Well I am glad that yall enjoyed the last chapter. I do apologise once again however, for the delay in updating. It's just finding the time to write out and plan the next chapter takes time which I of late have little of but Im getting there so please bear with me ok? I hope you enjoy this chapter too. Talk to you soon. :)
The morning of the first task was full of great excitement and anticipation. Harry and a few of his fellow Gryffindors decided to have a game of quiddtich to relieve some of the tension which Harry himself was building up. Harry, Fred, George, Ron, Ryan and Arielle headed towards the pitch with Hermione, Neville, Seamus and Dean in tow. Remus was coming out of the great hall with Tonks when he saw Harry and company passing by with broomsticks thrown over their shoulders. Remus called out after them.
"Harry what are you doing?"
They all stopped in their tracks, faced Remus and Tonks as Harry said innocently;
"We are just going out for a quick game of quiddtich Remus. Why do you ask?"
"The quiddtich pitch is gone Harry. Dumbledore and some ministry officials prepared it for the first task first thing this morning."
"Well...we will just go down by Hagrids then."
Harry turned to leave; his friends were waiting at the door talking to Tonks.
"Harry, Dumbledore wants the contestants down at the pitch in thirty minutes. The tournament starts at 12:00 which is exactly one hour from now."
"Remus...if I don't get some air Ill pass out."
"Awww let him be babe." Tonks said walking back inside the castle.
"Yeah, listen to Tonks, Moony."
"Harry, Dumbledore doesn't want the contestants to be late for the tournament."
"Is it Dumbledore or you Remus? I promise that I won't play quiddtich and I will be back on time but I just need to get some air ok?"
Reluctantly Remus agreed. Harry went for a walk around the grounds with his friends where he met Luna. She was standing at the mouth of the dark forest, listening to the roars of the dragons from within.
Harry excused himself from his company as he approached her.
"Hey Luna." He said gently smiling at her.
She turned to face him with a dreamy look in her eyes.
"Oh hello Harry. How are you feeling today?"
"Im ok thanks Luna."
"If you are afraid you can admit it Harry. I know most guys aren't too comfortable with admitting their true feelings but you must not feel like that Harry. Its only natural to be afraid sometimes.
Harry smiled at her fondly before he said...
"You always know what to say Luna."
"I don't know if that is true Harry. I just speak truthfully."
He smiled at her again as he rested his head against the trunk of a tree which they were standing by.
"I never really thanked you properly for telling me about the dragons."
"Oh its ok Harry. I am sure you would have done the same for me."
"Yes of course. That is what friends do right?"
She smiled broadly at him as she stood upright.
"Yes, Harry that is what friends do. Sometimes though people can become more than friends. So I hope that you and Hermione will be very happy together."
She began to walk a little further into the forest. Harry stared at her with his eyebrows raised. He went after her and asked...
"Luna what did you mean by that remark?"
"What remark was that Harry?"
"The remark about Hermione and me...what are you talking about?"
"Is it not obvious to you Harry?" He shook his head and smiled amusedly as she said...
"I know that you consider Ron and Hermione your two best friends in the whole world Harry. Sometimes our heads and our hearts play games with us. I imagine that in your head you don't want to feel the way you do about her but your heart is saying differently. My dad always taught me to believe that what was in my heart was the truth. If we followed our heart then we would never be led astray. If you followed your head instead of your heart Harry then I can assure you that you will be miserable and wonder how your life would be different if you had given Hermione a chance. Life is all about chance I realise that of course. Sometimes things don't work out and that makes me sad but I know that you and Hermione will."
"How do you know Luna? It could end badly and I could end up losing my best friend."
"If you take a chance with Hermione, Harry then I guarantee you that you will find everything you have always wanted. Love comes to us at all ages Harry. You can't know at what time in your life you will find your soul mate. Hermione is your soul mate."
"Are you psychic or something Luna?" Harry asked smirking.
"No I am not psychic Harry. If you can see a life without Hermione then she is not your soul mate. I can see it in your eyes that that is not the case. Just take a chance Harry. You could be very happy with her."
Just as he was about to quiz Luna further on what Harry considered to be a psychotic notion he heard Hermione calling him from behind.
"Harry you have fifteen minutes to get down to the quiddtich pitch.
Come on Harry! You can't be late for Mr. Crouch."
"Ok I'm coming Hermione. Luna I will talk to you later."
"Ok Harry. Good luck and be careful."
They both shared a soft smile before Harry ran off to the pitch with Hermione. As they reached the entrance to the tent where the contestants would wait and speak with Dumbledore and Crouch, Harry and Hermione saw them going in with Fleur and Madame Maxine.
"I imagine that the others must be in there. You had better hurry Harry." Hermione said urgently.
"Yeah...Hermione...thanks for looking out for me."
"What are friends for Harry?" She said coolly.
"I agree. Are you not going to come in to wish Krum good luck?"
Harry asked with a small smirk.
"He knows how I feel Harry."
"Im sure he does. I hope you guys are really happy together."
"Harry wait..."
Hermione ran over and threw her arms around his neck.
"Be careful." She whispered into his ear.
As she broke the hug Harry saw a few threatening tears brewing in her eyes. He always loved the way he could fall into her eyes.
"God shes beautiful." Harry thought to himself.
"Hey no tears Hermi." He said firmly as he brushed them away with his thumbs. She smiled a little at him.
"Awww baby come here." Harry said softly as he pulled her into a tight embrace. They let go after a few seconds.
"Ok?" He asked gently.
"Yeah." She whispered back to him.
Harry placed his hands firmly yet gently on either side of her face. He kissed her on the forehead, nose and briefly on the lips. She began to deepen it so Harry pulled back.
"What about Krum?"
"I told Viktor that I just wanted us to be friends. Harry it's you that I want." He smiled broadly back at her.
They shared another kiss but this time Hermione broke it and said...
"You had better go. Go! I'll talk to you later." She smiled at him as she reciprocated it. He kissed her quickly before heading inside.
Back at the stands the marauders arrived together with Sirius leading them and Remus taking up the rear. Their wives were already seated next to Mc Gonagall in a row behind them. Unfortunately the only available seats left together were the three beside Snape, who was seated in front of Lily and company.
"I see that you didnt bring the small ones with you Shari."
"No Minerva I didnt. Sirius and I thought that it was too risky. We dont want to be getting nightmares because who knows how dangerous this could be."
"I agree there with you. This is no place for children. I suppose you are beside yourself with worry Lily." Minerva said softly.
"It's comforting to know that Dumbledore is around if needs be so that does put my mind at ease somewhat but I just hope that he wont need to intervene either."
"Excuse me...coming through...godfather of a champion in the making...alright Minnie darling? Lily always a pleasure love. Tonks you look radiant as ever and Shari my queen..."
All the women laughed at Sirius but shook their heads at the same time. Shari who was sitting behind Sirius seat simply said...
"Oh sit down you tool."
"Nice way to greet your husband." Sirius said feigning insult as he sat down. Shari pushed his head forward playfully. Sirius then turned
around, caught her hand, kissed the back of it and winked at her. She smiled sweetly at him as the other three smirked.
"How is it Black that of late we seem to be seated together at these events?" Snape asked staring out onto the dragon pit.
"Oh I dont know Snivelus. I guess it must be fate."
The marauders and company chuckled lightly before James asked...
"How are you doing Snape?"
"I am just fine thank you Potter. Why the sudden concern for my health?"
"Well I just thought it would make a change from drop dead Snivelus but if you would rather..."
"James that is enough. Leave Severus alone."
James turned around, stared quizzically at Lily as he shook his head and turned back to Remus as he muttered...
"Some things never change."
Remus smirked a little at him in agreement.
"Thank you Lily but I am quite capable of looking out for myself amongst the marauders. I have had plenty of experience."
"I am still sick of it Severus."
"Well I guess that makes two of us then." He said as he turned around and offered a small smile. Lily returned it but cleared her throat upon seeing the look of horror on James face.
"You know Lily I do believe someone still holds a candle for you."
"Yes well...some things never change Minerva. I know where my heart and lies as does Severus." She whispered back to her former teacher.
"Attention everyone. The first task of this year's tri-wizard tournament is about to begin. We shall be starting with our eldest champion Cedric Diggory, following him shall be Fleur Decleour from Beauxbatons, Viktor Krum from Durmstrang shall be next and last but by no means least of course our youngest champion
Harry Potter!" A loud cheer from the Gryffindors and Harrys family rang around the stadium.
"Well Im sure Harry will be just fine after you Hermione." Ron said jokingly. Hermione blushed as she pushed him playfully.
"Shut up Ron. Its still not clear what we are doing."
"Why have you gone off him already?" Dean asked humorously.
The rest of their crew laughed including Hermione.
"No but..."
"Hermione, Harry is stoked about you. You have nothing to worry about. Isnt that right Ginny?"
"Yes, Harry is crazy about you Hermione. No worries there."
Both girls smiled at each other. Ginny wandered over beside her friend as she whispered...
"I am very happy for you both. Before you ask, no I dont have feelings of that nature for Harry anymore. I am glad for you because
he is almost like a brother to me. You guys would make an awesome couple. Besides Krum is now available and so is Dean."
Hermione laughed heartedly before saying...
"Well you dont waste any time girl but take my advice and dont go after Dean. I think there is something going on between Arielle and him."
As they looked over they could see Dean with his arms around Arielle keeping her warm.
"You really think Dean is interested in someone so young?" Ginny asked Hermione curiously.
"Well from here they do look pretty close but it could be nothing. However, from the first day it was obvious they had some chemistry so for your own sake just steer clear until you know the circumstances."
Ginny smiled appreciatively at her.
"Thank you for the heads up."
"Oh hey you guys it looks like Cedric is coming out." Ron exclaimed pointing at the pitch.
Cedric, upon hearing his name, took one last look at his fellow contestants who offered him an encouraging smile before he headed outside to face his dragon. As he stepped outside with his wand held tightly in his hand his dragon appeared with a loud thud and roar. She was about eight feet tall and a lime green colour all over.
She spat fire at Cedric who had to jump to avoid being scorched.
Cedric sat down behind a rock and tried to think of how he could get past this dragon without being scorched to a crisp.
"I wonder where Ced is?" Dean said still holding onto Arielle.
"I expect he is just trying to think of a way out of this Dean."
Hermione said. Dean nodded at her as Arielle said...
"I sure hope he will be ok." She untangled herself from Dean as she made her way down to Hermione and Ron.
When they looked back they saw several Cedrics running around the pit distracting the dragon and the real Cedric quickly ran up and grabbed the egg whilst the dragon wasnt guarding it. After he had retrieved the egg he summoned them all together as he vanquished them and headed inside the tent where he was welcomed warmly by his fellow contestants.
After Fleur and Krum duelled with their dragon for their eggs, Harry was next out.
"Oh here we go now boys." James said rubbing his hands together excitedly. Lily began chewing on her thumb nail so Mc Gonagall put an arm around her as Shari held her hand. Sirius gazed out at Harry anxiously as Remus sat back calmly, hoping Harry wouldn't get hurt too badly.
Unknowns to him, the dragon came behind Harry and using her tail threw him to the other end of the pit. All his family and friends gasped in horror. Lily cried "my baby" as she clasped her hands over her mouth. The marauders looked at her in disarray. James reached back and clasped his hand in hers tightly as he smiled supportively.
Ron put his arm around Hermione who was too scared to look out now and buried her head in his shoulder. Arielle did the same to Ryan who was standing beside her.
When they looked back again they saw Harry mounting his broom mid air and taking off across the pit in the direction of the egg. The dragon blasted fire at him so he flew sideways to avoid the flames. The only way to get out of this was to make the dragon believe that he was no longer interested in possessing the egg so Harry made way towards Hogwarts. Unfortunately for Harry and his family and friends who thought he was going to be ok now, the dragon broke the chain she was attached to and flew after spitting fire in every direction.
"Oh my...he is going to be killed I just know it." Lily said on the verge of tears. James reached back as he released her hand. He stood up so he was facing her.
"Lily, on my life I swear to you Harry will come back safely."
He stroked her cheek with the back of his hand. She smiled weakly at him as he reciprocated. He ushered his two friends to stand up and follow his lead.
"Snape I am going to be needing your omnioculars now mate."
"I am using them Potter to look out for your son."
"I am his father Snape. Now if you really care about Harry as much as you claim to then you will give me those damn yokes now or else come with us!"
"Please just do as James asks Severus." Lily pleaded.
Snape turned around, seeing the look of pain in his former loves eyes he relents.
"I am coming with you Potter." Snape said as he stands up and hands them to James.
"Fine...come on fellas." James urges as he runs up to the top of the stand next to Dumbledore with Sirius, Remus and Snape close behind.
"Do you see anything Albus?" James asks reaching the top step.
"No nothing I am afraid to say." Dumbledore replied as he closed up his omnioculars and gazed sadly at his former students.
James nudged Remus to look over at Snape who was using his own to look out. Sirius just rolled his eyes as he requested the use of Dumbledores who obliged.
"What was the reason for you wanting Snape up here with us?" Remus asked James discreetly.
"I don't want him comforting my wife when she is this upset."
"Oh James...that was a long time ago."
"It still happened Remus." James said defiantly.
"It was one kiss..."
"Shhh do you hear that?" James asked his friends.
"What do you suppose it is Prongs?" Sirius asked looking up at the sky.
"I don't know Padfoot..."
"Oh I think we ought to sit down gentlemen." Albus said wearily.
"Why?" The marauders asked in unison.
Just then they could see in the distance something speeding along. Initially it looked like a bird but as it drew closer they realised it was no bird but Harry on his Firebolt but unable to control the frightening pace it was going at. Harry flew over them but James who was standing on the edge lost his balance so he grabbed on to Remus sleeve to support him. Remus was losing his balance as a result so he caught on to Sirius who in turn caught on to Snape and within those few seconds all four of them were tumbling down the steps and landed at the very bottom of the stand in a ball. James was on the bottom with Remus on top of him, Sirius was on top of Remus and Snape on top of Sirius. The entire stand stood up cheering for Harry who had retrieved the egg and gone back into the tent. Mc Gonagall and the marauders wives were laughing hysterically at the sight at the bottom of the stand. Dumbledore rushed down to help them up.
Sirius shoved Snape off him as Dumbledore came down to them and helped Snape up.
"Well this wasn't what I meant when I said I wished the four of you to be united but I guess it's a start. Those who fall together, stay together."
"Oh ha ha real funny Albus. Is there any chance I could see my son now?"
"He and the other contestants shall be heading back to the school about now I imagine so I will meet ye up there. I do hope you will join us for the feast James, Sirius."
"Thank you Albus." They replied smiling as they joined their wives and headed back to the school.
Well what did you think?? I hope it makes up even a small bit for my lack of updates. Let me know how it was for you anyway. Later!