October 31, 1994
Hogwarts Great hall
Champion Selection
Harry Potter of 1994 stood in the center of the aisle between the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw tables. His name had just been released from the goblet of fire like the last time. He had already drawn his wand and stated:
"I, Harry James Potter, born Hadrian Jamieson Potter, do so swear on my life and my magic that I did not enter my name into the goblet of fire nor did I ask anyone to do so on my behalf. So I swear it; so shall it be!"
A wave of magic and a bright light had pulsed through out the great hall; signifying that his oath was true and accepted by magic itself. Many people seemed to be disappointed that his oath was genuine and that he hadn't dropped dead.
"Expecto Patronum," He had incanted and Prongs burst forth from his wand and galloped across the floor, searching for danger. Seeing none, Prongs disappeared. "Winky!" He had called the elf who appeared instantly and he told her to get the family here quickly. She nodded and popped away.
That had been five minutes ago and Harry was starting to get irritated. Mainly because Barty Crouch was snarling at him to get into the antechamber with the other champions.
"I'll have to stop you there sir," Harry interrupted Crouch somewhat politely. "This is the Tri-wizard tournament; not the Quad-wizard tournament. You have your champions and I have given my oath that proves my innocence since I have my magic and since I am still breathing. This is probably nothing more than someone's idea of a sick joke."
Harry's comments were not well received by many people in the hall; including those who thought he was lying.
"Regardless," Crouch hissed. "Your name came out of the Goblet; the contract for this tournament states that when a name has been released from the Goblet, the person selected must compete or lose their magic! It is a binding magical contract; oath or no oath!"
"I find it very disconcerting that one could be so easily entered into a contract that they themselves have not seen," Harry said with a shake of his head. "And its even more disconcerting that you are forcing the issue when I do not fit the qualifications."
"Then why did you enter!" Someone from the Hufflepuff table shouted.
"You were here when I gave my oath right?" Harry asked rhetorically. The person who shouted turned red and glared at Harry.
"Enough of this!" Crouch snarled and grasped Harry's shoulder before his hand was slapped away.
"I did not give you permission to touch me." Harry coldly informed him and many people did a double take to make sure that they were actually looking at Harry Potter.
"Bartemius," Albus Dumbledore chided before turning to Harry with a apologetic expression. "I'm afraid, Harry, that-"
"What seems to be the problem?" A voice asked from the main doors and everyone turned. There stood a few members of the motley crew of time travelers and Amelia Bones. They all started walking towards Harry.
"Amelia, what are you doing here?" Albus asked the stern looking witch.
"I was in a meeting with regent Black and his family," The head of DMLE replied. "We were talking about the Wizengamot meeting tomorrow when their house elf brought an urgent message. I came along so they wouldn't need to wait because the castle wards allow me to enter as I am a member of the board. I wasn't sure if you had changed them back now that your guest are here."
"And what seems to be the problem?" Artorius repeated his question firmly as people began to whisper, recognizing him and his group from the Daily Prophet. Rita Skeeter had published a rather lengthy article that made fun of Minister Fudge for letting his wand be used to summon a mark of the Dark Lord while praising the efforts of Artorius and his family. She also commented on the fact that Sirius did not receive a trial and posed a potential scenario the chilled many people to the core - if a pureblood heir and potential Lord could be incarcerated without trial, were any of them safe?
Fudge had been desperately trying to stall for time to try and resolve things but the Wizengamot was putting pressure on him to explain things.
"And who might you be?" Albus said politely.
"Artorius Black; Lord Regent for the House of Black." Artorius held his hand out to Dumbledore. "And these are my cousins; Thomas, Derek and Danielle." Bertram opted to stay behind because he was pretty sure that he would hit Crouch Senior again and they really didn't need the press even though the mans reputation was pretty bad after the World Cup debacle along with Ludo Bagman's because someone had let slip that the Goblins were calling for his head since he shirked on paying his debts that he owed.
"Hello regent Black," Albus shook the hand presented to him firmly and nodded to the others who nodded back. "As to your question-"
"They have no business here," Crouch snapped and attempted to grab Harry again, only to have his hand blocked by a wall of spirit energy.
"I do believe that my cousin did not give you permission to touch him," Thomas growled out as he gestured for Harry to stand by him which he did. Thomas pointed his cane at Crouch. "And we still don't know what the hell is going on Crouch, so do not interrupt," Turning to the Headmaster, he said calmly, "Please continue."
"Harry's name has been released from the Goblet of Fire," Albus explained quickly. "As stated in the contract; anyone who has been selected must compete."
"Did you enter your name?" Artorius turned to Harry at that point who shook his head no.
"I didn't," Harry said calmly as someone yelled the word liar. The dam of indignation that had been building had suddenly burst. All around, the students began to scream abuse at Harry until the sound of nails scratching a chalk board were heard by anyone not in the isle or amongst Harry's friends. Many students and members of staff had to cover their ears. After a moment, the noise dimmed.
"Thank you Danielle," Artorius murmured.
"You're welcome." Danielle murmured back.
"You were saying Harry," Thomas pressed.
"I didn't enter my name; I even gave an oath on my life and magic."
Amelia inhaled a sharp breath.
"That was risky, Mr. Potter." She stated to the teen. "But since you are alive and presumably still able to do magic, it is clear that you weren't lying." There were more protest at her words but Dumbledore held his hand up for silence.
"Madam Bones speaks the truth, Mr. Potter is not lying."
"Of course you would say that Dumbledore," Igor Karkaroff, the High Master of Drumstrang, sneered as he and Madame Maxine moved towards them. "He is after all, your boy."
"Кто-нибудь попросить ваше мнение, Пожиратели смерти?" (Did anyone ask for your opinion, Death Eater?) Thomas scowled at the man while speaking in Russian.
"Вы смеете?" (You dare?) Karkaroff snarled.
"Не играть невинных со мной." (Do not play innocent with me) Thomas snarled back. "Вы и я знаем, что единственная причина, вы стоять здесь сегодня, потому что вы назвал имена и были освобождены из тюрьмы." (You and I both know that the only reason you stand here tonight is because you named names and were released from prison)
Karkaroff trembled with rage as he noticed that many of his students looked at him in disgust. If his chosen champion were in the room, he'd have done the same.
"Gentlemen-" Albus attempted to ease the tension but was interrupted.
"Bернуться к ваше место, прежде чем сделать Джеймс Поттер вам в 79 как будет выглядеть погладить щеку, убийца ребенка." (Go back to your spot before I make what James Potter did to you in 79 look like a pat on the cheek, child killer) Thomas hissed at Karkaroff who looked ready to explode.
He did a moment later by quickly drawing his wand but Thomas was faster. He knocked the wand down with one hand and knocked the Death Eater off his feet with the same hand. As Karkaroff sailed through air, Thomas walked calmly over to wand on the ground just as the Death Eater landed and skidded across the floor.
"Funny thing about wands," Thomas said as he picked up Karkaroff's wand after tucking his cane under his arm. "Made up of strong magical materials and yet-" He snapped Karkaroff's wand in half, drawing a gasp from the crowd as an extremely enraged death eater stood and drew a knife from his robe as 'Alastor Moody', the defense teacher, shot a body bind at the man. "they can be so easily broken." He discarded the wooden pieces as Karkaroff fell to the floor. He inclined his head towards 'Moody' before turning towards the Drumstrang students.
"El poate fi Stăpânul tău mare dar aici el este un criminal condamnat." (He may be your High Master but here he is a convicted criminal) he spoke to them in Romanian this time around. "Dacă nu au fost pentru faptul că Hogwarts este teren neutru din turneu, el ar au fost arestaţi din nou pentru atacarea mine. În scurt, şi cât de mult, mă doare să recunosc, am, în esenţă, salvat-l la închisoare. El nu datorez mine nimic şi vreau nimic în schimb, doar pentru tine să ştii că eu deţin nimic împotriva orice de tu - excepţia cazului în care încerca să dăuneze eu si al meu."
(If it were not for the fact that Hogwarts is neutral ground due to the tournament, he would have been arrested again for attacking me. In short, and as much as it pains me to admit it, I have essentially saved him from imprisonment. He does not owe me anything and I want nothing in return, only for you to know that I hold nothing against any of you - unless you attempt to harm me and mine)
He gave them a swift nod before stalking back to his group.
"What age is required to enter? Presumably its not fourteen given the reactions so far." Artorius asked the Albus.
"The contestants must be of age." The Headmaster replied. "Which means they must be seventeen or older."
"But is that explicitly stated in the contract? Or does it just say 'of age' with no specific age actually in place?" Thomas prompted.
"What iz ze difference?" Madame Maxine demanded.
"The difference, madam, is that the glorified cup all of you decided to use instead drawing your students names out of a hat - which would have been acceptable - won't be able to tell the difference between what is appropriate for the tournament in regards to the age of the potential contestant." Thomas scowled but not at her. "How many schools are actually supposed to be involved - as stated in this contract. Is there a specific number?"
"No there is not," Dumbledore admitted after a moments hesitation. "And no, the age of requirement is technically not specified."
"You mean to tell me that there are two gaping legal holes in a binding magical contract?" Amelia said incredulously. "Who was the idiot that wrote the contract?" She demanded and Ludo Bagman flinched from where he was standing but said nothing.
"I distinctly remember there being a clause that states that names can be redrawn within a twenty-four period," Artorius commented. "but judging from the looks on your faces, that clause was removed."
"We didn't think it would be necessary," Ludo Bagman replied hesitantly.
"We? You were the one who wrote the bloody contract!" Crouch snapped.
"You signed it Barty," Amelia reminded him. "As did the rest of you that are involved. Ludo is right to include all of you since as far as the contract is concerned, you accepted the terms as stated and this mess is a result of that."
"But this boy-"
"Has proven himself innocent of any wrong doing," Amelia snapped at Crouch. "Something that all of you have yet to do." She glared at them all. "I am ordering an investigation to be done on the Goblet; my people will examine the item in question to determine what just happened here."
"Surely Amelia-"
"No Barty, it will be done," Amelia hissed. "And all the information will be made available to the public because for some strange reason, none of you seem to believe Mr. Potter here despite the fact that he has proven himself innocent of any wrong doing." She glared at the man before her eyes swept across the hall. "Unbelievable," She muttered with a shake of her head before glaring at the Hufflepuff table. "Even my own house." Several Hufflepuffs flinched but the majority were still too angry.
"How many champions are actually permitted?" Derek spoke up for the first time.
"One per school," Crouch all but snarled but flinched when Derek glared at him.
"Well then the cup you used must think there are more than three schools involved," Derek stated. "Speaking of, who are your champions?"
"Fleur Delacour is the champion for Beaubatons, Victor Krum is the champion for Drumstrang, and Cedric Diggory is the champion of Hogwarts." Albus ticked off the list.
"The real champion!" Zacharias Smith spat at Harry who merely glared back.
"I never said I was Smith, as evidenced by my oath," Harry hissed with his eyes flashing.
"You lied!" Smith snarled.
"If I did I would be dead," Harry growled back.
"And the world would be better off!" Smith shouted and several people gasped, including the teachers.
"That is enough Mr. Smith," Dumbledore's visage became stern.
"Of course you would defend him!" Smith howled, his entire face red. "Both of you are just jumped up half bloods with no real power! Potter should have died with his blood traitor father and his mudblood of a mother!"
Smith was suddenly jerked out of his seat and into the outstretched hand of Harry.
"I can assure you Smith, my power is very real," Harry spat in the boy's face and threw him to the floor.
"I didn't realize the Smith's were blood supremacist," Thomas commented to Artorius casually. The Hall had gone silent during Smith's tirade and they stared at Harry wide eyed as he performed wand less magic. Snape and McGonagall began to move towards them. "That is quite distressing."
"Indeed," Artorius murmured. "It would seem that I need to cut ties with Lord Smith - and soon."
"As should I," Amelia muttered as she glared down at Smith.
"Wh-what," Smith sputtered before exclaiming to Amelia, "Arrest him!" He pointed insistently at Harry.
"For what?" Amelia arched an eyebrow as she watched the new arrivals out of the corner of her eye.
"He attacked me!" Smith's shrill voice rang out through out the hall. "He summoned me to him and grabbed my throat!"
"That's odd, I didn't see him use his wand," Amelia mused. "or say an incantation. Did anyone else? No? Then that first half of that statement is technically false. As for the second half..." Here Amelia paused and glared even more at the young wizard. "You insulted Mr. Potter's parents, both of whom are war heroes and people I myself have greatly admired. Not to mention that the both of them were Lord and Lady Potter of the Most Ancient and Noble house of Potter which is one of the founding families alongside mine and a few others here in the hall. You have not only shown ignorance and cruelty to a fellow student but you have also shown your true colors - you bring shame to the house of Hufflepuff along with any who agree with you."
"So prince Potter is once again going to escape punishment," Snape sneered at Amelia. "Not that surprising-"
Snape was cut off by a stunner that was fired from Derek. Derek silenced Smith as Snape crumpled to the ground.
"Was that necessary?" Albus asked the young Alpha as he drew his wand discreetly to revive Snape.
"We're getting nowhere with these distractions from ignorant fools like him," Derek pointed at Smith. "And I know he is not the head of Hufflepuff who is still in her seat instead of correcting the behavior of her house," He pointed at Snape who groaned before glancing over at Pamona Sprout who flushed but said nothing. He looked over to Snape before turning back to Dumbledore. "If he has a problem with it - he can tell me himself. Now, you have your true champions already but your cup probably thinks there is more. It might have been bewitched and the only ones who had access to it are the prime suspects."
"My thoughts exactly." Amelia nodded her agreement with Derek's words.
Madame Maxime drew her wand and gave an oath on her magic that stated that she had nothing to do with this. She could see the writing on the wall and wanted to make sure that people knew that she was in the clear. Dumbledore followed her example along with most of the adults in the room except Snape who glared. 'Moody' was beginning to sweat as Dumbledore turned to him.
"Alastor?" Dumbledore frowned at his old friend.
'Moody' drew his wand and fired a killing curse towards the students. The curse was stopped by Thomas as several stunning spells and disarming spells were shot towards 'Moody' who dropped to the floor and rolled away. He fired an overpowered Lumos spell to blind those around him. His wand suddenly exploded after a moment. He yowled as shards from the wand embedded themselves into his hand and body before he was stunned by professor Flitwick.
"Nobody touch him," Amelia barked. "Albus I need to use your floo to contact a few aurors."
"Certainly," Albus replied faintly, wondering why his friend had tried to kill his students.
"We'll watch him." Artorius offered and Amelia hesitated. "It'll be in this room and we'll make sure that he's bound." Amelia nodded slowly as she began to follow Dumbledore to the nearest floo. It was against protocol but she couldn't really trust any of the staff to guard Alastor. Having them stay here in the hall would ensure that none of them tried anything with or in front of the students.
"Bind him," Thomas held out his hand to Derek, offering his shield. Derek touched him briefly to absorb his power as Artorius conjured a rope and handed it to him before disarming 'Moody'. Thomas went to go stand next to Harry who didn't have to pretend to be shocked. He glanced at Snape who had drawn his wand but only for a moment. Derek transferred spirit energy into the rope as Danielle played soothing music for the startled students to calm their nerves.
Derek healed 'Moody' somewhat before wrapping him in the rope. As he moved the unconscious man, Artorius noticed a bronze flask in 'Moody's' personal effects. He picked it up and pretended to examine it before he lifted the cap and sniffed the contents.
"What is it?" Danielle asked Artorius as he made a face.
"This is polyjuice potion," Artorius glared at the flask as many people tensed. "That person is not who we think he is."
Derek finished tying the unconscious man up and stepped back as Amelia, Dumbledore, and a few aurors entered the hall.
"We have a problem," Artorius said to Amelia who raised an eyebrow. Artorius wordlessly handed her the flask and she eyed it critically. "Take a whiff," Artorius suggested and Amelia did so. She grimaced and held the flask out to Dumbledore.
"Oh dear," The old headmaster murmured. "Amelia, you must question whomever this is - if only to find out where the real Alastor is."
"I intend to," Amelia hesitated before shaking her head. "We'll do it here and right now. Give me a vial of the truth serum." She ordered her men who looked confused. "I know it is unorthodox but this entire evening so far has been unorthodox. Give him the serum." She ordered again and one of the aurors, Gawain Robards, stepped forward with a vial of clear liquid. Derek lifted the unconscious man off of the ground while a chair was conjured so he could be placed in it. "Do not revive him until after you give him the potion." Amelia commented as 'Moody's' mouth was opened and three drops of the truth serum were applied.
After a few moments, 'Moody' was revived and Amelia set up a ward where she could ask the questions only though everyone would hear the answer.
"Are you Alastor Moody?" She demanded of the man who began to fight the effects as best he could but he still answered.
"No,"
"Where is he?"
"In a trunk in the Defense teachers room."
"Is he alive?"
"Yes."
Amelia nodded in satisfaction, making a note to head to that room as soon as possible. She continued with the questioning.
"What is your name?"
Out of the corner of his eye, Thomas watched Crouch Senior as the flat reply was delivered.
"Bartemius Crouch Jr."
There was a stunned silence that was broken Crouch Senior screaming incoherently while drawing his wand. Thomas drew his knife and cut the wand in half as Derek stunned the screaming man.
"What the hell was that about?" Thomas demanded as he put his knife away. "And what's his son doing impersonating someone else?"
Whispers broke out through out the hall after his outburst.
"I thought his son was dead?" Artorius asked Amelia who frowned. She held up a hand before looking towards Crouch Jr.
"How are you alive?" She asked and the hall went silent waiting for the answer.
"My parents came to me while I was imprisoned. My mother was sick you see, and she wanted to see me before she died. She convinced my father to take her to me and subsequently take my place while using polyjuice potion. The Dementors cannot see so they only knew that two people went in and two people came out. My mother's body is buried in the graveyard on Azkaban."
There was another lapse of silence that was shattered by a cold voice.
"You mean to tell me that my sworn in godfather could go twelve years without a trial yet this bastard helped his son escape Azkaban?!" Harry nearly screamed as his magic swirled, while pointing at Crouch Senior. He didn't need to pretend that he was angry at this point. Snape sneered at him but said nothing as he eyed the young wizard warily. "What the hell is wrong with you people?! Ever since I was a baby shit like this has been happening to me! I was actually happy to be here until all of you turned on me for not being the way you wanted me to be.
"This is basically my second year all over again." He snapped and many people flinched. "All of you rushing to judge me for something I didn't do and for something you don't understand." Turning to Amelia, he said as politely as possible, "Could you please ask that thing in the chair if it had anything to do with my selection?"
"Thing, Mr. Potter?" Amelia asked.
"He bears the mark of the monster who murdered my parents. According to the laws that were written long before I was born, those who possess the mark of another witch, wizard, or family on their person, is considered marked property in the eyes of the Ministry. That is of course, if they were sold by their families or they took the mark willingly but let's be honest with ourselves, do you think someone who waged war in this society for eleven years would mark reluctant or imperioused followers to his cause?" He asked her and she shook her head slowly as many people narrowed their eyes at Harry, including Snape who turned away when he saw Thomas glaring at him.
"Then, according to the law, that thing in the chair has no rights and is not recognized as human. Very fitting for a coward who used to hide behind a mask when he murdered innocent people." Harry finished coldly and Amelia gave a nod of agreement. Dumbledore was frowning in disappointment but said nothing as Amelia asked Harry's question.
"Yes I did," Was the response and the rising anger and indignation felt by the majority of the Hogwarts students deflated. None could meet Harry's accusing stare.
"How?"
"I enchanted the goblet with a series of runes that make the enchantment on the goblet release one more name under a false school. I used part of Potter's assignment with his name on it to enter him myself."
"Can the runes be removed?"
"No."
"If the champions refused to compete or if we tried to remove the runes anyway, what would happen?"
"The goblet would explode and the champions would die."
Even though the delivery was flat, there was a smug undertone in Crouch's voice. The majority of the people in the hall gaped at Crouch Jr.
"So I'm stuck basically," Harry muttered to Thomas though many people heard him.
"Pretty much though I doubt anyone here believes you did anything wrong," Thomas murmured. "Now at least. Though there are still some idiots who think you had something to do with it," He glared at Snape and bared his teeth. "Like this one," He spat.
"Ignore him," Harry suggested. "He doesn't matter, none of them do." He looked over to Dumbledore, ignoring the looks he was receiving. "May I leave sir? I really don't want to be here right now."
"Actually-"
"Go." Artorius told him. "We'll come to collect you later."
Harry nodded swiftly before spinning on his heel and towards the entry way.
"Potter-" Snape stopped talking as he felt something jabbed into his throat. He looked to see Thomas glaring at him while holding his cane.
"Keep going Harry," Thomas said without taking his eyes off of Snape and Harry continued to walk away just as Crouch started to twitch. "I'm guessing his potion is finished. You may want to finish this later Madam Bones, I believe that is enough for now."
Amelia nodded reluctantly as she ordered one of the aurors to stun Crouch. Thomas removed his cane from Snape's throat as Harry left the room.
"We should go," He said to Artorius who nodded.
"Headmaster, you cannot be thinking on letting Potter go with these people!" Snape exploded.
"You do not have any say in this, sir." Artorius coolly replied. "None of you do now that I think about it."
"I am a professor of this-"
"Yes we know who you are we know what you do," Artorius waved a hand dismissively. "But you all have missed something vitally important, including that thing." He pointed at Crouch who was almost finished shifting.
"Which is what?" Snape sneered.
"That since Harry cannot be removed from this competition without all four people dying," Artorius began before sneering back at Snape, "Something, I'm sure you're hoping for." He overrode what Snape and Dumbledore was going to say by continuing. "Because of that he must compete. The contract stipulates that those of age must compete however, Harry is only fourteen in the eyes of the law. The Goblet on the other hand..."
"Doesn't recognize that because as far as it is concerned, Mr. Potter is of age." Amelia stated after he trailed off. "Which means that Mr. Potter is technically emancipated and is now Lord Potter."
"Exactly." Artorius nodded.
"So the brat gains a title," Snape sneered again. "That doesn't explain-"
Thomas swiped his hand quickly and Snape went flying through the air.
"What the hell is your problem grease bat?" Thomas demanded before turning to Dumbledore. "Do you allow your staff to insult your students-" Snape tried to stun him but Thomas batted the spell away. "And attack someone unprovoked."
"You attacked me!" Snape snarled as he got to his feet.
"Well you shouldn't have insulted my cousin," Thomas snarled back. "And in front of two board members along with visitors of other schools. You should be careful lest someone starts to look into all those complaints you got throughout the years."
"I would think about what you are about to do, Potion Master Snape," Amelia snapped. "Or you might find yourself coming with to the Ministry."
"I am defending myself from him!" Snape yelled at while pointing at Thomas.
"And I am defending the honor of my cousin," Thomas shot back and Snape snorted. "Even though he was technically emancipated by the brilliant people involved in this wonderful event," The sarcasm placed on those words were particularly potent. "He is still only fourteen. You, Sir Grease Bat of the Dungeons, are a grown man and a teacher. Your job is to educate and encourage your students, not belittle them for no legitimate reason." He chided the Potions master who looked furious before pausing for a moment. He tilted his head back, saying, "Or in some cases, not stopping verbal taunts -which is considered to be bullying according to the charter- from a mob of students against a single one. Especially sitting in their chairs and gaping like fish."
His comment made many of the Hogwarts staff flinch especially professor Sprout.
"I do believe you have made your point," Dumbledore said sternly to Thomas.
"I don't think he has," Artorius cut in. "Since your potion master seems to think he was perfectly justified in magically and verbally attacking my family." He glared at Snape who looked ready to say more. "I may not be the lord of my house but I can demand satisfaction all the same. You know this as does anyone who knows the old ways."
"That will not be necessary," Dumbledore gave Snape a pointed look. Snape scowled but said nothing.
"See that its not," Artorius said to Dumbledore but he was glaring at Snape. "And please refrain from trying to discipline a member of my house. That is my job Headmaster, not yours."
"And yet you and your family seek to discipline my staff and students," Dumbledore commented.
"Well since it seems common place for a member of your staff and the majority of your students to break a key part in the charter for the school," Artorius began. "and since you allowed one student to insult my cousin and yourself in such an atrocious display, someone had to step in. Madam Bones may be a member of the board but she must act in her capacity as head of the DMLE which does not have that much power here unless you allow it.
"I, on the other hand, am a board member and can discipline students and issue warnings to the staff. My cousin acted within wizarding law as your professor insulted a member of not one but two Ancient and Noble families. Harry does not respect your professor for his attitude and frankly neither do I. Consider this your only warning now headmaster, either professor Snape corrects his behavior, or he will be released from his contract which is within the power of the board."
"He has my support in that as well." Amelia said grimly. "We have been getting complaints since he started his tenure here Albus yet you have assured us that they were unfounded. Now I see that you were wrong. He will either shape up or we will ship him out."
"You can't do that!" Snape shouted with his face completely red.
"Keep acting the way you are, and we will." Amelia snapped back.
"Do not think for one second that you can tell us how to do our jobs," Artorius growled at the man. "to do so is nothing short of being rude and arrogant."
Snape's face started to turn purple but one look from Dumbledore made him hold his tongue.
"We will be going and taking our cousin with us," Artorius continued after a moment. "Board members are allowed to do if there is a family emergency. I think we can all agree that this is a family emergency - an urgent one."
He stared coolly at Dumbledore, half expecting the man to contradict him. A cynical part of his brain wondered if he would use Legilimency on him but he dismissed it as the old headmaster spoke again.
"Yes indeed," He murmured gravely, "Minerva, please take regent Black and his to Gryffindor tower to collect Mr. Potter." He said to his deputy who nodded. "When can we expect you back?" He asked Artorius.
"I will send you a message before we arrive back," Artorius said to him. "We will have many things to discuss and do so there are no more...misunderstandings from anyone here or elsewhere."
There was a moment of pause before Dumbledore nodded his head slowly.
"Understood," He murmured once more. "Madame Maxime," He said to the tall woman. "Could and Ludo inform the other three champions as to what has transpired here tonight?" He asked her. After receiving a nod he turned Amelia, "I'll show you the way to the Defense teacher's office. Filius," He added to the charms professor. "You may release the students after we leave, starting with your house."
The tiny professor nodded as the group in the aisle began to leave.
"Severus, your house will be next." The headmaster added to the Potions master who gave a swift nod as he glared at the Black Collective. Some of them ignored him or glared right back.
"This way," Professor McGonagall gestured towards the path in front her and those heading to Gryffindor tower. Dumbledore lead Amelia Bones towards the defense room while a few of her men took both Crouch Senior and his son to the Ministry.
"And why, dear cousin, should I help you?" A blue skinned man with long black hair demanded coldly of Phobos. He was holding Trident except this one had a conch shell attached to it, and a solid bar going through the three spear points. "What is to stop me from taking this to my father or king Zeus? What is to stop me from thrashing you until you beg for death?"
"Nothing," Phobos replied calmly. "But tell me Triton, are you truly happy with living in your fathers shadow?"
"What are you talking about?" Triton growled.
"Let's be honest with ourselves, no one knows or cares about who you are," Phobos continued to remark calmly. "You will never be king of the seven seas for we are all longed lived. The titans suffering in pit is proof of that."
Triton glared at him but said nothing. Phobos took this as his cue to continue speaking.
"The mortals involved in this plot have upset the balance," He sneered. "And your father seeks to leave it be while my father wishes to restore that balance... in the only way that he knows how."
"You honestly think that killing these mortals will correct whatever they have done?" Triton's expression was nothing short of incredulous.
"Of course not," Phobos scoffed. "But we can stop them from changing anything else."
"I will not go against my father," Triton said firmly.
"I am not asking that of you," Phobos patiently told him. "I am merely asking for you to look the other way should the mortals reach the quote un-quote 'Second task' involving their Black lake."
"That is the same thing," Triton snapped.
"Only from a certain point of view," Phobos gave a shrug before sighing. "Think about it cousin, you know in your heart that I am right."
He calmly walked away, leaving a seething minor god of the sea behind him.
"You were right," Triton said through his teeth after a moment and a pond behind him began to shift. It shot into the air and landed right next to Triton before growing and forming into a body. After a moment the form of Poseidon was complete.
"I was hoping that I wouldn't be," Poseidon murmured to his son. "You did the right thing by telling me of this meeting."
Triton said nothing for a moment.
"Are you really allowing these mortals to continue with what they are doing?" He asked his father who sighed.
"I do not like it but it is the will of the Fates," Poseidon said seriously and Triton looked at him in surprise. "Yes, my son, the Fates have a hand in this but I do not know what their goal is. All I know is that I can only wait and see what happens."
Triton nodded slowly, "I understand...and I will watch over the lake as you asked me."
"Thank you," Poseidon clapped his son's shoulder before disappearing back into the pond.