For most of my life, I was a nobody. I was never the preferred friend, never stood out in any way. I lived life in the background. That all changed when I moved to england and found out I was a Wizard. At Hogwarts I had found all that I had been missing. The Best of Friends, Skills and Hobbies I never knew existed, 3 House Cups and 1 Quidditch Cup under my belt... and right about now I would trade it all to be back in my old life.

Triwizard Champion... something most people dreamed of being, and I hated it. I had not chosen to participate, in fact I was being forced to. Stupid Magical contract. However the rest of Hogwarts did not see it that way. Many were angry, thinking I had tried to cheat my way into the spot light, or rob Cedric Diggory and Hufflepuff house of their glory. Even one of my best friends, Ron Weasley, was angry at me. At least I wasn't alone. Harry also had his name come out of the Goblet of Fire, and was facing everything I was. Hermione also had our backs, which was very reassuring. It however didn't change the fact that losing a best friend, plus having most of the school hate you ON TOP OF almost for sure going to die, really, really, sucked.

Malfoy of course took the first chance he got to get a dig in. That Monday after our names had been pulled, during Care of Magical Creatures, he said 'Oh look, it's the Champions boys, hope you have your autograph books, better get your autographs now because I doubt think they will be around much longer. Half the champions have died, how long do you think you will last Potter? I reckon 10 minutes into the first task. Shuter won't even last 5" I pursed my lips, about to tear into him when Hagrid started the lesson. We were to take the blast ended skrewts on a walk. Hagrid took this chance to talk to Harry and I "So, yer two ar' competin' huh? School Champions?" I sighed "Seems that way doesn't it?" Hagrid looked very anxious "no idea who put yer two up to it huh?" Harry looked up at Hagrid saying "So you believe I didn't do it?" Hagrid nodded "O'course I do. Yer say yer didn' do it. I believe ya, Dumbledore believe's yer and all." I smiled "Thank you Hagrid.. It means a lot." Hagrid smiled down at us "yer two have been through o'lot the pas' few years. Anyone wit common sense would know tha' yer wouldn't go lookin' fer more" Harry then said bitterly "Yeah, tell that to Ron." I nodded. Hagrid sighed but said no more, probably knowing it wouldn't make us feel better.

After care of magical creatures we had double potions, which normally would be torture anyways. However since the whole school seemed against us it made it 10 times worse. Half the school had already adopted a magical pin saying "Support Cedric Diggory" Malfoy was more than happy to show us its other feature. He tapped it once and it switch to "Potter Stinks" He then smirked and said "I even added another feature just for you Shuter." He tapped it twice and it switch to "Scaredy Shuter Sucks" I rolled my fingers into a fist "Shove it Malfoy, or I'll go find Buckbeak." Hermione however shook her head and said sarcastically "Very funny Malfoy.. Very Witty" Malfoy said "You want one Granger? I've got loads, just don't touch my hand. I just washed it, Don't want a Mudblood sliming it up." I pursed my lips and hissed out "You little.." I ripped out my wand but Hermione grabbed my arm and pulled it down "No!" Harry however got the pleasure of sending a curse at Malfoy, who sent one back. They both missed, Malfoy's hitting Hermione, and Harry's hitting Goyle. I stepped in front of Hermione with my wand raised, ready to block another spell. However since the spell that hit Hermione made her front teeth grow rapidly, Harry's attention was captured and no more spells flew.

That was when Snape entered the classroom "And what is all this noise about?" He asked sullenly. Malfoy quickly said "Potter attacked me-" Harry cut him off "We attacked eachother at the same time" Malfoy then added "He got Goyle, see!" Snape gave one look at Goyle, who's nose and grown 2 sizes with boyles.. Goyle had Boyles.. Now that WAS funny. I would have started laughing but Snape said "Hospital wing Goyle." Ron then said "Malfoy got Hermione, look!" I lowered my wand and stepped aside for Snape to see. He then said "I see no difference." Hermione began to cry and ran out of the room. I called out "Hermione!" But she was gone. I then turned to Snape and started to curse him out, blood boiling under my skin. Luckily Ron and Harry did the same thing so what I said could be heard by anyone but me "That's rich for you to say you bastard! When your hair is so greasy that I doubt you've even heard of a shower!" Snape held up a hand and said "Hmm.. I think that will be 50 points from Gryffindor and a detention each for Potter, Shuter and Weasley. Now sit down before it's a weeks worth of detention. I huffed and sat down. Had this been a few years ago I would have been heart broken at the loss of points, but now I knew I could earn that back by the end of the week as long as I did some pre-research before class.

Not long into the class Colin Creevy came in "Sir.. I'm supposed to take Harry Potter and David Shuter upstairs." Snape gave him a cool look "Potter and Shuter have 1 hour of potions left, they will go upstairs then." Colin said nervously "Mr Bagman wants them now.. He wants all the Champions. I think they are taking photographs." Snape scowled "Very well, take your things Potter and Shuter, get out of my sight." We gathered our stuff and left.

Harry and Colin exchanged some words on the way, which I ignored, still fuming about Snape, and wondering about Hermione. Finally Colin said to me "You excited then David? A chance at fame alongside the Harry Potter?" I smiled without humor saying "No one could be as famous as the great Harry Potter. But no, Harry can have the spotlight, I was happy where I was. No fame for this guy." Colin chuckled and said "Well good luck then." He left us at the door to the right room and we entered. Ludo Bagman said "Great, the 4th and 5th Champion. Come come, Nothing to worry about you two, just the Wand Weighing Ceremony." Harry looked at him "The what?" Bagman said " We have to check your wands are fully functional, no problems you know, they are your most important tools in the tasks ahead." I then said "Our Wands are useless if we do not have the knowledge to put them to use. So wouldn't our minds truly be our greatest tools?" Bagman nodded "You Sure you should be in Gryffindor David? That's a very Ravenclaw response." I shook my head and said "I'm positive I belong in Gryffindor, doesn't mean I can't be smart." Bagman nodded "sure sure.. Well Dumbledore is with the Expert upstairs. After the weighing there will be a Photoshoot, and Rita Skeeter will be writing a small piece for the Daily Prophet." Rita Skeeter walked over and said "Surely not that small Ludo. Do you mind if I steal Harry before we start, you know, the youngest Champions, for a bit of color." I then muttered "Sure.. And nothing to do with the scar on his forehead." Rita's eyes twinkled at that and said "Oh don't worry, I'll be sure to talk to you next David, I'm sure as the Best Friend of Harry Potter you have many colorful insights to add on him." I sighed and said with sarcasm "I can't wait."

She stole Harry and was with him for a few minutes before Dumbledore saved him and brought them all out to the main room. He then said "May I Introduce Mr Ollivander. He will be checking your wands to ensure they are in good condition before the tournament." Mr Ollivander smiled "Thank you Professor Dumbledore. Mademoiselle Delacour, could we have you forward first, please." Fleur stepped forward and handed over her wand. Ollivander held it between his fingers and said "Hmm..nine and a half inches, inflexible, rosewood.. And containing...dear me.." Fleur smiled and said proudly " An 'air from ze 'ead of a Veela. One of my Grandmuzzers" I smirked, so Fleur was part Veela.. I made a mental note to tell Ron this.. But then remembered how he had been acting the past few days, and thought otherwise. Ollivander nodded "Yes.. Yes, I have never used Veela hair myself of course, I find they make very temperamental wands, however to each their own, and if this suits you." He then took proper hold of the wand and said "Orchideous" A bouquet of flowers burst from the wand. Ollivander handed it back to her with the flowers and said "Very well, it is in working order, thank you." I made mental note of that spell.. Not that it would be useful in the tournament.. But would prove useful later in life.

Ollivander said "Okay, Mr Diggory Next." Cedric walked forward and handed his wand to Ollivander, who continued "Ahh yes, this is one of mine. Yes I remember it well, containing a single hair from the tail of a fine male Unicorn...must have been seventeen hand. Nearly gored me with his horn after I plucked his and a quarter inches, ash, pleasantly springy, in fine condition, you threat it regularly?" Cedric said proudly "Polished it last night." I blinked... we were supposed to polish our wands? I mean Brooms sure.. But Wands?! I noticed Harry begin to rub fingerprints of his wand and contemplated doing the same.

After sending some silver rings around the room with Diggory's wand he called Krum next. "This is a Gregorovitch creation if I am not mistaken, a fine wandmaker, although I find the styling is never quite what I... no matter.. Yes.. Hornbeam and Dragon Heartstring, rather thicker than one usually sees, 10 and a quarter inches, Avis" Some birds shot from the wand.. Another useful spell I needed to memorize. He handed it back.

He then said "Mr Shuter, if you would be so kind." I stepped forward and handed him my wand. He smiled "Ahh yes, another one of my own creations, The previous owner even whittled a Lion into the handle." I nodded "My Father, it seems" Ollivanders eyes widened "Really? Your father was Ernest Moore? The Dark Wizard?-" I cut him off sternly "No. He was never a dark wizard. He was a spy. He died a Hero trying to protect the Potters from Voldemort himself. Its time the record was set straight." Ollivander nodded "That in fact makes sense...Well I stand by what I said 4 years ago, it seems we can expect great things from you Mr Shuter, especially in this tournament. 12 inches, Oak.. Rather flexible.. Phoenix Feather...Parvus Pompa!" a Small Firework show erupted from my wand, more intense than the simple spark spells. He handed it back to me "May you continue to pave a brighter future for this wand Mr Shuter., it still works well." I pocket-ed it and walked away, noticing Rita Skeeter's quill scratching on parchment, hopefully to write the story to properly set the records on who my father truly was.

Harry went last, and Ollivander took the longest time with the wand, before making a fountain of wine shoot out the tip. We then had pictures, which was just loads of fun. Finally Dumbledore said enough and released us to dinner, much to Rita Skeeters dismay and she had just made for me probably to get a 1-1 interview knowing who my father was now. After eating dinner just the two of us (Hermione seemed to still be in the hospital wing) We returned to our dorm to find Zeus waiting for Harry from Sirius. I pet my owl while Harry read the letter. It appeared Sirius wanted to speak to both of us on the 22nd in the common room. Harry sent Zeus back with the reply that we could talk to him. I then said "Its weird that Zeus got back before Hedwig.." Harry nodded "I hope Sirius isn't too close.." I nodded back "Me too.. Last thing we need is to be the reason he is captured again.."

The next morning I awoke to Hedwig lightly pecking my legs. "Oh, Mornin' Hedwig.." I said groggily. I then lightly pet her head as I untied the letter from my Mom. I took a deep breath and opened it, reading;

My Darling David,

I was worried the moment Hedwig flew in the window instead of Zeus. It did not help that she refused to let me get at the letter until I was sitting down. That being said, I am glad you wrote me about this. It's much better than me not knowing. I trust you and Harry did not submit your names into this magical goblet (They let a GOBLET choose who competes in this super dangerous contest? Seriously? A GOBLET?) It seems whoever did do it didn't take into consideration Professor Dumbledore or this Defense Against the Dark Arts Teacher. I know you are scared hunny. You and Harry both. I wish I could be there to hug you both and tell you it will be alright. Remember.. You are strong, and smart. You are surrounded by many people who love you and will help you. Hermione, Ron, Hagrid, even Sirius are your strongest assets (And Harry of course) Trust them. Also I want to make one thing VERY clear, you DID NOT Break your Promise. You have NOTHING to be Sorry for. I want you to go into this thing head on, spells ablazing, and you MAKE IT HOME TO ME ALIVE! You and Harry both! And if you end up winning this it will just prove to this son of a b that put your names in that no one messes with my son! Write me often with updates.. And make me.. And your father.. Proud.

P.S. Being a...Contestant or whatever they call you.. Will help a lot in asking Hermione out. Molly Tells me there is a Ball of sorts with the Tournament, which will be a perfect opportunity for you

I love you my sweet-Mom

I smiled, biting my lip. My mother wasn't mad at me, and was instead backing me. Knowing she was in my corner gave me a bit more confidence in this. However she has been wrong about one thing.. I didn't have Ron as an asset. But Hermione.. Hagrid, Sirius and Harry would be enough.. Had to be enough. Speaking of Hermione.. I decided it was best to pay her a visit in the Hospital wing. I left the letter on my pillow and got dressed in my school robes before leaving.

Once I arrived I saw Hermione in bed, awake and looking back to normal. I sat down beside her and asked "How are you feeling?" She gave me a toothy smile, showing her teeth back to normal.. Too normal "I may have told Madamn Pomfrey when to stop a little too late.. Whoopsie" I smirked "The guys and I really have rubbed off on you Hermione, that's very devilish" She giggled. I then continued "You do look beautiful though.. Even before the curse.." I swear she turned a little red and she said "Thank you David. Now.. We have a little time now if you want to go to the library and take out some spell books. We can then practice them tonight with Harry!" I shook my head "Tonight is a no go Hermione... Harry and I... sort of have detention with Snape.. Ron too." She scowled "What did you do?" I sighed "After the little grease ball had the audacity to insult you.. We kinda.. All started insulting him back.. We lost 50 points each as well.. Yesterday was not a good day for Gryffindor. Good news for you though you now have a massive lead in house points this year." She sighed "I don't care about the points this year David.. I care about you and Harry getting out of this Tournament alive. But no matter, we will have no trouble earning those points back. Now lets go get those books."

The next two weeks weren't particularly fun. When I wasn't doing school work, I was reading up on spells with Hermione and Harry. We didn't have much time to practice them, but the theory behind them would have to do. We read up on healing and defensive spells mostly, but we also learned some offensive spells. It was sad to say that that was the highlight of the fortnite. Classes sucked.. We didn't have Quidditch to take our mind off things.. And worst of all Rita Skeeter's article on the champions came out.

It was debatable who had it worst, Harry was painted as a emotional crybaby, which of course was pretty bad, but then she started talking about me.

"And it seems Potter's troubles are only just beginning. A new threat looms over him, in the form of The 5th Champion (3rd from Hogwarts) David Shuter. While the two seem like friends, a darker history enshrouds the less famous friend. It turns out that the boy's father is none other than the infamous Dark Wizard, Ernest Moore. Many Remember Moore as the greatest betrayal during the war. He was a friendly, sweet kid when attending Hogwarts in his day (Even sharing a friendship with the Potters) but joined the ranks of the death eaters out of school. While Moore may have died the same night has the Potters (Possibly trying to beat He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named to the punch) he has left behind Shuter who, armed with his fathers wand, may be destined to follow the path his father forged. One thing is for sure, we will be watching both Potter and Shuter very closely during this Tournament."

I had been fuming when I read that. Not only did she completely ignore the fact I had said my Father was a spy, but she dared to insinuate my father had died fighting Voldemort to KILL THE POTTERS FIRST?! Oh.. And to top it all off, she insinuated I was destined to betray and kill Harry.. And perhaps even put our names in so I was in a position to do so without judgement. My family and I were painted as evil, and this would of course put a target on my back.. Or would have if the school didn't already hate me, so it wasn't much difference that the taunting also included digs at my father.

The weekend before the first task there was a Hogsemede trip planned. Despite Hermione's best efforts I elected to stay behind. Even going under the cloak did not seem like a fun time. I instead sat up in the dorm room in one of the windowsills, one of the books of spells in my hands, muttering incantations under my breath. When Harry got back he said Hagrid wanted to talk to him, and he would meet me later in the evening to talk to Sirius.

Later that evening I was alone in the common room by the fireplace, wondering how Sirius was going to get into the castle. Would he use the floo network? Wouldn't that be dangerous in case someone came down the stairs as saw Sirius Black in the flesh. After a while Harry walked in, a little breathless. I smiled "Hey Mate.. It's almost ti-" He cut me off "Its dragons." I raised an eyebrow "What?" He then sat down beside me "The first task.. Its dragons. Hagrid just took me to see it.. Charlie is even here. Madame Maxime and Professor Karkoroff both saw them.. So now only Cedric doesn't know about them." My eyes widened.. Dragons.. Like from my books when I lived in Canada.. Dragonlance.. I had only ever seen a live dragon once.. And that was 3 years ago with baby Norbert. Now I had to deal with a regular sized one.. And... fight it? With nothing but my wand.. Oh I was so screwed.

I was so focused on this I barely registered Sirius's head popping out of the fire. Harry launched into a rant of everything we had gone through in the past month. Once done Sirius explained the Karkoroff used to be a Death Eater and might be the one behind putting our names in "If there is one thing those Death Eaters did not like, it was a traitor. Somehow he found out Ernie was your father David, and must have wanted revenge." I then said "He's a good actor then, he wanted both Harry and I kicked out of the tournament. Kinda wish he had won.."Sirius then went on to explain that he believes something was stewing with the Death Eaters, Between the attack on Moody, and the events at the Quidditch World Cup, and Bertha Jorkins going missing. Now Harry Potter and the son of the traitor Ernest Moore were thrown into danger in the hopes we would die, it all as adding up to something big. I then said "Well looks like it will work unless Harry and I can figure out how to kill a dragon in 2 days." Sirius looked back at me and said "Ahh yes the Dragon. Well first off if anyone has a chance to pull this off at your age, it's the sons of James and Ernest. Now you aren't going to want to try a stunner, Dragon hide is too thick, its takes dozens of wizards to take one down that way. However it is not impossible to take a dragon down with a single spell, you just need to... wait.. Somebody's coming."

Sirius disappeared. Ron came down the steps "I thought I heard.. Voices." Harry then said "Yes, I was talking to David, about-" Ron cut him off "Probably preparing for your next interviews, or what fun rule breaking you can do together, I'll leave you be." Harry got mad and found a support cedric diggory badge and chucked it at Ron, it bouncing of his forehead "There now you have something to wear on Tuesday, might even have a scar on your forehead now, if your lucky, its what you want isn't it." He then stormed off. I went after him but stopped and looked at Ron "You know.. Harry and I have never planned anything at Hogwarts without you. Plus being 'intertwined since birth' isn't always a good thing, at least no one thinks you are destined to betray and kill your best friend." I also turned and left.

We spent that Sunday reading up on dragons and trying to figure out which spell Sirius meant the night before. However we came up dry. Monday morning we decided it was best to tell Cedric about the dragons, since he was the only champion who didnt know yet. Harry and I trailed behind him on the way to class, however he was surrounded by a posse. Harry asked "How are we to get him alone?" I smirked "I have an idea" I pointed my wand at his bag and said softly "Diffindo" His bookbag split and his books fell onto the ground. Cedric sent his friends ahead and we walked up "Hi.. My bookbag just split.. Brand new and all." I nodded "Yeah.. Sorry about that by the way, here let me" I pointed my wand and twirled it saying "Reparo" The bag mended itself "Uh.. Thanks David." Harry then said "Listen.. The first task, its dragons." Cedric was shocked "You sure" Harry replied "Dead sure, seen them myself." Cedric then asked "How do you know.. We aren't supposed to know." I said "Nevermind that, Maxime and Karkaroff both know as for sure have told Fleur and Krum. Harry obviously told me, so we figured it was right you knew as well.. Now all the Champions are back on semi-equal footing.. I say semi-equal as the three of you have 3 years of training on us." I shrugged. Cedric nodded "Well.. Thank you both. Oh.. I've asked my mates to stop wearing those ridiculous badges by the way, They are just awful to you two." I smiled slightly "Thanks Cedric.. You aren't half bad."

Professor Moody walked up on us "Right, Diggory off to class, Potter and Shuter come with me, I want to speak to you quickly" I flashed Harry and quick look of fear, wondering if we were going to get in trouble for knowing what the task was. He escorted us to his office, where he gave us a description of the dark detecting stuff. Finally he said "Found out about the Dragons did ya?" Harry then said "Well.. I just happened upon that.. Accidentally." Moody snorted "I'm not getting ya in trouble laddie, cheating has always been a part of the Triwizard Tournament, I tried tellin' Dumbledore that, but he wants to remain truthful. I told him Karkaroff and Maxime will doing everything they can to help their champions, they want to win, prove Dumbledore is only a man. So have you two figured out how you are going to get past them?" We both shook our heads in unison. Moody said "Well I'm not going to tell you. I'm just going to offer you a bit of good old advice. Play to your strengths.. Both of you" Harry then said "I don't have any." I looked at him "What are you kidding yourself? You are the best flyer in the school." Harry looked at me "Good lot that is going to do me against a dragon." Moody then said "Second piece of advise for you Potter, is that sometimes all you need is a simple spell that will get you what you need." I then grinned at Harry "You can only bring your want into the arena.. But there is nothing against you summoning what you need during the task! Use a summoning charm to get your broom, then you can deek out the dragon!" Harry then said "But I'm rubbish at Accio, and my Firebolt will be here in the castle.." I shook my head "Doesn't matter, Hermione and I will work with you for the rest of the day. We've got you a plan." Harry raised an eyebrow "But you are a brilliant flyer yourself David.. And we can't both pull the same trick." Moody then said "You know why Ernest Moore was so hard for us Aurors to catch back in the day Shuter? He was the best castor of the Disillusionment charm any of us had ever seen.. That.. And he was quick on his feet. Dumbledore tells me you remind him of Moore more and more every day. Perhaps that Skeeter woman is right about one thing.. You are walking the path your father set for you" Harry smiled at me and said "I think you know your game plan mate." I nodded "I do."

The next morning all the Champions were in the Champions tent, readying ourselves to 'find out what the task was' Harry and I were huddled in the corner. "You Ready Mate?" I asked. He nodded "As ready as I can be..Firebolt is all polished up and ready to go.." I smiled slightly "Good.. Good.." He nodded "Yeah.. Luckily Hermione got me half decent at a summoning charm." I chuckled "Yes.. Luckily Hermione believed us and helped us.. She's brilliant isn't she?" A voice from outside the tent said "You boys aren't half bad yourselves." Hermione was on the other end. She then said seriously "David.. You remember the spell we looked up yesterday? Remember how to cast it?" I nodded "I do.. My whole plan pretty much depends on it. I'm dead if it doesn't work.." Harry then added "As am I if the summoning charm doesn't work." Hermione wailed and broke through the fabric of the tent and threw and arm around each of us hugging us tightly. "You'll both be alright! You have to be!" She whispered. There was a loud crack and we broke apart to find Rita Skeeter standing there, her quick quote quill out and writing. "Ahh! Young love! And a triangle it seems! The readers will love this. Team Shuter or Team Potter!" I growled "Get out! Don't think I haven't forgotten about the rotten lies you said about me and my father!" Krum ended up stepping in "Vis tent is for Champions.. Or friends!" His greater height and brawn scared her away. Hermione gave one last look at us before leaving herself.

Bagman came into the tent, saying how the bag he was carrying would be what we would face in our task. Fleur went first and pulled out a minature Welsh Green Dragon with a 2 around its neck, Krum went next and pulled a Chinese Fireball with a 3. Both showed no surprise which meant we were right that they were told about the dragons. Cedric went next and pulled out a Swedish Short Snout with a 1. I went next, grimacing because I knew the Horntail was still in there. I pulled out the Norwegian Ridgeback with a 4. I sighed, I basically was facing Norbert, although it was still 1 of the two most dangerous dragons that were available to face. Which left Harry with the Horntail and a 5. Bagman announced that the number was the order, and our goal was to get the golden egg away from the dragon, easy peasy right?

As Harry and I waited our turn we sat together. We sat mostly in silence, until I said "Listen.. If I.. You know.. Can you write my mom, let her know.. That I tried my hardest, and that I'm sorry." Harry nodded "You'll be okay mate, don't think that way. Focus on what you are going to do once we survive this! Tell me.. What is the one thing you haven't done yet, that you want to do more than anything." He gave me a knowing eye. I studied him before saying "Well.. I'm telling you this because you are my best mate and I want someone other than my mom to know incase.. Well. I've got a crush.. Well its more than a crush.." Harry held up a hand "You fancy Hermione, don't you?" I sighed, it feeling good that he knew "Yes.. How did you know?" He smiled slightly and said "You're one of my best mates, I see the way you act around her.. How protective you are of her... . plus I saw it in the letter from your mum you left on your bed a few weeks ago." I chuckled slightly "You know its rude to read someone else's personal letters. So out with it. You know who I fancy, I've seen how you have been acting recently, who's got your eye? " He looked away before saying "Cho Chang.. The Ravenclaw Seeker" I smiled "Nice one, she's quite the looker!" There was a bang and I looked around the tent and saw it was just Harry and I.. Which meant I was next. I gulped "I almost forgot.. It was so nice to talk girls with my best mate like normal teenagers..." He nodded "Good luck Mate, see you on the other side." I nodded "You as well Harry.. Remember, visualize the outcome, and the spell will work for you" With that I pulled out my wand and walked out of the tent and to the arena.

When I got inside I quickly did a look around. I saw the dragon and its eggs. Surrounded by an arena full of rocks, perfect for cover. I quickly did a quick twirling motion above my head, wand pointed at myself as I chanted "Odoratus Remotio!" The spell removing any smell I would be exuding. I then tapped my leg and said "Invisibilia!" I turned invisible. I then dove behind a rock as the Ridgeback shot flames at me. I took a deep breath and looked around the rock. The Ridgeback was staying back, sniffing, trying to locate me. Since she didn't move forward it told me my spell worked. It gave me a chance to fully take in the Ridgeback and I had to say, Norbert did not look this scary. Basically was a Horntail.. But with black ridges on its back. I began to wonder if Harry was really the one who drew the short stick here.

I began to walk forward, slowly, cautiously towards the golden egg. My plan being once I was close enough I would cast Red sparks away from the Ridgeback long enough to distract her and take the egg, thus allowing the dragon handlers to get the dragon under control. Just as I was about to get close I stepped on a lose rock and it made a sound. The Ridgeback's tail swept around and caught me right in the chest, sending me flying back. I then hit my head on a rock and was dazed.

There was screams in the crowd. Obviously my Disillusionment charm had been broken when I hit my head. I felt me head tenderly and felt wetness. Well the charm would be worthless now anyways. I stumbled to my feet in time to dive out of the way of the Ridgeback's bite. The effort made my head swoon. I needed to heal my head now or I would be a goner. I struggled to remember the healing incantation Epi- Episki.. No.. Episkey.. Yes.. That. I pointed my wand and my head and yelled "Episkey!" I felt the wound patch itself up. Crude, but effective for the time being. I then ran behind another rock and tried to think.. I needed to get away long enough to drain the blood from my robes and hair before I could go invisible again. The only way I could is to get higher than the Ridgeback. Since I couldn't steal Harry's move I was left with one spell.. One of the first I had learned. I desperation I pointed my wand at my feet and yelled "Wingardium Leviosa!" I then began to rise. So I pointed my wand into the air and I shot up. It seemed my feet would follow the wand where ever it was pointed. I rose high into the sky, to cheers and gasps from the crowd. The Ridgeback tried to follow me by the chain stopped her when she was 10 feet under me.

I grinned "Ha! Take that Ridgeback!" She then blew fire at me. I cried out "Protego!" it provided a shield for me, but I started to fall. Apparently I couldn't stay flying and cast spells at the same time. When I got close to her maw she stopped the flame. Opening wide to eat me. I flicked my wand at her jaw and cried "Reducto!" The Dragons hide was too thick to kill the dragon, but it did send her head flying back, out of my way. I quickly pointed by wand at my head and said "Tergeo!" The blood was cleaned. A quick tap of my head told me it was. I then tapped my leg saying "Invisibilia" turning invisible once more! I then quickly pointed my wand at what my feet would be and said "Wingardium Leviosa!" I began to raise once more, just in time as I was close to hitting the ground. I guided myself right over the egg.

However I was presented with the same problem as before. I needed a plan. I then thought of something. Dragons were predators.. But also territorial. If Another predator were to attack it, it would focus on that. I rose a little higher. I then removed the Disillusionment charm from myself. The Ridgeback turned and roared at me. The crowd began to cheer. I then pointed my wand at it, thought of winning the Quidditch Cup last year, Hermione hugging me, and I cried "EXPECTO PATRONUM!" My Lion Patronus burst from my wand and charged the Ridgeback, getting her attention. I began to fall. I spat "Decendo!" And began to fall faster. When I got close to the ground I cried "Wingardium Leviosa!" The spell did not kick in as I expected however, and did not completely stop my fall, I landed on my feet decently hard and dropped to my knees. I groaned but crawled forward and grabbed the egg. The Task was over.. I had won.

I stood up slowly, Professor McGonagall and Hagrid ran over to meet me. Hagrid was grinning "You di'it David! I knew ya could!" McGonagall inspected my head and said "Madam Pomfrey is treating Mr Diggory's burns in the First-Aid tent, you should go there Mr Shuter, have her inspect your patch job, You can receive your scores after Mr Potter has taken his turn" I nodded "Thank you Professor." I then made my way to the tent, my legs screaming in protest.

When there Madam Pomfrey looked me over. "So let me get this straight, you read a spell in a book, and thought 'sure, I'll try it, its not like I'll mess it up or anything' what if you had mis-pronounced it and blew a hole into your head?! Lucky for you that you didn't. Drink this." She handed me a potion, I drank it. She handed me another one and I drank it as well "One of those should heal any concussion you may have, the other will ensure you don't scar from the wound itself. You can stay here until The Potter boy is done.. Dragons..honestly!" She hurried off

After hearing a lot of roars, ooouus and cheers from the crowd, Harry walked into the tent. Pomfrey went to work on healing the cut on his shoulder. I smiled at him "We did it Harry! All with barely a scratch!" Pomfrey tsk-ed and after she was done healing Harry hurried out herself. He smiled at me brandishing his golden egg "We did mate!" Then a voice from the mouth of the tent said "As I knew you both could." We turned to see Hermione and Ron there. I grinned at her "Couldn't have done it without you Hermione, My Mom was right, our friends are our greatest strengths." She smiled "Awwwee" I stood up, wincing slightly from the pain in my legs and head, then walked over and gave her a hug "Thank you" She hugged me back. I pulled away and looked at Ron, who kept looking between Harry and I, as white as a ghost "I...I reckon whoever put your names in the goblet...They were trying to do yous in!" Harry gave him a cool look "Believe us now do you?" Ron looked like he was about to apologize, so I stepped in and said "Doesn't matter how long it took you, as long as you do now. Come here you!" I gave him a hug as well, just so happy that I had no only survived but Ron was back on our side.

Hermione burst into tears "You've all been so...stupid.." I nodded. Ron then said "Come on, they are about to give you both your scores!" I grimaced, wondering what kind of score I would get. I hadn't really cared about that before, seeing as I was more worried about dying, but now it kind of mattered. I pointed my wand at my egg and said softly "Accio Egg" Fully expecting it not to work, but the egg flew into my hands. I gapped "Wait, do you think we could have just done this in the first place?!" Harry also stared wide eyed, then we all just started laughing, probably due to the stress finally coming off our shoulders.

We went outside and Mr Bagman said "First we shall score David Shuter!" Maxime went first, and put up a 9. Ron smiled "Not bad mate, I suppose she took marks off for your head" Crouch, Bagman and Dumbledore also put up 9, then Karkaroff put up a...4?! The crowd went nuts with boos at that. Ron even yelled "Why the bloody hell would you give him a 4?! He bloody Flew for Merlin's sake!" I shook my head with a small smile on my face "I don't care, everyone else gave me a 9, which is way more than I could have expected" Hermione shook her head angerly "No, its not right, you had the quickest thinking, most spell work and quite honestly the most advanced spells of the lot, You should have gotten all 10's!" That right there was worth all the points in the world, especially since Hermione was never really into sports.

Bagman then said "Next up, Mr Harry Potter himself!" Maxime gave him an 8, Dumbledore and crouch a 9, Bagman a 10, and Karkaroff another 4, which got the crows riled up again. Ron even bellowed "4 for both of them?! You lousy biased scumbag! You gave Krum a 10!" I smiled at Ron sticking up for us, it seemed things were back where they belonged, plus the fact most of the school was behind the injustice as well. Charlie Weasley ran over to us and said "You guys are tied for first with Krum! That was amazing. I've got to run and send an owl to Mum, I promised to send word as soon as I could, I am sure she will be passing the word along to your mum David! I've also been told the champions need to stick arround as Mr Bagman wants a word with you all." He then ran off.

I was so happy in that moment, that as the others walked off I called "Wait, Hermione!" She turned back to me "Yes David?" I took a deep breath, befroe getting an idea and pulled out my wand, murmuring "Orchideous" a small bouquet of flowers erupted from my wand. I grabbed them and then said "So I've read there is this dance, called the Yule Ball, during the Tournament. I was uh.. Wondering, if you would like to go with me, you know, as a date?" I handed her the flowers. She blushed and was silent for what felt like years (But was probably actually only a few seconds) She then took the flowers and said "Of course I would David!" I grinned and exclaimed "Fantastic!" It was in the moment that I knew I had a memory I would always be able to count on to produce the most corporal Patronus in history!