"I knew Malfoy was a Death Eater, I knew it!"
Harry jumped as Sirius shouted, but had been more startled by that outburst than him hitting the table afterward. It was the day after the Quidditch World Cup, and from what Harry gathered, there was a headline story about the Death Eater's capture by the Ministry of Magic. Harry wouldn't be surprised if the article listed that some Ministry Unspeakable's had helped to capture the Death Eaters, but hoped that it didn't. It wouldn't be hard for some to make the connection to him if they read that, along with what had happened. Given that some Unspeakable's identities were hidden, however, he wouldn't at all be surprised if it read something different.
"Listen to this." Sirius said. "Death Eaters captured by concealed Ministry Aurors. Late last night, an attack at the end of the four hundred and twenty-second Quidditch World Cup, was interrupted by three concealed Ministry Aurors. The attackers, revealed to be Death Eaters, were sent to the Ministry of Magic after their wands were vanished, and through the use of an as yet unknown spell, were magically bound. 'Even if they got a wand back in their possession, they're as good as squibs, now.' Minister Bones stated in an interview on the story. As of yet, the attackers motives were unknown. Minister Bones tells us that she's interrogating the prisoners in an effort to get any information she can from them, but due to their actions, they are likely to spend the rest of their lives in Azkaban prison."
Concealed Ministry Aurors, Harry thought. That was one way to hide the Unspeakable's activities.
"Great." Harry said.
"There's pictures of each one, and names for all of them, too." Sirius said, then laughed. "Wonder what Malfoy's going to do now! Harry, you'll have to tell me how his son reacts to all of this!"
"I doubt it'll be anything good." Harry said.
"Do be careful, Harry." Sharen added as she slipped into a chair, she beginning to cut up her breakfast, which Harry and Magic were already eating.
"I'm always careful." Harry replied. "But, you be careful."
"I'm always, always careful, Harry." Sharen said. "After being attacked and forced to do the will of Umbridge, I'm always on the lookout for anyone trying to attack me. I'll be ready for it."
"Good." Harry said. "I'm not too worried, though."
"Harry, I want you to promise me something." Sharen said in a very serious voice. "If I'm taken captive, and someone's trying to use me to get to you, or make you do anything, don't listen to them."
"That goes for me, too." Sirius said.
"But if the two of you are in trouble, I can't just sit back and do nothing." Harry responded.
"Harry, you've got a lot of power." Sirius said. "And because you have a lot of power, there are going to be people trying to use that to their advantage. Right now, top on the list, will probably be Voldemort."
"Bottom of the list right now." Harry said. "He's still a formless being as far as I know."
"Well." Sirius said. "You've got to be careful what you do. Believe me, I can see people using us to get to you, make you do things you normally wouldn't do. Besides, I've got an ominous feeling about this school year."
"Why?" Harry asked.
"Have you heard of the Triwizard Tournament, Harry?" Sirius asked.
"No. What's that?" Harry asked.
"It's a tournament, magical, between three schools. Hogwarts is one of them." Sirius responded. "Given that you've had problems last year, though they were solved pretty quickly, the year before that, and in your first year, it wouldn't surprise me in the least if you have problems again this year."
"I'll endeavor to avoid all problems." Harry said with a grin.
"Harry, be serious, okay?" Sirius asked.
"I am." Harry replied. "No reason not to be light hearted. Besides, we don't even know what's going to happen yet."
"Well, just be careful." Sirius said. "Don't do anything stupid."
"I won't." Harry responded.
"Now." Sharen said. "Your promise, Harry, that should anyone take us hostage or anything, that you won't do what they want."
"I promise." Harry responded after a long moment. "But it won't be very easy to simply stand back if someone I care about is in trouble."
"I know, and I understand." Sharen said.
"So, Harry, ready to go shopping?" Sirius asked.
"Sure." Harry replied. "I noticed on my shopping list this year that they want dress robes for formal occasions."
"I've already given away the tournament." Sirius said. "So, might as well continue. There's going to be a ball this year, so you'll have to ask someone out."
"Magic?" Harry asked as he turned toward him.
"I'll go with you." Magic stated.
"There. All done." Harry said with a smirk.
"It's not supposed to be that easy, Harry." Sirius said, sounding exasperated. "You've got to ask a woman out, who isn't magic!"
"Why?" Harry asked.
"Because, you... You just do." Sirius said.
"Because Magic is a part of you, and why go out on a date with someone who will do everything you want?" Sharen asked.
"Magic might be my magic, but she's her own person. She isn't part of me, we only share magic, thoughts, and some physical states, in the most technical sense of things." Harry replied. "If she wants to go to the ball with me because I wish it, and she wants to do what I want, then you really can't stop us."
"Oh well." Sirius sighed. "And here I was, looking forward to watching your embarrassment as you found yourself forced to ask a girl out on a date."
"Sorry, no such luck for you, Sirius." Harry said, grinning.
"Sorry, Sirius, I tried." Sharen said with a chuckle in her voice.
"Traitor." Sirius grumbled, though from the tone of his voice, Harry guessed he was simply being sarcastic.
Harry went shopping with Sirius and Sharen at Diagon Alley. As usual, he purchased paper for his Brailler and his books, which were already translated for him, apparently in anticipation of him arriving. Not only did he speak with Turner, but he also got to say hello to Grace and Anastasia, introducing them to Sharen, who Turner and Anastasia already knew from the previous year, and Sirius, who they congratulated on being finally free of the oppressive effects of Azkaban. After shopping, Harry packed and checked to see if there was anything he was forgetting. When Sirius saw him doing so, he asked, "Aren't you being a bit obsessive, Harry?"
"It's never too early to get ready for school, so I won't have to come back and get something I might have forgotten. Don't you think?" Harry asked.
"I suppose so." Sirius responded. "But I sure wouldn't be doing that at your age."
"I feel older than fourteen." Harry commented.
"And you act like it at times, too." Sirius said. "Part of that phoenix magic, or what Magic did to you to heal you from the lightning strike?"
"Both, I imagine." Harry said. "Besides, the phoenix magic is a part of me since Athis merged a couple years ago."
"Harry, I do believe that was actually one year ago, a little over a year, actually." Sirius corrected. "Didn't you say that happened just before you left for home, and that would have been in 1993. And it's 1994, so..."
"Sharen!" Harry shouted. "We've got Magic version two point zero out here with Sirius!"
Harry and Sirius laughed as Sharen said, "Good for you, Harry! Now don't kiss him or I'm going to have terrible nightmares for a week!"
"Oh, Harry my love!" Sirius cried in a melodramatic way.
"Shut it." Harry said as Magic wrapped her arms around him from behind. "There's only one love for me."
"How very sweet of you." Sirius said slyly as Harry touched Magic's hands on his chest.
The first of September was quite relaxed. The majority of Harry's previous experiences involved some form of rushing about, but since Harry was already packed, and woke long before Sirius and Sharen did, he was fairly certain they'd get to Kings Cross on time. True to his prediction, they left not long after everyone ate, and arrived with an hour to spare.
"Would you like us to walk you in, Harry?" Sharen asked.
"Sure. Why not?" Harry replied.
"Oh, good." Sharen said as she opened her door. "You're not yet at the age where you start pushing away affection."
"Why would I ever do that?" Harry asked. "I was practically starved of it for my entire life, except for what Magic gave me."
"That's sad." Sharen said as Harry and Magic climbed from the car and closed the doors, Sharen next to Harry and Sirius next to Magic.
"Not really." Harry said. "It's just a fact." He took Sharen's arm, who began to lead him into the station.
"Be careful this year at Hogwarts. Okay?" Sharen said.
"You've told me that a lot." Harry responded.
"I know I have." Sharen stated. "But, with all the unexpected events that have happened to you, I'm worried."
"Oh, don't be such a killjoy." Sirius said as he came up behind them. "I'm sure Harry will be just fine. Won't you, Harry?"
"Sure I will." Harry replied. "And what about Magic?"
"Won't you be fine, Magic?" Sirius asked.
Harry thought of a response for Magic to say, and she stated placidly, "I'll be as fine as the smooth silk on Sharen's dress, and as pretty as a fair maiden, high in a castle waiting to be rescued."
"What?" Sharen sounded shocked and surprised, but Sirius clapped Magic on the back.
"Knew you had wit in you somewhere, I knew it!" Sirius said.
"The wit is Harry's. Harry wished me to state the response I said." Magic stated.
"Is that true, Harry?" Sirius asked.
"Assuming your brain's not been so addled by other things, you should be able to figure that one out." Harry responded with a grin, and having felt the magic of the barrier to platform Nine and Three Quarters approaching, felt no fear as he calmly walked through the wall with Sharen, Sirius and Magic close behind.
"Harry, you write us." Sharen said. "And you, too, Magic."
"I will write you if Harry wishes." Magic stated.
"Don't worry." Harry said. "Magic will write you."
"Good." Sharen said. "I want to hear from both of you."
"So do I." Sirius said. "And be sure to let me know if anything exciting or out of the ordinary happens this year, won't you?"
"I will, don't worry." Harry replied as Sharen hugged him and Sirius hugged Magic, before the two switched.
"Have a good year, kiddo." Sirius said.
"I will, Sirius." Harry responded.
"And whatever Sirius tells you, behave." Sharen stated strictly.
"Don't worry." Harry said as he walked toward the train with Magic leading him. "I'll behave."
Harry found a compartment that was empty near the middle of the train, sitting next to Magic and enjoying the sound of the rain as it fell, hitting the roof and windows of the train. He could hear other people starting to crowd on to the platform, and within about twenty minutes, the compartment door opened.
"Hey, Harry." Daphne said calmly. "Hi, Magic."
"Hi." Harry and Magic said at the same moment.
"Talking as one being, now?" Daphne asked with a grin in her voice.
"No, not quite." Harry said. "Did you go to the World Cup?"
"I did." Daphne responded. "I went with Ron and his family, who all got to sit in the top box. I guess you weren't there? No, Tracey told me you were there, that's right."
"Yep, I showed up because Sharen and Sirius wanted to go, and didn't want to leave me alone." Harry said.
"You know, you're looking older." Daphne said. "Older than fourteen, that is."
"That's logical based on our rate of physical maturation." Magic stated.
"Sure is." Harry responded. "Anything else eventful happen for you over the summer?"
"No, except Professor McGonagall keeping some classified information from me. Apparently, there's something happening at Hogwarts this year that's supposed to be some big thing, but no one will tell me about it." Daphne said.
"Probably the Triwizard Tournament." Harry responded.
"Are they insane?" Daphne asked. "People have died going to that thing."
"What thing?" Tracey asked as she pushed open the door, Harry hearing her putting her trunk in the luggage rack above the seats.
"The Triwizard Tournament is apparently being held at Hogwarts." Daphne said.
"What!" Tracey cried.
"Exactly my point." Daphne said.
"Such information is privileged, that which you shouldn't know." An icy woman's voice stated. From the sound, it was young.
"Oh. Astoria." Daphne said coolly.
"Won't you join us?" Tracey asked brightly.
"No." Astoria stated, her voice still cold. "I only have a message for Daphne."
"Which is?" Daphne asked.
"Our parents are willing to..." Astoria began.
"Your parents." Daphne interrupted in a frosty voice. "Go on."
Astoria's voice was considerably colder as she stepped into the compartment, and Harry heard either her grab Daphne, or Daphne grab her.
"They are willing to make you a Greengrass once again if you will stop this foolish behavior of being with those of tainted lineage, and of obvious deficient power." Astoria stated.
"If my power is so deficient, then would you care to explain how I bested not only Malfoy and his goons the prior year, but also yourself and your friends, Astoria?" Harry asked calmly.
"Be silent, Potter, because I won't be showing you mercy this year." Astoria responded.
"Very well, then." Harry said casually, stretching in the seat and yawning. "Do your worst. I'm ready, go on."
"I have delivered my message." Astoria stated coldly. "Unhand me, McGonagall."
Harry heard clothes move, then Astoria's footsteps as she walked from the train compartment, then closed the door behind her.
"Well, that went... Could have gone better." Daphne sighed. "Oh well."
"I can't believe she did that to you." Tracey stated angrily. "And don't you care, Harry? What's with being so calm?"
"Sure I care." Harry said.
"If he didn't care, he wouldn't have said or done anything." Daphne replied. "But he was doing something even when Astoria entered the compartment. Listening."
"You really ought to show her how terribly deficient you are, Harry." Tracey said. "Or even better, Hermione."
"She wouldn't stand a chance against either of us." Harry said. "I happen to know for a fact that Hermione knows more hexes and spells than some fifth years because of this bullying situation."
"Don't we all." Tracey said, and from her voice, seemed to be smirking or grinning.
"And, I'm sure her threat was only to try and scare me. I don't think she'll really do anything." Harry stated.
"Hopefully not." Daphne replied.
"So, Harry, plan to stay far, far away from the tournament?" Daphne asked.
"You bet." Harry replied.
"And what about you, Magic?" Tracey asked.
"Harry wishes me to remain with him." Magic stated.
"I see. So you won't be entering, either." Tracey said. "But, given the deaths and such, it wouldn't surprise me if they changed some of the rules."
"It would surprise me." Harry said. "That might actually be some type of common sense from the wizarding world that lacks logic and critical thinking skills."
Daphne chuckled and Tracey said, "Well if they do, I'm going to jump up and shout loud!"
"You couldn't do that, you're too much of a Slytherin." Daphne said.
"And what's that supposed to mean?" Tracey asked.
"Simply that Slytherin tends to encourage more subtle behaviors in most." Daphne said.
"And who was in Slytherin for a little over a year?" Tracey asked.
"Who started hanging out with Gryffindors and put their prejudice aside?" Daphne asked.
"Who was more suited for Hufflepuff?" Tracey shot back.
"Who shows more brashness worthy of a Gryffindor at times?" Daphne responded.
Harry grinned as the questioning between the two friends went back and forth in a light hearted way, but also a jabbing one that both seemed to enjoy. A few minutes passed, and Harry heard the familiar voices of Ron and Hermione as they came toward their compartment. Harry magically opened the door and they came in.
"Hey, Harry, Magic, Daphne and Tracey!" Hermione said, putting her trunk on the luggage rack before she sat down next to Magic, Ron sitting across from her.
"Hi, Hermione and Ron!" They all greeted. Harry smiled at being back with his friends.
"Hey, do you all know what's going on this year at Hogwarts?" Ron asked. "My parents and Charlie hinted at something, but didn't mention what it is."
"Triwizard Tournament." Daphne calmly replied.
"What?" Hermione asked, surprised. "Well I do hope they've changed the rules."
"You know about everything, Hermione, I swear." Ron said.
"Honestly, Ron, I read about it in Hogwarts, A History." Hermione said.
"Is there anything you don't read in Hogwarts, A History?" Ron asked in response.
Harry heard the whistle on the train blow as it began to move, grinning.
"And we're... Oh, did you guys go to the world cup? Ron, I know you went." Harry said.
"Then by us guys, you mean me." Hermione said. "Why, Harry, now I really know you're blind. Just so you know, I'm a woman, thanks."
"Oh, I know." Harry replied.
"But to answer your question, yes, I was there." Hermione said. "I heard about the Death Eaters getting their magic bound, too."
"Yeah." Ron said, chuckling. "Wonder what Malfoy's going to do. He can't go to his father now, can he? Ha!"
Ron sounded as if he were gloating, which Harry found he disliked. Calmly, he asked, "If your magic was bound, or your father's magic were bound for something you didn't feel justified with, how would you feel, Ron?"
"That's different." Ron said. "Everyone knows that Malfoy's father's a Death Eater."
"But yours isn't. How would you feel if your father's magic was bound, and he was made to be like a squib?" Harry asked.
"Are you saying you feel bad about what happened to Malfoy's father?" Ron sounded incredulous.
"No." Harry said. "But I'm more sensitive to the situation, I suppose, than you are."
"I don't get it." Ron said.
"It's simple." Daphne replied patiently. "If your father were unable to use magic anymore, how would you feel about it?"
"Not very good." Ron responded.
"And, do you think Malfoy and his father love each other, as you love your father?" Daphne asked.
"I dunno, maybe." Ron said.
"I'm sure they do." Daphne said. "So assume that, okay?"
"Okay." Ron replied.
"If you wouldn't feel good about your father being magically bound, like a squib, and since you love your father, do you think that Malfoy, who loves his father, would feel very good about it?" Daphne asked.
"No, I suppose not." Ron said.
"Your family has a squib that you don't talk about much, right?" Daphne asked.
"Right." Ron replied. "It's sort of a shameful thing among a lot of wizards."
"Imagine how Malfoy must feel, a member of a family that thinks of themselves as prestigious, to have the shame of a squib in the family, and the further shame that the person who's now a squib, was once a powerful pureblood wizard. And not only is he a squib, but he's in Azkaban, was discovered to be a Death Eater. And to be stripped of his power so easily, can you imagine how shameful that must feel for Malfoy, the hurt and pain he likely feels because he'll never, ever have a father again?" Daphne asked.
"Well I... I didn't really think about it all that way." Ron mumbled.
"I know." Daphne said, her voice still calm and patient. "I understand that, but do you understand Malfoy's situation better?"
"Yeah." Ron responded.
"Good." Daphne stated.
"How do you understand it so well, Harry?" Ron asked.
"Because I lost my parents, but if I'd have lost them in something I thought was worse than death, I'd be more effected by it. A lot more." Harry said quietly, but calmly.
"I guess I could understand that." Ron muttered after a moment.
"Good." Daphne said.
"I sense love is in the air!" Tracey sang brightly.
"Nonsense." Daphne said.
"Not nonsense, you're blushing." Tracey responded.
Daphne cleared her throat and didn't respond. Tracey chuckled.
Idle speculation on what the Triwizard Tournament was going to be about filled the compartment as the train continued on its journey, the rain falling harder, which Harry enjoyed, though wanted to shield he, Magic, and his friends from when they left the train, should it still be raining outside. Through Magic's thoughts, he felt she'd respond as she always did. When the lunch trolley came, Harry purchased some items for everyone to share, which they all did, thanking him as usual.
Some of their other friends came in to their compartment later on that afternoon, including Deen, Seamus, and Neville, and started talking about Quidditch. Harry and Magic simply listened to the conversation, though didn't have much to contribute, since they couldn't actually see the match. As Ron and Daphne were debating the strengths and weaknesses of the teams they liked, Harry quietly said to Magic, "What are the odds on them getting married?"
"Sixty-six point two three percent." Magic responded quietly in his ear. "The odds can change as time passes, and are based only on current events and behavior patterns."
"And what is with Ron's admiration of this Krum fellow?" Harry asked.
"It seems similar to people's admiration of you." Magic stated.
"My point exactly." Harry said.
The train stopped at Hogsmeade station when it usually did, the pouring rain having not delayed it. There hadn't been any Dementors this year either, Harry mused. Aside from this Triwizard Tournament, so far, everything seemed quite normal. There were no house elves trying to stop them, no Dementors on the train, and no Voldemort possessing a professor. Harry grinned as they clambered from the train, Magic shielding them all from the downpour.
"Thanks, Magic!" Hermione called through the downpour. "I wouldn't want to be one of the first years crossing the lake in this weather!"
"Neither would I!" Harry called back. "Come on, let's get to one of the carriages, quick!"
"All righ' yeh six?" Hagrid's booming voice called to them.
"Doing great!" Hermione replied.
Everyone climbed into one of the carriages and closed the door, Harry enjoying the sound of the rain as it poured down against the carriage roof and sides. He leaned back in his seat as it began to move, listening to the sound and feeling the carriage movements as it splashed its way up to the castle. Wind was blowing hard against the carriage now, and Harry found himself quite glad that he wouldn't be playing Quidditch again, especially since they were still probably going to be holding it in this kind of weather. When the carriage stopped near the stone steps, they clambered out and hurried into the warmth of the castle.
"Thanks, mate, for that water shield you put ar... What the..." Ron shouted.
Harry heard something that sounded much like a water balloon hit Ron and burst, sending a spray of water everywhere. Ron, still shielded against the water, wasn't drenched, but Harry imagined students around him who weren't shielded were probably a bit soaked.
"Peeves." Magic stated.
At that moment, Harry heard another two water balloons burst, and the angry voice of Professor McGonagall as she shouted, "PEEVES! Peeves, come down here at ONCE!"
Harry heard Professor McGonagall running out of the great hall, and decided to have a bit of fun. Smirking, he shouted, "Hey Peeves! Here!"
All the water balloons that Peeves were holding burst, sending water washing over him in a wave, but none of it hit the ground. Harry smirked as he heard Peeves sloshing around within the shield that held both him, and the water in place, though with another thought, he banished the water into the lake and the remnants of the water balloons into one of the waste baskets within the castle.
"I'll get one over on you one day, Potter you rotter!" Peeves cackled as he zoomed from the great hall.
"Thank you, Mr. Potter." Professor McGonagall said appreciatively.
"Oh, it wasn't a problem." Harry said with a grin.
"Harry?" Daphne asked as they headed into the Great Hall. "Though I'm glad you're willing to shield us and help protect us against Peeves, but what happened to the talk we had about letting people help themselves?"
"Oh, lay off, Daphne, it was just a little harmless fun." Ron said. Hermione was chuckling and Tracey was laughing.
"I'll do much better next time, your royalness." Harry shot back with a grin. Daphne hit him on the back of the head playfully.
It was warmer in the Great Hall than it had been in the entrance hall, and Harry heard the comfortingly familiar crowd of chatting students as he was led to the Gryffindor table by Magic, sitting next to her and awaiting the sorting of the students. The only other sorting, than his own that he'd attended, was that in his second year, and Harry found himself wondering what song the hat would come up with this year.
"Good evening!" The voice of Nearly Headless Nick called brightly.
"Good evening!" Harry responded cheerfully back.
"Hiya, Harry!"
Harry felt resignation settle over him. It seemed that, wherever he went, he'd never be free of admirers for a fame he didn't want.
"Hi, Colin." Harry said, more calmly than he'd greeted Nick.
"Harry, guess what? Guess what, Harry? My brother's starting! My brother Dennis!" Colin said, excited. Harry smiled. For once, it wasn't about him.
"Great!" He said. "I'd be excited, too, if I had a family member of mine coming."
"He's really excited!" Colin replied.
"He's not the only one, apparently." Harry said, chuckling a little.
"I'm hoping he gets into Gryffindor!" Colin said, almost sounding hyper.
"Is that right." Harry said, then turned his face away from him, though kept listening for anything else he might want to say.
"That's odd." Hermione said from next to him. "The Defense Against the Dark Art's professor's not up there."
"Maybe he got stuck in the mud." Harry grinned.
"Or she." Ron said. "Could be a girl."
"Maybe." Harry said.
"Or maybe they couldn't find one." Hermione said, sounding a bit anxious.
"You've got nothing to worry about if that's the case, Hermione." Harry replied. "I have full confidence in your ability to pass the exams by studying it yourself."
Harry heard the doors of the Great Hall open, then silence fell, likely indicating that the first years were being led to be sorted. Harry could hear their footsteps, and listened, clapping after the Sorting Hat sang its song, and after each student was being sorted. Ron was even clapping for the Slytherins now, Harry realized, and smiled at the thought. Dennis, Colin's brother, ended up in Gryffindor with him, for which he was quite glad, the two of them talking about how Dennis had fallen in the lake and been pushed back in the boat. Harry wished they wouldn't talk like that and disrupt him hearing the students being sorted, but the desire was only fleeting and it didn't bother him over all. What bothered him more was Colin pointing Harry out to his brother as a famous person, someone to be idolized. Harry wasn't quite sure how to get it through people's heads that he did nothing to be worthy of fame of any kind, and felt resignation that he'd simply have to deal with that all his life.
"Oh, hurry up, I'm starving." Ron moaned.
"Now, Ron, the sorting's more important than your melodramatics for food." Nearly Headless Nick responded.
"Melodramatics?" Ron asked. "I really am starving!"
"Careful, Ron, you're turning into my cousin Dudley with that kind of talk." Harry said with a bit of a grin.
"I do hope we'll get the house cup this year!" Nick called over applause, which he was taking part in also.
"Might be interesting!" Harry responded.
"Oh, finally!" Ron said as Harry heard him picking up his silverware, the last of the students having been sorted. Harry found that he, too, was anticipating the feast, as he always enjoyed the Hogwarts food.
"I have only two words to say to all of you." Professor Dumbledore said, his voice carrying, as always, around the Great Hall. "Tuck in!"
"Hear, hear!" Ron said as Harry felt the magic that made the food appear on the tables, smelling the aroma of the delicious items. Harry grinned.
With so many people serving themselves at once with a feast such as this, Harry typically allowed Magic to help him, since she knew exactly what it is he'd want. Today was no different, and Harry reached out and lightly touched Magic's back, finding the contact comforting as he heard her dishing food on to a plate. Within a couple minutes, she'd prepared plates for both of them, and Harry thanked her before he began eating. Rather than say anything, Magic gently rubbed his back, and Harry felt like happiness was overflowing from him. He still felt the clarity of calm, though, and found he missed feeling emotions without calm, but didn't want to give up his new mental state, as Magic modifying him had saved his life, for which he was still grateful.
"Aaaah, that's better." Ron said before taking a bite of food. Harry smiled.
"You're lucky you've got a feast at all, you know." Nick commented. "There was trouble in the kitchens earlier."
Harry was chewing and couldn't ask the question he wanted to, so thought it to Magic.
"What happened?" She asked.
"Peeves, of course." Nick responded. "The usual argument. He wanted to attend the feast, but given how much trouble he causes, that's clearly out of the question. Can't see a plate of food without throwing it. We held a ghosts council. The Fat Friar was all for giving him a chance, but most wisely, in my opinion, the Bloody Baron put his foot down."
"You failed to state the trouble in the kitchens." Magic stated. "Harry wishes to know, so I wish to know."
"Of course, Magic." Nick replied pleasantly. "Always the same, you are. Anyway, he was throwing things everywhere, made a mess of the kitchens, the usual. Terrified the house-elves out of their wits..."
Harry heard Hermione's goblet get knocked over, and silently, had Magic keep any of the spilled liquid from getting on any of his items of food.
"There are house-elves here?" Hermione sounded horrified. "Here at Hogwarts?"
"Certainly." Nick replied, sounding surprised. "The largest number in any dwelling in Britain, I believe. Over a hundred."
"I've never seen one!" Hermione called, sounding rather in sensed.
"They don't come out by day, only at night to clean, launder, things like that." Nick pointed out. "It's the mark of a good house-elf that you don't see them going about their tasks."
"But... But they get paid, don't they? Vacations, sick leave, pensions, everything... Don't they?" Hermione asked.
Harry heard Nick chuckle as if the idea was ludicrous before he said, "House-elves don't want those things, Hermione!"
Harry heard Hermione putting her silverware back down on her plate, then state in an icy tone, "Slave labor, that's what made this meal. Slave labor."
"Why?" Magic asked as Harry took another bite.
"Magic, come on!" Hermione responded furiously. "They don't get paid, they're bound in servitude, they're slaves!"
"Why?" Magic asked.
"Because that's what it is, it's slavery!" Hermione said, sounding as if she was getting rather worked up by the conversation.
"Do they consider it slavery?" Magic asked as Harry swallowed.
"Hermione, you can't just think of your own point of view, you've got to think of theirs, too. Only thinking of your beliefs on the issue is rather narrow minded, don't you think?" Harry asked.
"I'm surprised at you, Harry, you of all people! You should realize that this is wrong!" Hermione said.
"Do the house-elves believe its wrong? Does it make them, no, I've got a better question. What about Magic, Hermione? I don't pay her, yet she does everything I want. She doesn't receive a sickle to her name, and yet, it's what she wants to do. Want to be paid for your wonderful work, Magic?" Harry asked.
"Illogical." Magic stated. "I'm your magic. Paying me is paying yourself, and you can't pay yourself from your own vault, as the money would return there."
"Exactly." Hermione stated. "It's different with you and Magic."
"But if what makes a house-elf happy is performing work for their owners, and doing as they wish, what right do you have to take away something that makes them happy, just because you think it's wrong?" Harry asked calmly.
"I've got to agree with Harry on this one, Hermione." Daphne stated.
"You know, Magic and I had this talk before, she says I'm judging them by my own standards of belief, but it's not about that. It's about what's right and wrong." Hermione stated.
"And, going by your own views of what's right and wrong, you believe that house-elves are nothing more than slaves, based on your own moral views on the subject rather than first receiving their opinion." Harry said.
"Oh, please." Hermione stated. "Do you think abusing animals would be wrong?"
"Of course." Harry replied.
"And what does the animal think?" Hermione asked.
"Well, you can clearly see the animal is in pain, so it's clear, at that point, that they're unhappy with what's happened to them." Harry responded. "Are the house-elves here happy with their work? Are they content? Do they look at all abused or mistreated?"
"I don't know, like I said, I haven't seen one." Hermione said.
"So, you're judging them before you even see them." Harry responded, his voice cold. "Do you know what that sounds like to me, Hermione?"
Hermione didn't answer, so Harry continued.
"That sounds just like Ron used to be about Slytherins, thinking they were all evil before he even got to know them. Prejudice, narrow minded judgements. I'll never like it. Here's a little advice for you, Hermione. See what the house-elves think before you start imposing your views of what they should be thinking onto them, then tell me it's slave labor." Harry stated, then sighed.
Hermione said nothing more on the subject, but a few moments later, Magic stated, "Harry didn't intend to make you sad, Hermione, only..."
"I don't want to talk about it." Hermione snapped angrily. Harry felt a stab of guilt, as he hadn't intended to hurt her. He wanted to apologize, but given Hermione's current state of mind, he didn't think that would be wise, so he remained silent instead.
Hermione, it turned out, still wasn't eating. Ron even tried to tempt her with some type of dessert, but she didn't take it. Harry set aside the issue and was able to quickly let go of the emotions he'd felt, and instead, enjoyed the sound of the students talking around him, the storm that rattled the windows, and the booming sound of thunder that echoed through the Great Hall. Once all the food and desserts had vanished from the plates, everyone went quiet and Harry turned toward where Professor Dumbledore's voice would be.
"So!" Professor Dumbledore's voice echoed throughout the Great Hall. "Now that we are all fed and watered, I must once more ask for your attention, while I give out a few notices.
"Mr. Filch, the caretaker, has asked me to tell you that the list of objects forbidden inside the castle has this year been extended to include Screaming Yo-yos, Fanged Frisbees, and Ever-Bashing Boomerangs. The full list comprises some four hundred and thirty-seven items, I believe, and can be viewed in Mr. Filch's office, if anybody would like to check it.
"As always, I would like to remind you all that the forest on the grounds is out-of-bounds to students, as is the village of Hogsmeade to all below third year.
"It is also my painful duty to inform you that the Inter-House Quidditch Cup will not take place this year."
'No lightning striking people on brooms!' Harry thought toward Magic.
'Yes.' Magic replied.
"This is due to an event that will be starting in October, and continuing throughout the school year, taking up much of the teachers' time and energy, but I am sure you will all enjoy it immensely. I have great pleasure in announcing that this year at Hogwarts..."
Professor Dumbledore's voice was cut off by a rather loud boom of thunder, along with the doors of the Great Hall banging open. Harry could feel a tension in the air as he heard someone walking with a dull clunk every other step. It almost sounded like something wooden was hitting the floor. The person walked up to the staff table, and as another boom of thunder echoed throughout the Great Hall, Harry heard Hermione gasp next to him, though about what, he didn't know. Harry thought he heard very quietly murmuring voices at the staff table before Professor Dumbledore began speaking again.
"May I introduce our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher?" Professor Dumbledore's voice was bright with happiness in the tense silence that had fallen over the Great Hall. "Professor Moody."
Harry and Magic politely clapped, and at the staff table, Harry could hear Hagrid's distinctive clapping as well, but no one else was clapping for the man who had just entered the Great Hall. Professor Moody didn't seem to be well liked for some reason, Harry thought curiously, and as he briefly opened his link of knowledge with Magic, he received information about the man that made him realize that, compared to most faces, the man's face was ugly, as if someone had slapped it together and only vaguely knew what a human face looked like. The data didn't bother him, as usual, though. As Hagrid stopped clapping, Harry and Magic did the same. As far as Harry was concerned, the looks of the man didn't give a good reason for people being rude, or as they were doing now, staring at him. Harry chose to remain silent, however, and said nothing about what everyone was doing.
"Mad-Eye Moody." Ron said in a low, awed voice.
"What happened to him?" Hermione asked in a whisper. "What happened to his face?"
"It doesn't matter, does it?" Harry asked. "Here we go again, people measuring someone by looks and not by ability, or actions." Harry sighed. "Sometimes, a blind man can see better th..."
Professor Dumbledore began speaking again, however, and Harry was interrupted, unable to finish his thought.
"As I was saying, we are to have the honor of hosting a very exciting event over the coming months, an event that has not been held for over a century. It is my very great pleasure to inform you that the Triwizard Tournament will be taking place at Hogwarts this year."
"You're joking!" Fred's voice sounded rather loud in the silence.
Almost everyone laughed, and Harry heard Professor Dumbledore chuckle appreciatively. He then went on a slight tangent to tell a joke that he'd once heard, but was interrupted by Professor McGonagall clearing her throat. Harry listened to Professor Dumbledore outline the history of the tournament, Hermione, who was appalled that it had a death toll, and the new rules that were being imposed, that only those who were of age, that is, Seventeen, would be allowed to enter. Harry was glad about that, but even so, felt an ominous feeling. Sirius was right to feel that way, Harry thought. Given everything that had happened to him throughout the Hogwarts years, Harry decided he'd prepare, in any way possible, to prevent himself from attending the tournament.
"What are the odds that I'll be entered against my will?" Harry asked Magic quietly as Professor Dumbledore was talking about the tournament.
"Unknown." Magic stated.
"Well, the pattern of events that's happened to me, which are unwanted, kind of seems to add up, don't you think? At least one a year, minimum." Harry said. "It wouldn't surprise me at all if I'm entered. So, if that happens, I'm not attending. Agreed?"
"Asking my agreement is illogical. I do as you wish, you don't wish to attend the tournament. I shall ensure you don't attend the tournament." Magic stated.
"If possible." Harry said. "There's still things we don't know about magic. But if I'm forced to attend somehow, which isn't outside the realm of possibility, help me."
"I will help you." Magic agreed. Harry was comforted by the familiarity of the response.
Talk of the tournament, outrage by some of the students that they couldn't enter, and discussion on how Professor Dumbledore would be ensuring those under seventeen couldn't submit their name for the tournament was all around Harry and Magic as they got up with the rest of the students to go to Gryffindor tower. Harry told them he wouldn't enter his name for the tournament, and had no desire to be a part of it, when Ron asked for his opinion, which set off another round of discussion on the subject. Aside from such conversation, and Magic pulling Neville from the trick stair that he'd fallen into, the journey to Gryffindor tower was uneventful. Harry left Magic in the common room as he usually did, and once in the dormitory, felt the familiar presence of Rose, who lightly brushed his shoulder to let him know she was there. Harry smiled at her as he closed the curtains around his bed, unshrunk his trunk, made himself temporarily invisible while he dressed for bed, then climbed into the sheets that were very warm. It was very comfortable to lay in the warm bed and listen to the raging storm outside, and in minutes, Harry drifted quickly off to sleep.