Chapter 10: Prelude to World Cup
Harry had received a letter from Ron congratulating him for getting away from the muggles and getting Sirius free. He then wrote his family scored tickets to the World Cup and was inviting Harry. Harry responded telling Ron he and Sirius were already going and had invited Hermione to join them. Ron's reply to that wasn't accusatory like Harry expected. Instead, Ron simply said he couldn't wait to see them there. Harry had expected another display of foolishness only in written form this time. Ron wasn't known for being considerate, usually if things didn't go his way he threw a fit. This made Harry wonder if Mrs. Weasley was telling him exactly what to write.
Later that same week Severus came by to deliver Harry's letter from Mr. Ollivander. It had taken him a little longer than two weeks to complete Harry's new wand, but he finally finished it. Harry went there with Sirius and Severus to collect it and when the old man presented him with the new wand Harry's eyes widened. It was exquisitely made, the length was dark, smooth, and eleven inches long. The grip was a pale golden color like the horn used as the core with intricate carvings etched in. Harry took the wand from its resting place and immediately felt a his magic surge. Sirius and Severus both stepped back as powerful magic seemed to swirl around Harry.
When the magic settled numerous items about the room, that had been floating, fell to the floor. "Sweet mother of Merlin…" Mr. Ollivander said quietly.
"Its exquisite." Harry said, "Much better than my old wand…" Harry flicked the wand and every item that hit the floor returned to is rightful place in an instant.
"This needs to remain between us." Sirius said.
"Agreed," Severus replied the looked to the wand maker, "How are your Occlumency skills Mr. Ollivander?"
"Rather poor I'm afraid." The old man replied.
Severus sighed and drew his wand, "I apologize then I will have to modify your memory. Mr. Potter's new found magical abilities must be kept a secret from certain people. I hope you'll forgive me."
The old man stood up straight, "Very well, I understand."
Severus made quick work of it modifying the old man's memory making him believe Harry had broken his old wand and had to get it replaced. Then making him think the new wand was created by his father and he didn't know much about the cores. Harry then paid Ollivander a hefty sum thanking him and left the shop.
"I feel a little bad about that." He told the two men accompanying him.
"Harry if Dumbledore learns of your sudden jump in magical abilities he could start problems." Sirius told him.
"Indeed he kept you potioned and sequestered with those muggles for a reason he wanted you weak so you would do what he thought was best." Severus added.
"Yea I know…but still…poor Ollivander…I need to deal with Voldemort before he kidnaps him again." Harry told them.
The group returned to Grimmauld place to find Hermione and the Granger's there. The Granger's were going to a convention and wouldn't be back for some time. Sirius offered to allow Hermione to stay with them. The muggles had been reluctant at first but eventually agreed. So Hermione brought her trunk for school, and a bag filled with her clothes for the next month. Since they both finished their homework, the two of them spent most of their time researching Hungarian Horntails. Harry had finally told them of the Tri-Wizard tournament so they were helping him prepare so he could get through it this time with minimal issues.
Sirius had already order a large quantity of Gillyweed for the second task, while Remus would give Harry refresher lessons on how to deal with the creatures in the Black Lake. Meanwhile, Severus and Hermione both researched the best methods to deal with the dragon.
~ ~ ~
Soon Harry's birthday arrived and they put the prep work on hold to enjoy the day. Harry received multiple gifts from each of them; Hermione got him a new broom Maintenance Kit use by professional quidditch players and a magical day planner that would alert him when he had plans for that day, Sirius got him a new wand holster that would be key specifically to Harry making it impossible for anyone to summon his wand from it, Remus gifted him numerous books on Advanced Defensive Magic that both Harry and Hermione looked eager to dive into, lastly was a gift from Severus it was a modest chain that had a pendant with a black stone embedded into it. He told him the pendant would heat up if anyone attempted to give him anything that was laced with a potion.
"That will definitely come in handy." Harry said, "I was just planning on not eating anything they gave me. This way I'll know and just come up with an excuse."
"Personally I think we should all get one of those." Sirius said.
"Agreed." Remus added.
As they were affirming their plans to get them each one, a flock of owls swooped in to deliver presents for Harry. There were treats from Ron and Mrs. Weasley, each one had set off Harry's new pendent. Severus gathered them and began looking them over, "Molly Weasley is not playing games it seems. These potions are strong. Not to mention this one." He hold up an elaborate cup cake, "Is laced with Amortentia…I assume keyed to Ginevra Weasley."
Hermione's face was red with anger, "Seriously? This is how she reacts to us being a little mean to Ron?!"
"Bloody hell she didn't start dosing me with that till sixth year last time." Harry added.
"Clearly you icing out Mr. Weasley does not sit well with her." Severus said.
Sirius smirked, "How about we play a little prank then." He drew his wand and began transfiguring the pastries into fancy professionally looking pastries.
"What are you doing." Remus asked.
"Oh I'm just going to send these to my dear cousin, her husband, and their darling little Draco." Sirius grinned.
Harry's grinned, "Sweet Merlin I can't wait for the World Cup now!"
"Should be quiet the show…pity I'll miss it." Severus said. Though he was Draco's godfather he never performed a ritual like Sirius so this little prank wasn't going to harm him. 'Besides its not like these potions are lethal." He thought, 'Draco will be fine…though possibly enamored with young Miss Weasley. Should rile up Lucius if it pans out well. Hopefully he'll slip up.'
~ ~ ~
The day finally came for the World Cup. Sirius received a portkey from Fudge and the three of them used the drawing room to depart. The portkey activated and Harry felt the familiar sensation of being dragged by his navel. When the group landed Hermione landed on her back letting out a groan. Sirius landed on his feet albeit extremely wobbly. Harry however glided down and gently touched down by Hermione. He held out his hand, "Need a lift?"
She narrowed her eyes at him and he quickly pulled her up with ease. Having not expected that she was not prepared to position herself and ended up colliding into Harry's chest. It was then she learned Harry had been filling out since the end of the school year. He was no longer the skinny boy from before. His chest felt firm and she could definitely feel some muscles hiding under his shirt. She looked to his arms seeing they had filled out too, "Harry what have you been doing these last few weeks?" she said as she squeezed his bicep.
"Training with Remus and Sirius." Harry responded with a chuckle, "Sirius was out of shape from being in Azkaban so long his cousin Andromeda gave him a strict diet and exercise program. After she looked me over she gave me one too. So we've been doing early morning runs, cardio, and a bit of weight lifting."
"Wow…" she said as she continued to inspect his body a bit.
Sirius cleared his throat, "We're about to have company." He said quietly.
The two quickly separated and turned to see the Weasleys heading their way. Harry noticed this time Mrs. Weasley was with them, as was Luna Lovegood with the Diggory's right behind them. Luna waved to Harry and Hermione by wiggling her fingers stealthily. The pair smirked, 'So without us to tag along, they brought Molly and invited Luna…Molly must've wanted to see if her potions are working…this will be funny.'
"Harry!" Ron said as he walked up looking a bit miffed, "What was that about." He asked.
"What do you mean?" he asked as he straightened his shirt which was form fitted. All Harry's cloths fit him perfectly now, not to mention they were new. He was wearing black denim jeans, new shoes, a green button down shirt that matched his eyes. His hair was no longer a wild mess, thanks to Sirius introducing him to Sleekeazy's Hair Potion, it fell in soft waves around his head nearly reaching his shoulders.
"You and Hermione were all close." Ron said with a slight look of disgust.
Harry had half a mind to kick the red head right in his groin for treating Hermione with disgust when in four months he'll be pining for her. He kept his composure however and shrugged, "She fell from the portkey. I helped her up. Why?"
"Oh no reason." He looked to Ginny who wasn't even paying attention to Harry she was more focused on chatting with Luna and Hermione who had all grouped together.
"Look at little Harrykins." One of the twins teased, "All dressed up."
Fred and George walked up and circled him slowly, "My, my, my so sharp." The other said.
"And olalala." They squeezed Harrys biceps.
"Been working out Harry?" one of them grinned.
"Trying to switch to being a Beater?" the other asked.
"Fred, George enough of that foolishness." Molly griped as she made her way to Harry, "Its good to see you Harry dear I'm so happy to see you looking so healthy."
"Well Mrs. Weasley when you have a guardian that actually gives a damn about your well being you tend to look healthy." Harry responded.
Molly frowned, "I'm sure you must know Albus had your best interests in mind Harry."
Harry scoffed, "I doubt that."
Molly's frown remained for a moment then she forced a smile, "Did you enjoy your birthday present Harry?" she asked.
"Of course Mrs. Weasley your pastries are always so delicious I simply had to share them." Harry said with a genuine smile.
Molly's face paled a bit, "Share them? But they were for you dear."
"Yes but I've had your delicious pastries many many times and I just had to share the wealth. Sirius even sent a few off to his cousin." Harry was smiling not to be polite but because he was enjoying the shocked expression on Molly's and Ron's faces.
Molly shock off her shock, 'Surely he ate one.' She thought, "Harry would you like to join us in our tent. Then Sirius can go enjoy the night festival."
"That's not necessary Molly." Sirius spoke up, "I'm far to old to be running around like a teenager."
"Besides, Sirius and I have our nightly workout routine his cousin Andromeda put us on until we're both one hundred percent healthy again. If I'm not there he won't remember to do it then she'll harp on us both." Harry said.
Molly frowned but before she could speak again Sirius spoke up, "We must get moving now pleasure to see you all." He said then looked over to the gaggle of girls. "Hermione we're moving out." He called to her. The bushy brown headed girl turned and gave him a thumbs up before motioning Ginny and Luna to follow.
Hermione ran past the Weasley's as Ginny and Luna stopped at Molly, "Mum we're going to go hang out with Hermione. Is that Okay?"
Molly smiled a bit, "Of course dear. You both be safe now." 'At least Ginny will be around Harry this way.' She thought.
Unfortunately for Molly, the potioned cupcake she was hoping Harry ate never even touched Harry's lips. The one who did eat it was currently wandering the grounds. As Harry and the others walked by the boy froze seeing Ginny laughing with Luna and Hermione. No one would expect that Draco Malfoy to be looking a Ginny Weasley with puppy dog eyes. No one but Harry and Sirius, who smirked when they noticed him as they walked past. "Isn't your second cousin cute Sirius? So in love." Harry whispered to Sirius so the girls wouldn't hear him.
"I almost feel bad for the poor girl." Sirius said, "Lucius will be pissed when he finds out."
Up Next: Harry enjoys the World Cup for the second time, but after Luna and Hermione halt a potioning attemp made by Ron and the result causes everyone to laugh hysterically.