Racing with the Enemy
Official disclaimer: I do not own the Harry Potter series or The Amazing Race.
A/N: The Amazing Race is used merely as a plot; any of the rules from the program are subjected to change by the authoress (me).
Chapter Seven – An Official Start
"It's bloody brilliant, George!" Fred exclaimed, "It's got to be our best idea yet!"
"Let's tell Dumbledore at once."
Dear Professor Dumbledore,
We are pleased to inform you that your request has been accepted and completed. We hope you will be satisfied with the result and hope for you positive reply.
Sincerely,
Mr F. Weasley and Mr G. Weasley
0o0o0o
Dear Mr Weasley and Mr Weasley,
I am, needless to say, surprised you have accomplished this task so quickly. I have arranged a meeting with the other Professors on the coming Monday at 8:30om. I hope you can join us and share this wonderful idea.
Sincerely,
Albus Dumbledore
0o0o0o
"Ah, Fred, George, it is nice of you to join us this evening! Come, have a seat." Dumbledore said, gesturing to the two remaining seats between Snape and McGonagall.
As the Weasley twins settled themselves in the chairs, Snape spoke up. "Albus, would you mind explaining to the rest of us why in Merlins name are the Weasleys doing here?"
Dumbledore looked up in surprise. "Did I not say so already? Dear me, my memory is certainly catching up with my age. Oh, but I suppose Fred and George will clarify the point?"
Fred looked into the twinkling eyes of his old Headmaster. He saw at once that Dumbledore had planned this and wanted him to explain himself. He nudged George, and together, they stood up, facing their ex-Professors.
George cleared his throat. "Professor Dumbledore here had asked us to create a device that would enable him and the rest of the staff to watch the progress of the participants of the race. So Fred and I decided on using a combination of a muggle object called a video camera and the wizarding tracking device. The result thus far is here with us today."
Fred produced an odd looking square object out of his pocket. "The video camera allows the audience to watch the participants as if they were there themselves. The tracking device obviously tracks the whereabouts of the students," Fred explained. "Of course, there are still some glitches to be fixed and things that need to be added in to make it more efficient and easier to use, so it is not yet ready."
"Excellent," Dumbledore said happily. "The idea is simply ingenious."
McGonagall was not so sure though. "Albus, are you sure that the video camera will not invade the students' privacy?"
"Ah, thank you Minerva, for reminding me." Dumbledore turned towards the twins. "That is partly the reason why I called you two to come to this meeting. Half of it is of course, to present your device, and the other part is for us to discuss a suitable period to use the tracker. Like other muggle cameras, this one can also be attached to a screen they call a television so that we may be able to watch our students. However, we have a problem where we are listening to their private conversations."
"Actually Sir, I think I may have an idea." George said.
"Brilliant! I shall not ask you to disclose of that just yet. Perhaps you want to leave and work on it now?"
George nodded, and with that, the twins left.
0o0o0o
(Three days later)
Dear Professor Dumbledore,
We have finally finished with the gadget. We have also included one of our inventions inside this piece of machine to prevent viewers from overhearing private conversations.
We hope you are satisfied with the end product.
Enclosed is a sample of the device. If you find any problems, please send it back to us and we shall see to it.
Sincerely,
Fred and George Weasley
0o0o0o
Dear Mr F. Weasley and G. Weasley,
I am very proud of the outcome. I have discovered no problems thus far, and thank you deeply for your hard work. I hope to see you soon.
Sincerely,
Albus Dumbledore
0o0o0o
Meanwhile, the entire student body of Hogwarts was waiting impatiently for further announcement on the race. Nothing remotely interesting had happened since the day Terry Boot was forced to have feminine qualities, and that was a week ago. They were impatient for the race to start. It seemed they would not have to wait for long, seeing as a notice appeared on every house's noticeboard that morning.
All students are asked to come to the Great Hall after dinner at 8:30 pm. Participants of the race are to arrive half and hour early. Students not participating in the race are asked to eat in their respective common rooms, as the Great Hall will be in use during this time.
Signed,
Albus Dumbledore
0o0o0o
"I wonder why Dumbledore wants us to go thirty minutes earlier." Hermione mused, "Maybe we have to be ready to do some sort of performance before we are officially accepted as participants."
"Don't be silly, Hermione," Harry said, albeit a little nervously; this was reminding him of his feelings towards the Sorting in his first year. "I'm sure it's just something Dumbledore forgot to mention in our last meeting."
But Hermione did not listen. "Oh, I'm sure of it! What in Merlin's name can I do? Maybe I should go look up some spells, just in case we are asked to perform some advanced spell…" With that, she rushed off towards the library.
Ron turned towards Harry. "You don't suppose she's right? I mean, she's never been wrong before."
"I'm sure she can't be right all the time," Harry said, trying to calm the jittery Ron down, "We're probably getting all worked up about nothing."
Ron seemed to think Harry was right, and stopped jiggling his leg up and down.
At least someone believes me, thought Harry.
0o0o0o
Harry, Hermione and Ron all had Transfigurations together before dinner. Hermione rushed up to the classroom, red faced, just as McGonagall closed the door.
"Sorry Professor," she managed to gasp, before sliding down into the seat Ron and Harry had saved for her.
"Five Points from Gryffindor," was McGonagall's reply, before she began her lesson.
A snigger could be heard from the direction of a certain blond ferret, and Hermione turned even redder. Unfortunately, McGonagall did not hear it from the front of the room.
"Today, we will be learning how to transfigure one into and inanimate object. This is one of the most complicated transfigurations, as a human being is a live, breathing creature. So I expect one hundred percent concentration, and that means no passing notes in class, Mr Malfoy! Ten points from Slytherin. Now copy this down."
The rest of the lesson was silent, except for the sound of quills scratching on parchments. Fifteen minutes before the end of lesson, McGonagall spoke up. "The students participating in the race are excused for dinner."
Harry, Ron and Hermione got up amidst the mutterings that had started. They, Malfoy, and Zabini filed out of the room.
"So, Granger never thought I would see the day you lose points for Gryffindor." Malfoy sneered.
"Well, I wouldn't have been late, if I hadn't run into a furry, white ferret –"
Malfoy flushed at the remark. "Don't you dare say anything more Granger. I was waiting outside McGonagall's room when you saw it."
"Oh Malfoy," Hermione smiled sweetly, "You didn't let me finish! I meant to say I thought I saw a furry white ferret, but it turned out only to be a cat."
Malfoy's lips thinned. "How dare you – " he whispered, drawing out his wand.
"Twenty points from Slytherin!" a voice squeaked. "Mr Malfoy, you ought to know better than to use magic in the corridors," Flitwick admonished. "Now move along, you have to eat before meeting Dumbledore."
Ron, Hermione and Harry hid their grins as they watched Malfoy put his wand away. On their way past him, Hermione couldn't resist saying, "Malfoy lost thirty points for Slytherin. Never thought I would see the day."
"Did you really see a ferret on your way to class?" Harry asked.
"No, but I overheard some Slytherins talking about Malfoy being turned into a ferret in the Slytherin dorms because he lost some bet." Hermione said, with a grin.
"Bloody brilliant! Wish I had been there," Ron cried, with a dreamy look on his face.
Harry chuckled. "Was that why you late to class?"
"Sort of. I was in the middle of researching for the test in the library."
"WHAT!" Ron yelled, spraying his mouthful of chicken all over the plate of salad in from of him. "What test?!"
"Hermione, we don't even know why we are asked to arrive early for the meeting," Harry said impatiently.
"Well, it never hurts to be prepared," Hermione replied absentmindedly, as she pulled out a thick book from her bag.
The rest of the meal was quiet, with Ron muttering under his breath, Hermione's nose stuck in the book, and Harry eating.
At exactly 8:00, the food vanished, and the tables were lifted and placed to the sides of the Hall. Ron looked up, with an annoyed expression on his face; he had been about to reach for his favourite pudding.
Dumbledore stood up and waited patiently for silence.
"I know most of you wondering why you are asked to come early. And no, it has nothing to do with you being tested."
At this, Harry smirked and glanced at Hermione, who had her shoulders slumped. No matter how much she worried about the 'test', she had really wanted it to happen.
"The reason why you are here now is because you need to sign some forms concerning your safety for the duration of the race. We have, of course, sent notices home to your parents allowing them to know of your participation. They have consented for you to be part of the race, but for safety reasons, these forms need to be signed by you."
With a flick of his wand, a stack of parchments appeared in front of the students.
"You have twenty minutes to complete these forms, so take your time."
Twenty minutes later, the parchments were summoned back to Dumbledore.
"Most of you would know that the muggle reality show "The Amazing Race" has camera men filming the entirety of the race, so that it can broadcasted," Dumbledore stopped, as he saw many were confused. "However, I will not be broadcasting this race, merely using it so that the Professors and I can watch you on your journey. So, without further ado, I will allow Mr Fred Weasley and Mr George Weasley to present to you our gadget!"
Fred and George walked through the doors and into the Hall.
Ron gaped. "How come the never tell me anything? First there was the Terry incident, now they're somehow helping Dumbledore track us!"
"This here, in my hand, is a combination of the muggle video camera, a wizarding tracking device, and one of our own inventions. It allows the Professors to watch your progress as you compete against each other. They will be able to watch it on a screen similar to the muggle television, via the camera. This piece of simply machine will be attached to your clothing at all times, and are to be turned on. You may turn it off at times, but it is suggested you do not, as we may not be able to help you when you are in trouble."
"Thank you Fred." Dumbledore signalled to one of the Professors, and the doors opened to let in the rest of the school.
Once everyone was settled, Dumbledore spoke.
"Many of you are waiting impatiently for the race to begin. So I am quite happy to say that it shall officially start tomorrow!"
The Hall was suddenly filled with chatter.
"It's so soon though!" Hermione exclaimed. "I haven't even started packing. Oh, why is Dumbledore making it so sudden?"
Ron on the other hand was excited. "Harry, please don't tell me this is a dream."
"Mate, it's not a dream." Harry said, laughing. He too could not wait.
Dumbledore raised his hands for quiet. "I understand you are all very eager. Could the students in the race come up and receive instructions. Please stand with your partner."
They all stood up and walked towards the podium. Hermione went to stand with Zabini, whilst Harry went over to Malfoy, and Ron to Smith.
"These students are to gather in the Entrance Hall at exactly 7:00am. Failure to arrive on time may result in you not competing in the race. The planes will not wait for you, so you must be prompt. You will travel to Hogsmeade Station in the school carriages, and then take the train to the airport. The plane will depart from England at 10:00am. You will be then given a clue when you arrive at your destination."
"For the rest of the school, you may watch all this on the screens which are currently being fitted into your common rooms, if you wish. For now, I bid you all goodnight."
There was great talk among the students as they all waited impatiently for the next day to come.
A/N2: I guess I finally made most of you happy by writing a long (in my opinion) chapter.
If any of you wish for the race to be anywhere, do tell me in your review. I may not be able to go to all of them, but I'll try my best. Note that I'll have to do some research on the place so that I can make the story flow and more realistic. It would be really nice of you to tell me a little background information on your place, and perhaps an idea on what they can do there…just a hint if you really want me to use it.