Tri-Wizard Tournament

"Be it so: who knows for sure

The lonely lore of youth's universe?

Scandals fatigue even the eloquent.

Is it not a sin, then

To slander the mute?"

-The fallen flower, Kumaranasan

I watched students rushing into the great hall. They were all looking around, whispering, and apparently searching for someone. Me. I was under a powerful notice- me-not charm. Even professors were looking for me. Dumbledore's eyes swept the great hall once and looked straight at me. I just shrugged and he nodded at me. I was observing. I walked around the hall once. Pausing at each table, my calculating and sharp mind picked up things. Having the ability to read body language was a useful skill. Apparently most of the girls were attracted to Diggory who I think won Hufflepuff the last year's Quidditch cup. Malfoy and his cronies had power within slytherin; it was obvious by the way he sat. But the person who got my attention was Theodore Nott. Even though he sat near Malfoy it was not as near as he should have sat. Malfoys and Notts were allies for centuries. But I'm sensing some friction between these two. Theodore's feet were pointing away from Malfoy showing obvious contempt. Theodore's uncle was an alleged Death eater. Before I could move away from the table I saw two witches glaring at Pansy Parkinson. Obviously about something trivial, but the way they glared at her meant there was much to that story. Daphne Greengrass and Tracey Davies. I sighed. They were too unreliable. One was too cold and other was too brash. It'll take much too effort to sway them to my side.

Over the Hufflepuff table Susan Bones, Ernie McMillan and Cedric Diggory caught my attention. The first two had enormous political power and were absolute idiots. They turned their back on me along with the rest of the school calling me Heir of Slytherin. I can't hold it over them forever. But I'll never forget about it. I filed them immediately into the allies' category. They'll come to me asking for my forgiveness. It was apparent from the tensed posture of their body. Cedric Diggory is a potential friend. Academically brilliant, hard worker and a good person. He was a pure blood too which means that he'll be get a good position at the ministry after graduation.

Ravenclaw Table didn't even get my attention except for Terry Boot. He had a unique way of inventing spells. I have seen some of his work during second year. He actually made a spell that would alert people if Mrs. Norris was in the vicinity. It was pretty impressive for a second year.

Finally I made my way to the Gryffindor Table. Most of them were spineless cowards. All of my Quidditch team mates were instantly put in the category allies. There was Cormac Mclaggen, a big mouth, with a lot of connections. I'll need to observe him.

I leaned against a wall and barely paid attention to the sorting ceremony. After the sorting ceremony before Dumbledore could speak I decided to drop the charm.

"HARRY" A loud shout from Hermione got everyone's attention. I initially planned to do this in an elegant way. You know, the pure blood style. But then I thought better of it. This was a school full of teenagers. No matter how much they don't want to accept it, the devil may care attitude of mine was the perfect way to sway them to my side.

Instead of greeting Hermione I raised a hand and waved it lazily at everyone.

"Don't look so surprised. I'm back, I'm changed. That's all you need to know." I said lazily and walked out of the hall. I projected my aura slightly and the emerald flames gave me a bad boy look.

Good gods I was a drama queen. But it served its purpose. I just threw everyone off their track in under ten seconds. The Harry potter they knew would never do something like that. Even malfoy would think twice about before taunting me. I just changed their perspective of Harry potter. Now I'll need to build up a new one. It was ironic. Three years ago I nearly wetted my pants seeing people whispering about my supposed potential. Now I just started them once again.

I knew Dumbledore will be revealing about Triwizard Tournament so I had planted a two way mirror in the great hall. I hurried into my dorm and activated it.

"…To all the new students, welcome! And to everyone who returned, welcome back! I have a number of important announcements to make but for now I have only two words, tuck in!" Dumbledore said and sat down as food appeared in front of them. I saw students eagerly digging into their food. I simply ordered one of the elves from the Chamber to bring me a tray. As I finished my plate Dumbledore got up again smiling broadly and the whole hall went silent

"First, let me introduce our newest Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Alastor Moody" Dumbledore said, gesturing at a scarred man sitting beside him. The applause that rang out was very subdued and Moody neither stood up nor acknowledged it. I watched as he took a swig from a flask in front of him. Dumbledore then proceeded on with his usual crap and selling his lovely mad hatter personality. Then he paused. 'Here we go 'I thought to myself

"This year will be very different from all of the past years of Hogwarts. This is the first time in 150 years that this event will be taking place in Hogwarts. First, I am extremely sorry to tell you that all Quidditch matches this year are cancelled" He paused as an angry outbreak of muttering broke out and I saw my old team who looked scandalized. It's no surprise really. There will be too much action, No body will be having any time for Quiditch. Dumbledore raised his hand and almost immediately the mutterings ceased and the Hall was quiet once more. "However, it is my greatest pleasure to say that this year, years after the final tournament, Hogwarts will be hosting the first Triwizard tournament" The effect was instantaneous; a loud roar rang through my mirror.

"You have GOT to be joking" I heard the Weasley twins shouting.

"No, I assure you I am not joking Mr. Weasley" He said his eyes twinkling in a direction which I guessed were directed at the twins.

"The original Triwizard tournament consist of three challenges that a selected student from each of the competing schools must complete. The winner will have eternal glory and a thousand galleons prize money and bring great honor to his or her school. The tournament has been carefully organized as a joint effort for improving international magical relations and you can be assured that a lot of changes have been made to improve the tournament in order to avoid the tragedy that occurred during the last one, where all of the champions were killed"

I knew all of this already.

"But this time we have decided to change something other than challenges. There will be two champions from each school who'll be working together as a team. Instead of the usual three tasks this time there will be seven tasks. An impartial judge will be selecting the champions," He paused. This was perfect for my plans, I mean abso-bloody-lutely perfect. I decided then there that I need to make my own evil laugh.

"Thank you, now as I was saying, since Hogwarts is hosting the tournament, delegations from, the magical academy Beauxbatons and Durmstrang, the institute of magic will be arriving here at on Friday afternoon. You are excused from all classes in the afternoon to welcome the new students. They will be joining classes with us and live with us for the whole year as they will stay to cheer on their chosen champions. I hope you will treat each other with respect and look to forward to forming new friends."

I commanded my mirrors to self destruct. It will not do well for anyone to know of their existence. Two champions, it worked well for me. Had I been named as the sole champion the upper years would have turned their back on me in spite. But it was too perfect. Almost as if Dumbledore expects me to enter. Well of course he does, he wants to know my limits. But why is he making this so easy?

I was broken out of my thoughts by a loud "MATE"

"Hello, Ron" Ronald Weasly is ruled by his inferiority complex. He was always under the shadows of his brothers. He hoped that by gaining me as his friend will get him out of that shadow. In a way it did but he soon fell under mine. And my shadow will grow bigger as I grow. And he'll resent me for that. I can't do anything about that. He's lazy and immature. But so are a lot of people. If I push him away he'll grow bitter. Why make an enemy when you can simply make a follower? He definitely didn't have any part in manipulating me. Because quite frankly he doesn't have the brains for it. Dumbledore used him. But mama Weasly definitely knew I was being played. Why should I punish him? What he need are friends with whom he doesn't need to shy away. Dean would be the practical choice. But he's so hung up on basking in my fame that he can't see it. I'll need to slowly push him away. Because honestly he isn't that good a friend anyway.

"Why didn't you stay? Weren't you hungry?" Typical Ron.

"Honestly Ron! How can you be so thick? He's back from a coma and the first thing you ask is that?" Hermione was right behind him.

"Nobody asked your opinion." Ron shouted. Wow that must have been one hell of a fall out.

"LISTEN!" I shouted and the entire common hall went silent. Phase one begins now. Everybody's eyes were on me. I let loose of my aura. My sweet magic flared around me and a first year hid behind a sofa. 'if only I had an evil laugh I would've scared the pants off them'

"I am not the same person I was, like I said I am a changed man. If you think you can order me around or control me you are wrong. I was in a fucking coma for an year because I had to kill a basilisk to save your royal asses. I shit you not; fucking thing was sixty ft long. I did not see any of you down in the chamber when I was down there. So if you think you have the right to call me a dark lord I will personally end you. If I see any of you sprouting lies about me I'll make sure that you'll pay for that" I stated calmly. Colin's camera flashed as it fell from his hand. The first year behind the sofa fainted.

"That being said, since I'm a good guy I'll answer your questions for the next fifteen minutes"

It took almost a minute before Hermione asked the first question. "What happened to you, Harry?

"I was forced to grow up" I answered in a tone that made it clear that I was not going to elaborate.

"Err, Ha-Harry, Will you be a third year?" Colin asked nervously.

"No, I cleared it with Dumbledore"

"You mean you cheated" Someone stupid shouted. Seventh year if I'm not mistaken.

"Well, that concludes our talk " I sighed and they started shouting things. "Expecto patronum" A gigantic sliver viper erupted from my wand tip and curled around me. 'Tam' I felt her again for a moment. The common hall went quiet in a second.

"Cheerios" I wiggled my fingers and walked back into my dorm. When my dorm mates came in I was already fast asleep.

"H-Harry, Wake U-Up" Neville was poking me in my ribs. He looked as if he was ready to bolt at a moment's notice.

"I won't bite, Neville" I said as I pulled my robes on. Being a wizard is so cool. A freshening charm and a mouth cleaning charm was all that it took to get ready. Together we walked towards the great hall for breakfast.

"So, how's your hobby going? Got any new plants?" I asked remembering his fascination with herbology. He smiled and talked on and on about the new fascinating plants he had seen during his trip to amazons. I was hooked too. I mean a plant which eats only your intestine and spits the rest out, how cool was that?

"Here's your Time table, Mr. Potter" Ouch. Professor kitty is mad. "I don't know how you convinced Professor Dumbledore you were eligible to attend the fourth year classes, but I assure you that if you are not adequate I'll not permit you to attend my class". Oh, that's why. She is in for a surprise.

"Of course, professor" I said politely, I needed to be on her good side.

Neville groaned and I turned to face him. " Transfiguration and double potions" He whined.

"How was he last year? "

"Bad, Something to do with me and Professor Lupin"

"Care to elaborate buddy?"

"Oh, sorry," He looked at me and I gestured him to go on. "Professor Lupin was the last year's DADA teacher. Best one ever. I kinda had a problem with my Boggart. Mine, er, turned into Snape," he looked at me waiting for me to laugh at him. I just motioned him to walk with me towards the transfiguration class room.

"Um, yeah so I made it look funny in order to banish it and now Snape hates me as much as he hates you."

"Ouch" I winced.

"Yeah, Ouch. Anyway he thought that Lupin deliberately did that to make him look bad. So he let out that Lupin was a werewolf"

"Holy Shit, What the hell was Dumbledore thinking?"

"It wasn't bad though. He really was a great teacher" Neville defended Lupin.

"No, no. I meant Snape. Why did he let it happen?"

We sat down near the front. Neville just shrugged.

"Well that settles it."

"What settles what, Harry?" Neville asked curiously.

"We are going to avenge You" I declared.

"You have really changed, Harry. You got a kind of bad boy charisma now." He said.

"Neville, never say things like that to me again. Seriously, never. I don't swing that way." His jaw dropped and we both started laughing simultaneously. I saw Hermione looking at me as if she wants to say something. I'll talk to her after the class.

McGonagall walked in and started the class right away. She was going on animal to animal transfiguration. We were supposed to transfigure a mouse into a cat. It was difficult for a fourth year, it comes up much later in the year. The very nature of these two animals will oppose the transfiguration. She was testing me. I pulled out my basilisk wand and Placed my mouse on the floor. If I want I can Conjure a Cat. With Riddle's memories I don't even need to take any classes anymore. I'm just attending them for other purposes. I placed my mouse on the ground. People were looking at me now. Hermione's cat let out a mew. But McGonagall had her undivided attention on me. I smirked and slashed my wand. According to her I should have made an Elotion's triangle. She opened her mouth to correct me but not a single word came out. Instead of a mouse a royal Bengal tiger stood in its place. To top it all I had done it non verbally. It let out a huge roar and Hermione's cat scrambled out of the room.

"Technically it's a cat, Professor" I smirked.

"Ye-Yes, I suppose it is. Fifty points to Gryffindor." Sheep your alpha is here. I nodded politely and the tiger was made a rat again.

"Harry?" I turned and was met with a much healthier looking Hermione outside the class room.

"Hello, Hermione"

"Can I talk to you?" she asked in a small voice.

"I said I am a new person but that does not mean I am not your friend. Just remember that I'm not the old harry and we'll be fine. " I opened the class room door for her as we entered.

She didn't have a chance to reply as Snape chose that moment to enter the class. I looked around and saw that Nott was sitting alone. I sat beside him. He looked surprised but acknowledged me by nodding. I was surprised actually. He was already on the edge. I didn't try any small talk because it was too soon.

"And our sleeping beauty is back" Snape drawled. Most of the Slytherins laughed and I noticed that Nott wasn't among them. I merely nodded in reply. I had a plan for Snape as well. I know Snape was a death eater who was allegedly a spy for Dumbledore. It was all in the Daily prophet fourteen years ago. Slytherin had linked his personal library with Hogwarts library, so it updated along with the Hogwarts library. I hate this bastard. But he's a necessary evil. Besides he saved my life once before.

"Potter, what is the main ingredient in bicorn potion?" He sneered thinking that I'll fall for the obvious.

"Acromantula hair" I replied without a pause.

"Why do we need moon stone in preparing wolfs bane potion?" That was a sixth year question.

"To counter the acidic nature of mermaid tears" He looked stunned but continued. I was reminded of my first ever potion class.

"What is the main ingredient of felix felicis and when is it added?"

"Two drops of dragon blood , added during the first lunar eclipse during its cooling down phase which takes up to six months or more depending upon the quality of salamander eyes added, sir" I snarled out the last part as I felt a legilimency probe bouncing off my shields. He looked at me with wide eyes and turned to Ron who was watching the entire scene with an open mouth. "Ten points from Gryffindor for lack of proper respect, Weasly"

"I-What?" he was baffled.

"Another ten for questioning a teacher"

"But I didn't say anything"

"Detention, Weasly" Ron's shoulders dropped but he kept quiet. He knew he was targeted because Snape thought he was my best friend.

Snape didn't even look at me during the class again. Malfoy was looking at me with all the hatred he could muster. Poor bastard, He doesn't even know what he's facing. I felt pity for him. I was leagues ahead of him. I have a personal issue with malfoys. I know it was Lucius who gave Ginny the diary. And he hoped that at least one muggle born would be killed by it. His weakness was Draco. The same Draco who have been bugging me for all these years. I felt pity for him because I know what I had planned for him.

"You are good at potions" Nott stated.

"I'll give you some pointers." I offered.

"In return for?" Ah. Slytherin. He knows that I'm up to something.

"Tournament. I know you have an interest in potions. I'll be entering and I'll need your help with some potions."

"Why can't you brew them yourself?" He asked.

"I'll be busy"

"I'll need time to think" He replied seriously. He didn't even ask why I was so sure that I will be a champion. A real slytherin knows what to ask and what not to ask. "Of course. "

I was smirking as I was leaving the dungeons. Phase one was moving smoothly. I even gave a friendly wave to Filch who turned around to see if there was anyone behind him.

I was suddenly grabbed by someone into a dark passageway and something hit me on my head hard .I blacked out.

A/N: A cliff hanger. I have always wanted to do one. So what you guys think? Too fast? Too slow? Typical?

I was fed up with the Ron bashings. I'll probably be bashing him. But it'll be much later. I hope I'm not doing the usual cliché. I want this to be something different. I am not going to do the Neville-My-New-Best-Friend thing

I'll be posting the next chapter tomorrow, I hope.

Coming up next: Malfoy, Moody and mama mia, is that fleur? Yes it is.

P.S . Review Guys.