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Balance Factor Chapter 22

Year Four

First Task

A/N: Thanks for reviewing! Inspiration for continuing!

"Now, your task is to retrieve the golden egg!"

Harry wasn't sure if he was ready for this. He had mastered the Summoning Charm quite quickly, but was slightly apprehensive about summoning his spear from so far away. Since it was already past curfew by the time he had gotten the real hang of it, so he had no time to practice the distance.

For the occasion, he had summoned his shin robe. As Shirogane's element was fire, it was partially fireproof, which would prove quite useful for the fight. Hermione had originally suggested dragon hide, but Harry had refused. There was no time to order it and have it delivered.

Harry reached into the sack, pulling out the model of Hungarian Horntail. It had a number four around its neck. Harry let out a small breath of relief. As long as he wasn't first. Perhaps this would end with a bang.

Cedric was first. Harry waved at him and Cedric looked a little nervous as he stepped out. Harry leaned back, the other two Champions eyeing his strange outfit and his rather relaxed attitude. There was a roar from the stands and Cedric had apparently been victorious.

Fleur was next. Harry smiled at her as she left.

"Potter?" Victor Krum was looking at him curiously. "Where did you get these clothes?"

"Family," Harry answered, looking at Krum. "You have a plan?"

Krum smiled, nodding. Harry dipped his head at him.

"Good luck, Krum," Harry said. "I hope things go well for you."

"We're from different schools," Krum said, surprised. "Why are you wishing me well?"

"Because I do not wish to see anyone die in this tournament," Harry said calmly. There was a deafening roar from the stands and Krum stood up.

Harry waited patiently, his heart pounding a little harder in anticipation. He had never fought a dragon before. Never. But how much scarier could it be than facing Shirogane?

There was another roar of approval from the stands. Harry stood up, his heart calming.

"Ready, Mr. Potter?" McGonagall asked. Harry smiled.

"I am ready," he said.

Harry exited the tent, looking up at the large dragon.

"And here comes Mr. Potter, our youngest Champion, facing off against the Hungarian Horntail! My, it doesn't look very happy, does it?" Bagman was commentating into the mike. Harry raised his wand.

"Accio spear!"

He lowered his wand and then walked forward until the dragon noticed him. The female Horntail didn't attack as when she turned her head, Harry had stopped to a halt.

"Truthfully, I do not wish to fight you," Harry said to the dragon. "You are a majestic creature. It would be a shame to kill you." Harry held up a hand, wondering if the dragon was tame enough to want to try connecting. He was glad of his connection to animals.

The dragon paused, considering it. But then snorted. A jet of fire shot out of the dragon's nose and engulfed Harry. The crowd gasped.

"Oh dear! Could this be the crispy end for our Champion?!" Bagman said into the mike, looking over the stand at the fireball. Harry brushed the flames aside, his cloak silently absorbing the heat until there was nothing left. His wand had been tucked away to prevent it from burning.

"I DON'T BELIEVE IT! POTTER IS COMPLETELY UNSCATHED!" Bagman screamed. Harry held up a hand as his spear cut through the air, catching it, and flipping it several times around his body to get rid of extra momentum the weapon had built up from the speed of being summoned.

Harry slammed the butt of the spear down, holding the black sash with his left hand so it wasn't on the floor. He looked up at the dragon.

"AND POTTER HAS SUMMONED A SPEAR WITH THE SUMMONING CHARM! WHAT A DEADLY LOOKING WEAPON!" Bagman screamed. Harry looked at the dragon and bowed to it.

"Forgive me," he said, leaping high into the air. The Horntail let out a powerful burst of fire, but Harry cut right through it with his spear, his clothes absorbing the heat once again. Harry swung his spear down, hitting the dragon on the head with the back of the spear, dazing it. He quickly stepped on the dragon's head and jumped over it, dipping down to collect his golden egg.

The dragon regained its senses and gave a furious roar as the crowd erupted into cheers. Harry jerked up as the Horntail lashed out with its tail. Harry parried the blow with his spear, not wanting to crush the other eggs and dashed towards the Horntail. The dragon let out another stream of fire, claws and fangs snapping at him. Harry used his spear to propel himself into the air to avoid the fire, then threw his spear at the dragon. The dragon gave a horrible screech and then lay still. The crowd fell silent.

Harry landed smoothly on the slightly charred ground. He walked over to the dragon and reached over, pulling out the spear from the dragon's neck, swiping the blood off it in one smooth motion. He held up his golden egg and walked over to the judging table.

"I have completed my task of retrieving the golden egg," Harry said calmly. "With one casualty. The Horntail."

"POTTER HAS GOT THE EGG! OUR YOUNGEST CHAMPION HAS GOTTEN THE EGG FIRST! I DON'T BELIEVE IT! HE HAS SLAIN A DRAGON!" Bagman cried into the mike. Harry winced at the volume and sighed, looking at the judges with raised eyebrows.

Karkaroff looked flabbergasted. Dumbledore looked almost as shocked, but raised his wand. A number ten floated in the air. Bagman raised his wand and a nine weaved out of it. Madame Maxime weaved a ten, looking thoroughly impressed. Crouch looked grudgingly impressed and also weaved a nine.

The other judges looked at Karkaroff, but his mouth was open and he was staring at Harry like he hadn't seen him before. Crouch shook Karkaroff's shoulder, causing the headmaster to snap out of it. He cleared his throat, looking very red and shot an eight into the air. Harry bowed to them and moved to the healer's tent, where the other Champions were resting.

"Hey Harry," Cedric said, looking up from all the burn salve on his face. "I heard the commentary. You killed your dragon?"

"Yes. It wouldn't stop squirming," Harry said calmly, sitting on an empty seat. He was still holding the spear, leaning it against his seat. Both Krum and Fleur stared at him. "What? None of you did?"

The three of them shook their heads. Harry sighed.

"Harry, where did you get such a dangerous weapon?" Cedric asked, looking at the spear. Harry smiled.

"Inheritance," he said, pleased. "It's a beautiful weapon. I'm afraid only I can use safely though. It's much too heavy for anyone else to use efficiently."

"Whoa… It looks dangerous… It was sharp enough to pierce dragon hide? I need one of those," Cedric murmured, sighing. "You know though, with that kind of weapon, who needs a wand?"

"Exactly my point," Harry said, rolling his eyes. "There is a reason I don't really use spells. Excluding the fact that sometimes spells I cast cause classrooms to explode."

Cedric gave a hollow laugh. Krum and Fleur seemed lost in the conversation. Harry didn't mind though. He relaxed as the others got patched up. Madam Pomfrey insisted on looking him over for burns, but was satisfied to find him completely unharmed.

"Cheater! I demand to examine Potter's weapon!"

Karkaroff had apparently regained his senses. Harry glanced at him when he entered, but made no move to defend himself.

"If I remember correctly," Dumbledore said. "The task was to retrieve the golden egg. It matters not how it is retrieved or if the dragon dies, but the egg must be retrieved." He paused, spotting Harry still holding the weapon. "But if you insist on inspecting his weapon, you may ask him."

"Potter, hand it over!" Karkaroff said, sticking his arm out for the weapon.

Harry blinked and said, "You will not be able to hold it, Sir Karkaroff. There is no point in placing it in your hands. Perhaps I should place it on the table?"

Snape swept in just then, looking at Karkaroff and Dumbledore. Karkaroff snarled loudly and reached for the weapon. Harry let him take it, pushing it towards him. Karkaroff immediately toppled over with the weight.

"As I was saying, only I can safely wield this spear," Harry said, making no move to help Karkaroff off the ground, watching him furiously trying to pick up the weapon. Eventually, Karkaroff pulled out his wand and attempted to levitate it. Nothing happened. "Oh, and you can't use magic on it. It must be wielded as a weapon the muggle way." He looked at Dumbledore and then Snape. "But Professor Snape can pick it up, I'm sure."

Snape raised an eyebrow at him. Dumbledore gestured for him to do so and Snape bent down and picked up the weapon with both hands. It was heavy in his palms, but not unbearable. Snape offered it back to Harry, who held it easily with one hand.

"Dark Arts, boy! You've been getting into some Dark Arts!" Karkaroff swore, swooping out of the tent. Harry raised an eyebrow at him before looking to Krum.

"Has he been reading the Prophet?"

Krum snorted.

-0-

"Karkaroff did what?!" Ron asked, his eyes dancing with amusement. Hermione's hands were over her mouth and she looked like she was trying not to laugh. Draco wasn't even trying, outright laughing. They were in Potions the next day, the events of the First task still fresh in everyone's mind. The school was buzzing with stories about the way Harry had used his spear. It was funny to hear.

Bagman had explained the Second Task. Apparently, there was a clue in his golden egg. When he opened it though, there was only loud screaming.

"He tried to hold my spear," Harry said. He had dematerialized it after he got back to the dorm, pretending to stick it inside his extendable sack. "Of course it didn't work."

"But why not?" Ron asked between his laughter. "Why… couldn't he… hold it?"

"Well…" Harry looked thoughtful as he watched Snape turn a little to listen. His potion was simmering and it would be for the next twenty minutes. "I suppose it's easiest to explain in magic terms. Each person's magic is unique, correct?"

He waited for the other three to nod before continuing. "Well, it's a spectrum, isn't it? You have magic that some people are naturally attuned to and magic that they aren't naturally attuned to. For example, some people can produce a patronus, and others can't. My spear can only be wielded by those who fit into a certain part of the spectrum. That is, people with more neutral magic. People with Lighter magic probably won't be able to use it and people with Dark magic won't be able to use it either. The further away from the equilibrium, the heavier the spear becomes."

People were paying attention to Harry's explanation now. Harry glanced at the time and added, "Of course, magic can change. Though someone is able to wield it now, doesn't mean they can wield it tomorrow." He picked up the stirrer and started to stir his and Draco's potion at twenty minutes at the dot.

"Then what about when you… um… change…? Will you be able to wield it?" Hermione asked. Harry tilted his head.

"So long as my magic doesn't change, yes," Harry replied. "So long as it is stable." He glanced at Draco and grinned. "Professor Dumbledore probably wouldn't be able to wield my spear though. He's too Light. And Karkaroff is too Dark."

"Dark?" Draco asked. "Dark as in Death Eater Dark?"

"No, Draco," Harry said, shaking his head. Hermione seemed to realize that she had to tend to her potions, as most of the class went back doing, but listening avidly. "Not Death Eater Dark. Affinity dark. One can have an affinity for darkness without being a death eater. In likelihood, the successful Death Eaters all have an affinity to darkness. Not like Voldemort would accept anything less, I suppose. How would Voldemort react if a Light wizard wanted to join his ranks, but use light magic to fight? Can you imagine it? Instead of Unforgivables, we'd get statues turned into kittens and desks into puppies."

Draco snorted with laughter. Harry bottled their potion and stood up, putting it on Snape's desk. Snape had a hint of a smile on his face.

"Potter, my office, tonight," he said shortly. Harry nodded and walked back to his seat to clean up.

"Though such a tactic would work against most people, I think," Harry mused. "Drowning in cute, fluffy animals."

-0-

Harry arrived at around seven in the evening, knocking on Snape's office door. Snape opened it and beckoned him inside. There were a variety of potions sitting on the desk and a single chair in front of them.

"We're going to start with the most basic that the Dark Lord might use," Snape said, pointing to a bottle. "I have antidotes if we need them. Do tell me if anything feels wrong." He tapped a clear bottle and said, "This is Veritaserum. It is a very powerful truth serum. Three drops of this and you would be spilling out your inner-most secrets. It is forbidden to use on students, but… in your case…" He glanced at Harry and then said, "I do not know how it will affect you, or if it will be different in different forms."

"Then let's test it," Harry said calmly, sitting down. "I give you permission to use it, I suppose. In this form first, as I won't likely be in my other forms for anything but battle."

Snape nodded slowly, summoning a goblet of pumpkin juice. Harry saw three drops go into the goblet and then the goblet was pushed towards him.

Harry gave a small swirl to the drink and then sipped it. He pulled a face as if he had swallowed a lemon.

"I can taste it," Harry commented.

"Normally, it does not have an odor or a taste," Snape said, nodding a little, taking out a parchment and writing the information down. "Do you smell anything?"

"No. Apart from pumpkin juice," Harry answered, draining the goblet, swallowing it. He gave it a couple seconds to digest before looking at Snape. "Alright. We should test it."

"What is your birthday?" Snape asked.

"July 31," Harry answered. Then he hesitated and added, "This feels strange… Not bad, but strange. Like… I just drank a cup of ice."

"What is your name?" Snape continued, writing things down. "Why don't you try to lie for this one? If you can't, tell me after."

"Um… Okay, Harry Weasley," Harry said. He blinked and snorted a little. "Partial lie. I meant to say Ron Weasley." He hesitated and sighed. "I feel like I can resist its effects though."

Snape presented another goblet to Harry with a small dose of the antidote. Harry downed it.

"Veritaserum can be resisted using Occlumency," Snape clarified. "It is not infallible. And seeing as you can taste it, you will likely know that your drink is spiked with it. You are not immune to its effects though, it seems. You tell partial truths."

"Considering that I did say Harry Weasley instead of Kazuki means that wording may also be important," Harry said slowly. "I may tell partial truths, but those partial truths can be based on either Harry Potter's vessel, or Kazuki. I don't know Kazuki's birthday. It may have something to do with my form though." Harry hesitated before looking at Snape. Snape nodded and Harry let his Light engulf his body. Kazuki was suddenly sitting on the chair, looking at the empty goblet.

"Let's try it in this form," Snape said, pouring another goblet of pumpkin juice. Kazuki nodded, watching the three drops go in, taking it as it was passed to him.

"Still has no smell, but the taste is stronger," Kazuki said, wincing a little as it went down.

"Try to resist answering truthfully. What is your name?" Snape asked. Kazuki looked at him but didn't say a word. Instead, Kazuki looked around the room, trying to pick out something random.

"Chair," he finally said. "Apparently, in this form, I can resist its effects. That's good to know." He smiled a little, pleased. Snape nodded and wrote it down.

"Alright…" Snape looked a bit intrigued. "Here's a Calming Drought. Your… human vessel should try this one."

Kazuki shrugged and let the Light dissipate, turning himself back to Harry and taking the newly filled goblet, drinking it. He looked thoughtful as he started to feel its effects.

"Warm, but not overly so," Harry said mildly. "Has the same effect as drinking tea in a calm room…" He watched Snape take notes. "Maybe my levels of shock or panic aren't high enough to tell." Harry tilted his head closing his eyes.

"One more Potter, for tonight. I obtained this a while back and wasn't sure the effects it would have on you," Snape said. He looked unsure as he picked up the last bottle. "The Dark Lord asked me of this potion once. I fear he may use it." He held out a small bottle and poured out the droplets inside the goblet. The drink was emerald green and glowing faintly. "It is said to cause hallucinations and stomach pains. As well as dehydration."

Harry paused, looking at the drink and then taking the cup. He paused, thinking about it, before tipping his head back and drowning it. The effect was immediate.

Harry dropped the goblet with a clatter, gasping at the sudden fluctuation in his elements. The darkness spread, echoing inside him and pulsing quickly. Harry considered fighting it, but then let go.

"Potter!" Snape looked worried, grabbing a cup of sink water and tried to help Harry upright so he could drink it. The darkness suddenly took on a tangible form, spreading out of Harry's body in waves, pouring onto the ground, sending a chill up Snape's spine. There was a huge burst of darkness that made the shelves raddle, knocking Snape to the ground, and then nothing.

Harry looked at his hands and then his clothes. Then he pulled his hair in front of his face to examine it. White. Ah, so this was his shin form…? He looked at Snape, tilting his head at him, examining him with his ruby red eyes. Snape inhaled sharply.

"This is… my other form. Apparently the drink forces my darkness out," Harry said slowly. "That's an unusual effect." He looked at his hands.

"Potter, why didn't you tell me you had another form?" Snape asked, exasperatedly. Harry laughed.

"I cannot control it, Professor," Harry said lightly. "I have summoned this form twice before. Once I went berserk, probably due to corruption. The second time I merely imitated the form, but did not feel any power behind it. This time, I can physically feel the change in me. The darkness that flows naturally to me."

"So… if that drink has this effect on you, then perhaps there is a drink that has the opposite effect," Snape said lightly. Harry nodded slowly, letting the darkness dissolve back into his core and releasing its effect.

"I cannot summon that form on whim," Harry said. "I need a catalyst. Though what kind of catalyst? So far, only that potion has worked."

Snape sighed, taking notes before putting away the potions. Harry stood up, a little unbalanced but relatively unhurt.