I'm very sorry for the long wait compared to last week. college has started with vigor and I just didn't have any time to write at all! A small writer's block complicated matters even further. Next chapter is probably for next week and I will follow this trend until Easter.

Please enjoy!

Chapter 3: A firm staunch

Seeing most of the bones in Harry right arm and hand get broken at the same time wasn't a pleasant experience for Ron and Hermione. Harry had cringed at the odd feeling, though the pain potion had worked excellently. Right now he was asleep in his new room while the Skele-Gro did its work. Unable to leave their friend alone, Hermione had dragged up every ounce of gryffindor courage she possessed and had asked professor Snape if they could stay. Surprisingly he had agreed and had summoned his house elf with tea and cakes. Naturally Hermione had been furious about this until the professor had set her facts straight.

After being put into place so gently by her most severe professor she had been rather embarrassed, but then her natural curiosity had swiftly taken over. She fired a rapid stream of questions about the adoption, how it had come to be, what the consequences would be, whether there was any chance of pulling Harry out of the tournament and so on. Professor Snape endured this with patience akin to gods, not wanting to scare off his new ward's friends. When Hermione finally stopped to take a short breath, Ron reminded her to allow the professor some time to react, which cued another round of blushing.

Snape gave an affable nod to the redhead and started his account of recent events. He told them about his interactions with Harry's parents, though not in great depth, as it was still a bit of a raw wound. He explained about the Houses, which were the nobility of the wizarding world. At Hermione's interest he recommend a few titles to satisfy her bottomless thirst for knowledge and to get on with his story quickly. He also explained that the wills of the Potters had been destroyed in the war and as such anyone related by blood to Harry and with his willing consent, could adopt him. Thanks to the inbreeding in pureblood families, nearly all were connected to each other in some way. Being the heir of a significant House made it more difficult for lower families though. As for Sirius Black, he was still a wanted man, even if he was the heir of the Ancient and most Noble House of Black, and thus unsuited for adoption.

He warned them that Harry's condition was still delicate and asked that they keep him from flying and preferably out of trouble. Due to the malnutrition he would never grow to his intended height and would stay small and feminine looking. This last part was also because of the bearer-gen he carried. Met with open mouths and confusion, Snape sighed. "Magic makes a lot of things possible, Miss Granger and Mr Weasley. Our community had always been small, resulting in men able to carry children. Their bodies are modified to this purpose with a womb connected to the intestinal tract and a cycle. Don't ask the specifics of it, I chose to ignore those in my own search for knowledge. Because of this and potions to the same end, same sex couples are as common here as traditional marriages. Marrying a natural bearer is very coveted as not many males have the magic to keep the baby for the full nine months."

"Oh how wonderful! Harry has confided in me that he would love having a big family because of … you know. But he isn't attracted to girls yet, and if his immunity for the champion of Beauxbatons is any indication, he will never do so."

"What does Fleur have to do with Harry liking birds?"

"Actually a lot, Ron. She is part Veela, a magical creature that can charm any male as long as they are attracted to the Veela's gender."

"Oh, in that case it's okay." He felt defensive at the incredulous looks thrown his way. "Just because I'm a bit dense sometimes, doesn't mean that I don't know my best mate. Harry doesn't like to talk about birds like the rest of the boys and he often looks uncomfortable when he walks in on one of us changing. It wasn't that difficult to work out."

"It seems that I have underestimated your perceptiveness Mr Weasley. Perhaps you will show the same in my next potions' class?" Ron felt his cheeks heat up at the raised eyebrow.

Big, near luminous eyes looked up at the ceiling, searching. They contemplated the happenings of the last few weeks. All in all it had turned out better then they could have hoped for. Already the wheels of time were turning, changing the fate and destiny of the world. To think that one little book could cause all of this. Although that wasn't exactly true, was it? It had started much earlier than the book. Ultimately it all came down to the kindness of one boy, and his courage in the face of adversity. They had only ensured loyalty and belief for the boy, but perhaps that was enough. He did not have the gift of sight, nonetheless he had something better. He was blessed with the skill to come out on top despite all the odds being against him.

The being, a human perhaps, sighed deeply. Perhaps he would turn his eyes to them as well and end their suffering at the hands of those who should protect. The future was a funny thing, constantly changing at the slightest actions. This however was bigger; this had caused a complete turnabout. Nothing the meddling coots could do would get it back on its original track. There would still be suffering, but no more unnecessary deaths or innocent lives destroyed for the greater good. Humph, the greater good of whom, exactly? Punishing the innocent so bad people could have a chance at redeeming? A chance they would never take or appreciate? Some people were too naïve and silly for their own good. If you've broken the rules, you should get your just punishment and learn from it.

A bell sounded the six. Was it time for dinner already? They had hoped for some respite of the real world a bit longer. No sound was made as they left their hiding place in an abandoned room in the tower. No evidence remained of them and their wistful musings. It was probably for the best; to preserve this last hideout from hostile invasion.

Having regrown his bones, Harry insisted on taking in the Great Hall. He reasoned that he'd better get used to the stares and whispers as quickly as possible and that they would all be missed otherwise. Finding no fault in this, Severus allowed it. He would have preferred to keep Harry in his quarters to let him heal some more, but respected his son's wishes. Ron and Hermione knew the stares weren't because of the Triwizard Tournament, but caused by his new, rather stunning looks. They wisely kept their mouths shut about it, as they knew Harry wouldn't want to believe it.

They arrived rather early and took their place at the end of the table nearest the head table. Not a minute later Durmstrang and Beauxbatons arrived simultaneously. Their champions, spotting Harry, left the groups and made their way to the gryffindor table. Harry had been sitting with Hermione on one side and Ron across Hermione. Fleur took his other side and Victor sat down next to Ron, who did a very nice impression of a tomato for two different reasons.

"I muzt zay that your new lookz are an improvent, 'Arry. I may uze your firzt name, non?"

"Yes of course, you too Victor. Thank you for the compliment."

"How have you been, Harry. Ve didn't see you this morning, only late in lunch."

"Well, it's kind of a long story."

"Ve have time. Ve might have to vait for the other champion." As if called by magic, Cedric stepped through the doors and Victor used his length to beckon him over. It took some time to disentangle himself from the group that had surrounded him, but at last he arrived at the table and took a seat next to Victor.

"Hey Harry, glad to see you in one piece."

"Thanks Cedric. Victor has asked me to enlighten them on the events of last night when professor Snape escorted me away from the Great Hall." All took an attentive position and Fleur gestured to speak on.

"Professor Snape told me he had promised my mother to protect me. By chance he recognized the name of my aunt and insisted he may preform a medical exam, just to be sure. My aunt didn't like me and it showed in my childhood. I'm malnourished and some bones had to be regrown. Professor Snape then proceed to adopt me as such a situation was unacceptable to him. This happened this morning, so we missed lunch. He also set me on a potions regime and will inquire about a possibility to change courses."

"What!"

"Yes Hermione. I've been using your books to keep up with Ancient Runes and Arithmancy. I'll probably have to take a placement test though." Ignoring Hermione's near hyperventilation, he looked over to Ron.

"I don't mind mate, though I prefer not to change myself. Someone has to keep Hermione in check and I think you'll do admirably.

"'E wazn't able to get you out of the Tournament? Az a guardian 'e 'az more influenze."

Harry shook his head. "Apparently the contract made by the goblet is absolute. Look it has left his mark as prove. And indeed just below his right ear was the stylized version of the goblet spewing fire. The other champions showed their own: Fleur on her right hip, Victor on his left shoulder and Cedric on his left wrist.

"In this case, I suppose there is no option, but to work together so none of us lose our lives prematurely."

"But…this is your chance at glory. You shouldn't throw it away because of me!"

Harry was horrified that these three would go to such lengths merely because someone had entered him into the Tournament. His slytherin side appreciated it dearly, but the abused, neglected part of him feared the consequences. What if they came to hate him for throwing away this chance and began to blame him? Better to be safe and allow them to compete normally he reasoned to himself.

"That iz a very good idea. Bezidez I cannot even remember the last champion, zo much for glory. I prefer to make sure that you, petit, aren't 'armed."

"You hav not chosen for this, vhy accept the punishment? Ve vill need a room to meet, to study in peace." All ate a few bites while scouring their brain for a suitable place. When none came to mind, except the Chamber of Secrets but Harry was wise enough not to mention it, they agreed to think about it for a few days and see then. They also decided to write down their strengths and weaknesses, so they could work on those and divide the work of Harry's tutoring. Hermione would make a detailed account of everything they had learned in the past three years as she had a marvellous, near eidetic memory.

Harry looked at the sheet of parchment before him and moaned in despair. He was meant to write a letter to Sirius about the past events, but just couldn't find the words. So much had happened in the past few days and he didn't like to consider Sirius' reaction about the adoption. From past experiences he knew that Sirius hadn't really grown up since he was tossed into Azkaban. He was still reliving his Hogwarts' days, when he had been happy. It wouldn't go over well. Suddenly an idea popped into his head. Sirius and Remus were friends and Remus had a far more agreeable temper. If he addressed his letter to Remus he might be able to bring the news to Sirius and contain his reaction. Dipping his feather into the ink, he set to work with renewed vigour.

Remus looked around in his little flat, resigned with what he found. His affliction meant he would never be able to hold a job in the wizarding world. Sometimes he hated Professor Dumbledore for allowing him a taste of a world that would never accept him. Had he grown up as a muggle, he wouldn't find the separation so hard. Shaking away these depressing thoughts, he stood up to make some tea. There was no need to dwell on what he couldn't change anyway. A hoot interrupted his thoughts and he looked in surprise at the beautiful snow-white owl perched on his windowsill. After a moment he recognized her as Harry's owl, though for what purpose Harry had contacted him he couldn't imagine. Relieving the increasingly impatient owl of her burden, he offered a piece of bread and asked if a reply was wanted. With a shake of the head she flew of. Taking a letter opener James had given him for a birthday (it had a beautiful designed lion's head on it), he carefully opened the envelope. Quickly reading through his mouth fell open and his eyebrows tried to escape past his hairline.

Dear Remus,

I know it has been a long time since I wrote, for which I profusely apologize, but I need your help. I want to ask you to relay the contents of this letter to Sirius, as I'm afraid of how he'll take it. Perhaps you are aware that the Triwizard Tournament is currently being hosted at Hogwarts? Last night my name was chosen as fourth champion. I've sworn my innocence in the matter, but the contract is made and there is no way of backing out apparently.

This is not the most shocking part, unfortunately. Afterwards professor Snape wanted to clear the air between us, seeing me differently after my oath. Did you know he was friends with mom? He even swore her an Unbreakable Vow to her for my protection. When he found out about aunt Petunia, he made me take a medical scan. The abuse was so bad that he had grounds for adoption. Please ask him for the specifics, Remus, I didn't ask in depth.

Anyways, he has been very kind and apologized for his atrocious behaviour towards me. I in turn apologized for the bullying of my father and I want you and Sirius to do the same.

Please tell Sirius.

With appreciation,

Harry.

Please let me know what you think of it. The last part was written in a bit of a hurry, so do excuse me for any mistakes.