Disclaimer: The Harry Potter Series (1997-2007) and any characters and original locations within the books belong to JK Rowling. I own my original characters and my plot twists. I am not trying to pass any of these characters or copyrighted ideas off as my own and therefore it isn't plagiarism or copyright infringement.

Chapter Four – the Champions

After dinner on Halloween night, it was time for the three champions to be selected. As a show of solidarity any students were allowed to sit at whatever table they wished. Leo sat at the Gryffindor table with Hermione, Ron, and Harry. He was quickly making friends with Dean, Seamus, and Neville as well. He knew Neville was the boy he was talking about when he spoke of the horrors his aunt Bella had committed, however he wasn't going to share Neville's secret with anyone. If the boy wanted someone to know he'd tell them. He listened as George and Fred bantered back and forth about why their ageing potion didn't work on the age ring for the Goblet of Fire. Leo just shook his head and smiled at the twins antics. He couldn't help but wonder if he and Draco would have had that dynamic had they grown up together. He shook that thought away as he knew the Weasley's were the polar opposites when compared with the Malfoys. They were kind, brave, loyal, and many of the other traits expected from a family of Gryffindors. Alas, Leo knew he would've been raised by Slytherin snakes if he was even allowed to live.

Dumbledore approached the Goblet of Fire to receive the name belonging to the first champion. The first name to burst forth from the flame was that of Cedric Diggory. Dumbledore announced the name and everyone from Hogwarts cheered for the champion. The fire popped and spit out the next name and everyone from his academy including himself cheered, when it was announced that Fleur Delacour was their champion. The third champion was announced as none other than Viktor Krum for Durmstrang. They sent the champions off to the waiting room and then something that wasn't supposed to happen did. The cup popped again and another name flew out of the goblet. Dumbledore looked frightened as he picked up the paper and spoke the name that caused shivers to run up Leo's spine, "Harry Potter."

Leo looked to the frightened 14 year old boy who lived. Hermione pushed him forward and forcing him to approach the almost yelling headmaster. Everyone in the great hall began yelling and complaining that he was not 17. Leo made eye contact with Ron and noticed a glimmer of envy. Leo sighed realizing something was happening. The Death Eaters had to be planning something for Harry's name to pop out of that goblet. Leo knew that Harry would never willingly put his name in that goblet. He had no interest in participating in such a dangerous task. No matter how much Draco and the rest of the students wanted to think about Harry, Leo knew he didn't like being famous. Something wasn't right and Leo was mad that he didn't know what piece didn't fit to the puzzle.

Leo met Draco's gray eyes and noticed the anger. Leo sighed knowing that Draco also believed Harry had managed to put his name in the cup. He shook his head knowing that Draco wouldn't be willing to change. He'd just been set off by the champion selections. He turned to Hermione, "Harry didn't put his name in that cup. I don't know who did but I can't help but worry that whoever is responsible for his name popping out of that cup wishes him harm."

Hermione furrowed her brow, "I know I just wish I knew what it was that we're missing. Something just isn't right."

Leo chuckled, "Wow, I really am the male version of you. I was trying to figure out that same thing."

Leo sighed when he realized Ron and Harry weren't talking because of Ron's insecurities. He knew that eventually Ron would realize he was acting like an idiot and hopefully apologize. Leo walked to the library hoping to find pieces to the incomplete puzzle in his mind behind the mystery of who put Harry's name in the goblet and thus putting the boy in harm's way. Instead he found a sullen Draco sitting at a library table with a book open before him. Leo cleared his throat and sat across from his Slytherin twin.

Draco looked up and snapped, "What do you want?"

Leo rolled his eyes, "Now, Now, always jumping to conclusions, aren't we?"

"Leo, all you manage to do is belittle me like my father. If I want to feel horrible, I'd rather just go talk to him instead of someone who resembles my clone," He looked down at the book. "More like someone who resembles the person I could never be."

Leo crossed his arms and stared at him, "Why's that Draco? What's preventing you from being like me?"

Draco grumbled, "Everything."

Leo brought his fist down on the table causing a loud bang, "That's a crock and you know it. You're just a scared little boy who no longer has the comfort of his mother's arms and can never do anything right in his father's eyes. You're a pathetic, sniveling cowered. Why else would you wait to attack Potter when his back was turned? Why else would you use psychological warfare like the Potter Stinks badges you've been developing with your buddies."

He glared and growled, "How the hell do you do that?"

Leo rolled his eyes, "You wouldn't believe me if I told you."

He pointed a finger at Leo, "You're hiding something."

Leo smiled brightly causing his gray eyes two twinkle, "You would love it if I was. Sorry Draco, but I'm not Slytherin material and thus I do not hide things."

He grumbled, "Take that look off of your face. I hate seeing my face so open and vulnerable."

Leo chuckled, "You know if you worked on guarding your mind instead of your face then maybe you'd look less like you've been sucking on a lemon with a stick up your bum." He tapped a finger to his chin, "Hey daddy dearest never punished you in a more immoral way, did he?"

His face paled, "What do you mean?"

Leo's brow furrowed and his voice dropped, "I was only asking that because you walk around like it hurts. Like something was shoved in your exit."

Draco quickly stood, "You're disturbed. My father would never do that. I can't believe you'd even suggest it."

Leo sighed, "For a second there I thought you were going to admit that not only did your father abuse you with curses but demeaned you with rape. I'm glad that my assumption was wrong. I couldn't imagine even Lucius Malfoy could be that deranged. I mean, I'm sure deep down in that dark heart of his, he cares about you."

"Why do you do that?"

"Do what?" Leo raised an eyebrow before shaking his head. "I don't know. I guess since you're a bloke that looks a lot like me there's some sort of weird connection. Blimey, if you're willing to change I'd be willing to teach you defensive spells as well as Occlumency."

Draco crossed his arms, "What do you mean about change?"

Leo tapped his finger to his lips, "Well let's see. You have to lay off on Potter, Granger, and Weasley. I won't count the badges against you as you've already implemented that one. You will stop with your mental games. You will stop pushing their buttons for a reaction, or I'll show you what being hexed into oblivion really means."

Draco furrowed his brow and held out his hand, "I guess I can accept those terms."

Leo shook his hand, "We'll start tomorrow then. How about we meet on the edge of the Forbidden Forest?"

Leo's lessons with Draco were working well. He was learning proper shielding techniques. He also mastered the basic aspects of Occlumency. He was able to keep people out of his mind, but Leo was still able to find back doors. Of course, Draco didn't know it was because the two of them thought so much alike. Leo had mastered the ability to access Draco's dreams when the both of them were asleep. He knew it was a handy tool since he could look in from the other side of the castle. He couldn't help but wonder if he could still look into Draco's dreams when he returned to France.

Soon the day of the first challenge arrived. He sat in the crowd next to the quiet Ron, who still seemed sour as they prepared for the first champion. He knew this fight between Harry and his best friend really wasn't helping either boy, "Ron, did you attempt to apologize after your overreaction?"

"What in the bloody hell are you talking about?"

"I'm sure you're filled with inadequacies with having so many older brothers. Harry's you best bloke but sometimes you feel like you're in his shadow as well. Don't worry Ron, you'll find your place in the world one day. You just need to stop comparing yourself to others," Leo never took his eyes off of him as he spoke.

"Has anyone told you you're a creepy bloke?" Ron inquired.

"Yeah, but I'm sure you don't want to agree with Draco Malfoy, now do you?" he chucked shaking his head.

Ron shook his head, "Leo, it's always so surprising seeing such open facial expressions on Malfoy's face."

His eyes twinkled, "Yes, well he and I were raised very differently, now weren't we?"

"Well that's apparent. It's almost as if you're a Malfoy raised as a Weasley," Ron chuckled.

Before Leo could respond Harry was being called for his challenge. He was facing the horntail. He watched as Harry quickly summoned his Firebolt, "I guess it's a great thing he's got excellent flying capabilities with being a seeker. He should hopefully be able to get that egg and get out of there before that dragon eats him for lunch. That one seems to be the meanest. I can tell you right now. Harry may be very brave when necessary, but he's not a bloody danger seeking moron. He would've never willingly sign up for this tournament when he's the least skilled of the four champions."

"I've been a right git, haven't I?" Ron stared off as Harry flew past the dragon and captured the egg.

"You meant that as a rhetorical question, right?" Leo smiled as Harry made it past the dragon. He turned back to Ron, "You should go make amends with Harry."

Leo stared at the newest Daily Profit at breakfast and chuckled, "Bulgarian Bon Bon, really? I know if I were Krum, I would hate being referred to as a sweet. Though Hermione, I think that you and Krum would make a cute couple. It was preposterous for Rita to even allude to you and Harry having anything more than a plutonic relationship. Everyone can tell that Harry has a major crush on a particular Ravenclaw."

Harry blushed, "Even you noticed that?"

"So, you heard Professor McGonagall announcing that we're having a Yule Ball and all of the champions are expected to find dates. Harry, were you planning on asking one lovely Cho?" Leo wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.

"I considered it but alas she already has a date," he looked down at the table.

Ron looked around, "I don't know who I could ask to the ball." He looked over at Hermione, "Hey, you're a girl and since no one has asked you. Do you want to go to Yule Ball with me?"

Leo rested a hand on his shoulder and whispered, "Ron, that's no way to ask a girl you like."

Ron furrowed his brow as Hermione's voice rose, "For your information someone has already asked me and I said yes."

She quickly got up from the table and left the great hall, Leo turned to Harry and Ron, "Well, it looks like the two of you need to look for dates now that the ones you really wanted to take have both been taken."

Ron's face turned red, "Have you already found a date?"

Leo shrugged, "I thought about asking Gabrielle."

Harry's eyes widened, "One of the part Veela sisters?"

Leo smiled, "Yes well for some reason their enchantment doesn't work on me. I've once mused that I might be part Veela myself. I mean I can enchant the ladies if I really want to though I'm not interested in being a man slag like Draco. Have you heard those rumors as well?"

Fred or George popped in, "Well, they don't call him the prince of Slytherin for nothing."

Quickly followed by the other Weasley twin, "The ladies are after him for his family's wealth. He doesn't have the personality to attract them for any other reason."

The first twin chuckled, "Yep a right git, he is."

The other smirked, "But maybe we can get some gallons off of him if he's willing to vote against Harry during the next task."

Leo got up, "Well speaking of the snake, perhaps it's time I go."

Leo met Draco on the edge of the Forbidden Forest. Draco was leaning against the tree in his heavy winter coat, "What took you so long?"

Leo smiled, "I was having breakfast with the Gryffindors. They were discussing dates for the Yule ball. I wonder who you'll ask as Malfoy heir. I'm sure you're required to limit your selection to your house mates. I'm sure you're expected to marry a pureblood Slytherin female after all. Well there's always Pansy Parkinson, right? Isn't she the one you shagged at the beginning of the school year? How did that feel? Did it make you feel like a man?"

Draco blushed and mumbled under his breath.

"Oh I see. You didn't actually shag her, now did you? You just spread the rumor so that others would believe you're more experienced than you are, and she didn't deny it because she likes the idea of your money. If she can manage to date you then perhaps the two of you will marry and she will be a member of the wealthy Malfoy family. Of course there's always Daphne Greengrass but I believe Blaise has already asked her. Hmm I wonder what you're going to do; you wouldn't want the embarrassment of going stag."

Draco crossed his arms, "Have you found a date yet?"

"No, but I should go ask her right now. I'm sorry I guess we can continue our lessons later. Oh and there's always Astoria Greengrass. I'm sure she'd enjoy being your date," Leo smiled walking away.

He heard Draco growl, "Yeah, like I'm going to ask a second year."

Leo quickly found Gabriella with her older sister Fleur. Unfortunately he saw Ron standing nearby yelling at the girls before running away red faced. Leo approached the sisters chuckling and asked in French, "What did he want?"

Fleur stared, "I think he just asked me to the Yule ball in a very ungentlemanly manner."

Leo shook his head, "Well Ron's lost it. He's probably still upset that Hermione already has a date and you cannot blame him. I mean very few men can withstand your Veela charms."

Fleur furrowed her brow, "What do you want?"

Leo raised an eyebrow and looked at Gabriella, "Actually I was wondering if you'd accompany me to the ball. I thought with the both of us being the only underclassmen here from the academy that we could go together as friends."

Gabriella smiled, "Oui, I'll go with you."

Fleur pulled Leo into a hug, "Thank you for asking my sister to the ball. I don't have to worry what she'll be doing or who she'll be with now."

Leo kissed each cheek, "You know me."

A/N: As you might be able to tell. I've already written several chapters in advance before posting this. I have to admit I have one other finished chapter after this and then there will be some breaks in my posts as I start working my way through the fifth book. You know so much to cover and change…AU after all!