Hey everyone,
I'm going to be honest with all of you; I had almost NO inspiration to write these chapters this month. The first half I worked on editing To Read Into The Universe and I got about 10 to 15 chapters in and after that a story idea that had been bugging me all month kept my attention for almost another week. I wrote 11 chapters in just three days, just to get the whole thing out of my head and even then I just wanted to write on.
I was actually planning to just write first page previews for all of these stories – bar Harrison and Harry, The Fidelius Kept Secret and The Unspeakable Escape Program which had chapters pre-written – and just promise you guys two chapters for next month alongside posting the 11 chapters of my new story this month. But I decided on the 22nd to just see how far I could get with all these stories and go from there.
Wish me luck,

Venquine1990
Shout-Out To:
V.L. Crawford
Wishfull-star
Kirsty21
Jostanos
The Reader Of Harry Potter


Chapter 52
Awaiting Results

4th of November 1993
Great Hall, Hogwarts
Harry's POV

As soon as Aunt Lily had left, had I realized something. "Wait, I might be wrong. Aunt Lily told us that her parents' graves had been burned by Fiendfyre. Pettigrew might –." But dad shakes his head and says: "No pup. If anything that makes it even more likely that he hid her there. After all, what better place to hide someone than in a place where no one would dare look, due to the place having been damaged beyond repair."
And while this makes me feel concerned about what Aunt Lily might find there – or not find – does grandpa speak up and say: "Until Lily returns with her findings, it's best if we all just occupy ourselves and read the next chapter. Who would like to volunteer?" And instantly Cedric raises his hand and says: "I would like to, Headmaster." And this makes most of those around me and around him smile at the slightly older lad.
"A wonderful idea. And perhaps young Harry can read the chapter regarding the First Task and then we can switch the other two up between you two, the book-versions of our Champions." At this everyone nods, those in both Gryffindor and Hufflepuff nodding in proud agreement. Yet I do notice that some of the Badgers are glaring at me, even though the book has been very clear on me having not wanted this title. Cedric takes the book and reads.

The Hungarian Horntail

And instantly the Hall seems to actually become divided. The majority, including all of the staff and those that have come to visit, are terrified, yet I also notice that there are also students who are either looking incredibly excited. And what makes my stomach churn is that a rare few are actually grinning at me, their faces proving that they are imagining this monster to burn me to a crisp. Yet Cedric seems oblivious to the last group and just reads.

The prospect … sink in.

This seems to confuse some of those around the hall and grandpa tells them: "Please remember, this is supposed to be something that challenges even fully grown wizards, something even I and those in the Ministry consider troublesome to conquer or get past. And just because someone is courageous, does not mean that they don't have the ability to sense fear." The students who had looked confused nod in understanding and Cedric reads on.

The first … first task.

This makes a lot of those in the hall wince, the teachers in concern and others in fear. "You told us that you often felt like that, even more and more so after all of this." Jeffrey mutters, a dark look of pained concern on his face and then he turns to me and says: "You looked like that – when you told us to go down under." At this both I myself and dad hug the slightly older boy close, mum doing the same with Jessey as Cedric reads on.

Admittedly, he … them alive.

At this I can't help but smirk and say: "If I had actually been using my powers, I would have just covered the whole area in a shadow and make it look similar to when I'm using my Invisibility Cloak. Put up a quick Notice-Me-Not, yes I have been practicing that spell, it's useful – and done deal." And while this seems to amaze a couple of those in Gryffindor who are seated close, does it make most of my family smile at me as Cedric reads on.

In the … at all.

This makes me feel absolutely horrible, but this time Jeffrey hugs me tightly and says: "We already expected this. There was a summary about the way the interview was being run and it was obvious that this was going to happen. And Neville already apologized in your name and Cedric said he didn't blame you." I look up at the reader over this and the kind-hearted Badger gives me a nod to prove the words as truth before he reads on.

The article … over me…

This makes me wish I had been asleep for this chapter instead, yet then, to my shock, Professor Lupin stands up and says: "Consider this article a test. If you are willing to believe it, you have failed as it proves that, even with you being one yourself, you know nothing about teens and how they behave in public. If you don't, good on you, you passed." And to my amazement, humorous amazement, do I notice a lot of faces turning red as Cedric reads on.

But Rita … his face.

Yet this makes me frown at the girl, who looks at me confused and I mutter: "That wasn't mine. I keep my quills in a case in a side pocket of my backpack. And it's made of metal, so it can't have ripped or something." Yet the girl just shrugs in confusion and Jeffrey mutters: "This is the future, remember?" And I nod, yet at the same time I wonder what the girl is on about as I can already tell that she and Cedric are close as Cedric himself reads on.

"Oh – right … it, Harry."

But at this my parents shake their heads and Aunt Lily says: "Hermione, that's pleasant advice, but not useful. Even if Harry was mine, it wouldn't have fit his character. His morals would have made it impossible. You'd have needed to come up with something else to help him through it." The girl nods in agreement and her brother says: "That advice only works with me, Elena and Rosaline – and only from time to time with her." At which Cedric reads on.

But Harry … the attention.

My best friend looks down at this, but his twin rubs her hand over his arm and says: "Hey, don't sweat it. One, this is the future and you now know that it's not true – and will probably not even happen. And two, there's always the chance that the article influenced you the same way the Mirror of Erised did." Ron smiles at this and I think: "I will see if I can't heal him off of that sometime soon." As we listen to Cedric reading.

Hermione was … miss him…"

Jeremy smirks at me and says: "You know there is no way this argument would have lasted this long if we had gone to Hogwarts with you." At which I smirk back and say: "I do. Which is why I'm so glad that you guys are now at Hogwarts with me – and that Jason still has three years here as a student." This makes the leader of the Squad gawk at me, while his team and even his younger brother laughs at him as Cedric reads on.

But this … their lunchtimes.

At this I wince alongside most of the Squad and the Gang and Hermione asks: "What's wrong?" And her brother answers: "Harry doesn't do well when he's inside all day. And no, sis, trips from and to either Herbology or ComC don't count. Harry needs at least an hour outside a day, just like Eddy and Edward need to be outside during the Full-moon." The girl winces at this and her brother gently reassures her as Cedric reads on.

Viktor Krum … first task?

"He was, but he was also there for another reason. Madam Pince – WHAT IN THE NAME OF MAGIC!" Irma screams as she seems to read something horrible. Instantly the woman she mentioned before screaming out and she takes the note. And she too actually starts to scream and curse, making everyone around her gape at her and she snarls: "I will definitely make work of this. He will not get that chance. Mr. Diggory, read." And the boy hurriedly complies.

Hermione often … he's famous!

"Not for much longer." Irma growls and she shares a look with Madam Pince, who nods at her before she turns to dad and asks: "You met with Skeeter, right? If Madam Pince shares the note with you, could you make sure that Skeeter gets it?" Dad looks thoughtful and says: "I'll try. Though perhaps we might need more than just the note – for those who don't know about the books and the notes." The girl nods and turns to the Squad.
And to the shock of many, does she turn to Isaac and the older Lupin twins, who nod and Isaac says: "If and when that guy comes to England.""Even before he gets the chance to enter Hogwarts.""We'll make sure he gets caught for what Harry reported to you." And while I feel slightly impressed that the twin speech seems to now be able to be used by more than just Jack and Eddy – or John and Edward – does Cedric read on.

They wouldn't … about Wonky-Faints.

"You guys really have a problem with that, don't you?" Rosaline asks and yet Ron asks: "What do you mean? This is the first time it's mentioned – though it does piss me off." And while he frowns in annoyance at Hermione, does the girl roll her eyes and say: "Maybe, but I noticed you doing the same thing a few times when we were just hanging out before bed." And while this makes Ron stop frowing and makes him turn red, does Cedric read on.

It is … or not."

"Okay, this is just ridiculous. This is the –." Elisa wants to complain, but then her older sister shushes her and says: "This is different, Eli. Last time Hermione didn't bring this problem up with McGonagall because of her pride. This time it's probably more likely because of the Tournament, because she knows about the whole No Teachers Are Allowed To Help thing. And she is your age." At this Elisa frowns, but nods as Cedric reads.

So Harry … his silence.

I notice my parents sharing a look with every other set of parents in the group and they all seem to have the same thought as they all nod before mum says: "So it's agreed. From now on, one of us will be at every Hogsmeade weekend until Jessie's graduation, so that, if there is an overly long drawn out argument between our kids, we can intervene." And while this makes all of my friends and I share horrified looks, does Cedric read on.

The Three … at it.

"I would have deserved it." Ron mutters in self-annoyance, but the twins just smirk at him and Fred says: "Don't worry about it, Ronnie." And George says: "Yeah, I'm sure we're giving you a hard time for it right there and then." And Lee smirks as he says: "And we'll happily do so, anytime your parents aren't around to." And while I can only imagine how much ribbing we are going to have to endure over that, does Cedric read on.

Hermione joined … very slightly.

"That makes sense." Mum says, shocking and confusing me, but the man smirks and says: "The Changs were in negotiations with me and, before me, my father, in order to get into the Alliance. Also the Abbots are only recent members and are, therefore, not really expected to show that much support to the Alliance." Yet then he turns to glare at the girl and states: "Though you better never change those around." The girl nods and Cedric reads on.

What wouldn't … the stands…

"That doesn't sound much like a Gryffindor." I hear a First Year at the Badger table whisper, but I just roll my eyes at this and mutter: "There's a difference between being a Gryffindor and being an attention-seeking maniac or something." And while the lad turns red at the fact that I heard him, do I frown as I notice various members of the Squad sharing really concerning looks with each other. Yet Cedric doesn't as he just reads on.

He wondered … unattended cup.

This makes Alice Longbottom frown and she snarls: "That's just further proof. Yes, to most that would sound like Alastor, but the real Alastor would have just gone with Albus to meet with the House Elves and then handpicked one to make his food and drinks. And he would have probably send that same elf to Hogsmeade if he decides to visit. This guy knows Alastor, but he doesn't know Alastor." At which Cedric reads on.

As Harry … tell you."

Yet this seems to really worry mum and he mumbles: "That – that's not right. Yes, Alastor's eye can look through most Invisibility Cloaks, but not ours. It shouldn't be able to." And to this Irma actually receives another note and she reads: "It was a well-meant, unknowing mistake from Dumbledore. He was just trying to do his "friend" a favor in return for the knowledge that his "friend" could watch over his grandson."

This makes grandpa grimace, but mum moves over to rub a hand over his back as he says: "You couldn't have known. Remember, this guy knows Alastor as well as Pettigrew. And that is someone who made this whole world believe that he tricked this world twice. Once as our friend and once as the Weasleys' pet. That is a dangerous, nigh-impossible to defeat combination for everyone." Grandpa nods at this and Cedric reads on.

Hagrid was … at night.

Yet thanks to the title do I already know exactly why Hagrid wants to meet with me. And the look of excitement on Hagrid's face really doesn't make me feel better about this. Yet then dad stands up and looks Hagrid directly in the eye as he says: "Remember this, Professor Hagrid. You are escorting my son – who I believe to be my only Heir to watch creatures that need extensive training in order to handle. His life is your responsibility."
This awes a lot of those around me and then, to my annoyance, Hagrid says: "Sirius –." But dad just glares at him and asks: "Professor Hagrid, are you trying to argue with me? Are you trying to tell me that you consider your opinion on dragons more important than the only living being that keeps the Potter and Black line in existence? More important than the last living link you have to two of your closest friends?"
Hagrid gawks at him and whimpers: "I didn't say that.""No, but daring to argue with me, when you know how much my son means to me proves that, even as just a friend of the family, Harry is not as important to you. That you do not value his loyalty to him on the same level he does yours." And while this makes Hagrid look down and while part of me wishes that dad had been slightly less harsh, does Cedric grimace and read on.

At half … golden steps.

I notice dad getting angrier with every bit and the man turns to me, yet does so in a way that Cedric doesn't notice it and while the lad reads on, does he hiss: "You really need to reconsider this friendship with him, kiddo. I am grateful that he had Beaky and that Beaky saved me, so to say, but this proves that he isn't taking your safety seriously at all. And with creatures like this, that's a problem." And while I sigh, do I still agree.

PS. I skipped a paragraph to prove that Cedric read on, sorry.
"Yeh'll enjoy … to them.

And while Cedric reads this, do I smile as he actually sounds just as terrified as I feel. I then notice that some students are actually grinning and smiling in excitement and amazement, yet then the Lupin and the Evans twins chorus as one: "You're smiling now, but would you want to face any of that?" And instantly all smiles and grins vanish and Jack says: "Exactly. That's how Harry and Cedric feel." And Cedric nods before he reads on.

At least … Hagrid softly.

"Did he even hear that warning?" I hear Isaac ask concerned and Joshua mutters: "Sounds more like he thought the Dragon Handler was complimenting the dragon's power or something." To which Edena and Iris turn to Hagrid and say: "If you want to see a dragon's fire.""All you need to do is bring out our ire." And while I expected Mrs. Weasley to reprimand them for disrespecting a teacher, does she nod in pride as Cedric reads on.

"It's no … him quake.

"And for the record, we went to visit Charlie a few winters ago and he told us that a Dragon Handler can only be hired if their Stunner is of the same power as a Hit-Wizard's Patronus charm. So just consider the fact that these beasts – needed three to four of those to be knocked out." And this knowledge seems to even make Hagrid wince and hesitate, proving that he's doubting if he could do the same as Cedric reads on.
Yet while the lad reads, do I share a look with Ron and Hermione as this news proves something to us. "We really did the right thing getting Norbert to Charlie. There is no way Hagrid would have been able to handle him grown up. Not if his power level is equal to that of these beasts." And yet at the same time does this make my stomach churn as I realize that, in the book, I'm about to face one of these monsters.

The dragon … fight 'em?"

"I SHOULD BLOODY WELL HOPE NOT!" Mrs. Weasley and Mrs. Longbottom – and amazingly enough Mrs. Malfoy – all shout in perfect chorus, yet Grandpa instantly raises his arms and says: "Ladies, ladies, you know me, don't you?" And the women calm down as Mrs. Weasley offers an apology. But grandpa just sends her an understanding smile before sending Hagrid an annoyed frown as Cedric reads on.

"Just get … never knew!'"

This makes the entire family gawk at their mother and Edena says: "I – I think you just lost your right to criticize. At least when it comes to others actually believing that stupid woman." And her family nods in agreement, while Mrs. Weasley gawks at her. Yet I grin and think: "Always the one to hand out the most sufficient kinds of punishments – without really doing anything at all." And while I smile at my friend, does Cedric read.

Harry had … watching. How?

"What I want to know is who was stupid enough to order a Horntail for a Nesting Mother. Charlie told us all about them. They kill even their own kind if they think their eggs are endangered. And don't get me started on –." But then Iris snarls: "Dad, not now. Leave that for after the First Task is over, will you?" And the man turns red as he realizes that he has actually added in everyone getting even more worried as Cedric reads.

Harry sped … was Cedric.

This instantly raises the concerns and fears of the Badgers, but Jessie and Jeffrey give me a warm hug from both sides and Jeffrey says: "Don't you lot worry about a thing." And Jessie says: "Yeah, there is no way that Harry is going to let that remain a fact." And while I actually notice that some of the Badgers are either gawking or frowning in disbelief, proving the latter expects me to do just that, does Cedric smile at me as he reads.

Harry reached … Potters' wedding.

This makes my brothers and mother all grin at dad while the others smile and the man says: "Hey, I grew up with, what I believed was, my mother. I know how to take care of myself. Remember, this me still has the old, fake memories. And experience does usually come with memories and beliefs like that." At this we all nod at him, yet I also wonder what grandma is really like and what she could be like right now, while under the spell. Yet Cedric just reads on.

"Never mind … finished desperately.

I notice dad grinning as Cedric reads this and he mutters: "Now that is good to hear." Confusing us all. "Think about it, everyone. This Harry, thanks to the MMB, thinks me only his godfather, he doesn't know that I'm actually his father. And even with his unloved past, he's still this willing to confide in me, after only sharing a couple of letters and nothing more. That proves that our bond is stronger than the MMB." At which we all grin as Cedric reads on.

Sirius looked … his place…

This makes Mr. Longbottom frown slightly and he says: "That – almost sounds like something we would have done if it weren't for the MMB. The only difference is that we wouldn't have completely released him, just transferred him to some other prison and reduced the sentence a little, by a couple of years." His wife nods at this and yet she also says: "Nothing we can do about it now, Frank. It's been too many years." Her husband nods and Cedric reads on.

He's not … as well."

"Trust me, it's not Harry that Krum is interested in." Irma growls furiously only for Irina to suddenly put a large bowl of water in front of her. "Either you fully explain yourself or you use this to calm down. Take your pick, because this vague anger of yours is just confusing and worrying us all." Her younger sister snaps at her and the elder sister has the decency to blush before she mutters: "Thanks." And as she starts to manipulate the water, does Cedric read on.

"Okay," said … ever had."

"And unfortunately that makes me interpret the attack completely the wrong way – though I'm not entirely sure how unfortunately that really is." Dad mumbles to himself in the end and Jeffrey asks: "Why is that?""Because if my theory was right and that was why he was attacked, Moody'd be dead in the books. But he's still alive and that means Harry might have someone to protect him later on." A lot of those around me nod in agreement to this as Cedric reads.

"So… what … said Harry.

And instantly, just like last time, all eyes turn to the woman. Yet the woman herself sighs and mutters: "Even if they realize that I've been taken, it won't make much of a difference." Yet to this mum says: "No, it will. Maybe not for the chances of you being found and your loved ones getting the chance to burry you, but the reason behind your disappearance will make my son more cautious." Mss. Jorkins nods and smiles at this as Cedric reads on.

"Exactly… she … an accident."

Yet at this I can't help but frown and shake my head. "You noticed it too, huh?" Hermione asks and I nod at her as dad asks: "Noticed what?""The one fact that makes this whole theory wrong – or at least the goal behind this crazy plan." I mutter and yet Ron asks: "Sorry, I'm clueless here. What's this fact?" And Hermione answers: "The location. It's – too public. Think back, Ron, think back to last year and the year before. What do they have in common?"
The boy turns thoughtful at this and a few seconds later his eyes widen and he says: "Secrecy. Both times Harry and You-Know-Who were somewhere hidden, somewhere far away from the public. The Third Floor – Harry didn't meet him until the very end of all those traps. Same with the Chamber, that was miles and miles underground, deeper than even the Slytherin common room." Both of us nod and I notice grandpa frowning in concern as Cedric reads on.

"Looks like … pajama trousers.

"Harry, you can't blame Ron for that. It was an accident." Mrs. Weasley tells me, but mum says: "First of, Harry himself already acknowledged this, this is just his teenage hormones and his anxiety getting the better of him. Second, tell me you wouldn't have reacted the same way if you were in his shoes. If say, my mum was trying to help you, but it was Gideon or Fabian who came down and disturbed you." The woman accepts this and Cedric reads.

"Sorry about … to bed.

At this I grin at my best friend in sheer relief and mutter: "You had your moment of realization, didn't you? You probably spent the rest of the night thinking over everything that's happened as well as your own reaction to it all." Yet while Ron grins back at me, does he say: "Can't really tell, it's the future, after all." Yet I shrug at this, not at all caring as I just know he agrees with me. And while Cedric lies the book down, do I think: "Our friendship will be stronger than ever."


I know, cliché.
Who cares? I actually quite liked this chapter. Also, I feel very glad to know that I actually DID finish all of my chapters for this month. Like I said in the Top AN, I was really on a time crutch, which is why I changed a few chapter plans for other stories. Also, I managed to get rid of all of the OotP – chapter …, page … - OotP crap in To Read Into The Universe. I'll make sure to put a note about that in chapter 53 of that story as well.
Next chapter: tension rises as the First Task is covered. And either at the end or somewhere in the middle of the chapter, one old and two new additions join the frey. Answers are given to very confusing questions and shocking truths are discovered. And if any of you want a hint, just remember this: Pettigrew was NOT a student at Hogwarts. So, other than create disharmony between students, what else did he do in his spare time?
Care to guess,

Venquine1990