13:57
A/N: Woot! Back! Nearing the end. Kind of an awkward chapter. Just had to set some things up for the FINAL SHOWDOWN! So a bit clunky, but the next three should be better. Enjoy!
The food at the Feast was amazing, though that was to be expected at Hogwarts. The Hufflepuff Table was a veritable feeding frenzy, caused almost exclusively by Finn's apparent need to shovel every miniscule morsel of food down his gaping maw at one time. He was sitting alone, for the first time that Kurt could remember. Sam was sitting a little further down the table, beside Quinn. They were staring each other in the eyes, passing little bits of food back and forth and giggling. Across the table from them, Santana and Brittany were doing the same thing. At the Gryffindor table, the students were all similarly enjoying their food. Hugo was magicking his to his mouth, making motoring noises and airplane shotgun sounds, while James loudly reminded everyone that they were cousins, and thus not really related.
Kurt, however, couldn't pay attention to the food. His attention was firmly fixed on the Head Table. Figgins was sitting in his normal spot, of course, but beside him was the famous Harry Potter. Kurt had been a little disappointed when the wizard had walked in. He'd seen Mr. Potter dozens of times, of course, at King's Crossing, or shopping in Diagon Alley. He knew that, for all of his fame, Mr. Potter wasn't particularly impressive looking. He was short, with unruly black hair, and a pair of horribly outdated spectacles. But Kurt had assumed that he would have dressed up a bit for the Champions Feast.
Seated on Figgins other side was Blais Zabini, the other guest of honor. Jesse st. James was seated beside him. Seated directly beside Mr. Potter was Rachel, and then Blaine beside her. When they'd first taken their seats, Kurt had glared at Blaine, who had just shrugged helplessly as Rachel surged forward. At least, Kurt tried to console himself, Rachel also knew about all of the intrigue going on with the Tournament. And she was a smart girl. Surely she would realize that they had to warn Mr. Potter.
As he watched throughout the meal, however, he saw Rachel animatedly pointing at Finn, and nodding her head. Mr. Potter was grinning. Clearly, they were not discussing the tournament.
"What is so hard about this?" Kurt growled as the dessert dishes appeared, and treacle tart beginning making its way down the table.
"That's what he said," Hugo snickered. James rolled his eye, and cuffed the other boy upside the head.
"That's not even how the joke goes," he said.
"Yeah, but Kurt's a dude, and Blaine's a dude," Hugo said. "So I doubt there's gonna be any 'she' around."
Everybody gaped at the little Weasley for a long moment, before Mercedes snickered and James flushed bright red.
"Well," Mercedes giggled, "new sure does travel fast."
Kurt couldn't decide whether to be annoyed, upset, or pleased that everyone knew that Blaine and he were an item. (He was pretty sure that making out in the bizarre, magically appearing junk room meant that they were official). Mostly, he was still just staring at the head table, praying that somehow Rachel would get his telepathic message to talk to Mr. Potter, or that Blaine would just mow her down and do it himself.
But alas, the world continued to find his life a cruel joke, as Figgins stood up and moved to the front of the room.
"Once again, we would like to thank Mr. Harry Potter for joining us. . ." Figgins had to pause a moment as the students all cheered, and particularly as Lily leapt up on a table to yell "yeah, Dad!" and Hugo screamed "Go Uncle Harry!" When the fervor died down again, Figgins continued. "As you all know, tomorrow will be the final round of the Triwizard Tournament, beginning at the 8 o'clock sharp. So everybody should go to bed – your own beds – and get lots of sleep to cheer on Ms. Rachel Berry and Mr. Blaine Anderson tomorrow."
Blais Zabini cleared his throat.
"And also Mr. Jesse st. James from Durmstrang," Figgins hastily amended. "Also, whoever stole the fruit still life from the Fat Lady, please return it. That is all."
The Head Table stood up to leave, and Kurt stood up with them. He was pleased to see Blaine dart around Rachel, and grab at Harry Potter's arms. Students began filing out of the Great Hall, but Kurt ignored them as he watched the exchange. At first Mr. Potter looked mildly amused, but that was quickly replaced by a look of annoyance. He shook his head three times, before patting Blaine on the back and walking off.
"Kurt?" Mercedes tugged at his sleeve. "Are you coming?"
"Hold on a second. . ."
Blaine looked devastated. Perhaps, Kurt thought, that was too strong a word, but his boyfriend certainly looked like someone had suckerpunched him. When their eyes met across the hallway, Blaine's hazel eyes were filled with a quiet pain. He shrugged, a little abashed.
"I'll meet you back in the common room," Kurt said, patting Mercedes shoulder before walking over to join the other boy.
"Blaine. . .Blaine, what happened?"
"I. . .um. . .I tried to ease him into it. . ."
Kurt sighed and closed his eyes, trying not to get too irritated. He'd told Blaine not to mention all of the build-up. . .it just made him sound like a privileged Hogwarts kid, complaining about the competition being rigged.
"What did he say?"
"He. . .uh. . ." Blaine ran his fingers through his hair, leaving black curls springing up all over. "He told me not to be paranoid, and that there would be plenty of teachers there, and that Voldemort was dead."
Kurt shook his head. "Well. . .I guess it will be okay. I mean, Mr. Potter defeated Voldemort when he had the Elder Wand. And Coach Sylvester isn't evil. We just need. . .we just need to figure out some way to make sure that you and Rachel make it safely back to the castle."
"Just me," Blaine whispered.
Kurt glanced up, but his boyfriend was refusing to look at him, staring instead at the ground.
"What?"
"Just me," Blaine said again. "Rachel. . .um. . .she said that she'll go. That she'll try to stop them. So it's just me who has to come back to the castle. . .God, Kurt, I'm sorry, I'm such a coward, I hate that about me. . ."
Kurt's heart broke a little. This was not the Blaine Anderson he knew, that he'd looked up to for five years. This wasn't the confident Hufflepuff who had girls following after him, who sang love songs with a cocksure swagger and who snuck out of the castle with Finn and Sam. The Blaine that he knew wasn't afraid of anything – except for maybe heights – and had already won an award for Special Services to the School when he and James had single-handedly taken on the boggart that had snuck into the kitchen their second year.
"It's okay," Kurt said softly, reaching forward impulsively and hugging the other boy. "But what's wrong, Blaine. . .I mean, really?"
"I don't know. This isn't me, I don't. . ." Blaine shook his head, brushed the back of his hand against his eyes. "No. It's nothing."
"It's not nothing, Blaine. . .there's something else going on with you."
"It's nothing," Blaine said resolutely. "Anyway. I should be getting back to the common room. See you tomorrow?"
"Yeah," Kurt said, a little stunned by the abrupt departure. He watched as Blaine walked back out of the room. There was definitely something going on with the other boy. Maybe it was just the stress of the Tournament, or the events of the second task, but somehow, Kurt didn't think so.
Because he knew Blaine, better than he knew himself, he sometimes thought. Sure, most of the time that he'd known the other boy had been spent in blind idolatry, but even then he'd watched and noticed. He knew Blaine wasn't a coward. He hadn't been Sorted into Gryffindor, but he hadn't been Sorted into Slytherin, either, despite coming from a pureblood family that was put in the snake house as often as Weasleys were sorted into Gryffindor. Something else was going on.
Kurt shook his head. He walked back to the common room, deep in thought. They still hadn't figured out how to get Blaine and Rachel (whether she liked it or not) back safely to the castle. And he kind of didn't want Blaine to spend the night alone, tormented by his thoughts and with only Finn's snores to keep him company.
And, yeah, he sort of just wanted a kiss good night. He'd never had a boyfriend before, and as nice as it had been so far, he still hadn't gotten the gentle kiss goodnight, or the romantic brush of fingertips. He deserved that, dammit.
"Hey, James," Kurt said the minute he walked into the boys' dormitory. "Can I borrow your dad's Invisibility Cloak?"
"Sure," James said. He was currently lying on his stomach across the bed, perusing an old edition of the Quibbler. He leaned over to his chest, and grabbed a heavy fabric, tossing it across the room to Kurt. "Just return it in the morning."
Kurt caught the cloak, surprised by how heavy it was. He quirked one eyebrow at the other boy. "You're just going to let me borrow it? You're not even going to ask what for?"
"I know what it's for," James said, rolling his eyes. "You want to go visit Blaine and get your rainbow on."
Kurt's jaw dropped. Across the room, Hugo giggled. James just waved his hand.
"I don't want the details," he said. "And please take it off before you guys do anything that could. . .you know. . .stain."
Kurt was pretty sure that his face was bright red. So red, in fact, that he thought that if he put the cloak on, it might glow a little.
"We're not going to. . .James that's completely inappropriate. . .I mean I didn't. . ."
"That's what he said," Hugo snorted. James rolled his eyes.
"That one doesn't even make sense," he complained. Kurt bit his lip and pulled the cloak on over his head. He adjusted it carefully, arranging it in folds over his arms, and making sure that it covered his feet. He was just about to turn and check with James to see if he was really and truly invisibile, when a staccato sound filed the room, and the door was open.
"Dad?" James said, his face lighting up with a grin. He practically flew from his bed, nearly knocking Kurt over, and engulfed his father in a hug. Kurt grinned a little to see it – big man on campus, James Potter, leaning over to hug his diminuitive father. Hugo had also run over to give his uncle a hug.
"Hey, boys," Harry said, ruffling both of their heads. "Working hard in school."
Hugo stood up proudly. "Professor Flitwick told me that he hasn't seen wandwork like mine since Uncle George was in school."
Harry looked a little disturbed by that, although what he actuallys said was "that's. . .er. . .great, Hugo."
"I know," Hugo said, preening a little. "Even Rose was jealous, and she's never jealous of me."
"Right. . ." Harry and James exchanged sidelong glances, a family joke. Kurt felt a little awkward being in the same room as them, and wondered where the other Gryffindor boys were. He wanted to just leave, but knew it would be suspicious if the door suddenly just opened. And he wasn't entirely certain that James had his father's permission to lend out the cloak.
Harry cleared his throat. "Hugo, do you mind waiting downstairs for a moment? I want to have a word with James. Alone."
"Am I in trouble?" James asked at the same time that Hugo said "You mean I can stay out past curfew? Sweet!"
Kurt didn't react quickly enough to follow Hugo out the door. He often forgot how quickly the little Weasley could move when he was excited. It was a hyperactive blur of freckles and red hair. Kurt continued to just stand awkwardly.
"So. . ." Harry said, lifting one eyebrow. "When do I get to meet her?"
"Meet. . .er. . .meet who, Dad?" James asked uncomfortably.
"Your mom said you have a little girlfriend," Harry said teasingly. Kurt's ears perked up. New gossip? He hadn't heard anything about the Head Boy dating. Suddenly the Invisibility Cloak was getting much more interesting.
"No, it's not. . .it's not serioius yet, or anything. It's just . . .I mean, she's just. . ."
"James," Harry said, and his voice had gone oddly flat. "You know that you need to tell us these things."
"Dad. . ."
"No, it's for security," Harry said. "Yours and your little girlfriend."
"But Dad, Voldemort's gone. You and Uncle Ron have taken care of most of his followers and. . ."
"Most, James. Not all. There are still people who want nothing more than to hurt our family."
Kurt gasped, a strangled little sound. James didn't react at all, but Harry cocked his head, as though he heard something. Kurt held in his breath. A minute ticked by without another sound. Harry shook his head and turned his attention back to his son.
"I just need to ask her some questions. Do a background check."
"But then everyone will know," James whined. "Dad, I just want to be normal for once. I don't want another Rita Skeeter article, I don't want those paparazzi following us around. . .I just want to be normal, for once."
"James, you are normal."
"No I'm not," James said, nearly bursting out with frustration. "I'm the son of Harry Potter, the Boy who Lived. I just want to date this girl and not have anyone know. I just don't want to deal with it. You're supposed to be famous, not me!"
"James. . ." Harry sighed, and sat down on the bed. He patted the spot beside him. "I know that it's not fair. I felt the same way when I was your age. But you have to let me do this. For the family."
Kurt was beginning to feel a little uncomfortable again. This wasn't juicy gossip – this was a poor kid being vulnerable. This was an intimate moment between father and son. He knew how awkward he felt whenever his dad tried to give him "talks" (he usually just stuck his fingers in his ears and tried to sing through it). But it was also uncomfortable because Mr. Potter was looking really. . .intense. And serious. And. . .he had his wand out.
"I'm not telling you, Dad," James said. "I'm just not."
"James, I'm so sorry," Harry said earnestedly, lifting his wand. "But I need to know. It's for your own good."
Oh for the love of Dumbledore. . .Harry Potter was going to magic a confession out of his own son. That just crossed the line. Kurt knew what it was like to have secrets – he'd been in the closet until he was fourteen, when he'd finally come out to his father. But he'd done it in his own time, at his own pace – he'd needed that secret until then. If his father had forced it out of him, if he'd. . .
No, that was simply not okay. So as Harry Potter lifted his wand to cast some kind of truth spell, as James' eyes got wider, Kurt just glowered.
"Expelliarmus."
Harry's wand went flying through the air. Harry himself spun around, reached out an arm, and ripped the Invisibility Cloak off of Kurt.
Well. That was unanticipated.
Kurt reverted to his standby – good manners. He managed a careful smile and reached out a hand. He was proud to see that it was barely quivering.
"Hello, Mr. Potter," he said. "It's a pleasure to meet you."
Harry Potter just stared. "Who are you?" he asked, finally.
"Kurt Hummel, sir," Kurt said, jutting out his hip a little. "I'm a Gryffindor with James. And Hugo."
"Right. . ." Harry Potter said slowly. "Tell me, Kurt Hummel. . .why do you have my son's Invisibility Cloak? The one I expressly told him not to lend out."
Kurt was extremely pleased that his eyes didn't dart over to James for even half a second. Nonetheless, he could tell that the other boy was stiffening up, the tension was that palpable. "Um. . .I sort of borrowed it without asking," Kurt said.
"You stole it."
"I prefer borrowed without asking."
"Uh-hmm. . ." Harry turned back to his son. "Why was he able to find it?" he asked. "I told you to keep it hidden. This is one of the Deathly Hallows. You know what that means."
James mouth opened and closed, gaping a bit like a fish out of water. Kurt felt a rush of affection for the other boy, which was strange, because he and James didn't even like each other, they didn't even talk to one another. Nonetheless, he knew very well what it meant to have a father who loved him, but just didn't understand.
"It was hidden," Kurt blurted out. "I came upon it by accident. In a. . .um. . .a room that just appeared. The door just appeared, I mean. In a room I'd never seen before. It was filled out all sorts of different junk and. . ."
"The Room of Requirement," Harry said, his lips jerking a little. "Good to know it's still around. A bit surprising that it has new things in it all ready. How did you find it?"
"Uh. . ." Kurt's mind blanked. What was he supposed to say? That he'd wanted to make out with his boyfriend? James sniggered a little. Harry Potter glanced at his son and. . .wait. . .did he blush? Why yes, by Merlin's beard, Kurt was pretty sure that the killer of Voldemort actually blushed.
"Oh. . .ah. . .yes," Harry said. "I suppose that is how most people find it."
It took a moment for the older wizard to get ahold of himself again.
"Nonetheless," he said. "Hand it over. You can't just steal – excuse me, borrow without asking."
"Sorry," Kurt said meekly, handing it over.
"Where were you even going with it tonight?" Harry asked, seeming genuinely interested. James giggled again, and this time even the tips of Harry's ears turned red. "Oh. . .oh. . .well. . .all right then. I mean no! I mean. . ."
"No no no!" Kurt said, realizing where the other man's mind was going. "Not that! I mean. . .I was going to my boyfriend's, but not to. . ."
"Can I come back in?" Hugo asked, sticking his head around the door. "It's really boring downstairs. All the other guys are asleep and. . .hey, Kurt, what are you doing here? I thought you were going to go mack on Blaine."
"Hugo!" Kurt hissed. Harry Potter turned even redder (how was that possible?) and James was muffling his laughter with a pillow. How had this all gone so wrong?
"Wait. . .Blaine Anderson?" Harry asked, looking surprised. "The Champion? Shouldn't he be resting?"
"Yes!" Kurt practically exploded. "Except that we had to figure out a way that he would get back to the castle tomorrow, instead of accidently grabbing the Portkey that would take him to the Elder Wand, and. . ."
Kurt suddenly found himself pressed up against the wall. Harry was holding James' wand to his throat, and the green of his eyes had been almost swallowed by black. Kurt was suddenly reminded of all the stories he'd heard about the other mans' work as an Auror. For all that this was James' dad, it was also Harry Potter, who had killed Voldemort and who knew how many of his followers.
"What do you know about the Elder wand?"
"Nothing," Kurt said. "We just know that Coach Sylvester and Blais Zabini rigged the entire tournament so they can get it!"
Harry frowned, but released Kurt. He glanced back at his son.
"James. Hugo. Out, now."
Apparently hearing something serious in the older man's voice, both of the boys meekly left the room, James grinning a little, clearly glad to have escaped his father's interrogation. Kurt just swallowed.
"All right," Harry Potter said. "Start at the beginning, and tell me everything."
A/N: Harry Potter, you bastard! Way to come in and completely take over the story. Gark. Also, in my little headcanon, the Potters are constantly being followed around by paparazzi, and James is a bit sick of it. Ergo, he tries to keep his relationship secret. Harry, terrified of a faulty Secret Keeper, wants to make sure he knows everything about everyone involved with his family.
COMING SOON: The Final Task! The rush for the Elder wand! Motives are explored, Klisses are exchanged, Rachel goes for her man, James' girlfriend comes out, and Professor Schuester finally gets to sing