and smiled coldly, "eh bien, bonne chance.
Fleur paled. "I pray your talent is deeper than the veneer of beauty you wear; if not," Daphne shrugged, smiling coldly, "well, bonne chance." Utterly humiliated, Fleur stared back at her.
Online translations of Welsh.
Yr Ynys y diderfyn Niw
The Isle of Never Ending Fog