The Founders' Intervention
By: Sheltie
I still don't own Harry Potter at all
A/N: Hey guys. I'm back. Sorry for such the long wait. I didn't mean to, but it just happened.
Chapter 17: the Start of the Fourth Year
The whole group boarded the train with Luna's warning still fresh in their minds. They found a compartment and settled in. Harry and Neville helped put all their things up and then sat down with Harry wedged between Hermione and Luna and Neville between Susan and Daphne though Daphne edged closer to Neville when he sat down. Only Luna seemed to notice this and a smile graced her lips at it. The twins were with their friends and they'd stop in during the ride.
"So the tournament happens this year" Neville said.
"It does and according to the founders that's when things really begin. Everything else was just a warm up" Susan said.
"Well it won't be like it was. Too many things have changed for it to be" Hermione said.
"Don't be so sure about that Hermione. The future is too unpredictable to even try on guessing no matter how many changes have been made" Daphne said.
Hermione sighed, but nodded as she rested her head on Harry's shoulder. Harry wrapped his arm around Hermione's shoulder pulling her close to him.
The rest of the train ride went smoothly with the twins greeting them. When the train pulled into Hogsmeade station and they got into the carriages and rode up to the castle. They parted ways and sat in their house table. After the sorting the feast began.
Soon the feast ended and Dumbledore stood up and the hall went silent.
"I am pleased to announce that this year Hogwarts will be taken part in a most prestigious event" the old wizard said.
This got everyone in the hall's attention except a certain few.
"This year Hogwarts will be hosting the Tri-Wizard Tournament" Dumbledore announced.
There was muttering going on at all four tables about this as curiosity went ramped about what this tournament was all about.
"This tournament had been canceled for several centuries, but I am proud to say that with the due diligence of myself and other involved we're able to bring it back" Dumbledore said as he basked in the glory. "This tournament will pit our school against two others. A Champion will be chosen to represent each school and the three Champions will compete in three grueling tasks that will not only test their skills in magic, but also how sharp they are too. The other two schools will arrive in the waning days of October and the Champions will be announced after the Halloween Feast. Now to make things fair for all schools it was agreed that only students 17 and older can enter."
There was some loud grumbling when this was heard. After that Dumbledore gave out the usual announcements and then sent them all off to bed. He also introduced the new DADA teacher, ex-auror Mad-Eye Moody.
/Scene Break/
Harry and everyone else were in the Founders room sitting around the table.
"So it's time. The turning point as it is" Salazar said.
"It is, but this time there are much differences and we might be able avoid some things" Rowena said.
"Does that mean Harry won't need to be going through the tournament?" Susan asked.
"I hope not. I saw how he fared in the other time and it was almost always by the skin of his teeth" Rowena said.
"But I am much better this time than the other. I mean I know more spells and know what to expect" Harry said.
"You will do no such thing Harry James Potter!" Rowena and Hermione said in stereo.
"Yes mum, Hermione" Harry said in automatic response.
Godric covered his mouth as he made a whip sound effect as Salazar provided the hand movement.
"Oh, like you're any better Godric?" Helga asked.
Godric said nothing since he knew Helga was right. He was under the command of Rowena pretty much.
"So what are we going to do?" Neville asked.
"All things shall begin to move across the board on the night of Hallows Eve" Luna said.
"I guess that settles it. We do nothing til Halloween" Daphne said.
Everyone nodded.
/Scene Break/
The first two months of their fourth year was normal though their DADA classes were quite interesting with Moody as teacher. They learned quite a bit though when Moody told them he'd be putting them under the Imperius curse Rowena went livid.
"What does that one-legged cranky scarred face old fart think he's doing" the greatest witch ever said with anger.
Godric leapt from his seat and found a spot to hide. He knew to hide when Rowena was in a mood, which she is now.
"Dumbledore wants it" Daphne said.
"And we all know how that doddering old fart is? I swear if I were alive I'd hex the living daylights out of them" Rowena thundered.
Helga did her best to calm her friend down as Salazar turned to the group.
"Maybe you should've saved that news for last" he said.
"Didn't think of it" Susan said with a shrug.
"But we now know what the three Unforgivables look like and know the incantations. We can now dissect them and find a way to block them" Daphne said.
"Yes, the killing curse is supposed to be unstoppable. But with our resources we can find a counter" Hermione said with eyes sparkling at the challenge.
"What's wrong with what we've got?" Neville asked.
"There's always a better way Neville" Daphne said.
Neville just nodded.
Rowena finally calmed down and the talk resumed.
"I think with your mental shields you should be immune to the Imperius" Helga said.
"Yes, but it's would still be a good idea to coach them for it. We never taught Harry about the Unforgivables when he was younger since they are quite dark" Godric said.
Salazar nodded.
So the rest of the evening the founders taught the group the roots of the three darkest spells ever created. They learned things that weren't in any textbook. When they all parted ways at the end of the night they all had a newfound respect and fear for the curses.
/Scene Break/
Soon it was time for the other schools to arrive. All of Hogwarts was cleaned top to bottom. When the day came for the schools to arrive all of Hogwarts was outside to await for them. It started getting dark and many wondered how the other schools will be arriving.
"Most likely they'll want to show off. Say 'hey look what we can do, we're better than you'" Daphne said.
"Probably. This supposed tournament is said to create and foster relations, but this about bragging rights really" Susan said.
"It will be exciting to see what kind of magic they use in their schools though" Hermione said.
"I guess, but I've Durmstrang actually the dark arts. We best be careful around them. That might shoot us in the back" Neville said.
Soon there was a shout and everyone looked up to see what looked to be a huge carriage in the sky. Soon it landed and was found to be carried by several winged horses. All of Hogwarts were in awe of the creatures. When the door opened they saw the headmistress was quite tall. The group thought the headmistress might have some giant blood in her, but said nothing of it.
But when the students of Beauxbatons stepped off the carriage it made all the males in Hogwarts stand up straight and stare. The group heard whispers from the other guys.
"Look at that."
"They don't them like that at Hogwarts."
Daphne snorted hearing this.
"Boys, always thinking with their little head" she said.
"Hey!" Harry and Neville exclaimed.
"Oh Harry, she's not talking about you" Hermione said patting Harry on his shoulder gently.
Neville looked at Daphne and she just smiled letting him know she wasn't including him in with the other boys in Hogwarts. This brought a smile to Neville's face and took her hand.
They heard Dumbledore greet the Beauxbatons headmistress.
It didn't take long for another shout was heard and all of Hogwarts turned to the lake. A huge ship arose from the bottom of the lake it seemed. It was a huge Spanish Galleon it seemed. A plank came down and landed on shore and a man came walking out.
"That's Igor Karkaroff. He's a Death Eater though he wiggled out of it for ratting out on his own" Daphne whispered. She got her info from her father who warned her about him.
This made the group on edge. They'd have to be careful. Soon the Durmstrang students came off the ship. All the girls of Hogwarts eyed the new guys with great interest.
"Oh Merlin, look at them."
"Yeah, they definitely don't make them like that in Hogwarts."
Dumbledore greeted Karkaroff amicably.
The group heard a squeak and they saw Ron Weasley starry-eyed.
"It's Krum, oh god it's Krum" he squealed like a fan girl.
The group had to laugh at the redhead's reaction. It was just a Quidditch player, that's all. Besides he looked quite moody and sullen. That didn't really help at all.
/Scene Break/
In the Great Hall there was a lavish feast to impress the foreign schools. Durmstrang went and sat with the Slytherins while Beauxbatons sat with the Ravenclaws. Everyone began eating and chatting trying to get to know the new faces.
Harry, Hermione and Luna chatted away asking questions to the Beauxbatons students. They seemed friendly enough. Hermione was the one asking most of the questions and when the Beauxbatons students heard of Harry they turned to him.
"I would thank you if you didn't stare at me" he said politely.
We're sorry Monsieur Potter, but this is the first time any of us has actually gotten to see you in person" a Beauxbatons student said.
"That's quite alright. If you wish to get to know me then talk to me and we can be friends" Harry said.
This broke another flood gate and Harry soon became very popular with the Beauxbatons students. Hermione got irked when several of the girls started flirting with Harry. Luna patted Hermione on the hand.
"They don't stand a chance. You've had his heart from the start and no one can take that away" the little blond said.
Hermione smiled and thanked Luna for reassuring her.
"It is a pleasure to meet you monsieur Potter" A silvery blond Beauxbatons student said.
Hermione eyed this girl, no, woman with a bit of jealousy. This young woman looked absolutely perfect from her hair probably down to her toes. Like said before long silvery blond hair, crystal blue eyes and the most perfect ivory, porcelain skin ever. There looked to be no blemish at all on her.
"Thank you and you are?" Harry asked.
"I am Fleur Delacour" Fleur said a she held out her hand.
Harry took it and gave it a gently kiss. He was a gentle-wizard of course.
"My, I didn't think to find such a gentle-wizard when I came to Hogwarts" Fleur said with a flirting smile.
"Blame my upbringing on that. I'd like you to introduce my betroth Hermione Granger and our friend Luna Lovegood" Harry said as he gestured to Hermione and Luna respectively.
Fleur's smile slipped a bit, but greeted them warmly.
"It's nice to meet you both" she said.
Luan smiled and Hermione did too though a bit forced. She didn't like how this Fleur was looking at her Harry and was going to have a talk with her soon if this French tart thinks she could steal Harry away from her.
Fleur did her best to flirt up a storm with Harry, but he just smiled politely at all advances never looking like he was going along with them. Fleur even upped her Allure directly at Harry and it still had no effect. The rest of the guys at the Ravenclaw table and event the more susceptible males at the other tables began to droll and stare at Fleur.
At the Slytherin table Daphne seemed to have entranced a certain Quidditch star. He ignored all other around him only eating when he felt like it. He'd stare at Daphne as she conversed and he sworn he was in love.
After the feast Dumbledore arose and with the help of Filch the Goblet of Fire was present and the rules of entry were announced. Basically any one over 17 can enter. All they have to do was write their name and school's name on a slip of parchment then toss it into the cup. There would be an age line to prevent those underage to try and competing. This was saw as a challenge as to some of the more ambitious younger students.
/Scene Break/
In the Founders chambers Hermione was steamed and Susan and Daphne watched as Hermione ranted.
"The nerve of the French witch trying to be all nice and polite to Harry. I saw her, I saw how she was eyeing him and I won't have it" the Potter betroth spat.
"She really doesn't like her, does she?" Daphne quipped.
"No, I think not" Susan said.
"Ugh, and she has to look so perfect too. I bet they are all charms or something. No one can look that perfect all the time" Hermione groused.
"She might be a Veela or half-Veela" Susan suggested.
"That's it! She's a Veela, thanks Susan. That explains everything. Even how a lot of the guys at our table were drooling all over themselves at the sight of her. But not my Harry. No, he wasn't affected by her at all" Hermione said proudly.
"Veela have what's called Allure, Hermione. They are said to entice wizards from all around. They can make them do their bidding. But most stories about them are either lies or tall tales. Veelas are like all magical beings and should be respected" Harry said.
Hermione turned to Harry.
"But she-"
Harry cut her off.
"Fleur has done nothing, but get you jealous. She's a very nice person I believe. Plus Veela have a bad rap for being men stealers and home-wreckers. They are nothing of the sort. Well there are some that use their Allure to their own gains, but most Veela are peaceful and want to live their lives quietly. It's prejudice against them that created these tales of Veela stealing wizards from witches" Harry said.
Hermione frowned and folded her arms across her chest.
"Hermione" Harry sighed, "most Veela are looked upon as about the same level as goblins. They are creatures, that's it. Wizards think Veelas are cheap whores that love sex. That's not true though Veela are sexual beings they are more than that and I'd like you to actually get to know Fleur before you make your final judgment on her."
Hermione sat on the couch pouting. Harry sighed and sat down beside her and wrapped an arm around her.
"Just give her a chance and I think you'll like her" he said.
"Fine, I'll try" Hermione said.
"That's all I ask" Harry said and then kissed her on the cheek.
"So, with that drama finished what do you think of the two others schools, what are your first impressions?" Godric asked.
"I think there could be a lot we can learn from them" Daphne said.
"Yes, and we could have friends in other places. That could help in the war" Neville said.
Godric nodded.
"Plus you could also have connection with other families outside Britain. This could help in many ways" Salazar said.
Daphne's mind began to race with all the possibilities. A smile graced her face.
"Oh, just think" she said in a hushed tone.
"Oh Merlin, Daphne's lost to us for all time" Neville quipped.
They rest of the evening they talked about the two new schools and to be curious, but be on guard since they didn't know them and they could have designs or plans of their own for them.
/Scene Break/
Over the next few days Hermione tried to figure out the best way to approach Fleur and have an honest talk with the French witch. Hermione hadn't a clue at all. It goes to show with all the pieces of parchment she had gone through in plans and scenarios that went through her head.
"Hermione, you're over thinking this" Daphne said.
"Yeah Hermione, you don't have to plan all of this out. Do what comes naturally" Susan said.
"I am not Gryffindor. I can't just do that. I have to have a plan" Hermione said as she worked furiously over another approach.
Susan and Daphne looked at each other unsure what to do. Luna though seemed to have a plan. She grabbed Hermione by the arm.
"Hey! Luna, what are you doing?" Hermione squawked.
Luna said nothing as she dragged Hermione away with Susan and Daphne following them. They were unsure what Luna had in mind, but want to see it. It would be interesting whatever it was.
/Scene Break/
Luna dragged Hermione til the reach a classroom. She then shoved Hermione in and Susan and Daphne entered too. Luna locked the door and inside they found Fleur there too though she was in a body bind.
"Luna, what did you do?" Susan asked shocked.
"I thought it would be best to have Hermione and Fleur talk, but I didn't know how to get both in the same room at the same time. So I decided to create it" Luna said.
She then released Fleur from the body bind.
"Thank you for coming miss Delacour. I apologize for the roughness, but I fear that it was needed or else there could be no talk to take place" Luna said.
Fleur was unhappy as she glared at the small blond. She couldn't believe this little blond snuck up on her and stunned and body bound her so easily.
"Now on to business. The first issue. Well, first allow me to introduce two others. This is Susan Bones and Daphne Greengrass." Gesturing to both the Hufflepuff and Slytherin respectively. "Now that we've got the out of the way back to business. Hermione here isn't happy that you were flirting with her betroth, Harry Potter. She also is jealous that you look the way you do. Now Daphne, Susan and I don't blame you since it comes your Veela side. Yes we know and we don't judge you at all" Luna said.
Fleur was shocked and a bit amazed hearing all of this, and in one breath too. She looked at both Susan and Daphne, who Luna pointed out. Then her mind went to the topic at hand. That Hermione was happy with her flirting. Fleur did try and charm Harry with her Allure, but when that failed she knew that his heart was taken by someone, that some was Hermione. A Veela's Allure only works when a wizard's heart wasn't totally in love with another, the wizard was gay or they had very strong mental shields. As for the jealousy part, she was used to that since she had lost many friends due to all the guys flocking to her and ignoring them. She hadn't any real friends at all.
"I want apologize for the flirting with your betroth madam Granger. A Veela is always on the look out for a mate and the stronger they are the more they want the wizard. I did try to entice Monsieur Potter, but he was immune to my Allure, which shows he has either strong mental shields or is in love with another. Those are two of the ways to not be taken by my Allure. As for the jealousy. I must be honest. I am jealous of you. You have the man you want and you have friends too" Fleur said.
Hermione was surprised by this. Well, she was happy she was right about Fleur trying to take Harry from her and please that it failed. What shocked her was that Fleur was jealous of her.
With that this began a long discussion about childhoods and it began a start of a new friendship with all the girls in the room. Luna was pleased by this all since she foresaw Fleur would help play a part in the upcoming war.
End of Chapter
A/N: and that's the end of the chapter. The next one will be when the names are called out of the goblet. Oh, and as you can tell I am not doing the French accent at all. It's too annoying to write and takes up a lot of time. So just imagine it. Thanks for reading and please review.