AN: I have a rough outline for this story so I'm expecting ten more chapters after this one. Admittedly that's just a rough outline and subject to change but that's the current plan.

AN2: I saw some people commenting that they don't have Hogwarts Legacy and don't want to get it. Let me know in the reviews if you want me to collect screenshots of both the areas and map locations for the four fortifications and I'll post them with the chapter for the second task when that comes out.

AN3: Sorry about slow updates, as said before, working on move and things have been crazy. I haven't had much time to write.

A Chance Encounter

Chapter 14

-Cedric-

Grinning to himself, Cedric tightened his coat around his shoulders. The four of them working together, along with a large among of Gryffindor and Hufflepuff eager to help out, they'd quickly found the correct forts for each of the riddles. His was without a doubt the coldest, a bubble head charm having to help him with the thinner air. He was on the top of the mountain overlooking Irondale, able to see the freshwater river on one side and the ocean on the other.

Once they'd found each of the bases, they all agreed to not ask for nor offer any further assistance. They each wanted to set up these defenses on their own merits and be able to give one hell of a surprise. Checking the pile of resources, he'd been gathering that sat nestled in the walls of his fortification, Cedric had a wild grin. He might not be a Gryffindor, but even a Hufflepuff loved the thought of seeing what his hard work could do once he got everything up and running. For now though, he had to get back to the school.

-Viktor-

Waving his wand in careful steady patterns, Viktor cast every single exorcism and dark detection spell he knew. The line of his riddle 'beyond the ground forbidden to tread' made it clear that his fortress would be outside of the 'Forbidden Forest' but likely near it. The comment about 'broken tower hiding the setting sun' meant there was a ruined tower to the west of his location. From the air they'd been able to find one such spot, the tower known as 'San Bakar's tower' apparently. The main problem came from the remaining line of his riddle 'place once guarded by the dead'. The land his fortress sat on had not only been a cemetery a century ago, but was a nesting ground and constantly crawling with Inferi.

He wasn't even going to try and set up any defenses until he was sure this place wasn't harboring any more undead. The moment the saw even the hint of a zombified finger he was going to find the organizers of this tournament and hit them with a Beater's bat.

He cast spell after spell until he began to lose track of the time, switching from detecting any signs of Inferi to solely warding against them. It wasn't until his stomach roared at him for food that he noticed how late it had gotten. He had to get back to the castle soon.

-Fleur-

Fleur frowned as she looked at her fort. It was on a tiny little island in the middle of Marunweem Lake, Marunweem Bridge in the south. To make matters more annoying, both the island and her fort were overrun with Giant Purple Toads. To make it worse, as a Veela she was a creature of fire. Being around this much water would make her fire magic less effective. She was positive that the old bastard Dumbledore did this deliberately.

No matter, she would have to show she was more than just a pretty face.

Veela were creatures of love and lust, something Wizards the world over often used to excuse their horrible treatment of her kind.

They were creatures of fire, something they used to punish those who would take advantage of them, and what it seemed the judges were trying to suppress by making sure she had this fortress.

But they were also creatures of the wild and the air. All Veela had an avian spirit and a wild temperament. The Toads on the land of his island and the creatures of the lake, they would come to her call.

Assuming they weren't Grindylows at least. Those foul little water rats didn't listen to anything. Glancing at the space she had around her little island Fort, a plan began to blossom in her mind. Fleur grinned oh, she had a wonderful idea forming. She was the strongest witch Beauxbatons had housed for several decades and she looked forward to proving that. For now, though, she had to get back to the school.

-Harry-

Scowling, Harry inspected his fortress. Cedric had been given one high up on a mountain that would be difficult to reach without brooms so it limited how one could reach him.

Viktor's had a high cliff behind it so there was a choke point to reach it, even if the area itself was suspect.

Then there were his and Fleur's forts. Fleur's was an incredibly small space in an area that weakened part of her magic.

His was by far the most open and exposed of all the forts and the furthest from Hogwarts, meaning it took the longest to find. It was south of the ruins of an old castle that used to house bandits and poachers, north of a beach where an ancient line of Graphorns had resided.

"So, what to do?" Harry frowned as he paced around the fortress. It was all solidly built wooden structures with some metal reinforcement. It would do as a starting point, but he'd need to greatly improve things if he was going to be under siege come February. As he paced, a thought occurred to him.

They said he had to defend his fort. They never said he couldn't improve or expand his fort.

Charms in place to keep other people from being able to come close and see what he was doing, Harry placed his hands on the ground, markings glowing as the rock and stone of the Scottish Highlands flowed at his command. Oh, this was going to be fun.

Too bad he had to get back to the school soon though. He wondered what sort of 'announcement' was so important that it was mandatory for all students both foreign and domestic.

Sitting in the Beauxbaton's carriage, Harry looked around at the gathered students, wondering what this was all about. He knew that the Durmstrang students were gathered up on their ship and all four Hogwarts Houses were gathered in their common rooms.

"Greetings students." Madame Maxime's voice carried as she finally arrived, her pleased expression at least hinting that this wasn't a bad reason to gather, "I'm sure you all are quite confused as to why you have been gathered here today."

"Oui Madame." Fleur nodded as she sat at Harry's side, the two of them having met up after working on their forts and flown back together.

"It is related to the tournament." Madame Maxime herself sounded eager "While the tasks are merely spectating for those besides the champions, this is an event for all. On Christmas day, the Yule Ball will be held for everyone of Fourth Year and higher. Granted, those from lower years may be invited but that is the only way they would be allowed to attend."

"A Ball?!" Several students in the carriage were now highly eager.

"Oui, a ball." Madame Maxime nodded "Now, while it is admittedly optional for most, the Champions are required to attend with their dates for the opening dance." Harry's eyes widened in shock at that, having not expected to be told that he'd be mandated to find a date and participate in an opening dance. Glancing over at Fleur he noted she was just as surprised as he was, a bit of flustered red dusting her cheeks and ears.

"For those who aren't confident in their ability or just wish for a refresher, dance lessons will be available on the weekends." Madame Maxime continued "And I want to make this perfectly clear. Love Potions are not an acceptable method of attaining a date, despite what some families in this country seem to think. If you feel that a love potion has been used, then report it to me immediately. And if I catch you using a love potion then you will be detained for a hearing to determine your full punishment." Her expression was serious as Harry nodded in agreement. The concept of Love Potions had always been disturbing to him since he'd found out there was a real thing.

But who to ask to the dance? And why did he feel like an idiot for even wondering that?